(a) What difficulties do you have writing in your university classes? How do you resolve these difficulties? How will you continue to improve?
The some problematic areas have encountered while writing in my university classes are grammar, generation and organization of ideas for essays. I think that my English foundation is really rocky and I have difficulty grasping the grammar concepts. There are so many grammatical rules to follow, especially the different verb tenses to be used for illustrating actions occurring at different periods of time. I appreciate the course for allowing me to clarify my doubts for grammar usage. From the books and notes, I have better understanding of the use of verb tenses like past perfect tense, present continuous tense. Other than these, I think by doing more grammar editing practices help to strengthen my concept too. I will continue to memorize the grammar usage and practise with more to improve my concept.
Next 2 difficulties are generation and organization of argumentative points for essays, which are the core segment of writing. According to the question, we have to think of the stand and points which address it accordingly. I think that I am not an insightful person who is capable of thinking argumentative points. Most of the time, I will need a lot of time to the arguments. As a result, under time constraint condition, I cannot perform as well as expected. Therefore, doing an outline before writing the essay is essential, to ensure the flow of the essay. While doing the outline, I have to set the premise right, considering the degree of each factor that supports my argument. I have to be more inquisitive, constantly ask myself how and to what extent each point addresses the question. I will continue to read more critically, so as to gain more insights from various sources. Overall, practice makes perfect. I will continue to write more essays, think more critically, so as to generate better arguments.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
5th e-Post
Topic : Should institute or government regulate the use of computational modeling?
Government should not regulate : Wei Ling , Yi Xiang
Government should regulate : Liu Min, Phyllicia, Ei Hong
Moderator - Lance
Computational modeling in brain study, detecting and mapping of brain activity, has provided the world a clearer understanding of how the human process information. Despite the promising advantages it will bring about in the future, many feel that there's a need for government regulate this technology.
Government should not regulate the use of computational modeling because:
1) there are many advantages brought by this technology such as detecting the causes of mental illnesses, which allow the executions of a more suitable treatment for the patients. This technology also provides communication and control to people who are totally paralyzed by transmitting their brain waves to the external motional devices. Hence this restores motion to paralysis.
2) regulation may impede the development of such technology since there are more constraints, limiting the areas of research. Hence, this may lead to fewer discoveries improvements made.
Government should regulate the use of computational modeling because:
1) The accuracy of the result of computational modeling is questionable, so it should not be widely use. Hence, the result of this technology cannot be used as substantial evidence in the court. Also, there is a possibility of the people to out win the technology. Thance the result may not be reliable.
2) The ethical issues involved in the use of computational modeling. The intrusion of privacy of the technology is the main concern for the majority since the neuroscientics will be able to decipher the thoughts of the subject.
3) Regulation is required to prevent any form of abuse of such technology. This brings us to ponder the controversy of the use of computational modeling as a lie detector. The US actually has used the lie detector during interrogation on the terrorist suspects to see if they are lying. Unlike those subjects who voluntarily participated in the research, these suspects were forced to undergo such brain scan. The result may be used as an excuse to justify the abuse of the detainee.
Conclusion
Hence, computational modeling should be regulated by government and should only be used for therapeutic purpose.
Friday, March 13, 2009
The 4th Entry
Read, summarize and evaluate two 500-1000 word articles related to yur group roundtable discussion issue/problem. Your post should include a brief summary of the articles' main ides, their APA citation, your evaluation of their usefulness, 5 relevant vocabulary words/phrases and their definition.
Brain machine interfaces (BMIs), the direct communication between the brain and artificial devices, have already been greatly utilised and constantly under development for medical purposes. For example, the straight-to-brain cochlear implants that aid hearing of the deaf and retinal implants help to regain the sight of the blind. By implanting neuroelectronics into the brain, information can be transmitted to brain from external devices or vice versa. As far as we can see, BMIs have a promising future for patients with physical disadvantages, providing them the bridge of communication to the society. Not only so, BMIs are also used as deep-brain stimulators which are cater to the need of the patients with neurological or psychological problems.
As this technology becomes more advanced, it is possible for BMIs to liberate paralysed people from their body’s restrictions in the future. (1) However, this will definitely lead to the expansion of the usage of such technology beyond medical domain, such as human body enhancement, which will bound to arise more ethical arguments. According to Brandon Keim, the U.S. military has expressed it interest in implementing such technology on its soldiers to enhance their performance. Such deliberate enhancement of a physically fit body for military purpose is undeniably against the moral right as it has deprived the human right of the soldiers, treating them more like a tool. From here, we can see the rising of a controversial issue with more advancement in BMIs and wider availability. Hence, there is an absolute need to regulate such technology to prevent any form of abuse beyond therapeutic purposes.
Reference:
Keim, Brandon. "Brain-Machine Interfaces Make for Tricky Ethics". 25 Feburary 2009. WIRED Science. 12 March 2009. http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/02/brainmachine.html
________________________________________________
This article reveals the use of non-invasive brain computer interfaces (BCIs) for entertainment purpose, particularly, gaming. Several companies such as Emotiv Systems and NeuroSky have mentioned that they have released the BCI-based-software-development kits into the market, which allow the brain to be the videogame controller. Scientists have voiced out their worry with regards to this change in the application of BCIs, mainly the use of electroencephalography (EEG), from medical domain to commercialized gaming sector.
There is a fine line between using the technology in games for clinical purposes and for sheer leisure purpose. Those games, which serve for medical purposes, mainly aim to treat psychological illnesses such as attention deficit disorder, depression and addictions. One of the examples of such promising new treatments is neurofeedback games. However, according to Michelle Hinn, chair of the International Game Developers Association’s Game Accessibility Special Interest Group, the games are beneficial to gamers with disabilities but not good for the majority. (50) Scientists have expressed their concern over the side-effects on general public playing such games involving BCIs as these devices may force gamers to slow down their brain waves, affecting their concentration. (13)
Hence, this highlights the benefits of games involving the use of BCIs to treat patients with psychological illnesses and the possible consequences if such technology is abused for pure entertainment. Hence, there is a need to regulate such technology to prevent any undesirable effects.
Reference:
Cole, Emmet. "Direct Brain-to-Game Interface Worries Scientists". 9 May 2007. WIRED. 11 March 2009. http://www.wired.com/medtech/health/news/2007/09/bci_games?currentPage=all
Brain machine interfaces (BMIs), the direct communication between the brain and artificial devices, have already been greatly utilised and constantly under development for medical purposes. For example, the straight-to-brain cochlear implants that aid hearing of the deaf and retinal implants help to regain the sight of the blind. By implanting neuroelectronics into the brain, information can be transmitted to brain from external devices or vice versa. As far as we can see, BMIs have a promising future for patients with physical disadvantages, providing them the bridge of communication to the society. Not only so, BMIs are also used as deep-brain stimulators which are cater to the need of the patients with neurological or psychological problems.
As this technology becomes more advanced, it is possible for BMIs to liberate paralysed people from their body’s restrictions in the future. (1) However, this will definitely lead to the expansion of the usage of such technology beyond medical domain, such as human body enhancement, which will bound to arise more ethical arguments. According to Brandon Keim, the U.S. military has expressed it interest in implementing such technology on its soldiers to enhance their performance. Such deliberate enhancement of a physically fit body for military purpose is undeniably against the moral right as it has deprived the human right of the soldiers, treating them more like a tool. From here, we can see the rising of a controversial issue with more advancement in BMIs and wider availability. Hence, there is an absolute need to regulate such technology to prevent any form of abuse beyond therapeutic purposes.
Reference:
Keim, Brandon. "Brain-Machine Interfaces Make for Tricky Ethics". 25 Feburary 2009. WIRED Science. 12 March 2009. http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/02/brainmachine.html
________________________________________________
This article reveals the use of non-invasive brain computer interfaces (BCIs) for entertainment purpose, particularly, gaming. Several companies such as Emotiv Systems and NeuroSky have mentioned that they have released the BCI-based-software-development kits into the market, which allow the brain to be the videogame controller. Scientists have voiced out their worry with regards to this change in the application of BCIs, mainly the use of electroencephalography (EEG), from medical domain to commercialized gaming sector.
There is a fine line between using the technology in games for clinical purposes and for sheer leisure purpose. Those games, which serve for medical purposes, mainly aim to treat psychological illnesses such as attention deficit disorder, depression and addictions. One of the examples of such promising new treatments is neurofeedback games. However, according to Michelle Hinn, chair of the International Game Developers Association’s Game Accessibility Special Interest Group, the games are beneficial to gamers with disabilities but not good for the majority. (50) Scientists have expressed their concern over the side-effects on general public playing such games involving BCIs as these devices may force gamers to slow down their brain waves, affecting their concentration. (13)
Hence, this highlights the benefits of games involving the use of BCIs to treat patients with psychological illnesses and the possible consequences if such technology is abused for pure entertainment. Hence, there is a need to regulate such technology to prevent any undesirable effects.
Reference:
Cole, Emmet. "Direct Brain-to-Game Interface Worries Scientists". 9 May 2007. WIRED. 11 March 2009. http://www.wired.com/medtech/health/news/2007/09/bci_games?currentPage=all
Thursday, February 5, 2009
3rd e-post
After the lecture on 30 January, write a report of 300-400 words that
1. Summarizes the main points each lecturer presented
2. States what you found interesting and why
Three presentations on technology and environmental issues were presented by Professor Andrew Palmer, Professor Benjamin k. Sovacool and, lastly, by Professor Rajasekhar Bala on 30th January.
Firstly, Professor Andrew Palmer touched on the topic on global warming, particularly on the possible technology techniques to tackle it by reducing the quantity of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and the stands of politicians regarding such climate change. The possible responses to climate change are improving fuel efficiency and conservation, switching to alternative renewable energy sources and storing of carbon dioxide in the depleted oil, gas well or ocean. On top of that, he also mentioned about the lack of interest from the politicians as they perceive other issues, such as economic crisis, poverty and military defense, as having higher priorities.
I agree that there is an absolute need to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and this requires global cooperation. Climate change is a global issue and countries around the world should put in significant amount of effort to counteract the causes together. However, it is depressing to say that I have to agree with Professor Andrew Palmer about the lack of interests in combating global warming shown by the politicians around the world. I think the main reason for this is because long term mitigations are required to counteract the deep-rooted problem which we have caused over the years. Moreover, for most of the countries in the world, the combating of economic crisis, poverty and even against each other, come before the environmental issues. Hence, the mitigations to global warming are delayed without considering the rapid declination of the sustainability of our Gaia as time passes. Techniques and policies to reduce greenhouse gases are widely available, but it depends on the wills of government around the world to adopt them and tackle global warming in full front.
Next, Professor Benjamin k. Sovacool talked about the interconnectivity of technology with political, social and economic, the substitution of fossil fuel with renewable power and the electric vehicles in the 19th century. The introduction of green energies have to cross over the economic, political and social hurdles in order to be accepted by the majority. In the nutshell, the failure and acceptance of technology are related to the power and interests rather than the science itself.
In order to counteract the damages we have done so far, we have been introduced to renewable energies. However, these new technologies are not widely practiced due to the underfunding of research and development and only little incentives are given to companies to promote the usage of renewable power. Hence, we can see the important role of government in tackling global warming. The behaviour of the society is also very important as this determines the market demands. Therefore, in order to practise the use of renewable energies across the world to combat the increasing of greenhouse gases, we require the active role of the governance and positive responses from the people.
Lastly, Professor Rajasekhar Bala rounded up with the assessment and mitigation to climate change by beginning with some background information and statistic regarding global warming and greenhouse effects. Then, he moved on to talked about the causes and effects of global warming and what individuals, companies and government should do to slow down this phenomenon. In his presentation, he also highlighted the difficulties in dealing global warming as it is a long-lasting global problem.
The enhanced global warming phenomenon has also led to other consequences, such as the irregular distribution of droughts and floods, increasing in spreading of infection diseases and extinctions of species. Although we cannot really see the direct link between these and global warming, it is a fact that these consequences are occurring more rapidly with the increase in the earth’s average temperature. All these effects highlight the urgency of tackling global warming and capping the amount of carbon dioxide emitted. If politicians, companies and individuals continue to ignore this environmental problem instead of enforcing mitigations immediately, the protests from the Earth may become more dreadful, like those featured in the movie, “The Day After Tomorrow”.
In conclusion, we, as the populaces of Earth, should execute the mitigations for global warming immediately as it takes long time to see their effects. We, especially the governments, should not think that environmental issues can be dealt at a later date because we might not even have tomorrow.
1. Summarizes the main points each lecturer presented
2. States what you found interesting and why
Three presentations on technology and environmental issues were presented by Professor Andrew Palmer, Professor Benjamin k. Sovacool and, lastly, by Professor Rajasekhar Bala on 30th January.
Firstly, Professor Andrew Palmer touched on the topic on global warming, particularly on the possible technology techniques to tackle it by reducing the quantity of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and the stands of politicians regarding such climate change. The possible responses to climate change are improving fuel efficiency and conservation, switching to alternative renewable energy sources and storing of carbon dioxide in the depleted oil, gas well or ocean. On top of that, he also mentioned about the lack of interest from the politicians as they perceive other issues, such as economic crisis, poverty and military defense, as having higher priorities.
I agree that there is an absolute need to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and this requires global cooperation. Climate change is a global issue and countries around the world should put in significant amount of effort to counteract the causes together. However, it is depressing to say that I have to agree with Professor Andrew Palmer about the lack of interests in combating global warming shown by the politicians around the world. I think the main reason for this is because long term mitigations are required to counteract the deep-rooted problem which we have caused over the years. Moreover, for most of the countries in the world, the combating of economic crisis, poverty and even against each other, come before the environmental issues. Hence, the mitigations to global warming are delayed without considering the rapid declination of the sustainability of our Gaia as time passes. Techniques and policies to reduce greenhouse gases are widely available, but it depends on the wills of government around the world to adopt them and tackle global warming in full front.
Next, Professor Benjamin k. Sovacool talked about the interconnectivity of technology with political, social and economic, the substitution of fossil fuel with renewable power and the electric vehicles in the 19th century. The introduction of green energies have to cross over the economic, political and social hurdles in order to be accepted by the majority. In the nutshell, the failure and acceptance of technology are related to the power and interests rather than the science itself.
In order to counteract the damages we have done so far, we have been introduced to renewable energies. However, these new technologies are not widely practiced due to the underfunding of research and development and only little incentives are given to companies to promote the usage of renewable power. Hence, we can see the important role of government in tackling global warming. The behaviour of the society is also very important as this determines the market demands. Therefore, in order to practise the use of renewable energies across the world to combat the increasing of greenhouse gases, we require the active role of the governance and positive responses from the people.
Lastly, Professor Rajasekhar Bala rounded up with the assessment and mitigation to climate change by beginning with some background information and statistic regarding global warming and greenhouse effects. Then, he moved on to talked about the causes and effects of global warming and what individuals, companies and government should do to slow down this phenomenon. In his presentation, he also highlighted the difficulties in dealing global warming as it is a long-lasting global problem.
The enhanced global warming phenomenon has also led to other consequences, such as the irregular distribution of droughts and floods, increasing in spreading of infection diseases and extinctions of species. Although we cannot really see the direct link between these and global warming, it is a fact that these consequences are occurring more rapidly with the increase in the earth’s average temperature. All these effects highlight the urgency of tackling global warming and capping the amount of carbon dioxide emitted. If politicians, companies and individuals continue to ignore this environmental problem instead of enforcing mitigations immediately, the protests from the Earth may become more dreadful, like those featured in the movie, “The Day After Tomorrow”.
In conclusion, we, as the populaces of Earth, should execute the mitigations for global warming immediately as it takes long time to see their effects. We, especially the governments, should not think that environmental issues can be dealt at a later date because we might not even have tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
2nd e-Post
How can policies of your government either contribute or help to reduce the problem of global warming?
Global warming is the phenomenon of increasing temperature on the earth’s surface. One of the causes of it is the increase in the amount of greenhouse gases on Earth, which trap the sun’s heat. The main contributor of greenhouse gases is carbon dioxide, which has increased evidently since industrialization and urbanization due to high consumption of resources and deforestation. Hence, in order to tackle the problem of global warming, the Singapore government has come up with policies which promote recycling, energy efficiency and use of clean energy.
Firstly, recycling prevents further consumption of resources and also decreases the amount of waste generated. The consumption of natural resources, such as fossil fuels, for productions has exhausted high amount of greenhouse gases and pollutants into the atmosphere, while a large amount of trees in Amazon rainforest are cut down every day to satisfy the demand of people on materials like wood and paper. The alarming rate of deforestation has affected the conversion rate of carbon dioxide to oxygen on Earth greatly. This, coupled with increasing emission of carbon dioxide and other harmful gases, has led to the sharp jump in the amount of greenhouse gases on Earth over the years. In addition, recycling helps to reduce the waste which Singaporeans generate every day. The waste are either burnt in incinerators or dumped into landfill sites, which creates environmental damages, such as emitting more greenhouse gases. The landfill disposal method even adds on to the land constrain problem in Singapore. Over the decades, there is an increase in environmental consciousness among Singaporeans through education, media and campaigns. Currently in Singapore, 54% of the waste is recycled. This has helped to reduce the amount of waste generated and in turn decrease the amount of greenhouse gases produced in the process of disposing the waste.
Next, energy efficiency is a practical and cost-effective way of counteracting carbon emission while sustaining economic development. With lesser energy consumed, we can expect a drop in fossil fuel burning required in order to sustain the everyday needs of the people in Singapore. Recently, a Grant for Energy Efficient Technologies (GREET) has been earmarked to assist corporations in achieving energy saving. Since the majority of the energy usage is from industries and companies, such a move can decrease the amount of energy wasted significantly and in turn reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that is given out during the process.
Last but not least, Singapore government also promotes the usage of clean energy. Although clean energy cannot fully replace the current energy sources yet, it can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels imports and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. In the near future, clean energy will definitely capable in sustaining some of Singapore’s energy demands at a more affordable price with the world’s largest solar energy plant to be built in Singapore, coupling with more researches and developments in this field.
In conclusion, through recycling, reducing in energy consumption and promoting usage of clean energy, the Singapore government can help to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted. These, in turn, contribute in mitigating the problem of global warming.
Global warming is the phenomenon of increasing temperature on the earth’s surface. One of the causes of it is the increase in the amount of greenhouse gases on Earth, which trap the sun’s heat. The main contributor of greenhouse gases is carbon dioxide, which has increased evidently since industrialization and urbanization due to high consumption of resources and deforestation. Hence, in order to tackle the problem of global warming, the Singapore government has come up with policies which promote recycling, energy efficiency and use of clean energy.
Firstly, recycling prevents further consumption of resources and also decreases the amount of waste generated. The consumption of natural resources, such as fossil fuels, for productions has exhausted high amount of greenhouse gases and pollutants into the atmosphere, while a large amount of trees in Amazon rainforest are cut down every day to satisfy the demand of people on materials like wood and paper. The alarming rate of deforestation has affected the conversion rate of carbon dioxide to oxygen on Earth greatly. This, coupled with increasing emission of carbon dioxide and other harmful gases, has led to the sharp jump in the amount of greenhouse gases on Earth over the years. In addition, recycling helps to reduce the waste which Singaporeans generate every day. The waste are either burnt in incinerators or dumped into landfill sites, which creates environmental damages, such as emitting more greenhouse gases. The landfill disposal method even adds on to the land constrain problem in Singapore. Over the decades, there is an increase in environmental consciousness among Singaporeans through education, media and campaigns. Currently in Singapore, 54% of the waste is recycled. This has helped to reduce the amount of waste generated and in turn decrease the amount of greenhouse gases produced in the process of disposing the waste.
Next, energy efficiency is a practical and cost-effective way of counteracting carbon emission while sustaining economic development. With lesser energy consumed, we can expect a drop in fossil fuel burning required in order to sustain the everyday needs of the people in Singapore. Recently, a Grant for Energy Efficient Technologies (GREET) has been earmarked to assist corporations in achieving energy saving. Since the majority of the energy usage is from industries and companies, such a move can decrease the amount of energy wasted significantly and in turn reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that is given out during the process.
Last but not least, Singapore government also promotes the usage of clean energy. Although clean energy cannot fully replace the current energy sources yet, it can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels imports and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. In the near future, clean energy will definitely capable in sustaining some of Singapore’s energy demands at a more affordable price with the world’s largest solar energy plant to be built in Singapore, coupling with more researches and developments in this field.
In conclusion, through recycling, reducing in energy consumption and promoting usage of clean energy, the Singapore government can help to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted. These, in turn, contribute in mitigating the problem of global warming.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Re: The expaning world of engineers
In refer to Prof. Ramakrishna’s article, “The Expanding World of Engineers”, briefly explain how an engineer systematically analyse complex information and applies a holistic approach in designing solutions.
In today’s changing world, the current engineering tertiary education, differs from the past, is more diversified which allows graduates to adapt better to various adjustments in the market. Although technical knowledge is the fundamental essential of engineering education, one should note that analytical skill is playing a more significant role. Engineer has to decipher complex information and reconstruct the ideas systematically before providing the solutions. In tertiary institutions, students are showered with application and problem-solving questions and systematic approaches are taught. Such tasks demand a high degree of analytical ability from the students and these sculpt the engineering students to be judicious. This life skill is not only applicable in the use of engineering field but also in other sectors like banking and enterprising, which allows engineering graduates to venture into other arenas. One of the examples is Mr. George Yong-Boon Yeo, who studies Engineering in Cambridge University and he is currently Singapore’s minister of Foreign Affairs. Hence, this shows the versatility of an engineering training and education.
The word “creation” is often linked to engineering due the traditional perspective of manufacturing products. The elements of creating and changing surrounding for the better have been constantly instill into the engineers. This also applies to the engineering education, which has been constantly modified to accommodate to the need of the workforce. Therefore, in the current context, this innovative quality of an engineer is not only limited to physical inventions, but also designing solutions to various problems in reality. With the analytical ability mentioned earlier, engineers are to apply a holistic approach in creating solutions based on their knowledge and expertise in the respective fields. Engineers are trained to look at the pros and cons of the intended solutions and run tests before the actual execution of the project. All these have shaped engineers to be more creative and matriculate than their mates.
The majority has recognized the versatile and holistic education system of engineering couple with a wide career prospects it brings. Thus, engineering is no longer deemed as the terrain of males, more female counterparts are joining and excelling in this field like what Prof Seeram Ramakrishna mentioned in the article.
In today’s changing world, the current engineering tertiary education, differs from the past, is more diversified which allows graduates to adapt better to various adjustments in the market. Although technical knowledge is the fundamental essential of engineering education, one should note that analytical skill is playing a more significant role. Engineer has to decipher complex information and reconstruct the ideas systematically before providing the solutions. In tertiary institutions, students are showered with application and problem-solving questions and systematic approaches are taught. Such tasks demand a high degree of analytical ability from the students and these sculpt the engineering students to be judicious. This life skill is not only applicable in the use of engineering field but also in other sectors like banking and enterprising, which allows engineering graduates to venture into other arenas. One of the examples is Mr. George Yong-Boon Yeo, who studies Engineering in Cambridge University and he is currently Singapore’s minister of Foreign Affairs. Hence, this shows the versatility of an engineering training and education.
The word “creation” is often linked to engineering due the traditional perspective of manufacturing products. The elements of creating and changing surrounding for the better have been constantly instill into the engineers. This also applies to the engineering education, which has been constantly modified to accommodate to the need of the workforce. Therefore, in the current context, this innovative quality of an engineer is not only limited to physical inventions, but also designing solutions to various problems in reality. With the analytical ability mentioned earlier, engineers are to apply a holistic approach in creating solutions based on their knowledge and expertise in the respective fields. Engineers are trained to look at the pros and cons of the intended solutions and run tests before the actual execution of the project. All these have shaped engineers to be more creative and matriculate than their mates.
The majority has recognized the versatile and holistic education system of engineering couple with a wide career prospects it brings. Thus, engineering is no longer deemed as the terrain of males, more female counterparts are joining and excelling in this field like what Prof Seeram Ramakrishna mentioned in the article.
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