Sunday, May 24, 2020

Embryonic Wars Essay - 1634 Words

The specific objective of this major essay is to clarify and summarise the controversial debate concerning the ethical decency of embryonic cloning for therapeutic purposes. This is the form of cloning that is supposedly beneficial to a barrage of medical applications. We will identify the key opposing ethical perspectives such as those of the justification of embryonic research based on the normative theory of consequentialism. This paper will also probe into the relatively brief history of the debate while gauging the particular stumbling blocks of disagreement which bioethicists have arrived at. The topical aspects of therapeutic cloning will be closely studied by weighing the pros and cons and gaining a greater understanding of the†¦show more content†¦In July this year, scientists of the United Kingdom began to publicly exploit a loophole in the Government’s ruling of the rejection of spare-part cloning research. The loophole allows the researchers to continue wi th experiments by importing stem cells from cloned embryos which have been created and destroyed in another country. There is a rather surprising amount of medical benefits arising from therapeutic cloning research which have to be weighed before we assess where the debate is currently at. Doctors lay well founded expectations that by being able to study the multiple embryos developed through cloning, the causes of disastrous spontaneous abortions can be determined and much human loss can be averted. A greatly viable application lies in the field of clinical contraceptives. Leading contraceptive specialists perceive that if they can determine the manner in which an embryo knows where to implant itself, a contraceptive can be developed which will prevent embryos from implanting in the uterine wall. An additionally important branch of therapeutic cloning research is embryonic stem cell development. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can quot;evolve into almost any type of cellquot; (Lord 28) within the human body. These cells are not attacked by a person’s immune system because of thei r rapid maturation and undifferentiated status. Many doctors have reason to believe that these stemShow MoreRelatedThe Limits Of Scientific Limits1306 Words   |  6 Pageswhether or not advances in technology are ethically correct or if the results are unethical and god-like. Thus, the cases presented in Patrick Guinan’s work â€Å"Bioterrorism, Embryonic Stem Cells, and Frankenstein†, which is published in the Journal of Religion and Health for psychological and medical research, â€Å"Bioterrorism, Embryonic Stem Cells, and Frankenstein†. Consequently, an overwhelming majority of individuals believe that scientists should be forbade to perform experiments that â€Å"play god† inRead MoreEmbryonic Stem Cell Research - in Vitro Fertilization1051 Words   |  5 PagesIn vitro fertilization and human embryonic stem cell research are two of the most popular and controversial topics that are being discussed today. Lee Silver, from the film defines in vitr o fertilization as: [T]ak[ing] the process of reproduction out of the darkness of the womb, into the light of the laboratory. And all of the sudden you can do anything you want with these human embryos and eggs, which couldn t be done before (Holt). The real question regarding all of the varying opinions andRead MoreEscape from Spiderhead by Dr. Abnesti Essay1333 Words   |  6 Pagesby Sample); individual biological lab and research group; facing moral challenges; experiment content is rather two-sided etc. Additionally, cloning technology is also a hot debate in scientific morality. â€Å"In 1998, researchers discovered that embryonic stem cells could be derived from early human embryos† (Walters, 3). Though claiming this is an advance and one the future tracks of new treatment in many kinds of diseases that we fail by now, by bring genetic vision into medical usages. I stillRead MoreThe Misleading Debate On Stem Cell Research853 Words   |  4 Pageswhich by every definition of law belong to them, to be adopted (Kaplan). Appealing to society’s emotions and values on subject matter that has already been decided by a court of law is a stance that shows no room for negotiation. The fact that embryonic research has been banned in other countries is bound to make society ill at ease as they wrestle with what for some is shaky moral ground (Charen). Shedding no light on the ban in Germany, Italy, Portugal, Luxembourg, and Austria, one would concludeRead MoreEmbryonic Stem Cells : Research Worth Pursuing1201 Words   |  5 PagesLauren Sauer Mrs. Vogan Research Paper 24 February 2015 Embryonic Stem Cells: Research worth Pursuing â€Å"Embryonic stem cell research will prolong life, improve life, and give hope for life to millions of people,† said politician Jim Ramstad. This is a very powerful statement, and a very accurate statement. The solution to curing many diseases is just around the corner because of the advancements in embryonic stem cell research. The much needed support of society can speed up the progression ofRead MoreEssay Problems with Embryonic Stem-Cell Research1416 Words   |  6 PagesRecently in the scientific world, the field of embryonic stem cell research has become a popular topic and has been the subject for many heated debates. Experts in the field of stem cell research promise that this will be the future of medicine; that stem cells will be the cure to all the debilitating diseases and afflictions of today, such as Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, cancer and nerve damage. The truth about embryonic stem cell research is that it is not as hopeful and as revolutiona ryRead MoreA Research On Limb Regeneration1170 Words   |  5 Pageswhy scientist have created prosthetic limbs such as arms and legs (Kove). Kiger counter acts Kove’s argument by arguing limb regeneration is not time consuming because when babies are in the womb they are growing limbs through embryonic stem cells within a few months. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells that originate in an early stage embryo. In support of Kiger, M.D. Anthony Atala and his team have been molding different limbs and experimenting them on humans. Thus far they have found thatRead MoreThe Heated Debate Concerning Stem Cell Research Essay examples1237 Words   |  5 Pagesthe media, political leaders and various groups and organizations from around the nation. The responsiveness to this issue has been incredible because of the potential of these studies as well as the most controversial aspect of the research; the embryonic stem cell. This has much of the nation in an uproar because of ethical and moral views on the situation at hand. Many feel that embryos should be considered human beings and should not be destroyed for the causes of medical science. Therefore theseRead MoreStem Cell Research And Vitro Fertilization1476 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Writing on Embryonic Stem Cell Research and In-Vitro Fertilization is a very difficult subject. Can it better mankind or is it an abomination against God. Religion plays a big part to the devout and their beliefs that they put in God. Science has its findings and personal beliefs on this subject that it’s not against God. The two have compelling arguments about the subject matter and pulls you into a spiritual and logical tug of war. It involves a political point of view and a banRead MoreThe Debate Concerning Stem Cell Research Essay1114 Words   |  5 Pagescells: the embryonic stem cell, which is found in an embryo, and the adult stem cell, which is found in adult tissues. They have the ability to divide themselves into other specialized cell types which will grow to become the human body parts such as the circulatory system, the nervous system and the immune system. While legal, â€Å"several lawsuits have been filed relating to stem cell research issues. In March 2013, a lawsuit was filed in federal court to stop federal funding of human embryonic stem cell

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Personal Narrative The Moldavite Pendant - 1500 Words

The Moldavite Pendant I was becoming desperate in my search and I really needed to get out of the house as my frenzy was not serving any purpose and the dogs needed their daily walk. I’d spent two weeks frantically retracing my steps looking for my grandmother’s Moldavite pendant which was of great sentimental worth to me. Lying on her death bed, my grandmother had given it to me for protection when I was fourteen. She cautioned me of the strong energies it held and that this pendant would protect me from negative entities. Her great aunt had given it to her with warnings of the intense frequency and high vibration that resonated from this stone. Grandmother claimed it had brought true love into her life shortly after it was†¦show more content†¦My legs hoisted themselves onto the bench as I laid back listening to the sounds of the forest. I closed my eyes and sighed as the breeze gently blew on my face. â€Å"Grab my talons and hang on,† I heard above me. Squinting my eyes, I tried to see who was speaking. â€Å"Quick, grab on,† repeated the voice as I spotted a large black crow sweeping by me. My hands automatically reached out and clasped onto the leathery fingers. â€Å"Close your eyes and don’t let go.† I gripped the crow’s talons, clutching with all my might and felt myself being hoisted off the bench. There was no time for hesitation or panic and as a result my fear temporarily vanished. That is, until my eyes opened and saw the forest and fields below me and in the distance, I could see my house. â€Å"Oh my God,† reality suddenly hit me. â€Å"Don’t look down,† commanded the crow. Panic had already set in weakening my grip and as my hands slithered down the talons and I began to spiral to the ground. â€Å"No-o-o-o-o,† echoed my scream into the vast blue skies. Daylight crept into the slits my eyes as I regained consciousness and crackling noises emerged from under me when I shifted around as objects poked into my back and with a sudden jolt of recall I bolted up. Where was I? Last thing I remembered was holding onto the crow’s talons suspended high above the forest. Was I dreaming? I shook my head from side to side as I tried to rationalize

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Studying Mangroves Free Essays

Water temperature was measured using a thermometer. The pH was determined using a pH meter, and salinity was measured using the handheld TOGA refractors. Mangrove Damage and Recovery Assessment The methods employed In this study were based from Roth (1992) and Taylor et al. We will write a custom essay sample on Studying Mangroves or any similar topic only for you Order Now (2013) with some modifications. In the island of Butting, seven 100 mm plots were established. The plots established were based on the vegetation types present. L. Species Composition All mangroves rooted within the plots were recorded and Identified In slut. The Handbook of Mangroves in the Philippines – Panky by Primeval et al. 004) and Field Guide to Philippine Mangroves also by Primeval (2009) were used as principal resources in identifying the species. Mangroves were categorized into three: trees, saplings, and seedlings. For Individuals having greater than or equal to 2. 5 CM DAB (girth at breast height, or 1. 3 m above ground level), they were categorized as trees. GHB (CM) of each tree was measured using a measuring tape. For forking or branching stems, measurement was done separately. For the seedlings and saplings, they were only identified and counted. Other observations, such as debris and abstract type, were also noted. II. Recovery Typhoon Impacts on the areas were recorded. Trees wealth the plots were Judged as dead or alive, and assigned to one of three structural impact categories: standing, fallen, or snapped. The approximate height of breakage for snapped trees was also whether well reformatted, poorly reformatted, or dead were recorded. Ill. Regenerative Capacity In assessing the regenerative capacity, the number of seedlings and saplings were monitored every month from February until April 2014. Live and dead plants were noted. Data Analyses The forest vegetation was evaluated using the following formula described by Croà »ton teal in 1984. Density was measured species wise and total in each plot as follows: Total density of all species = sum of all species densities (2) Basal area was measured species wise and total in each plot as follows: Basal area (mm) of each species = 0. 005 x DAB (7) Importance value of a species = relative density + relative dominance + relative frequency Species diversity was described according to the Shannon index (H) based on importance value of a species (N’) and sum of importance value for all the species (N). H = NUN log NUN (10) How to cite Studying Mangroves, Papers

Monday, May 4, 2020

Strategic Asian Economies-Free-Samples-Myassignmenthelp.com

Questions: 1.Chinas Belt and Road Initiative could well Exacerbate Bilateral Rivalries and Regional Flashpoints rather than Ameliorate them. Do you agree? Support your view using one or more examples of Bilateral Rivalries/Regional Flashpoints. 2.Asia faces a unique set of Environmental Challenges and Opportunities Compared with other regions of the world. In your view, what are the most Critical Environmental challenges and the Most Significant Opportunities in the Region? Answers: 1.It is indubitable that the Asian economies continue to thrive significantly in the recent decades. Nonetheless, the flourishing and the sustainability of these economies are primarily threatened by some severe environmental challenges. These challenges, on the one hand, pose problems such as the food security, regional stability, and undermining of future growth. Consequently, there is the need for the policymakers and other stakeholders across Asia to address these issues. Despite these challenges, Asia, a well-doing economy, stands numerous opportunities compared to the other regions in the world. The primary role of this paper's section, therefore, is to discuss some of the critical environmental challenges as well as the opportunities in the Asian region. Fundamentally, Asia is faced with numerous environmental problems and threat. Among the serious challenges, and that will be discussed in this section include; deforestation, land degradation, water management, climate change, and air pollution. The continued deforestation and land degradation in Asia depict the region's widespread exploitation of the natural resources (Patz et al. 2014: 1566). Patz and the colleagues (2014; 1366) argue that India, one of the Asian countries, predicts that more than half of its land is degraded. Deforestation and land degradation are two much related environmental challenges. Uncontrolled trees clearing in Asia, like other parts of the world is reported to be the leading cause of soil salinity, erosion, and interference with the ground water table (Patz et al. 2014: 1578). Similarly, deforestation in Asia accounts for desertification in some of the regions. It has also been found out that clear-felling transforms the fertile lands into barren lands t hereby affecting crop production. Researchers have identified some of the major factors that lead to deforestation and land degradation within Asia region. These include the expansion of urban areas and emerging encroachment of forest land, increased market forces for resources such as palm oil and timber products, intensive farming, corruption that paves the way for exploitation of natural resources and reduced regulation. Additionally, the problem of water management is an environmental issue that attracted substantial attention by the environmentalists in Asia (Surendra et al. 2014: 851). According to Surendra et al. (2014: 851), clean and safe water is not only used for agricultural activities but also for industrial production. Human life is also dependent on fresh water. In general, water sources attract many users as well as uses. Consequently, if water is not well managed or if there is competition for it, the outcome is always degradation or over-exploitation. Thus, Asia water management is cumbered with major setbacks due to the increased water degradation. Some of the cited factors that have led to poor water management in Asia include; excessive dams building, excessive extraction of groundwater, and increased pollution from the industrial and human wastes Surendra et al. (2014: 859). Although some efforts have been put across to improve access to water and sanitation, many of the Asian regi ons, however, remain underprivileged due to inadequate water facilities. In addition, the situation further deteriorates following the alteration of rainfall patterns, usually precipitated by climate change. The weakened East Asian and Indian monsoons are said to be the primary causes of climate change in Asia (Apergis and Ozturk, 2015): 17). Apergis and Ozturk (2015: 16) notes that a large population of Asia live in coastal and low-lying areas thus leading to pervasive water insecurity issue. Also, the problem aggravates due to the climate change which is not a new phenomenon in Asia. It is reported that the change in climate and ensuing change in rainfall patterns is the leading cause of both agriculture and food security in Asia (Rasul, 2014: 40). It is thus anticipated that the problem of agricultural production and food security will worsen in 2030 (Rasul, 2014: 42). Other than food insecurity, the extreme weather conditions in Asia may result in the decline in marine organisms, emergence and spread of tropical diseases, and flooding. Another major environmental challenge in Asia is air pollution. Notably, clean air is a determinant of the human health, environmental processes, and functioning of other organisms (Lelieveld et al. 2015: 368). Air pollution occurs both outdoors and indoors. The former is mainly caused by motor vehicle emission and industrial production while the latter is primarily caused by burning of solid fuels. For this reason, air pollution has been cited as the major cause of illness and death in Asia's large cities as well as in the poor rural areas (Lelieveld et al. 2015: 368). According to Lelieveld et al. ( 2015: 370), it is not uncommon for air pollution in the developing Asian cities exceeds safe levels. More appalling is the increased emissions of particulate matter and harmful gases from the industries and the motor vehicles versus the increasing number of the urban population exposed to the emissions. Loomis (2013: 1262) contends that air pollution accounts for the increased cases of cancer and respiratory related illnesses among the habitats of the urban centres. In spite of the environmental challenges that Asia faces, it has outstanding opportunities towards dealing with the problems. Asia recognizes the importance of managing the environmental resources and the role it plays in promoting the economic growth (de Oliveira et al., 2013: 2). For this reason, Asia has re-evaluated the benefits of the environment and its relationship with the economic growth. Therefore, Asia has a more proactive and holistic approach to the matters of environment de Oliveira et al., 2013: 3). In this case, therefore, there has been a significant improvement in environmental governance as well as embracing the partnership of the civil society, private, and public sectors in the view of ensuring sustainable development. There has also been the formulation and implementation of the public policies and institutions that enforce environmental laws. Additionally, the decentralization of environmental management in the region has also been a great opportunity that has seen the reduction of some of the environmental challenges (Surendra et al., 2014:848). In conclusion, Asia faces serious environmental issues, and it is thus conclusive that challenges call for urgent intervention. Additionally, two factors that stand out when it comes to the causes of these environmental challenges are the increased industrial production and population growth. However, Asia has better opportunities in dealing with the challenges of climate change, deforestation, land degradation, air pollution and water management. It is thus evident that the implementation of the environmental policies and continued collaboration between the private and public sector will help reduce the adverse environmental effect in Asia. 2.The China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) also termed as One Belt, One Road (OBOR) is such an ambitious economic and foreign policy. The policy is thus focused on strengthening the China's economy through the building of infrastructure that will enable the connection of China with the other neighbouring regions (Cheah et al. 2017: 4). The initiative was first launched in 2013 by China president Xi Jinping. One of the objectives of the program is to curb the continued disparity within the region (Cheah et al. 2017: 4). Following the initiative's focus on domestic development, it is likely that it will spur growth in the China's underdeveloped hinterland. China, in other words, aims to create a connection to its vast underdeveloped regions to Europe through Southeast Asia. Although the Belt and Road Initiative is emphasized as an economy-targeted project, there is also the possibility for China's geopolitical expansion. For this reason, this paper supports the notion that the China' s Belt and Road Initiative could exacerbate bilateral rivalries and regional flashpoints rather than ameliorate them. To a greater extent, China uses its economic resources to assert its leadership to its neighbourhood. It is also a tool that it has widely employed in its policy to retain regional stability (Hilpert and Wacker, 2015: 6). Consequently, it is imminent that the Belt and Road Initiative is mainly fuelled by the China's geostrategic goals (Hilpert and Wacker, 2015: 8). This realization, however, is likely to create more disparity and precipitate rivalry between China and its neighbours. An example of such geostrategic aim is the proposed China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The corridor is supposed to link China's Kashgar (in Xinjiang) with the Gwadar port which is found in Baluchistan province (Wolf, 2016: 12). Considering the nearness of the port to the Gulf of Persian, it could be used to boost transhipment of the energy supplies from China. Should this be the result, it is given that there will be no need to follow the Strait Malacca route of the Southeast Asia, a factor that may trigge r disparity between the two countries (Swaine, 2015:3). The Gwadar port is also strategic for the accommodation of aircraft and submarines. For this reason, the port is more suitable for military activities. For instance, the port has been used by the People's Liberation Army Navy who are involved in the Arabian Sea mission to evacuate the Chinese workers in Libya. The proposed Belt and Road Initiative could also be used as a tool that seeks to impede the Obama's administration pivot to Asia (Lfflmann, 2016: 94). The BRI is believed to have been formulated also to counter the US policies that include the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the pivot (Lfflmann, 2016: 94). These are some of the policies that were meant to have significant impacts in Asia. Hence, China's counter on them would mean immense perpetuation of differences between China and Asia. The China's counteract of the policies was mainly influenced by its omission in the US led Trans-Pacific Partnership (Lfflmann, 2016: 101). In this view, therefore, China has to use its economic resources to build infrastructures that play an implicit role in strengthening China's position in the region. However, the election of Donald Trump as the United States president and his dismissal for the Trans-Pacific Partnership places China at an ample position to enact the BRI more efficiently. The implementation of the BRI faces numerous challenges which in one hand are likely to breed rivalry among the BRI target countries (Kong, 2015: 326). The major issue coming from China and the target countries is trust. For instance, India considers the initiative as unilateral and thus requires time before buying the idea. Thus, India also cites the China-Pakistan economic corridor as a key obstacle that deters it from buying the initiate (Wolf, 2016: 7). It is therefore evident that the initiative is likely to create rivalry among the three regions (China, Pakistan, and Asia). It is also probable that the BRI is not sustainable given that majority of the BRI countries' credit is below investment grade (Ye, 2017: 46). For example, Pakistan's economy is unstable and may thus pose a threat to the China's companies. Nonetheless, Pakistan struggles to maintain its links with China. It has therefore promised to deploy a military unit in China to protect the China-Pakistan Economic Corri dor project. As aforementioned, Asia, on the other hand, attempts to break the China-Pakistan connections hence the likelihood of conflict emergence between Asia and Pakistan. In fact, Ali (2015: 3) argues that China's continued activities in the region will play a role in reviving and intensifying the conflicts in Asia and Pakistan. China is already involved in economic conflicts with other countries. Additionally, the BRI does not exhibit any efforts to alleviate the situation. On the contrary, a bigger gap between China and the conflicting countries is likely to widen further (Kong, 2015: 330). Sri Lanka, for instance, has had strong cultural and historical ties with India. The countries are long-term trading partners. However, China has increased its exports to Sri Lanka, and the endeavor may contribute to the alienation of the trading ties between Sri Lanka and Asia. Again, the implementation of the BRI will increase China's exports to Sri Lanka hence the rise of rivalry between China and Asia. The same also happened when China overtook India in trading with Bangladesh. Another bilateral rivalry between Asia and China has resulted from China's ties with Nepal which was initially India's trading stronghold. China monopoly over Nepal was greatly influenced by the new developments in the Nepal's politics. Addit ionally, China outplayed India during the 2015 Nepal earthquake when India blocked the transportation of energy supplies to the region across its borders. Consequently, China gained a reputation through its swift intervention during the earthquake and supplied fuel to Nepal. For this reason, China has a smooth task of selling the BRI project to Nepal. In conclusion, China's BRI project has both challenges and benefits to the neighbouring countries. Although the project is formulated such that it appears to underpin economic factors and benefits, it is far-reaching. In other words, the expansion of the BRI will not only have economic benefits to China but is also an initiative that will increase bilateral rivalries and regional flashpoints instead of improving the situation. Hence, the conflict between China, Pakistan and Asia are far from ending. References Apergis, N. and Ozturk, I., (2015). Testing environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis in Asian countries. Ecological Indicators, 52, pp.16-22. de Oliveira, J.A.P., Doll, C.N., Kurniawan, T.A., Geng, Y., Kapshe, M. and Huisingh, D., (2013). Promoting winwin situations in climate change mitigation, local environmental quality and development in Asian cities through co-benefits. Journal of Cleaner Production, 58, pp.1-6. Lelieveld, J., Evans, J.S., Fnais, M., Giannadaki, D. and Pozzer, A., (2015). The contribution of outdoor air pollution sources to premature mortality on a global scale. Nature, 525(7569), pp.367-371. Loomis, D., Grosse, Y., Lauby-Secretan, B., El Ghissassi, F., Bouvard, V., Benbrahim-Tallaa, L., Guha, N., Baan, R., Mattock, H. and Straif, K., (2013). The carcinogenicity of outdoor air pollution. Lancet Oncology, 14(13), p.1262. Patz, J.A., Frumkin, H., Holloway, T., Vimont, D.J. and Haines, A., (2014). Climate change: challenges and opportunities for global health. Jama, 312(15), pp.1565-1580. Rasul, G., (2014). Food, water, and energy security in South Asia: a nexus perspective from the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. Environmental Science Policy, 39, pp.35-48. Surendra, K.C., Takara, D., Hashimoto, A.G. and Khanal, S.K., (2014). Biogas as a sustainable energy source for developing countries: Opportunities and challenges. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 31, pp.846-859. Ali, A., (2015). China Pakistan Economic Corridor (Cpec): Prospects And Challenges For Regional Integeration. Cheah, Y.W., Kugaan, S., Gopalan, O., Min, Y., Yuan, W. and Chua, J.P.X., (2017). An introduction to China s new trade policy-The One Belt One Road initiative. Hilpert, H.G. and Wacker, G., (2015). Geoeconomics meets geopolitics: China's new economic and foreign policy initiatives. Kong, L., (2015). The belt and road initiative and China's foreign policy toward its territorial and boundary disputes. China Quarterly of International Strategic Studies, 1(02), pp.325-345. Lfflmann, G., (2016). The pivot between containment, engagement, and restraint: President Obamas conflicted grand strategy in Asia. Asian Security, 12(2), pp.92-110. Swaine, M.D., (2015). Chinese views and commentary on the One Belt, One Roadinitiative. China Leadership Monitor, 47(2), p.3. Wolf, S.O., (2016). The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: An Assessment of its Feasibility and Impact on Regional Cooperation. Ye, H., (2017). Indias Policy Regarding South Asia and Its Impact on Chinas Pushing Forward of the Belt and Road Initiative. In Annual Report on the Development of the Indian Ocean Region (2016) (pp. 37-52). Springer Singapore.