Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Science - Essay Example Simon (2007) calls fossil energy a â€Å"wicked problem†, in the sense that it is characterized by a high level of information uncertainty, exists in a contestable policy environment where multiple actors compete with each other, and it is determinative of institutional relationships and complex choices. Many scientists have argued that the technology to develop alternative fuels have been in existence since the 1960s and 70s, when America sent the first man to the moon, but that a complex web of political and economic interests have stifled efforts to develop alternative energy sources. Today, it is generally agreed that at the rate the world consumes its oil reserves, eventually these would dry up like the once mighty oil fields of Texas, of which only a fraction are still in production. Rumours of aging oil fields and rising levels of water, as well as runaway prices in petroleum products, seem to indicate that Saudi reserves may be reaching exhaustion point (Anwar, 2010). The phrase â€Å"alternative energy† connotes more than just energy sources other than those traditionally resort to. It also implies that the sources of energy â€Å"are more efficient than conventional non-renewable forms† (Southampton City Council, 2009), and that they â€Å"do not use up natural resources or harm the environment† (WordNet, 2010). The attributes of sustainability and the absence of undesired consequences are implicitly included when one refers to alternative fuels or energy (Alternative Energy Institute [AEI], 2010). The very term itself appears to imply that these are only secondary, back-up, or stand-by sources, something resorted to in the meanwhile, much in the nature of emergency lights in office buildings when the power goes off. In a published account of a congressional hearing on fuels, one legislator was described as having said that the term â€Å"alternative fuels† implies that

Wheelchair regulation Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Wheelchair regulation - Coursework Example The manual wheelchairs rely on the attendant so that the can move and they do not use electricity. The other two classes are powered by electricity. Class two of invalid carriages consist of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs that are designed to be used on pavements with a maximum speed limit of 6 km/h (8 mph). Class three powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters of invalid have a maximum speed limit of (12 km/h) and their purpose is for the use of road only. It is important to note that they are also equipped with a facility designed to travel on pavement or footpath at a speed of 6 km/h (4 mph). The law  states that theClass three vehicles may only be used by a disabled person who is aged 14 years and above. The other two classes, Class one and Class 2, however, may be used by a non-disabled person who is demonstrating the vehicle for sale or a disabled person. Clause 37 states that when the vehicle users is have a duty to adhere to the direction or rules of other vehicl es when they are on operation on the road. It also adds that the vehicle users on the pavements should follow the guidance and rule of the pedestrians. The second section concentrates of the usage of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs on the pavements (38 to 40). Clause 38 explains how vehicle users should treat the other pavement users and pedestrians and especially those that have a visual or hearing impairment. It insists on the use of pavements rather than roads for safety purposes of the vehicle users. In a nut-sell, the rule aims at protecting both the users and non-users of the vehicles. Clause 39 points out the need for users of powered vehicles and scooters to use speeds not exceeding four mph (6 km/h) on footpaths and pedestrian areas. It also highlights that the user may be required to adjust to the other pavement users in case the path is not wide enough or if the pavement