No. 326 - 2022/12/25

Should surgeons listen to music during surgery?

Music is commonly played in operating rooms. Harp playing priests and other musicians have accompanied medicinal procedures as early as 4000 BC.  Research shows that 90% of all surgeons listen to music while they perform surgery now. Can playing music during operations ‘makes surgeons faster and more accurate’?

Surgical task performance seems to improve significantly by music; however, types of music can influence the outcome both positively or negatively.  For example, loud or high-beat type of music can have a distracting effect and may interfere with communication with the surgical team and pose a risk to the patient.

In most cases, the surgeon selects the music based on his/her preference, but nurses find music to be distracting. The WHO recommends that noise levels in the operating room should not exceed 30 decibels, which can be easily exceeded between music, machine noises, chatter, and instruments in the operating room.

No. 325 - 2022/12/18

Should doctors learn to apologize for mistakes?

Medical errors are the third-leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer in the U.S. 43 million instances of medical negligence occur worldwide every year.

A medical error is a preventable adverse effect of care, whether or not it is evident or harmful to the patient, which might include an inaccurate or incomplete diagnosis or treatment of a disease, injury, syndrome, behavior, infection, or other ailment. (Wiki)

There are five types of apologies - remorse apology, regret apology, empathy apology, social harmony apology, and harmless error apology. The apologizers need to acknowledge that their behavior hurt someone and believe what they did was wrong, to be beneficial to both the patients and doctors. 

Should doctors follow the 5 As of an effective public apology?

No. 324 - 2022/12/11

Can patient empowerment be bolstered?

According to the World Health Organization, patient empowerment (or participation) is “a process through which people gain greater control over decisions and actions affecting their health.” How is it different from patient engagement?

Empowered patients (and their families) are generally always eager to research and ask questions about their care.  They may keep track of their health conditions by using various wearables. Data gathered by patients, combined with historical clinical data, can likely lower costs and improve outcomes in patient care.   

In the EU, empowered patients are considered as an asset to society. What are the advantages and disadvantages of empowered patients? Why does it matter? How does it impact health outcomes? Will it change the way we think about the patient and the doctor-patient relationship?

No. 323 - 2022/12/04

Are we in for a 'Tridemic' this winter?

A tridemic (or triple demic) is an epidemic of three separate diseases occurring at the same time. For this winter, we could be heading to a tridemic with Covid (new variants BQ.1, BQ.1.1), flu (type A) and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).  What are the reasons why we did not see a tripledemic last winter? How can we stay safe?

Covid, flu and RSV can be difficult to distinguish, since they share many common signs and symptoms. But, it is important to know which virus you have. What are the first symptoms? How contagious are they? What does cough sound like? When should you go to the hospital? Most importantly, what are some of the treatment and vaccine options?

No. 322 - 2022/11/27

Is digital technology making people weak?

Smartphones are one of the most commonly used digital technologies. They have drastically changed the way that we learn, work, socialize, and entertain ourselves, and have become multimedia communication devices with many impressive functions and capabilities.

On the other hand,  multiple research studies have shown that smartphones adversely affect cognition, and impair social and emotional skills. Smartphones can not only make your brain "Lazy" but also can cause anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, etc.

Smartphones also influence physical health by reducing the amount of physical activity, such as walking, resulting in an increase of fat mass and a decrease of muscle mass associated with adverse health consequences.  Are we getting weak or smarter?

No. 321 - 2022/11/20

Should we care about digital footprint?

A digital footprint is also called a digital shadow or an electronic footprint. It can affect a person's "digital reputation" which is considered as important as their offline reputation. 

There are six types of digital footprint. They consist of the information about a particular person that exists on the internet as a result of their online activity, whenever you are emailing, sharing pictures and videos, sending financial information online, etc. 

There are various reasons why digital footprints matter. What kind of protective measures are there? Can digital footprints be erased? What happens to your digital footprint when you die?

No. 320 - 2022/11/13

Can love be digital?

A Luxembourgish actress, Vicky Krieps, said “Love can never be digital.” True? 

Technology has significantly changed the way many people practice affection, close relationships and connecting each other.  Over 1500 dating apps and websites are being operated worldwide, and this particular market could reach $9.2 billion by 2025. Almost 15% of online daters happily get married to someone they first met on a dating site or app, and dating apps are contributing to less divorce.  

Moreover, how often do people text instead of talk, use SNS instead of meeting face-to-fact, or relying on emojis without actually expressing each other’s feelings? Aren’t people spending too much on “quick-fixes,” and afraid or apathetic about being “ANALOG” about our relationships?

What are advantages and disadvantages of being “DIGITAL” about Love?

No. 319 - 2022/11/06

Should everything be digital?

DX (Digital Transformation) became one of the frequently used expressions. The word "digital" is now  used in many  areas, such as in business, communication, culture, economics, education, healthcare, media, technology, transportation, etc. On the other hand, the word "analog" is often associated with old school.

In spite of the various benefits of digital technology, there are numerous disadvantages (e.g., data security, social isolation, work overload, diminishing job opportunity, addiction, manipulation of digital media, plagiarism and copyright infringement).  Are conventional means of communication - peacefully understanding each other - fading as a result of digital culture? 

No. 318 - 2022/10/30

Should Halloween be celebrated?

By the 1920s and 1930s, Halloween had become a secular but community-centered holiday in the US, Canada and the UK, and it has increased its popularity within the last 30 years in 37 countries.  But,  who is actually celebrating it, or who should or not be celebrating it? 

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. spent $10.14 billion on Halloween in 2021, and Halloween celebration spending will set new records this year according to the National Retail Federation. Their data also shows that  69% of the U.S. consumers are planning to celebrate Halloween in 2022. 

It is estimated that around $100 will be spent on costumes, candy, decorations, and greeting cards by each Halloween celebrant. But, is Halloween all about money and fun? Can Halloween and political culture be a toxic mix?

No. 317 - 2022/10/23

Should there be more bike lanes?

A bike lane (way) is a part of the road which is intended to be used only by people riding bicycles.(Collins)　There are different types of bike lanes, such as Bike boulevard, Mixed traffic, Sharrows (a combination of the words “share” and “arrow”), Side path, Striped bike lanes, Buffered bike lanes, Protected bike lanes, Trail / shared-use path, etc. throughout the world.

The advantages of Bike Lanes include 1. Make the use of cars less attractive, 2. Improve better air quality, 3. Contribute to less particle pollution, therefore may slow down global warming. Some of the disadvantages are 1. Less space for cars, 2. Cause more traffic jams, 3. Improper design may do more harm than good, and they can be costly.

In the Netherlands, there is the world's first cycle lane equipped with solar panels and photovoltaic cells capable of generating renewable energy.  In South Korea, there's a 32-kilometer cycle lane with a solar roof that provides enough power for the entire route. Many innovative bike lanes are being developed and tested. 

Bike lanes for the cyclists of the future: high-tech and sustainable !!

No.316 - 2022/10/16

Can Agrivoltaic farming be a win-win scenario?

“Agrovoltaic” or “Agrivoltaic” refers to the joint usage of the same land area for solar photovoltaic and agriculture. The concept for agrivoltaic was developed in Japan, which is now practiced in Germany, France, India, China, South Korea, the U.S., etc.

There are basically three types of agrivoltaics that are being actively researched and implemented worldwide: (1) solar arrays with space between for crops, (2) stilted solar arrays above crops, and (3) greenhouse solar arrays.

There are many advantages to adapt agrivoltaics farming for various crops; however, the technology is relatively new and expensive, and it is still in development, furthermore many farmers are not aware of various hidden costs, etc. potentials.

Recently, a wide variety of innovative approaches to agrivoltaics farming (e.g., “Rooftop Agrivoltaics”) are emerging. Will it be a key part of the energy and climate transition?

No. 315 - 2022/10/09

Is the “Blue Revolution” sustainable?

Fish farming or Pisciculture is a process of breeding, raising, and transporting of fishes for domestic and commercial purposes. It started in China around 3000 BC, and in Europe it began in Ancient Rome.

There are mainly three types of pisciculture - Monoculture, Polyculture and Monosex Culture, and there are various methods for it, such as the Cage System, Pond System, Integrated Recycling System, Classic Fry Farming, etc. 

What are some of the benefits and concerns for fish farming? Is it good for replenishment, employment and nutritional provisions? How about environmental damage, feeding, and sea lice / bacteria and various diseases?

No. 314 - 2022/10/02

Are insects harmful or helpful?

Over one million species of insects have been discovered and described so far. Globally, it is estimated that there may be as many as 10 million species on earth.  Many of them are helpful, but there are also many harmful species that spread disease, damage crops, negatively affect animal populations, etc.  

Due to intensive agriculture, various kinds of pesticides and climate change, 40% of species are experiencing "dramatic rates of decline" around the world.  Bees, ants and beetles are disappearing eight times faster than mammals, birds or reptiles, while some species like houseflies and cockroaches are likely to explode.

No. 313 - 2022/09/25

Should wetlands be drained or conserved?

Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year, including during the growing season. (EPA).

Types of wetlands include swamps, bogs, marshes and estuaries. Some of the most famous and important wetlands are Camargue, Wasur National Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Mekong Delta, Kakadu Wetlands, Kerala backwaters, Everglades, Okavango Delta, Sundarbans, Pantanal.

In addition, there is a growing trend in constructed wetlands to treat wastewater and runoff to improve water quality, which may also be used residentially, following primary septic tank treatment. But, there are many advantages and disadvantages.

No. 312 - 2022/09/18

In Memory of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Should monarchy be preserved?

Monarchy is a form of government in which a person, the monarch, is head of state for life or until abdication. As of 2022, there are 43 sovereign states in the world with a monarch as head of state. 

There are many types of monarchy. "Commonwealth realms" are one of them, and King Charles III became the monarch of fifteen Commonwealth realms after QE II's demise.

The Evening Standard of ESI Media in the UK reported that the Queen’s death will likely cost the UK economy billions of pounds with funeral expenses, bank holidays, and the coronation of King Charles III next year.

While most monarchies use a constitutional system, some monarchs exercise absolute power. What are the roles (pros and cons) of the monarchy and royal families in modern democracy?

No. 311 - 2022/09/11

Should we drink “fancy” waters?

There are many types of drinking water (e.g., Tap, Mineral, Spring or Glacier, Sparkling, Distilled, Purified, Flavored or Infused, Alkaline, Hard, Well, Surface, Ground).  What is the healthiest water to drink?  How much should we pay for it? 

According to the CDC, 2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water at home. The UN reports that  one in three people do not have access to safe drinking water.  Millions of people in Pakistan are currently left with no choice but to drink sewage water.

A bottle of Beverly Hills 9OH20 Luxy Collection Diamond Edition costs $100,000 per bottle. A bottle of Acqua di Cristallo Tributo a Modigliani is priced at $60,000. A bottle of Bling H2O’s The Ten Thousand is $2,700 per bottle. Tap water costs much less and is safe. 

No. 310 - 2022/09/04

Is water the new gold?

Some of the causes of water scarcity are climate change, natural calamities (e.g., droughts and floods), increased human consumption, overuse and wastage of water, a global rise in freshwater demand, and overuse of aquifers and its consequent slow recharge.

In 2003, a book titled "Blue Gold: The Battle Against Corporate Theft of World's Water" was published by Maude Barlow and Tony Clarke. It became a famous documentary film in 2008, which was distributed by PBS.  

The original book described the worsening GLOBAL WATER CRISIS, with many compelling cases, and revealed the plans of multinational corporations to profit from it.  Almost 20 years later, the situation is getting dangerously real due to more climate changes, etc. 

Is water a human right or commodity? Can we consider water as a sterling investment opportunity?

No. 309 - 2022/08/28

Is Shrinkflation ethical?

Coined by an American technology entrepreneur and economist - Pippa Malmgren, “Shrinkflation” is a combination of the words shrink and inflation - aka “product down-sizing.”  It occurs when brands charge consumers the same amount of money for a product, but “shrink” its size or quantity. Consumers are spending the same amount of money, but getting less for it.

Is it ethical or legal? In the United States, it’s legal for manufacturers to stealthily reduce products as long as the empty space in a brand’s packaging serves a legitimate purpose. For example, in a bag of chips, the air helps ensure the chips don’t break during shipping and handling.  We will debate on the advantages and disadvantages of “shrinkflation.”

No. 308 - 2022/08/21

Is Capitalism good for the environment?

There is no doubt that Capitalism is a major driver of innovation, wealth, and prosperity in the modern era. Capitalism can help to increase GDP and it encourages technological progress, etc. On the other hand, Capitalism may lead to the pollution of our air and water, soil degradation, deforestation, and the destruction of biodiversity.

Eco-capitalism or Green capitalism is the theory or practice of a free-market in which natural resources are regarded as capital and profits dependent on environmental protection and sustainability. The Jevons' effect, however,  is the most widely known drawback in environmental economics.

Can "New Capitalism" or "Neo Capitalism" be sustainable and beneficial to the environment?  Can we continue to manage production whilst minimizing environmental degradation? Is this really a feasible option?

No. 307 - 2022/08/14

Does every city need a Chief Heat Officer?

Deadly heat waves are repeatedly striking most of the Northern Hemisphere as a consequence of human-induced climate change. Is this going to be the new normal?

CHOs (Chief Heat Officers) are "officials charged with unifying the response to the challenge of heat to reduce the risks and impacts of extreme heat for their residents and constituents."  (EHRA)

Can CHOs develop strategies to effectively implement heat-resilience solutions in the medium and the long term? What types of working relationships are needed among public sectors to cool cities?

No. 306 - 2022/08/07

Are all rocket launches justified?

Last year, over 150 rockets were launched from various spaceports around the world. They are mostly by China, the U.S. and Russia. Each rocket has its specific purpose and designation - Low Earth / Sun-synchronous, Geosynchronous / GTO, transfer, Medium Earth / Molniya, etc.

A NOAA study indicates that “a significant boost in spaceflight activity might damage the protective ozone layer on the one planet where we live.”  Moreover, one of the pollutants from rocket launches, which is a suspected human carcinogen, is UDMH (Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine).

Are there alternatives ways to space launch, without harmful fuel rockets to the environment? Can some of the rocket launches be replaced by new methods and technologies?

No. 305 - 2022/07/31

Should we learn dirty tricks in negotiation?

In negotiation, many forms of manipulative dirty tricks (maneuvers) are used even by some credible opponents. Is it ethical? Does it help establish a long-term relationship?

Russia attacked Odessa one day after Russia and Ukraine signed an "elusive" (not “illusive” or “allusive”) agreement to resume grain transports across the Black Sea. Is it about "broken promises'' or is it part of the Russian way of warfare? 

We will examine various "dirty" tricks / tactics used in negotiation to understand how mutually beneficial values can be achieved by both parties.

No. 304 - 2022/07/24

Is Win/Win a thing in negotiation?

There are six paradigms for human interaction – Win/Win, Win/Lose, Lose/Win, Lose/Lose, Win, Win/Win or No Deal. What are the advantages and disadvantages / pitfalls in each situation?  How can one choose the right paradigm for the situation? Should we stop labeling negotiations as Win-Win or Win-Lose? What is meant by a win? Are Win/Win strategies a fallacy?

In addition to thousands of sanctions imposed on Russia (at statistica.com), the U.S. and its allies are considering the Russian oil price cap idea. Some are saying that it would be a  “win-win” plan while others are calling it a “ridiculous idea” that could backfire on the U.S. and the other Group of 7 countries. What will happen if a price cap is not implemented?

No. 303 - 2022/07/17

Is ambiguity destructive in negotiation?

Ambiguity is defined as a situation or statement that is unclear because it can be understood in more than one way, according to Cambridge English Dictionary.  Some of the antonyms for ambiguity are certainty, clarity, clearness, definiteness, explicitness, lucidity.  

There are various types of ambiguities (e.g., constructive, hopeful, inflective, lexical, semantic, syntactical, etc.).  As a logical fallacy ambiguity occurs when linguistic ambiguity causes an argument to appear cogent when it is not. (Fallacy Files)

Professor Brian Gunia at Johns Hopkins University mentioned “Five reasons to love ambiguities in negotiation.”  He argues that ambiguity can allow negotiators to make the first offer, move from positions to interests, ask a lot of questions, explore creative solutions and use ratification.  What are the pitfalls?

When does ambiguity become destructive in negotiation? How does ambiguity occur?

No. 302 - 2022/07/10

Should we use body language in negotiation?

Body language is a wide range of nonverbal signals, which include facial expressions, body posture, gestures, eye movement, touch and the use of space, etc. It is used to communicate one's ideas, thoughts, moods / feelings, intentions. It is as vital as verbal communication, especially for a poker player.

There is strong evidence for the universal facial expressions of seven emotions, such as anger, contempt, disgust, fear, joy, sadness, and surprise; however, there are substantial cultural differences (sometimes very obvious or very subtle) in how people use body language to communicate. 

We will analyze a much-viewed YouTube video from last month -- "President Putin compares himself to Peter the Great in Russian territorial push" -- in which he suggested that the conquest of a sovereign neighbor’s territory was not only justifiable, but laudable, by interpreting his verbal and non-verbal language.
 

No. 301 - 2022/07/03

A recession is worse than inflation?

Inflation and recession are not the same thing, and both are bad terms in economics. 

In economics, inflation is a general increase in the prices of goods and services in an economy. It is caused by pressures on the supply or demand side of the economy, money supply policies and consumer expectations, etc.

Recession is a business cycle contraction when there is a widespread drop in economic activity. It is caused by various factors like high interest rates, a stock market crash, manufacturing orders slow down, etc.

Before Russia invaded Ukraine, the world was on the road to the fragile recovery from the pandemic; however, the conflict has provoked not only food and energy crises but also turmoil in the financial markets.

Is it better to have inflation instead of recession? Are there any alternatives? We will examine both advantages and disadvantages of inflation and recession.

No. 300 - 2022/06/26

Will more weapons help Ukraine and Russia negotiate a lasting truce?

The deadlock situation is deepening in Ukraine. Russia is running out of ammunition. Death tolls are climbing for both sides in a grinding war. Is it possible to negotiate a diplomatic resolution to this? Is Putin a rational negotiator? If not, what are the alternatives?

In negotiation theory, the best alternative to a negotiated agreement or BATNA (no deal option) refers to the most advantageous alternative course of action a party can take if negotiations fail and an agreement cannot be reached.

BATNA was first introduced by Roger Fisher and William Ury in their book entitled "Getting to Yes; Negotiating without Giving In" over 40 years ago, and it teaches the importance of analyzing the best possible alternative and alternate plan, similar to Nash Equilibrium.

We will debate on what kind of outcome is acceptable by Ukraine and Russia, and how we can get there, by examining some of the advantages and disadvantages of BATNA.

No. 299 - 2022/06/19

Should we use Neon alternatives?

Neon, like krypton and xenon, is one of the by-products of steel manufacturing, and it’s used for many industrial applications. For example, Neon is a critical component in the lasers that etch semiconductors.  

Ukraine supplies approximately 70% of the world's Neon gas and 40% of the global krypton supply.  Ukraine also supplies 90% of the highly purified, semiconductor-grade Neon for chip production used by U.S. industry. China, Japan.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine created a huge shortage of Neon gas, and it is becoming a new kind of “conflict materials or resources,” while the price of Neon has soared nine times in China. Should we consider using Neon alternatives or more reliable strategic alliances?

No. 298 - 2022/06/12

Will you drink beer made from recycled sewage water?

Four years ago, Russian hackers targeted Ukraine's water supply. This year, immediately after Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, Russia physically attacked Ukraine's water sources. Damages to the water network and power cuts left millions of people across Ukraine without adequate access to safe water. 

Only about three percent of Earth's water is freshwater. Of that, only about 1.2 percent can be used as drinking water; the rest is not easily accessible because it’s locked up in glaciers, ice caps, and permafrost, or buried deep in the ground. Most of our drinking water comes from rivers and streams.

Beer is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world; however, making one liter of beer consumes up to 60 liters of water. High water consumption will have to be sharply limited by beer producers.

Several companies around the world began making beer using recycled wastewater - also called reclaimed water.  Are you courageous enough to drink it - knowing where the water came from - in the name of sustainability? 

No. 297- 2022/06/05

Should we use biofertilizers?

The Russia-Ukraine war is worsening a fertilizer shortage, threatening the success of the world's crops. It could lead to widespread food shortages.

Fertilizer prices are soaring, and putting global food security at risk. In many parts of the world, farmers can't afford to bring fertilizers to the farm.

Biofertilizers have been identified as an alternative to chemical fertilizers to enhance soil fertility and crop production in sustainable agriculture.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of chemical and biofertilizers?

No. 296 - 2022/05/29

Is vertical farming the solution to the World’s Food Crisis?

There are real fears about the global food crisis due to the war in Ukraine, climate, rising inflation, etc.  Wheat prices rose up more than 60% after India imposed a ban on exports, and wheat futures in Chicago increased to $12.47% in two months. Global food prices are up to the highest ever level. What actions can we take to halt a global food crisis? Could vertical farming be the solution? 

Vertical farming is a form of controlled environment agriculture (CEA), which include Hydroponic Vertical Farming, Aquaponic Vertical Farming, and Growing Media Vertical Farms. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these methods? Are they sustainable? Can they be the future to solve the World’s Food Crisis?

No. 295 - 2022/05/22

Should the sales of E15 be allowed year-round?

Prices at the gas pump are rising again. That's partially because refiners are turning to produce jet fuel and diesel instead of gasoline.

On April 12th of this year, President Biden announced that his administration will temporarily allow E15 gasoline — gasoline that uses a 15 percent ethanol blend that is typically banned from sale from June to September — to be sold this summer.

Why is Biden allowing the sale of E15? Who will benefit from E15 sales? What are some of the pros and the cons of E 15? Should the sales of E15 be allowed year-around?

No. 294 - 2022/05/15

Is PTSD overdiagnosed?

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, or rape or who have been threatened with death, sexual violence or serious injury. (American Psychiatric Association)

"Overdiagnosis, is defined as the diagnosis of a condition that, if unrecognized, would not cause symptoms or harm a patient during his or her lifetime, and it is increasingly acknowledged as a consequence of screening for cancer and other conditions." (The British Medical Journal)

What are some of the differences between Trauma and PTSD? What types of PTSD have been studied so far? What are the symptoms, causes and treatment options? How can the victims in Ukraine receive specialized therapy to heal from the horrors of war?

No. 293 - 2022/05/08

Is it time to expand nuclear power?

Before Russia began its war of aggression against Ukraine, experts at a multinational energy company concluded that the share of final energy consumption accounted for by fossil fuels would drop steadily through to 2050, with renewables registering a significant increase. 

How about nuclear power? Russia, for example, is a big player in world energy markets, not only just in oil, but also in natural gas and coal. Could nuclear power help Europe cut its Russia ties? How soon?

In preparation for the upcoming debate, please refer to the following link to learn some of the main points “For The Motion and Against The Motion” posted at intelligence2 debates: 

https://www.intelligencesquaredus.org/debate/its-time-expand-nuclear-power/

No. 292 - 2022/05/01

Does the Dunning-Kruger effect sound like a Catch-22?

“Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge.” Charles Darwin

The Dunning-Kruger effect is the phenomenon where totally incompetent people have total confidence in their competence. A catch-22 is a paradoxical situation from which an individual cannot escape because of contradictory rules or limitations. 

Do they sound similar? Why can we not perceive our own abilities? Do they apply to certain world leaders? How are they relevant to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine? We will examine some of the examples of the Dunning-Kruger effect and a Catch-22 and have.

No. 291 - 2022/04/24

Should we donate money to relief efforts?

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been intensifying. At the same time, humanitarian activities are exacerbating.

Over 25,000 innocent civilians were killed between 24 February – 12 April 2022. Nearly 5 million Ukrainians have fled their countries and almost 10 million people were displaced since the Russian invasion.  For the relief efforts outside Ukraine, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has declared Ukraine a Level 3 emergency. 

Many people around the world want to help Ukraine, whether by donating money or supplies. Unfortunately, that creates an opportunity for scammers to take advantage of their altruism. Charity fraud schemes seek donations for organizations that do little or no work—instead, the money goes to the fake charity's creator.

There are many types of charitable giving. Cash is one of them. How can we ensure our donation goes to the right destination? How can we verify the charity? How can we avoid getting scammed when donating?

No. 290 - 2022/04/17

Is war part of human nature?

According to “The Killer Ape Theory” (or Killer Ape Hypothesis), which was originated by Raymond Dart in the 1950s, war and interpersonal aggression have contributed to the driving force behind human evolution. 

A statement on violence (SSV), which was adopted by UNESCO at the twenty-fifth session of the General Conference on 16 November 1989, rejected the view that violence and war were in any way rooted in human nature.

Situations between Russia and Ukraine have been contentious since the Revolution of Dignity in 2014, followed by Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. Have there been enough diplomatic efforts to avoid the ongoing war?

No. 289 - 2022/04/10

Are women better diplomats?

What are some of the qualities of a successful diplomat? Out of ten most influential 20th century diplomats listed by the Institute for Cultural Relations Policy (ICRP) BUDAPEST in July 2020, only Madeleine Albright was mentioned.  How about Eleanor Roosevelt, Sadako Ogata, Angela King, Condoleezza Rice, Hilary Clinton? Was Henry Kissinger better than them?

Until 1972, the U.S. State Department forbade female Foreign Service officers from being married (and having children). Why? After the “Marriage Rule” was lifted, did anything change for women to become a member of America’s diplomatic corps? Can men communicate and build  relationships better than women, which is one of the most important requirements for a diplomat. 

What role does gender play in diplomacy and foreign policy and how can gender equality and parity be achieved in these fields?

No. 288 - 2022/04/03

~~ In memory of Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright ~~ 

Do we need diplomats?

Born on May 15, 1937 in Prague, Czechoslovakia and died on March 23, 2022 (aged 84) in Washington, D.C., U.S., Madeleine Albright became the first female U.S. Secretary of State and the highest-ranking woman in the U.S. government at the time of her appointment under the Clinton Administration.  She was not only a diplomat but also a teacher who inspired students to understand and serve the world.

With the rise of digital communications and further spreading physical and cyber threats, more than half of the developed nations in the OECD have reduced their diplomatic footprint over the last decade. At the same time, diplomats are engaged in a wide range of complex functions; however, more work has come to dominate a greater amount of ‘bureaucratization.’  Do we still need diplomats? How does multi-track diplomacy work?

No. 287 - 2022/03/27

Can mining the seabed help save the planet?

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a country in Central Africa. It's the second largest country in Africa by area with a population of around 92 million.  The Congo has 70% of the world's coltan, a third of its cobalt, more than 30% of its diamond reserves, and a tenth of its copper.

Cobalt has been used in the production of high-performance alloys, lithium-ion battery rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles. More than 40,000 children are working in slave labor in Congo’s cobalt artisanal mines.

One of the alternatives to highly controversial land-based mining is deep-sea mining. For example, cobalt is abundant in rocks on the seabed; however, it's a "sustainability paradox."  There are many benefits and risks that need to be urgently debated.

No. 286 - 2022/03/20

Does Ecotourism make sense?

Ecotourism is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of local people and involves interpretation and education” (International Ecotourism Society, 2015).

While Ecotourism has many advantages, it could be a double-edged sword and it has far reaching consequences. One of such examples is the death of Cecil, a male African lion who lived in the Hwange National Park in Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe.

What are the goals of Ecotourism? What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of Ecotourism?

No. 285 - 2022/03/13

Can hunters conserve wildlife?

On the 150th anniversary of America’s first national park, one-third of its wolves are dead. Are they dangerous for humans? How about wild boars, monkeys, deers? Some of them weigh more than 100 kg and can travel at speeds of up to 50 kph.

Hunting activities by humans arose in Homo erectus or earlier. it has become deeply embedded in various human cultures and was once an important part of the rural economies.

In many cultures, in many parts of the world, hunting has a very long tradition. It was for survival, but also for leisure.  Apart from many ecological benefits of hunting, there are some problems related to it.

Some of the benefits of hunting are (1) it is still a main income source for many people, (2) it can help to avoid factory farming, (3) it can help to control wildlife population, etc. Some of the disadvantages are (1) it can contribute to the endangerment of species, (2) hunted animals can have diseases, (3) you need to rent a forest, etc.

No. 284 - 2022/03/06

Could Human Civilization Collapse Due To Deforestation?

The research by two theoretical physicists, published in Nature Scientific Reports published in May of 2020,  indicated that deforestation coupled with the excessive destruction of natural resources will soon have disastrous consequences on the future of society as it is known.

Although deforestation is often regarded as something negative, there are several reasons why it is done throughout the world for various important reasons. We will examine both advantages and disadvantages of deforestation during the debate.

No. 283 - 2022/02/27

Is forest biomass good for the environment?

Biomass can be converted into solid, liquid, or gaseous bio-fuels that can then be burned for energy or used as fuel substitutes for transportation or industrial processes.

Forest biomass includes all parts of the tree, not only the trunk but also the bark, the branches, the needles or leaves, and even the roots.

No energy source, including biomass, is perfect. Biomass is renewable; however, many advantages and disadvantages exist to generate electricity, by using biomass energy conversion methods.

Is it really good for the environment?

No. 282 - 2022/02/20

Should we plant more trees? – PART ONE

The meaning of “planting trees” can be easily misunderstood between afforestation, forest restoration and reforestation. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. 

For example, some of the benefits of “planting trees” are socio-, economic- and environmental, while contributing to SDGs. It is also a lifeline for animals as well, preventing desertification and natural disasters. Some of the disadvantages, however, are the time-space factor. It requires a long time and a lot of land. Other crops, such as tobacco, could be used with less time, less land for quicker turnaround.

"Planting trees is probably the most difficult potential method from a measurement and verification perspective," said Paul Gambill, CEO of carbon marketplace Nori in an interview with Dezeen.

We will first examine some of the existing methods used for “planting trees” to assess if the benefits of planting trees outweigh the disadvantages.

No. 281 - 2022/02/13

Can geoengineering save our planet?

Geoengineering is the deliberate large-scale intervention in the Earth’s natural systems to counteract climate change, and it is a highly controversial concept.

Cloud seeding is one such example, which has been used to weaken tropical storms. It is affordable and feasible. We know it works. Then, why is it controversial?

We will examine some of the pros and cons of current geoengineering technologies - with a focus on solar geoengineering and carbon capture.

No. 280 - 2022/02/06

Should "Fracking" Be Banned?

Fracking, also called hydraulic fracturing, hydrofracking, or hydrofracturing, is one of the techniques used to extract gas and oil from shale rock. Only four countries in the world produce shale gas or shale oil commercially - the U.S., Canada, China and Argentina.

Among them, the U.S. accounts for almost 20% of the world crude oil production in 2020, and 60% of all new oil and gas wells are drilled by using fracking.  U.S. annual oil production is set to rise to a record in 2023 as shale oil and gas producers continue to boost output.

Why is Fracking highly controversial? What are some of the key fracking pros and cons? Is there a clean fracking alternative that requires no water or chemicals?

No. 279 - 2022/01/30

Is the doomsday clock accurate?

The Doomsday Clock was designed by an American female artist, Martyl Suzanne Schweig Langsdorf for the June 1947 cover of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS). 

It is a metaphor, a logo, and a symbol that represents the likelihood of a hypothetical man-made global catastrophe, assessed in January of each year. [FAQ]  

The initial setting in 1947 was 23:53, and it was changed to 23:43 in 1991. During the Trump administration, it moved to 23:58:20, and 100 seconds to midnight unchanged for 2022.  

Is it accurately depicting how close humanity is to catastrophe? Why do some analysts disagree with the clock?

No. 278 - 2022/01/23

Is nostalgia a double edged sword?

The meaning of nostalgia, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is (1) the state of being homesick and (2) a wistful or excessively sentimental yearning for return to or of some past period or irrecoverable condition.  

Nostalgia can improve mood, increase social connectedness, enhance positive self-regard, etc. It can also be used as a deception -- 'restorative nostalgia' and 'reflective nostalgia' -- as well as a tool of political persuasion.

A nostalgic view of the past often results in blocking out memories of bad things of the same past time, leaving a rosy, distorted vision of history.

Is nostalgia a good thing to have? Can it be destructive if it is not treated correctly? How should we understand and deal with it to avoid any future conflicts?

No.  277 - 2022/01/16

Can eastern philosophy save democracy?

Eastern philosophy or Asian philosophy consists of a wide range of ideologies from East and South Asia. It includes Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, etc.  East Asia and South Asia hold about 60% of the world’s population.

Eastern philosophy in general is known for its peaceful approach to life; however, what is happening in Asia today does not support this idea. Myanmar (Burma), for example, is experiencing major violence and autocracy, even though 90% of the population is Buddhist

Confucianism is an ancient Chinese belief system, and it is still the basis of social values, and the social code of the Chinese people. Its influence has also extended to other countries, particularly Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

What are the Chinese views on democracy? Does Confucianism add value to democracy? Can eastern philosophy really contribute to social harmony and world peace?

No. 276 - 2022/01/09

Do we need ikigai?

“Ikigai” is one of the English words that come from Japanese.  It is defined as "a motivating force; something or someone that gives a person a sense of purpose or a reason for living" in the Oxford English Dictionary.

How is the westernized ikigai different from the Japanese ikigai? Where does the ikigai venn diagram come from?  How is it related to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs? Can any ikigai help people to live well at any age?