The Importance Of Privacy And Law Enforcement Essay

Twenty-seven years ago, scientists at The European Organization for Nuclear Research created the World Wide Web. Because of this, we now live in an interconnected world that has transformed the way we communicate ( ), the way we do business, the way we live, and the way criminal activity takes place ( ). Here in the United States where privacy and security are such an important part of our national ethos, it is critical that our intelligence and law enforcement (LE) community confront the dangers - as well as producing new-evolving tools, for both digital surveillance and data collection. I believe privacy is important because it secures our nation from both internal threats and external threats, as well as protecting our civil liberties; for without security, we cannot have privacy. According to our literature, privacy is a common value, a public value, a collective value, and to some extent, a positive and negative right. However, in times of national security, the relationship and broader value are the sum of all three values. For instance, in the aftermath of the September 11, 20001 terrorist attacks, the idea that civil liberties had to be reduced in favor of national security emerged with renewed vigor. Many have noted the paradox that security measures intended to protect a liberal democracy can end up eroding the civil liberties at the heart of liberal democracies ( ). Because of this, it is common to view this problem as a juxtaposition dealing with the appropriateShow MoreRelatedFederalism Is The Division Of Powers Between A Central Government And Regional Governments1480 Words   |  6 Pagesprotects the right of the people against unreasonable searches and seizures†. The Fourth Amendment, spoke to the importance of federalism as a mechanism to secure liberty for the American people. State courts would be responsible for determining if the searches were conducted with reasonableness, giving the government the closest to the people the most say in such matters. Regarding privacy rights there have been positive and negative impacts throughout history. A conflict ensued between two groupsRead MoreSeizure : Origins, Text, And History1169 Words   |  5 PagesAnd History). The second was the importance that prohibition-era cases began to place on requiring a warrant to search and seize evidence (Search and Seizure: Origins, Text, And History). Third was the rising standard of probable cause need to achieve a search warrant (Search and Seizure: Origins, Text, And History). This effectively made Fourth Amendment law standard while ensuring that probable cause was needed to achieve a warrant. Today’s search and seizure law were made by the founding fathersRead MoreSurveillance Cameras Essay1254 Words   |  6 PagesSurveillance Cameras How are kids safe at night? Do they roam the streets without adult supervision? Are drug dealers taking over the streets? Are drivers nervous of everyone else’s bad driving habits? Although some believe law enforcement cameras invade privacy and disrupt everyday lives, cameras help keep citizens safe. â€Å"Police departments across Great Britain credit cameras with dramatic crime reduction, citing such impressive results as 75 percent drop in Airdrie, Scotland, a 68 percent reductionRead MoreFourth Amendment Essay1438 Words   |  6 PagesThe Fourth Amendment of the Constitution holds grave importance for the citizens of the United States of America. This amendment of the Constitution is exceptionally important due to the fact, that it protects citizens from unreasonable searches or seizures. However, the phrase, â€Å"reasonable expectation of privacy† is a different aspect that is pertinent to the evolution of the Fourth Amendment, and Riley v. California. To diss ect this phrase, reasonable is the important aspect here, this is whereRead MoreWho Could Spot Drone Regulations?995 Words   |  4 Pagesattachments like weapons, or storage compartments (Dolan; Goodman). The accessibility in obtaining a domestic drone is as easy as buying it at a store or ordering it online and can be operated by anyone, civilians, hobbyist, the government, and law enforcement. Some of these aspects of domestic drones have caused many people to hold concerns about weak drone usage regulations. So far, the drone usage regulations that have been in enacted are difficult to understand, vague, obscure, unenforced, andRead MoreUnmanned Aerial Vehicles ( Uav )992 Words   |  4 Pagesattachments like weapons, or storage compartments (Dolan; Goodman). The accessibility in obtaining a domestic drone is as easy as buying it at a store or ordering it online and can be operated by anyone, civilians, hobbyist, the government, and law enforcement. Some of these aspects of domestic drones have caused many people to hold concerns about weak drone usage regulations. So far, the drone usage regulations that have been in enacted are difficult to understand, vague, obscure, unenforced, andRead MoreOn November 18, 2011, Charges Were Brought Against Antoine1104 Words   |  5 Pageswere the law enforcements along with Deputy Michael R. Dreeben and the defendant Antoine Jones. Each party had a chance to deliberate their opinions and stating their case against Antoine Jones. This case was not only brought into court for Mr. Jones’s cocaine distribution but for authorities violating Antoine Jones Fourth Amendment rights by planting a global positioning system on the defendant’s’ vehicle without his consent. The law requires a warrant must be obtained before law enforcements can attachRead MoreThe USA PATRIOT Act of 2001: Need for National Security vs. Protection of Civil Liberties1247 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"terrorist† to spark any number of emotions in its citizens. In response to activities such as the attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, as well as the 2001 anthrax scares, Congress proposed the USA PATRIOT Act. Supporters of the Act cite the importance and immeasurable need for greater protection in terms of national security, which is the government’s responsibility first and foremost to protect its citizens from enemies foreign and domestic. However, for every proponent there is an equally passionateRead MoreThe Dangers Of The 4th Amendment And The Fourth Amendment1610 Words   |  7 Pagesthe advances in technology, the government is able to use GPS technology to gain information on certain criminal prospects without probable cause. This is considered unlawful in regards to what the Fourth Amendment stands for. Even under the current law, it still comes to the matter of question if this type of scrutiny was done in a public or private area. However, the Supreme Court issued a statemen t that devices that contain GPS tracking capabilities are acceptable on a public highway but not a person’sRead MoreFirst Amendment: Protection of Privacy899 Words   |  4 Pages As a private citizen, my privacy is very important, especially when in this new digital age; governmental agencies will use that information against you if they have a probable cause to. However, we are protected under the First and Fourth amendment, which gives us rights to speech, to drink or smoke in our homes without governmental intrusion. But when those rights are violated, we have the options to dispute those actions and if not satisfied with the results we can take it to the courts.

Psychological Changes During Soldiers From The Vietnam War

PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN SOLDIERS FROM THE VIETNAM WAR The survival of a soldier depends on what he wears. In war, the line between life and death is thinner than ever, and often, supplies, weapons, and the equipment of a soldier is the only thing that can cause the line not to clear. But, a soldier also carries his memory, memories, amulets, ghosts of the past, and trivial objects that do not let him forget that there is another life-the life-beyond war. Soldiers of Alpha Company, who fought in Vietnam, carry everything they could. And, those men and things are making their appearance in the story The Things They Carried by Tim O Brien, which also fought in Vietnam. Mr. O Brien tells how, after fleeing to Canada he decided to return to his village and agreed to go to war for shame, because he felt that, otherwise, he could not stand the looks of the people in this community, for whom a deserter was forever an outcast, and a traitor. The Vietnam War was also a milestone in the history of the United States. The defeat was a deep blow to A merican pride and the belief that their nation was invincible; affected the confidence in their citizens. This feeling was also extended to the soldiers returning from Vietnam who were not welcome in his country, nor received treatment as heroes. Many of these soldiers went through great difficulties readjusting to family life; according to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, half a million of them suffer psychological changesShow MoreRelatedPsychological Changes During Soldiers From The Vietnam War1215 Words   |  5 PagesPSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN SOLDIERS FROM THE VIETNAM WAR A soldier s survival in war depends on what he wears, and his life is just one step away from death. However, a soldier not only carries supplies, weapons, and equipment; a soldier also carries memories, amulets, ghosts of the past, and trivial objects that do not let him forget that there is another life beyond war. The Soldiers of Alpha Company, who fought in Vietnam, carry everything they could. And, those men and things are making theirRead MorePsychological And Emotional Effects Of War On Soldiers1500 Words   |  6 PagesThe Psychological and Emotional Effects of War on Soldiers We have all seen or read about the political and social upheavals caused by war. Some may have even experienced it first-hand. Throughout history war has had negative psychological implications on those effected. However, there is no greater negative impact of war than the psychological and emotional turmoil that it causes individual soldiers. To narrow down the scope of these psychological effects, I have chosen to focus on the VietnamRead MoreThe Vietnam War Was Like No War Before1292 Words   |  6 PagesThe Vietnam War was like no war before. America got involved in Vietnam to preserve a non-communist South Vietnam, but in the end, the government and the country fell to communist North Vietnam. The US had never experienced such a military defeat in its history. The causes of this monumental defeat may not have been clear at first, but through memoirs such as Philip Caputo s Rumor of War and other historical accounts of the war, we now have a better sense of what truly led to America s loss. AsRead MoreProblems With The Vietnamese War Veterans1609 Words   |  7 Pagesthe Vietnamese war veterans face and at the end there will be ways that can help, how they were treated and viewed by their fellow countrymen when they returned back home. How did it impact Countries/governments and who protested against the Vietnam War. All these question will be answered on the main paragraphs bellow. What was the problem for the Vietnamese war veterans? Problem that the Vietnamese war veterans faced was the psychological effects which was very common for Vietnam veterans to haveRead MoreHow Were The Us Soldiers Affected By The Vietnam War?1281 Words   |  6 Pages US History Date How were the US soldiers affected by the Vietnam War The war in Vietnam was a war against communism that tore apart the US. The United States of America plunged together with its allies and played a tremendous role as far as fight against communism is concerned. A huge number of American soldiers were deployed in Vietnam a practice that coupled with much unpreparedness. The soldiers were not aware what exactly they were up to in Vietnam. Most Americans at the time were veryRead MoreEssay on Shattered Youth: How the Vietnam War Changed a Generation1591 Words   |  7 PagesThe Vietnam War is a conflict that was extremely polarizing to people in the United States and words such as ‘wasted’ or ‘quagmire’ are negative words associated with the war. In his book A Rumor of War, Philip Caputo provides a personal account of events that he experienced leading up to and during the war as a soldier in the United States Marine Corps. Caputo’s experiences transform his idealistic views of war when he is faced wit h the realities of combat, and ultimately the events cause him toRead MoreThe Things They Carried By Tim O Brien878 Words   |  4 PagesThe Things They Carried is more than a story of physical warfare during the Vietnam War, but the battle of inner demons as well. In his novel, Tim O’ Brien takes us deep within the lives of his semi-fictional platoon in the midst of the Vietnam War in which he elaborates upon the harsh realities soldiers faced every day. O’ Brien claims, â€Å"They carried all they could bear, and then some, including a silent awe for the terrible power of the things they carried.† We see here that O’ Brien’s main purposeRead MoreHow Did The War Affect The Vietnam War?1525 Words   |  7 PagesVietnamese war veterans face and at the end there will be ways that can help. In this essay I will be showing my findings/ research and answer my research topic which how did the war affect these soldiers. I will be discussing/finding pr oblems like how the Vietnamese war. How they were treated and viewed by their fellow countrymen when they returned back home. How did it impact Countries/governments and who protested against the Vietnam War. What was the problem for the Vietnamese war veterans? ProblemRead MoreThe Things They Carried By Tim O Brien1737 Words   |  7 PagesAfterlife of War Tim O’Brien’s â€Å"The Things They Carried† is based on what soldiers went through facing war, and what they carried physically as well as emotionally. All of this pressure from war can cause and has caused post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the soldiers. â€Å"PTSD is the development of a set of symptoms in the aftermath of psychologically distressing event—an event â€Å"outside the range of normal human experience.†Ã¢â‚¬  (Roberts 3). PTSD is a disorder that can happen to anyone, but manyRead MoreThe Man I Killed By Tim OBrien1563 Words   |  7 PagesWar is a constant in the world we live in. Wars are fought over people, land, religion, ideals, and freedom. A prominent war in Americas history is the Vietnam War, which took the lives of thousands of soldiers and civilians alike and neither side wanted to keep the violence going. â€Å"The Man I Killed† by Tim O’Brien explores the psychological effects of someone in a wa r setting. While â€Å"Military Service, Exposure to Trauma, and Health in Older Adulthood: An Analysis of Northern Vietnamese Survivors

Teen Pregnancy And Teenage Pregnancy - 1456 Words

About one-third of American girls will become pregnant as teenagers (Kristof). Clearly, teen pregnancy is a concern among many people in the U.S. One way to help the teen pregnancy statistics would be birth control. Teenagers should have more access to birth control, particularly LARCs (long-acting reversible contraceptives), and be more informed about it. There are many reasons why this should be. For starters, it would help the child and the mother. It could also help the U.S. not be so high on the list of number of teen pregnancies in the world. Over time, better access to birth control could significantly decrease the number of teen moms. IUDs, short for intrauterine devices, are a specific type of birth control that could further help this problem. Teens would also be more likely to use birth control if they are informed about it. When teen girls become pregnant, they are often hurting their own lives, as well as the lives of the children they’re bringing into the world. Imagine an adorable little baby, born to a mother that doesn’t have the resources to give the best life possible to him or her. Unfortunately, this is a sad reality for many children born to teen moms. A teenager who has a baby often derails her own education and puts the child on a troubled trajectory as well (Kristof). Childbearing during the teen years can carry health, economic, and social costs for mothers and their children (Few Teens Use the Most Effective Types of Birth Control). Children bornShow MoreRelatedTeenage Pregnancy And Teen Pregnancy1664 Words   |  7 PagesTerrazas English 4 Miss Stahlecker 4 November 2015 Teenage Pregnancy According to cda.org, in 2013, a total of 273,105 babies were born to women that were in between the ages of 15-19 years old. Teenage pregnancy is a major concern in today’s society. This paper will talk about teenage pregnancy, statistics, ways to prevent teenage pregnancy, and after birth options. So why is teenage pregnancy so important? Some people are concerned about teens getting pregnant at such an early age. There areRead MoreTeenage Pregnancy And Teen Pregnancy1546 Words   |  7 PagesTeenage pregnancy is pregnancy in human females under the age of 20 at the time that the pregnancy ends. Low-income communities have the highest teenage pregnancy rates in the United States. Because of the fact that this is a very controversial issue in the United States, it is very important that most questions be addressed. Questions like, why is a teenage girl in Mississippi four times as likely to give birth as a teenage girl in New Hampshire? Or why is the teen birth rate in Massachusetts 19Read MoreTeen Pregnancy : Teenage Pregnancy1404 Words   |  6 PagesLauryn Jones Block 5 4/27/16 What is Teen Pregnancy? Teenage pregnancy is pregnancy in human females under the age of 20. A girl can become pregnant from sexual intercourse after she has begun to ovulate which can be before her first menstrual period, but usually occurs after the onset of her periods. In well-nourished girls, menarche usually takes place around the age of 12 or 13. Most teenage girls don t plan to get pregnant, but many do. Teen pregnancies carry extra health risks to both the motherRead MoreTeenage Pregnancy And Teen Pregnancy1743 Words   |  7 Pagesnegative media teenage mothers struggle to find the positive sides to motherhood. Teenage pregnancy can be dificult and life changing, but unlike the renowned negative beliefs all over the world, there are positive sides to teenage pregnancy. Most research that is done on teen pregnancy is based on the hardships and struggles on teen mothers, making it easy to forget the good that can come from teen pregnancy. A teenage mother can create a good l ife for herself and her children. Teenage mothers areRead MoreTeenage Pregnancy And Teen Pregnancy905 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"16 and Pregnant†/ â€Å"Teen Mom† Promote or Discourage Teenage Pregnancy? (Agree/Promote) When it comes to the topic of do TV shows like â€Å"16 and Pregnant† and â€Å"Teen Mom† promote or discourage teenage pregnancy, most of us will readily agree that it in fact does promote teenage pregnancy. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of how does this promote teenage pregnancy. Whereas some are convinced that it promotes teenage pregnancy through the fame some of the young couples haveRead MoreTeenage Pregnancy And Teen Pregnancy871 Words   |  4 Pagesof do TV shows like â€Å"16 and Pregnant† and â€Å"Teen Mom† promote or discourage teenage pregnancy, most of us will readily agree that it in fact does promote teenage pregnancy. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of how does this promote teenage pregnancy. Whereas some are convinced that it promotes teenage pregnancy through the fame some of the young couples have achieved, others maintain that it in fact discourages teenage pregnancy by showing the struggles and realities ofRead MoreTeenage Pregnancy And Teen Pregnancy1057 Words   |  5 PagesTeenage pregnancy is a common thing here in America. It seems teens are getting pregnant more than the average married couple. There are some risk factors teen moms face and there is also another great turn outs. There is a major difference between the two. It’s important to tell teens the turnouts of teen pregnancy for the good and bad parts. There are risks of having sex, teen moms can make a difference for her and the baby, the risk of having HIV and/or any other STD’s, and the effects on theRead MoreTeenage Pregnancy And Teen Pregnancy1341 Words   |  6 PagesTeenage pregnancy is a prominent dilemma in our nation because it continues to place adolescents into delinquency. According to the United States Health and Human Services, three out of ten American teen girls will become pregnant at least once before they reach the age of twenty. That is nearly 750 ,000 teen pregnancies in a year (1) (HHS Pg.2 2014). Also according to U.S. Department of State, teen pregnancy budgets the United States and tax payers approximately seven billion dollars annually (2)Read MoreTeenage Pregnancy And Teen Pregnancy2089 Words   |  9 Pagessurprise me since this is something common here in the Imperial Valley; we have such a high rate of teen pregnancy. What really caught my attention was that she was not alone; she had in her cart a toddler that kept referring her to mom. All I could think of was that such a young girl should not be concerned with raising a child, especially not two. Most young girls should be spending their teen years hanging out with their friends, going to parties, and enjoying school, but getting pregnant soRead MoreTeenage Pregnancy And Teen Pregnancy1328 Words   |  6 PagesTeenage pregnancy has been famously depicted as a situation that involves the female adolescents. For one to be dubbed as a pregnant teenager, she oug ht to be at the early age of twelve years though in most scenarios it has been fourteen and older. In the developed as well as developing countries, the cause of the teenage pregnancy has been common with most of them being related to the specific situation of the teenager as well as the group that the teenager interacts with. However, the rate of the

The First Confession free essay sample

A look at Frank O Connors First Impression. This paper examines what is probably now the best known of O?Connor?s works, the short story ?The First Confession?, examining three different critical perspectives on this story that help us to understand both its individual merit and its importance as an example of O?Connor?s style and wit and the larger place that short stories (and particularly Irish short stories) have held in the literature of the English-speaking world since World War I and especially since World War II. From the paper: Frank O?Connor was the literary pseudonym of Michael ODonovan. But given the quality and breadth of his work, it is hard to understand why this Irish playwright, novelist, and short-story writer who, as a critic and as a translator of Gaelic works from the 9th to the 20th century, served as one of the most important and influential interpreters of Irish life and literature to the English-speaking world would want to hide his light under the bushel of a nom de plume. We will write a custom essay sample on The First Confession or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page

Team and Decision Making Essay Sample free essay sample

( 1 ) Knowing squad functions are of import in the success of any squads. Tasking is an indispensable portion of any squad. Tasking varies from single to single. It is dependent on the features one possesses. In order to go effectual and efficient in a squad function. the undertaking assigned to him must good accommodate his potencies and abilities. Harmonizing to Belbin. there are different sorts of squad functions categorized in three groups ; the Action Oriented ( Harper. Implementer and Completer-Finisher ) . Peoples Oriented ( Coordinator. Team Worker and Resource Investigator ) and Thought Oriented ( Plant. Monitor-Evaluator and Specialist ) . At squad that is executing at its best is an index that the squad members have clear duties and those duties are being undertaken good. ( Belbin’s Team Roles ) ( 2 ) Pitfalls in determination doing commonly go on though it should be eliminated. A type of booby trap frequently committed. is the inclination of the determination devising in a group to go inefficient in the long class. We will write a custom essay sample on Team and Decision Making Essay Sample or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Sometimes. people tend to do the same errors over and over once more. It is a natural inclination to go so used to an old procedure by utilizing it over clip and someway develop complacence with it that sometimes yield to uneffective consequences. To avoid such errors. the group must on a regular basis measure the effectivity of the determinations they have made in the yesteryear. They must be nonsubjective in indicating out dissatisfactions and mistakes in the past determinations they had. and assess if the theoretical account for determination devising that they are utilizing is still efficient for them and seek to do usage of other theoretical accounts come the clip that the results are no longer efficient and productive for the group ( Lahti ) . It will be utile to revise certain parts of the usual procedure and do certain non to perpetrate the same mistakes in the past theoretical accounts used. Mentions Belbin’s Team Roles. Retrieved Oct 5. 2007 from hypertext transfer protocol: //www. mindtools. com Lahti. Ryan. Group Decision Making Within the Organization: Can Model Help? Retrieved Oct 5. 2007 from hypertext transfer protocol: //www. workteams. unt. edu/old/reports/lahti. htm

Steroids in Sports Essay Example

Steroids in Sports Essay Most young athletes can demonstrate to the fact that the competitive urge to win — and win at all costs — is furious. Besides the glory of bragging rights and the fulfillment of personal gain, over and over again young athletes struggle in the pursuit of greater dreams — a award for their country, a college scholarship or a position in a professional team. (Robert H. Coombs, Louis Jolyon West, 1991) For an increasing number of athletes, winning at all costs includes taking performance-enhancing drugs. Some may appear to achieve physical gains from such drugs, but at what cost? The truth is, the long-term effects of these drugs havent been rigorously studied. And short-term benefits are enjoyed by many drawbacks. Take the time to learn about the benefits, dangers and many unknowns concerning alleged performance-enhancing drugs. (Robert H. Coombs, Louis Jolyon West, 1991) â€Å"Anabolic steroids is the well-known name for man-made substances linked to the male sex hormones (e.g., testosterone). They prop up the augmentation of skeletal muscle (anabolic effects) and the development of male sexual characters in both males and females. The term anabolic steroids will be used in this report because of its acquaintance, although the appropriate term for this composite is anabolic-androgenic steroids. (Robert H. Coombs, Louis Jolyon West, 1991) We will write a custom essay sample on Steroids in Sports specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Steroids in Sports specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Steroids in Sports specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Anabolic steroids were primed in the late 1930s mainly to treat hypogonadism, an ailment in which the testes do not create sufficient testosterone for typical growth, maturity, and sexual performance. The primary medical uses of these compounds are to treat overdue puberty, various types of impotence, and wasting of the body caused by certain diseases. (Nick A. Evans, 2004). During the 1930s, scientists discovered that anabolic steroids could facilitate the growth of skeletal muscle in laboratory animals, which led to abuse of the compounds first by bodybuilders and weightlifters and then by athletes in other sports. Steroid abuse has become so prevalent in athletics that it can have an effect on the outcome of sports competitions. (Nick A. Evans, 2004). In the United States, supplements such as tetrahydrogestrinone (THG) and androstenedione (street name Andro) formerly could be bought lawfully without a prescription through various commercial resources, including health food stores. Steroidal supplements can be converted into testosterone or an analogous compound in the body. Not as much of is known about the side effects of steroidal supplements, but if large quantities of these compounds substantially increase testosterone levels in the body, then they also are likely to produce the same side effects as anabolic steroids themselves. The purchase of these supplements, with the notable exception of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), became illegal after the passage in 2004 of amendments to the Controlled Substances Act. (Nick A. Evans, 2004). Steroid abuse affects individuals of various ages. However, it is difficult to guesstimate the true incidence of steroid abuse in the United States because many data sources that measure drug abuse do not comprise steroids. Scientific evidence indicates that anabolic steroid abuse among athletes may range between 1-6%. (Barrie Houlihan, 1997). One of the main reasons people give for abusing steroids is to develop their athletic performance. Among athletes, steroid abuse has been estimated to be less that 6 percent according to surveys, but anecdotal information suggests more widespread abuse. Although testing procedures are now in place to discourage steroid abuse among professional and Olympic athletes, new designer drugs constantly become available that can escape detection and place athletes willing to deceive one step ahead of testing efforts. (Matthew J. Mitten, 2005) Another justification people give for using steroids is to increase their muscle size or to decrease their body fat. This group includes people suffering from the behavioral syndrome called muscle dysmorphia, which causes them to have an indistinct image of their bodies. Men with muscle dysmorphia think that they look small and weak, even if they are large and muscular. Likewise, women with this condition think that they look fat and flabby, even though they are actually lean and muscular. (Kent F. Burnett, Mark E. Kleiman, 1994) Some anabolic steroids are taken by mouth, others are injected, and still others are supplied in gels or creams that are applied to the skin. Doses taken by abusers can be 10 to 100 times more than the doses given for medical conditions. (Kent F. Burnett, Mark E. Kleiman, 1994) Although numerous clinical studies have been conducted, there is limited evidence supporting the efficacy of anabolic steroids in enhancing athletic performance in sports. Unfortunately, the anabolic steroids’ literature is littered with design problems. The most significant methodological problem is the disparity in dosing strategies between clinical trials and real-world use. (Kent F. Burnett, Mark E. Kleiman, 1994) When used by athletes, the anabolic steroids are typically stacked. That is, the drugs are administered in cycles of gradually increasing doses and additional anabolic steroid agents are added along the way. Stacking cycles typically last between 7 and 14 weeks and often involve 2-3 oral agents along with 1 or 2 long-acting injectable AASs. By contrast, clinical investigators are justifiably restricted from duplicating these regimens in experimental situations for ethical reasons. As a result, studies are typically limited to the use of 1 agent, either oral or injection. Athletes tend to use oral agents in doses similar to those in clinical trials, but often use injectable agents in doses 3-8 times greater than those in clinical studies. Further exacerbating this problem is the issue of effect size. For example, a 1% improvement would be difficult to demonstrate statistically in a clinical trial setting, but in world-class athletics it could be the difference between a gold medal and last place. (Kent F. Burnett, Mark E. Kleiman, 1994) These findings lead us, as consumers of the biomedical literature, to the conclusion that past studies of anabolic steroids may be of limited value in determining the efficacy and toxicity of these agents under current athletic use. In spite of a lack of comprehensive scientific evidence, however, there is little doubt that anabolic steroids can produce a significant ergogenic effect. As with many other substances of abuse,   steroid users often possess a more sophisticated pharmacologic understanding than the general population, and counseling patients regarding the effects of these agents is often problematic. (Will H. Courtenay, 2000) Steroids are often abused in patterns called cycling, which involve taking many doses of steroids over a definite period of time, holding for a period, and resuming again. Users also recurrently combine more than a few dissimilar types of steroids in a method known as stacking. Steroid abusers typically stack the drugs, denoting that they take two or more dissimilar anabolic steroids, mixing oral and/or injectable types, and occasionally even including compounds that are designed for veterinary use. Abusers think that the dissimilar steroids act together to produce an effect on muscle size that is greater than the effects of each drug separately, a theory that has not been tested scientifically yet. (Will H. Courtenay, 2000) Another manner of steroid abuse is referred to as pyramiding. This is a process in which users slowly escalate steroid abuse (increasing the number of steroids or the dose and frequency of one or more steroids used at one time), getting a peak amount at mid-cycle and steadily tapering the dose toward the end of the cycle. Time and again, steroid abusers pyramid their doses in cycles of 6 to 12 weeks.   At start of a cycle, the person starts with low doses of the drugs being stacked and then gradually escalates the doses. In the second half of the cycle, the doses are slowly tapered to zero. This is at times followed by a second cycle in which the person continues to train but with no drugs. Abusers trust that pyramiding allows the body time to regulate to the high doses, and the drug-free cycle lets the bodys hormonal system time to recover. Same as stacking, the perceived benefits of pyramiding and cycling have not been validated scientifically. (Will H. Courtenay, 2000) Anabolic steroid abuse has been related with a wide range of unfavorable side effects ranging from some that are physically unattractive, such as acne and breast development in men, disfiguring of facial appearance to others that are life threatening, such as heart attacks and liver cancer etc. They can have impact on abusers hormonal system, musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, liver, skin and immune system as well. Most of them are reversible if the abuser quit taking the drugs, but some are everlasting, such as voice deepening in females. (Will H. Courtenay, 2000) Case reports and small studies indicate that anabolic steroids, when used in high doses, increase irritability and aggression. Some steroid abusers confessed that they have committed aggressive acts, such as physical fighting or theft, robbery, burglary and rape. Abusers who have committed violent acts or property offenses generally account that they engage in these behaviors usually when they take steroids than when they are drug free. A recent study suggests that the mood and behavioral effects noticed during anabolic steroid abuse may result from secondary hormonal changes. (Will H. Courtenay, 2000) An undetermined percentage of steroid abusers may become addicted to the drugs, as evidenced by their continued abuse despite physical problems and negative effects on social relations. The most dangerous of the abandonment symptoms is depression, because it sometimes leads to suicide efforts. If left untreated, some depressive symptoms related with anabolic steroid withdrawal have been acknowledged to continue for a year or more after the abuser quits using the drugs. (Matthew J. Mitten, 2005) Most prevention efforts in the United States today focus on athletes involved with the Olympics and professional sports; few school districts test for abuse of illicit drugs. Research on steroid educational programs has revealed that simply instructing students about steroids adverse effects does not persuade adolescents that they can be unfavorably affected. Nor does such lesson discourage young people from using steroids in the upcoming days. Presenting both the benefits and risks of anabolic steroid use puts additional effect in convincing adolescents regarding steroids harmful effects. (Robert E. Sallis, 1997) Few studies of treatments for anabolic steroid abuse have been conducted. Current information is based largely on the understandings of a small number of physicians who have observed patients undergoing steroid removal. The physicians have found that supportive therapy is enough in a few cases. Patients are educated about what they may experience during withdrawal and are assessed for suicidal feelings. If subjective symptoms are grave or prolonged, medicines or hospitalization may be required. (Matthew J. Mitten, 2005) Some medicines that have been used to treat steroid withdrawal reinstate the hormonal system after its disturbance by steroid abuse. Other medications aim specific removal symptoms—for example, antidepressants to treat depression and analgesics (pain killers) for headaches and muscle and joint pains. (Matthew J. Mitten, 2005) Some patients require help beyond medicinal treatment of withdrawal symptoms and are treated with behavioral rehabilitation. (Matthew J. Mitten, 2005) â€Å"A real life Interview with Dr. Robert† An interview was held with the head of the department of family medicine of an American University. In this interview, Dr. Robert explains the role of family physicians in identifying and educating their patients regarding prohibited substances. He is the author of numerous scientific publications. (Stephens, T. 1988) â€Å"Tips that alert physicians† There are symptoms that can be connected to specific types of substances. If youve got people coming in for infertility, concerns related to the prostate, breast enlargement in males, or acne — these can be signs of anabolic steroid abuse. In females, acne, deepening of voice and facial hair growth can be suspect. If you have known a patient for many years and see atypical changes in their morphology or anatomy, you can start to be critically suspicious. A few changes are so visual, you can not miss it. Physicians have both the visual assessment of the patient as well as symptoms record. Other tips might be libido disorders or aggression. An enlargement of the jaw, protruding forehead, a sudden improvement in vision, or signs of abnormal foot growth in adults could be from misuse of growth hormones. (Stephens, T. 1988) â€Å"A diseased person has a prospect of getting well by personal effort. He cannot borrow health from others.† —  Ã‚  Ã‚   Gandhiji Our role is to look into this, and we know human metabolism fairly well. We know the chemical structure of substances and their metabolites. Modern anti-doping tests are quite sensitive. We work with pharmaceutical companies who have primary information on their substances to really understand how the drug is metabolized. (Stephens, T. 1988) On the other hand, there are substances present in certain foods that could be part of the composition of certain medicines that can be abused for doping. With these, we usually create a threshold to make sure we would not t consider an undesirable analytical finding. Or we try to find another metabolite, which is usually possible, to keep away from misidentification. We are very careful about this. Mostly, it is not a problem. We sometimes hear of athletes getting in trouble because of use of over-the-counter cold and allergy remedies. (Stephens, T. 1988) Antihistamines are not on the list of prohibited substances, but some related products like ephedrine contain prohibited substances. You have to read the label to make sure before use. Ephedrine is on the prohibited list but has a threshold substance. People taking those kinds of substances in standard quantities prescribed by a physician are not at risk of testing positive. (Stephens, T. 1988) â€Å"What Sports having a serious problem with doping?† They all do, and at all levels. The bad news is that there is no sport and no country thats immune to the risk. The good news is that â€Å"cat is running after the mouse, it tries to catch it when the later tries to escape†. (Stephens, T. 1988) If one takes micro doses of substances, can be easily overlooked alone with classical physical examination. You have to use blood analysis and see if your patient has high hematocrit values. Further, not all substances can be suspected with visual examination. (Stephens, T. 1988) They should be alert that abuse of performance enhancing drugs is not unusual. Im convinced that if they are careful, doctors can identify some of those people in their patient population. Talking to athletic patients, asking if they use anything to boost their performance, some patients might be admitting it. Doctors are in a much honored position to inform patients of the risks related with performance enhancing drugs. (Stephens, T. 1988) Anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, and other doping substances can lead to kidney problems, cardiovascular risks, mood swings, and many other health disorders. They can not only have an impact on sexual aspects of peoples lives but also on personality as well. The impact on their private lives is huge. Many risks are misrepresented by the manufacturers of those products, by people who are selling them in gyms, or by associates who really dont know the risks. They enjoy the immediate benefit of taking the drugs without forecasting the long-term toxicity and bad health impact. (Stephens, T. 1988) I think the primary role of physicians, when they recognize such patients, is to inform them look, between you and me, youre taking this substance, but do you know the risks? And remember, abusers of these substances can be pretty creative in their clarifications. (Stephens, T. 1988) The independent U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) tests athletes for banned substances, investigates doping allegations and imposes sanctions. The agency is aggressively working with the federal government to root out drug cheats before the Athens Games. www.sportsmedicine.about.com/gi/dynamic USADA conducts random drug tests, and all elite athletes are tested several times a year. 1,275 tests were conducted on track and field athletes last year – 618 out of competition, 657 during meets. www.sportsmedicine.about.com/gi/dynamic USADA imposed bans on four athletes who tested positive for the steroid THG last year. The agency has begun prosecuting athletes for a â€Å"non-analytical positive† – meaning circumstantial evidence of doping can be used to sanction an athlete absent conclusive test results. USADA recently notified several U.S track stars that they are under suspicion for drug violations and could face suspensions. Cases may be expedited at the USADA’s discretion. www.sportsmedicine.about.com/gi/dynamic Kelli White was the first major casualty if the BALCO scandal. After admitting to doping violations based on evidence uncovered in a federal probe of the lab, White received a two-year ban by the USADA and was forced to forfeit the 100- and 200-meter world titles she won last year in Paris. www.sportsmedicine.about.com/gi/dynamic White tested positive for the stimulant modafinil after the 2003 World Championships. She said a doctor connected with BALCO prescribed the drug to treat narcolepsy. White later admitted to also taking banned steroids and the blood-boosting hormone EPO. White’s coach, Remy Korchemny, is one of four men connected with BALCO who have been charged with steroid distribution. White has said she may not return to track when her suspension is lifted. www.sportsmedicine.about.com/gi/dynamic In conclusion, the problems associated with the use of drugs in sport are many and complex and it is not possible to provide any quick or easy solution. Indeed, in this particularly difficult policy area, it might be appropriate to recall once again the words of Goode to the effect that, in such policy areas, there may be no ideal solution and that it may well be that we are forced to accept, â€Å"the least bad of an array of very bad options† (Goode, 1997).

The Eight Types of Alternative Fuel

The Eight Types of Alternative Fuel Free Online Research Papers There are different kinds of alternative fuels in the world at present. There are eight different types of alternative fuels which are Ethanol, Natural Gas, Propane, Hydrogen, Bio-Diesel, Electricity, Methanol and P-series. All these alternative fuels have different properties, different source used, and different vehicles used and different impact on the environment and on the world. But one point to be noted is that even though they have different impact on environment, alternative fuels in vehicles can generally reduce harmful pollutants and exhaust emissions. Another interesting fact I found about these fuels in particular is that they can rather be domestically produced and can be derived from renewable resource but the fossil fuels which are being used today such as petroleum and diesel cannot be derived from renewable source. Once these fossil fuels will be extinct alternative fuels are the one which will come to use. I personally think that if even a small majority of the people in the world start using alternative fuels then the pollution and disease will decline and the pressure on fossil fuels, of course, will decrease. The advantages to use alternative fuels are massive. The impact of alternative fuels can have on earth, on people, on so many things is just great. Using alternative fuels can change a lot of things on earth a pollution free place. Here are some possible alternative means of propulsion for road vehicles. 1. Biodiesel 2. Electricity 3. Ethanol 4. Hydrogen 5. Natural Gas 6. Propane BIODIESEL Biodiesel is a fuel made by chemically reacting alcohol with vegetable oils, fats or greases, such as recycled restaurant greases. It is most often used in blends of two percent or 20 percent (B20) Biodiesel. It can also be used as neat Biodiesel (B100). Biodiesel fuels are compatible with and can be used in unmodified diesel engines with the existing fuelling infrastructure. It is the fastest growing alternative transportation fuel in the U.S. Biodiesel contains virtually no sulphur, so it can reduce sulphur levels in the nation’s diesel fuel supply. Removing sulphur from petroleum based fuel results in poor lubrication. Biodiesel is a superior lubricant and can restore the lubricity of diesel fuel in blends of only one or two percent. Biodiesel can also improve the smell of diesel fuel, sometimes smelling like French fries. B100 and Biodiesel blends are sensitive to cold weather and may require special anti-freeze, as petroleum-based diesel fuel does. Biodiesel acts like a detergent additive, loosening and dissolving sediments in storage tanks. Because Biodiesel is a solvent, B100 may cause rubber and other components to fail in vehicles manufactured before 1994. Using B20 minimizes these problems. Environmental Impacts: Biodiesel is renewable, safe, and biodegradable, and reduces serious air pollutants such as particulates, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and air toxics. Emissions of nitrogen oxides, however, increase slightly with the concentration of Biodiesel in the blend. Biodiesel’s fuel characteristics exceed those of petroleum-based diesel in cetane number, resulting in superior ignition. Therefore, Biodiesel has a higher flash point, making it more versatile where safety is concerned. Horsepower, torque, and fuel economy are comparable to diesel. Benefits of Biodiesel Use: Biodiesel Displaces Imported Petroleum. Biodiesel Reduces Emissions. Biodiesel Improves Lubricity. Biodiesel is Easy to Use. Average emission impacts of Biodiesel fuels in CI engines Drawbacks of Biodiesel Use: Biodiesel contains 8% less energy per gallon than typical No. 2 diesel in the United States; 12.5% less energy per pound. The difference between these two measurements is caused by the fact that Biodiesel is slightly denser than diesel fuel, so there are slightly more pounds in a gallon of fuel. All Biodiesel, regardless of its feedstock, provides about the same amount of energy. Safety, Health and Environmental Issues: Biodiesel contains no hazardous materials and is generally regarded as safe to use. Like any fuel, certain fire safety precautions must be taken. Appendix III contains a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) with details on concerns in these areas. A number of studies have found that Biodiesel biodegrades much more rapidly than conventional diesel. Users in environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, marine environments, and national parks have taken advantage of this property. ELECTRICITY In 1891, William Morrison of Des Moines, Iowa, developed the first electric car. By the turn of the century, dedicated electric vehicles (EVs) outnumbered their gasoline-powered counterparts by two-to-one. Today there are about 10,500 dedicated EVs in use in the United States, mostly in the West and South. Researchers are still working on the same problem that plagued those early dedicated EVsan efficient battery. Battery Limitations: Dedicated electric vehicles must have batteries that can be discharged and recharged repeatedly. Since most batteries can’t store large amounts of energy, a dedicated electric vehicle must carry as many batteries as possible. In some dedicated EVs, the batteries constitute almost half the weight of the car. The typical dedicated EV battery pack must be replaced every 20,000 to 30,000 miles, a big expense in itself. Tax incentives can offset some of these costs. The batteries limit the range of a dedicated EV, which is determined by the amount of energy stored in its battery pack. The more batteries a dedicated EV can carry, the more range it can attain, to a point. Too many batteries can weigh down a vehicle, reducing its load-carrying capacity and range, and causing it to use more energy. The typical dedicated EV can only travel 50 to 130 miles between charges. This driving range assumes perfect driving conditions and vehicle maintenance. Weather conditions, terrain, and some accessory use can significantly reduce the range. Dedicated EVs, therefore, have found a niche market as neighborhood or low speed vehicles for consumers going short distances at speeds of 30 mph or less. The batteries used in EVs today include lead-acid, NiCad, NiMH, nickel iron, and nickel zinc. Extensive research is being conducted on advanced batteries that will increase electric vehicle range. Some of these batteries are scaled-up versions of the batteries used in portable computers. Such advanced batteries could double the current range of electric vehicles, and hold promise for being longer lived. Environmental Impacts: Dedicated electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions, but producing the electricity to charge them can. EVs are really coal, nuclear, hydropower, oil, and natural gas cars, because these fuels produce most of the electricity in the U.S. Coal alone generates more than half of our electricity. When fossil fuels are burned, pollutants are produced like those emitted from the tailpipe of a gasoline-powered automobile. Power plant emissions, however, are easier to control than tailpipe emissions. Emissions from power plants are strictly regulated, controlled with sophisticated technology, and monitored continuously. In addition, power plants are usually located outside major centers of urban air pollution. Maintenance: The low maintenance of dedicated electric vehicles is appealing to many consumers. Dedicated EVs acquire no tune-ups, oil changes, water pumps, radiators, injectors, or tailpipes. And no more trips to the service station. Dedicated EVs can be refueled at home at night, when electric rates are low, making the fuel cost comparable to or lower than gasoline. There are also more than 600 refueling stations, mostly in California and Arkansas. HYBRIDS HEVS HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) may be the best alternative vehicle for the near future, especially for the individual consumer. HEVs offer many of the energy and environmental advantages of the dedicated electric vehicle without the drawbacks. Hybrids are powered by two energy sources an energy conversion unit (such as a combustion engine or fuel cell) and an energy storage device (such as battery, flywheel, or ultra capacitor). The energy conversion unit can be powered by gasoline, methanol, compressed natural gas, hydrogen, or other alternative fuels. HEVs have the potential to be two to three times more fuel-efficient than conventional vehicles. HEVs can have either a parallel or series design. In a parallel design, the energy conversion unit and electric propulsion system are connected directly to the vehicles wheels. The primary engine is used for highway driving; the electric motor provides added power during hill climbs, acceleration, and other periods of high demand. In a se ries design, the primary engine is connected to a generator that produces electricity. The electricity charges the batteries and drives an electric motor that powers the wheels. Hybrid power systems were designed as a way to compensate for the limitations of dedicated EVs. Because batteries can only supply power for short trips, a generator powered by an internal combustion engine was added to increase range. A HEV can function as a purely electric vehicle for short trips, only using the internal combustion engine when longer range is required. HEVs on the market today combine an internal combustion engine with a battery and electric motor, resulting in vehicles with twice the fuel economy of conventional vehicles. Depending on driving conditions, one or both are used to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize emissions, without sacrificing performance. An HEV battery doesn’t have to be recharged. It has a generator powered by the internal combustion engine to recharge the batt eries whenever they are low. A regenerative braking system captures excess energy when the brakes are engaged. The recovered energy is also used to recharge the batteries. Environmental Impacts: The HEV provides extended range and rapid refueling, as well as significant environmental benefits, reducing pollutants by one-third to one half. Their range and fuel economy will make them attractive to consumers as more models become available to meet their needs. ETHANOL History of Ethanol: Ethanol is not a new product. It was widely used before the Civil War. In 1908, Henry Ford designed his Model T to run on a mixture of gasoline and alcohol, calling it the fuel of the future. In 1919, the ethanol industry received a blow when Prohibition began. Since ethanol was considered liquor, it could only be sold when it was denatured rendered poisonous by the addition of petroleum components. With the end of Prohibition in 1933, interest in the use of ethanol increased. Ethanol as a Fuel: In the 1970s, the oil embargoes revived interest in ethanol as an alternative fuel. Today, more than fifty ethanol plants, mostly in the Midwest, produce over a billion gallons of ethanol. Gasoline containing ten percent ethanolE10is widely used in urban areas that fail to meet standards for carbon monoxide and ozone. Since ethanol contains oxygen, using it as a fuel additive results in up to 25 percent fewer carbon monoxide emissions than conventional gasoline. E10 is not considered an alternative fuel under EPACT, but a replacement fuel. There are about three million vehicles on the road today using ethanol blends. Vehicles are not converted to run on E85, they are manufactured. Flexible fuel vehicles (FFV) are designed to use any combination of ethanol and gasoline up to 85 percent ethanol. E85, a fuel that is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline is used mainly in the Midwest and South. There are about 150,000 light-duty vehicles using this fuel, serviced by ethanol fueling stations. Nearly half of these are private vehicles; the rest are federal, state and local government fleet vehicles. The cost of E85 is equivalent to mid-grade gasoline. The fueling process for E85 is the same as for gasoline, however, vehicle range is about 15 percent less. With an octane rating of 100, power acceleration, payload capacity, and cruise speed are comparable to gasoline. Maintenance is also similar. Ethanol is made from domestic, renewable feed stocks. It can reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Using ethanol can also reduce carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide emissions. Ethanol is made from crops that absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. This carbon cycle maintains the balance of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere when using ethanol as a fuel. As new technologies for producing ethanol from all parts of plants and trees become economical, the production and use of ethanol should increase dramatically. Natural Gas (CNG/LNG) The natural gas we use for heating, cooking, clothes drying, and water heating can also be a clean burning transportation fuel when compressed or liquefied. Natural gas vehicles burn so cleanly that they are used to carry TV cameras and reporters ahead of the runners in marathons. Natural gas is a nonrenewable fossil fuel with plentiful supplies in the United States. Its chemical formula is CH4. CNG- COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS Natural gas is usually placed in pressurized tanks when used as a transportation fuel. Even compressed to 2,400-3,600 pounds per square inch (psi), it still has only about one-third as much energy per gallon as gasoline. As a result, natural gas vehicles typically have a shorter range, unless additional fuel tanks are added, which can reduce payload capacity. With an octane rating of 120+, power, acceleration and cruise speed are comparable. Today, there are about 144,000 CNG vehicles in operation in the U.S., mostly in the South and West. About half are privately owned and half are vehicles owned by local, state, and Federal government agencies. Vehicles manufactured to run on CNG are available from several manufacturers. A gasoline engine can also be converted to run on CNG at a cost of $2,000-3,000, depending on the number of fuel tanks installed. The lower price of natural gas and tax incentives can help offset the cost of conversion. Some people are concerned about the safety of using CNG as a fuel. CNG tanks are designed for high pressures; they are many times stronger than normal gasoline tanks. It is much less likely that CNG fuel tanks will be damaged in vehicle crashes than the typical gasoline tank. Additionally, if a fuel line is accidentally severed, the natural gas that is released rises and disperses, unlike gasoline, which forms puddles. Natural gas also ignites at a much higher temperature than gasoline (1,200o Fahrenheit compared to 800o Fahrenheit), making accidental combustion of natural gas less likely. The production and distribution system for natural gas is in place, but the delivery system of stations is not extensive. Today, there are about 1,250 natural gas refueling stations in the United States, considerably less than the multitude of gasoline stations. CNG refueling stations are not always at typical gasoline stations, may not be conveniently located, and some have limited operating hours . Natural gas vehicles are well suited to business and public agencies that have their own refueling stations. Many fleets report two to three years longer service life, because the fuel is so clean-burning. Environmental Impacts: Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles emit 85-90 percent less carbon monoxide, 10-20 percent less carbon dioxide, and 90 percent fewer reactive non-methane hydrocarbons than gasoline-powered vehicles. (Reactive hydrocarbon emissions produce ozone, one of the components of smog that causes respiratory problems.) These favorable emission characteristics result because natural gas is 25% hydrogen by weight; the only combustion production of hydrogen is water vapor. LNG- LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS: There are also about 3,100 vehicles in the U.S. that run on LNG that is liquefied by cooling to 259OF. Most LNG vehicles are government-owned; there are less than 100 LNG-fueling stations at this time. The advantage of LNG is that natural gas takes up much less space as a liquid than as a gas, so the tanks can be much smaller. The disadvantage is that the fuel tanks must be kept cold, which uses fuel. PROPANE Propane is an energy-rich fossil fuel often called liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). It is colorless and odorless; an odorant called mercaptan is added to serve as a warning agent. Propane is a by-product of petroleum refining and natural gas processing. And, like all fossil fuels, it is nonrenewable. The chemical formula for propane is C3H8. Under normal atmospheric pressure and temperature, propane is a gas. Under moderate pressure and/or low temperature, however, propane can easily be changed into a liquid and stored in pressurized tanks. Propane is 270 times more compact in its liquid state than it is as a gas, making it a portable fuel. HOMES AND BUSINESS: Homes and businesses use about one-third of the propane consumed in the U.S. Propane is used mostly in rural areas that do not have natural gas service, as well as in manufactured (mobile) homes. Homes that use propane as a main energy source have a large propane tank either above or below ground that holds between 5001,000 gallons of liquid fuel. Dealers deliver propane to the residences in trucks, filling the tanks several times a year. Propane is used in homes for air conditioning, heating water, cooking and refrigerating foods, drying clothes, lighting, and fueling fireplaces. Millions of backyard cooks use gas grills for cooking. And recreational vehicles (RVs) usually have propane-fueled appliances. More than a million businesses such as hotels, schools, and restaurants use propane for heating and cooling, cooking and refrigerating food, heating water, and lighting. Environmental Impacts: Propane-fueled engines produce less air pollution than gasoline engines. Carbon monoxide emissions from engines using propane are 50 to 92 percent lower than emissions from gasoline-fueled engines. Hydrocarbon emissions are 30 to 62 percent lower. Why is propane not more widely used as a transportation fuel? The infrastructure for distributing propane is in place across the country, but it is not as conveniently available as gasoline. In 2004, there were about 3,500 LPG vehicle-fueling stations in the U.S., which cost about the same to build as gasoline stations. Second, a conventional automobile engine has to be converted to use propane fuel, at a cost of approximately $2,500. Out of all the alternative fuels available today, the alternative fuel which I consider to be the system for the most potential is â€Å"THE HYDROGEN FUEL CELLS†. Given below is the clear description of the hydrogen fuel cell which supports my statement. HYDROGEN FUEL CELLS In the future, hydrogen may provide a significant contribution to the alternative fuel mix. The space shuttles use hydrogen for fuel. Fuel cells use hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity without harmful emissions; water is the main by-product. Hydrogen is a gas at normal temperatures and pressures, which presents greater transportation and storage hurdles than liquid fuels. No distribution system currently exists. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, but it doesn’t exist on Earth as a gas; it is produced by two methods electrolysis and synthesis gas production from steam reforming or partial oxidation. Electrolysis uses electricity to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. The Department of Energy does not expect electrolysis to be the predominant method of producing large quantities of hydrogen fuel. Today, the predominant method of producing hydrogen is steam reforming of natural gas, although biomass and coal can also be used as feed stocks. High production costs have limited hydrogen as a fuel to date except in research vehicles, but research is progressing on more efficient ways to produce and use it. The largest drawback to widespread vehicle use will be storage the lower energy content of hydrogen requires fuel tanks six times larger than gasoline tanks. Its environmental benefits, however, mean that in 20 years, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles may be a common sight on the roadways of America. The Bush administration has launched a hydrogen fuel cell initiative to further research and development of this promising technology. Fuel Cells Offer Significant Improvements in Energy Efficiency and Emissions: Fuel cells represent a radically different approach to energy conversion, one that could replace conventional power generators like engines, turbines, and batteries in applications such as automobiles, power plants, and consumer electronics. Fuel cells, like batteries, directly convert chemical energy into electric power. But unlike batteries, fuel cells do not need recharging; instead they use fuel to produce power as long as the fuel is supplied. Fuel cells operate quietly and are relatively modular. Largely because of these characteristics, hydrogen-powered fuel cells promise: 1. For vehicles, over 50% reduction in fuel consumption compared to a conventional vehicle with a gasoline internal combustion engine. 2. Increased reliability of the electric power transmission grid by reducing system loads and bottlenecks. 3. Increased co-generation of energy in combined heat and power applications for buildings 4. Zero to near-zero levels of harmful emissions from vehicles and power plants 5. High energy density in a compact package for portable power applications STATUS OF HYDROGEN TODAY: Although hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, it does not naturally exist in its elemental form on Earth. Pure hydrogen must be produced from other hydrogen-containing compounds such as fossil fuels, biomass, or water. Each method of production requires a source of energy, i.e., thermal (heat), electrolytic (electricity), or photolytic (light) energy. Hydrogen is either consumed on site or distributed to end users via pipelines, trucks, or other means. Hydrogen can be stored as a liquid, gas, or chemical compound and is converted into usable energy through fuel cells or by combustion in turbines and engines. Fuel cells now in development will not only provide a new way to produce power, but will also significantly improve energy conversion efficiency, especially in transportation applications. LPG omitted because it scales the graph so trends of the other fuels are obscured. icecoolamigo@gmail.com Research Papers on The Eight Types of Alternative FuelAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfOpen Architechture a white paperGenetic EngineeringPETSTEL analysis of IndiaRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andThe Spring and AutumnRiordan Manufacturing Production PlanInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married Males