Global Issues

Here you can find some useful information to help you in your Dissertation day.

▪ Deforestation

▪ Diseases

▪ Education Worldwide

▪ Energy Crisis

▪ Water Crisis

▪ World Hunger

Global Issues: Diseases

Diseases

   

A disease is a particular abnormal condition that affects part or all of an organism not caused by external force (injury) and that consists of a disorder of a structure or function, usually serving as an evolutionary disadvantage. The study of disease is called pathology, which includes the study of cause. Disease is often construed as a medical condition associated with specific symptoms and signs. It may be caused by external factors such as pathogens or by internal dysfunctions, particularly of the immune system, such as an immunodeficiency, or by a hypersensitivity, including allergies and autoimmunity.

(Read More)

Education Reduces the Spread of Communicable Diseases: The spread of disease in developing countries is often exacerbated by a lack of public knowledge about how it is transmitted. (Read more)

▪ Water-related Diseases

▪ Diarrhoea:

Diarrhoea occurs world-wide and causes 4% of all deaths and 5% of health loss to disability. It is most commonly caused by gastrointestinal infections which kill around 2.2 million people globally each year, mostly children in developing countries. (Read more)

▪ Legionella:
Legionellosis (LEE-juh-nuh-low-sis) is a respiratory disease caused by Legionella bacteria. Sometimes the bacteria cause a serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) called Legionnaires’ disease. The bacteria can also cause a less serious infection called Pontiac fever that has symptoms similar to a mild case of the flu. (Read more)

▪ Norovirus

Norovirus causes inflammation of the stomach or intestines or both. This is called acute gastroenteritis. (Read more)

▪ Cryptosporidium

There are many species of Cryptosporidium that infect animals, some of which also infect humans. The parasite is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods of time and makes it very tolerant to chlorine disinfection. While this parasite can be spread in several different ways, water (drinking water and recreational water) is the most common way to spread the parasite. Cryptosporidium is a leading cause of waterborne disease among humans in the United States. (Read more)

▪ STDs Over the World

More than 30 different bacteria, viruses and parasites are known to be transmitted through sexual contact. Eight of these pathogens are linked to the greatest incidence of sexually transmitted disease. Of these eight infections, four are currently curable: syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. The other four are viral infections and are incurable: hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV or herpes), HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Symptoms or disease due to the incurable viral infections can be reduced or modified through treatment. (Read more)

▪ Diseases Transmitted by Food

The failure of food-handlers to wash hands in certain situations (such as after using the toilet, handling raw meat, cleaning spills, or carrying garbage), wear clean disposable gloves, or use clean utensils is responsible for the foodborne transmission of these pathogens. (Read more)

▪ Mosquito-borne Diseases

Mosquitoes cause more human suffering than any other organism -- over one million people worldwide die from mosquito-borne diseases every year. Not only can mosquitoes carry diseases that afflict humans, they also transmit several diseases and parasites that dogs and horses are very susceptible to. These include dog heartworm, West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). (Read more)

▪ Blood-borne Diseases

Blood transfusion has been and continues to be a possible source of disease transmission. A myriad of agents can potentially be transmitted through blood transfusions, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Of these, bacteria are the most commonly transmitted. (Read more)

Global Issues: World Hunger

World Hunger

   

   Although the number of undernourished people has dropped by over 20% since 1992 (216 million fewer than in 1990-92) today there are 815 million people who do not have enough to eat. This is more than the 795 million in 2014, although still down from about 900 million in 2000.
   Nearly half of all deaths in children under 5 are attributable to under nutrition. This translates into the unnecessary loss of about 3 million young lives a year.

Read more:

▪ Undernutrition contributes to nearly half of all deaths in children under 5 and is widespread in Asia and Africa

▪ THE STATE OF FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION IN THE WORLD

▪ KNOW YOUR WORLD: FACTS ABOUT HUNGER AND POVERTY

▪ World Hunger Causes

▪ Lack of Micronutrients

Quite a few trace elements or micronutrients—vitamins and minerals—are important for health. Three very important micronutrient deficiencies in terms of health consequences for poor people in developing countries are iron, Iodine and vitamin A. (Read more)

(We do not own any rights for this movie or its characters. All rights are reserved to its creators and those for whom they have given the rights.)

▪ Natural Disasters:

Disasters disrupt agricultural production and livelihoods, driving poverty and hunger. 

(Read More)

(We do not own any rights for this movie or its characters. All rights are reserved to its creators and those for whom they have given the rights.)

▪ Food Wastage

One third of all food produced (1.3 billion tons) is never consumed. This food wastage represents a missed opportunity to improve global food security in a world where one in 8 is hungry. (Read more)

(We do not own any rights for this movie or its characters. All rights are reserved to its creators and those for whom they have given the rights.)

▪ Unstable Market

In recent years, the price of food products has been very unstable. Roller-coaster food prices make it difficult for the poorest people to get nutritious food consistently - which is exactly what they need to do. (Read more)

▪ War and Displacement

Across the globe, conflicts consistently disrupt farming and food production. Fighting also forces millions of people to flee their homes, leading to hunger emergencies as the displaced find themselves without the means to feed themselves. The conflict in Syria is a recent example. (Read more)

(We do not own any rights for this movie or its characters. All rights are reserved to its creators and those for whom they have given the rights.)

Global Issues: Deforestation

Deforestation

   

Deforestation is clearing Earth's forests on a massive scale, often resulting in damage to the quality of the land. Forests still cover about 30 percent of the world’s land area, but swaths half the size of England are lost each year. (National Geographic)

This advertisement was created for WWF’s campaign in order to raise awareness on deforestation.

▪ Deforestation Causes

▪ Mining Coal Industry:

   Strip mining clears trees, plants and topsoil. Mining companies scrape away earth and rocks to get to coal buried near the surface. Mountains may be blasted apart to reach thin coal seams within, leaving permanent scars on the landscape.
   In this way, strip mining destroys landscapes, forests and wildlife habitats. It leads to soil erosion and destruction of agricultural land. (Read more)

(We do not own any rights for this movie or its characters. All rights are reserved to its creators and those for whom they have given the rights.)

▪ Laudering:

   Illegally logged timber in Brazil is being laundered on a massive and growing scale and then sold on to unwitting buyers in the UK, US, Europe and China, Greenpeace claimed.

   "Logging in the Brazilian Amazon is absolutely out of control. The current control system is being used to launder illegal timber," said Marcio Astrini, a campaigner who was part of the two-year investigation. (Read more)

(We do not own any rights for this movie or its characters. All rights are reserved to its creators and those for whom they have given the rights.)

▪ Wildfire Caused by Global Warming

   The effects of global warming on temperature, precipitation levels, and soil moisture are turning many of our forests into kindling during wildfire season.

   Higher spring and summer temperatures and earlier spring snowmelt typically cause soils to be drier for longer, increasing the likelihood of drought and a longer wildfire season, particularly in the western United States.
   These hot, dry conditions also increase the likelihood that, once wildfires are started by lightning strikes or human error, they will be more intense and long-burning.

(Read more)

(We do not own any rights for this movie or its characters. All rights are reserved to its creators and those for whom they have given the rights.)

▪ Effects of Deforestation

▪ Loss of Species:

   Seventy percent of the world’s plants and animals live in forests and are losing their habitats to deforestation, according to National Geographic. Loss of habitat can lead to species extinction. It also has negative consequences for medicinal research and local populations who rely on the animals and plants in the forests for hunting and medicine.

▪ Water Cycle:

   Trees are important to the water cycle. They absorb rain fall and produce water vapor that is released into the atmosphere. Trees also lessen the pollution in water, according to the North Carolina State University, by stopping polluted runoff. In the Amazon, more than half the water in the ecosystem is held within the plants, according to the National Geographic Society.

▪ Soil Erosion:

   Tree roots anchor the soil. Without trees, the soil is free to wash or blow away, which can lead to vegetation growth problems. The WWF states that scientists estimate that a third of the world’s arable land has been lost to deforestation since 1960. After a clear cutting, cash crops like coffee, soy and palm oil are planted. Planting these types of trees can cause further soil erosion because their roots cannot hold onto the soil. "The situation in Haiti compared to the Dominican Republic is a great example of the important role forests play in the water cycle," Daley said. Both countries share the same island, but Haiti has much less forest cover than the Dominican Republic. As a result, Haiti has endured more extreme soil erosion, flooding and landslide issues.


▪ Life Quality

   Soil erosion can also lead to silt entering the lakes, streams and other water sources. This can decrease local water quality and contribute to poor health in populations in the area.

Cultural Immersion: Hong Kong (China)

Flag of China

▪ The country (China)
China, one of the oldest civilization in the world  is situated in easterm Asia, bounded by the Pacific in the east. China is also the the third largest country in the world. The Chinese population is unevenly distributed, with the eastern part heavily populated ,more than 300 persons per kilometer and the West scarcely populated, about 40 persons per square kilometer. (Read more )

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the  Special Administrative Regions of China. Before the transfer of sovereignty to China in 1997. Hong Kong had been a British colony nearly  150years. As a result, most infrastructure inherits the design and Standards of Britain. During  the 1950 to 1990, the city-state developed rapidly, become the first of the “Four Asian Tigers” through the development of a strong manufacturing base and later a financial sector. (Read more)



▪ Tourist spots

▪ Ocean Park
This family friendly marine theme park features animal exhibits, exciting rides and shows that offer  its guest an unforgettable experience. (Read more)





▪ Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland brings the magic of a world-class entertainment experience to people of all ages. Hong Kong is home to the fifth Disney Resort in the world. The city’s landscape  and vibrant, diverse culture have inspired our imagineers to create a variety of enterteinment that is unique to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. (Read more)


▪ Tai O Fishing Village
Situated on a river mouth , the village is just the ticket if you want  a dose of traditional Fisher folks which has reside for generations. The house are built on stilts over the river and its narrow lanes are filled with shops selling fish and other dau-to-day items. (Read more)




▪ Man Mo Temple
Man Mo Tample is one of the oldest Taoist temple in Hong Kong paying to the god of literature and the God of War.
The temple is located  about halfway along the road and stop in its quiet, incense-shrouded interior makes a pleasant break. (Read more)




▪ Cuisine

▪ Spring Rolls
Spring Rolls  are a Cantonese dim sum of cylindrical shape. The filling of spring rolls could be vegetables or meat, and the taste could be either sweet or savory.  (Check out the recipe here )






▪ Chow Mein
The Chow mein is the Cantonese pronunciation of the Chinese characters above wich means stir-fried noodles. Generally speaking, this stir-fried dish consists of noodles, meat (usually chicken, beef, shrimp or pork), onion and vegetables. (Read more)




▪ Dumplings
Dumplings or  Jiosi is one of the best  dishes with a long history of more than 1.800 years, dumblings are a traditional food in China. (Read more)





▪  Habits

In Hong Kong, local people are very sensitive to issues related to education. A person with a prestigious profession is respected by everyone. Teachers are all considered to be wise men. Local people  tend to be very conservative. They are not big fans of innovations  and keep honoring the customs of their ancestors. (Read more)






▪ Extra

Cultural Immersion: Bucharest (Romania)

Flag of Romania

▪ The country (Romania)
Authentic, natural and cultural, are the words that Best capture the essence of Romania, country of  southeastern Europe. The national capital is Bucharest. Romania was occupied by Soviet troops in 1944 and become a satellite of Union of Soviet Socialist Reublic in 1948. The Romanian landscape is approximately one-third mountainous and one-third forested  [Read more] 

Bucharest

Bucharest is the largest capital and city of Romania. The capital was founded on the Banks of the Dambovita River by a shepherd named Bucur, whose name literarilly means “joy”.  Bucharest gets a bad raputation, but in fact it’s dynamic, energetic and fun.

(Read more) 

▪ Tourist spots

▪ Palace of Parliament

This architectural colossus wins many plaudits, including heaviest building in the world, the largest building in Europe (nearly four million square feet and one thousand rooms) and also the world’s second-largest administrative building after the Pentagon

(Read more) 

▪ Stavropoleos Church

Built in the 18th century by Greek monk loanikie Stratonikeas, the Stavropoelos Church is tiny, peaceful and beautiful. Constructed in Brancoveanu style it features an intricately carved and columned entrance

(Read more)

▪ Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum
Is the museum from the heart of Bucharest, who opened his gates for the public in 1936. The permanent exhibition covers a 14ha area having 360 monuments, 60.000 objects in his collections and over 250.000 documents regarding  the village and life in the Archive

(Read more)

▪ The Old Town

The Old Town is one of the earliest settlements in Bucharest, some structures date back to the 15th centurie. It was also the seat of Romanian princes. After  a long time as a slum, much of The Old Town has been gentrifed and renovated. (Read more) 

▪ Romanian Athenaeum

Romanian Athenaeum is the stately and most prestigious concert hall. Designed by French architect Albert Galleron in 19th-century, the structure  resembles an ancient Greek temple with a 41-meter-high dome and a peristyle of six lonic columns.  (Read more)

▪ The Old Princely Court

The Old Princely Court was the residence of Wallachian princes, including Vlad Tepes, known as Vlad the Impaler, who inspired Bram Stoker’s tale of Dracula. The palatial residence also includes a statue of the infamous Romanian prince stands among what’s left from the past, including the court’s walls, several arches and columns. (Read more)

▪ Revolution Square

Named after setting the scene of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu’s final minutes of Power in Romania, Revolution Square is one of the most visited tourist spots in Bucharest. Revolution Square is also known for the dramatic Monument of Rebirth, erected in 2005 it includes  the names of the 1.058 victims of the bloody revolution and a bronze statue of Luliu Maniu, the Romanian prime minister imprisoned by the communist party. (Read more)

▪ Cuisine

▪ Mamaliga Cu Branza Si Smantana

Mamaliga is the name of a food made from boiled corn meal similiar to polenta. Traditionally, cornmeal  is used to be cooked in salty water in a cast iron couldron. Layers of cheese added  to the cooked cornmeal and a sour cream topping
(Check out the recipe) 



▪ Sarmale

Sarmale (Cabbage rolls): Sarmale rolls are made of ground meat (usually pork, but also beef,sheep, pultry or even fish) mixed with rice and other ingredients and rolled into cabbage leaves. In some regions Sarmale rolls are served with cooked corn meal  and sour cream. (Read more) 

(Check out the recipe) 

▪ Placinte Cu Brânza Dulce

Fried dough with sweet cheese is an ancient traditional food in Romania. This delicious dessert is  usually filled with sweet cheese and it is sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Check out Placinte cu brânza Dulce recipe

▪ Salata Boeuf

Salata Boeuf or  Beef Salad is a salad made of diced boiled vegetables including potatoes, parsnips and peas, as well some pickled cucumbers and red peppers and diced beef. There is  also the vegetarian version of it called Russian salad. (Read more)

▪ Tuica

Tuica is a tradictional alcoholic beverage in Romania, usually made from plums. Very popular among Romanians as, according to tradition, no meal may start without a shot of Tuica. (Read more)

▪ Marghiloman

Marghiloman is the most expensive Romanian coffee, the Marghiloman is served in a pot, carried on a tray whit some ice cubes, sugar accompained by a glass of brandy or better still rum. (Read more)

▪ Romanian Bean Soup

Bean soup is one of  the core foods in Romanian cuisine.  In the South, bean soup is prepared with several kinds of vegetables added. Despite the differences, bean soup remains a national treasure. (Check out the recipe)

▪ Habits

Participating in national celebrations is the bets way to get acquainted with national traditions and customs of Bucharest. Because of a wide choice of interesting celebrations Buharest is often called the city of the festivals.

(Read more)

▪ Climate

Bucharest has a humid continental climate. The best time to visit Bucharest is during the months of June, May, Jule, August and September. The coolest month is January and February. (Read more)

 

▪ Cost of Living

In Bucharest the cost of living is generally much cheaper than major Western European capitals, but there are places for example bars, restaurants and shops that charge similar prices to their Western European counterpairts, the city also has the highest cost of living in the country, so prices anywhere outside the city are generally cheaper. (Read more)

▪ Music

The conservation of Romanian folk music has been aided by a large and enduring audience and by numerous performers who helped propagate and further develop the folk sound. (Read more)

▪ Extra