06 December 2013

Website Upgrade Notice

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13 November 2013

5 Things We Can Do to Help Typhoon Survivors

Ground Zero - Super Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan, a category 5 tropical cyclone, just hit the country. Our countrymen in the Visayas region are struggling right now. Many have lost their homes, livelihood, and properties, many their entire families. Thousands of dead bodies are strewn along the country side while thousands more are still missing. But the most painful feeling for the survivors is guilt, the guilt of having survived.


Many are so devastated, coupled with hunger and hopelessness that they have decided to take desperate measures like looting. Anarchy and violence has spread throughout Tacloban. Even initial aid convoys from agencies like Red Cross have been attacked and ransacked.



Seeing the pictures of destruction and death you tell yourself, “This isn’t real! This only happens in apocalyptic Hollywood movies!” You close your eyes hoping that when you do open them up, all this was just a nightmare. But the truth remains, a truth we all have to face as a nation. 


Here are the 5 things we can do to help:

1. Let’s give what we can

These are the following things they desperately need:

a. Drinking water – dehydration is a constant threat to the survivors, that is why drinking water is a priority


For those who want to go the extra mile buy a device called LifeStraw. This device filters water from any source.


b. Clothes and underwear – our countrymen had all their clothing washed away. They need clothes and underwear. The Red Cross only gives clothes that are suitable for the Philippine climate. Do not give clothes that are too thick. Also, do not give clothes that are too intimate/revealing - something you cannot wear in an evacuation center. Also, do not give clothes that are too dilapidated and can't be used anymore.


This is the cold season, go the extra mile and send tons of blankets to help keep them warm.


c. Canned food and rice – food that won’t expire and won’t require water is a must. Biscuits and ready to eat food are highly favourable. Starvation drives honourable men to do dishonourable things for their family, for their children. High energy food will greatly help.




d. Medicine and antibacterial soap– people have been sick for days. Some need antibiotics for the gashes and wounds they sustained during the storm. People don’t need cosmetic soap! They need anti-bacterial soap!




e. Tents – with no suitable shelter, people are huddling under whatever they can. Nothing is shielding them from the elements.



f. Solar chargers, solar powered flashlights, candles, water proof matches – nights seem darker for the survivors.






2. Our 13th month – every amount counts. Maybe that new iPhone 5S you planned on buying can wait. That sacrifice can go a long way for people who are in need.


3. Christmas budget – maybe this Christmas season our relatives wouldn’t mind if all we can give are simple gifts/tokens of appreciation this year. I’m pretty sure Jesus wouldn’t mind if we used the money we have for helping our brethren, it is after all His birthday. Christmas isn’t about the gifts but the spirit of giving and being with the people you love.

4. Our time and strength – let’s go the extra mile to help. If we have given the things above, good for you, but if you haven’t, we can always help in the packing of the goods. Extra hands are always welcome in times like this because the time we give shortens the length of suffering for the survivors. We can also take our Vacation Leaves and go to these places and share our expertise. Currently Cebu Pacific and Air Asia Zest are giving out promo flights to assist volunteers and NGOs wanting to help.


We can also be creative in establishing businesses and fund raisers that will help generate the necessary funds to help. Hey even these two young girls are doing it, why can’t we?


5. Use social media – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumbler, Youtube all these social media sites can help spread the news and information across the globe.


All these things will help the survivors not only physically but psychologically as well. The knowledge and realization that someone cares is enough for people to hope and be encouraged. This is just the beginning, the first step in a long road to recovery; yes, things will never be the same for the survivors and the country but hopefully for the better. May this calamity unite us all, set aside our selfishness and awaken our nationalism. We are a resilient people, we will recover and stand stronger than ever before. 

Mabuhay Pilipinas!



11 November 2013

Engineering a President

Engineering a President

For this week, we interrupt regular programming to discuss about this statement of our president. This statement clearly demonstrates lack of fundamental knowledge of how renewable energy works. We here at stain on paper found it queer that our president does not know the basics of energy engineering. This statement was said during an energy summit, and as such we would also believe that most of his cabinet members also lack the technical knowledge of an engineer.

On other side of the sea, our neighbor, CHINA on the other hand has 9/10 of their top officials as graduate of Engineering. Their expertise reflects on the fast growth of CHINA in the last 30 years.

Philippine and China Flag

We believe that engineers should step up as politicians. 

A.) It is in their nature to think systematically and logically which would help remove all the gray areas in decision making. 

B.) Engineers would also have a clear cut view of what is need to be done without being distracted by politics. 

C.) Best of all, they are very idealistic, not easily swayed by unneeded emotions or how they are perceived by the public.

This topic also would cover the very debate about who would make a better leader, an engineer or a politician. Each field has its pros and cons and we would demonstrate how each profession would handle a crisis. And to anchor it all in reality, all our actions are based on the differences in the views of the 2 countries. ( Philippines VS China) Let’s Begin..

1.) Renewable Energy – first in our list. Reason why this article came to being

a.) Politician ( POL ) – please a few big names a privatize Meralco, at the same time still reject renewable to keep the top dogs on top and electricity rates the highest in SouthEast Asia.

b.) Engineer ( ENGR ) – make the world’s biggest Hydro Electric Dam. ‘Nuff said. 

Hydro Power Plant


2.) PDAF Crisis

c.) Politician ( POL ) – proclaim that PDAF is cancelled but simply change it to another name. Delay the proceedings, then go to another country to escape trial.

d.) Engineer ( ENGR ) – make a simple cost benefit analysis of all the projects then allocate funds that would generate more benefits in the long term. Leave no gray area and put up feedback control systems. Criminals are shot.

Firing squad
"Stealing eh? Face the Firing Squad!"

3.) Bohol Earthquake

a. POL – ask for donations from the people and promise to alleviate sufferings. Oh! And don’t forget to call the media to take pictures after its all said and done.

b. ENGR – analyze earthquake zones all over the Philippines, so that the next earthquake would devastate no one.

4.) Traffic in EDSA

a. POL – “KOTONG COPS” to enforce the traffic and earn extra income.

b. ENGR – elevated train that doesn’t eat up extra space along the Highway. 

Edsa Traffic


5.) War in West Philippine Sea

a. POL – bring the matter to international tribunal and just keep on waiting on the US for help.

b. ENGR – Start fishing the waters and building oil platforms and airstrips. That way, when international justice comes, you have gotten all the resources in the area already.

West Philippine sea war


6.) Issue of Poverty

a. POL – use the poor people as scapegoats for various economic stimulus such as DAP and PDAF that are “released” and “intended” to benefit them.

b. ENGR – use the various funds as “seed money” and invest in various infrastructures, ports, and Special Economic Zones as well as much needed manufacturing bases.

So who would you rather have as your leader? 

ENGINEERS SPEAK UP AND ACT NOW!


References:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ieeeinsights/2012/03/28/engineers-our-government-needs-you/
http://engineering.dartmouth.edu/people/deans-office/dean/engineering-and-politics/
http://www.economist.com/node/13496638
http://bigpinekey.com/wp-content/uploads/firing-squad.gif
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2010/08/18/business/Bus/Bus-articleInline.jpg
http://hubei.chinadaily.com.cn/gov/images/attachement/jpg/site1/20111123/0023ae9897011036923806.jpg
http://spratlyforthephilippines.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/phvsch.jpg

05 November 2013

Earthquake Survival: "Triangle of Life" vs. "Drop, Cover, and Hold On"

magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit the Visayas

On October 15, 2013, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit the Visayas, leaving more than 200 people dead, 800 people injured, 69,000 structures damaged, and over 3 million individuals affected. Prominent sites i.e. centuries-old churches and the Chocolate Hills got their share of the devastation, leaving locals in shock and despair. Considering the Philippines’ location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, events like this are no stranger to our history books. Therefore, we must know what to do before the next “big one” arrives.

With regards to earthquake survival, “Drop, Cover, and Hold on” has been the staple method. In the past years, emails have been circulating discouraging people from practicing the said method and promoting the “Triangle of Life”, leaving people in confusion. In this article, we will try to dissect the two and make recommendations.


Earthquake Safety tips



Drop, Cover, and Hold On



It is the national standard for earthquake safety in the US.
drop, cover, hold on


More specifically:
1. Drop under something sturdy and taller than you are.
2. Cover the back of your head and neck with one arm.
3. Hold on in case the thing you’re under moves.
4. Close your eyes. You’ll do better psychologically if you don’t watch, and you’ll protect your eyes.



Triangle of Life


Doug Copp, the Triangle of Life’s proponent, has circulated emails on how his new technique could save lives based on his experience in rescue missions in Turkey and in various places.

Triangle of Life



The following are excerpts from his email:


1. Most everyone who simply 'ducks and covers' when building collapse are crushed to death. People who get under objects, like desks or cars, are crushed.


2. Cats, dogs and babies often naturally curl up in the fetal position. You should too in an earthquake. It is a natural safety/survival instinct. You can survive in a smaller void. Get next to an object, next to a sofa, next to a bed, next to a large bulky object that will compress slightly but leave a void next to it.


3. Wooden buildings are the safest type of construction to be in during an earthquake. Wood is flexible and moves with the force of the earthquake. If the wooden building does collapse, large survival voids are created. Also, the wooden building has less concentrated, crushing weight. Brick buildings will break into individual bricks. Bricks will cause many injuries but less squashed bodies than concrete slabs.


4. If you are in bed during the night and an earthquake occurs, simply roll off the bed. A safe void will exist around the bed. Hotels can achieve a much greater survival rate in earthquakes, simply by posting a sign on the back of the door of every room telling occupants to lie down on the floor, next to the bottom of the bed during an earthquake.


5. If an earthquake happens and you cannot easily escape by getting out the door or window, then lie down and curl up in the fetal position next to a sofa, or large chair.


6. Most everyone who gets under a doorway when buildings collapse is killed. How? If you stand under a doorway and the doorjamb falls forward or backward you will be crushed by the ceiling above. If the door jamb falls sideways you will be cut in half by the doorway. In either case, you will be killed!


7. Never go to the stairs. The stairs have a different 'moment of frequency' (they swing separately from the main part of the building). The stairs and remainder of the building continuously bump into each other until structural failure of the stairs takes place. The people who get on stairs before they fail are chopped up by the stair treads - horribly mutilated. Even if the building doesn't collapse, stay away from the stairs. The stairs are a likely part of the building to be damaged. Even if the stairs are not collapsed by the earthquake, they may collapse later when overloaded by fleeing people. They should always be checked for safety, even when the rest of the building is not damaged.


8. Get near the outer walls of buildings or outside of them if possible - It is much better to be near the outside of the building rather than the interior. The farther inside you are from the outside perimeter of the building the greater the probability that your escape route will be blocked.


9. People inside of their vehicles are crushed when the road above falls in an earthquake and crushes their vehicles; which is exactly what happened with the slabs between the decks of the Nimitz Freeway. The victims of the San Francisco earthquake all stayed inside of their vehicles. They were all killed. They could have easily survived by getting out and sitting or lying next to their vehicles. Everyone killed would have survived if they had been able to get out of their cars and sit or lie next to them. All the crushed cars had voids 3 feet high next to them, except for the cars that had columns fall directly across them.


10. I discovered, while crawling inside of collapsed newspaper offices and other offices with a lot of paper, that paper does not compact. Large voids are found surrounding stacks of paper.



Analysis


We can classify indoor structural earthquake hazards into three: falling fragments, collapsing ceilings, and toppling walls. For each hazard, we evaluate the danger it poses a person depending on the technique he/she uses: 1 – absolutely safe, 2 - safe, 3 - slightly dangerous, 4 - dangerous, 5 - very dangerous.

Falling Fragments
Collapsing Ceiling
Toppling Wall

A scientific journal on the various injuries caused by a catastrophic earthquake in Wenchuan, China on May 12, 2008 was published in 2010.





It can be observed that most injuries were caused by “blunt strikes” or body impacts due to falling things during the shaking of the ground with 2213 people affected. “Crushing/burying” came next with 608 cases. Other studies support that most injuries caused by earthquakes are due to falling debris. In addition, countries with good building codes have fewer tendencies to experience collapsing of entire structures.



Conclusion



The Philippine Building Code incorporates seismic loads up to magnitude 8.0. The Bohol incident, according to experts, was a testament to the poor implementation of the code. Therefore, in order to survive an earthquake, one must ensure that the Building Code is properly implemented and follow the Drop, Cover, and Hold On technique.




References:
http://www.ndrrmc.gov.ph/attachments/article/1108/UPD%20re%20SitRep%2030%20re%20Effects%20of%207.2%20EQ,%20Bohol%20%2829OCT2013%29.pdf
http://www.earthquakecountry.info/dropcoverholdon/piy_drop_cover_hold.pdf
http://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/41766-lessons-bohol-disaster-part-1
Journal: Analysis of injuries and treatment of 3 401 inpatients in 2008 Wenchuan earthquake—based on Chinese Trauma Databank
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1395252_622511177791024_1630347253_n.jpg
http://cdn.theatlantic.com/static/infocus/philquake101613/s_p23_RTX14DES.jpg
http://reidh4.edublogs.org/files/2011/01/drop-cover-hold-on-20mmalu.jpg
http://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/technology/41743-triangle-life-hoax
http://kitchen-pictures.bloginterior.com/files/2011/02/115854-magic-marker-icon-people-things-table-sc52.png
http://www.clker.com/cliparts/4/4/7/4/1197098505103048288addon_the_couch.svg.med.png
http://gwadzilla.blogspot.com/uploaded_images/brick3-726715.JPG
http://www.iris.edu/hq/gallery/photo/4439

30 October 2013

Electric vs. Hybrid

Hybrid vs Electric Car

With the never ending increase in fuel prices, the amount of harmful emissions that are produced by vehicles around the world, and more stringent emission regulations being created, the demand for alternative fuel powered vehicles is on the rise.

The question now for the average customer: Electric or Hybrid? Both have interesting merits and limitations and we will be discussing them here on Stain on Paper.

Electric Vehicles


Tesla Motors Inc.
The current poster child for electric vehicles (EV) is Paypal founder, Elon Musk

Elon Musk


 (Yes, that is his name) and his electric car company, Tesla Motor Incorporated. Their crown jewel, the Tesla S is what all EVs want to be when they grow up.

The Tesla S has a driving range of 464 kilometers before it has to be recharged. Despite its 3M PHp  retail price, twenty thousand units of the Tesla S have been sold in one year putting to shame General Motors’ Chevrolet Volt EV and the Nissan Leaf EV.  And in the looks department, the Tesla S makes the other EVs look like soccer-mom vans. (Side note: the first person in the Philippines to own a Tesla S as a gift? none other than current Meralco chairman, MVP)
Meralco Car


Not to be outdone, other car companies like Nissan-Renault, Volkswagen, and GM are stepping up to the challenge of a mass produced EV. Carlos Ghosn, Nissan-Renault CEO, promised that Nissan would bring affordable autonomous cars to the public by 2020. 

The Pros of EV


The advantages of EVs aside from their complete independence from fossil fuel (yay! For mother Earth!) is because of the torque that's instantly available when you push the accelerator. Steve Wickham, the project manager for Toyota's EV effort at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, agrees: "With current technology, the main advantage for an electric supercar would be in initial acceleration for launch and corner exit… not having to change gears." EVs have some performance advantages in the packaging of components, too, he says. "These include aero[dynamics] and also a lower center of gravity. Electric motors can be long and thin, keeping the mass down, and batteries can be kept very low with clever design such as Tesla has shown in the Model S."

The Cons of EV: Low Energy Density and High Manufacturing Cost
The current challenges faced by all these car companies are found in the battery. Low energy density (amount of energy stored per volume of battery) 

Energy comparison

keeps the range of EVs lower than those normally achieved by petroleum aided vehicles. The low energy density means that a huge amount of the EVs total weight is attributed to the huge amount of batteries installed thus affecting its performance, efficiency and range. Another limit is the price tag of EVs due to the high cost of manufacturing these batteries. The amount of time to charge these batteries is also a factor to weigh in. Final thing to consider: the lack of infrastructure to support the EVs such as charging stations.

Hybrid Vehicles


Toyota

Prius

The main proponent of hybrids is Toyota and their Prius. The world’s largest automaker has declared that it is sticking to hybrids and fuel cell vehicles for the car of the future. In Washington last Sept. 30, Toyota chair Takeshi Uchiyamada said the reason why Toyota doesn't introduce any major all-electric vehicle is “because we do not believe there is a market to accept it.”  He added: “Some people say hybrid vehicles such as the Prius are only a bridge to the future.  But we think it could be a long bridge and a very sturdy one.  There are many more gains we can achieve with hybrids.  The Prius has become the most important vehicle for our future.”

The Pros of Hybrids


Hybrid vehicles solve the range problem that plagues their EV counterparts. These Hybrids focus more on efficiency in energy usage. By offering the best of both worlds: range capability of engines and the torque possible in electric motors, hybrids are the love child of a match made in heaven.

According to phys.org:
“Another benefit of having the gas motor is it charges the batteries while it’s running. The gas motors starts automatically when the battery gets low and proceeds to charge the battery - a hybrid never needs to be plugged into an outlet. Of course, if you forget to fill the tank…. Still, you can carry a gas can a half mile while a tow truck is necessary in a straight electric car.”

Right now they’re way cheaper than EVs. So as an owner you would be happy that you’re making the environment better without having your wallet to suffer.

The Cons


Higher maintenance costs. Hybrid vehicles also cost more to repair because of the complexity of the dual compulsion system used in most hybrid vehicles. Not all mechanics are trained or equipped to work on hybrid vehicles and repair bills will be larger than with standard ICE vehicles. Also, because of the increased weight of hybrid vehicles, you can expect to replace tires and brakes more frequently as well.

Well Stainers! Hope this helps inform you about EVs and Hybrids.

References:





25 October 2013

Election Engineering


“We would make sure you win your election guaranteed”

Local barangay elections is just around the corner, and this week stain on paper would like to focus on the engineering behind waging (and winning) an election. We first assess and simplify each step of the election process and then secondly, give solid recommendations on how to win an election and finally some Dirty tactics to make sure that you win.

Electioneering

Elections are part and parcel of each and every human society. From the Stone Age cavemen, to the UN, people would always elect for a leader to guide them to a better path.

NooB's guide to an election

Part 1 : NooB’s guide to an election.


Elections are a lot like you r typical bedtime story and those games we used to play as a kid. And it should stay that way! Stain on Paper would like to present a 3 fold approach to winning an election.

1.) FIGHT FOR GOOD, WIN AGAINST EVIL

- The most important step. All of the stories and Games all have this in common with elections. Having a noble cause, people would rally behind you. Make yourself the protagonist with your platforms, promising a happy ever after. Create an epic story, the more dramatic the better. Make your opponent the villain, and in order to defeat an existing evil, people would need to help you. BOTTOMLINE: Make yourself the hero!


good and evil


2.) CREATE YOUR ARMY and rally them

- FRODO didn’t finish of the evil ring by himself, he needed a team and so do you! Create an army of volunteers, promoters and campaign managers. Rally each one of them using games and fancy wordings. Name your door to door campaigners as your “STORM TROOPERS” give them targets to “kill”. Promote them based on their achievements. Make your campaign one big video game. BOTTOMLINE : Make everyone have fun.

create your army


3.) Convert voters and enemies into allies and friends.

- Again with the same approach as the top, make your voters part of the epic story as your “KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE” fighting against evil. Make them write their pledge for a happy ending. Or share their election experience with them. BOTTOMLINE : Get your voters talking about you and your platform

Part 2: Practical and Simple TIPS


a.) Find an influential “SPONSOR” to nominate you to the existing parties. This would help you a lot since you start out with a party not by yourself.

· Key steps to this stage would be choosing the right team. Not only that, join the party whose ideals are in line with you. 

Party time

There are 3 kinds of voters.
  1. Vote FOR you – best kind of voters, minimal campaigning
  2. Vote AGAINST you – hardest to win over, you can skip this
  3. SWING voters – undecided still. This are the people you should target

b.) SHOW up in all the party meetings. Volunteer in the various campaign activities. This would show your party mates your abilities. And they will talk about you to their constituents as well

c.) All campaigns need funds. It would be best to pool the entire party’s funds into one war chest. Then use this in one the following cost effective ways

Warchest
Warchest! 

Cost Effective Campaign Tactics


1.) Differentiate yourself, use a catchy slogan

2.) Use emails and phone calls and ASK for votes. Prepare a speech, make it relevant to the voters. These are best carried out 1-2 weeks before the election for maximum impact

3.) Never underestimate the power of the internet and text messages. Make a facebook page, and mass text to people. Philippines is the texting capital of the world

4.) Attend all the public gatherings and volunteer a speech or two.

Part 3 : Warning ... DIRTY TACTICS.


blind voting
“blind” voting


1.) FIND and utilize PROMOTERS –inocuous people who would get people to vote for you. In the Philippines case – this are the elevator girls, reception guards, maintenance people. They interact with all people all the time.

2.) FIND and utilize REGISTRANTS – people who have a lot of cousins / sons / siblings in other district. Tell them to register under your barangay. – prime examples are your neighbors with 11 children.

3.) FIND and utilize WATCHERS – people who would stand at the polls come election day and hand out flyers to those who haven’t made up their mind.

Befriend the security guards
Befriend the security guards

NOW GO GET THEM!!!


References :

http://www.wikihow.com/Win-a-Local-Election
http://www.localvictory.com/
http://www.completecampaigns.com/article.asp?articleid=64
http://www.howtowinelections.co.uk/
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTR54Fq4i6DCimBdOkJ4mou0bGPCIkuUrNXDzOjpaH-Hx3zxlAm6VRIiWnaWEC7Jv8BEwcKF4QEXDBP4IIkmNY-I1w5YMwXxret3fmxykaqex2cqrnMFF1oVM2YOoon7AwPCXgDpsaBO4/s400/blind+voter.jpg
http://s3.amazonaws.com/data.tumblr.com/tumblr_lbmpgw6hAT1qazxt8o1_1280.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAI6WLSGT7Y3ET7ADQ&Expires=1382711998&Signature=Mx%2Bi%2BnRS36FRgq7WD%2B0RcW%2FVNb0%3D#_=_
http://pssstcentro.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/SK-at-Barangay-election.jpg