Transforming University Education: A New Pedagogical Project

The proposed pedagogical project aims to emphasize the vital role of universities, both public and private, in strengthening the economy and enhancing the knowledge and skills of students. By providing practical and interdisciplinary learning experiences, universities can prepare students to become valuable assets not only to themselves but also to society as a whole. This project recognizes the importance of equipping students with the necessary tools and expertise to contribute effectively to their future professions and make a positive impact on collective well-being. Each student must be prepared to create a job for themselves and for others. That should be the new aim of universities, at least in Europe.

Introduction

To stay relevant in a world that is continuously changing, educational systems must innovate. Although effective, conventional teaching approaches fall short of adequately preparing students for the demands of the workplace. A complete program that smoothly blends theoretical learning, real-world projects, and entrepreneurial teamwork is the solution provided by a ground-breaking new pedagogical approach.

The Integrated Approach

The idea of project-based learning is at the center of the new pedagogical model. In order to bridge the gap between abstract ideas and their real-world applications, students work on concrete projects that mirror contemporary problems. These assignments could be anything from putting together scale models of an airplane, a submarine, or a car to writing business plans or coming up with answers to actual technical issues. The important thing is that these projects combine information from multiple domains, encouraging an integrated learning experience. They are not restricted to any one academic discipline.

Project 1: Building a mini-submarine.

Real-World Exposure and Entrepreneurial Collaboration

By encouraging entrepreneurship and industrial partnership, the initiative breaks the boundaries between academia and industry even more. Student projects give startups and new businesses an opportunity to get off the ground and expose them to the realities of entrepreneurship. Working closely with business partners not only improves students’ educational experiences but also helps the participating businesses by giving them access to fresh ideas and potential future hires.

Interdisciplinary Learning Enhancement

The focus on interdisciplinary learning is one of this program’s most novel features. Students learn to view problems through a variety of lenses instead of compartmentalizing subjects, which is a crucial skill in today’s connected society. For instance, developing a car model necessitates knowledge of engineering concepts, materials science, energy systems, and other topics. This all-encompassing kind of education can encourage creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Project 2: Assembling an aircraft (with a kit).

Organization and Structure

A strong framework is necessary for the successful implementation of such an ambitious program. It is crucial for the educational institution to have a specialized coordinating group. This group would communicate with business partners, coordinate schedules, gather resources, and assist students while they worked on their projects. Faculty members are also essential in mentoring students and assisting them in making the connections between their academic knowledge and practical situations.

The proposed idea suggests implementing a major project, such as building an aircraft from a kit, a mini-submarine or boat, or a satellite, which would involve students from their first year of university. This project would serve as a central focus throughout their academic journey, with different disciplines engaging in discussions and activities related to various aspects of the project.

Each year, students would tackle specific topics or challenges that are relevant to the project. For example, in the first year, they might explore the fundamental principles of mechanics or physics that apply to the chosen project. In the following years, they could delve deeper into disciplines such as naval engineering, materials science, civil engineering, or any other relevant field, depending on the nature of the project.

The project would be supported by funding from enterprises, which would enable its continuity and provide real-world context for the student’s learning. The level of engagement by the students may vary, with some students being more actively involved in the project than others. The course coordinators, from departments such as mechanics, physics, naval engineering, materials science, civil engineering, etc., would oversee the project and allocate credits to the participating students based on their contributions and achievements.

This proposal aims to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and providing students with valuable hands-on experience. By following the project throughout their university course, students would gain a comprehensive understanding of their chosen field and develop important skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and project management. Additionally, the involvement of enterprises would offer students exposure to industry practices and potential career opportunities.

Project 3 – Work on advanced electromagnetic models.

Overall, this approach seeks to create a cohesive and immersive learning experience, bridging the gap between academia and industry while nurturing students’ passion for their chosen field of study.

At the culmination of the project, the completed product, whether it’s the aircraft, mini-submarine, boat, satellite, or any other creation, could indeed be showcased or made available to the public. This serves multiple purposes:

1. Public Engagement: Sharing the final product with the public provides an opportunity for the students to demonstrate their skills, creativity, and innovative solutions. It allows them to showcase the practical application of their knowledge and generate interest and excitement within the community.
2. Industry Exposure: By displaying the project to the public, it opens avenues for industry professionals, potential employers, and relevant stakeholders to witness the students’ capabilities. This exposure can lead to networking opportunities, collaboration possibilities, and even potential job offers or internships for the participating students.
3. Educational Outreach: Showcasing the project can inspire and educate others, including students from other educational institutions, aspiring engineers, and the general public. It can serve as a valuable learning tool and promote interest in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), encouraging more individuals to pursue careers in these areas.
4. Fundraising or Revenue Generation: Depending on the nature of the project and the involvement of external partners or sponsors, the final product could be sold, auctioned, or offered for public use or display to generate funds. These funds can then be reinvested into future projects or used to support educational initiatives and scholarships.

Making the completed project accessible to the public, not only validates the students’ efforts but also contributes to knowledge sharing, community engagement, and potential financial sustainability for future endeavors.

Project 4 – Build quantum computers and develop their programming.

Types of proposed projects

The proposed “major projects” referred to below aim to maximize students learning and potential leverage on the economy of the nation.

Each project offers unique opportunities for hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world application. Here are some thoughts on each project:

1. Assembling an Aircraft: Students could research improvements in aerodynamics, lightweight materials, or electric-powered aviation. This work could lead to creating a startup focused on developing small, efficient aircraft for personal or commercial use, including drones for logistics or autonomous flight systems.
2. Building a Submarine: Research in underwater robotics, sensor systems, and autonomous navigation could spawn startups in marine research, underwater exploration, or defense industries. Students might also develop technologies for environmental monitoring of marine ecosystems or submarine tourism.
3. Constructing a Boat: Boat-building projects could branch into the development of eco-friendly or autonomous watercraft. Students could explore electric-powered boats, using renewable energy systems, or develop commercial solutions for sustainable fishing practices or leisure industries.
4. Designing and Launching a Satellite: Students could delve into research on CubeSats, satellite-based communications, or Earth observation systems. The commercialization potential is huge, including starting companies focused on data analytics from satellite imagery, satellite internet services, or small-satellite deployment for niche markets.
5. Constructing Economical Homes: This project can turn into a venture for constructing affordable, sustainable housing using innovative construction materials or robotics. Startups could focus on prefabricated homes, housing solutions for disaster relief, or housing projects for low-income populations.
6. Designing a Smart City Infrastructure: By researching smart grids, intelligent transport systems, or IoT for urban infrastructure, students could create startups offering smart city solutions. These could range from energy-efficient urban systems, smart traffic management, to public safety enhancements using real-time data analytics.
7. Developing a Renewable Energy System: Research into solar, wind, or hybrid renewable energy systems could inspire startups focused on designing and installing renewable energy systems for homes, communities, or businesses. Students could also explore battery storage solutions or innovations in energy efficiency.
8. Creating a Smart Agriculture Solution: With research into IoT, AI, and machine learning in agriculture, students can develop precision agriculture startups, offering systems to optimize water usage, monitor crop health, and automate farming operations. This can lead to ventures in agritech, improving food production and resource efficiency.
9. Designing a Sustainable Transportation Solution: By researching electric vehicles (EVs), shared mobility platforms, or charging infrastructure, students could develop businesses focused on eco-friendly transportation. This could include EV infrastructure development, ride-sharing platforms, or next-generation public transport solutions.
10. Constructing a Green Building: Research into energy-efficient building techniques, sustainable construction materials, or renewable energy integration can lead to startups in green construction, offering services for residential or commercial building projects that adhere to environmental standards.
11. Developing a Waste Management Solution: Students could develop startups focused on innovative recycling technologies, waste-to-energy solutions, or sustainable packaging. Businesses could target industries, municipalities, or consumers looking for eco-friendly waste solutions or circular economy strategies.
12. Quantum Computers: Research into quantum algorithms, quantum encryption, or quantum simulation could lay the foundation for tech startups providing quantum computing solutions. This could target industries like finance, pharmaceuticals, or materials science that can benefit from quantum-powered insights.
13. New Electromagnetics for Devices and Machines: Research in advanced electromagnetics, electromagnetic propulsion, or energy transmission could lead to startups developing breakthrough technologies in areas like wireless power transfer, MHD propulsion, or electromagnetic shielding for the next generation of electronic devices.

By embedding entrepreneurial thinking into these research projects, students can move from theoretical knowledge to creating real-world solutions and products. This curriculum model can foster a new generation of entrepreneurs who graduate with not only the technical expertise but also the business acumen to launch and sustain innovative companies.

Issues with Implementation

A new instructional paradigm’s transition is not without its difficulties. Like many other institutions, academia has a strong foundation in long-standing customs and procedures. There is a lot of inertia, which can be challenging to overcome. This kind of radical transformation could encounter opposition from numerous institutional stakeholders.

This shift can be perceived as a threat to the status quo and the autonomy of some faculty members. It can be difficult to persuade the faculty of the necessity of this reform and its viability. Engaging academics in conversations and planning while emphasizing the advantages of the interdisciplinary approach for students and the institution as a whole will need focused efforts.

Existing bureaucratic structures that are not set up to support this integrated learning method may present additional difficulties. It might be necessary to restructure the organization, alter the policies, and possibly update the existing curricula to overcome these challenges.

Other challenges may arise from existing bureaucratic structures that are not configured to support this integrated learning approach. Overcoming these obstacles may require organizational restructuring, policy changes, and possible revisions to existing curricula.

It is crucial to remember, however, that despite inevitable challenges, the implementation of such an innovative proposal has the potential to transform students’ learning experience, preparing them more effectively for the job market, and contributing to the advancement of the local economy and industry.

So, let us detail the risks of the proposal. While the proposed project has numerous benefits, there are potential challenges and opposition that may arise during its implementation. Some possible issues include:

1. Resistance from traditional educational institutions: Implementing a new pedagogical paradigm may face resistance from established institutions that are deeply rooted in traditional teaching methods. Faculty members or administrators who are accustomed to the status quo may be hesitant to embrace change or may perceive the new approach as a threat to their autonomy or established practices.
2. Lack of resources and funding: Implementing a comprehensive program that integrates theoretical learning, practical projects, and industry collaboration requires adequate resources and funding. Securing sufficient financial support, acquiring necessary equipment and materials, and maintaining ongoing partnerships with industry can be challenging.
3. Institutional bureaucracy and administrative hurdles: Large institutions often have bureaucratic structures and decision-making processes that can slow down or hinder the implementation of innovative projects. Navigating administrative procedures, obtaining necessary approvals, and ensuring coordination between different departments and stakeholders may pose challenges.
4. Student and faculty buy-in: Convincing students and faculty members of the benefits and value of the new pedagogical approach may be a challenge. Students may resist a shift away from traditional teaching methods, while faculty members may require training and support to adapt their teaching practices to the new model.
5. External skepticism or skepticism within the industry: The proposed project may face skepticism from external stakeholders, such as industry professionals or employers, who may question the effectiveness or relevance of the new educational model. Building trust and demonstrating the practical benefits and outcomes of the project will be important in overcoming this skepticism.

To mitigate these challenges, it is crucial to engage stakeholders early on, address concerns, and provide evidence of the project’s effectiveness and potential impact. Open communication, continuous evaluation and improvement, and a collaborative approach involving all relevant parties will be essential for successful implementation.

In some cases, internal politics, vested interests, and resistance to change can hinder the progress of innovative projects. This can be further exacerbated in public universities where decision-making processes may be influenced by external pressures or small interest groups.

To address this challenge, it is essential to foster a culture of open dialogue and collaboration within the university. Engaging faculty members and administrators in discussions about the benefits and potential impact of the proposed project can help alleviate their concerns and encourage their support. Providing evidence and showcasing successful case studies from other institutions can also help build a persuasive case for change.

Furthermore, involving faculty members and administrators in the decision-making process and giving them a sense of ownership and involvement can help overcome resistance. This can be achieved through regular consultations, workshops, and training programs that provide opportunities for faculty members to understand and contribute to the new pedagogical approach.

Additionally, creating a supportive environment that recognizes and rewards innovation and embraces continuous improvement can help overcome resistance and encourage faculty members to embrace change. Collaboration between different stakeholders, including faculty, students, administrators, and industry partners, can also foster a sense of shared purpose and collective responsibility for the success of the project.

By addressing the concerns of faculty members and administrators and actively involving them in the implementation process, it is possible to overcome the opposition and foster a more receptive environment for innovative pedagogical projects in public universities.

Note: The development of this post was aided by the use of AI tools, serving as a helpful copilot throughout the writing process. The ideas and insights presented here are a result of collaborative work between human intelligence and artificial intelligence technology.

Sound Waves and Black Holes: Experimental Validation of Penrose and Zel’dovich’s Theory

A recent article published in the journal Nature Physics [1] describes the first experimental confirmation of a theory proposed 50 years ago [2]. According to this theory, developed by physicist Roger Penrose, it would be possible to generate energy by harnessing the rotation of a black hole. Penrose suggested that by lowering an object into the black hole’s ergosphere, the outer region beyond the event horizon where an object would have to move faster than the speed of light to remain still, the object would acquire negative energy.

The theory predicted that by splitting the object into two parts, with one part falling into the black hole and the other being recovered, there would be a loss of negative energy measured as a recoil reaction. This would imply that the recovered part would gain extra energy extracted from the black hole’s rotation. However, the engineering challenge to carry out this process is so immense that Penrose suggested only a highly advanced civilization, perhaps alien, would be capable of achieving it.

We can imagine a process like this one:

Let’s consider a non-rotating black hole (Schwarzschild black hole) for simplicity. In this case, the metric that describes the black hole’s geometry is given by the Schwarzschild metric:

ds² = – (1 – 2GM/rc²) dt² + (1 – 2GM/rc²)⁻¹ dr² + r² (dθ² + sin²θ dϕ²)

In this metric, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the black hole, r is the radial coordinate, t is time, θ represents the polar angle, and ϕ represents the azimuthal angle.

Now, let’s consider an object near the black hole, in orbit around it. We’ll assume a circular orbit for simplicity. The object’s motion will be influenced by the black hole’s gravitational field. The object’s angular velocity (ω) in this orbit will be related to the properties of the black hole and the object’s distance from the black hole.

For a circular orbit, the centripetal force provided by the gravitational attraction is balanced by the gravitational force, resulting in:

GMm/r² = mw²r

where m represents the mass of the orbiting object, and w is the angular velocity.

The angular velocity can be related to the black hole’s properties through the equation:

w = √(GM/r^3),

which shows that the angular velocity depends on the black hole’s mass (M) and the distance from the black hole (r). That’s why is crucial the timing to throw out the object of mass m; it needs to be in phase with the black hole rotation, so, at the precise time t = T = w/2π.

In 1971, physicist Yakov Zel’dovich proposed a practical version of the experiment using “twisted” light waves that, when hitting the surface of a rotating metal cylinder at the correct speed, would be reflected with additional energy extracted from the cylinder’s rotation, thanks to the rotational Doppler effect.

Now, researchers from the University of Glasgow have successfully demonstrated the effect proposed by Penrose and Zel’dovich, but using sound waves instead of light. They built a system that uses a ring of speakers to create a twist in the sound waves analogous to the twist in the light waves proposed by Zel’dovich. These twisted sound waves were directed toward a rotating sound absorber made of a foam disc.

During the experiment, as the spinning speed of the disc increased, the pitch of the sound emitted by the speakers decreased until it became inaudible. Then, the pitch rose back up until it reached its original pitch but louder, with an amplitude up to 30% greater than the original sound (watch the vídeo).

The results of the experiment confirmed the theories of Penrose and Zel’dovich [2], showing that it is possible to extract energy from the rotation of an object through the rotational Doppler effect. The research team believes that these findings will open up new avenues of scientific exploration and they are interested in investigating the effect of different sources, such as electromagnetic waves, in the near future.

Refs:

[1] https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/beacons/nanoquantum/headline_727690_en.html

[2] R. Penrose, General Relativity and Gravitation, Vol. 34, No. 7, July 2002, Gravitational Collapse: The Role of General Relativity

About the fallacy of the age of retirement

We all understand that life is brief and that it’s not all about working, especially if we feel like we’re aging. The idea that individuals should be obliged to labor in an age of automation, robotics, and AI is contested for a variety of reasonable reasons. Life is more than simply work, and duties. Since these technologies expand, they might alter how work is done and reduce the demand for human labor in a variety of industries.

One argument in favor of releasing individuals from the cycle of labor sooner is that it could allow them to focus on activities that are more personally fulfilling or beneficial to society, such as pursuing creative projects, helping others, volunteering, or engaging in political engagement.

Another argument is that releasing people from their job obligations might help with issues like social isolation, poverty, and inequality. By reducing the demand for human labor and ensuring that the benefits of automation and AI are spread more fairly, it would be possible to create a society that is both more equal and more just.

But the notion of freeing people from labor is not without its challenges and possible consequences. For instance, some contend that work gives people’s life a sense of direction and structure and that without it, people could struggle to find meaning or drive. Concerns exist regarding the possible economic and social repercussions of widespread unemployment or underemployment as well as the requirement to guarantee that people have access to the tools and assistance they require to survive in a post-work society. In the end, the decision to free people from their labor is a complicated and nuanced one that will probably call for careful consideration of a number of social, economic, and political aspects. Certainly, it is offensive to human dignity, decency, and a sense of social progress and Democracy, governments just legislate the increase of the age of retirement with the same old – and not justified – arguments.

Education may also help people to create a sense of identity and purpose by giving them opportunities to explore new ideas, engage with people who have similar interests to them, and acquire fresh skills and abilities. For instance, education could help with the development of critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and creative thinking, all of which are desirable in a variety of personal and professional contexts.

Moreover, education may be a substantial source of social and emotional support for people if it is provided in an inclusive and encouraging environment. By fostering positive connections between students and teachers and by creating a sense of community and belonging inside educational institutions, education may help to promote mental health and well-being and provide individuals the tools and resources they need to handle life’s issues.

Of course, the particular ways in which education provides a sense of purpose and organization can vary based on a variety of factors, such as a person’s personal interests, cultural background, and life experiences. But, education as a whole has the power to significantly impact people’s sense of meaning and purpose as well as help them lead fulfilling lives.

The notion that retirees are useless to society is incorrect. Retired people can and frequently do continue to contribute to society in a variety of ways, such as via volunteer work, family caregiving, participation in community groups, and sharing of knowledge and skills.

Governments may promote retirees’ continuous participation and engagement in a number of ways to ensure that they are not considered a drain on society (even though the ministries may have a lot of work to do!). These could include:

1. Providing volunteer opportunities: Governments may work with charities and neighborhood associations to promote volunteer opportunities for retirees. This might keep retirees engaged and active in their communities in addition to assisting those in need.
2. Lifelong learning is encouraged since many retirees are keen to continue growing and learning throughout their lives. Governments should assist with this by offering retirees-specific educational opportunities and activities.
3. Helping people who are providing care for family members: A lot of retirees are also taking care of their grandchildren or aging parents. Governments may provide tax credits, respite care services, or other forms of assistance to these caregivers.
4. fostering intergenerational relationships: The expertise and experience of the seniors may be very beneficial to younger generations. Governments may foster relationships between generations by planning events and projects that bring people of all ages together.
5. As individuals age, they may require additional social and healthcare services, thus it is important to make sure they have access to these services. Governments can ensure that retirees have access to the social and medical services they need to maintain their health and well-being.

Image generated by Deep Dream Generator.

Governments may assist to ensure that retired people continue to be respected and active members of society rather than being perceived as a burden by implementing these and other measures to support them.

The retirement age is decided by governments based on a variety of factors, such as life expectancy, the status of the economy, and demographics. In most countries, a combination of these factors determines the legal retirement age. In order to determine the appropriate retirement age, governments frequently look at data on life expectancy to determine how long people are expected to live and work. They could also consider economic factors including the state of the economy, employment prospects, and the price of paying retired individuals their social security benefits.

If a government obliges citizens to increase their age of retirement, it is reasonable for citizens to oblige the government to take steps to ensure that the longer working life is a fair and equitable one. Here are some potential demands that citizens could make:

1. Job opportunities: The government should make sure that older employees have enough job possibilities, especially in professions that are less physically demanding, and provide flexible work schedules.
2. Workplace protections: Older employees should have access to training and development opportunities, rights against age discrimination, and assistance with age-related health difficulties in the workplace, according to the government.
3. Social safety net: The government should make sure that the social safety net, which includes access to healthcare, retirement benefits, and income assistance, is enough for older employees who are unable to continue working due to health issues or other conditions.
4. Education and training: For older employees to learn new skills and maintain their competitiveness in the workforce, the government should offer education and training possibilities.
5. Retirement planning: The government should guarantee that employees have access to sufficient retirement savings programs and give them the tools and assistance they need to plan for their retirement.

In general, people should expect the government to take action to make sure that a longer working life is fair and equitable and to offer assistance to those who are unable to work. Also, citizens may support legislation and initiatives that benefit older employees in preserving their physical and mental health.

Image courtesy: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonoberholtzer/2011/03/22/effective-retirement-age-vs-official-retirement-age/?sh=761b60f61db8

Whether or not to consider the years that university students spend in high-education toward their retirement age is a question of policy and might differ from nation to nation. While determining the retirement age, university education is already taken into account in certain nations but not in others. There may be reasons in favor of and against incorporating university studies in retirement age calculations in nations where they are not already taken into account. Arguments in favor of counting university years toward retirement age may include:

1. Higher education is an investment: The calculation of retirement age should take into account the time and money spent on university education, which is frequently a considerable investment by students and their parents.
2. Increased life expectancy: More people are working past the official retirement age because people are living longer than ever before. By including college years in the calculation of retirement age, older employees might avoid being punished for making educational investments.
3. Increased skills and knowledge: Increased knowledge and skills from higher education can be useful in the workplace. Older people who made an investment in their education should be permitted to keep working and contributing.

Arguments against counting university years toward retirement age may include:

1. Unfair advantage: Counting university years toward retirement age could be seen as giving an unfair advantage to those who have had the opportunity to pursue higher education.
2. Economic burden: In some countries, there are concerns about the economic burden of an aging population. Counting university years toward retirement age could add to this burden.
3. Inconsistency: Including university years in the calculation of retirement age could be seen as inconsistent with other factors that are taken into account, such as years of work experience.

In the end, the choice of whether or not to include college years in the calculation of retirement age will be influenced by a number of variables, such as political agendas, economic concerns, and cultural views toward higher education. The years spent in college are, nevertheless, taken into account by several nations for determining retirement age. But there is no doubt that higher education and training contribute greatly to progress and equality [1]. Here are a few examples:

1. Italy: In Italy, students who complete a university education can receive a reduction in their retirement age based on the number of years spent in university. The reduction can be up to three years for those who have completed a three-year degree, and up to four years for those who have completed a four or five-year degree [2].
2. France: In France, the retirement age for some public sector workers can be reduced based on the number of years spent in higher education. The reduction is available to those who have completed at least three years of higher education and can be up to one year for every three years of education [3].
3. Spain: In Spain, university education can be counted towards the retirement age for public sector workers. The reduction is available for those who have completed at least two years of university education and can be up to one year for every two years of education [3].

It is worth noting that policies regarding retirement age and education can change over time, and different countries may have different approaches. It is important to check with the relevant authorities in each country to determine their current policies.

You can run this Python NoteBook in Google Colab and test several issues with it.

import numpy as np

import pandas as pd

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

# Define variables

wage = 50000 # Annual wage

retirement_age = np.arange(60, 71) # Range of retirement ages to evaluate

life_expectancy = 75.1 # Life expectancy 85

retirement_cost = 0.7 # Proportion of wage required in retirement 0.8

discount_rate = 0.06 # Discount rate for future earnings          0.03

annual_pre_retirement_income = 100000 # $100,000 per year

annual_retirement_income = 70000 # $70,000 per year

replacement_rate = (annual_retirement_income / annual_pre_retirement_income) * 100

print(“Replacement Rate: {:.2f}%”.format(replacement_rate))

retirement_cost = replacement_rate/100

# Calculate total value of earnings if retired at different ages

earnings = pd.DataFrame(index=retirement_age, columns=[‘Total Earnings’, ‘Total Benefits’])

for age in retirement_age:

    remaining_work_years = life_expectancy – age

    total_earnings = wage * (age – 20) # Assume starting work at age 20

    total_benefits = wage * retirement_cost * remaining_work_years * (1 + discount_rate)**(-1 * np.arange(1, remaining_work_years + 1))

    earnings.loc[age, ‘Total Earnings’] = total_earnings

    earnings.loc[age, ‘Total Benefits’] = total_benefits.sum()

# Calculate break-even point

earnings[‘Net Present Value’] = earnings[‘Total Benefits’] – earnings[‘Total Earnings’]

earnings[‘Cumulative NPV’] = earnings[‘Net Present Value’].cumsum()

earnings[‘Break-Even Age’] = earnings.index[earnings[‘Cumulative NPV’] >= 0][0]

# Plot results

fig, ax = plt.subplots()

ax.plot(retirement_age, earnings[‘Cumulative NPV’])

ax.axhline(y=0, linestyle=’–‘, color=’k’)

#ax.axvline(x=earnings[‘Break-Even Age’], linestyle=’–‘, color=’k’)

ax.axvline(x=earnings[‘Break-Even Age’].iloc[0], linestyle=’–‘, color=’k’)

ax.set_xlabel(‘Age of Retirement’)

ax.set_ylabel(‘Cumulative Net Present Value’)

ax.set_title(‘Break-Even Analysis for Retirement Age’)

ax.grid(True)

plt.show()

Politics, culture, and the economy may all have an impact on how the age of retirement is determined in different nations. Others may utilize a formula based on parameters like the number of years worked or the number of social security contributions paid, while other nations have a fixed retirement age. The ultimate objective is to strike a balance between the demands of seniors and those of the economy in order to preserve the long-term viability of the social security system.

With the development of economic productivity and the rise of artificial intelligence, there are arguments on both sides of the debate of whether the retirement age should be lowered. On the one hand, it may be argued that workers should be permitted to retire earlier if productivity is rising since they can do more work in less time. Moreover, AI and other technology developments could make some businesses less dependent on human labor, which might make it less necessary for employees to work past the customary retirement age. On the other side, it might also be claimed that people are living longer and healthier lives as a result of rising life expectancy and advancements in healthcare, and they may be able to continue working and making contributions to the economy for a longer period of time. However, this argument might be well flawed [4]. However, as AI and other technologies develop, it’s possible that new occupations and markets could appear, giving older employees the chance to continue working in their areas of expertise.

The method that governments use to establish the retirement age varies based on the nation and its unique set of laws and regulations. However, some nations frequently utilize a formula that is based on a person’s birth year and set retirement age. For people who were born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age for Social Security payments in the United States is progressively rising from 66 to 67. Retirement benefits can also be impacted by several elements, including a person’s work history and wages.

The ideal retirement age is a multifaceted calculation that should take into account each person’s unique circumstances, including their financial condition, general health, and personal preferences. Research has shown that employees’ health declines after the age of 50 [4]. To determine the age at which the overall value of retirement benefits received equals the total value of earnings forfeited, or the break-even point, is a frequent strategy. An example of the IPython notebook code that determines the break-even point for a straightforward case is shown above.

The code defines the wage, retirement age, life expectancy, retirement cost, and discount rate. It then calculates the total value of earnings and benefits for each retirement age, based on the assumption that the individual started working at age 20 and that retirement cost is 80% of the wage. It calculates the net present value of the benefits minus earnings for each retirement age and finds the break-even point, which is the age at which the cumulative net present value of the benefits minus earnings becomes positive. Finally, it plots the cumulative net present value as a function of retirement age and highlights the break-even age.

Yet, some people and organizations could view this as an effort to reduce the amount of free time that people have, which might restrict their capacity to participate in political or social activities to benefice corrupted governments actions and use them and politicians as an assault army to get benefices for the elite encircling politicians and powerful corporations. If the retirement age regulations are frequently put in place based on economic and demographic factors rather than political ones, governments should be pro-actives and might raise wages to lower the retirement age. This is based on the notion that if people can earn more while they are employed, they would not need to work as long before retiring.

However, increasing salaries is just one of several factors that can affect the age of retirement. Other factors that governments could consider changing include:

1. Social Security benefits: Governments could increase Social Security benefits to help people retire earlier.
2. Retirement savings plans: Governments could encourage or mandate employers to offer retirement savings plans, such as 401(k)s in the USA, to help workers save for retirement and retire earlier.
3. Healthcare costs: Governments could work to reduce healthcare costs for retirees, making it easier for people to retire earlier.
4. Education and training programs: Governments could invest in education and training programs to help people develop skills that would allow them to transition to new, less physically demanding jobs as they age.

Taxing businesses more can bring in more money for the government, which might be used to fund social security programs and lower the retirement age. The impacts of such a policy, however, would rely on a number of variables, including the extent of the tax increase, the distribution of the money, and the program’s larger economic implications.

  Hence, it would be necessary to carefully analyze any policy changes in this area to ensure that they achieve their intended aims without having unforeseen negative effects. It’s feasible that some businesses may manage higher taxes without suffering material productivity losses, but it’s crucial to keep in mind that tax increases for businesses can potentially have unforeseen repercussions.

For instance, a business may have less money to invest in R&D or recruit new staff if its revenues are dramatically decreased as a result of higher taxes. In the end, this can lead to slower development or possibly job losses. Companies could also be able to identify ways to lessen the effects of increased taxes, for as by moving to a country with lower tax rates or by locating tax law loopholes.

Image freely generated by Deep Dream Generator.

We may summarize several political reasons why governments may want to increase the age of retirement since this is a fragile issue much less discussed in the literature for obvious reasons:

1. Demographic Changes: One of the primary reasons for increasing the age of retirement is demographic changes. As the population ages, the number of retired people is increasing, and the number of people who are working and contributing to the economy is decreasing. This puts a strain on the social security system and can lead to a reduction in the amount of money that is available for retirees.
2. Economic Concerns: Governments may want to increase the age of retirement to address economic concerns. If the economy is struggling, governments may want to encourage people to work longer to help stimulate the economy and increase tax revenue.
3. Budgetary Constraints: Governments may also want to increase the age of retirement to address budgetary constraints. If the government is facing a budget deficit, increasing the age of retirement can help reduce the amount of money that is needed to support the social security system.
4. Political Ideology: Some political parties and leaders may believe in reducing the size and scope of government, and increasing the age of retirement can be seen as a way to achieve this goal. They may argue that individuals should be responsible for saving and planning for their own retirement and that the government should have a smaller role in providing retirement benefits.
5. International Competition: In some cases, governments may increase the age of retirement to remain competitive with other countries. If other countries have higher retirement ages, governments may feel pressure to increase their own retirement age to remain competitive in the global economy.

As we referred to above, the economy may still benefit from retired people in a number of ways. Nonetheless, governments typically cite the expense of supporting social security systems as their justification for raising the retirement age. Fewer young people are joining the workforce to assist the aging population and those who are retiring as people live longer. The social security system is put under strain as a result, and raising the retirement age is considered as a means to lessen the system’s financial burden. By putting in more time at work, people would contribute more to the system and delay collecting benefits, which would aid in keeping the books in order. There is evidence to show that retirees spend less money overall than those who are still employed. This is because retirees are more likely to be living off of fixed incomes like pensions or retirement funds and often have lower earnings. They could thus have less money available to spend on products and services. The fact that this is a generality and that many retirees continue to significantly contribute to the economy through volunteer work, part-time employment, and other endeavors must be noted. In addition, retirees could have more time and money to travel and partake in leisure pursuits, which could be advantageous for regional economies. governments should work out the fine details of these details, instead to run out to increase the retirement age without giving more benefits to aged workers and young people unemployed.

To conclude, we may refer to some companies that offer early retirement programs without penalty, but it depends on the company and the specific program. Here are a few examples:

1. Boeing: In 2020, Boeing offered a voluntary layoff program for eligible employees, which included early retirement packages for certain groups [5].
2. General Electric: In 2019, General Electric offered a voluntary early retirement program for eligible employees, which allowed them to retire early without penalty [6].
3. Verizon: In 2019, Verizon offered a voluntary separation program for eligible employees, which included early retirement packages for certain groups [7].
4. Ford Motor Company: In 2020, Ford offered a voluntary early retirement program for eligible employees, which allowed them to retire early without penalty.

It’s worth noting that these programs are typically offered as part of cost-cutting measures or restructuring efforts, and may not be available to all employees. Additionally, accepting an early retirement package may come with certain conditions or restrictions, such as forfeiting certain benefits or agreeing not to work for a competitor.

The fundamental issue of the retirement age is not dependent alone on economic factors, it is also dependent on cultural values and the awareness of a civilization that already attained a level of automatization and technological leverage to freed its citizens of the bondage of trepalium [9], of the obligation to work until dead separate us apart, instead to give time to citizens for a last period of life that may give meaning to their lives.

REFS:

[Generic queries were first answered with the use of ChatGPT’s ‘conversations. As a result, my Kudos Private conversation from ChatGPT, March 12, 2023]

[1] https://www.investopedia.com/articles/economics/09/education-training-advantages.asp

[2] https://www.morningfuture.com/en/2020/05/08/university-conversion-pension-entitlements-what-how/

[3] Unfortunately, I couldn’t confirm any document that confirms this claim.

[4] https://theconversation.com/retirement-age-is-increasing-but-our-new-study-reveals-most-only-work-ten-years-in-good-health-after-50-141227

[5] https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/02/boeing-to-offer-voluntary-layoffs-to-employees-to-tide-over-coronavirus-fallout.html

[6] https://www.ge.com/news/press-releases/ge-announces-us-pension-plan-actions

[7] https://www.verizon.com/about/news/verizon-announces-results-voluntary-separation-offer

[8] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ford-buyouts-idUSBRE82F1CY20120316

[9] “Travail comes to us from a sinister Latin word: trepalium, meaning “instrument of torture.” The closest English word is probably toil, though travail means you’re not just exerting monumental effort but suffering as you do so.” in Ref. https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/travail#:~:text=Travail%20comes%20to%20us%20from,suffering%20as%20you%20do%20so.

Humanity began a new climatic era. Should we worry too much?

Perhaps it would be healthier to consider climate change as a chance for economic advancement rather than just a threat to predict frigid winters and extremely hot summers (although some scientists are skeptical of this). Why not continue to assert that “a different era of climate has arrived”? For instance, Bangladesh has traditionally been cited as one of the nations that will be most negatively impacted by climate change [1], but as of right now, it is the example of a nation that will be most positively impacted [2].

One indication that the weather has always varied is the discovery of DNA from a pine forest two kilometers beneath the ice in southern Greenland. The DNA is among the oldest, having been estimated to be between 450,000 and 800,000 years old. Greenland’s plant life ended 450,000 years ago, and ice has been covering the area ever since. Sea levels were 5 to 6 meters higher, and the temperature was 5 °C warmer than it is now [3].

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which transports warm waters in the Atlantic Ocean, has recently been the topic of debate. It will be anticipated that Europe will experience harsher winters if this circulation weakens. A first scientific paper was published utilizing indirect (“proxies”) data rather than primary data that was gathered based on the isotopic composition of specific species and old rocks [4]. A recent peer-reviewed paper using new data cast doubt on this experiment and came to the opposite conclusion, stating that all was fine with the Golf circulation [5]. The Golf stream transports warm water from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in mild winters and cool summers in places like Florida and up to western Europe.

There is insufficient data to reliably anticipate the Earth’s climate, despite the possibility of a hazardous climate change. For instance, people who study the topic of optimizing still do not fully comprehend the functioning processes of a tiny Hall Thruste that is expected to drive passengers and machines to Mars. How can anyone assert to know how the Earth’s heat engine functions?

Image generated by the DEEP DREAM GENERATOR.

REFERENCES:

[1] Rabbani M.G., Rahman A.A., Shoef I.J., Khan Z.M. (2015) Climate Change and Food Security in Vulnerable Coastal Zones of Bangladesh. In: Habiba U., Hassan A., Abedin M., Shaw R. (eds) Food Security and Risk Reduction in Bangladesh. Disaster Risk Reduction (Methods, Approaches and Practices). Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-55411-0_10

[2] World Economic Forum, “By 2030, Bangladesh will be the 24th largest economy. Here’s how ICT is driving that growth”. Link Here.

[3] Louis Buckley, “DNA reveals a green Greenland Old forests hint that the island has been icy for 450,000 years”, Published online 5 July 2007 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news070702-14. Link Here.

[4] Caesar, L., McCarthy, G.D., Thornalley, D.J.R. et al. Current Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation weakest in last millennium. Nat. Geosci. 14, 118–120 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-021-00699-z. Link Here.

[5] Emma L. Worthington¹, Ben I. Moat², David A. Smeed², Jennifer V. Mecking², Robert Marsh¹, and Gerard D. McCarthy³, “A 30-year reconstruction of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation shows no decline”. Ocean Sci., 17, 285–299, 2021https://doi.org/10.5194/os-17-285-2021. Link Here.

PhyTheMatics 15-Geometrical Optics-I

«Geometrical optics, or ray optics, is a model of optics that describes light propagation in terms of rays. The ray in geometrical optics is an abstraction useful for approximating the paths along which light propagates under certain circumstances.

The simplifying assumptions of geometrical optics include that light rays:

• propagate in straight-line paths as they travel in a homogeneous medium
• bend, and in particular circumstances may split in two, at the interface between two dissimilar media
• follow curved paths in a medium in which the refractive index changes
• may be absorbed or reflected.

Geometrical optics does not account for certain optical effects such as diffraction and interference. This simplification is useful in practice; it is an excellent approximation when the wavelength is small compared to the size of structures with which the light interacts. The techniques are particularly useful in describing geometrical aspects of imaging, including optical aberrations.» – Wikipedia.

REF:

[1] Dieter Meschede, “Optics, Light and Lasers-the practical approach to modern aspects of photonic and laser physics” (Wiley-VCH, Wiinheim, 2004)

ONLINE SIMULATORS TO GET PHYSICAL INTUITION:

(1) https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/geometric-optics

(2) https://ophysics.com/l.html

(3) Using MatLab: https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/52171-lenslab

NB-“Phythematics” is meant to be a short calligraphic text containing calculus or content related to science, aiming to maximize understanding of physics and natural processes and helping science benefit society. For the fun of it. Remember, for better learning:

• Write notes in books
• Add unique visual notes to digital documents
• Stick with paper and pen for creative pursuits.

Phythematics 14-The Railgun as a launcher hypersonic system

A railgun or rail gun is a linear motor device, typically designed as a weapon, that uses electromagnetic force to launch high velocity projectiles. The projectile normally does not contain explosives, instead relying on the projectile’s high speed, mass, and kinetic energy to inflict damage.^[2] The railgun uses a pair of parallel conductors (rails), along which a sliding armature is accelerated by the electromagnetic effects of a current that flows down one rail, into the armature and then back along the other rail. It is based on principles similar to those of the homopolar motor.^[3] – Wikipedia.

REFS: See References given in the text.

NB-“Phythematics” is meant to be a short calligraphic text containing calculus or content related to science, aiming to maximize understanding of physics and natural processes and helping science benefit society. For the fun of it. Remember, for better learning:

• Write notes in books
• Add unique visual notes to digital documents
• Stick with paper and pen for creative pursuits.

Phythematics 13-DIY (Do-it-yourself) Laboratories, an alternative to university-based research

«A do-it-yourself (DiY) laboratory is defined as ‘a place where people “do stuff”, create and tinker in a friendly, open, creative and collective atmosphere’ (Meyer 2013).» [1-3].

REFS:

[1] Buddhi Pathak, Mona Ashok, Yin Leng Tan. (2022) Value co-creation in the B2B context: a conceptual framework and its implications. The Service Industries Journal 42:3-4, pages 178-205.

[2] https://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/blog/2014/jun/16/diy-labs-exciting-alternative-university-science-research

[3] https://www.theguardian.com/education/series/academics-anonymous

NB-“Phythematics” is meant to be a short calligraphic text containing calculus or content related to science, aiming to maximize understanding of physics and natural processes and helping science benefit society. For the fun of it. Remember, for better learning:

• Write notes in books
• Add unique visual notes to digital documents
• Stick with paper and pen for creative pursuits.

Phythematics 11-Resultant force acting on a Hall thruster

«Hall thrusters are able to accelerate their exhaust to speeds between 10 and 80 km/s (1,000–8,000 s specific impulse), with most models operating between 15 and 30 km/s. The thrust produced depends on the power level. Devices operating at 1.35 kW produce about 83 mN of thrust.» – Wikipedia

REF:https://descanso.jpl.nasa.gov/SciTechBook/series1/Goebel__cmprsd_opt.pdf

[1] Fundamentals of Electric Propulsion: Ion and Hall Thrusters, Dan M. Goebel and Ira Katz [and correcting a typo on page 18]

NB-“Phythematics” is meant to be a short calligraphic text containing calculus aiming to maximize understanding of physics and natural processes. For the fun of it. Remember, for better learning:

• Write notes in books
• Add unique visual notes to digital documents
• Stick with paper and pen for creative pursuits.

Phythematics 9-Breathing mode in Hall Thrusters

Breathing mode is an ionization instability which is observed ubiquitously in the operation of Hall thrusters. It is recognized as a relatively low frequency (10–30 kHz) longitudinal oscillation of the discharge current and the plasma parameters.

REF:

[1] Anode sheath in Hall thrusters, Appl. Phys. Lett. 83, 2551 (2003); https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1615307

L. Dorf and V. SemenovInstitute of Applied Physics of Russian Academy of Science, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia 603155

Y. RaitsesPrinceton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey 08543

[2] O. Chapurin, A. I Smolyakov, G. Hagelaar, Y. Raitses. On the mechanism of ionization oscillations in
Hall thrusters. Journal of Applied Physics, American Institute of Physics, 2021, 129 (23), pp.233307.
￿10.1063/5.0049105

NB-“Phythematics” is meant to be a short calligraphic text containing calculus aiming to maximize understanding of physics and natural processes. For the fun of it. Remember, for better learnig:

• Write notes in books
• Add unique visual notes to digital documents
• Stick with paper and pen for creative pursuits.

Phythematics 3: Quantum interactions with the physical vacuum, the case of the magneto-electric quantum wheel

«An Israeli scientist has proposed a way to build a quantum propulsion machine by pushing on the electromagnetic fields within a quantum vacuum, generating a force that, theoretically, could be harnessed. Sounds simple enough, right? But leaving the complex jargon of quantum mechanics aside, the implications are pretty amazing.»[1]

REFS:

[1] Practical Steps Toward a Quantum Propulsion Machine

[2] Original paper here: A magneto-electric quantum wheel, Alexander Feigel

NB-“Phythematics” is meant to be a short calligraphic text containing calculus aiming to maximize understanding of physics and natural processes. For the fun of it.