oringham's blog

Systems modeling in public health with respect to the Sustainable Development Goals is also important to increase efficiency, improve surveillance of areas where special attention is necessary, and allocation and conservation of resources. For example, scenarios can be run through systems simulation which allow one to see the trends regarding usage of resources, such as fuel and crops, as well as monitor production of those resources. This data can be used to predict yields and costs of the resource, and to decide where it is best to allocate it. Modeling can also be used to identify areas where interventions may be needed to prevent future loss and devastation. This again allows one to further model the introduction of relevant policies and survey how they effect a broad variety of sectors. For instance, if a new or dormant disease becomes active and is spreading, public health officials can begin to instate protocols to prevent the risk of spread based on the modeling system’s output. In this scenario, the modeling system could also be used to predict economic effects of an epidemic, which helps business persons prepare for potential economic declines. Financial investment strategies can also be explored through this type of modeling, in order properly allocate funds where they are needed to achieve the SDGs. Areas of low standards of living and sparse resources could require an economic boost so that they can grow and develop sustainable practices of living. The many interwoven cause and effect relationships of the SDGs and civilization make an integrative and comprehensive system imperative to examine the results of critical political, social, environmental and economic decisions that aim to change the world.

The nature of the Sustainable Development Goals is greatly integrated, leading to the necessity of integrative strategies in order to cover all dimensions. For example, it has been found that poor education leads to increased poverty in communities big and small. The inaccessibility to education can arise from systemic inequalities with regards to race and gender, or lack of resources to supplement constructive learning. System simulations modeling allows each element of the SDGs to be unified in a harmonic way, while developing a constructive analysis of possible events and effects of policies. Contributions from civil societies, private sectors, and governments can be modeled and monitored in order to predict large changes with implementation of the SDGs. It is extremely imperative in such a large-scale initiative that alternative policies and scenarios can be tested in a systemic way that displays the possible outcomes and their causal determinants, in order to prevent disastrous consequences. These consequences may not be obvious due to the broad and intricate integrative quality of the goals.

Sustainable development is defined simply as advancement made in society that is able to meet the needs of the present, without compromising the capacity for future generations to meet their needs and maintain a satisfactory quality of life. In an effort to create a sustainable and flourishing global civilization, the United Nations has set forth the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These goals are comprehensive and eminent, such as quality education, no poverty, zero hunger, reduced inequality, and responsible consumption and production. The global cooperation has been nothing short of remarkable, with 193 countries committed to upholding and achieving the SDGs within the next fifteen years. Extensive global participation is paramount to the success of the SDGs as each country works harmoniously to improve economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection. Although the SDGs are not a legally binding policy, their implementation is set forth by an expectation to uphold these goals for the sake of humanity. The holistic nature of the goals requires integrated cooperation and assistance from all countries in order to uphold sustainable development policies, and to create a better earth for all, for tomorrow and for years to come.  

The specimen being observed is quite small, about 3 centimeters long. It is shaped like a small bean that is about 1.25 centimeters, with a long tail which accounts for the majority of the organism’s length. The organism appears to be semitransparent, with a taupe hue. Looking down on it closely, you can see small organs, and its digestive processes working. The small creature appears to eat sawdust, and was covered in it when delivered to my petri dish. Additionally, at the opposite end of its tail, it has a small hole that looks as if it is its mouth. Its movements are reminiscent of that of a caterpillar, that extends and recoils in order to traverse its path. The organism has eight nubby legs, that are in sets of two parallel to one another and also used to aid movement. At the top of its head, it appears to have small sensor like buds as well. With regards to its activity level, I would say it is quite high. The organism has crawled out of the petri dish independently multiple times, in order to escape its enclosure. However, when touched by myself or another object, it freezes all movement and appears still, stiff and dead. Overall, this organism is quite fascinating in its anatomy and behavior, and interesting to observe.

It is a small bean shape with a thin and long tail. It is soft and squishy to the touch. The object has a taupe color but its semitransparent on the main body. You can see that it is filled with organs and fluid of some sort. The tail is not transparent, and Is a darker brown. It seems to have a small opening at the end of the body opposite of the tail, leading me to believe that it is its mouth. Additionally, it has eight little nubby legs, and walks like a caterpillar. It is alive and has awakened. I don’t know what it is but it is not aesthetically pleasing and kind of creepy. It is trying to escape my petri dish. Originally it was covered in sawdust. I believe it is a red tailed maggot, hence the sawdust. It seems to like to crawl around the perimeter of the petri dish. To crawl, it pushes forward its head and then scrunches its tail towards the head. It is interesting to see its organs shift as he crawls around the dish. He appears to have tiny sensors by his mouth opening as well. Additionally, when he is touched, he does not struggle but rather freezes and acts as if he is dead. Once you leave him alone for a minute, he will continue to move around. I also believe if it is not the organs that I see inside him moving, it is the buts of sawdust he has eaten. He broke free of the petri dish and I had to corral him back in. He is 3 cm long including tail. His body length resting is about 1.25 cm long