Abstract The paper examines the role of corporate entities in food production and distribution. The paper argues that we cannot discuss the human health aspects of local food production without critically addressing how the corporatization of food production and distribution has introduced numerous destabilizing health vectors in our food systems. The paper then shows how local food production is undeniably healthier than global food production and distribution.
From the Paper "These "chemical stews" impact human bodies in numerous, and often unexpected, ways. Consider, for example, the contemporary health controversy over the excess use of antibiotics which - because of their widespread presence in the human population - have been losing their valuable potential as disease-fighting tools of our medical system. Studies have found that as much as 70 percent of the antibiotics present in our bodies today is present not from personal usage but indirectly through the consumption of animals who themselves have been excessively treated with antibiotics (Larsen 2007, p.21)."
Abstract In this article the writer outlines the main trends in agricultural produce in the three economies of Russia, India and Japan in the inter-war period. The writer discusses how far changes in output and prices affected the standard of living of the agricultural population and notes that, during the inter-war period (1914-39), Russia, Japan and India experienced similar but at times varied fluctuations in how much produce they cultivated agriculturally. Generally-speaking, Japan and India maintained outwardly stable, but far from spectacular levels of production, while Russia and later the Soviet Union witnessed greater disparities in what she produced for the commercial market. The writer concludes that what is clear from all three cases is the extent to which change in agricultural output and prices invariably failed to benefit the rural population - and, in the case of the Soviet Union, change in fact proved to be catastrophic.
From the Paper "When one takes the example of rice production - the main staple - as the chief indicator of agricultural output, with reference to Japan and India, and that of wheat production for Russia, one can observe the following. By 1914, Japan quickly reached production levels of 8.5 millions tonnes, levels that remained pretty much constant during subsequent years. Some twenty years later, in 1933, she reached a peak of 10.6 million tonnes, ending with a modest 10.3 million tonnes of rice in 1939. During the post-war era, India similarly witnessed marked increases in production. By 1914 she saw 42 million tonnes of rice harvested nationwide. But production proved erratic thereafter. During six of the following fifteen years output did exceed the 50 million tonne threshold; but the trend nevertheless was downwards, so that, by 1932, production dipped below the 40 million mark, only struggling to transcend this figure in two of the remaining seven years. What heavily contrasts with the case of India and Japan is that of Russia which witnessed not a levelling-off but a massive reduction in her wheat production following the First World War. By contrast to 28 million tonnes, which was recorded in 1913, the amount for 1921 plummeted to a mere 5.6 million tonnes. By 1925, however, production kicked back quickly to normal levels, with the Soviet Union reporting that 20.8 million tonnes of wheat had been harvested."
This paper discusses good governance for sustainable development in the uplands of the Philippines at the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) Experimental Forest.
Abstract This paper explains that deliberate efforts on the part of the government or civil society to strengthen links between good governance initiatives and sustainable development objectives provide a viable framework for action that is founded on participatory mechanisms to mitigate effects of poverty, inequality and lack of access to basic services. The author points out that such mechanisms are essential in establishing a mutually accepted and respected strategic plan of action for a more sustainable utilization of the community's scarce resources. The paper relates that the primary objective of the Forest Land Use Plan is to allocate the one thousand two hundred twenty seven hectares of the Western Mindanao State University Experimental Forest to its most rational use in order to address prevailing issues concerning the sustainability of the forest.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Governance and Sustainability
Development in the Upland
Community-Based Resource Management at WMSU Experimental Forest
The Forest Land Use Plan
Good Governance and Sustainable Development in the Upland
Conclusion
Schematic Framework of Forest Land Use Planning (FLUP)Proposed Forest Land Use Map of the WMSU-EF
From the Paper "With the delineation of the production and protection areas, existing land use map was superimposed to analyze propriety of the existing land uses with vis-a-vis land qualities or land characteristics. Based on this, various conflicting issues were noted as improper land use such as kaingin farming and related practices. Other areas of issues such as degraded lands, encroachment, illegal occupancy, protection of forest resources and socio-demographic problems due to increasing population in the area were also identified. From these, various options were developed by the TWG to address the different issues and conflicts."
Tags: allocate, scarce resources, rational use, united nations community-based
Abstract This paper examines the most important and likely ways that Atlantic Canada will be affected by climate change. The paper demonstrates that climate change has the potential to have a devastating effect on the forests, farms and economy of Atlantic Canada.
From the Paper "Another way in which climate change could negatively impact Atlantic Canada's forests is by causing mid-winter thaws to become longer, and to occur more often. These thaws cause air bubbles to form in stems, and if these remain they will prevent water from flowing into the leaves when spring comes. Also, if there are extended thaws, when the soil freezes again it can damage roots. This means that when the spring comes, the roots are damaged. However, it is the roots that usually produce the pressure to expel the air bubbles."
Abstract This paper describes how advances in agriculture have been facilitated over the past fifty years. In particular, the paper provides in depth information as to how to construct and run a broiler house.
From the Paper "To reduce heating costs and increase ventilation broiler houses are constructed with drop ceilings. The average broiler house is 40-50 feet wide and 400-600 feet long. The ceiling is suspended to help with the hygiene of the broiler house and to make it easier to catch the broilers. The dropped ceiling acts as a vapor barrier protecting the trusses of the broiler house. Dropped ceilings reduce the surface area of the broiler house and allows for the installation of insulation. The insulation is blown in and prevents heat gain during warm months heat loss during cold months. The walls of the broiler house are also insulated in the same way for the same reason. For maximum growth consistent warm temperatures are required (Fairchild)."
Abstract The paper explains hydroponics, also known as soil-less culture, as a system of growing plants suspended or embedded in a non-soil environment. The paper explores the advantages that hydroponic growing techniques offer over soil-based growing techniques, but also shows how this is a highly technical and extremely demanding business. The paper concludes therefore that while hydroponic culture offers many possibilities, it requires considerable managerial and technical sophistication to be carried out successfully.
From the Paper "Hydroponics, also known as soilless culture, is a system of growing plants suspended or embedded in a non-soil environment. While typical soil-based agriculture essentially dumps seeds into soil which may be less than completely healthy and which may expose the seeds to numerous pathogens, hydroponics allows a grower to maintain conditions which are most conducive to plant growth. This ability to control the growing environment results in higher yields compared to traditional soil-based agriculture. Seeds and young plants are not exposed to soil-borne diseases and pests. This is especially desirable in tropical situations, because it allows plants to go through their life cycles with minimal interruption, and without the threat of infestation."
Abstract This paper explain the divergent patterns of agricultural productivity growth in France and England. The paper looks at different labor practices, preferences for rural over urban activity and the ability to engage in agriculture given what is provided by the country's geographical landscape. It uses these factors to explain the reasons behind the divergent path phenomena of agricultural productivity growth.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
1900 Agricultural Outlook: France versus England
Pre-1900s: An Early State of Equal Agricultural Activity
Agrarian Transformation and Industrialization
Conclusion
From the Paper "Meanwhile, England embraced industrialization and urbanization. In the early 1700s, England was far from such industrialization, and there was "little economic growth in Britain in the second half of the eighteenth century" (Mokyr 81-2). When the Industrial Revolution eventually did arrive in England, it did not represent, contrary to popular thought, "a macroeconomic event that led to a sudden acceleration of the rate of growth, although growth eventually became an inevitable corollary" (ibid 82). On the other hand, it represented more of a "wave of gadgets" sweeping over Britain post-1760, which allowed goods to be produced more efficiently and at a higher quality (ibid). It also represented, depending on one's opinion, either the trigger for raised living standards or the signaling of lowered living standards for England (Nardinelli). Agricultural growth was certainly part of this revolution. Many scholars cite one of the main features of the Industrial Revolution as a movement from inorganic to organic materials (E.A. Wrigley, 1987 cited in Mokyr 83). Other important developments were increases in using machinery as labor power, something agricultural England embraced as France selected to retain its human labor pool as its primary agricultural power source. While the French farmers worked on the crops and fields with hand tools, machines in England became commonplace agricultural tools (ibid)."
Abstract This paper examines the problems that arise with the inexpensive foods that flood the market. The paper first explains how the global food trade can have a negative effect on the agriculture in developing countries. The paper then discusses the possibility of using crops for biofuels and examines the benefits and drawbacks of this solution. The paper concludes by stating that just continuing with the situation as usual is not an option.
From the Paper "The concept of food trade seems such a simple one on its face. All people must eat in order to survive. If people have a surplus of food, it is better than if they have only a subsistence level of food or an insufficient quantity of food, no matter where that food comes from or what type of food is being produced. Inexpensive food is always better; lower prices mean more people spend less on food and quality of life improves all around. Global trade is better for the food trade because it keeps food prices lower. Finally, more land has to be dedicated to food production. All of these things seem simple and true on their faces, but how reliable are these statements?"
Tags: poverty, hunger, imports, corn, soybean, farmers, aid
Abstract The paper argues against Prakash and Conko's belief in "Technology Will Save Billions from Starvation" that the technology of genetically modified foods and the attendant agricultural practices is an ecological boon and a nutritional miracle. The paper asserts that the purported nutritional benefits of genetically modified food can be found naturally in organic produce. The paper then dispels the myth that there is a need for more food and reveals that technologies which allow the production of more food still have not solved the problem of growing hunger. The paper notes the concerns regarding genetically modified foods and contends that the 'green revolution' is of great potential harm, not just to Africa, but to the entire world's future food supply.
From the Paper "One of the benefits of biotechnology, according to Prakash and Conko, are that plants can be engineered to hold greater nutritional benefits, such as "higher quality protein, lower levels of saturated fat, increased vitamins and minerals, and many others" (426). Of course, there is already a type of farming which provides extensive nutritional farming, and that is organic. Unlike genetically modified foods, which have these nutritional benefits by virtue of scientific interference, organic farming allows foods to retain their natural nutritional character. The Organic Trade Association website discusses these enhanced (or rather unhampered) nutritional qualities of organic foods in detail, citing a number of scientific and academic studies as conclusive evidence. One study, conducted by the Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, found that rats fed on organic foods "were slimmer, slept better, and had stronger immune systems than those fed conventionally grown produce" (http://www.ota.com/organic/benefits/nutrition.html)."
Abstract The paper argues that pesticide use should be cut back dramatically in America because of the dangers they present to human health and the environment. The paper reveals the risk of illnesses that include cancer, neurological diseases and cognitive dysfunctions and describes the damage to ecosystems. The paper asserts that although pesticides are useful at eliminating destructive pests and can certainly boost food production, they cause more harm than good. The paper then looks at ways in which pesticide use can be reduced without unduly compromising agricultural productivity.
From the Paper "The first argument to be raised in objection to the widespread use of pesticides is the legitimate threat these products present to human beings. A recent study released by the Ontario College of Family Physicians in Canada found - after carefully reviewing 250 studies from around the world - that repeated exposure to pesticides, be they "occupational" pesticides for farm use or home-and-garden pesticides, raised the risk of illnesses ranging from cancer to neurological diseases; habitual exposure to these chemicals, it was also determined, heightened the likelihood of reproductive problems, as well."
Abstract This paper presents a research study that aims to understand the aroma impact compounds of cooked beef liver. The research reviews how far back the knowledge of consumption of cooked liver of any type goes and why, prior to the knowledge of its nutritional value, it was considered important to eat liver. The negative connotation to eating liver both historically and presently is reviewed as well as who actually eats liver in both the U.S. and abroad. In addition, the paper famous liver dishes are reviewed as well as the current percent consumption of liver, specifically beef liver in the U.S. and why the rate of consumption is at this level. Lastly, this research paper reviews where the remainder of the liver goes to specifically the percent that goes in animal feed and the percent that goes into consumable or non-consumable products.
Table of Contents:
Objective
Historical and Traditional Consumption of Liver
Nutritional Value of Beef Liver
Beef Liver Consumption in the United States
Raw Beef Liver Consumption
Beef Liver Recipes
Liver with Sour Cream)
Vitamins and Minerals in Beef Liver
Review of the Literature
From the Paper "There are two primary methods of raw beef liver consumption. The first method is to freeze the liver for two weeks after cutting into large chunks. The fourteen days of freezing is to make sure that pathogens and parasites are eliminated. The liver can be removed from the freeze and grated. The second method is cutting the liver into small pill-size chunks and after freezing for two weeks taking the liver the same as swallowing vitamins. Razaitis states that suggestions given by a Native Nutrition discussion group for liver preparation."
Abstract This paper analyzes the use of GPS surveying in relation to a proposed land project over a garbage dump. The paper also outlines the necessary factors of GPS surveying to be used in the assessment, and discusses the advantages and end result. The paper explains that before the arrival of GPS technology, three- to five-person survey crews were used in comparison to a one- or two-person crew into the field in order to achieve the same results. The paper also looks at how GPS technology also provides complete, three-dimensional survey information, enabling and empowering the design and construction management team to excel at their phase of the project. The writer believes that future studies and advancements in GPS technology will pave the way for a brighter future in land use planning.
Outline:
Introduction to GPS Technology
Land Development in Relation to GPS Technology
Meadowlands Xanadu Project History
The Application of GPS Technology to the Meadowlands Xanadu Project
Benefits of Using GPS Technology in relation to the Meadowlands Project
Proposed Use of GPS Technology for the Meadowlands Project
Conclusion
From the Paper "Control surveys are primarily used to establish the locations of arbitrary points. These points, called control points, may then be used as reference locations for performing additional survey work (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2007). The main reason for performing a control survey is to place control points in locations which are physically convenient for the intended survey work. Control surveys are generally performed to a higher standard of accuracy than other types of surveys (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2007). Control surveys usually consist of several different measurements to the unknown point from several known points, so that the measurements are taken from different angles."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that tropical rainforests are arguably the most precious natural resource on the earth and constitute the world's most diverse biological eco-system. The writer points out that unfortunately, rainforests are being destroyed at an alarming and unsustainable rate and may even disappear completely within a few decades if the present rate of their depletion continues. In this paper the writer discusses the causes of rainforest depletion and the potential catastrophic effects of their rapid destruction.
Outline:
Causes of Rainforest Depletion
Direct Causes
Underlying/ Indirect Causes
Potential Effects of Rainforest Depletion
Conclusion
From the Paper "Commercial Agriculture is different from slash-and-burn farming and refers to large-scale farming of cash crops such as sugar, palm oil, natural rubber, coffee, cacao, and tropical fruits by business corporations. Such large-scale farming contributes to deforestation in a number of ways. The very meaning of 'cash crops' means that the commercial agriculture in only interested in maximizing his profits by using modern machinery, fertilizers and pesticides and is not bothered about the environment. A specific example of commercial agriculture is the palm-oil plantations in the South East Asian countries that have replaced vast tracts of tropical rainforests, especially Indonesia in the recent past. Widespread use of agrochemicals by commercial agriculture companies results in contamination of crops, soils, and ground water and the occupation of choicest land by influential corporations force the subsistence farmers further out into the forests leading to indirect deforestation."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the terrorist attacks on the United States, September 11, 2001 lead to the development of the Homeland Security Act of 2002. The Homeland Security Agency was formed in 2002 to organize and manage collaboration efforts of local, state, and other federal agencies to develop bioterrorism-related food regulations. The writer points out that the federal agencies that are involved with developing and implementing bioterrorism-related food regulations include the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In this project the writer analyzes the collaborating agencies and evaluates the effectiveness of the regulations and programs used to protect the food supply of the United States. The writer concludes that the Food and Drug Administration, The United States Department of Agriculture, and the Food Safety and Inspection Services along with the White House and other government agencies have collaborated and developed several comprehensive prevention and response programs to address the incident of a food-related bioterrorism attack on the United States.
Outline:
Introduction
Risk of Agro Terrorism
Types of Agro Terrorism
Historical Food-Related Bioterrorism
Food and Drug Administration Response
Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) Response
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Food Safety and Inspection Service is an infrastructure of the United States Department of Agriculture. The Food Safety and Inspection Service and the United States Department of Agriculture work together with the White House and the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate food security in the United States. (Food Safety Inspection Service 2003) The Food Safety and Inspection Services ensure that meat, poultry, and egg products are safe and the United States Department of Agriculture ensures the safety of the remaining food products. Prior to September 11, 2001, the main focus of the FSIS was unintentional harm to eggs, meat and poultry, now the focus has shifted to intentional acts of harm to the food supply.
"The FSIS and the USDA along with the existing food safety framework in place, accomplishments by the agency have been swift and targeted. The following accomplishments have been documented for the collaborative efforts of the FSIS and the USDA."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that despite their time-tested and proven positive points, a number of false perceptions continue to challenge truths regarding the timber-framed building. The writer purports that repeated strokes of correct information can figuratively fell or cut down even the most dense deceptions depicting the worth of timber-framed buildings. During the course of this study, this researcher counters false perceptions and confirms the correct conception that timber does not easily rot, decay and deteriorate. In fact, the writer concludes that even after extended periods of time, the durability and superior quality of timber when used as a building material can be repeatedly validated. The paper includes color figures.
Outline:
Chapter 1
Introduction
Correcting False Perceptions
Origin, Defects and Properties of Timber
Defects in Timber
Properties of Timber
Strength
Thermal Insulation
Thermal Movement
Density
Chemical Resistance
Fire Resistance and the Behavior of Timber in Fires
Chapter II
Embodied Energy Explained
Examples of Timber-Framed Buildings Built in The Past
Chapter III
Conclusion
Challenging Contentions Confirm
From the Paper "To better understand some of the general misconceptions about timber, this researcher presents an in-depth look at the origin and properties of timber, along with possible defects likely to reduce strength and stability in timber. Timber evolves from wood, a natural product derived from trees, and in some instances, from fibrous plants. As forests cover more than one-third of the world's land surface and approximately 8% of Britain, it is readily available.
"Consequently, timber proves to be a popular building material. When wood is cut and in many instances, pressed, it becomes lumber and timber which form boards, planks and numerous other products. These products, in turn, become generic building materials which may be used for almost any type of structure in the majority of world climates and environmental situations. "
