Abstract The purpose of this paper is to examine ancient and modern winemaking techniques. Just as the social significance of wine has remained fairly unchanged over the years, so has the way in which it is produced. The author specifically discusses the relationship that exists between modern techniques and those described by the ancient sources.
From the paper:
"This paper has shown the relationship that exists between modern winemaking techniques and those described by the ancient sources. Although modern technologies have been applied to the process, the basic techniques and methods of production remain predominantly unchanged. Through the examination of all wine production processes from the creation of a vineyard to the storage of wine, this paper has compared the similarities and differences between ancient and modern techniques."
Abstract This paper describes the effects that the brown tree snake had on the wildlife of Guam. The brown tree snake, accidentally imported to Guam shortly after World War II, appeared all over the island and ended up killing several species of the native forest birds that lived in Guam. This paper is a historical description of the development of the brown tree snake as a plague. It details the origin of the Brown Tree Snake and the terrible effects it had on the island of Guam. Moreover, this paper shows the environmental effects on the development of the Island.
From the Paper "Determining the number of animal species existing on the island of Guam prior to the arrival of humans has presented a distinct difficulty. From archeological excavations on the nearby island of Rota, scientists have determined that the original human colonists' domesticated animals extirpated many species thousands of years ago (Chiszar et al1997). World War II "subjected" Guam to naval bombardment so severe that some artillery fire leveled some forests (Chiszar et al 1997). After the war, extensive seeding of the island took place with an exotic legume (Leucaena leucocephala.) It permanently replaced native trees over vast areas (Chiszar et al 1997). The fauna of Guam seemed stable until the 1960's. At this time Wildlife authorities noticed the entire absence of birds from the southern one-third of the island. The boundary of the absence of birds seemed to be moving steadily northward. Birds were missing from the southern two-thirds of the island by the end of the 1970's (Enbring & Ramsey 1983). Thirteen years later, in 1983, all 10 forest species occurred concurrently only in 160 ha of mature forest beneath the cliff line at the northern tip of Guam, with a few species still occupying parts of the northern plateau (Savidge 1987). The early 1980's reveals many factors blamed for the decline in Guam's forest birds. Disease, pesticides, habitat loss, hunting, and introduced species evolve as the major suspect reasons. Elimination of the forest's mosquitoes that possibly harbor avian malaria or avian pox brought an influx of pesticide usage. During World War II to the-mid 1970's, the military used pesticides such as DDT and other chlorinated hydrocarbons to kill the mosquitoes (Enbring & Ramsy 1983). Pesticides might have caused declines in the past; therefore, it cannot be ruled out as a cause for the earlier reed-warbler extinction (Reichel et al 1992). Tests conducted in 1981 indicate low pesticide levels on Guam. Pesticides probably were not responsible for the current declines of forest birds (Reichel et al 1992). The years since 1945 have witnessed an increase in weedy species, though substantial native habitat remains in southern and northern Guam. Birds have disappeared from forests that previously supported healthy bird populations (Savidge 1987)."
Tags: biogeography, birds, brown, introduced, island, snake, Guam, species, treeWorld, War, II, forest
Abstract This paper discusses Thoreau, a rebellious lone farmer who relies on self-sufficiency. It includes excerpts from his book "The Bean Fields" and discusses them. Thoreau did all of the farming on his own and by doing so, he discovered that the Indians had been there before him. It includes economical observations and insights made by Thoreau.
From the Paper "In ?The Bean Fields,? Thoreau talks about the economics of farming. He says that he planted beans in his field, but that Indians used the land before him and the soil doesn?t have the fertilizer and manure needed to grow the crops well any more. He had helped plowing the land, but except for that, he wanted to do all the work himself. He wanted to be self-reliant. This meant that he would not be able to fertilize the land himself."
Tags: bean, fields, Henry, D., Thoreau, farming, economics
Abstract This paper discusses the differences between hemp and marijuana, focusing on "hemp stalk" as a major product which is fiber and cellulose-rich to develop into consumer goods. The writer of this paper suggests for governmental agencies to take a look at multiple approaches from some different sides of the story on hemp, not merely work on the argument of legalization of marijuana.
From the Paper "Hemp stalk is the major product, which is fiber and cellulose-rich to develop into consumer goods. This product is different from marijuana. Thevenof says, people know hemp to be a good material for paper products since it produces pulp four times higher than tree per acre. Hemp is found to be "the strongest, easiest [fiber crop] to grow" and it easily grows in many areas. Hemp will be mature enough to harvest in 100 days, which is considered economical to replace all costs in tree growing, cutting and sawmill to supply paper factories. As it is rich in fiber, hemp would also make good source for fashion and apparel that gives strong and soft fiber comfortable to wear. Hurds hemp is also suitable for cattle feed since it has competitive biomass rate and lower operation cost to provide animal beddings, and other countries like England, France and the Netherlands have applied. Hemp is also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which would be a good option as food material, or more likely to be "strategic agricultural resources" as it made more than $50 million annual sales.?
Abstract This paper states that the European Union funding programs did not improve Portugal's ability to competitive with other European Countries in the agriculture market. The paper details the EU Common Agricultural Policy, the current Portuguese agriculture situation, the food retailers and the character of Portuguese Farms. It concludes that agricultural policies will not be enough to slow the transition of the younger generation from farmers into other areas.
From the Paper "When Portugal entered the EU, it did so from a position of lagging far behind other countries in technology and production methods. Its chief agricultural exports are grain, potatoes, olives, grapes, sheep, cattle, goats, and poultry, beef and dairy products. Only 10% of the country is engaged in agriculture as compared to 60% in services and 30% in industry. As of 1999, Portugal imported more agricultural products than it produced (Eurostat, 2001)."
Abstract This paper addresses the economic issues related to the timber industry. Opposing ideologies of economists and ecologists are presented. Areas discussed include a deforestation in industrialized and developing countries, analysis and management of timber production, and policy making. The writer concludes that economists and ecologists must work together to solve the problem.
From the Paper "Timber is the major product currently harvested from forests. Timber is used in a variety of products ranging from houses to paper and paperboard products. Long ago it seemed as if the supply of wood from forests was abundant and as if there would always be enough to provide everything that we could possibly need. However, recently we have realized that this is not the case. Timber is a major source of income and has become necessary to sustain out life-style as we know it. There has been a clash of ideology between ecologists and economists. Ecologists point out that forests have many other benefits besides just providing timber and are quick to point out that we need them to reduce the level of green house gases and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Economists are equally as quick to point out that we need timber to sustain our economy and cannot just simply quit cutting the trees. Herein lies the dilemma, how do we continue to use forests to sustain a viable income and still ensure that this can continue into the future? The two sides of this issue have often met on violent terms."
Abstract This paper analyzes the issue of logging in national forests. It outlines the topics raised by the conservationists that logging should be banned, and by the loggers that logging is essential to the forests and to the economy.
From the Paper "One of the most debated issues of recent years is the right of logging companies to harvest timber for profit in the national forests. Conservationists have years of data to support their position pertaining to the harmful effects of deforestation in these parks, many of which contain some of the oldest forest in existence today. Aside from environmental issues, there are other issues as well. If they are public forests, conservationists maintain that the priority should remain on the preservation of them for the enjoyment of all. Logging companies use this same argument that if they are public, then the resources should be available to everyone, including to themselves, for profit. Another issue in this debate is the use of public tax money by privately owned big business for their own profit. Conservationists easily win the support for the general public with their emphasis on the loss of natural habitat and scenic beauty, but recently it seems that the large amount of lobbying dollars presented to the President have won the battle, at least for now. This issue has two opposing sides, but many underlying issues. This paper will examine the main arguments presented by both sides."
Abstract An insight into the history of Artemia cultivation (shrimp production) including an explanation of different types and analysis of the ideal conditions for their breeding.
From the Paper "Prior to 1950 mariculture involved trapping baby fish and shrimps during high tides in ponds with gates built on mudflats. Many years of research have led to improved and more efficient systems. Now, most oyster, mussel, shrimp and seaweed culture are of semi-intensive type. This has been accomplished by artificial breeding of superior stock. Artificial feed has been developed to maximize health and growth. Many improvements have been made in the health and management of shrimp and other cultured species (FAO, 1999). This has been largely due to an increasingly larger demand. In 1997, approximately 50% of all mariculture is preformed by way of mudflat culture in which a building is built in a pond in a mudflat. This is used for artemia as well as fish (FAO, 1999). "
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of wild land fires. Means of managing the fires, including controlled burns, the use of technology for pattern prediction and the development of protective gear are outlined.
From the Paper "Americans have spent the last few months watching wild land fires burn out of control in several states. Arizona, California and Colorado have all been ravaged with devastating and extremely expensive fires that went out of control and destroyed homes, property and wildlife. While firefighters from across the nation rushed to aid the local firefighters in those areas, the public watched the coverage unfold on television news channels. Wild land fires can be devastating for many reasons. They not only cause financial devastation and property destruction but they interfere with the ecological process by destroying wildlife and plant life. This paper attempts to explore wild land fires and the steps that are being taken to lessen their damaging impact by getting them contained more quickly."
From the Paper "With the increase in international trade , it is now possible, and in some cases necessary, for food grown in one country to be exported to another country. In some cases, this has given rise to specialization with particular countries focusing on raising particular goods. In other cases, countries have been unable to produce necessary foodstuffs and are highly dependent on imported food products. As international trade has become more commonplace in the agricultural sector, trade patterns have emerged. These patterns are subject to the influence of domestic as well as international politics, and factors entirely unrelated directly to crops can affect the trade of agricultural products. This research considers agricultural trade and trade patterns, including considering the situation of agricultural trade in Africa.."
Technical discussion of genetic transformation of tomato plant to inhibit production of ethylene and modify ripening process to create longer shelf life.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, 2001, $ 47.95
From the Paper "The shelf life of fruits and vegetables is economically important to anyone in the farming of these goods or in the grocery business. It is also important in terms of transportation of these goods. Timing of harvest and arrangement of transportation are dependent on the rate of ripening of produce items. For this reason, genetic engineering may become an important asset in the produce industry. This paper will look at the genetic transformation of the tomato plant to inhibit the production of ethylene, a chemical known to be involved in the ripening process.
Genetic engineering has many applications, and it is beginning to play a significant role in agriculture. Introducing certain genes into plants can afford them protection against pests and against adverse climatic conditions."
Abstract This paper examines the role orange growth and marketing plays in Brazil's economy. The Brazilian citrus industry, production, growth, processing, the various differences in production, trade, prices, tariff, industry structure and key strengths and weaknesses of the Brazilian industry are discussed. The paper also focuses on the production of frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) and underlines those factors that have led to the development of this industry, including government initiatives, key drivers, success factors, the structure of the industry and its current state.
From the Paper "The world wide market for citrus fruit juices has been growing very rapidly and is expected to grow further in the years to come. These expectations are based on the changes occurring in the: ? Geographic variables ? referring to the urbanization of the population all around the world, ? Demographic variables ? higher income, better education levels, working women outside, ? Psychological and Behavioural variables ? gradual shift towards a natural and healthy lifestyle, convenience which fits very well in the juice consumption. Of the citrus fruit juice trade, the frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) is a commodity whose consumption has been increasing steadily in the past 30 years. FCOJ is traded worldwide, with vast markets in U.S., Europe and Canada. Today, the world's largest producers of oranges and FCOJ are Brazil and the U.S. Brazilian production is mostly in Sao Paul, where about 95 % of the citrus trees are grown. Brazil is the world's largest orange producer and exporter of FCOJ, a commodity that earned almost US $ 1.2 bn in trade revenue in 2001. During the marketing year 2000/01 Brazils orange production represented around 28% of the total world production. The domestic market in Brazil generally prefers fresh oranges, which are then squeezed for juice. Oranges that are processed for FCOJ are usually destined for export markets in the U.S., Europe and Asia."
From the Paper "This research examines the impact of global positioning systems (GPSs) on precision farming. In the discussions that follow both GPS and precision farming are defined, non-agricultural applications of GPS are reviewed, the development of precision farming is traced, contemporary applications of GPS to precision farming are examined, and the future relationship between GPS and precision farming is considered.
Defining GPS and Precision Farming
Global positioning systems use satellite technology (Precision farming offers, 1995, p. 15). The primary system now in use is a network of military satellites that is used to determine ..."
Abstract Examines definition, purpose of subsidies, effectiveness, impact on consumers and alternatives. .
From the Paper "Introduction
Historically, the family farm in the United States has been considered one of the cornerstones of both the economy and the culture. The pioneers who colonized the West did so on farms and ranches, and the family farm epitomizes American values. In recent years, however, farming has increasingly been influenced by agribusiness, which consists of large corporations bringing economies of scale to huge operations. Commodity prices have fallen, and the smaller farmers are often forced to sell their assets and find other means of employment. This research considers one of the strategies used to stem this trend, price floors, and the economic ramifications of this strategy.
Price Floors
Price floors are minimum prices that the government guarantees farmers. If a ..."
Discusses the ethical assessment of the use of alar pesticide, e-coli outbreaks, the Oprah Winfrey defamation case, state laws, social responsibility and theories.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 10 sources, 1999, $ 63.95
Abstract Several years ago, the public affairs and news television program "60 Minutes" on the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) televised a segment concerning the use of the pesticide Alar on apples by producers in the State of Washington. The implication of the report, if not directly charged in the presentation, was that the pesticide could be dangerous to human health and that the apple producers had failed to warn consumers.
From the Paper "AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS DEFAMATION LAWS: AN ETHICAL ASSESSMENT
Introduction
This research examines agricultural products defamation laws. These laws are assessed from an ethical basis.
Development of the Issue
Several years ago, the public affairs and news television program "60 Minutes" on the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) televised a segment concerning the use of the pesticide Alar on apples by producers in the State of Washington. The implication of the report, if not directly charged in the presentation, was that the pesticide could be dangerous to human health and that the apple producers had failed to warn consumers. Apple sales did suffer in the wake of the telecast of the segment on "60 Minutes." The apple producers in the State of Washington ..."
