Abstract
This is a two-part paper that commences with a discussion of what is meant by habitat fragmentation and loss and the results as a principal risk to conservation and the environment. The paper's second section introduces Canadian policies lead by a main concept of promoting and protecting biodiversity. The paper refers to theoretical models as well as different kinds of research in Canada and beyond. The paper also includes a reflective section and conclusion.

From the Paper
"This paper consists of two parts. First, it provides an explanation of what is meant by habitat fragmentation and loss as now global phenomena very evident in some parts of Canada. Towards much confusion, one often hears the term of Habitat Fragmentation employed but with less clarity concerning what is really a state and an outcome, as much as a set of processes and patterns. (Franklin et al: 2002:20-21) A second section discusses Canadian governmental policy meant to prevent or offset habitat fragmentation as indicates different losses in a country of vast and..."

Tags:habitat frag., implications, canada

Abstract
The paper describes the history of "Habitat for Humanity" and its role in communities and its future. The paper portrays how it can serve as a model for other community organizations.

From the Paper
"Habitat for Humanity, A Synergistic Model for Community Organizations: As members of human communities individuals seek to contribute their time and energy in ways that in a synergistic way benefit both the individuals and other community members. Organizations that facilitate this type of exchange in a sustainable growth-oriented manner can be held up as examples for other organizations to use as guides. One such successful group is "Habitat for Humanity" a non profit, non-denominational Christian home-building project made famous by the involvement of former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalyn Carter."

Tags:Habitat for Humanity, housing, urban studies

Abstract
This paper explores several controversial issue associated with artificial intelligence. Despite the potential advantages it may provide for human society, the paper notes that artificial intelligence could present ethical, moral, and societal problems humanity may be incapable of resolving. \The paper further cites the works of scholars and popular press journalists regarding some of these implications.

From the Paper
"Artificial Intelligence is a controversial issue because despite the potential advantages it may provide for human society, it could present ethical, moral, and societal problems humanity may be incapable of resolving. Scholars and popular press journalists alike acknowledge these implications, but the perspective of scholars is more informed , which enables them to provide insightful analytical assessments, while the popular press is less well-informed and tends to present AI issues in..."

Tags:artificial, intelligence, issues

Abstract
This paper examines why as computer technology continues to advance towards the development of artificial intelligence, it is inevitable that human society will ultimately find itself confronted with profound and unprecedented moral and ethical issues. The paper maintains that these issues, which have thus far been confined to the plots and themes of speculative science fiction films and novels, will no longer be abstract; they will be real. The paper explains that the philosophical implications of artificial intelligence will be impossible for society to ignore, for intelligence has always been equated with life.

From the Paper
"As computer technology continues to advance towards the development of artificial intelligence, it is inevitable that human society will ultimately find itself confronted with profound and unprecedented moral and ethical issues. These issues, which have thus far been confined to the plots and themes of speculative science fiction films and novels will no longer be abstract; they will be real. The philosophical implications of artificial intelligence will be impossible for society to ignore, for intelligence has always been equated with life."

Tags:artificial, intelligence, issues

Abstract
The paper explores seven components of artificial intelligence and provides an overview of the field itself. The paper considers the outlook for artificial intelligence and discusses the critical role A.I. plays in medicine and business.

From the Paper
"Artificial intelligence has held considerable promise for enhancing the lives of humans for many years and has even taken hold of our imaginations. Movies such as "The Stepford Wives" and "A I" play on the fears of how humans would interact with intelligent machines and the television show "Star Trek The Next Generation" explored the issue of the relationship that humans and intelligent machines would have through the character of Data."

Tags:artificial intelligence, natural language procesing, expert systems, intelligent agents, pattern recognition, fuzzy logic, virtual reality/simulation, robotics

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses artificial hearts. While the paper explores the topic in general, there is an overall focus on healthcare management. The topics covered include a historical view of the topic, current assessment and conclusion including recommendations on how to maximize the effectiveness of the TAH program and make it more readily available and advantageous from a healthcare management viewpoint.

From the Paper
"There are approximately 5 million American adults whose hearts are failing. Of those with an extremely poor prognosis, the current survival rates are only 50%. What can be done to change the odds? Artificial hearts designed by man, can be used instead of the one designed by God. These marvels of modern technology are a startling reality that began in theory back in the 1960s when Dr. Michael DeBakey designed and developed the roller pump used in the heart/lung machine used during heart transplants. The topic of whether or not to use artificial hearts to keep those on heart transplant lists alive until such time as a heart becomes available is now under debate for human use."

Tags:heart, implant, artificial

Abstract
This paper examines the development of research into artificial intelligence. It traces the roots of the discipline back to the 1950s when the term was first coined. The author traces the development of AI research into the present where researchers are struggling to create software that emulates human cognition. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the potential future implications of AI research.

From the Paper
"Achieving artificial intelligence is an accomplishment in computing that has enticed and frightened people for decades. But just how likely is that achievement? Examining the history of artificial intelligence studies as well as its present course and future implications should serve as a useful stepping off point for understanding both the promises and perils of artificial intelligence. In short, artificial intelligence research has progressed through a series of period over the past fifty years, each building on the last to drive the discipline closer to the realization of computational thought. It is only in recent years that we have begun to apply what has been learned and develop more finely tuned forms of artificial intelligence. The future for the discipline is, of course, uncertain."

Tags:artificial, history, intelligence

Abstract
This paper examines Searle's original argument against the possibility of strong Artificial Intelligence, or what he calls intrinsically intelligent AI. This argument was presented in "Minds, Brains, and Programs" which contains his original formulation of the Chinese Room example and many others. This paper explains Searle's original view (which has been slightly modified in recent years) against the possibility of strong AI. It then examines the serious shortcomings in his argument, namely his flagrant assumption that intelligence is a bio-chemical property, something that he barely mentions in his text. Holfstadter later called this view "bio-chauvinist." The writer examines what it is Searle is trying to say, where his bio-chauvinism comes into play, and what the end result is.

From the Paper
"In his paper "Minds, Brains, and Programs," John R. Searle attempts to establish the impossibility of strong artificial intelligence (AI), that an "appropriately programmed computer" can have genuine mental states. The validity of strong AI implies a direct correspondence between mental states and formal processes, and as such, insists that a properly defined program is sufficient for producing understanding and intentionality in the thing instantiating that program. Searle refutes this claim, arguing that a program could not be sufficient for producing intentionality because for any program it is possible to instantiate it in something without producing mental states in the thing. In elucidating this central point, Searle derives a distinction between "intrinsic" intentionality and "derived" intentionality. He defines intrinsic intentionality as the sort present in things that clearly have mental states, such as people. Searle distinguishes this from derived intentionality, which he claims is ascribed by those with intrinsic intentionality to things that "perform the sort of functions that we perform on the basis of our intentionality," but that do not actually possess mental states or a genuine intentionality. With this distinction, Searle's claim that programs are not sufficient, or even necessary, for producing intentionality becomes a claim that mere things - namely computers for our purposes - can only have derived intentionality and never can possess intrinsic intentionality. Searle's argument, pushed by his example of the Chinese room, at first seems to raise an alarming challenge to AI proponents, but on closer examination it becomes clear that the thrust of Searle's claim relies on some highly debatable intuitions and assumptions he makes a priori. In this paper I will argue that Searle's conclusion is entirely dependent these contestable assumptions and intuitions. I will then attempt to construct what Searle's response to this objection would likely be, and I will conclude by discussing the significance of this debate with regards to AI and all of cognitive science."

Tags:ai, artificial, bio, chauvinism, chinese, fodor, intelligence, intelligent, intrinsically, room, searle

Abstract
This paper explains that population growth is not only a problem of overgrowth but also of the intensified separation of the individual from the means of production and of the drive of profit over conservation. The author presents the writings of Malthus which forms the bases for this economical philosophy, which is now of ecological concern, too. The paper underscores that the modern separation from the means of production does not negate the fact that nearly everything humans need to sustain themselves is provided by the earth, either by natural or artificial means. However, it is possible that the growth of the human population can outstrip available resources.

From the Paper
"Wetlands conservation is in fact one of the most hotly debated issues, with regard to the further development of the human race, as she struggles to sustain herself, artificially in the natural world, almost completely removed from the means of production. We as humans argue that wetlands, serve no logical purpose for production, despite countless evidence that the purpose of wetlands is to cleans the earth of the toxins, human and naturally borne that attempt to re-circulate every time it rains and runs off down a stream or canal."

Tags:separation poverty resources wetlands, artificial habitat

Abstract
This paper describes the den, diet, appearance and character of the San Joaquin kit fox. The paper focuses on how the fox's habitat has been degraded by urban development and farmland that is ever increasing. The paper relates that although man has been a great contributor to the diminished numbers of the San Joaquin kit fox, they have also been its dominating advocate for projects to protect them such as artificial dens.

From the Paper
"The San Joaquin Kit Fox or desert fox or Vulpes macrotis mutica makes its home near the chaparral, grasslands, and the scrublands in the valley for which it is named; San Joaquin in California (Blue Planet). Usually the San Joaquin Kit Fox makes a home out of a den but on occasion, because of the human encroachment on its territory, the San Joaquin Kit Fox makes its home in man made structures. These structures vary according to the fox's size or preference, and can include irrigation pipes, culverts, as well as hollow spaces under buildings and they have even been known to live in storm drains (but with ill success) (Blue Planet). The San Joaquin Kit Fox den is a multi-chambered residency to ensure there is enough room for the pups."

Tags:dens, habitat, prey, wildlife