Abstract This paper attempts to define a series of system integration and process re-definition strategies to enable field notes obtained during landsurveying to be electronically cataloged and automated for more efficient use. The paper addresses the reliability of the data itself, which is captured and noted in field notebooks. The paper focuses primarily on how to automate what is today a highly manual repository of data existing in the 200 field notebooks that comprise the accumulated data to this point.
Outline:
Executive Summary
Starting with Change Management Is Critical
From Data Repository to Enterprise Content Management System
Advantages of Creating a LandSurveying Content Management System
Disadvantages of Creating a LandSurveying Content Management System
Proposed Costs
Considerations of Change Management
From the Paper "The disadvantages of implementing an automated system to better manage the land use notebooks center mainly on both the time needed during work hours to train users in new procedures for using the system, in addition to the costs of integration with other systems to keep the current one relevant over time."
"In the majority of instances there are many more costs associated with implementing a content management system than initially appear during the forecasting stage (Columbus and Murphy 2), and the level of integration with other systems continues to drive up the costs of these types of implementations. With all these shortcoming said however, the savings in efficiency and accuracy of queries does have a significant effect on the Return on Investment (ROI) of this type of program."
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 A 1999 article by James L. Pirkle and John T. Bernert, entitled "Evaluation of Four Maternal Smoking Questions", used a survey method for research. This paper examines this survey instrument with regards to its validity and reliability, as well as its appropriateness for the task at hand. The data collection method the authors used and the levels of data measurement for variables are also discussed in order to fully understand the research that was done and whether it was completed in such a way as to be statistically significant and valid.
From the Paper "Analysis of the survey instrument would indicate that it is valid and reliable. There is always some question as to reliability in any given survey instrument, simply because there is no way to guarantee that the people answering the questions are telling the truth. Because of this, the final data could be affected, but the likelihood is that the lies told on the survey, if any, are of a small enough number not to be statistically significant."
This paper examines the implications for the future of forest management on non-industrial private forest (NIPF) lands as well as the dwindling timber supply on these parcels of land.
Abstract This paper analyzes the spatial and temporal pattern of Alabama's forested landscape as well as the implications for the future of forest management on NIPF lands. This paper defines forested land as a parcel of land that is producing or capable of producing more than 20 cubic feet/acre/year of industrial wood and is land not withdrawn from timber production. Much of this land is held by private landowners not involved directly in the timber industry. Extensive studies have been conducted in the southern states concerning the motivation behind usage of NIPF land, its impact on the regional economy and environmental factors. The counties chosen for this particular study are those which had the highest reported income from forest products. The six counties chosen were Clarke, Marengo, Pickens, Monroe, Hale and Wilcox. These counties are located in highly forested areas and have a high amount of NIPF land. According to several surveys, the areas of greatest softwood shortage are those located near large paper and pulp mills. This paper discusses the impending shortage in economic timber that the U.S. will be facing by the year 2020. The writer of this paper examines the various strategies available to halt the dwindling timber supply which include changing the manner in which NIPF lands are managed as well as stricter government regulations which would deter the conversion of native grasslands and wetlands into croplands.
From the Paper "To determine if timber production is likely to be able to meet future needs, the ratio of growth to removal is measured. Timber inventories give an indication of how much timber is currently available. Using this model, it was found that only one state had a positive ratio, North Carolina at 1.15. Alabama's ratio was 0.91. Softwood removal rates consistently exceed growth rates. Hardwood removal ratios faired slightly better at above 1.3. Timber inventories increased from the 1960s through the 1970s, but leveled off in the 1990s. According to SERTS, softwood supplies are expected to decrease 30% by the year 2020. According to an FIA survey, the areas of greatest softwood shortage are located near large paper and pulp mills (Cubbage and Abt, 1998a). According to the SERTS model the southern US will be facing an economic timber shortage by the year 2020."
Abstract This survey gathers both demographic data from the respondent and gathers data based on questions relating both specifically to the university and to a New Orleans oddity, the Mardi Gras Indian, none of whom are Native American. The paper explains that in studying the students' reaction to a certain passage regarding the Mardi Gras Indians and relating it to other Tulane policies, it may be possible to gain some insight on racism and stereotyping.
A look at the methodologies and findings of two separate research studies: An on-line survey of 150 Web users of medical sites and a review of the privacy policies among 25 Canadian on-line pharmacies.
Abstract The paper provides a question by question analysis of each survey in both text and table formats. The author concludes that on-line Canadian pharmacies may not meet American or Canadian privacy laws requirements and may not provide adequate privacy protection for the customers. The paper recommends that, not withstanding the dangers typically associated with these on-line pharmacy providers, because of the high costs of prescription medications in the United States, many consumers are compelled to seek alternatives through these largely unproven outlets; therefore, it is clear that all consumers should be cautious of online pharmacies as a means of obtaining products or practices that are illegal in an off-line environment.
Outline
Introduction
Methodology of the 150-Person Web User Survey Data Collection of Web User Survey Online Canadian Pharmacy Consumer Survey Findings
Demographics
Overall Privacy Policy
Pharmacy Licensing
Personal Demographic Information Collected
Computer Hardware/Software and Cookies Information
Ability for the Consumer to Update Personal Information
Opt-In and Opt-Out
Disclosure of Information to Third Parties and Affiliates
Security
Miscellaneous Information
Spreadsheet Analysis of Privacy Policy Information for Canadian Online Pharmacies
Methodology of the 25 Canadian Online Pharmacies
Tables of Online Survey Results of Consumers Views of Canadian Online Pharmacies
Conclusions, Implications, and Recommendations
Conclusions
Implications
Recommendations
From the Paper "Almost all of the 25 online Canadian pharmacies surveyed (24, or 96 percent) required a health profile and an original or copy of a prescription to complete a transaction. Of the 25 online Canadian pharmacies' demographic information requirements surveyed, eight (or 32 percent) used email; none used Social Security; nine (or 36 percent) used an address, telephone and credit card inclusively; and seven (or 28 percent) used some type of demographic information such as sex or age.
Just about a quarter (6 or 24 percent) of the 25 online Canadian pharmacies surveyed used cookies, but none of them allowed third-party providers to place them."
Abstract Automated external defibrillators (AED's) are essential tools in health care and emergency services. It is a portable automatic device used to re-establish regular heart rhythm to patients in the event of cardiac arrest. This paper examines how their use has become popular and how, though they have been proven to have potential in saving lives, there are still important issues regarding their use and education that have to be addressed. It attempts to show how the success of AEDs in the health industry depends on the effectivity of awareness and educational programs.
From the Paper "AED's are small computing devices, electrodes, and electrical circuitry. The electrodes collect information about the heart's rhythm. There are specific AED's designed for children, which deliver milder shocks, and for adults. When the heart is exhibiting ventricular fibrillation, the computer prompts for the delivery of a defibrillating shock to the heart through the victims' chest wall (Liddle et al, 2003). Ventricular fibrillation is detected and electric shock delivered through the AED's electrodes imbedded in adhesive pads which are placed on the victim's body. A critical element in the successful use of AED is the placement of the electrode pads because they are the tools for detecting heart activity as well as the channels for the actual defibrillation (Beckers et al, 2005). "
Abstract The paper looks at five effective problem identification methods and three data collection tools that can be used by consultants in an effective manner to identify, isolate, and solve problems faced by organizations. The problem identification methods examined are root cause analysis, brainstorming, Fishbone diagrams, flow charts, and post-its. The data collection tools examined are self-administered surveys, personal interviews, and focus groups.
From the Paper "When consulting for a firm who is looking to improve or control the quality of their performance or to find and solve hindering problems, the consultant has a vital and varied bag of tricks from which to choose. Some of the methods and tools with which the consultant's client's problems may be realized and remedied include Problem Identification Methods and Data Collection Tools. This paper will identify some valuable Problem Identification Methods and Data Collection Tools and compare and contrast their use and value. The first Problem Identification Method that we will discuss is that of Root Cause Analysis. This is the most detailed and intricate of the methods at which we will be looking. If problem identification is necessary, it is a given that there is a problem in the system."
Abstract This paper summarizes the various date collection methods present for the outcome management in the Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) project. The author addresses the assessment method for each data collection instrument and describes the questions asked in each questionnaire.
Outline:
Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire
Chronic Heart Failure Questionnaire
Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire
Short Form 36
Short Form 12
Duke Health Profile
Primary Care Assessment Survey
From the Paper "The questionnaire asks about frequent physical and psychological symptoms experienced by the CHF patient such as peripheral edema, insomnia, dyspnea, easy fatigability, depression and anxiety. Inquiries on the patient's social and physical functional capacities are also asked and rated by the patient. These include the patient's ability to walk at a certain distance, do household chores, effects of CHF on the patient's cognitive skills and travel habits. The patient is also asked to rate how his disease has affected his family. Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments are also considered."
Tags: questionnaires, data management, heart and vascular diseases
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of land degradation in the Arab region over the past 70 years. This paper reviews the various reasons and causes of this land degradation, focusing on the increase in population who require water for human consumption and agriculture, land for agriculture and land for their livestock.
From the Paper "Land degradation in the Arab region is primarily the result of a surge in the population growth in the past several decades. As the population had increased within the Arab region the need for water for human consumption, grazing land, and agriculture has risen. In an area that was already dry and naturally scarce in water supplies this added requirement for water has led to severe issues concerning the natural water sources and their ability to sustain the Arab civilization over time. Furthermore, cultivation of marginal land, as well as deforestation has created a situation in which natural trees and foliage have been depleted from the land surface, adding to the landmasses that are dry. As these dry land masses, or deserts are increased in the Arab lands the water is absorbed into the ground and the loss of foliage eventually leads to a loss of water."
Abstract In this paper the author questions the right of the "white" Europeans to take over and destroy the good soil of Australia.He questions the actions of the white Australians and highlights the history and rights of the Aborigines to his land, quoting many sources. The paper concludes that the Aborigines know the land better and he justifies their right to look after the land and not let it be destroyed.
From the Paper " The problem with those of us who consider ourselves "civilized" and "up to date" is that we specialize, first in genocide, then in the rape of nature, and then create new specialties to repair the damage. Before the Europeans came, the Aborigines had no worries about the Ozone layer, or mastering a driver's test. Cricket, to them, was the sound of Nature at work, not some distant test match."
Abstract This paper examines the Aborigines of Australia who are said to have arrived on the continent over 50,000 years ago, blending into the already existent population and thus creating perhaps the most physically diverse population in the world. This paper details the differences in conceptions of land ownership between the Australian Aborigines and European colonists. The writer of this paper describes how the Aborigines had developed their own society, culture and rules for land ownership which were inexcusably overlooked by the European invaders. When Europe began to encroach upon the territories of the Aborigines, the latter group simply adapted resourcefully and made new claims. This paper explores the various countries and nations that laid claim to Australia, including the Dutch, British and Spain While the Aborigines claimed Australia through ancestral travels, the Dutch and British justified their possession by initial landing rights and the Spanish laid their claim based on religious doctrine. The British extended their claim to the entire continent by 1826 with the stroke of a legislative pen. This writer of this paper describes how the conflict was furthermore exacerbated by the fact that Aborigines and Europeans had differing conceptions of private property.
From the Paper "Although the Aborigines lived according to such ancient beliefs for thousands of years, their fate would soon be doomed according to a very different system of territorial claims formulated 10000 miles away, in Europe. While the Aborigines justifiably had divided Australian lands into their own territories, the newly 'discovered' continent would soon come into a three-way struggle for possession as Britain, Holland, and Spain each claimed Australia separately, none of these claims based on right of ancestors, but on religious, economic, and political rationales. The Spanish and Portuguese, in search of southern trade routes and the legendary Terra Australis, had touched on the continent of Australia."
Abstract This paper looks at how the colonizing forces of North America, specifically the US government has continually been in conflict with the native peoples for the last four hundred years, focusing on land rights and usage. Issues discussed are relocation to polluted and toxic land, mining on native lands and re-appropriation of reservations for resources.
From the Paper "One of the major issues, and there are many, facing Native American Indians today is that of land usage and availability in many parts of the US. From the first contact with colonial explorers and settlers, the native peoples of the Americas have been fighting a losing battle with the white forces of power. What seems to be a simple negotiation of land and space is actually a complex series of issues that ultimately decide who has a right to live and in what way. These issues are in no way limited to European colonialism of the Americas, but for this paper, the writer focuses on the problems inherent in land rights in what is now the United States."
The use of technological machinery, the secular nature of Earthworks, and the celebration of the individual artist's viewpoint are the ties that bind land art to modernism.
Abstract This essay first examines the modern art movement known as ?land art? or Earthworks. After explaining the philosophy and techniques used by all Earthwork artists, the essay concludes by evaluating the meaning and significance of the famous Spiral Jetty by Robert Smithson. This 1500 foot coil of earth, salt crystal, and rock that extends into the Great Salt Lake is the most famous work of land artist and has multiple meanings and associations that are analyzed in the paper.
From the Paper "Earthworks, sometimes referred to as ?land art,? are a more recent development of modernist art, although they have their roots in thousands of years of cultural activity throughout the world. In that respect Earthworks differs from modern art movements like Impressionism and Expressionism. Stonehenge in England is an example of an ancient form of land art, and in most other nations can be found human alterations of the natural environment for symbolic or religious reasons. The Earthworks movement of the late 1960s and beyond was not the result of religious fervor or mystical devotion, but rather a grand response to art consumerism and insubstantial conceptual art (Hughes 384). Artists like Robert Smithson and Michael Hizer wanted to create huge and timeless rearrangements of the landscape that no one could ignore due to their overwhelming physical presence in the world. That is the nature of the Earthwork movement."
Tags: art, earthworks, jetty, land, robert, smithson, spiral, modern, Salt, Lake, Great
Abstract Data mining has become a very important concept today and is used by companies all over the world to increase their profits and target the right market. The paper talks about the different aspects of data mining, tools used, and future trends in data mining. Data mining benefits are discussed in detail, and an entire discussion related to the trends in data mining is presented.
1-Background
2-Introduction
3-Data Mining Growth and Tools
4-The Data Mining Process
5-Data Mining Market Place Trends
6-The Data in Data Mining and Meta Data 7-Types of Data Mining Problems
8-Privacy and Ethical Sensitivity in Data Mining Results
9-Future Prospects of Data Mining
10-Works Cited
From the Paper "Data, particularly in the vast diversity and immense quantity that it is available to modern business, was till recently almost very hard to find and understand. Yet, the comprehension of data is the most crucial step to extracting the knowledge that it contains. The scenario has drastically changed today where data is much more easily available and has become more "meaningful" with the utilization of Data Mining. Today, technology offers business managers powerful new tools for gleaning knowledge from data-the essentials of data mining. Data mining has become increasingly important to mainstream companies to become more competitive both in their workings and their customer based relationships. Data mining, as such is of great interest because it is imperative for organizations to grasp the competitive value of information contained within their data repositories. There are a number of pertinent benefits of data mining. First of all, data mining provides the tools and techniques that are essential for optimization of customer relationships. Secondly, data mining provides an automatic method of discovering patterns in data. Thirdly, but not the least, data mining tools can identify the relationships that are actually present in historical data."
