Abstract The paper discusses how scientists have discovered trichloroethylene (TCE) in the groundwater of Lodi, California and are debating a variety of methods to effectively remove this harmful chemical. The paper examines three ways to remove TCE from the ground water: soil vapor extraction, air sparging and pumping the water through carbon filters. The paper then looks at alternative options that involve bio-venting, excavation and capping.
From the Paper "At 3 A.M. Anne wakes up gasping for breath for the third time in one week. With her lungs and throat burning, she runs to the bathroom because she begins to feel sick. Later Anne would discover that her liver and kidneys have begun to fail, just from having one glass of water every night before bed. Such damage to a person from just a glass of water is startling.
"These are only a few of the many effects of Trichloroethylene, a colorless liquid that has a common use as a solvent for cleaning metal parts ("OSH Answers: Chemical & Materials: Chemical Profiles: Trichloroethylene: Health effects of Trichloroethylene" [CCOHS] 28 Oct. 2005). What if Trichloroethylene (TCE) leaked into a city's ground water and the general populace was exposed to the chemical? Luckily, this has not yet happened in the small town of Lodi, California, but if nothing is done about the leakage, this very well might happen."
A discussion of the development of automated bio-terrorism identification equipment to detect and provide warning of the presence of biological agents in the case of biological wafare.
Abstract The paper examines how the Department of Defense has started work on a biological agent detection and identification program as part of efforts to develop a national early warning system for urban areas pertaining to biological warfare. It also describes the Biological Defense Homeland Security Support Program to achieve early detection and characterization of a biological-related incident in an urban area in order to reduce casualties, minimize disruption to infrastructures and support consequence management efforts. It looks at how the Postal Service has also set into motion work toward the development of bio-terrorism identification equipment due to anthrax scares and the work of biotechnology companies in the development of pulmonary drug delivery in order to combat air-borne bio-terrorist threats .
From the Paper "Another developer of bio-terrorism identification equipment is NanoVia, LP, an innovative leader in the development of next generation high-speed microvia drilling technology. The company recently announced that it intends to further develop its patented drilling process for pulmonary drug delivery in order to combat air-borne bio-terrorist threats (prweb.com). While currently applicable for conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, fast-moving allergic reactions, seizures and cardiovascular conditions, NanoVia, LP believes that inhaled physical threats, such as Anthrax, can also be combated with this technology (prweb.com)."
Abstract The paper explores hydrothermal vents and their contribution to the many biological beings that make these extreme conditions their home. The paper defines a hydrothermal vent as nothing more than a geyser that occurs on the ocean floor. The paper supports the thesis that by examining the vents' reactions to continuously changing conditions in their environment, we can gain clues as to changes that are occurring in the earth's core.
Outline:
What Are Hydrothermal Vents?
What Can Life in the Vents Tell Us?
Life in an Alien World
From the Paper "For the most part, the ocean floor is a sparsely inhabited area of the planet. However, hydrothermal vents are teeming with life. Hydrothermal vents are home to some extremely fascinating creatures to such as tube worms, giant clams, eyeless shrimp and spider crabs (ONR 2006). Cold seeps are other areas that are similar to hydrothermal vents, but the waters in them are closer to the temperature of the surrounding waters. Cold seeps support a similar array of life. Life around these geothermal fountains is dependent upon the chemicals in the surrounding water. The most common chemicals in the water include hydrogen sulfide, methane, iron, manganese, and silica (ONR 2006). This creates an extremely harsh environment to support life."
Abstract This paper discusses Toronto's burgeoning bio-tech industry. In particular, it looks at where these companies are located, what they are, what they look like and where they rank internationally. The paper also focuses particular attention upon Affinium Pharmaceuticals. Ultimately, the paper describes Toronto's bio-tech sector and illustrates Toronto's growing profile among the bio-technology centers of North America.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Geography Of Toronto's Bio-Tech Industry
Toronto's Bio-Tech Companies: What They Are And What They Look Like (A Representative Sampling)
The International Status Of Toronto's Bio-Tech Companies
Conclusions
From the Paper "Even if Toronto's bio-tech sector is still relatively fledgling compared to its U.S. counterparts, the city is quickly developing an enviable reputation. For one thing, the well-regarded University of Toronto - the school with which Affinium Pharmaceuticals has such a strong relationship - has more than 16,000 researchers on its campus and at affiliated teaching hospitals. Further, the Samuel Lunefeld Research Institute, the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, the Ontario Cancer Institute and the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry are all held in high esteem as research "hot beds" and employ literally thousands (Biotechnology Ontario, "Toronto: Profile," para.1-5)."
A look at the growing demand for bio diesel and how the demand is taking precedence over concerns about whether bio diesel actually reduces the costs associated with gasoline production and use.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, 2006, $ 53.95
Abstract The use of bio fuels has long been viewed as a potential solution to solve the world's dependency on petroleum and its negative environmental impact. Recently, many Western countries, Canada among them, have begun to make a deeper examination of bio fuels, and specifically bio diesel, now that both its production costs have been lowered due to technology advances and its cost-basis is improved due to petroleum's high market costs. This paper examines the issue concerning the artificiality of the gasoline demand curve that creates a greater need for bio diesel irrespective of its benefits related to lowering the external costs associated with gasoline.
Abstract This paper discusses the way the products, which make up bio-diesel industry, are made and sold and their benefits to the environment. The author points out that bio-diesel energy is a clean burning alternative fuel, which is produced from domestic, renewable resources. The paper focuses on three companies: The American company Bio-diesel Industries and two British companies Bio-fuels Corporation and D1 Oils Plc..
From the Paper "The energy needs of the world must be met somehow, and many today see the continuing reliance on fossil fuels as a dead end proposition, for fossil fuels will one day run out and are not renewable. It took thousands of years to produce the oil we are not pumping out of the ground, and there is no way to speed that particular process to replace those resources. Finding sources that are truly renewable and that can satisfy the world's energy needs is a major research goal, and one of the types of fuel being developed today is bio-diesel. Several companies are working to produce bio-diesel today, conducting research and producing the fuel for use in diesel vehicles in order to reduce reliance on petroleum-based products and improve the environment."
Abstract The paper researches whether al Qaeda or any other international terrorist group has the motivation and capability to develop and use bio-weapons to carry out their missions of terror. The paper also examines the capability of authorities to deal with this challenge to existing health and defense systems. The paper studies the 2001 anthrax attack and contends that terror groups definitely have the intention to attack with bio-weapons, although we can only speculate about their capabilities. The paper asserts, however, that the threat is very real and the biggest imperative is to neutralize any al Qaeda scientists and technicians engaged in bio-weapons development.
From the Paper "The threat posed by biological disease agents as a terrorist weapon emerged following the anthrax scare in October 2001, when anonymous letters filled with anthrax spores were mailed to US senators and selected media men. Anthrax is one of many biological agents suitable for use as weapon of mass destruction, which fall under five categories: bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, fungi and toxins. The anthrax attack in the US came soon after 9/11, in which the terrorist group identified with al Qaeda seized two civilian planes and smashed them into the World Trade Center in New York and killed about 3,000 people."
Abstract This paper examines how bio-terrorism has been called a disease of modern society, a condition of life, an unsurpassed weapon of psychological warfare, and an antithesis of democracy and the democratic spirit It shows how, although bio-terrorism is thought to be difficult to accomplish on a large scale, recent cases of small scale bio-terrorism have demonstrated how easily it would be to inflict large-scale damage in small doses, if done in a coordinated attack. It examines recent cases, such as anthrax-tainted mail, and looks at how terrorists seem to have relatively easy access to a range of sophisticated, "off the shelf" weapons technology that can be readily adapted to their operational needs.
From the Paper "In September 1984, a non-state sponsored terrorist cult called the Rajneeshee from Oregon intentionally contaminated many salad bars in restaurants with salmonella bacteria. The incident resulted in 751 cases of enteritis, inflammation of the intestine (especially the small intestine), usually characterized by diarrhea, and 45 hospitalizations. This occurred just from a weak bacteria like salmonella. In 1995, the radical Aum Shinrikyo cult of Japan attacked the subways of Japan by releasing a sarin gas that killed twelve and left thousands debilitated. This cult had allegedly launched three unsuccessful biological attacks in Japan using Anthrax and botulin toxin."
Abstract An examination of bio-terrorism. The writer explores the type of threat posed by bio-terrorism and the extent to which the nation has prepared for it, especially after the events of 9/11. The paper shows the various types of materials that can be used in bio-terrorism and how each of them can be prevented and treated.
Contents
Introduction
What is Bioterrorism?
How Can it be Used Against Us?
What Types of Things Can Be Used to Commit it?
What Now?
Steps That Were Taken after 9-11
Government Readiness
School Readiness
The Future
What Should be Done for Future Protection?
International Cooperation
Protecting our Borders
From the Paper "For almost two hundred years Americans were lulled into a false sense of security with the belief that nobody could penetrate the "invisible" shield of protection around the country. While chaos was happening around the world by way of attacks, bio-terroristic threats, wars and other problems, Americans went about their daily business believing it could never happen here. And then the events of 9-11 unfolded. Americans were horrified and glued to television screens as the World Trade Centers came down. From that point on the nation understood it was not invincible and the concern about possible bio-terrorism began to grow."
Abstract This paper discusses the production of bio-ethanol fuel as an alternative to fossil fuels, in Brazil. The paper begins by giving a summary of the political and economic background of Brazil and goes on to describe why the production of bio-ethanol has been so successful in Brazil. The paper presents the pros and cons of bio-ethanol production and concludes that, at this stage, the advantages of producing ethanol for fuel use appear to outweigh the disadvantages.
From the Paper "Overall, the advantages of producing ethanol for fuel use appear to outweigh the disadvantages, which at this stage, are believed to be manageable. The first benefit is the decrease of the net output of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, since the amount of carbon dioxide released in the manufacture would be cyclically absorbed in the production of the new fuel crops (Wikipedia 2006). The burning of fossil fuels brings up massive amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere without creating damage. But this advantage can be derived only from agricultural ethanol, not petroleum ethanol. It is also assumed that production processes, like distillation and fertilizer production, would not exact large amounts of energy and done without using fossil fuels (Wikipedia)."
Abstract This paper discusses how the Japanese-American bio-pharmaceutical industry represents an ongoing international effort between the two top pharmaceutical markets in the world. It looks at why a number of pharmaceutical products that are currently available to U.S. residents are unavailable to Japanese consumers and how from a humanitarian perspective, this discrepancy denies access to life-enhancing and life-saving drugs to the Japanese population. It proposes a study to evaluate how the United States and Japan can work collaboratively to optimize the availability of ethical pharmaceuticals so that every American and Japanese citizen is permitted free access to life-enhancing and life-saving drugs.
Outline
List of Tables
List of Figures
Chapters
1.Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Importance of the Problem
Definition of Terms
Limitations and Delimitations
2.Review of the Literature
1990 to 1996
1997 to 2002
3.Methodology
Research Design
The Hypothesis
Special Tests
Statistical Procedures Used
Data Gathering
Population Descriptions
4. Results
Statement of the Results
Tables
Charts
Figures
Statistical Findings
5.Summary
Conclusions
Supporting Findings
Contradicting Findings
Recommendations
Additional Research
Implications for Revising the Current Body of Knowledge
Change in Related Practices
Appendices
From the Paper "Regardless of the strategic tools that are utilized for a meaningful entry into U.S. markets as well as growth, Japanese firms must increasingly rely on local staff. Depending on local staff to manage their business, and providing those managers with sufficient opportunities and incentives, is a management challenge that Japanese pharmaceutical manufacturers have yet to overcome, especially in the United States. This will require a modification of management methods throughout the firm, including domestic headquarters. Such changes will be slow and will be resisted; we expect the issue of bicultural management to be a struggle for most Japanese pharmaceutical firms throughout the 1990s. This "people issue" also involves a number of organizational matters that many of these firms are now attempting to manage."
Abstract This paper presents a research paper about bio-terrorism. The writer focuses on the use of smallpox as a weapon against societies. The writer explores the viability of using smallpox as a weapon, as well as some of the things societies have done to prepare for such a possibility. In addition, the education of the American public about such an attack is discussed.
From the Paper "Bioterrorism has been a concern of the United States for many years. During most skirmishes, following 9-11 and of course during and after the onset of the war in Iraq, Americans were concerned about the release of bio-chemical warfare. One of the more common concerns recently has been small pox. Small pox is something that if released on the world could cause hundreds of thousands if not millions to perish. The American government has voiced concerns about Saddam Hussein's ability to implement such an attack, as well as Al-QADA forces being able to do so. As these concerns became public, the public became aware that in actuality any nation or group that had the desire to use small pox against its residents, will be able to do so with some planning and some funding. This realization has created significant concerns throughout America recently and the race to prevent a catastrophic reaction has begun. The United States cannot prevent its enemies from developing the smallpox virus, or using it against the nation, but it can promote the education of the American public to minimize any damage if an attack should occur."
This paper discusses the bio-invasion of a noxious seaweed caulerpa taxifolia, "killer algae", continuing to spread along the coasts of Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Croatia and Tunisia.
Abstract This paper explains that caulerpa taxifolia, which had been grown as an aquarium strain of caulerpa taxifolia bred for its pleasant appearance, rapid growth and tolerance for cold conditions, now is an accidentally introduced, invasive specie of algae, which has taken over the Mediterranean Sea. The author reports that the dense mono-cultures of the weed are smothering native plant and animal species, drastically reducing biodiversity, and, because of the toxic effects of the weed's caulerpenyne compounds, are making surviving fish, unsuitable for human consumption. The paper relates that some effective methods of eradication of caulerpa taxifolia are (1) covering and sealing by PVC tarpaulins, which were injected with chlorine, (2) applying coarse sea, (3) removing manually or using a sump-pump and (4) bio-control, which is the introduction of yet another non-native species that can combat caulerpa taxifolia.
From the Paper "Efforts have been made in attempt to eradicate Caulerpa taxifolia at high costs. Six million United States dollars have been spent in Southern California (another location of C. taxifolia invasion) as of 2004 to kill the weed. And in South Australia, yet another place the invasive algae have been introduced, six to eight million Australian dollars have been spent on killer algae extermination. The elimination of Caulerpa taxifolia, while very costly, is necessary."
Abstract This paper provides a thorough look at the dangerous threat of modern terrorism, known as bio-terrorism. In particular, it looks at how the United States is vulnerable to this form of attack and examines how the country's authorities are dealing with the threat- both on a national and international scale.
Paper Outline:
The Commencement of the Attack
The Screening Process
What Agencies Should be Involved
Health Check
Epidemiological Analysis
Criminal Investigation
Mass Prophylaxis
Residual Hazard Evaluation and Alleviation
Control of Affected Area and Population
Modular Emergency Medical System (MEMS)
Managing the Dead
Emergency Management Procedures
Logistic and Supply Support
Stability of Critical Infrastructure
Responsibility for an Event of this Nature
How can we Better the Process for the Future?
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "It is heartening to note that since the September 11 attacks, several local communities have been collaborating with "Department of Health and Human Services" (DHHS) in order to ensure that effective measures can be taken to tackle a bio-terrorist attack, should it take place on American soil. The benefits of this collaboration can be timely distribution of information and medicine, which can tremendously assist in decreasing the number of people infected."
