Abstract This paper discusses the Venus Fly Trap, a rare carnivorousplant that feeds on living matter rather than through the process of photosynthesis like other plants. It examines specific aspects of the plant, such as its closing mechanism and evolutionary tree, and identifies the value of the plant to pharmaceuticals and health care and its adaptation to other geographical areas, such as the bottom of the sea.
From the Paper "In fact, it is becoming increasingly difficult to learn about the Venus flytrap in the wild due to decreasing numbers. According to Stiefel in "Meat-Eating Plants" in Science World (2000), the plants are solely found in the Savannah's of North and South Carolina in an approximate radius of only 60 to 75 miles. Measuring just 4 to 12 inches in height, they are often stolen by human predators to sell on the market for a couple of dollars. The heavy fines do not dissuade them: North Carolina now levies tickets of up to $2,000 for poaching the plant! Venus flytraps are a federal species of concern (FSC)--a species that may or may not be listed in the future. They are not endangered or threatened, but entitled to regulatory protection because their exploitation could get them to the endangered-threatened stage. In addition, around the world the natural wetland habitats of the all the carnivore plants have been systematically drained to erect shopping malls and housing developments. Almost 90 percent of carnivorous plants indigenous to the U.S. have been eradicated because only 3 to 5 percent of their swampy habitat still remains."
Abstract This paper states that cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases throughout the world. The paper then proceeds with an overview of the use of plants as an effective way to prevent and to cure cancer. In particular, the paper identifies the plants and compounds that are extracted from the plants that are being used in the treatment of cancer. In addition, the paper discusses the action of these plant-extracted compounds on the cancer cells. The paper concludes with a commentary on the future use of plants in the fight against cancer.
Outline:
Introduction
The Use of Plants for Medicinal Purposes
Anticancer Compounds in Plants Treatment of Cancer by Plants Prevention of Cancer by Plants Summary
From the Paper "Cancer is a dreaded disease, however cancer is not incurable. There are a number of positive responses to cancer treatment and more and more people have survived cancer as more and more cure and alternative treatments are being discovered. However, the rates of discovery of these alternative drugs that can be used to treat cancer are not fast enough to become at par with the increasing incidence of this dreaded disease. Several alternative drugs that are used for the treatment of cancer are still in experimental stages and some of the drugs that are being used today have high toxicity levels that could give hazardous side effects to the patients being treated."
This well-researched paper examines the sudden resurgence of interest in medicinal plants, which is due not only to their potential health benefits but also to the enormous amounts of money involved as well.
Abstract This paper supplies significant research which proves that medicinal plants, commonly referred to as medicinal herbs, have been successfully used by man for more than 60 thousand years. The uses of medicinal plants have ranged through the entire spectrum of the physical and psychological maladies that can afflict the human race. The writer of this paper examines the various vaccines made from medicinal plant preparations which are designed for oral consumption as well as the numerous health benefits attained by properly ingesting these herbs. This paper also analyzes the business aspect of the medicine plant trade. Through relevant research, this paper estimates that world sales of medicines derived from plants, discovered and collected by indigenous tribes and cultures in 1990, amounted to some $43 billion.
Table of Contents:
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Etiology, Applications and Common Medicinal Plants Today
Current and Future Trends
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "According to Zerner, the majority of the knowledge about medicinal plants today has been accumulated based on empirical observations over long periods of time. Likewise, Crellin and Philpott note that observations of the use of different plants by sick animals has always been a valuable source of information for early practitioners, and many continue to believe this is a valuable source of reliable information concerning the efficacy of medicinal plants today. Even the nonmedicinal uses of these various plant materials has helped the body of knowledge through increased familiarity to the point where, "Nowadays, many herbalists believe that they have an almost intuitive sense of whether or not a plant is medical. Ten of the most popular medicinal plants today are bilberry, cranberry, echinacea, feverfew, Ginkgo biloba, goldenseal, kava kava, milk thistle, saw palmetto, and St. John's wort."
Tags: health, plants, herbs, business, finance, medicine
Abstract A humorous and entertaining essay on home plant care. The author touches on several ways one can ensure the death of plants.
From the Paper "As most everyone knows, the death of a house plant is a common occurrence. Many of us have experienced this loss, although some more often than others. While ignorance can be claimed in most cases, there are some of us who purchase houseplants with the soul intention of killing them."
Abstract The paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of regional ornamental perennial plants. The paper specifically discusses the Hostas, a group of ornamental shade plants with interesting leaf color and patterns that are perennial plants and are easy to grow. The paper concludes that the adaptability of Hostas make them perfect for any garden, no matter where it is located, and with their beautiful colors and blooms, they are a pleasure to look at as well as grow.
From the Paper "Optimal growth requires several environmental factors, and these can differ from species to species. Hostas are relatively easy to grow and maintain, which helps them maintain their popularity in the garden. Most Hostas do not need to be divided, as many other perennials do (think of daylilies and irises, for example). However, most Hostas do not reproduce well from seed, and so division is the preferred method of propagating these plants. They also do not need constant watering and fertilizing. Instead, they can take regular fertilizing, as two Hosta experts note. They note gardeners should use "A balanced granular fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 5-10-5 can be applied early in the spring, followed by an application six weeks later, followed by a midsummer application."
Abstract This paper examines some of the ecological dynamics and game theory behind mutualisms and cheaters focusing on plant-pollinator relationships.
Table of Contents
Reciprocal Exploitation
Defensive Strategies: fruit abortion and selective maturation
Offensive Strategies: cheating insects
To cheat or not to cheat?
Evolutionary Consequences of Cheating
References
From the Paper "Although mutualisms have often been heralded as mutually beneficial relationships that exist for the good of all those involved, they are often not as good-natured as people would think (Soberon & Martinez del Rio 1985). Perhaps Darwin knew best when he claimed that "Natural selection cannot possibly produce any modification in any one species exclusively for the good of another species; though throughout nature one species incessantly takes advantage of, and profits by, the structures of another" (1859). Upon close inspection of the many mutualisms that pervade the global ecology, it becomes clear that there is a strong incentive for exploitation, either by one of the partners in the mutualism or by a third party species. Because of the conflict of interest that often exists between members of a mutualism, certain tendencies to "cheat" have evolved. By escaping the costs that go hand in hand with mutualisms, these cheaters are able to reap the benefits of the mutualistic relationship without having to provide any services or resources in return. Far from one partner acting altruistically toward the other, members in mutualisms are actually pursuing their own agendas, often carrying out self-beneficial actions as far as the other partner will allow. "
Abstract This paper compares plant breeding in the traditional mode and that in the genetic mode and presents the final comparison of the two and importance.
Abstract There is a new technology of criminal activity which involves the use electronic means of communication in committing crimes. This paper looks in greater depth at some of these issues by examining the FBI Carnivore system, how it was developed, what its capacities are, and the problems civil libertarians and others see.
From the paper:
"It has a ferocious name. And its bark is in fact probably just about as bad as its bite. And while it certainly has the power to do good, the inherent costs may make it not worthwhile.
The FBI's Carnivore system is a tool used by this law enforcement agency to snare criminals who use electronic means of communication in committing their crimes, allowing this federal agency to collect and examine email and other electronic traffic sent and received by those suspected or accused of crimes ? along, of course, with the rest of us. While the crime-fighting capacities of such a capability can be seen to be substantial, it should also be clear that such a system has the ability (if improperly used) to cause substantial harm to the rights of the innocent because most people do not realize that their electronic correspondence can be seized and examined. An essential bedrock of the American legal system (and indeed of American culture) rests on the English common-law assumption that people have a basic right to privacy and that unless they should assume or know otherwise that they have a presumption of that privacy. Thus a person shouting on a public street has no reasonable expectation of privacy. A person sitting at her computer sending email to her mother does."
This paper investigates the facts surrounding the use of the FBI Internet program 'Carnivore' in obtaining communication and other incriminating evidence from possible terrorists and criminals.
Abstract The paper thoroughly examines the issues surrounding FBI's use of 'Carnivore' Internet Program in terms of the violation of personal privacy and freedom, its use as vital tool in hunting and apprehending criminals who use the Internet as a medium of communication, in particular after the events of September 11, 2001. The paper argues the government's ?Carnivore? program erodes our constitutional freedom for the majority of law-abiding citizens.
From the Paper "The events of September 11, 2001 are, at the least, unforgettable. That day will live in infamy as the point when the nation's false sense of security and personal safety within out country was shattered. The large jagged pieces are still being swept up within our lives, but the cracks in society ran deep, and are, I think, permanent. Out of the ashes of 9-11 have been borne many new approaches to terrorism and law enforcement in general. One such advance is the widespread use of a fairly new technology known publicly as "Carnivore". An Internet based tool, Carnivore, along with many other modern and tried-and-true methods, is used by the FBI to obtain information about possible suspects and even intercept incriminating evidence in a possible terrorist attack or other impending crime, all via the Internet. The upside of this technology is the possibility to reconnoiter suspects via the Internet by intercepting data from said suspect. The downside is unconditional snooping upon possibly non-criminal individuals either connected with or not connected with a suspect. Also known as invasion of privacy."
Abstract This paper explores an issue that has been raised recently and much argued in the media and courtroom of whether the government should be able to eavesdrop on communications online. The paper looks at recent use by the FBI of a computer monitoring program called "Carnivore" which enables monitors to analyze email for certain terms that might indicate criminal activity. The paper looks at the issue in terms of the individuals rights, general legislation issues and the needs of the government.
From the Paper "Data surveillance through the computer has created a system that increasingly menaces individual privacy. Computers had been employed first to store scientific and numerical information, or information that was already in the public domain but that had to be collected into one computerized source. However, computers were more and more being employed to collect sensitive information about the individual's personal life so that the individual was slowly losing control over his or her personal information. This problem of the danger of invasion of privacy has been foreseen for some time."
Abstract This paper explins that Carnivore gives law enforcement extraordinary power to intercept and analyze huge volumes of email. The author argues that there is a danger that this new procedure could violate the 4th amendment.
Abstract This paper investigates and compares the organizational and management system at the Aberdeen plant to the Green River plant in order to arrive at a better understanding of implement changes at the plant at Green River. The paper explains that the Green River plant has a more traditional, union management style; whereas, the Aberdeen has adopted a non-union management style based on teams. More specifically, the paper compares the two plants on the factors of management of ability, organizational commitment, job satisfaction, organizational ethics, job design, goal setting, performance appraisal, pay, career development, work groups and teams, leadership, communication, organizational structure and culture. The paper concludes with recommendations for changes at the Green River, which are based on the success of the organization at the Aberdeen plant.
Table of Contents:
Background
Situation Analysis for Green River
The Management of Ability
Organizational Commitment
Job Satisfaction
Organizational Ethics
Job Design and Goal Setting
Performance Appraisal
Pay
Career Development
Work Groups and Teams at Green River
Difference in Leadership
Difference in Communication
Difference in Organizational Structure and Culture
Organizational Change and Development Recommendations
From the Paper "Because Green River operates on a traditional management style, I would have to say that their employees were rewarded with incentives such as profit sharing, stock options and annual bonuses for meeting or exceeding goals. The job design and goal setting system at Aberdeen could be a difficult task for Green River to implement. In order to incorporate this system into the company, management would have to create empowered work groups and be willing to relinquish most of their power and decision making to the teams."
This paper discusses narcotic plants belonging to those categories of plants called psychedelic or hallucinogenic plants because they have a chemical compound that causes hallucinating effects.
Abstract This paper explains that narcotic plants, known for their effects on mind and body since the prehistoric period, were often associated with magic, religious rites, and medicine. Although there are over 60 species of hallucinogens known today that are consumed by people in one part of the world or other, the author focuses on the five major narcotics: tobacco, opium, hemp (marijuana), betel, and coca. The paper relates that the hallucinations that occur because the neuronal messages are changed in a greatly dramatic manner when narcotic plants are consumed.
Table of Contents
Introduction
History of the Use of Narcotic Plants and Hallucinogens
The Major Narcotic Plants Ergot
Amanita
Marijuana
Opium
Coca
Tobacco
Other Hallucinogens
Conclusion
From the Paper "Peyote: Botanically known by the name Lophophora williamsii, Peyote is a small grey-green variety of cactus found in northern Mexico and Texas. The Native Americans extensively used peyote particularly in their religious rites. The Aztecs ardently worshiped it and peyotism even grew as a religion among Americans. The compounds that are chemically active include mescaline and peyonine, of which mescaline induces hallucination essentially visual in nature, which enables the user to foresee and predict happenings as if in spiritual union with the divine power. Consumption of peyote causes intoxication accompanied by nausea, body shivers and perspiration for about two hours after which the user normally falls into hallucination."
Abstract This paper examines the environmental problems that occur due to emissions from coal-fired power plants. The paper focuses on the older power plants in the Great Lakes region. The paper discusses the problem and explores solutions to rectify the situation. The paper contends that, despite pollution issues, there are many reasons to support coal-fired power plants, and therefore, the most promising solution involves tighter regulation of coal-fired power plants, particularly reducing the pollution caused by older plants, such as those in the Great Lakes area.
From the Paper "Out of the entire electric industry, coal-fired power plants contribute 96% of sulfur dioxide emissions, 93% of nitrogen oxide emissions, 88% of carbon dioxide emissions, and 99% of mercury emissions (Dirty coal power). Today, there are fish consumption advisories for mercury contamination in 45 states and 20% of American women of childbearing age have levels of mercury that exceed what is considered safe for a fetus (Mercury from coal-fired power plants). Coal-fired power plants is responsible for over 90% of mercury contamination in the Great Lakes (Gluckman, 2004) Further, EPA studies reveal that air pollution from coal-fired power plants triggers asthma attacks, bronchitis, and heart disease, and contributes to about 30,000 premature deaths a year (New source review/ coal-fired power plants)."
Abstract This paper examines the process of extracting essential oils from plants, in particular, Neroli. The author explains the key concerns in this process, the characteristics of the oil and the characteristics of the plant. Noting that citrus plants produce three different oils in different parts of the plant, the author cautions that different methods need to be used to produce the different oils. The paper explains the uses of Neroli and comments on the cost and economic factors governing the price of this essential oil extracted from the bitter orange tree.
Outline:
Characteristics of the Plant Citrus Oil Production
Citrus Chemistry
References
From the Paper "Labor is the most costly aspect of Neroli and Orange Blossom Water. However, the market for the products is high and continues to grow, especially as a gourmet food additive. As McMahon points out, there is justification for the argument that higher priced oils are superior in this case, due to shortcuts taken by producers in low priced years. Steam distillation is the preferred method and produces the highest quantity and quality of oils. The hydrosol and oil keep best under refrigeration, as the oils remain volatile in their distilled state."
