Abstract This paper examines how the movie "Signs" is more about faith than it is about either cropcircles or aliens. Although the plot centers around the imminent arrival of extraterrestrial beings and what that arrival entails, the film focuses on the disillusioned Reverend Graham Hess, played by Mel Gibson. Following the untimely death of his wife, Hess loses his faith in God and renounces the church.
From the Paper "This loss of faith is established early in the film, when he tells the police officer to ?please stop calling me Father,? and this theme is reexamined throughout the film as Hess confronts the alien presence. Flashbacks and conversations with family members eventually restore Hess's faith in the church. However, religion is only one expression of faith; faith in God and religion is ostensible, but so is the faith in the unseen, in reason, or even in the status quo. Confronted with a foreign, incomprehensible, and frightening reality, various characters in "Signs" develop an individual faith. According to the Gage dictionary, faith means ?believing without proof.? Therefore, the children and all the people who believe that the signs signal the arrival of extraterrestrials have faith that these beings exist"even before they witness them. It is not until Graham Hess sees the green, gnarled claw of the alien in Ray Reddy's pantry that the audience"and Hess--can believe without a doubt that the aliens exist. "Signs" sets up a definition of faith that encompasses primarily faith in religion, but expands this definition to entail faith in family, in miracles, and in any power greater than material life."
Abstract The paper discusses how, as the Earth's average temperature rises, crop production decreases. The paper notes the significance of a decrease in crop production and provides a literature review. The paper shows how, in general, global warming has a negative effect on crop production and the unpredictability of climatic change can also have a negative effect on crop production when farmers are ill-prepared. The paper points out, however, that although many crops will suffer, certain crops such as winter wheat seem to thrive in the global warming models.
From the Paper "Peng et al. (2004) explore the affect of higher night temperatures, from global warming, on rice production. They evaluated these effects by a direct study on the effects of global warming on crop production, by analyzing weather data at the International Rice Research Institute Farm, from the years 1979 to 2003. They examined temperature trends and how they related to rice yield, by using the data obtained from irrigated field experiments, that were conducted at the International Rice Research Institute Farm. The researchers found that rice production fell 10 percent for each 1o C increase in minimum temperature. However, maximum temperature had an insignificant effect on crop yield. Therefore the researchers concluded that there was direct evidence that rice yields decreased with increased nighttime temperature associated with global warming."
Tags: climate, change, rice, wheat, maize, temperature
Abstract The paper defines the unit circle as a key instrument in learning about trigonometric functions, values and concepts. The paper lists the steps to making a unit circle and provides detailed examples and graphs.
Outline:
What is the Unit Circle?
How Do I Make a Unit Circle?
How To Find Coordinates
How To Find a Reference Angle
Negative Values
In Conclusion
From the Paper "Well, to first understand the Unit Circle, you must first understand basic graphing, because the Unit Circle is based off the circular graph x2 + y2 = 1. The Unit Circle is a circle whose values are counted counterclockwise starting from the point (1,0). Then the values- in degree and radian measure (don't worry all of this will be further explained later, so don't worry if your lost)- are used to solve trigonometry problems and equations. The values on the Unit Circle are used to find sine, cosine and tangent values as well as to find compliment and supplement angles. Overall, the Unit Circle is one of the most helpful things to know when doing the ever so complicated trigonometry. An easy was to think of the Unit Circle is that the Unit Circle is a box of primary colors, it's your red, blue and yellow. With this Unit Circle/primary color box you are able to make and understand all sorts of other colors and concepts."
Abstract The paper provides an overview of the green revolution and its selective breeding that produced crops that were better suited to changing climate conditions and production levels. The paper discusses how these crops could help curb starvation but looks at the limitations of current practices. The paper then discusses genetically modified crops and their benefits but explains why this development must proceed with even more caution than the green revolution.
Outline:
Early Methods
Helping to Curb Starvation
Limitations of Current Practices
Green Revolution Crops and GMOs
From the Paper "As the world population grows, humans face new challenges regarding how to feed the population. This problem is not new and industrialized nations led the race to develop crops that were more productive, disease resistant and that have more uses. During the 1960s and 1970s producers began an intensive program to develop crops that met the changing requirements of society. This is referred to as the "green revolution." This revolution was responsible for increases in food production in industrialized nations, but there are limitations as to what can be accomplished through these programs."
Tags: selective, breeding, genetic, engineering, traits, food, production
Abstract While many companies have argued that quality circles have resulted in dramatic cost savings, a large body of research suggests that quality circles have generally failed in the majority of companies that have implemented them. This study examines the nature of quality circles and asks whether or not they are effective mechanisms for organizational improvement.
From the Paper "This paper aspires to examine the following question: are quality circles effective mechanisms in organizations? Proponents of quality circles have long hailed their reported benefits; often defined as team oriented work performance groups, quality circles were envisioned as a tool that organizations could utilize to enhance worker productivity, motivation and performance. Detractors of such circles have argued however, that quality circles are more "quick fix schemes" adopted by hurried managers seeking out a quick fix solution to long standing corporate dilemmas. There are many organizations that have claimed great success using quality circles; studies suggest however, that in a large majority of companies that have implemented quality circles, the failure rate is greater than 50%. This paper intends to ascertain whether or not quality circles are truly beneficial or wasteful in organizations."
Abstract This paper discusses the crop of chamomile. It focuses on harvesting, preparing the soil, planting, insecticides, fertilizing, marketing, distributing and other preparations for the crop of chamomile. It is a study developed through a series of questions for the paper, with emphasis on exploring how the farmer plans, produces and markets an herbal crop in the United States.
From the Paper "Chamomile is a botanical herb, also known as anthemis nobilis (common manzanilla, or maythen chamomile), anthemis cotula (mayweed, maruta cotula, dog chamomile, maruta foetida, or dog-fennel), and matricaria chamomilla (German or wild chamomile) (Grieve). The plant has been documented as having been used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Spaniards for medicinal purposes (Grieve). Chamomile is an herb that can be reproduced annually, or re-grown from new plants each year. The leaves of the plant are light green in color, with a feather-like appearance. Its flower, which blooms on the stem from May through October, has a "daisy" appearance. Chamomile is produced as an herb for foods, for medicines, and as ground cover for protecting other crops (Grieve)."
Abstract This is a detailed descriptive, persuasive paper about the effects of genetically modified crops. The author discusses genetic engineering and clearly defines many difficult biological terms, and how the Food and Drug Administration plays a major role in the legalization of genetically modified crops.
From the Paper "Genetically engineered crops have killed dozens of people throughout the United States of America and Europe , and have harmed thousands of others. Governments of the world should outlaw genetically modified agricultural products to ensure that no other lives will be susceptible to the same type of danger. Scientists first designed genetically altered crops to resist herbicides. Genetically modified crops were also not intended for human consumption. In fact, they were intended for better yields, resistance to herbicides, and cheaper feed for livestock, such as cattle, sheep, poultry, etc. The FDA is now investigating genetically modified crops to see if they should ban them in the United States of America ."
Tags: corn, engineered, genetic, modified, plants, fda, dna, bio
Abstract Discusses the importance of GM crops to worldwide farming. Division among people regarding use of GM plants. Benefits vs. ecological disasters. Safety issue. Review of recent studies on use of GM plants in the farm setting. Goal of GM crops toreduce need for pesticides. Harm to beneficial organisms.
From the Paper "Introduction:
According to an article in Scientific America, genetically Modified (GM) crops are becoming an important part of worldwide farming with approximately 109 million acres under cultivation (Brown, 2001). However, most of the farmland is in the US (68%) and Argentina (23%), and the most common GM crops are soybean (36%), corn (7%), cotton (16%), and canola (11%). GM varieties are a major proportion of the total production of soybeans (58%) and corn (23%)(James, 2000).
The development and use of GM plants has divided people into 2 groups. One group believes GM plants offer benefits for both increased production of food and fiber, and decreased use of pesticides and herbicides. The opposing group believes GM plants will cause ecological disaster by inadvertently killing ..."
Abstract The historical and intellectual background of inter-war Europe is mentioned and the formation of the Vienna Circle explained. The main aims and philosophies of the Circle are discussed - the main philosophy being logical positivism which is explained that any conclusive or meaningful statement must be based on observation and experimental evidence. Any assertion that is impossible to prove or disprove is scientifically useless. Problems with this are mentioned and the nature of scientific knowledge discussed.
From the Paper "In order to properly discuss the Vienna Circle I must first briefly describe the social, scientific and philosophical situations that led to its formation and greatly influenced the views of its supporters. I will then outline the reasons for its formation, its general philosophy (one of empiricism and logical positivism) and some of the ideas put forward by its members regarding the nature of scientific knowledge. Many problems (both practical and semantic) arose from new ideas of what constituted "scientific knowledge" and I shall try and discuss these before concluding."
Abstract This paper analyzes two films, "The Circle" by Jafar Pahani (Iran) and "Memories of Underdevelopment" by Tomas Alea (Cuba). It discusses the theme and circular construction of "The Circle". The paper also describes the key character's representation of the status of underdevelopment in "Memories of Underdevelopment".
From the Paper "The Circle" is a series of episodes concerning women in Iran. The first is the shortest but it succinctly sets up the theme of the film. It also provides the starting point for the circular structure of the film. In this first ..."
Tags: The Circle , Jafar, Pahani, Memories of Underdevelopment , Tomas, Alea
Abstract The paper presents the thesis that as global warming causes the earth's average temperatures to rise, crop production will experience a decrease. The paper discusses how temperature extremes have been shown to dramatically reduce the agricultural productivity potential. The paper relates that technology will play an important part in the production of crops and wealthier countries will be better prepared for technological supports. The paper points out that while there are conflicting reports concerning the specific effects of global warming and climate change, it is clear that farmers must be willing to enter a process that includes ongoing assessment and adaptation to the changes that are occurring.
Outline:
Statement of Topic
Statement of Thesis
Conceptualization
Literature Review
Summary & Conclusion
From the Paper "One important factor to crop production, and specifically fruit crop production is that failures are likely to occur due to the early growth of these crops in warmer weather resulting in the loss of crops due to cold snaps. This has been noted in the research in the foregoing literature. As well, there are agriculture crops that will initially be more productive however, the literature in the foregoing review has illustrated the likelihood that in the longer run, crops certain crops will be less productive due to higher temperatures."
Abstract This paper presents a case study of Full Circle Health, which is a mental health treatment organization that attempts to treat the needs of a community mentally, physically and spiritually. The paper discusses the aims and mission of the organization and how it attempts to achieve its objectives. The paper also discusses how the organization functions in today's era of managed care.
From the Paper "The ultimate solution is comprehensive mental health coverage, a solution which must be achieved on a political level. Full Circle Health is already striving to do so, as part of its political advocacy work. However, until then, one possible solution would be to employ individuals specifically to work helping patients negotiate the complex health care bureaucracy and to work with insurance agencies, government organizations, and private charities to ensure funding. Ideally, these individuals would be paid staff members, employed to work as advocates for funding and to work with insurance companies, to help with paperwork and to submit appeals, when necessary, if funding was threatened. If there is no budget for additional paid staff, volunteers could be employed, however the issue of confidentiality regarding mental health care records must be strictly observed. Paid and volunteer positions would be trained in the health care insurance industry's language, and provide needed and vital administrative support in the increasingly confusing red tape surrounding this issue."
Abstract The following paper examines how the "Cream of the Crop" gives one a sense of the value of an elite education, however, it is of the writer's opinion that a comparison of their subjects to graduates of less prestigious schools might have given a broader picture of the importance of an elite education.
From the Paper ?In Cream of the Crop: The Impact of Elite Education on the Decade After College, Katchadourian and Boli examine not only how the college you attend, but the choices you make while in college shape and mold the rest of your life. In this book, a group of Stanford University alumni are followed for ten years after graduation (Katchadourian, 1994). It shows how decisions they made in college affected their family and career choices. It focuses on their professional careers, experiences in the workplace, their personal lives and their life's reflections a decade after graduation. This book is the first to examine these issues systematically (Katchadourian, 1994).?
Abstract This paper examines the technology behind genetically modified crops, the potential risks of GMCs, the benefits of GMCs, the criticisms of the arguments used to oppose GMCs, and the general worldwide opinion regarding the use of GMCs.
From the Paper "But are these crops really so dangerous? The issue of genetic modification of crops is perhaps so vexing and problematic because the United States and the European Community pursue completely different policies regarding the issue. Unlike so many issues of health, both countries have completely different views as to the safety of genetic modification, the US allowing the process, the EU condemning it."
Tags: natural, engineered, healthful, genetic, structure, frankenstein, food, fda
Abstract This paper discusses genetic modification (GM) farming and analyzes the problems associated with the use of genetically modified food crops by a study of some recent scientific articles, which espouse this viewpoint. The paper contends that the rapid advancements in genomic science have created new possibilities in the fields of agriculture and in the treatment and management of diseases. The biotech revolution characterized by genetically engineered food products is regarded as a boon to the human society, a life-saving solution to manage the food crisis of our globe.
From the Paper "Altering specific sequences of DNA allows plants to develop resistance to pesticides, resulting in increased yield. Using genetic engineering methods such as electroporation, gene gun, gene silencing and vector mediated transfer, scientists are now able to insert a new gene or control the expression of an already present gene in a plant. [UCS] In a special report from the 'New scientist' the author discusses some of the possibilities of applying genomic science into farming practices. Using these biotech processes scientists have created disease and herbicide resistant crops promising huge increase in productivity. The result of this biotech revolution was amazing. Vitamin boosted rice, Onions without tears, potatoes enriched with proteins, Soya built resistant to pesticides, and even caffeine free coffee became a reality and bio-engineered products offered endless possibilities."
