Abstract This paper examines the importance of pollination services. As the author explains, the health of ecosystems and agriculture worldwide depends on pollinating services performed by particular pollinators. This paper evaluates the importance of pollinators, provides statistical evidence for vertebrate and invertebrate pollinator decline and examines causes and consequences of pollinator decline. The paper also demonstrates the consequences of pollinator decline in terms of plant pollinator interactions and corresponding research, including figures. The paper concludes that that the functional diversity of the pollination network is critical to ecosystem sustainability and productivity.
I. Introduction
II. Importance of Pollinators
III. Pollinator Decline A) General Pollinator Decline B) Honey Bee Decline C) Decline of other Pollinators
IV. Causes of Pollinator Decline A) Pesticide Misuse
B) Loss of Habitat and Forage
C) Diseases and Pests
D) The "Killer Bee Hype"
E) Light Pollution) Monocultures
G) Climate Change
V. Consequences of Pollinator Decline A) Plant Pollinator Interactions
B) Decline of Genetic Variability and Effect on Plant Populations
VI. Reduction and Prevention of Future Pollinator Decline-
A) Possible Actions
B) Future Research Needs
VII. Conclusion
VIII. Literature Cited
IX. Figures and Data
From the Paper "Green plants represent the primary food source for a large portion of the worlds living biota. Many plants reproduce sexually and require pollination agents to ensure genetic diversity and other adaptive advantages through cross-pollination. During the search for nectar, pollen, oil, or mates, pollinators transfer pollen from male anthers to female stigmas and hence perform pollination (Cane, 2001). Due to co-evolution among angiosperms and pollinators, many primary pollinator- plant relationships are highly specific. Therefore the health of ecosystems and agriculture worldwide depends on pollinating services performed by particular pollinators. In recent decades human activates have decimated biodiversity in many different species-rich groups, including invertebrates (Cane, 2001). Declines have been recorded in many groups of pollinators including: insects, bats, birds and mammals. This decline represents less frequent flower visitation, gradual decrease of seed and fruit production, and reproductive losses in additional taxa within the community and could eventually disrupt community function (Cane, 2001)."
Abstract In this article the writer looks at Sparta's decline as a military power. The writer discusses the multiple manifestations of shortsightedness that caused the decline. The writer describes that this decline was caused by factors ranging from attitudes, to tactics, to lack of diplomacy with its allies.
From the Paper "Although historians offer a panoply of possible reasons for the decline of Sparta essentially its downfall was the result of one glaring fault. This fault, although it manifested in a number of disparate ways, could be summed up in one word shortsightedness. This shortsightedness occurred in areas such as its attitudes, its failure to modify the rigid Lycurgan system, its tactical naivety, its failure to adapt when opponents began hiring mercenary armies, its wrongdoing, its lack of diplomacy ... "
The Egyptian Society declined rapidly from the end of the Eighteenth Dynasty. The relationship between this decline and economic conditions, the position of weakened pharaohs and warfare is examined.
Abstract This paper examines the causes of the decline of the ancient Egyptian civilization and argues that a number of factors played a role. Among these are a shift from economic prosperity to poverty, the weakening power of the pharaoh (related to the rise of the priesthood and royal instability) and continuous warfare with neighbouring societies.
From the Paper "From the Egyptian state's origins in the Old Kingdom, circa 2575 B.C., it flourished in relative isolation from other civilizations. It was protected by the Mediterranean in the north, the desert in the east and west, and by an "ethnic frontier" in the south (Adams, 1984, p. 38). During this time of remoteness, the Egyptian state built complex pyramid structures, developed a unique religion and established a political system based on the supremacy of the pharaoh and a hereditary bureaucracy (Fagan, 2004, p. 385). However, the prosperity and stability of the Old Kingdom (circa 2575 to 2180 B.C.) could not last forever, and since several succeeding pharaohs lacked leadership Egypt entered a period in which the central power of the government declined and local leaders became independent rulers within their own territories (Fagan, 2004, p. 389). In conjunction with this decline in power, came a prolonged drought cycle, but this led to improvements in agriculture and eventually to a rapid increase in population, though famines continued to strike for over three hundred years. Trade networks were vastly expanded during the Middle Kingdom (2134 to 1640 B.C.) and parts of the desert lands of Nubia were conquered, the first signs of imperial ambitions (Fagan, 2004, p. 390). The second intermediate period, occurring between 1640 and 1530 B.C., brought political instability and economic disorder to Egypt once again. However, in the same way that the first intermediate period brought improvements to the Egyptian civilization, this new period of instability brought several innovations that preserved Egypt's role in the eastern Mediterranean world (Fagan, 2004, p. 391). The New Kingdom, 1530 to 1070 B.C., brought with it periods of extensive wealth, an expansive empire, and political stability, though these qualities were quickly dissolved with the last of the long-lived pharaohs Rameses III (Fagan, 2004, p. 391; Ibid, p. 395). The last years of the Egyptian dynasties were marked by a "succession of short-lived, sometimes competing and generally unremarkable kings"(Rice, 1997, p. 1980). After this time political weakness opened the door to the rapidly evolving civilizations crowding Egypt's borders. By about 1000 B.C. the country was bankrupt and the influence of other ancient civilizations, Assyrians and Persians followed by the Greeks, came to dominate the Nile Valley (Clayton, 1994, p. 173). The decline of the Egyptian civilization resulted from the complex interplay of several factors including economic conditions, a weakening of the pharaohs? power, and warfare with other complex societies."
Abstract The decline of Koryo is discussed, mainly from the point of view of a too hierarchical and aristocratic order that did not respond well to external threat or serve the needs of other groups in the society.
Abstract This paper analyzes the recent decline of the Euro, and discusses how its relative weakness, compared to the dollar and other currencies, has affected American financial markets.
Tags: ECONOMICS / INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS, decline of euro
Abstract The paper discusses how the decline of the Ottoman and Qing Empires destabilized international order in the West and East respectively. The paper continues by explaining the lack of equilibrium and the political and military vacuums caused by the breakups.
From the Paper "This research paper analyzes and compares the extent to which the international order in the West was destabilized by the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and in the East by that of the Qing Dynasty. The slow decay and fitful decline of the Ottoman Empire culminating in its destruction at the end of World War I certainly influenced the balance of power in Eastern and Central Europe."
Abstract This paper reviews the book "Spain in Decline: 1621-1700," by Reginald Trevor Davies that outlines three factors for the decline of Imperial Spain: Economic and financial debilities, a military decline and a decline of patriotic and religious feelings. The paper describes the revolution in the Basque Provinces. The author states that this book of history reads like a novel.
From the Paper "These revolts helped in Spain's decline by weakening the government's position and creating unrest in the people, so they did not trust or follow government reforms meant to strengthen the country. Too many people wanted autonomy from Spain's government, and this division left the remainder of Spain weak and unprepared for further problems, inside or outside the country. Clearly, this was an important juncture for Spain; and had they handled it with more aplomb, they might have avoided some of the unrest and division that separated the country, and helped lead to its decline in world exploration and domination."
Abstract This paper discusses cognitive decline in older people. The paper contends that understanding the correlation between aging and cognitive decline requires in-depth research taking into account the numerous variables and theoretical perspectives. The paper agrees that while there is certainly a parallel between the onset of late adulthood and cognitive changes, these changes need not always be severely negative. The paper examines various factors that affect cognitive change.
Outline
Introduction
Overview
Methodical Issues
Retardation of Cognitive Decline Conclusion
From the Paper "Cognitive decline in older people is most likely to be measured and seen in terms of declarative or episodic memory. (Wilson et al., 1997. pp 7-14).This refers to the ability to learn and retain new information. Other factors that are measured in this age group, and which show evidence of decline, are mental processing skills and perceptual speed. This refers to simple perceptual comparisons which are unusually measured with accompanying time-related tasks. (ibid) People, who are diagnosed as having ARCD or Age Related Cognitive Decline normally are perceived as suffering from deterioration of memory and learning abilities as well as limited language attention span and concentration problems."
A case study analysis of the factors contributing to the decline of employees at Steak and Ale restaurant and an examination of the effects of the decline, by applying the processes of critical thinking.
Abstract This paper examines why Steak and Ale restaurant was suddenly experiencing a significant decline in employees. It examines the attributing factors as to why this occurred and evaluates the effects of the decline in employees by utilizing the framework to solve the problem by applying the processes of critical thinking. The paper then provides recommendations to the district manager within the Steak and Ale organization.
Table of Contents:
Brief Background of the Problem
Framing the Problem
Alternative Solutions & Evaluation of Alternatives
Check Sheets - Alternative Solution One
How to Create a Check Sheet
Brainstorming - Alternative Solution Two
Defining the Seven Steps in Brainstorming
Job Shadowing - Alternative Solution Three
Discussing the Three Various Types of Job Shadowing
Implementation of Chosen Solution
Evaluation and Success of Implemented Solution
From the Paper "The measurement of the success of the program could be measured by the increase or decrease in the volume of sales at the particular restaurant in question. The tools used to measure this success would come directly from the mentor's evaluations and by how the newly trained manager progresses in becoming a skilled leader and by how efficiently operations improve at the restaurant. Another form of measurement will also be the retention of restaurant employees; of course, this is the original issue that brought JARAD consulting to Steak and Ale in the first place. This form of training has proven to be very successful in past by Steak and Ale as well as many other businesses, and JARAD agrees with Steak and Ale's executives that by utilizing our team critical thinking skills to effectively determine a suitable yet productive solution, we have objectively achieved our mission as a team and offered a reasonable solution to assist the new manager in learning to manage people, but more importantly, in understanding his or herself and resolving all the pressing issues which concerned Steak and Ale and all parties involved."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the role and function of the Geisha from the Edo period and the expectations of behavior and conduct of a geisha. As the numbers of geisha in Japan are declining, the paper also looks at a number of reasons to explain this decline
From the Paper "Entertainment in Japan during the Edo period (1600-1867), especially entertainment involving women, was considered to require close supervision by the government. Prostitution was legal if properly licensed and controlled. Shimbara and Yoshiwara were fenced-in districts on the outskirts of Kyoto and Edo where prostitution was contained and regulated until 1957. Of the numerous hours men spent in these districts, relatively few were devoted to sex. Most of the time was engaged in partying; the lure of the area was the romance, elegance and excitement that could be found in the one place in the structured feudal society where money, wit and charm combined to create a sub-culture rooted in evening recreation. Besides the prostitutes, a number of other classes of female entertainers and waitresses were permitted to work in designated entertainment areas. Geishas belonged in this category, and for them, engaging in sex with customers was officially prohibited. The term geisha literally means "artist". "
Abstract These three factors are the division of the Roman government into warring factions, the increase of a "barbarian" populace from the European territories, and a decline in the rights of the Roman people that eventually lead to economic failure and public dissent. Examined separately, these factors can be seen as manageable, where no one factor would have truly lead to the decline of the great Roman Empire.
Abstract This paper examines industrial decline in the Heartland Region of the United States. It traces the problem to both declines in its industries and, more importantly, changes in locational and strategic decision making criteria.
Abstract This paper explores three of George Saunders' stories from "Civil War Land in Bad Decline" in order to demonstrate how the distortion of social norms helps the reader to understand that the norm itself is already absurd. The stories that are examined are the title story of "Civil War Land in Bad Decline", "Bounty", and "The 400- Pound CEO".
Abstract This paper examines how amphibians have not been exploited by humans like other animals have, they are kept as household pets and in some countries their flesh is seen as quite a delicacy. It therefore attempts to understand why are so many amphibian populations are in decline around the world. It shows how in some areas of the globe the decline is evidently due to loss of habitat but how in other areas, the reasons could be attributed to factors such as the depletion of the ozone layer or pollution. It looks at the advantages of amphibians to humans such as their use as environmental indicators and the use of their toxins as pain killers and covers methods of conservation.
From the Paper "Habitat loss seems to be a significant cause of the diminishing amphibian populations over much of the world. Human population growth has led to many of the wetlands that are essential for amphibians to be drained for agriculture, filled in or paved. In Britain alone, many years of draining wetlands in order to improve crop yields has resulted in the destruction of 82% of marshland. Now, only isolated patches remain. Deforestation is an added strain on amphibians as the dense canopy provides shelter and protection for not only the adult amphibians but also their developing young, from predators and ultraviolet light."
Abstract The writer explains that although the United Kingdom's economy ranks among Western Europe's largest, its industrial sector employs only 18 percent of the workforce, and has experienced a steady decline since World War II. The paper examines several reasons for this decline. In conclusion, the paper shows that the English economy has moved from manufacturing to finance and new technology.
From the Paper "Expansion in old industrial regions such as northeast England, south Wales and central Scotland, based on coal, steel, shipbuilding and mechanical engineering hinged on the imperial dominance of British manufacturing. The decline of the British Empire was reflected in collapse in these sectors and de-industrialization there as well. In the 1960s, decentralization from core regions of the British economy-the West Midlands and the southeast part of the nation, and large urban agglomerations-coincided with a large, growing investment by the government in UK based companies overseas. A new layer of economic growth was added as a result, but a layer that could not accommodate such growth. The result was growth being added to peripheral regions through branch plant operations of multinational corporations. These corporations were attracted by the prospect of good investment capital, regional policy and a plentiful labor reserve. This overlapped the declining heavy industrial complexes that were not able to cope with heightened international competition. In other words, existing manufacturing plants operating on home soil were being forced to compete with companies from other nations using the same soil for manufacturing. In the 1960s, manufacturing investment absorbed less than 4 GDP, a rate lower than all other European countries. Ministers in government, eager to achieve growth, were more prepared to expand growth and achieve higher demand found that the investors and population did not have the same enthusiasm."
