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 Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of mortality in the industrialized world. At the same time, high blood cholesterol is known to be a risk factor for heart disease. Decreasing total blood cholesterol can have a profound effect, reducing the incidence of coronary heart disease by close to 30%. Further, there is a wide variety of research that links blood cholesterol levels to heart disease and mortality. This paper presents a design for a study that aims to add to this body of evidence by investigating the impact of decreased cholesterol consumption on mortality from cardiovascular disease.
From the Paper "In each facility, 1,000 research subjects will be recruited using voluntary recruitment procedures. Advertisements for volunteers will be placed in local newspapers, community message boards, and clinic and emergency waiting rooms. Subjects will range in age upwards from 21 years of age. Subjects will not be excluded from the study on any medical or other grounds. This wide range of subjects and large sample size will allow researchers to correlate cholesterol intake with a number of other factors, including age, sex, race, place of residence, and other medical conditions."
Abstract The paper discusses the Yellow River's historical significance to Chinese history and civilization and explains that it has supported the millions of people who have lived alongside it. The paper examines how the river has periodically caused an equal amount of sorrow through devastating floods and course changes throughout history. The paper explores how the river is currently faced with decreased flows due to over-exploitation, pollution from the surrounding industries, and continued silting. The paper concludes that concerted efforts are required on an emergency basis to find a solution to the problems facing the Yellow River.
Outline:
Introduction
Problems:
Silt Deposition
Floods & Course Changes
Decreased Flows
Environmental Degradation
Chemical and Biological Pollution
Solutions
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Chemical and biological pollution of the surface and groundwater in the Yellow River Basin and the North China Plain is another serious concern. Discharge of industrial effluent and untreated sewage from cities and villages is common everywhere in China but is particularly damaging for the Yellow River. Surface water contamination is becoming increasingly important as water supplies decline and less dilution occurs. According to Dr. Zhongping Zhu, Principal Researcher with IWMI: "Water pollution in the Yellow River is exceptionally high...in 2000 less than 40% of the water was deemed drinkable after treatment, with 24% being classed as unfit for human consumption." (Quoted in "New Research Could Provide...")"
Abstract This term paper discusses the benefits & drawbacks of nuclear proliferation and how it can increase or decrease the security dilemma. It shows the main concern that lies at the heart of the issue of nuclear proliferation to be the security of states.
From the Paper "Nuclear proliferation, or the spread of nuclear weapons, occurs in two ways: vertically and horizontally. Vertical proliferation occurs at a time when a country already owning nuclear weapons increases the size of its arsenals. However, the main fear lies with horizontal proliferation. Horizontal proliferation involves the spread of nuclear weapons to currently non-nuclear states. Some fear that if non-nuclear states acquire arms, it results in decreased security for all states. Others argue that if all states possess arms then the fear of a nuclear war deters states from using their nuclear weapons for offensive purposes. The question most often associated with the debate of nuclear proliferation states: Does nuclear proliferation increase or decrease the security of states? This question, commonly known as the security dilemma, lies at the heart of this issue. Opponents of nuclear proliferation claim that the emergence of new nuclear states decreases security because new nuclear states come in hostile pairs, have governments and societies that are not well rooted, and increase the likelihood of nuclear accidents and terrorist thefts of nuclear weapons. Proponents of nuclear proliferation state that the emergence of new nuclear states increases security because new nuclear states alter the dynamics of arms races and deterrent balances are inherently stable."
Tags: arms, cold, dilemma, nuclear, proliferation, race, security, war
Abstract This paper explains that many nurses feel managed care is to blame for the nursing shortage because hospital cost-cutting measures have led to downsizing the number of professional nursing positions. The author points out problems of aging nurses, decreasing enrollment into nursing schools, and the physical and mental demands of the profession. The paper concludes that the first thing that needs to be done in the profession is to raise the pay rate because the pay rate for nurses virtually has stagnated.
From the Paper "Studies show that people of all generations seek and maintain employment in organizations where they feel valued, respected, and proud of the institution. Nurses specifically express more satisfaction with their work when they have more control over their practices. Providing a professional practice environment with flexible scheduling, educational opportunities, and a voice in decision-making allows nurses more control of the work they do."
Abstract This paper discusses the ability of the elasmobranch fish, which includes sharks, skates, and rays, to acclimate to changes in habitat salinities. The paper looks at the different degrees to which different elasmobranch fish can adapt to decreases in in environmental salinity. The process, known as osmoregulation, allows for greater adaptation in some elasmobranch fish than others.
From the Paper "In the article by Hazon et al (2003, pp. 685-687), the bull shark, Carcharhinus leucas, and the Atlantic stingray, Dasyatis sabina, euryhaline elasmobranchs, are described according to their osmoregulatory strategies for achieving full euryhalinity. Partially euryhaline elasmobranchs, such as Scyliorhinus canicula, the small-spotted catshark, and the skate Raja erinacea, are also characterized for their osmoregulatory mechanisms and ability to acclimate to reduced salinities. The review compared the Na+, Cl-, and urea in the plasma of these species in saltwater and freshwater environments. Body fluid osmolality was also assessed per environmental condition. As these elements of the osmoregulatory system were described, their relationship to the key body systems was expanded upon. While a summation of endocrine control in the osmoregulatory process is limited in scope, peptidergic-hormonal control, including discussion of the peptides CNP, AVT, and Ang II, as well as the elasmobranch specific corticosteroid 1??hydroxycorticosterone (1??OH-B), is the focus of the paper. These methods of review for the osmoregulatory mechanism in euryhaline elasmobranchs clarifies the relevance of certain major peptides, the plasma Na+, Cl-, and urea concentrations, and the gills, kidneys, liver, and rectal gland in relation to maintaining body osmolality in changing salinities."
This informative paper details the mitigating factors of downsizing at NASA's Office of Education. The writer of this paper also examines employees' reactions to the cutbacks while questioning if impending layoffs automatically decrease employee loyalty.
Abstract This well-researched paper details the fiscal and budgetary reasons for the substantial downsizing at Global Science & Technology, a subsidiary of NASA's Office of Education, as well as three additional companies contracted by NASA's Peer Review Services. This paper, written from the writer's personal point of view, contains insightful research that proves downsizing and layoffs produce decreased loyalties among employees. This in-depth paper contains a proactive solution and implementation plan to regain employee loyalty and trust which include developing human resource programs and creating avenues for promotion. Topics covered in this report include: Introduction Problem Statement Literature Review Causes Solutions and Implementation Plan Developing Human Resources Programs Establish Avenues for Promotion References Reflection
From the Paper "The process by which personnel were selected explains the vehement reaction. When the time came to select staff for termination, the manager held a series of closed-door meetings at which employees were discussed and ranked. His first mistake was not communicating the criteria that would be used to make the selections. Many employees felt that seniority would factor into play, but when the first three names identified staff who had been with the company the longest, confusion and anger began to surface. Rumors about "the list" began to circulate, and staff members, who never did receive any kind of meaningful communication, thought the worst. The layoff timing and methodology also demoralized personnel. Three people were laid off one week, two the next, and three the next. The first batch found that they had been locked out of their computers when they came back from lunch."
A research paper exploring the possibility of a future breakout of war in the Middle East and North Africa due to the scarcity of water throughout the region.
Abstract This dissertation presents a case study of the possibility of future wars throughout the Middle East and North Africa due to water scarcity and limited water resources presently being experienced in that region. The paper starts by revealing the gravity of the situation by showing the present statistics surrounding the problem of water scarcity throughout the world. Thereafter, the paper highlights the importance of water in the national economy. From then on, the paper discusses the present situation of water scarcity in the Middle East by noting the present available resources of water in the Middle East. Lastly, the paper highlights the reason underlying possible future water wars in the Middle East and North Africa. The paper concludes by briefly analyzing the findings and assessing possible variables and alternative scenarios that might be adapted by the Middle East and North African states to avert war.
Table of Contents
Abstracts
Synopsis
Introduction
The Importance of the Availability of Water
Presently Available Water Resources in the Middle East
The Conflict in the Future
Hypothesis
Review of Related Literature
Methodology
Collection of Data
Data Analysis and Search Tactics
Limitations of the Study
Findings
Geographic Location
Regional Tension, Disharmony and Centuries of Conflict
Vague International and National Laws
Population Explosion
Increase Demand and Decrease Supply
Pollution
Water Exploitation Methods
Economic Growth in the Middle East
Border Conflicts
The Domestic Situation and Regional Conflicts
Assessment of Expected Variables
Conclusion
From the Paper "At present, as mentioned above, approximately 40% of the world's population is dealing with the scarcity of water. In fact, hundreds and thousands of humans travel all year long in search of water. They live their lives like nomads and remain in one place until they have utilized the water resources. While, this picture is very noticeable in the Middle East countries, more and more countries are joining the listing of such countries. Experts fear that if the present situation is not given the due attention, then by the middle of this century, almost 65% of the world's population will be confronting water scarcity and famine (Steve Lonergan, 1996). The gravity of the situation in the Middle East can be gauged from the fact that in the mid 1990's almost 8 countries from this region fell below the international standards of "absolute water scarcity," while many others had been on the brink of falling below the redline (Robert Engelman and Pamela LeRoy, 1993). This situation occurs when the yearly per capita fresh water accessibility of a nation drops below 500 cubic meters. These 8 countries in the Middle East faced inbuilt problems and difficulties of water scarcity that severely threatened the public healthcare structure, as well as, hindered the growth and development of the socio-economic system. To add to the difficulty, these regions have one of the highest population growth rates in the world. One does not have to be a rocket scientist to determine the fate of countries if their water resources come to a stand still while their population is rapidly growing at the rate of more than 3 percent (Ashok Swain, 1996)."
Tags: north, africa, increasing, demand, limited, supplies, decreasing, growing, population
Abstract This paper discusses the general problem of decreased achievement among high school students in language arts and mathematics. It looks at the significance and impact of the problem, the interests of high school students and presents a research design to investigate the problem.
From the Paper "The general problem is that high school students demonstrate decreased achievement levels in mathematics and language arts literacy compared to middle school levels..."
Tags: high school student language arts, mathematics
Abstract This paper examines the issue of racial profiling of African Americans and Hispanics in the context of decreased crime in New York City as well as the effect of negative attitudes on policing in the city.
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine the issue of racial profiling of African Americans ad Hispanics by police agencies in New York City. The plan of the research will be to set forth the context in which the issue has arisen in recent years and then to discuss the public perceptions of police performance in the matter as well as the impact of such perception on law enforcement in New York City. In the background of the issue of racial profiling of black and Hispanic persons..."
Tags: Racial, profiling, New, York, City, Diallo, Louima
Abstract The paper relates that the surge in the Canadian job market does reflect many of the factors evident in the labor market of the United States. There is growth in some industries to include finance, professional fields, public administration and natural resource jobs. Yet, the paper shows how in many other low wage jobs there have been significant deceases in employment. Furthermore, while it is evident that full time workers are gaining positions across Canada, there are significant decreases in the number of part time positions available throughout all industries.
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 analyzes the factors that determine the historical trends in labor force participation rates in Canada. It describes the changes in rates based on gender, race and age. The paper then focuses on women's increasing participation rates and men's dropping participation rates over time. The paper contains graphs and tables illustrating its points.
Table of Contents:
About Participation Rates
Participation Rates across Time
Labor Force in Canada
Women's Increasing Participating Rates
Men's Dropping Participation Rates
The Aging Population
Decreasing Youth's Participation Rate
Conclusions
From the Paper "Another factor that generated mutations in the Canadian participation rates has a macroeconomic nature and is linked to globalization and market liberalization. Free circulation of products and services between countries has generated immigration to Canada. As such, currently, the Canadian workforce is formed of both locals and foreigners. Future predictions include a general decrease in youth and men's participation rates, a stagnation of women's participation rates and also a stagnation of immigrants' participation rates."
Abstract This research paper reviews the acute effects of pecan nuts ingestion on plasma levels of nutrients, polyphenols and biomarkers of antioxidant status. It specifically discusses whether, after the consumption of pecans, there is any increase in plasma polyphenol concentration. It also discusses when the peak concentration for polyphenols in plasma occurs, after consumption of a pecan-containing meal. The paper then looks at whether there is there any increase in plasma antioxidant capacity after consumption of pecans. Finally, the paper discusses whether there is any decrease in plasma lipid peroxidation after pecan consumption.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Chapter One
Introduction
Statement Of The Problem
Purpose Of The Study
Research Questions
Chapter II
Literature Review
Introduction
Chemistry, Classification And Distribution
Phenolic Acids
Flavonoids
Lignans
Stillbenes
Tannins
Metabolism
Absorption And Bioavailability Of Polyphenols
Deconjunction And Reconjunction Of Polyphenols
Metabolism By Microflora In Colon
Polyphenol Excretion
Polyphenol Content Of Foods
Polyphenol Content Of Nuts, Pecans, & Other Nuts
Biological Effects Of Polyphenols
Analytical Procedure & Findings Of The Study
Assays
Review Of Postprandial Studies And Effect On Plasma Polyphenols
From the Paper "The diet is abundant in polyphenols, which are micronutrients. Furthermore there is a great deal of evidence, which exists to demonstrate the role polyphenols play in prevention of certain diseases and including cancer. (Manach et al 2004) The amount consumed and absorbed is the factor that determines the effects to health of polyphenols. In making determination of the absorption of polyphenols following food intake there are two studies that are differential in nature and which are conducted on the basis of both direct and indirect proof of polyphenol availability. Plasma concentrations can provide individual or total polyphenols in plasma and can be measured through use of Folin-Ciocaltau (FC) assay. The Ferric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Power Assay (FRAP) is a method used for measurement of the ferric reduction ability of plasma. The ferric tripyridytriazine complex at low pH results in reduction to the ferrous form. Test conditions are favorable to the complex reduction and the development of an intense blue color but only when a reductant or antioxidant is present. Linear rates in absorbance changes are noted over a range with antioxidant mixtures that is wide and includes both plasma and solutions that are inclusive of antioxidants."
