Abstract This paper refers to a number of sub-Saharan African examples and discusses the scope of what geo-informationscience (GIS) has yet to offer such developing regions. It suggests that GIS is no different than any other technological innovations available to Third World countries. The paper also describes the ways in which GIS is limited by matters of application, interpretation and general human error.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Development Complications
What Remains the Same
Post-1989 Restructuring and 'Growth'
Water and the Future
Beyond Economics - Important Development Factors
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper " Also, geo-information science methods may be more applicable at some times in matters having little to do with development as discussed. For example, spatial information visualization techniques may be more useful, for the time being, in assessing refugee flows across national borders, as the purposes to which countries hopes to devote them and to provide but one of many examples, how does one plan development with or without GIS input for border areas of Congo now settled by refugees from Rwanda, invited and uninvited? In the case of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe's self-styled government has created a condition of relative starvation, accepted much military aid from the People's Republic of China towards an unknown but nerve-wracking political undertaking, the world waiting to know how much food aid may be permitted into the country, in the next year or so. In 2006, it was announced that with Chinese technology, Internet usage in Zimbabwe would be 'bugged' and modem use most limited on account of Mugabe's fears concerning his opposition. (BBC: 2006) Clearly, this kind of regime or overall environment does not bode well for any sort of development or studies towards future planning; earlier, like various other African regimes, Zimbabwe has forced foreign journalists and other observers and occasional NGO aid workers to leave the country."
A literature review explorin sustainable agriculture and food production and how applied geo-informationscience can be utilized to secure the future of agricultural production the world over.
Abstract This paper begins with a look at agricultural production systems, as well as methods in both developed and developing countries. The paper then explores some components of agriculture management and forecasting as well as food production, security, and early warning systems - and then looks at how geo-informationscience can improve upon the former by strengthening the latter two. Finally, the paper looks at some of the representative material available vis-a-vis applied geo-informationscience. A brief conclusion is then offered as to what the paper has ultimately uncovered.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Agricultural Production Systems/Method in both Developed and Developing Countries
Agriculture Management and Forecasting
Food Production and Early Warning Systems
Applied Geo-informationScience and "Smart" Agriculture:
Food Security/Crop Yield
Improve Economy
Agricultural Planning using Soil Moisture Information Precision Agriculture
Overall Conclusion
From the Paper "Needless to say, precision agriculture may ultimately be the one thing standing between economic and social devastation and renewed hope for the future in many developing nations. Maohua reports that the Government of the People's Republic began aiming for precision agriculture shortly after Chairman Mao's death, and the results have been favorable. According to Maohua, the government's overarching aims are to develop a Chinese agricultural capacity able to feed 1.6 billion Chinese by the middle of the twenty-first century."
Abstract This paper discusses the need for sustainable development strategies, their implementation and technology's role in this implementation. The paper particularly discusses geo-informationscience and its role in sustainable development. It examines this in relation to concerns about the world's drinking water.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Drinking Water Concerns
African Food/Water Equation
Geo-informationScience and Scholarship
From the Paper "The role that geo-information sciences, and particularly geo-spatial mapping technology, can play in water conservation and usage strategies is virtually unlimited. Already, such organizations as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the U.S. is employing geo-spatial mapping that allows researchers to track the degradation of coastlines, water bodies, and water flows over the country's land mass: "EnviroMapper for water is a web-based Geographic Information System...application that dynamically displays information about bodies of water in the United States" (EnviroMapper). Tools such as the EnviroMapper illustrate the integral modeling capabilities of geo-spatial technology that allow researchers and policy planners to effectively control water use and commercial development in affected areas."
This informative paper analyzes how social science research has long been used to gather crucial information to improve our way of life and influence our view of the world.
Abstract The writer of this paper examines the wide range of subjects covered in social sciences including: Women's studies, economics, political science, law enforcement, psychology, sociology and anthropology. This paper explains how the research gathered from these areas have had a deep influence on our view of the world. Also discussed is the new field of social geography which examines the affects of geographical factors and how environmental factors affect society.
From the Paper "Perhaps no field of social studies has a more pervasive and important role on the way we live than the field of economics. Economics students must learn to think deeply and creatively about important economic concerns facing the country and the world as a whole. Because economists have such a wide and varied set of perspectives and political views, they often come up with vastly different conclusions. They in turn apply these varied perspectives to such issues as economic efficiency, economic growth, globalism, cultural values, and environmental concerns. One need only to look inside a newspaper on a given day to realize the importance of studying economics."
Tags: research, society, perception, information, data, environment, geography, women
This paper looks at how Herbert Simon's research and publications in the field of economic sciences have continued to influence the decision-making process of many managers in the business world.
Abstract This paper examines some of the different business theories that have been put forward by leading scholar, Herbert Simon. The paper details his life achievements in the areas of business, psychology, political science and informationscience. The author pays special attention of one of his books, "Administrative Behavior" and examines its influence on how business managers conduct themselves. Herbert Simon won the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences and it is his work that continues to be used as the basis for analyzing a company's decision-making process.
From the Paper "Herbert Simon's qualifications are in the areas of political science, administration, psychology and information sciences yet his major contributions are based on economic theories. Simon applied economic theory to all situations where human beings make decisions including business situations. The difference of Simon's work is that he applied the ideas of psychology to economic theories, effectively adding the "human factor" which economists had ignored. As Simon noted "nothing is more fundamental in setting our research agenda and informing our research methods than our view of the nature of the human beings whose behavior we are studying" (Simon 1985, p303)."
Abstract This paper looks at Africa's historical approach of accessing technology and how the effects of the colonial era have preconditioned Africa in the areas of future development of science and technology. It also looks at some of the possible solutions of how to convince Africans to become more involved in their development in regards to science and technology.
From the Paper "The ecological and demographic features do help explain Africa's technological conservatism, but they are not all-encompassing theories. The additional aspects of Africa's conservatism can be found in its culture. The cultural aspects should be viewed independently because they are not tangible materials and can have influential effects in regards to adoption of technology. Three broad cultural views found in Africa that have historically suppressed innovation are: (1) lack of literacy, (2) preference for military and political rather than economic solutions to problems and, (3) patterns in sexual division of labor and child-rearing . Literacy was in some ways viewed as being a "magical" ability that was kept within the realm of religious activities. Although writing did exist in Africa, it was not until later that writing became internalized to aid in Africans' dealing with the world, and the subsequent technologies that went along with that. "
Tags: modernization, literacy, colonial, information
Abstract This papers reviews the impact that information & communication technology has had in the field of library & informationscience, with emphasis on its impact in a developing country like India. It examines how the last few decades have witnessed incredible advances in information & communication technology (ICT) ? which is the potent combination of computers in which information can be stored and processed and telecommunications by which information can be transmitted to anybody, anywhere in the world. It evaluates how we have come to rely on it in our everyday lives and how it increases the quality of our lives. It discusses the process of modernization of libraries in India and the problems facing a computer illiterate country in a modern developing world.
From the Paper "Traditionally dominated by print, libraries have been vast warehouses of published knowledge, storing publications "just in case" users might need them. But now with the evolution of the Internet, electronic databases, CD-ROM technologies, libraries are becoming access points to knowledge, which is not in print form & not held in the library itself. Distributed access of electronic information sources creates a scenario in which ownership of publications becomes less critical then acquiring access rights. The librarian may acquire access rights freely, at a fee or a mix of both. While some information is completely free, a lot of it is commercially priced. Free information sources include electronic newsletters & discussion groups, some electronic journals, reports & library catalogues."
Abstract This paper will examine the contemporary ethical debates regarding new information technologies, with a particular emphasis upon privacy issues. While a number of differing viewpoints will be considered in this regard, it will argued that when one looks beneath the Utopian vistas promoted by corporations participating in the new information technologies, it becomes clear that these technologies presents disturbing ethical challenges to us today, and the possibility of a profound threat to our social privacy and political freedoms in the future.
Tags:SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY / TECHNOLOGIES AND SOCIETY, ethics information technology
Abstract This paper describes the lives and works of four people who's collective positive impact on the environment and on society's understanding of the natural world is powerful: John Muir, Aldo Leopold, Henry David Thoreau, and Rachel Carson. The author illustrates that an understanding of their lives and professional contributions is necessary for any student who wishes to become informed as to the effect the expansion of American cities and technologies has had on the planet. The paper includes a brief sketch of each individual, and concludes withe the author's impressions of their place and impact on environmental studies.
Outline:
Henry David Thoreau
John Muir
Aldo Leopold
Rachel Carson
How have these Ideas Affected me Personally?
From the Paper "If that sounds a little esoteric, what the author is basically saying is that Thoreau was very experienced in the ways of humans and the wilderness; he lived next to Walden Pond for more than two years; he climbed mountains; he explored forests and hiked a great deal; and yet his "excursions...were not mere physical journeys but contemplative odysseys through which he gradually overcame the alienation of the person..." (137). When he wrote about his journeys into nature, he certainly wasn't writing a travelogue; he was in fact expressing through the creative genius of his mind's eye the many ways the bright spirit can interpret an experience with the wilderness. "
Abstract This paper discusses the link between science and technology, as advances in science make technology and advances in technology possible. It further discusses Marx's idea that science and technology are always closely linked with progress and development, especially over the last 200 years. Science has made many things possible. Science has been able to identify, recognize, understand and explain many things and processes in our world and the universe. Medical science and technology are now able to treat and cure many diseases that were fatal in the past. Technology has been able to revolutionize communications, transport and manufacturing.
Abstract This essay examines and discusses the impact of World War II on the development of science and technology. The discussion includes several examples, mainly pertaining to the development of nuclear science, weapons, medical research and genetics. The writer points out that since the end of World War II there has been an almost complete merger of science and technology, and governments and the industry now support most pure science research. Further, the writer notes that according to McClellan and Dorn, the example of the atomic bomb development in the US during World War II marks a watershed in the history of modern science and technology.
Abstract This paper examines the responsibility of educators to provide gifted students with special attention. However, the author also states that all students should be provided the opportunity to be educated in a community where their talents and potential can be recognized and nurtured. The paper provides research-based considerations which support an educational philosophy that fosters the innate curiosity of not only gifted middle-school science students but all students. The author contends that these considerations on the part of the teacher will help enable and inspire students to organize content knowledge, make observations, evaluate evidence, think critically, solve problems, apply knowledge within multiple contexts, work as team members and clearly communicate ideas.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
What Is Science?
How Scientists Do Science No Child Left Behind And Gifted Students
Preparing Students For A World Of Change
Case Studies
Case #1 - Albert Einstein
The Pestalozzi Method Of Instruction - Its Impact On Einstein
Case #2 - Charles Darwin
Darwin's Mentor
Findings From The Case Studies Of Einstein And Darwin
The Gifted Student: Reconsidered
Science And Learning
Science Learning And Teachers
Conclusions/Implications
Bibliography
From the Paper "As future doctors, geneticists, geologists, meteorologists, ecologists, and astronomers, young science students have the potential to improve their lives and gain personal satisfaction from a clear understanding of natural phenomena and its magnificence. Even those students who do not pursue scientific professions are in a position to make a great global difference by applying their scientific knowledge to voting practices and decisions as consumers. Therefore, science instructors should be responsible for ensuring that students gain a sufficient understanding of science necessary to make responsible decisions as voters and consumers and ultimately support innovative and analytical thought related to discovery. With this, it is the responsibility of teachers to recognize and address the talent that exists in their classrooms and to ensure that instruction fosters in students a desire to continue to learn and contribute to the world of science."
Abstract This paper describes the format and content of the Praxis science test, which most states in the US require for teacher certification. The paper further suggests strategies for students to prepare for the exam, such as how to anticipate correct answers and using the study manual. The paper is divided according to each section of the test and examines each section's specific content.
From the Paper "The content area of the Praxis II Science test consists of multiple choice and constructed-response questions. Every time a student takes a Praxis test, the questions will be will be multiple choice and constructed-response questions, but every time, the questions will be different., Nevertheless, the questions will always test the same areas and domains within the subject content area. There are several strategies that can be applied to improve the chance of answering the multiple choice questions correctly. As the teacher candidate is preparing to take the Science content area test of the Praxis II, the following strategies can help improve the student's chance of correctly answering the questions. "
Abstract This paper explains that the discussion of creation science is inherently highly controversial because it seeks the mantle of scientific prestige for what many consider not to be science at all. The author demonstrates that such claims, or such questions, have a millennia-old tradition within the West, extending back at least to the writings on medicine by Hippocrates.
From the Paper "If people, who were interested in teaching the biblical version of God'secretion of Adam and Eve, referred to this story as the biblical version of the creation of Adam and Eve, very few people could object There is most certainly a book referred to as the ..."
Tags: Hippocrates, Creation Science, science, medicine
Abstract This paper suggests that the many advances seen in the science world are causing people to ignore the Church and that even the Church has begun to agree with scientific theories. The paper looks at how, in a world full of facts, people can still side with the stories of the Church and discusses where the world is going from here and why science is slowly taking over religion.
From the Paper ?The achievements of modern science seem to contradict religion and undermine faith.? (4) This sentence opens the article from Newsweek entitled ?Science Finds God.? However, doesn"t this opening statement clearly state that science and God are two completely different faiths" Despite this, there are still a growing number of scientists that believe that ?theology and science are entering into a new relationship.? (4) I personally believe that science and God are two completely different beliefs. In fact, I am an agnostic, just as the vast majority of scientists are either atheists or agnostics. If scientists base their lives and their beliefs around the fact that there is no supreme power, than why should anyone else believe otherwise?"
Tags:science, chemistry, people, society, social, world, religion, god
