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 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."
Abstract This paper discusses how genetic engineering (GE) has made it possible to alleviate food shortages by inducing viral resistance in plants. Since the discovery and development of genetic engineering methods, many strategies for introducing viral resistance into crop plants have been researched and implemented, and several are described. The author explains how both pathogen-derived resistance (PDR) and non-PDR methods show great promise for the future; crop yields of many different plants throughout the world can potentially benefit from GE technology. Papaya and potato are only two of a large number of food-producing plants that have already been engineered successfully, and more successes will certainly follow in future years.
Outline:
Introduction
Background of Genetic Engineering in Plants Pathogen-Derived Resistance
Non-Pathogen-Derived Resistance
Using Genetic Engineering to Confer Viral Resistance
Genetically Engineered Resistance Strategies
Conclusion
From the Paper "Previous to the rise of genetic engineering, plant breeders had to rely on traditional methods of selecting for viral resistance in plants. This was a time-consuming and imprecise process; the development of transgene technology has allowed this to become a much more exact and effective science. While methods of introducing resistance into plants are advancing almost daily, there are a few solid methods that have been used consistently since their discovery, including coat-protein mediated resistance (CPMR), post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS), ribosomal inactivating proteins, and resistance (R) genes. These differing methods can confer different types of resistance (e.g. against broad or narrow ranges of viruses) and are often chosen depending on which type of virus is being targeted (Dasgupta et al. 2003)."
Abstract Plants have developed their own unique methods to protect themselves from threats and without these defenses would perish. These defenses range from natural defenses that plants have developed over time such as thorns or waxy leaves to bio-engineered defenses where the plants have molecularly altered defenses. This paper highlights the key plant defense mechanisms including structural, metabolic, defenses against insects, defenses against pathogens and disease resistant genes. It also examines biotechnology including case studies and discusses its future.
From the Paper "When an insect attacks a plant, the attack signals the plant to produce insect toxins. These toxins may have varying effects on insects. The effects may range from simply repelling inspects to inhibiting the insects development. The compound within plants that signals them to release the toxins is called systemin. Systemin activates two genes that in turn produce proteinase inhibitors. Insects use proteinase to digest proteins. When the plant releases the proteinase inhibitors, it prevents the insect's ability to digest the plant's proteins."
This paper looks at the potentially harmful plant, Datura Stramonium. This plant, otherwise known as Jimson weed, is a very harmful and life-threatening plant to humans and livestock if used inappropriately.
Abstract The writer notes that there are many harmful plants that call our biosphere home. Among all the living things on the planet, plant species are undoubtedly the most important and valuable. Unfortunately, we as humans and the ultimate consumers on the food chain must accept the bad with the good.
From the Paper "The plant, native to Asia, but also found in the West Indies, Canada, and the United States is often located on or near roadsides making it rather easy for young people to find. The Datura stramonium can be lethal when ingested, which presents a problem considering its location. One physician has commented on this issue; ?Although exposure is sometimes unintentional by gardeners or farmers, its toxic effects are seen most commonly in teens, who intentionally misuse it for its hallucinogenic and euphoric effects, while presenting with serious illness or death from its anticholinergic properties,? (Arnett). The plant has a strong history of that type of damage here in the United States."
Abstract This paper outlines a project designed to improve efficiency and to reduce waste at the Detroit axle plant of the DaimlerChrysler plant. While the plant is, in many ways, a well-run one, it could be improved in the areas both of savings of scrap and of improving the product. The paper recommends that the plant be improved along both of these vectors in a move toward a pull-through system, which is a characteristic of a management style known as the Rabbit Chase system.
From the Paper "This Axle Plant, which is part of the DaimlerChrysler Corporation, it is located in Detroit. Its primary task is to provides axles for various DaimlerChrysler assembly plants. Detroit Axle has approximately 2400 employees. There is a moderate degree of standardization is moderate with a high degree of formalization and the expected low degree of specialization. The organizational structure (or what we might also call the command structure) is highly centralizes with a low degree of specialization and a highly routinized approach to technology."
Abstract This paper gives an overview of genetic engineering in plants that is geared toward inducing virus resistance. Several methods of achieving viral resistance in plants through genetic engineering are detailed, as well as considerations of using these methods. Methods covered include post-transcriptional gene silencing, coat-protein-mediated resistance, ribosomal inactivating proteins, resistance genes and plantibodies. The paper also discusses both risks and benefits of using genetic engineering in plants and provides case studies of successful implementation of genetically engineered virus resistance in crop plants such as papaya and potato.
From the Paper "As the upward trend of the human population in the world today continues, the demand for sufficient food sources continues to grow as well. In undeveloped countries especially, the need for productive and healthy crops that can sustain a growing human population is not always met. In India, China and many African nations where hunger is a very real issue, the problem of food shortages can be greatly exacerbated by plant diseases and viruses, which can kill almost an entire field of crop of an unlucky or unprepared farmer. With the advent of genetic engineering, however, the possibility of creating plants with built-in genetic defenses against such devastating diseases has become very real, and in many cases has already been accomplished. A wide variety of strategies for engineering viral resistance in plants have been developed, and researchers have successfully utilized these strategies in creating plants resistant to papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) and potato virus Y (PVY), among others."
