Abstract The paper focuses on developing a treeplantingstrategy in order to retrofit a suburban neighborhood so that it has less detrimental environmental impact and greater resource efficiency. The paper details the many benefits of a treeplanting program and looks at the technical challenges involved. The paper discusses the types of trees that could be planted as well as various layout options.
From the Paper "The task is to retrofit a suburban neighborhood so that it has less detrimental environmental impact, greater resource efficiency, more opportunities for healthy living, and a sense of aesthetic splendor and improved lifestyle. The neighborhood consists of approximately 200 acres with wide streets, houses set back from the street and fronted by large garages, very low residential density, significant paving of the landscape, and no other land uses within a ten minute walk. Such a neighborhood would be considered relatively isolated but might also have a detrimental effect on the local environment because of the paving that removes natural land and that reflects heat from the sun, as might the houses themselves. The low residential density is a benefit. One way of improving the region is to develop a tree planting strategy for the area so as to make the neighborhood itself more given to renewal of the atmosphere."
Abstract This paper discusses the diversity gradient of trees in between southern and northern Europe. The paper looks at two perspectives. The first is the equilibrium hypothesis and the second is the disequilibrium hypothesis. This essay explores two researchers' arguments about the latitudinal diversity gradient of woody plants in Europe.
From the Paper "Questions about biodiversity levels in different regions have been puzzling scientists for many years. For example, one of the largest questions in biodiversity is why is species diversity higher in the tropics then in temperate zones (Silvertown, 1985, p. 519). Two broad categories of hypotheses have been used to explain the differences in tropical and temperate biodiversity. The first are generally known as equilibrium hypotheses. Equilibrium hypotheses argue that present climatic and biotic conditions determine latitudinal biodiversity (MacDonald, 2003, p. 422). Disequilibrium or historical hypotheses argue that past conditions are more important (MacDonald, 2003, p. 415). "
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 Many years ago, America was known as a Christian nation. The paper argues, however, that in modern society, America is in a religious era in which individuals create their own belief and value systems instead of listening to God's teachings. The amount of churchgoers in America today is rapidly decreasing as churches fail and close every day. This paper examines the process of church planting whereby new churches are built and established churches that need to be helped are revitalized. The paper looks at church plantingstrategies, steps involved in church planting and the move of the baby-boomer generation away from the church movement.
From the Paper "Church planters should give converts small tasks to do, preparing them and training them to function in the new church and develop their spiritual gifts. The process grows as they are entrusted with greater responsibility. Training becomes more extensive as they continue to grow and possibly even take leadership roles. Next, the church planter should prepare to publicly launch the church. Signs, maps, order of service, special events specifications, sign up cards, and more must all be prepared before the launching date."
Abstract This paper explains that the problems in the ABC Box Company have evolved from lack of management commitment, lack of clarity over the future state of the organization and a failure to build on change. The author points out that, in the paradigm of the industrial age, the approach to rectifying profitability problems was to fire workers or managers; however, in the post-modern, technology-driven culture, the expectancy of the staff needs to be understood in order for a business transformation to take place. The paper stresses that significant time must be spent on identifying the attitudinal problems at the ABC Box Company in order to gain an understanding that the solution is not defined by hiring new managers and installing new technology, a common approach to solving business problems. Tables.
Table of Contents
Corporate Middle Managers as Leaders
Corporate Culture
Change Process
Replacing Staff and Rebuilding Company Identity
Communication System and Plant Structures
From the Paper "The idea of a psychological contract arises from a society in which a worker is free to work at any given employer. When a worker can voluntarily make an agreement with an employer to provide services in exchange for compensation, a negotiated contract necessarily exists. The worker intellectually agrees that his or her material (and non-material) compensation is of equal or more value than the time, energy and effort he agrees to supply to the organization. Similarly, the organization agrees to provide material and non-material compensation in return for the resources, and time of the staff member. These relationships began to evolve as soon as a society moves away from a social order which is frames by common sets of values and priorities, and psychological contracts become of more importance when the diversity of a population increases. In summary, the reasons Tom Jones works for ABC Box company may be completely different than the psychological goals of someone on just the other side of the room. Under the contract, the worker and the organization assume a mutual debt upon entering the relationship. If this debt is not paid to the reasonable expectation of either party, either or both of them are free to break the agreement and find staff or employment elsewhere."
Abstract This paper reviews the importance of modeling in policy analysis and the use of decision tree analysis. It looks at the tools available to help policy makers. The writer uses the example of Firestone tires on the Ford Explorer sports utility vehicles as an application of decision trees in decision analysis.
From the Paper "There is a large variety of tools available to help decision-makers. This paper focuses on one of these tools decision tree analysis. The consideration of the decision tree decision analysis tool begins with are view of the ..."
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."
Abstract The maximum height of trees is determined by many factors. In this paper, several different experiments are addressed, as well as a discussion of results and reference to other authors. Includes equations.
From the Paper "Over time, it has been observed that trees grow to various different heights due to interspecies differences and competition for sunlight. This increase in height is paired with a similar increase in diameter. Tree allometry can be estimated by applying the Euler-Greenhill equation for elastic similarity. Tree diameter has been determined to predict maximum tree height, but often falls short of the expected value. The hypothesis of tree height not obtaining its maximum potential is tested in order to provide evidence of the need for an explanation of any safety factors that may affect tree growth."
Abstract This paper describes the painting, "The Orange Trees," by Impressionist artist Caillebotte. It analyzes elements and principles of design namely texture and use of space and color. It also interprets the painting and evaluates its impact.
From the Paper "The work chosen for evaluation in this essay is Gustave Caillebotte's oil on canvas painting titled "The Orange Trees" a work in which two central human figures are positioned in a formal garden in which trees are ..."
Tags: Gustave, Caillebotte, The Orange Trees , painting
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 This paper first presents a brief history of a family-owned cheese production operation that started off as a hobby, but became so popular with its small customer base that the owners of the operation decided to turn it into a business. The paper then outlines a marketing strategy that would help turn the one-time hobby into a profitable business.
From the Paper "Al and Desiree Wehner, graduates in dairy science, had begun experimenting a new style of farming, experienced in New Zealand, called rotational grazing. The new methodology involved moving the animals and cattle from "pasture to pasture rather than shed to shed" (Walker) and improved the quality of food with grass grown in soil that has been given the best attention."
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 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 discusses the business strategy of the FedEx Corporation and explains that the goal of the strategy was to adapt to the business environment and to help the company gain a competitive advantage on the market. The paper specifically focuses on FedEx's business strategy with regard to human resources. The paper describes and analyzes this aspect of the strategy and then discusses methods to measure human resource management practices and activities.
Outline:
About FedEx
The Business Strategy HR and the Business Strategy Possibilities to Increase the Alignment of HR Practices to Business Strategy Measures to be Considered to Evaluate the Effectiveness of the Relevant HR Processes
From the Paper "By operating independently, each company can focus exclusively on delivering the best service for its specific market. It appears that the main strategy adopted by the company may be subsumed by the phrase "offering more services to more places". It becomes transparent that the company is involved in a permanent process of change and diversification. Armstrong (2006) identified two important types of change: strategic and operational. The operational change refers to the implementation of new systems, procedures, structures and technologies with impact upon the organization and its employees. Strategic change deals with "broad, long-term and organization-wide issues" (Armstrong 2006, p. 344). Such form of change involves moving to a future state defined in terms of strategic vision and objectives."
