Nonnative Invasive Plants - The Invasion of America by the Yellow Starthistle :: Horticulture Ecology Environment

Nonnative Invasive Plants - The Invasion of America by the Yellow Starthistle Introduction Our planet is made up of seven continents and seven oceans holding hundreds of thousands of environments and ecosystems, each with unique variations, compositions, and distinctions, and each carefully balanced in the functions of its different members. Over time, equilibria have been reached, as the organisms that populate areas stabilized, intermingled, and interacted with weather, soil, water availability, and other innumerable environmental factors. This is not to say that such environments are stagnant, for they are far from it. In order to remain healthy and profitable, however, change must happen slowly in an ecosystem, so that all members of the ecological community can adapt and survive. Radical change results in dangerous instability and threatens the livability of the system for the animals, plants, and even humans who depend upon it. As systems are vastly different and extremely delicate, species that are successful, profitable and enhance the livability in one area are sometimes entirely inapplicable and in fact dangerous in another. It is for this reason that we find ourselves confronted, in recent history, with a relatively new problem: nonnative species invasion. As human populations have begun to engage in widespread travel, exchanges, and modification attempts worldwide, they have also--both knowingly and unknowingly--introduced, transported, and intermingled species between ecosystems in a manner that is neither gradual nor delicate. Imbalances and frailties have ensued in the very ecosystems upon which we depend for our survival, health, and economic success. New animals, plants, bacteria, and organisms of all shapes and sizes and from every kingdom are being introduced to once stable environments on a regular basis through human carelessness and ignorance. Once introduced, they often negatively affect their newfound homes, taking over with unexpected force and threatening the native organisms. Many are well known, like Kudzu, an oriental plant initially introduced for erosion control, which now covers millions of acres in the Southern United States, or the tiny Zebra Mussel, originally found in Poland, which now blocks water supply and treatment systems nationwide. Invasive species are not a distant threat which will make their effects felt twenty or thirty years from now. They compose a current problem having major impacts on life and industry everywhere, and the magnitude of this problem continues to grow.

Political Power Essay

‘A gets B to do something that he or she would not otherwise do’. Does this sum up the essence of political power? â€Å"Political analysis can be defined quite simply as the analysis of the nature, exercise and distribution of power.†1 This argument is criticised of being too broad, excluding almost nothing, nevertheless it is reasonable to argue that power is the central theme which lies throughout the study of politics. Therefore defining the concept of power is one of the crucial things in the study of politics consequently it is often contested and can never be agreed among the scholars. This essay will focus on so-called the ‘faces of power’ controversy in the post war period. First of all, the idea which consists of the first and basic part in interpreting power will be introduced. Then what its critiques argue and their flaws will also be discussed to draw the conclusion how far the argument ‘A gets B to do something that he or she would not otherwise do’ reflects the essence of power. The ‘faces of power’ debate was raised from different theoretical traditions and approaches to political analysis. Basically the argument is about whether the concept of power is simple and quantifiable or it is rather complicated and intuitive concept which cannot be measured. Lukes2 acknowledges that this concept can never be settled. Alternatively he accepts the broad definition of power as A’s ability to get B to do what he or she would not otherwise have done but tries to highlight 3 different ways in which A can influence B’s behaviour: decision-making, agenda-setting and thought control. The one face of power – power as decision-making was suggested by Dahl in the early post war years. The thesis put forward above was originally proposed by him and this one-dimensional view of power was significant and influential in 1950s. â€Å"Power is somehow about getting things done, and is therefore most clearly reflected in decision and how they are made.†3 For Dahl, in order to find out power relationship, three steps are needed. First, a number of decision areas are selected and then the actors involved in that decision and their interests are figured out. Finally by comparing the decisions made and the actors’ preferences, the power relationship can be revealed. In this sense power is understood as a concept which can be simplified and quantified. A clear example was shown in?Political Analysis?: Anna buys Ben’s car for à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½500 which is actually worth à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½800 and both of them are aware of the real value. In this case, Anna’s power has been exercised over Ben in terms of decision-making since this decision would not have been the case if he had an influence in the process. One of the critical assumptions here is that the actors involved are fully aware of the information. Anna could have made this deal without exerting power if Ben did not know the real value. This argument of power as a decision-making does often make sense in tripartite political system where a number of different parties exercise their influence on controversial issues. In this case it is obvious to see the frequency of a particular party’s preference coincides with the final decision. Thus, how far they have influence on decision-making can be understood in terms of their political power. However Dahl’s argument faces critical attack in a sense that it too focuses on its narrow concept of power in decision-making. First of all, since only the key decisions are studied, it raises the problem of how far we are capable of distinguishing key issues and routine issues which are often ignored. Moreover, it does not take the potential power into account. In this manner, the power which is not exerted cannot be regarded as power. For instance, some business groups would not be concerned with the welfare issues until they realise the increased burden for welfare tax. Then it might be possible for them to begin exercising their power which has not been exercised without any explicit need for it. Also as assumed from its name, it only uncovers ‘one face of power’ ignoring other circumstances â€Å"in which decisions are prevented from happening, the area of non-decision-making.†4 This gave a rise to the second face of power argument by Bachrach and Bar atz. According to their view, power should be understood as agenda-setting which is the two dimensional approach. â€Å"Power might be manifested not only in doing things but also in ensuring that things do not get done.†5 What they basically insist is that power is exercised in choosing what should be involved in formal discussion and what should not be. In other words, who holds the power needs to be understood in agenda-setting process before the actual decision-making process. In this way, they have broadened the boundary in the concept of power. This kind of approach is well shown in the liberal democratic system where parties are seen as the medium of representing a particular preference on issues. However they can actually block a certain kind of issue to be discussed by disregarding it or make an agreement not to raise the issue. It is difficult to quantify the concept of power from this approach nonetheless not impossible. Thus they agree with the one-dimensional approach in a sense that there should be observable and demonstrable evidence of power relationship between the one who exercise power and the other who are subject to the power. However â€Å"the attempt to limit the concept of non-decision-making to observable behaviour is entirely arbitrary†6 since it does not take in the case in which the subordinated do not recognise themselves as being subordinated. Consequently this problem gave a rise to the third-dimensional view introduced by Lukes. According to his argument, the basic assumption of the above two views is not quite right. What people believe as their interests does not necessarily mean their ‘real’ interests. â€Å"The ability of A to exercise power over B, not by getting B to do what he would not otherwise do, but, by ‘influencing, shaping or determining his very wants'†7 What is meant here is that power lies in shaping people’s consciousness rather than their actions. In other words, without forcing them to do something visibly it is possible to make them do regarding that as natural and beneficial for them. This can be true where people’s preferences are often influenced by social experiences such as culture, education and media and these can be manipulated by those who have the power. In this way it naturally leads to the concept of ‘false consciousness’ which reflects the idea that people are â€Å"prevented from recognizing the fact of its own exploitat ion†8 However Luke’s argument also faces severe criticism. Back in the example of Anna and Ben, the critical point is not in the fact that Anna forced Ben to do something that he would not otherwise do, but in the fact that Ben behaved in a way which is contrary to his genuine interest. This raises a problematic point that who is to know Ben’s real interests. In effect, â€Å"It is impossible to argue that people’s perceptions and preferences are a delusion, that their ‘felt’ needs are no their ‘real’ need, without a standard of truth against which to judge them.†9 In this sense this debate become meaningless since there is no scientific method which to prove and make an absolute judgement over this. Furthermore it is contested that nobody is capable of distinguishing the autonomous decision based on real interests and the one based on felt interests being manipulated from powerful. To conclude, the debate over the concept of power has been developed from the shallow one dimensional understanding to a more intuitive and complex three dimensional one. It cannot be said that the effort of developing it into more sophisticated form has always been successful. However through this process, it is true to say that the concept of power has been understood from various approaches which enabled better understanding. Nevertheless the important point to note is that the latter has never attempted to replace or deny the former approach since no single argument can define the political concept of power by its own. Rather, it has its root in the former argument and tries to make it more convincing. From this point of view, power is definitely something which enables ‘A gets B to do something that he or she would not otherwise do’. Therefore on one hand, it is possible to say that the essence of power lies in this argument to a certain extent but there can be plur al ways depending on approaches in doing so. (1,419 words) References Clegg, S.R. (1989:11) Frameworks of Power. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. Hay, C. (2002:168) Political Analysis: A critical introduction. Basingstoke: Palgrave. Heywood, A. (2004:122, 124, 125, 127 and 128) Political theory: An introduction (3rd edn). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Goverde, H. et al. (eds) (2000:26) Power in Contemporary Politics. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. Bibliography Clegg, S.R. (1989) Frameworks of Power. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. Goodwin, B. (1997) Using political ideas (4th edn). Chichester: John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Goverde, H. et al. (eds) (2000) Power in Contemporary Politics. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. Hay, C. (2002) Political Analysis: A critical introduction. Basingstoke: Palgrave. Heywood, A. (2004) Political theory: An introduction (3rd edn). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. McLean, I. & McMillan, A. (2003) Oxford concise dictionary of Politics (2nd edn). Oxford: Oxford University Press. 1 Hay, C. (2002:168) Political Analysis: A critical introduction. Basingstoke: Palgrave. 2 Heywood, A. (2004:122) Political theory: An introduction (3rd edn). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. 3 Heywood, A. (2004:124) Political theory: An introduction (3rd edn). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. 4 Heywood, A. (2004:125) Political theory: An introduction (3rd edn). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. 5 Clegg, S.R. (1989:11) Frameworks of Power. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. 6 Goverde, H. et al. (eds) (2000:26) Power in Contemporary Politics. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. 7 Heywood, A. (2004:127) Political theory: An introduction (3rd edn). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. 8 Heywood, A. (2004:128) Political theory: An introduction (3rd edn). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. 9 Heywood, A. (2004:128) Political theory: An introduction (3rd edn)). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Study Habits - 1391 Words

Chapter 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE amp; STUDIES According to Palm Beach Community College (PBBC, 2008), they recommend that student’s study should have at least three hours out of class for every hour spent in class. They also said that a student must have a special place to study with plenty of room to work. And students should not be cramped. They presupposes that study time will go better if a learner take a few minutes at the start to straighten things up. A desk and straight-backed chair is usually best. â€Å" Dont get too comfortable--a bed is a place to sleep, not to study† as what they said. A student must have everything close at hand (book, pencils, paper, coffee, dictionary, computer, calculator, tape recorder, etc.)†¦show more content†¦It was hypothesized that the more caffeine a student consumes while studying, the more accurately his or her study habits would be labeled as unhealthy, as determined by the researchers. Unhealthy study habits were operationally defined as low scores on amount of time per study session, time(in days) when preparation began, and amount of information the participants believed they had retained. High scores on anxiety level were included in unhealthy study habits. A Pearson correlation indicated no relationship between amount of caffeine consumed while studying and the individuals effectiveness of studying and preparation. Marcus Credà © and Nathan R. Kuncel (2008) in their research at the University of Albany said that Study habit, skill, and attitude inventories and constructs were found to rival standardized tests and previous grades as predictors of academic performance, yielding substantial incremental validity in predicting academic performance. The meta-analysis examined the construct validity and predictive validity of 10 study skillShow MoreRelatedStudy Habits854 Words   |  4 Pageslevel of students in school becomes higher, their study habits differ from time to time. The kind of study habits they have shows the differences or improvements in how they become skilled and earnest about learning new things. Studying does not only include the preparation of students to excel in class but also the reinforcements of the lessons already taught. It is merely reviewing and committing to mind new information. Furthermore, study habits can be derived as buying out a dedicated scheduledRead MoreStudy Habits6353 Words   |  26 PagesSTUDY HABITS AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF THIRD YEAR STUDENTS OF SANTA ROSA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 2011-2012 A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School Polytechnic University of the Philippines Santa Rosa Campus In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree Master in Educational Management By JESUSA G. HABIG August 2011 CHAPTER I THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND Introduction Effective study skills are necessary for a high school studentRead MoreStudy Habits Introduction1844 Words   |  8 Pageswatching others, you have to practice and practice frequently. Successful students employ time management systems to create study patterns that work and use active learning methods to add meaning and interest to their study time and maintaining their motivation by connecting reasons for study to their life goals and values. Learners must develop and established good study habits in doing school work, which can raised their academic performance. High educational achievement attained by the learnersRead MoreStudy Habits Introduction1853 Words   |  8 Pageswatching others, you have to practice and practice frequently. Successful students employ time management systems to create study patterns that work and use active learning methods to add meaning and interest to their study time and maintaining their motivation by connecting reasons for study to their life goals and values. Learners must develop and established good study habits in doing school work, which can raised their academic performance. High educational achievement attained by the learners inRead MoreChapter 2 Study Habits2145 Words   |  9 PagesChapter II Related Literature and Related Studies This research study cited books, articles and laws, which are relevant to the  present investigation.  It is composed of related literature and studies, both local andforeign, which contain facts and information on the research problem at hand.  It also  provides  explanations  and  logical  connections  between  previous  researches  and  the  present work. Foreign Literature In Dorothy E. Jhonson’s Behavioral System Model, she stated that a behavioral systemRead MoreStudy Habits of Accounting Students4380 Words   |  18 PagesBSA, because of the job opportunities awaits them when they become a CPA. Accounting students in UE Caloocan are trained. They have a good faculty to guide them, they provide seminars, and they provide reviews before the exams. Background of the Study For others, when they hear that you’re an Accountancy student, it means that you are intelligent and good at solving problems, but it’s not easy to be an accountant student. Many BSA students failed and shifted to other courses because of the retentionRead MoreFactors Affecting Study Habits4632 Words   |  19 Pages3, 2006; Accepted April 14, 2006. Other Sectionsââ€" ¼ Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to examine factors such as academic competence, test competence, time management, strategic studying, and test anxiety, and identify whether these factors could distinguish differences among students, based on academic performance and enrollment in the experiential program. Methods A cross-sectional study design utilizing questionnaires measuring previously validated constructs was used to evaluateRead MoreStudy Habits and the Academic Performance of the Pupils.7856 Words   |  32 Pagespersonal matter and there isn’t one study habit that works for every situation. One here to take more responsibility to acquire the desired knowledge to develop positive values, critical thinking, attitudes and skills. Effective study skills and strategies opportunities to approach learning tasks systematically and independently. Practicing good study habits is the key to becoming smarter and achieving success in school. Paivio (2000) noted that habits of study, which are formed in school haveRead MoreThe Effects of Study Habits on Academic Performance....2248 Words   |  9 PagesOzamiz City, 7200 â€Å"THE EFFECT OF STUDY HABITS ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SECOND YEAR ACCOUNTANCY STUDENTS ENROLLED IN SUMMER IN LA SALLE UNIVERSITY, OZAMIZ CITY, SCHOOL YEAR 2010† A research proposal Presented to: Mr. Raymundo Dolor, CPA, MBA, LLB In Partial Fulfilment Of the Requirements for the Subject ACTW By Emphasis, Hazel G. Zamoras, Jaykie Luzette ABSTRACT This study identifies whether study habits bring positive or negative effects to the academicRead MoreThe Effect of Study Habits on the Academic Performance3650 Words   |  15 PagesEffect of Study Habits on the Academic Performance of sophomore Bachelor of Elementary Education Students of the Divine Word College of Bangued during the First Semester 2011- 2012 Submitted by: Mary B. Gallardo Alfreinel S. Castillo Jessie T. Sibayan Gilberto Regil D. Valera Jr. DIVINE WORD COLLEGE OF BANGUED Bangued, Abra May 11, 2012 Abstract The study sought to find the effect of study habits on the academic performance of the second year Bachelor of Elementary Education students. It sought