Identify the Cottonwoods - Trees in the Willow Family

Identify the Cottonwoods - Trees in the Willow Family The common cottonwoods are three species of poplars in the section Aegiros of the genus Populus, native to North America, Europe, and western Asia. They are very similar to and in the same genus as other true poplars and aspens. They also tend to rustle and chitter in a breeze. The Eastern Cottonwood, Populus deltoides, is of the largest North American hardwood trees, although the wood is rather soft. It is a riparian zone tree. It occurs throughout the eastern United States and just into southern Canada. The Black Cottonwood,  Populus balsamifera, grows mostly west of the Rocky Mountains and is the largest Western cottonwood. It is also called Western balsam poplar and California poplar and the leaf has fine teeth, unlike the other cottonwoods. The Fremont Cottonwood, Populus fremontii occurs in California east to Utah and Arizona and south into northwest Mexico; it is similar to Eastern Cottonwood, differing mainly in the leaves having fewer, larger serrations on the leaf  edge  and small differences in the flower and seed pod structure. Quick  Identification Using Leaves, Bark and Flowers Leaves: alternate, triangular, coarsely curved teeth, leafstalks flattened.Bark: yellowish green and smooth on young trees but deeply furrowed in maturity.Flowers: catkins, male-female on separate trees. Quick Winter Identification Using Bark and Location These most common cottonwoods become very large trees (up to 165 feet) and usually occupy wet riparian  areas in the East or seasonally dry creek beds in the West. Mature trees have bark that is thick, grayish-brown, and deeply furrowed with scaly ridges. Young bark is smooth and thin.

Book Review of Robert Klitgaard's Tropical Gangsters Essay

Book Review of Robert Klitgaard's Tropical Gangsters - Essay Example The book tells the story of the author who, equipped with his surfboard and a $10-million-dollar loan from the World Bank, makes an attempt to rehabilitate the ruined economy of Equatorial Guinea, one of the most backward countries in the world. Robert Klitgaard, a Harvard-trained economist, in the story, deals with several important questions which are relevant to much of the world. "As in most other countries carrying out free market reforms, Equatorial Guinea's leaders have not always known quite how to make the new strategy work - or, in some cases, whether they should really try. This ignorance and reluctance, though extreme, are in many ways prototypical, and they raise general questions. How does one go about assessing an economy's strengths and weaknesses How does one go about developing the institutions needed to make free markets work And how can one help recalcitrant, inefficient, sometimes corrupt government move forward" (Klitgaard, ix-x) Apart from these essential quest ions, the author also deals with the important role of international aid which further gives rise to new questions. Thus, the author investigates the creative possibilities and inherent limitations of outside assistance, the tensions between aid and dependency, between benevolence and autonomy, and the possible ways of action in this context. In the context of economic and political changes taking place in Africa, Robert Klitgaard is engaged in a fascinating and compelling account of his two-and-a-half-year adventure in Equatorial Guinea and it provides an insightful explanation of why foreign aid often fails to achieve its goals. In the book Tropical Gangsters: One Man's Experience with Development and Decadence in Deepest Africa, Klitgaard, who is the former head of a multi-million dollar economic development program in the Equatorial Guinea, convincingly gives an account of his struggles against government corruption, capitalist adventures, and bankrupt economic theories. The narrator was sent as an economist-consultant to Equatorial Guinea, a small West African nation which is one of the poorest countries of the world, by the World Bank in 1985. Klitgaard has been highly effective in blending his personal reminiscence and economic analysis in his engaging memoir of his two-and-a-half-year struggle to rehabilitate the local economy. In the background of the modern tendency to move toward the free market across the world, the author suggests how the countries of Africa welcomed free market for economic development. "Africa has been the vanguard of a worldwide movement away from state-controlled economies and toward the free market. For years the prevailing wisdom concerning economic development advocated an interventionist state. Government should be the mobilizers and managers of resources. In contrast, the new movement says that the private sector is the key to economic growth, and downplays the state's role as mobilizer and manager." (Klitgaard, 7) Thus, the author deals with the various aspects of the backward economies of the African countries and he makes exceptional note of lethargy, corruption, and adventurism as the basic issues affecting the progress of these economies. In his analyses of the economic problems facing Equatorial Guinea, Klitgaard focuses on cogent and convincing issues such imports outstripping exports, lack

Innovation Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Innovation Management - Essay Example In the current business environment, technological innovation is the key driver of achieving competitive advantage among the companies. Firms rely on the recently developed products as the major sources of revenue and increase in the profit margin. Thus, innovation is becoming a metric measure of the current performance level of firms in different sectors. Globalization has taken, and is taking place in the business world (Aalbers et al., 2014). As such, it has contributed towards the development of innovative strategies among the firms. Such emerges from the foreign pressure that local firms receive in terms of the quality of their products and services. Therefore, companies are engaging in the production of differentiated products and services so that they can survival foreign competition. The introduction of the new products ensures that firms have the potential of protecting their margins and lowering their production costs. Such includes improving on abilities of the firms in th e competitive market. Technological advancements have also triggered firms to focus on innovation. These advancements include computer-aided manufacturing and computer-aided design, which help in the short-run production, as well as the attainment of economies of scale within the production chain. The aim is to ensure that the products and services meet the customer needs. Such is essential because different customers express unique needs in terms of the quality of the quality of services and products that they receive from the market.

Pagiarism and Paraphrasing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Pagiarism and Paraphrasing - Essay Example Additionally, the student starts the sentence as the original sentence without the use of alternative words and relevant connecting words to make the idea original. In their submission, the student could have paraphrased the sentence as follows: given the fact that studies in the biomedical field demand strict obedience to the rules and regulations and the fact that several peers review studies under the field, it is still not enough to give full credit to a scholarly work without due diligence (Crossen, 1994). This sentence is original and much better and thus meets the acceptable standards of plagiarism because although it expresses the same ideas, it uses completely different wording. A second sentence in the passage that has some element of plagiarism in it is the last phrase that goes, ‘and â€Å"buffing† the results by showing them in the best light’. Evidently, the student has again lifted the whole phrase from the original text but has only adjusted the wo rding at a minimal level that still constitutes plagiarism. In a correctly paraphrased text, the student could have stated that ‘the biomedical scholars ought to present their results as they are and not alter them to suit the acceptable scenarios.O’Conner (2003) argued that the art of extensive writing and reading ought to be the hobby of any writer who wishes to excel in the field. Indeed, most writers tend to put information across some of which may not be palatable to some users due to their complexity or the unacceptability of the information relayed.... o the rules and regulations, and the fact that several peers review studies under the field, it is still not enough to give full credit to a scholarly work without due diligence (Crossen, 1994). This sentence is original and much better and thus meets the acceptable standards of plagiarism because although it expresses the same ideas, it uses completely different wording. A second sentence in the passage that has some element of plagiarism in it is the last phrase that goes, ‘and â€Å"buffing† the results by showing them in the best light’. Evidently, the student has again lifted the whole phrase from the original text but has only adjusted the wording at a minimal level that still constitutes plagiarism. In a correctly paraphrased text, the student could have stated that ‘the biomedical scholars ought to present their results as they are and not alter them to suit the acceptable scenarios (Crossen, 1994). Again, this is now more appropriate and can qualify as an acceptable paraphrase. References Top of Form Bottom of Form Crossen, C. (1994). Tainted: The manipulation of fact in America. New York: Touchstone, pp. 166-167. Assignment 2: Paraphrasing O’Conner (2003) argued that the art of extensive writing and reading ought to be the hobby of any writer who wishes to excel in the field. Indeed, most writers tend to put information across some of which may not be palatable to some users due to their complexity or the unacceptability of the information relayed. This notwithstanding, the writer should always ensure that their pieces of work are simple but precise as to convey their ideas in not only accurate manner but also appealing manner especially to their preferred readers. References O’Conner, P. (2003). Woe is I: The grammarphobe’s guide to better English

Healthcare Model Presentation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Healthcare Model Presentation - Essay Example The inequality in the Mexican healthcare is being felt in two folds. The first aspect of the inequality is the urban-to-rural inequality, where the population in the urban areas of the country has a better healthcare access, compared to those living in the rural areas (Garman, Johnson & Royer, 2011). The other aspect of the inequality in the Mexican healthcare system occurs in the form of the rich-to-poor healthcare access inequality, where the rich are better placed to access both high quality and also affordable healthcare services, compared to the poor, whose access to healthcare is hindered by both cost and distance to healthcare service facilities (Ruelas, 2002). Therefore, in addressing the inequality in the Mexican healthcare, both aspects of the rural-urban coverage as well as the rich-poor healthcare disparity are the core issues that must be resolved. Problem statement Healthcare services provision has greatly advanced over the decades in Mexico. Consequently, statistics ha ve shown that the mortality rate has declined, while the birth rate and the life expectancy rates have greatly improved, from a mere life expectancy of 42 years in 1940, to the current 73 years by 2012 (Barraza-Llorens, Panopoulou & Diaz, 2013). While this is a notable achievement of the healthcare system in Mexico, further statistics have emerged to the effect that, 52% of the Mexican population finances their healthcare services out of their pocket (Johnson & Stoskopf, 2010). This notwithstanding, even the very poor population, especially in the rural areas and the informal settlements around the city prefers to go for the private healthcare provider services, not because the quality of the healthcare is poor, but because the accessibility of such healthcare facilities, especially regarding their locations have left the poor without a choice, but to go for the private services (Barraza-Llorens et al., 2002). This scenario is in sharp contrast with the situation in the urban areas, which are populated by the middle-and the high-class population, where the access to public healthcare services is easily accessible, owing to strategic locations of such facilities within the urban rich regions. Therefore, while the government is striving towards ensuring that the whole of its population is either covered by the public or the private healthcare practice, it has not been able to address the issues of urban-rural, and the rich-poor health inequalities (Ruelas, 2002). Purpose statement Effective assessment of the success of the healthcare system should be based on both the quality of the healthcare services provided, as well as on the burden of paying for such services that is borne by the patients (Barraza-Llorens, Panopoulou & Diaz, 2013). The healthcare system in Mexico is especially problematic in some of the employment sectors, where some employees are covered by a duo-system of both private and public healthcare services, while the other category is uncovered. Further, the distribution of the public

Modern Education Thought Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Modern Education Thought - Essay Example Little (1995), believes that the main aim of â€Å"the autonomy is to equip learners to play an active role in participatory democracy† (p. 176). Benson (2008) agrees with Little when he says, â€Å"because the concept of autonomy in learning draws its meaning from the concept of personal autonomy, it is centrally concerned with the kind of learning that best helps people to lead autonomous lives† (p. 4). Here it confirms that autonomy revolves round individual freedom and human rights to facilitate him/her for making their choices and it is a lifelong process. In the broader sense the learner autonomy enable the person to lead autonomous life. The prominence of autonomy is to create a sense of human dignity. We should be autonomous individuals and autonomy for learning is an essential part of attaining our personal autonomy. An autonomous individual rely on himself/herself while living an independent life which is responsible for his or her own actions rather than blam ing others. To give support to our understanding it is important to know the aims and purpose of education. The main aim of education can be achieved if the person follows the autonomy of learning. According to aim of education envisioned by Piaget, ‘children acquire moral values in the same way they acquire knowledge--by constructing beliefs internally through interaction with the environment.’(Constance, 1982).He pointed out the importance of mutual respect to develop autonomy. The Piaget’s theory postulates as how the cognitive development of an individual focuses on the surroundings and the concepts that are conceived from these factors directly impacts ones learning. It brings in the thought to change... Paul Friere is the famous literacy educationist from Brazil who came up with the principles of critical pedagogy.He referred to the cycle of bringing the issues of the daily life, involving the knowledgeable level of the student and moving to action and then leading to reflection. The students shall know to â€Å"read the world through the word†. The Critical pedagogy is the study of oppression in education based on the issues and questions rose in sexuality, colonialism and how it will shape in nature and the purpose of education. In simple terms critical pedagogy is the way, how teacher asking ‘why’ is simple and the students freely asking the same way as ‘why am I learning this’ has to be executed. â€Å"Revolutionary critical pedagogy operates from an understanding that the basis of education is political and that spaces need to be created where the students can imagine a different world outside of capitalism’s law of value†¦where pat riarchal hierarchies of oppression can be ended†. The idea of autonomy is to understand the responsibility and be judgmental while taking the decision and development of rationality according to the changing situation. Marxism has made a mark on its own all over the world. Marxism was followed by the Brazilian Educator Paulo Freire. In his book of Pedagogy of Oppressed mentioned that â€Å"education makes sense because women and men learn that through learning they can make and remake themselves.

International Advertising WPP's Digital Push Essay

International Advertising WPP's Digital Push - Essay Example In order to ensure sustenance in today's globalized scenario, the advertising industries need to redesign, reframe and refurbish their approach to the overall concept of advertising. The competition in the contemporary advertising industry is not so much about scoring over one's rivals, but more about assuring a timely transition from traditional business models to E-business models. 1. Survival in the Contemporary Advertising Scenario is a Fast-paced and Perpetual Process: The traditional advertising business was more of a predictable and a relatively lethargic system that resorted to and adapted to change at a slow pace. However, the contemporary advertising industry being dependent on internet and information technology is a perpetually evolving and a continually altering business. The advertising professionals ought to be always on their toes to benefit from and incorporate the upcoming opportunities unleashed by technological changes. 2. 2. Resistance to Change is Death: Considering the ongoing shift towards online approaches, the advertising professionals need to embrace digital technology as not one another option, but the ultimate way the businesses will conduct themselves. This calls for a marked shift in the mindset and individual perceptions. With a bulk of revenues coming from Web marketing, resistance to change means a sure death. 3. Don't Expect Well Defined and Clear Cut Adversaries and Friends: The digitalized advertising industry of today is not a battle ground, but a global market that requires an amorphous approach that can make way for a simultaneous collaboration and competition between the key players, based on the identification of opportunities and ensuing challenges (Steel 2009). 4. Do not Expect Ignorant Customers: The contemporary advertising industry will have to grapple with the customers who are well informed and cognizant of their requirements. The customers today are immaculately choosy about the advertising solutions that can serve their needs. 5. Synergy is the Name of the Game: Big advertising companies should visualize themselves as a fluid talent pool that can exploit the abilities and resources scattered across the organizations to assemble compatible and seamless virtual teams (Koncept Analytics 2007). 6. Do Not Worry About who Gets the Credit: A digitalized advertising industry is an amorphous and faceless business in which individual organizations and personalities are always less important then the challenges being faced and the ensuing solutions. An unrestrained quest for recognition may make the system rigid and unresponsive. 7. Never Get Satisfied: In a market defined by change and innovation, satisfaction and complacence means deterioration, at least in a relative sense. Always keep an eye on the emerging changes, and in fact visualize and expect the things to change. 8. Vision is a Must: A thorough vision of the nature of things to come and panache for imagination and