Turfgrass Extension Program Essay Example for Free

Turfgrass Extension Program Essay I have spent many fruitful years amassing experience in the turfgrass industry and have developed an immense interest in and respect for this field of inquiry. In keeping with this, I have been involved in research and extension activities supporting the turfgrass industry both as a student member of the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation—to which I gave five years of service—and as an active team member of Turfgrass Extension Program at University of Wisconsin and University of Massachusetts—where I served for two years. In addition to this, I have approached research and extension from the standpoint of stakeholders for whom I serve as a provider of information and technology within the turfgrass industry. I have also operated in the office of facilitator of continuing education for turfgrass growers and managers, upon whom I have striven to impress the value that turfgrass clientele deserve individualized service in a timely manner. It is my belief that any successful turfgrass pathology program must retain its relevance to pique and enhance users’ interest. Furthermore, such a program must also convey information in layperson terms in order to facilitate comprehension by diverse audiences, which will aid in the application of this information to their specific situations. I also strongly believe that the provided information will be more meaningful when it is based on solid research and evaluated under similar local environmental conditions. Wisconsin boasts unique and interesting climate conditions, having hot and humid summers but cold and snowy winters. This makes it therefore necessary that turfgrass grown in this state to be sustained and managed in two very extreme weather conditions. Consequently, such turfgrass needs to be protected from both summer and winter pathogens. The primary foci of my research are in two areas: on the â€Å"dollar spot† caused by Sclerotinia homoeocarpa and on the snow molds caused by Microdochium nivale, Typhula incarnata, and Typhula ishikariensis (Abernathy, et al., 2001). Dollar spot and snow molds are the most economically important fungal diseases on highly-cared-for turfgrass in Wisconsin, and they respectively occur during the summer and winter. Although with a proper fertility program along with sound cultural practices does succeed in alleviating some of the disease pressure, management of these diseases on manicured turfgrass heavily relies on fungicide. Various fungicides, or often tank-mixtures of fungicides, are commonly applied preventatively and/or curatively. Recently, however, turfgrass managers have been left with fewer options as it regards fungicides. Fungicide use has become stricter due to concerns related to environmental, human, and animal health. Old chemistry (e.g., PCNB and anilazine) widely used for turfgrass diseases was requested due to regulatory or voluntary cancellation of re-registration. In addition, the release of new fungicides now decreases due to low margin of profit, considering the cost of development and registration. In addition, intensively managed fungal pathogens have been reported to develop insensitivity to fungicide, causing reduction of fungicide efficacy in the field. Development of management strategies to use fungicides more effectively with a minimal risk of causing fungicide insensitivity is now a critical and urgent need for the current turfgrass industry. The achievement of this goal depends on specific factors. A population instead of an individual must be the target of control strategies, because it is the fungal population that evolves to survive in an environment that is experiences constant changes as a result of agricultural practices. Therefore, the primary interest of my research is aimed at gaining a better understanding of the pathogen population and its dynamics in the turfgrass agrosystem. This research is also directly linked to the extension of the new practical knowledge about disease management toward stakeholders in the state. For the comprehensive study about fungal population, I have developed three key assay tools for S. homoeocarpa. The first (1st) is the in vitro fungicide sensitivity assay using predetermined discriminatory concentrations; the second (2nd) is the PCR-based DNA fingerprinting technique; and the third (3rd) is the vegetative compatibility assay using nitrate non-utilizing (nit) mutants. Based on this technique and methodology, I have conducted research and compiled data on the structure and dynamics of S. homoeocarpa field populations in Wisconsin and Massachusetts since 2005 up to the present. S. homoeocarpa populations on turfgrass where different management practices had been applied has been shown to be significantly different in term of genetic variability and fungicide sensitivity. For example, the population on the fairway was very different from one on the adjacent rough or putting green. In addition, the dollar-spot population changed relatively fast in response to fungicide application. Particularly, benzimidazole fungicide thiophanate-methyl caused the fungal population to rapidly shift to fungicide insensitivity. Various unique cultural and fungicide practices used on turfgrass surely affect the fungal population, and this proves to be critical information for developing and implementing effective dollar-spot control measures. My future research will focus on investigating how the fungal population changes in response to different agricultural input as well as environmental factors on turfgrass, and these activities include mowing, irrigation, and the use of fertilizers and fungicides. Further long-term research on the S. homoeocarpa population will increase knowledge about the population dynamics of phytopathogenic fungi on perennial gramineous plants, where few or no previous studies have been conducted. My extension in Wisconsin will be geared to augment the outstanding efforts of the current turfgrass extension program. First of all, the Turfgrass Diagnostic Lab (TDL) will be used as a pipeline for getting information to the clientele in the state. Fast and accurate disease diagnosis is the key to successful disease control. Timely diagnosis of turfgrass samples and recommendation of proper treatments is recognized to be of utmost importance, and will therefore be promptly and directly offered for the benefit of the turfgrass industry. Communication with the clientele via phone, site visits and consultations also provides critical feedback to identify imminent problems and needs faced by the turfgrass industry. The key element of extension project is that proper fungicide programs will be developed and provided to the turfgrass industry as an important element of integrated pest management (IPM). The use of fungicide is requisite for managing turfgrass diseases below the tolerance level, which is usually very low on intensively managed turfgrass. At the same time, fungicide must be used with a minimal number of applications and at a proper concentration to minimize its destructive effect on the environment. Therefore the most effective fungicides must first be selected for targeted pathogen species. For example, for three major fungal species causing snow molds, certain fungicides provided better control for certain species but not for other species. Such distinctions would lead to the choice of the most effective fungicide(s) for each species. Second, the fungicide sensitivity level of the local pathogen population should also precede fungicide selection. At the location where insensitive fungal isolates are found, corresponding fungicides must be avoided or carefully used in combination with other effective fungicides. In order to make the consultation of effective fungicide programs informative and accessible to the public, the TDL service will be supplemented with the following: The in vitro fungicide sensitivity assay for major systemic fungicides (e.g., benzimidazole and demethylation inhibitor) to which insensitivity is commonly found in turfgrass pathogens Molecular diagnosis for snow mold fungi using DNA fingerprinting technology as well as phenotypic characteristics to achieve accurate identification of causal agents. In the future, my extension program will design and provide customized fungicide programs for individual locations based on more comprehensive information about the pathogen population. Abernathy, S.D., R.H. White, P.F. Colbaugh, M.C. Engelke, G.R. Taylor, II and T.C. Hale   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (2001). â€Å"Dollar Spot Resistance among Blends of Creeping Bentgrass Cultivars.† Crop    Science. 31: 806-809.

Relationship Between Macbeth And Lady Macbeth Philosophy Essay

Relationship Between Macbeth And Lady Macbeth Philosophy Essay Shakespeare, the Einstein of his time has changed the intrepid minds of many influential people in the Elizabethan era which includes King Edward I. In his greatest play, Macbeth, has showed us that foul is fair and foul is fair in the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth; revealing the dominant role of women over men. Lady Macbeth achieves great dominance over Macbeths will by shattering his manhood. She conveys that his doubts on the assassination signify his lack of ambition and valour of being a man. She mentions that a real man should not only have boldness to create a tight situation, but should also implement his honourable word. Lady Macbeth then strategically gives the most horrendous example about the smashing of the skull of the baby, which further criticises Macbeths scared attitude which contrast to the majority of women. This provokes Macbeth to act in accordance to his male honour. Shakespeare shows how Lady Macbeth shows her true self as she says in the play Had he not so closely resembled my father, I would have done it. This triple meaning is clearly shown. The first meaning if you look at it literally, it is trying to convey that he looked very similar to her dad which shows full commitment and trust to her parents. This showed how inside of her there is a lot of undivided love to her parents which has disable and caned her, much like any another child would do. However, it may be that because her parents gave birth to her, she is grateful for that and does not want to kill them As Macbeth has been called noble, he would surely give the same respect to Lady Macbeths parents as Macbeth would to his parents and would never think about scratching his parents, let alone kill them. This shows how Lady Macbeth has slowly and careful invaded into Macbeths mind and brainwashed him so much that he does not truly denied the thought of killing King Duncan. This also s hows that Macbeth has not given her anything and so ultimately the relationship is futile and her love is false. The second meaning would be the biblical imagery of God as Lady Macbeth said he which shows that Lady Macbeth thoughts are that the more powerful you are, the more godlike you are. She could not kill God as she did not have enough power. She wanted the lust for power and although she has committed sinful acts like killed a child, she is not in the level where God is and so could not kill him. As Macbeth has been given the title of Thane of Glamis and Thane of Cawdor, she believes that he has power. In spite of this, Lady Macbeth want more and more power and so forces Macbeth to kill King Duncan so that as his equal half in the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, in the eyes of the pubic, would ultimately receive more power. This strongly shows how the relationship is not a relationship but is simply a ventriloquist and a puppet, where the ventriloquist is Lady Macbeth where she is manipulating the puppet which is Macbeth so that she can receive the laughter and money, which is very similar to power and greed. The third and most important, is the power of greed that she has truly desired. She single-handedly heavily persuaded Macbeth to kill King Duncan. The perception that Lady Macbeth put forward is very strong as she said I would have done it. This showed that she put it about as an excuse rather than to show a weakness; showing how she did not want to look weak in front of Macbeth which would convey to the audience that in the relationship she wants to be equal or even higher than Macbeth. This competition between each other shows how it is a mere game rather than a relationship made by God as Lady Macbeth is not being serious about it. Shakespeare shows how powerful reverse psychology may cause havoc in a relationship. When Lady Macbeth said When you durst do it, then you were a man she shows how cunningly and deceitfully she is trying to motivate him to do what he was previously going to do. When she says then you were a man, it shows before when he was going to kill King Duncan, he was a man, but now as he has refused he has become much less than a man, a lady who has no place in society. Macbeth who has reached the pinnacle of his courier after many countless, hardworking years and now has been called less than a man even though Kings Duncan addressed Macbeth as noble and also gave him the highest achievement that any man could have: Thane of Glamis and Thane of Cawdor. This shows how demandingly she says a lot of Cruel words which hurts Macbeth but also at the same time using reverse psychology to show to Lady Macbeth that Macbeth can do relentless acts and so is a man. This showed that the relationship is main ly one sided to Lady Macbeth and has used strategic planning to command Macbeth into killing King Duncan. This shows that she understands Macbeth as she knew that Macbeth would question the killing. This shows that in the relationship, Macbeth has true love for her as he had told her his most dire secrets. However, it shows that instead of helping Macbeth out of a dreadful situation, she is using it to her advantage which also explicitly shows than she in manipulating Macbeth. Shakespeare shows how the depiction of extreme acts shows a downfall of a relationship. Dashs the brains out, had I so sworn as you have done to this. This shows how as a woman who has small place in society would uphold her promise even when it is as tragic as killing a baby in a gruesome way, but a man who is respected thoroughly in society would go against his promise. It shows how Lady Macbeth has immense power to crack open the skill and dash the brain out. As child mortality was high, the baby would be considered to be a present of God. The word dash suggest how without a doubt she would do it quickly for her solemn oath and she does not care that she will have to face the wrath of God and also be massively looked down upon in society. This shows how loyal she is and will keep her promise unlike Macbeth. Lady Macbeth is seen as unusual as she admits the situations she had been. This unusual statement contracts the belief that a womens desire is to protect a child and this shows that she is different from the other woman who live their whole life to protect and care for their children. This shows how she has been hiding things from Macbeth and this shows how the relationship from the start of the play sets a countdown to get worse and even worse. The old saying which is behind every successful man stands a strong woman. Surprisingly, it is very true; in his quest for supreme power, he is thoroughly led by his wife. Lady Macbeth strengths his determination and motivate him to commit this sinful murder. This manipulation of Macbeth is clearly shown throughout the play and shows easily how Macbeth fell into the trap of Lady Macbeth of greed and power. Shakespeare is being portrayed as misogynistic to perhaps warn the world that this may happen in the future. This shows how the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is like the inside of an onion. It is definitely seen that Macbeth is not hiding anything about himself and has also given his most vital secrets to Lady Macbeth. However, Lady Macbeth is hiding numerous amount of things; one being of dashing the brains out of a baby. Sadly, as you peel each layer, the audience weeps for Lady Macbeth for her greediness and devil like thoughts. With this analysis it is fully seen that Lady Macbeth is manipulating/controlling Macbeth as if he was a ragdoll puppet and also shows that the relationship relies heavily on her thoughts and Macbeth acts upon them mindlessly and cowardly.

Essay --

Animal testing is a very controversial topic, especially among animal rights activists. Unsually, animal testing is used to test pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and many other products that humans use in their everyday life. Scientists use animals in medical research more as a matter of tradition, as opposed to the fact that testing on animals has proved to fail time after time again. Animal testing has proved to be less accurate and unsuccessful in comparison to other means of testing and experimentation. There is a growing awareness to the limitations of animal research and its inability to be a reliable source of predictions about human health. Reasons on why and how animal research is wrong, and unpredictable are endless, animal studies do not predict human outcome, nine out of ten drugs that appear to be promising in animal research later goes on to fail in human trials, as well animal studies are flawed by design and lacks regulation. Many scientists have come to the conclusion t hat animal testing is very outdated, and should be starting to consider modern ways of testing. They believe that our generation should be looking to the future and creating computer programs, this has many benefits; such as not having to wait as long for a result, and is much more cost effective. Animal studies do not predict human outcome for many reasons. There are obvious and subtle differences between humans and animals, whether it is appearance, the way the body operates, anatomy, and even mental differences. The two species are on completely different end of the spectrum in comparison to how the body works. Taking a healthy animal, artificially inseminating an illness that most animals would never normally get, keeping it in an unnatural and st... ...nimal testing. There are laws which give a simple guide line, but they are so general and broad that they can easily be worked around. Any experiment performed on rodents, reptiles, birds, or fish are not required by law to be reported, this means that it is even more likely for these experiments to involve unnecessary cruelty. Many of the animals used for lab testing are the dogs and cats that many of us keep as pets, and the same ones who eventually love us unconditionally, even sometimes more than they love their selves. Animal testing should be banned for no other reason than the fact that few of us would never volunteer our cats, dogs, or any other pet to a life as a lab subject . It has been proved that there are different more effective ways of testing whether or not a product can be safely used for the use of human consumption without using animals.

John Donne :: essays research papers

Essay on John Donne John Donne, a master at his work, was born some time during the year 1572. The exact date of his birth date is unknown. Donne accomplished many and experienced many things in his life. He got married secretly, went to prison, and wrote many poems that are world known John Donne attended both Oxford and Cambridge universities, and he also attended Lincoln's Inn. At Lincoln's Inn Donne studied law, but never practiced it there after. Donne did not get degrees at any of the universities that he attended, but he did obtain a mind full of knowledge. As Donne grew up as a child, his parents raised him up in a Catholic household. During the 1590's, Donne abandoned Catholicism and looked toward to become an Anglican. In Donne's later years he wrote two Anti-Catholic poems (Pseudo-Martyr and Ignatius his Conclave). Donne later became a preacher. He had a metaphorical style which made him a great preacher. Donne received a degree of divinity from the University of Cambridge and was made a royal chaplain. In 1601 John Donne secretly married a woman by the name of Ann More. This act ruined his employment at that time. Donne was appointed private secretary to Sir Thomas Egerton in 1958. Ann More was, ironically, the niece of Lady Egerton.The secret marriage diminished Donne's hope for his advancement with Sir Thomas Egerton. John Donne was even imprisoned by Sir George More for marrying Ann More. One of the most traumatic experiences that Donne faced was the death of his wife. Ann died while giving birth to a still born in August of 1617. John loved his wife very much and mourned the death of her loss. They were married to each other for fifteen and a half years. Donne pays tribute to her on her grave stone by inscribing words such as "a most excellent and beloved woman, a most loving and chaste wife, a most dutiful and forbearing mother".

The Tragic Hero: Creon or Antigone? Essay -- Character Analysis, Greek

In the Greek tragedy Antigone, the characters Antigone and Creon can both be thought of as the tragic hero of the play. Though Antigone does show some of these characteristics of a tragic hero, Creon demonstrates the attributes more clearly and concisely. Creon is the King of Thebes, as well as the uncle of Antigone. Creon took the throne after a tragic quarrel between his two nephews, Eteocles and Polyneices. Despite his harsh governing and his crude ideals, he is not good or bad. Creon is the tragic hero of the play Antigone, because of his superiority in his society, his nobility, and his tragic flaw, self-pride. Creon was known as the antagonist King in Antigone. A sample of Creon’s antagonist actions is quoted: â€Å"†¦Polyneices, I say, is to have no burial: no man is to touch him or say the least prayer for him; he shall lie on the plain, unburied; and the birds and the scavenging dogs can do with him whatever they like.† (Sophocles 1. 43-46) Though he is known for negative things, he is still perceived and still superior to every Theban. Antigone was known in the society as the princess; but, she did not show herself as a grand and known person. Creon is proud of his position in society and is prideful of his city and his decisions. Creon said proudly, â€Å"You forget yourself! You are speaking to your King!† (Sophocles 5. 66) Creon exhibits the trait of superiority almost to the point from this quote. Antigone, however, is only recognized for being the princess of the former king and committing an act of civil disobedience against King Creon. Creon and Antigone are also comparable in the area of nobility. Creon was the brother of Oedipus, the former king of Thebes. Quoted by Choragus, â€Å"But now at last is our new King is comi... ...t Creon was; however, he does understand how imprudent he was as a result of his own actions. After reading this argument, it is hoped that readers recognize that Creon is the tragic hero of Antigone. Creon and Antigone are both main characters of the play, but Creon’s character explains a tragic hero more so than Antigone’s. Creon’s superiority to his society, his nobility, and his tragic flaw self-pride assists in proving this topic. Because of Creon’s in-depth characteristics and unusual position in the story, it makes Antigone’s character seem like a minor character once analyzed. Almost every reader claims that since Antigone is the protagonist, the main character, and a princess, she is certainly the tragic hero. All in all, Creon is the tragic hero of the Greek Tragedy, Antigone by only three characteristics: superiority, nobility, and self-pride.

Kmart Corporation

Kmart Corporation Calandra Kimbrough BUS 692 Strategies in Human Resource Management Dr. Lao January 21, 2013 Kmart is an American chain of discount stores headquartered in the United States. The chain purchased Sears in 2005, forming a new corporation under the name Sears Holdings Corporation. Increasing productivity is one of the most critical goals in organizations such as Kmart. In this paper I will be assessing the technology requirements relevant to employee productivity, staffing systems, career development systems, and training systems used by Kmart. Training Training is essential when hiring new people to an organization.Training refers to the methods employers use to give new or present employees the skills they need to perform their jobs. Training is one of the most profitable investments an organization can make. No matter what business or industry you are in the steps for an effective training process are the same and may be adapted anywhere. The first step is establishi ng a needs analysis. Training needs analysis is a systematic method for determining what caused performance to be less than expected or required (Blanchard 2010). An effective training needs assessment analysis will help direct resources to areas of greatest demand.The assessment should address resources needed to fulfill organizational mission, improve productivity, and provide quality products and services. This step identifies activities to justify an investment for training. The techniques necessary for the data collection are surveys, observations, interviews, and customer comment cards. Several examples of an analysis outlining specific training needs are customer dissatisfaction, low morale, low productivity, and high turnover. The objective in establishing a needs analysis that is used at Kmart is to find out the answers to the following questions: – â€Å"Why† is training needed? â€Å"What† type of training is needed? – â€Å"When† is the training needed? – â€Å"Where† is the training needed? – â€Å"Who† needs the training? and â€Å"Who† will conduct the training? – â€Å"How† will the training be performed? By determining training needs, Kmart can decide what specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes are needed to improve the employee’s performance in accordance with the company’s standards. Training is necessary if you notice a need for performance improvements and operational problems and changes. The second step is developing training programs and manuals (Infande, 2012).This step establishes the development of current job descriptions and standards and procedures. Job descriptions should be clear and concise and may serve as a major training tool for the identification of guidelines. Once the job description is completed, a complete list of standards and procedures should be established from each responsibility outlined in the job description. Th is will standardize the necessary guidelines for any future training. The final step is evaluating your training program after you have initiated it. This step will determine how effective and profitable your training program has been.Methods for evaluation are pre-and post- surveys of customer comments cards, the establishment of a cost/benefit analysis outlining your expenses and returns, and an increase in customer satisfaction and profits (Infande, 2012). There are several obvious benefits for evaluating a training program. First, evaluations will provide feedback on the trainer’s performance, allowing them to improve themselves for future programs. Second, evaluations will indicate its cost-effectiveness. Third, evaluations are an efficient way to determine the overall effectiveness of the training program for the employees as well as the organization (Infande, 2012).Staffing Staffing systems involve complex processes and decisions that require organizational direction, coordination, and evaluation. Most organizations must create mechanisms for managing their staffing system and its components. Such management of staffing systems requires consideration of both administration and evaluation, as well as legal issues. Staffing factors may also cause problems. Some examples of why poor staffing can be a problem are too heavy a workload, an under staffing can cause people to make mistakes.Hiring people who are inexperienced to do the job which may have them making costly mistakes. Also hiring people who are lazy, or have bad attitudes can cause low morale among the workers that can lead to good people quitting. Career Development Providing ongoing career development programs is one strategy a business can use to retain employees and reduce turnover. It’s in the best interest of a company to ensure all employees are properly trained, kept up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in their field, and are generally interested in furthering th eir individual careers.The task of overseeing training programs and working with employees on assessing and improving their skill levels, as well as ensuring workers are in the position best suited to them is left to the career development manager. Kmart is becoming much more proactive in its training of employees. A great deal of importance has been placed on training and development. Kmart is starting to commit to helping its employees develop the skills needed to succeed in its retail and corporate environments. Conclusion The need for training your employees has never been greater.As business and industry continues to grow, more jobs will become created and available. Customer demands, employee morale, employee productivity, and employee turnover as well as the current economic realities of a highly competitive workforce are just some of the reasons for establishing and implementing training in an organization. To be successful, all training must receive support from the top man agement as well as from the middle and supervisory levels of management. It is a team effort and must be implemented by all members of the Kmart corporation staff to be fully successful.For a training program to be successful, the trainer should be conscious of several essential elements, including a controlled environment, good planning, the use of various training methods, good communication skills, and trainee participation (Infande, 2012). ? References Infande, D. A. (2012). The Four Basic Steps in the Training Process. Retrieved July 23, 2012 Blanchard, P. N. & Thacker, J. W. (2010). Effective Training: Systems, Strategies, and Practices (4th ed). Upper Saddle River, N. J: Prentice Hall. ISBN: 9780136078326

Internet Marketing Strategies of Hsbc

In line with HSBC’s aim for development with global focus, the company was able to adopt a strategy, which enhances its technology development through information systems operations. This strategy was able to increase staff retention rates, and decrease staff turnover, which brings greater continuity and efficiency to the company’s projects (Annesley 2006). Moreover, in terms of internet communications, HSBC has a single global center of excellence for e-commerce IT, made up of collocated businesses and staff, distributed in international offices, such as in New Jersey, Chicago, Canada, Hong Kong and London. In accordance to this, HSBC was also able to implement and introduce another feature of HSBC. com, the HSBCnet, which is its developed key global platform, designed for commercial customers in other countries. HSBCnet includes services for global markets, global cash management and investment banking that are being used regularly by corporate customers. Moreover, as an response to the need of security, the company has developed a second-generation internet technologies, exposing customers to intelligent, personalized content and better targeted marketing, and this feature allows the customers to save time, avoid repetition of tasks by pre-filling in application forms, to come back to a product offer, and get to the end of an application process (Annesley 2006). Furthermore, the company has also developed the successful credit card authorization and accounting platform, which consists of linked applications, such as credit assessment, risk-based pricing, card ordering and transaction processing and reporting (Annesley 2006). These strategies enabled HSBC to gain competitive advantage over their competitors, by implementing an effective and efficient Internet-based information system. These strategies become relevant to the problems of Nokia because like HSBC, they can also develop the same strategies and use them for their own advantage