Macro and micro economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Macro and micro economics - Essay Example Though, this is just a rough estimation. The utility comparison has never been accurately summarized, each writer puts down their own views. All the views are somehow correct because they are an improved notion of the first theory. So it is correct to say, Ann’s utility function is lower than peter’s. 2. Central banks have started raising interest rates as many economies picked up in 2010, to combat inflation. Explain the (opposite) effects of higher interest rates and lower inflation on the budget set and welfare of house owners with a mortgage, and assess the overall effect on them. Interest rate is the amount which is charged to the borrower by the lender and it is usually expressed as a percentage. The rate changes due to inflation. On the other hand, inflation is the general rise in the prices level of services and goods over duration of time. By increasing the interest rates, the central banks make it harder for the commercial banks to borrow money. By so doing th e money in circulating reduces hence reducing the inflation. The inverse of this is the central bank reducing its lending rates and making it possible for more banks to borrow money. This will translate to people borrow more money thus increased purchasing power. To people with mortgages it will be easier for them pay to the bank. The overall effect is that the living standards of people will improve since there enough money and its value will be okay. 3- Economics Comprehension 1 Insurance is big business in the UK. So is internet gambling? How might we explain this paradox? (Can it be explained without giving up the assumption that people’s preferences obey the von Neumann-Morgenstern axioms?) Insurance is a contract where premium is paid to the insurer to cover the occurrence a specific risk. Internet gambling includes any kind of activities that are transacted through the internet which involve placing of bets or a wager. The Von- Neumann-Morgenstern’s theory of ut ility has many assumption is one of them being continuity. This is shown by a decision maker who prefers an outcome A to other outcomes B, C. in the interval of unit a number p makes the decision maker indifferent between getting outcome B and yielding A which has a probability P, probability 1-p for C in a lottery. In the UK, insurance being a big business attracts a lot of people. 4. In modern societies, not just simple goods but also uncertain prospects (such as insurance policies) are traded, sold and bought. Show how this phenomenon can be explained by differences in risk attitude between economic agents and show how Pareto-improvements can thereby be achieved. In the modern world, different methods have been established due to high rise of risks. Insurance also involves risks making its agents involve a fee charging the users of the service involving on the risks insured. An agreement between the inured and the insurer known as the policy holder determines the claims which the insurer is legally required to pay. Risk management is important in insurance since insurance companies take over risks from customers. Risk attitude affects projects. This is because of differences in people’s attitude to risk cause conflict, and delay. This can lead to poor management of risks. Loss in insurance is depending on two variables: the number of losses that will occur in a specified period and the amount of losses given that a loss has occurred. The risk attitude depends on its

Estimation of Northern Bobwhite Densities in South Texas

Estimation of Northern Bobwhite Densities in South Texas Principal Investigators Bart M. Ballard, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas AM University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas 78363. Fidel Hernà ¡ndez, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas AM University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas 78363 Leonard A. Brennan, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas AM University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas 78363 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION Northern Bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) are a wide-ranging species and are commonly hunted throughout Texas. Their population has been declining since about 1880 and are decreasing in abundance in over 75% of their range in the United States (Leopold 1931, Errington and Hammerstrom 1936, Lehmann 1937, Guthery 2002). Texas has been seen as one of the remaining strong holds in North America (Rollins 2002) but recent evidence shows that populations are also declining within Texas (DeMaso et al. 2002). These declines have spurred an increase in research and management of the species and an improved understanding of the species (Guthery 2002). Declining numbers however can be difficult to understand because of their natural boom-bust population cycles and influence of weather on the population (Lehmann 1953, Keil 1976, Guthery et al. 1988, Bridges et al. 2001, Lusk et al. 2002). In order to properly manage quail within south Texas where there is large annual variation in precipitation an d temperatures local population trends are needed. Current hunting regulations are set at the state level where a liberal hunting framework (15 birds/day over 120 season; Brennan 2014) is assumed to have is little to no impact on the population (Guthery et al. 2004b). However, these state-wide regulations are not appropriate when managing at the fine scale where such a liberal harvest quota could negatively affect local populations (Roseberry and Klimstra 1984, Peterson 1999, Brennan et al. 2014). Bobwhites variable population cycles make it necessary for local land managers to set harvest limits based on local population trends (Brennan 2014). By setting sustainable harvest limits based on local population densities the likelihood of population crashes goes down and there is quicker recovery following drought conditions and natural population declines (Brennan 2014). Recent recommendations for harvest values were made by Brennan in 2014 for south Texas where there is extreme variability in precipitation and temperatures compared to other regions of their range. These recommendations are based on the assumption of good environmental conditions, a 20% harvest rate, and are density depended. It is also recommended to conduct fall surveys in late November-mid December when detection is highest and basing the harvest on pre-hunt population numbers to minimize the probability of local extinction (Guthery et al. 2000, Sands 2010). Estimating yearly and seasonal population densities can be difficult for many reasons including observer variability, local habitat variability and change between years, environmental factors such as weather, and species characteristics (Rusk et al 2007). Common methods include estimating abundance using indices or using distance sampling (Rusk et al. 2007). However, the accuracy of indices is sensitive to changes in detection (Anderson 2001, 2003, Rosenstock et al. 2002; Thompson 2002). During bobwhite population lows it becomes even more difficult to estimate population density due extremely low encounter rates (1 covey/7km; Kuvlesky et al. 1989). Distance sampling allows for varying detection probabilities while estimating densities and is a popular method that has been used successfully for bobwhites in many studies in south Texas (Brennan and Block 1986, Shupe et al 1987, Guthery 1988, Guthery and Shupe 1989, DeMaso et. al. 1992, Rusk et al 2007). Unlike census techniques that are based on the assumption that all individuals within the survey area are counted, distance sampling works under the assumption that more animals are missed the farther you get from a transect (Brennan and Block 1986). To calculate density within a survey area, the perpendicular distance from a transect to an animal is recorded and then used to calculate a probability density function (Burnham et al. 1980, Buckland 2004) from which the density throughout the study area can be estimated using Program Distance (Thomas et al. 2010). Assumptions of distance sampling which must be met include: 1) all animals on the transect are detected, 2) animals are detected at their original locations prior to any movement in response to the observer, and 3) distances are measured accurately (Buckland 1992). These assumptions can be difficult to meet in field condition but most issues with these assumptions can be addressed using proper survey design, post processing of the data, and statistical analysis. Assumption one can be relaxed if needed by incorporating a double observer design in which two counts are occurring simultaneously (Laake and Borchers 2004) or by applying an adjustment term. Assumption two can be violated if animals have the chance to respond to the surveyors by running, coming closer, or learning to hide (Buckland et al. 2001). Careful analysis of data can help determine if and how this assumption is violated and certain techniques can be implemented to account for animal responses such as truncation of data close to the line in cases were animals run (Fewster et al. 2008). Assumption three can be violated by untrained observers, lack of proper technology, or inaccurate estimates of cluster sizes if animals are clustered (Buckland et al 2001). Another assumption which can be violated includes independence between animal observations which can be an issue if surveys are done on roads or too close together (Thomas et al 2009). Careful survey design is crucial to accurately estimating population densities and local knowledge of habitat, densities, and environmental gradients help when designing surveys. Once densities are estimated for a region careful consideration and local knowledge is needed to make the proper recommendations for hunting regulations and habitat management. Given accurate densities, harvest can be optimized at the ranch or pasture levels while also decreasing the likelihood of local population extinction. OBJECTIVES The purpose of our study is to design a repeatable helicopter line transect survey for the King ranch study location which will be implemented over a three-year period from Sept 2018-December 2021. From this data fall bobwhite quail densities will be estimated using Program Distance from which management recommendations can be made. Specifically, our goals are; Develop a repeatable helicopter line-transect survey protocol for bobwhite quail Implement survey over three fall survey seasons Use Distance software to develop detection probability functions and estimate fall densities which can be used to aid in management and conservation decisions. METHODS Study Area The study area includes a 25,000 acre section of the King Ranch (King Ranch, Kingsville TX) located south west of Kingsville (Figure1). The study area is located in the South Texas Plains ecoregion and may include parts of the Gulf Prairie and Marshes ecoregion (Gould 1975) Within this region there is high variability in rainfall (Correl and Johnsonston 1979; Omernik 1987) causing local populations to exhibit strong boom-bust population cycles. Major plant communities present on the King Ranch include blue stem prairie (Schizachyrium scoparium), mesquite-granjeno thornbrush (Prosopis glandulosa- Celtis pallida), mesquite-bluestem savannah, oak-bluestem (Quercus virginiana, Quercus stellata) (McLendon 1991, Fulbright and Bryant 2002). Major land uses on the King Ranch include commercial hunting and cattle production (Schnupp et al 2013). Annual rainfall is on average 65.4 cm with monthly values ranging from 1.4-13cm (Williamson 1983). Figure 1. Divisions of the King Ranch (green), located in south Texas. Habitat includes but are not limited to shrub land, grasslands, mesquite-woodlands, oaklands, freshwater wetlands, and saltmarsh. Habitat is managed for cattle, white tail deer, and quail. Experimental Approach:       Transect design To estimate fall densities within the survey area we will first develop a three-year helicopter based, line-transect count survey. We will develop the transects in such a way that if desired, the surveys can continue past three years. Spatial layers will be made for the study area boundary and line transects in ArcGIS 10.3 (Environmental Systems Research Institute, Redlands, CA). Sample transects were placed parallel to each other leading north to south (Figure 2) and further stratification will be done using post processing techniques if desired. Transects were places at a distance of 400 meters from each other with a random starting location and giving a survey coverage of 50 percent. Given this design we have 30 transects of 8 km in length and a total survey length of 240 km (Figure 2). Figure 2. Sample study area with transects (n=30) with survey zones of 100m to each side of the transect. Landcover includes woodland/shrublands (dark green), grasslands (light green), agriculture (light brown), wetlands (blue) and urban (red). Given previous encounter rates of 1 covey/0.95km observed during a comparable study on another section of the King Ranch (Rusk et al. 2007), this design would yield an estimated 250 observations. However, encounter rates have been reported to be much lower during population lows; Rusk 2007 documented as low as 1 covey/7.38 km while walking transects in a low year verses 1 covey/ 1.96 km in an abundant year. Given flying transects gives roughly twice the number of detections per km, we will assume a helicopter flight on a low population year would give an encounter rate of  ¼ km and 60 observations. To make sure that this transect design will provide a 25% or less Coefficient of Variation for population density estimates we can plug use the equation (Buckland 1993): L= Where L= total line length needed, = the coefficient of variation for population density estimate, and L0/n0 = encounter rate, or the number of quail detected per km of transect. The value b is typically between 1.5-3 (Burnham 1980) and it is most frequently assumed that b=3 (Buckland 1993). Given this equation, under an assumed encounter rate of 1 covey/.95 km and a 25% CV the minimum total transect length is: L= However, when the encounter rate is dropped to 1 covey/4 km during a population low, the needed length becomes: L= By conducting more surveys than is needed to achieve a 25% CV there is less of a chance that during a dry year we will not be able to estimate density because of lack of encounters. After year one we will re-evaluate transect design by incorporating the first years encounter rate to help determine transect lengths for years two and three (Buckland 1993). Field Surveys Surveys will take place in the first week of October to give enough time to provide updated recommendation for harvest quotas before the onset of quail regular season on October 29th (TPWD, Outdoor Annual). October 1st of each year a mock survey will be done in which tools are calibrated and extra surveyor training done if need following protocols similar to Schnupp et al. (2013). This test flight will occur along a 3 km transect with 16 targets (Otto and Pollock 1990, Shnupp et al. 2013). Each side of the transect will have 8 targets (dove decoys suspended at 1.2m) distributed randomly between 10-70m at 10m intervals from the line and spaced 300m apart along the transect (Schnupp et al.). This will help reduce potential errors counts due to equipment malfunction and surveyor error. The full survey will begin the day after the mock survey and all transects will be surveyed once per year. If detections for an entire survey are below 80 then a second survey will be done. Surveys will take place in the first 3 and last three hours of day light when possible and the start location will vary each survey. From the start location, every other transect will be sampled to reduce the probability of over counting and then returning to skipped transmitters as soon as possible. We will use a four person helicopter such as the Robinson R-44 (Robinson Helicopter Company, Torrance, California) or similar models equipped with a parallel swathing lightbar for navigation (2005; Raven RGL 600, Raven Industries, Sioux Falls, South Dakota). Surveys will be conducted at approximately 48 km/hour and at a height of 18 m (Shupe et al. 1987, Rusk 2007) One observer will be facing forward counting coveys directly on the line and two rear-facing observers counting quail which flush on the s ides or behind the helicopter. When a covey is spotted, the helicopter will hover briefly to allow observer to use the range finder and count the number of quail in the covey. The forward facing technician in addition to counting coveys will help navigate to the transects, and will start and stop the survey recordings (Schnupp 2013). The two rear observers will collect data as well as enter data for all surveyors. Covey counts and covey size will be recorded for 100 meters to each side of the helicopter using laser electronic range finders, differential global positioning systems, personal tablet computers, and keypads (Schnupp et al. 2013). Tablets will be installed with ArcPad (Environmental Systems Research Institute, Redlands, CA), and connected to the laser range finders with sub meter accuracy. The differential global positioning system will collect 5 points/second to track the flight path. Electronic range finders will be synced to tablets using blue tooth and will measure distance to covey, compass bearing, angle of inclination and horizontal offset of covey from the helicopter for each covey. Key pads were also used to record sizes of coveys. Raw survey information is then imported into ArcMap 10.3 for data processing and then imported to Program Distance. Distance Analysis Using distance survey data collected over three years we will calculate densities and variance estimates in Program Distance 7.0 similar to Rusk et al 2007. Program Distance calculates estimated densities and variances as s) Where is density, n is the number of coveys detected, is the effective half-band width, cv is the coefficient of variation, L is the length of transects, and E(s) is average covey size. Effective half widths with be calculated in distance by fitting detection functions to histograms of distances and covey counts. To improve model fit, 5% of the right hand data will be truncated (Buckland et al. 2001; Shnupp 2013) and data will be evaluated visually for any signs of violation of the basic assumptions. We will consider a variety of detection functions (uniform, half-normal, and hazard-rate with several series adjustments) and choose the best fitting model using Akaikes Information Criterion values (AICc) and chi-square analysis (Buckland 2001; Shnupp 2013). We will then develop a global detection function for each year to estimate fall densities and use confidence intervals and coefficient of variation reported from distance. If stratification by pasture is desired and there are enough observations to do so, then detection functions will be built at the pasture level otherwise a global detection function will be applied to each pasture. A coefficient of variation of less than 20% is recommended for bobwhite density estimates (Guthery 1988) but we will consider a coefficient of variation of 25% acceptable. EXPECTED RESULTS AND BENEFITS From these three fall bobwhite quail surveys, we will be able to report yearly bobwhite density estimates and begin to understand local population trends. Once funding is approved, exact methods will be refined using actual ranch and pasture boundaries and habitat gradients. Survey design will be reviewed by quail researchers at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute to ensure proper design. Yearly encounter rates, detection functions, estimated population density, and recommendations for harvest rates will be provided in annual reports. A final report will be submitted in the form of a dissertation chapter within one year after the completion of the last fall survey. This chapter will summarize yearly results as well as trends observed throughout the study region and will include recommendations for sustainable harvest limits. Research results may be presented at professional meetings and will include one or more King ranch employees as authors and King Ranch will be acknowledged as the primary funding contributor. Project deliverables include: P.h.D dissertation chapter and corresponding scientific publication Scientific presentations Spreadsheets of density estimates and recommended harvest rates ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSIDERATIONS Not applicable to the proposed project. ETHICAL USE OF ANIMALS Animal and Care Use form is not required PERSONNEL This study will be a cooperative project between the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute (CKWRI) and the King Ranch. Drs. Bart M. Ballard, Fidel Hernandez, and Leonard A. Brennan will be primary investigators. This project will include one P.h.D. student who will act as project coordinator and field supervisor. The graduate student hired will also be responsible for hiring part-time student technicians to aid in surveys. The student hired will conduct fall densities surveys on the King Ranch as a partial fulfillment of P.h.D contract and will also be conducting other quail research in assistance of other projects. SCHEDULE 2018-2019 Activity Jan-April: Await funding April-May: Search for P.h.D candidate June-Sept:Hire student, coordinate field surveys and hire part-time surveyors for Survey week October: Fly surveys and estimate fall densities November: Further data analysis and reporting 2019-2020 Activity Aug-Sept: Refine transects/protocol if needed, hire technicians for Survey week October:Fly surveys and estimate fall densities November: Further data analysis and reporting 2020-2021 Activity Aug-Nov:Same schedule as above December: Provide final analysis and Report BUDGET Equipment Estimates: 2 Electronic distance estimators ($18,000 each) =36,000 2 Tablets w/accessories: = $1,600 2 Keypads: $100 1Raven Cruiser: $2,000 Rounded Estimate: $40,000 Annual Expenses: -P.h.D student stipend: $1500 with fringe benefits at .7% of salary and medical (up to 250$/month) = $22,260/year -2 Short term technicians: 100$/day during fall surveys. Total=2 technicians*$100*7 days a year= 1400/year -Helicopter time: 500$/hr *estimated 10 hrs per year= $5,000/year -Driving costs: $0.50/mi+ gas. Exact distance to site in unknown, preliminary estimate= $10,000/year Summary of Annual Cost: 2018-2019: $78,660 2019-2020: $38,660 2020-2021: $38,660 LITERATURE CITED Anderson, D. R. 2001. The need to get the basics right in wildlife à ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ eld studies. Wildlife Society Bulletin 29:1294-1297. Anderson, D. R. 2003. Response to Engeman: index values rarely constitute reliable information. Wildlife Society Bulletin 31:288-291. Brennan, L. A., and W. M. Block. 1986. Line transect estimates of mountain quail density. Journal of Wildlife Management 50:373 Brennan, L.A., F. Hernandez, E.D. Grahmann, F. C. Bryant, M.J. Schnupp, D.S. Delaney, and R. Howard. 2014. Quail Harvest Guidelines for South Texas: Concepts, Philosophy, and Applications; Wildife Technical Publication No. 3 of the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute Texas AM University-Kingsville. Bridges, A. S., M. J. Peterson, N. J. Silvy, F. E. Smeins, and X. B. Wu. 2001. Differential influence of weather on regional quail abundance in Texas. Journal of Wildlife Management 65:10-18. Buckland, S. T. 1992. Fitting density functions using polynomials. Applied Statistics. 41:63. Buckland, S. T., D. R. Anderson, K. P. Burnham, J. L. Laake, D. L. Borchers, and L. Thomas. 2001. Introduction to distance sampling estimating abundance of biological populations. Oxford University Press, New York, USA. Buckland, S. T., D. R. Anderson, K. P. Burnham, J. L. Laake, D. L. Borchers, and L. Thomas. 2004. Advanced distance sampling: estimating abundance of biological populations. Oxford University Press, New York, New York, USA. Burnham, K. P., D. R. Anderson, and J. L. Laake. 1980. Estimation of density from line transect sampling of biological populations. Wildlife Monographs 72. Correll, D. S., and M. C. Johnston. 1979. Manual of vascular plants of Texas. The University of Texas Printing Division, Austin, Texas, USA. DeMaso, S. J., F. S. Guthery, G. S. Spears, and S. M. Rice. 1992. Morning covey calls as an index of northern bobwhite density. Wildlife Society Bulletin 20:94-101. DeMaso, S. J., M. J. Peterson, J. R. Purvis, N. J. Silvy, and J. L. Cooke. 2002. A comparison of two quail abundance indices and their relationship to quail harvest in Texas. Proceedings of the National Quail Symposium 5:206-212. Errington, P. L., and F. N. Hammerstrom, Jr. 1936. The northern bob-whites winter territory. Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts Research Bulletin 201:305-443. Fewster, R.M., Southwell, C., Borchers, D.L., Buckland, S.T. Pople, A.R. 2008. The influence of animal mobility on the assumption of uniform distance in aerial line transect surveys. Wildlife Research 35:275-288. Fulbright, T. E., and F. C. Bryant. 2002. The last great habitat. Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Special Publication No. 1, Kingsville, Texas, USA Guthery, F. S. 1988. Line transect sampling of bobwhite density of rangeland: evaluation and recommendations. Wildlife Society Bulletin 16:193-203. Guthery, F. S., N. E. Koerth, and D. S. Smith. 1988. Reproduction of northern bobwhites in semiarid environments. Journal of Wildlife Management 52:144-149. Guthery, F. S., and T. E. Shupe. 1989. Line transect vs. capture-removal estimates of bobwhite density. Proceedings of the Annual Conference Southeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Guthery, F. S., M. J. Peterson, and R. R. George. 2000. Viability of northern bobwhite populations. Journal of Wildlife Management 64:646à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬â„¢662. Sands 2010 Guthery, F. S. 2002. The technology of bobwhite management: the theory behind the practice. Iowa State University Press, Ames, Iowa, USA Guthery, F. S. 2002. The technology of bobwhite management: the theory behind the practice. Iowa State University Press, Ames, Iowa, USA. Guthery et al. 2004b Guthery, F. S., M. J. Peterson, J. J. Lusk, M. J. Rabe, S. J. DeMaso, M. Sams, R. D. Applegate, and T. V. Dailey. 2004. Multi-state analysis of fixed, liberal regulations in quail harvest management. Journal of Wildlife Management 68:1104-1113 Hernà ¡ndez, F., F. S. Guthery, and W. P. Kuvlesky. 2002a. The legacy of bobwhite research in south Texas. Journal of Wildlife Management 66:1-18. Kiel, W. H. 1976. Bobwhite quail population characteristics and management implications in south Texas. Transactions of the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference 41:407-20. Kuvlesky, W.P., B.H. Koerth,andN.J.Silvy.1989.Problemsofestimating northern bobwhite populations at low density. Proceedings of the Annual Conference Southeast Association of FishandWildlifeAgencies43:260-267. Laake, J.L. and Borchers, D.L. 2004. Methods for incomplete detection at distance zero. Advanced Distance Sampling (eds S.T. Buckland, D.R. Anderson, K.P. Burnham, J.L. Laake, D.L. Borchers and L.Thomas). pp. 108-189. Oxford University Press Oxford. Lehmann, V. W. 1937. Increase quail by improving their habitat. Texas Game, Fish, and Oyster Commission, Austin, Texas, USA. Lehmann, V. W. 1953. Bobwhite population fluctuations with vitamin a. Transactions of the North American Wildlife Conference. 18:199-246 Leopold, A. 1931. Report on a game survey of the north central states. Democrat Printing Company, Madison, Wisconsin, USA. Lusk, J. J., F. S. Guthery, R. R. George, M. J. Peterson, and S. J. DeMaso. 2002. Relative abundance of bobwhites in relation to weather and landuse. Journal of Wildlife Management 66:1040-1051. McLendon, T. 1991. Preliminary description of the vegetation of south Texas exclusive of coastal saline zones. Texas Journal of Science 43: 13-32. Otto, M. C., and K. H. Pollock. 1990. Size bias in line transect sampling: a à ¯Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ eld test. Biometrics 46:239-245. Peterson, M. J. 1999. Quail harvest management in Texas: a rational approach. Pages 124-133 in K. A. Cearly, editor. Preserving Texas Quail Hunting Heritage into the 21st Century. Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Texas AM University, College Station, USA. Rollins, D. 2002. Sustaining the quail wave in the southern great plains. Proceedings of the National Quail Symposium 5:48-56. Roseberry, J. L., and W. D. Klimstra. 1984. Population Ecology of the Bobwhite. Southern Illinois University Press. Rosenstock, S. S., D. R. Anderson, K. M. Giesen, T. Leukering, and M. F. Carter. 2002. Landbird counting techniques: current practices and an alternative. Auk 119:46-53. Rusk, J.P., F. Hernandez, J.A. Arredondo, F. Hernandez, F.C. Bryant, D.G.Hewitt, E.J. Redeker, L.A Brennan, R.L. Bingham. 2007. The Journal of Wildlife Management 71:4(1336-1343). Shupe, T. E., F. S. Guthery, and S. L. Beasom. 1987. Use of helicopters to survey northern bobwhite populations on rangeland. Wildlife Society Bulletin 15:458-462. Thomas, L., S. T. Buckland, E. A. Rexstad, J. L. Laake, S. Strindberg, S. L. Hedley, J. R. B. Bishop, T. A. Marques, and K. P. Burnham. 2010. Distance software: design and analysis of distance sampling surveys for estimating population size. Journal of Applied Ecology 47:5-14. Thompson, W. L. 2002. Towards reliable bird surveys: accounting for individuals present but not detected. The Auk 119:18-25. Williamson, D. L. 1983. Soil survey of Brooks County, Texas. United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Washington, D.C., USA.   Ã‚  

Cloning - The Great Human Embryo Clone Hype Essay -- Argumentative Per

The Great Human Embryo Clone Hype      Ã‚  Ã‚   Abstract: The cloning of human embryos has sparked a major debate worldwide. New cloning methods have surpassed the technology that could only duplicate specified genes or produce offspring from frozen mice and human embryos. Cloning has been used to free would-be sufferers from a particular disease carrying gene. Likewise, out of desire to assist infertile couples and overcome the drawbacks of using in-vitro fertilization, came the newest method of cloning. Although skepticism exists because of the lack of regulation and the extreme possibilities considered such as cloning for hair and eye color or for a particular gender, with proper regulation, researchers and doctors intend to embrace this modern and unpredictable technology as our newest weapon in combating health related problems.    There is a lot of commotion going in Washington, D.C. It has nothing to do with White Water or the White House, but everything to do with politics and people. There is constant clamour surrounding the issue of cloning technique application for various purposes including the elimination of defective genes which cause disease and an alternative mean of human embryo reproduction. In modern science, three types of cloning exists, positional cloning (genes), Jurassic Park cloning (nucleus), and blastomere separation (human embryos). According to Conley, "The recent experiment in human cloning in Washington, D.C. has provoked moral unease in the public. Both specialists and lay persons sense that this new technology is fraught with ethical and political peril," (2). Well, in such protests there is a hint of hypocrisy. Society has already embraced in-vitro fertilization, which is a form of human gen... ...    Works Cited 1. Collins, Francis S. and Fink, Leslie. "The Human Genome Project" . Alcohol Health & Research World. Summer 1995: 190-195 2. Conley, John J. "Narcissus Cloned" America 12 February 1994: 15-17 3. Elmer-Dewitt, Philip. "Cloning: where do we draw the line?" Time 8 November 1993: 64-70 4. Henderson, Charles. "Cloning and chromosomal mapping of a human immunodeficiency virus 1 "TATA' element modulatory factor" Aids Weekly 11 November 1992: 21-23 5. Perloe, Mark. "In-vitro fertilization." WWW, 1995 6. Pope, Gregory T. "Brave New World" Popular Mechanics February 1994: 88-89 7. Robertson, John A. "The Question of Human Cloning" The Hastings Center Report March-April 1994: 6-14 8. Conley, John J. "Narcissus Cloned". America 12 February 1994: 15-Philip. "Cloning: where do we draw the line". Time 8 November 1993: 64-73 Cloning - The Great Human Embryo Clone Hype Essay -- Argumentative Per The Great Human Embryo Clone Hype      Ã‚  Ã‚   Abstract: The cloning of human embryos has sparked a major debate worldwide. New cloning methods have surpassed the technology that could only duplicate specified genes or produce offspring from frozen mice and human embryos. Cloning has been used to free would-be sufferers from a particular disease carrying gene. Likewise, out of desire to assist infertile couples and overcome the drawbacks of using in-vitro fertilization, came the newest method of cloning. Although skepticism exists because of the lack of regulation and the extreme possibilities considered such as cloning for hair and eye color or for a particular gender, with proper regulation, researchers and doctors intend to embrace this modern and unpredictable technology as our newest weapon in combating health related problems.    There is a lot of commotion going in Washington, D.C. It has nothing to do with White Water or the White House, but everything to do with politics and people. There is constant clamour surrounding the issue of cloning technique application for various purposes including the elimination of defective genes which cause disease and an alternative mean of human embryo reproduction. In modern science, three types of cloning exists, positional cloning (genes), Jurassic Park cloning (nucleus), and blastomere separation (human embryos). According to Conley, "The recent experiment in human cloning in Washington, D.C. has provoked moral unease in the public. Both specialists and lay persons sense that this new technology is fraught with ethical and political peril," (2). Well, in such protests there is a hint of hypocrisy. Society has already embraced in-vitro fertilization, which is a form of human gen... ...    Works Cited 1. Collins, Francis S. and Fink, Leslie. "The Human Genome Project" . Alcohol Health & Research World. Summer 1995: 190-195 2. Conley, John J. "Narcissus Cloned" America 12 February 1994: 15-17 3. Elmer-Dewitt, Philip. "Cloning: where do we draw the line?" Time 8 November 1993: 64-70 4. Henderson, Charles. "Cloning and chromosomal mapping of a human immunodeficiency virus 1 "TATA' element modulatory factor" Aids Weekly 11 November 1992: 21-23 5. Perloe, Mark. "In-vitro fertilization." WWW, 1995 6. Pope, Gregory T. "Brave New World" Popular Mechanics February 1994: 88-89 7. Robertson, John A. "The Question of Human Cloning" The Hastings Center Report March-April 1994: 6-14 8. Conley, John J. "Narcissus Cloned". America 12 February 1994: 15-Philip. "Cloning: where do we draw the line". Time 8 November 1993: 64-73

Between Two Lamentations Essay

The â€Å"Lamentation of Christ† is one of the most popular subjects in the realm of Christian Art. It became extremely popular from the 11th century to the early 18th century, encompassing vast art periods from the Byzantine art period under the Medieval era of art, to the Baroque period of the Renaissance. Numerous works have been created, centering on this one scene that is of great import, not only to the Christian community but to the art world itself. One of the most popular scenes in Christian history, the Lamentations showcases Jesus Christ, brought down after just having died on the cross. His mother Mary is shown often with Jesus in her arms weeping and mourning the death of her son. Surrounding them are several other mourners, comprising of Christ’s friends and family. As it is also a popular episode in the life of Christ, it is also included in many depictions of the Life of Christ, a form of Christian art that serves as a narrative or an early form of sequential art that tells the story of Jesus Christ from his conception to his resurrection and ascension into Heaven. This led to many different artists coming up with different versions of the scene. The numerous renditions of the same scene, scattered from the 11th century to the 8th century, is a good way o gauge the development of art at a fixed period of time. One of the first few examples is a fresco in the Church of St. Panteleimon, a small Byzantine church in Macedonia. The painting was made by an anonymous artist, known only as â€Å"Meister von Nerezi† or â€Å"Master of Nerezi†. The piece, Lamentation over the Dead Christ in the Church of St. Pantaleimon, was done in 1164 which was the Middle Byzantine period. During the time, Christian art revolved around a strict set of rules which restricted many artistic ideas, and as the setting was that of the period of changes to the Byzantine style, the art for the Master of Nerezi’s Lamentation piece was something relatable to â€Å"Maniera Byzantina† (Lasareff 279). Lamentation over the Dead Christ in the Church of St. Pantaleimon (1164) Obvious within his work is the ability to evoke feelings of empathy and even sympathy from its beholders, perfectly capturing the essence of mourning and overall sadness of the scene. This despite the image’s adherence to the strict formal rules of Byzantine art. It also features a more definitive sense of emotion as opposed to other works of the era which tended to keep a more solemn depiction of things. Also of note is the Master of Nerezi’s composition of the piece, having Mary hold Jesus tightly, arms wrapped around the dead body, while a disciple bends over to hold his dead master’s hand to his face. The resulting placement of subjects evokes a spatial setting that proves schematic and well thought-out. Giotto’s â€Å"Lamentation† on the other hand, is a fresco showcased at the Arena Chapel in Padua, and is one of the most popular Lamentation pieces created. It too depicts the mourning of Jesus Christ, portraying him laid on the ground right after dying from his crucifixion, surrounded by friends and family, with Mary at his side, mourning and expressing great sadness in their faces. Giotto di Bondone, or simply Giotto, as he is more widely known, was a famous artist in the late Middle ages who specialized in painting and architecture. His works attributed to his being considered one of the first artists whose works led to the eventual birth of the Italian Renaissance, the period which signaled the end of the Medieval ages and gave rise to Early Modern Europe. The â€Å"Lamentation† is one of the best examples of his work, which was famous for the fuller, more three-dimensional style of painting that would only become more prominent in the Renaissance period, which wasn’t to become popular until around century after Giotto. (Webmuseum 2010) â€Å"The Lamentation† (1305 – 1306) Dating back to around 1305 – 1306, Giotto’s work on the†Lamentation† featured Christ being held by Mary, Jesus Christ’s mother, at the head, and possibly Mary Magdalene at the feet as the woman is shown with red hair and Mary Magdalene is known to have washed Jesus’ feet. In terms of the painting’s composition, Giotto focused on the sad scene of mourning in the lower left area, having Jesus and Mary framed by the six other people who are seemingly spaced appropriately to bing the viewer’s attention to the Mother and Son. Surrounding them are disciples of the fallen savior, as well as hallowed saints – all of them in mourning, effectively conveying the overall mood of sadness about the image. Immediately behind the gathered crowd is a scraggly rock mound – its sharp, downward line leading to the images focal point of Jesus and Mary. Above them are angels, flying around with sad,mourning, grieving faces, their figures notably foreshortened to denote a deeper, more three-dimensional feel to the piece. Looking back at the fresco done by the Master of Nerezi, the Italo-Byzantine style of art is still most obviously definitive in his work: basically two-dimensional whilst combining elements of the Byzantine art style with those of the natural world, the Lamentation over the Dead Christ in the Church of St. Pantaleimon features a flat-looking image which is iconic in its nature. Done during the Comnene Dynasty of rule which lasted from 1025-1204, the Master of Nerezi’s Lamentation was timely as due to the Comnenans being staunch supporters of the arts, the general art direction went towards the depiction of emotions, with themes such as the Lamentation and the Virgin and Child being among the most popular of the day. Whereas Giotto’s work was done as a part of a series depicting the Life of Christ, which was part of the Arena Chapel whose interiors were decked with frescoes by Giotti. It was finished in 1306, during that time when the Byzantine style of art was still somewhat prevalent among artists. Considering the relative gap between the creation of the two Lamentation pieces, it isn’t surprising to find that there is a huge difference between the two art styles used – where one used a more traditional Byzantine style of flatness while the other utilized a more realistic and natural mode which was at the time, a style of the artist’s own – but considering that at the time of Giotti’s work, the style used by the Master of Nerezi was still what was of standard, then it denotes a significant leap forward in the art medium. Both pieces being of the same topic which is the Death of Jesus Christ, the overall theme of sadness and mourning over a death is reflected effectively by means of expressing emotion on the faces of the characters as depicted by their frowns and sad eyes and faces. Their postures are also indicative of the plight they are going through in the image. Also common is the disciple leaning in to meet his master’s hand,hence the posture of bending over, creating a line that leads to the point within the image wherein Mary keeps her face close to the dead Christ. In the case of the Lamentation over the Dead Christ in the Church of St. Pantaleimon, despite being tied to the art style of the Byzantine times then which often featured religious pieces in symmetrical compositions, the image remains asymmetrical as is common in Lamentation pieces. Perhaps the major difference in terms of the subject matter for both images is that there are more characters in Giotto’s piece. Aside from Jesus’ friends family, and disciples who mourn by his side, in Giotto’s version, angels decked in bright colors are flying around above them, sobbing and weeping as well. In general, both paintings clearly get the message across to the beholders, and almost always evokes feelings of sadness and understanding from its onlookers as well. In summary, the analysis of the two paintings which are different renditions of two different artists on the same theme, gives a peek of what the development of art styles was at the time. From the Lamentation over the Dead Christ in the Church of St. Pantaleimon by the Master of Nerezi in 1164’s Byzantine style of art, to the groundbreaking realism and classicism as well as the incorporation of three-dimensional elements in Giotto’s â€Å"Lamentation,† it shows that art, like many other aspects of human culture and society, also develops at a rate that coincides with the development of humanity as a whole. Works Cited â€Å"History of Painting† History World 22 May 2010. http://www. historyworld. net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories. asp Lasareff, Victor. â€Å"Early Italo-Byzantine Painting in Sicily. † The Burlington Magazine for Connoiseurs Vol. 63 No. 369 (1933) â€Å"Giotto di Bondone† Webmuseum 22 May 2010 http://www. ibiblio. org/wm/paint/auth/giotto/ â€Å"Arena Chapel† Britannica Encyclop? dia Online 22 May 2010 http://www. britannica. com/EBchecked/topic/33443/Arena-Chapel

Precautionary Principle

Precautionary Principle The precautionary principle was arguably developed and originally implemented in Germany and Sweden, and it is these nations that remain the leading proponents of it. For example, it was one of these nations (Germany) that put the precautionary principle on the international stage, and today with regard to environmental regulation (in particular chemicals) it is Sweden that is pushing forward precautionary legislation in the European Union. There is a conflict between those who support the principle and those who oppose it. For example, American policy-makers have become increasingly concerned with the use of the concept by the EU, seeing it as a threat to scientific risk analysis as the main tool for regulation used hitherto. Academics in the United States point out that the US had precautionary elements in their regulations during the 1970s; but these elements turned out to be excessively costly and faulty, and so were abandoned following a Supreme Court judgment in 1980 (in an infamous case concerning benzene) which insisted that regulation must depend on scientific proof of risk. There is no one definition of the precautionary principle. One Swedish author, Per Sandin, lists 19 formulations, often individually vague and mutually contradictory. [1] The most commonly used definition is contained in the 1992 Rio Declaration, which stated that in order to protect the environment, the precautionary approach shall be widely applied by States according to their capabilities. Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation. One of the more rigorous analyze of the meanings of the precautionary principle have been put forward in work by Wiener and Rogers. They argue that there are three different formulations of the precautionary principle. These are:[2] †¢ Uncertainty does not justify inaction. In its most basic form, the precautionary principle is a principle that permits regulation in the absence of complete evidence about the particular risk scenario. Lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation-Bergen Declaration]. †¢ Uncertainty justifies action. This version of the precautionary approach is more aggressive. †¢ Uncertainty requires shifting the burden and standard of proof. This version of the precautionary principle is the most aggressive. It holds that uncertain risk requires forbidding the potentially risky activity until the proponent of the activity demonstrates that it poses no (or acceptable) risk. In this part of the report, the precautionary principle is analyzed in the context of the World Trade Organization and with respect to: i) GATT and exceptions in Article XX, ii) the Subsidiary Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS), and iii) the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). The precautionary principle is the focus of intense debates in the fields of food safety and GMOs, particularly in the World Trade Organization. 3] Tensions over these issues grew in 1998 after an EC moratorium based on the precautionary principle was applied to GM products from the United States, Canada and Argentina. [4] In 2003, the affected exporting countries requested the establishment of a Dispute Settlement Body by the WTO. [5] World Trade Organization (WTO) The World Trade Organization (WTO) emerged on April 15,1994, predicated on the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) of 1947. [6] The reforms of this organization introduced ‘resolutions’ regardin g the environment. In its preamble, it mentions the ‘objective of sustainable development’ and â€Å"seeking both to protect and preserve the environment†. [7] In 1995, the Committee on Trade and the Environment was created to promote sustainable development and to identify a relationship between trade and the environment. [8] This Committee was created at the behest of the WTO at the end of the Uruguay Round. [9] WTO legislation since then has ad- dressed trade issues that substantially relate to the environment. 10] In spite of the ‘greening’ efforts to integrate the environment and trade, the WTO continues to pursue its objectives â€Å"by entering into reciprocal and mutually advantageous arrangement directed to the substantial reduction of tariffs and other barriers to trade and to the elimination of discriminatory treatment in international relations†. [11] WTO agreements that can potentially apply to ‘GMO restrictive measures’ contained in: Ar t. XX of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) of 1947,[12] The Subsidiary Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS). 13] A concise application of GATT rules to the GMO controversy will probably not allow stringent regulation of transgenic products such as the one by the European Community and consequently, the WTO will not allow the application of the precautionary principle. Among the measures contained in the GATT agreement that may represent a problem for the application of precautionary measures is the definition of a ‘like product’[14] and the ostensible product regulation the WTO has employed for products. 15] If the WTO decides to take this approach under GATT to GMOs, it will be largely impossible to sustain bans on these products. The precautionary principle as well may not survive scrutiny from the WTO since it would need to show sufficient scientific evidence that health effects derive from the consumption of GM products. Subsidiary Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) The SPS agreement was created in 1993, which by WTO parties to help reduce the incidence of non-tariff trade barriers imposed to protect, ostensibly, human, animal or plant life. 16] The WTO describes the focus of the SPS agreement: â€Å"To maintain the sovereign right it deems appropriate, but to ensure that these sovereign rights are not misused for protectionist purposes and do not result in unnecessary barriers to international trade†. [17] The SPS agreement does not provide states with acceptable sanitary standards; instead, it guides governments in establishing SPS rules. These guidelines are aimed at helping WTO members to (1) harmonize standards and (2) to assess the appropriate level of SPS protection based on an assessment of risks. Regarding (1) harmonization, under Art. , it recommends that states base their sanitary measures on international standards, guidelines or recommendations, whenever they exist. (2) With respect to the level of SPS protection, Art. 5 encourages states to base their sanitary standards of risks on scientific evidence. The precautionary principle or at least parts of this principle can be found in various parts of the SPS agreement. [18] Precaution is specifically incorporated in (1) the levels of protection, mentions that states can determine â€Å"the appropriate level of protection of human, animal or plant life or health†. 19] (2) In Art. 3. 3, which is precautionary in nature, the level of protection that can be implemented by states is addressed in the following manner: â€Å"members may introduce or maintain sanitary or Phytosanitary measures which result in a higher level of protection than would be achieved on measures based on the international standards†[20] and (3) Art. 5. 7, states that states can adopt higher standards provisionally â€Å"in cases where relevant scientific evidence is insufficient†. 21] The first case to put to t he test precautionary measures under the SPS was the Beef Hormones Dispute,[22] which was based on an embargo imposed by the European Community against US beef treated with artificial growth-enhancing hormones. This case seems to indicate how the WTO applies the precautionary principle. In this case, the European Community did not look at international standards for selecting the SPS l protection level, namely, in the Codex. According to Art. 3. 3 of this agreement, the EC had a right to increase the level of protection only when the ‘higher protection’ was based on a risk assessment. According to article 5. 7, the EC could have chosen higher standards temporarily until it acquired scientific evidence to support the SPS measures. Accordingly, when countries regulate GMOs, and impose standards more stringent than those found on the international level, they will be required to demonstrate a rational relationship between the regulations and the respective risk assessment. With respect to the precautionary principle, both the WTO panel and the appellate body refused to consider its evolution into a principle of international law. 23] However, they recognized that it was the focus of debate â€Å"among academics, law practitioners, regulators and judges†. [24] The appellate body, though, found that the precautionary principle was ‘reflected’ in the SPS agreement, but did not override the specific obligations in that agreement. [25] Based on the hormones case, the SPS agreement’s version of the precautionary principle relies on a scientifical ly based risk assessment. This standard is not likely to afford protection in cases where scientific evidence has not yet been developed. Nevertheless, countries can impose restrictions based on â€Å"provisional measures† to protect, at least temporarily, human health. The temporary moratorium is still more attractive than any alternative yet devised. Core elements of the precautionary principle have been included in trade agreements, particularly, a) in the SPS agreement, b) in chapter XX of the GATT. Although exceptions in these agreements allude to precaution, the discussion of this principle has been directly addressed under the SPS agreement; particularly, in the Hormone Case. The Appellate Body, in this case, said that the provisions of the SPS Agreement embraced the precautionary principle. [26] This principle, however, has been interpreted as being subordinated to clear and convincing scientific evidence to deal with uncertainties caused by lack of scientific evidence. The WTO, when deciding the case between the US and the EC over the moratorium on transgenic products,[27] is obliged by its own decisions to consider its rules not in isolation but in accordance with international law. 28] The precautionary measures by the EC have to be interpreted in accordance with multilateral environmental agreements. [29] The precautionary principle rests in the hands of the WTO; the way these institutions will interpret this principle will shape the future of protection in the international arena. If the WTO declares illegal the EC moratorium on transgenic products, countries will be reluctant to apply the precautionary principle even when the application of this pr inciple is required by a multilateral environmental agreement such as the Cartagena Protocol. An attack on the precautionary principle by the WTO can result in international conflicts between the trade and environmental regimes. Regional View of Precautionary Principle At the regional level, the precautionary principle has been embraced in different ways. In the European Community (EC), this principle plays a fundamental role in biodiversity and health protection, particularly in the field of GMOs. In North America, this principle does not play as fundamental a role in the North American Free Trade Agreement, but has been tangentially alluded to when GMO issues have been raised. The precautionary principle is particularly essential in the management of risk, which is considered in the EC within a structured approach to the analysis of risk encompassing, such as risk assessment, risk management and risk communication. To apply the precautionary principle, decision makers need to start with a scientific evaluation as comprehensive as possible for the purpose of identifying the degree of uncertainty. [30] Unlike in the European Community, the precautionary principle does not play a central role in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). 31] The principle is, nevertheless somehow embraced in this agreement through national legislation. It can be said, however, that the mere creation of the Commission of Environmental Cooperation (CEC) is a precautionary measure to prevent parties from indiscriminately exploiting the environment in the name of trade. While the CEC furthers environmental protection by promoting citizen complaints, its effectiveness is yet to be seen, particularly in the promotion and endorsement of environmental principles such as the precautionary principle. Conclusion In the areas of trade and environmental law, the GMO debate has escalated to the WTO. This organization, when considering the European moratoriums, will definitely shape the application of this principle. If the WTO finds European regulation to be inconsistent with trade agreements, countries will be less willing to apply this principle. At the regional level, while this principle has not been embraced in NAFTA, core elements are contained in national legislation. Although the precautionary principle has been considered in NAFTA by the CEC, this environmental organization is not fully independent and lacks authority to truly promote environmental values such as the precautionary principle. It has also argued that the precautionary principle is not contrary to science but to provide answers with regard to new technologies and in this case, GMOs. With regard to the foundations of this principle, it was argued that it was based on common sense (natural law), and that some of these elements are embodied in the statute of the international court of justice. The precautionary principle departs from anthropocentric attitudes and encompasses a holistic approach. It is not a definite solution and it will not change the world overnight,[32] but it can make a difference in the protection of human health and the environment by providing guidance to policy makers when considering threats posed by GMOs. Bibliography R. Burnett & V. Bath, Law of International Business in Australasia, The Federation Press, 2009. J. Mo, International Commercial Law, LexisNexis Butterworths, 4th edition, 2008. ———————– 1] P Sandin, ‘Dimensions of the precautionary principle' Human and Ecological Risk Assessment, Vol. 5(1999), n. 5, pp. 889-907. [2] JB Wiener and MD Rogers, ‘Comparing precaution in the United States and Europe', forthcoming in Journal of Risk Research, pp. 4-5. [3] Shaw, Sabrina y Schwartz, Risa, â€Å"The Cartagena Protocol and the WTO: Reflections on the Precautionary Principleâ⠂¬ , 10 Swiss Review of International and European Law at 537. [4] Bridgers, supra note 2, at 181 y 182. [5] Isaac, Grant E. y Kerr, William A. , Genetically Modified Organisms at the World Trade Organization: A Harvest of Trouble (2003) 37 J. World Trade at 1083. [6] Macmil l an, Fiona, WTO and the Environment, London, Sweet & Maxwel l , 2001, at 7. [7] See preamble of Marrakech Agreement of the World Trade Organization, Annex 1A, Legal Instruments of the Uruguay Round vol. 1, 33 ILM 1154 (1994). [8] Macmillan, supra note 92 at 12. [9] Ibidem, at 12 y 13. [10] Ibidem, at 12-16. Among the cases the WTO has addressed are: the Tuna-Dolphin cases, The Automobiles case, The Reformulated Gasoline and the Sea Turtle Case. [11] WTO preamble, supra note 93. [12] General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), Oct. 30, 1947, 61 Stat. A-11 TIAS 1700 UNTS 194, as modified by Marrakech Agreement of the World Trade Organization, Annex 1A, Legal Instruments of the Uruguay Round vol. 1, 33 ILM 1154 (1994). [13] Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) (15 April 1994), & â€Å"WTO Agreement, Annex 1A, 69†. http://www. wto. org/english/docs_e/legal_e/15-sps. pdf. [14] Art. 2. 6 of the Agreement of Implementation of Art. VI of the GATT 1994 on Antidumping and Countervailing Measures reads as follows: â€Å"Throughout this Agreement the term ‘like product’ (product similarity) shall be interpreted to mean a product which is identical, i. . alike in all respects to the product under consideration, or in the absence of such a product, another product which, although not alike in all respects, has characteristics closely resembling those of the product under consideration†. [15] Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the GATT, 1994. http://www. wto. org/english /docs_e/legal_e/19-adp. pdf. [16] Grosko, Brett, â€Å"Genetic Engineering and Internacional Law: Conflict or Harmony? An analysis of the Biosafety Protocol, GATT, and the WTO Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement† (2001) 20 Va. Envtl. L. J. 295 at 308. [17] WTO, â€Å"Understanding the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures†. http://www. wto. org/wto/goods/spsund. htm. [18] Shaw, supra note 88 at 540. [19] SPS agreement, supra note 99, see preamble (1) 6. [20] Ibidem, Article 3. 3. [21] Ibidem, Article 5. 7. [22] EC Measures Concerning Meat & Meat Products, Panel Reports: Case WI/DS26/R/USA, August 18, 1997 & WT/DS48/R/CAN, August 18, 1997; Appellate Body Report: WT/DS26/AB/R&WT/DS48/AB/R, January 16, 1998 in supra note 115. 23] Macmillan, supra note 92 at 153 y 154. [24] Ibidem, at 153 y 154. [25] â€Å"World Trade Organization, summary on the Precautionary Principle,† http://www. wto. org/english/tratop_e/sps_e/sps_agreement_cbt_e/c8s2pl_e. htm. [26] Shaw, supra note 88 at 540. [27] Dispute Settlement Body, Panel WTO: European Communities Measures Affecting the Approval and Marketing of Biotech Products, WT/DS291/27, WT/DS292/21 and WT293/21, http://www. wto. org/english/ tratop_e/dispu_e/dispu_subjects_index_e. htm#gmos. 28] Appellate Body Report AB-1996-1,WT/DS2/AB/R at supra note 130. [29] Shaw, supra note 88. [30] Commission of the European Communities, â€Å"Communication of the application of the Precautionary Principle†, (2000). http://europa. eu. int/eur-lex/en/com/cnc/2000/com2000_0001en01. pdf. [31] Raustiala, Kal, â€Å"Precaution in the Federal Legislation of the NAFTA parties†, North America Environmental Law Policy Commission of Environmental Cooperation. http://www. cec. org/files/pdf/lawpolicy/naelp10_en. pdf. [32] Vanderzwaag, supra note 22 at 374 y 375.