Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Could a Computer Feel Pain? :: Technology Feelings Papers

Could a Computer Feel Pain? I define pain as a continuously and purposely optimizing input to a feedback system. I proceed by clarifying and restricting the defining terms to the given context. I then prove the robustness of this definition by demonstrating its compatibility with a biologically-acceptable intuitive and philosophical viewpoint. I conclude that if a computational device were to be designed to meet the definition of the requirements for pain, the computer could be said, then, to feel pain. I further note this definition of pain does not completely integrate with higher-order life forms which are capable of beliefs and intentions which I label representations. I then conclude with a rough sketch of what the requirements would be to define a representational system for the purpose of understanding how a computer could have a mind akin to our own. Function A function maps a set of inputs to a single output. To see this, consider the definitions of "function" which follow. 5. Math. a. A variable so related to one another that for each value assumed by one there is a value determined for the other. b. A rule of correspondence between two sets such that there is a unique element in one set assigned to each element in the other. (Morris 1982:539) From the above, it becomes apparent that a function simply maps one set of points to another such as in the equation of line where we consider x to be the input and y to be the output: y is a function of x = f(x) = y = m*x + b. Note that we can remap the output to the input if we take x as a function of y = f(y) = x = ( y - b ) / m. If we examine definition b of "function", we note that, for each value in the input set x, there is one and only one corresponding value of the output y. Thus, the equation of a circle would not qualify as a function since for many values of x there are two values for y such as a point on the top of the circle and a point directly below on the bottom of the circle. A deterministic, or non-random, function will give the same output y every time a given input x is presented. That is, the input x completely "determines" the output y.

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Play Critique of Cabaret

Cabaret takes place in the years 1929 to 1930 Berlin before Hitler’s appointment as chancellor. The play follows Cliff Bradshaw, an aspiring American writer, and Sally Bowles, a performer at the Kit Kat Klub and their friends through the trying times before the Nazis. The story shows the struggles of those torn between what they want, and what is acceptable and how blind some were to the problems staring them right in the face. In the words of the emcee: â€Å"Leave your troubles outside! So-life is disappointing?Forget it! In here, life is beautiful-the girls are beautiful-even the orchestra is beautiful! Willkommen im Cabaret! † As the story unfolds, we see how this blindness affects those who would rather not see. Cabaret is the first professional play that I have seen. I did not know what to expect and told myself that no matter what, to just make the most of it. There was no need, it was a truly captivating show that had me laughing and crying and dancing along the whole way through. I even talked a few of my friends into going so I could see it a second time.The story was easy to follow and I thought the characters, the costumes and the performance as a whole were good, but there were a few problems that I thought needed work. The first thing that caught me was, of course, the emcee, played by Lee Ernst. He immediately got my attention with his flamboyant costume and held it with his charismatic and energetic attitude. When he first came out on stage, he addressed the audience directly, asking us to leave our troubles outside and enjoy the wonders of the cabaret.It made me feel like I was actually sitting in the club, and not out in the audience of a play. Throughout the entire production he would pull us in and even brought audience members on stage to do a dance with him. He had an excellent ability of setting the mood for the audience and keeping us wanting more. The rest of the characters were also very well played and the actors did a g ood job of portraying their respective personalities. They were believable and real, and truly made me feel for them.The only one I thought was a little awkward in his role was Geoffrey Hemingway, who played Cliff. There were times in the play where he seemed to know his line, but didn’t quite use the right inflection, as if he knew the words, but forgot what his character was supposed to be feeling. Other than that, I think that the actors were great. The second thing that impressed me was how simple the sets were. There was usually only one or two pieces that told you where the scene was taking place, but along with the lighting and sound, it was easily put together and it worked very well.The one problem I had with it was during the play I was under the impression that the room with the couch was some kind of common room for the building, but while reading the study guide, found out that it was supposed to be Fraulein Schneider’s room. This confused me because I don ’t get why Fraulein Kost would be bringing her sailors through Fraulein Schneider’s room, but I guess they needed some place to show that part of the story.Also, there were times when there was just too much happening on stage and I got dizzy and confused as to what I should be paying attention to. Over all, I was impressed with their use of space and simplicity. Cabaret was performed on a thrust stage which also added to the feeling of unity and closeness between the performers and the audience. I think that in a play that is meant to make you feel like a part of the show, which Cabaret definitely is, this is important. It was one more way of pulling the audience in and making us â€Å"part† of the show.With this stage the action was happening within almost arm length of the front row and there was even a point at the beginning right before the show that actors were talking to the audience. It helped us relate more to the story then if they used a proscenium st age and told the story â€Å"at us†. Next, I think that the costumes were perfect, they did a wonderful job of depicting the many characters. They were sexy and scandalous for those at the Kit Kat Klub, yet did not hinder the actors from doing the many dance numbers, and showed the modesty and decency of characters like Fraulein Schneider.Along with the scenery, the costumes helped so there was no guess work as to where and when the story took place, the lifestyles lived by the various characters, their personalities and who they were as people. I have to add that after seeing the show, me and some of my friends, even one of the guys, wanted to dress up as dancers from the Kit Kat Klub for Halloween. I think they did a terrific job and instead of distracting, they made the story that much more entertaining, especially the guys in fishnets!Lastly, I thought all the singing and dancing really enhanced the show. I was worried that it would be hard to follow the story line with t hem singing parts of the script, but not at all. I think that it livened up the show and made scenes that would have been boring really great. One example of this was the scene where Fraulein Schneider sings â€Å"So What? †. It was a fun way of her character giving us a little history, without just going into a biography.Also, songs like â€Å"Two Ladies†, â€Å"Tomorrow Belongs To Me† and â€Å"If You Could See Her† express the feelings, viewpoints and ideas of the play in a manner that would have been much more difficult to do in conversation. All in all I thought it was a wonderful show and I think that everything worked well and flowed nicely. The few problems that I did have were minor and didn’t take away from the overall experience. The actors, director, and everyone else who had a part in this show should be proud, they made me truly enjoy myself and am looking forward to seeing more.

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Is The God Squad s System Is Flawed Essay - 1826 Words

Does human life have intrinsic value? When considering the value of human life, I think it is very important to understand that the value of life is inherent and cannot be determined by how it is used. Due to this, we cannot use the value of life as a standard to judge upon because the value of human life is equally intrinsic. Therefore, the organ’s value must be highly considered as well as preserving the greatest amount of life. In this paper I will contend that the God Squad’s system is flawed because it fails to consider how the resource could be used most effectively through establishing instrumental value of human life. I will also argue that the essential value should be the prosperity of the organ and patient in order to ensure the organ is not wasted. Therefore, I propose that Rhonda Ryder should be put on the list. I will proceed as follows: I will explain that the God Squad’s central value, when determining who should receive a limited resource, is the candidate’s value to society. Then, I will thoroughly outline the approach that would be taken by the committee and critically assess this decision by arguing that it is flawed because it fails to consider how the resource could be used most effectively or the intrinsic value of human life. I will also claim that the God Squad should consider the prosperity of the organ and patient in order to ensure the organ is not wasted. Following this criteria, I will then explain that Ryder should be put on the list becauseShow MoreRelatedThe Death Penalty Is Justified And Ethical1190 Words   |  5 Pagesintroduced by the European Settlers that came to the new world. Since then, there have been major improvements to the system. For example, the method of execution was changed many times before the current method, lethal injection. 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Friday, December 27, 2019

Mischief, Mayhem, in Tyler We Trust a Textual Analysis of...

Psychological disorders are widely represented in films, as well as in other media texts such as novels, television shows, etc. One film that portrays more than one example of a psychological disorder is Fight Club, a Twentieth Century Fox movie released with an R rating in 1999. Directed by David Fincher; and produced by Art Linson, Cean Chaffin, and Ross Grayson Bell, the movie mainly introduces Dissociative Identity Disorders (also known as Multiple Personality Disorders), but also hints at insomnia and depression. The movie is adapted from the book Fight Club written by Chuck Palahniuk. Fox marketed the movie using a myriad of merchandise, including posters, the soundtrack, and even email addresses (yourname@fightclub.com) (CNN).†¦show more content†¦Tyler gives the impression that he lives life to the fullest, and appears to be the complete opposite of Narrator/Jack. When Narrator/Jack returns home after his business trip, he stands below his condo, which he loved and watches as it and all of his beloved material possessions, which made him feel complete burns away. Narrator/Jack thought that he needed all of his expensive material objects to feel complete; because where others obtained these objects for necessity he used them to measure his self-worth. Sociologists call the process of actively creating meaning in this way the ‘social construction of reality. This means that, while reality exists, we must negotiate the meaning of that reality (Croteau Hoynes 7). Left with no place to go, Narrator/Jack first calls Marla but quickly changes his mind at the last moment and contacts Tyler instead. They go out and have some drinks after which Tyler tells Jack that he can stay with him. After agreeing to move in together, in return Tyler asks Jack to hit him as hard as he can. Hesitantly, Narrator/Jack agrees and they end up fighting in the parking lot of the bar which gives both of them a bit of release and happiness. Narrator/Jacks rea ction upon reaching Tylers house, lacking normal electricity and looking as though it may collapse at any second, is one of shock and disgust as it isShow MoreRelated Mischief, Mayhem, In Tyler We Trust: A Textual Analysis of Personality Disorders as Depicted in the Film Fight Club2621 Words   |  11 Pages Psychological disorders are widely represented in films, as well as in other media texts such as novels, television shows, etc. One film that portrays more than one example of a psychological disorder is Fight Club, a Twentieth Century Fox movie released with an R rating in 1999. Directed by David Fincher; and produced by Art Linson, Cean Chaffin, and Ross Grayson Bell, the movie mainly introduces Dissociative Identity Disorders (also known as Multiple Personality Disorders), but also hints at insomnia

Thursday, December 19, 2019

A rose for Emily evaluation Analysis - 831 Words

A rose for Emily evaluation Analysis English composition II Professor Polnac The short story A Rose for Emily is the tale about Emily Grierson and the time leading to her death. Emily was raised by her father to have a sense of class and expectation to be treated as such. Emily grew up in an era where black women were not allowed to be on the street without aprons, this was set into motion by her father. Her house was on one of the nicer streets in the town and was kept well. Emily was raised by her controlling father who never thought any suitor for his girl was good enough. He had made arrangements when Emily was a child that he should never have to pay taxes. This was indicative of the power her family once reveled in.†¦show more content†¦The new suitor, Homer, begins to drive Emily around and show her attention. The townspeople were happy thinking that poor Emily would marry Homer but when she did not they viewed it as inappropriate. Homer disappears from the story soon after there was talk that Emily wanted to be wed. Years pass, Emily dies at the age of seventy-four. At this time people are invited into her home for the first time in forty years. Upon entering the house the guests are elated to have a chance to see the room Emily had sealed up years ago. In the room they find Homer’s body laid on the bed, a suit for a wedding laid out, and indent in the pillow next to his dead body were it is believed Emily slept. The main character of this story is Emily Grierson. The author does a good job of introducing her to the story noting in the first sentence, â€Å"When Miss Emily Grierson died, our whole town went to her funeral†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Bohner 404). From the beginning the reader gets a sense of interest in Emily and that she was played an important role in her town. Emily’s character as described by the narrator is very consistent. She was raised as a person of wealth who was sheltered from the outside world. Emily seems to have a lack of finesse when dealing with other people finesse, a person of wealth and class should have. Emily’s character was strong yet weak at the same time and the narrator notes this in her altercation with the druggist. â€Å"She carried her head high enough-evenShow MoreRelatedRhetorical Analysis Of `` Catch `` By Chris Leggett Essay1200 Words   |  5 Pageswhat one is writing about and effectively delivering it. In the sample essay, Tossing Metaphors Together in Robert Francis s Catch by Chris Leggett, Leggett writes an analysis paper in which he analyzes the extended metaphor of the poem. While in the sample essay, How William Faulkner s Narrator Cultivates a Rose for Emily by Tony Groulx, Groulx writes a research paper where he researches various aspects of the story. These two essays demonstrate two distinct approaches taken to discuss a poemRead MoreA Rose For Emily By William Faulkner1829 Words   |  8 PagesBaker Layton ENG 2212 1 May 2016 Miss Emily Grierson, the main character in William Faulkner’s short story â€Å"A Rose for Emily,† is definitely an odd character by the standards of an average reader. The character analysis of Miss Emily could follow any number of roads. It would be hard as a reader not to examine her from a psychological perspective as well as within the context that surrounds the character. Throughout the short story of Faulkner’s â€Å"A Rose for Emily,† Miss Emily’s peculiar and unstableRead Moreuna‚Äà ²ÃƒÅ Ãƒ ²ÃƒËœ1561 Words   |  7 Pagescited. tba Research Assignment Due STUDY WEEK June 23rd - June 27th 8 June 30th – July 04th Tue July 01st is Canada Day (College closed) Elements of Fiction Chopin, â€Å"The Story of an Hour† 9 July 07th – July 11th Faulkner, â€Å"A Rose for Emily† Essay #2 10 July 14th – July 18th Comparison Contrast Walker, â€Å"Everyday Use† 11 July 21st – July 25th Documentation Review Carver, â€Å"Cathedral† Essay #3 12 July 28th – Aug., 01st Argument TBA 13 Aug. 05th – Aug. 08th Read MoreEssay about Mittell’s Television Genre Theory and Louie 2316 Words   |  10 Pagesexamination of genre within a cultural context is useful, particularly when applied to post-network television programming. 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An analysis of State health policy by the federal government projects that premiums for insurance for employer based programs will increase from 12,298 in 2008 to 23,842Read MoreANALIZ TEXT INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS28843 Words   |  116 Pagesï » ¿TEXT INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS The purpose of Text Interpretation and Analysis is a literary and linguistic commentary in which the reader explains what the text reveals under close examination. Any literary work is unique. It is created by the author in accordance with his vision and is permeated with his idea of the world. The reader’s interpretation is also highly individual and depends to a great extent on his knowledge and personal experience. That’s why one cannot lay down a fixed â€Å"model†Read MoreInternal Audit as an Effective Internal Control System at Ongc17652 Words   |  71 PagesPROFILE ï‚ · Objectives ï‚ · Research Methodology 5. 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Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Miranda Fact Pattern Analysis free essay sample

Students will analyze the following fact pattern and discuss how Miranda v. Arizona and subsequent rulings apply. Four police officers storm an apartment of a suspected drug trafficker with a history of illegal firearm possession. The officers, exercising a valid search warrant, conduct a quick sweep of the apartment to account for all individuals inside, discovering the suspect in the living room reclining in a chair. The officers immediately handcuff the suspect, place him in an upright position, and explain the reason for being there. Then, the officers asked the suspect, Is there anything we need to be aware of? The suspect responds that a loaded semi-automatic pistol is under the bed in the master bedroom. Officers also find nearby, used drug paraphernalia and a box of unused bullets. Over the course of two hours the officers discover various amounts of illicit weapons, drugs, and money throughout the dwelling. After about 45 minutes into the raid, the suspect asks a nearby officer, â€Å"Why are you picking on me? † and asks in jest whether he should call his cousin â€Å"Vinny the Lawyer†. We will write a custom essay sample on Miranda Fact Pattern Analysis or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Another officer proceeds to ask the suspect if there was â€Å"more to find†. The suspect says â€Å"yes† and then leads them to a closet full of shoeboxes containing cocaine and marijuana. After the second exchange, and two hours after entering the dwelling, one of the officers reads the suspect his Miranda warnings. The defense attorney has filed a motion to suppress each of the statements made by the suspect and the pistol and shoeboxes containing cocaine and marijuana seized during the execution of the warrant. Please do a 3-4 page memorandum of law evaluating the issues raised and citing appropriate authority and case law in support of your opinion as to whether or not the Court should grant the motion as to the statements and evidence seized. Your memorandum should include a statement of the facts, the issues presented, summary of relevant case law, application of the relevant law to the facts of this case and a conclusion. When the officer handcuff the suspect the officer should read the Miranda right to the suspect right away. After reading the Miranda right the officer can ask the suspect questions.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Snow Goose Overpopulation Essay Example

Snow Goose Overpopulation Paper The Overpopulation of the Snow Goose in North America Abstract The purpose of this paper is to explore available research on the overpopulation of the Snow Goose on the North American continent. The snow goose has been rising in population since the middle of the century and has been escalating so much it is destroying their natural habitat. Wildlife managers have just recently begun to implement strategies to combat this problem. Mainly through the use of hunters the managers are trying to curb the population growth. Introduction There are three main species of Snow Goose of primary concern. The Lesser Snow Goose (LOGO) is the must abundant and at the same time most troublesome. Rossi Goose (ERGO) is very similar to the Lesser and can only be distinguished by close observation. Both the Lesser and the Ross nest in salt marshes along Hudson Bay and then migrate down to the gulf coast states such as Texas and Louisiana. Their populations number in the millions. The third sub species is the Greater Snow Goose. They nest in the same marshes as the others except they migrate down the Atlantic Coast into the Carolinas and that vicinity. All three species have exploded in numbers since he sasss. Researchers have done a lot of study on the numbers and the degradation but may need to do more studies on the impact to other species and look for other options to control the populations. Population Trends The numbers of all light colored geese has been on the rise since data was first collected. The Lesser Snow Goose (LOGO) has drastically increased in number since data was first taken. Numbers range from around 800,000 in 1969 to as many as 6 million in 1996 (COWS 1999). We will write a custom essay sample on Snow Goose Overpopulation specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Snow Goose Overpopulation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Snow Goose Overpopulation specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer While the Greater snow Goose (EGGS) has risen in numbers from a few thousand to almost 500,000 COWS 1999). This brief article did not provide much insight into actual numbers. Abraham and Jiffies in their report dig deeper and provide more significant and detailed population counts. Their numbers add in the Mid- winter index, which is the number of geese counted during mid-winter and referred to as MI. Their numbers also have a count for Ross Goose (ERGO) which primarily flies with the (LOGO) and is very hard to distinguish (Abraham and Jiffies 1998). They too suggest the LOGO population to be around 800,000 in 1 969 and in 1994 about 2. 4 million. Although it is suggested that he number is low due an undercount during the winter and a more precise count may be taken when nesting in spring. The population of Greater Snow Goose has reached 612,000 from around 50,000 in the mid sasss. Rossi Goose has increased from 8,000 in 1957 to nearly 500,000 in 1995 (Abraham and Jiffies). The Texas Department of Fish and Wildlife states that the population of wintering snow geese has remained constant. They imply this is due to the fact that the geese have spread their winter range into other states (TADS 1999). As indicated earlier it is very hard to count wintering rids because such a large number of wintering areas. Below are a few graphs of these population trends (COWS 1 999) (Insisting 98) (Insisting 1 998) Factors contributing to High Population The snow goose problem is a wildlife managers nightmare. Through prudent restrictions on birds taken as game, and the increase in refuges coupled with excellent habitat in the birds entire range. It is estimated that there is nearly 900,000 ha of rice fields over the snow gooses winter range (Abraham and Jiffies 1998). This is in addition to the typical salt marsh wintering ground. Abraham and Jiffies suggest that farther to the North in dates like Nebraska and North Dakota the conversion of grassland prairie into cereal grains has provided a tremendous amount of food for the geese. In addition it has also blurred the area typically considered the wintering range. It may also provide a natural rest stop along the way for migrating birds assuring greater health at nesting grounds (Abraham and Jiffies 1998). The establishment of refugees has reduced the amount of birds taken by hunters allowing more birds to complete a full migration cycle (COWS 1999). Hunting of the Greater Snow Goose was banned in the us from 1931-75 Abraham and Jiffies 1998). Hunting was not allowed to promote population numbers, and once started in 1 975 did not have a high harvest. The LOGO and ERGO starting in the middle of the asss and continually have extended their nesting range south into less extreme climate (Abraham and Jiffies 1998). It has also been suggested that since birds are now living longer the older adults are now leading the less wary young to safer sites and out of hunters range (Insisting 1998). Insisting also suggests that the artic may be warming and as Abraham and Jiffies cited there has been shown a relation between the snow melt and survival of nesting birds and their young. According to Hodge the annual kill by hunters in 1 970 neared 40% but in 1994 the rate had dropped to less than 8%. Thus allowing a great deal of the adult population to return to nesting sites in the spring. Impact on habitat The snow geese still nest in a primarily salt marsh environment. The geese have a detrimental feeding behavior in which they pull up the marsh grass by the roots. This behavior is know as grubbing and when done in mass quantities can destroy whole marshes for decades. A project known as the Hudson Bay Project: Ecosystem Studies and Conservation of Coastal Arctic Tundra has done extensive research onto the effects of the snow goose population on the area around Hudson Bay. Researchers there estimate that it takes decades to replace a marsh that has been decimated by the geese. It has been shown by the Hudson Bay Project that repeated grubbing on the salt marsh in the Hudson Bay area has effectively depleted a large percentage of the available marsh. The geese completely strip the marsh of grass, and can ruin a marsh for a long period of time. The project researchers set up exclusion zones where they fenced off part of the marsh to demonstrate and measure the effects of grubbing and overpopulation on marshes. The exclusion zone would maintain green patch of grass while the rest of the marsh would become barren and undesirable (Hudson Bay Project 1999). Some have suggested they are damaging the crops in their winter range, but it is also known that a large portion of their winter food is waste grain, not a huge environmental impact as in their nesting grounds. It is estimated nearly 35 percent of their nesting territory has been completely destroyed and another 30 percent so badly damaged that is not viable and the remaining 35 percent is in grave danger of becoming wasted (Hodge 1999). Exclusion zones showing marsh grass depletion. (Hudson Bay Project) Degraded marsh. (Hudson Bay Project) Impact on other Species The impact on other species is the major whole I have seen in the research done to date, I had a real hard time finding any concrete evidence that the high number of geese was negatively affecting other species. The Hudson Bay Project and Hodge both claim that it is and will affect other species such as ducks and shore birds. While it might be easy to draw the conclusion that grading of their habitat will send the populations into decline just dont see much hard evidence, and it would be nice in future studies to have a correlation between the increase in Snow goose population and a decrease in say the yellow rail population. Abraham and Jiffies make and excellent point The scale of the problem and associated level of risk to the broader populations requires intensive study, including some calculation of the proportion of total range of the species affected by goose damage. It is clear, however, that the interaction is dynamic, and the rapid occupation of new areas by geese increases the threat to other species even as the effects are being calculated. Management Strategies The general consensus among many groups is that a very large percentage of the population needs to be eliminated. There are two main ways now that birds a killed. That is through aboriginal egging and Recreational hunting. The amount to which hunting is disputed (Paul 1999). Paul points to seemingly different numbers by two different groups each suggesting the recommended kill or harvest of the Snow goose. Mrs.. Paul also points out that on the extreme end the harvest rate would have to increase by 9 fold to eave the desired effect on the overall population. To have this desired effect the US and Canadian governments have agreed to expand hunting in hopes of nabbing more birds. Texas even has proposed a special permit for some hunters that would allow them to take as many as 100 more birds than they did last year. The Canadian government is also looking into Ways to encourage aboriginal peoples to take more eggs for subsistence. States are being encouraged to do what is necessary to increase hunting opportunities for the Snow goose. Some are considering putting pressure on private land owners to allow more hunting. Refugee managers are also toying with opening up more hunting on previously denoted safe zones. Manitoba has opened up a special Lesser Snow Goose hunting season in the spring and allowed hunters to use electronic calls (COWS 1999). Electronic calls are thought to increase the chances for hunters. Will it Work? One of the main concerns for all involved is will it work? Paul stresses the point that we must consider if the strategies will allow for complete recovery of the grass. Should the Refuge system be modified? Are our practices for other migratory birds going to lead to similar problems? (Paul 1 999) It is estimated that hunters will need to kill over 900,000 geese a year for over a decade to make any kind of dent in the population (Hodge 1999). Some are skeptical that hunters can take that many birds to begin with, let alone the fact that to many that seems like a merciless slaughter of innocent animals. Conclusion It appears that one thing is very clear there is an overpopulation of Snow Geese on the North American Continent. The situation is almost out Of hand and something needs to be done fast. Although there has enough research on the fact that there are simply to many geese there really has not been enough on the impacts to other species, and what is the best way to take care of the problem.