Listening to Silence, Reading the Unwritten: Articulating the Voice of the Racial Other in White Male Discourse

This thesis explores literary representations in white male discourse of the voices of the racial Other. Tracing a chronological development from colonial to postcolonial texts, it closely analyzes the wider political and ethical implications of these representations in Daniel Defoe’s "Robinson Crusoe", Joseph Conrad’s "Heart of Darkness", Albert Camus’ "L’Étranger" and ‘L’Hôte’, J.M. Coetzee’s "Foe" and "Disgrace", J.M.G. Le Clézio’s "Onitsha" and Cormac McCarthy’s "No Country for Old Men". At the core of my research is the question how can white male writers resist the dominance of Eurocentric consciousness and be a witness to the racial Other and articulate his/her voice without recourse to prejudice and stereotyping. The representation of the Other transitions from the anonymity of slavery in colonial texts to identified and identifiable individuals in postcolonial writings. Through these novels the impact of national Independence, freedom from racial oppression and immigration ? all legal expressions of freely articulated voice ? can be observed on the traditional colonial power relationship. As a consequence, dominated, silenced voices gradually develop into silent refusals of acquiescence that withhold information. The impact of such resistance is frequently paralleled by a crisis of male identity and the declining stature of the white male protagonists who suffer imprisonment, death, sickness, confusion or defeat, as gestures symbolic of the decline of white patriarchal systems and challenges to accepted concepts of identity, humanity, justice, good and evil. In a globalized world the category of the Other encourages us to think beyond the known and recognize the validity of ideologies that challenge the authority of our own

For the Love of the Child: Bestowing Value amidst Inconsistent Inclusive Education Beliefs and Practices for One Student with Severe Disabilities

In this article, we chart developments of inclusive education practice and policy inAlberta, Canada, and conclude that much remains to be done toward achieving an educational system where all students, including those with severe disabilities, feel welcome and valued. We argue a need for deeper understandings of parent and educator beliefs about, and practices of, inclusive education in order to promote “mutual adaptation,” built on shared beliefs and consistent practices. To this end, we present an instrumental case study examination of the inclusion experience of one Canadian student with a severe disability described from multiple parent and educator perspectives. We call attention to inconsistencies in educator beliefs and practices, yet we draw out shared beliefs rooted in “love of the child.” Our study derives from Paulo Freire’s understanding of love as key to educational pedagogy (1968/1970, 2005), and we uphold love as a point of convergence for parents, educators, and other educational stakeholders striving for more consistent approaches to inclusive education

Invasive Alien Species in an Era of Globalization

Globalization facilitates the spread of invasive alien species (IAS) as international commerce develops new trade routes, markets, and products. New technologies increase the pace at which humans and commodities can move around the world. Recent research on IAS at the global scale has examined commerce and travel in order to inform predictions, risk analyses, and policy. Due to limited data, regional-scale studies have primarily focused on invasion patterns rather than impacts. Local-scale experimental research can identify mechanisms and impacts of biological invasions, but the results may not be applicable at larger spatial scales. However, the number of information networks devoted to IAS is increasing globally and may help integrate IAS research at all scales, particularly if data sharing and compatibility can be improved. Integrating ecological and economic factors with trade analysis to explore the effectiveness of different approaches for preventing invasions is a promising approach at the global scale. La globalización facilita la extensión de especies invasoras no-nativas (EIN) por medio del aumento del comercio internacional en nuevas rutas, mercados y productos. Nuevas tecnologías incrementan la tasa de movimiento de seres humanos y sus comodidades alrededor del mundo. Investigaciones recientes sobre las EIN a la escala mundial han examinado el comercio y la transportación para poder informar predicciones, riesgos ecológicos y políticas. Debido a los datos limitados, los estudios a la escala regional se han concentrado en los patrones de invasión de las EIN en lugar de sus impactos. Los estudios experimentales a la escala local pueden identificar mecanismos e impactos de estas invasiones biológicas, pero los resultados no pueden ser aplicados a grandes escalas. Sin embargo, el número de redes de información dedicados a las EIN esta incrementando a nivel mundial y podrán ayudar integrar este tema de investigación a todas las escalas, particularmente si se mejora la accesibili-dad y la compatibilidad de los datos. La integración de factores ecológicos y económicos con el análisis de patrones de comercio es un método prometedor para explorar la eficacia de diferentes estrategias diseñadas para prevenir invasiones a la escala global

LOCALIZANDO A CRITICIDADE NA POLÍTICA: A CONTÍNUA LUTA POR JUSTIÇA SOCIAL NA AGENDA DA EDUCAÇÃO FÍSICA ESCOLAR

There is a sense of unfulfilled promise as one reflects on the progress of the critical project in Physical Education (PE) at the turn of the second decade of the 21st century. Quality scholarship continues to emerge around critical pedagogy in PE, evidencing sustained commitment to its promise to provide learners with personal and intellectual resources needed in navigating productive healthy futures in an increasingly complex world. In this paper we discuss select examples of contemporary research to demonstrate ongoing struggles in practice-based contexts and revisit barriers that continue to restrict the translational aspirations of critical scholars. Focusing on PE as a cultural and curriculum practice in Australian schools, we give primacy to the ways in Critical Pedagogy. Hay un sentimiento de promesa no cumplida cuando se analiza el progreso del proyecto crítico de la Educación Física desde el giro de la segunda década del siglo XXI. Estudios de calidad continúan a emerger en torno a la pedagogía crítica de la Educación Física, evidenciando el prolongado compromiso con su promesa de ofrecer a los aprendices recursos personales e intelectuales que son necesarios en la orientación de productivos futuros saludables en un mundo cada vez más complejo. Además, igualmente importante es la crítica a la falta de traducción en cualquier medio que impacte en la Educación Física escolar convencional. En ese artículo discutimos destacados ejemplos de investigaciones contemporáneas que demuestran las continuas luchas en contextos prácticos y revisita barreras que continúan restringiendo las aspiraciones de los discursos críticos. Con foco en la Educación Física como una práctica cultural y curricular en las escuelas australianas, priorizamos los modos por los cuales políticas directivas pueden ser mejor movilizadas para capacitar la agenda crítica.Há um sentimento de promessa não realizada quando se analisa o progresso do projeto crítico da Educação Física desde a virada da segunda década do século XXI.  Estudos de qualidade continuam a emergir em torno da pedagogia crítica da Educação Física, evidenciando o prolongado comprometimento com sua promessa de fornecer aos aprendizes recursos pessoais e intelectuais que são necessários na orientação de produtivos futuros sadios num mundo cada mais complexo. Ademais, igualmente importante é a crítica a falta de tradução em qualquer meio que impacte na Educação Física escolar convencional. Neste artigo nós discutimos destacados exemplos de investigações contemporâneas que demonstram as contínuas lutas em contextos práticos e revisita barreiras que continuam a restringir as aspirações dos estudos críticos. Focando na Educação Física como uma prática cultural e curricular nas escolas australianas, nós damos primazia aos modos pelos quais políticas diretivas podem ser melhor mobilizadas para capacitar a agenda crítica

Compromised cardiovascular function in aged rats corresponds with increased expression and activity of calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase IIδ in aortic endothelium

Ageing is the greatest risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase IIδ (CaMKIIδ) plays a fundamental role in the pathology of heart disease yet a potential role for CaMKIIδ in cardiovascular pathology associated with ageing remains unclear. Taking a combined in vivo and in vitro approach, we have for the first time investigated whether CaMKIIδ expression and CaMKII activity may be altered following age-related cardiovascular deterioration. Both cardiac contractility and aortic blood flow are compromised in aged rats and we have shown that this occurs in parallel with increased inflammation and crucially, autonomous activation of CaMKII. Endothelial cells isolated from young and aged aortae exhibit differences in cell phenotype and physiology. In line with observations in aortic tissue, aged aortic endothelial cells also show increased basal levels of pro-inflammatory markers and oxidative stress with concurrent increased basal activation of CaMKII. These results are the first to demonstrate that elevated CaMKIIδ expression and CaMKII activation occur in parallel with the pathological progression associated with ageing of the heart and vasculature. Specifically, CaMKIIδ expression is significantly increased and activated in the endothelium of aged aorta. As such, CaMKIIδ could serve as an important marker of endothelial dysfunction that accompanies the ageing process and may be an appropriate candidate for investigating targeted therapeutic intervention

Whale Harvest Through Time: Unveiling the Hemispheric Contrasts in Whaling

Whales have been long known for their oils and rich blubber which has been a dish in many countries in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Some species were being hunted to near extinction. The earliest whaling began in 3000BC by Native American but commercial whaling began by the Basques in the 17th century with a huge increase in the 18th,19th and 20th centuries. This study examines how whale harvest has changed over time in years between 1900 and 1999 in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. I analyzed the data collected by Jr. Robert(2015) and looked to see if whale harvest was affected by hemisphere overtime. BIO 340 final projec

Identifying the American Goldfinch

An infographic with tips on how to identify a common backyard visitor, the American goldfinch. Animal behavior (BIO 350/350L) final projec

Observed and self-reported pesticide protective behaviors of Latino migrant and seasonal farmworkers

Agricultural pesticide exposure has potential adverse health effects for farmworkers that may be reduced by pesticide protective behaviors (PPBs). The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Worker Protection Standard (WPS) requires PPBs be taught to farmworkers prior to field work. Studies to date have not utilized observational methods to evaluate the degree to which PPBs are practiced by Latino migrant and seasonal farmworkers in the United States. The purpose of this study was to describe, compare, and contrast observed and self-reported PPBs used by Latino farmworkers; both PPBs that the WPS requires be taught and other PPBs were included. Observed and self-reported data were collected from 71 Latino farmworkers during the 2014 tobacco growing season in North Carolina. Participants were consistent in reporting and using long pants and closed shoes in the field most of the time. In addition, gloves, hats/bandanas, and water-resistant outerwear were frequently observed, although they are not required to be taught by the WPS. Farmworkers reported more long-sleeve (p = .028) and glove use (p = .000) than what was observed. It was uncommon to observe washing behavior before eating or drinking, even when washing supplies were available. Washing behaviors were significantly overreported for hand (p = .000; (p = .000) and face (p = .000; (p = .058) washing before eating and drinking in the field. This study documents that protective clothing behaviors that the WPS requires be taught, plus a few others are commonly practiced by Latino migrant and seasonal farmworkers, but washing behaviors in the field are not. Targeted strategies to improve washing behaviors in the field are needed

Pesticides: Perceived Threat and Protective Behaviors Among Latino Farmworkers

The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and beliefs of 72 Latino farmworkers in North Carolina about the threat of health effects of pesticides, including cancer. It sought to explore relationships between threat perceptions and pesticide protective behaviors observed in the field

Benefits, Facilitators, Barriers, and Strategies to Improve Pesticide Protective Behaviors: Insights from Farmworkers in North Carolina Tobacco Fields

Pesticide exposure is associated with deleterious health effects. Prior studies suggest Latino farmworkers perceive little control over their occupational health. Using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical guide, we explored the perceptions of Latino farmworkers working in tobacco in North Carolina (n = 72) about benefits and facilitators of pesticide protective behaviors as well as barriers, and strategies to overcome barriers to their use. Interviews were conducted with participants at farmworker housing during non-work time. Qualitative data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti. Farmworkers recognized pesticide protective behaviors as helping them to not get sick and stay healthy. Farmworkers perceived work experience as facilitating protective behaviors. Wetness in the field was the most commonly cited barrier to protective behavior use. To overcome this barrier, farmworkers suggested use of water-resistant outerwear, as well as packing a change of clothes for mid-day, with space and time to change provided by employers. Examination of the efficacy and feasibility of farmworkers’ suggestions for addressing barriers is warranted. Training and behavior modeling by experienced peers may improve behavior adoption and perceived control