Approaches to Diversity Education: A Critical Assessment

The idea that differences in race, gender, religion, sexuality, age - or other categories deemed unworthy of group inclusion shouldn’t matter when it comes to people’s access to all that a society has to offer is central to the teaching of diversity. Diversity courses can be powerful vehicles, not only for teaching students about social change and reclaiming the principles of past and present civil rights leaders, but also for refuting the notion that we already live in a largely egalitarian society. This paper examines what a small sample of diversity texts employ with respect to key concepts and definitions. It also makes recommendations for changes and tools to help move the discussion from diversity and tolerance to inclusion and social justice. Lastly, it argues that there is need for specific training for faculty who teach about diversity in order for them to be prepared for some of the critical questions they will be asked by their students

Are Library Users Also Computer Users? A Survey of Faculty and Implications for Services.

Describes the results of a survey of faculty members at Western Michigan University which was conducted to explore the relationship between faculty use of university libraries and faculty use of computers. Implications for libraries are discussed, including computer databases, faculty assistance, collaboration with computing staff, and marketing of electronic services

HIV-1 molecular epidemiology of Central American patients residing in Spain

48 p.El objetivo principal de este estudio es examinar la distribución de formas genéticas del VIH-1 en pacientes centroamericanos residentes en España y su agrupamiento en clusters, con el fin de determinar el probable lugar de adquisición de los virus. Un segundo objetivo es analizar genomas completos de VIH-1 de dichos pacientes, con especial atención a los virus de clusters centroamericanos. Se analizaron secuencias del gen pol de 124 pacientes centroamericanos residentes en España, junto con 100.990 secuencias de todo el mundo, obtenidas de bases de datos públicas, y 15.005 obtenidas en la Unidad de Biología y Variabilidad del VIH de pacientes de 13 comunidades autónomas de España. La vía de transmisión predominante fue la de hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (69%). El 81% de las secuencias era de subtipo B, agrupando 88% en clusters, distribuidos de este modo: 42% en clusters españoles, 25% en clusters centroamericanos (todos de subtipo B) y 11% y 9% en clusters latinoamericanos no centroamericanos y de otros países, respectivamente. En análisis de genomas completos, se obtuvieron secuencias de >7,7 kb en 8 muestras, destacando la secuenciación de 4 genomas de un gran cluster centroamericano que comprende el 46% de las secuencias de Centroamérica y 3 genomas de otros 2 clusters centroamericanos. Este estudio muestra que una proporción importante de pacientes centroamericanos infectados por VIH-1 residentes en España adquirieron el virus en España y contribuye al conocimiento de las variantes del VIH-1 circulantes en Centroamérica, caracterizándose los primeros genomas completos de variantes centroamericanas del VIH-1.The main objective of this study is to examine the distribution of HIV-1 genetic forms in Central American patients residing in Spain and their grouping into clusters, to determine the probable place of acquisition of the virus. A second objective is to analyze full-length HIV-1 genomes from these patients, with special attention to viruses from Central American clusters. Sequences of the pol gene from 124 Central American patients residing in Spain were analyzed, along with 100,990 sequences from around the world, obtained from public databases, and 15,005 obtained at the HIV Biology and Variability Unit from patients from 13 regions from Spain. The predominant transmission route was men who have sex with men (69%). 80.6% of the sequences were of subtype B, with 87.9% grouping in clusters, distributed as follows: 42% in Spanish clusters, 25% in Central American clusters (all of subtype B) and 11% Latin American non-Central American clusters and 9% in clusters from other 3 countries. In full-length genome analyses, sequences of >7.7 kb were obtained in 8 samples, among which the sequencing of 4 genomes from a large Central American cluster comprising 46% of Central American sequences and of 3 genomes from 2 other Central American clusters should be highlighted. This study shows that a significant proportion of Central American patients residing in Spain acquired HIV-1 in Spain and contributes to the knowledge of the HIV-1 variants circulating in Central America.Máster Universitario en Microbiología Aplicada a la Salud Pública e Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas (M138

Polarization sensing using submarine optical cables

Observation of polarization modulation at the output of a submarine link, extracted from a standard coherent telecom receiver, can be used to monitor geophysical events such as sea waves and earthquakes occurring along the cable. We analyze the effect of birefringence perturbations on the polarization at the output of a long-haul submarine transmission system, and provide analytical expressions instrumental to understanding the dependence of the observed polarization modulation on the amplitude and spatial extension of the observed events. By symmetry considerations, we show that in standard single mode fibers with random polarization coupling, if polarization fluctuations are caused by strain or pressure, the relative birefringence fluctuations are equal to the relative fluctuations of the polarization averaged phase. We finally show that pressure induced strain is a plausible explanation of the origin of polarization modulations observed in a long submarine link. The presented analysis paves the way for the transformation of transoceanic fiber optic links during operation into powerful sensing tools for otherwise inaccessible geophysical events occurring in the deep ocean

NEW ACOUSTIC METHODS FOR NONDESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION OF LEATHER QUALITY

Currently, there is no on-line test method to monitor the physical properties of semi-products such as wet blue or crust during the leather-making processes. Inferior leather semi-products, such as wet blue, cannot be downgraded earlier or removed before going through many expensive processes (including retanning, fatliquoring, dyeing, drying, staking, milling and finishing). Therefore, developing a nondestructive tester to perform on-line testing of the physical properties of semi-products is very desirable. Recently ARS transferred its knowledge gained over the years to Physical Acoustics Corporation (PAC) and collaborated with the leather industry in order to produce an on-line nondestructive acoustic emission tester. This paper discusses the activities performed by PAC, ARS, and the Seton Company during the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I project “Acoustic Emission for the Characterization of Leather.” The main objective of this project was to demonstrate the feasibility of using AE and Airborne UT to assess, characterize, and classify the quality level of various types of leather. The results obtained in this project show that it is feasible to use AE for the evaluation of leather quality during the manufacturing process. A newly designed AE system for the evaluation of leather quality is discussed in this paper. This system, which combines a handheld AE instrument with a rolling sensor probe, offers the potential for testing entire hides in the manufacturing plant. Data could be gathered from different sections of the hide, along different directions with respect to the backbone, and during different stages in the manufacturing process. Finally, we reported a simple method using a mechanical stopwatch as an acoustic wave source. Hits rate were collected when sound traveled though the leather samples. Results show a strong correlation between tensile strength and cumulative hits. RESUMENActualmente, no hay un método de prueba en la línea de producción para monitorear las propiedades físicas de productos semi-elaborados tales como wet-blue o semi-terminados durante los procesos de la fabricación del cuero. Los productos semi-elaborados como el wet blue de inferior calidad, no pueden ser deseleccionados al inicio o desviados de la línea de producción, sin antes pasar por muchos procesos costosos (que incluyen el recurtido, el engrasado, el teñido, el secado, el estirado, el ablandado y el acabado). Por lo tanto, el desarrollar una prueba no destructiva para realizar durante el procesamiento comprobando las propiedades físicas de productos semi-elaborados, es muy deseable. Recientemente ARS [Servicio de Investigación Agrícola del Departamento de Agricultura de los EEUU.] transfirió sus conocimientos de muchos años a la Physical Acoustics Corporation (PAC) y colaboró recientemente con la industria del cuero para producir un método de ensayo no destructivo durante la producción usando un probador de emisión acústica. Este trabajo discute las actividades realizadas por PAC, ARS, y la Seton Company durante un proyecto de innovación para la micro-empresa (SBIR), durante la primera fase del proyecto "emisión acústica para la caracterización del cuero" [AE]. El objetivo principal de este proyecto era demostrar la viabilidad de usar AE y UT aéreo para determinar, caracterizar, y clasificar el nivel de la calidad en varios tipos de cuero. Los resultados obtenidos en este proyecto demuestran que es factible utilizar AE para la evaluación de la calidad de cuero durante el proceso de fabricación. Un nuevo sistema diseñado de AE para la evaluación de la calidad de cuero se discute en este trabajo. Este sistema, que combina un instrumento manual de AE con un sensor rotativo [ver JALCA Nov. 2005 pg. 440], ofrece el potencial para probar pieles enteras en la planta fabril. Se pueden recopilar los datos de las distintas secciones de la piel, a lo largo de diversas direcciones con respecto al lomo del cuero, y durante diversas etapas en el proceso de fabricación. Finalmente, divulgamos un método simple usando un cronómetro mecánico como fuente de la onda acústica. La cantidad de impactos acústicos fue determinada cuando el sonido atravesaba las muestras de cuero. Los resultados demuestran una fuerte correlación entre la resistencia a la tracción del cuero y los golpes acústicos acumulados

Fortalecimiento de la identidad cultural afrocolombiana de los estudiantes del grado transición de la Institución Educativa Antonia Santos, sede San Luís Gonzaga.

This article presents some playful pedagogical strategies for the strengthening of the Afro-Colombian cultural identity in the students of the transition degree of an Educational Institution with an ethno-educational focus, located in the city of Cartagena, defining concepts related to cultural identity from an Afro perspective, Diagnostic activities were carried out to know those identity references that the students possessed, which were taken as a starting point to carry out the present work. In addition, an intervention plan was carried out in order for the students to establish their roots, thus achieving a relationship with their social and family environment. Finally, results and discussion of the same are shown, pointing out some proposals for the development of activities having as main axis the strengthening of cultural identity.El presente artículo presenta algunas estrategias lúdico pedagógicas para el  fortalecimiento de la identidad cultural afrocolombiana en los estudiantes del grado transición de una Institución Educativa con enfoque etnoeducativo e inclusivo, ubicada en la ciudad de Cartagena,  se definen conceptos referentes a la identidad cultural desde una perspectiva afro, se ejecutaron actividades diagnósticas para conocer aquellos referentes identitarios que poseían los estudiantes, las cuales se tomaron como punto de partida para realizar el presente trabajo. Además, se llevó a cabo un plan de intervención con el fin de que los estudiantes afianzaran sus referentes culturales, logrando así que lo relacionaran con su entorno social, cultural y familiar. Por último, se muestran resultados y discusión de la misma señalando algunas propuestas para el desarrollo de actividades teniendo como eje principal el fortalecimiento de la identidad cultural

Fortalecimiento de la identidad cultural afrocolombiana de los estudiantes del grado transición de la Institución Educativa Antonia Santos, sede San Luís Gonzaga.

El presente artículo presenta algunas estrategias lúdico pedagógicas para el  fortalecimiento de la identidad cultural afrocolombiana en los estudiantes del grado transición de una Institución Educativa con enfoque etnoeducativo e inclusivo, ubicada en la ciudad de Cartagena,  se definen conceptos referentes a la identidad cultural desde una perspectiva afro, se ejecutaron actividades diagnósticas para conocer aquellos referentes identitarios que poseían los estudiantes, las cuales se tomaron como punto de partida para realizar el presente trabajo. Además, se llevó a cabo un plan de intervención con el fin de que los estudiantes afianzaran sus referentes culturales, logrando así que lo relacionaran con su entorno social, cultural y familiar. Por último, se muestran resultados y discusión de la misma señalando algunas propuestas para el desarrollo de actividades teniendo como eje principal el fortalecimiento de la identidad cultural

Toward ending segregation in the 1980s

The conflict concerning desegregation in the 1970s has roots and implications that extend beyond schooling to all aspects of life in metropolitan America. The issue is whether the ghettoization of blacks in areas distinct and separate from protected white enclaves will continue as the vehicle for imposing caste inequality. The challenge for the 1980s is to develop constructive policies and practices in education and training, jobs and housing, and urban development and taxation that will work to end the mutually destructive process of racial segregation across the national landscape. This article explores a number of control, incentive, market, and cooperative approaches to breaching the color line of racial ghettoization.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/43868/1/11256_2005_Article_BF01956009.pd

Biocompatibility In Vitro Tests of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Regular and White Portland Cements

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Portland cement are being used in dentistry as root end-filling materials. However, biocompatibility data concerning genotoxicity and cytotoxicity are needed for complete risk assessment of these compounds. In the present study, genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of MTA and Portland cements were evaluated in vitro using the alkaline single cell gel (comet) assay and trypan blue exclusion test, respectively, on mouse lymphoma cells. The results demonstrated that the single cell gel (comet) assay failed to detect DNA damage after a treatment of cells by MTA and Portland cements for concentrations up to 1000 mu g/ml. Similarly, results showed that none of the compounds tested were cytotoxic. Taken together, these results seem to indicate that MTA and Portland cements are not genotoxins and do not induce cellular death.Univ Estadual Paulista Julio Mesquita Filho, Fac Med Botucatu, Dept Patol, TOXICAN,Ctr Genotoxins & Carcinogens Evaluat, BR-18618000 Botucatu, SP, BrazilUniv Sagrado Coracao, Dept Dent Clin, Bauru, BrazilUniv Estadual Paulista Julio Mesquita Filho, Fac Med Botucatu, Dept Patol, TOXICAN,Ctr Genotoxins & Carcinogens Evaluat, BR-18618000 Botucatu, SP, Brazi