The Girl Scouts of Rhode Island: ‘Shaping Girls into Extraordinary Women’

“The Girl Scouts of Rhode Island: `Shaping Girls into Extraordinary Women’” is a documentary film that tells the story of 18 women who were Girl Scouts of Rhode Island during the 1930s through the 1990s. The purpose of this film is to share with others the profound impact the Girl Scouts of Rhode Island has had in modeling these women into the phenomenal individuals they are today. These women were interviewed at various venues including the Girl Scouts of Rhode Island Council Office, Camp Hoffman, and one residence. The primary research methodology used was the collection of interview tapes. In addition, the Girl Scouts of Rhode Island website and several books were used to produce this film. The results indicated that while each story was unique, many of their experiences revealed a common theme: how the Girl Scouts of Rhode Island shapes girls into extraordinary women

Phylogeny and evolution of the Heterobranchia (Mollusca, Gastropoda)

Many questions regarding gastropod phylogeny have not yet been answered like the molecular confirmation of the Heterobranchia concept based on morphological studies from Haszprunar (1985a; 1988). This taxon contains the “Lower Heterobranchia” with several “primitive” or “basal” members) and the Euthyneura (with the Opisthobranchia and Pulmonata). Phylogenetic relationships of subgroups within the Heterobranchia have not been satisfactorily resolved and monophyly of some taxa within the Heterobranchia (e.g. Opisthobranchia) is questionable. Moreover, most of the “Lower Heterobranchia” have not been included in former molecular studies. In order to resolve phylogenetic relationships within the Heterobranchia, I pursued a molecular systematic approach by sequencing and analysing a variety of genetic markers (including nuclear 28S rDNA + 18S rDNA and mitochondrial 16S rDNA + COI sequences). Maximum likelihood as well as Bayesian inference methods were used for phylogenetic reconstruction. The data were investigated a priori to tree reconstruction in order to find the most appropriate dataset for reconstructing heterobranch phylogeny. A variety of statistical tests (like Chi-Square-Test or Relative-Rate-Test) were applied and the substitution saturation was measured. The Relative-Rate-Test revealed the highest evolution rates within the “Lower Heterobranchia” (Omalogyra sp., Omalogyra fusca, Murchisonella sp., Ebala sp. and Architectonica perspectiva) and Opisthobranchia (Hyalocylis striata). Furthermore, many of the nucleotide positions show a high degree of substitution saturation. Additionally, bipartitions (splits) in the alignment were examined and visualized by split network analyses to estimate data quality. A high level of conflict indicated by many parallel edges of the same lengths could be observed in the neighbournet graphs. Moreover, several taxa with long terminal branches could be identified in all three datasets belonging to the Vetigastropoda, Caenogastropoda, “Lower Heterobranchia” or Opisthobranchia (Nudipleura). All phylogenetic analyses revealed a monophyletic Heterobranchia. Within the Heterobranchia several well supported clades could be resolved. However, the traditional classification based on morphological data could not be confirmed due to paraphyletic Euthyneura (because of the inclusion of the Pyramidellidae and Glacidorboidea) as well as paraphyletic Pulmonata and polyphyletic Opisthobranchia. Based on the phylogenetic inferred evolutionary trends regarding habitat colonisation or character complexes could be deduced. A case study was conducted in order to estimate divergence ages using a “relaxed” molecular clock approach with fossils as minimum age constraints. However, due to large 95% confidence intervals a precise dating of the nodes was not possible. Hence, the results are considered as preliminary. To test the plausibility of the newly obtained hypotheses, the results were evaluated a posteriori using a hypothesis test and secondary structures of the complete 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA. Secondary structure motifs were found within domain 43 and E23 2 &5 of the 18S rRNA as well as within domain E11 and G5_1 of the 28S rRNA, which contain phylogenetic signals to support various groups within the Heterobranchia. In addition, taxon specific motifs were found separating the Vetigastropoda from the Caenogastropoda and Heterobranchia, indicating a possible application of the secondary structure of 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA to reveal phylogenetic relationships at higher taxonomic levels such as Gastropoda or even Mollusca. The utility of the newly invented software RNAsalsa for the reconstruction of secondary structures was tested. The obtained structures were used to adjust evolutionary models specific to rRNA stem (paired basepairs) and loop (unpaired basepairs) regions with the intention of improving phylogenetic results. This approach proved unsuccessful. This molecular phylogenetic investigation provides the most comprehensive molecular study of Heterobranchia relationships to date. Substantial insights into the evolution and phylogeny of this enigmatic taxon have been gained

From the Case Study Approach to Drama in ESP

In this paper, the importance of creative expression in ESP is discussed. The difference between narrative writing and dramatic writing is explained. The similarity between a case study and a dramatic text is noted. The merits of practicing reading aloud in the latter expression in ESP are pointed out, and a method for preparing a dramatic dialogue to be read aloud is given.La importancia de la expresión creativa es la materia de este artículo. Se explica la diferencia entre la escritura narrativa y la escritura teatral. Se destacan, asimismo, la similitud entre un estudio de caso y un texto teatral, así como las virtudes de practicar la lectura en voz alta de un texto teatral en ESP y se presenta un método para preparar un diálogo teatral para leer en voz alta

From sea to land and beyond : new insights into the evolution of euthyneuran Gastropoda (Mollusca)

Background The Euthyneura are considered to be the most successful and diverse group of Gastropoda. Phylogenetically, they are riven with controversy. Previous morphology-based phylogenetic studies have been greatly hampered by rampant parallelism in morphological characters or by incomplete taxon sampling. Based on sequences of nuclear 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA as well as mitochondrial 16S rRNA and COI DNA from 56 taxa, we reconstructed the phylogeny of Euthyneura utilising Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. The evolution of colonization of freshwater and terrestrial habitats by pulmonate Euthyneura, considered crucial in the evolution of this group of Gastropoda, is reconstructed with Bayesian approaches. Results We found several well supported clades within Euthyneura, however, we could not confirm the traditional classification, since Pulmonata are paraphyletic and Opistobranchia are either polyphyletic or paraphyletic with several clades clearly distinguishable. Sacoglossa appear separately from the rest of the Opisthobranchia as sister taxon to basal Pulmonata. Within Pulmonata, Basommatophora are paraphyletic and Hygrophila and Eupulmonata form monophyletic clades. Pyramidelloidea are placed within Euthyneura rendering the Euthyneura paraphyletic. Conclusion Based on the current phylogeny, it can be proposed for the first time that invasion of freshwater by Pulmonata is a unique evolutionary event and has taken place directly from the marine environment via an aquatic pathway. The origin of colonisation of terrestrial habitats is seeded in marginal zones and has probably occurred via estuaries or semi-terrestrial habitats such as mangroves

Engaging in dramatic activites in English as a foreign language classes at the university level

Este artículo estudia como, por medio de actividades dramáticas , ficción y realidad se unen para ayudar a que el estudiante de Inglés como Lengua Extranjera pueda comunicar de una forma personal y significativa. El tipo de actividades propuestas están diseñadas para generar ese espacio en el que los estudiantes puedan relacionarse personalmente entre sí en un entorno capaz de producir una interacción espontánea y creativa. El trabajo incluye dos tipos de actividades dramáticas elaboradas para estudiantes de universidad que ejemplifican lo expuesto en el estudio.In this article, we discuss how, through dramatic activities, fiction and reality can work together to help the English as a Foreign langage learner communicate in a more personal and meaningful way. The kind of activities proposed are designed to help engender a space where students can personally engage with each other in an atmosphere that is conducive to creative and spontaneous interaction. Two examples of dramatic activities, designed for university students, are given

Safe Corridors

https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/bridging_gaps2014/1019/thumbnail.jp

Engaging in dramatic activites in English as a foreign language classes at the university level

Este artículo estudia como, por medio de actividades dramáticas , ficción y realidad se unen para ayudar a que el estudiante de Inglés como Lengua Extranjera pueda comunicar de una forma personal y significativa. El tipo de actividades propuestas están diseñadas para generar ese espacio en el que los estudiantes puedan relacionarse personalmente entre sí en un entorno capaz de producir una interacción espontánea y creativa. El trabajo incluye dos tipos de actividades dramáticas elaboradas para estudiantes de universidad que ejemplifican lo expuesto en el estudio.In this article, we discuss how, through dramatic activities, fiction and reality can work together to help the English as a Foreign langage learner communicate in a more personal and meaningful way. The kind of activities proposed are designed to help engender a space where students can personally engage with each other in an atmosphere that is conducive to creative and spontaneous interaction. Two examples of dramatic activities, designed for university students, are given