Minds, Culture, and the Evolution of Intelligence

Current thought on evolution and cognition suggests that modern human minds are a product of both biological and cultural evolution, and that our minds were and continue to be shaped not just by our physical environment, but also by our interaction with the very culture and technology that we ourselves create. I will consider the idea that certain forms of intelligence are artificial in light of this co-evolutionary perspective and its suggestion that in one broad but crucial sense, our own intelligence has extended beyond purely biological boundaries for millennia

Relationship between perceived and actual quality of data checking

Data quality is critical to reaching correct research conclusions. Researchers attempt to ensure that they have accurate data by checking the data after it has been entered. Previous research has demonstrated that some methods of data checking are better than others, but not all researchers use the best methods. Perhaps researchers continue to use less optimal data checking methods because they mistakenly believe that they are highly accurate. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived data quality and actual data quality. A total of 29 participants completed this study. Participants checked that letters and numbers had been entered correctly into the computer using one of three randomly assigned data checking methods. Afterwards, they rated the quality of their data checking method. The sample correlations between perceived and actual data quality were small to moderate and confidence intervals for the population correlations did not include high values. We conclude that the relationship between actual and perceived data quality is not high

A HISTORICAL EXPLORATION OF INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED TEACHERS: JAMAICAN TEACHERS IN 1960S ALBERTA

This paper examines the immigration and credentialing experiences of Jamaican teachers in Alberta during the 1960s. Using teacher narratives as well as archival research the paper aims to develop a historical understanding of issues related to internationally educated teachers and how this historical understanding can inform the contemporary theoretical and policy debates on credential recognition. Contrary to an understanding that locates teacher credentialing only in the present day and a one-sided critique of its bureaucratic nature, we argue that historical analysis reminds us that bureaucracy can be both constraining and enabling. An understanding of this duality is of crucial importance for policy makers to rethink the contemporary credentialing process for internationally educated teachers.

The Missing Link to Fostering Community: How to Use Circles to Enhance your Existing Programs and Services

The principles of restorative justice as a means of harm reduction and healing are fairly well-established. Many institutions have taken significant steps to incorporate restorative practices into conduct procedures. Such practices place new demands not only on institutional structures, but on students and the overall culture of connection. Without opportunities to practice these new skills of relating, our communities are ill-equipped to engage in restorative work when harm arises. This session provides an overview of some small steps taken at Loyola University Maryland to foster a community congruent with the restorative justice paradigm within existing programs and structures. For us, this process begins with student onboarding in the first year, strengthens within leadership training practices, and culminates with the senior transition into our broader world

Immigration & Credentialing: A Case Study of Jamaican Teachers in 1960s Alberta

This paper examines the experiences of Jamaican teachers who immigrated to Alberta during the early 1960s. Using teacher narratives as well as archival research the paper aims to develop an understanding of issues related to racialization, immigration and citizenship

Even in Tough Times, Trees Make Good Economic Sense

In challenging economic times, every dollar needs to be spent wisely. This may be a time when decisions are made to wait for another year to plant trees. However, the money trees save through energy savings, increased property values and environmental benefits means tree planting is a wise economic choice for today. With the last Friday of April being Arbor Day, make plans for tree planting. Select the right tree for the location and use good tree planting and tree care practices to save money at planting time so a tree will help save money long into the future. Select trees adapted to the growing environment of the location and avoid planting a problem tree. When looking at price tags, it may be tempting to buy a less expensive tree species. This may be fine, but avoid buying a problem tree. Ask about a trees characteristics and common problems it may have. For example, pin oaks tend to develop chlorosis in Nebraska due to high pH soils. These oaks often require iron treatments to maintain vigor and appearance. Not only is this an added expense, but an untreated tree can decrease property values from reduced aesthetics and shade. Check out ReTree Nebraska at Nebraska Forest Service (http://www.nfs.unl.edu) for a list of recommended trees

Single use digitization and information management: enabling agile and sustainable systems

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Deletion of Tsc2 in nociceptors reduces target innervation, ion channel expression, and sensitivity to heat

AbstractThe mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is known to regulate cellular growth pathways, and its genetic activation is sufficient to enhance regenerative axon growth following injury to the central or peripheral nervous systems. However, excess mTORC1 activation may promote innervation defects, and mTORC1 activity mediates injury-induced hypersensitivity, reducing enthusiasm for the pathway as a therapeutic target. While mTORC1 activity is required for full expression of some pain modalities, the effects of pathway activation on nociceptor phenotypes and sensory behaviors are currently unknown. To address this, we genetically activated mTORC1 in mouse peripheral sensory neurons by conditional deletion of its negative regulator Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 (Tsc2). Consistent with the well-known role of mTORC1 in regulating cell size, soma size and axon diameter of C-nociceptors were increased in Tsc2-deleted mice. Glabrous skin and spinal cord innervation by C-fiber neurons were also disrupted. Transcriptional profiling of nociceptors enriched by fluorescence-associated cell sorting (FACS) revealed downregulation of multiple classes of ion channels as well as reduced expression of markers for peptidergic nociceptors in Tsc2-deleted mice. In addition to these changes in innervation and gene expression, Tsc2-deleted mice exhibited reduced noxious heat sensitivity and decreased injury-induced cold hypersensitivity, but normal baseline sensitivity to cold and mechanical stimuli. Together, these data show that excess mTORC1 activity in sensory neurons produces changes in gene expression, neuron morphology and sensory behavior.</jats:p

A Last Glacial Maximum Pollen Record from Bodmin Moor Showing a Possible Cryptic Northern Refugium in Southwest England

Reproduced with permission of the publisher. The definitive version is available at www3.interscience.wiley.com. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, LtdA late Devensian palynological record is presented from Dozmary Pool (Bodmin Moor, southwest England), beyond the southern limit of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) British Ice Sheet. The pollen assemblages indicate predominantly herbaceous tundra steppe communities but also include elevated levels (typically 10-20%) of conifer tree pollen (Picea, Pinus, Abies) and lower but persistent percentages of broadleaf tree pollen during the LGM. This record is seemingly at odds with the orthodox view of an entirely treeless tundra steppe environment for this region and elimination of tree species from the British Isles during glacial maxima. Long-distance pollen transport seems an unlikely explanation for the tree pollen considering distance to the nearest known refugia, except possibly for Pinus. Reworking of the tree pollen, often invoked in these circumstances, remains a possible alternative, especially given the abundance of these trees in the region during early Devensian interstadials. However, this explanation has been challenged by studies reporting plant macrofossil and faunal evidence for survival of temperate biota during glacial maxima and from climate modelling work that suggests some trees could have survived the glacial extremes in areas well beyond the recorded glacial refugia. Assuming reworking was not a major factor, the Dozmary Pool pollen record is consistent with the "apos;cryptic northern refugia hypothesis"apos; that invokes survival of trees in small, scattered populations under locally favourable conditions during glacial maxima