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Parallel Structure: Parallel structures are also called parallelism, is the repetition of a chosen grammatical pattern within a sentence. If each compared item or idea follows the same grammatical pattern, it is said to be a construction of a parallel structure. The elements of the sentence will be in the same grammatical Structure. Not only the phrases and the words but also the verbs have to stay similar.
Parallel structure exercise help paragraphs and letters to flow more for readers. In a parallel structure, the phrases or the words of a sentence start and end similarly, maintaining the rhythm of the lines. Some parallel structure examples in literature are the first paragraph of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Tale of Two Cities”.
In this blog, we will make an effort to discuss about the details of parallel Structure in English. Usually, two parallel sentences are adjoined by conjunctions such as or, and. Therefore, learning about parallel structures not only will improve ones’ English skills but will also help one in their writing works.
Parallel Structure in English
- What is Parallel Structure?
- Difference between Mixed Construction and Parallel Structure
- Important rules of parallel Structure
- The role of parallel Structure in writings
- The takeaway from this article
What is Parallel Structure?
Parallel Structure means having the same pattern of words to emphasize that both the sentences or phrases or words are of the same importance. Not only in Structure, but they should also be the same intensity. Parallel Structure is used to make writing easier to understand, add clarity to their works, and make their writing grammatically and structurally correct.
Difference between Mixed Construction and Parallel Structure
A mixed construction is a sentence with elements that transform from one type of Structure to another type; in this type of sentence, the writer shifts from writing about one idea or element to another, abruptly leading to confusion. For example, a logical sentence has a subject and a predicate. When the subject is introduced in a sentence, there is an expectation about the grammatical direction, and when that expectation doesn’t meet, it leads to a mixed construction.
Example: Teaching a noble profession involves a lot of patience. A mixed construction is just a fancy way of saying that the sentence does not make any sense. At the basic level in a mixed construction, the sentence’s subject does not match with the predicate.
The only major difference between mixed construction and parallel Structure is that in the latter, the elements of the sentence has to remain the same, including the verb tense. On the other hand, in a mixed construction, the sentence begins with a certain structure and ends with another one. As a result, the subject and the sentence’s predicate do not match, which is the polar opposite of a parallel sentence.
Important Rules of Parallel Structure
There are as many as five important rules of parallel Structure. They are :
Parallel Structure with Coordinating Conjunctions
Parallel Structure is used when two clauses are connected with a coordinating conjunction such as for, and, nor, but, so, in a sentence.
Example: Neither will he be singing a song, nor will he dance.
Parallel Structure with Correlative Conjunctions
Parallel Structure is also used when two clauses are connected with correlative conjunction such as either-or, neither nor in a sentence.
Example: Either he likes her, or he doesn’t want to see her.
Parallel Structure with Infinitives
Parallel Structure is also used along with infinitives.
Example: He likes to dance, and he likes to sing songs.
Parallel Structure with -ing Endings
you can also use parallel Structure with words ending with ing. The writer has to keep the verb of the sentence consistent.
Example: Tobi likes running, dancing and being active.
Parallel Structure with Clauses
Parallel Structure is used when writing clauses.
Example: My brother said to get a good education and do not settle for less.
Parallel Structure in Lists with Colons
When there are many items in a list form following a colon, all the items on that list should be in the same order to avoid any parallel structure error.
Example: In his bedroom, you will find the following: a bed, a closet and a desk.
Parallel Structure in other Lists
If the items are not introduced in a list form, still they have to be in a similar pattern for the construction of a parallel structure.
Example: Harry wanted to make sure that he made his presentation effectively, creatively and persuasively.
Parallel Structure in Verb Tense
When it comes to verb tenses, you should use the parallel Structure. In a parallel structure construction, one should be very careful that the verb tense always matches.
Example: Yesterday they watched a movie, played video games and made pasta.
The Importance of parallel structure is that the parallel structure provides a flow to one’s writing. It helps them to show ideas of equal importance. It also helps in keeping balance in one’s writings and makes it easier for the readers. Any error in the construction of a parallel structure will make the writings sound strange.
It is usually very difficult for anyone to point out the mistakes in constructing a parallel structure in order to test one’s writing abilities as well as to rectify their parallel structural errors in many tests. One of those many tests is SAT. Lack of use of parallel Structure can lead to disrupt the rhythm of the writing and leave the sentence grammatically incorrect.
The role of Parallel Structure in writing
A proper parallel structure helps in establishing the balance and maintaining the flow in a constructed sentence. In addition, the clarity brought in by parallel structures helps in the alignment of relatable ideas and readability.
How to Use Parallel Structure
When poets use similar words or phrases across sentences or several lines of poetry, it is said to be parallel sentence structure. This brings a rhythm to their writings. Simple parallel sentence structures are as simple and short as words and phrases. Complex parallel sentence structures may combine entire clauses or sentences. Parallelism is used to highlight the different aspects of a story or a poem in different ways.
Simple Parallel Sentence Structure
In these words, prepositional phrases and infinitive phrases are combined. Simple structure sentences can be divided by using come, semicolon or also with the use of conjunctions, like and, or, but. The lines “From laden boughs, from hands, / sweet fellowship in the bins/ comes nectar at the roadside” from the poem ‘From Blossom’ by Li-Young Lee is a classic example of prepositional phrases in parallel Structure. This brings a flow and rhythm to the poem.
Complex Parallel Sentence Structure
This is used to join lengthier clauses or groups of words to join. Complex parallel sentence structure helps writers compare, emphasize or contrast different aspects of their poems or stories. For example, in the poem ‘Annabel Lee’ by Edgar Allen Poe “, I was a child, and she was a child, then In this kingdom by the sea, But we loved with a love that was more than love- / With a love that the winged seraphs of Heaven / Coveted her and me”.
Here, the poet uses parallel sentence structure with the lines “I was a child” and “she was a child” to emphasize that the lovers were young. In addition, repeating the phrase “with a love” emphasizes the depth of the love mentioned in the lines of the poem.
Faulty Parallelism
This refers to the construction of a sentence structure that is not quite parallel. Rather than grammar, the problem here lies more with the styling of the sentence. For example, a sentence such as “He likes to eat, cook food and play video games” is grammatically correct, but it’s not a parallel sentence structurally. In order to make it a parallel structure, the sentence would look like “He likes eating, cooking food and playing video games”.
The other literary devices used with Parallel Structures
Parallelism in literature always comes up with other literary devices such as rhythm, repetition, alliteration, etc.
Rhythm: The repeated elements are always of the same rhythm or meter. The same stressed syllables are in a pattern in the parallel elements of the sentence or piece. Parallel structures are used by poets to maintain the balance and rhythm of their poem.
Repetition: The root of parallelism is repetition. The phrase structure or the impact of an idea is made stronger by repetition.
Antithesis: Parallelism is often used to contrast two different ideas within the same Structure.
Alliteration: Having the same sound for the list of objects or similar phrases further enhances the parallelism of their writing.
The takeaway from this article
This will be helpful for many students to improve their writing skills. The proper use of parallel structure provides clarity, rhythm, and balance in the writings, be it a poem, essay, or story. In addition, students will find it useful for understanding the meaning of poems and the plots of stories as well as help them in identifying other literary devices such as the alliteration, rhythm, antithesis and others. | https://englishgrammarnotes.com/parallel-structure/ |
The paper is aiming to create a common basis for description, comparing, and analysis natural languages. As a subject of comparison we have chosen temporal structures of some languages. For such a choice there exists a perfect tool, describing basic temporal phenomena, namely an ordering of states and events in time, certainty and uncertainty, independency of histories of separate objects, necessity and possibility. This tool is supported by the Petri nets formalism, which seems to be well suited for expressing the above mentioned phenomena. Petri nets are built form three primitive notions: of states, of events that begin or end the states, and so-called flow relation indicating succession of states and events. This simple constituents give rise to many possibilities of representing temporal phenomena; it turns out that such representations are sufficient for many (clearly, not necessarily all) temporal situations appearing in natural languages.
In description formalisms used till now there is no possibility of expressing such reality phenomena as temporal dependencies in compound statement, or combination of temporality and modality. Moreover, using these formalisms one cannot distinguish between two different sources of uncertainty of the speaker while describing the reality: one, due to the lack of knowledge of the speaker what is going on in outside world, the second, due to objective impossibility of foreseen ways in which some conflict situations will be (or already have been) resolved. Petri net formalism seems to be perfectly suited for such differentiations.
There are two main description principles that encompassed this paper. First, that assigns meaning to names of grammatical structures in different languages may lead to misunderstanding. Two grammatical structures with apparently close names may describe different reality. Additionally, some grammatical terms used in one language may be absent and not understandable in the other. It leads to assign meanings to situations, rather than to linguistic forms used for their expression. The second principle is limit the discussed issues to such a piece of reality that can be possible for precise description. The third is to avoid introducing such information to the described reality that is not explicitly mentioned by linguistic means. The authors try to following these principles in the present paper.
The paper is organized as follows. First, some samples of situations related to present tense are given together with examples of their expressions in four languages: English, (as a reference language) and three Slavic languages, representing South slavonic languages (Bulgarian), West slavonic languages (Polish), and East slavonic languages (Russian). Within the same framework the next parts of the paper are constructed, supplying samples of using Past tenses and, finally, future tenses and modalities.
The formal tools for description purposes are introduced stepwise, according to needs caused be the described reality. There are mainly Petri nets, equipped additionally with inscriptions or labeling in order to keep proper assignations of description units to described objects. | https://ispan.waw.pl/journals/index.php/cs-ec/article/view/cs.2010.004 |
HTTP Gallery is pleased to present Austrian artist Elisabeth Penker’s first solo exhibition in the UK. In her work, Elisabeth Penker is questioning visual structures in relation to language. By decoding visual systems and displacing rhythm and language into a non-linear structure, Penker is showing the commonality of Modern Art and First Nation Art. It is of particular interest how polysynthetic languages which are common in First Nation Languages (i.e. there is no clear distinction between a word and a sentence), compare to Indo-European languages and how visual languages relate to grammar and syntax.
Elisabeth Penker “Untitled (Moscow/Cracky Walls)” 1999-2004 2 active speakers, 3 CD players, mixing board, leather and burlap courtesy: Galerie Michael Hall, Vienna.
At the turn of the last century, the Futurists introduced sounds of motors and vocals as instruments for orchestras, which consequently influenced Dada and Fluxus movements that pioneered the early days of electronic music. The Dadaists phonetically experimented with grammatical structures. Penker combines these different approaches to rhythm and language transformations. For her exhibition at HTTP Gallery, Elisabeth Penker has developed a new sound piece Die Bildhauerin (The Sculptor [fem.]), a deconstruction of rhythm and syntax in a non-linear repetitive multi-channel matrix. Die Bildhauerin (The Sculptor [fem.]) breaks up the grammatical structure of the word “DIE-BILD-HAU-ER-IN” into minimal units which are called morphemes. The composition is arranged with the sound of two stonemasons, chiselling this broken grammatical structure into a wall. The morphemes build the base rhythms of the composition.
For the opening, Penker will perform live to the composition Die Bildhauerin (The Sculptor [fem.]). The performance is supported by a sonic structure constructed of wood and various industrial floor materials which are amplified and function as instruments and interactive sound sculptures during the exhibition.
The audience can play on the sonic structure of the sound piece, and this is combined structurally with the conceptual logic of Luigi Russolo’s (1913) Manifesto, The Art of Noises and the technical methodology of Jack Foley’s recordings for films.
Elisabeth Penker, born 1974 lives and works in Vienna recent exhibitions include:
2005 “The Red Thread” Howard House Contemporary, Seattle
2004 “Sound Studio”, Gallery Priestor for Contemporary Arts, Bratislava, SK
“Born to Be a Star (curated by Ursula Probst)”, Künstlerhaus, Vienna
2003 “Sound System”, Salzbuger Kunstverein, Salzburg, A ; Liste 03 with Galerie Michael Hall, Vienna (solo) “Selected Sound Sculptures”, Galerie 5020
Salzburg /A (solo)
2002 , “Butterfly reached the sound-barrier”, Kibla New Media Center, Maribor, SL; “Waiting for the Ice Age”, Galerie Georg Kargl, Vienna; “hear the art”, Kunsthalle Exnergasse, Vienna
2001 Kunstbüro, Vienna (solo) “First Story-Women Building”, Galerie do Palacio Cristal, Porto (curated by Ute Meta Bauer) and “(untitled) 654321″, Kunsthallen Brandts Klaedefabrik, DK (curated by Jacob Fabricius & Tommy Lund)
Curated by: Tobi Maier and Furtherfield
“De-Grammatical: Rhythm and Language Transformation” is supported by the Austrian Cultural Forum. | https://www.furtherfield.org/de-grammatical-rhythm-and-language-transformation/ |
There are many prevalent myths about language learning which permeate the very fabric of our society. Many English-speaking people compelled to study Spanish or French in school will have fond memories of memorizing tables of conjugations, and the headaches that came from gender and case considerations that are simply unnecessary in English. Foreign students of English, as well, most likely have it very fresh in their minds how impossible it is to make sense of English grammar and, in particular, spelling.
the result of these memories is the misconception that certain languages are “harder” than others. This is a very prevalent idea, and it certainly has some truths to it when considering languages far removed from our own, such as Mandarin Chinese. Still, many language students get hung up on which languages are difficult and why, when this consideration hardly has any effect on their actual studies.
When considering Spanish and French, this conversation becomes a little bit more pertinent. Many students could benefit greatly from learning one or the other, as there are vast worlds of different opportunities that await the fluent francophone or Spanish speaker. What’s more, the languages themselves are similar enough that mastering one will undoubtedly make the other easier to understand and learn.
Still, both languages are very different, and present unique difficulties across every stage of the path to fluency. in order to examine these differences, and make useful observations on the difficulties of learning French versus Spanish, we’re going to stack both languages up side-by-side, and see how they compare and contrast in terms of pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary.
Pronunciation
The first thing most students will learn about their new language is how certain letters are pronounced differently. This is an important step, as it allows students to properly differentiate between different words and conjugations, making it possible for them to perceive and understand immediate vocabulary and grammar differences more reliably. It also helps prevent foreign-sounding accents.
For these reasons, pronunciation is often the first thing that students of foreign languages will study. Aside from the healthy learning foundations it can give you, it also is one of the hardest things for beginners to master, and starting to practice your pronunciation early makes a huge difference in the long run. Encountering sounds you find difficult to recognize or reproduce is common when beginning to study a new language.
French pronunciation can be difficult for any student, due to the inordinate amount of silent letters and subtle accents that change based on context. Spanish also has some difficult sounds for first-time learners. One key difference here is that Spanish writing is mostly phonetic, so the way a word sounds is immediately obvious based on how the word is written. The same is not true of French in many cases.
French guttural “r” sounds, which are pronounced with the back of the throat, are similar to the Spanish “j”. French also does not have the rolling “r” sounds that Spanish uses. Spanish, on the other hand, does not have a common voiced sibilant (like “z”). These and other differences form the backbone of the problems people have pronouncing both languages. The Spanish letters “b” and “v” are also pronounced identically to each other.
That being said, pronunciation differences can be easily learned by closely listening to native materials and making sure to practice the way words are spelled. Even though it typically has a minimal effect on the difficulty of learning either language, we’re going to say that French is definitely more difficult than Spanish for this category.
Grammar
There are obviously vast differences between Spanish and French grammar, since they are two distinct languages separated by hundreds of years of history. There are still obvious comparisons we can make in a few areas that demonstrate the difficulties of one language over the other.
Although both languages use a system of gender to indicate grammar in a sentence, there are also a number of subtle ways the two languages differ that we can identify right off the bat. One of the first things students of French will be aware of is the two-part negation (ne… pas). Although using both words to negate something is not always necessary, it does add a certain complexity to negation that Spanish does not have.
Another area where the two languages differ is in the usage of past tenses. French mainly uses the passé composé for past tense, which is more complex than the Spanish pretérito. That being said, the French passe simple is actually much closer, grammatically speaking, to the pretérito tense, but is a literary tense which students are not expected to use.
Since we’re on the topic of tenses, it’s a good idea to note that French actually has 15 verb tenses or moods. Four of these are literary tenses and aren’t used very much in everyday French. This leaves 11 tenses that are typically used in day-to-day conversation. Spanish, by contrast, has 17 tenses in total. One of these is literary and two others are judicial or administrative. That means that Spanish has a total of 14 tenses that are commonly used, making it slightly more complex than French in this respect.
One thing to keep in mind is that these sorts of differences can have a very profound effect on how the two languages communicate. A good example of this is the tendency for Spanish to leave the subject pronoun out of sentences. This means that Spanish students have to have the necessary tenses and genders memorized in order to interpret what the sentence is talking about, whereas the subject pronoun is always used in French, much like English.
One last important point on grammar is the differences between the expression of if/then clauses between Spanish and French. This stems from the difference in the subjunctive moods used in both languages. Thought.co has a great explanation of this here, if you’re into the grammar jargon, but the point is that French if/then clauses are much closer to English, while this construction is more complex in Spanish.
In the end, grammar is one of the most complex and integral parts of languages. The difference in difficulty in learning any language will depend almost entirely on grammar, and the comparison will only become more difficult the more you familiarize yourself with the different grammar rules. The fact is that while certain grammatical aspects can be described as more or less complex than one another, the overall ability to communicate relies only passively on these rules.
What we mean by this is that different languages have different grammatical difficulties, but the overall complexity remains more or less standard across all languages, particularly ones used by millions of people. Thomas Wier, Assistant Professor of Linguistics at the Free University of Tbilisi in Georgia, has a great article about this here.
In the end, neither French nor Spanish can be definitively called more or less complex than the other. As a result, we’re going to call this category a tie. While it can still be an effective practice to study the grammatical differences between languages in the same family, it is unfair to say that either French or Spanish is grammatically more complex.
Vocabulary
The last section to look at before we declare a definitive winner for this comparison is the vocabulary. While both Spanish and French are Romance languages (i.e. they descend from vulgar Latin, the common language of ancient Rome), they have both received varying amounts of influence from other languages throughout their history. French has substantial influence from German, while Spanish has more influence from Portuguese and Arabic.
There’s a funny little story about the French language, often repeated by students studying it, about how medieval monks in France were paid by the letter. This supposedly prompted the monks to add extra letters to words, resulting in the many silent letters we see in French today.
While this story is humorous to consider, it is much more likely that the French Academy, which directed linguistic reforms around the year 1740, included the silent letters to retain some semblance of the Latin that many of the words descended from. This makes them easier to understand for those who knew Latin, which was still widely understood by the literate population at the time.
What this demonstrates is the profound effect Latin has had on the Romance languages that descend from it. Both Spanish and French are Romance languages, and so portions of their vocabulary can be recognized between the two languages. Obviously there are many differences, but the vocabulary of both languages will probably be equally difficult for a non-Romance language speaker. On the other hand, both languages will probably be much easier for somebody who already speaks a Romance language, particularly Italian.
One easy way to summarize the difficulty of vocabulary between languages is the “you” test. How many different ways does a language have for saying the word “you”? How do these features differ, and how grammatically rigid are they in common practice?
In French, there are two common words for “you”; one for singular, or casual reference; and one for plural, or polite reference. Spanish, on the other hand, has four words for “you”, making it slightly more complex than French in this regard (for reference, German has seven).
Much like with grammar, it is difficult to say that one language is more difficult than another. That being said, due to the much more broadly eclectic influences in Spanish compared to French, as well as the larger grammatical vocabulary, we’re going to say that Spanish is more difficult than French in this category.
The Difficulty Of Comparison
In order to get a real idea of how these two languages compare, we’ve taken a look at a few different categories, and examined whether or not one language was more difficult than the other. In order to get a more well-rounded idea of one language being difficult compared to another, we must first go over some linguistic history on this issue. The study of language complexity goes back a long way, and is quite entwined with the study of foreign languages, and how people have communicated throughout human history.
There are a lot of different theories when it comes to one language being more complex than another. Most people are familiar with the assertion that Mandarin Chinese is the hardest language to learn. This may be true for westerners, but somebody who already has an understanding of Chinese symbols would have a much easier time learning Mandarin. This is where more complex ideas of language difficulty come into play.
Difficulty in language learning seems to arise when we encounter grammar structures, sounds, and syntax patterns that we cannot relate to within our own native language. Because of this, it will be harder for a Japanese person to learn French than, say, a person who speaks Italian. The similarities and commonalities between the different aspects of the two languages make it an easier language pair for certain individuals.
That being said, some have even theorized that there is a biological aspect to language comprehension, and that people with certain biological ancestry may be predisposed to understanding languages that developed historically among that biological group. For example, somebody who is Asian trying to learn Japanese or Chinese. While this kind of relationship has never been proven, researchers have observed that languages develop different structural features when developing among homogeneous populations compared to heterogeneous ones.
While there are many different theories about comparing languages to one another, there is no definitive scientific consensus for defining one language as more complex, or harder to learn than another. However, some linguists have studied what they call engineered languages for some time, and some of these languages are designed to be as simple, and easy to learn as possible. While this doesn’t prove anything about the complexity of organic languages, engineered languages can give us a lot of insight on how languages could work, and are a good way of demonstrating certain practical linguistic concepts. A good example of an engineered language being designed around logic and simplicity would be Lojban, or more recently Toki Pona.
These languages have certain qualities that take different approaches to different problems of language complexity. By simplifying and streamlining certain things like conjugations and other grammatical features, the linguists who engineer these languages can explore different aspects of language, and compare different linguistic strategies to how they have appeared in organic languages. For example, Lojban was originally developed as a way of studying how language influences the way people think when they speak.
Researchers actually algorithmically generated the vocabulary for Lojban by examining thousands of words from the most common languages across the globe (i.e. Mandarin, English, Hindi, Spanish, Russian, and Arabic, in 1987). The vocabularies from these languages were analyzed phonetically, and similar sounds were marked and tracked across all of the languages, forming the basis of Lojban phonetic vocabulary. The result was a language mostly composed of English and Mandarin sounds, with minor influences from the other four.
Lojban is meant to be easy to learn and use for communication between people of different linguistic backgrounds. Similar concepts to this have shown up in linguistic history before, such as the emergence of pidgins like Jamaican Patois, or Cajun Creole. Historic Lingua Francas, as they are called, have been used to combine grammatical and vocabulary aspects from different languages for common usage going back thousands of years.
As you can see from these demonstrations, the question of languages being more complex or more difficult than each other is very complex, and forms a large part of linguistic studies. When it comes down to it, though, there are simply too many variables in language learning to really draw any meaningful conclusions. As language learners, the most important thing for us to remember on the issue is that similar languages will be easier, and no language is too hard if you really study well.
So, Which Is Harder?
It looks like we’ve reached an impasse. French seems more difficult in terms of pronunciation, and Spanish seems more difficult in terms of Vocabulary, while both seem to have tied for grammatical complexity. The point here, we think, is much like we stated above; that is, no language is truly more or less complex than another, even though it may seem like that to us as we are learning it.
In the end, the difficulty of one language compared to another will rarely be the determining factor in studying it, and it will never actually have any effect on how you study the languages, unless you learn them at the same time. Basically, it’s largely unproductive and inaccurate to think of different languages in terms of how difficult they are to learn compared to each other. It’s entirely possible that you will find Spanish more difficult, while your friend or classmate has more trouble with French. The important thing is that you stay motivated, and keep studying. | https://mylanguagebreak.com/spanish-versus-french-which-is-harder/ |
The Best Methods for Teaching Languages
A language refers to the tongue of a people or a nation, a system of signs that allows a human community to communicate through words and gestures. When it comes to teaching languages, it’s important to differentiate between a mother tongue, the language spoken in the country where one was born, from the foreign languages one learns throughout life.
Learning another language gives you the ability to know and adopt a new system of signs, its rules and the way in which it functions.
In terms of teaching languages, we need to look at specific procedures in order to determine the most appropriate methods for achieving this goal.
Methods for teaching languages
The GT Method
The oldest method for teaching languages, and perhaps the most traditional, is what is sometimes called the GT Method. Its name refers to the fact that it focuses on the grammar and translation of texts and phrases from one language to another.
This method pays special attention to the grammatical rules and structures shared between languages. It places an emphasis on equivalencies with respect to universal grammatical patterns. This implies memorizing thousands of words and rules, as well as sentences taken out of context.
The Direct Method
In the late 19th century, the Direct Method emerged. This method focuses on verbal communication independent of the specific grammar of the phrases used. The idea is that the people learning the language can make themselves understood even when the grammatical structures they use aren’t perfect.
In this method, grammar is intuited, and mistakes are eliminated as one learns until you can establish the proper relationships between the foreign word and the situations to which it relates. This is where the term “direct” comes from.
The Audio-Lingual Method
Meanwhile, the Audio-Lingual Method shares much in common with the Direct Method. Both prioritize spoken language with an emphasis on oral expression and listening. The difference is that this method uses the repetition of words, phrases and exchanges as a teaching strategy.
The best methods for teaching languages
Over time, different methods have been developed and used to teach foreign languages. While it’s impossible to say that one method is clearly the best, certain methods are probably better than others.
Take for instance the Communicative Method. More than a method, it’s an approach through which other languages can be taught using a process that is more functional than structural. In other words, the most important aspect is communication, as opposed to simply learning the grammar of a foreign language.
The Communicative Method takes each of the previous methods into consideration and focuses on the practical necessity of learning another language, as well as the permanent acquisition of the ability to interact communicatively and contextually.
In terms of teaching languages, the Communicative Method entails activities centered on problematic situations that relegate grammatical rules to the background. It’s still important that the student internalize these rules, but communication is the primary objective.
These problematic situations refer to different scenarios a person might face in daily life. These could be at work, at the airport, or on a trip. They can include making different kinds of purchases, and ones requiring you to be able to ask for help in difficult situations. To deal with these situations, one needs to progressively develop their ability to use the foreign language.
Teaching languages: communication is key
We must stress that any method you choose to teach a foreign language should be adequate. However, you need to take into account the specifics of each student and his or her learning needs. Educators need to be flexible in choosing methods, even combining relevant aspects from each.
Repetition, memorization, and knowledge of grammatical rules can be valid strategies for learning another language. However, they should be in service of problem-solving and decision-making in situations like the ones presented by the Communicative Method. The aim should be to allow people to understand and be understood in different languages.It might interest you... | https://youaremom.com/parenting/teaching-languages/ |
As more international students who are not expert users of English come to the United States to study at university, the field of teaching English for Academic Purposes grows. There are many important skills these international students must learn to become successful university students in America, but writing for academic purposes is of particular importance for these students to join the academic conversation in their respective disciplines. Corpus research has identified the grammatical features which are frequently found in different registers, and from this work it is known which structures are important in different types of academic writing. Grammatical structures frequently found in the academic register must be taught to these university-bound students. However, many English Language Learners (ELLs) are infrequently using, or inaccurately using, some of these grammatical features in their writing when compared to L1 writers. This study focuses on three of those under-used, and/or inaccurately used structures: passive voice, reduced relative clauses, and modal would.
At an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) in the Pacific Northwest, an experimental group of advanced ELLs were given extended instruction--extra time and practice--on these three features. The control group received the standard amount of time and practice students typically receive at this IELP. 25 essays from the experimental group and 44 essays from the control group were tagged for presence, accuracy, and appropriacy of the three grammatical features (passive voice, reduced relative clauses, and modal would). The experimental and control group essays were compared to see if the treatment instruction had a significant effect on the frequency, accuracy, and/or appropriacy of these features.
Results from an independent t-test on the frequency of passive voice showed no significant difference between the experimental group essays and the control group essays. Results from a Mann-Whitney U test on the frequency of reduced relative clauses and modal would showed no significant difference between the two groups. In regard to accuracy and appropriacy, a Mann-Whitney U test found no significant difference between the experiment group and control group.
The analysis of the two groups showed that students in the treatment group did use passive voice on average more than students in the control group, but it was not enough to be significantly different. The frequency of reduced relative clauses and modal would was low, yet accuracy and appropriacy of these features was very high for both groups.
These findings reveal that different, or perhaps more focused, approaches must be taken beyond extra time and practice to increase ELLs' use of passive voice, reduced relative clauses, and modal would in their writing.
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Persistent Identifier
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Recommended Citation
Bailey, Audrey, "The Effect of Extended Instruction on Passive Voice, Reduced Relative Clauses, and Modal Would in the Academic Writing of Advanced English Language Learners" (2016). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 3203. | https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/3203/ |
A parallel framework strengthens and clarifies your writing. By developing word patterns that readers can readily follow, parallel structure improves the readability of your work. The repeating of a certain grammatical form inside a phrase is referred to as parallel structure (also known as parallelism). For example, the phrases "a book about John and Mary" and "a book titled 'John and Mary' " are both examples of parallel structure.
Parallel structure can be used to great effect when you want to emphasize a particular idea within your text. It allows the reader to understand the main concept easily while still being intrigued by other aspects of the story or essay. Using proper terminology is also important when using parallel structure because only familiar words will attract readers' attention.
There are three basic types of parallel structures: semantic, syntactic, and rhetorical.
Semantic parallelism refers to two or more words or phrases that mean the same thing. In other words, they serve as synonyms. Examples include "a book about John and Mary" and "a book titled 'John and Mary' ". Semantic parallelism helps readers understand the meaning of your text quickly because it uses common words with similar definitions. Using proper vocabulary is essential in order to achieve this effect because only familiar terms will be recognized by readers.
Parallel structure is a grammatical strategy of organizing words and activities in the same word pattern syntactically (according to a set of rules) such that the sentence is clear and succinct. Incorrect usage of parallel structure results in phrases that are incoherent, inconsistent, and uncomfortable. For example, if a writer were to divide an essay into three separate paragraphs without any intervening material, this would be considered incorrect usage of parallel structure.
A parallel construction is created by making each comparable object or notion in your phrase follow the same grammatical pattern. Non-Parallel Example: Ellen enjoys hiking, going to the rodeo, and taking afternoon naps. The sentence above contains three separate ideas that do not share any words other than the verb, so it's not parallel.
In English, there are two main types of parallel structures: those that use semicolons and those that don't. Within these categories, there are many variations on how many commas can be used before or after semicolons or parentheses. This lesson will focus on sentences without punctuation except for periods at the end of paragraphs.
When writing in parallel form, it is important to keep in mind what type of sentence it is. If you're using a series of independent clauses, they need to be separated by commas. If you're using a single complex sentence, leave a space after the last clause before starting the next one.
Independent clauses are groups of words that function independently of each other. They usually contain a subject and a verb, but they may also include objects if they are being used as complements. For example, "I like eating apples, pears, and oranges" is an independent clause because each item in the list functions separately as a complete idea.
What is the significance of using a parallel structure? A lack of parallel construction can interrupt a sentence's rhythm, rendering it grammatically imbalanced. Proper parallel construction aids in the establishment of balance and flow in a well-constructed phrase; aligning related concepts aids in readability and clarity. Avoid placing adverbs at the end of sentences - they can be very distracting and make reading difficult.
When writing an essay, it is important to use a logical structure. This includes using a sequential order to discuss different topics, rather than just jumping around from point to point. Readers like to know where the information coming out of their ears will lead them next, so as not to be distracted by unnecessary details. They also need to be able to follow your argument without getting lost along the way.
A sequential structure makes it easier for readers to understand what you are trying to say. This will help them remember important information and give them insight into the underlying concept being discussed.
Using a sequential structure ensures that your essay has a clear beginning, middle and end. This allows readers to follow each part of your argument, as well as providing guidance for what content should be included in each section.
It is important to note that not all essays require a sequential structure. Some subjects are better discussed in a random order with no apparent connection between ideas.
The use of the same word pattern to demonstrate that two or more concepts have the same level of importance is referred to as parallel structure. It is possible for this to happen at the word, phrase, or sentence level. The most common approach to connect parallel structures is to use coordinating conjunctions like "and" or "or." These link together words or phrases that can be important but not essential to the meaning of the sentence.
In poetry, parallel structure is used to indicate relationships between ideas. Poets often use rhyme or meter to show how one idea relates to another. For example, in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, each stanza begins with the line "Alone, alone, all, all alone." This tells us that what follows in each stanza is going to be about someone who is alone. In addition, the last line of every stanza ends with a question mark, which indicates that something significant is being asked about the character's situation.
There are three basic approaches to using parallel structure in poetry: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and alternating.
Symmetrical parallelism has two similar ideas on either side of a conjunction. For example, in this poem by Emily Dickinson, the first and fourth lines contain the same word ("no"—which means "not" in Latin) and this shows that what comes before and after it cannot be important.
Correct parallel construction is vital since it improves the readability and comprehension of a text. The use of proper parallel construction helps essays and paragraphs to flow more easily for the reader. To correct a parallel structural issue, the writer must arrange all of the words or phrases in a sequence in the same order. This can be done by using indentation or spacing to indicate which parts are related to one another.
When writing an essay, it is important to understand that there is a difference between ideas and expressions. An idea is a concept or principle that underlies and connects various expressions or facts. For example, when writing about the effects of immigration on society, you would not want to mention every instance in which immigration has been discussed in political speeches or newspaper articles; instead, identify the underlying idea being expressed in each case, such as fear or excitement about the unknown. This means that rather than describing each effect in detail, you should simply list them all together with appropriate comments indicating their relationship to one another.
In addition to identifying ideas, it is also important to distinguish between sentences that contain them. A sentence is a group of words that forms a complete thought. When writing about different aspects of immigration, it is necessary to include both simple and complex sentences. Simple sentences contain only one clause, while complex sentences contain two or more. | https://authorscast.com/what-is-the-effect-of-using-parallel-structure |
Writing without words: A poetic adventure
Spanish graphic designer Pepe Gimeno had the idea of constructing a book with no single intelligible word.
Imagine a book with all the classic sections, but without a phonetic or grammatical reading, that is, one that can only be “read” graphically. Pepe Gimeno’s initial intention was to achieve a deconstructed view of the book, to be able to separate content and form.
A book is something more than a sum of pages filled with text. A book is also a sequence of planes, of surfaces, on which the printed areas, whether text or image, are composed and arranged, taking on their own values and constructing their own language. This new view of the book, this separation of form and content, is the central focus of the project.
Pepe Gimeno’s work is a work on the structures of writing and its codes: rhythm, order, sequence and pattern, where the author became interested in the languages of geometry and music, the representation of sound and cartography. | https://www.spainculture.us/city/chicago/writing-without-words-a-poetic-adventure/ |
"The more languages you know, the more you are human"
Tomas Garrigue Masaryk
Content Languages Curriculum – French
The Languages Curriculum at Pittington Primary School supports and supplements the National Curriculum by reflecting the needs of our children and the context of the school.
The national curriculum for languages aims to ensure that all pupils:
- Understand and respond to spoken and written language from a variety of authentic sources
- Speak with increasing confidence, fluency and spontaneity, finding ways of communicating what they want to say, including through discussion and asking questions, and continually improving the accuracy of their pronunciation and intonation
- Can write at varying length, for different purposes and audiences, using the variety of grammatical structures that they have learnt
- Discover and develop an appreciation of a range of writing in the language studied
During French lessons, pupils at Pittington Primary School will be taught to:
- listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding
- explore the patterns and sounds of language through songs and rhymes and link the spelling, sound and meaning of words
- engage in conversations; ask and answer questions; express opinions and respond to those of others; seek clarification and help*
- speak in sentences, using familiar vocabulary, phrases and basic language structures
- develop accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others understand when they are reading aloud or using familiar words and phrases*
- present ideas and information orally to a range of audiences*
- read carefully and show understanding of words, phrases and simple writing
- appreciate stories, songs, poems and rhymes in the language
- broaden their vocabulary and develop their ability to understand new words that are introduced into familiar written material, including through using a dictionary
- write phrases from memory, and adapt these to create new sentences, to express ideas clearly
- describe people, places, things and actions orally* and in writing
- understand basic grammar appropriate to the language being studied, including (where relevant): feminine, masculine and neuter forms and the conjugation of high-frequency verbs; key features and patterns of the language; how to apply these, for instance, to build
sentences; and how these differ from or are similar to English
Assessment of French
At Pittington Primary it is our intention that all children will at least reach their age related expectations as described in the National Curriculum. However through a curriculum that is challenging and relevant to the children we expect children to achieve greater than age related expectations.
Children who are not meeting age related expectations will be supported by staff through differentiated tasks and targeted small group work. The direct use of key questions and targeted support will be offered to ensure that any gaps between groups of children are closed.
Assessment of the children’s French language skills will be assessed by the class teacher. There will be a range of evidence to support teacher judgement including French books, photographs, audio clips and assessed pieces of work.
Monitoring of Languages - French
The quality of the learning across the school is monitored by the Languages Subject Link Teacher.
Training is offered to all Subject Link Teachers to ensure that their knowledge and skills are up to date and accurate.
The Subject Link Teacher meets with the Special Interest Governor for French to share school improvement plan initiatives with them and ensure that governors are aware of standards across the school. | https://www.pittington.durham.sch.uk/curriculum-3/mfl/national-curriculum-6 |
Australia's Original Languages: an introduction
Dixon, R.M.W. (2019) Australia's Original Languages: an introduction. Allen and Unwin, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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PDF (Front Matter)
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Restricted to Repository staff only
Abstract
There has for some time been the need for a book for the general public on the nature of the Indigenous languages of Australia, their subtle grammatical structures and specialised vocabulary. Of how languages reflect traditional values, and how culture determines the make-up of the grammar. And the ways in which they differ from the familiar languages of Europe. Professor R.M.W. Dixon found that the original inhabitants were, at that time, not regarded as citizens; they were not permitted to live freely nor to operate their own bank accounts and there was scant understanding among mainstream Australians of their systems of social organisation and values. Whilst somewhat improved, there lingers a lack of understanding of the rich tapestry of the original languages, a lack which this volume seeks to satisfy. Bod studied materials for each of the 250 original languages and in this volume, quotes from more than three dozen separate languages. | https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/58848/ |
In Other Words has been the definitive coursebook for students studying translation for nearly three decades. Assuming no knowledge of foreign languages, it offers a practical guide based on extensive research in areas as varied as lexis, grammar, pragmatics, semiotics and ethics. It thus provides a solid basis for training a new generation of well-informed, critical students of translation.
Drawing on linguistic theory and social semiotics, the third edition of this best-selling text guides trainee translators through the variety of decisions they will have to make throughout their career. Each chapter offers an explanation of key concepts, identifies potential sources of translation difficulties related to those concepts and illustrates various strategies for resolving these difficulties. Authentic examples of translated texts from a wide variety of languages and genres are examined, and practical exercises and further reading are included at the end of each chapter.
The third edition has been fully revised to reflect recent developments in the field and includes a new chapter that engages with the interplay between verbal and visual elements in genres as varied as children’s literature, comics, film, poetry and advertisements.
This key text remains the essential coursebook for any student of translation studies.
Table of Contents
Contents
List of figures
List of tables
Preface to the second edition
Preface to the first edition
Acknowledgements
Credits
1 Introduction
1.1 About the organization of this book
1.2 Examples, back-translations and the languages of illustration
Suggestions for further reading
Note
2 Equivalence at word level
2.1 The word in different languages
2.2 Lexical meaning
2.3 The problem of non-equivalence
Exercises
Suggestions for further reading
Notes
3 Equivalence above word level
3.1 Collocation
3.2 Idioms and fixed expressions
Exercises
Suggestions for further reading
Notes
4 Grammatical equivalence
4.1 Grammatical versus lexical categories
4.2 The diversity of grammatical categories across languages
4.3 A brief note on word order
4.4 Introducing text
Exercises
Suggestions for further reading
Notes
5 Textual equivalence: thematic and information structures
5.1 A Hallidayan overview of information flow
5.2 The Prague School position on information flow: functional
sentence perspective
Exercises
Suggestions for further reading
Notes 187
6 Textual equivalence: cohesion
6.1 Reference
6.2 Substitution and ellipsis
6.3 Conjunction
6.4 Lexical cohesion
Exercises
Suggestions for further reading
Notes
7 Pragmatic equivalence
7.1 Coherence
7.2 Coherence and processes of interpretation: implicature
7.3 Coherence, implicature and translation strategies
Exercises
Suggestions for further reading
Notes
8 Semiotic equivalence
8.1 Semiotic resources and semiotic regimes
8.2 Creative deployment of semiotic resources
8.3 Translating semiotically complex material
Exercises
Suggestions for further reading
Notes
9 Beyond equivalence: ethics and morality
9.1 Ethics and morality
9.2 Professionalism, codes of ethics and the law
9.3 The ethical implications of linguistic choices
9.4 Concluding remarks
Exercises
Suggestions for further reading
Notes
Glossary
References
Name index
Language index
Subject index
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Author(s)
Biography
Mona Baker is Professor Emerita of Translation Studies at the University of Manchester, UK, and Director of the Shanghai Jiao Tong Baker Centre for Translation and Intercultural Studies, China (www.jiaotongbakercentre.org). She is Founding Vice President of the International Association of Translation and Intercultural Studies (IATIS, 2004–2015). | https://www.routledge.com/In-Other-Words-A-Coursebook-on-Translation/Baker/p/book/9781138666887 |
Summary This paper aims at studying the factors that affecting the gap between translation theory and practice. Only by studying (the focus of this paper), analyzing and evaluating those factors will be possible controlling the gap between practical and theoretical translation. Translation has been playing an indispensable role in transferring messages across languages despite cultural barriers. The importance of precise translation relies behind melting the barriers among civilizations to show the faces of both similarities and differences. Additionally, translation helps in developing cross-cultural integrative skills.
It is an extra textual feature. But translator’s presence can be found withinthe text. This can be deduced be analyzing how has the text been translated? In these concepts like translator’s poetics, power relations, translational norms, and translational interpretation play the part. All these concepts are looked upon as different ways of trying to make visible the textual category of translator.
One way to solve this problem is to find a new rhythm in local language. Secondly, it is necessary to know the object and subject in the activity of translation aesthetics. The subject of translation aesthetic are translator and reader. At the first step, translator is required to have a special capability of aesthetic. It is translator’s knowledge, experience and level of language finally decides the quality of translation of a text.
In this literary system translated literature and original literature stand together and they interact with one another. The contribution of this point of view to the Translation Studies is; it makes the translator to think much more inclusively about the text by looking at the text’s surroundings, by questioning “why these texts are translated? how they are translated? and how they interact each other?”. When it is looked at many text, now that it is known they should be comprehended together, there is a new field to study on about how this interaction between the texts woks.
The discourse analyst focuses on “an investigation of what that language is used forâ€, it means purpose and aim of communication, as has actually been mentioned before (Yule 1983: 1). Levels of analysis Crystal (1997: 15) mentions a few levels of analysis which are highly important for a detailed analysis of a text. Each level represents one area of linguistics such as lexicology or phonetics and phonology. On the basis of these areas different levels of analysis can be distinguished: phonetic and phonological, graphological, grammatical, lexical. Verdonk mentions importance of pragmatics and claims that “pragmatics is concerned with the meaning of language in discourse, that is, when it is used in an appropriate context to get particular aims†(Verdonk 2002:
Moreover, Reiss also provides a critical lens for assessing translation quality, through examining the shifts of the linguistic semantic, lexical, grammatical and stylistic elements in the target text. Hence, the following analysis is going to assess the translation of the excerpt of He Tang Yue Se by investigating how the four kinds of linguistic components are processed under the guidance of Reiss’s assessment
Errors need to be explained as to whether they are Interlingual or Intralingual. Generally Interlingual errors can be identified as transfer errors which result from a learner 's first language features (e.g., lexical, grammatical, or pragmatic, etc.). Intralingual errors are subdivided as overgeneralizations, ignorance of rule restrictions, incomplete application of rules, and false concepts hypothesized (i.e., learners fail to comprehend fully). Overgeneralization errors occur when learners yield deviant structures based on other structures of the target language. Ignorance of rule restrictions refers to the application of rules to inappropriate contexts.
A procedure called Contrastive Analysis is developed in order to identify the areas of difficulty by giving attention to the differences and similarities between the L1’s learners and L2’s learners. Contrastive Analysis is focused on the linguistic system and grammatical structures, can predict what problems the learners of second language will encounter. Contrastive Analysis helps to classify the errors, predict what are the errors will be made by the learners and finally avoid them. There are possibilities of L2 learners followed the universal ‘natural’ route where language is picked up in a fixed orders regardless of their native language and cultures thus, it challenges the Contrastive Analysis hypothesis. Basically, L2 learners acquire their second language pretty much the same with their first language. | https://www.ipl.org/essay/Examples-Of-Divergence-In-Translation-FCZTV335G |
Colin Bannard: The place of multi word sequences in a productive language system
The last decade has seen a number of published findings that our competence (speed, fluency etc.) with word sequences reflects their frequency, supporting the suggestion that we have dedicated representations for sequences that we use or encounter a lot. This raises the challenge of explaining how such representations can fit into a productive system for word combination. In this talk I will present a series of studies that start to address this, looking at how frequency-sensitive processing of phrases interacts with other pressures on language use.
In the four sessions, selected theories and models of second language acquisitions will be reviewed chronologically, starting with the Contrastive Analysis Hypothesis of 1950’s up to e.g. Ullman’s Declarative/Procedural Model. Implications of the models for language teaching and learning will be discussed as well.
Harald Clahsen: Grammatical constraints in language learners’ spoken language comprehension
The human language processor is capable of rapidly integrating grammatical information with information from other sources during reading or listening. Yet, little is known of how (child and adult) language learners make use of grammatical cues along with other information sources during language comprehension. For the present talk, I will address this general question by investigating one specific phenomenon, the so-called plurals-in-compounds effect, the avoidance of plurals inside compounds in English and other languages (e.g. *rats eater vs. rat eater), which is subject to both structural and non-structural constraints. I will present new evidence from both compound-internal modifiers in English and German (e.g., rote Paprika(s)fresser ‘red pepper(s) eater’). Results will be reported from graded linguistic judgements and from visual world eye-movement experiments focusing on the role of grammatical constraints in both child and adult language learners’ spoken language comprehension.
Harald Clahsen: How the brain plans complex words: Silent production of inflected words during EEG
In this talk, I will examine brain potentials during the production of morphologically complex words. To study neural correlates of producing morphologically complex words, event-related brain potentials (EPRs) were recorded during silent production. I will discuss findings from a number of studies using this technique investigating different kinds of morphological phenomena in English and German across different populations, including native speakers (both adults and children) as well as and non-native speakers.
The results were found to be consistent across languages, phenomena, and populations. Rule-based forms elicited a characteristic pattern of brain potentials during (silent) production, which included an enhanced negativity relative to control conditions. I argue that this ERP effect reflects control processes involved in constraining rule-based computation during morphological encoding and discuss how this mechanism could be incorporated into models of language production. Finally, I will speculate that this particular ERP effect may belong to a family of negativities signalling cognitive control monitoring more generally.
Filip Děchtěrenko: Psychopy: How to build psycholinguistic experiments?
An open-source software for building experiments will be presented in the workshop. We will build a simple experiment, learn how to present texts or pictures and how to gather response information (using a keyboard, or a microphone). In the end, we will look into some experiments created using this software. It is not necessary to know how to do programming to take part in the workshop (but it could be an advantage for you). Please, bring your own laptop with an installed Psychopy version 1.84.2 (you may download it here: http://psychopy.org/installation.html).
Natalia Levshina: How to see the meaning: Exploration and visualization of semantics with R
This practically oriented course demonstrates how one can use multivariate statistical methods and graphical tools in order to visualize, explore and compare semantic structures, semantic relationships and semantic changes in one, two or several languages. We will discuss different types of semantic maps created with the help of Multidimensional Scaling, Multiple Correspondence Analysis and Graph-Theoretic algorithms. The case studies are based on typological data, parallel and comparable corpora. In addition, visualization and exploration methods for distributional semantics (Behavioural Profiles and Semantic Vector Space Models) will be presented, as well as ways of representing semantic change in time.
Magdalena Łuniewska: How to measure vocabulary size cross-linguistically?
As lexicon is the most language-specific domain of language, it is impossible to translate tests of vocabulary directly from one language to another. On the other hand, there is a need for comparable measures of lexical knowledge in both languages of a bilingual child. Typically, tools designed to identify SLI do not take into account if a child is bilingual and how this might affect raw test scores, often leading to misdiagnosis. Both vocabulary size and processing speed can be confounding variables when diagnosticians attempt to disentangle bilingualism from SLI at the lexical level. Lexical abilities can also be used as a baseline assessment of bilingual dominance/proficiency.
To address this need, we designed The Cross-linguistic Lexical Tasks (CLTs). CLTs provide a fully comparable assessment for vocabulary and lexical processing in 26 different languages. I will present the innovative method of the CLTs´ construction: a multilingual parallel task construction procedure which enables an objective test of vocabulary and processing skills in any pair of languages included in the process.
Magdalena Łuniewska: Mental lexicon of Polish SLI children
The issue of shortage of vocabulary among children with specific language impairment (SLI) is still disputed. Some researchers underline the grammar-specific nature of SLI, whereas others notice its signs also in mental lexicon. In the talk, I will present a study in which we examined whether Polish preschool children at risk of SLI present deficits in vocabulary size and in lexical processing. To answer this question, we applied three different measures of vocabulary: standardized test of picture-choice, picture naming and a scene-description task, as well as a measure of lexical processing based on reaction times in CLTs.
In the talk, I will contrast the outcomes of the three measures of vocabulary and lexical processing. In addition to the outcomes of the SLI group and a pair-matched control group, I will present the potential usability of the three tasks for SLI diagnosis in Polish.
Danielle Matthews: How children learn to communicate: infancy
In infancy children discover that they can communicate with others about the external world and that they can do so using conventional language (words). I will talk about naturalistic and experimental evidence of how children make these qualitative steps forward in communicative ability.
Danielle Matthews: How children learn to communicate: preschool I-II
During the preschool years children come to learn which words to use in which context. I will talk about a range of factors that constrain how they do so and discuss learning processes that lead to ever more effective communication. In part 2 I will consider why we see such large individual differences in children's communicative effectiveness.
Petar Milin: Pimping-up linguistics: Approaching language with behavioural experimentation and computational modelling
Over the last two decades linguistics has been steadily moving away from questions of what might be possible (competence) towards studies of what is probable (performance); with this has come a change in focus, away from exceptional examples, small samples and anecdotal illustrations, towards large-scale quantitative studies. Three preconditions had to be met for this step-change to take place: (a) the rise of corpus linguistics with large and accessible digitalized corpora, (b) the return of quantification to language studies, in line with the core assumptions of usage-based approaches, and (c) an emerging interest in neuro-behaviourally motivated experimentation due to the field’s aspiration to provide descriptions of language that are in line with what is known about the brain and mind from other disciplines.
In my workshops, I will present a hybrid methodological framework that combines behavioural experimentation with machine-learning simulations, which generate experimentally falsifiable hypotheses and provide a justification for observed behaviour. For this I will rely on Learning Theory, with special attention to its relevance for language learning. I will show how this geminate approach, that strengthens traditional experimentation, has the potential to move linguistic theory forward.
Using data from my own research on Slavonic languages, I will introduce a number of experimental paradigms, such as lexical decision (including a discussion of priming techniques) and naming, self-paced reading and eye-tracking. I will explain when the selected experimental paradigms are (not) useful, what they (do not) show and how their respective output data can be explored and analysed. Next, I will move on to discussing machine learning models such as Naive Discrimination Learning (NDL; e.g., Rescorla-Wagner model) and Kalman Filtering. I will demonstrate how computational modelling strengthens an experimental approach, and how it naturally converges with a corpus-based approach. I will also compare learning-based models with statistical parallels such as regression, a technique that is well-known in linguistics. Here, too, I will focus on explaining when machine learning techniques are (not) useful, what they (do not) show and how the data has to be prepared and processed.
Linguistics and psychology have proven their readiness to embrace each other’s epistemologies and methodologies. In fact, both disciplines have reached the maturity to work towards true interdisciplinarity and fuel a change across the language sciences.
Andriy Myachykov: Interplay between knowledge representations
The question of the interplay between the domain-general and the domain-specific cognitive systems is at the heart of current psychological and neuroscientific research. This general question can be further subdivided into at least two more detailed questions. First, do mental representations that belong to different knowledge domains share properties due to a representational overlap between them? Second, how do different domain-specific processes interface with each other by means of tapping into the same components of the general cognitive architecture (e.g., visual attention)? In my presentation, I will report recent evidence from our research group confirming the existence of both types of representational interplay. First, I will present data from cross-domain priming studies showing that similar organizational principles may underlie representations from different abstract-knowledge systems (e.g. mental arithmetic, time, spatial and emotional semantics). Second, I will report data showing how visual attention may subserve activation of distinct knowledge representations by acting as an interface between them.
Andriy Myachykov: The role of attention in sentence production
The world that we perceive and describe changes constantly. If we believe our descriptions of the world to be accurate and consistent, we must assume that the content and the structure of our individual sentences accurately and consistently reflect the world’s constantly changing nature. If so, a comprehensive production system need to model the sentence generation process taking into account this basic assumption: Words, their linear arrangement, and the structures they are inserted in must somehow reflect the corresponding parameters of the observed and described event. This system must include representation of salience as its integral component. This interplay involves constant, regular, and automatic mappings between elements of a visual scene with their varying salience and structural arrangement of the sentence constituents as well as the grammatical relations between them. In this interplay, perceptual input contributes initially to this mapping process by providing information for further conceptual and linguistic encoding. Importantly, this information is not processed in an unconstrained fashion; instead, it is systematically filtered, selected, and relayed based on a regular interface between the aspects of attention and their corresponding counterparts in the conceptual and linguistic structures. Bottom-up and top-down features of the interface include noticeability, importance, and relevance. As a result, linguistic output reflects in a regular way event’s conceptual organization including the attentional state of the speaker. This mapping between attentional focus and structural choice is a part of a more complex mapping mechanism that I will refer to as Cognition-Language Interface. Specifically, my talk will consider theoretical and empirical bases of a complex interplay between the speaker’s attentional state and the linguistic choices they make during sentence production.
Michael Ramscar: The discriminative nature of human communication
Traditional studies of language assume an atomistic model in which linguistic signals comprise discrete, minimal form elements associated with discrete, minimal elements of meaning. Since linguistic production has been seen to involve the composition of messages from an inventory of form elements, and linguistic comprehension the subsequent decomposition of these messages, researchers have focused on attempting to identify and classify these elements, and the lossless processes of composition and decomposition they support, a program that has raised more questions than answers, especially when it comes to the nature of form-meaning associations.
By contrast, behavioral and neuroscience research based on human and animal models has revealed that “associative learning” is a lossy, discriminative process. Learners acquire predictive understandings of their environments through competitive mechanisms that tune systems of internal cue representations to eliminate or reduce any uncertainty they promote. Critically, models of this process better fit empirical data when these cue representations do not map discretely onto the aspects of the environment learners come to discriminate. The first two talks in this series describe the basic principles of learning, and the empirical basis for the belief that human communication is subject to the constraints these principles impose. They describe how, from this perspective, languages should be seen as probabilistic communication systems that exhibit continuous variation within a multidimensional space of form-meaning contrasts.
This systematic picture of communication indicates that discrete descriptions of languages at an individual (psychological) or community (linguistic) level must necessarily be idealizations. Idealizations inevitably lose information, and the third talk describes how the development of a discriminative, information theoretic approach to language leads in turn to the appreciation of the vast array of socially evolved structure that serves to underpin human communication, and explains why the overly abstract models of language of the 20th inevitably led to this structure being ignored.
Finally, since humans are linguistic animals, we might expect insights from a successful theory of human communication to extend beyond linguistics: The final talk describes how the application of discrimination learning and linguistics can shed new light on our understanding of lifespan cognitive development, revealing that the idea of ‘healthy cognitive decline’ is a myth reflecting science’s failings when it comes to naturalizing the minds it studies.
1. Discrimination learning, development and language
This talk lays out the computational account of the brain’s basic learning mechanisms and describes the results of a series of experiments examining the relationship between learning processes and language. It then describes how learning models offer answers to two fundamental questions in the study of language, explaining how patterns of brain development can account for the uniquely human capacity for complex linguistic communication, and how the discriminative nature of learning allows us to formalize the relationship between linguistic form and linguistic meaning.
2. Meaning, morphology and discriminative communication
This talk describes how basic learning mechanisms can be used to shed light on morphology and morphological development. In particular, it describes how linguistic claims about the absence of ‘negative evidence’ in language learning are undermined by actual learning models, and explains how these models account for patterns of children’s morphological overegularization as well as making surprising and successful predictions in this domain. It describes the view of morphology that emerges from discrimination learning – in which forms contribute not only to the reduction of semantic uncertainty in structured ways, but also to the reduction of uncertainty about upcoming forms themselves – and applies this approach to shed light on two aspects of language that have long puzzled linguists: noun class systems (aka grammatical gender) and the semantics of personal names.
3. Discriminative contrasts and the structure and distribution of meaning
Information theory has shown that exponential distributions are beneficial to the design of efficient communication systems, because they are both optimal for coding purposes and memoryless. It was recently shown that Sinosphere family names are exponentially distributed, and this talk reveals how, consistent with this, the empirical name distributions in English are also exponential, such that the distributional structure of names appears to be universal to the world’s major languages. The talk will then describe how the other empirical distributions of English are also exponential – indicating that the Zipfian distributions long thought to play a functional role in language are an artifact of the mixing of these empirical distributions – and goes on to describe how these socially evolved structures serve to facilitate the discriminative processes of human communication.
4. Discriminative communication and lifespan development
Performance on a range of psychometric tests declines as we age, which is taken to show that cognitive information-processing capacities also decline across the lifespan. The final talk presents a series of analyses and experiments that all point to a different conclusion: that the patterns of slowing / "forgetting" – and non-slowing / "non-forgetting" – seen in healthy adults simply reflect the consequences of continual learning from the statistical distributions that typify much of human experience. Using simulations using discriminative learning models and large linguistic data samples, it shows how the patterns of test performance usually labeled as "decline" emerge in standard learning models as the range of knowledge that they acquire increases. Finally, using the developmental models described in talks 1 and 2, it describes a global model of cognitive function in which many of the changes in grey and white matter that are currently misinterpreted as "neural atrophy” can be seen as adaptations that serve to regulate the behavioral and metabolic requirements of mature brains.
Rachel Smith: Speech rhythm I
Does speech have true rhythm, and if so what is its nature? In recent years, controversies around the concept of speech rhythm have mainly concerned which acoustic metrics offer valid bases to categorise languages into rhythm classes, and latterly whether the concept of distinct rhythm classes is well founded at all. Most of the arguments have been made on the basis of cross-linguistic comparisons. This presentation surveys the major debates in the field, and looks at what within-language comparisons—specifically, a series of production and perception studies comparing aspects of timing and rhythm across several dialects of British English—can bring to the debate.
Rachel Smith: Speech rhythm II
Rhythm can have powerful effects upon listeners, as anyone who has ever felt the urge to dance to music knows. How do these effects arise in our bodies and brains? Do listeners entrain to speech rhythm in similar ways as they do to music? This presentation briefly surveys relevant background in music psychology and neuroscience, and presents the results of several behavioural experiments and an ongoing electrophysiological study on how listeners respond to the coordination of rhythm across turn transitions in spontaneous dialogue.
Shravan Vasishth: Introduction to Sentence Comprehension I-III
The annotations together with references may be found here: http://www.ling.uni-potsdam.de/~vasishth/courses/SummerSchoolLitomysl2017.html
Jordan Zlatev: Motivations and conventions in actual and non-actual motions semantics
Lecture 1: Actual motion semantics: semantic categories, mappings, and types of motion situations
Motion (event) semantics has been a popular field of semantic typology, but it has suffered from conflicting definitions of key concepts such as path, manner and “satellite”, as well as the notion of motion itself. I start by presenting a taxonomy of motion situations inspired by a combination of Vendlerian situation types and phenomenological analysis (Zlatev et al 2010), and a theory of spatial semantics with clearly defined concepts (Zlatev 2007; Blomberg 2014). This semantic framework is then applied in the analysis of descriptions of motion situations in Swedish, French and Thai, based on video clips (Blomberg 2014). The results confirm expected typological differences between the three languages, but also reveal some more problematic findings, calling for a return to a classical topic: the relations between what is “coded” (i.e. part of the conventional meaning of linguistic expressions) and what can be “inferred” from the context and general experience.
Lecture 2: Non-actual motion semantics: phenomenological motivations and linguistic conventions
If actual motion concerns changes in a figure’s relative position in space (as proposed in the first lecture), non-actual motion (Blomberg and Zlatev 2014, Blomberg 2015) concerns dynamic experiential structures directed to situations that lack such change. Such experiences, of which at least three different kinds can be distinguished (affordance perception, scanning and imagination) can then be argued to motivate the existence of non-actual motion sentences such as “The road crawls through the desert”. First, I show how such a framework has advantages to alternative ones relying on notions such as “mental simulation” and “fictive motion”. Then I review existing and ongoing research on eliciting such sentences in the same three languages described in the first lecture: Swedish, French and Thai. Again, some features of the descriptions in each language can be traced to typological properties of the languages, reminding of the need to distinguish between potentially universal experiences and conventional semantics. At the same time, certain kinds of pictorial stimuli (displaying figures that allow human locomotion from a first-person perspective) appear to elicit the most NAM-sentences in all three languages, suggesting the potency of prelinguistic motivations.
Lecture 3: Motion-emotion metaphors: universal motivations, language-specific conventions, and contextual negotiations
There in ongoing debate between Lakovian “conceptual metaphor theory” placing the locus of metaphor in (universal) cognition, and more discourse-oriented approaches, arguing that creative language use (as well as that of other semiotic systems, such as gesture and pictorial representations) needs to be given priority. To help resolve this, I first present a conceptual framework, inspired by the integral semantics of Eugenio Coseriu, that operates with three distinct levels of meaning: a universal level of bodily experiences, a conventional level of language-specific norms, and a situated level of discourse and context-specific norms. Within this, I analyze linguistic expressions that concern emotions, but use motion verbs and related constructions, such as “She fell in state of deep depression”: motion-emotion metaphors (Zlatev et al 2010). Extending the data to eight languages (English, Swedish, Finnish, Estonian, Spanish, Bulgarian, Thai and Mandarin), and systematizing the methodology, I show how certain cross-linguistic patterns can be traced to the universal level of pre-linguistic motivations, while many differences have to with cultural and linguistic norms that show both areal and genealogical patterns. I also discuss the fuzzy boundary between such expressions and the non-actual motion sentences analyzed in the second lecture.
References:
Blomberg, J. & Zlatev, J. (2014). Actual and non-actual motion: Why experimental semantics needs phenomenology (and vice versa). Phenomenology and Cognitive Sciences 13(3): 395-418.
Blomberg, J. (2014). Motion in Language and Experience. Actual and Non-actual Motion in Swedish, French and Thai. PhD dissertation, Lund University.
Blomberg, J. (2015). The expression of non-actual motion in Swedish, French and Thai. Cognitive Linguistics, 26(4), 657-696.
Zlatev, J. (2007). Spatial semantics. In H. Cuyckens & D. Geeraerts (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Cognitive Linguistics, 318-350. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Zlatev, J, Blomberg, J. & David, C. (2010). Translocation, language and the categorization of experience. In V. Evans and P Chilton (eds) Language, Cognition and Space: The State of the Art and New Directions, 389-418. London: Equinox.
Zlatev, J, Blomberg, J. & Magnusson, U. (2012). Metaphors and subjective experience: motion-emotion metaphors in English, Swedish, Bulgarian and Thai. In Foolen, Luedke, Racine & Zlatev (eds.), 423-450. Amsterdam: Benjamins. | http://www.lingvistika.cz/ssol/2017/abstracts |
Why do we behave the way we do? Why do people change? Why do people deviate? This course helps students to understand how they are influenced by group situations and relationships. The focus is on the study of cultures, institutions, and social groups. Basic principles for the study of society are explored.
Conversational Spanish
Students learn to communicate effectively in familiar, conversational Spanish. This course stresses listening and speaking rather than grammatical structures. Lab Fee
Intermediate Spanish
Comprehensive oral and written reviews of grammatical structures through varied short stories, conversations, and presentations. Lab Fee
Intermediate Spanish
Extensive reading to further develop vocabulary and mastery of the language. Advanced prose selections from varied masters of the Hispanic world as cultural appreciation. Lab Fee
Elementary Spanish
Review of elements of basic and advanced grammar, conversation, and comprehension practices. Reporting on cultural aspects and simple short stories in the language for individual credit. Lab Fee
Elementary Spanish
Introductory course stressing pronunciation, comprehension, basic grammar structures, and interesting cultural readings. Individual/small group sessions are important to modularized language and cultural development.
Lab Fee
Race and Ethnic Relations
Students will discover whether their ancestors experienced prejudice and discrimination, why they did or did not, and how individuals and a society can resolve racial and cultural issues. Group relations in different countries will be analyzed with a major emphasis on African Americans, Hispanics, Europeans, Asians, and Gypsies in the United States.
Field Experience
This course integrates classroom learning with the application of the learning in a realistic setting through a supervised experience of not less than 96 hours. May be repeated up to a maximum of six credit hours. | http://www.kellogg.edu/category/course/page/3/?post_type=course |
Reports on the examination and identification of the administration system operating in the city of Takht-e Soleyman under the rule of Sassanids.
Covers excavation from the Neolithic up to the Proto-literate period, and provides information on Iran's cultural developments.
Acts as forum and promotes activities, articles and research on ancient Iran, archaeological discoveries, and workshops.
Informs on the ancient sites and monuments like Sassanid ans Islamic period marks culture and civilization in Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan province.
Presents image on Ganj Par's location and evidence for the Acheulian industry in Iran, and discovery of artifacts during excavations.
News on the discovery of a woman's skeleton in the historical site of Sistan-Baluchistan.
Presents the unearthing of artifacts in the central plateau of Iran.
Traces archaeological sites and quarries with Jiroft stone artifacts.
Reports research design involving the study of a mobile pastoralist tribe of Qashqaii confederation and archaeological survey of valleys.
Features archeological and art studies on insignias from the ancient dote of Jiroft.
Reports excavations and studies of the historical graveyard of Mazandaran, and the discovery of a male skeleton with gold and silver earrings.
Details the recovery of the two 4,500-year-old gold headdresses from ancient Sumer, and evidence of rich funerals.
Illustrates excavations in largely unexplored mountainous regions, and the remains of Persepolis.
Project identifies and restores historical sites and area surface of Shadyakh.
Details location, sites, excavations, and discovery of remains and artifacts.
Shows information about the return of 300 ancient Iranian tablets.
Archaeological expedition provides important information on the regional structure of societies, settlement patterns, and remains from Neolithic through Islamic times. | https://botw.org/top/Science/Social_Sciences/Archaeology/Regional/Middle_East/Iran/ |
On Saturday 14 May, at the Municipality of Prizzi (PA), the Archaeological Map of the municipality and the initiative “Prizzi Lab-Hippana Mission: pilot action for the creation of an Experimental Centre of Public Archaeology for the development of inland territories” were presented. This initiative is promoted by the Phoenicians’ Route – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe in cooperation with the Municipality, the Superintendence for cultural and environmental heritage of Palermo, Archaeological Groups of Italy and 8 international and national research institutes that are part of the International Universities Network of the Phoenicians’ Route (IUN): the Institute of Heritage Science (ISPC) of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), the University of Milan, the Universitiy of Ubino Carlo Bo, the Spanish Universities of Jaén, Cadice and Valencia, the “Fondazione Santagata” for the Economics of Culture of Turin and the Duke University (USA).
The goal of the action is to deepen and put in practice Public Archaeology principles in a Sicilian inland area (little known but full of cultural places with a very high cultural value). Its goal is the involvement of local communities in the research about the past and in the enhancement of cultural heritage. In fact, discovering, recovering and enhancing an archaeological site or asset not only makes the historical memory of our country live again. Interpreting what remains of the past can stimulate sharing of cultures and prospects and assume a vital social function in the present as long as it compares itself with the community of reference, with people. An Archaeology no more addressed only to the insiders and concluded by carrying out an excavation and by publishing its results. Archaeology dives into the current context, by interacting with daily life. Indeed, an archaeologist finds his role in society by becoming a mediator between the ancient and the contemporary, by using right formulas in order to involve citizens in the rediscovery of their past, by making sure his research acts in a positive way on the local community’s identity and values.
Different international research teams will collaborate on the enhancement of the ancient hippana site. They will put in place a complex cultural operation, a participative process for the construction of knowledge and identity, through archaeological fieldwork and research on the relationship between archaeology and the public. Through communication able to reach different types of people, a large variety of people with different ages and interests will be involved in the discovery of cultural heritage. A real Public Archaeology school, the first one that will present Prizzi at international level like a big experimental and specialised destination laboratory. The first activities will start in June with preparatory investigations.
The launch of Prizzi Archaeological Map shows the concrete commitment of the administration, led by Mayor Luigi Vallone, and of the Councillor for Culture Antonella Comparetto, by following a correct scientific approach and by providing tools to experts and scientists in order to adhere to the proposal of heritage education. In addition, the Phoenicians’ Route and the Archaeological groups of Italy apply in this experimental project the Faro Convention principles about heritage value for the society, with the active and passionate involvement of Prizzi’s community. | https://fenici.net/en/presentation-of-archaeological-map-and-the-initiative-prizzi-lab-hippana-mission/9469/ |
Egypt’s Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Anany has said that the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is set to be officially inaugurated in 2020, saying the ministry has strict directives from the country’s political leadership for the opening to be held that year.
El-Anany said that the entrance tickets are to be priced at EGP 5 for Egyptian students, 10 EGP for a public ticket, and free for students of free schools.
The minister gave the statements during a meeting of the Egyptian parliament’s culture, media and antiquities committee on Sunday.
El-Anany announced that the terms and conditions booklet will be ready soon for the Emirati company and international consortiums that have said they will be bidding to administer the facility.
The GEM complex is located on an area of approximately 500,000 square metres adjacent to the Pyramids of Giza. It is one of the largest museums in the world displaying the heritage of a single civilisation.
The construction of the museum began in 2006 with funding from the Japanese government.
“GEM construction slowed down following the outbreak of the revolution in January 2011, but in 2019 the construction began to move ahead again at a great pace and 80 percent of the work has so far been completed,” El-Anany told the committee.
He said that the great value of Egypt’s new museum led the government of Japan to loan Egypt $450 million to build it, but the total cost of the museum is expected to reach $1 billion.
“So far we have been able to transport 45,000 antiquities to the new museum to be ready for display when it opens in 2020,” said El-Anany.
The museum will contain over 100,000 artefacts, reflecting Egypt’s past from prehistory through to the Greek and Roman periods.
Speaking about the ministry’s work, El-Anany said there is currently a major archaeological discovery in Egypt almost every week.
“There will be a great archaeological discovery in Giza’s Saqqara region, and I invite all members of parliament to attend the event next week,” said the minister, without providing further details.
On the renovation of the religious archaeological heritage, El-Anany affirmed that Jewish heritage is an important part of Egyptian heritage, and is top priority for the ministry, as is the Pharaonic, Roman, Islamic and Coptic archaeological heritage of the country.
The minister also revealed that the ministry will raise the price of entrance tickets to the pyramids for foreigners from EGP 80 to EGP 200, starting next November.
“Egyptians aged 60 years and older will be exempted from the entrance fee, while the ministry will issue an annual subscription ticket for Egyptian students for EGP 150,” the minister said.
On the latest developments in retrieving Egyptian artefacts that have been smuggled abroad, the minister said that a number had been discovered in Sharjah Emirate in the UAE, and many have been retrieved directly or by lawsuits.
El-Anany also revealed that the ministry is investigating a recent case of an artefact that was stolen from inside the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, adding that he can’t reveal the details of the incident at the time being.
On the case of the smuggled artefacts discovered in Naples in May, El-Anany said that the case involved 21,000 ancient coins and 151 small statues. All were retrieved by the Egyptian general prosecution within only a month.
“This is the shortest period of time known to retrieve smuggled artefacts,” El-Anany said; however, he added that the full details of the case are still being investigated by the prosecution, who will identify the smugglers and who the artefacts were intended for.
In May, Italian authorities seized a huge collection of artefacts in Naples from several countries, including Egypt.
According to officials in the Ministry of Antiquities, the objects were stolen from illegal excavation sites, as there are no records of the artefacts in Egyptian museums.
The artefacts include a collection of pottery from different ancient eras, parts of sarcophagi and coins. Also among the artefacts were objects from the Islamic period. | https://visitasguiadasegipto.com/grand-egyptian-museum-to-open-by-2020-says-antiquities-minister/ |
Wine used in Ritual Ceremonies 5000 Years Ago in Georgia, the Cradle of Viticulture
A Georgian-Italian archaeological expedition has discovered vine pollen in a zoomorphic vessel used in ritual ceremonies by the Kura-Araxes population.
In the archeological site of Aradetis Orgora, 100 kilometers to the west of the Georgian capital Tbilisi, Ca' Foscari's expedition led by Elena Rova (Ca' Foscari University of Venice) and Iulon Gagoshidze (Georgian National Museum Tbilisi) has discovered traces of wine inside an animal-shaped ceramic vessel (circa 3,000 BC), probably used for cultic activities.
View of the Aradetis Orgora (Dedoplis Gora) mound. Credit: Georgian-Italian Shida Kartli Archaeological Project .
The vessel has an animal-shaped body with three small feet and a pouring hole on the back. The head is missing. It was found, together with a second similar vessel and a Kura-Araxes jar, on the burnt floor of a large rectangular area with rounded corners, arguably a sort of shrine used for cultic activities. Results of radiometric (C14) analyses confirm that the finds date to circa 3000-2900 BC Both zoomorphic vessels are an unicum in the region.
The vessel, examined by palynologist Eliso Kvavadze, contains numerous well-preserved grains of pollen of Vitis vinifera (common grape vine), which shows wine's strategic role in the Kura-Araxes culture for ritual libations.
A pillared portico at Aradetis Orgora. Credit: Georgian-Italian Shida Kartli Archaeological Project .
According to professor Rova, this is a significant discovery, "because the context of discovery suggests that wine was drawn from the jar and offered to the gods or commonly consumed by the participants to the ceremony."
It's a key-finding for Georgia, where grapewine has been cultivated since the Neolithic period. Now the Georgian wine culture has been dated back to the Kura-Araxes period, more than 5,000 years ago and is still continuing: in the course of traditional Georgian banquets, the supra, wine is consumed from vessels derived from animal horns in the context of elaborated ritual toasts.
An example of a drinking horn, 16 th century. ( public domain )
The Kura-Araxes culture (second half of the fourth and first half of the third millennium BC) is the only prehistoric culture of the Southern Caucasus which spread over large areas of the Near East, reaching Iran and the Syro- Palestinian region.
Started in 2013, in only three years Ca' Foscari archeological excavations have achieved this impressive result, thanks also to the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 27 researchers and students from both countries and some local collaborators took part in 2015 campaign season, when the Kura-Araxes vessels were unearthed. The 2016 season will take place from June 17 until July 31. | https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/wine-used-ritual-ceremonies-5000-years-ago-georgia-cradle-viticulture-020868 |
This historical seismology study examines and supplements what is currently known from written sources and archaeological literature about the earthquakes that took place in the area of L'Aquila (central Italy), struck by a damaging earthquake on 6 April 2009 (M (sub w) 6.3), from the ancient Roman period to the late Middle Ages (first through fifteenth century A.D.). The persistence and magnitude of earthquakes in this area has had a strong bearing on the economy and culture of the communities that resided there, a fact borne out by historical accounts. The goal of this revision is to prompt thinking about earthquakes missing from the hazard estimates as well as on return periods for destructive earthquakes in the area. It presents a critical collation of data previously scattered among historical catalogs and writings. Ten earthquakes are examined for their historical and cultural background with a view to highlighting the existence of written sources and explaining both the quality of the available data and the information shortfall. We also show the limits and uncertainty of the information available, coming as it does from tersely written texts giving patchy coverage. This state of knowledge is due either to sources being lost or in certain centuries not being produced (there is a millennium of "lost" earthquakes) and to the present state of historical and archaeological research in this field. The historical and archaeological data we present are often poor/hard to quantify. Yet they are known and hence pose the problem of how to improve the earthquake catalogs and devise new quantitative approaches to hazard estimation based on multi-disciplinary dialog. | https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/georef/record/6/3467737/Ancient-and-medieval-earthquakes-in-the-area-of-L |
There is news for three items related to the Temple Mount:
Quarry: The Orthodox Union has new photos online (or if you prefer a slide show)
First Temple Period Remains: Leen Ritmeyer has marked out the find location on a couple of diagrams. The discovery matches his previous conclusion that this area was within the temple area of Hezekiah’s time.
Temple Mount Destruction: The transcript from the government meeting about the bulldozer excavations is now online in Hebrew. Yitzhak Sapir has made the following observations:
Present at the meeting were archaeologists Yuval Baruch (district archaeologist of Jerusalem for the IAA), Gabriel Barkai and Meir Ben-Dov, as well as Shuka Dorfman, head of the IAA. Eilat Mazar was also invited but she doesn’t appear to speak during the meeting.
Aside from their statements on the topics, which are really interesting, there are also some interesting statements by Limor Livnat, who was in the past Minister of Education and responsible for the IAA, and an architect who claims that when the dig began two months ago, he found a segment of the Northern Wall of the Temple, that was covered up the next day.
Ron Tappy and the Abecedary
I don’t think this recently discovered alphabetic inscription has received coverage in the popular press like it deserves. From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Ron Tappy became a committed Christian in his mid-20s, after deciding to read the Bible straight through.
When he did, “the Old Testament just floored me, and the history of Israel became my history, and I became a Christian in that process. To this day, I have an abiding respect for the texts of Scripture,” he said.
It seems fitting, then, that Dr. Tappy’s most famous discovery as a biblical archaeologist is a 38-pound limestone rock inscribed with a 2,900-year-old alphabet.
The stone was found two years ago at Tel Zayit in Israel, a dig about 25 miles southwest of Jerusalem. Using distinctive pottery and carbon dating of the soil levels above it, the stone was firmly traced to the 10th century B.C., the time when the biblical King Solomon was supposed to have lived.
The discovery was described by some experts as the most important find in biblical archaeology in the last 10 years.
One reason for the buzz was that the stone suggests the earliest Hebrew Scriptures could have been written down in that era — hundreds of years earlier than many scholars had believed.
For Dr. Tappy, the alphabet stone also suggests not only that King Solomon was a real historical figure, but that he did in fact have a growing kingdom at the time, because Tel Zayit sits on the border of Solomon’s Judah and the kingdom of Philistia, where the Philistines lived.
The story continues here. The excavation’s website is here, but has not been updated recently.
Photographs of the inscription appear to be more sacred than the ark rare but here’s one with Tappy and another showing a few of the letters.
UPDATE: Offline there is a lot of information and photographs in this article:
Tappy, Ron E., P. Kyle McCarter, Marilyn J. Lundberg, Bruce Zuckerman (2006). “An Abecedary of the Mid-Tenth Century B.C.E. from the Judaean Shephelah”. BASOR 344 (November): 5-46.
Ancient Site of Bene-Berak to be Developed
This summer I was out scouting around trying to locate some sites on the Coastal Plain, including Ono, Eltekeh, and Bene-berak. Bene-berak is mentioned in Josh 19:45; 21:45; 1 Chr 9:14; Neh 11:15. The most likely location is el-Kheriyah, located about 3 miles south of the modern Israeli city of Bene-berak. I wasn’t quite sure if I had found the right spot or not. It wasn’t for lack of remains that I lacked certainty, but for an overabundance. Today it was announced that the government is going to transform the Hiriya landfill into the “Ariel Sharon Park.” While I’m not sure if I’d feel honored if a trash dump was named aft er me, I am hopeful that the $250 million project will make the ancient Israelite site accessible to tourists.
The Hiriya Landfill, located between Ramat Gan and Tel Aviv is a mountain of garbage that was used from 1952 until 1998. The government is now planning on transforming the site and the area around it into one of the largest parks in the country.The Hiriya site stretches out along 112 acres and the garbage mountain itself is elevated around 200 feet.
“The restoration project will transform Hiriya from a waste landfill into a flourishing, green park which will attract thousands of visitors each year, providing leisure and recreational opportunities as well as pleasant walks along its paths,” organizers say.
“Today is the opening shot in the building of this incredible park,” said Danny Shternberg of the Ayalon Park Government Company. “We are proud to name it for former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who was an enthusiastic backer of the idea, advancing the park himself.” Shternberg declined to comment on the unorthodox nature of deciding to name a park after someone who is still living.
The park will contain within it sheltered areas (such as the Menachem Begin Park), open areas, forested regions, agricultural tracts and man-made lakes and streams.
Archeological sites will also be refurbished and put on display. The ancient city of B’nei Brak, spoken of in the Passover Haggadah, lay at the site and an Arab village named Hiriya was built atop its ruins until its residents fled in 1948. Emergency plans when Israel feared an Arab victory in the 1967 Six Day War called for mass graves to be dug in the area for the expected Jewish casualties.
For more, see the Arutz-7 report.
Playground in modern Bene-Berak. It’s pretty nice for a neighborhood park. It doesn’t have any relation to the landfill, but it is certainly more picturesque than the subject of the story. Apologies if it makes your kids jealous.
Persian Period Finds in City of David
I was talking with a scholar the other day about the general lack of archaeological material in Israel from the Persian period (530-330 B.C.). This is especially true for the city of Jerusalem. Then today I learned this from a reliable source:
Just yesterday, Eilat Mazar found a Persian period layer with much pottery and bullae, mostly fragments, but one with a beautiful 5th century B.C. inscription from the Persian Period.
Mazar is excavating in the City of David, above Shiloh’s Area G, on the summit of the hill in an area where she believes she is excavating the palace of David. When I know more, or when this is reported in the media, I’ll mention it here.
"But I Used the Tractor Carefully…"
The Jerusalem Post story on the on-going saga of “excavations” on the Temple Mount is here. The abbreviated version follows:
Genius #1: Shmuel Dorfman
“There was no damage to the remains of buildings or artifacts.”
Sir, can you tell me if you excavated with a tractor?
“They were under time pressure.”
It’s good to know that you can excavate with a tractor and cause “no damage” to ancient remains.
This guy wouldn’t pass Archaeology 101. Unfortunately he is the Director-General of the Israel Antiquities Authority.
Genius #2: Meir Ben-Dov, retired archaeologist
“There were no archeological findings in the ground,” Meir Ben-Dov told the committee. “They dug
a total of 50 cm. [18 inches] deep and all of it was fill-in from the earlier infrastructure that had been installed.”
Somebody should have told this guy about the Iron Age remains from an undisturbed layer that were discovered in this trench. Ben-Dov is not an honest man. He just expected that the Muslims would have destroyed it all so thoroughly that no one would ever be able to prove him wrong. Fortunately somebody was watching “the excavation” between tractor scoops and not all was lost.
The good news:
“The Knesset State Control Committee on Monday decided to ask the State Comptroller’s Office to investigate procedures for allowing the Wakf Islamic trust to excavate on the Temple Mount, amid claims by archeologists that the laying of electric cables there in August endangered ancient artifacts.”
Material from First Temple Period Found on Temple Mount
A remarkable discovery of undisturbed archaeological material from the Temple Mount and dating to the Old Testament period was announced yesterday by the Israel Antiquities Authority. This is remarkable for a few reasons:
By all appearances, there was little apparent archaeological supervision of the Muslim digging of a trench on the Temple Mount last month. That’s why lots of people were screaming. It’s not that digging itself is bad, but digging without proper archaeological procedure is simply destruction.
Undisturbed layers from the First Temple period (1000-586 B.C.) are not often found anywhere in Jerusalem. This is because of later building activities and because of current inhabitation of the city.
No undisturbed layers from any period have been excavated on the Temple Mount, ever. This is owing to Muslim control of the site and their prohibitions against archaeological excavation. This dates back to the earliest “archaeologists” in Jerusalem, including Charles Warren in the 1860s.
It has been expected that the construction of the present Temple Mount by King Herod in the 1st
century B.C. was so extensive and destructive that little would remain (in stratified contexts) from the previous eras. The present discovery does not seem to constitute significant material in and of itself, but it certainly gives hope that more could be recovered should excavations be permitted. Similar discoveries from this time period have been made by Gabriel Barkay in his Temple Mount Sifting Project, but they were not from a stratified context as this was.
Enough of the significance of the discovery, here are some details:
Items discovered: ceramic table wares, animal bones, olive pits, bowls, juglet base, storage jar rim.
Date of items: 8th-6th century (roughly the times of Hezekiah to Josiah)
Location of discovery: southeastern corner of raised platform on Temple Mount
Archaeologist in charge: Yuval Baruch, Jerusalem District Archaeologist
Consulting archaeologists: Sy Gitin, Director of the W. F. Albright Institute of Archaeological
Research in Jerusalem, Israel Finkelstein of Tel Aviv University and Ronny Reich of Haifa University
The key statement making this an important discovery: “The layer is a closed, sealed archaeological layer that has been undisturbed since the 8th century B.C.”, Jon Seligman, Jerusalem regional archaeologist.
The skeptic: Eilat Mazar, “I think it is a smoke screen for the ruining of antiquities.”
The future: examination of the discoveries in a future seminar to be organized by the Israel Antiquities Authority
More information: Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs (with photos), Israel National News (with wrong dates), Haaretz, Jerusalem Post, Maariv (more detailed article in Hebrew)
Wheaton Archaeology Lecture Series
The 52nd Annual Archaeology Lecture Series is underway at Wheaton College, entitled “Ashkelon and the Ports of the Mediterranean.” The remaining lectures are:
Wednesday, Oct 31, 6:30pm
Brian Brisco, “The Persian Period at Ashkelon”
Billy Graham Center, Room 140
Wednesday, Nov 7, 6:30pm
Tracy Hoffman, “The Byzantine and Islamic Periods at Ashkelon”
Billy Graham Center, Room 140
Lectures at Oriental Institute
The following lectures are free, open to the public, and held in the Breasted Hall of the University of Chicago, Oriental Institute.
Wednesday, Nov 7, 7pm-9pm
Allison Thomason, “Banquets, Baubles and Bronzes: Material Comforts in Neo-Assyrian Palaces”
Wednesday, Dec 5, 7pm-9pm
Scott Branting, “Mapping the Past”
Wednesday, Jan 9, 7pm-9pm
Harald Hauptmann, “Neolithic Revolution of the Ancient Near East”
Wednesday, Feb 6, 7pm-9pm
Terry Wilfong, “Anxious Egyptians: Personal Oracles as Indices of Anxieties in the Later Periods”
Wednesday, Mar 5, 7pm-9pm
David Schloen, “Excavations at Zincirli”
Wednesday, Apr 2, 7pm-9pm
Nadine Moeller, “Tell Edfu, Egypt”
Wednesday, May 7, 7pm-9pm
Larry Stager, “Excavating Ashkelon, Sea Port of the Phillistines”
Wednesday, Jun 4, 7pm-9pm
Stuart Tyson Smith, “Death at Tombos: Pyramids, Iron, and the Rise of the Nubian Dynasty”
Online Lectures by Younger
Someone asked recently about online lectures related to archaeology. I have learned about a couple that aren’t exactly archaeological in nature, but may be of interest to readers here.
K. Lawson Younger is a professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a highly regarded scholar in the field of Ancient Near Eastern Studies. He recently gave two lectures at Brigham Young University which can be viewed online.
Biblical Studies and the Comparative Method – Younger’s expertise on this is obvious when you realize that he was co-editor of the monumental Context of Scripture.
Finding Some of the Lost Tribes of Israel – Some might be surprised that a Mormon university would ask a Christian scholar to speak on this. I bet you that he doesn’t say that the ten lost tribes are in America! Younger has written much on this subject.
Start with these:
1998 The Deportations of the Israelites. Journal of Biblical Literature 117, pp. 201-227.
2002 Recent Study of Sargon II, King of Assyria: Implications for Biblical Studies. Pp. 288-329 in Mesopotamia and the Bible. Ed. M. Chavalas & Younger. Grand Rapids: Baker.
2003 Israelites in exile: their names appear at all levels of Assyrian society. Biblical Archaeology Review 29, no. 6 (Nov-Dec), pp. 36-45, 65-66.
But these are also relevant:
1999 The Fall of Samaria in Light of Recent Research. Catholic Biblical Quarterly 61, pp. 461-
482.
2002 Yahweh at Ashkelon and Calah?: Yahwistic names in Neo-Assyrian. Vetus Testamentum 52, pp.207-218.
2003 ‘Give Us Our Daily Bread’: Everyday Life for the Israelite Deportees. In Life and Culture in the Ancient Near East. Ed. R. Averbeck, M.W. Chavalas & D.B. Weisberg. Maryland: CDL.
2004 The Repopulation of Samaria (2 Kings 17:24, 27-31) in Light of Recent Study. Pp. 254-80 in The Future of Biblical Archaeology. Ed. J. Hoffmeier & A. Millard. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
Thanks to A.D. for the notice and the references. | https://www.bibleplaces.com/blog/2007/10/ |
There’s a region called “Iburi” in the southwest of Hokkaido. Here you can find four world-recognized heritages within an area which can be driven through in just two hours or so.
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Coexistence with the Ever-Changing Earth
“Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark”
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Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark is a precious place that teach us about our living planet and its relationships with the life it supports.
Lake Toya formed as a result of a huge volcanic eruption some 110,000 years ago. Mt. Usu was also created by a series of eruptions between 20,000 to 10,000 years ago.
In more recent times, Mt. Usu has erupted every 20 to 30 years, and walking trails here with views of craters, damaged structures and roads give visitors a glimpse of how devastating volcanoes can be.
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Ainu Culture includes The traditional Ainu Dance which is inscribed on the UNESCO ICH list
Among the several forms of culture the Ainu people have long fostered, it is Traditional Ainu Dance that they have performed during ceremonies or get-togethers with friends to express gratitude for the deities, and also in daily life to share happiness and sorrow with them.
The Traditional Ainu Dance has been designated as an important intangible folk cultural asset of Japan and 18 groups all over Hokkaido are specified as protection groups. It has also been inscribed on the UNESCO ICH list, and you can see the performances at some facilities, including the museum in Iburi.
The Japanese government is developing the Symbolic Space for Ethnic Harmony (This informal name is 'Upopoy'.), which will include a National Ainu Museum, in Shiraoi town of the Iburi region. The space will serve as a national center for providing information on and revitalizing Ainu culture, such as Traditional Ainu Dance. They plan to open it to the public in 2020.
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Jomon Archaeological Sites
in Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku aim for inscription on the World Heritage List
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The Jomon culture is a prehistoric culture that lasted for nearly 10,000 years, coexisting with Japan’s rich natural surroundings.
The Jomon people lived in permanent settlements producing unique pottery, clay figurines, and accessories. They lived primarily not by agriculture, but by hunting, fishing, and gathering.
Hokkaido, the 3 Tohoku prefectures, and relevant municipalities are cooperating with the common aim of achieving inscription of the Jomon Archaeological Sites in Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku, including the 3 archaeological sites in Iburi, on the World Heritage List.
At the facilities by the archaeological sites in Iburi you can touch real Jomon pottery, try your hand at digging, or see the restored pit dwellings.
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Mukawa-ryu
“Mukawa-ryu” or Mukawa Dinosaur is a complete skeletal fossil of a dinosaur which is a member of Hadrosauridae, and was excavated in Hobetsu, in Mukawa Town. With a height of well over 8 m, it is the nation’s largest complete skeletal fossil.
“Mukawa-ryu” was discovered from a marine stratum of the late Cretaceous period (approximately 72 million years ago.) The discovery of a land dinosaur fossil in a marine stratum is extremely rare worldwide, and this discovery is said to have great value for understanding dinosaurs’ way of life at that time.
You can see a part of the “Mukawa-ryu” skeleton, as well as valuable fossils including a plesiosaur from the late Cretaceous period, Mosasaurus, ammonite, Inoceramus and more at the Hobetsu Museum. | https://www.iburi.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/ts/tss/yondai/englishtopage.html |
This was announced by heads of the joint Azerbaijani-French archaeological expedition which conducts research in this area.
'The ancient tools which relate to the period of the Lower Paleolithic found recently during excavations at Ovchular Tepe testify to this,' said senior official at the Institute of History, Archaeology and Ethnography of Nakhchivan Branch of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences Anar Bakhshaliyev.
'Archaeological research in Ovchular Tepe has been held since 2006. Until now it was known that Ovchular Tepe was inhabited from the Late Stone Age. However, studies conducted in this archaeological site give reason to believe that ancient people settled here even earlier – 500,000-300,000 years ago,' Bakhshaliyev added.
The expert said that the Gazma cave, where shelter of primitive people belonging to the middle Paleolithic period was found, was considered to be the oldest habitation area in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic to date. "Samples of material culture discovered during the current excavations indicate that Ovchular Tepe, populated from the Lower Paleolithic period, is the oldest in Nakhchivan and one of the most ancient human settlements in world in general," the scholar noted.
"The findings are very interesting. For example, we have found skeleton of a child in burial in a pitcher next to which three copper axes were placed. These are the oldest metal axes found in the Caucasus. Their total weight is about 1 kg of metal. This was a very valuable gift for the burial because at the time metallurgy was just in its infancy," said Catherine Marro, another head of joint archaeological expedition, scholar from the National Center for Scientific Research of France.
"Earlier it was assumed that the Kura-Araz culture, which is inherent in a given area and which then gradually spread to Eastern Anatolia and Syria, is rooted in the IV millennium BC. However, after this discovery it became clear that the Kura-Araz culture dates back to V century BC. This is a very important discovery," the French archaeologist added.
People who lived in this area were very well versed in industry, she noted. "In addition, the findings discovered during research on Duzdag salt mines located at some distance from this archaeological site show that people – natives of Kura-Araz culture - also developed the Duzdag Mine. This is a very interesting result.”
She stated that numerous items and fragments of pottery, dating from the late Paleolithic era, are also found in Duzdag along with samples of the Kur-Araz culture.
"This suggests that the development of mines in Duzdag started at the very least in the V century BC. Therefore Duzdag is the oldest of the salt mines in the world known to science until now. Consequently, the oldest salt mine is located here - in Nakhchivan," the French scholar noted. | http://www.archeolog-home.com/pages/content/nakhchivan-azerbaidjan-oldest-salt-mine-worldwide-located.html |
24,000-Year-Old Butchered Bones Found in Canada Change Known History of North America
Archaeologists have found a set of butchered bones dating back 24,000 years in Bluefish Caves, Yukon, Canada, which are the oldest signs of human habitation ever discovered in North America. Until recently, it was believed that the culture that represented the continent’s first inhabitants was the Clovis culture. However, the discovery of the butchered bones challenges that theory, providing evidence that human occupation preceded the arrival of the Clovis people by as much as 10,000 years.
For decades, it has been believed that the first Americans crossed the Bering Strait from Siberia about 14,000 years ago and quickly colonized North America. Artifacts from these ancient settlers, who have been named the Clovis culture after one of the archaeological sites in Clovis, New Mexico, have been found from Canada to the edges of North America.
A hallmark of the toolkit associated with the Clovis culture is the distinctively shaped, fluted stone spear point, known as the Clovis point. These Clovis points were from the Rummells-Maske Cache Site, Iowa ( public domain ).
However, the recent discovery of bones in Canada that show distinctive cut marks supports the perspective that there were other inhabitants of America that preceded the Clovis.
The finding was made in the Bluefish Caves in Yukon, which consists of three small caves that are now considered to hold the oldest archaeological evidence in North America. Researchers have found the bones of mammoths, horses, bison, caribou, wolves, foxes, antelope, bear, lion, birds and fish, many of which exhibit butchering marks made by stone tools.
Cut marks in the jaw bone of a now-extinct Yukon horse serve as evidence that humans occupied the Bluefish Caves in Yukon, Canada, up to 24,000 years ago. Photo by Bourgeon et al.
The site was first excavated by archaeologist Jacques Cinq-Mars between 1977–87, and initial dating suggested an age of 25,000 before present. This was dismissed at the time as it did not fit with the well-established Clovis-First theory. However, a new study published in the journal PLOS One supports the initial dating, demonstrating that humans occupied the site as early as 24,000 years ago.
As part of the study, the research team analysed 36,000 mammal bones found in the caves. Carnivore tooth marks were observed on 38 to 56% of the bone material. A total of fifteen bone samples with cultural modifications confidently attributable to human activities were identified, while twenty more samples with “probable” cultural modifications were also found. “The traces identified on these bones are clearly not the result of climato-edaphic factors or carnivore activity,” the researchers report. “The presence of multiple, straight and parallel marks with internal microstriations observed on both specimens eliminates carnivores as potential agents.”
Bone sample from Bluefish cave showing cut marks made by humans.
The findings support the hypothesis that prior to populating the Americas, the ancestors of Native Americans spent considerable time isolated in a Beringian refuge during the Last Glacial Maximum [LGM], the last period in the Earth's climate history during the last glacial period when ice sheets were at their greatest extension. As the researchers of the study concluded:
“In addition to proving that Bluefish Caves is the oldest known archaeological site in North America, the results offer archaeological support for the “Beringian standstill hypothesis”, which proposes that a genetically isolated human population persisted in Beringia during the LGM and dispersed from there to North and South America during the post-LGM period.”
Top image: Main: Kluane National Park, Yukon ( CC by SA 3.0 ) Inset: Cut marks in the jaw bone of a now-extinct Yukon horse serve as evidence that humans occupied the Bluefish Caves in Yukon, Canada, up to 24,000 years ago. Photo by Bourgeon et al. | https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/24000-year-old-butchered-bones-found-canada-change-known-history-north-021178 |
# Fordcroft Anglo-Saxon cemetery
Fordcroft Anglo-Saxon cemetery was a place of burial. It is located in the town of Orpington in South East London, South-East England. Belonging to the Middle Anglo-Saxon period, it was part of the much wider tradition of burial in Early Anglo-Saxon England. Fordcroft was a mixed inhumation and cremation ceremony.
Archaeologists affiliated with the local Orpington Museum began excavating in 1965, expecting to find evidence of Romano-British occupation, but after discovering the cemetery decided to focus on it. Excavation continued for four seasons, ending in 1968.
## Location
The site was located in Orpington, close to the border with St Mary Cray. It sits between Bellefield Road and Poverest Road, near to the junction with the A224 road. The source of the River Cray lies half a mile south of the cemetery, while the river itself passes by 200 metres away from the site. The plot of land on which it was discovered was 1/8 of an acre in size. The soil is largely brick-earth, resting on the Flood Plain gravel which covers the valley floor.
The nearest settlement that is known to be long-established is the farmstead of Poverest, the name of which can be traced to the early-14th century. The area remained agricultural land lying between the two villages until the mid-19th century, when increasing development led to the area becoming suburban. Several Victorian cottages had been built atop the cemetery, but were demolished during the following century, when the site became "overgrown with weeds and littered with rubbish" prior to excavation.
## Background
With the advent of the Anglo-Saxon period in the fifth century CE, the area that became Kent underwent a radical transformation on a political, social, and physical level. In the preceding era of Roman Britain, the area had been administered as the civitas of Cantiaci, a part of the Roman Empire, but following the collapse of Roman rule in 410 CE, many signs of Romano-British society began to disappear, replaced by those of the ascendant Anglo-Saxon culture. Later Anglo-Saxon accounts attribute this change to the widescale invasion of Germanic language tribes from northern Europe, namely the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. Archaeological and toponymic evidence shows that there was a great deal of syncretism, with Anglo-Saxon culture interacting and mixing with the Romano-British culture.
The Old English term Kent first appears in the Anglo-Saxon period, and was based on the earlier Celtic-language name Cantii. Initially applied only to the area east of the River Medway, by the end of the sixth century it also referred to areas to the west of it. The Kingdom of Kent was the first recorded Anglo-Saxon kingdom to appear in the historical record, and by the end of the sixth century, it had become a significant political power, exercising hegemony over large parts of southern and eastern Britain. At the time, Kent had strong trade links with Francia, while the Kentish royal family married members of Francia's Merovingian dynasty, who were already Christian. Kentish King Æthelberht was the overlord of various neighbouring kingdoms when he converted to Christianity in the early seventh century as a result of Augustine of Canterbury and the Gregorian mission, who had been sent by Pope Gregory to replace England's pagan beliefs with Christianity. It was in this context that the Polhill cemetery was in use.
Kent has a wealth of Early Medieval funerary archaeology. The earliest excavation of Anglo-Saxon Kentish graves was in the 17th century, when antiquarians took an increasing interest in the material remains of the period. In the ensuing centuries, antiquarian interest gave way to more methodical archaeological investigation, and prominent archaeologists like Bryan Faussett, James Douglas, Cecil Brent, George Payne, and Charles Roach Smith "dominated" archaeological research in Kent.
## Cemetery features
The Fordcroft cemetery contained a mixture of cremation and inhumation burials. The two forms of burial were interspersed within the cemetery, leading excavators to believe that they were contemporary with each other. Archaeologists have discovered a total of 19 cremations and 52 inhumations from the site. Due to the grave goods found at the site, Tester suggested that the site was probably active as a place of burial between circa 450 and 550 CE. He noted that culturally, the artefacts and forms of burial were similar to those found around the Thames Valley.
There is evidence of nearby Romano-British occupation, which numismatic evidence shows extended to at least c. 370. and Tester suggested that the Anglo-Saxons might have intentionally adopted Fordcroft as a cemetery site because of this. Equally, he thought it possible that the reuse of the site was simply fortuitous.
Many of the skeletons were heavily decayed, although in many cases the teeth and long bones were sufficiently preserved for osteoarchaeologists to determine the age and sex of the individual. Most of the inhumation graves had the head facing westward, though in some cases they instead faced south. Most of the grave cuts were roughly rectangular with rounded corners, but some were less regular in form. Due to 19th century construction on the site, it was impossible for the archaeologists to accurately determine where the Anglo-Saxon ground level had been, and therefore how deep the graves had been cut.
## Archaeological investigation
In the 1940s, a service trench had been excavated in the adjacent Bellefield Road by workmen, who revealed pieces of Romano-British pottery. Archaeologist A. Eldridge published this discovery in the Archaeologia Cantiana journal, suggesting that there might have been a building dating to Roman Britain nearby. In the 1960s, local archaeologists decided to test this theory by investigating the derelict site at Fordcroft following the demolition of the houses on that site. Test excavation took place at the site from July 1965, sponsored by Orpington Museum, under the authority of the London Borough of Bromley, to whom the site legally belonged. The borough council provided a mechanical digger to remove surface rubble, allowing excavation to commence. Much of the investigation was organised by M. Bowen, curator of Orpington Museum, where the site finds were initially stored.
The first archaeological discoveries at the site were Romano-British in origin, although no evidence of buildings from this period were discovered. Soon, an Anglo-Saxon cremation urn was found, followed by several inhumations, revealing that this had been the site of an Anglo-Saxon cemetery. Thenceforth, the excavation of the cemetery became the primary objective of the archaeologists. In the first two-seasons' work, 16 cremations and 29 inhumations were discovered. At the time of its discovery, it was recognised as the first "well-authenticated" archaeological evidence for Anglo-Saxon settlement along the River Cray. Elderly members of the community who had formerly lived in the cottages on the site visited the excavation, providing "likely and amusing comments" following the revelation that they had dwelt above a cemetery.
A test pit was opened in the garage of No. 17 Poverest Road, uncovering another grave, and it is believed that further burials might be located under the house. The team excavated all available areas, although were unable to dig under either of the roads enclosing the site, or under the houses to the east and west. | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fordcroft_Anglo-Saxon_cemetery |
INDE – Hanumangarh - The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) last week unearthed a Harappan seal from Karanpura in the Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan. “The seal consists of two Harappan characters, with a typical unicorn as the motif and a pipal leaf depicted in front of an animal. There is a knob behind theseal" says VN Prabhakar, superintending archaeologist, who led the ASI team. Maintaining that the discovery ‘confirms’ that the site belongs to the mature Harappan period, the time when the civilization was at its peak (2600 BC to 1900 BC), he said: “A cubicle chert weight was also unearthed in a different house complex. Both the seal and the weight establishes that the people of this area participated in commercial transactions.”We are collecting charcoal sample to date the habitation through radio carbon dating, he said. The excavation at Karanpura, which started in 2012, had earlier brought to light two broad cultural levels, namely the early and the mature Harappan age. Besides artefacts, house complexes built of mud bricks of early Harappan and mature Harappan periods were also unearthed.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news-feed/science/harappan-era-seal-found-in-rajasthan/article1-1178990.aspx
ROYAUME UNI - Edinburgh - Archaeologists have found two bodies dating back to the Bronze Age buried beneath the playground of a primary school. The prehistoric discovery at Victoria Primary School in Edinburgh came during a routine site survey to extend the school. The remains, said to be in "pretty good condition", have given experts hope that there may be more ancient burial sites nearby. John Lawson, archaeology officer at Edinburgh council, said: "It was completely unexpected to find them in that location. This is the very start of something. It's an initial discovery and further excavations will provide us with answers on who they are. "They have not been fully excavated, but the style of burial is common for the Bronze Age. The adults are in a foetal position with their knees up against their chest - it's a definite style which is very indicative of a prehistoric burial." The excavations are at an early stage but experts think the bodies may be dated "between 200 and 300 years either side of 2000BC". It is too early to say how the individuals died, but work will continue to examine their remains and the three ft-long pits in which they were found along with shards of pottery.
http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/bronze-age-find-under-school.23342602
PAKITAN - Rawat Fort - After withstanding the onslaught of mighty armies for centuries, the 16th century Rawat Fort has fallen to the modern day invaders - the land grabbers. Built in 1546, the once imposing fort just 18 kilometres away from the garrison city of Rawalpindi today presents a picture of urban vandalism, not the unique heritage site it is listed in archaeology manuals. Encroachers have invaded from all four sides, mocking at the notice board of the Archaeology Department, warning that, “This site is protected under the Antiquities Act 1975. New construction within 200 feet of the Fort is prohibited and is punishable by imprisonment and fine.” But encroachers have built houses cheek-to-cheek with the wall of the fort.
http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/news/pakistanafghanistan/271158/16th-century-rawat-fort-falls-to-rawalpindi-land-grabbers
USA – Miami - Archaeologists say an extensive Native American village they've uncovered in downtown Miami is one of the most significant prehistoric sites in the United States. The Miami Herald reports that over the past several months, archaeologists have dug up eight large circles comprised of uniformly carved holes in the limestone. They think these are foundation holes for Tequesta Indian dwellings that could date back 2,000 years.
http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/state/city-of-miami-developer-in-quandary-over-prehistoric-find?#ixzz2sNAzhX31
VIDEO = http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Prehistoric-Native-American-Village-Found-in-Downtown-Miami-243474241.html?
USA – Peirce Island - More than 12,000 artifacts were unearthed from hundreds of test pits dug around Portsmouth's Peirce Island last fall as part of a federally mandated archaeological exploration to precede federally mandated upgrades to the city's wastewater treatment plant. The goal of the archaeological survey is to determine whether "archaeological resources" are located in areas planned for permanent new structures, or in areas to be used for temporary staging or storage during construction to upgrade the sewer plant. News about the archaeological findings is preliminary and some details are being kept secret by law. But one highlight disclosed last week is that two "dump areas," with artifacts from the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, were discovered and are being described as "important." The two areas, known as "middens," were discovered outside a fence around the treatment plant and must be isolated and protected during future construction, according to the preliminary memo. Another piece of news in the early report is that nothing of "historical significance" was found inside the fenced area. According to Portsmouth Deputy Public Works Director Brian Goetz, that means the archaeological findings will not impact planned upgrades to the plant. Meanwhile, the Peirce Island Committee is calling for further archaeological exploration in an area where the Revolutionary War-era Fort Washington — a rolling series of earthen berms — was bulldozed prior to construction of the existing treatment plant. | http://www.archeolog-home.com/pages/content/04-fevrier-2014-news-hanumangarh-edinburgh-rawat-fort-miami-peirce-island.html |
Britain's Oldest Art: The Ice Age cave art of Creswell Crags
Britain's first Ice Age cave art was discovered at Creswell Crags in 2003 by Paul Bahn, Paul Pettitt and Sergio Ripoll. The book starts with the discovery of the art, places the Ice Age archaeology of the crags in a national context, draws on continental parallels and details the scientific verification of the art. It concludes with a chapter on the national search for other examples of Ice Age cave art by the Cave Art Survey Team, commissioned by English Heritage.
Providing a final, definitive list of the motifs, each with a photograph, line drawing and full description, while setting the art into its archaeological and geological context, the book is intended to inform specialists, students and visitors to the caves.
Contents
Foreword: Michel Lorblanchet
1. The discovery of cave art at Creswell Crags: Paul Bahn & Paul Pettitt
2. The Palaeolithic archaeology of Creswell Crags: Paul Pettitt & Roger
3. A review of the archaeological caves of the Creswell region: Andrew Chamberlain
4. The cave art of Creswell Crags: Paul Bahn & Paul Pettitt
5. Verification of the age of the Palaeolithic cave art at Creswell Crags using Uranium-series disequilibrium dating: Alistair Pike, Mabs Gilmour and Paul Pettitt
6. The bedrock geology at Creswell Crags: Michael Mawson
7. The search for cave art elsewhere in England: Paul Bahn & Paul Pettitt
Endnotes
Glossary
References
Additional Information
- Series: Archaeology
- Publication Status: Completed
- Pages: 120
- Illustrations: 80, colour and b&w illustrations
- Product Code: 51449
- ISBN: 9781848020252
Accessibility
If you require an alternative, accessible version of this document (for instance in audio, Braille or large print) please contact us: | https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/britains-oldest-art/ |
Teapots were drawn into the political arena in 18th-century America as colonists boycotted the import of tea from Britain.
March 2023
Greenwood
978-1-4408-4160-6
$103.00
978-1-4408-4161-3
eBook Available from ABC-CLIOEmail ABC-CLIOorCall Your Preferred eBook Vendor for Pricing
Hardcover: £77.00/86,00€/A$148.00
This book supplies the guidance and relevant historical context needed to understand a wide range of objects and the fascinating insights they can provide to life in colonial America.
When material objects and artifacts are properly analyzed, they serve as valuable primary sources for learning about history. Written for upper-level high school and entry-level college students, this book looks at a wide range of topics relating to daily life in colonial America, using artifacts as the lens through which to explore wider issues. The book begins with a discussion of objects and why they are important to studying the past. It also explains how to study objects so they can "tell their stories." Readers will not only learn about daily life in early America, but will also gain the skills of observation and assessment needed to analyze the objects and draw meaningful conclusions from them.The volume helps students explore the "stories" of more than 40 objects from colonial America that shed light on key aspects of social life and culture. The artifacts include archaeological finds as well as museum pieces, providing comparisons between different types of contextual data. Some of the museum pieces discussed, such as "Paul Revere's Lantern," are revered by Americans today as icons of specific historic events. By examining the "biographies" of these objects, the reader will be challenged to decide how much of these legends is true—and, if not, whether it really matters. Is it instead more important for Americans to have tangible symbols representing past events and the development of their culture?
Beverly A. Straube, PhD, FSA, earned her doctorate from the University of Leicester, England, and is an independent archaeological curator and material culture specialist. She is curator for the First Colony Foundation that is researching Sir Walter Raleigh's Roanoke colony in North Carolina. Straube has more than 40 years' experience in the field of historical archaeology on tidewater Virginia sites and is especially knowledgeable about the material culture from the colonial period. She was part of the archaeological team that located James Fort, the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and she served as the senior curator of the Jamestown Rediscovery Project for 21 years. She has published extensively in journals, edited volumes about a wide range of artifacts found on America's colonial sites, and appeared as an authority in numerous productions made for PBS, the History Channel, C-Span, the Discovery Channel, and the BBC. In 2005, she was elected as a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, London. | https://products.abc-clio.com/ABC-CLIOCorporate/product.aspx?pc=A4944C |
By Stephen R. Cosh and David S. Neal. Pp. xvii + 453, figs. 432, supplement 1. Society of Antiquaries of London, London 2010. $320. ISBN 978-0-85431-294-8 (cloth).
Volume 4 of Cosh and Neal’s Roman Mosaics of Britain brings this celebrated series to a close, providing the first complete mosaics corpus for an entire Roman province. While much work has been done (and, in some cases, continues) toward the development of similar corpora in Gaul, Germany, Iberia, Turkey, and North Africa, Cosh and Neal have now completed a monumental work of scholarship that remains unmatched in both its comprehensiveness and quality. While the collaboration formally began in 1993, the pace of publication has been remarkable: the first volume (Northern Britain) appeared in 2002, volume 2 (South-West Britain) in 2006, the two-part volume 3 (South-East Britain) in 2009, and now volume 4 completes the corpus in less than a decade since original publication. In total, the completed corpus features nearly 2,000 individual mosaics, many of these fully illustrated with new detailed paintings (more than 550 across all volumes) by the authors. The present volume is organized into two main parts: a short introduction (1–31) providing useful background information on the historical context of the region and its Roman mosaics and a detailed catalogue (34–388) of the mosaics themselves. Additionally, two appendices provide updates to regions covered in previous volumes (390–409), as well as brief biographical notes on mosaic illustrators featured throughout the corpus (410–26). Finally, an illustrated glossary provides clear visual examples of terms used to describe patterns and motifs throughout the volume (427–33).
The volume is primarily a catalogue of 445 mosaics from 77 sites throughout west Britain (i.e., for this volume, Wales and the English counties of Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Oxfordshire, Shropshire, and Worcestershire). Most of these come from Gloucestershire (34–234), which features 266 individual mosaics from 44 sites, including the famous Great Pavement (mosaic 456.1) at Woodchester, the largest in Britain. An additional 55 mosaics come from 14 sites in Oxfordshire (236–80), 42 from 11 sites in the counties of Cheshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Shropshire (282–324), and 82 from eight sites in Wales (326–88). Each catalogue entry follows a regular formula, which is reasonably well described (25) in the general introduction (1–31). Wherever possible, the mosaics are amply illustrated. For example, for the Woodchester Great Pavement, this includes 19 individual images: 3 images of antiquarian color engravings, an antiquarian watercolor of specific details, 12 modern color photographs of individual figured elements, and 3 images of a modern painting by Neal. A larger version of Neal’s painting is also included as a foldout print at the back of the volume. This copious treatment is rather exceptional, though a range of illustrations, photographs, and site plans is provided throughout; even those mosaics that are known from only small patches of a few tesserae are illustrated (e.g., mosaics 469.13, 471.14, 490.1) when images are available. Because of the range of artists and techniques, these vary in quality from barely discernable pencil sketches (e.g., mosaic 469.3 by Winstanley) to the richly detailed 1:10 scale paintings by the volume’s authors and Thompson, an archaeological illustrator (for a beautiful example of Thompson’s work, see his painting of mosaic 418.2 from Chedworth, Gloucestershire).
While the authors have pioneered the return to scale paintings of mosaics after a long period of primarily photographic recording during the 20th century, their technique is not without controversy. This type of representation, along with much earlier engravings by Samuel Lysons and William Fowler, may very well provide the most beautiful images of these ancient artworks. The attention to detail and tessera-by-tessera scale painting methodology is certainly laudable and provides an incredibly accurate record. This type of top-down plan perspective does not, however, reflect the way in which the mosaics would have been viewed by the building’s inhabitants or casual observers, providing an artificial and unnatural—though perhaps technically accurate—perspective. The choice of color is also problematic, as the matching of pigments is certainly subjective, and the decision to paint the mosaics “as if dampened” (410), while providing for consistency, will sometimes differ substantially from what may have normally been a dry viewing experience. More problematic are the various paintings that have been reproduced from earlier photographs, rather than from in situ observation of exposed mosaics. These issues have not gone unrecognized, and the authors routinely present their own paintings alongside monochrome or full-color photographs, as well as illustrations by earlier artists. It is perhaps through this mixed-representation method that the most complete understanding of the mosaic is obtained.
A major problem faced by authors of any similarly ambitious multivolume catalogue is the possibility that new discoveries will render early volumes incomplete even before the planned set is finished. With the pace of discovery and excavation over the past decade, it is not surprising that new mosaics—or new information about already-known mosaics—have been found in the regions covered by previous volumes in this series. These updates are found in appendix 1 (390–409) of the present volume, bringing all regions up to date through the beginning of 2010.
Perhaps the most delightful addition to this volume is the inclusion of appendix 2 (410–26), featuring short biographical notes on the 95 artists whose engravings, paintings, and other illustrations have been used throughout the series. This adds a most welcome humanizing element to the work, providing additional context and creating the opportunity for people-centered research projects focused on the antiquarians and illustrators that have contributed to the development of the corpus. As a publication of the Society of Antiquaries of London, inclusion of this appendix is very appropriate and incredibly useful for studies on the history of archaeology and British antiquarianism, especially as most of the artists are not included in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, a common first stop for basic information.
It is regrettable that such a magnificent and important corpus is not more widely available. The volumes are bulky and expensive—certainly not affordable on most student budgets—though these are both results of the publication’s excellent craftsmanship and the higher expense of so many color illustrations. This reviewer hopes to eventually see the corpus in a digital format; in this regard, other archaeological corpora—such as the Open Richly Annotated Cuneiform Corpus (Oracc; http://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/), the Corpus of Maya Hieroglyphic Inscriptions (CMHI; www.peabody.harvard.edu/CMHI/), and the Corpus of Romanesque Sculpture in Britain and Ireland (CRSBI; www.crsbi.ac.uk), among others—may provide useful models. This would not only dramatically increase access to this important dataset but would also provide a platform for new and more sophisticated investigation and analysis. Until that time, the printed edition belongs in every academic or research library, particularly for the use of students and scholars of Roman Britain, Roman art and archaeology, and art history; while the corpus focuses exclusively on the province of Britannia, it will be of considerable comparative value to studies of mosaics, villas, and towns across the empire.
The authors conclude their general introduction by correctly positioning the now-completed corpus as “a research tool” (31). Despite any minor problems of analysis or interpretation, it is as a detailed and well-planned record of all known Roman mosaics in Britain (up through 2010) that the corpus will be valued. The authors further add: “it is hoped that the catalogue will be used to further the study of mosaics and archaeology for many years to come” (31). It most certainly will. | https://www.ajaonline.org/book-review/1201 |
Bai city.
The site, covering about 600 sq.m, was unearthed while a local family was digging the ground to build their breeding farm in the right bank of the Red River.
Items found in the site are diverse, mostly made of river pebbles. They include turtle shell-shaped tools, single-edged and double-edged tools, and horizontal edge cutters that are dated back to about 9,000 to 10,000 years.
According to Ly Kim Khoa, Vice Director of the Yen Bai Museum, the discovery of the new prehistoric archaeological relic site is significant in the province's prehistoric archeology research. This is the first time that the museum has discovered this type of prehistoric archaeological site, which has richer tools with more sophisticated processing techniques than other sites of the same period in the area.
The museum plans to zone off the area for further digging and exploration, thus restoring and promoting the values of the site.
Earlier, archaeologists also discovered findings with cultural values of the prehistoric period in Vietnam through an urgent archaeological excavation of Tuan Quan relic site in northern Yen Bai province, which confirms that the site is a particularly rare and precious relic belonging to the ate Stone Age and feudal periods.
An archaeological report in early July 2021 also confirmed that Tuan Quan is an extremely precious relic site in the system of prehistoric archaeological sites in Vietnam, which plays a very important role in the exploration of the origin of Son Vi- Hoa Binh Culture in Vietnam and Southeast Asia./. | https://en.vietnamplus.vn/new-prehistoric-archaeological-site-discovered-in-yen-bai/206851.vnp |
Summary. Studying of archaeological sites in the fields of oil and gas pipeline routes, buildings and oil terminals is very important in Azerbaijan. The application of geophysical methods is based on the preliminary detection and investigation of important archeological objects that can be damaged by oil and gas pipelines, oil and gas fields, and construction sites. The application of these methods in our country can extend search opportunities for archaeologists, on the other hand, it could help to take into account the existing archeological monuments in the area and suggest possible adjustments for the planning stage of the industrial operations (such as oil and gas pipelines, oil and gas terminals, oil wells, etc.) and help to take preventive measures. A series of geophysical investigations have been tested in the Alkhantepe archeological zone of Azerbaijan for the purpose of developing the method and technology for the application of geophysics of small depths in the discovery and initial investigation of archaeological monuments. The sensitivity of the archaeological methods used to detect various types of objects was taken into consideration and the reliability of the results was examined on the Alkhantepe archaeological monument and the three-dimensional space and time models of the archeological object were compiled. To identify the topology of the area high-precision surveying has been applied to the area as well as high-precision gravitational field measurements were performed for determination of possible archaeological sites (cavities, fractures, etc.), natural radio-based background of the area and detection of abnormal zones associated with it were performed with pedestrian gamma-planning method.
Keywords: archeo-geophysical methods, Alkhantepe, preventive archeology, gamma-ray surveying
REFERENCES
Akhundov T.I. The South Caucasus on the threshold of the metal age. Context and connection: essays on the archaeology of the ancient Near East in honour of Antonio Sagona (Orientalia Lovaniensia Analecta). Peeters Publishers. Hard-cover, 2018, pp. 49-77.
Akhundov T.I. 20 days in Astara. Baku, 2009, 112 p. (in Azerbaijani).
Akhundov T I. Alkhantepe – an early bronze age settlement in Azerbaijan. Transactions of the Institute of the history of material culture, № 10, St.-Petersburg, 2014, pp. 78-92 (in Russian).
Clark A. Seeing beneath the soil. Prospecting methods in archaeology. ISBN 0-415-21440-8. B.T.Batsford Ltd. London, 1990, 196 p.
Jafarov A. Preliminary results of Paleolithic archeological expeditions. Archeological researches in Azerbaijan, 2001. Baku, 2002, pp. 25-28 (in Azerbaijani).
Makhmudov F. Culture of southeastern Azerbaijan in the Bronze Age and early Iron Age. Nafta-Press. Baku, 2008, 216 p. (in Russian).
Martynov A.I., Sher Ya.A. Geophysical methods in architectural-archaeological researches. Research problems of architectural monuments. Moscow, 1990, pp. 102-113 (in Russian).
Mirzazadeh A.A. Mughan material-cultural monuments. Nargiz. Baku, 2016, 160 p. (in Azerbaijani).
Prudkina M.I., Shashkin V.L. Handbook of radiometric survey and radiometric analysis. Energoatomizdat. Moscow, 1984, 168 p. (in Russian).
Radiation safety norms. SanPiN 2.6.1.2523-09. RTN 99/2009 FCH and E. Moscow, 2009, 106 p. (in Russian).
Temporary methodological guidelines for pedestrian gamma-survey in radiation study of urbanized areas. 1986, 17 p. (in Russian). | http://journalesgia.com/en/articles/geology-and-geophysics/results-of-archaeo-geophysical-methods-on-alkhantepe-archeological-monument-azerbaijan-territory/ |
Archaeological excavations of fossils in the caves in Bac Son, Lang Son Province, as well as the discovery of some artifacts at Do Mountain, in Thanh Hoa Province, which are believed to belong to the Stone Age, have proved that human life started in Viet Nam hundreds of thousands of years ago and Viet Nam has been considered as one of the earliest cradles of mankind.
Archaeological artifacts of the Phung Nguyen, Dong Dau, Go Mun, and Dong Son cultures, especially the Ngoc Lu bronze drums have proved that Viet Nam had a developed and glorious culture a thousand years before Christ (Dong Son culture). Besides, the vestiges of the historic period of the Kings Hung have revealed that Viet Nam was one of the first countries to be formed.
Viet Nam is a nation with thousand years of glorious history. Viet Nam’s history can be divided into four main periods:
- Prehistoric Era (from 2879 to 208 B.C): Kings Hung founded a country; Au Lac Nation was established
- Chinese domination period and the struggle for national independence (208 B.C – 938 A.D): This period was one of the fiercest periods of hardship in Viet Nam’s history.
- National construction and defense for independence (938 – 1945): This period was a brilliant era for national revival and development of the country and was marked by the glorious victory of the Vietnamese people against the aggressors.
- National independence and socialism (1945 up to now): For nearly 100 years under French oppression, the Vietnamese people had constantly fought for independence. The revolution succeeded in August 1945 under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese Communist Party proclaimed its independence on September 2, a date which became the National Day.
During the following 30 years, the Vietnamese people continued to resist and protect their independence. Viet Nam has been unified ever since the great victory in spring 1975. Since 1976, the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam was proclaimed, with Ha Noi as its capital. Viet Nam enters a new stage of peace and development as a country.
Culture
The Vietnamese culture, endowed with a long and rich heritage, is deeply stamped with national pride. Famous ancient cultures include the Nui Do culture, followed by the Son Vi culture founded over 10,000 years ago, then by the Hoa Binh-Bac Son culture.
The Dong Son culture received the most brilliant development and was deeply connected with the Red River civilization, the wet rice and the emergence of the primeval states (Van Lang-Au Lac in the North; in the Central region, the Sa Huynh culture, which belongs to the Cham people and in the South, the Oc Eo culture of Phu Nam State).
Despite of historical contingencies, there are still approximately 7,300 preserved historic and cultural sites over Viet Nam, thousands of which have been listed as national sites. These relics are concentrated mainly in Ha Noi and Hue. For example, the relics of the Kings Hung in Phong Chau (Phu Tho Province) date back to the period of the formation of the country. There are also the Co Loa citadel of the Au Lac State, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, and the My Son Sanctuary in the Central region.
Specific features of Viet Nam are likewise reflected in other cultural tokens such as legends, festivals, traditional theater, water puppetry, music, dances and customs (funerals, weddings, betel nut chewing, etc.). | https://www.visitsoutheastasia.travel/visit-viet-nam/history-culture/ |
Keeping society in the loop about data ethics and AI
Do we need an implicit social contract between those developing and designing the tech and those who may be affected by it?
22 November 2018
Reading time: 7 minutes
There is a growing expectation that technologies and algorithms should align with, and reflect, commonly held public and societal values. But to make this happen, society needs to be kept ‘in the loop’. Do we need an implicit social contract between those developing and designing the tech and those who may be affected by it?
‘Society in the loop’ has been defined by MIT Professor Iyad Rahman as ‘embedding the judgement of society, as a whole, in the algorithmic governance of societal outcomes.’ In doing so, Rahman identifies that there is a need for wider societal engagement instances where machine learning and AI directly impact on our society and our economy. But how can we best enable society to influence and shape decisions about technology and innovation?
Beyond making the normative case for ‘society in the loop’, there is considerable evidence that enabling society to help influence and shape decisions about technology and innovation can help create better outcomes. It can safeguard against technocratic groupthink that fails to account for or mitigate against that which may cause social harm. For instance, research undertaken by Professor Scott E Page at the University of Michigan has found that more diverse groups outperformed groups of intelligent (but likeminded) individuals in solving complex problems. The reason being that diverse groups were more likely to break through challenges than the groups of smart people who tended to think similarly. In addition, this approach can help ensure that technology itself is more in tune with public and societal values and can strengthen the ‘cultural competence’ of technology in a world where diverse peoples are increasingly interconnected – often by technology.
The notion of ‘society in the loop’ was the focus of a conference hosted by Civil Society Futures, Doteveryone and the Ada Lovelace Institute. The event convened over 30 social scientists, technologists and policymakers as speakers for a day of challenge, collaboration and conversation. They were joined by just over 100 delegates.
The Society in the Loop conference sparked a range of valuable perspectives and thoughts, but there were three identifiable cross-cutting themes that emerged across all discussions:
Insight 1: Building a shared language and interdisciplinary dialogue around the key issues affecting society is essential
When it comes to data and AI, lazy use of language risks excluding groups within society from the debate, as well as presenting barriers to creating a shared language and consensus.
For instance;
- The public debate often confines dialogue about the impact of technology to the language of ‘ethics’ rather than the broader language of societal rights and responsibility.
- There is a ‘fundamental disconnect’ between the language used in technology, and the language used by the social sector (Annika Small OBE)
- The public debate is often at risk of adopting the narrative of the ‘passive consumer’ rather than the narrative of ‘active citizens’, or the language of ‘community’, ‘solidarity’ and ‘society’ (Professor Evelyn Ruppert)
The notion of what ‘meaningful’ consent might be could be interpreted differently for distinct organisations and individuals. Similarly, the concept of ‘explainability’ appears itself to be subject to considerable debate about what precisely the threshold for ‘adequate’ explainability might be. Other notions that are freely used in discussion and debate about AI, data and ethics – such as bias, fairness and trust – seem to be similarly slippery concepts.
The use of technical – and often inaccessible – language can inadvertently exclude those who deserve and need to be at the table. If we want to keep society ‘in the loop’ we need to use language purposefully to try and bridge gaps between diverse communities.
Insight 2: Start with the vision of the society we wish to create, and then ensure technology reflects that vision
Hetan Shah, Chief Executive of the Royal Statistical Society argued that a helpful starting point is an articulation of the kind of society you wish to create. Concern that technology is creating a less equal and less inclusive society says more, perhaps, about our failure to pursue a shared vision for that society.
There were a number of suggestions for how a clearer vision for society might be articulated, including:
- Building upon the norms and rules that we have already agreed matter (such as the rule of law, to use an example given by the Law Society’s Sophia Adams Bhatti) to be effective in a changing world.
- Balancing expertise and technical insight about the best way forward with the democratic demands of wider society.
- Balancing effective experimentation, innovation and creativity that has potential to do enormous good with ‘safety-first’ priorities that prevent public ‘tech-lash’ against innovation.
In particular, it is widely acknowledged that people and society want to be part of the conversation and are not often as apathetic about the issues as is generally perceived. However, often publics struggle to know how best to engage with or influence the system; and can struggle to understand exactly how the issues directly affect them. As part of articulating a vision for society, it seems important to have an agenda to enable more effective inclusion and literacy.
Insight 3: There is a need for greater accountability (‘lions under the internet’), but also greater clarity about what this means
The term ‘accountability’ was one of the most widely used and discussed throughout the conference – in our law & justice discussion Ravi Naik, award-winning human rights lawyer, issued a call for ‘lions under the internet’; analogous to the way judges have been ‘lions under the throne’. Implicit within this notion is the sense that power is held and exercised in a way that demands checks and balances, good governance and responsiveness on the part of those making decisions (including companies, technologists and policymakers) towards both citizens and wider society at large.
- Suggestions for strengthening accountability included:
- A rethink of good governance by companies themselves to ensure that they are effectively representing societal interests by having e.g Chief Ethical Officers on their company boards (Kriti Sharma, Vice President of Sage Group).
- The importance of technologists engaging with ethics and societal questions throughout their professional training.
- Requiring 20% of technologists to gain a better understanding of charitable and social sector needs and constraints by sitting on charity boardrooms, or otherwise contributing towards social purpose outcomes – e.g volunteering for organisations such as DataKind UK (Annika Small OBE, CAST).
- Ensuring that technology itself was responsive to wider societal needs through its design and development (a number of strong examples were provided by Projects by If – such as the new Data Rights Finder).
- Ensuring collective ownership of data – for instance, Sophia Varlow of the Commons Platform argued for the creation of new collectively owned data platforms.
It is important to note that technology is not developing neutrally and we must ensure that broad accountability does not reinforce existing institutional or social inequalities. For example, Karen Croxson at the Financial Conduct Authority warned that by making consumers more predictable, data may risk making them more exploitable.
Conclusion
The emergence of the term ‘society in the loop’ reflects the growing need for an implicit social contract between those developing and designing tech and those affected by it.
However, this is no small ask because we do not have a homogeneous public (rather, we have publics), a homogeneous civil society, or even, homogeneous sets of power holders. One example explored during the conference was the difficulty of navigating the tension between open access and the open data movement and consent-based models
Ensuring that society is ‘in the loop’ requires more than just considering societal and public perspectives on an equal parity with ‘expert’ input. It also means addressing and understanding tensions between the wills of diverse groupings and peoples – which requires consensus building, and/or the negotiation of economic and societal trade-offs.
Video streams from the Society in the Loop conference are available online here (however, due to a poor wifi connection, we were not able to capture the whole day).
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Context, agenda and ways of working
In our 2018 prospectus, we set out the context, agenda and ways of working of the Ada Lovelace Institute. | https://www.adalovelaceinstitute.org/blog/keeping-society-in-the-loop-about-data-and-ai/ |
The Influence of Literature in Changing The Structure of the Society
Literature has had a major impact on the development of society. It has shaped civilizations, changed political systems and exposed injustice. Literature gives us a detailed preview of human experiences, allowing us to connect on basic levels of desire and emotion. However, just as it has constructed societies, the writings and works of certain authors have degraded societies to their most primitive form.
Literature is a powerful storytelling technology that unites us across space and time. Literature chronicles and preserves the ever-evolving human story. It invites us to reflect on our lives and, in discussion with others, to add our voices to the exploration of timeless human themes. Literature makes us think. Literature helps to shape up the society by telling about the historical aspects and events of the world and what we should learn from it. Literature in today’s scenario has an influence on society because in some way or the other it teaches us a lesson and gives a learning experience.
Literature is a big part of all cultures. Literature can inform people, it can share history and it becomes the history of a certain place or the world. The documentation of an event or even a story made up can change a culture. The impact of literature in the modern world is incontrovertible. Literature unfolds our eyes and makes us realize what the big bright world is. It makes the reader expand his mind to its every strength and helps us to think out of the box. It makes us look beyond the river and realize what the shore holds for us.
Literature influences us and makes us understand the every walk of life. Narratives, in particular, inspire empathy and give people a new perspective on their lives and the lives of others. The literary purpose is used to entertain and to give aesthetic pleasure. The focus of the literary purpose is on the words themselves and on a conscious and deliberate arrangement of the words to produce a pleasing or enriching effect. A writer often expresses a worldview when using the literary purpose.
Literature is important in everyday life because it connects individuals with larger truths and ideas in a society. Literature creates a way for people to record their thoughts and experiences in a way that is accessible to others, through fictionalized accounts of the experience. Literature not only represents to us our world but it also shows us ways in which we can change the world or adapt to changes which have already taken place without our realization.
When students study Literature, they learn to appreciate words and their power. They travel to other realms and times through the texts they read. They understand about their own culture and others’. They learn to empathic with characters, to feel their joys and pain.
What is the purpose of 21st century literature? It helps develop students’ critical thinking skills in the quest for the ubiquitous 21st century competencies. It helps students gain a better understanding of the societies which produce the literature to foster greater empathy for others. Literature is truly the reflection of life and human experiences. Literature can allow people to relive their memories. It also allows the reader to share the same experience with the writer. Lastly, literature allows the reader to learn through a persons mistakes and wins.
The influence of literature in society is evident in both cultural and academic discussion, with conversations around class, race, and gender most often referencing prominent writings surrounding these issues. Alongside impactful essays such as The Second Sex (Beauvoir, 1949) and Playing in the Dark: Whiteness and the Literary Imagination (Morrison, 1992), which are undoubtedly central to feminist and racial literary theory, are novels including Giovanni’s Room (Baldwin, 1956) and The Awakening (Chopin, 1899), which act not as ‘activist texts’ with the purpose of exploring social issues from a critical perspective but as works of literary fiction that depict these themes in interplay with the novels’ respective narratives.
The significance of texts such as these, that interweave the poeticism and ardent observance that is unique to fiction together with thematic relevance to real issues, is evident in its effects: in such texts, we see the exploration of established societal constructs – race, gender, and class, in the aforementioned cases – whose walls readers exist within, from perspectives that are also most often from within similar societal structures, but which seek to challenge the prescribed limits of such constructs.
This results in writing that is simultaneously reflective and transgressive, envisioning structures that are uncanny in their similarity to real life, as a product of existing social conditions as well as in opposition to them, and that raise questions surrounding the architecture of human existence within these constructs without providing the answers to them, unlike with academic writing.
Simply put, novels which feature relationships between people and events and the social institutions which entrap them allow readers to see their own lives within these institutions from the outside, leading to critical analysis of societal structures that most affect readers. Thus, readers experience shifts in elementary thinking and dismantle the structures that they exist within by questioning their walls and forming more rounded opinions.
Furthermore, literature has led to more tangible change, with its influence visible in cultural stimulation and even government policy. The Jungle (Sinclair, 1906) is widely viewed to be a book that has changed the world for its direct influence on federal regulation of the meatpacking industry in the US during the Progressive Era, including in the passing of the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act and 1906 Meat Inspection Act under Theodore Roosevelt.
Sinclair’s unfiltered exposé depicting the strife faced by immigrants to America in the early 20th Century against a backdrop of sharp criticism of the moneyed classes encapsulates the power of literature to transform attitudes and demand change; public outrage following the novel’s publication advanced the passage of the aforementioned reforms.
The Jungle also exemplifies the boundless nature of literary interpretation; Sinclair aimed to further a socialist agenda with the publication of his book but was met with outcry for a different sort of political change, alluding to the intricacies in the balance between authors’ intentions and audience interpretations, and how in either case, change occurs as a result.
The influence of The Jungle came from its raw and honest portrayal of a system that existed alongside the lives of those who held power (i.e. those exempt from the institutional poverty and discrimination faced by immigrants, African-Americans, and Native Americans) in early 20th Century America, but one that was invisible to the naked eye. Alongside demands for reform came claims of shock and disbelief from readers who lived in systems that they had become blind to, who were faced with perspectives that were previously so marginalised that they did not seem worthy of attention. 1984 (Orwell, 1949) epitomises Gauguin’s statement that “art is either plagiarism or revolution.”
This statement applies to literature. Not only does Orwell explore the ramifications of living in a totalitarian society that holds eerie similarities to our own supposedly democratic one (thus raising questions around political philosophy and the perpetual wonder of “what if?”) but also explores how language is fundamental to incite change.
The ability to articulate oneself is change in itself, allowing for change as a consequence of understanding that change is possible as we are able to verbally express it, an idea explored in 1984 and one that forms the basis of Orwellian linguistic theory. Therefore, literature makes us aware of not only what the states of society and politics truly are, but also what they may be, and with it, harnessing the unending potential for change through ceaseless questioning.
Literature improves communication skills. The easiest way to improve vocabulary, writing, and speaking skills is to study literature.
- Literature teaches us about ourselves Literature teaches about the past.
- Literature cultivates wisdom and a worldview.
- Literature entertains.
Literature is a mirror of society because it gives an image, but the image is not necessarily a true image. The image can be distorted in reality or perceived as distorted by society as a whole. Literature tends to focus on subjects current to societal engagement.
History plays a fundamental role in shaping literature: every novel, play or poem one reads is influenced by the political context in which it is written, the people that the author knows and the wider society that frames the entire work.Multicultural literature can be used as a tool to open students’ minds. It helps to stimulate an understanding of diversity in the classroom and helps to build an understanding of and respect for people from other cultures. Also, multicultural literature can be used to examine racism.
The purpose of a literature review is to gain an understanding of the existing research and debates relevant to a particular topic or area of study, and to present that knowledge in the form of a written report. Conducting a literature review helps us build our knowledge in our field. The phrase “values of literature” refers to those qualities of poems, stories, novels, etc. that make them worthwhile to read.
If we feel our time reading is well spent, we can say that a work has value for us. Literature provides a language model for those who hear and read it. By using literary texts, students learn new words, syntax and discourse functions and they learn correct sentence patterns, standard story structures. They develop their writing skills. | https://www.bcspreparation.net/the-influence-of-literature-in-changing-the-structure-of-the-society/ |
The Forum will provide a platform for exchange, covering a wide range of perspectives, and capturing a diversity of visions. With this, it aims to redefine and set the agenda for biodiversity as a focal point over the next 10 years. The themes of the conference include Changing Biodiversity, Values and Concepts, Future of Biodiversity and Making an Impact.
World Biodiversity Forum
The inaugural World Biodiversity Forum will bring together leading researchers, early career researchers, practitioners, representatives from different sectors, decision-makers and societal actors to have a conversation on the kind of future we want (and/or do not want) for biodiversity. | https://council.science/events/world-biodiversity-forum/ |
Year 9 is a critical juncture in a student’s educational journey. It is a time of rapid mental and physical development and desire for independence – a time where they look to parents, teachers and peers to help shape their attitudes, perspectives and character.
The Year 9 Curriculum continues to prepare students as they move towards VCE studies, while also enabling them to develop critical skills and values for success beyond their academic pursuits.
How can we equip students to thrive in an interconnected world where they need to understand and appreciate different perspectives and world views, interact respectfully with others, and take responsible action towards sustainability and collective wellbeing?
— OECD Future of Education and Skills 2030
IMPACT – Aspire.Empower.Thrive
A SNAPSHOT
Kilvington’s Year 9 Impact program is an intense and integrated year-long program that commences at the end of Year 8, concluding at the end of Year 9. It includes:
- Real-world experiences that include creating a social enterprise (partnering with Monash University), community-based volunteering and international and domestic expedition experiences.
- The development of new skills through contemporary and progressive electives designed to prepare students for future learning.
- Multiple ecosystems of learning through partnerships with organisations such as Monash University, WeWork and the Brotherhood of St Laurence.
- 4-stage level of learning and development: Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Societal and Global. Students start by understanding their personal strengths and weaknesses before learning how to trust and connect with their cohort and teachers. They then advance to gaining a broader perspective of the society in which they live.
Our students will graduate from the Impact program with a set of key competencies that will help them navigate senior schoolstudies and life with confidence, purpose and empathy, and with a deep conviction that they have the capacity to impact their world in a profound and meaningful way. | https://www.kilvington.vic.edu.au/curriculum/senior-school/year-9 |
Why Sociology Important in Modern Society – Sociology analyzes society’s complexity in different ways. In modern society, study of sociology is absolutely important.
Sociology Definition
What is Sociology about? Sociology is a social science that investigates how people interact with one another. This is accomplished by looking at the dynamics of the various societal components. For example institutions, communities, populations, and groups based on gender, race, or age.
Sociology also looks at social stratification, social movements, and social change. In addition to the societal disorder represented by crime, deviance, and revolution. Humans lack the instincts that underlie the majority of animal behavior, so human behavior is primarily influenced by social interactions.
Therefore, in order to make decisions and take action, humans rely on social institutions and organizations. Given the significant role that organizations play in influencing human behavior. Sociology’s task is to understand how organizations influence individual behavior and how they are established. Interact with one another, degrade, and ultimately disappear.
Economic, religious, educational, and political institutions are some of the most fundamental organizational structures. Other, more specialized institutions include the family, the community, the military, peer groups, clubs, and volunteer associations.
Sociologists also use some components of these other fields. Although psychologists typically concentrate on individuals and their mental processes. Sociologists and psychologists, both have an interest in the subfield of social psychology. Because sociologists emphasize how outside groups influence people’s behavior. They focus most of their attention on the collective aspects of human behavior.
What does a sociological perspective mean?
Understanding people’s actions and organizations from a sociological perspective entails looking past their outward manifestations (Berger, 1963). The sociological viewpoint examines society objectively and without bias. It generalizes human motivations and behaviors into patterns and classifications.
However, it does more than observe these social patterns; it also tries to explain them. Instead of focusing on individual traits, sociologists look for shared attitudes and characteristics among millions of people and unobserved patterns in those traits and behaviors.
Finding and comprehending the patterns underlying recurrent aspects of social interaction and looking into how these patterns affect society are some of the main goals of the sociological perspective. Numerous sociological perspectives have emerged with this goal in mind, but three main perspectives have grown in popularity.
The sociological perspective must consider how social environments and societal expectations affect how people act and think. From a sociological perspective, it is possible to gain a deeper understanding of society and its members and raise issues with the social environment that might otherwise go unnoticed by looking at things from a sociological perspective. Gender, ethnicity, and age are the social environments and factors being investigated. Education and income are additional considerations.
One of the objectives of the sociological perspective is to demonstrate how profoundly society and its social forces influence an individual, even when it comes to what may initially appear to be personal issues. It is possible to understand social behavior by applying sociological principles to the world.
The three main sociological viewpoints are symbolic, functionalist, and conflict perspectives. Each theory contributes to a deeper understanding of the factors that affect a person’s life and social interactions.
Is Sociology Important in Modern Society?
Sociology’s significance and influence on societal development, individual and group lives, and the formation of ideas are not obscured.
In this universe, society is a complex phenomenon that is difficult, if not impossible, to comprehend without prior sociological knowledge. As a result, society cannot be improved or built without the science behind it.
Many people experience various social issues that can be resolved using sociology’s scientific research techniques, allowing us to regulate and enhance social conditions.
The following examples highlight the significance of sociology:
- Sociology offers a general understanding of human motivations and behavior.
- Sociology is beneficial to refrain from passing judgment on people before learning much about them.
- Sociology has a thorough understanding of the social laws that control social phenomena.
- Sociology takes part in resolving ethical and philosophical issues, such as the issue of social and religious values in human society.
- Sociology aids in the application of sociology and the advancement of society.
- Sociology seeks to understand social facts’ beginnings, development, and differences.
The social connections among society’s participants are emphasized in sociology.
Sociology emphasizes the connections between various phenomena and tries to understand their social roles and modes of development.
Sociology makes an effort to build a social theory based on a set of cogent issues deduced and measured from the reality of social experience.
As the study of any social system depends on a particular time and place, it gains knowledge from the applied scientific aspects by looking at general aspects like the deviation from the system and the forces influencing it. Sociology is very helpful in order to develop a clear plan for social reform and correcting any deviations.
The social issues that afflict society are examined and documented. It brings together institutions from religion, business, family, politics, and education.
The reasons Why Sociology Important in Modern Society
- The study of sociology enables us to understand better our society and people and others, including their goals, status, occupations, rituals, institutions, cultures, etc. Our experience in a sizable industrialized society is comparatively limited. We hardly ever have a complete understanding of our own society, and we hardly ever have any idea about other societies. However, we need to understand how others live and the circumstances in which they exist. We gain this understanding from studying sociology.
- Sociology education is more necessary than ever, especially in developing nations. The social factors that have contributed to a few countries’ economic backwardnesses have recently come to the attention of economists, according to sociologists. The value of sociological knowledge in analyzing a nation’s economic affairs has now been recognized by economists.
- Understanding society is crucial for addressing social issues. A number of major social issues, such as poverty, begging, unemployment, prostitution, overpopulation, family and community disorganization, racial issues, crime, juvenile delinquency, gambling and alcoholism, youth unrest, untouchability, etc., plague today’s world. In order to solve these issues, a thorough analysis is required. Such an analysis is provided by sociology.
- Sociology sheds more light on how socially inclined people are. The study of sociology delves deeply into human social nature. It explains why people live in groups, communities, and societies and why people are social animals. It looks at how people interact with society, how that affects people, and other things.
- Sociology also makes a significant contribution to enhancing culture. Sociology has prepared us to approach issues relating to ourselves, our religion, customs, mores, institutions, values, ideologies, etc., rationally. It has helped us become more unbiased, logical, critical, and detached. The study of societies has widened people’s perspectives. It has instilled in its pupils the need to put aside their prejudices, misunderstandings, egotistical goals, and hatred of class and religion. It has enriched, filled up, and given our lives more purpose.
- Sociology expands our knowledge and understanding of society and strengthens the influence of social action. It also highlights social limitations. He is able to adapt to his surroundings, thanks to it. Understanding society, social organizations, institutions, associations, and their functions, among other things, enable us to live productive social lives. | https://sociologycorner.com/why-sociology-important-in-modern-society/ |
There is little doubt about the importance of Emile Durkheim’s work and the influence it had on the social sciences. His insights into the realms of normativity in particular remain an inspiring mine of information for theoretical reflection and empirical analyses. While his strengths, as we know nowadays, might not have always laid in systematic arguments, his main concerns have shaped the development of social thought in fundamental ways: the question of changing social bonds and the problem of integration; belief and unbelief in societal values; acceptance and rejection of the law, obligation and rights; inner tensions of normative orders; the problem of aligning the polymorphism of normativities with the polymorphic structures of society – and, hence, the project of normative and social pluralism. The Sacred occupies an important dual position in this context: marking an autonomous sphere of the Holy, endangered and upstaged by processes of modernization, and at the same time a fundamental trait of sociality, culture and normativity in general, thus providing the basis even still for modern, ‘secularized’ forms of collective beliefs. The current volume is comprised of contributions from a variety of disciplinary perspectives dealing with a wide range of topics in the realm of normativity in order to recall these important issues and demonstrate the influence and moment of Durkheim’s thinking on matters of the Sacred and the law.
The list of contents can be found here
About the editors:
Werner Gephart is a legal scholar, sociologist, artist, and Founding Director of the Käte Hamburger Center for Advanced Study in the Humanities "Law as Culture"
Daniel Witte is sociologist and research coordinator at the Käte Hamburger Center "Law as Culture" | https://www.recht-als-kultur.de/en/publications/series/The%20Durkheimian%20Legacy/ |
Nature’s values by definition heavily relate to beliefs and value systems rather than relying on purely scientific knowledge to decide what should be prioritized or highlighted in policy. For this request, it was considered important to use societal engagement through a series of Science cafés and bring out the plurality of perspectives on the issue. We aimed to do this by inviting expert panelists who represented different aspects of the topic and by opening the conversation to the wider public and society, making it possible for anyone to voice their thoughts on the values of nature. | https://eklipse.eu/request-values/ |
The author explores the relationship between the actions of whistleblowers and the character of laws protecting them, as well as their administration and enforcement. Anyone who puts in significant effort promoting whistleblower laws - for example, writing to or talking with politicians - can benefit from studying relevant parts of the book. Each chapter includes vivid case studies based on actual collaborations that illustrate the application of theory to practice. Whistleblower stories and emerging narratives -- 5. Compulsory reading for all policymakers, regulators, corporate leaders, researchers and activists engaged in improvement and implementation of public interest whistleblowing laws. Vaughn provides a first-rate account of decades of successes and failures.
Compulsory reading for all policymakers, regulators, corporate leaders, researchers and activists engaged in improvement and implementation of public interest whistleblowing laws. It is the work of a lawyer in its attention to detail and precedent, but it accessible to non-lawyers who are willing to put in the effort. The book also identifies and explains the essential knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary for the attainment of collaborative critical competence when interacting with the legal system. It covers all pertinent aspects of whistleblower laws from various perspectives, societal as well as legal and includes actual stories of whistleblowers. Nonviolence and civil disobedience -- 4. The Whistleblower Protection Program at the Occupational Safety and Health Admin. Steeped in Robert Vaughn's personal experience as a lawyer and researcher over a 40 year period, this book stands to help solve some of the greatest conundrums in this vital area of legal regulation - one of the most complex in modern society, but one of the most crucial to integrity, accountability and organisational justice in all institutions.
Retrospective and forecast -- 8. Nonviolence and Civil Disobedience 4. Important topics include institutional failure and regulatory capture, narrowing interpretations, the challenges of national security, the global context, and the importance public interest organizations in the success of civil society. Also featured are civil rights luminaries reading essays that preface each speech. In his new book, Dr. Whistleblower Stories and Emerging Narratives 5. When journalists ring me about whistleblowing matters, they frequently ask about whistleblower laws, assuming they are more important than anything else.
Drawing on literature from several disciplines, this enlightening book examines the history of whistleblower laws throughout the world and provides an analytical structure for the most common debates about the nature of such laws and their potential successes and failures. There is nothing else like it. It is the work of a lawyer in its attention to detail and precedent, but it accessible to non-lawyers who are willing to put in the effort. Retrospective and forecast -- 8. For two decades, members of Whistleblowers Australia have pushed for whistleblower laws, and at the same time have been persistent critics of the weaknesses of the laws on the books. Door verder gebruik te maken van deze website ga je hiermee akkoord.
Onlythen can they gain business value from their complianceinvestments. This timely handbook places U. The E-mail message field is required. In the shadow of recentglobal scandals involving businesses such as Parmalat and WorldCom,Manager's Guide to Compliance: Best Practices and Case Studies isessential reading for you, whether your organization is a majorcorporation or a small business. Global whistleblower laws -- 14. The author explores the relationship between the actions of whistleblowers and the character of laws Drawing on literature from several disciplines, this enlightening book examines the history of whistleblower laws throughout the world and provides an analytical structure for the most common debates about the nature of such laws and their potential successes and failures.
As important, he then uses that history to illuminate the competing perspectives and pressures that influenced the passage and interpretation of modern whistleblower laws. Vaughn provides a first-rate account of decades of successes and failures. As important, he then uses that history to illuminate the competing perspectives and pressures that influenced the passage and interpretation of modern whistleblower laws. It is a long book, and most impressive in it exposition of arguments and evidence for and against various facets of whistleblower legislation. You can read about Dr. Vaughn provides a first-rate account of the varied and complex reasons for the successes and failures of these laws during the last forty years.
Old issues -- new controversies. The authors take on controversial issues—from whistle blowing incidents to corruption exposés—to explain how they arise and suggest what can be done about them. Brown, Griffith University and Transparency International Australia Unlike other books on whistleblowing that simply describe and analyze whistleblowing laws, Robert Vaughn's new book provides an in-depth and unique historical account of the roots of the whistleblowing movement in such disparate events as the Mai Lai massacre, the civil rights movement, and the experiments of Stanley Milgrim. Steeped in Robert Vaughn's personal experience as a lawyer and researcher over a 40 year period, this book stands to help solve some of the greatest conundrums in this vital area of legal regulation - one of the most complex in modern society, but one of the most crucial to integrity, accountability and organisational justice in all institutions. It is the work of a lawyer in its attention to detail and precedent, but it accessible to non-lawyers who are willing to put in the effort.
It will appeal not just to practitioners and other professionals, but to a wider public internationally. It covers all pertinent aspects of whistleblower laws from various perspectives, societal as well as legal and includes actual stories of whistleblowers. It covers all pertinent aspects of whistleblower laws from various perspectives, societal as well as legal and includes actual stories of whistleblowers. Abstract Whistleblower laws are a source of both hope and frustration. Vaughn provides a first-rate account of the varied and complex reasons for the successes and failures of these laws during the last forty years. The book considers the role of civil society groups in the successes of whistleblower laws and how current controversies reflect issues attached to these laws over half a century. The Civil Service Reform Act and whistleblower protection -- 7.
However, many whistleblowers have learned to their dismay that legal protection looks much better on paper than it pans out in reality. Lyn Slater and Kara Finck ground their text in a comprehensive grasp of the legal system and the inequities of race, class, and gender that shape clients' experiences. There is nothing else like it. Watergate and Whistleblower Protection 6. He starts out sleepy-slow and ever so slowly winds the crank to full-on righteousness. Author by : Joan E. The book considers the role of civil society groups in the successes of whistleblower laws and how current controversies reflect issues attached to these laws over half a century. | http://acqualilia.it/the-successes-and-failures-of-whistleblower-laws-vaughn-robert-g.html |
As mentioned in our series introduction, construction is quite rightly recognized as the most visible industry, making it subject to extended public scrutiny and examination locally and, in this digital age, globally.
So, as society’s expectations for businesses rise, along with demands for social accountability and responsibility, the industry is now faced with the challenge of how to align its practices with the values of stakeholders.
What is Corporate Social Responsibility?
As one of the world’s oldest industries, the AEC sector represents a fundamental part of human history and development. The built environment and infrastructure not only facilitate and respond to human needs, but they also reflect the successes and values of our societies. Therefore, it makes sense that as a society’s needs and values evolve, so must the industry.
Constructing Excellence (CE) defines Corporate Social Responsibility as an organization’s “commitment to integrate socially responsive values and the concerns of stakeholders into their operations in a manner that fulfils and exceeds current legal and commercial expectations.”
CSR offers the construction industry the strategic opportunity to align its operating practices with global development goals, ensuring that all businesses have a consistent method of quantifying social value in the construction lifecycle and are contributing towards global sustainable development.
Evolving Stakeholder Expectations
The extensive impact of the construction industry means that business practices across the supply chain garner significant attention and scrutiny from government, media, civil society organizations, and the general public. As indicated by CE’s definition, it is increasingly apparent that the expectations of these stakeholders go beyond the delivery of projects.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) poses that the key CSR issues are: environmental management, eco-efficiency, responsible sourcing, stakeholder engagement, labor standards and working conditions, employee and community relations, social equity, gender balance, human rights, good governance, and anti-corruption measures.
Stakeholders, in this context, can be understood as any person, group or organization that can place claim on a company’s attention, resources or output. Therefore, business viability in the construction industry will require that organizations place environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns at the center of their business model.
For an organization to be considered sustainable, to quote the UNIDO, “it must be financially secure, minimize (or ideally eliminate) its negative environmental impacts and act in conformity with societal expectations.”
Corporate Social Responsibility & Risk Management
Understanding the relationship between CSR and risk management across the value chain will leave organizations well positioned to tap into higher levels of social impact and financial success.
In a paper for The Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative, Beth Kytle and John Gerard Ruggie argue that “CSR programs are a necessary element of risk management for global companies because they provide the framework and principles for stakeholder engagement, can supply a wealth of intelligence on emerging and current social issues/groups to support the corporate risk agenda, and ultimately serve as a countermeasure for social risk.”
With regard to the construction industry, environmental impact is obviously a huge area of vulnerability. A report by the Willmott Dixon Group suggested that the construction industry contributes to 23% of air pollution, 50% of climate change gases, 40% of drinking water pollution, and 50% of landfill wastes.
If we look at the pressure being placed on the oil and gas industry for its environmentally detrimental activities, and the subsequent impact of this on earning drivers, addressing this issue should be top priority for construction.
For the sake of business continuity and to future-proof the industry, organizations must adapt to the changing policy and social landscape, and evolve its decision-making processes to include CSR.
A Business Case for Corporate Social Responsibility
Overall, it is clear that the concerted effort of businesses to listen to stakeholders on social issues and direct resources towards the creation of positive outcomes in these areas is a competitive necessity.
Reaching the same conclusion, Andvig asserts that, “the duty to pursue profit as a CEO is a duty of temporal order, while the pursuit of long-term advantage involves preserving and enhancing the competitive advantage over time, protecting the reputation and lifespan of the enterprise, and considering not just interests of the shareholders, but those of key stakeholders.”
As outlined in our broader conversation on social value, establishing objectives beyond profit has a significant role to play in defining the future role of the construction industry. CSR looks at what the world ought to be and is a fundamental part of sustainable building and development.
Stay with us as we continue our exploration into how the construction industry can build a better world. Next up in our Social Value series: Creating Social Value with Smart Construction.
Sources: Constructing Excellence UNIDO Beth Kytle & John Gerard Ruggie. 2005. Corporate Social Responsibility as Risk Management Willmott Dixon WE Forum
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If we observe the world we can see that the emergent patterns and results of our collective thinking and actions does not bring optimal results and breeds many problems. This disbalance of what we collectively do and the world’s needs raises some questions and shows the tremendous need for the change of our ways of looking at life, existence, co-existence and the world.
Humans act upon their sphere of insights, knowledge, understanding, beliefs, skills, their level of development in consciousness, psychology and the philosophical outlook, outlook on life and the world, morals, values, the meaning we see and the purpose we have or lack thereof. To summarize this sphere of insights and all else it constitutes, the field of “systems theory” has a term “mental models” which fits into another theory called “iceberg model” that explains how pretty much any results we can observe in the world arise or bubble up. The results, problems and solutions we can observe in the world is what is at the top of the iceberg which can be summarized into one word as “events”. One level deeper in the iceberg model we have the patterns. Then comes the structures that largely affect the deepest foundational level which is “mental models”. It is the last instance that is determining, guiding and dictating people’s cognition and behaviour.
If we can observe that what we collectively do does not align with what we would need to do for our own prosperity we can arrive at the insight that people lack the mental models and structures to act otherwise and co-exist in an optimal manner. Thus, the projects that increase people's wisdom, provide solutions for improved socio-cultural structures such as economic and decision-making frameworks for optimal co-existence and provide ideas for the advancements of the world, would in turn spark many solutions to many problems, launching a chain reaction of getting a critical mass and critical societal actors for the emergence of meaningful change.
Innovation in the way we do things in society is not happening at an optimal rate. The future has uncertain times for us and in such times people would need a new societal framework to rely on. The one that would create better people, organizations and results by default. That change can only occur if we have a critical mass and critical societal actors with greater insights willing to change our society for the better.
We are fighting with a bunch of symptoms in form of various problems and have done so historically. Having a deeper understanding helps us to not react to the events and problems that occurred and persist because of the underlying structure and the collective mental models, but to change the underlying root causes, which will solve many problems at once.
The plan is to express and present the insights, to educate and get the message out in various influential formats, e.g. media production and curation through various distribution channels to get in front of as wide of an audience and as relevant of audience as possible. The aim is to make the insights, perspectives and knowledge interesting and captivating, making people psychologically receptive to the information. It's the way of making greater impact and mindset shifts at scale. If philosophers, psychologists, scientists created stories that would captivate people as series and movies do, making it more interesting and accessible for the majority, then we'd live in a better world.
The influential formats can include everything from documentaries, films, programmes, tv shows, to the writing of books, storytelling, production of videos, series, podcasts, magazines, events, talks at relevant conferences, meetups, courses, mentorship networks, offline academies and programs. All possible methods to get it out in front of people wherever they may be, whatever they are currently interested in. Getting it out all over the world and in targeted countries where change would be impactful, combined with other targeted work, operations and campaigns.
Our work can be accompanied by studies of how effective and impactful it actually is. Studies on how effective ZALAB Insight:s' work is at changing things for the better. We would strive to constantly measure, get feedback and iterate accordingly. Our works would strive to be interactive, test-/experimentation- and data-driven with the help of behavior science, neuroscience, psychologists and the latest technology such as data-science and AI.
Resources: | https://www.zalab.co/insights.html |
Research* shows that companies with greater diversity in gender, culture, sexual orientation and ethnicity are more likely to see above-average profits and be more successful. Diverse teams better represent the spectrum of different views and benefit from a broader range of perspectives and skills. Diversity feeds an environment in which creative problem solving, emotional intelligence and overall performance thrive. It also enables a different approach to risk-taking.
In the pursuit of different views, boards should seek to achieve diversity in the widest sense. Beyond gender and racial diversity, diversity in skills, thinking, experience, and background is critical. Generational perspectives and ethnic diversity enrich the corporate dialogue, especially at global companies. But this is only true if the corporate culture supports honest, open communication and embraces different points of view. Without these enablers, decisions will not fully benefit from diversity of thought.
Diversity is a mindset, not a one-off task. Board composition should evolve to reflect the changing business and societal environment and enable the board in its tasks and duties.
Get more insights about board related topics. | https://home.kpmg/ch/en/home/services/board-leadership/board-agenda/board-diversity-and-inclusion.html |
The Forum is organised by the international research network bioDISCOVERY, and the University of Zurich Research Priority Programme Global Change and Biodiversity.
The World Biodiversity Forum will bring together leading researchers, early career researchers, practitioners, representatives from different sectors, decision-makers and societal actors to have a conversation on the kind of future we want (and/or do not want) for biodiversity.
The Forum will provide a platform for exchange, covering a wide range of perspectives, and capturing a diversity of visions to conserve biodiversity.
The Forum supports the “New Deal for Nature” to be forged by the Convention on Biological Diversity at the end of 2020. It is ligned with Sustainable Development Goals and achievement of which will require the involvement of all sectors/societal actors, societal consensus and collective search for solutions to conserve biodiversity.
The main themes:
- Changing Biodiversity
- Values and Concepts
- Future of Biodiversity
- Making an Impact
Details of the forum sessions can be viewed on the website >>
The Scientific Organisation Committee of the World Biodiversity Forum:
Michael Schaepman, Cornelia Krug, Jeannine Cavender-Bares, Lynne Shannon, Anna Deplazes-Zemp, Gabriela Schaepman-Strub, Maria Joao Santos, Owen Petchey, Rees Kassen, Craig Starger, Eva Spehn and Debra Zuppinger-Dingley. | https://zoobenthos.com/worldforum2020/ |
Research applying institutional theory to corporate social responsibility (CSR) has experienced remarkable momentum. Institutional theory-based CSR research illustrates the role of values in guiding both agentic choices for CSR and the influence of institutional structures on CSR agency. Although values have been explored in this literature, systematic studies of values that seek to gain insights into the mutual relationship between agentic choices and structures are lacking. Such insights are crucial for exploring whether and how CSR is enabled or constrained. We thus ask two interrelated questions: (1) What is the role of values in institutional theory-based CSR research? (2) How and along which avenues should future institutional theory-based CSR research that focuses on values be mobilised? Based on our analysis of this line of literature from 1989 until 2021, first, we take stock of established institutional theory perspectives on CSR and disentangle what role values have played in this literature. Second, we outline how to mobilise values in future institutional CSR research based on four promising but under-investigated areas. From our literature analysis, two central functions emerge (which we label ‘bridging’ and ‘referencing’) that values can perform in the institutional analysis of CSR. Based on these two functions, our values-focused framework will help scholars examine the moral foundations that inform business–society interactions as well as understand how companies can responsibly manage those interactions with societal stakeholders. | https://www.hiig.de/publication/institutional-theory-based-research-on-corporate-social-responsibility-bringing-values-back-in/ |
Contact Author User manuals are often a source of conflict amongst readers. Typically, people take one glance at a product manual then set it aside when it appears to be too lengthy or complicated.
Did you start at the beginning and read the whole manual? You probably looked first at the index or the table of contents. Once you found the right page or topic, you probably scanned the page first to see if it contained the information you needed. This is how most people read manuals.
No one wants to read your user manual. No one will read your user manual from front to back savoring every word and phrase. Technical documents are not novels. Readers want user manuals to answer their questions quickly so that they can get back to whatever they were doing. A successful user manual provides users with quick answers to the questions that they might have about a particular product.
Users want to know how to complete tasks. Technical writing focuses on user tasks and the concepts that support the tasks.
Below are some practical tips on writing user manuals that will help you to write content that adapts to the needs of users. You should have a good understanding of your users so you can understand the information they need to know, their background, and their knowledge of the product.
Once you think like a user, you can write content that the users need to know. If you have the opportunity, you will find it very useful to watch users actually using the product. When you watch users interacting with the product, you will get a better idea of what the users need to do, how they approach each task, and when they might use approaches to tasks that are unexpected.
Use active voice Active voice emphasizes the user and is easier to read and understand. In most cases, especially in user manuals, you should use active voice. In active voice, the subject and verb in the sentence are clear. In passive voice, the subject is unknown and is acted upon by something that is not known or not stated.
Compare the two sentences below. Supplies that will be needed to complete this project include a hammer, a screwdriver, and a rubber mallet.
The sentence that uses active voice makes it clear that the reader is the person who will complete the action. By using the active voice, you will make your writing more clear, concise, and direct. Focus on the reader User manuals should always focus on the reader. Speaking directly to the reader will: Reinforce the message that the information is intended for the reader Pull readers into the document and make it relevant to them Help to avoid passive voice by focusing on the reader Compare the two sentences below.They are also called User Manuals.
When writing a User Guide, use simple language with short sentences.
This writing style helps the user understand the application. User Guide Templates. Download the 5 User Guide Templates here. User Guides . In short, a documentation plan is a document containing all the necessary information for reference when working on a user manual, such as: general information about the project, tools used, timeframes, workflow details, etc.
7 Tips for Writing an Effective Instruction Manual. In your day-to-day work, you might find that there are times when you need to provide a client with documentation that walks them through a. Tops tips for writing a user manual that will adapt to the needs of your users.
Write a manual that will solve your users' problems. Five Tips for Writing a User Manual. and their knowledge of the product. Once you think like a user, you can write content that the users need to know. If you have the opportunity, you will find it very. Reference information in user guides is often presented in tables: columnar lists of settings, descriptions, variables, parameters, flags, and so on.
Getting-started information. Some user guides will actually include brief tutorials that will help new users get acquainted with using the product. About the product. A well-designed user guide, and a well-designed process to produce that user guide, should include templates and style catalogs.
A template is an electronic file that defines such aspects of the user guide as page size, headers and footers, page-numbering style, . | https://xisyduguhej.torosgazete.com/how-to-write-an-user-manual-32322tj.html |
Users prefer learning from their mistakes than reading product documentation
Technology companies throw over-featured interfaces and complex interactions at us on a daily basis and expect to solve the issue with 1000-word documentation.
There’s an award-winning paper called Life Is Too Short to RTFM: How Users Relate to Documentation and Excess Features in Consumer Products, written by Alethea L Blackler, Rafael Gomez, Vesna Popovic, and M Helen Thompson. It addresses two common issues that users of various products and interfaces find: over-featured interfaces and product documentation.
They conducted a series of surveys to 170 people over 7 years and a 6-month study based on diaries and interviews with 15 participants. They discovered that not only most users do not read manuals, but also do not use all the features of products they use regularly.
According to the studies, only 25% of the time people read the manuals. Another interesting fact is that men are more likely to read the documentation and use all features than women. Also, younger and more educated people are less likely to read the manual at all!
Manuals are not easy to use
The research found that even when people did read manuals, they become frustrated and often found them ineffective. Most users believed that it was unclear to find information as the structure and layout made it difficult to use and navigate.
They found that most manuals have incorrect assumptions about what users need and that the terminology was confusing and inconsistent. Besides, the information was irrelevant and not enough to actually help users.
Users are impatient
We are becoming more and more impatient. Users prefer to explore on their own and learn from mistakes rather than reading a series of steps on a page. The study says that most people skip ahead and go straight to using an application or product without reading the manual.
“People try things out, think them through and try to relate what they already know to what is going on” – Rettig, 1991
Humans acquire understanding through real actions in the world. So for us, it only makes sense to read manuals when we are really stuck or if the product/software itself does not meet our expectations. Besides, we read documentation to take action immediately, so we’ll forget the information right away.
Availability of manuals
The studies found that most of the times, manuals are not available or difficult to access when users really need it.
1.Offline
When you purchase an electronic device they usually come with printed manuals or “Quick Start” flyers. But these manuals aren’t available on the go.
Imagine you just bought a digital camera and you have an issue during a photo shoot. You will have to rely on different sources to solve the issue on the spot. There’s no way you will grab your car keys and get the manual that you left in your office drawer.
In workplaces, manuals for office equipment are rarely made available to everyone that needs to use it. Also, during employee training, you receive a handful of documentation regarding the company itself (processes, systems, you name it). But when you’re really having doubts, the most resourceful information will be from experienced co-workers.
2. Online
As software companies keep introducing features, it becomes difficult to understand how to accomplish a task. Users get distracted by overly complicated interfaces, design elements, and colors. According to the study, feature bloat slows the user’s learning and adoption process.
“the amount of effort needed to learn a feature is not commensurate with its utility”
When dealing with an online application, the most common form of product documentation is the FAQ. But the problem with FAQs is its ineffective format. When users are dealing with an issue, they have to stop what they are doing at that precise moment and move to a different page.
And you know how hard it is to follow instructions while changing tabs at the same time? You probably do.
Besides, that page is just a list of possible questions and answers in random order! On which you have to hope that it will answer all the details of your issue. And even if you need information regarding a small detail, you have to send a request to the support team so they can add it to the list or reply.
The solution is in simplifying
The key result of these studies is that life is too short to read manuals. There’s a need to simplify products and applications and rethink the features that really introduce value and solves the user’s needs. And, more importantly, provide real-time support, that is fast, easy to use and resourceful.
“the provision of help and assistance needs a more flexible, responsive and 21st-century solution than the traditional manual. It seems users have already decided that the manual is old hat. We need to catch up.”
Let’s take Millennials for example. Although we have been using technology from an early age, we still struggle with new interfaces and applications. And how we deal with issues is rarely through reading documentation and FAQs. We go straight to exploring the software and learn while using it.
If we have an issue, first we look for a Chatbot or interactive assistance on the company’s website. Then, we look for 2-min video tutorials on Youtube. If that doesn’t work, we do reach for the FAQs but end up scrolling the page to read only the bullet points. And if it still isn’t enough to solve the issue, personally, I go for Twitter messages. Because email might take hours and calling isn’t even an option anymore.
Instead of using traditional manuals and FAQs, companies are starting to use Chatbots and Social Messaging to solve user’s issues. Furthermore, video tutorials and walkthroughs are continuing to grow, as users prefer getting small chunks of information and solve issues on their own.
Perhaps a change worth making? | https://www.helppier.com/en/product-documentation/ |
Last year an RFC was proposed to address the organization and structure of the TVM Documentation. After discussion, a first pass was made at the documentation updates following a formal documentation method developed by Divio. This pre-RFC proposes to extend the original RFC, with additions to address both user and developer audiences, as well as sub-projects within TVM.
At a high level, this pre-RFC proposes this basic high level organization structure of documents. It recognizes that while in most communities there is a distinct divide between the user and the developer communities, there can be significant overlap given the nature of TVM as an optimizing compiler.
It also addresses a common issue frequently seen with Divio style documentation, namely the addition of introduction and landing pages, as well as topic-specific pages. The next section describes the proposed high-level reorganization in detail, with two alternatives for comparison and discussion.
This pre-RFC is concerned with the organization of the documents, and not the content. As such, the implementation of this pre-RFC would move documents, and only create new documents as top-level placeholders and indexes.
The goals of this reorganization is to create a document architecture that make it clear what types of documents can be written, and how they are organized. The desired result is to make it easier for users meet their goals, whatever they are, and to make it easier for the development community to contribute to the TVM documentation.
L0 - Full User/Developer guides
This format is distinguished by putting all four document types into both the developer and the user guides. It also adds a specific section for getting started, a common feature across nearly every documentation style.
- Getting Started
- About TVM
- Installing TVM
- User Guide
- Tutorial - A multi-chapter long-form document that to introduces users on how to install and operate TVM, with the goal of successfully introducing basic concepts and workflows.
- How Tos - Documents that describe how to perform common tasks with TVM, divided amongst common application areas.
- Deep Dives - Documents that cover the architecture and design of TVM, at a level appropriate for users.
- Reference - User facing APIs, typically generated from source.
- Developer Guide
- Tutorial - A guided tour through the TVM code-base, using the TVMC application as a framing guide for major components of the code.
- How Tos - Documents that describe how to contribute to particular code areas.
- Deep Dives - Documents that cover the architecture and design of TVM, at a level appropriate for developers.
- Reference - Developer reference documentation.
- Topic Guides
- MicroTVM - A collection of links to docs related to TVM
- VTA - A collection of links of docs related to VTA
L1 - User and Developer with Pruned Subsections
The primary differences between this style and L0 are that the API reference section is broken out from both the developer and user guide into it’s own major subsection, and the deep dive section is removed from the user guide.
- Getting started
- About TVM
- Install TVM
- User Guide
- Tutorials
- How to
- API Reference (flat)
- For developers
- Tutorials
- How to
- Deep Dive
- Topics
- microTVM
L2 - Tour style
This style takes an approach that is more focused on the user journey, from beginner to advanced with topics of interest and more focus on demos.
- Get started
- Installation (build from source, tlcpack.ai, etc)
- Demo: Optimize an operator
- Demo: Optimize a neural net (w/ TVMC, w/o TVMC)
- Demo: Minimal deployment (w/ TVM runtime, w/ microTVM runtime)
- Contribute
- Tutorial
- Relay: Import to Relay example: LeNet-5 on MNIST
- Relay: Build Relay to binary example: LeNet-5 on MNIST
- TE: Implement operators in Tensor Expression (compute & schedule) example: matrix multiplication
- AutoScheduler / AutoTVM: Tune operators example: matrix multiplication
- microTVM: deployment
- mobile deployment
- Architectural Guide
- Frontend
- Relay: Graph-level design: IR, pass, lowering
- TensorIR: Operator-level design: IR, schedule, pass, lowering
- TOPI: Pre-defined operators operator coverage
- AutoScheduler / AutoTVM: Performance tuning design
- Runtime & microTVM design
- Customization with vendor libraries BYOC workflow
- RPC system
- Target system
- …
- Topics of interests
- microTVM
- VTA
- …
- More demos
- Sparse models
- …
Partial POC Rendering of L0
Guide Level Explanation
Drawing from the former RFC:
The Four Document Types
Introductory Tutorials
These are step by step guides to introduce new users to a project. A successful introductory tutorial successfully get the user engaged with the software without necessarily explaining why the software works the way it does. Those explanations can be saved for other document types; the introductory tutorial focuses on a successful first experience. These are the most important docs to turning newcomers into new users and developers. A fully end-to-end tutorial, from installing TVM and supporting ML software, to creating and training a model, to compiling to different architectures will give a new user the opportunity to use TVM in the most efficient way possible.
Tutorials need to be repeatable and reliable, because the lack of success means a user will look for other solutions.
How-to Guides
These are step by step guides on how to solve particular problems. The user can ask meaningful questions, and the documents provide answers. An examples of this type of document might be, “how do I compile an optimized model for ARM architecture?” or “how do I compile and optimize a TensorFlow model?” These documents should be open enough that a user could see how to apply it to a new use case. Practical usability is more important than completeness. The title should tell the user what problem the how-to is solving.
How are tutorials different from how-tos? A tutorial is oriented towards the new developer, and focuses on successfully introducing them to the software and community. A how-to in contrast focuses on accomplishing a specific task within the context of basic understanding. A tutorial helps to onboard, a how-to helps to accomplish a task.
Reference
Reference documentation describes how the software is configured and operated. APIs, key functions, commands, and interfaces are all candidates for reference documentation. These are the technical manuals that let users build their own interfaces and programs. They are information oriented, focused on lists and descriptions. You can assume that the audience has a grasp on how the software works and is looking for specific answers to specific questions. Ideally, the reference documentation should have the same structure as the code base and generated automatically as much as possible.
Explanations (Deep Dive)
Background material on a topic. These documents help to illuminate and understand the application environment. Why are things the way they are? What were the design decisions, what alternatives were considered, what are the RFCs describing the existing system. This includes academic papers and links to publications relevant to the software. Within these documents you can explore contradictory and conflicting position, and help the reader make sense of how and why the software was built the way it is. It’s not the place for how-to’s and technical descriptions, and instead focuses on higher level concepts.
Reference Level Explanation
This refactor will require a shift of how the documents are organized. In general, Tutorials and How-Tos are written as Sphinx Gallery documents, allowing for the generation of text, python source, and Jupyter Notebooks. This allows the user to consume these working code samples in a number of ways, but comes at the cost of fixed format that can be confusing to navigate. To help mitigate this, the tutorials and how-tos will be broken up into a more fine grained directory structure. For example:
tvm/ gallery/ dev_how_tos/ compile_models/ ... how_tos/ tutorial/
Rather than render the gallery in one pass as a nested structure (resulting in a single page with multiple sections), instead each directory will be rendered independently. This will aid in navigation through the galleries, and also give more fine-grained grouping of similar topics. The naming of the directory reflects the organization of Sphinx documentation folder, for example:
tvm/ docs/ deep_dive/ how_tos/ index.rst **compile_models/** ... reference/ **tutorial/** dev_deep_dive/ dev_how_tos/ dev_reference/ dev_tutorial/
Depending on the type of documentation, some of the directories may be generated. For example, the tutorial and compile_models directories are auto-generated by Sphinx Gallery. To add a new Sphinx Gallery requires the following steps:
- Create a gallery subdirectory with the how-to or tutorial documents
- Create entries in the docs conf.py example_dirs and gallery_dirs variables to reference the source and target directories.
- Update the appropriate index pages in the docs subdirectories to add the new directories to the Sphinx table of contents.
Drawbacks
One consistent drawback of this approach is how major subprojects are handled. For example, microTVM may require a specific set of tutorials and how-tos, but these can become mixed in with other TVM specific documents. This will be mitigated through two means:
- Subdirectories within the How-Tos can target specific topics
- Landing pages can be created for specific topics that collect links to all of the pages related to that topic.
Another drawback is that this format may require a user to dig deeper on the first run experience, requiring them to dig into a tutorial or how-to to install the software. This can be mitigated by refactoring the landing page to include a “Quick Start” guide for installing the TVM software.
Throughout the open source ecosystem, there is often a distinction between documentation for users and documentation for developers. The TVM community is unique in that frequently users will need to extend TVM to accomplish some goal, for example adding a new backend for code generation. This issue is addressed by dividing the user and developer topics, but keeping them within the same documentation system.
Rationale and Alternatives
This style of documentation has been formalized by developed by Divio and deployed throughout the open source communities. Although it can be difficult to characterize documents within the system (“Should this be a developer or user doc?” “Is this a tutorial or a how-to?”), working within the constraints of a formalized system brings many benefits:
- It helps prevent documentation sprawl. Rather than create new top-level headings to capture new ideas, new ideas are logically documented at different levels of detail within the for existing types.
- It creates a consistent user experience. Users know exactly where to look depending on their needs. New users will find a path to success through tutorials, while existing users who need to solve common tasks can look to the how-tos for guidance.
- It encourages new documentation. Developers have a framework for what docs should look like, and where they should go.
- It takes advantage of current content. A proof-of-concept implementation of this method consisted largely of moving new documents.
- It creates a framework to improve existing content. Many how-tos duplicate steps repeatedly. This will allow us to identify the duplications and refactor the documents into more targeted forms.
In researching documentation systems, there aren’t many formalized systems that have been published.
Prior Art
Projects That Follow This Style
Kubernetes roughly follows this style, augmented with a landing page and a getting started page.
- Home
- Getting Started
- Concepts
- Tasks
- Tutorials
- Reference
- Contribute
Numpy also follows a similar style, with a very flat organization and additional documents of interest to users.
- What is NumPy?
- Installation
- NumPy quickstart
- NumPy: the absolute basics for beginners
- NumPy fundamentals
- Miscellaneous
- NumPy for MATLAB users
- Building from source
- Using NumPy C-API
- NumPy Tutorials
- NumPy How Tos
- For downstream package authors
- F2PY Users Guide and Reference Manual
- Glossary
- Under-the-hood Documentation for developers
- NumPy’s Documentation
- Reporting bugs
- Release Notes
- Documentation conventions
- NumPy license
Projects in the ML Community
PyTorch has a much more fragmented style, with Getting Started, Tutorials, and Docs (reference docs) spread across a variety of locations and using a variety of styles. The leads to a much more fragmented user experience. However, it has also been cited as a positive learning experience, and the tag search feature is powerful for the volume of documentation. Developing a similar site would likely be resource intensive.
TensorFlow follows a style that’s closer to working from beginner to advanced. One standout feature is a graphical representation of the ecosystem, with links to docs that fall into a particular categorization. When building out the developer documents, it may be worthwhile to consider a similar structure.
Other Apache Software Projects
Hadoop and Spark follow a very loose and informal documentation structure.
Sphinx Documentation Style
It’s instructive to look at the documentation style of a project for producing documentation. Sphinx follows a structure that is similar to the Divio style, but focuses more on guiding the user from getting started through advanced topics, similar to the TensorFlow style.
Non-goals
- This documentation system only loosely addresses how subprojects should be handled.
- It does not consider specific future documents, or a plan for refactoring duplicated content in existing documents.
- It does not address some style issues, like how to ensure every document in a Sphinx Gallery has an appropriate image associated with it.
- It does not address how to incorporate the new RFC process with the documentation process.
- It does not address how to handle testing of documents and impact on CI.
- It does not address Incorporating accepted or completed RFCs into the documentation structure.
- It does not address the role of documentation in the CI/CD pipeline. | https://discuss.tvm.apache.org/t/updated-docs-pre-rfc/10833 |
Motorola has released a wide range of phones over the years, each with their own unique set of features. As a result, the company has also produced a large number of user manuals to help people get the most out of their devices.
This Motorola’s User Manuals Library provides a convenient way for people to find the manual that best suits their needs. This page includes a search bar that allows users to search for manuals by phone model, and it also features a variety of helpful resources such as troubleshooting tips and contact information for Motorola’s customer support team.
Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to all of your phone’s features or just need some help with a particular problem, This Motorola’s User Manuals Resource Page is a great place to start.
Find Your Phone Model
…or browse our list below. | https://blabdroid.com/manuals/motorola/ |
A style guide is a set of standards for the writing and design of content, defining the style to be used in communication within a particular organization. Basically, style guides are put together to clarify the way a group of people talk and write about the things they do. Think of authoring best practices.
If you happen to have a background in academia or journalism, you will probably be familiar with AP Stylebook or Chicago Manual of Style. Those are great resources for writing in general, particularly for grammar and syntax, but if you’re reading this page chances are you are considering style in the context of technical documentation.
Style guides help you write a variety of content, such as documenting the methods of an API, or presenting an overview of complex technical concepts, or focusing on how to write particular content like user manuals, release notes, or tutorials.
Guides often help writers focus on the different readers of technical documentation, describing how to adapt content to different reader profiles, like developers, product managers, the general public, and others.
Many focus on the language itself (tone, style, grammar).
Others go beyond the content and discuss the organisation of the documentation, providing best practices on how to manage your content, version control, or publication and delivery strategies. While this is not the focus in this style guide for style guides, how your documentation is organized and the ease in which your readers can find what they are looking for, can be as important as the content itself.
Why do I need a style guide?¶
A practical reason to use a style guide is that they help you write content. Human languages are extremely flexible, and there are many ways in which a particular message can be communicated. By following a style guide you limit the variation, making it easier for you to focus on getting your message across. This makes style guides extremely useful for people joining projects.
Style guides also increase consistency in your content. There are good reasons why you want to keep a consistent tone, voice and style in your documentation. Marketing-oriented folks understand the importance of voice and tone in building a brand identity, a strategy we can extend into technical writing. Consistency also has a big impact on how effectively you communicate – that is, on how well you manage to transfer a particular information to your audience.
There’s science behind this. Our brains appear to be hardwired to identify differences – anything that stands out from its context will catch our attention. A lot of variation will drain our cognitive resources, making it more difficult for us to assimilate information. The degree to which cognitive resources are drained varies between people, but in general it is a good idea to minimize the cognitive load of your communications.
Different styles for different folk¶
Choosing the right style guide for your project depends on your particular context:
- Who you are
- Who you are writing for
- What you are writing about
Selecting a good style guide for you¶
There may already be a style guide somewhere within your organization. It is a good idea to ask your colleagues about this before picking a particular style guide for your project.
Here are some good general resources – perhaps someone in your company is already using one of these:
- A list apart style guide
- Techprose techwriting guidelines (PDF)
- Microsoft manual of style
- Oxford manual of style
- IBM style guide
- Handbook of Technical Writing
- The Red Hat Style Guide
If you belong to an open-source community or NGO, you can consider the following resources:
Selecting a good style guide for your audience¶
Technical documentation takes many forms, each one targeting a certain need. Here, we can think of examples like tutorials, API documentation, and user manuals. So while many style guides adequately cover the main concerns of all technical documentation, sometimes a more specialized guide is needed.
Style for developers¶
Developer documentation often have a specific set of rules in order to best meet their needs.
Code samples¶
Here are some example guides for code samples
API documentation¶
Clear, well-formated, and detailed API documentation is the key for developers to quickly consume and implement your API. It is also key to helping developers understand what happens when an API call is made, and in the case of failure, understand what went wrong and how to fix it.
From the perspective of a user:
If a feature is not documented, it does not exist. If a feature is documented incorrectly, then it is broken.
The best API documentation is often the result of a well designed API. Documentation cannot fix a badly planned API, and it is best to work on developing the API and the documentation concurrently.
If your API already exists, automated reference documentation can be useful to document the API in the current state. If your API is still being implemented, API documentation can perform a vital function in the design process.
Documentation-driven design¶
If your API still has to be built, you can create API documentation to help with the design process. The documentation-driven design philosophy comes down to this:
Documentation changes are cheap, code changes are expensive.
By designing your API through documentation, you can easily get feedback and iterate your design before any development has to happen.
Some API documentation formats have the added benefit of being machine readable. This opens the door to a multitude of additional tools that can help during the entire lifecycle of your API:
- Create a mock server to help during the initial API design
- Test your API before deployment to ensure that the API and the documentation matches
- Create interactive documentation that allows developers to perform demo requests to your API
Test-driven documentation¶
Test-driven documentation aims to improve upon the typical approaches to automated documentation. It allows you to write the bulk of the documentation by hand while also ensuring its accuracy by using your API’s tests to generate some of the content.
Projects such as Spring REST Docs use your API’s tests to generate small snippets of documentation that can be included in hand-written API documentation. The accuracy of the documentation is ensured by the tests – if the API’s documentation becomes inconsistent with its implementation the tests that generate the snippets will fail.
Thinking about accessibility¶
It’s important to consider accessibility in your style guide to ensure the content you produce can be best understood by all readers. Writing for accessibility includes making sure copy can be read by screenreaders, content organization, style and color of text emphasis, and more.
Accessibility resources¶
Relevant talks from Write the Docs:
- A11y-Friendly Documentation at Write the Docs Prague 2018
- Inclusive Tech Docs - TechComm Meets Accessibility at Write the Docs EU 2015
Content guidelines¶
It’s important to create consistency in your content types. This allows you to manage your audience’s expectations for what they will learn on any given page.
FAQs¶
Frequenty Asked Questions (FAQs) exist to educate and guide users through need-to-know information, pointing them to additional resources when necessary. FAQs should be short and limited.
Effective FAQ pages accomplish the following:
- Reflects the audience needs. This may be derived from understanding search results which lead to the website or documentation.
- Regularly updated to reflect the changes in user behavior and data.
- Drives users to different parts of the website to deliver more detailed information.
- Cover a broader range of topics that may not otherwise warrant individual pages or pieces of content.
Release notes¶
Release notes exist to provide users with vital information needed to continue to use and benefit from a product, often as it relates to new or updated feature releases. These notes should be brief, linking out to more details as necessary.
Consider the following when creating an entry for your release notes:
- What is the change/release?
- Why did we make this change? Why is it important to our users?
- Improvement in workflow or UI
- Consistency/feature parity
- Expected revenue increase/decrease
- Change in phase: Alpha/Beta/GA (Does this need to be called out?)
- Policy/legal changes
- What is the goal for our users who use this feature?
- When will this feature be available? Is it already available or coming soon?
- Do our users have all the information they need to move forward?
- Is there an additional article for users to read to learn more?
- Would an image be beneficial to help users understand this release?
- What stakeholders have to approve this content? Does it require the legal team’s approval?
Some example release notes:
Related talks:
- Learning to love release notes at Write the Docs Prague 2018
User Guide / Manuals¶
Tutorials / How-To¶
Concepts, Overview¶
Writing Style¶
The style guides below focus on the actual writing craft itself. They consider how to make technical content readable, clear, succinct, and engaging.
Other style resources¶
Rather than reinvent the wheel, here are some resources curated by Ivan Walsh (Kudos!): | https://www.writethedocs.org/guide/writing/style-guides/ |
This article helps you to contribute effectively to the Documentation part of the wiki.
Documentation Wiki Structure
Hierarchy
The Documentation section is only part of the large OpenOffice.org Wiki. The doc.oo.o project tries to present the information in this section in a way that it is easily accessible and has a structure that allows straightforward navigation for both users and contributors.
All documentation pages are subpages of the main Documentation page. A further substructure presents sections as subpages containing further subpages. Think of it as a hierarchical representation, just like a file system.
The current wiki page tree looks like this:
wiki.services.openoffice.org/wiki/Documentation | +---Dashboard +---Administration Guide +---FAQ +---How Tos +---OOoAuthors User Manual +---Tutorials +---Samples, Templates and Clipart +---Setup Guide +---BASIC Guide
|Subpage||Description|
|Documentation/Dashboard|
|Documentation/Administration Guide|
|Documentation/FAQ|
|Documentation/How Tos|
|Documentation/OOoAuthors User Manual|
|Documentation/Tutorials|
|Documentation/Samples, Templates and Clipart|
|Documentation/Setup Guide|
|Documentation/BASIC Guide|
Use of Categories
Look here if you are unfamiliar with Wiki Categories.
A simple example of how to use Categories in Wiki books:
- Create a Category named after the current chapter.
- Add all pages of that chapter to the chapter Category.
- Add the chapter Category to the book Category.
The reader can then view the book Category. The book Category shows all the chapters in the book. If the reader clicks on a chapter Category, they can see all of the pages in that chapter (in alphabetical order).
Do not add a category and its subcategory to the same wiki page. For more information see the MediaWiki Help:Category section on Category considerations.
Template Usage
Look here if you are unfamiliar with mediawiki templates. | https://wiki.services.openoffice.org/w/index.php?title=Documentation/Dashboard/Wiki_Editing_Policy&oldid=52748 |
Published 1986 by Portsmouth Polytechnic, School of Information Science in Portsmouth .
Written in EnglishRead online
Edition Notes
|Statement||Huseyin Ramazanoglu.|
|Series||UNIX -- 3-1|
|Contributions||Portsmouth Polytechnic. School of Information Science.|
|ID Numbers|
|Open Library||OL14853359M|
Download Computer services UNIX documentation
Part 1 describes the books in the DIGITAL UNIX documentation set. Part 2 provides a glossary of DIGITAL UNIX terms. Part 3 provides a master index for the DIGITAL UNIX documentation set.
The index entries are designed to help users determine which book references information on a particular topic. Customizing desktop services such as window.
This great free Unix book is a “why-to” book, rather than a “how-to” book. It aims to show new Unix programmers why they should work under the old “hacker ethic”–embracing the principles of good software design for its own sake and of code-sharing.
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The Linux Documentation Project (LDP) is working on developing good, reliable documentation for the Linux operating system. The overall goal of the LDP is to collaborate in taking care of all of the issues of Linux documentation, ranging from online documentation (man pages, HTML, and so on) to printed manuals covering topics such as installing.
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This is the Guide to Unix Computing, or for short, Guide to describes Unix and Unix-like systems for users and system includes guide to Unix commands.
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Surprisingly, UNIX-the operating system of choice for mission-critical networks-has historically had little documentation on Computer services UNIX documentation book filesystem structures.
Written by Steve Pate, a sen-ior member of the VERITAS Filesystems Group, this book sheds light on the inner workings of UNIX filesystems and gives you the know-how to fine-tune your UNIX /5(8).
This book is the most effective introduction to UNIX in print. The fourth edition covers the highlights of the Linux operating system. It's a handy book for someone just starting with UNIX or Linux, as well as someone who encounters a UNIX system on the Internet.
In a computer system or network, a runbook is a compilation of routine procedures and operations that the system administrator or operator carries out.
System administrators in IT departments and NOCs use runbooks as a reference. Runbooks can be in either electronic or in physical book form. Typically, a runbook contains procedures to begin, stop, supervise, and debug the system. Frequently Recommended Linux / Unix / BSD Programming Books Advanced Programming In the Unix Environment.
This is (in my opinion) one of the best books around on writing Unix programs. It functions effectively both as a tutorial as well as a reference on how you can get things done in a Unix-type system (including Linux, FreeBSD, etc).
Welcome to FreeBSD. This handbook covers the installation and day to day use of FreeBSD RELEASE and FreeBSD RELEASE. This book is the result of ongoing work by many individuals. Some sections might be outdated. Those interested in helping to update and expand this document should send email to the FreeBSD documentation project mailing list.
All Books for Oracle® Database Online Documentation Library 11g Release 2 If you are familiar with computers, but unfamiliar with administering Oracle Database, and your computer has four CPUs or fewer, and you do not expect to support more than users, this book is appropriate for you.
Describes how to implement custom indexing and. Start Services on Unix. To start services on Unix: From a client computer, log on to the computer as root. At the command line prompt, type the simpana start command.
Press ENTER. Resume any jobs you suspended prior to stopping all services. Oracle Database Online Documentation 12c Release 1 () Database Administration "Essentials" covers everyday database administration tasks, as performed using the Enterprise Manager GUI.
"Supporting Documentation" includes in-depth concept, task and reference material. Torvalds built Linux as a free and open source alternative to Minix, another Unix clone that was predominantly used in academic settings.
He originally intended to name it “Freax,” but the administrator of the server Torvalds used to distribute the original code named his directory “Linux” after a combination of Torvalds’ first name.
Unix (/ ˈ j uː n ɪ k s /; trademarked as UNIX) is a family of multitasking, multiuser computer operating systems that derive from the original AT&T Unix, development starting in the s at the Bell Labs research center by Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, and others. Initially intended for use inside the Bell System, AT&T licensed Unix to outside parties in the late s, leading to a Default user interface: Command-line interface and.
UNIX On-Line Help On-line help for UNIX system commands and utilities is in the form of man pages (man stands for manual) which consist of an on-line version of the UNIX documentation set (often called the UNIX Programmer's Reference Manual). You access the man pages with the man command.
Note that the man pages differ in many instances between UNIX platforms. All Documentation Active Directory Adobe AFS Amazon Web Services API Directory AppsAnywhere Award Management BlueCat BlueJeans Box Canvas Centrex Cisco Finesse Contact Center Contact Centers Cosign CTools Desktop Backup Device Configuration Tool (DCT) Digital Signage Document Imaging System Email eRAM eResearch ExamScan Financial Aid Module.
Unix Users’s Guide iii COLLABORATORS TITLE: Unix Users’s Guide ACTION NAME DATE SIGNATURE WRITTEN BY Jason W. Bacon File Size: 5MB. The Complete FreeBSD is an eminently practical guidebook that explains not only how to get a computer up and running with the FreeBSD operating system, but also how to turn it into a highly functional and secure server that can host large numbers of users and disks, support remote access, and provide web service, mail service, and other key.
The operating system Linux and programming languages An introduction Joachim Puls and Michael Wegner Contents: 1 General remarks on the operating system UNIX/Linux 2 First steps at the computer 3 File systems 4 Editing and printing text files More important commands 5 UNIX-shells 6 Process administration 7 The programming language C++ - an File Size: KB.
This step-by-step article describes how to install Services for UNIX (SFU). SFU is a suite of utilities you can use to share information and resources between UNIX and Windows computers.
SFU incorporates an NFS server and client, user name mapping to match UNIX users to Windows users, UNIX shell utilities, and other capabilities. COVID Resources. Reliable information about the coronavirus (COVID) is available from the World Health Organization (current situation, international travel).Numerous and frequently-updated resource results are available from this ’s WebJunction has pulled together information and resources to assist library staff as they consider how to handle coronavirus.
/etc/gitconfig file: Contains values applied to every user on the system and all their repositories. If you pass the option --system to git config, it reads and writes from this file specifically.(Because this is a system configuration file, you would need administrative or superuser privilege to make changes to it.).
B&N Exclusives Baby Boutique Boxed Sets Graphic Novels for Young Readers Kids' Classics Kids' Book Awards Personalized Books STEAM/STEM Books & Toys Summer Reading Trend Shop Age Groups 0 - 2 Years 3 - 5 Years 6 - 8 Years 9 - 12 Years. Documentation of the GNU Project. GNU and other free documentation can be obtained by the following methods: Most GNU manuals are online in various formats.; The Free Software Directory includes links to documentation.; is an aggregation of blogs and news announcements from GNU packages.; FSF online store: Printed books, T-shirts, posters, and more.
Notes on operating system theory, source code of describing actual construction of operating system in C programming language. Also OS construction related links to books, notes, tutorials, and news groups.
Operations Manager key concepts. 06/02/; 10 minutes to read +3; In this article. Operations Manager, a component of Microsoft System Center, is software that helps you monitor services, devices, and operations for many computers from a single console. Chapter One: The Essentials Chapter Objectives: • Learn the difference between hardware and software • Discover the various types of computers and their roles • See what’s on the front, back, and inside of a computer • Learn about the various ports on a computer • Understand what determines a computer’s performance • See what you should look for when buying a computer.
Programming Documentation. If you are looking for free online programming tutorials, references and documentation, or simply looking for a recommendation on a good book for a particular programming task (eg programming sockets, programming Windows, programming Unix, writing C/C++ code, etc), check out some of the pages listed here.
Online UNIX intermediate level documentation Hi, Can maybe some of the UNIX-guys recommend an online UNIX intermediate level documentation with examples (not too dry:). More the post-beginner level, for someone who has to play around with files and directories, with chmod, grep, sed, a little awk maybe bw, Omar KN (once tasted UNIX, always.
Unix i About the Tutorial Unix is a computer Operating System which is capable of handling activities from multiple users at the same time.
The development of Unix started around at AT&T Bell Labs by Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie. This tutorial gives a very good understanding on Unix. Audience. The Rainbow Series is six-foot tall stack of books on evaluating "Trusted Computer Systems" according to the National Security Agency.
The term "Rainbow Series" comes from the fact that each book is a different color. The main book (upon which all other expound) is the Orange Book. NSA/NCSC Rainbow Series NCSC-TG [Tan Book]. The cloud-based Computer Vision API provides developers with access to advanced algorithms for processing images and returning information.
By uploading an image or specifying an image URL, Microsoft Computer Vision algorithms can analyze visual content in different ways based on inputs and user choices. Learn how to analyze visual content in different ways with quickstarts, tutorials, and.
To get the most current information, install the documentation updates as they become available, or refer to the DB2 Information Center at You can access additional DB2 technical information such as technotes, white papers, and IBM Redbooks® publications online at Access the DB2 Information Management software library site at.CA Authentication Message Delivery Service CA Crypto Service CA DES Extended Documentation HBA 93xx 12Gb/s SAS Storage Adapter Drive Compatibility Report Selection Guide Host Bus Adapter 94xx Storage Adapter Drive Compatibility Report Selection Guide.Hello!
This is my first post, and I just learned what UNIX was this week. For a JAVA programming class I am taking, I must be able to create a directory in UNIX, use the nano command to create a JAVA program, compile it, and then run it on the command prompt using the java command. | https://cyniqimytegygybew.hamptonsbeachouse.com/computer-services-unix-documentation-book-18591ji.php |
In previous blog posts, we’ve written a lot about the courses available in Deque University, but did you know Deque U is also the home of our product documentation? These include comprehensive reference materials about our products, including user guides, quick reference guides, and automated rule information and remediation advice. In fact, this user documentation often serves as the basis of much of the product training we do in order to ensure that everyone who uses our products is using them efficiently. In this post, we’re going to cover the importance of sections like the product resources side of Deque University. This part of Deque hasn’t been highlighted as much as our course offering, but it’s no less relevant. That’s because the right product training is a huge part of cultivating self-sufficiency in web accessibility.
And this is one of the main reasons we created Deque University in the first place – to empower organizations with the right tools and training in order to create a more accessible web. But high-quality user documentation is important for all organizations, no matter what their purpose. You’ll find out why in this post.
Here’s a little-known fact: one often-overlooked indicator of a software company’s maturity is the quality of their product documentation. Software product companies are typically founded by technical people who understandably place importance on engineering roles like UX design and web development. When so much importance is placed on these departments, sometimes user documentation gets left by the wayside. A great example of this is Google, which somewhat famously evolved from being a flat organization ruled by engineers to one that realized through their survey data the importance of other specialist roles such as having technical communicators focusing on developing user assistance materials for their products. Similarly, the quality of the user documentation and other resources can be good indicators of the maturity of a company. On software product proposal review teams, functional business managers may care about features and price, while technical and IT managers might be more focused on security and maintenance.
But what about user support? When researching and comparing software vendors, organizations that make this an important part of their review process benefit from demanding user documentation samples and demos during the Request for Information (RFI) phase of the proposal consideration process. When documentation is an afterthought, business award decisions can become big, costly regrets.
Documentation vs. Training: What’s the Difference?
Informing by providing access to knowledge information. The work is usually a part of product development or operations. Covers all functionality for all end user roles. Helping people learn and develop skills. The work is usually a part of HR or professional services. Covers a subset of functionality for specific end user roles.
The context is “I’m working” – give me what I need so I can do my job. This is also known as performance support. The context is “learning and building skills” – give me concepts, demonstrations, examples, scenarios, practice, and assessments.
Sequenced according to UI and procedures, includes everything, has more detail, does not have redundancy, no practice material. Sequenced for learning, does not include everything, has redundancy and repetition, practice and interaction is expected.
Documentation can be “re-purposed” as support materials during and after training, including reference materials, help systems, knowledge base articles. Training materials such as recorded demonstrations and tutorial videos can be published within online help to become part of a “documentation set”.
Documentation vs. Help: What Do You Consider “Helpful”?
Have you ever clicked on a Help link or button in the user interface of a software application and been disappointed with what appears next?
Help as Contact Us Page: Some software vendors think “help” is a page in the application that displays contact information for the Help Desk. You have to either call a number (during their business hours), send an email, or fill out an online form…and either way, have to wait for whatever the typical response time is. This is not helpful “at the time of need,” and offers no ability to self-educate.
Help as FAQ Page: Others think “help” should be a single page of FAQs – sometimes categorized, sometimes not. Sometimes searchable, sometimes not. Sometimes brainstormed before ever actually being frequently-asked. Sometimes maintained, sometimes not. Sometimes they’re not even alphabetized! For some software vendors, their approach to helping users is all about troubleshooting.
Comprehensive Online Help: Deque’s approach to user assistance and learning materials includes searchable, online user guides in Deque University that are linked to from the software products themselves. Learning more is always one handy click away, offered at the place of need. They include process, task and reference materials covering every facet of how to use the products.
Can a software application’s user interface be so well-designed, intuitive, and easy to use that it doesn’t require user documentation? The short answer is No, of course not. No matter how great a user interface is, it’s been argued that no software product can be considered “usable” without accompanying user documentation. High-quality user documentation for a software product helps ensure customer satisfaction, and an improved customer support experience is what ultimately leads to retention, recommendation, and referral. So although at Deque we place a high amount of importance on design, we also invest considerably in product documentation.
Software companies who last in niche markets offer much more than just FAQs as their product documentation. They’ll be quick to supply you with samples of their printable materials (user manuals, quick reference guides, etc.), and they’ll be quick to offer demonstrations of their online materials (searchable help systems, knowledge bases, self-paced e-learning courses, etc.). We’re always happy to share these important aspects of our products with you. You expect quality product documentation from the large, well-known enterprise software companies. They can spoil you and cause disappointment when comparing with smaller companies. On the other hand, it can be pleasantly surprising when smaller companies focus on continuously improving the quality of their user documentation. Even the smallest improvements in documentation quality have been found to have a powerful impact on overall user acceptance and software product satisfaction. When the learning is built into the product, the depth of knowledge is available to all users, all the time. The ability to ramp up your collective expertise as an organization is partly based on the ability to self-educate. Today’s younger generation of tech workers are used to having the capability of internet search from personal mobile devices 24/7, which has contributed to their current knowledge and skillsets due to online documentation and even MOOCs. They are used to being able to self-educate quickly to get their work done. This means that they’ll end up being more effective in completing their tasks, and that’s due to the type of resources – like high-quality user documentation – that empower individuals towards self-sufficiency.
As I’ve discussed, the products themselves offer handy links and help buttons that will get you to the relevant guide pages in Deque U from strategic areas of the user interface. But there are many reasons you might want to go straight to a guide without the hassle of signing into the product itself first. For example, maybe there are certain tasks you perform less frequently in a WorldSpace product and want to review the “how-to” first, or maybe you’d like to share a topic in a guide with a new colleague – in either case, it would be nice to have a single starting point. Enter the Deque University Product Guides option on the main menu. This will take you to the “index” page of all of Deque’s product user documentation from a single page.
Regardless of the Deque product you’re using, your Deque University subscription goes far beyond the various traditional training options and courses you’d expect. There are detailed, comprehensive user guides and other related user-focused materials you can access whenever you want. Coupled with the self-led courses on web accessibility, Deque University is a really useful tool for empowering self-sufficiency when it comes to web accessibility. More than that, the resources we offer in Deque U illustrate why user documentation is such an important part of creating an informative web that works for everyone. | https://blog.afour.co.za/why-user-documentation-is-important/ |
Free Download of Particle Physics on Supercomputers.pdf, ebooks, user's guide, manuals and sheets.
Particle Physics on Supercomputers.pdf was downloaded 51 times, the last one was 2017-10-23.
Download Particle Physics on Supercomputers eBooks for free and learn more about Particle Physics on Supercomputers. These books contain exercises and tutorials to improve your practical skills, at all levels!
You can download PDF versions of the user's guide, manuals and ebooks about Particle Physics on Supercomputers, you can also find and download for free A free online manual (notices) with beginner and intermediate, Downloads Documentation, You can download PDF files (or DOC and PPT) about Particle Physics on Supercomputers for free, but please respect copyrighted ebooks. | https://thebookee.net/particle-physics-on-supercomputers-pdf-dl2777725 |
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The individual will be responsible to develop military aeronautics technical publications that will include flight manuals, flight crew checklists, maintenance manuals, wiring diagram manuals, and illustrated parts breakdown manuals, as well as maintenance Job Guides utilizing technical procedure manuals, user manuals, programming manuals, operational specifications, and related product technical publications to communicate clearly and effectively technical specifications and instructions to a wide range of audiences. Oversees preparation and conducts quality review of materials and compiles quality metrics to assess performance. Ability to communicate effectively with Engineering, Production, and Logistics disciplines leading to successfully develop technical publications. Familiar with interpretation of Engineering drawings and models and be able to convey into instruction utilizing illustrative materials, selecting 3D Models, drawings, sketches, diagrams, trade journals and charts. The job entails working under general supervision, develop and field technically accurate and compliant technical documentation for upgraded aircraft avionics systems.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:
Five (5) years’ experience as a Technical Writer on programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity related to C-130’s is required. Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline from an accredited college or university is required or Eight (8) years of Technical Writer experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree dependent on experience.
Highly skilled in all MS Office Products Software (i.e. Word, Excel, Publisher, Power Point, Visio, etc…)
Desired Skills:
Familiar with Nuance Power PDF Software.
Familiar with technical authoring languages and specifications such as XML and SGML, in S1000D.
Having skills to assist as a Technical Illustrator working with Coral Draw.
C-130H
Graphic Illustration
EDUCATION:
Accredited High School Diploma/GED
WORK HOURS:
Full-Time, 9/80A-1st Shift
Employment will be contingent on clearing a drug screen and background check. Both must clear prior to start date.
- Contact
-
Chelsie Goodreau
[email protected]
CHIPTON-ROSS, INC.
420 Culver Boulevard
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Phone: (310) 414-7800 x254 or (800) 927-9318 x254
Candidates responding to this posting must currently possess the eligibility to work in the United States. No third parties please.
Employment will be contingent on candidate clearing pre-employment drug screen and background check.
Chipton-Ross provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State or local law. This policy governs all areas of employment at Chipton-Ross, including recruiting, hiring, training, assignment, promotions, compensation, benefits, discipline, and terminations. | https://chiptonross.com/newjobs/183132.htm |
Providing support for users that is understandable and designed to fit their needs.
my role
I created a series of tutorials on how to use KORA, a content management system for digital museums. These tutorials were based on user research and were written using best practices for technical communication. Previously existing versions of documentation for the program had been written by system experts and the documentation reflected a system-centered approach to organizing and describing key user tasks. In the revised documentation, I adopted a user-centered approach by organizing content in the order users would encounter tasks and describing processes in the user’s language.
Key takeaways
While working on the KORA documentation project I developed skills in:
- Talking about domain-specific subjects in users’ language.
- Working with developers and programmers to understand how a system works and translating their ideas into user-centered terminology.
- Producing comprehensive documentation that can be broken down into specific modules. | http://rebecca-zantjer.squarespace.com/portfolio-content/2015/2/10/kora-user-documentation |
The FRED-tutorials repository presents a collection of models that demonstrate essential features of the FRED Modeling Language™. The intended audience for these tutorials is new users of the FRED Modeling Platform™ looking for practical examples of how the FRED language features described in the user guide can be used to address real-world modeling problems. Each example builds on the previous examples by introducing new model components and making use of additional language features. Consequently new users will benefit from reading the tutorials in the following order:
We also hope experienced users find the models described here, and the programming patterns employed in their implementation, a useful reference.
The models discussed in these tutorials aim to represent a flu epidemic spreading through a population, with each focusing on a different aspect of the epidemiological and behavioral phenomena surrounding the epidemic. The Simple Flu tutorial presents a foundational model of flu infection. The Flu with Behavior and Flu with School Closure tutorials introduce social distancing and the effects of policies intended to control the epidemic into the model. The Flu with Vaccine tutorial allows users to explore the use of a vaccine to influence the dynamics of the epidemic.
The tutorials occasionally refer to additional documentation in the FRED Guide. If you don’t have access to the guide, and would like to, please contact [email protected]. | https://docs.epistemix.com/projects/tutorials/en/latest/README.html |
The ERP Business Systems Analyst is responsible for being a key resource during and after a new ERP implementation by reviewing and analyzing business processes and developing and implementing solutions through JD Edwards (JDE) to meet end user needs, and providing end user support in key areas of focus. This person will provide comprehensive analysis and recommendations with regards to functional design and implementation strategies in a global environment. Works closely with (key) users to identify areas where system functionality can be leveraged to drive business process efficiencies, and assists in the implementation of process improvements. Will also troubleshoot issues and system bugs and provide direction for corrections and enhancements and enact those corrections and enhancements where appropriate.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supports all aspects (such as usage questions, issues, business processes, reporting, and data quality) of the JD Edwards and associated application components of assigned areas and modules in timely manner to meet on-going and changing business requirements.
- Acts in advisory role with insights to systems deficiencies and potential user needs to prevent issues which may negatively impact the business operations.
- Defines business processes and specifies detailed requirements for continuous improvement to the JD Edwards and related business system components.
- Follows and enforces pre-defined standard software development and deployment processes in functional specifications, user interface and database designs, testing methodology, training, and change management.
- Facilitates the alignment of cross-functional conflicts and gaps to achieve results for optimal corporate performance.
- Effectively communicates findings, recommendations, and solutions through meetings, emails, presentations, documentation, or verbal communications to users with regard to applications issues or enhancements.
- Supports and communicates on-site and remotely with the global user base and external resources across various time zones (Netherlands, Germany, Slovenia, North America, UK, China, Turkey, etc.).
- Provides both formal and informal training on subjects of expertise on the JD Edwards applications to users and reviews user data and reporting per company business processes as part of quality assurance activities.
- Develops proper documentation such as project plans, detailed specifications, test cases, operational instructions and procedures, and system and user documentation of responsible modules with quality, utilizing company or IT standardized tools and templates.
- Conducts effective project updates, progress reviews and evaluations with management in a timely manner and manages priorities within the assigned tasks according to the load and the multiple due dates.
- Follows through with commitments to meeting quality and schedule and fosters mutual trust with leadership, fellow employees and users.
EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in IT
- Proficiency in Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne configuration and reporting toolset required.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in both Consumer Goods Manufacturing and IT, business analysis and project management experience in the preferred areas of supply chain planning, warehousing, inventory management and production
- Experience in various systems platforms of multi-tier environment, global environment.
- Aptitude for analytical and problem solving abilities with out-of-box thinking for innovative and work-around solutions.
- Excellent skills in utilizing all available communication channels with competent judgment of when to use what.
- Advanced level knowledge in Microsoft Office applications, especially MS Excel
- Experience with EDI, Barcode data collection systems, labels, workflow highly desirable
- Able to adapt, willing to change, proactive resourcefulness, and curiosity to learn new things.
- Proficient English; other languages are a plus; Dutch, German, Slovenian..
- Specific knowledge in JD Edwards Modules are strongly preferred and considered as advantage:
- Primary focus on Inventory Management, Procurement, Sales Order Management, Warehousing and License Plates
- Secondary focus on Manufacturing including Product Data Management, Product Costing, Master Production Scheduling, Material Requirements Planning, Shop Floor Management, Configurator, Engineer to Order, Workorders
- Manufacturing Accounting and General understanding of AR, AP and General Ledger processes is a plus.
- Understanding of JD Edwards UI Tools Features for End User Efficiencies and avoiding customizations, and knowledge of Orchestrator is desirable.
- Understanding of JD Edwards Windows Development Client and Object Management Workbench and software development lifecycle
- Enterprise Report Writer (ERW) to the degree of making minor ERW adjustments or basic report creation, modifying and creating new versions for processing option/data selection change
- Understanding of JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Security features and capabilities
- Understanding of JD Edwards Scheduler application
- Understanding of JD Edwards Localization and Language Preferences and User Setup
- Travel for support purposes quarterly or as needed
- Class B drivers license.
THE OFFER
A full-time working week at a very diverse, reliable and growing international organization, with prospects for permanent employment. Because WISA continues to innovate in this dynamic market, this offers you the opportunity to develop further and to take on new challenges. This is of course accompanied by a good salary.
We also offer an excellent package of fringe benefits
- A 13th month;
- 8% holiday allowance;
- 27 vacation days and 13 ATV days;
- An extensive package of insurance;
- A good pension scheme.
OUR COMPANY
WISA is part of the international organization Fluidmaster: a challenging company where customer satisfaction is of paramount importance. We do everything we can to provide our customers with the best sanitary products, both nationally and internationally. As the European headquarters of Fluidmaster, we coordinate and strengthen various brands in Europe. Because of this we are looking for an enterprising and accurate Sr. Business Systems Analyst.
INTERESTED?
Specify why you are the one we are looking for and complete your motivation letter with your curriculum vitae. We would like to receive your response by email to [email protected]. Do you want to know more about the position? Contact us at telephone number 035-7111373. | https://www.wisa-sanitair.com/nl/nieuws/cat/vacatures/post/sr-business-systems-analyst/ |
Free Download of JAWABAN DAN SOAL TEORI I (PILIHAN GANDA).pdf, ebooks, user's guide, manuals and sheets.
JAWABAN DAN SOAL TEORI I (PILIHAN GANDA).pdf was downloaded 27 times, the last one was 2019-03-17.
Download JAWABAN DAN SOAL TEORI I (PILIHAN GANDA) eBooks for free and learn more about JAWABAN DAN SOAL TEORI I (PILIHAN GANDA). These books contain exercises and tutorials to improve your practical skills, at all levels!
You can download PDF versions of the user's guide, manuals and ebooks about JAWABAN DAN SOAL TEORI I (PILIHAN GANDA), you can also find and download for free A free online manual (notices) with beginner and intermediate, Downloads Documentation, You can download PDF files (or DOC and PPT) about JAWABAN DAN SOAL TEORI I (PILIHAN GANDA) for free, but please respect copyrighted ebooks. | https://wepdf.com/jawaban-dan-soal-teori-i-pilihan-ganda-pdf-dl1780307 |
- Expired: over a month ago. Applications are no longer accepted.
Position: Business Analyst SME level
Duration: 15 months
Location: Jackson, MS-Remote to start will move on site after covid
PROJECT DETAILS
The Mississippi Department of Education has a current goal for every community to effectively use a World-Class Data System to improve student outcomes. This goal has an outcome to increase the availability of quality data to drive decisions that improve student outcomes. We are planning to satisfy this goal in part by modernizing our current student information system along with improving the quality of data in connected systems. This will include web-based application development, and creation of dashboards and reports that will improve access, accuracy and ease of use for all stakeholders.
JOB DESCRIPTION
This position will require a qualified Technical Business Analyst to take the lead in the following tasks:
Ability to create and document detailed business requirements, perform analysis, outlining problems, opportunities and solutions for the stakeholders
Author and update internal and external documentation, and formally initiate and deliver requirements and documentation
A strong understanding of the documentation development process, the software development process, and product lifecycles
Determine operational objectives by studying business functions; gathering information; evaluating output and formats
Improve systems by studying and documenting current state and business rules
Ability to partner with other team members and stakeholder across multiple business units to develop necessary analysis and documentation in a collaborative way, communicating effectively and efficiently with executive teams
Ability to communicate technical information to a non-technical audience and business information to a technical audience
Ability to successfully apply complex knowledge of fundamental concepts practices, and procedures of technical writing.
Construct workflow charts and diagrams; studying system capabilities; writing specification
Translate stakeholder requests into formal requirements
Deliver high-quality business requirement documentation for business manuals, new development, training manuals, user guide, and system guide
REQUIRED DEGREE
Bachelor's degree
REQUIRED CERTIFICATION(S)
REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
# YEARS
Must be able to effectively communicate (verbal and written) requirements with stakeholders as well as development team
No min.
Must be able to collaborate with Project Manager, Architect, and developers to ensure business requirements are communicated, accepted, and meet expectations
7
Must be able to translate and simplify requirements from stakeholders into written requirement documents for development team. Documents include: Formal Business Requirements Document, Functional Design Document, Technical Design Document, Technical Use Cases, User stories, Business Cases, Requirements Traceability Matrix, Test cases. (samples of previous documents created highly preferred- submit with resume)
7
Must be able to create diagrams, flowcharts, and workflows of business processes
7
Must be able to create diagrams, flowcharts, and workflows of data flow through system
7
Must be able to create and manage test cases for Quality Assurance.
7
Must be familiar with software and database development concepts
7
Technical Business Analyst work on a software development team
7
Must have experience developing technical documentation for enterprise software users, system administrators, and other technical audiences
7
Strong experience in requirements management and creating all documents listed above
7
Strong experience in mapping business processes into technical documentation
7
REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
# YEARS
Strong experience in acceptance testing
7
Ability to analyze business functions
7
Practical experience generating process documentation and reports
7
Strong working knowledge of relevant Microsoft applications, including Visio
7
Extensive experience with data visualization
7
Excellent communication with the ability to translate data into actionable insights
7
Scrum
7
Agile
7
REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
# YEARS
Three (3) references of submitted candidates required. Please provide the following information. Must submit with resume.
First/last name of reference
Title
Company Name
Job title of contractor while reporting to this supervisor/manager
Telephone number
Email Address (if available)
No min.
Preference given to candidates with the below skills/experience. Must also meet minimum requirements. | https://www.ziprecruiter.com/c/TechNix-LLC/Job/Business-Analyst/-in-Jackson,MS?jid=69dcf4a1daf99030&lvk=LskkyXLqKXxP_8zQGk37zw.--MTfZxxULB&tsid=152016386 |
This is the wiki page for the Manchester X-ray Imaging Facility (MXIF), which consists of two main labs: the Henry Moseley X-ray Imaging Facility at the Materials Science Centre in Manchester and the Manchester X-ray Imaging Facility at Diamond which is based at the Research Complex at Harwell (RCaH) next to the Diamond synchrotron. More information about MXIF can be found on the website.
The main focus of the Manchester X-ray Imaging Facility is to employ X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) for non-destructive 3D characterisation of all kind of materials on length scales varying from centimeters to nanometers for both academic research and industries. This wiki provides various manuals and tutorials for working with the equipment (X-ray machines, sample environment rigs) and software packages (for data processing and analysis) that are available to the users of MXIF. The content of these pages is user generated and every user is encouraged to clarify, correct and extend the existing pages. This will help current and future users to obtain the most out of the machines and the collected data.
The pages are only available to users of the facility, so to get access to the information you have to log in. If you don't have an account, please send an email to Loic Courtois or Sheng Yue, the wiki administrators. Don't hesitate to contact them if you have any questions regarding the wiki.
What you will find on these pages
The wiki has the following main sections.
- How to use this wiki : useful tips on how to edit wiki pages.
- Equipment : information on using the x-ray machines and the in-situ rigs.
- Software : guides and tutorials on how to process CT data. There is also a list of tips and tricks for individual software packages.
- Synchrotron : usefull information for synchrotron users.
- MXIF staff : this page shows a photo of (most of) the MXIF staff.
- Tutorials : a guide to tutorials for people new to imaging.
Consult the User's Guide for information on using the wiki software. | https://wiki.manchester.ac.uk/MXIF/index.php?title=Main_Page&oldid=5782 |
The napari roadmap captures current development priorities within the project and should serve as a guide for napari core developers, to encourage and inspire contributors, and to provide insights to external developers who are interested in building for the napari ecosystem. For more details on what this document is and is not, see the about this document section.
The mission of napari is to be a foundational multi-dimensional image viewer for Python and provide graphical user interface (GUI) access to image analysis tools from the Scientific Python ecosystem for scientists across domains and levels of coding experience. To work towards this mission, we have set the following three high-level priorities to guide us over the upcoming months:
Make the data viewing and annotation capabilities bug-free and fast.
Make a downloadable application with reader / writer plugin management.
Make accessible documentation, tutorials, and demos.
Once the above goals are met, we will develop napari’s capabilities for image processing and analysis. We are prioritizing the robustness and polish of the core viewer before adding advanced features or support for functional or interactive plugins to ensure that plugin development will happen against a solid foundation, and because we have repeatedly encountered biologists and other scientists who have trouble even looking at their data, and annotating it. We are prioritizing the downloadable application with reader / writer plugin management so that we can start getting feedback from non-coding users to better understand their needs.
Make the data viewing and annotation capabilities bug-free, fast and easy to use¶
Better support for viewing big datasets. Currently, napari is fast when viewing on-disk datasets that can be naturally sliced along one axis (e.g. a time series) and where loading one slice is fast. However, when the loading is slow, the napari UI itself becomes slow, sometimes to the point of being unusable. We aim to improve this by making views and interactions non-blocking (#845), and improving caching (#718). We will also ensure that napari can be used
headlesswithout the GUI.
Improving the performance of operations on in-memory data. Even when data is loaded in memory, some operations, such as label and shape painting, slicing along large numbers of points, or adjusting contrast and gamma, can be slow. We will continue developing our benchmark suite and work to integrate it into our development process. See the
performancelabel for a current list of issues related to performance.
Add a unified world coordinate system. Scientists need to measure data that comes from a real space with physical dimensions. Currently, napari has no concept of the space in which data lives: everything is unitless. Further, it is unclear at various parts in the UI whether a coordinate has been transformed. And finally, some data are acquired with distortions, such as skew in data collected on stage-scanning lightsheet microscopes, and napari should be able to account for those distortions by chaining together transforms - including affine and ultimately deformable transforms. We are tracking progress in this area in the World Coordinates project board.
Ensure easy installation with a success rate close to 100%. We can still struggle with installation of Qt in some cases, and have had problems with dependency conflicts with other Python packages. We have recently added a conda-forge package and are working towards distributing bundled applications in #496. See the
installationlabel for a current list of issues related to installation.
Eliminate all known bugs. See the
buglabel for a current list of known bugs. We also want to make it easier for users to report bugs (#1090). Additionally, when bugs are encountered, we want to examine whether an improved software architecture could have prevented them. For example, we are undertaking a refactor to centralize event handling within napari and avoid circular, out of order, or repeated function calls (#1040). In the process of eliminating bugs we should also ensure that our continuous integration, i.e. automatic testing of each change on cloud infrastructure, is robust, and that we have increased coverage of our tests, including more GUI tests with screenshots. See the
testslabel for more information about our tests.
Improve support for annotation of points #858, shapes #177, labels, and images #209 including text rendering #600.
Add linked multi-canvas support (#760) to allow orthogonal views, or linked views of two datasets, for example to select keypoints for image alignment, or simultaneous 2D slices with 3D rendering.
Add layer groups #970, which allow operating on many layers simultaneously making the viewer easier to use for multispectral or multimodal data, or, in the context of multiple canvases, where one wants to assign different groups to different canvases.
Improve the user interface and design of the viewer to make it easier to use. A napari design audit last year dramatically improved the usability of the viewer. We must continue to run through these periodically to ensure the UI is friendly to new users, particularly non-programmers. See the
designlabel for more information.
Make a downloadable application with basic plugin management and persistent settings¶
Distribute a bundled application for each major OS #496 to allow scientists to use napari without requiring a Python development environment, which can be difficult to install and maintain. The bundle should contain the necessary machinery to add plugins #1074.
Support for reader plugins #937 and writer plugins #1068 to allow viewing of domain-specific data and saving of annotations. For more details see the
pluginslabel on our repository.
Support for persistent settings #834 to allow saving of preferences between launches of the viewer.
Provide accessible documentation, tutorials, and demos¶
Improve our website napari.org to provide easy access to all napari related materials, including the four types of documentation: learning-oriented tutorials, goal-oriented how-to-guides or galleries, understanding-oriented explanations (including developer resources), and a comprehensive API reference. See #764 and the
documentationlabel on the napari repository for more details.
Add a napari human interface guide for plugin developers, akin to Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines. We want such a guide to promote best practices and ensure that plugins provide a consistent user experience.
Work prioritized for future roadmaps¶
We’re also planning or working on the following more advanced features, which will likely be prioritized in future roadmaps:
General support for undo / redo functionality #474, a history feature, and macro generation.
Complete serialization of the viewer #851 to enable sharing the entire viewer state. This feature will be supported after
writer pluginshave been added.
Support for generating animations #780. This feature will be supported after we have the ability to serialize the viewer state #851.
Draggable and resizable layers #299 and #989. This feature will be supported after we have added support for world coordinates project board 10 and rotations to our transform model.
Linked 1D plots such as histograms, timeseries, or z-profiles #823 and #675.
Support for using napari with remote computation (i.e. a remote jupyter notebook #495).
Functional or interactive plugins that allow for analysis of data or add elements to the GUI.
About this document¶
This document is meant to be a snapshot of tasks and features that the
napari team is investing resources in during our 0.3 series of releases starting April 2020. This document should be used to guide napari core developers, encourage and inspire contributors, and provide insights to external developers who are interested in building for the napari ecosystem. It is not meant to limit what is being worked on within napari, and in accordance with our values we remain community-driven, responding to feature requests and proposals on our issue tracker and making decisions that are driven by our users’ requirements, not by the whims of the core team.
This roadmap is also designed to be in accordance with our stated mission to be the multi-dimensional image viewer for Python and to provide graphical user interface (GUI) access to a plugin ecosystem of image analysis tools for scientists to use in their daily work.
For more details on the high level goals and decision making processes within napari you are encouraged to read our mission and values statement and look at our governance model. If you are interested in contributing to napari, we’d love to have your contributions, and you should read our contributing guidelines for information on how to get started.
Another good place to look for information around bigger-picture discussions within napari are our issues tagged with the
long-term feature label. | https://napari.org/roadmaps/0_3.html |
Implementing an App Walkthrough
I think most professionals who design product interfaces (both physical or software interfaces) will agree that simplicity and discoverability of an interface is a big winning factor. Simple and discoverable interfaces are usually self explanatory and for this very reason they tend to provide great user experiences.
On the other hand, this doesn't mean we should stop providing documentation or user manuals for our products. A discoverable user interface with a clean, easily accessible documentation is I think what every product deserves.
When it comes to user manuals or guides, I'm so much in favor of a user manual that's deeply connected or embedded to the user interface rather than a pile of content parked somewhere completely disconnected from the actual product.
UI embedded manuals can be designed in many ways, one of which is through a concept called "App Walkthrough".
App Walkthrough
From a conceptual point of view I knew what an app walkthrough is for a very long time but before I sat down to write this post I was tempted to call it "in-app tutorials". After some searching around the topic, I discovered that it actually has a common name.
A walkthrough is the process of intentionally revealing functionality to a user.
Implementing a successful app walkthrough is not an easy endeavour at all. It's like a double edged sword. If you get it right it's all unicorns and butterflies. If you get it wrong you can do more harm than good.
Implementing one for Hackathon Planner
A couple of days ago I started flirting with the idea of implementing a walkthough for the Hackathon Planner. This is what came out:
You can try it by visiting the Hackathon Planner preview website. It is designed to be viewed only once and then gets out of the way forever. There are two things that I still want to add to this:
- A quick opt out button on each individual step of the walkthough so that users have an easy way to exit the tutorial without being forced to complete it.
Update: Right after I wrote this blog post, I came across a tutorial that's built into GitHub Desktop (for Mac). See the screenshot below. Clicking "Got it!" takes the user to the next step of the tutorial while clicking the close button on the top left corner stops the tutorial. It's brilliant.
- An overlay that makes the UI frozen while the tooltips are running. If a user doesn't follow the tooltip popovers and starts clicking around, things get messy (and this is bound to happen if I know anything about users).
Show me the code
Inside the Aurelia app, I've created a component called "TooltipService" which is responsible for orchestrating the walkthrough. There's also a separate data holder class "Tooltips" that declaratively defines all walkthrough steps and their contents, positions etc.
Tooltips are created using the popover component from Bootstrap 4 (still in alpha at the time of this writing). | https://www.hakantuncer.com/2016/04/20/implementing-an-app-walkthrough/ |
OBJECTIVE:
To seek a technical writer position where I can grow my career by utilizing my experience in technical writing, instructional design, and IT .
CAREER SUMMARY:
- Several years of experience in the field of technical writing, instructional design, development of instructor - led manuals and user guides, quality assurance, and IT .
- Developed variety of technical and business documentation for clients.
- On all the projects, I was involved in all the stages of system development life cycle.
- Co-authored the Microsoft Press book ECOMMERCE DEVELOPMENT: BUSINESS TO CONSUMER
- Trained IT professionals and end-users.
- Excellent communication skills
EXPERTISE AREA:
SDLC Phase: Documentation/Deliverables
Analysis: Functional Specifications
Requirements: Requirements Specifications, Use Cases, Requirements Traceability Matrix
System Design: Design documents - System Architecture, System Architecture diagrams, Process Flows, User Interface Specifications and Mockups
Test: System Test Plans
Implementation: End user documentation - User guides, Operations Manual, Standard Operating Procedures, Manuals
TECHNICAL SKILLS:
Operating Systems/Environments: Windows 7.0, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows 95, Windows 3.x, Windows NT 4.0, Windows NT 3.51, UNIX (SCO, AT&T), Novell NetWare 3.11, MS - DOS 6.0
RDBMS: MS SQL Server 7.0, MS SQL Server 6.5, SYBASE 10, SYBASE 4.2
Software: Visual Basic 4.0, Visual C++ 6.0, C, C++, COBOL, FoxPro, MS Site Server 3.0 Commerce Edition, CA Unicenter TNG
Other Tools: MS Office 2010, MS Office 2007, MS Office 2003, MS Project, MS Visual SourceSafe, MS Visio 2010, MS Visio 2007, MS SharePoint, MS FrontPage, MS Project, MadCap Flare, Adobe Acrobat Professional, Adobe Dreamweaver, HyperSnap 6.0, SnagIt, Plum Tree Portal, TortoiseCVS, IBM Lotus Notes, IBM Rational ClearQuest
EXPERIENCE:
Technical Writer Leader/Trainer
Confidential
Responsibilities:
- Developing material, SOPs and Medical Bill Operations Manual in support of a new medical bill processing system that processes bills for three Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) under the Department of Labor (DOL) using one centralized process to handle all bill processing functions including claimant eligibility, claimant bill development, bill scan and data entry, adjustments, authorization of services, bill pricing, bill resolution, provider enrollment and maintenance, and appeals processing.
- Researching, writing, editing, and proofreading technical data for use in documents or sections of documents such as manuals, standard operating procedures, medical bill operations manual, functional specifications, and requirements specifications. Reviewing and revising documents prepared by others.
- Establishing and creating style guidelines and standards for various documents to meet business needs
- Assisting the Development team in tracking Development gaps with regards to implementation requirements using Rational ClearQuest
- Assisting the Requirements team with gap analysis of Functional Specifications documents to ensure that each of the implementation requirements map to a business requirement
- Recording meeting minutes for all technical conference calls with vendor companies on the contract
- Ensuring products meet deadlines, quality standards and client needs
- Interviewing programmers, engineers, developers, and other technical personnel. Developing documentation based upon information gathered.
- Providing leadership and work guidance to less experienced personnel
Sr. Technical Writer/Editor
Confidential
Responsibilities:
- Attending JAD sessions to gather requirements
- Preparing functional and Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) documents
- Performing technical writing and editing
- Establishing documentation guidelines, procedures and templates
- Creating system test plans
- Creating user manuals, tutorials, quick guides, system architecture and design documents, SOPs to document operating procedures, governance plans, risk management plans in addition to documenting meeting minutes and lessons learned. Applied Section 508 accessibility requirements to all MS Word documents and PDFs.
- Providing documentation required for an enterprise-wide effort to migrate ED’s Intranet ColdFusion site to a new SharePoint site
- Providing functional and regression testing support
- Supporting the development of documentation for the System Development Life Cycle and the Enterprise Life Cycle
- Ensuring technical documentation is accurate, complete, meeting editorial and government specifications and adhere to standards for quality, graphics, coverage, format and style
- Conducting customer
- Responsible for the following documentation/deliverables while working through the various projects:
Technical Writer
Confidential, Washington, DC
Responsibilities:
- Providing documentation required for the Fund’s ongoing ISO 27001 exercise
- Interviewing team members to collect technical information about the Fund workstation configuration
- Documenting the Fund standard workstation configuration
- Documenting the software applications and systems used to develop and maintain the Fund standard workstation configuration
- Maintaining the desktop infrastructure team’s Intranet web site
Technical Writer
Confidential, Washington, DC
Responsibilities:
- Coordinating development of project technical documentation, including creating and monitoring documentation schedules in conjunction with the overall project schedule
- Preparing application life cycle documentation for in-house developed Web-based applications.
- Interviewing developers to elicit relevant information pertaining to applications, in order to produce written documentation
- Producing all major projects technical documentation including user guides, manuals, business process flows, meeting minutes, requirements document, design document including system architecture, frequently asked questions, quick cards, and test documents
- Maintaining project documentation library using version control
- Ensuring that documentation is accurate, complete, meets editorial specifications, and adheres to standards for quality, graphics, coverage, format, and style
- Developing and maintaining documentation guidelines, procedures, and templates
- Assisting QA Manager with process-related documentation to support process improvement initiatives
- Reviewing and editing documentation produced by technical and non-technical personnel
Sr. Technical Writer/Instructional Designer
Confidential, Columbia, MD t
Responsibilities:
- Team and project management
- Creating analysis and design documents
- Information searching and research
- Writing technical content/documentation for multiple audience profiles.
- Used MS Word for creating documents and MS Visual Source Safe for version control
- Developing other course components including hands-on labs, self-check questions, job aids, glossary, and media (demos and animations)
- Reviewing and testing for technical validity and functionality.
- Used MS RAID Software/database to report, assign, and resolve bugs.
- Responsibilities included analysis and design, developing course content, and validating content.
Lead Technical Writer
Confidential
Responsibilities:
- Led teams of instructional designers and was involved in the development of instructor-led material of Visual Basic 4.0, Internet technologies, and Microsoft Office 97 for end-users. Responsibilities included leading teams, project management, providing subject matter expertise, designing and reviewing course deliverables.
- Developed instructor-led material of UNIX, Sybase 10, Windows NT 3.51, and Networking. Responsibilities included designing, developing, and reviewing courses. Also assisted and trained new members joining the team.
- Trained IT professionals and end-users at Confidential centers. Subjects taught include: | https://www.hireitpeople.com/resume-database/88-technical-writers-resumes/237726-technical-writer-leader-trainer-resume-1 |
Continental particulate organic matter (POM) plays a major role in the functioning of coastal marine ecosystems as a disturbance as well as an input of nutrients. Relationships linking continental inputs from the Rhone River to biodiversity of the coastal benthic ecosystem and fishery production were investigated in the Golfe du Lion (NW Mediterranean Sea). Macrobenthic community diversity decreased when continen¬tal inputs of organic matter increased, whereas ecosystem production, measured by common sole (Solea solea) fishery yields in the area, increased. Decreases in macrobenthic diversity were mainly related to an increasing abundance of species with specific functional traits, particularly deposit-feeding polychaetes. The decrease in macrobenthic diversity did not result in a decrease, but an increase in ecosystem production, as it enhanced the transfer of continental POM into marine food webs. The present study showed that it is necessary to consider functional traits of species, direct and indirect links between species, and feedback loops to understand the effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning and productivity.
Key words
Diversity, Production, Polychaetes, Common sole (Solea solea), Fisheries
Cite
Download cite in diferents formats: | http://abc.museucienciesjournals.cat/volume-32-2-2009-abc/linking-benthic-biodiversity-to-the-functioning-of-coastal-ecosystems-subjected-to-river-runoff-nw-mediterranean-2/?lang=en |
Marine biodiversity is an all-inclusive term to describe the total variation among living organisms in the marine environment, i.e., life in the seas and oceans. Marine systems have a series of characteristics which distinguish them from terrestrial systems, and marine organisms play a crucial role in almost all biogeochemical processes that sustain the biosphere. The organisms also provide a variety of goods and services which are essential to the well-being of mankind.
One of the major consequences of the unsustainable use of the Earth’s resources is biodiversity loss. The aim in establishing a European network on marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (MarBEF) was to increase our understanding of large-scale, long-term changes in marine biodiversity.
The first challenge was to identify a baseline from which trends in marine biodiversity change could be detected at the relevant spatial and temporal scales. The integration of 251 datasets, provided by more than 100 scientists from 94 institutions in 17 countries, provided new insights into ecosystem processes and distribution patterns of life in the oceans. MarBEF captured 5,2 million distribution records of 17.000 species.
MarBEF published 415 scientific articles, 82% of which are ‘open access’ since MarBEF joined the Open Archives Initiative. These papers include several describing new species. During the project, MarBEF added a total of 137 species new to science to the European Register of Marine Species (ERMS). Using recent advances in molecular technologies, MarBEF found that a single seawater sample may contain up to 10.000 different types of organisms, and MarBEF identified the key microbes that participate in biogeochemical cycling in different areas around Europe. This provided further crucial data for understanding the links between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
The project made many specific findings. For example, cold-water marine caves were shown by MarBEF scientists to exhibit strong faunal and ecological parallels with the deep sea and provide a refuge during episodes of warming. A study on deep-sea vents showed that the distribution of the assemblages on the surface of vents was related to the position of the fluid venting and the resulting temperature gradients.
MarBEF scientists specialising in chemical ecology discovered that bacteria communicate at the molecular level; that some diatoms produce chemicals that induce abortions and birth defects in the copepods that graze on them; and that dinoflagellates produce potent neurotoxins that can be transferred up the marine food chain. All of these discoveries give us a better understanding of the role of secondary metabolites in maintaining marine biodiversity and driving ecosystem functioning.
MarBEF scientists identified distinct, vulnerable marine populations that are now living on the edge of survival as a result of climate change. One of the findings made by the network was that, contrary to expectations, a warming climate could be leading to higher biodiversity in the Arctic and simultaneous food shortages for the top predators there. Concurrently, warming temperatures are contributing to an overall increase in fish species diversity in the North Sea, and initiating changes in phytoplankton assemblages in Mediterranean waters. Shifts in different elements of the deep sea-bed communities at the Porcupine Abyssal Plain are attributed to the North Atlantic Oscillation, a climatic phenomenon.
Research into the evolutionary effects of fishing on fish biodiversity indicated that fish populations may be becoming more vulnerable (and less resilient) to perturbations including fishing, climate change and invasive alien species. Also, increased river inputs, due to climate change, may be altering food webs and thus fisheries. MarBEF scientists showed that alterations in the abundance of key species affect ecosystem functioning more than changes in species diversity, and that only some types of human disturbances have strong effects on the stability of rocky shore assemblages.
MarBEF scientists defined specific ecosystem goods and services provided by marine biodiversity and suggested that they have the capacity to play a fundamental role in the ecosystem approach to environmental management. Marine biological valuations in the form of maps developed by MarBEF could be used as baselines for future spatial planning in the marine environment. MarBEF also developed a demonstration prototype of a decision support system (MarDSS) for identifying and selecting alternative solutions for the protection of marine biodiversity.
Because MarBEF members are of the opinion that multidisciplinary marine biodiversity research in Europe essentially needs long-term concentration and integration at large scale, MarBEF will continue after EC funding has ceased. MarBEF has reached the critical mass to promote, unite and represent marine biodiversity research at a global scale, with 95 institutes as members, all of which are active in marine biodiversity research. Therefore, it is beneficial to all if the network is kept alive and active. In preparation for such a lasting infrastructure, MarBEF is cooperating with MARS (the European Network of Marine Research Institutes and Stations) and Marine Genomics Europe to extend the network of institutes involved in marine biodiversity research in Europe and beyond.
This page was last modified on 28 October 2013, at 17:06. | http://marinespecies.org/introduced/wiki/MarBEF_booklet_summary |
Biodiversity is declining in many local communities while also becoming increasingly homogenized across space. Experiments show that local plant species loss reduces ecosystem functioning and services, but the role of spatial homogenization of community composition and the potential interaction between diversity at different scales in maintaining ecosystem functioning remains unclear, especially when many functions are considered (ecosystem multifunctionality). We present an analysis of eight ecosystem functions measured in 65 grasslands worldwide. We find that more diverse grasslands - those with both species-rich local communities (α-diversity) and large compositional differences among localities (β-diversity) - had higher levels of multifunctionality. Moreover, α- and β-diversity synergistically affected multifunctionality, with higher levels of diversity at one scale amplifying the contribution to ecological functions at the other scale. The identity of species influencing ecosystem functioning differed among functions and across local communities, explaining why more diverse grasslands maintained greater functionality when more functions and localities were considered. These results were robust to variation in environmental drivers. Our findings reveal that plant diversity, at both local and landscape scales, contributes to the maintenance of multiple ecosystem services provided by grasslands. Preserving ecosystem functioning therefore requires conservation of biodiversity both within and among ecological communities. | https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/126932/ |
What is the term for all the organisms in an ecosystem?
Community. refers to all the populations in the ecosystem. Ecosystem. consists of all the organisms living in an area and the non living features of their environment.
What is the term for an ecosystem interface?
Ecological interface design (EID) is an approach to interface design that was introduced specifically for complex sociotechnical, real-time, and dynamic systems. It has been applied in a variety of domains including process control (e.g. nuclear power plants, petrochemical plants), aviation, and medicine.
What is the term used to refer to the amount of a specific type of organism an environment can hold or carry?
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The carrying capacity of an environment is the maximum population size of a biological species that can be sustained by that specific environment, given the food, habitat, water, and other resources available.
What is ecosystem and types of ecosystem?
An ecosystem consists of all the living and non-living things in a specific natural setting. … The major types of ecosystems are forests, grasslands, deserts, tundra, freshwater and marine. The word “biome” may also be used to describe terrestrial ecosystems which extend across a large geographic area, such as tundra.
What’s an organism in science?
organism. / (ˈɔːɡəˌnɪzəm) / noun. any living biological entity, such as an animal, plant, fungus, or bacterium. anything resembling a living creature in structure, behaviour, etc.
What is an ecosystem What are the main types of ecosystems?
There are three broad categories of ecosystems based on their general environment: freshwater, ocean water, and terrestrial. Within these broad categories are individual ecosystem types based on the organisms present and the type of environmental habitat.
What is the term used when describing the job of an organism within its ecosystem?
Each organism plays a particular role in its ecosystem. A niche is the role a species plays in the ecosystem. In other words, a niche is how an organism “makes a living.” A niche will include the organism’s role in the flow of energy through the ecosystem. | https://azforwildlife.com/ecological/you-asked-what-is-the-term-used-for-an-organism-on-which-an-entire-ecosystem.html |
The Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE) was established by the International Council for Science (ICSU) in 1969. It brings together natural and social scientists to identify emerging or potential environmental issues and to address jointly the nature and solution of environmental problems on a global basis.With its headquarters in Paris, France, SCOPE programs are conducted by volunteer scientists from every inhabited continent of the globe.
Read an Excerpt
Sustaining Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Soils and Sediments
By Diana H. Wall
ISLAND PRESSCopyright © 2004 Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE)
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-59726-785-4
CHAPTER 1
The Need for Understanding How Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning Affect Ecosystem Services in Soils and Sediments
Diana H. Wall, Richard D. Bardgett, Alan P. Covich, and Paul V.R. Snelgrove
There is an astonishing diversity of life in mud and dirt. Much of life as we know it is supported by the soils and sediments of freshwater lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers, and the vast sediments of estuaries and the ocean floor. Together, soils and sediments form an interconnected subsurface habitat that teems with millions of species providing essential ecosystem services for human well-being, such as cycling of nutrients, soil stabilization, and water purification. Like microbes, plants, and animals in more visible habitats across the earth, the below-surface habitats and their biodiversity are being modified at an unparalleled rate. Land use change and sediment change (trawling, dredging, damming, drying up of rivers), the movement and introduction of biotic species, changes in atmospheric composition (CO2, increasing availability of fixed nitrogen), climate change, and pollution are all agents of change to subsurface ecosystems. These alterations of soil and sediment habitats, and their biota, have major consequences for humans. Soils, freshwater and marine sediments and their biota are nonrenewable natural resources that humans depend on for the many goods and services that are so tightly linked to the economic basis of societies. Former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt once noted, "A nation that destroys its soils, destroys itself."
In the face of the rapid and massive transformation of global ecosystems, we need to assess the vulnerability of soil and sediment biodiversity to change and, in turn, to assess how this affects the nature of ecosystem services provided to humanity. This becomes increasingly important as we ask how we can sustainably conserve and manage these biota and habitats to ensure that future generations receive their critical ecosystem services.
This book addresses these and other important questions relating to how soil and sediment biodiversity contribute to human well-being and overall ecosystem function.
Freshwater Sediments, Marine Sediments, and Soils
Freshwater sediments, marine sediments, and soils cover the Earth's surface (Table 1.1) and are critical links between the terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric realms (Figure 1.1). These below-surface habitats are arguably the most diverse on the planet, teeming with a complex assemblage of species. The profusion of organisms and the composition of the biotic assemblages are integral to the maintenance of below-surface and above-surface habitats, to ecosystem functioning, and to the provision of ecosystem services that are crucial for human well-being (Wall et al. 2001b).
The public, farmers, gardeners, tourist industries, shoreline residents, and fishers are interested in the maintenance of sediments and soils for production of harvestable crops, recreation, and beauty of the landscape. These land users typically have high regard for the ecology of the habitats that they rely on for their livelihoods. They need to know: Will these shared resources—the soils and sediments and their biodiversity—be sustained in the future given increasing human populations and numerous and rapidly occurring changes in the environment? This has not been an easy question for scientists to answer.
Until recent decades, scientists considered the biota in the Earth's soils and sediments to be a "black box": They monitored the physical and chemical components of these environments, but treated the diverse, smaller organisms that comprise the soil and sediment community as an "unknown, undefined" set of functional groups. Now, facing this era of unprecedented anthropogenic disturbance resulting in biodiversity and habitat loss and the spread of invasive species, an urgent question facing both scientists and decision-makers is: Which taxa, and how much biodiversity, must be conserved to maintain or restore essential ecosystem functioning such as plant and animal production, breakdown of organic wastes and nutrient cycling?
The extremely diverse soil- and sediment-dwelling organisms occur all over the Earth and play critical roles in regulating the most vital ecosystem services (Daily et al. 1997; Petersen & Lubchenco 1997; Postel & Carpenter 1997). Identifying the significance of below-surface biological diversity for ecosystem functioning under scenarios of global change is being increasingly recognized as a major research priority (Lake et al. 2000; Smith et al. 2000; Wolters et al. 2000; Wall et al. 2001a). Changes in land-use practices affecting soils, in turn, have impacts for sediments of freshwater lakes, streams, rivers, estuaries, bays, and oceans. Alteration of hydrologic processes, contamination of soils, surface waters, and ground waters, and climate change are but a few examples of pressing problems that cannot be managed sustainably without a more complete understanding of the biota and ecosystem dynamics of soils and sediments. Applying this integrative knowledge to options for management and conservation will be crucial for long-term global sustainability of ecosystems and the welfare of human society (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2003).
This book highlights the fascinating biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and critical services provided by this often-assumed static and seemingly nondescript world of soils and sediments. The authors describe examples and present important priorities for research and considerations for sustainable management. This synthesis is an international, transdisciplinary assessment based on detailed knowledge for each of three separate domains—marine sediments, freshwater sediments, and soils—as well as identification of the most critical biota and their functions necessary for sustaining ecosystem services.
A Scientific Challenge
Furnishing the needed scientific information for this book has been challenging. We know that soils and sediments in most ecosystems contain enormous biological diversity—tens of millions of bacteria, thousands of fungal species, millions of protozoa and nematodes, up to a million arthropods (Groffman & Bohlen 1999), and thousands of species (World Conservation Monitoring Centre 1992; Wall et al. 2001 a,b) per square meter—and that assemblages of these organisms are responsible for ecosystem processes (Tables 1.2 and 1.3). However, specific information is still lacking regarding the importance of many species-specific functions and whether the species involved in these functions are irreplacable. Information on biogeographical distributions and responses to human activities, such as management regimes and global change, is also lacking for most keystone species (e.g., Covich et al. 1999; Levin et al. 2001; Wall et al. 2001 a,b).
Below-surface organisms generally have been neglected by researchers, and often have been unrecognized by management and conservation programs relative to above- surface biota. Scientific research as a whole has understandably emphasized the visible: large plants and animals above the Earth's surface (both aquatic and terrestrial). For example, the latitudinal distribution of species, species ranges, and the occurrence of hot spots of biodiversity—all information used for local to national management and policy decisions—are based primarily on the larger, charismatic above-surface organisms. The emphasis on above-surface research continues in universities; there are fewer specialists trained to study the taxonomy, evolutionary biology, and biodiversity of below-surface organisms and their biogeochemical interactions, which limits our understanding in each domain compared with our understanding of above-surface domains. Separate scientific disciplines have developed based on "distinct habitats" in soils, freshwater systems, and marine systems, increasing understanding within each but effectively hindering the study of soils and sediments as an ecological continuum. For example, the biodiversity linkages between the soils of farms and cities in terms of runoff to freshwater sediments, and then to ocean sediments, have typically been neglected. Part of this neglect may be because of the additional complexity and cost involved in organizing interdisciplinary teams, or because of the manner in which research organizations have traditionally focused on specific disciplines. Scientific publications addressing the subject of the relationship of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in either marine or freshwater sediments make up only about 1/100th of those published on above-surface terrestrial ecosystems. Consequently, taxonomists have described only a fraction of below-surface diversity (e.g., less than 0.1 percent of the marine species may be known; Snelgrove et al. 1997) and there is no site on Earth for which all the soil or sediment species present have been described. Thus a major component of the global ecosystem has been a minor part of analyses that consider how modifications of ecosystems resulting from global changes would affect ecosystem processes and human well-being.
Building the Foundation for This Book
The synthesis of available knowledge on the biodiversity and ecosystem functioning below surface became an international scientific priority in 1992 as a result of a workshop on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (Schulze & Mooney 1994). In 1995, a SCOPE (Scientific Committee on Problems in the Environment) Committee on Soil and Sediment Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning (SSBEF) began to evaluate available data with the goal of providing policy makers with the scientific tools and information needed to promote sound management. How did this committee proceed to build the foundation for this book?
Through unprecedented collaboration between 70 international taxonomists and ecosystem scientists with expertise in soils, freshwater sediments, and marine sediments, the SSBEF committee developed state-of-the-art interdisciplinary syntheses and identified research and policy areas that need the most urgent attention. The committee held three extremely successful international workshops (see the SCOPE SSBEF committee publication list at the back of this volume, and summaries at the website http://www.nrel.colostate.edu/soil/SCOPE/scope.html). The workshops have resulted in 41 publications in journals read by scientists, managers, and policy makers. Additionally, the workshop syntheses have helped launch a new integrative discipline that crosses traditionally isolated disciplines (e.g., taxonomy, biogeochemistry, ecology), management, and domains (terrestrial, atmospheric, freshwater, and marine). This new scientific approach has contributed data to advance a more integrated and holistic understanding of Earth-system functioning and provides a foundation for this book. The SCOPE SSBEF syntheses identified major gaps in knowledge and research priorities in three overarching areas:
1. The importance of soil and sediment biodiversity and ecosystem functioning within domains (soils, freshwater sediments, marine sediments). Keystone functional groups (a group of species that has a much greater impact on an ecosystem process through impact on trophic relations than would be expected from its biomass) were identified within each domain. Comparisons among all domains revealed that, in general, the keystone ecosystem functions were strikingly similar in all domains (Table 1.3), although the taxa involved were often remarkably different. The diversity of functions performed may be more important than the diversity of organisms for sustaining ecosystem processes. Thus, there appear to be universally important functions performed across all soil and sediment domains, and these contribute to vital ecosystem goods and services (Table 1.4). For example, in all domains many species are part of a complex food web that breaks down organic matter—by shredding, ripping, or dissolving it—and thus recycles soil nutrients to living plants and releases carbon dioxide and sequesters carbon (Table 1.3). Species in both soils and sediments filter particles from water and influence its flow, in turn cleansing and purifying water and playing a pivotal role in nutrient cycling and in the Earth's hydrological cycle.
2. The importance of soil and sediment biodiversity and ecosystem functioning across domains. Collaboration of scientists from all domains was crucial to elucidating the understanding that below-surface species and the processes they regulate do not operate in just one domain (e.g., exclusively in soils, freshwater sediments, or marine sediments). These species play a critical role by crossing and connecting domains, below and above surface, and thus regulating essential global cycles that contribute to the stabilization of Earth's climate and the maintenance of functioning ecosystems. Moreover, human disturbances in one domain can have cascading effects onto other domains. The SSBEF review committee found that integrated knowledge, research, and management of the domain interfaces was severely lacking. They set this area of interface exploration as a major research priority in order to maintain the high diversity and important functions in soils and sediments.
3. Threats to soil and sediment biodiversity and their functioning. The SSBEF workshops revealed that across all domains, global change poses a significant threat to below-surface biodiversity and the ecosystem functions they regulate. There was evidence across domains that land use change (including deforestation, overfishing, damming of rivers, agricultural intensification, pollution, and increased trampling), invasive species, and climate change can shift species composition, eliminate species, and reduce diversity at local to regional scales (Lake et al. 2000; Smith et al. 2000; Wolters et al. 2000; Wall et al. 2001b). The loss of populations and species at these local and regional scales threatens biodiversity, since it reduces genetic diversity, foreclosing opportunities for evolution and homogenizing biodiversity across the landscape. Whether species become globally extinct depends on the geographical extent of their range relative to that of the disturbance. But high-resolution data on the effects of a perturbation on soil and sediment biodiversity at large biogeographic scales is incomplete and was identified as another research priority. The SSBEF committee also determined that across all domains, current and predicted global change effects on below-surface biodiversity are, and will be, manifested largely through changes linked to above-surface habitats and biodiversity. These above-surface changes will transform the below-surface physical-chemical environment, alter the transfer of nutrients and other resources belowground, and decouple species-specific interactions. These transformations may, in turn, have multiple, significant consequences for above-surface habitats and for their biodiversity and ecological processes.
Specific information was lacking on the vulnerability to human activities of the most important below-surface taxa and functions and their linkages above surface. How this vulnerability might be ameliorated by management options was considered an urgent priority for further research and synthesis. The workshops and syntheses of the SSBEF committee have advanced a paradigm shift in understanding biodiversity in soils and sediments. Scientists have acquired a more complete picture of these domains, especially the keystone taxa and functions, and are beginning to learn to what extent they are being, and may continue to be, disrupted and impaired by global change.
This improved, holistic understanding of below-surface biodiversity and of the linkages to organisms both above-surface and among domains was necessary before we could proceed toward addressing questions on the critical taxa, their ecosystem functions, habitats, biogeographical occurrence, and vulnerabilities.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Sustaining Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Soils and Sediments by Diana H. Wall. Copyright © 2004 Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE). Excerpted by permission of ISLAND PRESS.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site. | https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sustaining-biodiversity-and-ecosystem-services-in-soils-and-sediments-diana-h-wall/1117194132 |
Biodiversity enhances ecosystem functions such as biomass production and nutrient cycling. Although the majority of the terrestrial biodiversity is hidden in soils, very little is known about the importance of the diversity of microbial communities for soil functioning. Here, we tested effects of biodiversity on the functioning of methanotrophs, a specialized group of soil bacteria that plays a key role in mediating greenhouse gas emissions from soils. Using pure strains of methanotrophic bacteria, we assembled artificial communities of different diversity levels, with which we inoculated sterile soil microcosms. To assess the functioning of these communities, we measured methane oxidation by gas chromatography throughout the experiment and determined changes in community composition and community size at several time points by quantitative PCR and sequencing. We demonstrate that microbial diversity had a positive overyielding-effect on methane oxidation, in particular at the beginning of the experiment. This higher assimilation of CH4 at high diversity translated into increased growth and significantly larger communities towards the end of the study. The overyielding of mixtures with respect to CH4 consumption and community size was positively correlated. The temporal CH4 consumption profiles of strain monocultures differed, raising the possibility that temporal complementarity of component strains drove the observed community-level strain richness effects; however, the community niche metric we derived from the temporal activity profiles did not explain the observed strain richness effect. The strain richness effect also was unrelated to both the phylogenetic and functional trait diversity of mixed communities. Overall, our results suggest that positive biodiversity–ecosystem function relationships show similar patterns across different scales and may be widespread in nature. Additionally, biodiversity is probably also important in natural methanotrophic communities for the ecosystem function methane oxidation. Therefore, maintaining soil conditions that support a high diversity of methanotrophs may help to reduce the emission of the greenhouse gas methane. | https://pure.knaw.nl/portal/en/publications/positive-diversity-functioning-relationships-in-model-communities |
Potential for scientific discovery when comparative genomics works in close collaboration with a broad range of fields as well as the technical, scientific, and social constraints that must be addressed are described.
Charting a course for genetic diversity in the UN Decade of Ocean Science
- Environmental ScienceEvolutionary applications
- 2021
How ocean genetic diversity might be better integrated into biodiversity management practices through the continued interaction between environmental managers and scientists, as well as through key leverage points in industry requirements for Blue Capital financing and social responsibility are suggested.
Global Commitments to Conserving and Monitoring Genetic Diversity Are Now Necessary and Feasible
- Environmental ScienceBioscience
- 2021
Developments in knowledge, technology, databases, practice, and capacity are reviewed to explore how they can support improved consideration of genetic diversity in global conservation policy commitments and enable countries to monitor, report on, and take action to maintain or restore genetic diversity.
Global determinants of the distribution of insect genetic diversity
- Environmental SciencebioRxiv
- 2022
Understanding global patterns of genetic diversity (GD) is essential to describe, monitor, and preserve the processes giving rise to life on Earth. To date, efforts to map macrogenetic patterns have…
Drivers of genetic differentiation and recent evolutionary history of an Eurasian wild pea
- Environmental SciencebioRxiv
- 2021
Overall, the interplay of several environmental factors and the recent evolutionary history affected the distribution of genetic diversity in wild peas where each subpopulations were differently affected by those factors and processes.
Breeding system and geospatial variation shape the population genetics of Triodanis perfoliata
- Biology, Environmental ScienceEcology and evolution
- 2022
These analyses support the hypothesis that the breeding system, geography, and environmental variables shape the patterns of diversity and connectivity of T. perfoliata in the US and suggest that there is no singular mechanism driving this species' evolution.
Variation in intraspecific demography drives localised concordance but species-wide discordance in response to past climatic change
- Environmental ScienceBMC ecology and evolution
- 2022
Background Understanding how species biology may facilitate resilience to climate change remains a critical factor in detecting and protecting species at risk of extinction. Many studies have focused…
Variation in intraspecific demography drives localised concordance but species-wide discordance in responses to Plio-Pleistocene climatic change
- Environmental SciencebioRxiv
- 2021
This work used environmental and genomic datasets to reconstruct the phylogeographic histories of two ecologically similar and largely co-distributed freshwater fishes to assess the degree of concordance in their responses to Plio-Pleistocene climatic changes, and highlights both the role of spatial scale and the importance of standing genetic variation in facilitating range shifts.
References
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It is argued for the need for local, regional, and global programs to monitor intraspecific genetic variation and it is suggested that such monitoring should include two main strategies: intensive monitoring of multiple types of genetic variation in selected species and broad‐brush modeling for representative species for predicting changes in variation as a function of changes in population size and range extent.
Linking epigenetics and biological conservation: Towards a conservation epigenetics perspective
- Environmental Science, BiologyFunctional Ecology
- 2019
It is argued that epigenetic variation, and more particularly DNA methylation, represents a molecular component of biodiversity that directly links the genome to the environment and will provide environmental managers the possibility to refine ESUs, to set conservation plans taking into account the capacity of organisms to rapidly cope with environmental changes, and hence to improve the conservation of wild populations.
Beyond species: functional diversity and the maintenance of ecological processes and services
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FD measures can explain variation in ecosystem function even when richness does not, and should be incorporated into conservation and restoration decision-making, especially for those efforts attempting to reconstruct or preserve healthy, functioning ecosystems.
The evolutionary basis of premature migration in Pacific salmon highlights the utility of genomics for informing conservation
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The results reveal that complex adaptive variation can depend on rare mutational events at a single locus, and demonstrate that CUs reflecting overall genetic differentiation can fail to protect evolutionarily significant variation that has substantial ecological and societal benefits, and suggest that a supplemental framework for protecting specific adaptive variation will sometimes be necessary.
COMMUNITY AND ECOSYSTEM GENETICS: A CONSEQUENCE OF THE EXTENDED PHENOTYPE
- Environmental Science, Biology
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It is demonstrated that the extended phenotype can be traced from the individuals possessing the trait, to the community, and to ecosystem processes such as leaf litter decomposition and N mineralization, which provides a genetic framework for community structure and ecosystem processes.
Measuring genetic diversity in ecological studies
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It is argued that genome- based measures should be included in future studies alongside genotypic-based measures because they capture a greater spectrum of genetic differences among individuals.
Ecosystem recovery after climatic extremes enhanced by genotypic diversity.
- Environmental ScienceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
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It is shown that genotypic diversity can replace the role of species diversity in a species-poor coastal ecosystem, and it may buffer against extreme climatic events, and the importance of maintaining genetic as well as species diversity to enhance ecosystem resilience in a world of increasing uncertainty.
Anthropogenic habitat alteration leads to rapid loss of adaptive variation and restoration potential in wild salmon populations
- Environmental Science, BiologyProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
- 2018
Dramatic, human-induced changes in adult migration characteristics of wild Chinook salmon are explained by rapid evolution at a single locus and can lead to loss of a critical adaptive allele, highlighting the need to conserve and restore critical adaptive variation before the potential for recovery is lost.
COMMUNITY HERITABILITY MEASURES THE EVOLUTIONARY CONSEQUENCES OF INDIRECT GENETIC EFFECTS ON COMMUNITY STRUCTURE
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A genetic basis for community structure is demonstrated, arising from the fitness consequences of genetic interactions among species (i.e., interspecific indirect genetic effects or IIGEs), using simulated and natural communities of arthropods inhabiting North American cottonwoods. | https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/The-importance-of-genomic-variation-for-ecosystems-Stange-Barrett/afafeb2d161ae4dc6bb5adbaae28f6ded940816f |
Emily Grman currently works at the Department of Biology, Eastern Michigan University. Emily does research in plant community ecology, using restored prairies as a model system for understanding interactions among species and limits on community assembly.
Additional affiliations
Publications
Publications (37)
Plants are subject to tradeoffs among growth strategies such that adaptations for optimal growth in one condition can preclude optimal growth in another. Thus, we predicted that a plant species that responds positively to one global change treatment would be less likely than average to respond positively to another treatment, particularly for pairs...
Restoration in this era of climate change comes with a new challenge: anticipating how best to restore populations to persist under future climate conditions. Specifically, it remains unknown whether locally‐adapted or warm‐adapted seeds best promote native plant community restoration in the warmer conditions predicted in the future and whether loc...
Global change is impacting plant community composition, but the mechanisms underlying these changes are unclear. Using a dataset of 58 global change experiments, we tested the five fundamental mechanisms of community change: changes in evenness and richness, reordering, species gains and losses. We found 71% of communities were impacted by global c...
Ecological restoration is notoriously unpredictable because similar actions can result in different outcomes. Outcomes can also differ for species and functional components of communities depending on how restoration actions and abiotic conditions alter community assembly trajectories. Quantifying variation in community trajectories across restorat...
The species pool concept has advanced our understanding for how biodiversity is coupled at local and regional scales. However, it remains unclear how species pool size-the number of species available to disperse to a site-influences community assembly across spatial scales. We provide one of the first studies that assesses diversity across scales a...
Forbs comprise most of the plant diversity in North American tallgrass prairie and provide vital ecosystem services, but their abundance in prairie restorations is highly variable. Restoration practitioners typically sow C4 grasses in high abundances because they are inexpensive, provide fuel for prescribed fires, can dominate reference sites, and...
Restoring the diversity of plant species found in remnant communities is a challenge for restoration practitioners, in part because many reintroduced plant species fail to establish in restored sites. Legumes establish particularly poorly, perhaps because they depend on two guilds of soil microbial mutualists, rhizobial bacteria and arbuscular myco...
Global change drivers (GCDs) are expected to alter community structure and consequently, the services that ecosystems provide. Yet, few experimental investigations have examined effects of GCDs on plant community structure across multiple ecosystem types, and those that do exist present conflicting patterns. In an unprecedented global synthesis of...
There is strong evidence for a positive relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning at local spatial scales. However, it remains poorly understood how different aspects of biodiversity relate to multiple ecosystem functions (multifunctionality) across heterogeneous landscapes, and how the magnitude of biodiversity, dominant species,...
Mutually beneficial resource exchange is foundational to global biogeochemical cycles and plant and animal nutrition. However, there is inherent potential conflict in mutualisms, as each organism benefits more when the exchange ratio (‘price’) minimizes its own costs and maximizes its benefits. Understanding the bargaining power that each partner h...
The loss of biodiversity at local and larger scales has potentially dramatic effects on ecosystem functioning. Many studies have shown that ecosystem functioning depends on biodiversity, but the role of beta diversity, spatial variation in community composition, is less clear than that of local-scale (alpha) diversity. To test the hypothesis that b...
Temporal stability of ecosystem functioning increases the predictability and reliability of ecosystem services, and understanding the drivers of stability across spatial scales is important for land management and policy decisions. We used species-level abundance data from 62 plant communities across five continents to assess mechanisms of temporal...
Nutritional mutualisms are ancient, widespread, and profoundly influential in biological communities and ecosystems. Although much is known about these interactions, comprehensive answers to fundamental questions, such as how resource availability and structured interactions influence mutualism persistence, are still lacking. Mathematical modelling...
Recovering biological diversity and ecosystem functioning are primary objectives of ecological restoration, yet these outcomes are often unpredictable. Assessments based on functional traits may help with interpreting variability in both community composition and ecosystem functioning because of their mechanistic and generalizable nature. This prom...
A major challenge in global change ecology is to predict the trajectory and magnitude of community change in response to global change drivers (GCDs). Here, we present a new framework that not only increases the predictive power of individual studies, but also allows for synthesis across GCD studies and ecosystems. First, we suggest that by quantif...
Community assembly filters, which in theory determine the suite of species that arrive at and establish in a community, have tremendous conceptual relevance to restoration. However, the concept has remained largely theoretical, with a paucity of empirical tests. As such, the applicability of assembly filters theory to ecological restoration remains...
Agricultural land use commonly leaves a persistent signature on the ecosystems that develop after agricultural abandonment. This agricultural legacy limits the biodiversity supported by post-agricultural habitats compared to remnant habitats that have never been used for agriculture. In particular, beta diversity (variation in community composition...
By assisting the recovery of disturbed or destroyed ecosystems, ecological restoration plays an important role in biodiversity conservation. Moreover, restoration has been heralded as an ''acid test'' of ecological understanding, by affording the ability to study community assembly, ecosystem function, and human influence over ecosystems across lar...
Understanding variation in community composition across space, or beta diversity, is of longstanding interest in ecology, yet the determinants of beta diversity remain poorly known. In part, this results from a lack of manipulative tests of hypothesized drivers. The size of species pools is one putative driver, but few studies have provided a direc...
Background/Question/Methods The outcomes of ecological restoration are notoriously unpredictable, but we have no general predictive understanding of this contingency. Management decisions can have strong effects on restoration outcomes, but in other cases they are overwhelmed by site characteristics (e.g., soil conditions), landscape context (e.g...
The outcomes of ecological restoration are notoriously unpredictable, but we have no general predictive understanding of this contingency. Management decisions can have strong effects on restoration outcomes, but in other cases may be overwhelmed by site characteristics (e.g. soil conditions), landscape context (e.g. abundance of similar habitat) o...
AimsA key idea in plant community ecology is that the identity of the limiting resource shifts from soil nutrients in low productivity sites to light in high productivity sites. This idea, and its implications for plant community structure, has been tested many times in artificial productivity gradients (fertilization studies), but whether it appli...
Ecological stoichiometry can explain major trends in how interactions among species change across fertility gradients, but important questions remain. For example, stoichiometry predicts that fertilization should cause plants to reduce carbon allocation to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and, consequently, reduce fungal abundance, but responses in the...
Background/Question/Methods Mutualisms can affect the distribution and abundance of species. Notably, the fitness effects of mutualism are often context-dependent: mutualists increase performance in some environmental contexts and reduce performance in others. Furthermore, species vary in their response to mutualists in at least two ways: 1) allo...
Background/Question/Methods Beta diversity, differences in community composition across space, is a fundamental property of ecological systems. The processes establishing and maintaining beta diversity, however, remain a puzzle for basic and applied ecologists. Beta diversity can be driven by stochastic processes such as dispersal that lead to un...
Background/Question/Methods Experimental work in grasslands has illustrated how greater plant species diversity can support greater function, such as primary productivity and invasion resistance; however, the extent to which these findings translate to ecological restoration efforts is relatively unknown. Restored systems support substantial envi...
By definition, mutualisms involve the exchange of goods or services between partners. It has been shown that mutualism can grade into parasitism, but even when exchange is mutually beneficial, a conflict of interest remains because each partner benefits from reaping more benefits at a lower cost. Metaphorically, the partners negotiate the condition...
Theory suggests that cheaters threaten the persistence of mutualisms, but that sanctions to prevent cheating can stabilize mutualisms. In the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis, reports of parasitism suggest that reductions in plant carbon allocation are not universally effective. I asked whether plant species differences in mycorrhizal responsivenes...
Background/Question/Methods The availability of limiting resources varies across habitats, because of both natural gradients and anthropogenic inputs. This variation in resource availability affects plant productivity, allocation strategies, fitness, and interactions with other organisms. For example, plant uptake of phosphorus frequently depends...
Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 1400–1410 Stability in ecosystem function is an important but poorly understood phenomenon. Anthropogenic perturbations alter communities, but how they change stability and the strength of stabilizing mechanisms is not clear. We examined temporal stability (invariability) in aboveground productivity in replicated 18-year...
Understanding priority effects, in which one species in a habitat decreases the success of later species, may be essential for restoring native communities. Priority effects can operate in two ways: size-asymmetric competition and creation of “soil legacies,” effects on soil that may last long after the competitive effect. We examined how these two...
Background/Question/Methods Mutualisms are ubiquitous, yet our understanding of their functioning is hindered by the complexities introduced by their context dependence. Many terrestrial plants engage in a symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi, but the degree of benefit gained by symbionts is variable. Plant and fungal gain from trade appears to depend...
1. Plants use a range of sophisticated strategies to protect themselves against herbivores and pathogens, such as the production of jasmonates, a group of plant hormones that prime the plant’s defense system upon attack. However, defense-related mechanisms, such as the jasmonate response, play a more diverse role than previously appreciated. Jasmon...
Low levels of fruit production are thought to threaten the persistence of Asclepias meadii (Mead's milkweed) populations. We evaluated four hypotheses explaining the low fruit production in one population (herbivory, pollen limitation, resource shortages and rainfall) by collecting within-year data on stem size, levels of fruit initiation and matur...
Low levels of fruit production are thought to threaten the persistence of Asclepias meadii (Mead's milkweed) populations. We evaluated four hypotheses explaining the low fruit production in one population (herbivory, pollen limitation, resource shortages and rainfall) by collecting within-year data on stem size, levels of fruit initiation and matur... | https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Emily-Grman |
Species biodiversity, being linked to ecosystem functioning and the resulting flow of ecosystem services, plays an important role in ecological and economic processes . One explanation for the effect of biodiversity lies in the spatial insurance hypothesis, which suggests that the stability of primary production in a meta-community increases with the biodiversity of each of its spatially distributed communities . Despite mixed empirical evidence, Loreau et al., in an influential theoretical analysis, present an illustration and corroboration of this hypothesis , . They show that at low dispersal rates, the species with the highest initial consumption rate will competitively exclude all others, resulting in low local biodiversity and high global biodiversity. High dispersal rates cause the meta-community to function as a single patch; the species with the consumption rate closest to the average will exclude all others in the meta-community. At intermediate dispersal rates, source-sink dynamics increase local biodiversity while preserving global biodiversity, leading to the highest net primary productivity and stability of productivity. However, little work has been conducted testing the robustness of this pivotal model. In this work, we reevaluated the Loreau and updated Gonzalez et al. models and tested the robustness of their results.
We numerically simulated the models of and using the Euler approximation method. We reproduced the original results, and tested their sensitivity to initial conditions and simulation time.
We found that the species coexistence result disappears at higher initial resource values - species experience unbounded exponential growth, then a steep decline in per capita growth rates that causes greater species extinction than if the resource was initially set to equilibrium values. Biodiversity also decreases as the number of iterations increases, but maintains the same trend. Net primary productivity and stability are robust to initial resource biomass and the number of iterations, suggesting that the net primary productivity and species coexistence results may not be as closely linked as previously believed.
Our work provided new insights into a pivotal ecological model and perspective on the spatial insurance hypothesis.
References
Cardinale, B. J. et al. Biodiversity loss and its impact on humanity. Nature 486, 59-67 (2012).
Yachi, S. & Loreau, M. Biodiversity and ecosystem productivity in a fluctuating environment: The insurance hypothesis. PNAS 96, 1463-1468 (1999).
Loreau, M., Mouquet, N. & Gonzalez, A. Biodiversity as spatial insurance in heterogeneous landscapes. PNAS 100, 12765-12770 (2003).
Gonzalez, A., Mouquet, N. & Loreau, M. in Biodiversity, Ecosystem Functioning, and Human Wellbeing (eds S. Naeem et al.) (Oxford University Press, 2009).
Note
David Shanafelt, of Arizona State University, is a United States citizen. He was funded by IIASA's United States National Member Organization and worked in the Evolution and Ecology Program (EEP) during the YSSP.
Please note these Proceedings have received limited or no review from supervisors and IIASA program directors, and the views and results expressed therein do not necessarily represent IIASA, its National Member Organizations, or other organizations supporting the work. | https://iiasa.ac.at/web/scientificUpdate/2013/Shanafelt.html |
Tropical forests are sometimes referred to as the “lungs of the planet,” and for good reason – the high plant biomass of tropical regions produces a large portion of the oxygen we breathe and absorbs significant amounts of carbon dioxide. Rainfall, nutrient availability, and amount of disturbance (natural or human) a forest experiences can all affect its ability to take up carbon.
In a major collaborative study of 26 sites, including the Luquillo LTER site, in collaboration with the EU-funded ROBIN (the Role of Biodiversity In climate change mitigation) project and other forest researchers, water availability stood out as the most important factor affecting forest biomass. Access to abundant water is especially critical for growth of large tropical canopy trees, whose height and exposure to direct sunlight lead to increased drought stress relative to smaller trees. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of atmospheric drought in the tropics, which could reduce biomass growth of large trees, leading to less carbon storage ability overall in these forests.
To better understand how biotic and abiotic factors affect forest carbon storage, the team collected and analyzed data from sites across the main forest biomes in lowland Neotropics ranging from Mexico to Brazil. At each site they measured water availability, soil fertility, and key functional plant traits (specific leaf area, wood density and maximal diameter of tree trunks) thought to be important for biomass dynamics. In addition to the strong connection between water and biomass growth, the researchers also found that species diversity has a strong independent effect on tropical forest biomass dynamics, which had previously only been demonstrated in experimental studies and in relatively simple systems.
If the findings reflect long-term trends, the study suggests that biodiversity enhances carbon storage and components of productivity but does not affect net carbon sequestration potential. Species richness increases carbon stocks and forest productivity, leading to larger biomass dynamics, but also to higher biomass loss attributable to plant mortality, thus no significant effect on net biomass change. But perhaps more importantly, high tree biodiversity makes tropical forests more resilient to climate change by maintaining a variety of plant functions and growth, dilution of pathogens, niche complementarity, the selection effect and the insurance effect.
Biodiversity is more than merely species richness, because it encompasses forest attributes such as vegetation quality and quantity. These attributes are very strong drivers of biomass fluctuation, indicating that biodiversity directly shapes ecosystem functioning. Additionally, this analysis suggests that tree size and size-dependent processes (e.g., water transport) are important factors in shaping biomass dynamics of tropical forests. Unexpectedly, soil fertility did not have a significant impact on net biomass change, though the researchers caution that more comprehensive soil data is needed from many of the sites to fully understand the relative importance of soil features.
Taking a large-scale comparative approach helps provide broader insight into the functioning of biodiverse systems, including how dominant species in a community impact overall productivity and biomass flux, or how changes in an environmental condition may impact biomass. If water availability continues to fluctuate more widely or droughts are more frequent in tropical forest biomes, knowing how the system will respond is key to developing targeted conservation efforts across multiple scales. | https://lternet.edu/stories/water-key-tropical-forest-carbon-storage/ |
What is the biggest importance of natural resources in biodiversity?
Biodiversity boosts ecosystem productivity where each species, no matter how small, all have an important role to play. For example, A larger number of plant species means a greater variety of crops. Greater species diversity ensures natural sustainability for all life forms.
Is natural resources part of biodiversity?
‘Biodiversity’ includes all living organisms found in the atmosphere, on land and in water. … The preservation of biodiversity is fundamental to human well-being and sustainable provisioning of natural resources ( B ).
What would the impact be to biodiversity?
Biodiversity underpins the health of the planet and has a direct impact on all our lives. Put simply, reduced biodiversity means millions of people face a future where food supplies are more vulnerable to pests and disease, and where fresh water is in irregular or short supply. For humans that is worrying.
Why is biodiversity important to human biodiversity?
Biodiversity is important to humans for ecological life support, biodiversity gives a functioning ecosystem that provides oxygen, clear air and water, plant pollutions, pest control, wastewater treatment and lots of ecosystem services.
How does natural resources influence economic growth?
Natural resources have a double-edge effect on economic growth, in that the intensity of its use raises output, but increases its depletion rate. … Natural resources have limited direct economic use in satisfying human needs but transforming them into goods and services enhances their economic value to the society.
What are the benefits and importance of natural resources that can be harnessed from the environment?
Natural resources, both renewable and non-renewable, and ecosystem services are a part of the real wealth of nations. They are the natural capital out of which other forms of capital are made. They contribute towards fiscal revenue, income, and poverty reduction.
How can we prevent natural resources and loss of biodiversity?
10 Ways to Protect and Conserve Biodiversity
- Government legislation.
- Nature preserves.
- Reducing invasive species.
- Habitat restoration.
- Captive breeding and seed banks.
- Research.
- Reduce climate change.
- Purchase sustainable products.
How does biodiversity contribute to sustainable conservation of natural resources?
a. Biodiversity needs to be conserved for maintaining balance in the natural process of water cycle, temperature and climate regulation and growth of different types of animals and plants. … Conservation of biodiversity helps to maintain existence of living beings in nature.
How changes in biodiversity would impact ecosystem stability and natural resources?
Increasing species diversity can influence ecosystem functions — such as productivity — by increasing the likelihood that species will use complementary resources and can also increase the likelihood that a particularly productive or efficient species is present in the community. | https://lindsaysbackyard.com/ecosystem/how-can-the-use-of-natural-resources-impact-biodiversity.html |
Biodiversity is essential to the function and structure of ecosystems and underpins the broad scale of goods and services, which humans procure from natural ecosystems (Walther et al., 2002). It is an intrinsically complex variable composed of processes and numerous biological entities (Naeem, 2009; Mace et al., 2012), interacting individually and collectively at multiple levels of organisation, with biotic propagule dispersal over space and time, and abiotic exchange, flow of materials and energy (Hartvigsen et al., 1998; Noss, 1990). Climate change impacts is considered as the most important global environmental challenges, affecting biodiversity and natural ecosystems because natural ecosystems and biodiversity are closely interconnected on each other (Bharali and Khan, 2011) not just through changes in biodiversity that affect climate change, but also through climate change effects on biodiversity (Secretariat, 2010). Moreover, biodiversity are projected to increase in pervasiveness and magnitude as CO2 levels and temperatures continue to rise, which could increase photosynthesis and water use efficiency (Solomon et al., 2007). The biodiversity in different ways are affected by multiple components of climate change, from individual to biome levels (Figure 1). They primarily interest various forms of physical decrease that are expressed at different degrees, and have impacts on species, ecological networks and ecosystems. Negative effect on some susceptible life forms could be due to the quickly increasing of average temperature and increasing rainfall. It might have even more severe repercussions for biodiversity than the temperature elevation itself. At the most basic level of biodiversity, the rapid migration and directional selection could have an effect on decrease of genetic diversity of populations, which is caused by climate change and might affect in turn the ecosystem resilience and functioning (Botkin et al., 2007; Meyers and Bull, 2002). When one life form is affected, that in turn will affect other life forms. Even in cases where one life form is affected in a positive way, it can in the next step have negative effects on others. Access to the right quantity of water at the right time of year is essential for all life forms, especially for species in arid and semi-arid environments changing precipitation, which can be lethal. Several studies are interested on impacts of genetic effects and at higher organisational levels of climate change, which have been explored just for a very small number of species. Climate change is considered now as a major driver of biodiversity change, extinction and loss due to these pressures and ecosystem responses, which could affect strongly the Mediterranean over the course of this century. Hooper et al., (2005) reported that decrease or loss of any aspect of biodiversity could have direct and indirect effects persistence, ecosystem function and services. Foundation species or keystone have a major role in ecosystems by either providing structure, moderating the availability of different resources to other species, or through trophic processes. Many such species also provide beneficial services to humans in the form of storm and flood protection (e.g. mangroves), food (e.g. fisheries), and maintenance of water quality (Leadley, 2010). The extension of species geographic range limit either towards the poles or to higher elevations; increasing invasion by opportunistic, competitively mobile species; the extinction of local populations along range boundaries at lower elevations or lower latitudes; increasing decoupling of species interactions owing to mismatched phenology. Richardson and Poloczanska (2008) reported that twenty-eight thousand five hundred eighty-six significant biological changes were observed from terrestrial ecosystems associated with climate change, the most important of it is species extinctions. Some species are important for other species as for example food, pollinators, etc. If they disappear, other species will be affected negatively. Different species, which depend on each other can be also affected differently by climate change. However, in many cases there is limited understanding of the functional or interactive role a species or group plays in a system, which in turn limits our ability to predict how the system will respond to changes in climate and other anthropogenic stressors (Salamin et al., 2010). A range of methods and approaches are being employed to predict the effects of climate change on biodiversity including historical trends and relationships, experiments, and model projections, which lead to an overestimation of the ability of species to track climatic changes (Schloss et al., 2012), and an underestimation of extinction rates (Maclean and Wilson, 2011). Projections of species distributions often come from empirical models that relate observed occurrences to current or historical climate conditions. However, increase temperature and greenhouse gases will change rainfall, evaporation runoff and soil humidity storage and will adversely affect growth and productivity. Although, projection could predict future distributions using projected changes in the geographic distributions of abiotic variables. These models are often referred to as niche, climate envelope, or species distribution models, which have the advantage of being relatively easy to apply to large numbers of species (Iverson et al., 2008). Similar empirical models have been used to project changes in biomes and vegetation types (Rehfeldt et al., 2012).
Biodiversity Loss: Designates the disappearance of living beings following its consumption by humans or its maladaptation to climate change.
Biodiversity Extinction: Known as a crisis of biodiversity, which means the extinction of many animal or vegetable species.
Conservation: Also known as protection of endangered or vulnerable species plays a vital role as well as the involvement of local people in this process.
Climate Change: Is a disruption of the earth's climate or regional climates, it caused an increase in temperature or cooling, as well as an increase in greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activities.
Biodiversity Richness: (Also known as species richness) is a measure of the ecosystem, which refers to the number of species present in a given location.
Biodiversity: Is also known as biological diversity that evokes the lifestyles of one or more individuals, specific diversity (animal or plant), as well as genetic diversity.
Ecosystem: Is the whole of the living beings who live in a given environment, as well as their interaction.
Adaptation: In biology means the process by which a plant or animal species adapt to the environment in which it lives following a natural selection that acts on a genetic variation. | https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/climate-change-impacts-on-biodiversity-in-arid-and-semi-arid-areas/223759 |
It is found that high functional diversity reduced the success of Centaurea by reducing resource availability, and communities with fewer species may be more likely to decline as a consequence of invasion.
Diversity-invasibility across an experimental disturbance gradient in Appalachian Forests.
- Environmental ScienceEcology
- 2008
Results suggest that more nonnative plants may invade species-rich communities compared to species-poor communities following disturbance, and no correlation between native and nonnative species richness before disturbance except at the largest spatial scale, but a positive relationship after disturbance across scales and levels of disturbance.
Biodiversity as a barrier to ecological invasion
- Environmental ScienceNature
- 2002
It is shown that species diversity in small experimental grassland plots enhances invasion resistance by increasing crowding and species richness in localized plant neighbourhoods, and suggests that local biodiversity represents an important line of defence against the spread of invaders.
Dukes Biodiversity and invasibility in grassland microcosms
- Environmental Science
In the years since Charles Elton proposed that more diverse communities should be less susceptible to invasion by exotic species, empirical studies have both supported and refuted Elton's hypothesis.…
Mechanisms of invasions: can the recipient community influence invasion rates?
- Environmental Science
- 2007
The ability of a community to resist the establishment of new populations comes not from species richness, diversity or the average connectivity of the system per se, but from the ability of established species to utilise the maximum amount of resources in the long term and realise the smallest amount of variability in resource availability.
Species Invasions and the Relationships between Species Diversity , Community Saturation , and Ecosystem Functioning 2
- Environmental Science
this chapter, we examine how the ecology of invasions helps clarify the relationships among community saturation, diversity, and ecosystem functioning. We begin with a theoretical approach that…
Plant diversity increases resistance to invasion in the absence of covarying extrinsic factors
- Environmental Science
- 2000
A strong inverse association between resident diversity and invader performance is found as predicted by Elton's hypothesis, and covarying extrinsic factors may obscure the negative impact of diversity on invader success.
BIODIVERSITY, INVASION RESISTANCE, AND MARINE ECOSYSTEM FUNCTION: RECONCILING PATTERN AND PROCESS
- Environmental Science
- 2002
A strong negative correlation between native-species richness and the number and frequency of nonnative invaders at the scale of both a single quadrat and an entire site is found, which suggests that the means by which diversity affects invasion resistance in experiments is important in determining the distribution of invasive species in the field.
Maintenance of diversity altered by a shift in dominant species: implications for species coexistence.
- Environmental Science
- 2009
Diversity patterns between 2 panel studies (1979 to 1982; 2003 to 2006), one conducted before the establishment of invasive colonial ascidians, revealed an increase in species diversity and short-term recruitment studies designed to elucidate mechanisms behind the patterns observed in long-term studies suggest contrasting methods of maintaining diversity.
Species diversity, invasion success, and ecosystem functioning: disentangling the influence of resource competition, facilitation, and extrinsic factors
- Environmental Science
- 2006
Observational data is applied to a study of the consequences of species loss for invasion to conclude that biotic resistance, as identified in experi- ments, is a consistent effect of diversity that can be explained mechanistically at even a landscape scale, but that it plays a dominant role only when total diversity is constrained by resource limitation.
References
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Invasion resistance, species build‐up and community collapse in metapopulation models with interspecies competition
- Environmental Science
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A logical framework for an island-biogeographic theory based on species interactions and invasions and for the protection of fragile native species from invading exotics is provided.
Competition and Biodiversity in Spatially Structured Habitats
- Environmental Science
- 1994
The spatial competition hypothesis seems to explain the coexistence of the numerous plant species that compete for a single limiting resource in the grasslands of Cedar Creek Natural History Area and provides a testable, alternative explanation for other high diversity communities, such as tropical forests.
Invasion resistance arises in strongly interacting species-rich model competition communities.
- Environmental ScienceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
- 1990
A logical framework for an island-biogeographic theory in which species turnover is low even in the face of persistent invasions and for the protection of fragile native species from invading exotics is provided.
COMMUNITY EFFECTS OF INTRODUCED SPECIES
- Environmental Science
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Biological Invasions as Agents of Change on Islands Versus Mainlands
- Environmental Science
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Over the past decade, the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE) has devoted considerable attention to the ecology of invasive organisms (e.g., Brockie et al. 1988; Loope et al.…
Biological invasions: Lessons for ecology.
- Environmental ScienceTrends in ecology & evolution
- 1993
Species Richness and Resistance to Invasions
- Environmental Science
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Traditionally, tropical forests, and especially tropical rain forests, have been contrasted with extratropical communities in terms of their species diversity and stability (Elton 1958).…
Factors governing rate of invasion: a natural experiment using Argentine ants
- Environmental ScienceOecologia
- 1998
It is suggested that abiotic suitability is of paramount importance in determining rate of invasion for the Argentine ant, a widespread invasive species of northern California.
Biological Diversity: The Coexistence of Species on Changing Landscapes.
- Environmental Science
- 1994
The economics of biological diversity is illustrated with a case study of species diversity in fire-influenced ecosystems and the structure of communities and ecosystems.
Biological invasions and ecosystem processes : towards an integration of population biology and ecosystem studies
- Environmental Science
- 1990
Much of the recent progress in ecosystem ecology can be traced to studies which have examined the responses of ecosystems to disturbance, which have documented the reestablishment of biotic regulation of water and nutrient cycling during secondary succession. | https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Elton-revisited%3A-a-review-of-evidence-linking-and-Levine-D%E2%80%99Antonio/8609c82ec575bf41ae2533b8147eea3be4052e2c |
For example, juvenile gangs provide an environment in which young people learn to become criminals. In these cases, it is practical to make the assumption that if that part of an observed relationship which is due merely to the methods of collecting statistics were eliminated, a real relationship would still remain. Criminal Behaviour is learnt 2. Crimes breach into the society when there is a loop hole is present in the society. Loop holes are like corruption, injustice, recession and lack of opportunities.
One may also inquire, however, about variations in access to success-goals by illegitimate means. This is why the balancing and learning process offered by the Akers differential-association reinforcement theory is so important to understand. In this paper a third phase is outlined. Lesson Summary Differential association theory is a criminology theory that essentially states that criminals exist because they associate with similar criminals who teach them criminal behaviors. Even the act of reading this content and recognizing certain patterns in your own choices can be an act of differential association. It grows socially easier for the individuals to commit a crime.
The extent to which a group is organized for or against delinquency determines its rate of law violation. Learning Theory is closely related to the perspective; however, it is not considered so because Interactionism focuses on the construction of boundaries in society and persons' perceptions of them. It is the deviancy of others that has the most substantial impact: the more youngsters have contact with their friends, the stronger the impact of the deviancy of their friends on the development of positive definitions or on the frequency of communication about techniques. There might be some foot stomping. We can choose to commit a criminal act.
Differential association, which operates on the individual level, is where behavior is learned through interaction with others. The theory explains 51% of the variance of criminal behavior, even considering that no criminal population is used for the test and only minor offenses are measured. The test also shows that the impact of the frequency of contacts with deviant behaviour patterns on the development of positive definitions and on the frequency of communication about relevant techniques is substantial and cannot be ignored by criminologists. The specific direction of motives and drives is learned from definitions of the legal codes as favorable or unfavorable. Evaluation This is just a theory. World Views and the Differential Association Theory People will view the world differently based on what happens to them throughout their life. Just twenty minutes after the plane took-off, one of the flight attendants noticed the hijacker tying something to his body.
Much of his study was influenced by crime that emphasized human behavior as determined by social and physical environmental factors, rather than genetic or personal characteristics. There are two theories offered to explain why people behave the way they do: the differential association theory and the differential reinforcement theory. A measure of differential association was based on responses to five items that measured whether the person held values that were favorable or unfavorable to law violations. Different groups have different beliefs, values, and practices; sometimes a group's beliefs, values, and practices clash with mainstream social norms. Instead of being a logical, rational being, all humans, according to Sutherland, are reflections of other people who are influential in their lives.
This is one of the most long-standing and popular theory of deviance in terms of empirical evaluation, and it has made important inroads to police and programs. The candy bar goes into the cart. Sutherland proposed that the decision to turn to criminality is determined by the quality of interactions. The theory was finalized by University of Chicago sociologist Edwin Sutherland in 1947 as one of the first to take a major turn away from the classical individualist theories of crime and delinquency. There are several factors that are often considered to be influential in the learning process of a criminal. Parents, as shown in the example above, use this theory as a method of parenting.
First developed by Edwin Sutherland in the early to mid-20 th century, differential association helps explain deviant behavior. New York: Oxford University Press. Examples Let's review an example to explain how differential association theory works. Essentially what this theory says is that deviant group behavior results from normative conflict. The first proposition is that criminal behavior is learned Sutherland, 2010.
Employment, social relationships, and even personal politics can all be world views that affect the decisions made within the scope off the differential association theory. It is then assumed that if the individual is capable of learning what is acceptable in society, they are also not capable of learning what is considered unacceptable. The second proposition states that the interaction with the other person or persons has… 1790 Words 8 Pages The famous criminologist Edwin Sutherland developed Differential Association Theory in 1939. The first formal statement of Edwin H. Data used for the analysis were taken from a 2001 study of high school students in a large urban community in Canada. | http://rftp.com/differential-association-theory.html |
SAGE Journal Articles
Click on the following links. Please note these will open in a new window.
Article 1: Hanna, R.C., Crittenden, V.L., and Crittenden, W.F., (2013) Social learning theory: A multicultural study of the influences on ethical behavior Journal of Marketing Education April 2013 vol. 35 no. 1 18-25.
Abstract:
We propose Social Learning Theory as a theoretical foundation for understanding the ethical standards of future business leaders. Using data drawn from students from 115 four-year undergraduate institutions in 36 different countries, the relationships among role models, capitalism, and laws were examined. The data suggest that future business leaders educated in environments espousing all moral philosophies except virtue ethics are influenced by their role models. However, differences in unethical behavior are found as related to the social influences of capitalism and laws.
Summary:
Social learning theory (SLT) proposes that people learn much of their behavior by observation and imitation of others. The researchers used college students, specifically 6331 future business leaders from 4-year institutions in 36 countries to determine the impact that social learning theory has on ethical behavior.
Questions to Consider:
- Discuss the five major moral philosophies of the world as identified in this article?
- What is the biggest driver of unethical behavior of unethical behavior in formalist societies?
- What is the biggest driver of unethical behavior in virtue ethics societies?
- What is the impact of gender and religiosity on unethical behavior?
Article 2: Church, W. T., Wharton, T., & Taylor, J. K. (2009). An examination of differential association and social control theory: Family systems and delinquency. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice, 7, 3-15.
Abstract:
This study applies differential association and social control theories to juvenile delinquency. Using a path analysis model, relationships between family, self-image, and behavior are explored. Analyses suggest that positive self-image leads to decreased delinquency, and association with delinquent peers is the greatest predictor of delinquent behavior, regardless of race.
Summary:
Differential association theory states that deviant behavior is learned through interaction with others. The researchers use differential association theory to frame individual choices and social control theory to frame which choices are made and together they create linkages between risk factors and delinquent behavior.
Questions to Consider:
- Identify the study variables.
- In this study what did the researchers note as the strongest predictor of delinquency?
- What impact does gender have on delinquency?
- This article was published in 2009, however uses data collected from 1976 to 1980. What impact, if any, do you think the data collection time frame has on this study?
Article 3: Michalski JH (2004) Making sociological sense out of trends in intimate partner violence. Violence Against Women 10(6): 652–675.
Abstract:
Despite evidence of a cultural shift in orientations toward violence, the problem of violence against women persists across a range of different societies. The preoccupation with the psychology of violence and the focus on cultural orientations obscure the more salient features of social life that promote violence: the structure of interpersonal relationships. The exploration of sociodemographic correlates and the search for “risk factors” of intimate partner violence have overshadowed the inclusion of a distinct set of social structural characteristics that are conducive to domestic violence. The current article draws on comparative research and Donald Black’s theoretical approach to argue that key factors include (a) the degree of social isolation, (b) interdependence of support networks, (c) inequality, (d) relational distance, (e) centralization of authority, and (f) exposure to violent networks. The weak explanatory power of previous research can be improved by developing measures to evaluate an integrated structural model of violence against women.
Summary:
Using the social structure of interpersonal relationships, the author discusses various characteristics associated intimate partner violence.
Questions to Consider:
- How does this study suggest that conflict can be handled in a nonviolent manner?
- What impact does an equalitarian relationship (partner equality in terms of power and decision making) have on domestic violence?
- Why does the author state that a social structure explanation of domestic violence can be applied across cultures? | https://study.sagepub.com/inderbitzindeviance2e/student-resources/chapter-6/sage-journal-articles |
In criminology, differential association is a theory developed by Edwin Sutherland proposing that through interaction with others, individuals learn the values, attitudes, techniques, and motives for criminal behavior. The differential association theory is the most talked about of the learning theories of deviance. (DAT). (Sutherland) (Sociological Theories of Crime and Their Explanation on Crime , 2007) Theories of criminality are most commonly derived from human behavior. I chose the movie American history X and the theory is Sutherland’s differential Association theory (DAT).
A comparison between the Due process model and crime control model Within the criminal justice system, there are two competing models: the crime control model and the due process model. These two models were constructed by Robert Packer and each represents a particular school of thought. In managing crime, there is the individual i.e. the suspect and there is the society. The due process model is seen to focus on the suspect whereas the crime control model focuses on the society.
Fourth, When criminal behavior is learned, the learning includes (a) techniques of committing the crime, which is sometimes very complicated, sometimes simple; (b) the specific direction of motives, drives, rationalizations, and attitudes. Fifth, the specific direction of motives and drives is learned from definitions of the legal codes as favorable or unfavorable. Sixth, a person becomes delinquent because of an excess of definitions favorable to violation of law over definitions unfavorable to violation of the law. Seventh, Differential associations may vary in frequency, duration, priority, and intensity. Eighth, the process of learning criminal behavior by association with criminal and anti-criminal patterns involves all of the mechanisms that are involved in any other learning.
Furthermore, the psychology of criminal behavior, psychology, and criminology all have a primary objective of achieving an understanding of the variation in the criminal behavior of individuals (Andrews and Bonta , 2010). Empirically, the study of variation in criminal behavior is done by the studying of covariates (Andrews and Bonta , 2010). The primary covariates that PCC studies are biological, social, and psychological (Andrews and Bonta , 2010). Although, criminology tends to assess criminality at an aggregate level, in comparison to the psychology of criminal conduct’s focus on an individual level. Additionally, a psychology of criminal conduct involves applying what is learned by the studying of psychological information and methods to the predicting and influencing the propensity of criminal behavior on an individual
(Young, 1981). Classicism Enhancing informational knowledge is the purpose of its punishment, which allows people to conduct rational decision. Therefore, the proportional penalty is suggested to launch when they devoted violation that harms the society, which promoted equality that offenders need to be aware of. Positivism Positivist focused on the background of the criminal, who believed people committed crime because of the environment influence. Treatment is a preferable than punishment to offenders(Young, 1981).
The main object of criminal law is to protect society against offenders and law-breakers. To fulfil this object law holds out threats of penalties to prospective lawbreakers and also make the actual offenders suffer the prescribed punishments for their crimes. Criminal law consists of both the substantive criminal law and the procedural criminal law. Substantive criminal law gives the definition of offences and also prescribes punishments for the same, while the procedural law prescribes the procedure to administer the substantive law. The principal statues which deals with administration of criminal justice in our country are criminal procedure code i.e. | https://www.ipl.org/essay/Social-Learning-Theories-Differential-Association-Theory-FJCS2B5TZT |
Who created behavioral theory criminology?
Later psychological theories of crime were based on behaviour theory, such as that of the American psychologist B.F. Skinner (1904–90), who viewed all human behaviour—criminal and otherwise—as learned and thus manipulable by the use of reinforcement and punishment (see behaviourism).
What theory best explains criminal behavior?
Criminal behavior is learned behavior. Sutherland’s theory of differential association is basically correct; however, it needs to be revised in terms of recent advances in the psychology of learning. Operant behavior is behavior that is maintained by its consequences.
What is the role of theories in explaining crime and criminal behavior?
The goal of criminological theory is to help one gain an understating of crime and criminal justice. Theories cover the making and the breaking of the law, criminal and deviant behavior, as well as patterns of criminal activity.
What are the 3 theories of criminal law?
It is concerned with legal punishment as the domain of criminal law. It begins with three theories of punishment namely, retributive, consequentialist, and threat-based.
What does behavioral theory mean?
Behavioral theory holds that psychological events can be described and explained in terms of observable behavior and its associations with environmental stimuli and occurrences.
What are examples of criminal behavior?
Types of Criminal Offenses
- assault and battery.
- arson.
- child abuse.
- domestic abuse.
- kidnapping.
- rape and statutory rape.
What causes criminal behavior?
Criminal behavior, particularly violent and antisocial behavior, is considered to be a major social problem with complex causes. … Interrelated factors include poverty, poor housing, high levels of social inequality in society, low educational attainment, poor diet, low self-esteem, and impulsivity.
How does behavior theory differ from other psychological theories?
How does behavior theory differ from other psychological theories? Major determinants of behavior are envisioned as existing in the environment surrounding the individual rather within the individual.
Which theories of criminal behavior best explain the actions of cyber criminals?
Social Learning Theory
Moral Disengagement and Social Learning Theories are the most popular theories used to explain what attracts cybercriminals to commit their criminals’ activities (Rogers, 2006). that supports the conformity to existing norms.
Why is it important to understand the various theories of criminal behavior?
By understanding why a person commits a crime, one can develop ways to control crime or rehabilitate the criminal. … By studying these theories and applying them to individuals, perhaps psychologists can deter criminals from repeating crimes and help in their rehabilitation.
Why are theories important in criminal justice?
Criminal justice theories, like all social science theories, provide useful tools that help explain human behavior and social phenomena. They offer important insights that shape practical applications and inform policy. … The first, restorative justice theory, focuses on how to heal the harm caused by crime. | https://ocsistersincrime.org/criminal-law/what-is-behavioral-theory-in-criminology.html |
In criminology, subcultural theory emerged from the work of the Chicago School on gangs and developed through the symbolic interactionism school into a set of theories arguing that certain groups or subcultures in society have values and attitudes that are conducive to crime and violence.
What is the subculture theory?
What is a subculture in society?
A subculture is a cultural group within a culture that differs in one or more ways from the culture. This would include differences in interest, behaviors or beliefs, like religion, ethnicity, and social or economic status.
How is a subculture different from a culture?
a group whose values, beliefs, and related behaviors places its members in opposition to the broader culture. Counterculture is against the mainstream culture and Subculture just has a different view of things, but not at odds with society.
What is deviant subculture in sociology?
A deviant subculture is defined by sociologist Anthony Giddens as one “whose members have values which differ substantially from those of the majority in a society.” American government is a deviant subculture.
What is Cohen theory?
Cohen’s Subcultural Theory. In his book Delinquent Boys (1955) Cohen was concerned to answer a number of questions about delinquency that he felt were not satisfactorily dealt with by Merton’s strain theory.
What is the difference between subculture and counter culture?
A counterculture (also written counter-culture) is a subculture whose values and norms of behavior differ substantially from those of mainstream society, often in opposition to mainstream cultural mores.
What is a subculture in biology?
In biology, a subculture is a new cell or microbiological culture made by transferring some or all cells from a previous culture to fresh growth medium. This action is called subculturing or passaging the cells. Subculture is used to prolong the life and/or expand the number of cells or microorganisms in the culture.
What is a subculture and counterculture?
A member of a counterculture may oppose the prevailing cultures values. Or, it could just oppose certain segments of the culture, or certain subcultures. A subculture is differs slightly from the dominant culture in a society, while a counterculture opposes the culture or subculture itself.
Is hip hop a subculture?
Hip hop, or hip-hop, is a subculture and art movement developed in the Bronx in New York City during the late 1970s. The origins of the word are often disputed. It is also argued as to whether hip hop started in the South or West Bronx.
What is subcultural theory in sociology?
Subcultural theories build upon the work of Merton. They say that deviance is the result of individuals conforming to the values and norms of a social group to which they belong, if you belong to a social group whose norms differ from those of the main society then you will become a deviant.
What is meant by a delinquent subculture?
The many behaviors specified in law as criminal or delinquent are associated with many criminal and delinquent subcultures. The norms, values, or interests of these subcultures may support particular criminal acts, a limited set of such acts (e.g., a subculture of pickpockets vs. a subculture of hustlers).
What is meant by utilitarian crime?
It is a process which allows the members of the groups to adapt to their own exclusion from society. This theory accounts for the increasing rates of non-utilitarian crime (vandalism, loitering and joyriding) in western societies.
What is a cultural universal?
A cultural universal (also called an anthropological universal or human universal), as discussed by Emile Durkheim, George Murdock, Claude Lévi-Strauss, Donald Brown and others, is an element, pattern, trait, or institution that is common to all human cultures worldwide.
What is the theory of anomie?
The idea of anomie means the lack of normal ethical or social standards. This concept first emerged in 1893, with French sociologist Emile Durkheim. Normlessness is a state where the expectations of behavior are unclear, and the system has broken down.
What is a co culture?
A co-culture is a group whose values, beliefs or behaviors set it apart from the larger culture, which it is a part of and with which it shares many similarities.
What is the theory of differential opportunity?
Differential opportunity is a theory that suggests that ones socio-economic environment serves to predetermine their likelihood of achieving financial success through legitimate or illegitimate means.
What is a sub culture?
A subculture is a group of people within a culture that differentiates itself from the parent culture to which it belongs, often maintaining some of its founding principles. Subcultures develop their own norms and values regarding cultural, political and sexual matters. Subcultures differ from countercultures.
What is the illegitimate opportunity theory?
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Illegitimate opportunity theory holds that individuals commit crimes when the chances of being caught are low but from readily available illegitimate opportunities. The theory was first formalized by Richard Cloward and Lloyd Ohlin in 1960.
What is meant by status frustration?
status frustration A concept developed by Albert Cohen in Delinquent Boys (1956), and used to explain working-class male delinquency as being a reaction formation towards middle-class values of success, as embodied in the school.
How do you define deviance?
Deviance is any behavior that violates social norms, and is usually of sufficient severity to warrant disapproval from the majority of society. Deviance can be criminal or non-criminal. The sociological discipline that deals with crime (behavior that violates laws) is criminology (also known as criminal justice).
What is the differential association theory?
In criminology, differential association is a theory developed by Edwin Sutherland proposing that through interaction with others, individuals learn the values, attitudes, techniques, and motives for criminal behavior. The differential association theory is the most talked about of the learning theories of deviance. | https://guillaumeboivin.com/what-is-the-subculture-theory.html |
What is an example of the labeling theory?
Take a look at the similar writing assignments
What is an example of the labeling theory?
Labeling theory helps to explain why a behavior is considered negatively deviant to some people, groups, and cultures but positively deviant to others. For example, think about fictional vigilantes, like Robin Hood and Batman. Batman is labeled in different ways depending on the public's reaction to his escapades.
Is deviance functional for society?
Émile Durkheim believed that deviance is a necessary part of a successful society and that it serves three functions: 1) it clarifies norms and increases conformity, 2) it strengthens social bonds among the people reacting to the deviant, and 3) it can help lead to positive social change and challenges to people's ...
Is deviance a learned behavior?
The theory of differential association is a learning theory that focuses on the processes by which individuals come to commit deviant or criminal acts. According to the theory, created by Edwin H. Sutherland, criminal behavior is learned through interactions with other people.
How does control theory explain deviance?
According to the control theory, weaker containing social systems result in more deviant behavior. ... Deviance is a result from extensive exposure to certain social situations where individuals develop behaviors that attract them to avoid conforming to social norms.
What is meant by deviance is relative?
Deviance is relative means that there is no absolute way of defining a deviant act. As such deviance varies from time to time and place to place. ... In a particular society an act that is considered deviant today may be detained as normal in future.
What does the textbook mean when it argues that deviance is relative?
Deviance-socially disapproved behavior, the violation of some agreed on norm that prevails in a community or society at large. Deviance is relative, meaning that even acts of extreme violence may be defined as acceptable under certain circumstances (killing enemy soldiers during wartime, executing convicted murderers)
Is crime and deviance relative?
Both crime and deviance are historically relative. What may have been considered deviant in the past is not longer so and acts that were once legal have become illegal.
Read also
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- Do labels shape who we are?
- Is labeling theory valid?
- What is a label in writing?
- What are labels in sociology?
- How is labeling theory relevant to current life?
- What does labeling someone mean?
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- What is the essence of labeling theory? | https://sociology-tips.com/library/lecture/read/11497-what-is-an-example-of-the-labeling-theory |
Sociological theories generally assert that crime is the normal response of a biologically and psychologically normal individual to social conditions that are abnormal and criminogenic. A large number of these theories have been proposed. For example, Edwin Sutherland (1883–1950) proposed differential association theory, which argues that criminal behavior is normal learned behavior, that the learning takes place in a process of interpersonal communication with other people, that it consists primarily in the learning of ideas about whether laws are to be obeyed, and that the learning of criminal behaviors is determined primarily by the extent of the person's contact with other people who themselves engage in criminal behaviors. Robert K. Merton proposed a theory of social structural strain. He argued that American culture emphasizes the goal of monetary success at the expense of adhering to the legitimate means to achieve that success. This results in high rates of profit-oriented crimes. He also argued that American society has an unequal distribution of the legitimate opportunities to achieve monetary success. That is, people in the upper classes have very many legitimate opportunities to make money, while people in the lower classes had very few. Merton argued that this resulted in the reverse distribution of profit-oriented crimes, with the lowest classes having the highest rates of such crime and the highest classes having the lowest rates. Clifford Shaw presented an ecological theory that looks at crime at the neighborhood level. He generally found that neighborhoods with high poverty, frequent residential mobility, and family disruption (e.g., many divorced or single parents) have higher crime rates. Travis Hirschi proposed a social control theory that focused on the ability to resist the natural temptations of criminal behavior. Individuals who are more strongly attached to parents, more involved in conventional activities, have more to lose from criminal behavior, and have stronger beliefs in conventional moral values, will tend to commit less crime. Michael Gottfredson and Travis Hirschi later proposed a general theory of crime as being the result of low self-control. Where Hirschi's earlier social control theory concerned the restraints on an individual's behavior that are found in the person's immediate environment, self-control theory focuses on certain stable characteristics that people have after age eight or so. People with low self-control, and therefore a higher tendency to commit crime, tend to be impulsive, insensitive to others, oriented toward physical rather than mental activities, prone to take risks, shortsighted, and nonverbal. Labeling theories, by contrast, argue that people who become involved in the criminal justice system tend to be labeled as criminals by that system, rejected by law-abiding people, and accepted as criminals by other criminals. All of this results in their taking on a criminal self-concept, in which they come to think of themselves as criminals. The criminal self-concept then becomes the major cause of crime. Radical criminologists focus on the structure of society, in particular its political and legal systems. In one way or another, often with a considerable degree of subtlety, the criminal law is seen as a tool by which rich and powerful people maintain and preserve their own privileges and status. | https://law.jrank.org/pages/913/Criminology-Intellectual-History-Sociological-theories.html |
What is the theory of Edwin Sutherland?
Edwin Sutherland’s theory of differential association assumes that criminal behavior is learned through contact with individuals who are themselves criminal. It is therefore also called the “theory of differential contacts”. … Criminal behaviour is learned in interaction with other persons in a communication process.
What are the contributions of Edwin H Sutherland and Donald R Cressey in the field of criminology?
Along with Edwin Sutherland, he co-authored Principles of Criminology, for 30 years the standard text in criminology. He also wrote Other People’s Money, a study of embezzlement, and co-authored the popular textbook Social Problems.
Who is the father of criminology and some of his contribution?
Lombroso became known as the father of modern criminology. He was one of the first to study crime and criminals scientifically, Lombroso’s theory of the born criminal dominated thinking about criminal behavior in the late 19th and early 20th century.
What is Edwin Sutherland famous for?
Edwin Sutherland, (born August 13, 1883, Gibbon, Nebraska, U.S.—died October 11, 1950, Bloomington, Indiana), American criminologist, best known for his development of the differential association theory of crime.
Why did Edwin Sutherland become the father of American criminology?
In the process he founded criminology as a separate area of research located within sociology. The book notes that Sutherland’s work was inspired by strong moral concerns and a sense of the needs of society for social order.
Why Edwin Sutherland is considered as the most important person of the 21st century?
He is considered one of the most influential criminologists of the twentieth century, probably best known for defining “differential association”—a general theory of crime that explains how deviants come to learn the motivations and the technical knowledge for criminal activity—and his definition of the “white-collar …
How did Edwin Sutherland and Donald Cressey define criminology?
What is CRIMINOLOGY? Classic Definition – According to Edwin Sutherland and Donald Cressey: Criminology is a body of knowledge regarding crime as a social phenomenon. It includes within its scope the processes of making laws, of breaking of laws, and of reaction toward the breaking of laws.
Who is Sutherland and Cressey?
Principles of Criminology, written by Edwin H. Sutherland and Donald R. Cressey, is hailed as an authoritative work in the field of criminology. … This was the seed of Sutherland’s theory of differential association, which was fully developed in the fourth edition, published in 1947. | https://ocsistersincrime.org/criminal-law/frequent-question-what-is-the-contribution-of-edwin-sutherland-to-criminology.html |
The content of the questions may overlap somewhat, but your answers should not have much overlap with each other.
CCJ 5625 – Ecology of Crime Supplementary Lecture Notes Week 7: Differential Organization Background for this week’s readings This week we shift to a different theoretical perspective sometimes referred to as “differential social organization” or just “differential organization.” A fundamental premise of this perspective is that there may be various value systems around which neighborhoods might be “organized.” That is, contrary to the social disorganization perspective, high crime neighborhoods may actually be highly organized, just around a set of values that is more conducive to crime. While social disorganization theory suggests there is something deficient in neighborhoods that prevents them from effectively controlling the behavior of their residents, differential organization theory suggests that some neighborhoods have a different cultural orientation that may actually motivate residents to engage in crime.
This is related to a micro-level theory largely credited to Edwin Sutherland (1939) called “differential association theory.” If you have taken a course on criminological theory, you have probably learned about this perspective. In general, it argues that there is not always complete consensus within a given society about what constitutes appropriate behavior. Given these conflicting sets of rules and attitudes, whether or not an individual engages in crime is largely determined by whether they are more exposed to attitudes favorable toward crime or to attitudes unfavorable toward crime. For Sutherland, the question of why people engage in crime is largely related to this balance of attitudes that people are exposed to.
Nearly everyone is exposed to some people who are supportive of crime, delinquency, or deviance, and nearly everyone is exposed to some people who are not supportive of those things. Sutherland argued if you are exposed to a larger number of people with attitudes favorable to crime, you are more likely to engage in crime yourself.
Again, this is a micro-level theory, but it is not too difficult to see how it could be extended to a macro level such as neighborhoods. Certain neighborhoods may develop a prevailing set of Page 1 norms that are favorable toward , or at least less disapproving of, criminal and delinquent behavior. Of course, r esidents in such neighborhoods are still likely to be exposed to attitudes unfavorable toward crime such as from parents, teachers, and religious leaders. Nonetheless, living in a neighborhood characterized by a greater tolerance of criminal behavior may be enough to tip the balance of unfavorable vs. favorable attitudes, thus mak ing residents in such neighborhoods more likely to engage in crime themselves.
Keep in mind, however, that a macro-level view of differential association is different from simply arguing that the individual-level effect can be aggregated up to neighborhoods. That is, a purely micro-level approach would say some neighborhoods are higher in crime because a larger number of people living there are exposed to attitudes favorable toward crime. That is the description of an individual-level effect. It may be more or less prevalent in certain neighborhoods, which would cause some neighborhoods to be higher in crime, but it is still an individual-level argument. In order to support a macro -level version of differential association, we would need to argue that neighborhoods have an effect on behavior above and beyond the individual-level effect of exposure to attitudes. We would need to claim that there is something about neighborhoods themselves that promotes attitudes favorable to crime. I think one clear way to differentiate these micro- and macro-level explanations is this:
Is there a feature or characteristic of neighborhoods, related to differential association, that would cause an increase in offending even for someone who is not exposed to a disproportionate number of attitudes favorable to crime? For that person, the individual-level explanation would not predict involvement in crime, but it is still possible that a macro-level explanation could predict involvement in crime for that person if they live in a neighborhood that is conducive to crime.
This week’s readings give us an example of a feature of neighborhoods that could contribute to crime and delinquency. As you will see, both assigned readings discuss a concept referred to as the “code of the street.” From the differential organization perspective, we might view this “code” as a value system that supports criminal and delinquent behavior, and specifically violent behavior. Though that support may range from a minimum level (failing to Page 2 sufficiently disapprove of violence) to a maximum level (direct motivation to engage in violence), the point is that some neighborhoods may be organized around a set of prevailing social norms that are more conducive to crime.
As you read through these articles, be sure to think about what might give rise to these different sets of norms. Why would there be one set of norms about crime and violence in one community and a different set in another community? Anderson, in particular, discusses the broad social forces that may have contributed to this, so pay close attention because I could certainly ask about this on the exam.
Have a great week!
References Sutherland, Edwin H. 1939. Principles of Criminology , 3 rd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott. | https://courseworkhero.co.uk/the-content-of-the-questions-may-overlap-somewhat-but-your-answers-should-not-have-much-overlap-with-each-other-2/ |
It is learning that takes place intentional or unwillingly in individuals. Cognitive psychologist defines learning as the changes in knowledge that can be an internal mental activity that cannot be observed directly.
How to Write a Summary of an Article? Aggression and Social Learning Theory Aggression, in its broadest sense, is behavior, or a disposition, that is forceful, hostile or attacking. It may occur either in retaliation or without provocation.
In narrower definitions that are used in social sciences and behavioral sciences, aggression is an intention to cause harm or an act intended to increase relative social dominance. Aggression can take a variety of forms and can be physical or be communicated verbally or non-verbally.
Aggression differs from what is commonly called assertiveness, although the terms are Social learning theories essays used interchangeably among laypeople, e. The expression of aggression can occur in a number of ways, including verbally, mentally and physically. One includes affective emotional and hostile or retaliatory aggression, and the other includes instrumental, goal-oriented or predatory aggression.
These depend on such things as whether the aggression is verbal or physical; whether or not it involves relational aggression such as covert bullying and social manipulation; whether harm to others is intended or not; whether it is carried out actively or expressed passively; and whether the aggression is aimed directly or indirectly.
Classification may also encompass aggression-related emotions e.
The operative definition of aggression may be affected by moral or political views. Examples are the axiomatic moral view called the non-aggression principle and the political rules governing the behavior of one country toward another.
Through evolution, humans have inherited a fighting instinct similar to that found in many species of animals. Konrad Lorenz ethology He says we have a biological need for aggression.
It gets stronger as time passes since the last aggressive act like hunger increases hours after a meal. This causes our energy level drive level to increase. Instinct Theory says that humans learn their own individual ways of expressing aggressive motivation.
Nonhuman species behave in ways that are genetically programmed and characteristic of all members of the species. Human aggression is largely learned by watching other people behave aggressively, either in person or in films. It is also learned when we are rewarded for aggression. Albert Bandura Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis: Our motivation for aggression increases when our ongoing behavior is interrupted or we are prevented from reaching a goal.Social Learning Theory by Albert Bandura ()Based on the assumption that people learn behaviors, attitudes, emotional reactions and norms through direct experiences but also through observing other humans (models) Social .
The Theory Of Social Learning Theory Words | 8 Pages. This essay will demonstrate a knowledge and understanding and discuss the concept of social learning theory, whilst taking into consideration and explaining the way children learn and develop. The social learning theory (SLT) is just one of many theories which fall under the category of learning theories.
The social learning theory, which is also commonly known as social cognitive theory, is justified in the belief that human behavior is determined by a triangular effect relationship between environmental influences, cognitive factors, and behavior (ETR, ).
Social Learning Theory The social learning theory was developed by Albert Bandura, this theory suggests that behaviour is learned through observation and imitation.
It also says that learning is a cognitive process that will take place in a social context. Essay: Learning theories – behavioural, social & cultural, constructivism, cognitive Learning is defined as the permanent change in individuals mind, voluntary or involuntary.
It occurs through an experience that can bring about a relatively permanent change in an individual’s knowledge or behavior. In this essay, the concept of Bandura’s Social Learning theory are highlighted and explored in broad with links to the classroom context covering the different aspects of the process of observant learning as well as the different reasoning. | https://wageturipizi.heartoftexashop.com/social-learning-theories-essays-3918fk.html |
Psychology refers to a branch of science concerned with the study of animal and human behavior, sometimes dealing with the techniques by which behavior undergoes modifications (Simonton, 2009). This consists of a number of branches, namely educational psychology, developmental psychology, psychotherapy, animal psychology, social psychology, industrial psychology, just to mention a few. Psychology has been useful in the society because it promotes an understanding of people’s behaviors through researching various cases. Psychologists explore a number of concepts, including cognition, perception, attention, phenomenology, emotion, motivation, interpersonal relationships, behavior, brain functioning, and personality (Simonton, 2009). This discussion will consider the reason to why psychologists consider psychology as a branch of science, differences that exist between psychology and other branches of science, and the principal issues for evaluating a psychological theory.
Psychologists consider psychology as a branch of science because it shares a number of characteristics with other branches of science, such as the use of scientific methods, verifiability, descriptiveness, and objectivity (Simonton, 2009). Moreover, psychology attempts to resolve concrete problems through the use of laboratory experiments. Laboratory experiments help psychologists to investigate memory, learning, perception, and sensation in animals and human beings. For instance, Ian Pavlov conducted an experiment to investigate learning in animals through association of conditioned stimuli with unconditioned stimuli (Applebaum, 2012). Skinner is another psychologist, who conducted an experiment to determine the impact of reinforcement on learning. Scientific psychology allows for the creation of experiments to measure social changes against control experiments, and mimic the laboratory experiments conducted in other scientific disciplines (Simonton, 2009). Therefore, like other branches of science, psychology employs experiments to investigate animal and human behaviors. Psychologists employ facts when dealing with generalizations, perceptions, and critics. Psychology shares characteristics with established scientific disciplines, such as biology and anatomy.
Neuropsychology considers the effects of factors, such as heredity, drugs, and diet on the functioning of the nervous system (Simonton, 2009). This is evident that psychology combines the interest of biology in the function of human nervous system with the behavior of a person in the society. Therefore, psychology shares the characteristic of descriptiveness with other branches of science. Case studies, psychological tests, interviews, surveys, and observation of animals and people in nature, enable psychologists to describe various occurrences and draw conclusions. Psychology shares the characteristic of objectivity with other science disciplines (Simonton, 2009). Careful experimentation and observation that take place during the research ensure objectivity in psychology.
Some approaches, such as theological approaches may also explain human behavior and experiences. However, theological approaches differ from psychological approaches in explaining the behavior and experiences of human beings. Thus, theological approaches consider that people’s perception and feelings, regarding others and themselves, rely on how they interpret life experiences and whether they fear God. Scientific methods cannot be applicable in proving theological facts. On the other hand, various psychological facts require methodology for evidence (Applebaum, 2012).
Psychology differs from natural sciences, such as biology, physics, and chemistry that deal with the observation of measurable phenomena (Lilienfeld, 2012). Most of the phenomena that psychologists study are immeasurable. For instance, the hypothetical constructs, including happiness, pessimism and optimism, awareness, attraction, human extroversion, and sense of affection and belonging cannot undergo measurement. In physics, a person can measure speed accurately by measuring distance and length of time. External factors, such as bias and change in social constructs, influence psychology experiments significantly. Research has shown that many psychological experiments fail to undergo replication, which is not the case with various experiments in natural sciences (Lilienfeld, 2012). Also, the content that the science of psychology involves includes people’s decisions, feelings, and emotions, but not processes that natural sciences study. Volition, feeling, and emotion are the subjective activities that human beings cannot perceive through body organs. The sorts of methodology that the science of psychology should employ include psycho historical, observational, psychobiological, correlational, experimental, and descriptive techniques (Simonton, 2009).
The issues necessary in the evaluation of psychological theories include parsimony, easy to generate hypotheses, operationally defined, empirical support, and internal consistency (Simonton, 2009). Parsimony refers to a significant criterion for evaluating psychological theories by virtue of the assumption that a theory should explain reality through simplification. When a psychological theory fails to be parsimonious, extensive rationality and data would be significant to justify its use. A sound psychological theory generates hypotheses easily. What is more, it should stimulate controversy, resistance, and disbelief, as well as suggest ideas to extend an inquiry. A psychological theory will generate hypotheses easily when it can stimulate thinking, as well as provide tentative explanations to explain a phenomenon. The key concepts and terms of a sound psychological theory should be operationally defined. Operational definitions help different researchers to obtain similar conclusions when conducting similar studies. Sound psychological theories should allow empirical testing (Applebaum, 2012). This will provide evidence on whether to accept or reject a hypothesis’ propositions. Internal consistency is another quality for sound psychological theory. The propositions and concepts of a psychological theory should be consistent with each other in a logical manner. Therefore, the field of psychology should determine the sound psychological theories and inappropriate theories by considering various properties, including parsimony, internal consistency, among others (Simonton, 2009).
In conclusion, it has been evident that psychology is a science because it possesses a variety of properties, such as allowing for the use of experiments to investigate memory, perception, and sensation in animals and human beings. However, psychology differs from other branches of science because most of the phenomena that psychologists study are immeasurable. Moreover, a variety of qualities, such as parsimony and internal consistency are useful during the evaluation of psychological theories. The field of psychology can determine sound psychological theories upon evaluation (Simonton, 2009).
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The theory of differential association applies not only to adolescent people but also to the adult population. A lot of studies tested this theory on delinquent behavior but tests on victimization are rare. Using West Virginia Social Survey 2020 data, this study finds that there is an association between having delinquent friends and learning of self-delinquency in the adult population. It also reports that self-victimization can be predicted with having delinquent friends. The highest probability of victimization is twice for people for having pain medication misuser friends than of people having marijuana user friends. But self-delinquent behaviors do not report to mediate the association between having delinquent friends and victimization for adults as opposed to the adolescent population. Moreover, results indicate that the victimization for having delinquent friends is most predicted for males than females. But the association with peer delinquency and self-delinquency does not vary across gender. As of interest, never-married people compared to married people reported learning marijuana use but not prescription pain medication misuse because of association with delinquent friends.
Recommended Citation
Alam, Shah, "Adult Delinquency and Victimization: A Test of Differential Association Theory with New Data" (2021). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 8030. | https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/8030/ |
1. Explain the process of differential association. How might one learn to dump toxic waste according to this theory? 2022 latest answers
2. Explain the difference between favorable, neutralizing, and reproachful definitions of behavior.
3. What are the four key characteristics of the social structure that might affect social learning?
4. Discuss how prosocial behavior can be explained using social learning theory.
5. What are the similarities and differences between differential association and social learning theories? | https://myacademic-support.com/explain-the-process-of-differential-association-how-might-one-learn-to-dump-toxic-waste-according-to-this-theory-2022-latest-answers/ |
Jennifer Roberts, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Kathleen J. Hanrahan, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Jennifer L. Gossett, Ph.D.
Fourth Advisor
Timothy Austin, Ph.D.
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between digital piracy and social learning theory. To the knowledge of this researcher, only one study had tested a full model of social learning theory in relation to digital piracy (Skinner and Fream, 1997). The current study expanded on past work by testing all four components of social learning theory (differential association, differential reinforcement, imitation, definitions). In addition, to being a full test of the theory this dissertation made many additional contributions to the literature; including the creation of new neutralization techniques (DRM defiance, and claim of future patronage), and the examination of the influence of online sources of social learning on digital piracy. Very few studies have examined online social learning in the past (Holt and Copes, 2010, Hinduja and Ingram, 2009). Data for the study was collected through the use of an online survey. The survey was administered via email to a random sample of college students at two eastern universities. The results from this study suggested that offline sources of differential association have a stronger influence on digital piracy than online sources. However, online sources of differential association were also important predictors of digital piracy in multiple models. Other important predictors of digital piracy included positive reinforcement and various neutralization techniques, including one of the new neutralization techniques created for this study.
Recommended Citation
Smallridge, Joshua L., "Social Learning and Digital Piracy: Do Online Peers Matter?" (2012). Theses and Dissertations (All). 331. | https://knowledge.library.iup.edu/etd/331/ |
Grounding or Earthing is the compulsory device for electrical installation.It’s the end point for electrical residue when leakage happen on electrical circuit or installation.
Good grounding can make a different of current balancing in phase during electrical leakage and Residual Current Circuit Breaker will activate if current leakage value over the sensitivity.( 10 mA,100 mA,30 mA,300 mA).
To get a good grounding,we should make sure the resistance is minimum.For the best resistance value is “0 ohm” or less than 5 ohm.That why grounding resistance measurement is important because we need to ensure our grounding is good.
How to make measurement for grounding resistance?
The potential difference between rods X and Y is measured by a voltmeter, and the current flow between rods X and Z is measured by an ammeter.
(Note: X, Y and Z may be referred to as X, P and C in a 3-point tester or C1, P2 and C2 in a 4-point tester.)
By Ohm’s Law E = RI or R = E/I,
we may obtain the ground electrode resistance
Example :
If E = 50 V and I = 1 A, then
R = E / I =50 / 1 = 50 ohm
It is not necessary to perform all the measurements when using a earth tester because it will measure directly by generating its own current and displaying the resistance of the ground electrode.
Position of the Auxiliary Electrodes when perform measurements
The goal in precisely measuring the resistance to ground is to place the auxiliary current electrode Z far enough from the ground electrode under test so that the auxiliary potential electrode Y will be outside of the effective resistance areas of both the ground electrode and the auxiliary current electrode.
The best way to find out if the auxiliary potential rod Y is outside the effective resistance areas is to move it between X and Z and to take a reading at each location.
If the auxiliary potential or Y is in an effective resistance area, by displacing it the readings taken will vary noticeably in value. Under these conditions, no exact value for the resistance to ground may be determined.
On the other hand, if the auxiliary potential rod Y is located outside of the effective resistance areas, as Y is moved back and forth the reading variation is minimal. | https://www.electricneutron.com/earthing-system/grounding-resistance-measurement/ |
HC Verma Solutions Vol 2 Chapter 25 The Special Theory Of Relativity has been provided here to help students have a smooth preparation for their exams. The solution contains detailed and accurate answers to all the exercises and is key to understand the chapter and the concepts discussed in a much better way. The solution further ensures easy learning and enhances a student’s ability to solve even the most complex questions such as;
- Questions on finding the change in mass, power, total loss and gain in energy in particles.
- Questions related to the frictional change of mass, the energy stored and increase in the mass of particles.
- Questions based on time in the laboratory frame, frequency and speed of frames, etc.
The HC Verma solutions have been prepared by our experts with the main goal of giving students clear knowledge of the topics. The solutions will also be helpful for students who are preparing for competitive exams like JEE. Students can access the solutions PDF below.
Download This Solution As PDF: HC Verma Solutions Chapter 25 PDF
Key Topics Related To Special Theory of Relativity
Some of the important topics covered in this chapter are;
- The Principle of Relativity
- Kinematical Consequences
- Dynamics at Large Velocity
- Energy and Momentum
- The Ultimate Speed
- Twin Paradox
Important Questions In Chapter 25
1. It is given that the mass of a particle depends on its speed. On the basis of this statement, does the attraction of the earth on the particle depend on the particle’s speed also?
2. What will happen to a charged particle when it is projected at a very high-speed perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field?
3. When the speed of a particle is increased what changes will occur to its rest mass?
(a) changes (b) remains the same (c) increases (d) decreases
4. While measuring the length of a rod all motions are parallel to the length of the rod. Can you point out in which following cases the measured length will be minimum?
(a) The experimenter and the rod move with the same speed v in the same direction.
(b) The experimenter and the rod move with the same speed v in opposite directions.
(c) The experimenter stays at rest but the rod moves at speed v.
(d) The experimenter moves with the speed v but the rod stays at rest.
5. What will happen to the linear momentum if the speed of a particle moving at relativistic speed is doubled? | https://byjus.com/jee/hc-verma-solutions-class-12-chapter-25-the-special-theory-of-relativity/ |
When: Monday, March 23, 2020 Click HERE to register.
7:30-10:00 a.m.
Where: Online
Host: Kristen Quillin – (206) 427-1860
Rick Bechtel: (206) 351-8604
Moderator: Eileen Fisher
Dir, Alliance Product Marketing
VEEAM Software
NOTE: Due to Coronavirus concerns, we are making this a virtual meeting.
Please register using the link above. You'll receive instructions closer to the
meeting date
Description:
All companies, regardless of size, are continually looking for ways to increase revenue, enter new markets and find new types of customers. Strategic marketing partnerships have proven a highly effective way to accomplish that. Joining forces with a company that has complementary products/services and a similar customer base enables you to leverage one another's audience, credibility and social presence.
Strategic alliance marketing helps boost brand awareness and scale businesses while fostering mutually beneficial relationships with other leaders in your market. And, customers respond favorably when two companies join forces to create fresh, valuable content that speaks to their needs. In this session, we’ll examine the realm of partnership marketing, and share our own thoughts and experiences.
We are pleased to have as our discussion leader, Eileen Fisher, Director of Alliance Product Marketing for VEEAM Software, a global leader in backup that delivers Cloud Data Management. Besides strategic alliance marketing, her considerable experience covers the Cloud, digital marketing, marketing automation, social media, product development and launches, and technical services marketing. Prior to VEEAM, she headed up Global Alliance Technology Management for Commvault, served as Director or Marketing for SolidQ, and worked in various roles with Microsoft over a 15-year period, including Director of Business Platform Marketing.
This roundtable discussion is meant to be a conversation, so please come with your questions, issues and examples of successful (or not-so-successful) partnership marketing.
Discussion questions:
-
In your capacity, are you engaged in building strategic business partnerships for your company? If so, is this strictly the province of Marketing, or do you need to seek input and approval from others, as well?
-
What does your partner program look like? What kind(s) of strategic partnerships do you have? Have they gone smoothly, or have you encountered bumps in the road?
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Has it proven worth the time and expenditures to partner with other businesses? Where have the benefits been most felt? How have these practices made money for your company?
-
If you haven’t engaged in alliance marketing, what is the main reason? Is it something you’re contemplating?
Directions:
If you have registered (using the link above), you will receive an email containing links to connect to the meeting, once the date draws near. If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach host Kristen Quillin or Rick Bechtel via the phone numbers provided above.
The
Marketing Executive
Roundtable
For more information, Contact MER Chair Rick Bechtel at or by calling 206-351-8604. | https://www.merseattle.org/mer-mar-2020 |
Leopardstown-based chip design firm Silicon and Software Systems (S3) has closed a €10m investment deal with ACT Venture Capital. The company will use the funding to support its expansion into Asia as well as strengthen sales and marketing operations in Europe and the US.
“This investment will enable S3 to accelerate the development of our innovative product and services businesses in these areas and in particular to expand our customer reach in Asia,” explained S3’s chief executive John O’Brien.
S3 was established in 1986 and now has 300 employees with operations in six countries; Ireland, US, the Netherlands, Poland, Czech Republic and the UK. The company has operated as a subsidiary of Dutch consumer electronics giant Philips. As part of the €10m funding agreement, Philips Electronics via Philips Electronics Ireland Limited (PEIL) will maintain a strategic shareholding in S3 and will continue to be a key customer and technology partner of the company.
The company develops semiconductor intellectual property, software solutions and design solutions for the mobile, digital consumer, communications and medical systems markets for some of the world’s biggest electronics and media companies. Customers include Texas Instruments, Lucent Technologies, Philips, Toshiba, STMicroelectronics and Sky. It also engages in collaborations with IBM, Intel, Xilinx and OpenTV.
S3’s products include mixed-signal internet protocol, broadband access solutions for Intel’s latest processors and the world’s first DVB-H software solution for the emerging mobile TV market. | https://www.siliconrepublic.com/companies/chip-design-firm-raises-10m |
With growth a major challenge for many co-operative businesses, the co-operative and mutual insurance sector offers some important lessons.
There is a growing concern about what Co-operatives UK and others have referred to as the co-operative sector’s ‘missing middle.’
A relatively small number of large, often very profitable co-operative businesses co-exist with an enormous range of micro businesses. But the number of medium sized businesses is limited.
In the UK in particular, of the 3,361 co-operatives for which turnover is known, 45 (1.3%) businesses conform to the EU definition of a large business. Approximately 70 (2.1%) are classed as medium sized businesses. The remaining 3,246 (96.6%) are small or micro businesses. 2,941 (91%) have a turnover of less than £1 million. 2,211 (66%) turnover less than £250,000.
This has given rise to important questions. What do micro, small and medium sized co-operatives need to do to grow? And what can be done at a strategic level to catalyse and support this growth?
The ICMIF global conference in Cape Town brings together co-operative and mutual insurers, some of the most successful businesses in the global sector, to discuss strategic and professional issues.
Co-operative and mutual insurers worldwide have a combined premium income of $252 billion. It is has grown by 26% since 2007, twice the speed of the global insurance market. Of the ten largest co-operatives and mutual in the world, six are in the insurance sector, with the Japanese mutual insurer, Zenkyoren, the largest mutual in the world.
Not surprisingly, given these figures, a key element of the conference has been strategies for growth, with a focused morning of sessions and discussions. There are some lessons for the co-operative sector here.
Strategic partnerships
Delegates and speakers agreed that strategic partnerships with aligned co-operatives and mutuals offer a way to expand into new markets with a good understanding of the local customers and business environment.
Luc Roger, The Director of European and International Studies at Harmonie Mutuelles, the largest health insurer in France, explained one its alliances. The insurer partnered with an Italian healthcare provider, Cesare Pozzo, to offer combined insurance and healthcare when the Italian government began its health reforms.
Both are able to provide their specialist services, with Harmonie Mutuelles benefitting from the local knowledge of its Italian partner.
Gerard Andreck, the President of the Board of another French mutual MACIF, emphasised the additional benefit of partnerships.
‘When we need to grow, inevitably we need capital, otherwise we are doomed to fail, and this will have an impact on our reputation. Sometimes you can solve your capital problems through partnerships.’
Hilde Vernaillen, the Chair of the Management Committee of Belgium’s P & V Group and CEO of its insurance arm, explains what’s at stake. ‘Rather than acquisitions,’ she says, ‘we need to find new ways to form partnerships between co-operatives and mutuals. We need to set aside our egos.’
Member engagement
Brad Hewitt, the President and CEO of Thrivet Financial in the US, emphasised the importance of engaging members in growth.
Originally a mutual insurance provider for members of the Lutheran Church, the business wanted to reach new customers. Worried that the members would see this expansion as the rejection of its principles, it engaged and listened to its members, and expanded its offer to others with a Christian faith.
It put the change to a vote amongst its members. 400,000 of its 2 million members voted in the election, with 72% voting in favour, enabling the business retain its existing customer base and expand to a new one. ‘They feel like members as they are able to participate in the process’ said Mr Hewitt.
Patience
Brad Hewitt also highlighted a third element of growth: patience. The decision to target a new market was taken over two years before any changes began.
The business started by altering its language, talking about faith and finance and replacing the word ‘Lutheran’ with ‘Christian’. Gradual it began to engage its members and consulted stakeholders until eventually a decision was needed.
Geoff Parkinson, CEO of Sunderland Marine Mutual Insurance Company’s experience was similar. ‘It’s important for companies to build up capital so you can weather the storm’ and invest in growth. ‘I can recall times that research and development has been time consuming and torturous’ he said.
Leadership
Finally, speakers and delegates focused on the importance of courageous and clear leadership.
Echoing the ideas on leadership documented in ICMIF’s new member-only report, Chief Executive Insights, many saw decisive leadership based on listening and vision as fundamental for making growth happen.
Just as partnerships, engagement and patience are important, so is decision-making. ‘There comes a point when you need to just press on. We pushed and we put pressure on our board to take a courageous act’ said Brad Hewitt.
The various strategies for growth highlighted at the ICMIF conference are certainly not the only factors, and whether they translate to different industries and businesses is a question.
But nevertheless the insights from leaders of some of the largest and most successful mutual businesses provide some useful lessons and ideas for the co-operative movement. | https://www.thenews.coop/40181/sector/banking-and-insurance/lessons-growth-mutual-leaders/ |
Acquisitions form a large part of Enghouse's overall growth and diversification strategy. Enghouse primarily focuses on acquiring software and services firms with applications solutions and existing customer bases, but will also consider technology-only acquisitions.
Enghouse seeks companies that develop and sell customer focused software solutions that are complementary to its existing businesses, or offer opportunities for Enghouse to enter new vertical markets in fragmented industries.
Enghouse is a cash buyer with significant cash on hand to finance its acquisition strategy. Our deal structure and process are straightforward and transparent resulting in a fast closing and a history of closing almost all deals post-LOI. | https://enghouse.com/acquisitions.php |
As COVID-19 continues to rage across the globe, business executives are faced with the urgent challenge of how best to respond and contribute to the benefit of their employees, their customers, their communities and ultimately their businesses. The challenge is that the pandemic is what social scientists like to a call a truly “wicked problem”—an enormously complex challenge where no single solution exists.
Over the last decade or so, global business leaders have increasingly tackled these types of wicked problems through new, creative, non-traditional partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government agencies. Celebrated CEOs, such as former Unilever CEO Paul Polman, champion these cross-sector collaborations as critical for tackling issues ranging from climate change to the sustainable sourcing of inputs and materials. These partnerships enable companies to leverage new resources, expertise and networks.
But cross-sector partnerships differ from traditional business alliances that companies have with vendors or suppliers. You don’t simply hire an NGO or a UN agency and cut them a check, but rather start with building a shared understanding of the problem to be solved and develop common goals and a framework for sharing risks, responsibilities and rewards. In a cross-sector partnership, the value is created by partners leveraging the capabilities of the other partners to solve the problem.
For example, CPG companies, including Unilever and Colgate-Palmolive, partnered with development organizations such as Mercy Corps to improve handwashing in Africa and Asia through the Global Handwashing Partnership. For the CPG companies, the partnership is a great opportunity to build demand for soap and sanitation products by leveraging the expertise, funding and reach of the NGOs. For an NGO like Mercy Corps, the CPG companies bring enormous marketing capabilities—an incredible resource, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sounds great, right? The problem is that these cross-sector collaborations are very hard to do well. In fact, a recent study by the Hilton Foundation found that roughly 75% of these cross-sector partnerships fail to live up to expectations. Why are they so hard to get right? Here are three common reasons:
1. Different missions, cultures and time horizons. Businesses, governments and NGOs have very different organizational goals and corresponding cultures. Most companies are wired to deliver and report on a quarterly cycle that the stock market demands. Meanwhile, governments and NGOs work on longer time horizons and, as publicly-funded institutions, are accountable to taxpayers and citizens—not shareholders. These differences in mission, culture and time horizon can make it difficult for organizations to synch up.
2. Poor internal alignment. Believe it or not, a major cause of problems in these cross-sector partnerships is often the internal alignment within organizations. In companies, a CSR or sustainability team may develop a partnership with an NGO, but the sustainability team has to rely on other business units—operations, marketing, etc.—to deliver. If those business units are not incentivized or aligned properly, a company may fail to deliver on its commitments in a partnership. Lack of internal alignment is not unique to businesses—governments and NGOs often face similar internal alignment challenges.
3. Failure to select the right partners. Too often, companies will rush into a partnership with an NGO or agency with little or no due diligence. Perhaps, the CEOs met at a conference, hit it off and decided to work together. As they get into the details of how to work together, these partners often quickly discover that their capabilities and resources are not as complementary as their leaders originally thought.
While cross-sector partnerships are not easy, there are some simple steps business leaders can take to increase the odds of success:
1. Be very clear on the problem to be solved. Make sure that your team working on the partnership understands very clearly the business’s goals and motivations for engaging in a partnership. Those goals and motivations should be clearly communicated within your company and to your prospective partners. For example, when PepsiCo faced productivity issues in their agricultural supply chains in key markets in Asia, they thoroughly investigated the issue and determined that much of the productivity problem could be solved not through the use of new seeds or fertilizer, but rather by empowering women in decision-making on smallholder farms in their supply chain. By getting very clear on the nature of the problem to be solved, PepsiCo was then able to identify NGO and donor partners with the mission, resources and expertise needed to help address the needs of women on smallholder farms in Asia.
2. Align incentives. If a partnership is going to engage multiple business units within your company, you need to ensure that those business units are aligned with the goals of the partnership. In the PepsiCo case above, the company’s Asia subsidiaries will be critical to the success of the partnership. However, the subsidiaries may be primarily focused on their quarterly P/L goals and see a partnership—however beneficial in the long-term- as a distraction. Therefore, it is important that corporate leaders step up and work with business units to align incentives in support of a partnership.
3. Do your homework on potential partners. There are literally tens of thousands of NGOs and agencies out there. Companies need to do their due diligence on partners in terms of reputation, capabilities and resources to ensure they are the right fit.
The wicked problem of COVID-19 is making new, unprecedented demands on all facets of society, including businesses. As business leaders look to engage in solving COVID-19 related issues, they need to get creative and collaborate with NGOs and governments in new ways. By being thoughtful and intentional in how they approach these partnerships, CEOs greatly increase their chances of success in having a lasting impact on the pandemic. | https://chiefexecutive.net/creating-partnerships-to-navigate-covid-19/ |
ACS business activities serve select vertical markets with the provision of solutions to the Southern, Eastern and Western African marketplace supported by a rich portfolio of quality services and products. Our knowledge of the market, our quality of people, our in house skills, as well as our commitment to customer service puts us in a prime position to serve our markets effectively. ACS will continue to succeed in growing a strong market position by leveraging off a combined existing customer base to expand its activities into other vehicles. Furthermore, ACS leverages off its international partners experience, market knowledge, products and solutions to aggressively expand into new vertical markets.
With more than 20 years’ experience, a prominent market position, leading international partnerships and an enviable portfolio of customers, ACS is well placed to continue to grow its market share.
ACS is a level 2 BBBEE certified with Value Add service provider status which allows suppliers to claim 156,25% of their spend with ACS as Preferential Procurement.
ACS offices are located in Linbro Business Park, Sandton. The offices house the organisation’s marketing, sales, finance and administration, logistics, repair centre, help desk, software development, technical support and account management services. There is also a branch office in Cape Town providing sales and help desk support. | https://acs-sa.com/content/welcome-altech-card-solutions |
The buyers are successful, established entrepreneurs and experienced company directors. They own several businesses throughout Middle East and North Africa in a number of sectors such as: FMCG distribution, information technology services, power supply solutions etc. Looking to expand their market reach by acquiring similar or complementary businesses in the UK. Target companies may be involved in: supply of food and beverages (dairy, frozen and dry Items, bakery etc); compatible toner suppliers; power supply and components; or software development and computer solutions. The ideal business should have these attributes: diverse range of products; good distribution channels; experienced staff members and a loyal customer base. | https://www.business-sale.com/businesses-wanted/food-electronics-it-services-uk-6104 |
Access to finance is a critical piece of the food security puzzle. Smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs in agricultural value chains often lack the funds they need to invest in their farms and businesses to improve productivity and connect to markets. They often face challenges managing cash flows to meet household needs for food, education and agricultural inputs during the lean season and other critical times of year. On the supply side, financial institutions face challenges developing financial services and products that are profitable yet affordable for smallholders and growing businesses, given the higher transaction costs and risks involved in serving the rural and agricultural finance market.
This month, Agrilinks is focusing on the role of finance in meeting our food security goals. Agrilinks will highlight initiatives and innovations that are both helping bridge the $210 billion gap in global smallholder financing for the world’s 450 million smallholder farmers as well as addressing the financing needs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in agricultural market systems.
This piece from One Acre Fund highlights exciting collaborations between social impact lenders such as Propagate and the Council on Smallholder Agricultural Finance, which are working to lower barriers to entry to deliver smallholder financing, scale up and expand service provisions, and share knowledge. The piece also highlights that smallholder farmers need much more than capital. They need agricultural extension services and basic business skills among other things to effectively leverage financing.
Finance: Unlocking Capital Flows addresses strategies for catalyzing private capital flows in the context of Feed the Future programming under the U.S. Government’s Global Food Security Strategy (GFSS). This is one of a series of 18 technical guidance documents developed to support GFSS implementation.
This post highlights findings of a CGAP report on Segmentation of Smallholder Households, which differentiates smallholder farmers and their finance needs into three segments according to how they engage with markets and how those markets are organized.
This post on Country Analyses of Agriculture Finance Landscape shares results of a strategic landscaping exercise conducted by the USAID's Bureau for Food Security (BFS), Office of Market and Partnership Innovations in four countries: Honduras, Kenya, Nigeria and Nepal.
Also from the BFS Office of Market and Partnership Innovations, the Case Studies on Agricultural Finance series draws from real-life implementation examples on improving transaction efficiencies, strengthening agricultural enterprises, developing new products, creating strategic partnerships and more.
Inflection Point: Unlocking Growth in the Era of Farmer Finance, a report from the Initiative for Smallholder Finance identifying marketplace gaps, opportunities and pathways to address smallholder finance demand.
Guide to the Use of Digital Financial Services in Agriculture, which provides an analytical framework for assessing how digital financial services can help address value chain challenges and accelerate progress toward agriculture development goals, in addition to case studies and mini-intervention guides.
A link to the Mastercard Foundation’s Rural and Agricultural Finance Learning Lab, which fosters knowledge creation, sharing and collaboration toward better financial solutions for more smallholder farmers and other rural clients.
A new toolkit developed by USAID, Using Digital Tools to Expand Agriculture Insurance, shares the latest learning and best practices in this emerging space. Insurance is an important tool for protecting farmers' financial investments and assets, with the advent of mobile-friendly insurance products, this safety net is now in reach of an increasing number of smallholders.
Firm to Farm Finance Toolkit: Hearing, Creating & Delivering Human-Centered Solutions for Inclusive Access to Finance, produced for USAID by FHI 360 and iDE-Bangladesh.
We look forward to receiving your contributions on this month. Stay tuned for more resources on the topic throughout February! | https://www.agrilinks.org/post/agrilinks-focuses-finance-food-security-february |
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