Academic literature on the topic 'Dichotomous key'

University of Guelph undergraduate students have been struggling to independently identify macroinvertebrates using dichotomous keys in the Biology of Polluted Waters course (BIOL*4350). The course currently uses dichotomous keys that lack definitions of complex anatomical terms and illustrations that place features in the context of the whole organism. This results in taxonomic bias, whereby some macroinvertebrate families are ignored in subsampling, especially for Ephemeroptera (mayflies). This is of particular concern to biotic assessment of stream quality that uses Ephemeroptera as biological indicators. An updated dichotomous key for Ephemeroptera with illustrations and definitions of anatomical terms integrated within the text of the key was developed at the University of Guelph in Winter 2012. The generation of the key utilized a local macroinvertebrate collection, published literature and existing keys. The effectiveness of the updated key was tested against the BIOL*4350 key by comparing the number of correct identifications produced by undergraduate student volunteers using both keys. Additionally, the number of correct identifications by student volunteers who had previously taken BIOL*4350 (n=18) and those who had not taken the course (n=40) were compared. It was predicted that students who had previously taken BIOL*4350 would produce more correct identifications than students who had not. The new key had a significantly higher proportion of correct identifications than the old key (p

AbstractWork is in progress for the completion of a computer-aided key to all lichens known to occur in Italy, which will be freely available online, and as a free application for mobile devices. A first example, concerning the lichens of Northern Italy (2.339 infrageneric taxa), is already available online for testing. A computer-generated but manually edited dichotomous key is invoked for all species previously filtered via a multi-entry interface, where several selected characters can be specified in a single step. To optimize the two query interfaces, two different datasets are used, one for the dichotomous, the other for the multi-entry interface.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to elaborate supporting tools for the correct identification of Scarabaeidae, by an identification key of genera, and a commented list of the species present in Brazilian pastures. A data survey was performed on the specimens deposited in the main Brazilian collection and reported on the recent scientific literature. The distribution of the species was identified in the Brazilian states, based on information on feeding preference, ecological aspects, and potential for faeces removal action. The species were classified according to their importance for pastures, as: high, medium, and low. A key for the identification of the genera and subgenera of Scarabeidae present in the pastures was constructed through the analysis of the external morphology of the species and, when needed, by the analysis of sexual traits. Twenty genera and 76 species of scarab beetles were recorded for Brazilian pasturelands, among which Dichotomius bos, Dichotomius nisus, Trichillum externepunctatum, Ontherus appendiculatus, Onthophagus aff. hirculus, and Digitonthophagus sp. were considered as the most frequent, widely distributed, abundant, and important. The dichotomous key will contribute to the identification of the genera and subgenera of dung beetles (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) occurring in the Brazilian pastures.

Members of Braconidae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonoidea) are mostly parasitoids of other holometabolous insects. It is a large family with a little over 18,000 described species and many more to be described. Subfamily classification in this group has been unstable and resolution of phylogenetic history at the subfamily level has been problematic. Since 1993, no new keys to the subfamilies of Braconidae have been produced. Many taxonomic and phylogenetic changes have taken place since then, including a recent phylogeny proposing 47 subfamilies and representing the most robust and resolved analysis to date. A pressing need for new keys to the world subfamilies of Braconidae is evident. Using the free programs, DELTA and INTKEY, easy to use keys to the subfamilies of Braconidae, both dichotomous and interactive were produced that will be published and freely available on the Internet. These are constructed for use by professionals and amateurs alike.

This study explored the use of a dichotomous key as a scaffolding tool in the museum setting. The dichotomous key was designed as a scaffolding tool to help students make more detailed observations as they identified various species of birds on display. The dichotomous key was delivered to groups of fifth and seventh graders in two ways: on a mobile platform and by museum educators. Data was collected in the forms of pre- and post-testing and observations to compare the two methods. Findings suggest the Mobile Dichotomous Key (MDK), developed by educators at the Bean Life Science Museum at Brigham Young University, was equally as effective as a teacher (museum educator) in assisting students in a learning activity designed to improve or develop scientific observation skills. While both groups' outcomes were the same, data from observations made during the learning activity showed that there were significant differences in the experience for the students. Students using the MDK were more engaged, could work at their own pace, and were more likely to work with their peers than students working in groups led by a museum educator. In contrast, students in the educator-led group were able to receive immediate feedback during the learning activity, as museum educators were able to make assessments and answer questions or expand the learning experience. A feedback mechanism is suggested for a future version of the Mobile Dichotomous Key app.

Select freshwater mussels in the genera Fusconaia, Pleurobema, and Pleuronaia were collected primarily in the upper Tennessee River basin from 2012 to 2014 for phylogenetic and morphological assessments. Freshwater mussels in these genera are similar in appearance, hence the need for phylogenetic verification and morphological assessment. Phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial gene ND1 and the nuclear gene ITS1 revealed three unrecognized, phylogenetically distinct species. These species were separated from their closest congener by 2.85%, 3.17%, and 6.32% based on pairwise genetic distances of ND1. Gaps created from aligning ITS1 sequences were coded as fifth characters, which phylogenetically separated most closely related species. Analyses of ND1 agreed with previous literature on the phylogenetic distinctiveness of Pleuronaia species, with the exception of the DNA sequences of P. gibberum, which grouped outside this genus based on the analyses conducted in this study. Morphological variation was recorded for eight of the species to include quantitative and qualitative characters as well as geometric morphometric analyses. Three decision trees were created from quantitative and qualitative characters using classification and regression tree analyses. The best-performing tree used quantitative and qualitative characters describing shell-only scenarios and obtained 80.6% correct classification on terminal nodes. Canonical variates analysis on geometric morphometric shell data revealed large morphological overlap between species. Goodall's F-tests between pairs of species revealed significant differences (a=0.05) between all but one species pairs; however, examination of landmarks on shells concluded large overlap of landmarks between species pairs. Lack of morphologically distinct characters to readily identify these phylogenetically distinct species indicates large morphological overlap among these species. Biologists need to be cognizant that morphologically cryptic species may exist in systems often explored. Three dichotomous keys were created from classification trees to identify select individuals in the genera Fusconaia, Pleurobema, and Pleuronaia; two of these keys, one for shells and one for live mussels were tested by participants with varying mussel identification skills to represent novices and experts. Both keys used continuous (quantitative) and categorical variables to guide participants to identifications. Novices, who had no prior mussel identification experience, correctly identified mussels with a 50% accuracy using the shell key and with a 51% accuracy using the live key. Experts, who had at least three years of experience identifying mussels, correctly identified mussels with a 58% accuracy using the shell key and with a 68% accuracy using the live key; however one expert noted that they did not use the live key to correctly identify one mussel. Morphological overlap of variables between mussels likely resulted in failure to consistently identify mussels correctly. Important management decisions and project implementations require accurate assessment of species' localities and populations. Incorrect species identification could hinder species' recovery efforts or prevent projects that otherwise could have continued if species are misidentified. If a mussel collection is thought to be a new record or could affect a project, I recommend that molecular genetic identifications be used to verify the species identity.
Master of Science

Mestrado em Ecologia Aplicada
Pateira de Fermentelos, located in the Aveiro region, is considered one of the largest natural freshwater lagoons of the Iberian Peninsula. This lagoon is an important aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem for the several European birds. It also plays a key role for local and regional population, who carry out numerous agricultural and recreation activities. Nowadays, duo to the industrial activities, the use of pesticides and herbicides in the agricultural crops, the lack of dredging and to the spread of invasive species, the ecological status of the lagoon has been deteriorating. This dissertation intends to contribute to the knowledge and botanical conservation heritage and prospect it in terms of environmental education, by allowing its use as pedagogical and didactic resource. The floristic survey of Pateira de Fermentelos included the aquatic, riparian, ruderal (paths) and forest (surrounding area) habitats. It was performed between October 2015 and may of 2016, using the predefined walking routs (PR1 and PR7). Were registered 170 taxa belonging to 133 genera and 64 families. An herbarium was prepared with all the species collected during the field trips as well as a dichotomous illustrate key to the riparian flora. This key comprises 79 taxa and their respective descriptive sheets in order to create a botanical field guide of Pateira de Fermentelos, that can be used by the public in general and for the educational institutions. The results reveal the existence of a great floristic diversity, characteristic of the identified vegetal communities that is urgent to know and to preserve.
A Pateira de Fermentelos, localizada na região de Aveiro, é considerada uma das maiores lagoas naturais da Península Ibérica. Constitui um importante ecossistema aquático e terrestre para diversas espécies de avifauna, e possui um papel fundamental para a população local e regional que nela desenvolvem inúmeras atividades recreativas e agrícolas. Atualmente, devido à atividade industrial envolvente, à utilização de pesticidas e herbicidas nas culturas agrícolas, à falta de dragagens e à propagação de espécies invasoras, o estado ecológico da lagoa tem vindo a deteriorar-se. Esta dissertação pretende contribuir para o conhecimento e conservação do património botânico e perspetivá-lo em termos de educação ambiental, ao permitir a sua utilização como recurso pedagógico e didático. O levantamento florístico da Pateira de Fermentelos compreendeu os habitats aquático, ripícola, ruderal (dos caminhos) e florestal (área envolvente). Foi realizado entre outubro de 2015 e maio de 2016, utilizando percursos pedestres já pré-definidos (PR1 e PR7). Foram registados 170 taxa pertencentes a 133 géneros e 64 famílias. Elaborouse um herbário, com todas os espécimes colhidos, e uma chave dicotómica ilustrada para a vegetação ripícola. Esta última inclui 79 taxa e respetivas fichas descritivas, com o intuito de produzir um guia de flora da Pateira de Fermentelos, que possa ser utilizado pelo público em geral e pelas instituições de ensino. Os resultados revelam que existe uma grande diversidade florística, caraterística das comunidades vegetais identificadas, que urge conhecer e preservar.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
Os girinos são organismos diversos e abundantes nos pequenos riachos de cabeceira de florestas tropicais e constituem importantes componentes da diversidade biológica, da trófica e funcional dos sistemas aquáticos. Diferentes características estruturais e limnológicas dos ambientes aquáticos influenciam a organização das assembleias de girinos. Embora o estágio larvar dos anuros seja o mais vulnerável de seu ciclo de vida, sujeito a elevadas taxas de mortalidade, as pesquisas sobre girinos na região neotropical ainda são pouco representativas diante da elevada diversidade de anfíbios desta região e ferramentas que permitam a sua identificação ainda são escassas. Nesta tese, dividida em três capítulos, apresento uma compilação das informações relacionadas aos principais fatores que afetam as assembleias de girinos na região tropical (Capítulo 1), a caracterização morfológica dos girinos encontrados nos riachos durante o estudo e uma proposta de chave dicotômica de identificação (Capítulo 2) e avalio a importância relativa da posição geográfica e da variação temporal de fatores ambientais locais sobre as assembleias de girinos, assim como a correlação entre as espécies de girinos e as variáveis ambientais de 10 riachos, ao longo de 15 meses, nas florestas da REGUA (Capítulo 3). Há pelo menos oito tendências relacionadas à distribuição das assembleias de girinos: (1) o tamanho dos riachos e a diversidade de microhabitats são importantes características abióticas influenciando a riqueza e a composição de espécies; (2) em poças, o gradiente de permanência (e.g., hidroperíodo) e a heterogeneidade do habitat são os principais fatores moldando as assembleias de girinos; (3) a composição de espécies parece ser um parâmetro das assembleias mais relevante do que a riqueza de espécies e deve ser primeiramente considerado durante o planejamento de ações conservacionistas de anuros associados a poças e riachos; (4) a predação parece ser a interação biótica mais importante na estruturação das assembleias de girinos, com predadores vertebrados (e.g. peixes) sendo mais vorazes em habitats permanentes e predadores invertebrados (e.g. larvas de odonata) sendo mais vorazes em ambientes temporários; (5) os girinos podem exercer um efeito regulatório, predando ovos e girinos recém eclodidos; (6) o uso do microhabitat varia em função da escolha do habitat reprodutivo pelos adultos, presença de predadores, filogenia, estágio de desenvolvimento e heterogeneidade do habitat; (7) os fatores históricos restringem os habitats reprodutivos que uma espécie utiliza, impondo restrições comportamentais e fisiológicas; (8) a variação temporal nos fatores bióticos (e.g., fatores de risco), abióticos (e.g., distribuição de chuvas), e no padrão de reprodução das espécies pode interferir na estrutura das assembleias de girinos tropicais. A variação temporal na heterogeneidade ambiental dos riachos da REGUA resultou na previsibilidade das assembleias locais de girinos, sendo que os parâmetros ambientais explicaram 23% da variação na sua composição. Os parâmetros espaciais explicaram uma porção menor da variação nas assembleias (16%), enquanto uma porção relativamente elevada da variação temporal da heterogeneidade ambiental foi espacialmente estruturada (18%). As variáveis abióticas que apresentaram as maiores correlação com a composição das assembleias de girinos foram a proporção de folhiço e de rochas no fundo do riacho, e secundariamente a profundidade, a condutividade e a temperatura. O gradiente gerado pela proporção de folhiço e de rochas representou a transição entre riachos permanentes e intermitentes. Este gradiente proporcionou o turnover de espécies, o qual também seguiu um gradiente de condutividade, temperatura, profundidade, e em menor extensão, de hidroperíodo e largura, que estiveram fortemente associado ao grau de permanência dos riachos. Estes resultados corroboram tanto a hipótese do controle ambiental, como do controle biótico de comunidades e indicam que a variação temporal da heterogeneidade ambiental e a variação na posição geográfica são importantes para a estruturação local de assembleias de girinos da REGUA. Os resultados também permitiram distinguir entre assembleias de girinos exclusivas de riachos permanentes, exclusivas de riachos intermitentes e aquelas registradas nos dois tipos de riachos. Os resultados deste capítulo são relevantes para compreender em que extensão os efeitos da variação temporal na heterogeneidade ambiental e de processos espaciais afetam localmente a estruturação de assembleias de girinos.
Tadpoles are diverse and abundant organisms in headwater streams of tropical rainforests and constitute important components of biological, trophic and functional diversity. Furthermore, different structural (e.g. size, depth, microhabitat availability) and limnological (e.g. conductivity, temperature) characteristics affect tadpole organization. Although the larval stage is the most vulnerable in anurans, subject to high mortality rates, researches on tadpoles in the neotropics, as tools for their identification, remain scarce face the high diversity of anurans found in this region. In this thesis, I present a compilation of information on the main factors affecting tadpole assemblages in the tropics (Chapter 1), the morphological characterization of tadpoles found in streams during the study with a propose of dichotomous key of identification (Chapter 2), and evaluated the relative importance of geographical position and the temporal variation o local environmental factors on tadpole assemblages through 15 months in 10 small streams in the Atlantic Forest of Reserva Ecológica do Guapiaçu (REGUA), municipality of Cachoeiras de Macacú, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I also investigated the correlation between tadpoles and the environmental variables of streams (Chapter 3). We can recognize at least eigth major trends regarding the distribution and structure of tropical tadpole assemblages: (1) stream size and microhabitat diversity are important abiotic features influencing species richness and composition; (2) in ponds, the permanence gradient (e.g., hydroperiod), and the heterogeneity of habitat are the main factors modeling tropical tadpole assemblages; (3) species composition seems to be a more relevant assemblage parameter than species richness and should be first considered when planning conservation of both pond and stream-dwelling anurans; (4) predation seems to be the most important biotic interaction structuring tropical tadpole assemblages, with vertebrate predators (e.g., fishes) being more voracious in permanent habitats, while invertebrates (e.g., odonate naiads) are the most important in temporary ones; (5) tadpoles may play a regulatory effect preying upon anuran eggs and recently hatched tadpoles (6) microhabitat use varies in function of breeding habitat choice by adults, presence of predators, phylogeny, stage of development and heterogeneity of the habitat; (7) historical factors restrict the breeding habitats that species may use, and impose behavioral and physiologic constrains; (8) temporal variation in biotic (e.g., risk factors) and abiotic factors (e.g., rainfall distribution), and the reproductive patterns of the species may interfere in the structure of tropical tadpole assemblages. Future efforts regarding the study of tadpoles should contemplate assemblages associated with streams, and experimental studies. Temporal variation in the environmental heterogeneity resulted in predictability of local tadpole assemblages. The environmental component explained 23% of the variation in tadpole composition, while spatial parameters explained the smaller portion of the variation (16%). A comparatively high portion of temporal variation in the environmental heterogeneity was spatially structured (18%). The proportion of litter and rocks on the stream bottom, depth, conductivity, and temperature were correlated with tadpole composition. The gradient created by the proportion of litter and rocks represented the changes from permanent and intermittent streams. This gradient provided the species turnover, which also followed a gradient of conductivity, temperature, depth, and in a lesser proportion, hydroperiod and width, all being strongly associated with permanence of streams. The results also corroborate with both the environmental and the biotic control model and indicate that temporal variation in environmental heterogeneity and the spatial position are important to the structuring of local tadpole assemblages in the streams of REGUA. The results also allowed to distinguish between tadpoles assemblages exclusive of permanent, intermittent, and those inhabiting both streams. The results of this chapter are relevant to understand in which extension the effects of temporal variation in environmental heterogeneity and spatial processes affect the structure of tadpole assemblages, the most fragile life stage of anurans

My introductory biology students are expected to acquire an extensive vocabulary and I have noticed that they often struggle to learn and make connections between the many Greek and Latin derived terms. This study investigated the effects of dichotomous keys with analogies on college students' understanding of concepts. Twenty adult students enrolled in one section of my Grade 12 equivalent biology course participated. A combination of quantitative and qualitative data collection tools were used to evaluate my intervention's impacts on understanding, long-term memory, and higher-order thinking skills. Data from the three treatment units were compared to one nontreatment unit during which only existing teaching methods were employed. Paired two-tailed t-tests were used to quantify any differences observed between the preunit, postunit, and delayed unit assessment scores. Student-generated works, and interview data obtained from low-, middle-, and high-achieving students, were compared to allow for triangulation of the data. Other forms of data collection were used to determine the effects of dichotomous keys with analogies on biology students' attitudes and motivation. Students' written comments on pretreatment and posttreatment attitude scales were compared to identify trends and outliers, while responses to Yes/No questions were quantified using chi-square analyses. In addition, teacher journaling and classroom observations by a peer observer were employed. The effects on my own teaching, time management, and attitude were assessed through the use of teacher attitude scales, journaling, and peer observations. The data indicate no significant improvement in students' overall conceptual understanding and higher-order thinking skills following the treatment period, but significant benefits were observed with respect to concept retention. Both lower-order thinking skills, and student and teacher attitudes and motivation, yielded mixed results. One group of students thrived during the prolonged use of dichotomous keys, while the other group became frustrated with, and disengaged from, its highly structured format.

In the archaeological literature, mountains are often portrayed as the boundaries between inhabited spaces. Yet occupying high elevations may have been an adaptive choice for ancient peoples, as rapidly changing elevations also offer variation in climate and resources over a relatively small area. So what happens, instead, if we put mountain landscapes at the center of our analyses of prehistoric seasonal rounds and ecological adaptation? This Ph.D. argues that, in order to understand any landscape that includes mountains, from the Alps to the Andes, one must include the ecology and archaeology of the highest elevations. Specifically, I base my findings on new fieldwork and lithic collections from the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) of the Rocky Mountains, which was a vital crossroads of prehistoric cultures for more than 11,000 years. I include five interlocking analyses. First, I consider the impacts of anthropogenic climate change on high elevation cultural resources, focusing on the diminishing resiliency of ancient high elevation ice patches and the loss of the organic artifacts and paleobiological materials they contain. Second, I create a dichotomous key for chronologically typing projectile points, suggesting a methodological improvement for typological dating in the GYE and for surface archaeology more broadly. Third, I use obsidian source data to consider whether mountain people were a single, unified group or were represented by a variety of peoples with different zones of land tenure. Fourth, I consider high elevation occupation in both mountain ranges as part of the seasonal round, using indices of diversity in tool types and raw material to study how the duration of those occupations changed through time. And, finally, I test the common contention that ancient people primarily used mountains as refugia from extreme climatic pressure at lower elevations. Ultimately, I find that, in both mountain ranges, increased high elevation activity is most highly correlated with increased population, not with hot, dry climatic conditions. In other words, the mountains were more than simply refugia for plains or basin people to occupy when pressured by climatic hardship. In addition, between the Absarokas and the Beartooths the evidence suggests two different patterns of occupation, not a monolithic pan-mountain adaptation. These results demonstrate the potential contributions of surface archaeology to our understanding of prehistory, and have important implications for the way we think about mountain landscapes as peopled spaces in relation to adjacent lower-elevation areas.

Dissertação de Mestrado, Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia, 27 março de 2019, Universidade dos Açores.
O presente trabalho pretende relatar os primeiros avanços realizados no cenário de um programa de Ciência Cidadã nos Açores, com vista a detetar espécies de joaninhas não nativas na região. Assim, este trabalho consistiu, em primeiro lugar, na compilação e organização de dados sobre as joaninhas historicamente referenciadas para o arquipélago dos Açores e, em segundo lugar, com essa informação, desenvolver uma interface com os cidadãos. De forma a ajudar na recolha de dados, foram elaborados guias de campo e de laboratório para a observação e identificação de joaninhas, sempre no âmbito da Ciência Cidadã. Todos os protocolos e chave de identificação foram, posteriormente, testados por grupos de voluntários pertencentes às escolas da Ribeira Grande, da Lagoa e valências da Santa Casa da Misericórdia da Ribeira Grande. Foram criadas, também, plataformas virtuais (página Web e página Facebook) com o intuito de permitir ao cidadão comum contribuição com dados através das suas próprias observações. Essas contribuições serão, posteriormente, utilizadas na investigação, por técnicos qualificados, de maneira a poderem ser utilizadas na identificação de potenciais invasoras.
ABSTRACT: The present work intends to report the first achievements made in the scenario of a Citizen Science program in the Azores, in order to detect non-native ladybird species in the region. Thus, this work consisted, firstly, in the compilation and organization of data on the ladybirds historically referenced in the Azores archipelago, and, secondly, consisted in the development of an interface, with the citizens, using the information. In order to assist in the collection of data, field and laboratory guides were developed for the observation and identification of ladybirds, always within the scope of Citizen Science. All guides and identification keys were later tested by groups of volunteers from schools in Ribeira Grande and Lagoa and from valences of Santa Casa da Misericórdia da Ribeira Grande. Virtual platforms (Web and Facebook pages) were also created in order to enable the average citizen to contribute with data through their own observations. These contributions will subsequently be used in the investigation by qualified technicians so that they can be used in the identification of potentials invaders.

This article investigates the tradition of case-oriented configurational research, focusing specifically on qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) as a tool for causal inference. It first presents two analytic procedures commonly used by comparative researchers. A short description of the state-of-the-art of QCA applications is offered, in terms of discipline, types of cases, models, combinations with other methods, and software development. It then reviews different uses of QCA, as well as generic ‘best practices’. Some key recent evolutions are illustrated: on the one hand the development, beyond dichotomous ‘crisp set’ QCA (csQCA), of multi-value QCA (mvQCA), fuzzy sets, and fuzzy-set QCA (fsQCA), and on the other hand technical advances and refinements in the use of the techniques. Finally, the article gives some concluding reflections as to expected developments, upcoming innovations, remaining challenges, expansion of fields of application, and cross-fertilization with other approaches.

Chapter 3 explores the ethical implications of the hermeneutic approach to narrative. It proposes a framework for analyzing and evaluating narrative practices from an ethical perspective by differentiating between six aspects of their ethical potential. (1) It argues that the power of narratives to cultivate and expand one’s sense of the possible is ethically crucial. In relation to this key point, it suggests that narratives can (2) contribute to personal and cultural self-understanding; (3) provide an ethical mode of understanding other lives and experiences “non-subsumptively” in their singularity; (4) create, challenge, and transform narrative in-betweens; (5) develop one’s perspective-awareness and capacity for perspective-taking; and (6) function as a mode of ethical inquiry. The chapter develops a non-subsumptive model of narrative understanding and shows how the hermeneutic approach allows one to go beyond the dichotomous question of whether narratives are good or bad, toward appreciating their ethical complexity.

In 1980–1, anti-police collective violence spread across England. This was the earliest confrontation between the state and members of the British public during Thatcher’s divisive government. This powerful and original book locates these disturbances within a longer struggle against racism and disadvantage faced by black Britons, which had seen a growth in more militant forms of resistance since World War II. In this first full-length historical study of 1980–1, three case studies – of Bristol, Brixton, and Manchester – emphasise the importance of local factors and the wider situation, concluding that these events should be viewed as ‘collective bargaining by riot’ – as a tool attempting increased political inclusion for marginalised black Britons. Focussing on the political activities of black Britons themselves, it explores the actions of community organisations in the aftermath of disorders to highlight dichotomous valuations of state mechanisms. A key focus is public inquiries, which were contrastingly viewed by black Britons as either a governmental diversionary tactic, or a method of legitimising their inclusion with the British constitutional system. Through study of a wide range of newly-available archives, interviews, understudied local sources, and records of grassroots black political organisations, this work expands understandings of protest movements and community activism in modern democracies while highlighting the often-problematic reliance upon ‘official’ sources when forming historical narratives. Of interest to researchers of race, ethnicity, and migration history, as well as modern British political and social history more generally, its interdisciplinary nature will also appeal to wider fields, including sociology, political sciences, and criminology.

Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia is a complete guide to Australia’s rich and varied herpetofauna, including frogs, crocodiles, turtles, tortoises, lizards and snakes. For each of the 1218 species there is a description of its appearance, distribution and habits. Each species is accompanied by a distribution map and, in most cases, a colour photograph of the living animal. The book includes 130 simple-to-use dichotomous keys that in most cases allow a specimen in hand to be identified. In addition, it has a comprehensive list of scientific references for those wishing to conduct more in-depth research, an extensive glossary, and basic guides to the collection, preservation and captive care of specimens. This classic work, originally published in 1975, has been completely brought up to date. This seventh edition includes all species described prior to October 2013.

This book is a comprehensive guide to the identification of 800 species of decapod and stomatopod crustaceans from southern Australian marine waters. It is liberally illustrated with more than 1000 line drawings giving good views of many species as well as diagnostic illustrations. Details for each species include the authority, year of description, sometimes a common name, diagnosis, size, geographical distribution, and ecological and depth distribution. The chapter on the Stomatopoda is by Shane Ahyong. Sections within each chapter are hierarchical, species within genera, within families (often with subfamilies as well). Identification is achieved through the use of dichotomous keys adapted from many originally published in the primary literature, or developed from scratch. Some keys are to all Australian taxa but most are to southern Australian taxa only. The information in this book derives from over 200 years of collecting in southern Australian environments, from the intertidal to the deep sea, and publications in numerous journals in several languages. More than 800 of these papers and books are cited. Winner of the 2005 Whitley Award for Systematics.

This chapter brings a postcolonial perspective into the study of popular music in Iceland and the North Atlantic. The argument is that the fascination with Icelandic culture and nature, in which popular music plays a key role, evolves from a sense of “discovery” in the 1980s in Anglophone media that echoes a longer colonial history. The fascination with the present is grounded in the familiar myth of an isolated culture and nature untouched by modernity. Iceland’s authenticity is thus inseparable from the country’s mythical status as a deep freeze for Old Norse heritage and its location at the margins of Scandinavian modernity. The argument is demonstrated through analysis of the “discovery” motif in international media and in Icelandic record shops, festivals, and tourism marketing. The analysis opens up for a more nuanced understanding of the North Atlantic, looking beyond late twentieth-century dichotomies.

Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia is a complete guide to Australia’s rich and varied herpetofauna, including frogs, crocodiles, turtles, tortoises, lizards and snakes. For each of the 1218 species there is a description of its appearance, distribution and habits. These descriptions are also accompanied by distribution maps and, in many cases, one of the book's more than 1000 colour photographs of living animals. The book also includes 130 simple-to-use dichotomous keys, accompanied by hundreds of explanatory drawings, that in most cases allow a specimen in hand to be identified. In addition, it has a comprehensive list of scientific references for those wishing to conduct more in-depth research, an extensive glossary, and basic guides to the collection, preservation and captive care of specimens. This classic work was originally published in 1975. The updated seventh edition contains a new Appendix that discusses recent changes and lists over 80 new or resurrected species and genera that have been added to the Australian frog and reptile fauna since the 2014 edition.

This chapter examines qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), which strives to bridge the methodological rift between case study-based research and quantitative studies. QCA belongs to the broader family of configurational comparative methods (CCMs). From an analytical perspective, QCA can be distinguished from quantitative approaches. The emphasis shifts from covariance to the analysis of set relations. Being strongly tied to a profound theoretical and conceptual reasoning which is typical for comparison in general, the analysis of set relations is based on three steps: first, a score is attributed to a social phenomenon (representing either a dichotomous or a graded set membership), usually in relation to other phenomena. Second, necessary conditions are defined. Third, through the help of a truth table analysis, (combinations of) sufficient conditions are analysed.

It is widely acknowledged that the label “digital divide” can be partially misleading, because it emphasizes a binary dichotomy (“haves vs. have nots”) and a mere technological dimension (in terms of physical availability of devices or conduits). Behind the dichotomous model, however, lie different use and adoption strategies. People cannot be described as being either in or out. Evaluating the complex relationships between technological, social, and human factors raises a number of questions, mainly related to the role of technology in social development. Moreover, we should also reconsider what is commonly meant by information and communication technology. In this chapter, I will try to introduce a multilevel model for analyzing the digital divide, focusing on effective access and new media literacy. The focus will be shifted from technology to humans. In every ICT for development project, local context and local needs should be regarded as the key factors.

The importance of middle managers is frequently noted in the context of strategic management and other key decisions (Floyd & Wooldridge, 1996; Gold, 1998; Kettunen, 2002). The role of the middle managers can, however, be much greater because they are responsible with other creative individuals for the innovations of their subunits. They assume the responsibility for developing many information systems to serve the processes of the organisation. There has been some criticism of the limited scope of information system innovation research (Lyytinen & Rose, 2003a, 2003b). The purpose of this article is to show that the information systems of an education institution can be classified according to the information environments (IEs) and other characteristics such as the organisational levels. The analysis reveals the creative class of a higher education institution (HEI) which assumes responsibility for developing the information systems in cooperation with the other units of the institution and networks. The empirical case of this article illustrates the information environments and information systems of the Turku University of Applied Sciences (TUAS). It is argued that technology and behaviour are not dichotomous in an information environment; they are inseparable. The analysis helps education management to develop the institution’s information systems in an innovative way.

Aim/Purpose: This paper provides the results of the preliminary analysis of the findings of an ongoing study that seeks to examine the social media use, cultural and political awareness, civic engagement, issue prioritization, and social activism of Gen Z students enrolled at four different institutional types located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The aim of this study is to look at the group as a whole as well as compare findings across populations. The institutional types under consideration include a mid-sized majority serving or otherwise referred to as a traditionally white institution (TWI) located in a small coastal city on the Atlantic Ocean, a small Historically Black University (HBCU) located in a rural area, a large community college located in a county that is a mixture of rural and suburban and which sits on the border of Maryland and Pennsylvania, and graduating high school students enrolled in career and technical education (CTE) programs in a large urban area. This exploration is purposed to examine the behaviors and expectations of Gen Z students within a representative American region during a time of tremendous turmoil and civil unrest in the United States. Background: Over 74 million strong, Gen Z makes up almost one-quarter of the U.S. population. They already outnumber any current living generation and are the first true digital natives. Born after 1996 and through 2012, they are known for their short attention spans and heightened ability to multi-task. Raised in the age of the smart phone, they have been tethered to digital devices from a young age with most having the preponderance of their childhood milestones commemorated online. Often called Zoomers, they are more racially and ethnically diverse than any previous generation and are on track to be the most well-educated generation in history. Gen Zers in the United States have been found in the research to be progressive and pro-government and viewing increasing racial and ethnic diversity as positive change. Finally, they are less likely to hold xenophobic beliefs such as the notion of American exceptionalism and superiority that have been popular with by prior generations. The United States has been in a period of social and civil unrest in recent years with concerns over systematic racism, rampant inequalities, political polarization, xenophobia, police violence, sexual assault and harassment, and the growing epidemic of gun violence. Anxieties stirred by the COVID-19 pandemic further compounded these issues resulting in a powder keg explosion occurring throughout the summer of 2020 and leading well into 2021. As a result, the United States has deteriorated significantly in the Civil Unrest Index falling from 91st to 34th. The vitriol, polarization, protests, murders, and shootings have all occurred during Gen Z’s formative years, and the limited research available indicates that it has shaped their values and political views. Methodology: The Mid-Atlantic region is a portion of the United States that exists as the overlap between the northeastern and southeastern portions of the country. It includes the nation’s capital, as well as large urban centers, small cities, suburbs, and rural enclaves. It is one of the most socially, economically, racially, and culturally diverse parts of the United States and is often referred to as the “typically American region.” An electronic survey was administered to students from 2019 through 2021 attending a high school dual enrollment program, a minority serving institution, a majority serving institution, and a community college all located within the larger mid-Atlantic region. The survey included a combination of multiple response, Likert scaled, dichotomous, open ended, and ordinal questions. It was developed in the Survey Monkey system and reviewed by several content and methodological experts in order to examine bias, vagueness, or potential semantic problems. Finally, the survey was pilot tested prior to implementation in order to explore the efficacy of the research methodology. It was then modified accordingly prior to widespread distribution to potential participants. The surveys were administered to students enrolled in classes taught by the authors all of whom are educators. Participation was voluntary, optional, and anonymous. Over 800 individuals completed the survey with just over 700 usable results, after partial completes and the responses of individuals outside of the 18-24 age range were removed. Findings: Participants in this study overwhelmingly were users of social media. In descending order, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, WhatsApp, LinkedIn and Tik Tok were the most popular social media services reported as being used. When volume of use was considered, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and Twitter were the most cited with most participants reporting using Instagram and Snapchat multiple times a day. When asked to select which social media service they would use if forced to choose just one, the number one choice was YouTube followed by Instagram and Snapchat. Additionally, more than half of participants responded that they have uploaded a video to a video sharing site such as YouTube or Tik Tok. When asked about their familiarity with different technologies, participants overwhelmingly responded that they are “very familiar” with smart phones, searching the Web, social media, and email. About half the respondents said that they were “very familiar” with common computer applications such as the Microsoft Office Suite or Google Suite with another third saying that they were “somewhat familiar.” When asked about Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Blackboard, Course Compass, Canvas, Edmodo, Moodle, Course Sites, Google Classroom, Mindtap, Schoology, Absorb, D2L, itslearning, Otus, PowerSchool, or WizIQ, only 43% said they were “very familiar” with 31% responding that they were “somewhat familiar.” Finally, about half the students were either “very” or “somewhat” familiar with operating systems such as Windows. A few preferences with respect to technology in the teaching and learning process were explored in the survey. Most students (85%) responded that they want course announcements and reminders sent to their phones, 76% expect their courses to incorporate the use of technology, 71% want their courses to have course websites, and 71% said that they would rather watch a video than read a book chapter. When asked to consider the future, over 81% or respondents reported that technology will play a major role in their future career. Most participants considered themselves “informed” or “well informed” about current events although few considered themselves “very informed” or “well informed” about politics. When asked how they get their news, the most common forum reported for getting news and information about current events and politics was social media with 81% of respondents reporting. Gen Z is known to be an engaged generation and the participants in this study were not an exception. As such, it came as no surprise to discover that, in the past year more than 78% of respondents had educated friends or family about an important social or political issue, about half (48%) had donated to a cause of importance to them, more than a quarter (26%) had participated in a march or rally, and a quarter (26%) had actively boycotted a product or company. Further, about 37% consider themselves to be a social activist with another 41% responding that aren’t sure if they would consider themselves an activist and only 22% saying that they would not consider themselves an activist. When asked what issues were important to them, the most frequently cited were Black Lives Matter (75%), human trafficking (68%), sexual assault/harassment/Me Too (66.49%), gun violence (65.82%), women’s rights (65.15%), climate change (55.4%), immigration reform/deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) (48.8%), and LGBTQ+ rights (47.39%). When the schools were compared, there were only minor differences in social media use with the high school students indicating slightly more use of Tik Tok than the other participants. All groups were virtually equal when it came to how informed they perceived themselves about current events and politics. Consensus among groups existed with respect to how they get their news, and the community college and high school students were slightly more likely to have participated in a march, protest, or rally in the last 12 months than the university students. The community college and high school students were also slightly more likely to consider themselves social activists than the participants from either of the universities. When the importance of the issues was considered, significant differences based on institutional type were noted. Black Lives Matter (BLM) was identified as important by the largest portion of students attending the HBCU followed by the community college students and high school students. Less than half of the students attending the TWI considered BLM an important issue. Human trafficking was cited as important by a higher percentage of students attending the HBCU and urban high school than at the suburban and rural community college or the TWI. Sexual assault was considered important by the majority of students at all the schools with the percentage a bit smaller from the majority serving institution. About two thirds of the students at the high school, community college, and HBCU considered gun violence important versus about half the students at the majority serving institution. Women’s rights were reported as being important by more of the high school and HBCU participants than the community college or TWI. Climate change was considered important by about half the students at all schools with a slightly smaller portion reporting out the HBCU. Immigration reform/DACA was reported as important by half the high school, community college, and HBCU participants with only a third of the students from the majority serving institution citing it as an important issue. With respect to LGBTQ rights approximately half of the high school and community college participants cited it as important, 44.53% of the HBCU students, and only about a quarter of the students attending the majority serving institution. Contribution and Conclusion: This paper provides a timely investigation into the mindset of generation Z students living in the United States during a period of heightened civic unrest. This insight is useful to educators who should be informed about the generation of students that is currently populating higher education. The findings of this study are consistent with public opinion polls by Pew Research Center. According to the findings, the Gen Z students participating in this study are heavy users of multiple social media, expect technology to be integrated into teaching and learning, anticipate a future career where technology will play an important role, informed about current and political events, use social media as their main source for getting news and information, and fairly engaged in social activism. When institutional type was compared the students from the university with the more affluent and less diverse population were less likely to find social justice issues important than the other groups. Recommendations for Practitioners: During disruptive and contentious times, it is negligent to think that the abounding issues plaguing society are not important to our students. Gauging the issues of importance and levels of civic engagement provides us crucial information towards understanding the attitudes of students. Further, knowing how our students gain information, their social media usage, as well as how informed they are about current events and political issues can be used to more effectively communicate and educate. Recommendations for Researchers: As social media continues to proliferate daily life and become a vital means of news and information gathering, additional studies such as the one presented here are needed. Additionally, in other countries facing similarly turbulent times, measuring student interest, awareness, and engagement is highly informative. Impact on Society: During a highly contentious period replete with a large volume of civil unrest and compounded by a global pandemic, understanding the behaviors and attitudes of students can help us as higher education faculty be more attuned when it comes to the design and delivery of curriculum. Future Research This presentation presents preliminary findings. Data is still being collected and much more extensive statistical analyses will be performed.