Linking Past and Present: a Preliminary Paleoethnobotanical Study of Maya Nutrition and Medicinal Plant use and Sustainable Cultivation in the Southern Maya Mountains, Belize
Linking Past and Present: a Preliminary Paleoethnobotanical Study of Maya Nutrition and Medicinal Plant use and Sustainable Cultivation in the Southern Maya Mountains, Belize
The Earth’s climate is dynamic and characterised by trends, aberrations and quasi-periodic oscillations varying over a broad range of time-scales [1], which are governed by external (extraterrestrial systems) and/or internal(ocean, atmosphere and land system). Trends are largely controlled by plate tectonics, and thus to change gradually on million year time scale. Aberrations occur when the certain thresholds are passed and are manifested in the geological record as the unusual rapid (less than a few thousands of years) or extreme change in climate. The quasi-periodic oscillations are mostly astronomically paced; they are driven by astronomical perturbations that affect the earth’s orbit around the sun and the orientation of earth’s rotation axis with respect to its orbital plane. These perturbations are described by the three main astronomical cycles: eccentricity, precession and obliquity, which together determine the spatial and seasonal pattern of insolation received by the earth [2], eventually resulting in climatic oscillations of ten to hundreds of thousands of year [3].Sun being the main source of energy for the earth system controls the climate of it. Variation in solar activity and cosmic ray intensity has direct influence over climatic features such as cloudiness, temperature and rainfall [4]. Volcanic eruptions also force all elements of the climatic systems up to a varying degree but producing long term climatic signals in the ocean. The cumulative volcanic cooling effect at present offsets about one third of anthropogenic warming [5].Other than these causes paleoclimatologists also relates the past climate changes with movement of solar system[6], interplanetary dusts and influence of asteroids[7].However the recent variability in climate what earth is experiencing is unlikely due to any of the individual above factors rather it is due to the compound effect of complex interactions of all the natural as well as anthropogenic forcings.
References:
1. J. C. Zachos, M. Pagani, L. Sloan, E. Thomas, K. Billups, Science 292 (2001) 686-693.
2. G. Kukla, Nature (London) 253, 600 (1975).
3. J. D. Hays, J. Imbrie, N. J. Shackleton, Science 194 (1876) 1121-1132.
4. N. Marsh, H. Swensmark, Space Sci. Rev. 94 (2000) 215-230.
5. T. L. Delworth, V. Ramaswamy, G. L. Stenchikov, Geophys. Res. Lett. 32 (2005) L24709.
6. K. Fuhrer, E. W. Wolf, S. J. Johnsen, J. Geophys. Res. 104(D24) (1999) 31043-31052
7. P. Hut, W. Alvarez, W. P. Elder, T. Hansen, E. G. Kauffman, G. Keller, E. M. Shoemaker & P. R. Weissman, Nature Vol. 329, 10 September, 1987
Twin Cities Mississippi River Gorge Field AssignmentJennifer Benker
A field assignment on the Mississippi River Gorge which Identifies three different aspects that represent change through time and five different types of rock, all throughout the area.
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
This is a presentation by Dada Robert in a Your Skill Boost masterclass organised by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan (EFSS) on Saturday, the 25th and Sunday, the 26th of May 2024.
He discussed the concept of quality improvement, emphasizing its applicability to various aspects of life, including personal, project, and program improvements. He defined quality as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to achieve the best possible results and discussed the concept of the "gap" between what we know and what we do, and how this gap represents the areas we need to improve. He explained the scientific approach to quality improvement, which involves systematic performance analysis, testing and learning, and implementing change ideas. He also highlighted the importance of client focus and a team approach to quality improvement.
Instructions for Submissions thorugh G- Classroom.pptxJheel Barad
This presentation provides a briefing on how to upload submissions and documents in Google Classroom. It was prepared as part of an orientation for new Sainik School in-service teacher trainees. As a training officer, my goal is to ensure that you are comfortable and proficient with this essential tool for managing assignments and fostering student engagement.
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
Unit 8 - Information and Communication Technology (Paper I).pdfThiyagu K
This slides describes the basic concepts of ICT, basics of Email, Emerging Technology and Digital Initiatives in Education. This presentations aligns with the UGC Paper I syllabus.
1. Geology 3 Field assignment A Journey Through the Magnificent Sequoias By: Amanda Stone *Photos of Sequoia National Park are from personal album
2. The Sierra Nevada MountainsView from atop Moro Rock The Sierra Nevada mountain range is the longest in the United States (Geology Overview, 2006). The tallest mountain in the contiguous United States, Mt. Whitney, rises above these mountains at 14,491 feet above sea level (Geology Overview, 2006). This mountain range includes deep canyons, vast meadows and limestone caves. Present day
3. The Sierra Nevada Mountains How has it changed? Made up mostly of granitic (red) and metamorphic rock (blue), the Sierra Nevada formed mostly during the Mezozoic/Paleozoic, placing its origins around 500 to 65 million years old (Note 17, 2002) The uplift of the Sierra Nevada Mountains began relatively recently about 10 million years ago (Geology Overview, 2006). 150 million years ago the Nevadan mountains were the Western coast of the US and the seas only extended to the Eastern edges of the Central Valley (Williams, 2008).Powerful erosion forces for millions of years sent rich sediment into the valley, which is thousands of feet thick (Geology Overview, 2006).
4. The Giant SequoiasSequoiadendrongiganteum Present day These beautiful giants are between 1800 and 2700 years old and grow up to 26 stories tall (The Giant Sequoia, 2009). These giants are native to the western side of Calfornia’s Sierra Nevadas at around 5,000 to 7,000 feet elevation. The dry heat of the summer in this area is what allows the cones on these trees to open and release their seeds, which is the only way these trees can reproduce (Redwoods & Sequoias).
5. The Giant SequoiasSequoiadendrongiganteum How has it changed? Gymnosperms, like the sequoias, were present during the Jurassic and Cretaceous (Levin, 2006). Evolutionary advantages in regard to reproduction and photosynthesis were important for the continued existence of these giants. Reproduction by seed gives plants like the giant sequoias an advantage because the seeds can wait until conditions are favorable before starting to develop (Knee, 2010). Like mentioned before how certain weather conditions cause the cones of the Sequoia to open. It has also been important for these trees to retain their needles through winter so they can begin photosynthesis immediately after spring returns (Plants, 2011).
6. Mule DeerOdocoileushemionus Present day Mule deer are found extensively throughout the Sequoias. They are extremely adaptable and can survive in a variety of habitats, from wooded hills to deserts (Deer Facts, 2008). Most mule deer will live around 9-11 years in the wild (Deer Facts, 2008). They play a key part in the larger ecosystem: as prey to bigger predators and as managers of the plant species they use for food.
7. Mule DeerOdocoileushemionus How has it changed? The first hooved animals (ungulates) appeared in the fossil record about 50 mya and subsequently branched into two separate groups: even-toed and odd-toed (Baldwin, 2010). The first deer appeared on the scene about 25 million years after these first ungulates (Baldwin, 2010). Syndyoceras (shown left) is likely a precursor to modern deer and lived about 35 million years ago in North America, during the Miocene (Baldwin, 2010).
8. Huge Granite BatholithsView from in Tokopah Canyon Present day At least four different periods of glacial advance have covered these mountains. The movement of these glaciers is what has carved the valleys, craggy peaks and gigantic canyons (Geology Overview, 2006). These rocks contain quartz, feldspars and micas which give it a speckled appearance (Geology Overview, 2006). The steep nature of these mountains makes it easy to see how rain and snow quickly erode this landscape, sending the sediment into the valley (Geology Overview, 2006).
9. Huge Granite Batholiths How has it changed? About 210 mya the Nevadan Orogeny uplifted the ancient mountains generated enormous amounts of magma which formed these granite batholiths of igneous rock (Levin, 2006). The granite rocks that make up most of this area formed when molten rock cooled beneath the Earth as a result of subduction (Geology Overview, 2006). The forces pushing out these granitic rocks continued until about 90 million years ago (Williams, 2008). Interestingly, these mountains continue to grow today with each eastern earthquake (Geology Overview, 2006).
10. Present day The Sequoia National Park sees about 1 million visitors each year (Sequoia National Forest). Modern humans have impacted these forests negatively and protective measures must be taken to ensure the safety and health of plants and animals. Air pollution is the most powerful way that humans affect these mountains. The geography of this area and the neighboring valley create an air flow eddy that carries pollution into the parks (Environmental Factors, 2010). HumansHomo Sapien
11. How has it changed? The oldest Homo remains are almost 2.5 million years old. These early hominids continued evolving eventually to Homo erectus, Homo sapiens neandertalensis and Homo spaiens sapiens (Cro-Magnon Humans) (Levin, 2006). After spreading from Africa into Europe, evidence suggests that humans moved down into North America about 12,000 years ago, via land bridge (Levin, 2006). Humans have lived in the Sierras for some 6,000 to 7,000 years. The two main tribes of people here were the Monache and Yokuts(History & Culture, 2009). The Sequoias National Park contains around 265 Native American archeological sites (History & Culture, 2009). Humans
12. References Baldwin, M. (2010, April). Deer. Retrieved May 18, 2011, from http://www.wildlifeonline.me.uk/deer.html#evolution Deer Facts. (2008). Retrieved May 18, 2011 from http://www.desertmuseum.org/kids/oz/long-fact- sheets/Mule%20Deer.php Environmental Factors. (2010, August). Retrieved May 18, 2011, from The National Park Service Web site: http://www.nps.gov/seki/naturescience/environmentalfactors.htm Geology Overview. (2006, August). Retrieved May 18, 2011, from The National Park Service Web site: http://www.nps.gov/seki/naturescience/geology_overview.htm History and Culture. (2009, July). Retrieved May 18, 2011, from The National Park Service Web site: http://www.nps.gov/seki/historyculture/index.htm Knee, M. (2010, August). Gymosperms. Retrieved May 18, 2011, from Ohio State University Web site: http://hcs.osu.edu/hcs300/gymno.htm Levin, H. (2006). The Earth Through Time. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Note 17. (2002, April). Generalized Geologic Map of California. Retrieved May 18, 2011, from California Department of Conservation Web site: http://www.consrv.ca.gov/cgs/Information/publications/ cgs_notes/note_17/note_17.pdf Plants. (2011, March). Retrieved May 18, 2011, from http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/ BiologyPages/P/Plants.html Redwoods and Sequoias. Retrieved May 18, 2011, from http://www.visitsequoia.com/redwoods-and- sequoias.aspx Sequoia National Forest. Retrieved May 18, 2011, from http://www.visitsequoia.com/sequoia-national- park.aspx The Giant Sequoia. (2009, June). Retrieved May 18, 2011, from The National Park Service Web site: http://www.nps.gov/seki/naturescience/bigtrees.htm Williams, M. (2008). California Geologic History. Retrieved May 18, 2011, from University of Colorado Web site: http://snobear.colorado.edu/Markw/Mountains/08/CaliforniaMtns/California_geologic_history.pdf