Late Pleistocene Homo

For years we have been able to analyze the fossils of extinct humans like those of Neanderthals. Their bones gave us clues to how they looked, how they lived, and how they might be related to us. In the last few years, we have been able to get a better view into these extinct species and their relationship to our species. Thanks to next generation genomic sequencing technologies, we have been able to obtain genetic data on Neanderthals, Denisovans and others that have allowed us to make direct comparisons between our species and theirs. In addition, we have been able to observe the presence of DNA from these extinct species within our own genomes which tell us that we had kids with these now extinct humans.

If we take Neanderthal DNA as an example, we find that we share 99.5 percent of our DNA with them. Which means that we and Neanderthals were separated from each other for more than 500,000 years. This also means that we were genetically similar enough to be able to have offspring with each other. We see evidence of this genetic introgression between us and Neanderthals when we look at our DNA. Interestingly, if we obtain one thousand DNA samples from Grossmont College students, we estimate that we would be able to extract at least 20% of the Neanderthal genome from them. This means that 20% of our collective nucleotide sequences are shared with Neanderthals but this doesn’t mean that 20% of our genes are Neanderthal specific genes. Of the twenty-one thousand genes that Neanderthals had, only a few dozen of their genes survive within our genome. The same holds true for Denisovans. What is more interesting is that older versions of ourselves have a tendency to have higher levels of DNA from extinct humans compared to ourselves. In other words, over the course of thousands of years we have been slowly weeding out the DNA of the other humans from our genome in favor of our genes.

One basic question that we might like to ask is why have we been losing Neanderthal and Denisovan genes over time? Also, why do we still have a significant amount of DNA segments that don’t seem to be going anywhere? The answer to this has to do with selection.

The answer to the first part of the question has to do with the fact that we were not fully genetically compatible with the other human species to begin with. Basically, to have had Neanderthal or Denisovan genes in the past meant that an individual’s level of fitness was reduced. To get rid of their genes in favor of our own would mean that the relative fitness of individuals would increase overtime.

The answer to the second question has to do with the fact that DNA segments from Neanderthals and Denisovans that did not code for proteins remained because there was little selective pressure against them. As far as genes are concerned, the only Neanderthal and Denisovan genes that remain only exist because they had a selective advantage or at least have been neutral to our species.

DNA segments that that were neutral or that had a selective advantage, whether genes or not, simply remained because they were advantages or there was little selective pressure against them.

Your task for this week is to look for information about one Neanderthal or Denisovan gene that survive within our species and to tell me what function that gene has and how that gene may increase the fitness of modern human populations.

• In your post, discuss ONE Neanderthal or Denisovan gene that is currently found within our species.
  • Tell us about the gene and its function. Explain what it does for us. (Make sure you give a citation.)
  • Explain in your own words any possible advantages that your Neanderthal or Denisovan gene might have. Make sure you give in informed opinion that is grounded in your research.

PLEASE COMPLETE ALL PARTS

Part 1

Look for some articles related to current issues facing education. Several contemporary issues will be covered in this course, but as you work through the readings for this week that look back on the history of education in the U.S., including the importance of it and the difference in the way the U.S educational system functions when compared to Europe, consider what might be the most pressing issue facing education in the U.S. What will have to be addressed in the next five (5) years?

In the discussion, identify the issue you believe to be the most pressing and explain why you believe it to be the most pressing. Be sure to provide a rationale and support for your explanation with academic sources.

Part 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0CWZ13Il0Y&feature=youtu.be

Watch the video, The Condition of Education 2019. Looking back at last week’s discussion, in which you identified the most pressing issue facing U.S. education, has this issue been highlighted in the annual report? Do you see evidence of its importance?

Next, consider whether this issue has an impact on your current or desired role in education. If it does not have an impact on your role, explain your current or desired role and why it is not affected by this issue. If it does impac

Part 3

Select a non-Western country to research. Look for content from the last three (3) years that addresses contemporary education in your selected country. Identify both your chosen country and the issue identified, then explain the issue. Be sure to support your explanation with the sources you identified.

Then consider whether this is an issue in U.S. education as well. Why or why not? Could it be an issue in the future? Has it been an issue in the past? What major differences in the two (2) countries might account for differences you observe in the issues that you identify when compared to what is seen in the U.S.?

Part 4

Assignment 1: Diversity and Inclusion Training Presentation

Due Week 3 and worth 185 points

Review the case study below titled “Terms of Endearment”, in which teacher Virginia Lawson is confronted with issues of racially insensitive name-calling in her classroom and struggles with handling the situation appropriately. As you read, imagine you are asked by the Principal at Greenstown High School to serve as a champion for issues of diversity and inclusion at your school. You have identified issues with diversity, cultural competence, and inclusivity among the students and staff.

Ms. Lawson was glad to be teaching math at Greenstown High School, a racially and economically diverse school. She previously had worked at predominantly white schools with very few students receiving free or reduced-price lunches. After losing her job due to budget cuts, and after taking a course on diversity while earning her Masters of Arts in Teaching degree, she accepted a job teaching in a more diverse environment. She arrived at Greenstown feeling eager and prepared to take on a more culturally diverse student body.

Several weeks into her first year at Greenstown, Ms. Lawson was happy about how well she had adjusted to her new environment. She had taken several measures early in the school year to demonstrate her commitment to racial equity, and it seemed as though students were responding positively. She was especially pleased when she saw students of color reading the Diversity in Mathematics posters she hung around the room, highlighting historically important mathematicians of color from around the world.

The students complained a little — predictably, she thought — in all of her classes on the second day of school when, responding to the racially segregated seating patterns she noticed on the first day of class, she re-assigned seats. She never mentioned her reason for assigning seats, though, and students were accustomed to seat assignments from some of their other classes, so that tension passed quickly. All in all, things were progressing smoothly.

One afternoon around mid-October, as she gathered her materials for her fifth-period class and students made their way into her classroom, Ms. Lawson overheard one of her students use the n-word. Understanding how inflammatory the n-word can be, her immediate reaction was concern that there would be a fight in her classroom. When she looked up from her desk and peered toward the back of her classroom, where she was sure the word came from, she was surprised to see Reggie, an African American student, Adolfo, a Latino student, and Anthony, a white student, all laughing together.

“Who said that”? Ms. Lawson asked as she stood and walked toward the back of the room.

“Said what?” Adolfo asked, still laughing.

“You all know exactly what I mean. The n-word,” Ms. Lawson replied. Nobody responded, but Adolfo and Reggie both glanced at Anthony.

“Anthony?” Ms. Lawson prodded.

“I didn’t say the n-word, I said n-i-g-g-a, nigga,” he explained. Ms. Lawson was unsettled by how confident Anthony sounded, as though he really did not believe he had done anything wrong. “I always call Reggie that,” he continued. “He’s cool with it. It’s a term of endearment.”

Keisha, an African American young woman who had overheard their conversation, interjected, “That’s no term of endearment, you idiot. It’s racist. And you’re lucky you’re not getting a beatdown right now for saying it.”

“Enough of that,” Ms. Lawson said, glaring at Keisha. “There won’t be any threats of violence in this classroom. Sit down and let me take care of this.”

Unsure what to say next, Ms. Lawson turned toward Reggie. He no longer was laughing and, she thought, was beginning to look uncomfortable.

“Is that true, Reggie, that he calls you that all the time and you’re fine with it?” she asked.

“It’s no big deal,” Anthony explained. “Right, Reg?” he asked playfully, nudging Reggie with his elbow.

“Reggie can speak for himself,” Ms. Lawson said, then looked back at Reggie, who was looking even more uncomfortable. Just then, the start-of-class bell rang and Ms. Lawson looked up to see everybody in the room staring at her and Reggie. Feeling that, whatever he really felt about Anthony’s use of the n-word, Reggie was even more uneasy with the spotlight she was shining on him in that moment, she decided to drop the issue and commence with teaching class.

As she walked back toward her desk, she said with a half-defeated sigh, “Please remember, everyone, that one of our community norms is respect. I don’t care you how pronounce it or what you mean by it, there is no room in this classroom for that kind of language.” She knew, even as she was making that statement, that she had not handled the situation well. She also knew she needed to figure out a way to respond more thoughtfully in case it happened again.

Training Policy Document and Presentation Assignment

You will need to create a training presentation in which you share various aspects of diversity and inclusion and their importance to the school in a one (1) page policy document to be shared with the trainees.

Training Requirements

Be sure the presentation includes:

• An explanation of diversity and inclusion, including their various components/aspects.
• Examples of what inclusion might look like throughout the school and within individual classrooms with teachers, staff, and students.
• Strategies for fostering diversity and inclusion within the school environment and classroom setting.
• Tips for how to deal with situations similar to what is presented in the case study.
• New policy information for the school (what is outlined in the one [1] page policy document; refer to the presentation requirements).

Presentation Requirements

You may use Prezi or PowerPoint to design this presentation. Be sure the presentation meets these requirements:

• Includes ten to twelve (10-12) slides
• A title slide that includes your name, the professor’s name, course title, and date. Note: This slide is not included in the ten to twelve (10-12) slide requirement.
• Reference slide(s) that include at least four (4) peer-reviewed academic resources.

Policy Requirements

Be sure your policy meets the following requirements:

• One-page single spaced
• Created in Microsoft Word
• Outlines your organization’s policy on diversity and inclusion.

The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is:

• Determine how to foster inclusivity within a group of learners.

Part 5

As you can see from the readings, there are gaps in education — not only in the U.S. but in other countries as well. There are also several contributors to these education gaps.

Identify one (1) of the contributors to the education gap in the U.S. Explain how it came about and how it contributes to the education gap. Then offer at least two (2) potential ways to decrease the effects of this contributor to the education gap. Be sure to support your response with academic resources.

Part 6

Identify a piece of education legislation that was recently passed at the local, state, or federal level (within the last two [2] years). Review the details of the legislation. Determine how your legislator/representative voted on the issue. Write a letter to the legislator, thanking him/her for voting as he/she did, and explaining why you agree with his/her position or voicing your displeasure with how he/she voted. Explain your reason(s) for disagreeing and outline your position in the letter. Be sure to provide a rationale to back up your position. Post the letter to the discussion forum.

Part 7

Looking at the article Learning from Failure, what do you feel is the most valuable lesson learned from high-profile school reform initiatives? How does that lesson apply to you in your current or desired role in education? Explain how you might be able to apply this lesson to your role.

Part 8

Review the case study below titled “Turn It Around”, in which Dr. P. De Gogy, a newly hired superintendent of a small rural school district, must develop a plan to address and correct a myriad of issues and challenges within the district.

Dr. P.De. Gogy was extremely excited to have been selected for the Superintendent’s position in the Rocky Road School District. Dr. Gogy felt that this would be a great way to give back to her community. The headlines of the local newspaper read, “Local leader comes home to help.” She was extremely flattered that they had written the story about her. What she didn’t know was that the word “help” was an understatement. Rocky Road was in the throes of several lawsuits from former staff members who claimed discrimination and from angry parents who were suing because of alleged mishandling of their children’s Special Education IEPs (Individualized Education Plans). The job on which she was about to embark would be a tough one.

When Dr. Gogy graduated high school, she was awarded a full scholarship to the State University. She then earned her master’s and doctorate from a top tier university. During this time, she taught, became a principal, and wrote several books on school reform issues in America. She visited several other countries and was a guest lecturer at many conferences and universities, both in the US and abroad. Her father is a farmer and her mother works in a chicken factory.

The Rocky Road School District is located in rural Virginia and has a student population of 2,800. There is one high school, one middle school, and two elementary schools. The average family income in the district is $28,500. Fifty-five percent of the population is Caucasian, 22% is African American, 15% is Latino, 7% is Asian and 1% identifies as “other”. Farming is the major industry in this area; however, a number of residents work for a major chicken factory. The district has an annual operating budget of approximately $100,000,000.

During the first three months of Dr. Gogy’s tenure, she has faced teaching contract negotiations; however, the most pressing issue is that student test scores for the past three years have been sliding. The district itself did not meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)and is in Corrective Action. If Dr. Gogy and the Board don’t turn this ship around, the State has threatened take over the troubled Rocky Road School District.

Although the teachers’ contract negotiations are looking promising, several parents have pulled their children out and enrolled them in charter schools. Many of the parents who pulled their children out of the district indicated that the class sizes were too large, the school buildings were dilapidated, the teachers did not seem to care, and the principals never made time to meet with them. Dr. Gogy signed a 5-year contract; however, turning around this district will be tough. Dr. Gogy has to present a comprehensive 3-year strategic plan to the Board of Education in three months.

Proposal Report

Image that you are Dr. Gogy and are preparing to present the plan you have developed to the school board. Write a three to five (3-5) page proposal report in which you:

• Determine the main challenges that the Rocky Road School District is currently facing. Develop a three (3) year plan to address these challenges. Examine the actions you will take to address each of these challenges.
• Identify the main resources that you will need in each of the following areas in order to implement the plan – economic, social / community, political, and staffing.
• Take a position on whether it is feasible for you to turn this school district around within the length of your five (5) year contract. Provide support and a rationale for your position.
• Use at least four (4) peer-reviewed academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and similar websites do not qualify as academic resources. Peer-reviewed academic resources refer to articles and scholarly journals that are reviewed by a panel of experts or peers in the field.

Part 9

Identify what you believe to be the most disruptive innovation to arise within the last three (3) years. How does this innovation impact education? Be sure to think critically about how virtually any disruptive innovation could affect the way we learn and perceive the world. For example, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have made it possible for students who did not otherwise have reliable transportation to get to a campus for classes. It also can provide a more flexible source of income so that students can work around their school schedules.

Consider whether this innovation can be utilized in any way to enhance education. Are there concerns about potential negative impacts on education? Are there any ethical considerations? Be sure your response answers each of the questions presented.

Part 10

Type on paper what need to be said and submit it and I will do the video.

Create a three to five (3-5) minute video highlighting the challenges and proposed solutions from the case study. More specifically, summarize your response to Questions 1, 2, and 3 in Part 1 of this assignment.

Your video should follow these requirements:

• Your face should be clearly seen throughout and the audio quality should be such that no one would have issues hearing or understanding anything you are saying.
• Dress professionally. Remember that you are the superintendent speaking to the families in your district.
• Create a transcript of what you plan to say in your video and submit the transcript along with your video. This is important for both preparation (ensuring you are saying exactly what you need and want to say and not filling with unnecessary words or information) and for accessibility (a transcript will allow the hearing-impaired to review the message as well.).

To submit your video:

• Upload your video to YouTube or another streaming site. You may also use your Google Drive if you have a Google account.
• Submit a link along with your transcript in the assignment area in Blackboard.

Felicia
Carter

respond with a 100 words

Financial statement analysis is the process of analyzing a company’s financial statements for decision making purposes and to understand the overall health of an organization. Financial statements record financial data, which must be evaluated through financial statement analysis to become more useful to investors, shareholders, managers, and other interested parties. Paul Kimmel’s video identifies how the financial statement analysis gives an accurate account of what a company made during a certain period. Financial statement analysis also shows the different trends by comparing ratios across multiple periods and statements. The different statements measure liquidity, profitability, company-wide efficiency, and cash flow.

Kimmel also states in the video why accounting students and professionals should use the financial statement analysis. One example that Kimmel uses is an article in a Wall Street Journal that states U.S. Small Cap shares are pricey. The analysis is a way to determine what pricey really means. Another example that Kimmel uses is Amazons frequent headlines for obscure and unfair pricing. Kimmel goes on to discuss three other topics that is concerning financial statement analysis which are liquidity ratio, solvency ratio, and profitability ratio. Liquidity ratios are an important class of financial metrics used to determine a debtor’s ability to pay off current debt obligations without raising external capital.Liquidity ratios are an important class of financial metrics used to determine a debtor’s ability to pay off current debt obligations without raising external capital. Liquidity ratios measure a company’s ability to pay debt obligations and its margin of safety through the calculation of metrics including the current ratio, quick ratio, and operating cash flow ration. solvency ratio is a key metric used to measure an enterprise’s ability to meet its debt obligations and is used often by prospective business lenders. Solvency ratio indicates whether a company’s cash flow is sufficient to meet its short-and long-term liabilities. The lower a company’s solvency ratio, the greater the probability that it will default on its debt obligations. Profitability ratios are a class of financial metrics that are used to assess a business’s ability to generate earnings relative to its revenue, operating costs, balance sheet assets, and shareholders’ equity over time, using data from a specific point in time.

Hayes, A. (May 13, 2019). Liquidity Ratio Definition. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/liquidityrati…

Kenton, W. (April 24, 2019). Profitability Ratios Definition. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/profitability…

Kenton, W. (July 01, 2019). Solvency Ratio Definition. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/solvencyratio…

Shawna
Cutuli

respond with a 100 words

Managerial and financial accounting are used for different decision making within a company. The managerial accounting is for internal use to keep the business successful. For example, if I am making sneakers to sell then I will need to know how much does it cost to buy the materials, produce the product and how much to sell it for. Managerial accounting lets managers make proper business decisions, strategically plan and set obtainable goals for employees of the company. Financial accounting is not only used for internal decisions but for outside shareholders and investors as well. This is where financial statements come into play. Financial accounting looks at performance of a company and also it’s financial health. Financial accounting can be audited and is highly regulated unlike managerial accounting. Some other characteristics for these two accounting systems are financial reports are done typically quarterly or yearly. Managerial can pull reports when ever they need to analysis the data to make a decision. Financial accounting looks at the information for general purpose’s for example, are we making a profit or how do our expenses look compared to revenue. Managerial looks at something very specific so they can make internal decisions to either enhance what they are doing or go a totally different direction with a product. Think big picture when thinking financial accounting verses thinking product specific for managerial accounting.

For example, day to day staff would review reports in our accounting software for operational decisions like do we run this sports camp or do we run a basketball camp, My board of directors are not going to care about the fine details. The board wants a big picture view if we are financially strong or struggling as a whole. They would look at the income statement, balance sheet and cash flow to ensure the company is staying on track.

immel, P.D., Weygandt, J.J., & Kieso, D.E. (2016). Accounting Tools for Business Decision Making (6th ed.). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database

Subject property:

125 Monroe Ave
Hometown, CA

4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,900 square feet, family room, central air (and heat), fireplace, pool, covered patio, remodeled kitchen, 2 car attached garage, lot size – 7,000 square feet, purchased new from developer 20 years ago for $240,000.

Recent Sales:

432 Orange Ave, 1,450 sq. ft., 3 br, 2 ba, fam rm, central air, 2 car garage, 5,000 sq. ft. lot, 24 years old. Sold for $549,000, 72 days ago.

653 Lemon Ave, 2,100 sq. ft., 4 br, 2 ba, fam rm, central air, fireplace, pool, 3 car garage, 7,000 sq. ft. lot, 18 years old. Sold for $687,000, 55 days ago.

552 Grape Street, 1,700 sq. ft., 4 br, 2 ba, fam rm, central air, fireplace, covered patio, 2 car garage, 10,000 sq. ft. lot, 23 years old. Sold for $610,000, 45 days ago.

333 Peach Street, 2,550 sq. ft., 5 br, 2.5 ba, fam rm, central air, fireplace, pool, 3 car garage, 8,000 sq. ft. lot, 17 years old. Sold for $775,000, 35 days ago.

Active Listings:

785 Maple Ave, 1,300 sq. ft., 3 br, 2 ba, central air, fireplace, 2 car garage, 6,000 sq. ft lot, 30 years old. Asking price: $589,000, days on market – 52.

Expired Listings:

246 Madison Ave, 2,200 sq. ft., 4 br, 2 ba, fam rm, fireplace, pool, 3 car garage, 9,000 sq. ft. lot, 15 years old. List price: $699,000, days on market – 180.

Answer this question:

What should the subject property be appraised at using the market data approach? Explain your findings.

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