The study of bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay, Western Australia, was led by Srdan Randic, a Master's student at the University of Massachusetts and supervised by Richard Connor, a Research Fellow at the UNSW Ecology and Evolution Research Centre. The team includes UNSW geneticist Dr Bill Sherwin and Michael Krutzen, a UNSW alumnus now at the University of Zurich.

Male dolphins use physical contact - petting and rubbing each other to cement their personal bonds. Earlier studies had shown that the Shark Bay dolphins form three different kinds of alliances, but the study shows that they also enjoy a unique combination of nested male alliances within an open social network - a pattern not described before in comparable animals or dolphin communities.

Groups of two to three males form first-order alliances that involve close relatives, such as cousins, co-operating to guard or act as consorts to females. Long-running studies by many researchers at Shark Bay have revealed that these small groups may persist for up to 20 years.

Sometimes one of these first-order alliances is seen to assist another to gain access to a female, but on another day the same two groups may be opposed in a contest over a female, says Sherwin.

Teams of four to 14 males cooperate in second-order alliances to attack other alliances and to defend against such attacks. Second-order alliances can persist intact for over 15 years and may be considered the core unit of male social organization in Shark Bay, the researchers say.

Finally, two or more second-order groups may team up from time to time to form a third-order alliance. The study tackled the question of how they choose to make these alliances.

Randics team was able to exclude the so-called community defence model used by chimpanzees, for example, in which semi-closed communities (ones that occasionally accept new members emigrating from other groups) are defended by males ranging across their groups entire range.

Nor do they follow the mating season defence model, where males defend a tighter geographic range only in the mating season. At such times, the range of one male alliance would have little overlap with others but would have considerable overlap with the range of certain female individuals, notes Sherwin.

But the study found that even the largest dolphin alliances do not do this. The key difference with comparable species seems to be that they have an open social network, with a fissionfusion grouping pattern with strongly differentiated relationships, including nested male alliances.

We have now shown that males, like females, exhibit a continual mosaic of overlapping ranges, says Connor. Humans, elephants and other mammals live in semi-closed groups with sex-biased dispersal but have relationships with other groups. So humans and elephants differ from the dolphins in that key respect of living in semi-closed groups, but have in common a nested relationship structure.

The rest is here:
Male dolphins build complex teams for social success

Dressed in uniform, students involved in the Perry High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps attended the board of educations regular meeting to talk about the programs growth.

Perry implemented the JROTC program this school year and pulled it together rather quickly. Perry was approved for the program in June and was beginning to implement it just as school was starting in August.

I was really impressed with how far the program has come in the last five to six months, Superintendent Dr. John Richard said.

The program currently has 54 students and expects to have at least 75 students involved next school year. Ultimately, the cadets said, they would like to see the program serve 175 Perry High students.

The programs mission is to prepare students to be better citizens by providing leadership skills and training and by pushing students to reach their personal goals, all while gaining a basic understanding of the military.

What these kids have done in the six months, Assistant Superintendent Marty Bowe said, is downright Perry impressive.

OTHER ACTION

Also on Tuesday, the board:

Agreed to have Walter & Haverfield, LLP, conduct an investigation for the Perry Local Board of Education. The firm will look into allegations filed against a district employee.

Richard declined to elaborate on the matter, but said he felt it was wise to have a third party look into the allegations. He was also quick to note that no students were involved in any way with the complaints.

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JROTC reports success to Perry board

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 27, 2012) - Dress for Success Toronto, an international non-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women, announces The Power Walk for Dress for Success, which will take place in 5 countries and 40 international cities on Mother's Day Weekend - Saturday, May 12th, 2012.

The 2012 Power Walk for Dress for Success marks Dress for Success Toronto's inaugural instalment of this signature event, which is the only international fundraising walk dedicated to the promotion of an active, healthy lifestyle for women and families.

The 5k Power Walk for Dress for Success will promote the Health and Wellness initiative of the Professional Women's Group, a program which provides successfully employed Dress for Success clients with a network of support, practical information and inspiration to achieve self-defined success.

Serving as the spokesperson for the Toronto walk is Joanne McLeod, one of the leading health and wellness experts in the country, who will empower participants to power walk their way towards overall wellness.

"This walk exemplifies the importance of a healthy lifestyle, a key element to a woman's ability to gain and retain employment and become self-sufficient" states Joanne. "Dress for Success helps women achieve their potential and I am delighted to partner with such a remarkable organization."

Dress for Success launched the Power Walk for Dress for Success as a "walking testament" to the organization's work to help disadvantaged women become healthy in all aspects of their lives - careers, physical well-being, emotional health and more. With mothers accounting for over 80% of the women served by Dress for Success, it is fitting that the Power Walk for Dress for Success takes place during Mother's Day weekend.

"Dress for Success seeks to provide women with the foundation for various skills that enable them to achieve financial stability and personal success," said Sheila Debly-Magnus, Executive Director of Dress for Success Toronto. "Keeping active is part of a healthy lifestyle, and one of many ways women can empower not only themselves but also inspire their families."

The Power Walk for Dress for Success is open to the public and participants are encouraged to create a team of friends, walk with family, participate as individuals or sponsor a walker. All participation will support the programs and services of Dress for Success.

For more information and Power Walk registration, please refer to our website: http://www.dressforsuccess.org/toronto, or via email: publicrelations@dressforsuccesstoronto.org or call us at 416-901-6022.

About Dress for Success Toronto

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Joanne McLeod from BodyBreak(TM) Joins Inaugural Power Walk for Dress for Success in Toronto to Bring Fitness and ...

Sweet Success In Hunt For Honey's Healing Factor

Comvita, the New Zealand-based global exporter of natural health and beauty products, and collaborators have identified key compounds in honey that stimulate the immune system, paving the way for a range of new wound-healing products.

The ground-breaking research, carried out at Industrial Research Ltd (IRL), Plant & Food Research and Massey University, found that different varieties of New Zealand honey appear to trigger different immune responses.

IRL's role was to provide its world-class expertise in the extraction, analysis, and purification of complex molecules that play an important role in biological systems.

Comvitas Chief Technology Officer Dr Ralf Schlothauer says the research provides the tools for understanding why honey stimulates healing of stalled wounds.

We know a lot about the anti-microbial properties of manuka honey but had much less scientific information about the immune system-related effects of honey in wound healing.

The findings suggest there could be a number of honeys to consider if you want to stimulate the immune system. Ultimately, it might mean we produce medical honey products that are specifically tailored for certain treatments or that we select a range of honeys for their particular properties to include in a specific blend.

Headquartered in Paengaroa in the Bay of Plenty, Comvita is the worlds largest manufacturer and marketer of Manuka honey and produces natural health products for the wound care, health care, personal care and functional foods markets. It also produces Medihoney wound care products that are sold through a global licensing deal with US-based Derma Sciences.

Prior to the latest work, Dr Schlothauer says published research had shown there were big carbohydrate molecules in honey that stimulated immune cells but their structure had not been analysed.

Comvita put two students, Swapna Gannabathula and Gregor Steinhorn, onto the task and their discoveries eventually led the company to Crown Research Institute IRL.

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Sweet Success In Hunt For Honey's Healing Factor

LOVELAND, Colo., March 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- While many middle schoolers cringe at the thought of math, 210 sixth and seventh grade students at Conrad Ball Middle School in Loveland, Colo. are eager to dive into their lessons. That's because they're taking part in McGraw-Hill Education's revolutionary Power of U, an all-digital learning program that uses Promethean ActivProgress to create an adaptive, personalized learning environment for students. The program's success to date demonstrates that students can improve their grades and test scores and increase their confidence in math when they have the opportunity to take more control of their own learning.

"We were looking for a program that would optimize personalization and provide individual learning roadmaps to drive student success in math, no matter their proficiency level," said Scott Elias, principal of Conrad Ball Middle School. "We've already witnessed how the adaptive nature of Power of U, which offers real-time, prescriptive feedback after each lesson, motivates students. It allows them to play a more active role in their own learning process and helps them make connections between what they're learning today and what they'll need to know tomorrow."

Administrators in Loveland's Thompson School District wanted to pilot Power of U because of the program's proven track record, the district's desire to introduce personalized learning programs through its "Vision 2020" plan, and a need to improve students' stagnant Colorado State Assessment Program scores in math. Power of U also addresses math achievement at a critical juncture in students' academic careers: middle school, a time when many students begin to struggle as the coursework increases in complexity.

Says Travis Hamilton, a director at McGraw-Hill Education, the program "is about putting the 'you' in learning." Hamilton's team developed the Power of U with partners CTB/McGraw-Hill and Promethean, launching the pilot program in Indiana in 2010 after extensive field research and testing. "Research shows that the closer teaching comes to a one-on-one interaction, the more effective it is. By using technology that recognizes and adapts to individual learning needs, innovative programs like the Power of U create a 'class of one' an experience that is personalized, customized and mobile, that can extend learning well beyond the classroom."

"Learning beyond the classroom is key," said Jim Marshal, president of Promethean North America. "By focusing on the learning needs and objectives, we are helping schools create 21st century learning environments. In this program, the students are not limited and are challenged to continually strive to higher levels of mastery. It also give teachers access to critical student progress data with the tools to help them build collaborative learning opportunities for all students."

In January, Colorado became the latest school district to pilotPower of U, which has already shown to improve student achievement in other schools.The program, which runs on Promethean's web-based data management and social learning solution toprovide real-time feedback to the student,empowers them to learn at their own pace, in their own way, using the method of instruction that works best for them. As a result, teachers have been able to focus less on administrative tasks and more on what matters most: teaching.

Every day, the data-driven Power of U program groups students according to their skill or content mastery, rather than using traditional class structures that are fixed at the beginning of the school year. The platform, which adapts to students' progress daily, also matches students with the most appropriate instructional method, whether its teacher-led instruction, small group instruction, one-on-one tutoring or independent study.

"We are proud to partner with the Thompson School District and excited to see that Power of U is making its way into classrooms across the country," said Hamilton. "The 'one size fits all' approach to learning no longer addresses the range of student needs found in the diverse 21st century classroom. Thanks to technology and programs like Power of U, we are able to personalize both instruction and learning, which benefits teachers and students alike."

Power of U, which is available via subscription, was introduced in summer 2010 to 26 sixth graders in Perry Township, Ind., all of whom were struggling in math during the regular school year and saw improvements in their grades after participating in the program. Power of U was officially adopted as the math curriculum in two Perry Township Middle schools and is now rolling out to school districts in other states. McGraw-Hill Education plans to extend the program to different grades across several disciplines.

About McGraw-Hill Education

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McGraw-Hill Education's All-Digital Math Program Makes It Personal For Colorado Middle Schoolers

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire -03/26/12)- Editors note: There is a photo and a video associated with this press release.

Mayhew, a premier Ontario design firm focused on workplace strategy, is celebrating 30 years in the GTA and kicking off the milestone anniversary as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies with Marcia Mayhew at the helm.

Mayhew has a team of over 150 designers, workplace strategists, construction managers, ergonomists and product experts. Their innovative and award-winning designs and workplace solutions have physically shaped the way brands like CTV, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfaff Automotive Partners and University of Windsor do business. As a workplace consultancy and design firm Mayhew also celebrated the launch of Toronto's first co-branded work-showroom with Steelcase in late 2011.

Ms. Mayhew is a young entrepreneur and fourth generation leader, who is progressively carving out a profitable path for the company. This award stands not only as a badge of honour for the company, but also serves as a great personal accomplishment: "The confidences my parents invested in me and the expectations set for the business once seemed so daunting," says Ms. Mayhew, President of the family run firm. "But my resolve to pull together the right resources and ensure that Mayhew was financially sound and primed to grow has not only proven its worth, but has made me a better person, a better leader and a proud daughter. I sincerely look forward to designing the future successes of Mayhew."

Pfaff Automotive Partners is a prized client of Mayhew and also recognized as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies. Their most recent collaboration, Canada's first-ever McLaren dealership, was met with design accolades worthy of the elite product team that filled its space.

"It is always a pleasure to work with Marcia Mayhew and her project team," says Christopher Pfaff, CEO of Pfaff Automotive Partners. "The talented design team always marry form and function to design a space suited to the calibre of the cars we showcase and the behind the scenes work that goes into a successful automotive business," he says.

"I am so proud to be named among Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies. It is a testament to the strength and talent of our entire team," says Ms. Mayhew, President of the family run workplace consultancy firm. "We have successfully navigated volatile economic conditions and proactively implemented our succession agenda. We drove down costs, accelerated operational efficiencies, invested in our business model and executed these same principles in our client projects," she says.

About Mayhew

Mayhew has 150 employees and is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario with offices in Kitchener, Windsor and Stoney Creek. Synonymous with space and interior design ingenuity, Mayhew has designed award winning spaces for Business News Network and the CTV Olympic Digital Lounge among others. With a mission to create and maintain workplaces that work, Mayhew has designed over 22 million square feet of space, successfully moved 300,000 people, and supplied and installed over 100,000 workstations. For more information or detailed case studies visit http://www.mayhew.ca.

To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120326-Mayhew%20Case%20Studies%20Image%20large.jpg

Link:
Designing a Future of Success: Mayhew Honoured as One of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies

By Maxwell Fisher - March 26, 2012 | Tickers: HPQ, LXK, XRX | 0 Comments

Maxwell is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network -- entries represent the personal opinions of our bloggers and are not formally edited.

Robert Kiyosaki, the author of the Rich Dad, Poor Dad series, got his start with Xerox (NYSE: XRX) back when the company was exploding. The battalion of Xerox salesmen pounding the pavement, knocking down business doors, will draw chuckles and sighs from many a battle-scarred veteran of that particular army. To jog the memory, just as Googling has become English slang today, back then copying a document was called Xeroxing. They were not just a leader, they were THE leader in office document management.

So what happened and where did they go? With such passion and drive from its sales force, it is a mystery that one so far ahead could fall so far behind. I submit that the failure of leadership led to this once great companys decline and paved the way for others such as Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ) and Lexmark (NYSE: LXK) to dominate the industry.

What Has Happened

Xerox began as a photographic paper company in 1906. It wasnt until 1958 the company changed its name to Xerox and its focus to plain paper copiers, primarily for business use. It has since grown into a global document management corporation that produces and sells an array of printers, photo copiers, and related supplies.

During the early years, Xerox literally had to wait while the market caught up to its vision. The personal computer was almost 20 years away, much less personal printing. To compensate, the company focused on providing businesses with its products and services. This strategy was critical to the companys survival at the beginning, and later became the growth mechanism throughout the 70s and 80s. Unfortunately, leadership became stuck in this focus and stagnated the company due to its inability to see beyond it.

In the mid 70s, Xerox was on the cutting edge of the personal computing industry. In fact, for a hefty $1 million investment, Steve Jobs was able to take a look at its work on the WIMP (Window, Icon, Menu, and Pointing device) system later to be called the mouse. It was his vision that directed the commerciality of the technology by means of the Apple Computer. Jobs is quoted as saying, "They just had no idea what they had."

Sadly, that statement was and has remained prophecy for the late great Xerox.

Read the original post:
Why I Am Bearish On Xerox

Here are three youngsters who have won the district level young scientist competition.

Inquisitiveness, innovation and improvisation in the field of science and technology have led to many astonishing discoveries across the world.

Making a mark

The students, who were chosen for the Young Scientists district level award in Kodagu recently, do not want to make a mark for themselves but also garner glory for the nation.

P. Achutananda, who won the first prize for his project, J. Abraham, who won the second prize, both from St. Anne's High School in Virajpet and M.D. Machaiah, the third prize winner from the Sarvadaivata English Medium School, Aruvatoklu, were thrilled to receive the honour from the elected representatives of the Zilla Panchayat and its officials in Madikeri recently.

The Young Scientist awards were given to the students who involved themselves in creative scientific activities in schools and came up with impressive projects, the secretary of the Kodagu District Vijnana Parishat, T.G. Premkumar, said. The president of the ZP, Ravi Kushalappa, gave away the prizes and cash awards of Rs. 3,000, Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 1,000 to the first three winners respectively. The awards are instituted by the Department of Karnataka Science and Technology. The awardees are now qualify for the State level awards coming up next.

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Success in the field of Science

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kt-XS2WPLiI

25-03-2012 19:24 wbnr.co http://www.businesscreditsherpa.com Business Credit With No Personal Guarantee 4 Steps To Business Credit Success Credit cards and lines of credit are important for a business, especially in the beginning when the accounts may be low on cash but bills and payroll may still need to be paid. Getting a card or a loan may not be difficult but most likely a bank will request the business owner to personally guarantee the account. In other words, the owner will be personally liable for any debts owed to the bank regardless of the status of the business organization. Why is this done? Because the banks want to get paid if the business goes bankrupt. Can the owner get corporate credit cards without personal guarantee? First of all, the business needs to have good credit scores with all three credit bureaus. In order to do that, a good way is to find stores, vendors and suppliers that would be willing to open a line of credit for a small amount in the name of the business only. It will likely be only a few hundred dollars but it is a start. As long as the debts are paid off on time and the payment history is reported to the credit bureaus, the credit history will be building up and the scores will be increasing. Having just one account will not help much. The business needs to have several accounts, including both loans and revolving lines of credit, to build a solid credit history and qualify for business credit cards without personal guarantee. Lenders ask for several important ...

Originally posted here:
Business Credit With No Personal Guarantee: 4 Steps To Business Credit Success - Video

Unlike many youngsters her age, 31/2-year-old Sloane Smith loves vegetables.

Her dad, Jason, credits the Boulder-based Personal Family Farmers, Catherine Harley and Dale Zigelsky's backyard garden installation business. Thanks to them --and the backyard, raised-bed garden plots they put in -- the little girl spent all last summer eating beans and cherry tomatoes right from the vine.

"We thought it would be really neat to do a garden (as) a family thing," Smith said. "That visualization of the family out in the yard really came true."

Not that Jason Smith considers himself much of a gardener. Busy schedules prevented Smith and his wife from starting a garden from scratch. And while they considered investing in one of the community supported agriculture farms, the Smiths decided that other weekend activities took precedence.

That fledgling farmer is exactly the audience that Harley and Zigelsky are targeting . Launched in 2009, Personal Family Farmers has grown from serving 10 customers its first year to 40 its second. Forty-five people have already signed up for this summer.

"Our mission really is to trigger the green thumb in the household and then get the homegrown garden to become a natural thing again," Harley said. "They can start and then learn at their pace."

The service includes varying levels of installation, setup and maintenance of 4-by-4-foot plots that each hold 16 plants. Clients pick from a lengthy list of produce options, primarily vegetables with a few fruit and flower choices (more than 60 different offerings total), personally deciding what pops up in their garden.

"People can grow what they want," Harley said. "If they don't like beets, they don't have to get beets."

Price points per plot range from $289 for what Harley calls the "PIY," plant it yourself, to $599 for the full-service option. Harley admits the first year is an investment, but points out that her customers save considerably on their produce bills. Plus, the installation is a one-time cost, and seeding a plot costs roughly $25 in following years.

"Starting a garden in a way that is successful, you're guaranteeing your investment back," Harley said.

Continued here:
Boulder personal gardeners set up vegetable patches