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Clinical laboratory practice is as susceptible as any global workforce to the inherent challenges posed by both real and perceived discordances between age group generations. There are now as many as four distinct generations working together in the lab (and throughout the health care system), each with unique beliefs, attitudes, and biases to their approach to work. As lab managers, finding common ground on which to foster the best working relationship between these generations is a looming obstacle that may seem to have no clear solution.
The generations most prominent in today’s workforce represent the Baby Boomer Generation (born mid-1940s to mid-1960s), Generation X (mid-1960s to 1979), and Generation Y or Millennials (1980 to early 1990s). The Silent Generation (born 1930 to mid-1940s) has largely retired and Generation Z (born mid-1990s to mid-2000s) will be entering the workforce within the next half decade. Each of these generations has been influenced by significantly variable factors, and their behaviors and approaches to a work environment vary accordingly. As a result, effective communication styles also vary drastically among each group.
Find Common Ground to Build a Team
Consider that many Baby Boomers prefer traditional means of communication, including in-person staff meetings and phone calls, whereas Gen X staff may utilize email as a primary communication tool. Further yet, Millennials favor communicating via various applications between smart devices and virtual meetings. These preferences tend to indicate how each generation values communication: perceived formality, transparency, or efficiency. Without a collectively agreed upon method of communication spanning these generations, the work environment is disrupted, creating a scenario that could lead to an increase in errors or introduce other hazards to patient care and worker safety. No matter their age, all laboratory scientists share a passion for providing clinicians with reliable results, thereby contributing to optimal patient care. Delivery of service excellence cannot be jeopardized by miscommunication challenges that can be resolved when colleagues join together to form solutions.
It is important to find ways in which employees can voice concerns in a positive, team-first manner. This concept can be built into games and problem-solving tasks with a focus on intergenerational communication and collaboration. This can lead to shared project success, a reduction in rote task fatigue, and a reduction in process errors. Finding common ground and identifying specific skill sets within each generational group invariably enhances the quality of the work environment, which translates to improved patient care delivery and safety.
In order to establish a common ground, clear methods of intergenerational communication must be established. Key points each generation should consider when facing obstacles to agreement with colleagues from other generations include:
- Keep an open mind and accept that the best idea may not be your own
- Do not be afraid to ask questions. Questions allow us to better understand the perspectives of others, particularly when it comes to the use and integration of technology, both professionally and personally/socially
- Maintain an attitude of compromise and be prepared for change
As workplace skills continue to evolve alongside new technology and methods, we cannot stay rooted in our nascent ways of thinking. Maintaining an open attitude will assist young practitioners in sharing their knowledge of the latest technologies, while more seasoned staff can help integrate new and inexperienced staff into the work environment. In all cases, seize the opportunity to further develop your skills and abilities with an eye toward efficiency.
A collective agreement on the ideal method of communication should be based on the situation at hand and seek to incorporate all communication styles equally. If all staff members remain open to others’ ideas, consider compromise, learn to adapt, and embrace each other’s differences for the common good, this can lead to a successful collaborative effort in support of quality patient care.
Maria “Vicky” Langeslay, MT(ASCP), CLS, is the laboratory quality assurance manager at a Department of Defense laboratory in Northern California. She has worked in a variety of laboratory settings including St. Lucie Medical Center, an orthopedic hospital in Florida; Riverside Medical Center, a Level II Trauma Center in Newport News, Virginia; and the VA Medical Center in Hampton, Virginia. Vicky has received numerous awards throughout her nearly 20-year career, including the prestigious USAF Biomedical Specialist Civilian of the Year.
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There are perks to running an independent agency, but every agency owner encounters unexpected hardship and challenges, including “hiring while maintaining your office work culture.” Agencies need to be able to create work environments that attract and retain employees. Employees want to know that their voice and work matter; there are opportunities to grow and be able to provide a purpose for the organization.
There are numerous aspects when building a strong work culture and standing out from other agencies around you. Does your agency provide the strong work culture needed to bring on and retain staff? Can you recognize weaknesses within your agency and build on those? Here are a few practices to identify where your company’s work culture may excel and what needs to be worked on.
- Start with hiring the right people: Build a strong work culture by selecting team members who share the same values, work ethic and vision for the organization.
- Create an environment of trust: Encourage open and honest communication between employees, managers and leadership.
- Establish clear expectations: Make sure everyone in the organization understands the company’s mission, goals and expectations.
- Encourage collaboration: Foster an environment that encourages collaboration, creativity and innovation.
- Recognize and reward excellence: Celebrate and reward employees who go above and beyond.
- Be open to feedback: Listen to and act on suggestions and feedback from employees.
- Invest in employee development: Offer training, mentoring and other opportunities for employees to grow and develop.
- Promote work/life balance: Encourage employees to lead a balanced lifestyle and take time off when needed. | https://www.piib.com/8-strategies-to-help-your-agency-attract-and-retain-employees/ |
3 . Your room . The communication board in your room will be updated daily with the names of your care team and your patient goals . Bedside rails contain controls for the bed , TV , and nurse call button . Please do not attempt to move the bed without first asking for help . If you ’ d like the room temperature adjusted , ask any member of your health care team . Please leave valuables and credit cards at home . We understand trips to the hospital are not always expected , so let us know if you need help securing any of your belongings . UAB is not responsible for personal items kept in patient rooms .
1 . You are our partner . We want to work with you and your family to provide an exceptional experience and achieve the best outcome . We encourage you and your family to participate in your care plan , so please feel free to ask questions , take notes , and speak up if something is unclear . And remember , you have rights as a patient .
2 . If you need immediate attention . Certain symptoms can signal a life-threatening infection or medical emergency . If you or your family notices a change in your condition , talk to your nurse right away or dial 5-6000 on your room phone to activate Condition- HELP , which notifies our Rapid-Response Emergency Team .
UAB Medicine has specific rapid responses that prompt your health care providers to administer treatments quickly to minimize harm caused by sepsis , stroke , or a heart attack .
• Symptoms such as fever , chills , difficulty breathing , low blood pressure , fast heart rate , and confusion could indicate sepsis , a serious infection in your body .
• The sudden onset of severe headache with nausea or vomiting , vision problems , dizziness , trouble speaking or understanding , as well as paralysis or numbness of the face , arm , or leg , could indicate a stroke .
• Symptoms of a heart attack can include tightness or pain in the chest , neck , back , or arms ; fatigue ; lightheadedness ; and anxiety .
If you or your family notices any of the symptoms listed above , let your health care providers know as soon as possible , because immediate treatment can minimize harm or even save your life . You have a voice , and we encourage you to be an advocate for yourself or your loved one if there is a breakdown in communication or you suspect a medical emergency .
4 . Your meals . Patient meals can be ordered room service-style any time between 6:30 am and 7:30 pm . Just dial 4-MEAL ( 6325 ) from your room phone and place your order . Family members can also order for you from outside the hospital by dialing 205.934.6325 . Meals are freshly made and delivered within 45 minutes . If you are receiving insulin , notify your nurse before eating .
5 . Visiting hours . Your care partner or family member is welcome 24 hours a day . Others are welcome to visit as long as they are not sick . We may need to limit the number of visitors or ask family members to remain in the waiting area at any given time so we can best care for you . If you are not up for company , please let us know .
Please be aware that access to the hospital will be limited to specific points of entry from 8 pm to 5 am . During those hours , visitors may enter through :
• North Pavilion Emergency Department
• North Pavilion second-floor access from 4th Avenue parking deck
• Women & Infants Center main entrance
• Spain Wallace first-floor entrance on 19th Street
• UAB Hospital-Highlands Emergency Department
All other public entrances will be locked during these hours . After-hours visitors and those staying overnight with patients will be asked to wear identification badges , which can be obtained at the entrances listed above or from Guest Services desks in open waiting rooms .
6 . Compliments and concerns . We want to address any concerns or problems before you go home . If at any time we are not exceeding your expectations or you have a concern , dial * 55 to contact a patient advocate . After your stay , you may receive a phone call to provide feedback about your stay . You also may provide feedback online at uabmedicine . org / feedback . We always love to hear how our staff made your experience great . Tell us who went above and beyond at uabmedicine . org / excellence . | https://viewer.joomag.com/uab-medicine-patient-visitor-guide-2021/0663711001615902129?page=5 |
The Pastoral Care provided at Clifford Bridge Academy is an important part of school life. We are continuing to improve the quality of Pastoral Care to ensure that we are able to provide the best possible support to the children. Our Learning Mentor, Margaret Gilkes is responsible for the wellbeing of the pupils and therefore dedicates her time, energy and expertise to encouraging and advising pupils. She ensures that pupils will be supported and nurtured and also encourage the pupils to give of their best, to support one another and grow in confidence. Our aims are to:
- Provide an environment in which pupils feel comfortable, safe and secure in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect.
- Encourage positive interaction between pupils
- -Promote pupils self-awareness and self-confidence so that they need to face the challenges, both academic and personal, that are placed on them.
- To establish and maintain an appropriate relationship with every parent, so that together we can help to prepare the pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.
- To create a caring environment where pupils are valued for who they are, not just for what they can do.
- Mrs Gilkes has an ‘Open Door’ policy for the pupils and parents of the school every day.
Although pastoral care is Mrs Gilkes prime role in school it can’t be stressed enough that at Clifford Bridge the whole staff hold the pastoral care of all our
pupils as paramount importance. The way we treat, talk to and interact with and teach pupils will all contribute to the quality of our pastoral care.
How can a Learning Mentor help? What do they do?
By working with pupils and families to form trusting relationships. She is someone to talk to, or will know someone else who can help. She will be able to
look at practical solutions to some problems and hopefully share your successes with you and disappointments. A Learning Mentor is here to:
- Listen
- Offer support
- Promote positive behaviour
- Identify the barriers to learning and set targets
- Offer encouragement and build self-esteem and confidence
The Role of the Learning Mentor
For Children:
- Build confidence, raise self-esteem and motivation
- Improve social skills, form relationships with friends, family and staff
- Improve attendance and punctuality
- Remove barriers to learning
- Help children to achieve their potential
For Families:
- Improve support and communication between home and school
- Access to outside agencies and someone to talk to in confidence
For school:
- More effective and efficient communication between parents/carers, teachers and outside agencies
- •Reduction in anti-social behaviour
What strategies does the Learning Mentor use to help a child further or reach their full potential?
- 1:1 mentoring session to discuss problems and address how these may be overcome via solution focus based approaches.
- Individual sessions focusing on particular issues such as bullying, attendance etc
- Group activities such as circle time and friendship groups
- Utilisation of Childs own hobbies or interests to enhance performance
- Support with Homework
- Peer mentoring and budding
- Liaise with parents and other agencies when in best interest of the child/family and school.
What can parents/carers do to help?
- Discuss any concerns with the Learning Mentor
- Talk to your child about concerns they may have and contact the school
- Seek advice and support from the Learning Mentor at any time
- Attend parents evening
- Keep up to date with school news letters
- Read school website on a regular basis. | https://www.cliffordbridgeacademy.org/parents/pastoral-care |
Kevin Molder Imagine a world with no communication. No way to express feelings of anger or Joy, no longer waving goodbye as someone leaves, communicating via email, text or pen never existed. The mere thought is absurd. Communicating is key to success in most any situation, whether it is in the work place, personal life or everyday tasks. The basic elements of communication and how they differ from the basic rules of healthcare communication are covered in this paper.
Cultural differences and how hey influence communication, as well as how healthcare providers might encourage their patients to be more open and honest about their health will be covered first. The integration of cultural societies has come to be . In cities such as Chicago, New York, and Los Angels, an individual using public transportation is going to encounter people from different cultural backgrounds. With such a diverse society, how is communication influenced?
Having the same cultural beliefs does not necessarily mean any two people will react the same in situations (Goanna, 2011). Generalizations an provide clues on what one might encounter and the way communication will be affected (Goanna, 2011). Examples of three generalizations: Cultures are either high- context or low context. The choice of medium used to communicate may have cultural undertones. The United States for instance, favors electronic and written technology while Japan prefers oral or face-to-face communication (Goanna, 2011). Next, cultures are either sequential or synchronicity.
If a culture thinks of time sequential-as a linear commodity to spend, save, or waste, whereas asynchronously-as constant flow to be experienced in the moment as a force that cannot be controlled or contained (Goanna, 2011). German and Swedish cultures give full attention to one task at a time, but other parts of the world multi-tasking is the norm (Goanna, 2011). Last, cultures are either affective or neutral. A great example of an affective cultural is Italian. They tend to be very passionate and readily show their emotions. The Dutch are more of a neutral culture-very controlled with emotions and do not telegraph them (Goanna, 2011).
Communication among healthcare providers and patient is imperative. Many times an individual is embarrassed to revel symptoms or past medical history in fear they might be rejected or Judged. The thought of another patient getting a glimpse of their medical chart is reason to withhold information or perhaps the medication prescribed makes them feel strange or sick? No matter their reasoning, holding back pertinent information could be costly and in worst cases deadly. There are a plethora of ways healthcare providers can ease the minds of individuals and ensure the line of communication between them stays open and honest.
Patients want to believe their healthcare provider truly cares for their well- being. Verbal and non-verbal communication helps providers express interest and concerns to patients. Making eye contact, listening and questioning with thought, demonstrating understanding and compassion are examples of verbal and non- verbal communication. Bridging any social gap that may be present will help establish open communication between provider and patient. Viewing the relationship as a partnership in which each party contributes to maximize the outcome is an essential element in provider/patient relationships.
The choice of words a provider uses can affect the line of communication between them and their patients a great deal. If an individual has no knowledge of the medical terms a physician is using they may become embarrassed by it and not ask the proper questions or pretend to know what is being said. Effective communication relies on five basic elements, the sender, the receiver, the medium, the channel, and the feedback. The sender initiates the communication. Verbal and non-verbal techniques are used to properly convey the message and the sender should have an understanding of who is receiving the message.
The party in which the sender is transmitting communication is the receiver. To correctly absorb the message the receiver should listen carefully and not get distracted. The medium is most important of the five elements. It can come in many different forms and is what the receiver is trying to communicate to the receiver. The channel is how the communication is being sent, whether it is mail, text, email or oral. Finally, the feedback describes the receiver’s response or reaction to the sender’s message.
Feedback may come from skiing questions, body language or facial expressions. Health care communication differs from basic communication because patient care becomes a factor. Peoples confidentially and concerns need to be taken into consideration. How the individual receives and interprets messages and information. The family member’s reaction is important as well. Co-workers need to make sure they are not open with private information. In conclusion, culture differences can be bridged in communication if the sender and receiver are aware of how each party communicates.
Delivering a high-quality product at a reasonable price is not enough anymore.
That’s why we have developed 5 beneficial guarantees that will make your experience with our service enjoyable, easy, and safe. | https://www.onlineessayhelp.net/communication-opinion/ |
When people experience renal failure, they become part of a community --- actually several communities --- including other patients, facility staff (doctors, nurses, social workers, technicians, dieticians, administrators) and the End Stage Renal Disease networks. Keeping the lines of communication open and moving among so many different individuals and groups of people is not easy. Yet under such circumstances communication is not only important but also vital to the well being of the kidney patient.
The Renal Network recognizes that good communication is at the center of the helping process, so it has taken the best local model of patients, facility staff and the Network working cooperatively and pulled it together into a written format and made it available to all.
The Client Communication System (CCS) is a process, a guide that helps organize the flow of communication among patients, the facility and the Network. The aims of the CCS are to:
Patients, facility and the Network can use the CCS program on an equal basis to communicate to any part or all parts of the community.
The Client Communication System is an outgrowth of the Kentucky PAC, the Network s Patient Leadership Committee and the Networks Patient Services Department.
For more information, contact:
Kathi J. Niccum, Ed.D.
Director of Patient Services
The Renal Network, Inc.
911 E. 86th Street, Suite 202
Indianapolis, IN 46240
1-800-456-6919
317-257-8265
317-257-8291, fax
email: [email protected]
Introduction
The Renal Network, Inc. is part of the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) networks established by the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) to monitor the treatment of patients in dialysis and transplant centers in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. Patient participation is a high priority of The Renal Network and patients are included throughout the organization in the Board of Trustees, the Medical Review Board, the Network Coordinating Council, the Patient Leadership Committee (PLC) and in the Patient Advisory Council (PAC).
The PAC is made up of patient volunteers appointed by the facility. The Network recommends that each facility appoint a PAC representative and a PAC Alternate to the Patient Advisory Council. The PAC representative and alternate are volunteers working on their own time to help keep patients in their facilities informed and involved.
To make the flow of information easier, the Network promotes the adoption of the Client Communication System (CCS). The PAC representative and the PAC Alternate work closely together to establish and maintain this system of information flow. The Network asks that each facility appoint a staff person, or CCS Staff Coordinator, to work with the PAC representative to manage the program.
To manage the program, the PAC representative and staff coordinator will meet regularly to discuss ways to address the ideas, needs, concerns and comments coming from the patients. Some they may be able to resolve themselves, others they may bring to another department and still other issues they may bring to administration or the Network for a response.
The Client Communication System also recommends that additional volunteers, or CCS Spokespersons, be recruited for every shift. CCS Spokespersons will be the ones, who stay in touch with patients directly and pass along information and news. The spokespersons will gather and relay patient concerns and views on issues, needs and interests from among the patient population to the PAC Representative.
Read through this guidebook carefully so you have an understanding of the Client Communication System program. Think about it, and come up with some preliminary ideas of how you can make the program work at your facility. Remember that every facility is different and has its own set of needs. For example, small facilities may not need a spokesperson on every shift and facilities where patients already have an existing community meeting may not require a separate CCS patient meeting. Also as you plan, think about the special needs of communicating with all patient groups that your facility serves.
The Client Communication System will require some initial effort to put in place, but the improvements in communication and patient participation will benefit all.
CLIENT COMMUNICATION SYSTEM (CCS)
The Network recommends the adoption of the Client Communication System (CCS) as the means to establish and maintain the flow of communication.
Purpose
The purpose of this program is to improve the sharing of information among the Network, facility administration, unit staff, and patients.
Structure
To function effectively, the Client Communication System requires the cooperative efforts of the following:
How It Works
CCS Spokespersons meet with patients on their shift
Examples of How It Works
Just so you can get an idea of how this flow of communication could possibly work, this section presents two examples.
Example A: Information from the facility administration to the patient population may follow this route:
Administrator Meets with PAC representative,
alternate and staff coordinator
Example B: Patient information to the facility and/or the Network may follow this route:
Patient presents CCS spokesperson with concern
These are not the only routes that communication may follow. Its up to everyone to be creative and open to making the system work.
How to Begin the Program a Step by Step for PAC Representative
You can use your own approach or you can use the following approaches to begin the program:
Program Responsibilities
To function successfully each partner to the Client Communication System must share in the responsibilities of making the program work. The following are suggested contributions each partner can make to make sure that the program gets off to a good start and is properly maintained.
A. Facility
B. Staff Coordinator
C. PAC Representative
D. PAC Alternate
E. Spokespersons for Hemodialysis Shifts and Treatment Modalities
Some Helpful Hints
Some Suggestions for Communication for PAC Representatives
The following suggestions may help you to communicate effectively with staff and other patients:
To get yourself known as the PAC Representative:
To distribute information set up a bulletin board. Post information such as:
To make it easy for others to reach you, have a mailbox at the facility - this could be as simple as a manila envelope kept at the nurse's station.
To make it easy for everyone to communicate their thoughts and ideas have a suggestion box and encourage people to use it - even if anonymously. Send out a memo (see "Tools") explaining its purpose and how to use it.
How to Have a Successful Small Meeting
Meetings whether one-on-one with your staff coordinator and/or together meeting with the facility administrator are formal gatherings. To have a successful meeting, you must be organized and some preparation will be required. The following are some basics to help you prepare for a favorable and productive meeting.
Before the Meeting
During the Meeting
After the Meeting
How to Have a Successful Large Group Meeting
You and your staff coordinator may want to have general meetings with spokespersons and/or patients from time to time. For example, you may want to have periodic meetings with spokespersons as a way of maintaining the program and sharing information. Also you may want to have one for everyone at the facility to describe the Client Communication System program. Also, you may want to have one for all patients to discuss issues that have come up over the past several weeks/months and what solutions have been recommended or attempted.
Meetings take a lot of planning to be successful. Here are some suggestions:
Before the Meeting
During the Meeting
After the Meeting
How to Use the Tools Section
Several of the forms and memos that we suggest you use are in the "Tools" section of this guidebook. Make copies of them as needed. Certainly you are welcome to write and use your own or adapt the ones provided for you.
The Client Communication System logo is on one exhibit page, reproduced in several sizes. Make copies to label your bulletin board, suggestion box, etc.
How to Use the Handouts Section
Several documents such as individual CCS position guidelines have been included in this section. Make copies of them as needed. For example, you may wish to provide spokespersons with a copy of the guidelines for spokespersons, the Network patient rights and responsibilities statement and grievance proceedure. | https://www.therenalnetwork.org/CCSbody.html |
The Student Health Center does not communicate via email. This is not seen as a confidential source of communication and privacy cannot be guaranteed as the university reserves the right to monitor email. Please call our office for assistance.
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Mailing Address
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Physical Address
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William & Mary
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240 Gooch Drive
How do I give feedback?
There are several avenues for patients to provide feedback regarding health services. You may choose to speak to the staff member providing care, the Medical Director, Office Manager, or Vice President of Health & Wellness. You also have the option of telephoning your provider or Medical Director at (757) 221-4386, or submitting your suggestions, comments, or concerns online using our online feedback form. | https://www.wm.edu/offices/wellness/healthcenter/aboutus/contactus/index.php |
By Savanah Klee
The school year is an exciting time for many, as students develop different skills, grow friendships and take on new life experiences.
It can also be a time of uncertainty as students navigate stressors such as ongoing homework deadlines and challenging social interactions. Although the school year has just begun, children may already be experiencing greater feelings of stress and anxiety. Over time, these troubles may begin to affect children’s productivity and readiness to learn or lead to new or heightened behavioral issues.
Consider these five tips to help set your students up for success throughout the school year:
Maintain a regular school-day routine
Juggling a full day of school, various sports practices, homework and sleep is challenging. Yet, maintaining a consistent and simple routine throughout the week is important for the mental well-being of kids and parents alike. Create a daily schedule that works for your family, setting aside time for exercise and family activities while limiting screen time. A mindful bedtime routine and proactive steps like laying out clothes and preparing lunches the night before can also help ensure your child starts their day on the right foot.
Talk with your children about any worries or anxieties
Parents must create an environment at home where children can feel comfortable talking about their feelings and any issues they may be facing. Showing interest in your child’s day-to-day experiences can help build open lines of communication. Listen when they share concerns, even when small, and ensure their feelings are validated.
Practice healthy coping strategies
Life can be stressful, but developing healthy coping mechanisms can help assess emotions and navigate forward with mental well-being in mind. When faced with a stressful situation, encourage your child to take a deep breath, go for a bike ride or listen to calming music to help ease tension and lower stress levels. Parents must also practice what they preach. Remaining calm and staying positive in difficult situations help set the tone for how your child responds to stressors.
Watch for concerning signs
Parents should be mindful of warning signs. Difficulty sleeping or increased need for sleep, behavioral outbursts, increased irritability, loss of appetite and declining school performance all can point to more serious problems like anxiety, depression and more. While it can be challenging to determine what’s typical behavior for a child, monitoring for increased or new behaviors can help identify issues that may need to be discussed with a health professional.
Seek professional help when needed
It’s critical for parents to know that you don’t have to parent alone. There is a network of resources available to you and your family that can help you navigate mental health challenges and establish a plan to address concerns and achieve greater well-being.
Parents have the power to help their children take a mindful approach to mental health, addressing challenges head-on and working together to develop healthy responses to life’s stressors. Let’s make mental health a priority this school year.
About the Author
Savannah Klee is a registered mental health counselor intern for Elite DNA Behavioral Health, a comprehensive behavioral and mental health service provider with more than 25 locations across Florida. For more information, visit EliteDNA.com.
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. | https://elitedna.com/five-ways-to-make-your-childs-mental-health-a-priority-this-school-year/ |
Background: Transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety disorders have been gaining increased attention and empirical study in recent years. Despite this, research on transdiagnostic anxiety treatments has, to date, relied on open trials, or comparisons to waitlist conditions, published benchmarks, or relaxation-based interventions.
Methods: The current study was a randomized clinical trial examining the efficacy of a 12-week transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioral group treatment in comparison to 12-week diagnosis-specific group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) protocols for panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
Results: Results from 46 treatment initiators suggested significant improvement during treatment, strong evidence for treatment equivalence across transdiagnostic and diagnosis-specific CBT conditions, and no differences in treatment credibility.
Conclusions: This study provides evidence supporting the efficacy of transdiagnostic CBT by comparison to current gold-standard diagnosis-specific CBT for social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Transdiagnostic group CBT has the benefit of potentially easing dissemination and increasing access to evidence-based treatments for anxiety without sacrificing efficacy.
© 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22767410/ |
The commonalities between anxiety and depression have been discussed before, but few have delineated the potentially different mechanisms through which treatments work for these populations. The current study conducted a comprehensive review of child and adolescent randomized clinical trials that tested cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety or depression. All studies were required to have assessed both treatment outcomes and at least one theory-specific process target, including behavioral, physiological, cognitive, and coping variables. Using a meta-analytic approach, CBT demonstrated positive treatment gains across anxiety, depression, and general functioning outcomes. CBT for anxiety also produced moderate to large effects across behavioral, physiological, cognitive, and coping processes, with behavioral targets demonstrating potentially the greatest change. CBT for depression produced small effects for cognitive processes but nonsignificant effects for behavioral and coping variables. Findings were generally consistent with CB theory but suggest potentially different mediators in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Results are discussed in terms of implications for mechanisms research, theories of change, and treatment development.
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Foa, E. B., & McNally, R. J. (1996). Mechanisms of change in exposure therapy. In M. Rapee (Ed.), Current controversies in the anxiety disorders (pp. 329–343). New York: The Guilford Press.
*Garcia-Lopez, L. J., Olivares, J., Turner, S. M., Beidel, D., Albano, A. M., & Sanchez-Meca, J. (2002). Results at long-term among three psychological treatments for adolescents with generalized social phobia (II): Clinical significance and effect size. Psicologia Conductual Revista Internacional de Psicologia Clinica de las Salud, 10, 371–385.
Hedges, L. V., & Olkin, I. (1985). Statistical methods for meta-analysis. San Diego: Academic Press.
*Kahn, J. S., Kehle, T. J., Jenson, W. R., & Clark, E. (1990). Comparison of cognitive-behavioral, relaxation, and self-modeling interventions for depression among middle school students. School Psychology Review, 19, 196–211.
Kazdin, A. E., & Weisz, J. R. (2003). Context and background of evidence-based psychotherapies for children and adolescents. In A. E. Kazdin & J. R. Weisz (Eds.), Evidence-based psychotherapies for children and adolescents (pp. 3–21). New York: The Guilford Press.
Kendall, P. C., Aschenbrand, S. G., & Hudson, J. L. (2003). Child-focused treatment of anxiety. In A. E. Kazdin & J. R. Weisz (Eds.), Evidence-based psychotherapies for children and adolescents (pp. 3–21). New York: The Guilford Press.
Kovacs, M. (1990). Comorbid anxiety disorders in childhood-onset depressions. In J. D. Maser & C. R. Cloninger (Eds.), Comorbidity of mood and anxiety disorders (pp. 272–281). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press.
Lipsey, M. W., & Wilson, D. B. (2001). Practical meta-analysis (Applied Social Research Methods Series, Vol. 49). Thousand Oaks: Sage.
Ollendick, T. H., & King, N. J. (2000). Empirically supported treatments for children and adolescents. In P. C. Kendall (Ed.), Child & adolescent therapy: cognitive–behavioral procedures (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.
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*Spence, S. H., Donovan, C., & Brechman-Toussaint, M. (2000). The treatment of childhood school phobia: The effectiveness of a social skills training-based, cognitive-behavioral intervention, with and without parental involvement. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, 41, 713–726.
Weisz, J. R., Southam-Gerow, M. A., Gordis, E. B., & Connor-Smith, J. (2003). Primary and secondary control enhancement training for youth depression: Applying the deployment-focused model of treatment development and testing. In A. E. Kazdin & J. R. Weisz (Eds.), Evidence-based psychotherapies for children and adolescents (pp. 148–164). New York: The Guilford Press.
Wilson, D. B. (2003). SPSS macros. http://mason.gmu.edu/~dwilsonb/ma.html. Retrieved 1 September 2006. | https://mijn.bsl.nl/disorder-specific-effects-of-cbt-for-anxious-and-depressed-youth/524576?fulltextView=true |
Current evidence-supported interventions include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), pharmacotherapy, or a combination of both should be offered as treatment for children and adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD). Safety is always the first concern in the evaluation of MDD in children and adolescents. Risk assessment of patients who are depressed should be ongoing. Documentation should support clinical decision-making.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been shown in multiple randomized, clinical trials to be effective in the treatment of mild to moderate MDDs in children and adolescents. Evidence from randomized, clinical trials suggests efficacy in the treatment of moderate to severe MDD using 3 selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): fluoxetine, sertraline, [39, 40] and citalopram.
Overall, the choice of the initial acute therapy depends on the following factors:
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Severity
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Number of prior episodes
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Chronicity
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Subtype
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Age of the patient
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Contextual issues - Eg, family conflict, academic problems, exposure to negative life events
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Adherence to treatment
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Previous response to treatment
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Motivation of the patient and family for treatment
In mild cases, psychosocial interventions are often recommended as first-line treatments, whereas, in the more severe cases, medication in addition to psychotherapeutic intervention is often recommended.
Treatment of a child or adolescent who is depressed should occur within a biopsychosocial context. Such an approach includes the psychotherapies (eg, individual, family, group), medication management, social skills training, and educational assessment and planning. The clinician should choose a treatment setting prior to initiation of a treatment plan.
The clinician must carefully assess the risk for suicide in any child who is depressed. If a child is preoccupied with thoughts of suicide or has definite plans, or has other significant risk factors for suicide, the patient must be hospitalized. The clinician should weigh factors such as the child’s ability to function and the stability of the family, plus any history of previous suicide attempts, when determining whether or not a child or adolescent should be hospitalized.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy appears to be a useful initial acute treatment for mild to moderate depression. Several factors appear to be related to the response to psychotherapy, including the following:
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Age at onset of depression
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Severity of depression
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Presence of comorbid psychiatric disorders - Eg, anxiety, dysthymia, substance abuse
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Presence or absence of social support
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Parental psychopathology
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Family conflict
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Exposure to stressful life events
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Socioeconomic status
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Quality of treatment
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Therapist’s expertise
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Motivation of the patient and therapist
Psychodynamic psychotherapy, interpersonal therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavior therapy, family therapy, supportive psychotherapy, and group psychotherapy have all been used for the treatment of youths with MDD. Particular elements of several such approaches may be brought together in the best interests of the patient. Such combined treatment increases the likelihood not only of mitigating depressive symptomatology but also of improving self-esteem, coping skills, adaptive strategies, and family and peer relationships.
Brent et al reported that individual supportive treatment was considerably less efficacious than cognitive-behavioral therapy in adolescents who were depressed. More studies that compare the complementary and differential effects of the various types of psychotherapy in children and adolescents with depression are needed.
A Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews study found that both targeted and universal depression prevention programs may effectively prevent the onset of depressive disorder in children and adolescents when compared with no intervention. While allocation concealment was unclear in most studies and heterogeneity was noted in the findings, these results are encouraging, as prevention would be an important advance in public health. [43, 44]
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most frequently studied psychotherapy treatments. Its use in treating MDD is based on the premise that patients who are depressed have a distorted view of themselves, the world, and the future. These cognitive distortions contribute to their depression and can be identified and corrected with cognitive-behavioral therapy.
In a well-done review of 16 methodologically rigorous meta-analyses, cognitive-behavioral therapy was found to be effective for a wide range of diagnoses in the adult and pediatric populations.
In most clinical samples, cognitive-behavioral therapy was found to be superior to other manualized treatments, including relaxation training and family and supportive therapy; however, all clinical studies of cognitive-behavioral therapy found a high rate of relapse on follow-up, suggesting the need for continuation treatment. Given the high rate of relapse and recurrence of depression, continuation therapy is recommended for all patients for at least 6-12 months.
During the continuation phase, observe patients at least monthly, depending on clinical status, functioning, support systems, environmental stressors, motivation for treatment, and the presence of comorbid psychiatric disease or other medical disorders. In this phase, psychotherapy can be used not only to consolidate the skills learned during the acute phase and help patients cope with the psychosocial sequelae of the depression but also to address the antecedents, contextual factors, environmental stressors, and intrapsychic conflicts that may contribute to a relapse.
If the patient is taking antidepressants, psychotherapy can be used to foster medication compliance. The only continuation study in depressed youths suggests that monthly cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions may be effective in preventing relapses of depression in adolescents.
A study by Garber et al also suggested that cognitive-behavioral therapy can prevent depression from relapsing in adolescents but indicated that this is not the case in patients whose parents suffer from depression. The investigators studied 316 adolescents whose parents were diagnosed with current or prior depressive disorders. The adolescents had a past history of depression; current elevated, but subdiagnostic, depressive symptoms; or both. The objective was to determine if the effects of a group cognitive behavioral prevention program prevented depression onset compared with usual care.
Rate and hazard ratio were lower among adolescents participating in a cognitive-behavioral program than in those who underwent usual care. Adolescents participating in a cognitive behavioral program also self reported greater improvement in depressive symptoms than those who underwent usual care. These effects were not observed in adolescents with a currently depressed parent, and, in these adolescents, the cognitive behavioral program was not shown to be more effective than usual care in preventing depression.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy
Many clinicians have found psychodynamic psychotherapy to be useful in the treatment of depression in youths. Controlled studies using psychodynamic psychotherapy for the treatment of depression in children and adolescents are particularly difficult to design and expensive to conduct but are greatly needed. Psychodynamic psychotherapy can help youths to understand themselves, identify feelings, improve self-esteem, change maladaptive patterns of behavior, interact more effectively with others, and cope with ongoing and past conflicts.
Interpersonal therapy
Interpersonal therapy focuses on problem areas of grief, interpersonal roles, disputes, role transitions, and interpersonal difficulties. Mufson and Fairbanks found that interpersonal therapy may be useful in the acute treatment of adolescents with MDD. They also found the rate of relapse to be relatively low after acute interpersonal therapy treatment.
General Considerations in Antidepressant Pharmacotherapy
Studies on pharmacotherapy for youths with major depressive disorder (MDD) are few, and some have methodologic problems. Additionally, very few pharmacokinetics studies have been performed in children. The few studies in children have focused on the effects of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), rarely addressing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Other antidepressants, including heterocyclics (eg, amoxapine, maprotiline), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), bupropion, venlafaxine, and nefazodone, have been found to be effective in treating depressed adults.
A study of antidepressants versus placebo in the general population found that antidepressants for mild or moderate depression may be no more successful than placebo. The study noted that antidepressants are still considered the best treatment for major depression but that the same result may not be replicated in patients with depression of less severity. [50, 51]
Antidepressant medications may be indicated for children and adolescents with nonrapid-cycling bipolar depression, psychotic depression, depression with severe symptoms that prevent effective psychotherapy, and depression that does not respond to psychotherapy; however, given the psychosocial context in which depression occurs, pharmacotherapy is insufficient as the only treatment.
Even when the patient’s mood has been stabilized using a medication-only treatment, evidence suggests that the environmental and social problems associated with MDD remain, preventing the necessary full stabilization.
The clinician needs to inform parents and patients about adverse effects, the dose, the timing of therapeutic effect, and the danger of overdose of the administered drugs, particularly in the case of TCAs, before initiating pharmacologic treatment. Parents should take responsibility for medication storage and administration, especially parents of younger children or of children at risk for suicide. Because of the potential of TCAs to induce a fatal overdose, the clinician must carefully determine the exact amount of medication to be prescribed at each appointment.
The TCAs require a baseline electrocardiogram (ECG), resting blood pressure, and pulse. Weight should also be frequently documented. No laboratory tests are currently indicated before or during the administration of the SSRIs. No other tests are indicated in a healthy child before starting antidepressants.
TCAs are no longer considered a first-line treatment for depression, due to their unfavorable adverse effect profile and lethality in overdose.
Dosing considerations
In a prospective cohort study using population-based healthcare utilization data on 162,625 individuals with depression (age range, 10-64 years), Miller et al found that patients aged 10-24 years who were started on high-dose antidepressant therapy were more than twice as likely to engage in acts of deliberate self-harm when compared with similarly aged patients who were started on typical modal-dose therapy. [53, 54, 55] In individuals aged 25 years or older, however, the antidepressant dose had essentially no effect on the frequency of deliberate self-harming behavior.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Because of reports that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective in the treatment of youths with MDD and because of reports that SSRIs have a relatively safe adverse effect profile, very low lethality after overdose, and only once-daily administration, SSRIs are the most commonly used medications for depression.
Open studies, such as those by Leonard et al and Rey-Sanchez and Gutierrez-Casares, have reported a 70-90% response to SSRIs in the treatment of adolescents with MDD. Also, Emslie et al conducted an 8-week, double-blind study of the treatment of a large sample of youths with MDD and showed that children and adolescents responded significantly better to fluoxetine than to placebo (58% vs 32%). Despite the significant response to fluoxetine, however, many patients had only partial improvement; only 31% achieved full remission.
A possible explanation for this partial response is that the effective treatment may involve variation in dose or length of treatment. In addition, the ideal treatment likely involves a combination of pharmacologic and psychosocial interventions. Except for lower initial doses, the administration of SSRIs in children and adolescents is similar to the treatment protocols used for adult patients.
The results from one study noted that depressed adolescents who received fluoxetine realized a greater treatment response when the therapy ended during summer vacation compared with those whose treatment ended during the school year. These results suggested a significant association between school difficulties and treatment response; the time of year should be taken into account when formulating a treatment plan.
The clinician should treat patients with adequate and tolerable doses for at least 4 weeks. At 4 weeks, if the patient has not shown even minimal improvement, the clinician should consider increasing the dose. If, at this time, the patient shows improvement, the dose can be continued for at least 6 weeks. On the other hand, if no improvement is apparent at 6 weeks, other treatment strategies should be considered.
The clinician must apply this recommendation cautiously; whether longer trials with SSRIs increase the number of patients with late improvement is not clear. The SSRIs possess a relatively flat dose-response curve, suggesting that maximal clinical response may be achieved at minimum effective doses; therefore, adequate time must be allowed for clinical response and frequent early dose adjustments must be avoided. Blood levels are rarely indicated in clinical settings, but they may help to clarify concerns about toxicity or medical compliance.
The adverse effects of all SSRIs in children are similar to those in adults. They are dose-dependent and may subside with time. SSRIs may induce mania, hypomania, and behavioral activation, in which patients become impulsive, silly, agitated, and daring. Other adverse effects include gastrointestinal symptoms, restlessness, diaphoresis, headaches, akathisia, bruising, and changes in appetite, sleep, and sexual functioning. The long-term adverse effects of SSRIs are not yet known.
SSRIs and suicidality
A small number of case reports, such as those by King et al and Teicher et al, have described a putative association between SSRI administration and increased suicidality (perhaps linked to behavioral activation or akathisia). In this context, physicians are advised to be aware of the following information and to use appropriate caution when considering treatment with SSRIs in the pediatric population.
In December 2003, the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued an advisory that most SSRIs are not suitable for use by persons younger than 18 years for treatment of “depressive illness.” After review, this agency decided that the risks to pediatric patients outweigh the benefits of treatment with SSRIs, except fluoxetine, which appears to have a positive risk-benefit ratio in the treatment of depressive illness in patients younger than 18 years.
In October 2003, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory regarding reports of suicidality in pediatric patients being treated with antidepressant medications for an MDD. This advisory reported suicidality (both ideation and attempts) in clinical trials of various antidepressant drugs in pediatric patients. The FDA has asked that additional studies be performed because suicidality occurred in treated and untreated patients with major depression and, thus, could not be definitively linked to drug treatment.
In September 2004, the results of an FDA analysis suggested that the risk of emergent suicidality in children and adolescents taking SSRIs was real. The FDA advisors (Columbia University) recommended the following:
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A “black-box” warning label be placed on all antidepressants, indicating that they increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality)
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A patient information sheet (Medication Guide) be provided to the patient and their caregiver with every prescription
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The results of controlled pediatric trials of depression be included in the labeling for antidepressant drugs
The committees recommended that the products not be contraindicated in the United States, because access was important for those who could benefit from them. For more information, see the FDA Statement on Recommendations of the Psychopharmacologic Drugs and Pediatric Advisory Committees.
Some studies have shown that the FDA warnings regarding suicide in children on antidepressants may have had the unintended result of a decrease in the rates of diagnosis and treatment of depression, as well as dosing adjustments by physicians. It has also been noted that monitoring of these patients did not increase following the warnings. [64, 65]
This remains a controversial issue. Although SSRI therapy may have been associated with increased suicidality in a small number of cases, several studies suggest that SSRIs, like other antidepressants, generally reduce the risk of suicide in adult patients who are depressed. Some studies have argued that a decline in youth suicide rates coincided, to a striking extent, with significant increases in the prescription of antidepressants (mostly SSRIs) to adolescents. [66, 67]
The Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study (TADS) also lends support for fluoxetine’s efficacy in adolescent depression, notably the combined use of fluoxetine with cognitive-behavioral therapy. Data from the TADS study also suggested a possible protective effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy against suicidality when used in combination with fluoxetine.
Additionally, a study of more than 65,000 children and adults treated for depression by the Group Health Cooperative in Seattle found that suicide risk declines, not rises, with the use of antidepressants. This is the largest study to date to address this issue.
Currently, evidence does not suggest that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and other anxiety disorders treated with SSRIs are associated with an increased risk of suicide.
Drug withdrawal
Abrupt discontinuation of SSRIs with shorter half-lives, such as paroxetine, may induce withdrawal symptoms, some of which may mimic a relapse or recurrence of a depressive episode (eg, tiredness, irritability, severe somatic symptoms). The withdrawal symptoms can appear after as few as 6-8 weeks of SSRI treatment.
For clinical practice and education, the FDA has recommended that physicians who prescribe these medications should closely monitor patients with observation that “would generally include at least weekly face-to-face contact during the first 4 weeks of treatment,” with specific visit intervals specified after those 4 weeks.
Drug interactions
Awareness of possible interactions with other medications is important. To varying degrees, the SSRIs inhibit the metabolism of several medications that are metabolized by the diverse clusters of hepatic cytochrome P450 isoenzymes (eg, TCAs, neuroleptics, antiarrhythmics, benzodiazepines, carbamazepine, theophylline, warfarin, terfenadine [removed from US market]).
In addition, interactions of SSRIs with other serotonergic medications, particularly monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), may induce the serotonergic syndrome, marked by agitation, confusion, and hyperthermia. SSRIs also have a high rate of protein binding, which can lead to increased therapeutic or toxic effects of other protein-bound medications. MAOIs should not be administered less than 5 weeks after discontinuation of fluoxetine and less than 2 weeks for other SSRIs. In addition, the clinician should not prescribe SSRIs within 2 weeks after stopping the MAOIs.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Although open studies using tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) suggest their usefulness in treating youths with major depressive disorder (MDD), several randomized, controlled studies have shown 50-60% response to TCAs (nortriptyline, desipramine, amitriptyline) and placebo. Consider these results with caution because of methodologic limitations, including small sample sizes, short-duration trials, and inclusion of patients with mild depression and comorbid disorders that may have had good responses to placebo.
TCAs are no longer considered the first-line treatment for youths with depressive disorders; however, individual cases may respond better to TCAs than to other medications. [69, 70, 71] TCAs may also be useful for youths with comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), enuresis, and narcolepsy, as well as for augmentation strategies. TCAs should not be used as a first-line treatment for patients with suicidal ideation.
Electrocardiography should be performed before TCA therapy is started. Because of individual variations in the pharmacokinetics of TCAs, monitoring plasma concentration is helpful in determining optimal dosage, assessing compliance, and preventing toxicity. A plasma level of 150-250 mg/mL is considered the range of therapeutic effectiveness, although an upper level in children has not been established.
Indications for Hospitalization
Major depression with psychotic features, especially command auditory hallucinations, places an individual at increased risk of harm to themselves or others and is an indication for hospitalization. The real possibility and potential for suicide with concrete planning by the patient warrants hospitalization. Suicide recidivism is another potential cause for hospitalization.
The clinician must have a safety plan in place for patients with suicidal ideation that includes no access to medications, weapons, or other means of self-harm plus constant supervision. Consider hospitalization for patients for whom an effective safety plan and supervision is not feasible and for those patients and families unable or unlikely to comply with treatment recommendations.
The failure of the family support system when confronting depression with suicidal ideation again may be a strong indicator for temporary hospitalization in an attempt to stabilize and improve family functioning.
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Diagnosis and Treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Emergency Service Workers
Originally published by A/Prof. Samuel Harvey, Prof. Richard Bryant and Prof. David Forbes Introduction In Australia, there are over 80,000 full time emergency workers who perform a vital role in protecting and providing emergency assistance to other citizens. They may be police officers, fire fighters or ambulance personnel, or belong to a volunteer organisation such as the State Emergency Service (SES) or Rural Fire Service. There is increasing awareness that there may be mental health consequences of the cumulative trauma exposure and organisational stress experienced by many emergency service workers. Around one in 10 emergency service workers have symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with similar high rates of depression and generalised anxiety symptoms. These mental health problems can cause many emergency service workers to lose their work, their family and their wellbeing. However, this doesn’t need to be the case. There is now a range of effective treatments for PTSD and with early diagnosis and good quality care, many emergency service workers can recover. While there is cause for optimism, it also needs to be acknowledged that diagnosing and treating mental health problems amongst emergency service workers can be complicated. The Black Dog Institute has recently published evidence-based guidelines on how PTSD should be diagnosed and treated amongst emergency service workers. These guidelines, which were peer reviewed and approved by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, are intended to sit alongside and complement the broader NHMRC Australian Guidelines for the Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. This summary is designed to provide clinicians with a brief overview of these expert guidelines to help with their day-to-day management of emergency service workers. How to Diagnose PTSD PTSD describes a severe and persistent stress reaction after exposure to a traumatic event or a series of traumatic events. A prerequisite is that an individual must be exposed to threatened or actual death or serious injury to themselves or others, including the repeated or extreme exposure to the adverse events as typically occurs with emergency workers. PTSD comprises four major clusters of symptoms:
Re-experiencing symptoms, including intrusive memories, flashbacks, and nightmares.
Avoidance symptoms, including active avoidance of thoughts and situational reminders of the trauma.
Negative cognitions and mood associated with the traumatic event, such as an inability to remember important details about the event or persistent unusual ideas about the cause or consequence of the traumatic experience.
Arousal symptoms, including exaggerated startle response, insomnia, irritability and concentration difficulties.
The latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-5, requires that symptom(s) from each of these clusters be present for more than one month and be associated with significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
It is important to remember that many of these symptoms are common after exposure to trauma and can also be part of a normal response to trauma. Many emergency service personnel may have some of these symptoms, but this does not necessarily mean they are suffering from PTSD.
It is also useful for clinicians to realise that emergency workers with PTSD may present in different ways to civilians, and may describe a gradual build-up of distress and symptoms over a prolonged period of time, rather than a sudden onset of symptoms after one isolated event. Further, these symptoms can fluctuate over time, and typically worsen at times of stress. Many emergency service workers may be reluctant to admit mental health symptoms out of fear for their career or concerns over stigma. Conversely, there is also evidence that symptoms can be misinterpreted if assessment relies too heavily on self-report symptom inventories. Therefore, clinicians assessing an emergency worker for possible PTSD should not commence their assessment with self-report tests but rather ask open- ended questions about any problems the emergency worker may be experiencing, and should look for all clusters of symptoms. Asking about mental health symptoms using a third party open questioning technique can help, for example “Lots of people working in your job have difficulty coping with things from time to time. Has that happened to you?” What other disorders should you be considering? PTSD symptoms, particularly when long standing, rarely exist in isolation. When assessing emergency service workers it is important to consider the possibility of diagnoses other than PTSD. Other problems, such as depression, generalised anxiety disorder, alcohol abuse or illicit drug use are common amongst emergency service workers, but are sometimes misdiagnosed as PTSD. In recent years, there has also been increasing evidence of the importance of physical health symptoms, particularly pain, amongst those with PTSD. Treating Emergency Service Workers with PTSD Once a diagnosis of PTSD is established, effective, evidence-based treatments should be commenced as soon as possible. The selection of the correct treatment or collection of treatments for any individual will depend on a range of individual factors, such as duration of symptoms, presence of comorbidity, prominence of different symptoms clusters, the patient’s ability to consider psychological concepts, and patient preference. The vast majority of emergency service workers with PTSD can be treated as outpatients. However, PTSD is associated with an increased risk of suicide, so it is essential that the risks of self-harm and violence are considered and if there are significant risks, other options, such as inpatient care, need to be considered. Prior to commencing any treatment for PTSD, there should be an agreed set of treatment goals, which consider symptom levels, functional improvement, quality of life and occupational and social recovery. What is ‘Trauma-focused Psychological Therapy’? There are two types of trauma-focused psychological therapy that we are know are more effective than other types of psychological treatment for PTSD: trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy (EMDR). When used in PTSD, CBT should have two main components:
The cognitive component of therapy should aim to help individuals identify, challenge and modify distorted thoughts
The behavioural aspect of therapy should utilise prolonged imaginal and in vivo exposure to confront their memory of the trauma-related events in a gradual and supported manner.
In practice, a course of trauma-focused CBT for PTSD will usually involve the patient being led through a series of exercises in which the traumatic event and its aftermath are imagined and described, with particular focus on the level of negative emotion and arousal generated. As with all CBT, homework assignments allow progress to continue outside of regular session times. Special consideration should always be given to patient safety in the context of imaginal exposure to traumatic events and care taken to ensure that the patient is fully recovered from the experience before leaving the safety of the consulting room.
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is a specific form of treatment for PTSD. During EMDR therapy a patient is asked to repeatedly focus on trauma-related thoughts, experiences and memories while following the movement of a therapist’s finger across their field of vision. It is proposed that this dual attention facilitates the appropriate processing of the traumatic event. EMDR therapy has evolved over time and now includes many components that would be considered core aspects of trauma-focused CBT.
Many counsellors or therapists may offer emergency service workers other types of therapy, such as supportive counselling, relaxation therapy or ‘tapping therapy’. These may have some temporary benefits, but we know they are not as effective as the two types of trauma-focused psychological therapy described above and they should not be used as an alternative to these evidence-based approaches. What medication can be helpful in PTSD? First-line pharmacological therapy Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown in multiple trials to be an effective treatment of the core symptoms of PTSD and should be considered first-line pharmacological treatment. Other types of antidepressant medication, particularly serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and mirtazapine, also have been found to be effective treatments for PTSD. Second-line Pharmacological Therapy The alpha-adrenergic antagonist prazosin can reduce the symptoms of arousal and re-experiencing (e.g. nightmares) in those with PTSD. Atypical antipsychotics (such as risperidone, olanzapine or quetiapine) can be used as augmenting agents when first-line pharmacological treatments have not been effective. Benzodiazepines should only be used for short-term (less than 4 weeks) relief of severe anxiety, insomnia or as part of a planned alcohol withdrawal regimen. What About Returning to or Remaining at Work? Occupational recovery should be considered from the very beginning of treatment. There should be an expectation that most emergency workers with PTSD can gain benefits from appropriate treatment.
While a period away from operational duties may be required, clinicians should consider the possibility of adjusted duties and partial return to work as ways of promoting recovery and reducing the risk of long-term sickness absence. All emergency workers who are absent from work due to PTSD should be offered work-focused interventions, such as work-focused exposure therapy, in addition to standard symptom-focused treatment. Depending on the nature of the trauma exposure and PTSD, some personnel may need to resume on a period of alternate duties because direct re-exposure to particular events may be overly distressing. In general, emergency workers can safely return to operational duties once their symptoms have improved, even while still undertaking treatment (including medication). When an emergency worker who has had PTSD returns to work, it should be agreed how their symptom levels will be monitored and what type of symptom recurrence should prompt a re-assessment. What to do if an Emergency Worker with PTSD is Not Getting Better Consider whether PTSD is still the primary diagnosis. Sometimes the symptoms of another disorder, such as depression or anxiety, may become more obvious once PTSD symptoms have been treated.
Ask about alcohol or substance misuse, which may be preventing the expected recovery.
Ensure there are no additional physical health problems.
Ask about any ongoing stressors or other barriers to recovery
Consider the use of second-line therapies or a combination of different evidence-based treatments
Ask for a second opinion from someone with expertise in PTSD and the mental health of emergency service workers. | https://www.sd-counselling.org/post/diagnosis-and-treatment-of-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-in-emergency-service-workers |
Lindsay Macchia, PhD, is an associate psychologist in the Anxiety Disorders Center and the Mood Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute. She specializes in evaluating and treating children, adolescents and young adults with anxiety and mood disorders, as well as chronic stress and trauma. She has particular interest and training in providing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to children who are diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, selective mutism, specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Dr. Macchia has experience administering treatment within multidisciplinary settings, including outpatient, day treatment and inpatient levels of care. She has received extensive training in a variety of evidence-based treatments and is certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). Her research interests involve examining ways to promote effective parent management techniques, as well as to teach emotion recognition skills to elementary aged children with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Dr. Macchia is dedicated to empowering children and adolescents who are struggling socially, emotionally and academically. She is committed to using empirically supported techniques to guide her treatments with youth and their families, while tailoring treatments to each individual’s specific needs and goals. | https://www.selectivemutism.org/professional/lindsay-macchia-phd/ |
It’s not always easy for parents to know when their child or teen is struggling with a mood or anxiety disorder. You may notice behavioral changes like aggression and acting out, but not the true root of the problem, which is often mood or anxiety related. The clinicians in the Child Mood and Anxiety Disorders Clinic at Tufts Medical Center’s Floating Hospital for Children are skilled in the evaluation and treatment of a broad spectrum of mood and anxiety disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, general anxiety, social anxiety, separation anxiety and panic attacks. Led by Neha Sharma, DO, our staff of highly trained residents will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to identity the source of your child’s challenges.
Diagnosis is just one aspect of our services. Once we have evaluated your child or teenager, we draw on our expertise to create an appropriate treatment plan if necessary. While medications are one option, we typically recommend a combination of evidence-based treatments, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy and individual therapy. We also understand that mood and anxiety disorders don’t just affect a child, but can have an impact on the whole family. That’s why we offer family therapy, and why we include parents in the process, every step of the way. | https://www.floatinghospital.org/Patient-Care-Services/Departments-and-Services/Child-Psychiatry/Clinical-Care-and-Services/Mood-and-Anxiety-Disorders-Clinic |
Aminah Brahim-Jimenez has a master's degree from Case Western Reserve University and is a supervising licensed independent social worker with over 20 years of experience. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults in many settings including hospitals, schools, childcare centers, juvenile detention centers, adolescent residential treatment facilities, and outpatient community mental health centers. Aminah loves working with children and their families, assisting those as young as three years of age. She assists children with anxiety, depression, ADHD, adjustment issues, and behavioral problems. She works with adults struggling with parenting, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, chronic illness (particularly Multiple Sclerosis), and other mental health issues that impact everyday life. Aminah utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy and evidence-based interventions with her clients.
Rachel Tramonte earned her master's degree in Clinical Social Work from Boston College. She has worked with adults, children, and adolescents in outpatient clinics and schools. Rachel helps people adjust to school, work, parenting, and family life. She also helps people manage anxiety, depression, substance abuse, ADHD/ADD, and eating disorders, among other presenting issues. Rachel's style is humanistic and direct. Her sessions are tailored to meet individual needs.
When Rachel is not practicing psychotherapy, she enjoys teaching Pilates and The Gyrotonic Expansion System.
Psychologist
Psychologist
Social worker
Dr. Lynn Luna Jones earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Temple University in 2004 and is a licensed psychologist. She has over 13 years of experience in the field of psychology and has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, providing individual, family, couples, and group counseling services. She specializes in diagnostic assessment and is skilled in administering intellectual, achievement, personality, vocational, adaptive functioning, and other specialized tests. Dr. Luna Jones adheres to a cognitive-behavioral theoretical orientation and is active in her client's treatment, monitoring their progress both inside and outside of the therapy session. Her areas of specific expertise include personality disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis, substance abuse, sexual disorders, and intellectual disabilities. She is a certified substance abuse professional (SAP).
Dr. Luna Jones and her long-time colleague, Dr. Arcangela Wood, opened Jones-Wood Psychological Associates, Inc. Our vision to bring our combined experiences to the individuals and families of Geauga County and the surrounding areas. We are excited to become part of your community!
Counselor
Social worker
Lynn Ann Luna Jones is listed at <a href="http://www.AllTherapist.com">AllTheapist.com</a>
Arcangela Wood is listed at <a href="http://www.AllTherapist.com">AllTherapist.com</a>
Deanna Morphy is a licensed professional clinical counselor. She completed her master's degree at Geneva College. She has experience working with adults who struggle with alcoholism or addiction, in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Deanna has provided both individual and group therapy to those clients, as well as individuals coping with depression and anxiety. She also has experience working with physicians and their clients who are taking a maintenance medication such as Suboxone, Naltrexone, and Methadone. She has also provided couples and family counseling. Deanna is a client-centered therapist who utilizes a cognitive-behavioral approach with her clients, as well as motivational interviewing techniques.
Counselor
Dr. Wood earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Ursuline College, and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. She is a licensed psychologist and has provided a variety of psychological services to children, adolescents, and adults. Those services include individual and group psychotherapy, psychological assessments, and psychological testing. She also performs evaluations for gastric bypass surgery, intellectual and achievement assessments, and personnel selection for public safety positions, as well as for documentation of disabilities, for schools and college.
Dr. Wood's approach to psychotherapy utilizes a cognitive-behavioral and insight-oriented therapies, depending on the client's need and the nature of the problem. She engages clients with compassion and understanding to help them overcome their difficulties. Her areas of practice include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse problems, low self-esteem, and adjustment disorders, as well as personality disorders and sexual disorders.
Gail Papay earned her master's degree in Community Counseling from Kent State University and she is an independently licensed clinical counselor. Gail embraces the opportunity to empower clients in resolving their own problems and in striving to reach their own potentials. She has experience in private practice working with individuals, couples, and groups. She addresses client concerns relative to grief, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-esteem, stress and coping, chronic pain management, difficult relationships, parenting challenges, concerns of the aging, military issues, and trauma.
Gail uses a variety of evidence-based therapies, including rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), prolonged exposure, solution-focused brief therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, person-centered therapy, and relaxation/guided imagery techniques. | http://www.jones-woodpsychological.com/about.html |
Medications with addictive properties are best avoided when there is a non-addictive medication option available. This is especially the case for people with a history of addiction. People with anxiety disorders are more vulnerable to addiction because they may naturally seek to self-medicate their anxiety with medications that numb their symptoms.
Benzodiazepines are a common class of anxiety medication. These drugs are addictive and are also a controlled substance in the U.S. The common myth that all anxiety medications are addictive keeps some people with treatable anxiety disorders from seeking help. In fact, there are many non-habit-forming alternative medication options for treating anxiety, and many of them are effective alternatives to benzodiazepines.
This article reviews a list of non-addictive anxiety medications and treatments in the form of non-habit-forming anxiety medication and non-medication options.
Table of Contents
SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are generally used to treat depression but are also highly effective for treating anxiety. They are the usual first-line pharmacological treatment for most anxiety disorders. There are a number of common SSRIs for anxiety currently in use including:
- Fluoxetine
- Fluvoxamine
- Sertraline
- Paroxetine
- Citalopram
- Escitalopram
- Vilazodone
- Vortioxetine
How do SSRIs work for anxiety? They correct brain chemical (neurotransmitter) deficiencies that cause the symptoms of anxiety. Though they may take time to take effect, often two to six weeks or longer, SSRI medications are well tolerated. Although 30% to 50% of people experience mild side effects, only about 19% discontinue the medication due to the effects. Importantly, SSRIs for anxiety have no addictive potential. They also have the added advantage of effectively treating depression, which commonly co-occurs with anxiety disorders.
SNRIs
Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are similar to SSRIs in name and in function. SNRIs for anxiety are usually used after the failure of an SSRI. The list of SNRIs for anxiety in common use is limited to two:
- Duloxetine
- Venlafaxine XR
How do SNRIs work for anxiety? Like SSRIs, they have a delayed onset of action, usually taking at least two weeks to show their anti-anxiety effects. While SNRIs work similarly to SSRIs, they focus on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine and can have energizing effects. This can worsen the physical symptoms of anxiety in some people.
Buspirone
Buspirone (brand name BuSpar) is an older synthetic medication that fell out of favor for a number of years. It has become increasingly popular in recent years for treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Buspirone for anxiety is completely different from other medications because it is its own unique class of medication. In fact, it is still unclear exactly how it works.
Buspirone is a second-line treatment for GAD after SSRIs, which are the usual first choice for most anxiety disorders. It is an attractive treatment option because it has a favorable side effect profile and does not have addictive properties. Buspirone may also have therapeutic effects on depression, but this has not been confirmed by clinical studies.
Recently, buspirone has been found to have positive results in reducing the withdrawal symptoms of people who are detoxifying from opioid use.
Beta-Blockers
Beta-blocker medications are used for a wide variety of medical conditions and are sometimes used “off-label” (without FDA approval) for treating anxiety symptoms. They work by blocking catecholamines, a type of natural body chemical that causes many physical anxiety symptoms. These symptoms include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Blood vessel constriction
- Blood pressure elevation
- Feeling of anxiousness
- Jitteriness
Many anxiety symptoms are brought on by anxiety-mediated release of catecholamines. Beta-blockers have been used to block these symptoms, especially the typical panic symptoms. Because of this, beta-blockers for anxiety are especially useful for treating panic disorder and people with physical anxiety symptoms, such as those with agoraphobia. It is also effective for preventing physical anxiety symptoms before specific situations, such as speaking in public or taking an exam.
There are many beta-blockers available on the market, but propranolol is the best studied and most used. Therefore, it is probably the best beta-blocker for anxiety currently.
Pregabalin (Lyrica)
Pregabalin (brand name Lyrica) is an anti-seizure medication that is effective for a number of medical uses besides treating seizures. Although not well supported by medical studies, Lyrica for anxiety has been shown to be effective in rapidly improving the psychological and physical symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Use of pregabalin for GAD is plagued by the common side effects of the medication. These include:
- Dizziness
- Visual disturbances
- Impaired muscle coordination
- Dry mouth
- Sexual dysfunction
- Weight gain
- Fatigue and lethargy
Although uncommon, pregabalin can have some serious, sometimes dangerous side effects. It has many potentially dangerous drug interactions, particularly with drugs of misuse as well as alcohol.
Pregabalin for anxiety is not truly non-addictive and does carry a potential for misuse. Some people may experience euphoric effects from the drug. Withdrawal effects may also occur, especially if the drug has been used for a long time.
Obviously, pregabalin is not a first-choice medication for treating GAD. Its use for treating GAD is limited to situations where people have not responded to more conventional treatments (such as SSRIs) or for augmenting therapy in partial responders.
Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Gabapentin (brand name Neurontin) is closely related to pregabalin. They are chemically similar, work the same way and have a similar side effect profile. The main difference is that gabapentin has a more favorable risk-to-benefit ratio than pregabalin for the treatment of GAD. Because of this, it may be a better choice than pregabalin for use in GAD.
Like pregabalin, gabapentin’s unfavorable side effect profile, the potential for abuse and lack of supporting research evidence make gabapentin for anxiety a second-line option for difficult-to-treat cases.
Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
Hydroxyzine (brand name Vistaril) is an antihistamine drug usually used for the treatment of environmental allergies and itchiness. However, hydroxyzine is sometimes used off-label to treat GAD.
Hydroxyzine for anxiety is often poorly tolerated because it is very sedating and causes dry mouth. People taking hydroxyzine should not use drugs or alcohol and should not drive a vehicle while taking the medication.
There is very little research evidence supporting the use of hydroxyzine in treating GAD. It has been shown to be better than placebos in treating GAD, but it has not been studied in comparison to more established anxiety medications. As such, Vistaril for anxiety is not a first-line choice.
The usual hydroxyzine dosage for anxiety (for treating GAD) is 50 mg per day, divided into four doses of 12.5 mg.
PanX
PanX is a group of newly patented drug products that combine two anxiety treatment drugs: the beta-blocker atenolol and the anti-nausea medication scopolamine.
The PanX drug products are newly available and are not yet supported by any quality, published independent studies. Their patent was issued in December 2016, and they do not yet have FDA approval for use in treating anxiety. However, PanX products are available by prescription in the U.S.
Two studies about PanX products for anxiety have been published, but these are suspect. One of the studies only included eight patients and used highly subjective non-validated end-points. One of the study authors (Thomas Dooley) developed and owns the patent for PanX and therefore stands to personally profit from its success. The other published study included only three patients, used subjective end-points and was also authored by the owner of the medication’s patent.
At the present time, any consideration of using this drug would be premature. It still needs FDA approval, quality research studies confirming its safety and comparisons of the drug to standard anxiety treatments.
Diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine from the same class of medication as hydroxyzine and scopolamine (contained in PanX). Its primary use is as an anti-allergy medication. Although it has not been well studied for anxiety, it has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms and has little or no misuse potential. It also seems to work faster than some anti-anxiety medications, such as SSRIs.
However, diphenhydramine for anxiety has some downfalls that limit its use. It must be taken frequently throughout the day (usually every six hours), it is very sedating and it has a significant dry mouth effect. Diphenhydramine antihistamines and anxiety medications from other classes are usually used together.
Diphenhydramine is not a first-line agent for treating anxiety, but it may be a useful second-line medication for some people with treatment-resistant symptoms.
Other Options for Anxiety Treatment
It is always best to use non-pharmacological treatment for anxiety when possible. Even when people require medication, adding alternative treatments for anxiety is helpful for improving treatment outcomes.
Lifestyle modifications are an effective natural treatment for anxiety and are known to reduce anxiety symptoms. These include:
- Reducing the use of caffeine and stimulants
- Abstaining from drugs of abuse, including alcohol
- Exercise
- Relaxation breathing, meditation and biofeedback
- Massage therapy and acupuncture (for GAD)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is supported by an overwhelming amount of research evidence as an effective therapy for anxiety and other mental health disorders Combining CBT with medication therapy and lifestyle changes is an efficient way to treat anxiety symptoms and improve a person’s level of function and quality of life.
The professional staff at The Recovery Village have the expertise and experience to help people overcome anxiety disorders that are co-occurring with a substance use disorder. Contact us today for a confidential discussion if you have concerns about yourself or a loved one.
- Sources
Anderson, E., Shivakumar, G. “Effects of exercise and physical activity on anxiety.” Frontiers in Psychiatry, April 23, 2013. Accessed June 14, 2019.
Baldwin, D., Ajel, K., Masdrakis, V., Nowak, M., Rafiq, R. “Pregabalin for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: An update.” Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, June 24, 2013. Accessed June 14, 2019.
Crosta, P. “What you need to know about Lyrica (pregabalin).” Medical News Today, January 5, 2018. Accessed June 14, 2019.
Dooley, T. “Treating anxiety with either beta blockers or antimuscarinic drugs: A review.” Mental Health in Family Medicine, 2015. Accessed June 14, 2019.
Erhardt, J. “Birmingham researcher releases as-needed drug for anxiety.” Birmingham Medical News, January 13, 2017. Accessed June 14, 2019.
Farach, F., Pruitt, L., Jun, J., Jerud, A., Zoellner, L., Roy-Byrne, P. “Pharmacological treatment of anxiety disorders: Current treatments and future directions.” Journal of Anxiety Disorders, December 2012. Accessed June 14, 2019.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “BuSpar.” November 2010. Accessed June 14, 2019.
Fudin, J. “How gabapentin differs from pregabalin.” Pharmacy Times, September 21, 2015. Accessed June 14, 2019.
Guaiana, G., Barbui, C., Cipriani, A. “Hydroxyzine for generalised anxiety disorder.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, December 8, 2010. Accessed June 14, 2019.
Kaczkurkin, A., Foa, E. “Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders: An update on the empirical evidence.” Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, September 2015. Accessed June 14, 2019.
Le Foll, B., Boileau, I. “Repurposing buspirone for drug addiction treatment.” International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, March 2013. Accessed June 14, 2019.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Comorbidity: Addiction and other mental illnesses.” Research Report Series, September 2010. Accessed June 14, 2019.
Santarsieri, D., Schwartz, T. “Antidepressant efficacy and side-effect burden: A quick guide for clinicians.” Drugs in Context, October 8, 2015. Accessed June 14, 2019.
Sarris, J., Moylan, S., Camfield, D., Pase, M., Mischoulon, D., Berk, M., et al. “Complementary medicine, exercise, meditation, diet, and lifestyle modification for anxiety disorders: A review of current evidence.” Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, August 27, 2012. Accessed June 14, 2019.
Steenen, S., van Wijk, A., van der Heijden, G., van Westrhenen, R., de Lange, J., de Jongh, A. “Propranolol for the treatment of anxiety disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis.” Journal of Psychopharmacology, February 2016. Accessed June 14, 2019.
Thomas, T., Dooley, T.. “Treatment of acute anxiety episodes in patients using a fast-acting beta blocker – scopolamine combination drug.” Annals of Depression and Anxiety, November 16, 2017. Accessed June 14, 2019.
Thomas, T., Dooley, T. “Treatment of anxiety prior to a medical procedure using an atenolol-scopolamine combination drug.” Journal of Depression and Anxiety, 2018. Accessed June 14, 2019.
Davis, K. “‘Take as needed’: New, non-addictive anxiety medication enters market.” AI in Healthcare, October 6, 2016. Accessed July 2, 2019. | https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/anxiety/related/non-addictive-anxiety-medication/ |
Reynolds, Gretchen O.
Barlow, David H.
Cronin-Golomb, Alice
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Permanent Linkhttps://hdl.handle.net/2144/39261
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Citation (published version)G.O. Reynolds, D.H. Barlow, A. Cronin-Golomb. 2016. "The potential of cognitive-behavioral intervention for anxiety in Parkinson's disease." Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, Volume 22, pp. e73 - e74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parkreldis.2015.10.171
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Anxiety is a prevalent but understudied non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD), for which pharmacological treatments yield mixed results. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown promise in improving depression in PD, and case studies suggest that it may also alleviate anxiety. Because of the deleterious effects of anxiety on cognition and quality of life, there is need for evidence-based psychological interventions. METHODS: This study explores the utility and feasibility of a transdiagnostic intervention to improve anxiety in PD using a multiple-baseline, single-case experimental design. Following a two-, four-, or six-week baseline phase, five individuals with PD who met DSM-5 criteria for an anxiety disorder received/are receiving 12 weekly sessions of CBT1, followed by a post-intervention assessment and a 6-week no-contact follow-up. Weekly levels of anxiety and depression are measured throughout the study, with measures of cognition, quality of life, sleep, and motor function completed at all pre- and post-intervention assessments. RESULTS: Results to date (2 completers, 3 currently enrolled) suggest that CBT may produce clinically meaningful changes in anxiety, depression, quality of life, and fear of falling (Figure 01). Results are mixed regarding effects on cognition, sleep, and motor function. Treatment satisfaction has been high. CONCLUSIONS: CBT may improve anxiety, depression, quality of life, and fear of falling among adults with PD and clinical anxiety. These findings warrant further exploration of CBT for anxiety across various stages of PD. | https://open.bu.edu/handle/2144/39261 |
In this post I’ll take a look at some of the available guidelines for evidence-based treatment of anxiety disorders. While psychotherapies are extremely important in the management of anxiety disorders, this post will focus only on anti-anxiety medications. The treatment guidelines I refer to come from the British Association for Psychopharmacology and the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry.
Benzodiazepines, while effective, are generally only recommended for short-term use or where other treatments have failed, and there should be a careful consideration of the risks vs benefits for the specific individual.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
It may take up to 12 weeks to achieve full response to antidepressant medication, but if there is no response at all after 4 weeks it is unlikely that particular medication will start to work with a longer duration of treatment.
1st line: SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor): citalopram, escitalopram, paroxetine, sertraline
Alternatives to SSRI: SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, e.g. venlafaxine, duloxetine), pregabalin (high dose may be more effective); quetiapine may be effective as monotherapy at doses of 50-300mg/day
2nd line: agomelatine, quetiapine, some benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam), imipramine (a tricyclic antidepressant or TCA), buspirone, hydroxyzine (a sedating antihistamine), trazodone
Panic disorder
It may take up to 12 weeks for medication to fully take effect. When discontinuing medication after long-term treatment a lengthy gradual taper is recommended (over at least a 3 month period).
1st line: SSRI
Alternatives: some TCAs (clomipramine, desipramine, imipramine, lofepramine) venlafaxine, reboxetine, some benzodiazepines (alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam), some anticonvulsants (gabapentin, sodium valproate)
Avoid: propranolol, buspirone and bupropion
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
It may take up to 12 weeks for medication to fully take effect.
1st line: SSRIs
Alternatives: venlafaxine, phenelzine, moclobemide, some benzodiazepines (bromazepam, clonazepam) and anticonvulsants (gabapentin, pregabalin), and olanzapine
Avoid: atenolol or buspirone in generalized social anxiety disorder; beta blockers can be effective for performance anxiety but not social anxiety disorder in general
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
1st line: SSRI (may need a high dose)
Alternative: clomipramine
Add-on treatment: atypical antipsychotic, haloperidol, mirtazapine (may speed up response to citalopram)
What has your experience been like with anti-anxiety medication? Is what you’ve tried consistent with these guidelines for evidence-based treatment of anxiety?
For more posts on psychiatric medications, visit the Psych Meds Made Simple book page. There’s also a Psych Meds 101 series covering:
Want to know more about psych meds and how they work? Psych Meds Made Simple is everything you didn’t realize you wanted to know about medications.
It’s available on Amazon and Google Play. | https://mentalhealthathome.org/2018/07/03/evidence-based-treatment-anxiety/ |
Kristin E Fitch, PhD
Narrative of Services:
Dr. Fitch co-founded Rise Center for OCD and Anxiety in 2021. At Rise, we aim to increase access to effective treatments across Louisiana for OCD and related disorders. We provide in-person and virtual individual therapy and group intensive treatment programs, as well as train clinicians in evidence-based treatments. In her clinical practice, Dr. Fitch specializes in the treatment of OCD, body dysmorphic disorder, hoarding disorder, and illness anxiety disorder using behavioral or exposure-based interventions integrated with mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches. Individuals with OCD or OC spectrum disorders make up approximately 90% of Dr. Fitch’s caseload.
Training Description:
Dr. Fitch completed her doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology in 2015 at Florida State University, where her graduate research focused on OCD and hoarding disorder. She received clinical training on cognitive-behavioral and acceptance-based treatments for OCD, PTSD, anxiety, and OC spectrum disorders during her graduate and postdoctoral training. Since licensure in 2016, she has primarily treated individuals with OCD and related disorders. She continues to seek out training opportunities through the IOCDF and other organizations to keep abreast of advancements related to OCD and related disorders, with a particular focus on exposure and response prevention, and acceptance and commitment therapy. | https://iocdf.org/providers/fitch-kristin/ |
Depression and anxiety disorders are different, but people with depression often experience symptoms similar to those of an anxiety disorder, such as nervousness, irritability, and problems sleeping and concentrating. But each disorder has its own causes and its own emotional and.
6 notable procedures made use of to develop such functionally equal replacement actions (FERBs) consist of task alteration, environmental enrichment, periodic support, differential reinforcement of different actions (DRA), differential reinforcement of various other behaviors (DRO), and also counterconditioning. One way of tackling this type of stress in teenagers will be for teenagers to urge themselves to take on a positive perspective in the direction of life.
Discover more regarding her searchings for on all-natural methods to deal with depression by going to – While youngsters with bipolar illness do not experience the exact same syndromes that many adults do, children with bipolar disorder still show indicators and also qualities like changes in state of mind and also actions that is understood to be signs and symptoms of the problem.
Anxiety and depression have distinct psychological features. In psychodynamic talk therapy , sessions for anxiety and depression may look more alike than different. You will be asked to speak freely about the past and the present in order to become aware of unconscious thoughts and conflicts.
Growing rate of anxiety and depression calls for proper education of their treatments. Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health disorders in the U.S., affecting 6.7% and 18.1% of American adults each year, respectively.
Depression and anxiety can take different forms, and symptoms and severity vary from one person to the next. And just as there are a number of When it comes to treating anxiety and depression, there is no "one size fits all" treatment procedure. Often, a mix of different types of treatments will.
The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme is a large-scale initiative that aims to greatly increase the availability of NICE recommended psychological treatment for depression and anxiety disorders within the National Health Service in England.
In addition to depression and anxiety, PDT can be used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and phobias such as agoraphobia, explains Adella Nikitiades, PhD, a clinical psychologist for the Montefiore Health System, a healthcare network of healthcare providers and a system of 11.
Mixed anxiety-depressive disorder (MADD) is a diagnostic category defining patients who have both anxiety and depressive symptoms of limited and equal intensity accompanied by at least some autonomic features.
Psychologists report increase in demand for anxiety and depression treatment – Psychologists have reported an increase in the demand for treatment of anxiety and depression compared with last year,
Psychological treatment typically includes education, reassurance, teaching of anxiety reduction techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy to Support groups and psychoeducational interventions for depression in family care-partners of people with dementia are also of particular importance when.
The treatments for depression and anxiety are multiple and have varying degrees of effectiveness. Physical activity has been shown to be associated with Conversely, physical inactivity appears to be associated with the development of psychological disorders. Specific studies support the use of.
Papers describing passive psychoeducational interventions for depression, anxiety and psychological distress were included if the research design was a randomized controlled trial and incorporated an attention placebo, no intervention or waitlist comparison group.
Very soon it would be a very common treatment for depression. On the other hand, an unfavorable clinical problem can result in mental health ramifications like depression. Any time you are feeling overwhelmed to the point of significant depression, call a medical professional.
Not ‘all in your head’: Anxiety and depression can wreak havoc on body – Although serious illness can trigger mental distress, the reverse is also true — and is too often overlooked, experts say.
Currently, the NICE guidelines for depression, anxiety disorders (panic disorder and generalised anxiety disorder) and OCD all advocate the use of CBT delivered in groups but only under certain circumstances and within a stepped care framework.
Treatment can help, and for many anxiety problems, therapy is often the most effective option. That's because anxiety therapy—unlike anxiety medication—treats more than just the symptoms of the problem. Therapy can help you uncover the underlying causes of your worries and fears; learn how to.
The main medical treatment for depression is antidepressant medication which can be very useful in treating moderate to severe depression episodes. Find out more about depression and anxiety, available treatments and where to get help in your local area. | https://depressionhelpmobile.com/psychological-treatment-for-anxiety-and-depression/ |
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I also have a follow-up question. Of what you have tried, what has been beneficial for you? | https://www.socialanxietysupport.com/forum/1085021290-post2.html |
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Mikhail (Misha) Bogomaz, Psy.D., C.G.P.
Anu Asnaani, Ph.D.
Anu Asnaani, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology in Psychiatry at University of Pennsylvania and Associate Director of the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA). Dr. Asnaani received her Bachelors of Science degree in psychology from Brown University and her Doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Boston University. Dr. Asnaani's current research interests include understanding what mechanisms underlie better treatment outcomes, examining the impact of emotion regulation and diversity issues on evidence-based treatments, and effectively increasing dissemination of empirically-supported treatments for PTSD, OCD and other anxiety disorders. To date, Dr. Asnaani has published extensively in these areas, and has given a number of educational lectures, seminars and workshops to a range of providers on how to competently deliver evidence-based treatments for anxiety-based disorders in both national and international settings. In 2015, Dr. Asnaani was recognized for her significant contributions in the promotion of ethnic minority issues by being awarded the Emerging Researcher Award by APA Division 45 (Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity, and Race). Dr. Asnaani specializes in cognitive-behavioral treatment for social anxiety, panic disorder, specific phobias, generalized anxiety, substance use disorders, Prolonged Exposure for PTSD, and in Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP) for OCD.
The Diversity Committee of APA Division 12 presents as a great opportunity to allow me to further delve into important issues concerning diversity in the field of Psychology, and provides an important academic forum in which I can learn from my colleagues about how we can meaningfully emphasize diversity within the APA. As a long-standing member of APA Division 45 (Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity, and Race), participation in the Diversity Committee of Division 12 allows me to share my own research and clinical perspectives in the realm of diversity issues in order to contribute to the important initiatives the Diversity Committee undertakes annually. I am excited for this chance to work in such a committee!
Elizabeth A. Yeater, Ph.D.
Sheehan Fisher, Ph.D.
Tahirah Abdullah, Ph.D.
Priscilla Lui, Ph.D.
Additional Resources
links to clinical psychology diversity-related resources
Coming Soon!
Position Statements
Diversity-related position statements from Div 12. | https://www.div12.org/diversity/ |
Traditional Indian Art consists of religious characters (Gods and Idols) in Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism which have been a common theme throughout centuries. Sculptures and cave paintings found in ancient times mainly featured human, mythological, elaborated ornaments and animals forms.
Indian art consists of a variety of art forms, including painting, sculpture, pottery, and textile arts such as woven silk. Geographically, it spans the entire Indian subcontinent, including what is now India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and at times eastern Afghanistan.
Each region of India offered its own distinct style of art. Religious motifs are some of the most common subject matter, often featuring mythological human and animal forms as well as elaborate ornamentation. The three most prevalent art forms to span India's history are painting, architecture, and sculpture.
Traditional Indian art usually had a religious character and Buddhism, Hinduism, and later Islam, have been a common theme throughout the centuries. The pieces often feature mythological, human, and animal forms and had elaborate ornaments.
Indian paintings can be broadly classified as murals, miniatures and paintings on cloth. Murals are large works executed on the walls of solid structures, as in the Ajanta Caves and the Kailashnath temple.
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Tribal Painting:
- Bhil painting.
- Warli painting.
- Gond painting.
- Santhal painting.
- Saora painting.
- Kurumba painting.
Traditional Indian Art consists of religious characters (Gods and Idols) in Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism which have been a common theme throughout centuries. Sculptures and cave paintings found in ancient times mainly featured human, mythological, elaborated ornaments and animals forms.
Madhubani Paintings
Madhubani Art is one of the most popular traditional art forms found in India. It originated in the district of Madhubani in the Mithila district of Bihar. These paintings also include features such as abstract geometric forms.
Indian art is both sensuous—seen in the emphasis on ornately decorated forms and lush vegetation—and erotic, with images more specifically suggesting sexuality.) *Idealized, voluptuous female bodies: Yakshis (nature spirits) represent procreative abundance and bounty and represent the generosity of the gods.
Answer: The Indian Dramatic art of ancient India considered as image of social life because This giving a Example like save girl child educate the girls. Explanation: Please mark me as brainliest.
six elements of painting are most important in indian art, line form, color, tone, texture, space. vatsyayan has described them in his treatise kamasutra. In the absence of these elements, indian art may not have started or finished . These elements have contributed significantly to indian art.
A country as diverse as India is symbolized by the plurality of its culture. India has one of the world's largest collections of songs, music, dance, theatre, folk traditions, performing arts, rites and rituals, paintings and writings that are known, as the 'Intangible Cultural Heritage' (ICH) of humanity.
Indian crafts include metalwork, wood work, cloth, textiles and fabric, jewelry, terra cotta objects, pottery and objects made from cane and bamboo. Some crafts such as woodwork, painting and stonework are featured as architectural elements and as objects of art.
Drama is an art form that explores human conflict and tension. It takes the form of a story presented to audience through dialogue and action. Drama is also a type of play written for theatre, television,radio and film. The person who writes drama for stage directions is known as dramatist.
Answer. The dramatic arts are a form of narrative performed on a stage in front of an audience. These stories and the way they are portrayed manifest in a wide variety of styles, also known as genres. ... In simplest terms, tragedy involves a story where the protagonist fails or dies.
A dramatic device is a convention used in drama as a substitution for reality that the audience accepts as real although they know them to be false. These techniques give the audience information they could not get from straightforward presentation of action.
Indian art forms consist of pottery, cave paintings, sculpture, and textiles influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, and the cultural values of the Hellenists and the peoples of the Indus Valley.
Explanation: because Indian art is world famous. don't think that our India is small so it not a right to do all things that world is doing. you know that our Indian art is popular in world ......
Indian culture is unique and variant. It includes intellectual and social aspects of any human being. It also takes account of the aesthetic instinct as well as the spiritual impulses of a human being. India is a vast country with a lot of diversity in her physical and social environment.
Ancient art refers to the many types of art produced by the advanced cultures of ancient societies with some form of writing, such as those of ancient China, India, Mesopotamia, Persia, Palestine, Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
Indians invented zero and the number system, one of the greatest innovations in history. The decimal system, the value of pi, algebra, trigonometry, calculus and many mathematical concepts were all born in India.
Indian arts and crafts contribute extensively to the Indian economy after agriculture, and showcase the authentic and rich culture of India through their vibrant fabric and styles. It is important for the entire world to realise the huge role that Indian arts and crafts play.
Some of the numerous tribal crafts manufactured in India include: Antiques, Art, Baskets, Paper Mache, Ceramics, Clock Making, Embroidery, Block Printing, Decorative Painting, Glass Work, Fabric, Furniture, Gifts, Home Décor, Jewellery, Leather Crafts, Metal Crafts, Paper Crafts, Pottery, Puppets, Stone and Wood Works.
The Cultural Importance: Crafts in India play an essential role in representing the traditions as well as culture of any region. Crafts can be a substantial medium to keep the primitive and rich traditional art, regional heritage and cultural aspects of lives.
Traditional art forms include the seven forms of fine arts. These fine arts are drawing, painting, sculpture, architecture, cinema, music, and theatre. Most of these traditional forms of art can now be recreated with a digital experience or alternative. | https://www.vietart.com/what-is-ancient-indian-art-best-known-for |
Welcome to the Millicent Rogers Museum! We are thrilled to be opening our galleries to the public again! We are in the process of making the necessary changes to the museum to make your visit safe and enjoyable. We plan to open admission to the galleries soon, and we will continue to provide updates through the website. The Museum store will continue to be open while we make the needed adjustments.
Some of the changes you will notice will include air purification systems, traffic flow adjustments, and plexi-screens. Some of our galleries will be unavailable at this time as we consider the traffic flow and well-being of our staff, community, and visitors from out of town a top priority. We will also have changes to our admissions pricing.
The Millicent Rogers Museum, known as the Jewel of the Southwest, displays one of the finest collections of Native American jewelry, Maria Martinez pottery, textiles, and Spanish devotional artwork in New Mexico. We celebrate over 60 years of preserving and interpreting the arts and diverse cultural heritage of the American Southwest.
We look forward to the future and the increasingly important role that cultural museums will play in education, conversation, and celebration of art and artifacts of the land, the people, the history, and the complexity of the human spirit. | https://millicentrogers.org/pages/welcome |
The Jordan Archaeological Museum is located in the Amman Citadel of Amman, Jordan. Built in 1951, it presents artifacts from archaeological sites in Jordan, dating from prehistoric times to the 15th century.
The collections are arranged in chronological order and include items of everyday life such as flint, glass, metal and pottery objects, as well as more artistic items such as jewelry and statues. The museum also includes a coin collection.
The museum formerly housed some of the Dead Sea Scrolls, including the only copper scroll, which are now on display in the newly established Jordan Museum, along with the Ain Ghazal statues, which are among the oldest statues ever made by human civilization.
The collections of the museum belong to the following periods: Paleolithic Period - Neolithic Period - Chalcolithic Period - Early Bronze Age - Middle Bronze Age - Late Bronze Age - Iron Age - Persian period - Hellenistic Period - Nabatean Period - Roman Period - Byzantine Period - Islamic Period - Umayyad Period - Abbasid Period - Ayyubid Period. | https://pvt.jo/en/jordan-archaeological-museum/ |
Thanh Ha pottery village has made these statues for over 400 years. The molds are made of wood and must be cleaned very often, so the motifs of the statues are smooth and clear.
Beside traditional dishes and votive paper, the terra-cotta statues have important significance for local people in central region.
While residents in each region across the country pay homage to Ong Cong and Ong Tao in slightly different ways, the gods remains an important figure in the rich texture of Vietnamese New Year. | http://thanhhaterracotta.com/?mode=newsdetail&id=67 |
Defining culture includes the mention of customs, beliefs, values, etiquette, and behaviors as well as the artifacts and objects of a given society. Craftsmanship of artistic elements including rugs, table cloths, and pottery is a major part of any culture and is dependent on motifs and patterns and forms that have their roots in ancient art and civilization. Therefore, different cultures around the world have different historical elements that enable one culture to be visually distinguished from another. As an Iranian woman, I saw how my Middle Eastern culture is different from the Western culture of the United States. Since I have come to the United States, I visualized a comparison between these two cultural identities through distinct cultural elements to create a visual language that is cross-cultural. I utilized design tools and found visual elements in the different consumer systems, food habits, folks’ idioms, language, behavior, and etiquette in both cultures. In multiple areas, such as motion graphic, packaging, and logo design, video art, and image-making, I collected Persian motifs, traditional architecture, and language interaction to convey messages and translate my personal cultural differences. I am showing the role of graphic design and art in this cultural juxtaposition through different ways such as subvertisment, typography, motion typography, digital imaging, and video art.
I intend to use different techniques in exploring multiple areas of personal cultural value and utilize it as a tool to convey concepts. Furthermore, throughout the series of the works, I ask the viewer to be familiar with different aspects of Iranian culture. The visual elements I have executed represent the ancient traditions in contrast to contemporary and modern life, which can be shown as symbols of two different lifestyles.
This research was presented at the Design Incubation Colloquium 7.1: Oakland University, MI on October 17, 2020. | https://designincubation.com/tag/communication/ |
These days, Thanh Ha pottery village in Hoi An city, Quang Nam province is very busy producing terra-cotta statues of the Kitchen God to serve the high demand of the market during the lunar New Year holiday.
Thanh Ha pottery village has made these statues for over 400 years. The molds are made of wood and must be cleaned very often, so the motifs of the statues are smooth and clear.
Beside traditional dishes and votive paper, the terra-cotta statues have important significance for local people in central region.
While residents in each region across the country pay homage to Ong Cong and Ong Tao in slightly different ways, the gods remains an important figure in the rich texture of Vietnamese New Year.
In traditional Vietnamese culture, on every 23rd day of the last month in the Lunar Calendar, people from every household bid farewell to Ong Tao, thanking him for watching over their kitchen for another year. Then, the Kitchen God is believed to visit Ngoc Hoang (the Jade Emperor) in heaven. All family’s members participate in making the Kitchen God statue. Folding figurines into pottery kilns.
Photo by collect on the internet. | https://www.viettravelmagazine.com/2016/12/thanh-ha-village-busy-by-making-kitchen.html |
Eagle Feather Arts is a Native American store that carry jewelry, moccasins, pottery and native artifacts. They are know for their turquoise jewelry, pottery, Pendleton blankets, and native artifacts, along with arts/craft items. Their store is located across the street from the Hardee’s in Pembroke, NC, approximately 10 miles from Lumberton.
Hours of Operation: | https://www.lumberton-nc.com/eagle-feather-arts/ |
Southwestern indigenous cultures have produced a variety of architectural, artisanal, and ritual art forms for centuries.
Learning Objectives
Describe the Anasazi, Hopi, Navajo, and Hohokam cultures of the American Southwest
Key Takeaways
Key Points
- The Anasazi, the ancestors of Pueblo Native American tribes, produced decorative pottery for storage purposes.
- Chaco Canyon in New Mexico (c. 10th century) is one of the most impressive early examples of Southwestern Native American architecture.
- The Navajo emigrated from Northern Canada to the Southwest sometime after 1000 CE. The sand paintings and weavings for which this culture is renowned are gender-specific. Men created sand paintings while women created weavings.
- Mastery of acid etching allowed the Hohokam culture to create lasting designs in bone, shell, and stone.
Key Terms
- Anasazi: A Native American people who once lived in cliff dwellings in Utah and Colorado.
- Pueblo: Modern and ancient communities of Native Americans in the Southwestern United States of America.
- xeriscaping: Landscaping and gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation.
- Navajo: Currently the largest Native American tribe in North America.
The Anasazi (1000 BCE–700 CE) are the ancestors of today’s Pueblo tribes. Their culture formed in the American southwest after the cultivation of corn was introduced from Mexico around 1200 BCE. Additionally, the Navajo and Apache emigrated from Northern Canada to the Southwest sometime after 1000 CE. People of this region developed an agrarian lifestyle, cultivating food, storage gourds, and cotton with irrigation or xeriscaping techniques. They lived in sedentary towns, so pottery used to store water and grain was ubiquitous . For hundreds of years, the Anasazi created utilitarian grayware and black-on-white pottery as well as orange and red ceramics . Turquoise, jet, and spiny oyster shell were traditionally used by Ancestral Pueblo for jewelry and sophisticated inlay .
Anasazi Architecture
Southwest architecture includes cliff dwellings (multi-story settlements carved from living rock), pit houses, and adobe and sandstone pueblos. One of the most elaborate and largest ancient settlements is Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, which includes 15 major complexes of sandstone and timber connected by a network of roads. The largest of these settlements, Pueblo Bonito, contains over 800 rooms .
Hopi Culture
The Hopi culture emerged in the Southwest in the fourteenth century. Hopi communities created ceramic jars, dough bowls, and food bowls of different sizes for daily use, as well as more elaborate ceremonial mugs, jugs, ladles, seed jars and vessels for ritual use. These were usually finished with polished surfaces and decorated with black painted designs.
Among Hopi ritual art is the kachina figure. This instructs young girls and new brides about katsinas or katsinam, the immortal beings that bring rain, control aspects of the natural world and society, and act as messengers between humans and the spirit world.
Navajo Culture
Art in the Navajo culture is traditionally gender-based. Men, seen as static in nature, create sand paintings for healing rituals. Because the pattern must be precise if the infirm person is to be cured, men were believed to be better suited for this work. Because sand paintings must be destroyed at the end of the ritual, tradition dictates that the designs not be photographed or otherwise documented. Women, on the other hand, were seen as more dynamic in nature and thus better suited for the creation of woven fabrics, such as blankets and rugs, whose patterns do not have to be exact. Unlike sand paintings, blankets and rugs are made to be long-lasting and therefore may be photographed.
Hohokam Culture
Around 200 CE, the Hohokam culture developed in Arizona as the ancestors of the Tohono O’odham and Akimel O’odham or Pima tribes. The Hohokam are credited as the first culture to master acid etching. Artisans produced jewelry from shell, stone, bone, and carved stone figures. Pottery and textile production also flourished.
Inuit Art
Inuit art is produced by the people of the Arctic, or Inuit people, who were previously known as Eskimos.
Learning Objectives
Differentiate between the Pre-Dorset, Dorset, Ipiutak, and Thule cultures of North America
Key Takeaways
Key Points
- Around 4000 BCE, nomads known as the Pre-Dorset or the Arctic Small Tool tradition (ASTt) crossed over the Bering Strait from Siberia into Alaska, the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, and Newfoundland. The Dorset culture became culturally distinct around 600 BCE.
- Walrus and narwhal ivory was historically the preferred material for carving sculptures, utensils, tools, and weapons among Pre-Dorset and Dorset artisans.
- The Dorset and Ipiutak communities that inhabited Alaska, the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, and Newfoundland were displaced by the Thule population around 1000 CE.
- The Thule carved small, delicate versions of non- utilitarian crafts and ceremonial objects that were easily transportable. They also constructed homes from bones harvested from bowhead whales and other materials.
Key Terms
- shaman: A holy person believed to mediate between the physical world and the spirit world.
- Nomad: A member of a group of people who have no fixed home and move seasonally in search of food, water, and grazing.
- Thule: The ancestors of the Canadian Inuit.
- Inuit: Any of several Aboriginal peoples of coastal Arctic Canada, Alaska, and Greenland.
Inuit art refers to artwork produced by the people of the Arctic, or Inuit people, previously known as Eskimos. Inuit culture begins with the Pre-Dorset cultures as far back as 4000 BCE and spans through the present day.
Pre-Dorset and Dorset Cultures
Around 4000 BCE, nomads known as the Pre-Dorset or the Arctic Small Tool tradition (ASTt) crossed over the Bering Strait from Siberia into Alaska, the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, and Newfoundland. Very little remains of this culture, and only a few preserved artifacts carved in ivory could be considered works of art.
The Dorset culture, which became culturally distinct around 600 BCE, produced a significant amount of figurative art using walrus ivory, bone, caribou antler, and on rare occasions, stone. Ivory from walruses and narwhals was the preferred material for carving utensils, tools, and weapons among Pre-Dorset and Dorset artisans. Subjects included birds, bears, walruses, seals, and human figures, as well as remarkably small masks. These items had a magical or religious significance, and were either worn as amulets to ward off evil spirits or used in shamanic rituals .
Archaeology has been critical to knowledge of the Dorset people, who were essentially extinct by 1500 due to difficulty adapting to the Medieval Warming Period.
Ipiutak Culture
The Ipiutak culture represents a classical period of Inuit development. The culture arose between 100 and 200 BCE and collapsed around 800 CE. The artwork is extremely elaborate, incorporating geometric, animal, and anthropomorphic designs.
An Ipiutak archaeological site at Point Hope, Alaska, is renowned for its mortuary offerings , notably mask-like creations. One Point Hope Ipiutak mask represents a human face with a gaping mouth and blowfly larvae issuing from its nostrils, a symbol rife with shamanistic implications. The mask, which belonged to a child, contains a stylized mouth and eyebrows and a naturalistic nose, as if it had been modeled upon an actual face. Two pointed objects likely covered the eyes.
Thule Culture
Around 1000 CE, the people of the Thule culture, ancestors of today’s Inuit, migrated from northern Alaska and either displaced or slaughtered the earlier Dorset inhabitants. By the thirteenth or fourteenth century, the Thule occupied an area currently inhabited by the Central Inuit, and by the fifteenth century, the Thule had fully replaced the Dorset culture. Contact with Europeans began in the 16th century and intensified in the 18th century. Compounded by the already disruptive effects of the “Little Ice Age” (1650–1850), the Thule communities broke apart, and the people became known as the Eskimos, and later as the Inuit.
Thule art had a definite Alaskan influence and included utilitarian objects such as combs, buttons, needle cases, cooking pots, ornate spears, and harpoons. The graphic decorations were purely ornamental, bearing no religious significance.
All Thule objects were made by hand from natural materials, including stone, bone, ivory, antler, and animal hides. Nomadic people carried tools necessary for daily living and could take very little else with them. Non-utilitarian objects were also carved in miniature so that they could be carried or worn, such as dance masks, amulets, fetish figures, and intricate combs and figures used to objectify their mythology and oral history.
The Classic Thule tradition (1100-1400) relied on the bowhead whale for survival since this species swims slowly and sleeps near the surface of the water. Bowhead whales served many purposes for the Thule people, including meat for food, blubber for oil (used in cooking, heating, and providing light), and bones for building structures and making tools. A Thule site in Resolute Bay , Nunavut, contains an example of a home with a whalebone frame.
Woodlands in the East
Eastern Woodland cultures are known for their production of a variety of art forms, from pottery to substantial earthen mounds for burial.
Learning Objectives
Distinguish between the early, middle, and late Woodland periods of North America.
Key Takeaways
Key Points
- The Woodland Period is divided into early, middle, and late periods , and consisted of cultures that relied mostly on hunting and gathering for subsistence.
- Pottery, stone carving and engraved shells are examples of the artwork of the shellfish-subsisting communities of the Early Woodland Period.
- The Middle Woodland Period from 200 to 500 CE is known for its jewelry and sculpture.
- The Late Woodland Period is traditionally framed as the decline for these hunter-gatherer communities, though many indigenous communities maintained similar lifestyles for several centuries.
- The agrarian Mississippian Culture emerged in the Southeast following the Late Woodland Period and is known for creating elaborate mounds, as well as ceramic innovation and work with shells and copper.
- Cahokia, a Mississippian site that extended from eastern Missouri to southern Illinois, is best known for its complex mound structure and the only copper workshop of the Woodland cultures.
Key Terms
- mound builder: Any of several Native American people who constructed large mounds for ceremonial or burial purposes.
- long-nosed god maskette: Small shield-shaped face with a squared-off forehead, circular eyes, and large nose.
- anneal: A technique that involves heating material until it glows, then slowly allowing to cool to room temperature in still air.
- Mississippian: A mound-building, agrarian Native American culture that flourished in what is now the Midwestern, Eastern, and Southeastern United States from approximately 800 to 1500 CE.
- Southeastern Ceremonial Complex: The name given to the regional stylistic similarity of artifacts, iconography, ceremonies, and mythology of the Mississippian culture that coincided with their adoption of maize agriculture and chiefdom-level complex social organization from 1200 to 1650 CE.
The Eastern Woodlands cultures inhabited the regions of North America east of the Mississippi River since at least 2500 BCE.
Contact and trade were common among the many regionally distinct Woodlands cultures. They shared the practice of burying their dead in earthen mounds, which preserved many cultural artifacts . Burial mounds in North America are part of an archetypal tradition that includes the pyramids of ancient Egypt. These structures begin on the ground and extend upward toward the sky, acting as a connection between the earthly plane and the spiritual plane. Because of this trait, the cultures are collectively known as the Mound Builders.
Early Woodland Period
Clay for pottery was typically mixed with non-clay additives such as crushed rock or limestone . Traditional jars were conical, with rounded shoulders, slightly constricted necks, and flaring rims. Pottery was most often decorated with a variety of linear or paddle stamps that created dentate (tooth-like) impressions, wavy line impressions, checked surfaces, or fabric-impressed surfaces. Some pots were incised with geometric patterns or more rarely, pictorial imagery such as faces. Pots were coiled and paddled entirely by hand without the use of fast rotation such as a pottery wheel. Some were slipped or brushed with red ochre .
Ceramics made by the Deptford culture (800 BCE-700 CE), inhabitants of the southern East Coast and Gulf Coast, are the earliest evidence of an artistic tradition in this region. The Adena culture is another well-known example. They carved stone tablets with zoomorphic designs, created pottery, and fashioned costumes from animal hides and antlers for ceremonial rituals . Shellfish was a mainstay of their diet, and engraved shells have been found in their burial mounds.
Middle Woodland Period
The Middle Woodland Period was dominated by cultures of the Hopewell tradition (200 to 500 BCE). Their artwork encompassed a wide variety of jewelry and sculpture in stone, wood, and even human bone. Mound City, located on Ohio Highway 104, is a group of 23 earthen mounds constructed by the Hopewell culture. Each mound within the group covered the remains of a charnel house. After the Hopewell people cremated the dead, they burned the charnel house and constructed a mound over the remains. They also placed artifacts such as copper figures, mica, projectile points, shells, and pipes in the mounds.
Late Woodland Period
The Late Woodland Period (500 to 1000 CE) saw a decline in trade and in the size of settlements, and the creation of art likewise declined. During this period, the nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle gradually gave way to an agrarian way of life.
The Mississippian culture flourished in what is now the Midwestern, Eastern, and Southeastern United States from approximately 800 to 1500 CE (following the Late Woodland Period). After adopting maize agriculture, the Mississippian culture became fully agrarian, as opposed to hunting and gathering supplemented by part-time agriculture practiced by preceding woodland cultures. They built larger and more complex platform mounds than those of their predecessors, and finished and developed more advanced ceramic techniques, commonly using ground mussel shell as a tempering agent. Many were involved with the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex (SECC), a pan-regional and pan-linguistic religious and trade network. Most known information about the SECC is derived from examination of the elaborate artworks left behind by its participants, including pottery, shell gorgets and cups, stone statuary, copper plates such as the Wulfing cache , and long-nosed god maskettes .
Perhaps the most famous mound-building site from this period is Cahokia, which straddles the Mississippi River between the St. Louis, Missouri area and East St. Louis, Illinois. Cahokia was the largest and most influential urban settlement of the Mississippian culture and developed advanced societies across much of what is now the central and southeastern United States, beginning more than 1000 years before European contact. Cahokia’s population at its peak in the thirteenth century was approximately 40,000.
Monks Mound is the largest structure and central focus of the city: a massive platform mound with four terraces, 10 stories tall, and the largest human-made earthen mound north of Mexico. The mound was built higher and wider over the course of several centuries through as many as ten separate construction episodes, and the terraces and apron were added.
While many Woodland cultures produced copper sculptures, Cahokia was the only Mississippian location to contain a copper workshop. The area contains the remains of three tree stumps thought to have been used to hold anvil stones. Analysis of copper found during excavations showed that it had been annealed. Artisans produced religious items, such as long-nosed god maskettes, ceremonial earrings with a symbolic shape thought to have been used in fictive kinship rituals.
By the time of European contact, the Mississippian societies were already experiencing severe social stress . With the social upsets and diseases introduced by Europeans, many of the societies collapsed and ceased to practice a Mississippian lifestyle, with the exception the Natchez people. Other tribes descended from Mississippian cultures include the Caddo, Choctaw, Muskogee Creek, Wichita, and many others. | https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-arthistory/chapter/north-america/ |
A Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) shipwreck, discovered preserved in the silt and mud of a dried up riverbed in eastern China after more than 700 years, has revealed a trove of ancient treasures, including a Buddhist shrine and other Buddhist artifacts, a recently published report by archaeologists revealed.
Dating back to a time when the Mongol Empire ruled a large part of present-day China, archeologists from the Shandong Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology believe the 21-meter wooden ship was used for journeys along the Yellow River until it was involved in a collision, took on water, and sank before submerging in the soft mud of the riverbed. The remains of the vessel were uncovered at a construction site.
The ship’s hull is divided by bulkheads into 12 compartments that include the captain’s cabin, quarters for the crew, cargo storage, and a control room that was also used as a kitchen. The ship also had a dedicated Buddhist shrine room, from which the archaeologists recovered an incense burner and sculptures of arhats,* more than 8 centimeters in height and carved from agalmatolite, depicted sitting beside a dragon and a tiger.
Altogether, “more than 100 artifacts were unearthed from both inside the shipwreck and its surrounding area, including artifacts of porcelain, pottery, lacquerware, jade, stone, iron, bronze and gold,” the archaeologists wrote in a paper published recently in the journal Chinese Cultural Relics.
“Porcelain ewers [a type of jug], net sinkers, scissors, oil lamps, and bronze mirrors,” were discovered in the the crew quarters, the archaeologists recorded, adding that lacquerware was found in the captain’s cabin, and even grain remained in the cargo hold.
The ship’s bridge contained an assortment of kitchenware, including an iron stove, an iron pot, an iron ladle, and a wooden cutting board. The vessel’s steering system was also well preserved, including the tiller just above the bridge on the main deck and the ship’s rudder.
Artifacts recovered include this jar decorated with a dragon and phoenix design.
From ancient-origins.net
Other notable discoveries include gold and turquoise jewelry, a colorful jar decorated with dragon and phoenix motifs, and a white porcelain vase, 42.5 centimeters high, with a well-preserved dragon design.
“During a relatively short period of time after the accident, the silt beneath the shipwreck was washed away by the current, [and] the shipwreck continued to sink to 1–2 meters below the original riverbed, then stabilized at its current location. Silt and mud were then deposited over it, and the shipwreck was completely buried," the archaeologists noted.
“The deposits around the shipwreck and the cracking of its [hull] suggest the possibility that the ship sank after its hull was hit and the ship wrecked,” the researchers observed. No human remains were found in the vessel.
Cracks in the hull of the ship suggest it was was involved in a collision and sunk.
From livescience.com
The Yuan dynasty established by Kublai Khan, leader of the Mongolian Borjigin clan, ruled vast territories including what is now northern China for several decades, before the conquest was completed in 1279. Khan’s empire controlled most of present-day China and its surrounding areas, including modern Mongolia, lasting until 1368.
* A perfected person who has attained insight into the true nature of existence. | https://www.buddhistdoor.net/news/buddhist-artifacts-unearthed-from-700-year-old-shipwreck-in-china |
Incas are no different from the Ancient Romans, Ancient Greeks, Maoris, Aborigines, and Native Americans when it comes to art and tools. Museo Incas glorifies with an incredible collection of Incas artifacts, which include pottery, jewelry, sculptures, textiles, and tools. While visiting the Inca sites such as Pisac and Ollaytaytambo was fascinating, seeing the artifacts was just as exciting to see. It’s always very interesting to see how the Incas lived their lives by knowing what tools they used for both survival and pleasure. They also have enormous shadow boxes depicting scenes of Incas’ lives which gave me a greater comprehension of how they lived their lives on the lands of Peru.
The admission to the museum is very cheap – S./ 10 ! I would definitely go check it out! It’s located right behind the Cathedral! | http://misstravelgirl.com/?p=1339 |
Unlike those in Mesoamerica, the earliest major ruins in the Central Andean Area date from before the discovery of pottery.
Pre-Ceramic Period In the Chicama Valley of the northern Peruvian coast at Huaca Prieta, monumental ceremonial mounds were built about 2500BC. Highly skilled cotton weaving has been found at this site as well as gourds carved with stylized geometric motifs. Another Pre-Ceramic site on the northern coast is Las Haldas, where perhaps the first true pyramids and platform temples in the Americas were constructed of earth about 1800BC. El Paraido, or Chuquintanta, on the central Peruvian coast, is the region’s largest excavated Pre-Ceramic site. Various residential complexes of clay and stone were built by piling rooms and terraces onto one another, as in the Pueblo towns in the southwestern United States. Another important Pre-Ceramic site is Kotosh in the northern highlands of Peru. At Kotosh, terraced temples were made of fieldstone set in earth and decorated with clay reliefs of crossed hands.
Pre-Classic Period Two important cultures developed in Peru in the Pre-Classic period, Chavín de Huántar and Paracas.
Chavín
Between about 1200 and 200BC, in the northern Peruvian highland ceremonial center of Chavín de Huántar, a civilization flourished that in many ways paralleled the contemporary Olmec civilization of Mesoamerica. Both were major early civilizations in their archaeological areas, and both used feline images in their sacred iconography. It appears that Chavín artistic influence was spread not by military but by religious and intellectual efforts. From Ecuador to southern coastal Peru, evidence remains of Chavín artistic and iconographic influence.
Chavín de Huántar is composed of a series of platforms and temples with corbel vaults in some of the corridors. The finest stone sculpture in the Central Andean Area is found at Chavín de Huántar or at Chavín-related sites such as Cerro Blanco and Cerro Sechin. Unlike the Olmec and other Mesoamericans, however, the Chavín and later Peruvian civilizations created very little freestanding stone sculpture or even clay figurines. Chavín shallow-relief carving achieved its expressive height in the stylized rectilinear design of the stela called the Raimondi Stone.
Probably originating in northern Peru, the stirrup-spout vessel—a closed pot having a hollow U-shaped handle surmounted by a tubular spout—was the most characteristic Chavín ceramic shape. Resembling Olmec ceramics, fine Chavín pottery was produced at outposts rather than at the principal ceremonial center. In northern Peruvian coastal valleys at Cupisnique, Chongoyape, and Tembladera, highly accomplished effigy pots were made with abstract and realistic designs.
Metalworking developed and the Chavín excelled at making hammered gold, or repoussé, body ornaments. Characteristic of the metalwork of the Chavín are cutout decorative plaques that were attached to garments, and high cylindrical crowns with mythological reliefs, which were worn by the Chavín nobility.
Paracas
Another civilization developed from about 1100 to 200BC at Paracas on the southern Peruvian coast. Because of the area’s extreme aridity, Paracas textiles have been perfectly preserved. Buried in desert tombs, mummies were bundled with layers of cloth that was woven or painted with complex designs or elaborately embroidered. Effigy pots were also found in the Paracas necropolis. Many of these show distinct Chavín influence, especially in the use of feline-cult iconography.
Peruvian southern coastal art has always been more influenced by schematized textile designs, rather than by the clay and metal sculpture that promoted the realism of northern Peruvian art. The decoration of Paracas ceramics, therefore, was highly stylized, frequently incised, and brightly polychromed. The vessels themselves were often double spouted and round bottomed, rather than stirrup spouted and flat based like northern coastal pots.
Paracas
Classic Period
Dominating the Classic period were the Moche and Nazca cultures and the later Tiahuanacu and related Huari cultures.
Moche
Between about 200BC and AD700 a militaristic society flourished on the northern Peruvian coast. Formerly named after its language, Mochica, this civilization is now referred to by the name of its major ceremonial administrative site, Moche.
Centered on two large terraced platform pyramids of sun-baked brick, Moche is one of Peru’s most monumental sites. Although a warrior society, the Moche displayed none of the spartan taste or disdain for luxury that characterized the Mesoamerican Toltec. Moche tombs were filled with some of the most proficient pottery and metalwork of the Central Andean Area.
Moche ceramics, the best known of ancient Peruvian artifacts, are among the finest pre-Columbian accomplishments of sculptural realism and narrative drawing. So-called portrait-head effigy pots are especially notable for realistically depicting human features and portraying emotion. On other Moche pottery the curved vessel walls are decorated with dynamic scenes drawn with delicate stylized lines and showing this people’s religious and military life. The Moche also produced more erotic pottery than any other pre-Columbian civilization. These artifacts are now interpreted as having ceremonial rather than pornographic meaning.
Moche metalwork was more ornate and technologically advanced than that of earlier civilizations. Body ornaments of gold, silver, copper, and alloys were frequently inlaid with turquoise and lapis lazuli. Geometric patterns and mythological motifs, especially the feline deity, were used.
Mochica
Mochica
Nazca
The Nazca of Peru’s southern coastal region were roughly contemporary with the Moche. Like their Paracas predecessors, the Nazca produced little architecture and excelled at making textiles and pottery with colorful stylized designs that contrast sharply to the realism and restrained color of northern Peruvian ceramics. Nazca pottery is as exuberantly polychromed as it is boldly designed and drawn. Paracas incising was no longer used, and color was applied before (instead of after) firing. Although both the Moche and the Nazca made pots that combined modeled elements and drawings, the Moche preferred sculptural pottery, and the Nazca, painted.
Among the most enigmatic of all pre-Columbian remains are the Nazca lines. These are drawings in the earth of geometric shapes, animals, birds, and fish that can be fully recognized only from the air. Certainly ceremonial in use, the images recall those painted on Nazca pottery. They were made by removing dark upper-surface stones to reveal a lighter substratum.
Nazca
Tiahuanacu
Tiahuanacu is a Bolivian site in the southern Central Andean highlands near Lake Titicaca. Although Tiahuanacu was settled as early as about 200BC, it was between about AD200 and 600 that this urban complex became the center of another major Classic period civilization.
In Tiahuanacu art and architecture the emphasis is on austerity, control, and permanence. Decorative motifs and religious imagery are rigidly stylized. Both buildings and sculpture are characterized by a monumental effect and monolithic appearance. The Gateway of the Sun at Tiahuanacu is cut from a single stone and ornamented with finely executed relief decoration; only 3.7 m (12 ft) high, it appears more monumental because of its design.
Scattered throughout the Tiahuanacu area are pillarlike monolithic statues that reach heights of more than 6 m (more than 20 ft) and are decorated with low-relief detailing. The Tiahuanacu culture was one of the few in the Central Andean Area committed to an extensive use of stone for architecture, sculpture, and ceremonial objects.
Tiahuanacu
Huari
The Huari (Wari) shared a religion and iconography with the Tiahuanacu, but were socioeconomically separate. Between about 750 and 1000 the Huari Empire put an end to Peruvian regionalism, thereby preparing for the cultural unification of the Inca period.
Like the Moche, the Huari were a warrior society that appreciated fine artistry and design. Coastal Huari cultures (formerly referred to as Coastal Tiahuanacu) produced textiles of the highest quality. Many of the patterns, especially for ponchos, were abstractions of motifs painted on Tiahuanacu pottery. Although less refined than Tiahuanacu ceramics, Huari pottery stressed solid construction, bold design, and a rich use of polychromy.
Post-Classic Period The Inca were preeminent during the Post-Classic period, rivaled only by the Chimu.
Huari
Chimu
Northern Peru was dominated by the Chimu from about 1000 until 1470. Their imperial capital of Chan Chan was constructed of large walled adobe compounds reflecting those of earlier Huari settlements. The largest Andean urban site and a true city, Chan Chan consists of ten major quadrangles, each containing small pyramids, residences, markets, workshops, reservoirs, storehouses, gardens, and cemeteries. The buildings are decorated with geometrically patterned mosaics of adobe bricks or bas-reliefs, molded in clay plaster, of stylized animals, birds, and mythological figures.
Although Chan Chan was not fortified, the Chimu defended their empire by building fortresses on the frontiers. Paramonga, which defended the southern border, is considered a masterpiece of military engineering, as is the fortress of Saccasihuamán above Cusco.
Chimu pottery was primarily mass-produced through the use of molds. Its characteristic black color was achieved through almost smothering the flame, drastically reducing the oxygen in the kiln, during firing. Decoration was usually molded relief, and the surface was polished after firing to give the pot a silverlike sheen.
Metalworkers also mass-produced objects by using molds. Compared with Chimu pottery, however, the metalwork is more distinctive in design and individual in artistic execution.
Textiles were made with the same quality and quantity as other Chimu arts. The featherwork was especially outstanding, and their feathered ponchos were among the most luxurious garments made in the Post-Classic period.
Chimu
Inca
The Inca, who called themselves Tawantinsuyu, ruled from Cusco an empire extending between Ecuador and Chile. A highland warrior people, the Inca preferred an aesthetic that was formally simple, decoratively sparse, and functional. Because the Inca were the Native Americans that the Spanish conquered, their culture is the Central Andean Area civilization of which most is known; however, as happened with the treasures of their Mesoamerican contemporaries, the Aztecs, many Inca artifacts were destroyed by the Spanish, out of greed for gold and silver or out of Christian militancy.
Highland Inca cities such as Machu Picchu were carefully planned to harmonize with the landscape, both through the use of indigenous materials and through the architectural repetition of surrounding natural forms. Structurally among the most accomplished in the pre-Columbian period, Inca buildings were constructed with carefully shaped, precisely fitted stone masonry that was left undecorated. Trapezoidal doors and windows were characteristic.
The Inca produced neither large-scale freestanding statues nor architectural sculpture. Metal figurines and small stone ceremonial bowls in the shape of llamas and alpacas are among the finest examples of their sculpture.
Inca pottery, like that of the Chimu, was mass-produced, but it was less distinguished. The most characteristic shape was that of the aryballos, a polychromed container for carrying liquids. In both textiles and metalwork, the Inca continued the Central Andean tradition of high-quality design and execution. | https://www.peru-explorer.com/preco.htm |
Celtic art is not characterized only by the stylized throwbacks you see at modern day festivals or in shops that sell nouveau Irish merchandise. In fact, the Celts did not arise in Ireland, but in Central Europe.
Celtic art is a broad movement that is really three movements attributed to peoples of different times, locations, and cultural values, but that share a heritage.
The overarching theme of Celtic art is one of symbolism coupled with non-linear, geometric design. Most surviving pieces are those that were forged from metal or carved in stone, so scholars cannot be sure that all typical art from the period is represented in what still remains today.
Pinning down the exact dates of the origins of Celtic art is debatable as archaeologists put the beginnings of Celtic culture at 1000 BC while art historians generally begin with the art of the La Tene period in the 5th century BC.
Looking at the archeologists model, the arts and crafts of the Celts begins with the Hallstatt Culture which was centered in Austria but spread over a larger region. The Hallstatts were prolific traders in mined minerals and were a wealthy civilization. With bronze and iron age metal art working technology, they created weaponry and tools in iron and decorative pieces in bronze. Being a mobile society, they had been influenced by Mycenaean art as well as other Mediterranean styles. Some silver and gold pieces existed, but not many.
Motifs of the Hallstatt era were animals, spirals, and geometric designs on weaponry and adornments. They favored birds, knot work, and fretwork. They employed color, and in unpainted pottery they used a polychrome technique. Weaponry and other tools were shaped according to both aesthetics and usefulness, as in the case of dual sided curved axes, or curved swords.
The La Tene era is the beginning point as far as art historians are concerned and is chiefly recognizable by its swirling curvilinear patterns. The movement began in what is now Switzerland, and its influence is still felt today. The Celts had by this time moved northward into Switzerland from the Danube River in Austria and the Rhine region of France.
La Tene artists worked quite a bit in gold, especially in jewelry and other personal adornment. Most surviving art from this period in Celtic art is made from gold, iron, bronze, and other metals. Decorated with scrollwork that is reminiscent of foliage and ivies, these metallic objects include vessels, bowls, weapons, and sculpture in addition to the jewelry mentioned.
The Celts had influenced the Irish and British in the beginning of this era and moved into these lands during this period. Irish La Tene art flourished after Rome absorbed the Celtic tribes of other lands. The Irish were left alone and the artistic style survived there without much Roman influence. It is in Ireland that most Celtic stonework was created, as in the tradition of the Celtic High Crosses.
Insular Celtic art was that of the British Isles, particularly Ireland. It is from these works that we derive much of what the general public would recognize as Celtic art. Monastic traditions in Ireland brought a Christian bent to the Celtic arts and vice versa. The movement produced works like the famous Book of Kells and other illuminations, the previously mentioned High Crosses, and metal work in the form of chalices and other objects.
Scotland and Wales also contributed to insular art. Wales added to the library of illuminated manuscripts and Scotland created stone sculptures with high Pictish influence.
The Celts added to the art they produced with pieces taken from the places they visited. One chieftain was buried in a Chinese silk robe.
“Cult wagons” fashioned from bronze were large trolleys in which were standing figures. A large bowl that may have been meant to hold religious offerings was atop a shaft at the center of the piece.
The warring drinking nature of the Celts can be seen in what they chose to produce, and there are a bevy of large, elaborate drinking vessels and quite a lot of weaponry.
The Celts created coins beginning in the 3rd Century BC. Initial styles borrowed from that of the Greeks and Romans and then later became more Celtic in design.
The modern Celtic Revival began around the time of the discovery of the Tara Brooch in 1850. Brooches soared in popularity and the revival jumped to the United States where architecture and grave markers began to display Celtic motifs.
While the Celts did produce pottery, it was not on the level of other cultures of the time and was used mostly for mundane daily purposes. They reserved metals for making their finer pieces. | https://www.theartist.me/art-movement/celtic-art/ |
# Fisher Mound Group
The Fisher Mound Group is a group of burial mounds with an associated village site located on the DesPlaines River near its convergence with the Kankakee River where they combine to form the Illinois River, in Will County, Illinois, about 60 miles southwest of Chicago. It is a multi-component stratified site representing several Prehistoric Upper Mississippian occupations as well as minor Late Woodland and Early Historic components.
The site contains a total of 12 burial mounds, the main ones being the Big East Mound and the Big West Mound. Around the mounds are 50 house pits.
## History of archaeological investigations
George Langford, a mechanical engineer, located the site and excavated it for several years, eventually bringing it to the attention of the archaeological world. According to Langford, he first visited the site in 1898 and by 1906-1907 he was excavating on a small scale with the assistance of Howard Calmer.
In 1922 the site began to be impacted by farming activities and Langford realized the loss of information that was taking place. This spurred him into large-scale excavations with his associate Albert Tennik, starting in 1924. In 1927 Langford issued the first site report. After Langford's work, additional excavations took place under the auspices of the University of Chicago and the WPA.
## Results of data analysis
Excavations at the site yielded Prehistoric and Historic artifacts, burials, house structures, pit features, animal bone and plant remains.
### Stratigraphy
Three distinct Upper Mississippian levels were observed in Langford's excavations, each with its own diagnostic artifacts, especially related to changes in pottery styles. There were also differences in skeletal morphology, especially in the shape of the skull. J.W. Griffin in a 1948 paper referred to these levels as “Periods A, B and C”, with Period B having by far the most material.
The surface soil formed a layer to a depth of 3 feet, which Langford called the “Upper Level”. Underneath was a one-inch layer of blackened soil which was called the “Black Seam”. Underneath the Black Seam was 1-1/2 feet of soil and gravel underlain by a 6-inch layer of white ashes, black charcoal, brown earth, bone and shell called the “Ash Layer”. Following these layers carefully, Langford was able to assign each burial to its correct stratigraphic level.
The earliest phase is represented by several “long head” burials without grave goods, in the gravel beneath the Upper Mississippian layers. The upper levels contain small amounts of Late Woodland and Historic materials in disturbed contexts. In between laid the Upper Mississippian deposits.
#### Period A
Period A represents the earliest Upper Mississippian phase represented at Fisher. It is located below the Ash Level close to and below the actual ground level. There are no radiocarbon dates available at the Fisher site, but comparisons with sites yielding similar artifacts with radiocarbon dates suggest a time period of approximately A.D. 1100–1300.
The burials associated with Period A are extended burials with short high heads. Most of the pots have shell spoons and had a greasy texture and small fragments of bone, as if they originally contained food when they were buried.
The primary diagnostic artifact of Period A is the distinctive shell-tempered cordmarked pottery with elaborate decoration originally termed “antler-point” pottery by Langford since he assumed the incised lines of decoration were applied in the wet clay by the tip of an antler prior to firing in the kiln. The predominant vessel form was globular with restricted orifice and vertical to excurved rim profile. Lips were frequently notched.
The following non-pottery artifacts were recovered from the Period A deposits. Most of these were grave goods. Significantly, bone artifacts outnumber stone artifacts in both Periods A and B:
Bone artifacts - detached antler tines, worked fish spine, fish hooks, cut animal jaws, socketed antler projectile points, “golf-tee”-style antler projectile points and celt-like antler scrapers Shell artifacts - beads, pendants, hoes, scrapers and spoons Chipped stone artifacts - triangular projectile points Ground stone artifacts - celts and hammerstones Copper artifacts - beads and ear discs Mineral - red ochre
#### Period B
Period B corresponds to the deposits between the Black Seam and the Ash Layer. It dates to a time period of approximately A.D. 1200-1500 based on comparisons with sites yielding similar artifacts with radiocarbon dates.
The burials associated with Period B are extended burials with differing skull types: short high, long or round heads. Burials 115 and 116 in the Big East Mound contained a unique artifact and bone cache including 3 triangular projectile points, 1 slender projectile point, 2 tarsal bones from turkey and heron, 2 deer ankle bones, 2 beaver incisors, a mink jaw bone, bird bones and antler projectile points. Another skeleton was buried with 2 wildcat humeri, and otter, raccoon and mink skulls.
The house structures present at Fisher are thought to be associated with Period B. They show signs of double-walled design and wall-trench construction like houses found associated with the Heally Component at the Zimmerman site.
The pottery from Period B was grit-tempered with predominantly cordmarked surface finish. Decoration was similar to the shell-tempered ware in Period A but less elaborate. Vessel form was similar except that lip notching was less frequent.
The following non-pottery artifacts were recovered from the Period B deposits. Most of these were grave goods:
Bone artifacts - detached antler tines, scapula awls, splinter awls, beads, beamers, cut beaver incisors, game counters (antler or bone cylinders often accompanied by a stone tablet, which seemed to comprise a "game set"), perforated deer phalanges, harpoons, antler hoes, fish hooks, mat needles, pins, socketed antler projectile points, “golf-tee”-style antler projectile points, collared projectile points, flat bone projectile points and celt-like antler scrapers. The game counters have been recovered from other sites in the area but have not been reported with the tablets. At Fisher sometimes the counters are stuck to the tablets as if they were originally enclosed in a leather bag when included in the grave goods. Shell artifacts - beads, fish hooks, hoes, scrapers and spoons Chipped stone artifacts - triangular projectile points and drills (both simple and expanded-base) Ground stone artifacts - arrowshaft straighteners, abraders, celtiform tablets (paired with antler game counters, as described above), discoidals, mullers, smoking pipes (equal-arm type), celts and hammerstones Copper artifacts - beads, celts and ear discs Mineral - red ochre
#### Period C
Period C corresponds to the deposits located above the Black Seam. This layer was not clearly demarcated from the Late Woodland and Historic material above it; and in relation to cultural remains was not well-represented compared to the first two periods. The pottery was grit-tempered like the previous period but undecorated. The only artifacts reported were chipped stone projectile points, shell beads and bone harpoons. The time period for this phase is thought to be after approximately A.D. 1500.
### Animal remains
According to Langford, animal bone was common throughout the site. Deer bones predominated but other species were also represented such as elk, bear, dog, wildcat, otter, beaver, mink, weasel, skunk, raccoon, muskrat, rabbit, turkey, heron and goose. These remains were not modified into tools like the bone artifacts described elsewhere, and may be considered food remains or, in the case of some species, the remains of ceremonial activities or grave goods with spiritual significance. Dog sacrifice and dog meat consumption was observed to have ceremonial and religious implications in early Native American tribes. Bear ceremonialism has also been reported in Native American tribes of the American Midwest. Finally, the bones of some animals were used in medicine pouches as part of the practices of medicine societies such as the Midewiwin and False Face Society. The presence of species like mink, wildcat and heron, especially in burials, implies these bones may have been part of medicine bundles intended to accompany the deceased into the afterlife.
### Plant remains
Plant remains were not systematically collected in the Fisher excavations since the use of flotation techniques were not yet widely adopted. However, it was reported that large quantities of maize were recovered and there is little doubt that the Fisher inhabitants were an agricultural society, although hunting still provided for a large portion of their subsistence.
### Pottery
Archaeologists often find pottery to be a very useful tool in analyzing a prehistoric culture. It is usually very plentiful at a site and the details of manufacture and decoration are very sensitive indicators of time, space and culture.
Many complete or reconstructable vessels were found with the Fisher Mound burials, which greatly facilitated the artifact analysis.
In 1927 Langford described the pottery found in the three Upper Mississippian levels, but it was not until 1948 that JW Griffin developed a detailed typology. He called the shell-tempered pottery in Period A Fisher Ware, and the grit-tempered pottery in Periods B and C Langford Ware.
#### Fisher Ware
Fisher Trailed - shell-tempered, globular vessels with cordmarked or smoothed-over cordmarked surface finish and restricted orifice with vertical to excurved rim profile. Lips are often notched. Loop and strap handles, as well as lugs, are sometimes present. Decoration occurs between the rim and shoulder in the form of wide-trailed lines often combined with punctates forming festoons, arches and chevrons. Langford called this style of decoration “antler-point” because it seemed to him that the width and depth of the lines could have been the result of using the point of an antler tine to trace the patterns in the wet clay before the vessel was fired. The presence of antler tines in some of the burials suggested to him that the tools used to create the pot may have been left in the grave along with the vessel itself. Fisher Noded - same as Fisher Trailed except for the presence of nodes extruding outward on the surface, created by pressing the wet clay from the interior.
#### Langford Ware
Langford Trailed - grit-tempered with cordmarked or smoothed-over cordmarked surface. Similar decorations as Fisher Trailed except less elaborate, with arches being more common than festoons. Vessel form is similar to Fisher Trailed. Unlike the Fisher ware, notched lips are uncommon, as are handles and lugs. Langford Corded - same as Langford Trailed except no decoration Langford Plain - same as Langford Trailed except no decoration and surface is not cordmarked Langford Noded - same as Langford Trailed except for the presence of nodes extruding outward on the surface, created by pressing the wet clay from the interior.
### Cultural summary
#### Fisher Tradition
The Upper Mississippian Fisher Tradition is thought to have emerged after the establishment of the large Middle Mississippian city of Cahokia in the southern part of Illinois in approximately A.D. 1050. The Cahokian culture probably exerted a great deal of influence on the surrounding communities, and recent evidence indicates it was Cahokia that introduced maize agriculture to most of the eastern portion of North America.
Fisher was first identified at the Fisher Mound Group but other sites have been found with similar material culture elsewhere in Illinois as well as northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan (where it is part of the Berrien Phase at Moccasin Bluff). The presence of shell-tempered cordmarked pottery at the Griesmer and Fifield sites in Indiana associated with a radiocarbon date of A.D. 1530 along with late-period artifacts implies that this tradition survived in some form almost until the Protohistoric and/or early Historic Period. This could potentially mean that Fisher represents one of the historic Native American tribes encountered by the early European explorers and fur traders.
#### Langford Tradition
The material culture of the Upper Mississippian Langford Tradition has been identified at many sites in the Kankakee, Des Plaines and Illinois River valleys in Illinois. It corresponds to the Heally Component at the Zimmerman site, and is also present at the Plum Island and Gentleman Farm sites on the Illinois River near Zimmerman.
Radiocarbon dates of A.D. 1210-1490 have been reported for Langford, which makes it mostly contemporaneous with Fisher.
The formation of Langford (like Fisher) may be related to the rise of Cahokia, and it has been noted that most Langford sites have small amounts of Middle Mississippian pottery in their assemblages.
## Significance
The Fisher site, which was first excavated over a century ago, was one of the first Upper Mississippian sites in Illinois to be investigated intensively by archaeologists. The stratified deposits present at the site aided in the development of a timeline for cultural timeline of the region. As a result, subsequent excavations at Upper Mississippian sites in the American Midwest were often analyzed through the typological framework developed at Fisher. Comparisons with other sites have helped archaeologists define the cultural identity of the Fisher and Langford Traditions and how they relate temporally and spatially with other Upper Mississippian cultures such as Huber and Oneota. | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisher_Mound_Group |
Research Areas:
Biography: Paula A. Hahn is a quality assurance manager for Idaho National Laboratory’s Ultratrace Analytical Laboratory. She analyzes samples using various instrumentation such as inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). She performs experiments in a glovebox at INL’s Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) and performs general chemistry techniques in various laboratories. She is in charge of operating and maintaining instruments, performing reviews on data generated. She has created laboratory instructions for research activities at MFC. Her duties also include assembling and presenting experimental data using spreadsheets and power point presentations. She prepares reports for project managers in the National Homeland Security and Separations departments and briefs technicians and interns on working safely within the boundaries of established work control documents. She holds a master’s in physical chemistry from University of Missouri-Kansas City and a bachelor’s in chemistry from Iowa State University. | https://bios.inl.gov/Lists/Researcher/DisplayOverrideForm.aspx?ID=348 |
Environmental Chemistry (CHEM 472)
This course provides an introduction to environmental chemistry and is focused on application of chemical principles and theories to the study of environmental phenomena and issues and covers matters related to environment and earth. Potential topics include aquatic chemistry, water pollution and purification, atmospheric chemistry, air pollution, hydrology and geochemistry, soil chemistry and pollution, natural resource and cycle, energy and sustainability, climate change, chemical bonding and reactions, thermodynamics and kinetics, acid-base chemistry, redox chemistry, bio-inorganic chemistry on earth and living systems, organic and inorganic toxicants and pollutants, hazardous heavy metals, nuclear wastes, waste and recycling, green chemistry, environmental toxicology, and chemical and environmental health and safety.
Environmental Analytical Chemistry (CHEM 473)
This course provides an overview of applications of analytical chemistry to environment and environmental problems. Students will learn spectrometric, chromatographic, electrochemical measurement methods and concepts for analysis of environmental samples and tracing and monitoring of environmental problems. Potential topics include: quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) in environmental sampling and analysis; determination of trace elements, toxicants, organics, pollutants, heavy metals, and radionuclides in environmental samples and drinking water; analytical tools for tracing and monitoring of pollution and contamination; instrumental analysis of environmental samples using ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry), ICP-AAS (atomic absorption spectroscopy), ICP-AES (atomic emission spectrometry), ion chromatography, and gas chromatography (GC), GC-MS, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); chemometrics; electrochemical methods; GC/LC separation methods, liquid-liquid and solid phase extraction; statistical data analysis.
Analytical method development Lab (CHEM 463)
In this laboratory course, students will learn about method development and assessment for analysis of chemicals, organic compounds, polymers, drugs, pharmaceuticals, and biopharmaceuticals. Students will gain hands-on experience in quantitative analysis and quality assurance and control of diverse chemicals and bioactive agents. This course will foster students to develop quantitative and technical analysis techniques, literature comprehension, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. The literature and guidance on analytical method development and validation reported by the industry and government agencies will be studied. Potential topics include: analytical separation; instrumental analysis; chromatographic and electrophoretic methods; quality assurance and control; analytical method validation; sampling, preparations and storage of samples and standard solutions; physiochemical characterization; statistical analysis; good laboratory practice (GLP) requirement; validation, verification, and documentation of analytical testing methods and procedure.
Seminar in Special Topics (CHEM 495)
This seminar course is designed to provide students with opportunities to learn about recent development in specialized chemistry areas including bioanalytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, forensic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and computational chemistry and biochemistry. Students are expected to develop written and oral communication skills on the advanced and specialized topics. | https://science.iit.edu/programs/undergraduate/bs-chemistry/bs-environmental-chemistry/sample-environmental-chemistry |
CDC was contacted on April 24, 2017 by FDA requesting assistance in assessing the potential public health risk of a negative bias associated with Magellan’s lead testing systems. FDA is now warning that Magellan Diagnostics’ LeadCare® analyzers should no longer be used with venous blood samples due to the potential for falsely low test results. Not all blood lead tests are affected. Laboratory tests analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or graphite furnace atomic spectrometry (GFAAS) (also known as electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry [ETAAS]) are not expected to have resulted in falsely low results. This safety alert applies to venous blood lead tests conducted using Magellan Diagnostics’ LeadCare® analyzers whether the patient is a child or an adult. At this time, the safety alert does not apply to capillary blood lead test results collected by fingerstick or heelstick using Magellan Diagnostics’ LeadCare® analyzers. Children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure due to the effect on their developing brains and organ systems. CDC is working with public health officials throughout the United States to determine where the analyzers were used and which blood lead test results might be affected.
2) had a venous blood lead test result of less than 10 micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL) analyzed using a Magellan Diagnostics’ LeadCare® analyzer at an onsite (e.g., healthcare facility) or at an offsite laboratory.
CDC also recommends that healthcare providers re-test currently pregnant or lactating women who had a venous blood lead test performed using a Magellan Diagnostics’ LeadCare® analyzer.
CDC recommends parents discuss re-testing with their healthcare provider or health department to determine if their child’s blood should be re-tested.
If re-testing indicates blood lead levels in excess of the CDC reference level (www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/acclpp/blood_lead_levels.htm), or the state or local action level, the healthcare provider or public health official should refer to CDC and/or local guidelines for appropriate follow-up action (www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/acclpp/actions_blls.html).
Re-tests are not recommended if the provider is certain that analyzers other than those described by this Health Advisory were used to analyze the venous blood samples.
Send venous samples to Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-compliant laboratories using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) (also known as electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry [ETAAS]) instruments.
Send capillary samples to CLIA-compliant laboratories using any CLIA compliant analyzer including ICP-MS, GFAAS, or LeadCare® analyzers. | http://www.fbchealth.org/potential-for-falsely-low-blood-lead-test-results-from-leadcare-analyzers/ |
The research conducted at the Geothermal Open Laboratory is aimed at gaining better understanding of underground heat transfer and flow phenomena for reducing technical risks of geothermal energy. It is an open access laboratory, modeled after open-source software.
• Ionic Chromatograph • Gas and liquid chromatographs • Mass spectrometers • Level 2 Laboratory for Bacteria
This infrastructure measures trace elements in a wide variety of natural matrices ranging from water or soil samples to cellular fractions of living organisms. The laboratory includes: 1) a quadrupole mass spectrometer coupled to an inductive plasma (ICP-MS) 2) a high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) 3) an ultracentrifuge 4) two radiation counters (gamma counter and liquid scintillation counter)
This laboratory is used in particular to carry out research work on understanding the environmental fate of energetic materials. The laboratory consists of two experimental pans, the size of which makes it possible to carry out restoration experiments similar to field conditions, but under controlled experimental conditions. These tanks can contain 4 to 9 m3 of soil from contaminated sites or clean soils to which specific contaminants can be added.
This laboratory aims to develop electrolytic techniques and oxidative processes to improve municipal and industrial wastewater treatment systems or replace conventional low efficiency technologies to remove refractory, inorganic and microbial organic contaminants. It includes 4 facilities: - Laboratory treatment and control units - Analytical instrumentation units - Assembly of units, storage of reagents, installation ovens and scales - For heavy lab
This laboratory consists of a physical model of a municipal drinking water distribution network aimed at better management of these networks. The infrastructure replicates a typical sector of a municipal drinking water system. The pipes are about 2/3 of the actual diameter and pressure of a real network. The network is equipped with numerous sensors (flow, pressure, conductivity), pressure regulators, isolation valves and faucets (to simulate water usage or leaks) that are all connected to a central computer system . The assembly is designed to be more versatile.
A mass spectrometry service is offered to the scientific community for the identification of organic molecules, the analysis of natural products, the quantification of metabolites of pharmaceutical products, the analysis of trace pollutants, the determination of the molecular weight of proteins, the sequencing of peptides. The service includes, among others, a Micromass Quattro II triple quadrupole equipped with gas and liquid chromatography interfaces. It can be operated in positive and negative mode and carry out a mass scan up to 4000 m / z. The mass spectrometry service can perform a variety of MS / MS experiments such as daughter ion, parent ion and neutral fragment loss analysis. Various ionization modes such as electronic impact (EI), chemical ionization (CI), chemical ionization at atmospheric pressure (APCI), electrospray and nanospray can be used. It has an interface for gas chromatography with an HP 6890 gas chromatograph and an interface for HPLC HP 1100 liquid chromatography equipped with an automatic injector and a UV detector.
Analysis of trace metals in liquid or solid samples (biological tissues, suspended matter, sediments, soils) and bio-optical analysis. Research focuses on the path of toxic metals in the food chain, the bioavailability of contaminants, the impacts of anthropogenic activities and the assessment of the sensitivity of the natural environment. The main equipment is as follows: Particle and radioactivity counters (beta and gamma emissions); Atomic and mass emission spectrometers, by inductively coupled plasma (ICP-AES and ICP-MS); Liquid, gas and ion chromatography devices (HPLC, LC-MS-MS, GC, GC-MS); ICP-MS coupled to an HPLC; Mercury analyzer.
The service is able to meet several needs in the animal, plant or microbial fields, including: • Research and identification of viruses from all sources; • Research and identification (Gram-positive or Gram-negative) and description of bacteria from all sources • Research and identification of contaminants (eg mycoplasma) in clinical specimens or cell cultures • Immunoelectromicroscopy with or without colloidal gold on a liquid sample (negative staining) or on cell sections (pre- or post-embedding techniques) • Quality control of viral fractions of density gradients • Cell morphology on thin sections • Quantification of viruses (eg Retrovirus) using latex spheres of known concentration by negative staining. • Quality control of biological products released to municipal sewage • Research of Retrovirus in cells, identification and count of the proportion of infected cells (cell sections)
These laboratories make it possible to analyze water samples by colorimetry, fluorometry, spectroscopy, radioisotopy and chromatography, as well as to analyze organic compounds and trace metals present in different matrices (water, effluents, sewage sludge, soils, sediments, biological tissues), and finally, to analyze the elements present in solid samples (rocks, soils, sediments, sludge). X-ray microfluorescence scanning: Non-destructive x-ray analyzes coupled with chemical X-ray fluorescence analysis of rocks, soils and sediments. Scanning electron microscopy: Production of high resolution images of the surface and composition of a sample using technology using electron-matter interactions. | https://www.centreau.ulaval.ca/en/research/research-infrastructures/?tx_solr%5Bfilter%5D%5B0%5D=etablissements%3A2&tx_solr%5Bpage%5D=2 |
Gas chromatography, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and other bulk analysis methods applied to groundwater in proximity to unconventional oil and natural gas extraction activities.
October 01, 2015
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The connection of a quantum spectral fingerprint to molecular structure makes spectroscopy ideal for chemical detection. Even with the broad utility of chromatography and mass spectrometry, there is still a rigor to expand the applicability of high resolution spectroscopy by miniaturizing FT-NMR and enhancing the performance of mid-IR techniques. While IR instrumentation experts have been incorporating the latest diode lasers, molecular rotational resonance (MRR) spectroscopists have designed a digital, solid-state approach to reach subTerahertz (millimeter/submillimeter-wave) molecular spectroscopy from the radio regime. Recent innovations for FT-MRR techniques have finally brought millimeter-wave spectroscopy into the modern age. FT-MRR spectroscopy is applied here to gas analyses, air analysis, and headspace analysis for sensitive, chemically specific detection of VOCs without the need for lasers, chemometrics, or chromatography.
October 01, 2015
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Sample pre-treatment is one of the bottlenecks in analytical chemistry specially when dealing with complex matrices like environmental samples. When performed in a batch mode, sample handling methods are tedious and time consuming. Therefore, the hyphenation of these methods with flow injection techniques yields many advantages. The possibility of automation not only increases the determination rate, but also decreases sample and reagent consumption. As a consequence, analyte separation, enrichment, and elimination of sample matrix becomes possible with an increase in selectivity and sensitivity. This is a significant contribution for the analysis of environmental samples as the analyte is usually present at trace levels in a complex matrix. In this scenario, the state of the art of solid phase spectrometry (SPS) with a focus on the lab-on-valve (LOV) platform is discussed. LOV facilitates the manipulation of bead suspension for SPS with lower reagents consumption and waste production.
October 01, 2015
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This article describes a cost-effective and sensitive approach for quantifying waterborne arsenic based on gas-phase chemiluminescence. The approach centers on the use of laboratory-built instruments-one for laboratory use and one field-deployable version-that can quantify total arsenic as well as individually measure As(III) and As(V). The regulatory limit for arsenic in drinking water is 10 μg/L. The limits of detection of the gas-phase chemiluminescence instruments are well below 1 μg As/L and the linear range extends to >100 μg As/L. Total arsenic analysis using this approach requires 3 min.
October 01, 2015
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Here we highlight some of the opportunities associated with combining advanced sample preparation techniques with state-of-the-art chemical analysis techniques. This article considers the unique combination of selective pressurized liquid extraction (SPLE) with gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem MS-MS (UPLC-MS-MS). We use this powerful combination to develop a novel analytical technique capable of measuring hormones and organic contaminants in whale earwax plugs. We explore the analytical challenges with such combinations and the advantages of focusing both on sample preparation as well as instrumentation associated with chemical analysis.
October 01, 2015
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Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) is an exciting new technique for detecting and characterizing metal nanoparticles (NP) at very low concentrations. It is fast and can provide significantly more information than other traditional techniques, including particle number concentration, particle size, and size distribution, in addition to the concentration of dissolved metals in solution. The added benefit of using ICP-MS is that it can distinguish between particles of different elemental compositions. The study will investigate the use of SP-ICP-MS to track the release of ENMs into the environment and to better understand their fate and behavior specifically in drinking, surface and wastewater samples.
October 01, 2015
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A brief introduction to the articles presented in this supplement.
October 01, 2015
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Click the title above to open the LCGC North America October 2015 Advancing Environmental Analysis Supplement, Vol 33 No s10, in an interactive PDF format. | https://www.chromatographyonline.com/journals/special-issues/special-issues-10-01-2015-0 |
Copyright: © 2014 Chandramouleeswaran S, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Visit for more related articles at Journal of Analytical & Bioanalytical Techniques
Mass spectrometry is a versatile technique that is used for the determination of elements at the trace and ultratrace level along with the isotope ratios. The accuracy in the quantification of isotope ratios of radionuclides is essential for environmental monitoring, migration studies, dating, determination of burn-up of fuel, nuclear material accounting and radioactive waste control. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is advantageous due to its outstanding sensitivity, precision and good accuracy for isotope ratio measurements and enhanced figures of merit for the determination of isotope ratio measurements. These advantages can be enhanced by various other variations of ICP-MS like the use of a multiple ion collector device (MC-ICP-MS). The review gives an idea of the various applications in the nuclear field and touches upon some of the important elements used in nuclear industry.
Mass spectrometry; Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; Nuclear industry
Mass spectrometry is analytical instrument which has been used for more than a century with its initial work on mass charge ratio being carried out by W. Wien, J.J. Thomson, and other physicists . Mass Spectroscopy is an analytical laboratory technique to separate the components of a sample by their mass. The sample is vaporized into a gas and then ionized. The ions are then accelerated through a potential difference and focused into a beam. The ion beam passes through a magnetic field which bends the charged stream. Lighter components or components with more ionic charge will deflect in the field more than heavier or less charged components. A detector counts the number of ions at different deflections and the data can be plotted as a ‘spectrum’ of different masses. Therefore it is clear that mass spectrometer performs a simple measurement that of mass. The earlier work in the measurement of mass had led to the discovery of isotopes and it was in the 1930s that these measurements were correlated to the chemical structures and therefore were used extensively for biological applications for the characterization of natural products. Further progress in the field of mass spectrometry including isotopic labeling methods, hyphenated techniques and softer ionization methods made it an ideal tool for the analysis of macromolecules . With the various fields that employ mass spectrometry growing in number, nuclear industry is also an important area wherein applications of mass spectrometry exist.
According to John B. Fenn, the originator of electrospray ionization for biomolecules and the 2002 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, mass spectrometry is the art of measuring atoms and molecules to determine their molecular weight. Such mass or weight information is sometimes sufficient, frequently necessary, and always useful in determining the identity of a species. To practice this art one puts charge on the molecules of interest, i.e., the analyte, then measures how the trajectories of the resulting ions respond in vacuum to various combinations of electric and magnetic fields. Clearly, the sine qua non of such a method is the conversion of neutral analyte molecules into ions. For small and simple species the ionization is readily carried by gas-phase encounters between the neutral molecules and electrons, photons, or other ions. In recent years, the efforts of many investigators have led to new techniques for producing ions of species too large and complex to be vaporized without substantial, even catastrophic, decomposition. According to chemistry professor Fred W. McLafferty of Cornell University, “Scientific breakthroughs made possible by MS have included the discovery of isotopes, the exact determination of atomic weights, the characterization of new elements, quantitative gas analysis, stable isotope labeling, fast identification of trace pollutants and drugs, and the characterization of molecular structure””
The earliest mass spectrometry was in 1897 with the discovery of electrons made by J.J.Thomson. Around 1919, the observation studies of isotopes using mass spectrometry were carried out by F.W. Aston created a mass spectrometer in which ions were dispersed by mass and focused by velocity. This design improved the mass spectrometer resolving power by an order of magnitude compared to that achieved by Thomson. These studies led to the receipt of Noble prize in Chemistry by Aston in 1922. A.J. Dempster developed a magnetic deflection instrument with direction focusing and also the first electron impact source (ionize volatilized molecules with a beam of electrons from a hot wire filament) around 1920. In the 1930’s, Double Focusing Analyzer and Accelerator Mass Spectrometry came into vogue. According to Professor Klaus Biemann of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the double-focusing instrument (in which the ions are focused for both direction and velocity), was developed “for the purpose of accurately determining the exact atomic weights of the elements and their isotopes”.
In the 1940s, Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (1946) proposed by William E. Stephens of the University of Pennsylvania, and Ion Cyclotron Resonance (ICR) (1949) were built. In the 1940s the dominant commercial instrument was Model 21-101 analytical mass spectrometer, manufactured by Consolidated Engineering Corporation (Pasadena, Calif.), using Dempster’s single-focusing design and was extensively used in the petroleum industry. According to McLafferty, “The magnetic sector type instrument was also very important in the early 1940s. This instrument was developed by Professor Alfred O. C. Nier [of the department of physics at the University of Minnesota] during World War II to do isotopic analysis, with separation of uranium-235 from uranium-238 obviously of special importance. Nier isolated by MS the first sample of plutonium (10-9 g), for its first actual characterization. The Calutron, a three-story-high version of Nier’s sector instrument, separated uranium-235 for the first atomic bomb. The gaseous diffusion plant at Oak Ridge, Tenn., supplied uranium-235 for the subsequent explosions”. There were other companies like Metropolitan Vickers in England (later Associated Electrical Industries, then VG and Micromass); Westinghouse and General Electric in the U.S. (in addition to Consolidated Engineering, mentioned above); and Atlas- Werke (later MAT [Mess und Analysentechnik]) in Germany that were involved in the manufacture of mass spectrometers. In a TOF analyzer, ions are separated based on their differences in velocities as they move in a straight path toward a collector in order of increasing mass-tocharge ratio. The advantage of TOF MS is its speed, applicability of chromatographic detection and determination of large bio-molecules. The progress was made by W. C. Wiley and I. H. McLaren of Bendix Corp., Detroit, Mich (first company to commercialize TOF mass spectrometers). According to Professor Robert J. Cotter of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, “Wiley and McLaren devised a time-lag focusing scheme that improved mass resolution by simultaneously correcting for the initial spatial and kinetic energy distributions of the ions. Mass resolution was also greatly improved by the 1974 invention by Boris A. Mamyrin [of the Physical-Technical Institute, Leningrad, Soviet Union] of the reflectron, which corrects for the effects of the kinetic energy distribution of the ions.” According to Biemann, “the performance of the initial TOF instruments was so poor that they never lived upto even single-focusing magnetic instruments this analyzer has been greatly improved recently...to almost match the most sophisticated, and very expensive, double-focusing mass spectrometers”. Ion cyclotron resonance MS (ICR MS) involves the use of simultaneous radiofrequency electric field and a uniform magnetic field, to make the ions follow spiral paths in an analyzer chamber. The ions can be detected sequentially by scanning the radiofrequency or magnetic. However, ICR MS gained the attention of chemists in middle to late ‘60s through the work of D.C. Wobschall of the State University of New York at Buffalo, P.M. Llewellyn of Varian Associates (Palo Alto, Calif.) and chemistry professor J.D. Baldeschwieler. The technique is particularly applicable to the characterization of ion-molecule reactions. In 1974, M.B.Comisarow and A.G. Marshall of the department of chemistry at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada transformed radically ICR by developing Fourier transform ICR mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) which has major advantage of determination of multiple ions and better mass resolution.
The Reverse Geometry Double-Focusing MS and Quadrupole Analyzers become predominant in 1953. According to Biemann, “By the 1950s it became clear that the high resolving power of the Mattauch- Herzog and Nier-Johnson geometries would be very useful for the identification of organic compounds”.
The direct coupling of gas chromatography (GC) and TOF MS accomplished in the mid-1950s by Gohlke and McLafferty of Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Mich., in collaboration with Wiley, McLaren, and Dan Harrington at Bendix. The great utility of modern GC-MS was feasible due to the development of carrier gas separators. Quadrupole mass filter (first reported in the mid-1950s by the group of physics professor Wolfgang Paul of the University of Bonn, who shared the 1989 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on ion trapping) was perfect for coupling to GC. In a quadrupole device, a quadrupolar electrical field (comprising radiofrequency and direct-current components) is used to separate ions. Quadrupole MS is not very accurate and precise like double-focusing instruments but is fast and therefore best suited for GC. McLafferty says “Certainly, the number of quadrupoles sold and in use today far exceeds the total of all other types of mass spectrometers”.
Biemann Magnetic deflection instruments (single-focusing (of the Dempster design) and double-focusing (of the Mattauch-Herzog design but especially of the Nier-Johnson design) “dominated high performance mass spectrometry well into the 1990s,” articulates. “The cheaper timeof- flight (TOF), quadrupole, and ion trap mass spectrometers evolved in parallel to the preponderant and more expensive magnetic deflection instruments”.
The quadrupole ion trap, which can trap and mass-analyze ions using a three-dimensional quadrupolar radiofrequency electric field was first introduced developed by G.C. Stafford and commercialized in 1983 by Finnigan MAT (San Jose, Calif.), originally as a GC detector. Today, ion trap instruments are coupled to LC techniques also.
Newer ionization techniques have stretched the applications of MS. Field ionization (sample is ionized in a strong electric field gradient) first observed in 1953 by E. W. Müller was put into practice by H.D.Beckey in 1959 and used for non-volatile or thermally unstable compounds. “Field desorption really opened the door for biological MS by demonstrating feasibility,” says chemistry professor R.D.Macfarlane of Texas A&M University, College Station. Chemical ionization, (soft ionization occurs as a result of ion-molecule reactions when volatilized molecules are reacted by reagent gas ions) first observed in 1913 by Thomson in hydrogen gas but the chemical ionization MS was first patented in the mid-1960s by F.H. Field and B.Munson and this being milder than electron impact ionization, generates fewer fragment ions.
Tandem MS (MS-MS) involves the fragmentation of ions by “collision-induced dissociation” (“collisionally activated dissociation”), followed by analysis of the mass of resulting ions. Two mass analyzers in series (or a single mass analyzer that can be used sequentially) are needed to analyze the precursor and product ions. The amalgamation of the latest soft ionization methods with collision-induced dissociation resulted in the supremacy of Tandem MS for the analysis of mixtures. One of the most popular types of tandem MS instrument is the triple quadrupole mass spectrometer conceived by R.A. Yost and C.G. Enke. Tandem MS “was really popularized by triple-stage quadrupoles introduced first by Finnigan and Sciex (in 1980), followed by Extranuclear and Nermag, and sometime later by VG,” says M.S. Story of ThermoQuest Corp., San Jose, Calif.”
Various desorption MS techniques expanded the potential of MS. The first desorption technique was the secondary ion MS (SIMS). In this a beam of ions is used to ionize molecules on a surface. Dempster first demonstrated the potential value of spark-source MS (SSMS), but that technique did not evolve until the 1950s. In SSMS, electrical discharges (sparks) are used to desorb ions from samples. The technique was widely used for trace analysis of a wide range of sample types. In the 1960s, Georges Slodzian developed the ion microscope (SIMS instrument that combined spatial and depth resolution along with isotopic analysis) to obtain high-resolution chemical images and professor A. Benninghoven developed SIMS techniques for analyzing organic compounds. Plasma desorption MS (PDMS) was developed in the 1970s by Macfarlane and uses very high-energy ions to desorb and ionize molecules. According to Macfarlane, PDMS “was the first MS method to demonstrate feasibility for studying high molecular weight proteins and complex antibiotics.” Laser desorption MS (LDMS) was developed in the late 1970s by M.A. Posthumus, P.G. Kistemaker, and H.L. C. Meuzelaar and in this the sample molecules are desorbed using a photon beam. In 1981 M.Barber developed fast atom bombardment MS (FAB MS), or “liquid SIMS”, in which beams of neutral atoms are used to ionize compounds gently from the surface of a liquid matrix enabling determination of large non-volatile organic molecules. Electrospray ionization MS (ESI MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization MS (MALDI MS) have been extensively used for the studies of biomolecules. ESI MS was designed by professor M.Dole in 1960’s but was used extensively in 1980’s by molecular beam researcher J.B.Fenn. In this, highly charged droplets dispersed from a capillary in an electric field are evaporated, and the resulting ions are drawn into an MS inlet. MALDI MS was developed by F.Hillenkamp and M.Karas in 1985 and the sample molecules are laser-desorbed from a solid or liquid matrix containing a highly UV-absorbing substance. ESI MS and MALDI MS have made MS increasingly useful for sophisticated biomedical analysis. “MALDI and ESI now promise a greatly expanded future with molecular characterization of proteins, DNA, and other large molecules, using instruments providing high sensitivity, specificity, and speed at lower cost,” says McLafferty.
In the past few years, there has been an increasing focus on nuclear material and this involves the detection and measurement of trace amounts of isotopes of uranium, plutonium, thorium, fission products, etc. The determination of fission products is a major concern for the characterization and complete inventory of nuclear fuels [3-11] and burn-up determination . The characterization of fission products with respect to elemental concentration and isotopic composition cannot be carried out with alpha-spectrometry alone. The low detection limits combined with a chance to obtain isotopic ratio makes mass spectrometry a very useful and potent characterization technique in nuclear industry [13-15].
The determination of fission products needs chemical separation prior to the analysis by mass spectrometry . The sample matrix is destroyed by acid digestion, microwave digestion, or other techniques. Extraction of the target species is done by ion-exchange chromatography, extraction or chromatography.
The lanthanides are a major part of the stable and long-lived fission products of both U235 and Pu 239. The use of isotope dilution procedure for the determination of Nd, U and Pu is used for the computation of the burn-up of a nuclear fuel . To overcome the problems associated with the separation stages using the slow classical column techniques, hyphenated techniques like HPLC-MS can be used . The determination of long-lived radionuclides, (fission products/actinides) is extremely important in nuclear waste management as the actinide isotope determinations become important for waste classification . Isotope speciation is very important in environmental radiochemistry for understanding transfer/migration mechanisms [20,21] and age determinations and bioavailability [23,24]. The complete record of fission products and actinides can be obtained using, mass spectrometry (very good detection limits) as compared to radiometric methods [25-29]. Due to peculiar physical and geochemical reasons the Pu concentration reaches 10-12 to 10-13 g/g in soils of the Northern hemisphere but the concentrations would be higher in the regions contaminated with accidental fallout from nuclear reprocessing plants and nuclear power plants, e.g. in the Ural region (Russia) and Chernobyl (Ukraine) [31,32]. Plutonium is represented in the Chernobyl fallout by five radionuclides; four of them (238Pu, 239Pu, 240Pu and 242Pu) are long-lived alpha emitters and 241Pu is a beta emitter with a half-life of ~14.4 years. In spent nuclear fuel the 236U/238U isotope ratio are higher by several orders of magnitude than in non-contaminated natural uranium ores [33-38]. Thus, knowledge of the isotopic composition of artificial actinides is important for evaluating their origin in the environment and the isotopic composition of U and Pu helps in the determination of burn-up of spent nuclear fuel. Burn-up is the most important characteristic of spent nuclear fuel that indicates the degree of utilization of uranium and also the amount of fission products and minor actinides produced during reactor operation . Sector-field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-SFMS) is a suitable method for actinide analysis at ultratrace concentration levels but the major disadvantages are the formation of uranium hydride ions and isobaric interferences due to molecular ions of lead/rare earth elements. Therefore, matrix separation and the use of nebulizers with desolvators help to improve detection limits of the actinide isotopes [41-44]. 99Tc with a long half-life of 2.14 × 105 y and relatively high fission yield can be found in the environment and it is important to explore the distribution and behavior of 99Tc in the environment. The conventional methods [45,46] including the liquid scintillation counting method has several disadvantages and therefore inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), can be used for the determination of most of the elements including long-lived radionuclides [48-53]. The post-irradiation examination of nuclear fuels gives knowledge of the inventories of actinides, fission and neutron activation products within irradiated fuels. Therefore precise and accurate isotope ratio measurements are necessary. Plutonium in fuels can be present both due to non –irradiation (MOX fuel) and irradiation of uranium oxide in light water reactors by neutron capture of 238U (formed as a by-product conventional UO2 fuelled light water reactors). There are 17 isotopes of plutonium with different half-life and the most important isotope is 239Pu (half-life of 24,100 y). After reprocessing, the fissile isotopes of plutonium (239Pu and 241Pu) can be used in combination with depleted or natural uranium as MOX in a nuclear reactor; where the other isotopes are capable of absorbing neutrons and becoming fissile. Therefore, the determination of isotope composition of Pu in the irradiated fuels helps in the calculation of burn-up in UO2 and MOX fuel. Therefore it is quite clear that isotopic determination is not possible using classical radio analytical methods; liquid scintillation spectrometry can determine 241Pu . However, the complete isotope composition of plutonium can be in principle be determined by different mass spectrometric techniques like glow discharge (GDMS), spark source (SSMS), resonance ionization (RIMS), accelerator (AMS), laser ionization (LIMS), thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) or ICP-MS. These techniques have been compared and discussed in literature [55-58]. It is seen that the ICPMS with very low detection limits can be used for determination of isotopic composition of even long-lived radionuclides present. ICP-MS has been accepted technique for routine measurements in the nuclear industry. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has developed and published mass spectrometric standard method for the determination of many radionuclides . The determination of trace levels of actinides is compulsory for monitoring the environment in the vicinity of nuclear plants [59,60].
The constant improvements in sensitivity and interference suppression in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP– MS) have enabled the determination of cesium and strontium. The fission product 90Sr is released into the environment primarily from leaks, nuclear bomb testing etc. 90Sr has a high fission yield (∼6%), halflife of 29 years, high biological uptake and slow excretion thus making it difficult to use radiometric determination due to various disadvantages including interferences from the daughter product 90Y. The procedure adopted takes time and the sample throughput is very low. However, when fast and accurate determinations are needed in crucial situations, mass spectrometry is the ultimate technique that comes to rescue of researchers. The analysis time is very short and the interferences are very less.
In the milieu of the Chernobyl accident in 1986 three radioisotopes of cesium have been monitored. In general, the determination of pure beta emitting fission products by radiometric techniques is worsened by spectral interferences from other β-emitters present in the samples and by long counting times [61,62]. Therefore ICP-MS has become an attractive alternative to radiometric determinations and has been extensively used [61-65]. However, the procedure needs a prior separation of isobaric barium and various procedures like precipitation , ion chromatography , or capillary electrophoresis have been studied. The detection limits for stable cesium in the range from 2 to 20 pg/mL were achieved by ICP-MS [66,68,69].
Fission products are very important signatures of many nuclear activities [70,71] and an inventory of fission products in spent nuclear fuels is required to understand the environment around nuclear facilities [72-76]. The complete determination, both of the isotopic ratio and elemental concentration of the fission products is not possible using α, β or Ү-spectrometry, and mass spectrometry though hindered by some isobaric interferences appears as an alternative and the procedure becomes more attractive when separations are carried out to remove interferences chemical separation is needed [77,78].
The experiments at lab-scale showed that chromatoghraphic separation hyphenated to mass spectrometry can give a good measurement of these long-lived fission products in complex mixtures [79,80]. Reprocessing of irradiated nuclear fuels intended at the recovery of fissile material involves the dissolution of fuel in nitric acid to get a clear solution containing U, Pu, fission products, and a residue containing the metallic and oxide forms of some of the fission products and the separation is carried out using the Purex process . The studies on the composition and dissolution characteristics of high burn-up fuels and the probable consequences on the fuel reprocessing are reported [82,83]. The analysis of fuel residues is routinely carried out by various methods including thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) . The residue is found to contain Zr, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh and Pd, trace amounts of U and Pu and natural impurities such as Fe, Cr and Ni. Spectrometric techniques for the analysis of fission products are associated with systematic errors as natural elements are used for calibration for the measurement of the nuclear-reaction produced elements. This is due to the different average relative atomic masses of the natural and reactor-produced elements.
As a rule, the relative atomic masses for polyisotopic fission elements are 1 and 2% higher than those for the corresponding natural element, owing to the neutron-rich isotopes produced by fission. The systematic errors accumulate when several elements have to be analyzed and therefore the accuracy of the sample composition determination is seriously marred. This problem is encountered in the residue characterization obtained during spent fuel dissolution. This is because the relative atomic masses of fission products Zr, Mo, Ru and Pd are higher than those for the corresponding natural elements. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has been used for the characterization of spent nuclear fuels because of its high sensitivity and multi-isotopic capabilities [85-89]. Precise and accurate isotope ratio measurements of long-lived radionuclides present in trace and ultratrace amounts are required for analysis of various types of samples. Due to the long-term impact of long lived radionuclides (half-life >100 y) there is an on growing concern about the increasing contamination of the environment by artificial radionuclides. Therefore, best possible supervision of storage sites is possible if the analysis of the composition of waste containing radionuclides can be carried out with techniques that are highly sensitive and can handle large sample throughput .
In addition to the characterization of radioactive waste and environmental scrutinizing, the monitoring of the health of exposed personnel is also very important. For this various types of samples like blood, urine, feces, hair and tissue need to be analyzed and this requires a powerful and fast analytical technique that can cope with the analysis of a large number of samples within a very short time frame and give accurate and precise results. Radioanalytical methods such as α-spectrometry require prior chemical separation and enrichment and also the counting periods that are quite long ranging from days to several weeks. Moreover, 239Pu and 240Pu isotopes that are germane for the determination of Pu origin in radioactive waste or environmental samples (as a result of nuclear fallout from nuclear weapons tests or nuclear power plants) are difficult to analyze using radianalytical methods. These inherent disadvantages of radioanalytical procedures make it impending to replace them with mass spectrometry. Thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) has long been recognized as being the standard technique for the isotope analysis of Pu and U in different matrices.
However, TIMS, suffers from various limitations ; it is restricted to elements with ionization potential >7 eV, has no multielement capability, requires time-consuming sample preparation steps. All these limitations have made it easy of ICP-MS to be considered as a universal and extremely sensitive analytical method for the isotope analysis of long-lived radionuclides. The other mass spectrometric techniques like resonance ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS) [92- 95] and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) [96-98] can be used for ultratrace and isotope analysis of different raidonuclides including the radiotoxic isotopes like 14C, 41Ca, 90Sr, 99Tc, 210Pb, 236U and Pu and these analysis have extensive applications in various fields like environment, cosmochemistry, radiodating, nutrition and biomedical research. Taylor et al. developed a rapid method determination of 90Sr in natural water, plant and sediment samples using extraction chromatography and dynamic reaction cell ICP–MS. This resulted in the removal of isobaric interference from the stable isotope 90Zr. The method was validated using Cerenkov counting method and certified reference materials. The main disadvantage of using radiometric methods for determination of 90Sr, was the long analysis times (several weeks). Boulyga et al. reported isotopic analysis of uranium and plutonium in contaminated environmental samples. Double-focusing sector-field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPSFMS) using a low-flow microconcentric nebulizer with membrane desolvation, ‘‘Aridus’’, was applied for isotopic measurements of uranium and plutonium at the ultratrace level.
The detection limit (3σ) for 236U and 239Pu after chemical extraction was 0.2 pg L-1 in aqueous solution and 0.04 pg g-1 in soil, respectively. 235U/238U, 236U/238U and 240Pu/239Pu isotope ratios were measured in soil samples collected within the 30 km zone around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. The average 240Pu/239Pu isotope ratio in contaminated surface soil was 0.396 ± 0.014 0.04 pg g-1. The burn-up grade and the portion of spent uranium in the spent uranium/natural uranium mixture in soil were calculated using the iteration method. A slight variation in the burn-up grade of spent reactor uranium was revealed by analyzing 235U/238U and 236U/238U isotope ratios. A relationship between the 240Pu/239Pu isotope ratio and burn-up of spent uranium was observed. Alonso et al. analyzed the dissolved spent nuclear fuel using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) to obtain the elemental and isotopic composition of the irradiated fuel without any chemical separation. The analysis of small spent fuel samples by ICP-MS was used to assess the type and irradiation of the fuel in pattern recognition studies.
Quantitative analysis of the fuel solutions and residues was performed only for selected elements because of the presence of isobaric interferences. For mono and poly isotopic elements, standard addition and isotope dilution methods were used respectively. Elements determined in the residues included Zr, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, U and Pu. Neodymium was also determined in dissolver solutions of fast neutron-irradiated fuels and the results were compared with those given by thermal ionization mass spectrometry. Günther- Leopold et.al applied multicollector ICP-MS in combination with chromatographic separation techniques and laser ablation for the isotopic analysis of irradiated nuclear fuels. The advantages and limitations of the selected analytical technique for the characterization of such a heterogeneous sample matrix are discussed. Bera et al. reported the analysis of dissolver solution by HPLC-TIMS to obtain the burn-up on an irradiated mixed oxide (MOX) test fuel pellet. The rapid separation procedures developed in their laboratory earlier were employed to isolate pure fractions of the desired elements. The individual lanthanide fission products (La to Eu) were separated from each other using dynamic ion-exchange chromatographic technique whereas uranium and plutonium were separated from each other using reversed phase chromatographic technique. The pure fractions of U, Pu and Nd obtained after HPLC separation procedure for “spiked” and “unspiked” dissolver solutions were used in TIMS measurements. In TIMS analysis, the fractions obtained from HPLC separation procedure on an “unspiked” fuel sample were measured. For the determination of U, Pu and Nd by isotopic dilution mass spectrometric technique (IDMS), known quantities of tracers enriched in 238U, 240Pu and 142Nd were added to the dissolver solution and HPLC separation was carried out. The isotope ratios viz. 142 Nd/(145Nd +146Nd), 238U/233U and 240Pu/239Pu in the significant “spiked” fractions were subsequently measured by TIMS. The concentrations of neodymium, uranium and plutonium were also measured using HPLC with post-column derivatization technique. The atom % burn-up computed from HPLC and TIMS techniques were in good agreement. Rollin et al. probed the dissolution rate of spent UO2 fuel using flow through experiments under different conditions viz oxidising, anoxic and reducing. Under oxidizing conditions, the dissolution was feasible in pH range 3-9.3.
Song et al. used electrothermal vaporization-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometric (ETV-ICP-MS) method for determination of cesium. This method was based on the selective volatilization of cesium with potassium thiocyanate (0.3 mM) as modifier and can be used for the determination of radiocesium, i.e. 135Cs and 137Cs, in the presence of isobaric barium using 400°C and 1100°C as pretreatment and volatilization temperatures, respectively and the limit of detection for 135Cs was 0.2 pg/mL. Since the natural isotopes of Ba give isobaric interferences on the radioactive isotopes of Cs at nominal masses of 134, 135 and 137, a chemical separation of Cs from barium was necessary for the determination of the isotopic composition of Cs by mass spectrometric techniques in highly active nuclear wastes, dissolved spent nuclear fuels or radioactively contaminated environmental samples. Moreno et al. carried out the on-line separation of cesium and barium using ion chromatography (IC) and determination with an ICP-MS instrument that is coupled to the IC. Three separation schemes were compared with respect to chromatographic resolution, accuracy and precision in irradiated spent fuel samples. The IC-ICP-MS method was based on the use of CS5 cation-exchanger column and 1 M HNO3 was used as eluent and a detection limit of 16 pg g−1 for total Cs with a precision of 2.5% at a concentration level of 100 ppb (n=7) was achieved. Pitois et al. used capillary electrophoresis (CE) coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (both ICP-QMS and ICP-SFMS) for the determination of Cs and lanthanides. Typical detection limits of 6 ng/mL and 4 pg/mL for caesium as well as 8 ng/mL and 7 pg/ mL for lanthanides have been obtained by CE-ICP-QMS and CEICP- SFMS, respectively. In addition to these very low detection limits, the procedure is fast (6 min for cesium and 13 min for lanthanides, respectively). Day et al. developed capillary electrophoresis (CE) coupled on-line to a double focusing sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (DF-ICP-MS) for the analysis of mixtures of lanthanides using A MicroMist AR30-1-F02 nebulizer with a Cinnabar small volume cyclonic spray chamber for the introduction of sample into ICP-MS. The CE-ICP-MS method is very fast and requires very small sample volumes (35 nL injection volume). Detection limits were found to be in the range of 0.72 to 3.9 ppb for most of the lanthanides. The method was applied to tantalum material exposed to a high energy proton beam for the production of neutrons via spallation reactions. Thus, a chemical separation step prior to ICP-MS determination was needed to avoid isobaric interferences for the accurate determination of nuclide abundances in such samples.
Comte et al. developed a method for the determination of 79Se in fission product solutions resulting from nuclear fuel reprocessing. 79Se (T1/2 =106 y) was measured using electrothermal vaporisation coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ETVICP/ MS) after a single chemical separation step using ion exchangers to separate Se from the high activity solution (1010 Bq l-1) with a significant selenium recovery yield of 85%. The combination of ETV and chemical separation eliminated all the interferences normally associated with the determination of 79Se and the concentration of 79Se in the fission products solution was 0.43 mg L-1. Buessele et al. reported the analysis of fission products in samples from the Black Sea following their input from the Chernobyl reactor accident. The samples analyzed include discrete water samples and both suspended and dissolved phases collected by in-situ chemisorption techniques. The radiochemical scheme permits the separation and analysis of 134Cs, 137Cs, 90Sr, 144Ce, 147Pm, 106Ru, 239Pu, 240Pu, 242Cm, 238Pu, and 241Am by mass spectrometry along with other techniques like instrumental gamma spectrometric methods. The developments are described and data are presented on some representative samples from the Black Sea. The sensitivity of the analysis for the various nuclides and sample types is summarized and questions of radiochemical interferences are addressed. Rollin et al. reported the determination of lanthanides and actinides in uranium materials by HPLC-ICP-MS. The determination of Nd, U and Pu by isotope dilution analysis is well known as the classical method for the calculation of the burn-up of a nuclear fuel. Numerous isobaric overlaps restrict the direct determination of fission product and actinide isotopes by mass spectrometry and therefore an extensive chemical separation is required. For the determination of fission product isotopes in irradiated uranium fuel, high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric (ICP-MS) systems were installed in glove-boxes and all the lanthanides were separated by HPLC and detected on-line by ICP-MS. As high U and Pu concentrations suppress the signals of trace elements in ICP-MS, a separation method to elute U and Pu first was developed. Thus it was possible to determine the isotopic composition of Nd in a high U and Pu matrix. With the same equipment, a method was developed to prevent isobaric overlaps in the mass spectrum by separating U, Am and Pu. A procedure for the simultaneous separation and determination of fission products (lanthanides) and actinides (Pu, Np, U, Am and Cm) was described by Perna et al. based on the use of an anionic/cationic mixed bed chromatographic column (CS5A, Dionex), coupled on-line to an ICP-MS detector. Different parameters like oxidizing/reducing agents, nature of mobile phase etc. were varied to see the effect of these experimental parameters on the intensity and position of the chromatographic peaks. The analytical procedure developed was validated using certified materials and other independent techniques. The analytical figures of merit of the developed procedure were compared with those obtained using other commercially available ion-exchange stationary phases. The detection limits for lanthanides and actinides were 0.25 ng mL-1 and 0.45 ng mL-1 respectively with the precision of better than 5% over seven repeated measurements. The procedure was applied to the inventory of spent nuclear fuel samples. Moreno et al. used IC coupled with ICP-MS to separate Np, Pu and U, using a high capacity cation exchange column (CS10), silver oxide as oxidizing agent and 40mM 2,3 diaminopropionic acid monohydro nitrate in 0.6 M HNO3 as eluent. These conditions helped in overcoming the isobaric interferences present in the determination of isotopic composition, avoiding the influence of the tail of 238U peak on 237Np and 239Pu peaks in presence of high uranium content and provided good resolution with a high recovery of 96-98%. Betti et al. used IC-ICP-MS for the simultaneous separation and on-line detection of light fission products such as Zr, Ru, Mo, Tc, Rh, Pd, Sb and Te. The linear range and the variation coefficient were calculated for each element between 1 and 100 μg L-1 elemental concentrations. The detection limit of each element was calculated to be 0.5 μg L-1. Mo, Ru and Sb showed a linear trend over the whole concentration range 1-100 μg L-1, Pd, Te and Zr were linear up to 50 μg L-1. Becker in his review reported the capability of determining element concentrations at the trace and ultratrace level and isotope ratios using mass spectrometry. The precise and accurate determination of isotope ratios of long-lived natural and artificial radionuclides is required for their environmental monitoring and health control, for studying radionuclide migration, for age dating, for determining isotope ratios of radiogenic elements in the nuclear industry, for quality assurance and determination of the burn-up of fuel material in a nuclear power plant, for reprocessing plants, nuclear material accounting and radioactive waste control. Inorganic mass spectrometry, especially inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) as the most important inorganic mass spectrometric technique today, possesses excellent sensitivity, precision and good accuracy for isotope ratio measurements and practically no restriction with respect to the ionization potential of the element investigated— therefore, thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS), which has been used as the dominant analytical technique for precise isotope ratio measurements of long-lived radionuclides for many decades, is being replaced increasingly by ICP-MS. In the last few years instrumental progress in improving figures of merit for the determination of isotope ratio measurements of long-lived radionuclides in ICP-MS has been achieved by the application of a multiple ion collector device (MCICP- MS) and the introduction of the collision cell interface in order to dissociate disturbing argon-based molecular ions, to reduce the kinetic energy of ions and neutralize the disturbing noble gas The review describes the state of the art and the progress of different inorganic mass spectrometric techniques such as ICP-MS, laser ablation ICPMS vs. TIMS, glow discharge mass spectrometry, secondary ion mass spectrometry, resonance ionization mass spectrometry and accelerator mass spectrometry for the determination of long-lived radionuclides in quite different materials. The technique of multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) is quite attractive as it allows the precise measurement of the isotope compositions for a wide range of elements combined with excellent limits of detection due to high ionization efficiencies. Gunther-Leopold et al. described applications of an online high-performance liquid chromatographic separation system coupled to a MC-ICP-MS in order to overcome isobaric interferences for the determination of the plutonium isotope. The described chromatographic separation is sufficient to prevent any isobaric interference between 238Pu present at trace concentrations and 238U present as the main component of the fuel samples.
Boron has two stable natural isotopes, 10B (19.9%) and 11B (80.1%). The neutron absorption properties of boron alloyed stainless steels depend on the content of the 10B isotope with an absorption crosssection for thermal neutrons of more than 3.8 kilobarn (10-25 m2). This isotope is an important neutron absorber used in shielding materials such as boron-alloyed steels for storage of spent nuclear fuel, reactor shielding and control, and instruments detecting neutrons . Kurta et al. described two methods for the rapid screening of 10B enriched special steel samples with a 10B isotopic fraction from 90 to 97% (taken from the production process) were compared. Both ns-LAICPMS and fs-LA-MC-ICPMS and evaluated the different instrumental setups for this application. Even though the micro-inhomogeneous boron distribution in the steel samples was determined by LAICPMS and EPMA no effect on the isotope ratios could be observed. Boron determination is not affected by isobaric interferences and by spectroscopic interferences from the elements originating from water, acid or plasma gas .
Inorganic mass spectrometric techniques find an important place in the field of nuclear industry for the direct determination of different elements in various stages. The advantages of ICP-MS when coupled to an online separation procedure increases the sample throughput to a great extent and the very low detection limits are achieved. The various determinations can be used for monitoring the environmental media or used for calculation of fuel burn-up. The importance of ICP-MS in precise isotope ratio measurements at ultratrace levels are achieved using multi collector, and/or double focusing sector field instruments. | https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/mass-spectrometry-a-boon-to-nuclear-industry-2155-9872.S6-005.php?aid=28664 |
Objective:
To develop and apply methods for the efficient, accurate measurement of macro- and micronutrients (e.g., vitamins, minerals), and metabolomics in human milk and blood samples: 1) from ARS studies; 2) from collaborators to compare milk composition in several countries; 3) to complete ARS studies of valid methods for milk collection and sampling.
Approach:
Methods have been developed for the simultaneous analysis of B-vitamins by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and LC-fluorescence detection (LC-FLD), and of fat soluble vitamins by high pressure liquid chromatography with multi-wavelength detector (HPLC-MWL), and trace-elements by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). These methods will be expanded and streamlined to reduce sample preparation and to include additional B-vitamins, choline, metabolomics, and macro-elements and selenium, and will also be applied to plasma or RBC samples as needed. Existing milk samples will be analyzed that have been collected by the Western Human Nutrition Center and collaborators in various countries. The data will be presented at national and international meetings, used to develop global Reference Values for micronutrients in human milk, and serve as a guide to policies that support adequate maternal micronutrient status during lactation. | https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/project/?accnNo=440346 |
Describes general aspects of metals in clinical chemistry focusing not only on the physiology of metal ions and their analytical determination in biological materials, but also on their geochemical distribution, technical uses and environmental effects.
Table of Contents
General aspects of the role of metals in clinical chemistry; collection, transport, and storage of biological samples for the determination of trace metals; method evaluation, quality control and external quality assurance systems of analytical procedures spectrophotometry; atomic absorption spectrometry; ion-selective electrodes - an overview; pH measurements and other applications; voltammetry; ion chromatography; analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS); neutron activation analysis and y-spectrometry; solid sampling analysis; determination of metals in human hair; aluminum; antimony; arsenic; barium; beryllium; bismuth; cadmium; calcium; cesium; chromium; cobalt; copper; europium and other lanthanides; gadolinium; gallium; germanium; gold; indium; iron; lead; lithium; magnesium; manganese; mercury (part contents)
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Reviews
". . .There are very respectable indexes and the book is excellently produced. "
---Organometallic Compounds
". . .an excellent first reference for recommended methods for specific metals in clinical samples. "
---Journal of Organometallic Chemistry
". . .a splendid text. . .provides an excellent source of information on the impact of inorganic species on clinical systems. . .recommended as an essential reference text for all concerned with trace analysis in a clinical. . .context. " | https://www.routledge.com/Handbook-on-Metals-in-Clinical-and-Analytical-Chemistry/Seiler-Sigel-Sigel/p/book/9780824790943 |
Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are charged devices often used by terrorists and criminals to create public panic. When the general public is targeted by an act of terrorism, people who are not injured or killed in the explosion remain in fear until the perpetrator(s) has been apprehended. Methods that can provide investigators and first responders with prompt investigative information are required in such cases. However, information is generally not provided quickly, in part because of time-consuming techniques employed in many forensic laboratories. As a result, case report turnaround time is longer. Direct analysis in real time - mass spectrometry (DART-MS) is a promising analytical technique that can address this challenge in the Forensic Science community by permitting rapid trace analysis of energetic materials. The builder of an IED will often charge the device with materials that are readily available. The most common materials employed in the construction of IEDs are black and smokeless powder. However, other materials may include ammonia- or peroxide-based materials such as common household detergents. Smokeless powder is a propellant that is readily available to civilians. They are typically used for reloading ammunition and are sold in large quantities each year in the United States. Some states have stricter regulations than others but typically a firearms license is all that’s required to possess smokeless powder. Smokeless powder is considered a low explosive which is capable of causing an explosion if a sufficient quantity is deflagrated inside a confined container. The most commonly employed confirmatory techniques for the analysis of smokeless powder are gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). These methods often require extensive and time-consuming sample preparation procedures to prepare the powders for analysis. In addition to lengthy sample preparation procedures, GC-MS and LC-MS often require chromatographic separations that can range anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes or longer per sample. Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is widely used for the field analysis of smokeless powder and can provide faster results in comparison to GC-MS or LC-MS. However, identification is limited to drift time and no structural information is provided unless coupled to a mass spectrometer. In an effort to accelerate the speed of collection and characterization of smokeless powder, an analytical approach that utilizes novel wire mesh coated with CarbopackTM X, dynamic headspace concentration and DART-MS was evaluated to determine if the approach could generate information rich chemical attribute signatures (CAS) for smokeless powder. CarbopackTM X is a graphitized carbon material that has been employed for the collection of various volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds. The goal of using CarbopackTM X coated wire mesh was to increase the collection efficiency of smokeless powder in comparison to traditional swabbing and swiping methods. DART is an ambient ionization technique that permits analysis of a variety of samples in seconds with minimal to no sample preparation and offers several advantages over conventional methods. Heating time, heating temperature and flow rate for dynamic headspace concentration were optimized using Hodgdon Lil’ Gun smokeless powder. DART-MS was compared to GC-MS and validated using the National Institute of Standards and Technology reference material 8107 (NIST RM 8107) smokeless powder standard. Additives and energetic materials from unburnt and burnt smokeless powders were rapidly and efficiently captured by the CarbopackTM X coated wire mesh and successfully detected and identified using DART-MS. The DART source temperature was evaluated with the goal of providing the most efficient desorption of the analytes adsorbed onto the wire mesh. For this to be a robust approach in forensic analysis, chemometric analysis employing predictive models was used to simplify the data and increase the confidence of assigning a mass spectrum to a particular powder. Predictive models were constructed using the machine learning techniques available in Analyze IQ Lab and evaluated for their performance in classifying three smokeless powders: Alliant Reloder 19, Hodgdon LEVERevolution and Winchester Ball 296. The models were able to accurately predict the presence or absence of these three powders from burnt residues with error rates that were less than 4%. This approach has demonstrated the capability of generating comparable data and sensitivity in a significantly shorter amount of time in comparison to GC-MS. In addition, DART-MS also permits the detection of targeted analytes that are not amenable to GC-MS. The speed and efficiency associated with both the sample preparation technique and DART-MS, and the ability to employ chemometric analysis to the generated data demonstrate an attractive and viable alternative to conventional techniques for smokeless powder analysis. | https://open.bu.edu/handle/2144/13973 |
The Archaeometry Laboratory at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) provides trace-element analysis (i.e., chemical fingerprinting) of archaeological specimens for the purpose of determining their provenance (source) using the following analytical techniques: instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), laser-ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS), and multi-collector ICP-MS (MC-ICP-MS). MURR is one of only a few archaeometry laboratories in the world providing in-house access to all of these powerful analytical techniques. Historically, we have specialized in the compositional analysis of archaeological ceramics and chert by INAA, and analysis of obsidian by XRF. We also support geochemical research on the petrogenesis of various igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Inquiries regarding elemental analysis of materials other than archaeological and geological materials should be directed to the MURR Analytical Chemistry Group. If you have specific questions about our capabilities, please contact us. | http://archaeometry.missouri.edu/ |
EV HSC Chemistry 2nd Paper 3rd Chapter MCQ Question Answer. Quantitative Chemistry. Quantitative chemistry is a very important branch of chemistry because it enables chemists to calculate known quantities of materials. For example, how much product can be made from a known starting material or how much of a given component is present in a sample? Quantitative analysis is any method used for determining the amount of a chemical in a sample. The amount is always expressed as a number of appropriate units. An acid-base titration is an example of quantitative analysis. In this module, you will learn about the core ideas or building blocks that are required for a deep understanding of quantitative chemistry. You will start to appreciate how relatively simple ideas develop and progress to more complex calculations as more knowledge is acquired. This line of progression is clearly seen in the thread of ideas, which may be used as a point of reference.
The study of organic reactions includes probing their scope through use in preparation of target compounds (e.g., natural products, drugs, polymers, etc.) by chemical synthesis, as well as the focused study of the reactivities of individual organic molecules, both in the laboratory and via theoretical (in silico) study.
Environmental chemistry is the study of chemical processes occurring in the environment which are impacted by humankind’s activities. These impacts may be felt on a local scale, through the presence of urban air pollutants or toxic substances arising from a chemical waste site, or on a global scale, through depletion of stratospheric ozone or global warming. The focus in our courses and research activities is upon developing a fundamental understanding of the nature of these chemical processes so that humankind’s activities can be accurately evaluated.
EV HSC Chemistry 2nd Paper 3rd Chapter MCQ Question Answer. Quantitative Chemistry
Chemistry is one of the ancient and main disciplines of sciences. Various kinds of changes such as formation, destructions, growth, transformation, production etc. are discussed in chemistry. The practice of chemistry has been continuing for a number of millennia. The process of beautifying clothes by applying dyes was on track in the Indian subcontinent about 5000 years ago. Men started making metallic weapons, columns, and statues quite a long ago. In ancient times, precious metals like gold, silver, lead etc. were extracted from mines using chemical technologies.
Quantitative chemical analysis is a key part of environmental chemistry since it provides data that frame most environmental studies. Common analytical techniques used for quantitative determinations in environmental chemistry include classical wet chemistry, such as gravimetric, titrimetric and electrochemical methods. More sophisticated approaches are used in the determination of trace metals and organic compounds. Metals are commonly measured by atomic spectroscopy and mass spectrometry: Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission (ICP-AES) or Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometric (ICP-MS) techniques.
Organic compounds are commonly measured also using mass spectrometric methods, such as Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Tandem Mass spectrometry MS/MS and High Resolution/Accurate Mass spectrometry HR/AM offer subpart per trillion detection. Non-MS methods using GCs and LCs having universal or specific detectors are still staples in the arsenal of available analytical tools
Other parameters often measured in environmental chemistry are radiochemicals. These are pollutants which emit radioactive materials, such as alpha and beta particles, posing danger to human health and the environment. Particle counters and Scintillation counters are most commonly used for these measurements. Bioassays and immunoassays are utilized for toxicity evaluations of chemical effects on various organisms. Polymerase Chain Reaction PCR is able to identify species of bacteria and other organisms through specific DNA and RNA gene isolation and amplification and are showing promise as a valuable technique for identifying environmental microbial contamination
teachingbd24.com is such a website where you will get all kinds of necessary information regarding educational notes, suggestions and question patterns of schools, colleges, and madrasas. Particularly, you will get here special notes of physics that will be immensely useful to both students and teachers. The builder of the website is Mr. Md. Shah Jamal who has been serving for 32 years as an Assistant Professor of Physics at BAF Shaheen College Dhaka. He expects that this website will meet up all the needs of Bengali version learners /students. He has requested concerned students and teachers to spread this website home and abroad. | https://teachingbd24.com/ev-hsc-chemistry-2nd-paper-3rd-chapter-mcq-question-answer/ |
5.2 The variability associated with the sampling of dried paint is generally considered to be far higher than the variability associated with the analyses of the paint specimens. Therefore, it is essential that sample collection be properly controlled to produce representative and meaningful samples.
5.3 These samples are collected in a manner that will permit subsequent digestion and determination of lead using laboratory analysis techniques such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS) (see Test Method E1613), or using field analysis techniques such as anodic stripping voltammetry (see Test Method E2051).
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers the collection of samples of dried paint and other coatings from buildings.
1.2 This practice is used to collect samples for subsequent determination of lead on an area basis (milligrams of lead per area sampled) or concentration basis (milligrams of lead per gram of dried paint collected or mass percent of lead in the paint sample collected).
1.3 This practice does not address the sampling design criteria (that is, sampling plan that includes the number and location of samples) that are used for risk assessment and other lead hazard activities.
1.4 This practice contains notes that are explanatory and are not part of the mandatory requirements of this practice.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for information only.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. A specific warning statement is given in 7.4.1.1.
2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard. | https://www.astm.org/Standards/E1729.htm |
Data from the Chemical Analysis of Archived Stream-Sediment Samples, Alaska
This data release contains the elemental concentration data for more than 1700 archived stream-sediment samples collected in Alaska. Samples were retrieved from the USGS Mineral Program's sample archive in Denver, CO, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys Geologic Materials Center in Anchorage, AK. All samples were analyzed using a multi-element analytical method involving fusion of the sample by sodium peroxide, dissolution of the fusion cake by nitric acid, and elemental analysis by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Additionally, 106 samples from the Nixon Fork area were analyzed by a second multi-element method in which the samples are decomposed by a mixture of hydrochloric, nitric, perchloric, and hydrofluoric acids and the elemental composition is determined by ICP-OES and ICP-MS. New Hg (mercury) concentrations, determined by cold-vapor atomic absorption spectrometry, are reported for 296 samples from southeast Alaska.
- Digital Object Identifier: 10.5066/P9FR1D6Y
- Source: USGS Digital Object Identifier Catalog
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Bronwen Wang, Ph.D. | https://www.usgs.gov/data/data-chemical-analysis-archived-stream-sediment-samples-alaska |
Standard Test Method for Analysis of Urine for Uranium-235 and Uranium-238 Isotopes by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry
DOE Order 5480.11 and ANSI N13.30 require that internal dose assessments be made as part of the bioassay program for nuclear facility workers. For indirect bioassay of uranium workers, the uranium isotopes must be measured along with the total uranium in urine samples. The RMDA for each uranium isotope is 0.1 pCi/L.
This method is applicable for measuring 235U and 238U at the RMDA. Because of extremely low mass concentration (because of the high specific activity), 234U cannot be measured without additional sample preconcentration.
Note 2—Column chromatography separations and concentration of 234U using manual or flow-injection preconcentration followed by ICP-MS isotopic determination are described in Test Methods C 1310 and C 1345. These methods focus on environmental soil sample analysis, but with some development, may be applicable to digested urine samples. The 234U concentration can be calculated based on an enrichment gradient for workers in uranium enrichment plants, and internal dose assessments can be made.
Note 3—Use of high resolution ICP-MS may also be used to obtain lower detection limits, see 1.
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the concentration of uranium-235 and uranium-238 in urine using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. This test method can be used to support uranium facility bioassay programs.
1.2 This method detection limits for 235U and 238U are 6 ng/L. To meet the requirements of ANSI N13.30, the minimum detectable activity (MDA) of each radionuclide measured must be at least 0.1 pCi/L (0.0037 Bq/L). The MDA translates to 47 ng/L for 235U and 300 ng/L for 238U. Uranium- 234 cannot be determined at the MDA with this test method because of its low mass concentration level equivalent to 0.1 pCi/L.
1.3 The digestion and anion separation of urine may not be necessary when uranium concentrations of more than 100 ng/L are present.
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
The ICP-MS is a source of intense ultraviolet radiation from the radio frequency induced plasma. Protection from radio frequency radiation and UV radiation is provided by the instrument under normal operation. | https://tienda.aenor.com/norma-astm-c1379-04-032656 |
How is Chromatography Changing Fire Debris Analysis?
Mar 13 2019 Read 3407 Times
The effects of a fire are often devastating. After a fire has been extinguished, fire experts and forensic analysts have to work out why the fire happened, what caused the fire and was it deliberate. This is the process of fire debris analysis - the examination of materials from a fire to try and work out if someone or something caused the fire. In the US, there are standards to help analysts in this work. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) publishes a method (ASTM E1618-14) - Standard Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry - to help analysts carry out this task. Let’s take a closer look at fire debris analysis and see how improved chromatography techniques could help to improve the process.
What is an ignitable liquid?
The difficult task of finding out if a fire has been started deliberately usually tries to determine is a flammable or ignitable liquid was used. The process starts by with the collection of samples from the scene of the fire. The samples can then be analysed using a simple process:
- Extract any volatiles from the samples collected at the scene,
- Separate the volatiles using chemical analysis (chromatography is one of the main techniques used to separate mixtures), and
- Interpret the data obtained to try and identify and residues on the samples and determine where they might have come from.
An ignitable liquid is simply any liquid, or liquid phase, that can fuel a fire - flammable liquids, combustible liquids or any material that could be liquified and burned. If ignitable liquids are suspected, then debris from the fire such as clothing, empty containers found near the scene, furniture or vegetation from the scene can be tested. The current standard uses gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry to analyse samples. Could there be a better way?
Is there a way to improve?
A recent issue of Separations has looked at how fire debris analysis might be improved - and it includes using chromatography. But rather than standard gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) which is limited, the journal suggests other methods could improve the analysis.
One way to improve the analysis is to improve the detection limits or sensitivity - a topic discussed in the article, Column Overloading - An issue of some sensitivity along with several factors associated with good chromatographic practice. Another method that could improve an analyst’s ability to detect and identify residues on fire samples is to use GCxGC-MS - multidimensional gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. This provides lower levels of detection and a greater chance of identifying residues on samples.
Digital Edition
Chromatography Today - March 2021
March 2021
In This Edition Modern & Practical Applications - Advancing Effective Glycan Analysis - Delivering the Power of Ion Mobility Spectrometry - Mass Spectrometry to the Point of Analysis - The... | https://www.chromatographytoday.com/news/gc-mdgc/32/breaking-news/how-is-chromatography-changing-fire-debris-analysis/48626 |
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
http://repositorio.unicamp.br/jspui/handle/REPOSIP/86713
|Type:||Artigo de periódico|
|Title:||Sudden Deaths Due To Accidental Intravenous Injection Of Perfluorocarbon During Mri Cranial Examinations|
|Author:||Lanaro R.|
De Capitani E.M.
Costa J.L.
Bucaretchi F.
Togni L.
Linden R.
Barbosa Jr. F.
Tessaro E.P.
Bataglion G.A.
Eberlin M.N.
Zappa J.E.B.
Almeida L.C.
Kemp B.
Miller J.R.
|Abstract:||Unexpected deaths of three patients happened at a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) clinic during cranial examinations with gadolinium-based contrast media. A toxicological screening using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for blood and urine samples collected during autopsy of the cases resulted negative. During the police investigation, it was learned that a special brand of perfluorocarbon (FC-770) had been in use at the radiological clinic for prostatic, genitals, and external soft tissue examinations, and could supposedly be available in the room where the cranial MRI examinations were performed. Histologically the lungs of the three victims showed alveolar edema associated with pulmonary venous air embolism. Using a target LC-MS-MS method, gadolinium-based contrast agents Gd-DTPA and Gd-DOTA were detected in blood samples and results showed lower levels of Gd-DTPA and Gd-DOTA when compared with literature data for that kind of MRI examinations. Free gadolinium (Gd 3+) was also determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry in blood samples showing also low levels. Perfluorocarbon FC-770 was determined in blood by headspace-GC-MS. Results showed the presence of 19.3, 20.9, and 20.0 μg/ml of FC-770 in blood of the three victims, estimating an injected dose of at least 230, 180, and 180 mg/kg, respectively. The smallest fatal dose established in an early experimental study was estimated to be 6.8 mg/kg. The investigations concluded that mistakenly intravenous injection of FC-770 led to the deaths of the three victims by a mechanism of pulmonary venous gas embolism secondary to the presence of non absorbable and high vapor pressure FC-770 in the pulmonary capillaries. © 2014 Japanese Association of Forensic Toxicology and Springer.|
|Editor:||Springer-Verlag Tokyo|
|Citation:||Forensic Toxicology. Springer-verlag Tokyo, v. 32, n. 2, p. 323 - 330, 2014.|
|Rights:||fechado|
|Identifier DOI:||10.1007/s11419-014-0231-z|
|Address:||http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84906344637&partnerID=40&md5=9e6764acb3e3fbd81a45995895aa871b|
|Date Issue:||2014|
|Appears in Collections:||Unicamp - Artigos e Outros Documentos|
Files in This Item:
|File||Description||Size||Format|
|2-s2.0-84906344637.pdf||748.17 kB||Adobe PDF||View/Open|
Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated. | http://www.repositorio.unicamp.br/handle/REPOSIP/86713 |
Radiometric determination methods, such as alpha spectrometry require long counting times when low activities are to be determined. Mass spectrometric techniques as Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (TIMS) and Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) have shown several advantages compared to traditional methods when measuring long-lived radionuclides. Mass spectrometric methods for determination of very low concentrations of elemental isotopes, and thereby isotopic ratios, have been developed using a variety of ion sources. Although primarily applied to the determination of the lighter stable element isotopes and radioactive isotopes in geological studies, the techniques can equally well be applied to the measurement of activity concentrations of long-lived low-level radionuclides in various samples using “isotope dilution” methods such as those applied in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).Due to the low specific activity of long-lived radionuclides, many of these are more conveniently detected using mass spectrometric techniques. Mass spectrometry also enables the individual determination of Pu-239 and Pu-240, which cannot be obtained by alpha spectrometry. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) are rapidly growing techniques for the ultra-trace analytical determination of stable and long-lived isotopes and have a wide potential within environmental science, including ecosystem tracers and radio ecological studies. Such instrumentation, of course needs good radiochemical separation, to give best performance.The objectives of the project is to identify current needs and problems within low-level determination of long-lived radioisotopes by ICP-MS, to perform intercalibration and development and improvement of ICP-MS methods for the measurement of radionuclides and isotope ratios and to develop new methods based on modified separation chemistry applied to new auxiliary equipment. | https://orbit.dtu.dk/en/publications/method-ms-final-report-2010 |
Elemental impurities in drug substance and drug products may arise from several sources; they may be residual catalysts that were added intentionally in the synthesis or may be present as impurities (e.g., through interactions with processing equipment or container/closure systems or by being present in components of the drug product). Elemental impurities do not provide any therapeutic benefit to the patient, their levels in the drug product should be controlled within acceptable limits. Long term exposure even to low concentrations of impurities can cause many adverse health effects and even toxicity.
The method used for establishing the PDE for each elemental impurity is discussed in “Q3D (R1) Guideline for elemental impurities” in detail. Elements evaluated in this guideline were assessed by reviewing the publicly available data contained in scientific journals, government research reports and studies, international regulatory standards (applicable to drug products) and guidance, and regulatory authority research and assessment reports.
Many instrumental analytical methods may be employed to measure the concentration level of heavy metals in various samples. The most predominant techniques are Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS); Atomic Emission/Fluorescence Spectrometry (AES/AFS); Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry(ICP-MS); Inductively Coupled Plasma OpticalEmission Spectrometry (ICP-OES); NeutronActivation Analysis (NAA), X-ray Fluorescence(XRF); and Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (AVS).
The most widely used technique is ICP-OES which has high sample throughput enabling the efficient analysis of a large number of batches, simultaneous determination of multiple elements in each sample, large dynamic linear range, and low chemical and matrix interference effect as well.
The ICH Q3D guideline can be achieved through using an appropriate risk assessment and analytical testing. A risk assessment should be performed to identify any elemental impurities that may potentially be present at significant levels in the drug product. Such an assessment is then used to define an appropriate control strategy. ICH Q3D allows the option that the scope and extent of quality control testing may be reduced, or even eliminated provided there is adequate control. | https://veeprho.com/blog/elemental-impurities-in-pharmaceutical-products/ |
Background: Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi), coupled to a DNA damaging agent is a promising approach to treating triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, not all patients respond; we hypothesize that non-response in some patients may be due to insufficient drug penetration. As a first step to testing this hypothesis, we quantified and visualized veliparib and carboplatin penetration in mouse xenograft TNBCs and patient blood samples. Methods: MDA-MB-231, HCC70 or MDA-MB-436 human TNBC cells were implanted in 41 beige SCID mice. Low dose (20 mg/kg) or high dose (60 mg/kg) veliparib was given three times daily for three days, with carboplatin (60 mg/kg) administered twice. In addition, blood samples were analyzed from 19 patients from a phase 1 study of carboplatin + PARPi talazoparib. Veliparib and carboplatin was quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Veliparib tissue penetration was visualized using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric imaging (MALDI-MSI) and platinum adducts (covalent nuclear DNA-binding) were quantified using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Pharmacokinetic modeling and Pearson's correlation were used to explore associations between concentrations in plasma, tumor cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Results: Veliparib penetration in xenograft tumors was highly heterogeneous between and within tumors. Only 35% (CI 95% 26-44%), 74% (40-97%) and 46% (9-37%) of veliparib observed in plasma penetrated into MDA-MB-231, HCC70 and MDA-MB-436 cell-based xenografts, respectively. Within tumors, penetration heterogeneity was larger with the 60 mg/kg compared to the 20 mg/kg dose (RSD 155% versus 255%, P = 0.001). These tumor concentrations were predicted similar to clinical dosing levels, but predicted tumor concentrations were below half maximal concentration values as threshold of response. Xenograft veliparib concentrations correlated positively with platinum adduct formation (R 2 = 0.657), but no PARPi-platinum interaction was observed in patients' PBMCs. Platinum adduct formation was significantly higher in five gBRCA carriers (ratio of platinum in DNA in PBMCs/plasma 0.64% (IQR 0.60-1.16%) compared to nine non-carriers (ratio 0.29% (IQR 0.21-0.66%, P <0.0001). Conclusions: PARPi/platinum tumor penetration can be measured by MALDI-MSI and ICP-MS in PBMCs and fresh frozen, OCT embedded core needle biopsies. Large variability in platinum adduct formation and spatial heterogeneity in veliparib distribution may lead to insufficient drug exposure in select cell populations. | https://researchexperts.utmb.edu/en/publications/heterogeneous-drug-penetrance-of-veliparib-and-carboplatin-measur |
Hypnotherapists use a natural state of deep relaxation and the power of positive suggestion to help alter a patent's thoughts and behaviour to improve their well-being.
Hypnosis is a natural trance-like state-of-mind in which a hypnotherapist may make corrections and provide new ways of thought, emotion and behaviour directly to a patient's unconscious mind. This form of treatment can help people overcome a range of psychological conditions, behaviours and ways of thinking. It is closely linked to psychotherapy and many hypnotherapists use hypnosis alongside other forms of psychotherapy.
According to the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis (BSCH) http://www.bsch.org.uk/index.html, 85% of people will respond at some level to clinical hypnotherapy, which means it is often used when other conventional methods of treatment have not been effective.
When carried out by a trained and qualified hypnotherapist the benefits can be long lasting and often permanent.
Hypnotherapists help people with a range of physical and psychological problems, such as:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Migraines
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Smoking
- Nail biting
- Weight control
- Lack of confidence
- Phobias
- Insomnia
- Reduce stress, tension and blood pressure
- Gynaecological problems - PMT
- Arthritic pains
- Some sexual problems
It can also be used as a tool to:
- Help control pain
- Improve performance at work, studying or in sport
- Improve birth outcomes
Work Activities
The typical duties of a hypnotherapist include:
- Discussing aims, and objectives of the course of treatment
- Discussing clients' medical history
- Inducing the state of deep relaxation and hypnosis
- Making suggestions and statements to resolve the specific issue
- Providing the patient with feedback on progress
- Taking notes and writing reports
The working hours of a hypnotherapist can be really varied according to where you are employed. If you work from home you could choose your own hours, whereas if you work from rooms in a shared practice, hospital or clinic the hours may be more regulated. It may include working in the evening or at weekend to meet the needs of clients. A hypnotherapy session generally lasts about one hour but the number of sessions needed will vary.
It can take a while to build up a reliable client base, so positive referrals and word-of-mouth is key to gaining a good reputation - and therefore an increased number of appointments - in this line of work. A new hypnotherapist may need to supplement their work with a part-time job until client referrals and bookings increase.
Personal Qualities and Skills
Key skills for hypnotherapists
- A good understanding of hypnosis techniques and psychotherapy
- Self-motivation to build up a client list
- Good understanding and empathy
- The ability to put clients at ease
- Confident and self-assured
- An understanding of client confidentiality
Pay And Opportunities
Typical employers of hypnotherapists
Hypnotherapists often work in a related profession first such as social work or healthcare professions. The number of referrals from GPs has increased over the last few years and there are a small number of opportunities in the NHS but these are normally for practitioners with a medical qualification.
Qualifications
Qualifications and training required
There are no formal requirements for practicing as a hypnotherapist but as success largely depends on reputation, being registered with an independent professional body can help and provide the right level of training. For example the Department of Health recommends hypnotherapists that are registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), which was set up by the Department of Health in 2010.
It could also be beneficial to gain a qualification recognised by one of the professional bodies associated with hypnotherapy, for example the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council (http://www.general-hypnotherapy-register.com) has a General Hypnotherapy Register and provides training courses. | https://targetcareers.co.uk/924415-hypnotherapist |
A. Although most people know about the many physical benefits that result from consistent exercise: 1. More than 60% of adults do not achieve the recommended amount of physical activity. 2.
In addition, 25% of all adults are not active at allB. This is disturbing, not only because so many people are missing out on the physical benefits that result from exercise, but on the mental benefits that result from exercise as wellMain Point #1: A great deal of attention has been paid to the relationship between physical fitness and psychological health. The four psychological areas that have been studied the most are: 1) Psychological well-being and mood, 2) personality and self-concept, 3) Psychological stress response, and 4) cognition (i. e. – perception, knowledge, and awareness; thinking)A.Order now
Well-Being and Mood (Short & Long term Benefits of Exercise)a. The most common result of these studies is that physical activity improves mood and well-being immediately following the exercise. One study examined 170 people. One group attended swimming, fencing, or physical conditioning classes. The second group attended lecture classes where no exercise was involved.
i. Questionnaires that were filled out directly before and after the class sessions showed significant mood improvement in the classes where exercise was involved (compared to the non-physical activity classes). a. Most of these studies indicate that having a consistent exercise program This study examined a random sample of 94 people. They were divided into groups that participated in either a high intensity exercise program, a moderate intensity exercise program, or 1 of 2 control groups that participated in no exercise.
i. Results showed significant psychological benefits for both the high intensity and moderate intensity exercise groups. However, the moderate intensity exercise group showed the greatest increase. ii. In addition, on follow-up testing that took places 3 months later, the same results took place.
a. Taking all the studies into consideration, the research shows positive effects on mood in both the short-term and the long-term. However, the short-term benefits seem to have a stronger relationship than the long-term benefits. b. The positive mood that results from exercise is due to less: anxiety, tension, depression, and fatigue.
1. Studies have found a link between exercise and personality dimensions103 female college students were studied before and after a 15-week period of aerobic training. i. Results showed that after the 15 week-period was over, the participants were less inhibited, more imaginative, and more self-assured. ii.
Greater aerobic performance was significantly associated with the results being shown to a higher degree. a. Type A personality is characterized by an exaggerated sense of time urgency, competitiveness, and hostility. This is linked to heart disease. b.
Most studies have found no link between exercise and the reduction of Type A behavior. For 10 week, examined 107 people that were assigned to one of the following groups: Aerobic Exercise, Weight Training, and Stress Managementi. While the stress management group showed a significant reduction in Type A behavior, the aerobic exercise group showed virtually no reduction. The weight training group showed some reduction in Type A behavior, but was far out-distanced by the stress management group. a.
Studies consistently demonstrate that exercise improves self-concept, self-esteem, and self-assurance. In addition, research suggests that exercise improves creative thinking. b. Short-term vs.
long-term effects on self-concept and the like have not yet been adequately studied. c. Also, research that focuses on Type A behavior and other personality traits has not shown a link to exercise. 1. Most studies that have tested this relationship have hypothesized that the physiological adaptation that is associated with exercise, influences recovery from psychological stressful events.
2. Two Types of Experiments: Experimental Design and Correlation Designi. Participants were randomly placed into either exercising or non-exercising groups. At a 7 to 12 week follow-up, reactivity and recovery from stress was measured. ii.
Stress reactivity was measured by such tasks as having the group members perform difficult math problems and several other types of stressful intellectual tasks. iii. Stress recovery was then measured by changes in heart rate, blood pressure, skin conductance, and the level of certain chemicals in the body. iv.
Most of these studies concluded that exercise increases the ability of the body to recover from psychological stress. v.However, in terms of stress reactivity, the results are inconclusive.i.The people studied were divided into groups depending upon there ii.The same experiments were conducted as in the Experimental Designiii.Most of these studies found no association between exercise . | https://artscolumbia.org/effect-of-excersie-on-mental-health-essay-111074/ |
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition characterised by fatigue, stiffness and widespread pain in muscles, ligaments and tendons. People with fibromyalgia are also abnormally sensitive to touch, with certain areas, known as ‘tender points’, being super-sensitive. Sleep disturbance is common and people with fibromyalgia often wake up tired and un-refreshed. Headaches, facial pain, irritable bowel and bladder, poor memory and concentration, nausea, restless legs, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet are frequently accompanying symptoms.
While the exact cause of this condition remains unknown, it is believed to result from an abnormal activation of the central pain system where pain becomes amplified. Triggers for this activation may include emotional distress, sleep disturbance, injury, chronic poor posture, certain infections and possibly genetic factors.
Fibromyalgia affects predominantly women, between the ages of 35 to 60 years. It is more common in people with a rheumatic disease. The severity of symptoms can be highly variable but the majority of patients have mild symptoms that are reversible.
The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made on the history of widespread pain for three months or longer and the presence of abnormal tenderness in specific parts of the body. There are no blood tests to confirm the diagnosis although these may be useful in excluding other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Effective management of fibromyalgia begins with a correct diagnosis.
While there are many possible components to treatment, management programs should be designed individually incorporating a combination of strategies.
Education: people with fibromyalgia need to understand their condition so that they can decide what combination of treatments will be effective for their individual circumstances.
Exercise: regular exercise is extremely important for those with fibromyalgia. Despite exercise being initially painful, gradual persistence, especially of an aerobic-based program, will result in a reduction of pain, fatigue and sleep disturbance. The aim should be to exercise at least 30 minutes a day 3 to 4 times a week. Low impact exercises such as walking, swimming or bike-riding are ideal. Incorporating daily stretches may also be useful.
Medication: in combination with other strategies, medication can help improve sleep, reduce pain and help manage stress.
Stress management: for many patients with fibromyalgia, psychological factors play an important part in their condition. There are many options as to how best to address these. They range from seeking professional counselling from a psychologist through to stress management, meditation and relaxation techniques conducted in a group setting.
Body-Mind Disciplines: approaches such as yoga, Tai Chi, Feldenkrais and Alexander Technique have in common their focus on awareness of the body in movement. Relaxation, improved posture and breathing are often resultant outcomes of such exercises and can be of help for some patients with fibromyalgia.
Massage: massage can help relax muscles, improve the range of movement in joints and help alleviate anxiety and stress. Many people with fibromyalgia derive benefit from such treatments.
Any advice offered from such a site should still be verified to be appropriate for you by a medical practitioner knowledgeable about fibromyalgia.
For those interested in trying Yoga as a tool to help manage their condition. I often recommend Vicky Adamson’s classes in Rayne, near Braintree, and Billericay. For more information about her Yoga sessions click here. | http://www.jamesdavisphysio.co.uk/we-treat/fibromyalgia/ |
It is common knowledge that listening to music or playing and instrument provides a sense of calm, enjoyment, nostalgia and many other emotions or feelings. However, listening to music or playing an instrument are just two forms of music as therapy, with much research in the psychological field. So, can music as therapy and music therapy actually reduce stress? Let’s look at music therapy first. The process of music therapy, as it is defined within the profession, makes the distinction that music therapy takes place over time; that a series of repeated sessions characterize the therapeutic process rather than a single event producing a therapeutic effect, per Dr Kenneth Bruscia in the Department of Music Education and Music Therapy at Temple University. The Australian Music Therapy Association states that music therapists incorporate a range of music-making methods in and through a therapeutic relationship. This occurs in a variety of sectors including health, community, aged care, disability, early childhood and private practice. While at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, the aim of music therapy is to use the experience of music to provide treatment support, mental health support and/or neurodevelopment. Overall, music therapy is regarded as a creative intervention and has been applied in psychotherapy and counselling with individuals of all ages, particularly children, for more than 70 years. In regards to playing an instrument, Dr Suzanne Hanser, chair to the music therapy department at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, notes that research has shown links between adults who play an instrument with lower blood pressure, lower stress levels, decreased heart rate and a reduction in anxiety and depression. Dr Hanser says there's also increasing evidence that making music enhances the immunological response, which enables us to fight viruses. Some research indicates the brain of a musician works differently than that of a non-musician. “There’s some good neuroscience research that children involved in music have larger growth of neural activity than people not in music training. When you’re a musician and you’re playing an instrument, you have to be using more of your brain,” says Dr. Eric Rasmussen, chair of the Early Childhood Music Department at Johns Hopkins University. The importance of music education in schools was highlighted in a 2007 study by Christopher Johnson, professor of music education and music therapy at the University of Kansas, which revealed students in music education programs scored about 22 per cent higher in English and 20 per cent higher in math on standardised tests. As well as better performance results on concentration-based tasks, music can help with basic memory recall, says Dr. Kyle Pruett, clinical professor of child psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. Then there is the listening to music. In the International Journal of Psychophysiology, researchers Nater, Abbruzzese, Krebs and Ehlert wrote music has been shown to beneficially affect stress-related physiological, as well as cognitive and emotional processes. Finnish clinical music therapist Dr Kimmo Lehtonen believes music has a close relationship with unconscious emotions, which are activated by musical movement. This has been supported through research by Dr’s Burns, Labbé, Williams and McCall on the perceived and physiological indicators of relaxation and music. According to Verywell Mind, an international online resource and partner of The Cleveland Clinic (the number 2 rated hospital in the US), one of the great benefits of music as a stress reliever is that it can be used while you conduct your regular activities. Music provides a wonderful backdrop for your life and you can find increased enjoyment from what you’re doing while reducing stress from your day. At Trinity Anglican College, in addition to the outstanding music program offered to students, we also provide regular music as therapy jam sessions during lunchtimes as part of the Respect At Trinity program. So, whether you listen to music, play an instrument, are enrolled in music as a subject or involved in music therapy as a psychological intervention, there's clear evidence that music as therapy and music therapy can bring significant benefits to your overall mental health state.
Can music therapy actually reduce stress?
It is common knowledge that listening to music or playing and instrument provides a sense of calm, enjoyment, nostalgia and many other emotions or feelings. However, listening to music or playing an instrument are just two forms of music as therapy, with much research in the psychological field.
So, can music as therapy and music therapy actually reduce stress?
Let’s look at music therapy first. The process of music therapy, as it is defined within the profession, makes the distinction that music therapy takes place over time; that a series of repeated sessions characterize the therapeutic process rather than a single event producing a therapeutic effect, per Dr Kenneth Bruscia in the Department of Music Education and Music Therapy at Temple University.
The Australian Music Therapy Association states that music therapists incorporate a range of music-making methods in and through a therapeutic relationship. This occurs in a variety of sectors including health, community, aged care, disability, early childhood and private practice. While at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, the aim of music therapy is to use the experience of music to provide treatment support, mental health support and/or neurodevelopment. Overall, music therapy is regarded as a creative intervention and has been applied in psychotherapy and counselling with individuals of all ages, particularly children, for more than 70 years.
In regards to playing an instrument, Dr Suzanne Hanser, chair to the music therapy department at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, notes that research has shown links between adults who play an instrument with lower blood pressure, lower stress levels, decreased heart rate and a reduction in anxiety and depression.
Dr Hanser says there's also increasing evidence that making music enhances the immunological response, which enables us to fight viruses.
Some research indicates the brain of a musician works differently than that of a non-musician. “There’s some good neuroscience research that children involved in music have larger growth of neural activity than people not in music training. When you’re a musician and you’re playing an instrument, you have to be using more of your brain,” says Dr. Eric Rasmussen, chair of the Early Childhood Music Department at Johns Hopkins University.
The importance of music education in schools was highlighted in a 2007 study by Christopher Johnson, professor of music education and music therapy at the University of Kansas, which revealed students in music education programs scored about 22 per cent higher in English and 20 per cent higher in math on standardised tests. As well as better performance results on concentration-based tasks, music can help with basic memory recall, says Dr. Kyle Pruett, clinical professor of child psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine.
Some research indicates the brain of a musician works differently than that of a non-musician.
Then there is the listening to music. In the International Journal of Psychophysiology, researchers Nater, Abbruzzese, Krebs and Ehlert wrote music has been shown to beneficially affect stress-related physiological, as well as cognitive and emotional processes.
Finnish clinical music therapist Dr Kimmo Lehtonen believes music has a close relationship with unconscious emotions, which are activated by musical movement.
This has been supported through research by Dr’s Burns, Labbé, Williams and McCall on the perceived and physiological indicators of relaxation and music.
According to Verywell Mind, an international online resource and partner of The Cleveland Clinic (the number 2 rated hospital in the US), one of the great benefits of music as a stress reliever is that it can be used while you conduct your regular activities. Music provides a wonderful backdrop for your life and you can find increased enjoyment from what you’re doing while reducing stress from your day.
At Trinity Anglican College, in addition to the outstanding music program offered to students, we also provide regular music as therapy jam sessions during lunchtimes as part of the Respect At Trinity program.
So, whether you listen to music, play an instrument, are enrolled in music as a subject or involved in music therapy as a psychological intervention, there's clear evidence that music as therapy and music therapy can bring significant benefits to your overall mental health state. | https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/5905183/can-music-therapy-actually-reduce-stress/ |
A new WHO report summarizing evidence on the health effects of green space in urban areas shows that they offer numerous public health benefits, including psychological relaxation and stress reduction, enhanced physical activity and a potential reduction in exposure to air pollution, noise and excessive heat.
The report concludes that there is a need for both small, local green spaces situated very close to where people live and spend their day, and large green spaces that provide formal recreational facilities (such as playing fields) and opportunities to interact with nature.
The report also presents a toolkit for a geographic information system (GIS)-based approach to measuring urban green space. This provides cities with a way to calculate how many people have access to green spaces and to identify new areas where they can be established. | https://healthandeuropecentre.nhs.uk/2016/12/02/urban-green-spaces-deliver-multiple-health-benefits/ |
Glen describes his stress as “a feeling that someone is gripping the back of my neck tightly. And I’m so tense that I can’t even turn around to see who it is—if I wanted to.” He feels the stress of healthcare expenses, family drama, and even death as he’s dealing with more unfamiliar health challenges than ever before. Maureen, on the other hand, says that when she’s stressed, “I just power through it, focusing only on what needs to get done. But then I crash, and sometimes it takes me days to recover in bed.” She feels the weight of continuing to host a book club in her home each week even after she took a bad fall and has had to use a walker, as well as her husband’s worsening dementia.
Stress can take a heavy toll on our holistic health. Just as other health troubles can be particularly challenging for seniors because our bodies become less resilient with age, so can stress. We’ve examined the signs of stress in seniors so caregivers and family members can be aware of what their aging loved ones may be going through. Now, let’s explore some of the critical action steps and stress management strategies for seniors. With these tools and opportunities in hand, older adults can feel empowered to live life the way they want to without unnecessary distress.
How Can Caregivers Approach Stress Management for Seniors?
Our sources and forms of stress can be as different as each of us individually. Caregivers and family members, especially, can pay attention to the patterns of their aging loved one’s stress to identify what their particular challenges are. In a lot of cases, the strategies for stress management will address the actual sources of stress. But it’s also possible to encourage relaxation and stress relief more broadly. Here are some tips and resources to consider in both directions.
Addressing Stress at the Source
When you can identify that an older adult is struggling against some particular stressor in life, you may be able to introduce solutions that diminish or dissolve that burden. When these sources of stress are no longer in control and aging adults are no longer at the whim of external pressures, it’s an empowering development. And, together, you may be able to prevent stress more proactively and efficiently into the future. Consider these tips and resources for addressing challenges that are common sources of stress for seniors:
- Lifestyle. Lifestyle habits can have a positive impact on one’s health and well-being, or they can have a negative one. Caregivers can help an aging loved one to re-evaluate and revitalize daily routines, such as nutrition and diet.
- Health. For a lot of people, age brings new and challenging health problems. Unfortunately, these problems can inspire stress, and stress can make these problems worse. The best strategy is to get ahead of the challenges by having a cooperative relationship with a geriatric doctor and being open to making those lifestyle adjustments that can promote health in later years.
- Sleep. If your aging loved one is having trouble sleeping or feeling otherwise fatigued, it’s time to address this strain with a doctor or with lifestyle changes to support better quality rest. Sufficient rest will support all other areas of healthy living.
- Advocacy. When it comes to health challenges later in life, many older adults feel overwhelmed by communicating with practitioners and insurance companies and keeping track of the information that piles up in the process. Caregivers can serve as important advocates to support communication and planning.
- Substance Use. Just like health generally, substance use among seniors can stem from stress, and it can contribute to it. Discover how you can help prevent senior substance abuse and address these issues if they already exist for your loved one.
- Activity. When an aging adult is isolated or feels prohibitively limited by disability or other barriers, it can become a slippery slope toward even greater isolation and stress. Incorporating interesting activities on a daily or weekly basis can help to reverse this trend.
- Organization. Paperwork, financial responsibilities, communication, and other burdens can weigh heavily on older adults—especially when these pressures build up over time. A caregiver’s fresh perspective can go a long way toward introducing organization and systems that an older adult can participate in successfully.
- Clutter. Likewise, when clutter builds up in an older adult’s home, they can feel weighed down and stressed out by it. Caregivers and families can work together to declutter and tidy a loved one’s space and set up systems for organization and more graceful living.
- Independence. As adults age and begin to lose some of their independent abilities, the transition can be extremely difficult and stressful, especially as they may be trying to understand their identity in a new way. In many cases, having professional in-home assistance can help them strike a graceful balance between dependence and independence.
- Socialization and Community. Isolation is a common and important red flag in seniors. Prolonged isolation can lead to depression and even physical health problems. But opportunities for socialization and community involvement are accessible if you can help your aging loved one to get connected.
- Psychological Health. Underlying psychological conditions may be standing in the way of an older adult’s best life. Geriatric counseling can prevent unnecessary suffering and pave the way for your aging loved one to thrive.
Promoting Stress Reduction Holistically
There are also ways to ease stress from the inside out. Relaxation techniques can empower aging adults to live the life they want to live despite outside pressures and limitations. These activities and positive ways of perceiving are flexible and accessible, so you as a caregiver can help an aging loved one to practice relaxation right at home and almost anywhere else. Encourage an older adult to give some of these different opportunities a try to discover what piques their interest and inspires stress relief.
- Yoga. Yoga practices help to ease stress in the body and the mind. It also prepares an aging body to be more supple and ready for physical activity. As an adaptable exercise, you can practice yoga in a chair, and it can be modified for particular challenges such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
- Meditation. Meditation also serves as a powerful stress reliever, especially when older adults discover the meditation techniques that resonate with them. These relaxation practices can be personalized for your loved one—like this mindfulness practice for dementia.
- Exercise. The benefits of exercise for older adults are immense: physical activity can improve health and motivation, enhance balance and confidence, and be a great way for people to connect and socialize.
- New Hobbies. Trying new hobbies, even right at home, can reinvigorate seniors. The possibilities are endless, even when limited by arthritis and other challenges.
- Sunshine and Nature. Time outdoors can revitalize an aging adult who has been isolated. Simply taking a walk or getting involved in gardening together are great habits for stress relief.
- Positive Goal Setting. We’re never too old to have dreams and set goals. Work with your aging loved one to explore the possibilities for inspired goals for all of these positive action steps we’ve discussed.
Our Power to Manage Stress
Researchers have discovered that stress has a powerful impact on our health overall. Even our stressful thoughts begin to wear on our bodies and speed up the aging process. The good news is that our efforts to keep stress in check through enlightened perspective, taking action, getting support, and practicing relaxation techniques can also have a powerful impact. It’s never too late to introduce these positive practices for your aging loved one—and, indeed, for yourself as a caregiver prone to stress and burnout. We may feel too stressed out to take action against the stress, but there is nothing more important for our health. And none of us has to approach it alone.
To find out how Institute on Aging can be a supportive resource in your quest for stress relief, contact us today at 415-750-4111. Our services and programs can support seniors aging in place and seeking ways to live life to the fullest. | https://blog.ioaging.org/activities-wellness/stress-management-for-seniors-strategies-for-empowering-your-aging-loved-one/ |
Stress and Kids - Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms
It is clear that everyday stress in the 21st-century Western world is high. As adults, we often think of “stress” as a reaction to a traumatic event such as losing a loved one or being fired from a job, as well as from the pressures of everyday life including meeting deadlines in a high-paced work environment, personal relationship difficulties, and the all too common “glorification of busy.” In children, stress also presents from different situations including traumatic life events, difficulties with family and home life, and pressures from school and social life.
In a recent publication on childhood stress by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stress is described as “internal or external influences that disrupt an individual’s normal state of wellbeing. These influences are capable of affecting health by causing emotional distress and leading to a variety of physiological changes. These changes include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure and a dramatic rise in hormone levels.” The primary hormone that is considered in the stress response is cortisol, a hormone released from the adrenal glands. Cortisol has a positive function in our bodies and is essential for many physiological mechanisms. However, harm arises when cortisol becomes too high, remains high for too long, or does not appropriately decrease during the day. High levels of stress and cortisol have been associated with many adverse health outcomes including:
- Suppression of the immune system, increasing risk of infection and other health conditions.
- Mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
- Metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
- Damage to the part of the brain called the hippocampus, which is responsible for learning and memory.
- Headaches, indigestion, fatigue, and muscular tension.
In young girls, high cortisol is associated with anxious behaviour, while in boys it is associated with more aggressive behaviour.
Many of these conditions are on the rise in the pediatric population, and this may be in part due to stress levels.
It is important to realize that not all stress is bad. The term “positive stress,” as it relates to children, often involves a new experience such as meeting new people or starting at a new school, and can manifest in feelings of anxiety and physical symptoms such as an increase in heart rate. With the help and guidance of adult caregivers, the child should be able to appropriately manage and overcome the situation, which teaches the child situational management and coping techniques. This is positive stress and is essential for normal childhood development.
Starting the discussion about stress when children are young is essential, as it helps to acknowledge and normalize these unpleasant feelings, and it provides a gateway to learn healthy coping mechanisms which can be carried into adulthood. There are many techniques that can be used to reduce stress in children, some of which are discussed here.
Yoga
Yoga is a physical and spiritual practice that has multiple components including physical postures, breathing techniques, and spirituality. The practice was started in India over 2000 years ago, but has only gained significant popularity in Western society in the last 20 years, and is now being used an adjunctive therapy for various medical conditions. For children, it can be used as a way to connect with their body, cultivate mindfulness, as well as teach breathing techniques that can then be applied to other areas of life.
Significant research showing the benefits of yoga for adults exists; however, as we often see, similar research in children is lacking. However, one recent study examined the impacts on stress of a ten-week yoga program implemented in a second- and third-grade classroom, consisting of thirty minutes of yoga from a qualified practitioner once a week, for a total of ten weeks. Salivary cortisol was collected and measured for each student at each session. After 10 weeks of the weekly yoga sessions, there was a statistically significant improvement in salivary cortisol levels in the second-graders. In addition, subjective questionnaires by the classroom teacher showed improvements in children’s behaviour including attention span, self-esteem, and ability to deal with stress. Although this was an isolated program and may not be generalizable to all pediatric populations, it’s groundwork that yoga is not only beneficial for adults, but can be adapted well for children and shows positive outcomes.
Many yoga studios are now offering specific children’s classes, and some even offer more specific classes that focus on different health conditions. If a parent is familiar with yoga, practicing basic breathing exercises and postures, and helping children implement them during specific times of stress, can also be a way of incorporating yoga principles into a child’s life.
Guided Imagery
Guided imagery is a mind-body technique that is used to help the participant generate a mental image or visualization for a specific health outcome. It is typically led by a qualified practitioner, either in a one-on-one or group setting, and often used as a series of sessions. Images generated by the participant can either be general relaxation images, or more specific such as an image of healthy eating habits or positive behavioural changes.
Research using guided imagery has been conducted in adults, with positive outcomes on work-related stress, anxiety, pain, and infertility. One recent study used guided imagery in obese adolescents, and looked at markers of stress as well as blood-sugar control. During a twelve-week program of weekly guided imagery sessions, salivary cortisol was significantly reduced by approximately 38% after each relaxation session. Interestingly, this study also showed that the greater the cortisol reduction, the greater the reduction in insulin, an important marker for blood sugar regulation, as well as the sessions resulting in a decrease in sedentary activity and increase in moderate physical activity. From a practical standpoint, this study also demonstrated that this type of intervention was well-received by adolescents. They enjoyed the exercises, and many applied the technique to acute situations in other aspects of their life; a very promising point for future research.
Despite the sparse research in children, the use of guided imagery in adults as well as the promising results of the study discussed above show that this technique can be very beneficial for stress reduction in children. Guided imagery teaches children a very specific tool that can be transferred to other types of settings, particularly acutely stressful situations.
Nature Therapy
Surveys have shown that kids spend about 50 hours a week on an electronic device, and almost 90% of their time indoors. “Nature deficit disorder” is a term coined by Richard Louv in the book “Last Child in the Woods.” Although not a medically diagnosable condition, it is the idea that humans’ shift to increased time indoors with less time spent in outdoor green space is contributing to a number of different health conditions including behavioural and attention difficulties as well as emotional distress. “Vitamin N” (N is for “nature”) incorporates many different types of exposure to nature, including simply time spent outdoors, time in parks and green spaces, contact with plants, having plants inside the home, and even viewing images of nature.
Nature seems to act as a buffer for stress in children. When children experience a high-stress life event, levels of psychological distress are 30% lower in children that live in a “high-nature” environment compared to children who experience a similar stressful situation but live in a “low-nature” environment. A high-nature environment includes the indoor environment such as outdoor views from within the home, as well as live plants inside and the immediate outdoor environment surrounding the home. This is an important study, because it shows that children do not need to live in the country surrounded by acres of forest to receive the benefits of nature, but small changes such as having plants in the home are also very beneficial.
Here are some other highlights of research on the connection of nature and stress:
Completing a stressful mental task while in a garden environment produces lower levels of cortisol than when the same activity is done indoors.
Having plants in a room reduced stress response in subjects that watched an emotionally stressful video. The results were even greater with flowering plants.
Going for a walk in a forest showed greater reductions in cortisol levels following the exercise, compared to a walk of the same duration on a treadmill. Improvements were also seen in blood pressure, mood, and fatigue.
Doing activities in green spaces has repeatedly been shown to improve attention and concentration in children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder.
Further information on other health benefits of nature can be found at: http://www.naturopathiccurrents.com/articles/health-and-nature
Incorporating Stress-Management Techniques
Stress in children is often overlooked and downplayed by adults; however, stress is very present in the pediatric population and is associated with significant health implications. It is important for parents, health-care providers, and educators to recognize and address the role of stress in children. By starting this conversation when children are young, we can begin to foster the idea of the mind-body connection and teach our children healthy ways of managing stress that will serve them well in the future. In addition to incorporating yoga, guided meditation, and nature therapy into children’s lives, many other ways of reducing stress not discussed here also show significant benefits. These include—but are not limited to—professional counseling/therapy, recreational sport, art therapy, progressive muscle relaxation, and music therapy. Not all children will resonate with every technique, so it is important to try different approaches and nurture what seems to work well for each individual child. By beginning early, we will provide tools to handle stress in children’s current lives while providing life skills to manage stress in a healthy way in the future, and ultimately lead to healthier, happier adults. | https://www.newrootsherbal.com/en/blog/naturopathic-currents/stress-and-kids-developing-healthy-coping-mechanisms |
Coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as coronary heart disease (CHD) or coronary atherosclerosis, involves the progressive narrowing of the arteries that nourish the heart muscle. Often there are no symptoms, but if one or more of these arteries become severely narrowed, angina (chest pain) may develop during exercise, stress, or other times when the heart muscle is not getting enough blood. Coronary heart disease can weaken the heart muscle over time and contribute to heart failure and arrhythmias.
The narrowing is due to a buildup of fatty plaque (atherosclerosis) along the artery walls. These deposits are composed mostly of cholesterol, other lipids, and fibrous tissue, such as collagen. Coronary disease appears to be a lifelong process in some people, beginning at an early age and progressing slowly until the vessels become so occluded that the heart muscle no longer gets adequate nourishment. The underlying cause is unknown, although it is seen most frequently in people who live in developed industrialized nations.
A coronary artery must be narrowed to less than 30% of its original size before there is a serious reduction in the blood flow to the heart muscle served by that vessel. Generally, about 5% of the total cardiac output of blood goes through the coronary arteries; thus there is adequate coronary blood flow to meet normal demands at rest even if the vessels are 70 to 90% occluded. If the coronary arteries are seriously blocked, however, blood flow may not be adequate for any increased demand, such as that of exercise or an emotional upset. If the heart muscle cannot get enough oxygen—a state known as myocardial ischemia—symptoms such as chest pain (angina) or shortness of breath may result.
A presumptive diagnosis of coronary disease is based on a review of symptoms, health history, an electrocardiogram, and an exercise stress test, perhaps with a thallium scan. A more definitive diagnosis requires cardiac catheterization and angiography.
During an exercise stress test, the patient is hooked up to an electrocardiographic monitor (an ECG or EKG machine) and then asked to walk on a treadmill, peddle a stationary bicycle, or climb steps. The ECG monitor will show whether the heart muscle is getting enough blood. An exercise test also detects silent ischemia, a condition with no symptoms in which heart muscle does not get enough blood.
If severe narrowing is suspected, a coronary angiogram may be needed. This examination entails threading a catheter through a blood vessel into the heart, and then injecting a dye into the coronary arteries to make them visible on x-rays.
Beta-Blocking Drugs: These agents act by blocking the effect of the sympathetic nervous system on the heart, slowing heart rate, decreasing blood pressure, and thereby reducing the oxygen demand of the heart. Studies have found that these drugs also can reduce the chances of dying or suffering a recurrent heart attack if they are started shortly after suffering a heart attack and continued for 2 years.
Calcium-Channel-Blocking Drugs: All muscles need varying amounts of calcium in order to contract. By reducing the amount of calcium that enters the muscle cells in the coronary artery walls, spasms can be prevented. Some calcium-channel-blocking drugs also decrease the work-load of the heart and some lower the heart rate as well.
Nitrates: Nitroglycerin may be prescribed to both treat and prevent attacks of angina.
These measures may help ease the symptoms of coronary heart disease, especially angina, and may help ease the effects of some risk factors. For example, relaxation techniques may help you overcome stress and block pain impulses by refocusing your concentration. These techniques include meditation, yoga, biofeedback training, and self-hypnosis. For maximum benefit, you should choose a relaxation technique that you are comfortable with and practice it for 20 minutes once or twice a day. In addition to the direct positive effect on your cardiovascular system, relaxation techniques may help you make other lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking and contribute to a general sense of well-being.
Vitamin therapy may also work in conjunction with your medical treatment. High doses of niacin can lower blood cholesterol levels, reducing the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. In addition, recent studies indicate that vitamin E, an antioxidant vitamin that also inhibits blood clotting, may help reduce the risk of heart attack. However, do not take any more than the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of any vitamin without first consulting your doctor; some vitamins in high doses can have toxic effects.
Other more controversial, alternative therapies include garlic, which may be consumed as deodorized pills, and fish oil (omega-3 fatty acid) supplements. Ongoing studies indicate that large amounts of garlic may have a modest cholesterol-lowering effect. Any benefits of fish oil supplements are offset by the increased calorie and fat intake. Thus, experts recommend eating one or two servings of salmon, cod, or other cold-water fish a week rather than taking fish oil pills. | http://columbiasurgery.org/conditions-and-treatments/coronary-artery-disease |
Yoga All-in-One For DummiesExplore Book Buy On Amazon
Although the earliest scientific studies of yogic meditation date back to the 1930s and 1940s, research into the psychophysiological effects of meditation took off in the 1970s, fueled by a burgeoning interest in Transcendental Meditation (TM), Zen, and other Eastern meditation techniques. Since then, thousands of studies have been published, with an exponential increase in research in the past 10 to 15 years as brain-imaging technology has become increasingly sophisticated.
Here is a brief synopsis of the most significant benefits of meditation:
Physiological benefits:
Decreased heart rate
Lower blood pressure
Quicker recovery from stress
Decrease in beta (brainwaves associated with thinking) and increase in alpha, delta, and gamma (brainwaves associated with deep relaxation and higher mental activity)
Enhanced synchronization (that is, simultaneous operation) of the right and left hemispheres of the brain (which positively correlates with creativity)
Fewer heart attacks and strokes
Increased longevity
Reduced cholesterol levels
Decreased consumption of energy and need for oxygen
Deeper, slower breathing
Muscle relaxation
Reduction in the intensity of pain
Psychological benefits: | https://www.dummies.com/article/body-mind-spirit/physical-health-well-being/exercise-movement/yoga/the-mind-body-benefits-of-yogic-meditation-144364/ |
Several studies (large epidemiological studies) have shown that increased physical activity causes lowering of blood pressure (BP). The relationship between physical activity and BP is inverse, i.e., whenever there is increased in physical activity, BP tend to be lower and when there is less physical activity, BP tend to be higher, in same individual as well as for a group of individuals.
Physical activity and blood pressure:
In one meta-analysis (1) study it was reported that, regular aerobic exercise was associated with significant lowering of mean systolic blood pressure by 3.84 mm Hg and lowering of mean diastolic BP by 2.58 mm Hg and the reduction was seen among both individuals with high blood pressure as well as individuals with normal BP and individuals with normal body weight as well as in individuals with obesity or overweight.
In another meta-analysis (2), there was significant reduction of blood pressure (lowering of mean systolic blood pressure by 6.9 mm Hg and lowering of mean diastolic BP by 4.9 mm Hg) during daytime and in ambulatory position among hypertensive individuals in compare to other groups such as normal blood pressure group.
The causes of lowering of blood pressure was associated with decrease in the following factors such as systemic vascular resistance, plasma norepinephrine, plasma rennin activity, body weight, waist size, per cent body fat and insulin resistance.
Hence, it can be clearly said that increased physical activity is associated with reduction in blood pressure and should be part of holistic management of hypertension. In most hypertension management guidelines moderate physical activity (such as brisk walking or jogging or playing sports/games such as tennis, football, basketball, badminton etc.) for 30 minutes a day for at least five days a week is suggested. It is better if 30 minutes exercise can be continues for all seven days a week.
Yoga and stress management and hypertension:
Most experts agree that yoga and stress management is important in management of hypertension. Several studies have shown the beneficial effect of yoga in reducing BP and cardiovascular risk factors associated with hypertension. However, there is controversy regarding the usefulness of yoga and meditation and other relaxation techniques in management of hypertension. For example, a study in UK by Patel et al (3), has shown that there is significant long term benefit of reducing risk of coronary heart disease by yoga and other relaxation techniques. However, a study in Netherlands (4) has failed to show any significant benefits of various meditation and relaxation techniques in management of hypertension. Hence, yoga and stress management is not recommended by many nations in management of hypertension, due to lack of doubtless evidence.
References:
- Whelton SP, Chin A, Xin X, He J. Effects of aerobic exercise on blood pressure: A meta-analysis of randomized control trials. Ann Intern Med 2002; 136:493-503.
- Fagard RH, Cornelissen VA. Effects of exercise on blood pressure control in hypertensive patients. Eur J of Cardiovascular Prev Rehab 2007; 14:12-7
- Patel C, Marmot MG, Terry DJ, Carruthers M, Hunt B, Patel 56. M. Trial of relaxation in reducing coronary risk: four year follow up. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1985; 290 : 1103-6.
- Van Montfrans GA, Karemaker JM, Wieling W, Dunning AJ. Relaxation therapy and continuous ambulatory blood pressure in mild hypertension: a controlled study. BMJ 1990; 300 : 1368-72. | https://healthyone.org/physical-activity-and-yoga-in-non-pharmacological-management-of-hypertension/ |
A RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL OF A HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING PROGRAM ON PSYCHOLOGICAL OUTCOMES Abstract by RICHARD LEWIS YOUNG, PhD Washington State University June 2017 Chair: Janet Beary The aim of this study was to determine if contrasting forms of exercise intensities promote differing psychological outcomes that bolster tolerance and recovery from acute distressing events through the cross-stressor adaptation. Repeated successions of physiologic stress that accompanies exercise may result in neurobiological adaptations that lead to a reduction in sensitivity to subsequent similar stimuli. These adaptations may also lead to the reduction in differing stimuli, such as a distressful event. Therefore, the intent of the study was to determine if high intensity interval training compared to moderate intensity continuous training lead to contrasting psychological and physiological outcomes when exposed to acute distress. Twenty -five participants between 18-55 years of age were randomized into high intensity interval training or moderate intensity continuous training for 6 weeks with 3 exercise sessions per week. Before exercise intervention, participants were subjected to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) while Blood Pressure (BP) and Heart Rate (HR) were monitored and salivary cortisol (SA) samples taken directly before and after the TSST. Additionally, Perceived Stress Scale -10 (PSS-10), and Strait Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were completed by each participant. The same procedures were conducted post intervention to determine approximate change. There was no significant difference between group comparisons for PSS-10, STAI, BP, or SA. However when comparing measures across time for both groups together as an independent variable, there was significant difference in the aforementioned excluding only BP. Additionally there was significant difference in HIIT HR during TSST and a more robust SA response to stress compared to MICT across 4 measure collecting periods (29.3% ± .026) suggesting that exercise supports cross stressor adaptation to heterolytic stress and that HIIT is as efficacious as MICT showing trends towards significant differences. There can be many pre-existing provisions that contribute to an individual’s ability to tolerate distressing pressure that include personality, a challenge mindset, and a facilitative environment. Exercise may additionally help facilitate this recipe for stress resilience. Data from this study may directly impact the current methods prescribed for stress tolerance and recovery, and can lead to additional queries investigating the mechanisms that drive stress perception. | https://research.wsulibs.wsu.edu:8443/xmlui/handle/2376/13014 |
How to cite this article: Maricarmen C J. The Value of Yoga Practice in Managing the Risk Factor of Stress in Heart Disease. J Yoga & Physio. 2017; 3(3): 555612. DOI: 10.19080/JYP.2017.03.555612.
Introduction
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality for men and women in the world . The associated risk factors are well described and are essentially related to lifestyles; when modified, they have an important impact on primary and secondary prevention. Among these risk factors are: abnormal cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, abdominal obesity, smoking, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol intake, and psychosocial stress . As the number of risk factors increase for an individual, so does the risk of suffering a cardiovascular event, so identifying and managing these risk factors will consequently influence cardiovascular disease and its outcomes.
There are concrete recommendations on how patients should approach disease modification for every modifiable risk factor described for cardiovascular disease. Secondary prevention centers on educating patients on their individual risk factors, and on how to modify them based on their preferences and resources. Many of these recommendations include evidence based guidelines that lead providers into algorithms that allow moving into other treatment options when the intended management fails or does not provide the expected outcomes. In stress management, these guidelines are less systematic, and evidence based alternatives in heart disease are limited. Providers could be confronted with the ambitious challenge of trying to identify the varied number of life stressors affecting the patient’s life, while seeking realistic alternatives to present specific recommendations to manage these stressors .
Stress and disease
Stress may be defined as any external event or condition that affect the organism . Stressors may include minor and major life events, such as changes in patient’s life role, loss of financial or personal resources, loss of a spouse, and health conditions, among some. Individuals may experience different ways of perceiving and coping with stress; they may choose to confront the problem that is causing stress, confront the emotion associated to stress, or both . In this conscious appraisal of recognizing that stress is present is when the patient may choose to share that information with the provider, who consequently can assess, coach, treat and/or refer. If stress is not recognized and confronted, there is physical and psychological adaptations to stress that will lead to changes in behaviors and physiology.
Sustained stress may contribute to worsen behaviors that already predispose the patient to existing heart disease, like hypertension, obesity, alcohol drinking, smoking and physical inactivity . Stress may cause disease too by increasing the resting metabolic rate on the balanced physiology, and there are several pathophysiologic pathways in which this may happen. Stress has been related to an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system (ANS). In stress, the sympathetic nervous system increases the release of noradrenaline from the brain and adrenaline from the adrenal medulla, leading to an increment in heart rate, and blood pressure. Sympathetic dominance may influence the complete cardiac cycle or heart rate variability . Sustained stress may lead too to increments in cortisol levels. This occurs through the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis which activates substances like corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH), and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). This chain of events lead to increased levels of corticosteroids, and eventually cortisol . Consequent sustained inflammatory responses end up being associated to atherosclerotic heart disease . Other factors like circulating interleukin-6 (IL-6) may in addition stimulate the hypothalamic -pituitary -adrenal (HPA) axis, increasing cortisol release, and eventually leading to obesity, insulin resistance and hypertension .
Managing stress
Stress is a known risk factor that requires management in heart disease, and even though there are multiple strategies that could be used, concrete guidelines on how to follow a step by step recommendation may be limited. Handling the conversation of lifestyles modification requires time to build up trust and allow the patient confront the reality of this risk factor impact in health outcomes. In stress management, patients are generally recommended to improve their sleep hygiene, exercise routines, use time management techniques, use of diaries to keep track of events and emotions, participate from cognitive behavior therapy and relaxation techniques . Awareness on the scientifically supported strategies can assist the provider on presenting sound recommendations.
There are therapeutic options with good scientific evidence that are used to manage stress in heart disease. Cognitive behavioral intervention teaches the patient to examine and recognize emotions and thoughts that lead to stress, and teaches them strategies that change their thinking and consequent behavior . In cardiovascular disease, cognitive behavior therapy has been more consistently used for the management of stress and proven to influence a reduction in the fatal and non-fatal recurrence of events . Meditation is another intervention that is considered by the American Heart Association as an adjunct therapy due to the possible benefits of reducing cardiovascular risk to a low cost and to a low risk, particularly if the patient is interested in lifestyle changes . Yoga is another therapeutic option that not only has demonstrated to improve stress, but it effects over objective parameters that lead to physiologic stress and chronic disease.
The role of yoga in heart health
Yoga is considered a complementary health approach used by millions of adults in the United States that seeks incorporating mind, body and spirit into routines of physical movements that result in mental relaxation. Even though there are different yoga schools that are distinguished by different practice styles, they all incorporate core practices that include: breathing, postures and meditation. Postures lead to improved flexibility and strength; and controlled breathing helps focusing the mind into a relaxed state, which permits meditation. Even when the number and quality of randomized controlled trials in yoga in heart disease may be considered limited, there is a significant number of studies that are emerging supporting the role of yoga in cardiovascular health. The evidence is stronger suggesting that there is a role of this practice in influencing the outcomes in primary prevention. Patients with high risk for heart disease experience improvements in diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and high density lipoprotein levels . In secondary prevention, the effectiveness of yoga on the physical fitness parameters as required in heart disease remains questionable . But in stress management, the impact of yoga in heart disease is different .
Yoga practice leads to regulation of the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which consequently lead to changes in the neurohormonal environment. The breathing technique allows relaxation of the body and the limbic system, permitting a balanced between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The eventual result is a slowing of the heart rate and a decrement of the blood pressure [18,19]. The regular long term practice of yoga may lead to reduced heart, breath, and metabolic rate, heart rate variability and improved lung function; and depending on the duration of practice, improvements in heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate .
Just “breath”
Breathing is an essential component to relaxation and consequent stress release; relaxation leads to a meditative state, that permits deeper relaxation and the consequent physiologic changes. This relaxation produced by the combination of breathing and meditation induces a hypometabolic state that is associated to psychophysiological activity and reduction in oxygen consumption as high as 40%. This so called “yogi state” in which there is a mind-body connection, may be voluntarily induced through learned yoga breathings. Breathing is consciously observed with the intention of turning the attention to oneself and keeping away the external thoughts; breathing helps focusing the mind on the present state, and not on wondering from worries to obligations. Once the mind is quiet, meditation comes in permitting observation of objects and/or thoughts without the emotional reaction or judgement. It is this meditative observation that allows the patient to study the individual behaviors and reactions that, in front of certain situations, may lead to emotional responses, like sadness, anger, and stress, among some. Meditation allows the patient to learn a different response to a stressful situation. Breathing patterns include deep breathing into the abdomen, breathing against airway resistance, physical postures, holding the breath at different parts of the breath cycle, breathing alternating air through the both nostrils, or only one nostril.
The importance of breathing is that there is a reciprocal relation between breathing and emotions, meaning that emotional states influence the respiratory pattern, while changes in the respiratory patterns influence the emotional state. Improvements in breathing pattern have been associated to variance in the feeling of anger, fear, joy and sadness .
Summary
At any age, yoga practice can provide health benefits incorporating physical activity, breathing and meditation. Yoga has demonstrated benefits in heart disease, not only by managing breathing and stress, but by influencing the body physiology associated to having a balanced body and mind. Regular training may positively influence the patient into incorporating healthier lifestyles that, in combination with the modification of other risk factors, may enhance secondary prevention interventions. The benefits of yoga are not limited to healthier lifestyles. Regular yoga practice has proven its physiologic benefits over the stress physiology and the consequent disease state, eventually influencing parameters that directly ameliorate stress generators.
Finally, yoga principles teach patients to connect to themselves through meditation, and to connect to the inner self in an accepting way. There could be multiple external reasons for suffering stress, but only one internal soul experiencing it. Even when there are other options to stress management, the principles of meditation in yoga practice will help patients expand their understanding of themselves, reflect from their reactions to stress with self-compassion, and accept their circumstances with eventual calmness. | https://juniperpublishers.com/jyp/JYP.MS.ID.555612.php |
Stress plays a major role in each of our lives. We feel it at home when we are pressured to meet our financial obligations. At work, the nagging boss gets to our nerves when he’s looking for the report from two days ago. Our kids, no matter how much we love them, annoy us when they insist on doing what’s not to be done. When we want so much to relax and unwind but the nanny just couldn’t make it tonight, we just raise our hands in desperation because we’re going to be watching the baby instead of the movie.
Oftentimes, we fail to keep our cool at the biggest and the slightest things, and we want to blow up in anger and shout to release that heavy feeling in our chest. It seems that no matter how many times we’ve dealt with stress and anxiety, we just couldn’t get used to it. Could there be something we can do to maintain our inner balance consistently? Can we possibly find an effective strategy to keep it together – mind, body, and spirit – harmoniously?
Meditation Defined
“Relaxation techniques can be an effective way to calm anxious thinking and direct your mind to a more positive place,” says Kathleen Smith, Ph.D., LPC. The practice of meditation has long been proven to provide many benefits, the most popular of which is relaxation and inner peace. The Buddhists meditate to improve their concentration and achieve the feeling of true happiness and ecstasy. Simply stating, meditation is a method of transforming the mind. It is done by practicing the mind to be more aware of what’s happening within yourself, to be able to focus on your goal whether it be relaxation, concentration, induced sleep or literally some peace and quiet. It is also one of the best ways to calm the mind and develop inner peace. Physiologically, the benefits include lowered blood pressure, weight loss, and increased energy and exercise tolerance levels.
Source: fresher.ru
On the other hand, meditation has more psychological benefits than you can imagine. You become less reactive to pressure and more able to set aside minor and unimportant concerns. With a clearer mind, an individual who learns how to meditate is often more creative, more self-confident and more resilient to tough situations. According to Tom Corboy, MFT, “meditation, yoga, or other calming practices can help minimize anxiety in both the short and long term.”
Meditation Techniques that Calm the Mind
Progressive muscle relaxation
This is done by intermittently tensing and relaxing the muscles of your body, usually starting from the feet and upward to the hands. Contracting the muscles for about ten seconds works the muscle groups, tiring them and consequently producing more relaxation. This technique produces awesome calming benefits.
Guided Visualization
This technique follows the concept of Buddha, that a person becomes what he thinks he can become. If you want to be happy, you only need to think you are, in your mind, and you achieve it. You make it true by believing in it before it has happened.
Qi Gong
A more familiar method, Qi Gong promotes good posture and relaxation. Proper breathing is key here, as it is utilized to carry and provide energy to all parts of the body. Originally, it means ‘being revived.’
Mindfulness
“When you practice things like gratitude or mindfulness, your brain creates shortcuts for these skills, making it easier and easier each time you do it (like riding a bike!),” says Tchiki Davis, Ph.D.
Mindfulness meditation is one of the most popular techniques that is used by many Buddhists to gain more wisdom on something. It is also used to get over a traumatic event that happened in the past. It promotes self-awareness and wisdom. Mindfulness meditation is effective in treating depression and anxiety.
Whatever technique you may have chosen, the goal should be relaxation, happiness, acceptance and inner peace. Once you’ve decided which technique to use daily, you may now practice and integrate it into your daily activities – where you are focused, happy, and successful in finding the inner balance needed to thrive in this stressful and chaotic world. If you need help finding that balance in life, try reaching out to a licensed therapist online. | https://drclaudiaheals.com/2017/06/29/meditation-techniques-for-calming-the-mind/ |
TASHKENT – Prime Minister Imran Khan and Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev agreed to expand multifaceted bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest and stressed the importance of closer coordination based on coinciding positions in the international arena.
Pakistan’s premier reached Uzbekistan earlier today on two-day long official visit (July 15-16).
The leaders decided to use the existing political and economic mechanisms between the two countries, including consultations between Ministries of Foreign Affairs, said a joint declaration.
Both high ups exchanged views on the current status of bilateral relations in all areas of mutual interest and agreed to further strengthen their multifaceted ties in political, trade and economic, energy, communication, science and technology, education and cultural spheres.
The two leaders also exchanged views on issues of international and regional significance including the situation related to COVID-19 and agreed to build further cooperation in this regard.
Reaffirming their commitment to strengthening fraternal ties, based on religious, cultural and historical commonalities, the leaders expressed satisfaction at the continued progress in bilateral relations and announced the establishment of a strategic partnership for mutual benefit of the two countries and nations.
Noting that Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize the independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 1991, they congratulated each other on approaching the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two brotherly countries and agreed to celebrate it in a befitting manner.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the growing pace of inter-parliamentary cooperation and agreed on the regular exchange of parliamentary delegations to further deepen bilateral ties.
PM Khan underlined the importance of structured engagement between Pakistan and Uzbekistan under the five pillars of Pakistan’s “Vision Central Asia” policy i.e political, trade and investment, energy and connectivity, security and defence, and people-to-people contacts.
Complete joint news conference of PM @ImranKhanPTI and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.#PMIKinUzbekistanhttps://t.co/snBXjF9gT9
— PTI (@PTIofficial) July 15, 2021
He also outlined his vision of “Naya” Pakistan embedded in values of social justice, education for all, peace, prosperity and economic development of the people.
The leaders expressed satisfaction at the level of bilateral cooperation within the framework of international organizations and reaffirmed their commitment to continue supporting each other in the UN, SCO, OIC, ECO and other international and regional forums on issues of mutual interest.
As members of the UN Human Rights Council, the Parties expressed their readiness for joint action to suppress violations of human rights and counter Islamophobia, as well as strengthening interfaith harmony.
PM Khan emphasized on the urgent need for peaceful resolution of all outstanding regional disputes and conflicts to fully utilize the enormous potential of connectivity between Central Asia and South Asia
Pakistan, Uzbekistan for peaceful Resolution of Afghan conflict
The leaders discussed the security situation in detail in Afghanistan and the ongoing peace process. The parties stressed the necessity to resolve the conflict through Afghan-led and Afghan-owned political process through peaceful and inclusive negotiations resulting in comprehensive political settlement.
President of Uzbekistan highly appreciated the role of Pakistan in promoting the peace process in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s contributions to socio-economic development of Afghanistan. Prime Minister of Pakistan hailed Uzbekistan’s efforts for the socio-economic reconstruction of Afghanistan through the implementation of a number of significant projects, the main one of which is the construction of the Termez-Mazar-i-Sharif – Kabul – Peshawar railway.
Defence Cooperation
Both leaders expressed their readiness to maintain a regular dialogue and build constructive cooperation in the field of security and defence. Expressing satisfaction with the level of cooperation between the Defence Ministries, the leaders agreed to continue cooperation in conducting joint military exercises and trainings, as well as in the field of vocational training and the exchange of professional expertise between the militaries of the two countries.
The parties expressed their readiness to expand cooperation between the law enforcement agencies of the two countries, in particular, in the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking.
Trade Ties
The leaders agreed that trade and economic cooperation is a key priority for strengthening the partnership between the two countries.
Recognizing the enormous economic potential to further build up mutually beneficial relations, the parties agreed to increase the volume of bilateral trade through diversification of trade, expansion of business contacts, exchange of trade delegations and simplification of the visa regime.
They welcomed the signing of the Agreement on Transit Trade as an important tool for expanding bilateral trade.
Both leaders noted the importance of regular meetings of the Joint Uzbek-Pakistan Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Scientific and Technical cooperation.
The parties emphasized the role of the Joint Business Council between the two countries and agreed to establish direct business ties between Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the private sector. They also agreed to organize trade exhibitions and business forums on regular basis to promote bilateral trade.
They recognized the necessity to create a more conducive environment for investors in the two countries, in particular, to encourage and facilitate joint investments, confirmed the existence of broad opportunities for cooperation in the fields of agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textile, leather and chemical industries, energy, and information technology and agreed to develop mutual cooperation in these sectors.
Termez-Mazar-i-Sharif – Kabul – Peshawar railway project
They reiterated their support for the Termez-Mazar-i-Sharif – Kabul – Peshawar railway project as an important initiative to create a rail link from Central Asia to the Arabian Sea through Afghanistan and the Pakistani seaports of Karachi, Gwadar and Bin Qasim.
The parties also welcomed the proposed expedition of representatives of the relevant ministries and departments of Uzbekistan and Pakistan along the route of the railway line in near future with appropriate security measures for the representatives of both sides.
CPEC
The two leaders also recognized immense potential of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor for the benefit of the entire Central Asian region and beyond entailing greater connectivity and trade linkages through a network of transport, fiber optic cable, energy pipelines, and investment opportunities in its SEZs.
The two leaders welcomed the resumption of direct regular flights between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
PM Imran Invites Uzbek President to visit Pakistan
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Uzbek side for the cordial and warm welcome extended to the Pakistan delegation in Uzbekistan and invited the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev to visit Pakistan at a convenient time. Uzbek side accepted the invitation with appreciation. The dates of the visit will be agreed through diplomatic channels. | https://pakobserver.net/pm-imran-uzbek-president-vow-to-expand-multifaceted-bilateral-cooperation/ |
Joint statement by the UK and the Republic of Indonesia following the conclusion of a Joint Trade Review.
The Joint Trade Review (JTR) between the Republic of Indonesia and the United Kingdom was set up in recognition of the importance of deepening the trade and investment relations to facilitate economic growth. It has been concluded 18 months after its establishment in October 2019 during the Trade Expo Indonesia in Tangerang, Indonesia.
The objectives of the JTR are (i) to provide a view of the current trade and investment relationship and identify the basis on which the trade and investment relationship can be best enhanced in the future, and (ii) to develop potential recommendations for improving trade cooperation and engagement, including by reflecting views of business, and developing a roadmap to achieving success.
The findings of the review are as follows:
Overview of Bilateral Trade and Investment Relations
Indonesia and the UK have substantial two-way trade but there is room for improvement. According to Indonesia’s data, bilateral trade reached $2.39 billion in 2019 and enjoyed 1.15% average annual growth rate from 2015-2019. In services, trade was growing on average annually 8.33% in 2015-2019 or increasing from US$ 1.02 billion in 2015 to US$ 1.98 billion in 2019. The UK’s data shows that bilateral trade in goods and services between the UK and Indonesia was worth US$ 3.8 billion (constant 2019 dollars) in 2019, an increase of 2.6% or US$ 98 million since 2018 in USD terms. In 2019, Indonesia accounted for 0.47% of the total UK outward FDI stock, and ranked 29th as a destination for UK FDI, and 20th as a destination for UK FDI outside the EU.
Indonesia and the UK already have a wide-ranging bilateral relationship, encompassing political, defence and security, education, commerce, development, and socio-cultural links. Both countries work closely together in various fora, including the UN, WTO and G20. Cooperation will expand further in the future given the importance of international trade to both countries. The UK’s ODA programmes have also helped support the development of the Indonesian economy, reduce poverty and strengthen social inclusion.
Priority Sectors
Indonesia and the UK have agreed on a number of priority sectors following bilateral discussions, which include business and stakeholder engagement, and data analysis. The agreed priority sectors are: Food, Beverages, and Agricultural Products; Education and Training; Renewables / Green Energy (inc. green project finance and energy transition); Infrastructure and Transportation; Wood and Wooden Products; Financial and Professional Services; Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare/Life Sciences; Technology; and Creative Economy.
Challenges and Opportunities
Both sides recognise the challenges and opportunities in the identified priority sectors. In general terms, UK businesses expressed concerns on foreign ownership restrictions and local content requirements, restrictions on foreign professionals operating in Indonesia and complex bureaucratic processes to enter the market. Indonesia’s businesses expressed their concern on the future of the UK’s regulations post-Brexit, high standards for certain products, lack of recognition between qualifications for professionals, and future regulations related to the UK’s environmental goals.
To address such concerns and challenges to the extent possible, the JTR underlines the importance of intensifying dialogue between all stakeholders, including government and business. Both sides also have identified specific cooperation areas in each priority sector to explore further, bearing in mind that domestic regulations are imposed in non-discriminatory basis to all trade and investment partners and certain changes require higher commitments such as a formal trade agreement.
Recommendations on the Mechanism to Enhance Economic Relations
The JTR underlines the importance of providing a forum for dialogue to find solutions to identified issues and barriers. It recommends the establishment of a new, annual Joint Economic and Trade Committee (“JETCO”) at Ministerial level, with an underpinning Senior Officials Meeting. This forum will: (i) explore opportunities to identify and resolve barriers to trade and investment; (ii) promote, facilitate and develop trade, investment and economic cooperation; and (iii) facilitate private sector communication between both countries.
In the future, Indonesia and the UK may explore the possibility of pursuing a higher level of economic partnership, such as a formal trade agreement, in order to fully optimise the potential between our two economies.
Brexit
Original article link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/joint-statement-on-uk-indonesia-joint-trade-review--2
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The Saudi-Jordanian relations are a model for joint Arab action, which reflects the state of permanent coordination and consultation between the two brotherly countries, and the unity of the position towards various Arab, regional and global issues.
The visit of Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman, Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister, to Jordan next week, reflects the depth of relations between the two countries.
The distinguished Saudi-Jordanian relations were not born today, but they are deep, solid and stable since the beginning of history. The relations that link the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have taken a distinguished and solid path between the two leaderships and the two governments, which resulted in a permanent harmony between the common interests of the two sister kingdoms.
The fruitful cooperation reflects that the Kingdom did not hesitate to open its doors to distinguished Jordanian competencies, including doctors, teachers, economists and businessmen.
The contributions of the Saudi Fund for Development in supporting many projects in Jordan had a great impact.
The two countries always strive to establish a complementary economic relationship, in light of the distinguished relations that bring the two countries together at various political and economic levels and geographical proximity.
Saudi Arabia is one of the first three countries in the volume of investments made in Jordan, reaching 12 billion dollars distributed over the sectors of transportation, infrastructure, energy, financial and commercial sectors, and tourism construction, in addition to being one of Jordan's largest trading partners, where trade exchanges between the two countries reached 4.2 billion dollars. .
Within the framework of joint cooperation, the Kingdom has facilitated the transit of Jordanian goods and passengers to and from the Arab Gulf states through the territory of the Kingdom, which will have positive effects on Jordanian exports.
Saudi Arabia is also one of Jordan's most prominent trading partners and the first partner in terms of Jordanian relations with Arab countries, as about 11 percent of the Kingdom's exports go to the Saudi market.
Bilateral cooperation between Jordan and Saudi Arabia does not stop at the economic sector only, but has extended to all fields.
There is a Jordanian-Saudi Coordination Council, which was established in 2016, and is responsible for supervising the preparation of agreements, memoranda of understanding and executive programs between the two countries, and following up on their implementation in various fields and what the two sides agree upon during the meetings of the Council.
There is also the Jordanian-Saudi Business Council, an independent private body based in Amman, that seeks to devote expertise to support the private sector and its activities, to develop Jordanian-Saudi economic relations.
This is in addition to the Parliamentary Friendship Committee, which aims to enhance joint parliamentary work between the two countries through continuous communication between the two sides, and includes 9 members.
There is also a Brotherhood Committee of Notables, which performs the same work as the Parliamentary Brotherhood Committee through continuous communication between the two sides, and it includes 15 members. | https://english.ajel.sa/news/saudi-arabia/saudi-jordanian-relations-a-history-of-growing-cooperation-in-all-fields |
The speaker of the parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Sidie Mohamed Tunis, hailed the leadership of King Mohammed VI in the African continent.
During his talks with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi Alami, Sidie Mohamed Tunis praised “the leadership of King Mohammed VI at the level of the African continent, as well as the quality of the strong and multidimensional relations linking the Kingdom of Morocco and the various States of West Africa”says a statement from the First Chamber.
Sidie Mohamed Tunis, who is on a working visit to the Kingdom at the head of an important parliamentary delegation, also affirmed the will of the ECOWAS parliament to establish solid and privileged relations with the two Chambers of the Moroccan parliament, noting that“There are many points in common between us and parliamentary relations will contribute to closer ties between the Kingdom of Morocco and this grouping”adds the same source.
For his part, Rachid Talbi Alami affirmed that Morocco and the ECOWAS countries maintain strong ties and face common challenges related to security, stability, development, climate change, renewable energies and the Covid-19 pandemic, which requires more rapprochement, coordination and joint action.
In this regard, the Speaker of the House of Representatives called for the strengthening of joint African parliamentary action in the service of the interests of the peoples of the continent and the consolidation of the principles of democracy, stressing that “Africa is the continent of the future and that we must work together for its development and to guarantee a better future”.
Both parties stressed the need to give new impetus to the cooperation between the House of Representatives and the ECOWAS Parliament, to strengthen parliamentary dialogue and communication, as well as to ensure continuous coordination and dialogue on the all questions of common interest, the press release concludes.
. | https://moroccolatestnews.com/ecowas-president-hails-king-mohammed-vis-leadership-in-africa/ |
In a surprising move the United States Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, visited Taiwan on 2 August as ASEAN was hosting its 55th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Phnom Penh. The trip quickly brought the world’s attention to the rise of geopolitical tension between the US and China.
This visit has angered Beijing, which viewed the trip as a diplomatic provocation, defies the US’s acknowledgment of the “One-China” policy, and violates Chinese territorial sovereignty. China quickly condemned the visit and responded with sanctions on Pelosi and her family members and live-fire drills― the largest military exercise ever conducted around Taiwan.
The US, on the other hand, defended the trip, stating that Pelosi had the right to visit as the US Congress is independent of the White House, meaning Pelosi visited of her own accord. Taiwan warmly welcomed Pelosi’s visit as an assurance of US support for democracy on the island. This sudden visit also drew responses from the region.
Indonesia expressed concern over the visit as it could lead to confrontations and disrupt global peace and stability if not managed well. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry had encouraged all actors to disengage from any provocative behaviour that could escalate tensions. Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines have all reiterated their support for the One-China policy and called for de-escalation. Singapore hoped for the US and China to show restraint and work out ways to peacefully coexist in the region to avoid potential spill-over impacts from this visit. Myanmar’s junta stood with China in opposition to any provocative actions.
ASEAN urged both the US and China to practice utmost restraint to avoid escalations that could lead to misunderstandings, serious confrontations, or result in negative impacts on all sides. The regional bloc expressed readiness to provide a platform for diplomatic dialogue to ease tensions.
Similar plans for a British Member of Parliament to visit Taiwan in late 2022 had been reported, but reaction to Pelosi’s visit may change this given the view that these visits are an attempt to question and destabilise China’s integrity. The event, and China’s response to it, have been branded as a no-win for China by some observers, while others advised ASEAN to have a unified stance on the China-US tension as any further instability could threaten its member states.
Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan has undoubtedly exasperated US-China relations. ASEAN must remain cautious, using neutrality to avoid the geopolitical contestation between the two powers.
Outcomes of the 55th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting
The 55th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) concluded on 6 August with a joint communique. The communique focused on fostering peaceful coexistence and tackling the current regional and international concerns, including COVID-19, the situation in Myanmar, tension in the South China Sea, the war in Ukraine, and the recent visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan.
The meeting convened positively regarding the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework and ASEAN’s COVID-19 recovery efforts. ASEAN members further encouraged the operationalization of the ASEAN Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies for Public Health Emergencies.
On the Myanmar issue, ASEAN member states agreed to prohibit the junta from the bloc’s meeting until progress of the five-point consensus is made. ASEAN foreign ministers condemned the junta’s lack of progress on the peace plan that was agreed to last year, demanding immediate action before November’s ASEAN Summit. The ministers also condemned the execution of the pro-democracy activists with the ASEAN Chair agreeing that these executions are a setback to the peace plan and that they will rethink their engagement if such violence continues.
The South China Sea was discussed, highlighting concerns about the continued incidents in the region that have not only corroded mutual trust among relevant actors but have also damaged the marine ecology. The ASEAN joint communique called for the recognition of the UNCLOS as a clear legal framework for all activities carried out on the South China Sea.
On the conflict in Ukraine, the ASEAN Chair firmly expressed concern about the global rising economic difficulties due to the war between Russia and Ukraine. The bloc encouraged the respect of diplomatic independence, sovereignty, and territorial rights in accordance with the United Nations Charter. ASEAN also called for the immediate cessation of violence and a stronger focus on diplomatic dialogue and humanitarian assistance for the vulnerable in Ukraine.
The meeting saw divisions between members spill over following Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, with the bloc issuing a joint statement affirming their stance on the One-China policy and urging all parties concerned to refrain from provocative action in adherence to the principles of the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC).
Views on the success of the meeting are varied. Some have recommended that the bloc internationalize the Myanmar issue given the Malaysian Foreign Minister’s proposal prohibiting the junta from any meetings in the future. Cambodia has been congratulated for successfully chairing the meeting, which resulted in a joint communique, seen by some as redemption for the Kingdom’s inability to produce a statement when last in this position in 2012. Criticism continues, however, with some demanding that ASEAN needs to do more than just host talks.
This AMM had a significant agenda of regional and international crises to contend with, as reflected in the joint statement. The dialogue and statement can be viewed as a successful step in progressing toward the ASEAN Summit in November 2022 where the ASEAN states will undoubtedly have to continue cautious navigation of regional challenges.
Sovinda Po is a Research Assistant at the Griffith Asia Institute. | https://blogs.griffith.edu.au/asiainsights/south-east-asia-snapshot-33/ |
The Leaders of the Arab and South American Countries gathered on 10-11/11/2015 in Riyadh upon the kind invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and after reviewing the progress made in various areas of cooperation between both regions since the III Summit in Peru in October 2012 that issued "Lima Declaration", they agreed to:
Introduction:
1- Welcome the ongoing intensified dialogue and multinational cooperation between both regions, which enabled them not only to the commitment to the agenda adopted at previous summits, but also allowed to enhance the possibilities of cooperation as means of effectively promoting development and reducing poverty, through capacity building, innovation and technical and cultural exchanges.
2- Consider the importance of undertaking new and systematic efforts in order to develop a strategic partnership between both regions, agree to pursue, promote and follow up on an action plan to facilitate the coordination of regional visions towards international issues and to support the implementation of cooperation programs in sectorial fields.
Also, agree to strengthen the current political dialogue, aimed at coordinating and reaffirming common positions in all relevant fora, with a view to safeguarding the interests of both regions and respect for the principles of international law, and the role of the United Nations in conflict resolution, the maintenance and consolidation of international peace and security, and the promotion of sustainable development, for the benefit of all mankind. Reiterate their commitment to the promotion and respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and international humanitarian law taking into account the significance of national and regional particularities and various historical, cultural and religious backgrounds. Also, note the importance of respecting and implementing resolutions of the United Nations by all Member States.
3- Taking into account the current events and developments in the international arena and the key role played by the regional blocs and groups, reaffirm their commitment to enhance the Arab-South American cooperation so as to maximize the benefits of the periodicity of the ASPA Summits every three years to push economic and social activities between both regions to the stage of establishing a new partnership through the development of programs and policies for joint economic and social cooperation together with the implementation of development projects which is to be considered as a base for achieving the desired integration between the peoples of both regions.
4- Note the importance of social inclusion and the promotion of international solidarity and cooperation for sustainable development and poverty eradication, and the strengthening of governmental institutions in their countries and improving the quality of life of its inhabitants and respect for the diversity of peoples.
Affirm that South-South cooperation plays a great role in expanding growth and development of developing countries, through its contribution to national development policies by sharing of knowledge, experience, training and technology transfer in the priority areas defined by States. South-South cooperation will be supported by the international community, as a complement rather than a substitute to North-South cooperation.
Also, reaffirm that South-South cooperation is guided by principles of respect for national sovereignty, national ownership and independence, equality, non-conditionality, solidarity, complementarity, non-interference in domestic affairs and mutual benefit.
In this regard, call for the strengthening of triangular cooperation as a way to better articulate North-South cooperation and South-South cooperation bearing in mind the principles of South-South cooperation outlined above.
¬¬5- Affirm the equal right of all peoples to live in a world free from any nuclear weapons, the realization of which will only be achieved through the complete and irreversible elimination of all existing nuclear arsenals. To this end, invite the international community to adopt a more effective approach to implement Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in order to restore the credibility of the Treaty, which began eroding due to the lack of implementation of the disarmament obligations enshrined in Article VI. Also invite the international community to engage in negotiations, a treaty on the prohibition and elimination of nuclear weapons under strict and effective international supervision. Reiterate deep concern at the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of such weapons.
6- Reaffirm that the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is an inalienable right of the States parties to the NPT, and that the application of this right in a discriminatory or selective way will affect the credibility of the treaty.
Political Coordination and Multilateral Relations:
1- Reaffirm the resolutions of the 2005 “Brasilia Declaration”, the 2009 "Doha Declaration" and the 2012 "Lima Declaration" particularly related to the cause of Palestine and the Arab-Israeli conflict and reaffirm the need to reach a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East based on the principle of land for peace, on the immediate implementation of all relevant United Nations Resolutions, in particular Security Council Resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 1515 (2003), on the Madrid Framework and on the "Arab Peace Initiative" adopted at the Beirut Summit (2002); in addition to, the following Arab Summits to ensure the realization of stability, peace and security for all countries in the region.
Reaffirm the need for full implementation of the Quartet’s “Road Map” for Peace, call for a renewed and proactive role by the Quartet stressing the need for the Quartet to keep the Security Council and international community updated on its efforts. Stress that the UN Security Council must carry out its responsibilities under the United Nations Charter and actively support and steer the peace process.
Further reaffirm the need for the realization of the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people, including to self-determination which ensures the establishment of the independent state of Palestine, based on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with the State of Israel in peace, within secure and recognized borders; and finding a just and comprehensive solution to the refugees issue in accordance with the UNGA resolution 194 (III) and the Arab Peace initiative.
2- Call upon Israel to immediately withdraw from all Arab territories occupied on June 5th 1967, including the occupied Syrian Golan and the remaining swathes of the Lebanese territory and to dismantle all settlements, including those in occupied East Jerusalem, which are illegal and illegitimate under international law. The continued Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and the growing settlements activity promoted by the Israeli Government obstruct the peace process undermine the Two-State solution and decreases the chances of achieving lasting peace.
Call upon all concerned parties to duly take into account the advisory opinion rendered on 9 July 2004 by the International Court of Justice concerning the "Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory" and the illegality and illegitimacy of building settlements.
3- Reaffirm the need for the immediate and unconditional release of all Arab and Palestinian political prisoners and detainees in Israeli prisons, and support all efforts aimed at addressing this critical issue in the United Nations General Assembly and other relevant bodies of the United Nations system. And, call upon Israel to halt all the arbitrary detention, abuse and physical and psychological mistreatment of Palestinians including women and children, and members of the Palestinian Legislative Council, which contradict with international norms and laws and the international humanitarian law including the Geneva conventions.
4- Condemn Israel's excessive and disproportionate military aggression against civilians in the Gaza Strip which started in June 2014 and lasted for 50 days, leaving thousands of civilian casualties and wounded. These events must be independently investigated, holding accountable those responsible for violations of international law which resulted in the demolition of homes and residential complexes and infrastructure of Palestinian people and which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity with no statute of limitation, and holding Israel - the occupying power- accountable for all the human and material damage suffered by the Palestinian people in the Gaza strip due to its action.
5- Strongly condemn the military attacks against UNRWA schools in Gaza, resulting in civilian casualties. Those actions represented a grave breach of Geneva Conventions and other rules of international law and deserve our utmost condemnation.
6- Commend the position of the South American countries regarding the recent aggression in Gaza towards the excessive use of military force, which resulted in civilian victims, including women and children, and the measures taken in this respect. Welcome the humanitarian assistance provided by South American countries to the Palestinians, supporting victims and their families, and emphasize the importance of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people by the international community including in the reconstruction of Gaza.
7- Call for the immediate and full lifting of the Israel blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, which constitutes a collective punishment of its inhabitants in grave contravention of international humanitarian and human rights laws, and stress the urgency of exerting efforts to open all border crossing points supervised over by Israel into and from Gaza with a view to allowing the entry of emergency humanitarian assistance and the access of medical and relief workers to those in need.
8 - Welcome the ceasefire declaration announced in Cairo, based on the initiative put forward by the Arab Republic of Egypt, and call upon all the concerned parties to create the environment for the continuation of the negotiations and for the resumption of serious and committed negotiations aiming at the end of the blockade of Gaza and, ultimately, at the achievement of the Two-State solution in which Israel and Palestine will live within secure and internationally recognized boundaries.
Welcome the outcomes of the conference hosted by Egypt on the reconstruction of Gaza in October 2014 and, welcome the pledges made by the donors and call them to fulfill them as announced at the conference.
9- Highly appreciate the positions of South American countries, which recognized the State of Palestine and call upon other countries to follow suit.
10- Welcome and support the Palestinian leadership’s endeavor in approaching UN and other international agencies and in accession to international treaties and organizations.
11- Call upon the UN and specially the UNSC to adopt an international protection system for the unarmed Palestinian people and their properties and holy places against all forms of the escalating and continuous Israeli attacks and violations, according to the International Humanitarian Law and the relevant International Conventions and Agreements.
12- Call upon ASPA Member States to refrain from trade in products from Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories, and avoid dealing with all companies profiting from the Israeli occupation. Call upon ASPA Member States to discourage investment in Israeli settlements by their private sector and to alternatively promote business partnership with Palestine.
13- Call upon UNESCO to continue to uphold the legal reference underlying its previous decisions regarding the inclusion of the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls on the World Heritage List in 1981, at the request of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan with Arab and Islamic comprehensive support according to the resolution of the Executive Board of the organization in the September 1981 session, and the resolution issued in 1982, which included Jerusalem on the list of the endangered World Heritage, given that the legal status of Jerusalem as an occupied territory is still standing. And, welcome the important agreement signed between King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein (King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan) the Custodian of the Holy places in Jerusalem and President Mahmoud Abbas (President of Palestine) dated 31/3/2013 aiming at defending the Holy Aqsa Mosque and the Islamic and Christian Holy places and religious sites and protecting them legally with all possible means.
14- Reaffirm that no measures, unilateral or otherwise, should be taken which will affect the authenticity and the integrity of the cultural, historical and religious heritage of the City of Jerusalem and of Christian and Muslim Sites therein, in accordance with the 1972 World Heritage Convention and the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict of 1954.
Appreciate the role played by Al Quds Committee under the chairmanship of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in protecting the status of Al Quds Ashareef.
15- Salute the Twinning Agreement signed between Caracas, Capital City of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and East Jerusalem, Capital City of Palestine, made in Caracas, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, on May 20th, 2015.
16- Condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reject any attempt to associate terrorism with specific religions, cultures or ethnic groups. Reaffirm their commitment to the United Nations efforts to counter terrorism and to prevent the direct or indirect supply of weapons or the provision of technical advice or assistance to persons or entities involved with terrorist acts, pursuant to the relevant UNSC resolutions.
Reaffirm the need to combat terrorism through active and efficient international cooperation, including with the UN and concerned regional organizations, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, and international law, including applicable international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.
Affirm their commitment to the UNSC resolution 2170 (2014) with all its provisions, including the obligation to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of arms and related material of all types and the provision of technical advice, assistance or training related to military activities to the ISIS terrorist group, and Al Nusrah Front and other individuals and groups associated with Al-Qaeda and prevent terrorists from benefiting directly or indirectly from ransom payments and political concessions in return for the release of hostages.
Express their full readiness to cooperate and strengthen the channels of communication and coordination with the various initiatives and efforts at international, national, and regional levels to combat terrorism and eliminate it, particularly, in the area of exchange of information and experiences, strengthening and capacity building, as well as to take the necessary measures to prevent the recruitment of elements, especially children and youth, lured into joining terrorist organizations. And, call the relevant security and judicial bodies to intensify their efforts and coordinate mechanisms of action in the field of combating terrorism within the margins of international legality.
17- Welcome the outcome of the International Conference on Fighting Extremism hosted by Algeria on 22-23 July 2015.
18- Welcome the outcomes of the International Conference on Combating the Financing of Terrorism hosted by Bahrain during November 2014 and the recommendations in the Manama Declaration, in particular regarding the full implementation of financial sanctions set on individuals or entities according to the relevant Security Council resolutions, and publicly specifying those who finance or help financing terrorism; as well as, positively engaging the private sector in the efforts of combating the financing of terrorism, and guaranteeing that funds or assets transfer services are licensed, supervised, and subject to sanctions in case of violation.
19- Also welcome the hosting of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the near future to the Conference on Protection of Civil Institutions against being exploited to finance terrorism.
20- Recall United Nations General Assembly Resolution 66/10 which welcomes the establishment of the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre and encourages all Member States to collaborate with it; and, applaud the donation by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of $100 million to support the activities of this center.
21- Welcome the election the Kingdom of Morocco by consensus to co-chair the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF) alongside the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
22- Commend the work of the African Centre for Studies and Research on Terrorism with its headquarters in Algeria.
23 - Take note of the last Arab Summit resolution to endorse in principle the establishment of a Joint Arab Force, and its mandate to face challenges that threaten the Arab national security including threats by terrorist organizations, taking into full consideration the United Nations Charter and all the obligations under international law, including human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law.
24- Strongly condemn all terrorist acts that target Iraq carried out by ISIS terrorist organization and other terrorist organizations and its involvement in killing and forced displacement of the components of the Iraqi people and their targeting on a religious or ethnic basis, the destruction of monuments, shrines, churches, mosques and other places of worship, archeological sites and cultural heritage sites, including the destruction of the museum of Mosul and the antiquities in the historical site of Hatra. Welcome the resolution of the UNGA A/Res/69/281 entitled “Saving the Cultural Heritage of Iraq”. Welcome the efforts deployed by the Iraqi forces in combating the terrorist groups and refusing all forms of external interference in Iraq with emphasis on the condemnation of all practices that would threaten the territorial integrity in Iraq and the harmony of its society, and support the efforts of Iraqi government in achieving national unity among the peoples of Iraq.
25- Reaffirm their commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity and their commitment towards a political solution to the conflict based on the principles of Geneva1 Communiqué 30 June 2012.
Support the efforts of Staffan de Mistura as the United Nations Special Envoy to Syria and his mission to promote the resumption of negotiations aimed at reaching a political solution aspired to the Syrian crisis according to Geneva1 Communiqué 30 June 2012.
Welcome the results of Vienna International Conference of the Foreign Ministers to reach a political solution to the Syrian conflict, which reflects the seriousness of the international actions and the determination to find a solution ending the suffering of the Syrian people.
Recall the Security Council Resolutions 2209 (2015) and 2235 (2015) that condemned use of chemical weapons in Syria and stressed the importance that all the conflicting parties shall not use, develop, produce, stockpile, retain, or transfer chemical weapons, in addition to the establishment of Joint Investigative Mechanism to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the use of such weapons in Syria.
Welcome the accession of Syria to the CWC and the removal of all declared chemical weapons from its territory and stress these developments should be matched by parallel efforts in other areas.
Express their wider recognition to the outstanding work of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to achieve the elimination of chemical weapons, and at the same time, strengthen multilateralism as the primary avenue for the peaceful settlement of international disputes. Also recognize the essential role played by the OPCW-UN Joint Mission on the dismantling of the Syrian chemical weapons’ programme. Welcome this important example of practical cooperation between States and International Organizations in achieving disarmament.
Recall the provisions of United Nations Security Council resolutions 2139, 2165, and 2191 (2014). Express grave concern about the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Syria, and the high numbers of displaced people and refugees reaching more than 12 million inside Syria and in neighboring countries, in addition to the more than 4.5 million needing urgent humanitarian assistance in hard to reach and besieged areas in Syria. Taking into consideration the principles of humanitarian assistance, recall that all parties involved in the conflict in Syria shall enable the immediate and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to people throughout Syria pursuant to UNSC resolution 2165 (2014). Also, call for support to neighboring countries to help them bear the costs of hosting the Syrian refugees and ease the humanitarian situation of the displaced Syrians and, in this regard, recall UNSC PRST no. S/PRST/2015/10 issued on 24/4/2015.
Express their appreciation for the significant and admirable efforts that have been made by Arab, European and South American Countries to accommodate Syrian refugees. They note with deep concern that the crisis in Syria has had social, demographic, environmental and economic effects on neighboring and other host countries mainly Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt, which have overstretched their limited resources and basic social services such as health, water, sanitation, housing capacities, energy, education, aggravated unemployment, diminished trade and investment, and affected security. They stress the importance of funding the humanitarian and development responses to the refugee crisis, providing support for national response plans, addressing the humanitarian needs of refugees and strengthening the resilience of host countries and communities.
Welcome the hosting of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Donors conferences under the auspices of H.H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber AL Sabah, Emir of Kuwait to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people, which convened during 2013, 2014, and 2015 in Kuwait.
26- Reaffirm the commitment to the sovereignty, independence, national unity and territorial integrity of Lebanon and call upon Israel to immediately implement resolution 1701 in its entirety and unconditionally and to end its violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty by land, air and sea. Support the efforts of the Lebanese Government to defend Lebanon from all the threats to its security and express their understanding of the policy adopted by the government vis a vis the developments in the Arab region, in particular its dissociation policy towards the crisis in Syria.
27- Support the UN recognized Libyan Government in its efforts in the Security and military fields to confront the terrorist organizations. Reaffirm the commitment to respect the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Libya, in accordance with the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. Express deep concern about the expanding activities of terrorist groups in the country. Reiterate the support to the ongoing political dialogue under the auspices of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya. Welcome the Sokhirat Agreement on a political solution to the crisis in Libya that was initiated by most Libyan parties last July, appreciating the efforts of the Kingdom of Morocco in facilitating this agreement. And call upon all Libyan parties to redouble efforts to narrow their differences and remain committed to discussing the establishment of a Government of National Accord.
28- Note the efforts exerted by the Arab neighboring countries to Libya; Tunisia, Algeria, Sudan, and Egypt to facilitate the Intra Libyan dialogue
29- Call upon the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond positively to the initiative of the United Arab Emirates to reach a peaceful solution to the issue of the three islands (Greater and Smaller Tunbs and Abu Musa), through dialogue and direct negotiations in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law.
30- Express their rejection of any interference in their domestic affairs by external powers in violation of the UN charter and the principles of good neighborliness.
31- Welcome the comprehensive national dialogue initiative launched by the Sudanese government on the 10th of October 2015, supported by the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) and the League of Arab States to promote this dialogue and encourage the political parties and groups to join it, in order to reach a permanent and comprehensive solution to current national Sudanese issues. Call upon the international community and international financial institutions to support Sudan in its efforts to mitigate the impact resulting from the secession of South Sudan, through the easing of the debt burden and the lifting of the unilateral economic sanctions imposed on Sudan.
32- Reaffirm their commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Yemen, as well as to the aspirations of the Yemeni people for freedom, democracy, social justice, development and unhindered access to basic goods and services. Stress their support for the legitimacy of H.E. the President of the Republic of Yemen Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi, and to the efforts undertaken by various parties to safeguard the Yemeni State, as well as its institutions, properties and infrastructure.
Underline the pivotal role a prompt, peaceful and negotiated solution to the Yemeni conflict would play in the overall process of political and security stabilization of the Middle Eastern and Horn of Africa regions.
Reiterate the importance of the resumption of the political process between all legitimate stakeholders of the Yemeni political scene, with a view to drafting a new constitution, implementing electoral reform and holding both a referendum on the draft constitution and general elections, initiatives that would be instrumental in avoiding further deterioration of the humanitarian and security situation in Yemen.
Call upon the international community to provide the necessary political, security, economic and financial support so as to enable the Republic of Yemen to face the challenges, especially the humanitarian ones, and to urgently meet its development needs so as to ensure stabilization of the situation and resuming the arrangements concerned with the completion of the democratic transitional phase.
Stress the need for full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2216 (2015) and call upon all legitimate parties in Yemen to uphold the decisions adopted by the Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference according to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) initiative and all relevant Security Council resolutions.
Welcome the announcement by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to donate $274 million for humanitarian relief in Yemen. Also welcome the kind initiative of establishing "King Salman Centre for Charity and Humanitarian Relief" and the allocation of an additional 266 million dollars to finance the urgent needs of the center. And emphasize the importance and necessity to take all urgent measures to address the difficult and dangerous humanitarian situation in Yemen.
Support the efforts of Mr. Ismael Weld Sheikh Ahmed as Special Envoy to the Secretary General of the United Nations for Yemen to enhance the political solution.
33- Support the Somali government and its efforts in implementing the 2016 vision. Recognize the importance of the formation of Somali Federal State institutions and stabilization of areas newly recovered from Al Shabab terrorist group, and the urgent need to provide humanitarian aid and secure its access to newly liberated areas.
Emphasize the importance of responding to immediate humanitarian needs whilst also investing in human capacity building and promoting longer-term solutions in line with the Federal Government’s priorities.
Thank the African Union and the league of Arab States for their sustained commitment to Somalia, and applaud the sacrifice and bravery of the Somali National Army (SNA) and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops to achieve peace.
Welcome the Security Council’s extension of the mandate of UNSOM in support of the Somali Federal Government and AMISOM.
Affirm the importance of implementing the governmental framework of action “vision 2016” and to achieve significant political progress for adopting a Federal Constitution in 2015 and holding general elections in 2016.
Emphasize that political progress must proceed as part of a comprehensive approach to peace building in Somalia, and that the promotion and protection of human rights, and the protection of the most vulnerable, including women and children affected by armed conflict, must be our priority
Reaffirm the importance of strengthening consultations and cooperation between the UN and LAS special representatives and envoys to Somalia in the political, security, humanitarian and reconstruction fields.
34- Call on the Argentine Republic and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to resume negotiations in order to find, as soon as possible, a peaceful and definitive solution to the sovereignty dispute referred to as "Question of the Malvinas Islands", in accordance with the relevant UN Resolutions. Reiterate that the pretense to consider the Malvinas, South Georgias and South Sandwich Islands as countries and territories to which the Fourth Part of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and the European Union Decisions on Overseas Association may be applied is not in accordance with the fact that a sovereignty dispute over such islands exists. Furthermore, state that the unilateral nonrenewable natural resources exploration activities carried out currently in the Argentine continental shelf around the Malvinas Islands are incompatible with the provisions of Res 31/49 of the UNGA. In this regard, recognize the right of the Argentine Republic to take legal actions with full respect of international law and relevant resolutions against non authorized hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation activities on its continental shelf. Call on the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to refrain from carrying out military exercises on territories subject to a sovereignty dispute recognized by the United Nations.
35- In this regard, recall that 16th December 2015 will mark the 50th anniversary of the adoption of UN General Assembly resolution 2065 (XX), the first resolution which specifically refers to the Question of the Malvinas Islands, renewed through subsequent resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly and its Special Committee on Decolonization to date.
Expressing serious concern over the fact that notwithstanding the time elapsed since the adoption of the General Assembly resolution 2065 (XX) this prolonged dispute has not yet been settled, the Heads of State and Government join other regional fora in asking the Secretary General to renew his efforts in his current mission of good offices entrusted to him by the General Assembly through successive resolutions, in order to ensure that bilateral negotiations to find as soon as possible a peaceful solution to the aforementioned dispute are resumed.
36- Express their disappointment and regret at the failure of the IX Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons to reach consensus on a final substantive document despite the efforts exerted by the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Chair of the IX Review Conference.
Reaffirm the importance of implementing the “Resolution on the Middle East” on the establishment of Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction adopted by the 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference. And, remind that this resolution is an integral part of the Treaty extension package and remains valid until it is fully implemented.
Reiterate that regional security and stability in the Middle East require that the whole region be free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. In this context, support the outcome of the 8th NPT Review Conference (New York May 2010) which recalled the reaffirmation by the 2000 Review conference of the importance of Israel's accession to the Treaty and the placement of all its nuclear facilities under comprehensive IAEA safeguards.
37- Welcome the initiative of H.E King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain to establish the Arab Court of Human Rights in response to the Arab People’s aspirations, and in conformity with the principle of the Rule of Law which was approved in Doha Summit 2013, and the agreement of LAS Council on the Summit Level in Kuwait March 2014 to the statute of this Court. Also, ensure establishment of cooperation in the fields of exchanging experience and expertise between the American Court of Human Rights and the Arab Court for Human rights.
38- Express rejection to any unilateral measures contrary to the principles of sovereignty and non-interference in domestic affairs. In this regard, encourage the ongoing dialogue between the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Government of the United States of America in respect to the executive order of the government of USA.
39- Express appreciation for the positive steps achieved in Tunisia in its democratic transition, through adopting a new constitution and organizing legislative and presidential elections in a framework of national consensus. Welcome awarding Nobel Prize for peace 2015 to the Quartet sponsoring the national dialogue in appreciation to the efforts exerted to secure the transitional phase in a framework of national conciliation and affirm the need to support Tunisia in this important phase of its history.
40 - Welcome the appointment of H.H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah, Emir of Kuwait, as the “Humanitarian Leader”, and commend the indication of Kuwait as an International Humanitarian Center by the UN.
41- Welcome the granting of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding Award for His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, in recognition of his contributions and role in promoting meaningful dialogue between religions, cultures and mutual respect between all peoples and communities, building trust and understanding, and renunciation of hatred.
Express appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain for hosting the Cultures and Civilizations Dialogue Conference 5-7 May 2014, and welcome its outcomes included in the Bahrain Declaration.
42 - Welcome the assumption by Venezuela of the presidency of the Non-Aligned Movement in 2016 and endorse the invitation for members and observers to attend the XVII NAM Summit, and welcome the results of the NAM meeting hosted by Algeria in 28-29/5/2014.
43- Welcome the constructive chairing of the Group of 77 and China by the Plurinational State of Bolivia and the successful hosting of the Commemorative Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Group of 77 and China, held in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, during the period
14-15 June 2014, on occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the G77.
44 - Commend the positive, effective and main role played by Algeria through hosting rounds of dialogue between the Malian parties, which paved the way to reach the signing of the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement between the parties in Mali on 15/5/2015 in Bamako.
45- Commend the efforts exerted by the Islamic Republic of Mauritania aiming at establishing peace and security in the Republic of Mali, within the international mediation.
46- Note that sovereign debt management has been a crucial issue for developing countries in past decades and recent years and that sovereign debt crises is a recurring problem that involves very serious political, economic and social consequences, with adverse effects on sustainable development;
Note that the restructuring processes of sovereign debt is a frequent phenomenon in the international financial system, and that vulture funds’ actions in international courts have revealed its highly speculative nature, posing a risk to all future debt-restructuring processes. Note, furthermore that the activities of vulture funds have a direct negative effect on the capacity of governments to fulfill their human rights obligations as underscored by resolution 27/30 of the Human Rights Council.
Stress the importance of not allowing vulture funds to paralyze the debt-restructuring efforts of developing countries, and underscore that their actions should not supersede a State’s right to protect its people under international law; and affirm the sovereign right of any State to restructure its sovereign debt, which should not be frustrated or impeded by any measure emanating from another State;
Reaffirm the full and comprehensive political support given by the Arab and South American States, through UN General Assembly Resolution 69/319, to the adoption of basic principles on sovereign debt restructuring processes with a view, inter alia, to increasing the efficiency, stability and predictability of the international financial system and achieving sustained, inclusive and equitable economic growth and sustainable development, in accordance with national circumstances and priorities, and invite all States to support and promote these basic principles.
47 - Agree to strengthen political and technical dialogue, cooperation and joint actions, where possible, by the ASPA Member States to address the world drugs problem, using an integrated approach adhering to the principles of common and shared responsibility and respect for international law.
48 - Commend the efforts of the Republic of Peru in preparing the 2015 Annual Meetings of the Board of Governors of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that took place in Lima, in 5-12 October 2015.
49- Congratulate the success of the 20th Conference of the parties to the United Nations framework convention on Climate change (UNFCCC), held in Lima, Peru, where the Member States achieved substantive progress towards the adoption of a protocol, another legal instrument or an agreed outcome with legal force under the convention that is in accordance with its principles and provisions, including CBDR, which will strengthen the multilateral rules-based system. In this regard, congratulate the Government of Peru for the successful steering of the work of this meeting.
50 - Welcome the progress made on the peace process in Colombia. Encourage the Colombian government and FARC-EP to make their best efforts to conclude these negotiations as soon as possible and express readiness to provide assistance to support the implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement.
51 - Commend the continuing work of the South American Defense Council (SADC) of UNASUR, in the consolidation of South America as a Zone of Peace, a base for democratic stability and integral development of their peoples, and contributing to world peace, incorporating the sub regional and national characteristics that strengthen unity between Latin American and the Caribbean and generating consensus to strengthen regional cooperation on defense issue.
52- Commend the role of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Global Center for Dialogue among Believers of Religions and Cultures in Vienna on 26/11/2012, and call upon all states to collaborate with this center.
Cooperation in Sectorial Fields:
1- Affirm the importance of the implementation of the attached joint work plans in the sectorial fields, as well as the importance of activating the work of the joint sectorial committees which are mandated to translate the resolutions resulting from the sectorial ministerial meetings into joint projects and programs for cooperation (Annex 1: cooperation plans in the fields of economic, social, media and legal).
2- Welcome the results of the sectorial meetings in the fields of education, health and women leaders which have taken place in Peru in 2013 and 2014, as well as the meetings in the fields of energy, intellectual property and diplomatic institutions held in 2013 in United Arab Emirates, Brazil and Colombia respectively; in addition to, Ministerial Meeting on Culture which took place in Saudi Arabia in 2014, under the mandate of the Lima Declaration, which have further developed important cooperation initiatives.
3- Call for setting specific goals for bi-regional cooperation in the high priority fields of health, education, reduction of poverty, environment, climate change, energy, water resources management, food security and unemployment, to enhance cooperation and promote sustainable development and to establish mechanisms and projects that will effectively contribute to their achievement.
4- Reaffirm that energy should become one of the axes of the bi-regional relationship in the coming years, especially around the subjects of energy production and energy efficiency improvement, the development of the usage of renewable and clean energies as well as developing other strategies in addressing climate change bearing in mind the importance of energy for the sustainable development of ASPA members.
5- Call for enhanced scientific coordination and cooperation, particularly in the fields of information society, adaptation and mitigation of the effects of climate change, combating desertification, management of water resources and agriculture.
6- Welcome the hosting by Sudan of the 1st Meeting of ASPA sub-committee on Agricultural Cooperation in February 2016 and call for the active participation of ASPA Countries to ensure the success of the meeting.
7- Reaffirm that investment is one of the pillars for economic and social development and represents an important mechanism that effectively help to reduce poverty rates and inequality. Support public and private efforts to promote investments in diverse areas at national and regional levels to facilitate job creation, increase scientific knowledge and education, and promote sustainable development.
8- Reaffirm our support to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and urge countries from both regions to intensify cooperation in order to implement the Sustainable Development Goal set out by the Agenda and call upon the international community to honor its commitments pledge therein.
9- Welcome the hosting by the Kingdom of Bahrain of the Ministerial Conference on Implementing the Development Goals in the Arab Countries during 6-7/12/2015, as the first regional conference in the world to be held after adopting the sustainable development plan.
10- Welcome the outcome of the Arab Developmental Economic and Social Summit in Riyadh in 2013.
11- Call fo¬r the adoption of further measures to facilitate and intensify technology transfer, trade and investment flows, especially in the fields of food and agro-industries, energy, innovation, infrastructure, tourism, manufacturing sector and information technology.
12- Reiterate support to the work done by Arab South American Library and research center (BibliAspa), the Arab south American Library in Algeria and the Arab South American Institute in Morocco and call upon the Arab and South American countries to contribute to support these initiatives with a view to ensure their sustainability.
13- Note with satisfaction the positive outcome of the Fourth Arab & South American Business Forum held in Riyadh on the sidelines of the Fourth ASPA Summit for the purpose of enhancing economic cooperation between both regions.
14- Take note with satisfaction on the outcome of the study on maritime connectivity among Arab and South American regions by LAS, and call upon ASPA Countries to encourage their public and private sectors to invest in this field of cooperation and this matter to be followed up by both regional coordinators.
15- Exchange experiences between the Arab and South American Countries in different fields of Tourism, architectural heritage, organizing trips and touristic events, excavations, and holding touristic media week.
16- Welcome the significant increase of global trade and investment between both regions since the holding of the First, Second and Third ASPA Summits, stressing that there are still unexplored possibilities, which would allow for increased growth and diversification of bi-regional trade and investment.
17- Welcome the signing of the Framework Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation between MERCOSUR and the Republic of Tunisia and the Memorandum of Understanding on Trade and Economic Cooperation between MERCOSUR and the Republic of Lebanon, Recalling that MERCOSUR has also signed Free Trade Agreements with Egypt and the State of Palestine, as well as Framework Agreements with the Kingdom of Jordan, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Kingdom of Morocco and the Syrian Arab Republic. Reaffirm their interest in strengthening trade relations and economic cooperation among ASPA member States.
18 - Commend the progress achieved in the field of the cultural cooperation between the Arab and South American countries, Affirm the importance of implementing what was agreed upon in the joint meetings of the Ministers of Culture that were held in Algeria (2009), Brazil (2009), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (2014). Recommend that practical steps are to be taken to assure the implementation of the Action Plan adopted by the ministers.
19 - Reaffirm the positive role of South American nationals of Arab descent in transmitting the knowledge and culture of their countries of origins and serving as a bridge between both regions. Recall that the transfer of Arab culture to their new homeland gave birth to a new hybrid of the two cultures and created a new blended culture on its own.
20- Welcome the annual celebrations organized by the League of Arab States and its missions abroad on the occasion of “the Arab Expatriates Day” on the fourth of December, as well as appreciate the initiatives of the South American countries to celebrate the descendants of Arab Origin, in particular the annual Brazilian celebration of the “National Day of the Arab Community” on March 25, and encourage organizing similar cultural events follow.
Follow up mechanisms and ASPA Structure:
To develop the ASPA structure mentioned in para (119) of “Doha Declaration” issued by the 2nd ASPA Summit in order to make it more dynamic as follows:
a) (Highest level) The Summit, formed by Heads of State and Governments, to meet every three years;
b) (Second level) The Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, to meet every two years;
c) (Third level) The Council of High Officials from Ministries of Foreign Affairs, formed by the National Coordinators (Focal Points), to meet every year;
d) (Fourth level – 1) The Sectorial Committees, formed by experts in each area (Nodal Points), to meet at least twice a year; and to activate the work of these joint committees as follows:
- The Presidency of the committee should be held by the host country of the last ministerial sectorial meeting in the field of cooperation.
- The President of the Committee is to send invitations and decide on date and venue for its meetings, and determine its agenda and working program in coordination with the General Secretariat (Coordinator of the Arab countries) and Brazil (Coordinator of the South American countries).
e) (Fourth level – 2) The Executive Coordination Group, formed by the Chair of the Arab Summit, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, representing the Arab Countries, the Presidency of the UNASUR, and Brazil (which will temporarily join this group until the General Secretariat of UNASUR becomes fully structured), representing the South American countries. In addition to ASPA Troika (the host country of the previous ASPA Summit, the host country of the current ASPA Summit and the host country of the next ASPA Summit), with a mandate to do the following:
1- Follow up on the implementation of the outcome of the ASPA Summits and ASPA Sectorial meetings.
2- Suggest new initiatives to foster bi regional relations.
3- To meet prior to HOM to coordinate positions between both regions on the agenda of the meeting and other matters related to it.
4- To meet for consultations on the sidelines of International Fora, to coordinate positions on matters of mutual interest.
5- To convene its meetings for consultations at the level of high officials or if needed at the Ministerial level on the sidelines of UNGA ,
Welcome the offer of The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to host the Fifth ASPA Summit which will take place in 2018.
Express high appreciation and gratitude for the leadership, government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the warm reception, gracious hospitality, and for the excellent organization and preparation of this summit.
Plan of Action on ASPA Economic Cooperation
Meetings and Activities Date and Venue Responsibility Notes
The First Meeting of the ASPA Committee on Energy at the Level of Experts to follow up on what was included in the Abu Dhabi Declaration The United Arab Emirates UAE as head of the committee in coordination with the Economic Sector in LAS To Follow up on the results of the First Meeting of the Ministers of Energy and Mining which was held in UAE on 16/1/2013 which approved the establishment of the committee.
Seminar on Water Desalination with the participation of experts from Arab and South American Countries The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The first week of December 2015 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in coordination with the Economic Sector in LAS Coordinating with the concerned authorities to hold the Seminar on the scheduled date.
The First ASPA meeting of Ministers of Tourism The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan This subject will be discussed by the Executive Bureau of the Council of the Arab Ministers of Tourism (UAE:15-17/12/2015).
The First Meeting of the Sub-Committee for Agricultural Cooperation on the Experts Level Khartoum
Feb 2016 The Republic of Sudan The Arab Organization for Agricultural Development will coordinate with the concerned authorities in Sudan to organize this meeting.
The Joint Meeting of the Experts of Communications and Information Technology LAS HQ
The Economic Sector in LAS The subject will be discussed by the Executive Bureau of the Council of the Arab Ministers of Communication in its upcoming session.
Seminar on "Cleaner Production Technologies and Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM)" The Arab Republic of Egypt
The Arab Republic of Egypt in coordination with the Economic Sector in LAS Coordinating with the concerned authorities to decide on a date to hold the Seminar.
The Third ASPA Meeting of
Ministers of Economy and Finance Santa Cruz – Bolivia
May 2016 Bolivia Date suggested by Bolivia .
The Second ASPA Meeting of Ministers of Environment Quito – Ecuador
Ecuador Consultations are being held to agree on a date.
Follow Up on the Second Joint Meeting between National Institutions Responsible for Intellectual Rights in the Arab and South American Countries
The regional Coordinators The meeting issued a plan of action as a primary suggestion for south south cooperation in the field of Intellectual Property between both regions. It was also agreed to hold 3 joint meetings in the field of Intellectual Property and to coordinate between both sides to organize them.
Follow Up on the recommendations of the Fourth Arab-South American Businessmen Forum
The Economic Sector in LAS To Follow Up on the following recommendations:
1. Welcome the establishment of an Arab-South American countries private sector maritime transportation company.
2. Welcome the establishment of an Arab-South American countries private sector logistical services company.
3. Call for more direct flights between Arab and South American countries.
4. Facilitation of visa issuance for tourism and business.
5. Enhance the level of mutual commercial representation between the two regions and encourage the establishment of bilateral business councils in the two regions.
6. Urge Arab and South American countries to speed up the process of trade liberalization and the creation of favorable environment in order to promote and guarantee investment, and prevent double taxation, given the positive effects of such action on the development of trade and investment between the two regions.
Plan of Action on ASPA Social and Cultural Cooperation
Meetings and activities Date and Venue Responsible Notes
The Third ASPA Meeting of Ministers of Education Kuwait 2016 Regional Coordinators Following up the outcome of the Second Meeting held in Peru, where it was agreed on an action plan and organize a Joint Annual Forum gathering Researchers, Academics and Pedagogies from the Arab and South American countries during February 2016
Meeting of High Officials in the Ministries of Social Affairs at LAS HQ, in preparation for the 3rd ASPA Meeting of the Ministers of Social Affairs and Development May 2016 LAS HQ It was suggested to hold the meeting on 12-13/5/2015 at LAS HQ, and it was postponed because there were no confirmations for participation from officials in the concerned ministries in South American countries
Following up on the results of the 1st ASPA Meeting of Ministers of Health in Peru 2-4/4/2014 2014-2017 Regional Coordinators The General Secretariat suggested, through the Health and Humanitarian Aids Department, holding meetings on the Experts level between 2014-2017.
Following up the outcome of the First International Forum for the ASPA Women Leaders held in Peru
7-9/4/2014 Regional Coordinators Following up the implementation of the “Pachacamac Declaration”, through the cooperation of South-South women, to empower women on all levels.
Following up the outcome of the Third ASPA meeting for Ministers of Culture held in Saudi Arabia
28-30/4/2014 Regional Coordinators Following up the implementation of cultural programs included in the “Riyadh Declaration”.
Meeting of the Directors and Experts of National Libraries in ASPA countries Regional Coordinators LAS is coordinating with the concerned authorities to hold a meeting for the Directors and Experts of National Libraries in ASPA Countries.
Workshop on “ The role of NGOs in the ASPA Countries to achieve the MDGs and develop a vision on the Plan of Action post 2015 2nd Quarter of 2016 Regional Coordinators A suggestion by the Arab side to be presented to the South American Side.
Plan of Action for Future
ASPA Cooperation in the Media Field
Meetings and Activities Date and Venue The Party responsible for the activity Remarks
Seminar on Media field with participation of ASPA Media Officials and also those responsible for major media agencies
Regional Coordinators
Developing the cooperation between the ASPA institutions in the field of media and publishing, encouraging workers in the media of the ASPA countries to enhance communication through the exchange of visits and participation in exhibitions and providing facilities for accredited journalists in both regions.
Activating the media offices of the Arab countries in South America, and the media offices for the South American countries in the Arab countries to follow up on the media coverage and activate media cooperation
Dissemination of electronic exchanges of information and documents between both regions.
Strengthening the Media coverage of the different cooperation aspects between both regions. | https://marsadamericalatina.com/index.php/amlarabes/625-riyadh-declaration |
Egypt has sought to be in the Libyan crisis based on its political and security perceptions towards the Libyan crisis where Libya represents a strategic depth of its national security, as well as the size of the economic interests and social ties between the two countries. In view of the Libyan political reality after the revolution in 2011, which resulted in the political consensus cases in contrast to spacing cases at the security and social levels, which makes it extremely complicated in Libya as it is so important also.
On the political level,Egypt realizes that the security and stability of Libya will be achieved through its own people without imposing external solutions and dictates. Therefore,Egypt is seeking to help Libya to get out of the current political impasse to create a political horizon that brings together the various activated factions and powers in Libya.
On the security level, Egypt is concerned, the world shared it, about the security deteriorating in Libya and its transformation into a supporting focus for the security threats facing neighboring countries such as the new terrorist organizations in North Africa and Sahel-Sahara region like Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, and Ansar Bait al-Maqdis in Egypt, where there is general apprehension of the regional link between these organizations and Daesh organization in Syria and Iraq, in addition to the Tuareg rebels in Mali and Niger. This showed a new dimension in the Libyan crisis, which there is a possibility of using geopolitical situation in Libya to produce jihadist militias, political or military organizations take a violent approach.
Egypt has two security files, the first file is the regional threats that Egypt shares with other neighboring countries in dealing with it, whether it is smuggling arms, facilitating the entry of drugs or assistance in illegal immigration and trafficking people, and the second one is securing the Eastern region in Libya, which has become a security deteriorating that is considered a serious threat to Egypt.
Through these perceptions, Egypt intends to take a number of important moves, including a dialogue with representatives of the legitimate entities in Libya, both in the east and in the west, a dialogue with the Libyan tribal elders to reach a framework for political settlement in Libya ending the state of division extended since 2014,the implementation of Skhirat Agreement as a basis for a political settlement and the provision of necessary funds, logistical and military support to build the state structure that puts an end to the threats within the Libyan State, whether against the Libyan state or against the regional neighbors countries to stop the conflicts, which the Libyan people has become the biggest loser of the ongoing political and military conflicts.
On the international level, Egypt has undertaken a series of diplomatic and political efforts to resolve the Libyan crisis, which revived the mechanism of neighboring countries that gave more flexibility to the positions of a number of Libyan politicians.
From the point of view of the international community, Egypt's role is pivotal and important in the Libyan crisis, which was confirmed by the UN Secretary-General's envoy to Libya for Egypt's contacts with all Libyan parties. This stems from its geographical proximity to Libya, which has a direct interest in restoring stability and security to Libya, as well as its current membership in the Security Council and its role in following up the implementation of the Security Council resolutions on Libya.
First: Importance of unifying efforts, maintaining the integrity of the political process and the political agreement in Libya, in which the international and regional efforts are committed to the general framework of the ongoing political process.
Second: Importance that the political process goes in line with the aspirations of the Libyan people, without imposing any arrangements or agreements, so as to restore the institutions of the Libyan State to be the only legitimate authority that has the right to use force to impose security with dismantling and demobilization of all Libyan militias.
Third: Neutralize all exerted efforts to support the political process, where any party that spoils the current political process is condemned, and encourage all parties to do their duty to implement the political agreement.
Egypt believes that the United Nations (UN) is the only framework for resolving the Libyan crisis. Therefore, all relevant regional and international parties must unite to support the efforts of the United Nations, particularly with regard to the follow-up the implementation of the Skhirat Agreement.
Egypt also supports legitimate political and military parties, whether the House of Representatives in Tobruk or the Libyan National Army led by Khalifa Haftar, and completely rejecting the idea of militias or irregular military formations not subject to state authority.
Through its diplomatic efforts, Egypt sought to the Libyan consensus, taking into account the national constants, the concerns of all Libyan parties, the full support for the Libyan State to establish its unified and democratic state free from extremism and terrorism and provide security and luxury for Libyans through a unified Libyan army protects them.
This can be achieved via several ways, namely, mediation among the Libyan parties in order to build confidence and unite those parties, which are carried out by the National Committee on Libyan Affairs. Egypt is also seeking a coordinated consultative process; both at the regional or international level with neighboring countries to contribute to the settlement of the Libyan crisis as a major stakeholder in the stability of the situation in Libya and to address the security imbalance as Libya represents a strategic depth of these countries.
The efforts of the Egyptian National Committee on Libya are working on intensive meetings with all Libyan parties in order to come up to point of views and building confidence among all the Libyan parties, where there are several meetings were held in Cairo, including President of the House of Representatives of Libya Aguila Saleh, Chairman of the Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord of Libya Fayez al-Sarraj, members of the Presidential Council and the Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Army, as well as members of Libyan parliament, Higher Council of the State and representatives of Libyan dignitaries and tribes, civil society, media-men and intellectuals from all Libyan regions.
Following a meeting held in Cairo on February 15, 2017, the Egyptian Military Spokesman confirmed, in a statement, including Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Army Khalifa Haftar and Chairman of the Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord of Libya Fayez al-Sarraj, that the Committee listened to the constructive ideas of the Libyan leaders.
1- Forming a joint committee selected from the members of Libyan House of Representatives and Higher Council of the State with a maximum 15 members of each Council to consider the issues previously agreed upon in the Political Agreement and to reach for consensual formulas to address it and then submitted to the Libyan House of Representatives to be adopted in accordance with the provisions of the Libyan Political Agreement.
2- House of Representatives shall make the necessary constitutional amendments to include the Political Agreement in the constitutional declaration, to address all outstanding issues within the framework of a comprehensive consensus formula issued by the House of Representatives after the joint committee agreed on it.
3- Implementing Parliamentary and Presidential elections by February 2018, in accordance with the provisions of the Libyan Political Agreement.
4- Continuing all official positions in Libya, to be agreed upon in accordance with the above-mentioned procedures, until the end of the transitional period and the new President and Parliament assume their offices in 2018.
On September 18, 2017, the Egyptian National Committee on Libya agreed on the formation of joint Egyptian-Libyan technical committees to be held in Cairo to discuss and review mechanisms to unify the military institution.
They discussed in the meeting the phases of the crisis in the army and the problems hindering its cohesion and unity over recent years.
They also underlined the principles to build Libya’s unity, sovereignty and safety and the ways to enhance comprehensive national reconciliation without dragging the disputes among the different regions in Libya.
They committed to establish a modern democratic civil state based on the principles of transferring power peacefully, accepting other, and rejecting the marginalization and exclusion of any of Libya’s parties.
Among the principles they pledged to follow are working on the unity of the Libyan army, shouldering the responsibility to maintain the state’s security and sovereignty, combating all forms of terrorism and extremism, rejecting any foreign interference in their affairs and seizing intellectual, ideological and regional conflicts.
- Reasserting the firm fundamental national parameters of the Libyan army at the head of which is maintaining the unity and sovereignty of Libya, as well as, the need to keep the military institution away from polarization, whether political or territorial, that would negatively affect the Libyan army's professional performance and national role.
- The need to proceed in the project of unifying the Libyan army to make it capable of positively and effectively dealing with the challenges faced by the Libyan state currently and the future in light of threats to it, whether related to the threat of terrorism, illegal migration, organized crime, or any others that would threaten Libya's stability.
- Resuming the meetings in Cairo after a short intervals with the intention that the four technical committees complete their work regarding the implementation mechanisms and actual application of the national project to unify the Libyan army in accordance with its assigned tasks, as well as, to meet the requirements and needs of the Libyan state, and to overcome the challenges it faces in the fields of counterterrorism, securing borders, and combating illegal migration.
- Asserting that the path of unifying the military institution would constitute a firm core to advance the political path during this critical and difficult phase of the history of the nation, which is witnessing major risks that threaten its safety amid difficulties in achieving stability for the Libyan state to meet the aspirations and ambitions of its great people.
In 2014, the Libyan Neighborhood Group was established with the membership ofAlgeria, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Sudan, Chad and Niger, where formed during the African Summit in Equatorial Guinea.
The neighboring Libyan countries, especially the direct neighboring countries such as Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia, are working to provide political and security support to Libya through a collective work to deal with the situation in Libya after witnessing the development of the threat coming from Libya in the recent period, and also after the security services observed the move of several thousand members of extremist groups from both Iraq and Syria to Libya.
Therefore, their efforts to support Libya in accordance with a joint mechanism of neighboring countries, in cooperation with the Secretary General of Arab League, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, have worked together to crystallize a common vision and a road map according to the will of the Libyans and their priorities, which are presented to the neighboring countries for adoption.
In May, 2014,the first step of this collective work emerged in Algeria, when the foreign ministers of Libya’s neighboring countries meeting held in Algeria on the sidelines of the ministerial meetings of the Non-Aligned Movement, which made several recommendations, including confirming the participants to work together to support Libya in accordance with joint mechanisms in cooperation with the Arab League and the African Union.On the other hand, the participated ministers stressed the need for coordination in order to combat terrorism and weapons trade.
In June, 2014,the second meeting held in Guinea on the sidelines of the African Summit.
The third meeting of the foreign ministers of Libya’s neighboring countries held in Tunisia. The meeting was attended by foreign ministers (or representatives) of Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Sudan, Chad and Niger and representatives of the Arab League and the African Union.
The foreign ministers have agreed to set up a practical plan to contribute in resolving the Libyan crisis, where it was decided to form two working groups headed by Tunisian Foreign Minister, the first one is security at the level of security experts, where Algeria coordinating its works and the other one is political at a senior staff level, where Egypt coordinating its works.
The purpose of the two working groups is to enable the neighboring countries to intervene effectively through dialogue mechanisms in the Libyan crisis in order to find a solution to them or to deal directly with the threats resulting from the political crisis in Libya.
The final communiquéof the 10th ministerial meeting of the neighboring countries of Libya stressed that there could be no alternative to adhering to the Libyan Political Agreement signed in Skhirat, Morocco, as the sole framework for the solution to the present crisis in Libya, in accordance with the main principles agreed to during the meetings convened in Cairo, N'Djamena, Khartoum, Algiers, Tunis and Niamey.
(f) Maintaining the civil State and the democratic process, as well as the peaceful transition of power in Libya.
The Ministers reaffirmed their support to the Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord as derived from the Libyan political agreement which laid the foundations for a final political solution to the crisis. The ministers called on the Council to form a government of national accord representing all the political forces in Libya, and encouraged the Libyan House of Representatives to convene a meeting to deliberate on the newly formed government and grant its vote of confidence so that it may assume its responsibilities.
The Ministers expressed their determination to further pursue their efforts to promote the political process in Libya towards its success, and to foster the appropriate conditions for security and restoring stability in all the territories of Libya, in collaboration with the appreciated efforts of His Excellency Mr. Martin Kobler, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya, His Excellency Mr. Jakaya Kikwete, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Representative of the African Union to Libya, as well as Ambassador Salah El Din Elgamaly, the Envoy of the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States for Libya.
The Ministers reiterated their categorical rejection of a military solution to the Libyan crisis given the negative implications for the security and stability of Libya in particular, and for the neighboring countries in general. They furthermore affirmed that political dialogue was the sole path towards ending the crisis.
The Ministers affirmed their rejection of any foreign military intervention, emphasizing that combating terrorist groups in Libya must be undertaken in the context of international legitimacy, and that military operations in this regard must be based on the request of the Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord pursuant to the provisions of resolution 2259 (2015), adopted by the Security Council on 23 December 2015, and in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.
The Ministers discussed the extremely dangerous situation facing the people of Libya as a result of the political and security crises and their numerous ramifications. In this regard the ministers expressed their concern regarding the continued presence of terrorist organizations in certain regions of Libya, as this presents a serious danger to the people of Libya and the future of the political process.
The Ministers stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation and consultation among the neighboring countries of Libya with respect to border security and combating terrorism in its various manifestations, organized crime and all forms of cross -border smuggling, and of continuing efforts to convene a meeting of experts to present specific recommendations on this matter to the next meeting of the foreign ministers of the Libya’s neighboring countries.
The Ministers praised the success that was achieved in confronting terrorism in the various regions of Libya, and especially in the cities of Benghazi and Sirte, reaffirming the importance of pursuing terrorist elements fleeing from these two cities so that they are unable to reconstitute in other areas throughout Libya.
The Ministers affirmed the central and critical role undertaken by the mechanism of the neighboring countries of Libya, as it is the most concerned with the state of instability in Libya and the most negatively affected by the ongoing crisis. In this regard, the Ministers called on countries and regional and international organizations willing to contribute to the resolution of the crisis to take into account the approach adopted by the mechanism of neighboring countries of Libya, and the positions of the group and its vision with respect to the current situation in Libya while considering any effort aimed at contributing to resolving the crisis, and that this be undertaken within the context of the United Nations political process.
The Ministers value the efforts undertaken by the neighboring countries of Libya and the recent meetings in Cairo, Algiers and Tunis, and their endeavors aimed at addressing the crisis facing Libya and containing its ramifications, in addition to their deliberations and bridging the gaps between the Libyan parties in order to reach a political settlement in the context of the United Nations political process, and including all the major Libyan parties in the context of a comprehensive Libyan dialogue. The ministers encouraged the neighboring countries to further coordinate with respect to these endeavors.
The Ministers expressed their concern at the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Libya, and the difficult living conditions facing the citizens of Libya. In this regard the ministers praised the role of the central and local state institutions in the various regions of Libya in providing for basic services to the citizens.
The Ministers stressed the importance that the international community undertakes, in coordination with the legitimate authorities in Libya, to implement a humanitarian responsive plan in Libya during 2017, given that the Libyan people face acute shortages of medicine and medical supplies in hospitals and medical facilities in various regions across Libya.
The Ministers called for end the freeze on Libyan financial assets in foreign banks, so that these resources belonging to the Libyan people can be allotted to fulfill the needs of the country, at the time convenient to the Presidential Council.
The Ministers requested the Egyptian Chair of the meeting to convey the present communiqué to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the President of the Security Council, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and the Chair of the African Union Commission.
The Ministers further requested the Chair of the meeting to convey their highest appreciation and gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and to the Government of Egypt for their gracious hospitality, and for undertaking the necessary arrangements for the success of this meeting, and their efforts towards resolving the crisis in Libya.
The Ministers agreed to hold the eleventh ministerial meeting of the neighboring countries of Libya in Algiers, on a date which will be determined through prior consultation. The ministers furthermore agreed that the mechanism of the neighboring countries of Libya shall remain in continuous session in order to monitor developments in Libya.
The Egyptian,Algerian and Tunisian foreign ministries agreed on the terms for resolving the crisis in neighboring Libya.
1- That the three signatories step up efforts to achieve comprehensive reconciliation in Libya through dialogue with all relevant parties and under the auspices of the UN.
2- That the signatories recognize Libya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and believe that a political solution – based on the 17 December 2015 Skhirat agreement – represents the only way out of the country’s political crisis.
3- That the three signatories reject any military solution to – or external interference in – the Libya crisis, acknowledging that a viable settlement can only be achieved by the Libyan people themselves.
4- They also called for ensuring the continuity of Libyan state institutions as was stipulated in the 2015 agreement. These institutions include the Presidential Council, the House of Representatives and the Supreme Council of State. Signatories to the declaration also called for the preservation and unification of the Libyan Armed Forces in accordance with the 2015 agreement.
5- Signatories also called for convening a tripartite summit in Algiers devoted to the Libya crisis (for which no date was given) to be attended by Tunisian, Egyptian and Algerian representatives.
On November 15, 2017, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria issued a joint statement on the Libyan crisis called "The Cairo Declaration", following their talks in Cairo.
1- Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held a meeting with counterparts of Tunisia Khemaies Jhinaoui and Algeria Abdelkader Messahel for consultations on the developments of the situation in Libya and efforts to support inter-Libyan dialogue to reach a comprehensive solution to the Libyan crisis under the tripartite initiative of the three countries and to follow up the outcome of their previous talks in Tunisia in February and in Algeria in June.
2- The ministers reaffirmed their countries' constant stance and principles which rule their joint action to support efforts to resolve the Libyan crisis, topped by maintaining the territorial integrity and stability of Libya, commitment to dialogue and Libyan political accord as basis for a comprehensive solution to the Libyan crisis, and to reject any foreign interference in Libya or resorting to the military option.
3- The ministers appreciated efforts exerted by the UN Libya envoy Ghassan Salame, expressing appreciation for the political plan he had presented to address the Libyan crisis. They called on the Libyan parties to show enough flexibility during current negotiations held in Tunisia and to seek to reach required accord.
4- In this context, the ministers reviewed efforts exerted by Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia over the recent period to achieve accord among all Libyan parties and to encourage them to respond to the UN envoy's efforts. They appealed to the Libyan parties to refrain from using violence and to resort to any form of incitement or escalating measures, stressing the importance of achieving a breakthrough in the course of settlement as soon as possible to pave the way to hold legislative and presidential election and to end the transitional stage in Libya.
5- The ministers discussed the latest security developments in Libya, warning of the continuous deteriorating security situation in Libya and its repercussions on the daily lives of Libyan citizens. They stressed the importance of continuing and backing security coordination, exchanging information and boosting cooperation in the field of countering terrorism.
6- The ministers lauded the importance of Libya's neighboring countries' mechanism and their vision to resolve the Libyan crisis to help the Libyan people restore security and stability.
7- The ministers agreed to continue consultations and to hold their next meeting in Tunisia on a date to be set later.
In the fourth coordinative meeting of foreign ministers of Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria, the three countries renewed their support to the Libyan political agreement as the frame of a political settlement in Libya, welcoming the UN Security Council's statement on December 14, regarding the situation in Libya.
Tunisian President BejiCaid Essebsi conferred with the Foreign Minister SamehShoukryat Carthage presidential Palace. The two sides discussed the latest developments in Libya, where Shoukry reviewed the Egyptian efforts to support the political process and the plan of the UN envoy to Libya Ghassan Salamé, as well as the Egyptian exerted efforts to unify the military institutions in Libya, which enjoys the support of all Libyan parties and regional and international partners.
On October 25, 2016, the project plan "Improving the governance of labour migration and the protection of migrant workers’ rights in Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco and Libya" was launched, where the project can play an important role in promoting the balance and the concepts of labor migration and improving its tools and conditions.
Egypt participated in a tripartite mechanism meeting on Libya along with Tunisia and Algeria. The meeting comes within the framework of the mechanism of the Arab tripartite neighbors of Libya, which aims to discuss the recent developments in Libya and the ways to support Libyans to achieve national consensus and reach a political solution.
During the meeting, the UN efforts intensified to break the stalemate of Libyan crisis and complete the road map by holding presidential and parliamentarian elections; additionally, the Egyptian efforts achieve its aim to unify Libyan military and combat terrorism and organized crime.
Egypt’s participation in the tripartite mechanism meeting comes within the framework of Egypt’s concern to support all the efforts to settle the Libyan crisis, build the national consensus and achieve political settlement for the crisis.
Egypt participated in the international conference on Libya in Paris under the auspices of the United Nations within about 20 countries as well as four international organizations, including the Arab League.
Egypt's participation in the conference comes in the framework of its keenness for an urgent political resolution to the Libyan crisis that would achieve the interests of the brotherly people of Libya, and its aspiration to regain security and stability in Libya.
The Summit was held Palermo City of Italy on November 12, 2018. It aimed at getting Libya out of its chronic crisis and instability.
The Summit was attended by all parties of the Libyan conflict represented in the Libyan Head of the Presidential Council of the National Reconciliation Government Fayez Al-Sarraj, President of the Supreme Council of State Parliament Speaker Aqila Salih, President of the High Council of State of Libya Khalid Almishri and Head of the Libyan National Army Khalifa Haftar as well as neighboring Libyan countries, European Union countries and Russia, in the presence of Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya Ghassan Salamé.
The final communiqué of the Palermo Summit endorsed Egypt's efforts in its main role in the process of rebuilding the Libyan military. This international support for Egypt's role can be relied on in the reconstruction of the Libyan State and crystallized an implementation work plan for building the military and the security institutions, considering that the return of stability in Libya is an Egyptian national security necessity.
Egypt’s role in Libya as a supportive role for stability in Libya is based on Egyptian foreign policy towards calming down the regional escalation in most areas of conflict in the region, which is supported by most of the international parties in the Libyan file.
The meeting was held in the presence of the Foreign Ministers of Libya's neighboring countries (Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Chad and Niger), the Government of National Reconciliation, Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya Ghassan Salamé, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the Arab League to Libya Salah el-Din al-Jamali and the Envoy of the African Union Commissioner on Libya Amira El Fadil.
1. Preserving the unity and sovereignty of Libyan territories, rejecting any external interference in the internal affairs of Libya and encouraging dialogue among the Libyans themselves.
2. Giving the South region the utmost importance and calling for intensifying effective coordination among regional States in the fight against terrorism, violence and criminal activities.
3. Supporting the Presidential Council of the National Reconciliation Government, which emanates from the Libyan political agreement.
4. Welcoming all the initiatives taken to gather the Libyan civil and military leaderships to achieve a national unity and finding a way out of the Libyan crisis, including efforts to unify the military institution. | http://us.sis.gov.eg/section/0/9396?lang=en-us |
Saudi-Pakistan experts’ forum would further boost bilateral ties
Riyadh and Islamabad are united by a historical relationship that has grown ever stronger since Pakistan’s independence in 1947. Saudi-Pakistan relations are based on effective coordination in religious, economic, political, cultural and military affairs. These relations are expected to continue to flourish and to evolve into a comprehensive strategic partnership through joint coordination on regional and international issues.
This will enable the two nations to achieve their common interests and to advance their positions, as well as to increase their influence across their respective geographical regions — Saudi Arabia in the Middle East and Pakistan in South Asia. This strengthening alliance will boost the two countries’ ability to face challenges at home and abroad in a way that achieves security and stability in these two globally significant regions.
Relations between the two countries are not confined to the areas of military and diplomatic cooperation, having expanded to new horizons through significant levels of Saudi investment in Pakistan, especially in the increasingly important Gwadar port, and through the establishment and funding of the private sector in both countries. In addition to these ties, Saudi Arabia also hosts 2 million Pakistani workers, who are employed in a wide range of sectors. As well as all these vital areas of partnership, there is, however, another field in this relationship that needs continuous work, coordination and liaison: The relationship between the educational, research, academic and media institutions in the two countries.
I recently visited the Pakistani capital Islamabad, along with a delegation from the International Institute for Iranian Studies (Rasanah). There we met a host of prominent academics, media figures, and senior military and civil society officials. During the visit, we delivered lectures and engaged in open panel discussions with professors and university students. These meetings were friendly, candid and transparent in relation to issues of common interest, as well as on regional and international issues.
In addition to these discussions, we also met with several businessmen who expressed an interest in entering the Saudi market. They were offered the customary generous facilitations presented by the Kingdom to new investors.
As we await the keenly anticipated visit by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Islamabad, we hope this will coincide with the launch of a strategic dialogue forum between experts, intellectuals, academics and educational centers in both nations.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Sulami
I have no doubt that the brotherly people of Pakistan love the Kingdom to a great degree. Despite this, however, some media platforms there have, unfortunately, deliberately slandered Saudi Arabia and spread false or misinformed reports, whether as a result of lacking accurate information, personal vendettas or possibly even working for hostile foreign government agendas. Thankfully, our discussions during our visit with many of the country’s leading journalists and researchers clarified and explained the realities of life in Saudi Arabia and the reason behind the Kingdom’s positions on some issues, especially at the regional level. We found a receptive and understanding audience among these eminent figures and an acknowledgment that they had not been sufficiently informed on these issues previously.
This experience demonstrates the need to continue holding such meetings with members of the intellectual elite and prominent media figures in Pakistan on a regular basis. There is also a need to organize reciprocal visits to Saudi Arabia for prestigious Pakistani figures, who influence public opinion there, so they can meet with their Saudi counterparts and keep abreast of the latest cultural and modernization developments in the Kingdom.
These figures should be warmly welcomed and given every opportunity to experience the rich cultural diversity in Saudi cities, and every effort should be exerted to forge stronger partnerships between media and educational institutions in the two countries. We also suggest the establishment of academic exchange programs between universities in the two countries. This would allow students and faculty members in all fields to experience the educational system in both nations, as well as grant scholarships and encourage research participation in various scientific fields in the two countries, along with efforts to boost the publication of joint scientific research papers.
As we await the keenly anticipated visit by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Islamabad — where several agreements on trade and investment worth billions of dollars will be signed in order to further advance bilateral relations — we hope this will coincide with the launch of a strategic dialogue forum between experts, intellectuals, academics and educational centers in both nations. We hope that such a forum can be launched during this blessed visit and that it may be held annually on a rotational basis. | http://www.arabnews.com/node/1443281 |
The occupation of Azerbaijani lands by Armenia complicated cooperation in the Caucasus on a regional and global scale, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said.
In his article published in the Russia in Global Politics journal, Davutoglu wrote that Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the occupation of 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory by Armenia impede economic growth and the development of human capital and natural resources.
The progress that has recently been achieved in talks between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia, Ilham Aliyev and Serzh Sargsyan, is important to resolve the conflict, as the mechanism developed by the OSCE Minsk Group has not brought tangible results, he said.
In his article, the Turkish FM said the OSCE Minsk Group is the only international instrument that can induce parties to take steps to overcome differences and reach a peaceful settlement.
Regarding Turkey-Azerbaijan relations, Davutoglu pointed out that the frequent mutual visits and regular dialogue between the two countries are evidence of the importance of the political ties between Ankara and Baku.
"Our economic cooperation is developing steadily. Trade turnover reached $2.5 billion. In addition, Turkey is the leading country in the Azerbaijani economy in terms of foreign investment," the minister added.
Simultaneously, Turkey will not lose hope that it will reestablish relations with Armenia, which still remains a missing link in the whole picture, which Ankara wants to see the South Caucasus.
Turkish and Armenian foreign ministers Ahmet Davutoglu and Edward Nalbandian signed the Ankara-Yerevan protocols in Zurich Oct. 10.
After signing of the protocols, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly stated that the further development of relations between the two countries is directly linked to the solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, despite the absence of the item in the protocols.
Davutoglu named the signing of the Ankara-Yerevan protocols as "an unprecedented step forward towards the elimination of legal and psychological barriers that still separate the two neighboring people."
However, during the dialogue with Yerevan, he said that Turkey has always aware that only Turkish-Armenian reconciliation is not enough to create peace and stability in the South Caucasus.
Therefore, the minister believes, Ankara was convinced that progress in the normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia should be complemented and developed with concrete steps aimed at resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
"Only with a comprehensive solution, we can maintain the atmosphere of reconciliation and remove the remaining barriers to dialogue, cooperation and peace in the region. This, of course, will require political will and courage," he added.
Turkey will remain an active participant in the peace process in the South Caucasus, despite results of Turkish efforts in the establishment of peace in the region.
Today Ankara and Moscow, as well as Baku, Yerevan and Tbilisi are more than ever keen to change the South Caucasus to a zone of comprehensive peace and firm peace, Davutoglu wrote.
"All are interested in the solution of lingering conflicts and it will strengthen the responsibility of leaders of our countries for the fate of the region. [...] We all want to forget previous hostility and instigate in future positive aspects of common history. This is very important that we have common aspiration to build bright future in the South Caucasus," Davutoglu writes.
In his article Davutoglu indicated several ways which Ankara uses in its plans of establishing peace in the Caucasus.
One of them is signing the Turkish-Armenian protocols in Zurich Oct. 10. However, the decision of the Constitution Court of Armenia in connection with injecting changes to protocols has been a sudden obstacle on the way of ratification of protocols.
"If all sides [Turkey and Armenia] take a responsibility and try to contribute in the achievement of comprehensive peace in the South Caucasus, then the Turkish parliament will ratify the protocols in the nearest future, Davutoglu said. This will not only facilitate the rapprochement between the two nations, but also continue the way to the new future and establishment of peace, prosperity and cooperation. In this respect, the urgent need is not to put impediments in the way of establishment of peace and stability under the veil of fictional juridical problems."
The Armenian Constitutional Court approved that the Ankara-Yerevan protocols complied with the Armenian Constitution Jan.12, 2009. However, later the court reported that the creation of a joint commission to study the 1915 events is unnecessary and Armenia will always seek to recognize the genocide.
The Turkey - Russia relations which have grown swiftly over the past 20 years, should be directed at resolution of regional conflicts in the South Caucasus.
"Turkey and Russia hold a historical and moral responsibility for uniting efforts in the establishment of peace, security, stability and prosperity in the South Caucasus, Davutoglu writes. It will be easy for us to fulfill our duty, if we cooperate on the basis of common understanding of problems that we face and ways to solve them."
Well understanding that durable peace and stability in the region is impossible without mutually acceptable solution of conflicts, Turkey offered to establish a new regional forum to facilitate and accelerate search of compromises, which target bringing together leaders of five countries - Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Russia and Turkey - at a table of talks to resolve regional problems and consolidate confidence.
Initiating the establishment of a platform on stability and cooperation in the Caucasus, Turkey acknowledged that this is not an easy process, because presence of conflicts serve as a pretext for the establishment of such organization, and major obstacle in realizing the idea, Davutoglu noted.
PM Rejep Tayyib Erdogan's "Caucasus platform" initiative was made after August events in Georgia in 2008.
"Well remembering the past failures, Turkey intends to establish an organization which could promote the dialogue, exchange of ideas and strengthening of confidence amongst major players in the region. We believe it will be a long process, but single-stage action. An idea of platform of this type will further create promising alternative to torture and a tool to regulate conflict situations," Davutoglu said. | https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/karabakh/1646996.html |
- Fifth meeting of UK Sudan Strategic Dialogue in Khartoum on 24 April 2018 (Photo Chris Trott Twitter ’s page)
April 24, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - Britain has pledged to support Sudan’s removal from US list of state sponsors of terrorism, at the end of the fifth meeting of the UK-Sudan Strategic Dialogue held in the Sudanese capital in Khartoum on Tuesday.
The biannual meetings covered bilateral issues, Sudan’s peace process, human rights, development, trade and investment, migration, defence, counter-terrorism, and regional issues including South Sudan.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Neil Wigan, British Foreign Office’s Director for Africa said the two sides discussed "a number of important military, security, economic and human rights issues."
The two sides agreed to complement joint action in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
The British official further said that his country would confirm to the United States Sudan’s cooperation in the fight against terrorism, and support efforts to remove it from the list of terror list.
The British diplomat, however, was quick to stress that the final decision will be taken by the American administration.
Khartoum and Washington said they would resume soon discussions over the normalization of bilateral relations and Sudan’s removal from the list of terrorism list.
While Khartoum says it is committed to the five engagement framework agreed in December 2016, Washington point to the need to improve human rights records and to ensure freedoms particularly religious freedom.
The issue of peace remains also on the negotiating table but US officials are inclined to put it aside blaming armed groups also for the continuation of the conflict in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan states and Darfur region.
The United Kingdom, and the United States and Norway are members of the Troika which facilitate the African Union-led process to end armed conflicts in Sudan.
Sudan’s Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Abdel Ghani al-Naim who co-chaired the Strategic Dialogue meetings, said the fifth session covered many aspects, especially military, security, economic topics.
The atmosphere of the fifth meeting was very positive and the parties reached "tangible results".
The joint statement released at the end of the meetings hailed Khartoum’s continued commitment to the unilateral cessation of hostilities in the conflict areas and the establishment of a temporary operating UNAMID base in Golo.
On the human rights, the two countries agreed to continue dialogue between the two governments and that Sudan continues to uphold its commitments to international treaties and to cooperate with the (international) human rights mechanisms. In this regard, the meeting also welcomed Sudan’s adherence to some other instruments and related conventions.
They two sides also said alarmed by the continuation of the armed conflict in South Sudan, also London welcomed Sudan’s government continued support to the UN efforts deliver food to the affected South Sudanese though maintaining open humanitarian river and road corridors and hosting refugees coming from South Sudan. | http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article65268 |
Israel believes that there is a diplomatic solution for ending the Iran’s nuclear escalation and that Tehran can be brought back to the negotiating table, but Jerusalem understands it “must be prepared for other scenarios,” a senior Israel Defense Forces officer told a Bahraini newspaper this weekend.
Maj. Gen. Tal Kalman, who is commander of the Strategy and Third-Circle Directorate, and is tasked with planning Israeli strategy vis-a-vis Iran, told the daily Al Ayam that a high-level strategic dialogue and close military cooperation between Jerusalem and Manama are needed to confront the Iranian threat.
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In the first-ever interview in the Bahraini press by an IDF officer, Kalman stated that while the Abraham Accords have created an opportunity for establishment of a moderate bloc that could deter Tehran, he did not rule out the use of military force. Although Israel is not actively seeking open conflict, he added, it will not shirk from confronting an enemy that wants to “wipe Israel off the map.”
The Islamic Republic’s aggression is “something that concerns not only Israel, but all of Israel’s partners and friends in the region,” he said, calling Iran “a global problem.”
“At the end of the day, if Iran achieves nuclear capabilities, there will be a nuclear race in the Middle East,” Kalman noted. “We, in turn, seek to prevent this in many ways, including diplomatically, economically, as well as militarily. And part of my job is building Israeli plans and capabilities for conflict with Iran. We do not want conflict, and we do not want war. We want to solve this problem through diplomatic means. But when we have an aggressive party building its military capabilities, we must be prepared for other scenarios.”
Returning to the theme of Israel’s emergence from isolation, he said that “if in the past, Israel relied on the principle that we should defend ourselves by ourselves, we have now adjusted our strategy to cooperate with our partners. Today Israel is surrounded by friends, and potential friends in the future, as we look forward to having future agreements with them.”
Kalman noted that the Abraham Accords – the normalization agreements Israel signed last year with the Gulf states – had strengthened Jerusalem’s strategic position in the region, and he added that “joint defense agreements” would serve to “create a balance between an extremist regime that is trying to support terrorism and build military capabilities, and regimes that have strong stability and great capabilities in the military and economic fields.”
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“We want to establish strong relations with Bahrain, learn from Bahrain, and establish a joint dialogue at the strategic and military level,” including intelligence-sharing, Kalman continued, noting that there is a chance that Israel would join a “multilateral structure in the region” dedicated to securing freedom of maneuver but that it would be a “gradual process.”
Ultimately, Israelis “still believe in the necessity of a diplomatic solution” and “Iran can be brought back to the table for negotiation,” Kalman said. “We are preparing for all scenarios, and we now realize that if we have a clash with Iran, it is not only with Iran, but with some of its proxies. This is the scenario for which we are preparing our forces.”
Although international efforts to renew nuclear talks with Tehran are underway, the Israeli government has ordered the defense establishment to prepare for an attack on Iran’s nuclear sites – in case negotiations fail and the Islamic Republic continues to advance toward a nuclear bomb. These preparations include acquisition of special equipment, development of advanced intelligence capabilities, as well as other more general improvements. | https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-idf-general-to-bahraini-paper-if-iran-nuke-talks-fail-israel-must-be-prepared-1.10341624 |
On May 16, 2017, the United States and Japan held their Fourth Meeting of the Comprehensive Dialogue on Space in Washington, DC, advancing a long history of space cooperation between the two nations.
The following statement was issued jointly by the governments of the United States and Japan at the conclusion of the meeting:
Pursuant to their shared goal of continuing to advance bilateral space cooperation and further strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance as declared by their leaders, the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Japan held their Fourth Meeting of the Comprehensive Dialogue on Space in Washington, DC, on May 16, 2017. This Dialogue represents the strong and shared commitment of two of the world’s most advanced spacefaring nations to enhance further bilateral space cooperation and to cooperate closely with the international community toward ensuring the continuous, safe, and stable use of outer space for current and future generations. The 11th U.S.-Japan GPS Cooperation Plenary Meeting and the 7th U.S.-Japan Civil Space Dialogue were also held prior to the Comprehensive Dialogue, to which the results of these two prior meetings were also reported.
This meeting was co-chaired by representatives from the Executive Office of the President’s National Security Council and Office of Science and Technology Policy for the United States, and by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the National Space Policy Secretariat, Cabinet Office for Japan. Principal participants included the Departments of State, Defense, Commerce, Interior, and Transportation; the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency; and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from the U.S. side, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; National Space Policy Secretariat; National Security Secretariat; Cabinet Satellite Intelligence Center; National Ocean Policy Secretariat; Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology; Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry; Ministry of the Environment; Ministry of Defense; Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA); National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT); and National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) from the Japanese side.
This Fourth Comprehensive Dialogue on Space continues the work to enhance and strengthen cooperation between the two countries from a broad, inclusive, and strategic perspective. With the participation of experts from across the two governments, the Dialogue series emphasizes a whole-of-government approach to civil, commercial, and national security space interests and cooperation.
At the Fourth Dialogue, both sides provided updates on respective space policies, including recent development of Japanese legal systems such as regulations for remote sensing data treatment and satellite-launching system as well as on U.S. export controls that impact space technology and space systems. Recognizing that their leaders affirmed their strong determination to further expand bilateral security cooperation in the fields of space and cyberspace in their Joint Statement in February 2017, both sides discussed space security cooperation, and shared the view that it is critically important to enhance the space domain mission assurance, including resiliency of their space systems through current and future cooperative projects. Both sides also reaffirmed mutual interest in sharing information and experience in space situational awareness (SSA), specifically citing the multilateral Global Sentinel Exercise. Both sides confirmed that they will continue to explore opportunities for whole of government collaboration in order to build a foundation of experience regarding the use of space for Maritime Domain Awareness. Both sides confirmed the importance of space industry cooperation and agreed to discuss this issue in this Dialogue. Both sides conducted discussions on further collaboration in space applications, including satellite navigation systems such as the U.S. Global Positioning System and Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) and Earth observation, as well as in space science. In this regard, both sides welcome the forthcoming International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems from December 2 to 7, 2017, in Kyoto.
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of the rule of law in outer space. They exchanged updates on ongoing activities in multilateral cooperation fora in which both nations participate, including the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) and the G7, and reiterated the importance of continued cooperative pursuit of transparency and confidence-building measures (TCBMs) to strengthen stability in space activities. Both sides also discussed the Asia-Pacific regional framework for confidence-building and capacity-building for developing countries in the field of space, recognizing the role of space application in the context of achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Both sides welcomed the ongoing efforts under the December 22, 2015, Japan-U.S. Open Platform Partnership Program (JP-US OP3) relating to the International Space Station (ISS), and reaffirmed strategic and diplomatic significance of the ISS as well as future space exploration cooperation. Both sides are anticipating the upcoming Second International Space Exploration Forum on March 3, 2018, in Tokyo. Both sides discussed new space activities and opportunities for cooperation in space traffic management and space resources development.
Both sides reconfirmed the strategic value of the Comprehensive Dialogue on Space as a mechanism to guide overall bilateral space cooperation policies, and reaffirmed that this Dialogue would continue to strengthen cooperative relations between the two countries across ministries, departments, and agencies.
Both sides concurred on holding the Fifth meeting of the Dialogue in Japan, in 2018.
For further information, please contact Yoon Nam [email protected] in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES). | https://www.laopdrnewsgazette.com/joint-statement-the-fourth-meeting-of-the-u-s-japan-comprehensive-dialogue-on-space/ |
OSCE conducts Safer Communities in Kazakhstan Forum
The OSCE-supported “Safer Communities in Kazakhstan” Forum took place on 12 March 2021 in Nur-Sultan. The event focused on unifying the efforts of government bodies and NGOs in developing sustainable and safe communities in Kazakhstan.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Yerlan Turgumbayev, and Gyorgy Szabo, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan attended the Forum along with some fifty representatives of governmental institutions, NGOs and private sector companies, including speakers from Argentina, Canada, France, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
“We strive to involve society as much as possible in the reform process. We establish an ongoing dialogue with the police and other government agencies, and assist the public in becoming more responsible for their own safety”, said Gyorgy Szabo.
The results of a pilot project of the Office on service approaches in security policy, which was undertaken by the Akimat (local administration) of the Karaganda region and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan, were presented. Within the framework of the pilot project, an interdepartmental group was created to address the issues of the designated community areas. The group included representatives of government agencies and the public. It built upon the United Kingdom experience of Crime and Riot Prevention Partnerships.
Representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan presented results of the modernization of the police and outlined prospects for the future. The IT community of Kazakhstan made presentations on the possibilities of digitalization of processes to improve the state of security in the country, as well as the role of video cameras in the prevention of offenses.
International experts shared experiences of their countries in maintaining safe and comfortable conditions for its citizens, police reforms, and the establishment of a dialogue with the public. The village of Rodina in the Akmola region presented the positive achievements businesses created for a safe community. Civil activists and public figures of Kazakhstan got the opportunity to share their ideas and points of view. Similar Forums will be conducted twice a year. | https://www.osce.org/programme-office-in-nur-sultan/481042 |
1. A scaled-up joint action to address the issues arising from migration pressure in the Calais region.
Joint declarations of 20 September 2014 and 20 August 2015 have laid down the framework of our common response to the challenges posed by migration flows, according to three priorities:
a. Security of the Port of Calais and the Channel Tunnel: the UK has contributed £63 million towards securing the Port and the Tunnel in the last year, including extra fencing and infrastructure, security guards, search dogs and detection technology. In parallel, French authorities have deployed more than 1,300 police officers to prevent intrusions and guarantee the security of persons and properties. Together, these actions have reinforced border security at the Port and the Tunnel against clandestine activity, and site incursions have dropped significantly. France and the United Kingdom will pursue their efforts in 2016.
b. Enhancing cooperation between French and UK security forces to better counter organized crime and fight against human trafficking. Our investigation services have strengthened their joint actions, leading to the dismantling of 28 networks in 2015 in Calais (14 in 2014). A joint information and coordination centre has also been set up in Calais. Two British liaison magistrates have been seconded to France, one of whom is specialized in combating immigration criminal networks in Calais. Our two countries are committed to pursuing and further strengthening this cooperation.
French and British services are actively cooperating so as to ensure the expulsion of illegal immigrants who cannot be regarded as asylum seekers, by pooling their resources (interpreting services, air transport) and cooperating jointly with the migrants’ states of origin. Thus, 1,700 migrants were expelled from the French territory in 2015.
c. Improving the reception of migrants. To that end, a particular attention has been given to the migrants who apply for asylum in France and hence are directed to special accommodation, as well as to those who agree to be relocated in another region and give up their plans to travel illegally to the United Kingdom. The French government has made available more than 2,000 additional places in 102 reception and guidance centres (CAO) throughout the French territory. Five hundred places are available in those centres and 500 more will be offered in the coming weeks.
Protecting the most vulnerable people is of paramount importance. In this respect, the United Kingdom has funded a project to detect and provide assistance to potential victims of human trafficking and exploitation in the camps. This action supplements France’s initiatives to improve the living conditions of migrants in Calais, especially women and children. A temporary reception centre of 1,500 places was opened on 11 January 2016 and hosts 1,300 migrants. In addition, 400 places have been mobilized to shelter vulnerable people and currently host 200 people.
France and the United Kingdom will pursue their cooperation with a view to significantly reducing the number of migrants present in Calais.
d. Recognising that further work in each of these areas is needed this year, and building on the significant financial investments already made, the UK is announcing today €22 million for Calais in 2016. This reinforced financial commitment,
administered by the UK-France Migration Committee, will be used for (i) priority security infrastructure in Calais to assist the work of the French police; (ii) efforts to move people from the camps to facilities provided elsewhere in France, and further support for the running of these facilities; and (iii) joint work to return migrants not in need of protection to their home countries.
e. France and the United Kingdom reaffirm their commitment to the principles underpinning the Dublin III Regulation, and in particular, the “responsibility of first entry member state” and the protection of vulnerable groups. On the latter, France and the United Kingdom pledge to work together to ensure more effective and efficient implementation of the Regulation. A British liaison officer has joined the French administration to help smooth the process.
2. Enhanced action on migration issues at European and international level
a. In the context of the current migration crisis, France and the United Kingdom fully support a more determined European response to contain migration flows and regain control of the external borders of the EU.
This means, in particular, the deployment of all hot spots in Italy and Greece. Their effective functioning has to be guaranteed so that: systematic and complete identification can be made; registration in the Eurodac database and security controls through the European SIS and SLTD databases ensured; secondary movement across the Schengen area prevented; and a proper assessment of status can be undertaken, including rapid return to the source countries for those not in need to protection.
b. Migrants not entitled to international protection will have to be returned to their home countries. In this context, it is crucial to conduct in-depth discussions at bilateral and European level with the principal countries of origin, in order for them to meet their obligations to take back their nationals.
To this end, France and the United Kingdom recall their commitments of 2 November 2015 on the coordination of their bilateral cooperation with third countries, which aims at:
stepping up communication actions for migrants, in Europe and source countries, to deter them from economic and irregular migration;
contributing to the effective establishment of the IOM multi-objective centre in Niger and provide joint support to that country with a view to strengthening border management and the fight against organized crime.
conduct joint diplomatic actions to obtain travel documents, and enhance the effectiveness of deportation measures, for instance with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sudan;
put in place common tools for the reintegration of deported migrants in the countries of origin that are especially cooperative as regards returns.
c. France and the United Kingdom will reinforce their financial assistance for and practical engagement with migrants’ countries of origin and transit, both in Sahel and Horn of Africa countries, taking into account the priorities set in the framework of the EU-Africa Valletta Summit on migration on 29 November 2015.
Consequently, they intend to enhance their dialogue to ensure projects presented to the forthcoming Operational Committee meeting of the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, for the Sahel region and the Horn of Africa are based on sound evidence and deliver against the Valletta and Trust Fund Strategies.
d. France and the United Kingdom support the rapid adoption of the European Commission’s proposal on the creation of a European border guards and coastguards system.
¹Source of English text: UK government website. | https://franceintheus.org/spip.php?article7402 |
Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, Helsinki Summit Declaration: The Challanges of Change (1992).
1. We, the Heads of State or Government of the States participating in the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, have returned to the birthplace of the Helsinki process, to give new impetus to our common endeavour.
2. The Charter of Paris for a New Europe, signed at the last Summit, defined a common democratic foundation, established institutions for co-operation and set forth guidelines for realization of a community of free and democratic States from Vancouver to Vladivostok.
3. We have witnessed the end of the cold war, the fall of totalitarian regimes and the demise of the ideology on which they were based. All our countries now take democracy as the basis for their political, social and economic life. The CSCE has played a key role in these positive changes. Still, the legacy of the past remains strong. We are faced with challenges and opportunities, but also with serious difficulties and disappointments.
4. We have met here to review recent developments, to consolidate the achievements of the CSCE and to set its future direction. To meet new challenges we are approving here today a programme to enhance our capabilities for concerted action and to intensify our co-operation for democracy, prosperity and equal rights of security.
5. The aspirations of peoples freely to determine their internal and external political status have led to the spread of democracy and have recently found expression in the emergence of a number of sovereign States. Their full participation brings a new dimension to the CSCE.
6. We welcome the commitment of all participating States to our shared values. Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the rights of persons belonging to national minorities, democracy, the rule of law, economic liberty, social justice and environmental responsibility are our common aims. They are immutable. Adherence to our commitments provides the basis for participation and co-operation in the CSCE and a cornerstone for further development of our societies.
7. We reaffirm the validity of the guiding principles and common values of the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris, embodying responsibilities of States towards each other and of governments towards their people. These are the collective conscience of our community. We recognize our accountability to each other for complying with them. We underline the democratic rights of citizens to demand from their governments respect for these values and standards.
8. We emphasize that the commitments undertaken in the field of the human dimension of the CSCE are matters of direct and legitimate concern to all participating States and do not belong exclusively to the internal affairs of the State concerned. The protection and promotion of the human rights and fundamental freedoms and the strengthening of democratic institutions continue to be a vital basis for our comprehensive security.
9. The transition to and development of democracy and market economy by the new democracies is being carried forward with determination amidst difficulties and varying conditions. We offer our support and solidarity to participating States undergoing transformation to democracy and market economy. We welcome their efforts to become fully integrated into the wider community of States. Making this transition irreversible will ensure the security and prosperity of us all.
10. Encouragement of this sense of wider community remains one of our fundamental goals. We welcome in this connection the rapid adaptation of European and transatlantic institutions and organizations which are increasingly working together to face up to the challenges before us and to provide a solid foundation for peace and prosperity.
The European Community (EC), fulfilling its important role in the political and economic development of Europe, is moving towards a union and has decided to broaden its membership. It is closely involved in CSCE activities.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), one of the essential transatlantic links, has adopted a new strategic concept and strengthened its role as an integral aspect for security in Europe. Through establishment of the North Atlantic Co-operation Council (NACC) it has established patterns of co-operation with new partners in harmony with the goals of the CSCE. It has also offered practical support for the work of the CSCE.
The Western European Union (WEU) is an integral part of the development of the European Union; it is also the means to strengthen the European pillar of the Atlantic Alliance; it is developing an operational capacity; it is opening itself to additional co-operation with new partners and has offered to provide resources in support of the CSCE.
The Council of Europe is elaborating its own programmes for new democracies, opening up to new members and is co-operating with the CSCE in the human dimension.
The Group of Seven and the Group of Twenty-Four are deeply engaged in assistance to countries in transition.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have a key role to play in the construction of a new Europe.
The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) has stated its readiness to assist the CSCE in pursuit of its objectives.
These and the other forms of regional and sub-regional co-operation which continue to develop, such as the Council of the Baltic Sea States, the Visegrad Triangle, the Black Sea Economic Co-operation and the Central European Initiative, multiply the links uniting CSCE participating States.
11. We welcome the adoption of the Vienna 1992 Document on Confidence- and Security-building Measures and the signature of the Treaty on Open Skies, with the adoption of the Declaration on the Treaty on Open Skies. We also welcome the imminent entry into force of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) and the Concluding Act of the Negotiation on Personnel Strength of Conventional Armed Forces in Europe. These agreements provide a solid foundation for our further security co-operation. We welcome the recent United States-Russian joint understanding on Strategic Offensive Arms. We reaffirm our commitment to become original signatories to the forthcoming convention on the prohibition of the development, production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons and on their destruction, and urge other States to do so.
12. This is a time of promise but also a time of instability and insecurity. Economic decline, social tension, aggressive nationalism, intolerance, xenophobia and ethnic conflicts threaten stability in the CSCE area. Gross violations of CSCE commitments in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including those related to national minorities, pose a special threat to the peaceful development of society, in particular in new democracies.
There is still much work to be done in building democratic and pluralistic societies, where diversity is fully protected and respected in practice. Consequently, we reject racial, ethnic and religious discrimination in any form. Freedom and tolerance must be taught and practised.
13. For the first time in decades we are facing warfare in the CSCE region. New armed conflicts and massive use of force to achieve hegemony and territorial expansion continue to occur. The loss of life, human misery, involving huge numbers of refugees have been the worst since the Second World War. Damage to our cultural heritage and the destruction of property have been appalling.
Our community is deeply concerned by these developments. Individually and jointly within the CSCE and the United Nations and other international organizations, we have sought to alleviate suffering and seek long term solutions to the crises which have arisen.
With the Helsinki decisions, we have put in place a comprehensive programme of co-ordinated action which will provide additional tools for the CSCE to address tensions before violence erupts and to manage crises which may regrettably develop. The Council and the Committee of Senior Officials have already established for the CSCE an important role in dealing with crises which have developed within our area.
No international effort can be successful if those engaged in conflicts do not reaffirm their will to seek peaceful solutions to their differences. We stress our determination to hold parties to conflicts accountable for their actions.
14. In times of conflict the fulfilment of basic human needs is most at risk. We will exert every effort to ensure that they are met and that humanitarian commitments are respected. We will strive to relieve suffering by humanitarian cease-fires and to facilitate the delivery of assistance under international supervision, including its safe passage. We recognize that the refugee problems resulting from these conflicts require the co-operation of all of us. We express our support for and solidarity with those countries which bear the brunt of the refugee problems resulting from these conflicts. In this context we recognize the need for co-operation and concerted action.
15. Even where violence has been contained, the sovereignty and independence of some States still needs to be upheld. We express support for efforts by CSCE participating States to remove, in a peaceful manner and through negotiations, the problems that remain from the past, like the stationing of foreign armed forces on the territories of the Baltic States without the required consent of those countries.
Therefore, in line with basic principles of international law and in order to prevent any possible conflict, we call on the participating States concerned to conclude, without delay, appropriate bilateral agreements, including timetables, for the early, orderly and complete withdrawal of such foreign troops from the territories of the Baltic States.
16. The degradation of the environment over many years threatens us all. The danger of nuclear accidents is a pressing concern. So are, in several parts of the CSCE area, defence-related hazards for the environment.
17. The present proliferation of weapons increases the danger of conflict and is an urgent challenge. Effective export controls on nuclear materials, conventional weapons and other sensitive goods and technologies are a pressing need.
18. The CSCE has been instrumental in promoting changes; now it must adapt to the task of managing them. Our decisions in Helsinki are making the CSCE more operational and effective. We are determined to fully use consultations and concerted action to enable a common response to the challenges facing us.
19. In approaching these tasks, we emphasize the central role of the CSCE in fostering and managing change in our region. In this era of transition, the CSCE is crucial to our efforts to forestall aggression and violence by addressing the root causes of problems and to prevent, manage and settle conflicts peacefully by appropriate means.
20. To this end, we have further developed structures to ensure political management of crises and created new instruments of conflict prevention and crisis management. We have strengthened the Council and the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) and devised means to assist them. The CSCE capacities in the field of early warning will be strengthened in particular by the activities of the newly established High Commissioner on National Minorities.
international institutions and organizations, such as the EC, NATO and WEU, as well as other institutions and mechanisms, including the peacekeeping mechanism of the CIS. We welcome their readiness to support CSCE peacekeeping activities, including by making available their resources.
We are further developing our possibilities for peaceful settlement of disputes.
21. Our approach is based on our comprehensive concept of security as initiated in the Final Act. This concept relates the maintenance of peace to the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It links economic and environmental solidarity and co-operation with peaceful inter-State relations. This is equally valid in managing change as it was necessary in mitigating confrontation.
22. The CSCE is a forum for dialogue, negotiation and co-operation, providing direction and giving impulse to the shaping of the new Europe. We are determined to use it to give new impetus to the process of arms control, disarmament and confidence- and security-building, to the enhancement of consultation and co-operation on security matters and to furthering the process of reducing the risk of conflict. In this context, we will also consider new steps to further strengthen norms of behaviour on politico-military aspects of security. We will ensure that our efforts in these fields are coherent, interrelated and complementary.
23. We remain convinced that security is indivisible. No State in our CSCE community will strengthen its security at the expense of the security of other States. This is our resolute message to States which resort to the threat or use of force to achieve their objectives in flagrant violation of CSCE commitments.
24. Essential to the success of our efforts to foster democratic change within the CSCE framework will be increased co-operation with other European and transatlantic organizations and institutions. Therefore, we are convinced that a lasting and peaceful order for our community of States will be built on mutually reinforcing institutions, each with its own area of action and responsibility.
25. Reaffirming the commitments to the Charter of the United Nations as subscribed to by our States, we declare our understanding that the CSCE is a regional arrangement in the sense of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. As such, it provides an important link between European and global security. The rights and responsibilities of the Security Council remain unaffected in their entirety. The CSCE will work together closely with the United Nations especially in preventing and settling conflicts.
26. We restate our unreserved condemnation of all acts, methods and practices of terrorism. We are determined to enhance our co-operation to eliminate this threat to security, democracy and human rights. To this end, we will take measures to prevent in our territories criminal activities that support acts of terrorism in other States. We will encourage exchange of information concerning terrorist activities. We will seek further effective avenues for co-operation as appropriate. We will also take the necessary steps at a national level to fulfil our international obligations in this field.
strengthen all forms of bilateral and multilateral co-operation in the fight against illicit trafficking in drugs and other forms of international organized crime.
28. We will work to reinforce the close link which exists between political pluralism and the operation of a market economy. Enhanced co-operation in the field of economy, science and technology has a crucial role to play in strengthening security and stability in the CSCE region.
29. Economic co-operation remains an essential element of the CSCE. We will continue to support the transformations under way to introduce market economies as the means to enhance economic performance and increased integration into the international economic and financial systems.
30. We will also facilitate expanded economic co-operation which must take account of the prevailing political and economic conditions. We welcome the contribution of economic, financial and technical assistance programmes of the Group of Seven and the Group of Twenty-Four to the transition process.
In the framework of our co-operation we fully support the further development of the European Energy Charter which is of particular importance in the period of transition.
31. We will work together to help facilitate means of transportation and communication in order to deepen co-operation among us.
32. We renew our commitment to co-operate in protecting and improving the environment for present and future generations. We stress in particular the importance of co-operation to effectively ensure the safety of nuclear installations and to bring defence-related hazards for the environment under control.
We emphasize the need for greater public awareness and understanding of environmental issues and for public involvement in the planning and decision-making process.
We welcome the important outcome of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992. We emphasize the need for effective and sustained implementation of UNCED decisions.
33. Further steps must be taken to stop the proliferation of weapons. It remains vital to ensure non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and the relevant technology and expertise. We urge all States which have not acceded to the Treaty on Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons to do so as non-nuclear weapons States and to conclude safeguards agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We commit ourselves to intensify our co-operation in the field of effective export controls applicable to nuclear materials, conventional weapons and other sensitive goods and technologies.
34. We welcome the development of regional co-operation among CSCE participating States as a valuable means of promoting pluralistic structures of stability. Based on the CSCE principles and commitments, regional co-operative activities serve the purpose of uniting us and promoting comprehensive security.
35. We encourage wide-ranging transfrontier co-operation, including human contacts, involving local and regional communities and authorities. This co-operation contributes to overcoming economic and social inequalities and enhancing ethnic understanding, fostering good-neighbourly relations among States and peoples.
36. In order to ensure full participation and co-operation by recently admitted participating States we are initiating a programme of co-ordinated support.
37. We reaffirm our conviction that strengthening security and co-operation in the Mediterranean is important for stability in the CSCE region. We recognize that the changes which have taken place in Europe are relevant to the Mediterranean region and that, conversely, economic, social, political and security developments in that region have a direct bearing on Europe.
38. We will therefore widen our co-operation and enlarge our dialogue with the non-participating Mediterranean States as a means to promote social and economic development, thereby enhancing stability in the region, in order to narrow the prosperity gap between Europe and its Mediterranean neighbours and protect the Mediterranean ecosystems. We stress the importance of intra-Mediterranean relations and the need for increased co-operation within the region.
39. We welcome and encourage the continuation of initiatives and negotiations aimed at finding just, lasting and viable solutions, through peaceful means, to the outstanding crucial problems of the Mediterranean region.
40. We have expanded dialogue with non-participating States, inviting them to take part in our activities on a selective basis when they can make a contribution.
41. We welcome the establishment of the CSCE Parliamentary Assembly which held its first meeting in Budapest on 3 to 5 July and look forward to the active participation of parliamentarians in the CSCE process.
42. We attach particular importance to the active involvement of our publics in the CSCE. We will expand the opportunities for contributions by and co-operation with individuals and non-governmental organizations in our work.
43. In order to foster our partnership, and to better manage change, we have today in Helsinki adopted an agenda for a strengthened and effective CSCE through the Helsinki Decisions. These decisions will be implemented fully and in good faith.
44. We entrust the Council with the further steps which may be required to implement them. The Council may adopt any amendment to the decisions which it may deem appropriate.
45. The full text of the Helsinki Document will be published in each participating State, which will make it known as widely as possible.
46. The Government of Finland is requested to transmit to the Secretary-General of the United Nations the text of the Helsinki Document, which is not eligible for registration under Article 102 of the Charter of the United Nations, with a view to its circulation to all the members of the Organization as an official document of the United Nations.
47. The next review conference will be held in Budapest in 1994 on the basis of modalities of the Helsinki Follow-up Meeting, mutatis mutandis, to be further specified by the CSO which may decide to organize a special preparatory meeting.
(1) In order to enhance the coherence of their consultations and the efficiency of their concerted action based on their joint political will, as well as to further develop the practical aspects of co-operation among them, the participating States have decided to reaffirm and develop the decisions on CSCE structures and institutions set forth in the Charter of Paris and the Prague Document on Further Development of CSCE Institutions and Structures.
(2) Meetings of Heads of State or Government, as laid down in the Charter of Paris, will take place, as a rule, every two years on the occasion of review conferences.
(3) They will set priorities and provide orientation at the highest political level.
- prepare a decision-oriented document to be adopted at the meeting.
(5) Preparation of review conferences, including the agenda and modalities, will be carried out by the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO), which may decide to organize a special preparatory meeting.
(6) The Council constitutes the central decision-making and governing body of the CSCE.
(7) The Council will ensure that the various CSCE activities relate closely to the central political goals of the CSCE.
(8) The participating States have agreed to enhance the working methods of the Council and promote effective consultations at its meetings.
(9) Further to the decisions contained in the Charter of Paris and as set forth in the Prague Document, the CSO, between the meetings of the CSCE Council, will be responsible for overview, management and co-ordination and will act as the Council's agent in taking appropriate decisions. Additional responsibilities are described in Chapter III of this document.
(10) Greater use will be made of the points of contact and communications network in order to manage the flow of information more efficiently.
(11) The functions of the CSO convening as the Economic Forum are set out in Chapter VII of this document.
(12) The Chairman-in-Office will be responsible on behalf of the Council/CSO for the co-ordination of and consultation on current CSCE business.
(13) The Chairman-in-Office will be requested to communicate Council and CSO decisions to the CSCE institutions and to give them such advice regarding those decisions as may be required.
- personal representatives, if necessary.
(15) The Chairman-in-Office may be assisted by the preceding and succeeding Chairmen, operating together as a Troika, in carrying out entrusted tasks. The Chairman-in-Office will retain the responsibility for such tasks and for reporting on Troika activities to the Council/CSO.
(16) Ad hoc steering groups may be established on a case-by-case basis in order to further assist the Chairman-in-Office, in particular in the field of conflict prevention, crisis management and dispute resolution.
(17) The decision of the Council/CSO to establish an ad hoc steering group will, in principle, be taken upon recommendation of the Chairman-in-Office and will include a description of its composition and mandate which will set out the specific tasks and objectives and specify the duration.
(18) If the matter is urgent, the Chairman-in-Office may consult the participating States to propose the establishment of an ad hoc steering group under a silence procedure. If objections to the proposal are voiced within five days and if further consultations by the Chairman-in-Office have not led to consensus, the CSO must address the question.
(19) In order to ensure efficiency, an ad hoc steering group will be composed of a restricted number of participating States which will include the Troika. Its composition and size will be decided taking into account the need for impartiality and efficiency.
(20) The Council/CSO may decide to terminate or extend for a specific period of time the term of the activities of an ad hoc steering group as well as to amend the mandate, composition and instructions given to a steering group.
(21) The Chairman-in-Office will report comprehensively and on a regular basis to the CSO on the activities of the ad hoc steering group and on related developments.
(22) When dealing with a crisis or a conflict, the Chairman-in-Office may, on his/her own responsibility, designate a personal representative with a clear and precise mandate in order to provide support. The Chairman-in-Office will inform the CSO of the intention to appoint a personal representative and of the mandate. In reports to the Council/CSO, the Chairman-in-Office will include information on the activities of the personal representative as well as any observations or advice submitted by the latter.
(23) The Council will appoint a High Commissioner on National Minorities. The High Commissioner provides "early warning" and, as appropriate, "early action" at the earliest possible stage in regard to tensions involving national minority issues that have the potential to develop into a conflict within the CSCE area, affecting peace, stability, or relations between participating States. The High Commissioner will draw upon the facilities of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in Warsaw.
(24) Further to the Charter of Paris and the Prague Document, additional functions of the other CSCE institutions and structures are described in Chapters II, III, IV, V and VI of this document.
(25) The participating States mandate the CSO to study ways and means which would enable the three CSCE institutional arrangements to better accomplish their functions. In this regard they will consider the relevance of an agreement granting an internationally recognized status to the CSCE Secretariat, the Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) and the ODIHR.
(26) Thorough review of the implementation of CSCE commitments will continue to play a prominent role in CSCE activities, thus enhancing co-operation among participating States.
(27) Reviews of implementation will be held regularly at review conferences as well as at special meetings convened for this purpose at the ODIHR and the CPC, and when the CSO convenes as the Economic Forum as provided for in the relevant CSCE documents.
(28) These reviews of implementation will be of a co-operative nature, comprehensive in scope and at the same time able to address specific issues.
(29) The participating States will be invited to offer contributions on their implementation experience, with particular reference to difficulties encountered, and to provide their views of implementation throughout the CSCE area. Participating States are encouraged to circulate descriptions of contributions in advance of the meeting.
(30) Reviews should offer the opportunity to identify action which may be required to address problems. Meetings at which reviews of implementation take place may draw to the attention of the CSO any suggestions for measures to improve implementation which they deem advisable.
(31) The CSCE communications network is an important instrument for the implementation of the Vienna Document 1992 and other documents and agreements. As the CSCE's capacity to deal with emergency situations is being developed, the network is assuming a new and vital role in providing the participating States with up-to-date means for urgent communications. In this respect, it is essential that all participating States be connected to the system. The Consultative Committee of the CPC will monitor progress and, if necessary, recommend solutions for technical problems.
(1) The participating States decide to establish a High Commissioner on National Minorities.
(2) The High Commissioner will act under the aegis of the CSO and will thus be an instrument of conflict prevention at the earliest possible stage.
(3) The High Commissioner will provide "early warning" and, as appropriate, "early action" at the earliest possible stage in regard to tensions involving national minority issues which have not yet developed beyond an early warning stage, but, in the judgement of the High Commissioner, have the potential to develop into a conflict within the CSCE area, affecting peace, stability or relations between participating States, requiring the attention of and action by the Council or the CSO.
(4) Within the mandate, based on CSCE principles and commitments, the High Commissioner will work in confidence and will act independently of all parties directly involved in the tensions.
(5a) The High Commissioner will consider national minority issues occurring in the State of which the High Commissioner is a national or a resident, or involving a national minority to which the High Commissioner belongs, only if all parties directly involved agree, including the State concerned.
(5b) The High Commissioner will not consider national minority issues in situations involving organized acts of terrorism.
(5c) Nor will the High Commissioner consider violations of CSCE commitments with regard to an individual person belonging to a national minority.
(6) In considering a situation, the High Commissioner will take fully into account the availability of democratic means and international instruments to respond to it, and their utilization by the parties involved.
(7) When a particular national minority issue has been brought to the attention of the CSO, the involvement of the High Commissioner will require a request and a specific mandate from the CSO.
(8) The High Commissioner will be an eminent international personality with long-standing relevant experience from whom an impartial performance of the function may be expected.
(9) The High Commissioner will be appointed by the Council by consensus upon the recommendation of the CSO for a period of three years, which may be extended for one further term of three years only.
(10) The High Commissioner will draw upon the facilities of the ODIHR in Warsaw, and in particular upon the information relevant to all aspects of national minority questions available at the ODIHR.
(11c) to this end, be able to pay a visit, in accordance with paragraph (17) and Supplement paragraphs (27)-(30), to any participating State and communicate in person, subject to the provisions of paragraph (25), with parties directly concerned to obtain first-hand information about the situation of national minorities.
(12) The High Commissioner may during a visit to a participating State, while obtaining first-hand information from all parties directly involved, discuss the questions with the parties, and where appropriate promote dialogue, confidence and co-operation between them.
(13) If, on the basis of exchanges of communications and contacts with relevant parties, the High Commissioner concludes that there is a prima facie risk of potential conflict (as set out in paragraph (3)) he/she may issue an early warning, which will be communicated promptly by the Chairman-in-Office to the CSO.
(14) The Chairman-in-Office will include this early warning in the agenda for the next meeting of the CSO. If a State believes that such an early warning merits prompt consultation, it may initiate the procedure set out in Annex 2 of the Summary of Conclusions of the Berlin Meeting of the Council ("Emergency Mechanism").
(15) The High Commissioner will explain to the CSO the reasons for issuing the early warning.
(16) The High Commissioner may recommend that he/she be authorized to enter into further contact and closer consultations with the parties concerned with a view to possible solutions, according to a mandate to be decided by the CSO. The CSO may decide accordingly.
(17) The High Commissioner will consult the Chairman-in-Office prior to a departure for a participating State to address a tension involving national minorities. The Chairman-in-Office will consult, in confidence, the participating State(s) concerned and may consult more widely.
(18) After a visit to a participating State, the High Commissioner will provide strictly confidential reports to the Chairman-in-Office on the findings and progress of the High Commissioner's involvement in a particular question.
(19) After termination of the involvement of the High Commissioner in a particular issue, the High Commissioner will report to the Chairman-in-Office on the findings, results and conclusions. Within a period of one month, the Chairman-in-Office will consult, in confidence, on the findings, results and conclusions the participating State(s) concerned and may consult more widely. Thereafter the report, together with possible comments, will be transmitted to the CSO.
(20) Should the High Commissioner conclude that the situation is escalating into a conflict, or if the High Commissioner deems that the scope for action by the High Commissioner is exhausted, the High Commissioner shall, through the Chairman-in-Office, so inform the CSO.
(21) Should the CSO become involved in a particular issue, the High Commissioner will provide information and, on request, advice to the CSO, or to any other institution or organization which the CSO may invite, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter III of this document, to take action with regard to the tensions or conflict.
(22) The High Commissioner, if so requested by the CSO and with due regard to the requirement of confidentiality in his/her mandate, will provide information about his/her activities at CSCE implementation meetings on Human Dimension issues.
(23b) receive specific reports from parties directly involved regarding developments concerning national minority issues. These may include reports on violations of CSCE commitments with respect to national minorities as well as other violations in the context of national minority issues.
- they should contain a factual account of the developments which are relevant to the situation of persons belonging to national minorities and the role of the parties involved therein, and which have taken place recently, in principle not more than 12 months previously. The reports should contain information which can be sufficiently substantiated.
(25) The High Commissioner will not communicate with and will not acknowledge communications from any person or organization which practises or publicly condones terrorism or violence.
(26b) representatives of associations, non-governmental organizations, religious and other groups of national minorities directly concerned and in the area of tension, which are authorized by the persons belonging to those national minorities to represent them.
(27) Prior to an intended visit, the High Commissioner will submit to the participating State concerned specific information regarding the intended purpose of that visit. Within two weeks the State(s) concerned will consult with the High Commissioner on the objectives of the visit, which may include the promotion of dialogue, confidence and co-operation between the parties. After entry the State concerned will facilitate free travel and communication of the High Commissioner subject to the provisions of paragraph (25) above.
(28) If the State concerned does not allow the High Commissioner to enter the country and to travel and communicate freely, the High Commissioner will so inform the CSO.
(29) In the course of such a visit, subject to the provision of paragraph (25) the High Commissioner may consult the parties involved, and may receive information in confidence from any individual, group or organization directly concerned on questions the High Commissioner is addressing. The High Commissioner will respect the confidential nature of the information.
(30) The participating States will refrain from taking any action against persons, organizations or institutions on account of their contact with the High Commissioner.
(31) The High Commissioner may decide to request assistance from not more than three experts with relevant expertise in specific matters on which brief, specialized investigation and advice are required.
(32) If the High Commissioner decides to call on experts, the High Commissioner will set a clearly defined mandate and time-frame for the activities of the experts.
(33) Experts will only visit a participating State at the same time as the High Commissioner. Their mandate will be an integral part of the mandate of the High Commissioner and the same conditions for travel will apply.
(34) The advice and recommendations requested from the experts will be submitted in confidence to the High Commissioner, who will be responsible for the activities and for the reports of the experts and who will decide whether and in what form the advice and recommendations will be communicated to the parties concerned. They will be non-binding. If the High Commissioner decides to make the advice and recommendations available, the State(s) concerned will be given the opportunity to comment.
(35) The experts will be selected by the High Commissioner with the assistance of the ODIHR from the resource list established at the ODIHR as laid down in the Document of the Moscow Meeting.
(36) The experts will not include nationals or residents of the participating State concerned, or any person appointed by the State concerned, or any expert against whom the participating State has previously entered reservations. The experts will not include the participating State's own nationals or residents or any of the persons it appointed to the resource list, or more than one national or resident of any particular State.
(37) A separate budget will be determined at the ODIHR, which will provide, as appropriate, logistical support for travel and communication. The budget will be funded by the participating States according to the established CSCE scale of distribution. Details will be worked out by the Financial Committee and approved by the CSO.
(1) The participating States have decided to strengthen the structure of their political consultations and increase their frequency, and to provide for more flexible and active dialogue and better early warning and dispute settlement, resulting in a more effective role in conflict prevention and resolution, complemented, when necessary, by peacekeeping operations.
(2) The participating States have decided to enhance their capability to identify the root causes of tensions through a more rigorous review of implementation to be conducted both through the ODIHR and the CPC. They have also decided to improve their capability to gather information and to monitor developments, as well as their ability to implement decisions about further steps. They have recommitted themselves to co-operating constructively in using the full range of possibilities within the CSCE to prevent and resolve conflicts.
(3) In order to have early warning of situations within the CSCE area which have the potential to develop into crises, including armed conflicts, the participating States will make intensive use of regular, in-depth political consultations, within the structures and institutions of the CSCE, including implementation review meetings.
(4) The CSO, acting as the Council's agent, will have primary responsibility in this regard.
- the use of the Human Dimension Mechanism or the Valletta Principles for Dispute Settlement and Provisions for a CSCE Procedure for Peaceful Settlement of Disputes.
(6) The CSO will promote steps by the State or States concerned to avoid any action which could aggravate the situation and, if appropriate, recommend other procedures and mechanisms to resolve the dispute peacefully.
(7) In order to facilitate its consideration of the situation, it may seek independent advice and counsel from relevant experts, institutions and international organizations.
resolution. It may, inter alia, decide to set up a framework for a negotiated settlement, or to dispatch a rapporteur or fact-finding mission. The CSO may also initiate or promote the exercise of good offices, mediation or conciliation.
- the Consultative Committee of the CPC, or other CSCE institutions.
(10) Once the CSO has determined the procedure to be applied, it will establish a precise mandate for action, including provisions for reporting back within an agreed period. Within the limits of that mandate, those to whom the CSO has delegated tasks under the preceding paragraph will retain the freedom to determine how to proceed, with whom to consult, and the nature of any recommendations to be made.
(11) All participating States concerned in the situation will fully co-operate with the CSO and the agents it has designated.
(12) Fact-finding and rapporteur missions can be used as an instrument of conflict prevention and crisis management.
(13) Without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph 13 of the Moscow Document in respect of Human Dimension issues, and paragraph 29 of the Prague Document in respect of Unusual Military Activities, the CSO or the Consultative Committee of the CPC may decide, by consensus, to establish such missions. Such decisions will in every case contain a clear mandate.
(14) The participating State(s) will co-operate fully with the mission on its territory in pursuance of the mandate and facilitate its work.
(15) Reports of fact-finding and rapporteur missions will be submitted for discussion to the CSO or the Consultative Committee of the CPC as applicable. Such reports and any observations submitted by the State(s) visited will remain confidential until they are discussed. The reports will normally be made public. If, however, the mission or the participating State(s) visited request that they should be kept confidential, they will not be made public, unless otherwise decided by the participating States.
(16) Except where provided on a voluntary basis, the expenses of fact-finding and rapporteur missions will be borne by all participating States in accordance with the scale of distribution.
(17) Peacekeeping constitutes an important operational element of the overall capability of the CSCE for conflict prevention and crisis management intended to complement the political process of dispute resolution. CSCE peacekeeping activities may be undertaken in cases of conflict within or among participating States to help maintain peace and stability in support of an ongoing effort at a political solution.
(18) A CSCE peacekeeping operation, according to its mandate, will involve civilian and/or military personnel, may range from small-scale to large-scale, and may assume a variety of forms including observer and monitor missions and larger deployments of forces. Peacekeeping activities could be used, inter alia, to supervise and help maintain cease-fires, to monitor troop withdrawals, to support the maintenance of law and order, to provide humanitarian and medical aid and to assist refugees.
(19) CSCE peacekeeping will be undertaken with due regard to the responsibilities of the United Nations in this field and will at all times be carried out in conformity with the Purposes and Principles of the Charter of the United Nations. CSCE peacekeeping will take place in particular within the framework of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. The CSCE, in planning and carrying out peacekeeping operations, may draw upon the experience and expertise of the United Nations.
(20) The Chairman-in-Office will keep the United Nations Security Council fully informed of CSCE peacekeeping activities.
(21) The Council, or the CSO acting as its agent, may conclude because of the specific character of an operation and its envisaged size that the matter should be referred by the participating States to the United Nations Security Council.
(22) CSCE peacekeeping operations will not entail enforcement action.
(23) Peacekeeping operations require the consent of the parties directly concerned.
(24) Peacekeeping operations will be conducted impartially.
(25) Peacekeeping operations cannot be considered a substitute for a negotiated settlement and therefore must be understood to be limited in time.
(26) Requests to initiate peacekeeping operations by the CSCE may be addressed by one or more participating States to the CSO through the Chairman-in-Office.
(27) The CSO may request the Consultative Committee of the CPC to consider which peacekeeping activities might be most appropriate to the situation and to submit its recommendations to the CSO for decision.
(28) The CSO will exercise overall political control and guidance of a peacekeeping operation.
(29) Decisions to initiate and dispatch peacekeeping operations will be taken by consensus by the Council or the CSO acting as its agent.
- provision of guarantees for the safety at all times of personnel involved.
(31) Missions will be dispatched as soon as possible following such a decision.
(32) Decisions by the CSO to establish a peacekeeping operation will include the adoption of a clear and precise mandate.
(33) When establishing a mission, the CSO will take into account the financial implications involved.
(34) The terms of reference of a peacekeeping operation will define practical modalities and determine requirements for personnel and other resources. Preparation of the terms of reference will be carried out, as appropriate, by the Consultative Committee of the CPC. They will be adopted by the CSO unless it has agreed otherwise.
(35) All participating States are eligible to take part in CSCE peacekeeping operations. Appropriate consultations by the Chairman-in-Office will take place. Participating States will be invited by the Chairman-in-Office of the CSO to contribute, on an individual basis, to an operation case by case.
(36) Personnel will be provided by individual participating States.
(37) Parties concerned will be consulted about which participating States will contribute personnel to the operation.
(38) The Council/CSO will regularly review an operation and make any necessary decision related to its conduct, taking into account political developments and developments in the field.
(39) The Council/CSO will assign overall operational guidance of an operation to the Chairman-in-Office assisted by an ad hoc group established at the CPC. The Chairman-in-Office will chair the ad hoc group and, in this capacity, be accountable to it, and will receive, on behalf of the ad hoc group, the reports of the Head of Mission. The ad hoc group will, as a rule, consist of representatives of the preceding and succeeding Chairmen-in-Office, of the participating States providing personnel for the mission and of participating States making other significant practical contributions to the operation.
(40) The ad hoc group will provide overall operational support for the mission and will monitor it. It will act as a 24-hour point of contact for the Head of Mission and assist the Head of Mission as required.
(41) Continuous liaison between the operation and all participating States will be ensured by the Consultative Committee of the CPC through the regular provision of information to it by the ad hoc group.
(42) In all cases where the CSO assigns tasks related to peacekeeping to the CPC, the Consultative Committee of the CPC will be responsible to the CSO for the execution of those tasks.
(43) The Chairman-in-Office, after appropriate consultations, will nominate a Head of Mission for endorsement by the CSO.
(44) The Head of Mission will be responsible to the Chairman-in-Office. The Head of Mission will consult and be guided by the ad hoc group.
(45) The Head of Mission will have operational command in the mission area.
(46) Peacekeeping operations require a sound financial basis and must be planned with maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness on the basis of clear cost projections.
(47) Costs of CSCE peacekeeping activities will be borne by all CSCE participating States. At the beginning of each calendar year, the CSO will establish a reasonable ceiling for the cost of peacekeeping operations to which the CSCE scale of distribution will be applied. Beyond that limit, other special arrangements will be negotiated and agreed to by consensus. Full and timely payments will be required.
(48) Additional contributions could be provided by participating States on a voluntary basis.
(49) Financial accountability will be ensured by the Chairman-in-Office through regular reports to the participating States.
(50) A start-up fund will, if appropriate, be established to cover the initial costs of an operation. Contributions by a participating State to the start-up fund will be deducted from that State's regular assessed share of the costs relating to the operation.
(51) The Consultative Committee of the CPC is charged to submit to the CSO by the end of 1992 a recommendation with regard to financial modalities of CSCE peacekeeping operations, specifying, inter alia, the costs to be shared among participating States in accordance with the preceding paragraphs.
(52) The CSCE may benefit from resources and possible experience and expertise of existing organizations such as the EC, NATO and the WEU, and could therefore request them to make their resources available in order to support it in carrying out peacekeeping activities. Other institutions and mechanisms, including the peacekeeping mechanism of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), may also be asked by the CSCE to support peacekeeping in the CSCE region.
(53) Decisions by the CSCE to seek the support of any such organization will be made on a case-by-case basis, having allowed for prior consultations with the participating States which belong to the organization concerned. The CSCE participating States will also take into account the consultations by the Chairman-in-Office regarding prospective participation in the mission, in light of the envisaged size of the operation and the specific character of the conflict.
(54) Contributions by such organizations will not affect the procedures for the establishment, conduct and command of CSCE peacekeeping operations as set out in paragraphs (17) to (51) above, nor does the involvement of any such organization affect the principle that all participating States are eligible to take part in CSCE peacekeeping operations as set out in paragraph (35) above.
(55) Organizations contributing to CSCE peacekeeping would carry out defined and mutually agreed tasks in connection with the practical implementation of a CSCE mandate.
(56) The ad hoc group will establish and maintain effective communication with any organization whose resources may be drawn upon in connection with CSCE peacekeeping activities.
(57) The participating States consider their commitment to settle disputes among themselves by peaceful means to form a cornerstone of the CSCE process. In their view, the peaceful settlement of disputes is an essential component of the CSCE's overall ability to manage change effectively and to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security.
(58) The participating States welcome the work done to this end by the Helsinki Follow-up Meeting. In particular they were encouraged by significant progress made on issues relating to creating a conciliation and arbitration court within the CSCE, enhancing the Valletta mechanism and establishing a CSCE procedure for conciliation including directed conciliation, for which proposals were submitted.
(59) In the light of the important subject matter and of the discussions held here in Helsinki, they have decided to continue to develop a comprehensive set of measures to expand the options available within the CSCE to assist States to resolve their disputes peacefully.
(60) In this respect, the Council of Ministers and the CSO could play an important role, in particular by encouraging wider use of conciliation.
(61) Accordingly, intending to reach early results, they have decided to convene a CSCE meeting in Geneva, with a first round from 12 to 23 October 1992, to negotiate a comprehensive and coherent set of measures as mentioned above. They will take into account the ideas expressed regarding procedures for a compulsory element in conciliation, setting up of a court of conciliation and arbitration within the CSCE, and other means.
(62) The results of the meeting will be submitted to the Council of Ministers at the Stockholm Meeting on 14 and 15 December 1992 for approval and, as appropriate, opening for signature.
(1) The new tasks before the CSCE require clearer relations and closer contacts with international organizations, in particular with the United Nations, and non-participating States. The CSCE remains at the same time a process whose activities go far beyond formal relations among governments to involve citizens and societies of the participating States. Successful efforts to build a lasting peaceful and democratic order and to manage the process of change require more structured and substantive input from groups, individuals, States and organizations outside the CSCE process.
(2) The participating States, reaffirming their commitments to the Charter of the United Nations as subscribed to by them, declare their understanding that the CSCE is a regional arrangement in the sense of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations and as such provides an important link between European and global security. The rights and responsibilities of the United Nations Security Council remain unaffected in their entirety.
(3) Recalling the relevant decisions of the Prague Document, the participating States will improve contact and practical co-operation with appropriate international organizations.
(4) They may accordingly agree to invite presentations by those international organizations and institutions mentioned in the Prague Document and others, as appropriate.
(5) Those organizations, institutions and others as agreed may be invited to attend CSCE meetings and seminars as guests of honour with appropriate name-plates.
(6) They will make full use of the information exchange under paragraph 44 of the Prague Document.
(7) Recalling the provisions of the Final Act and other CSCE relevant documents and consistent with established practice, the non-participating Mediterranean States will continue to be invited to contribute to CSCE activities.
(8) Measures to widen the scope of co-operation with non-participating Mediterranean States are set forth in Chapter X.
(9) In accordance with paragraph 45 of the Prague Document, the participating States intend to deepen their co-operation and develop a substantial relationship with non-participating States, such as Japan, which display an interest in the CSCE, share its principles and objectives, and are actively engaged in European co-operation through relevant organizations.
(10) To this end, Japan will be invited to attend CSCE meetings, including those of Heads of State and Government, the CSCE Council, the Committee of Senior Officials and other appropriate CSCE bodies which consider specific topics of expanded consultation and co-operation.
(11) Representatives of Japan may contribute to such meetings, without participating in the preparation and adoption of decisions, on subjects in which Japan has a direct interest and/or wishes to co-operate actively with the CSCE.
(12) The participating States will increase the openness of the CSCE institutions and structures and ensure wide dissemination of information on the CSCE.
- the Secretariat will facilitate the flow of information to and contacts with the media, bearing in mind that CSCE policy issues remain the responsibility of participating States.
(14) The participating States will provide opportunities for the increased involvement of non-governmental organizations in CSCE activities.
- notify NGOs through the CSCE institutions of the dates of future CSCE meetings, together with an indication, when possible, of the subjects to be addressed, as well as, upon request, the activations of CSCE mechanisms which have been made known to all participating States.
(16) The above provisions will not be applied to persons or organizations which resort to the use of violence or publicly condone terrorism or the use of violence.
(17) The participating States will use all appropriate means to disseminate as widely as possible within their societies knowledge of the CSCE, its principles, commitments and activities.
(18) The concept of a CSCE Prize will be considered.
- to further the process of reducing the risk of conflict.
(9) To carry out these tasks the participating States have decided to establish a new CSCE Forum for Security Co-operation, with a strengthened Conflict Prevention Centre, as an integral part of the CSCE.
(10) The participating States will ensure that their efforts in the Forum towards arms control, disarmament and confidence- and security-building, security co-operation and conflict prevention are coherent, interrelated and complementary.
(11) The participating States will strengthen security and stability through the negotiation of concrete measures aimed at keeping or achieving the levels of armed forces to a minimum commensurate with common or individual legitimate security needs within Europe and beyond. These new measures may entail reductions of and limitations on conventional armed forces and may, as appropriate, include measures of a regional character.
(12) They will address the question of the harmonization of obligations agreed among participating States under the various existing instruments concerning arms control, disarmament and confidence- and security-building.
(13) They will develop the Vienna Document 1992 on the basis of a review of its implementation.
(14) They will negotiate new stabilizing measures in respect of military forces and new confidence- and security-building measures designed to ensure greater transparency in the military field. Such measures may be of a regional character and/or may apply in relation to certain border areas.
(15) The participating States will aim at establishing among themselves new security relations based upon co-operative and common approaches to security. To this end, they will develop consultation, goal-oriented continuing dialogue and co-operation in the field of security.
(16) They will promote increased predictability about their military plans, programmes and capabilities, including the introduction of major new weapons systems.
(17) They will support and enhance regimes on non-proliferation and arms transfers.
(18) They will enhance contacts, liaison, exchanges and co-operation between their armed forces.
(19) They will promote consultation and co-operation in respect of challenges to their security from outside their territories.
the norms of behaviour among them through the elaboration of additional security instruments.
(21) They will make every effort to prevent conflict and give full effect to relevant provisions.
(22) They will further enhance the capability of the CPC to reduce the risks of such conflicts through relevant conflict prevention techniques.
(23) They will foster their co-operation in the field of the implementation and verification of existing and future arms control, disarmament and confidence- and security-building agreements.
(24) The negotiations on new measures of arms control, disarmament and confidence- and security-building will proceed in distinct phases, taking into account progress made in the implementation of existing arms control agreements. They will also take into consideration ongoing reduction, restructuring and redeployment processes regarding armed forces as well as further relevant political and military developments. Such new measures will build upon the achievements of existing agreements and will be effective, concrete and militarily significant.
(25) All measures negotiated in the Forum will be developed in a way which precludes circumvention.
(26) A Programme for Immediate Action is set out in the Annex. It can be amended, supplemented or extended by consensus. It will be reviewed, together with the progress and results obtained, at the review conference preceding the next meeting of CSCE Heads of State or Government.
(27) Additional proposals can be tabled and discussed at any time.
(28) Each measure to be negotiated in the Forum will have an area of application according to its nature. The areas of application for negotiations under the Programme for Immediate Action are set out therein in relation to its relevant elements. This is without prejudice to subsequent negotiations on arms control, disarmament and confidence- and security-building or security co-operation in the Forum. Consideration of decisions concerning the area of application will take into account existing agreements and the need for greater transparency.
(b) for consideration of, goal-oriented dialogue on and, as appropriate, elaboration or negotiation of proposals for security enhancement and co-operation.
(31) The Consultative Committee in respect of the existing and future tasks of the CPC.
(32) In order to ensure coherence the representation of the participating States on the Special Committee and the Consultative Committee will in principle be assured by the same delegation. Appropriate meetings will be held as necessary for organizational purposes.
(33) The Forum will, unless otherwise agreed below, work according to the CSCE procedures.
(34) The Special Committee may establish under its authority subsidiary working bodies open to all participating States. They will work on an ad referendum basis and report regularly to the Special Committee. Any question under consideration by such subsidiary working bodies may at any time be raised before the Special Committee.
(35) Consideration and negotiation of regional measures undertaken within the CSCE framework will form an integral part of the activity of the Forum.
(36) They will be dealt with in open-ended working groups established by the Special Committee.
(37) Alternatively, the Special Committee may decide, on the initiative of a limited number of participating States, and on the basis of information provided by them on the nature and the scope of the measures envisaged, that these States form a working group in order to consider, negotiate or develop among themselves certain regional measures. Such working groups will on a regular basis provide appropriate information on their activities to the Special Committee and will submit to it the results.
(38) Any question under consideration by such working groups may at any time be raised before the Special Committee.
(39) This is without prejudice to the right of States to consider, negotiate or develop measures among themselves outside the framework of the CSCE. In such cases they are invited to inform the Forum about progress and results of their work.
(40) The procedures of the Consultative Committee will be based on the relevant decisions of the CSCE Council.
(41) The results of the negotiations of the Forum will be expressed in international commitments. The nature of obligations will be determined by the character of the measures agreed. They will enter into force in the forms and according to the procedures to be agreed by the negotiators.
(42) Measures will, if appropriate, be provided with suitable forms of verification according to their nature.
(43) Common conference services for the Special Committee and the Consultative Committee as well as for all their subsidiary bodies (including seminars) will be provided by an Executive Secretary to be nominated by the host country. The Executive Secretary may also, if so decided by those concerned, provide conference services for meetings of the CFE Joint Consultative Group and the Open Skies Consultative Commission. The Executive Secretary will assume full responsibility for the organization of all the relevant meetings as well as for all related administrative and budgeting arrangements, for which he will be accountable to the participating States according to procedures to be agreed.
(44) The Special Committee and the Consultative Committee will use the same premises.
(45) The new CSCE Forum for Security Co-operation shall commence in Vienna on 22 September 1992.
Measures to be negotiated under paragraphs 1-3 will apply to the territory of the participating States in Europe or in Asia as defined below in relation to the area of application of each measure. Measures to be negotiated under paragraphs 4 and 5 will apply to the conventional armed forces and facilities of the participating States both on the territory of all the participating States and beyond. Measures to be negotiated under paragraph 6 will apply to the territory or part thereof of the participating States involved in the measures. Exceptions to these rules on the area of application may be agreed by consensus.
An appropriate harmonization of the obligations of participating States under existing international instruments applicable to conventional armed forces in Europe, in particular of those concerning the exchange of information, verification and force levels. The harmonization of obligations concerning arms control, disarmament and confidence- and security-building will apply to the areas of application in respect of which the obligations have been undertaken.
Improvement and further development of confidence- and security-building measures contained in this document. The area of application will be as set out in the Vienna Document 1992.
The negotiation of new stabilizing measures and confidence-building measures related to conventional armed forces, including, with due regard to the specific characteristics of the armed forces of individual participating States, measures to address force generation capabilities of active and non-active forces. These measures may be of a constraining kind. They will apply within the area of application set out in the Vienna Document 1992. This is without prejudice to the possibility that participating States may, if they so choose, decide to offer certain assurances in respect of their conventional armed forces in parts of their territory adjacent to this area of application if they consider such forces relevant to the security of other CSCE participating States.
The negotiation of further transparency by means of a global annual appropriately aggregated or disaggregated exchange of information encompassing armaments and equipment, including information on armaments and equipment categories limited by the CFE Treaty, and personnel in the conventional armed forces of the participating States. The regime will also include information on the production of military equipment. The regime will be separate from other information exchange regimes and, because of its special nature, will not involve limitations, constraints or verification.
Co-operation in respect of the strengthening of multilateral non-proliferation regimes, including the transfer of sensitive expertise, and the establishment of a responsible approach to international armaments transfers.
The negotiation by the participating States of suitable measures, including, where appropriate, reductions or limitations in accordance with the objectives set out above, for example in relation to certain regions or border areas. The area of application will be the territory or part thereof of the participating States' territories involved in a regional measure.
Proposals for and dialogue on measures and activities under paragraphs 7-12 will apply to all participating States, unless otherwise agreed or specified below.
The elaboration of provisions to provide transparency about each CSCE participating State's intentions in the medium to long term as regards the size, structure, training and equipment of its armed forces, as well as defence policy, doctrines and budgets related thereto. Such a system should be based on each participating State's national practice, and should provide the background for a dialogue among the participating States.
The development of a programme of exchanges, co-operation and the sharing of expertise in the field of defence conversion throughout all the territory of the participating States.
The development of a programme of military contacts, liaison arrangements, co-operation and exchanges, particularly in the fields of the training and organization of armed forces. Participation in this programme will be open to all CSCE participating States in respect of all their armed forces and territory.
Discussion and clarification of regional security issues or specific security problems for example in relation to border areas.
Goal-oriented dialogue and consultations aimed at enhancing security co-operation, including through the further encouragement of responsible and co-operative norms of behaviour on politico-military aspects of security. The participating States will undertake consultations with a view to strengthening the role of the CSCE, by establishing a code of conduct governing their mutual relations in the field of security.
Without prejudice to other tasks of the CPC or to the competence of the Committee of Senior Officials in the field of conflict prevention and crisis management, the Consultative Committee will, particularly in the light of experience gained in the execution of its own tasks, maintain under consideration the need for improvements in relevant techniques.
The encouragement of practical co-operation, through training, exchanges and participation in evaluation and inspection teams, in the implementation of the verification provisions of arms control, disarmament and confidence- and security-building agreements among CSCE participants who are parties to such agreements. The area of application will correspond to that of the relevant agreements.
(1) The participating States conducted a useful review of implementation of CSCE commitments in the Human Dimension. They based their discussion on the new community of values established among them, as set forth by the Charter of Paris for a New Europe and developed by the new standards created within the CSCE in recent years. They noted major progress in complying with Human Dimension commitments, but recognized developments of serious concern and thus the need for further improvement.
(2) The participating States express their strong determination to ensure full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, to abide by the rule of law, to promote the principles of democracy and, in this regard, to build, strengthen and protect democratic institutions, as well as to promote tolerance throughout society. To these ends, they will broaden the operational framework of the CSCE, including by further enhancing the ODIHR, so that information, ideas, and concerns can be exchanged in a more concrete and meaningful way, including as an early warning of tension and potential conflict. In doing so, they will focus their attention on topics in the Human Dimension of particular importance. They will therefore keep the strengthening of the Human Dimension under constant consideration, especially in a time of change.
participating States, supply them with information about programmes within the framework of the Council of Europe which are open to all participating States.
(6) The activities on Human Dimension issues undertaken by the ODIHR may, inter alia, contribute to early warning in the prevention of conflicts.
Any participating State which deems it necessary may provide information on situations and cases which have been the subject of requests under paragraphs 1 or 2 of the chapter entitled the "Human Dimension of the CSCE" of the Vienna Concluding Document or on the results of those procedures, to the participating States through the ODIHR - which can equally serve as a venue for bilateral meetings under paragraph 2 - or diplomatic channels. Such information may be discussed at Meetings of the CSO, at implementation meetings on Human Dimension issues and review conferences.
(8) Procedures concerning the covering of expenses of expert and rapporteur missions of the Human Dimension Mechanism may be considered by the next review conference in the light of experience gained.
(9b) an evaluation of the procedures for monitoring compliance with commitments.
(10) The implementation meeting may draw to the attention of the CSO measures to improve implementation which it deems necessary.
(11) The implementation meeting will not produce a negotiated document.
(12) Written contributions and information material will be of a non-restricted or restricted character as indicated by the submitting State.
(13) Implementation meetings will be organized to meet in formal and informal sessions. All formal sessions will be open. In addition, the participating States may decide, on a case-by-case basis, to open informal sessions.
(14) The Council of Europe, the European Commission for Democracy through Law and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), as well as other relevant international organizations and institutions will be encouraged by the implementation meeting to attend and make contributions.
(15) Non-governmental organizations having relevant experience in the field of the Human Dimension are invited to make written presentations to the implementation meeting, e.g. through the ODIHR, and may be invited by the implementation meeting, on the basis of their written presentations, to address specific questions orally as appropriate.
(16) During two half days in the course of the implementation meeting no formal session will be scheduled in order to provide better opportunities for possible contacts with NGOs. To this purpose, a hall at the meeting site will be placed at the disposal of NGOs.
(17) Under the general guidance of the CSO, the ODIHR will organize CSCE Human Dimension seminars which will address specific questions of particular relevance to the Human Dimension and of current political concern. The CSO will establish an annual work programme including the titles and dates of such seminars. The agenda and modalities of each seminar will be approved by the CSO at the latest three months before the seminar. In doing so, the CSO will take into account views expressed by the ODIHR. Unless otherwise decided, seminars will be held at the seat of the ODIHR and will not exceed one week. The work programme will take into account work by relevant international organizations and institutions.
(18) These seminars will be organized in an open and flexible manner. Relevant international organizations and institutions may be invited to attend and to make contributions. So may NGOs with relevant experience. Independent experts attending the seminar as members of national delegations will also be free to speak in their own capacity.
(19) CSCE seminars will be organized to meet in formal and informal sessions. All formal sessions will be open. In addition, the participating States may decide, on a case-by-case basis, to open informal sessions.
(20) CSCE seminars will not produce a negotiated document or follow-up programmes.
(21) Contributions by independent experts will be of a non-restricted character.
These seminars will be held before 31 December 1993. The agenda and modalities of the seminars will be decided by the CSO. Seminars on migrant workers and on local democracy will be included in the first annual work programme of seminars. The financial implications of the seminar programme will be kept under consideration by the CSO.
(28) Direct the ODIHR to organize, in spring 1993, a CSCE Human Dimension Seminar on Case Studies on National Minorities Issues: Positive Results.
(29) Noting that persons belonging to indigenous populations may have special problems in exercising their rights, agree that their CSCE commitments regarding human rights and fundamental freedoms apply fully and without discrimination to such persons.
(35) Reaffirm, in this context, the need to develop appropriate programmes addressing problems of their respective nationals belonging to Roma and other groups traditionally identified as Gypsies and to create conditions for them to have equal opportunities to participate fully in the life of society, and will consider how to co-operate to this end.
(38) Will, in accordance with their domestic policies, laws and international obligations seek, as appropriate, to create the conditions for promoting equality of opportunity in respect of working conditions, education, social security and health services, housing, access to trade unions as well as cultural rights for lawfully residing and working migrant workers.
(46) Direct the ODIHR to organize, in early 1993, a CSCE Human Dimension Seminar on Migration, Including Refugees and Displaced Persons.
(52) Commit themselves to fulfilling their obligation to teach and disseminate information about their obligations under international humanitarian law.
(54) Will facilitate contacts and encourage various forms of co-operation between bodies at a local and regional level.
(57) Will continue within the CSCE the discussion on these issues.
(58) Confirm their commitments in the Copenhagen and Moscow Documents concerning the question of capital punishment.
(59) Direct the ODIHR to organize a CSCE Human Dimension Seminar on Free Media, to be held in 1993. The goal of the Seminar will be to encourage the discussion, demonstration, establishment of contacts and exchange of information between governmental representatives and media practitioners.
(60) Would welcome, in view of the importance of education as to the dissemination of the ideas of democracy, human rights and democratic institutions, especially in a period of change, the organization to this end of a seminar entitled "Education: Structures, Policies and Strategies" by the Council of Europe, open to all participating States.
(61) Welcome the drawing up of compilations of existing CSCE Human Dimension commitments in order to promote greater understanding for the implementation of these commitments.
(62) Will promote, where appropriate, the drawing up of guidelines to assist the effective implementation of domestic legislation on human rights issues related to CSCE commitments.
(1) The participating States will intensify co-operation among them in order to achieve sustainable economic development. They will continue to co-operate in supporting those participating States which are engaged in the transition process to market economies.
(2) The participating States welcome the fact that, in response to the Document of the Bonn Conference on Economic Co-operation and the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) has identified priority areas for its activities and considers the promotion of the process of reform in economies in transition important in the preparation of its work programme. They also welcome the establishment within OECD of the Centre for Co-operation with European Economies in Transition (CCEET), through which countries in transition have access to the expertise of that organization. They express their satisfaction that the EBRD is now in a position to provide substantial support for the restructuring and modernization of the economies in transition.
(3) The participating States invite these and other international economic and financial organizations to pursue their work, so as to facilitate the integration of the economies in transition into the international economic and financial system and to promote economic co-operation in the CSCE area. They call for increased co-ordination among them in order to ensure greater coherence and effectiveness of action and to avoid duplication.
(4) The participating States will work to ensure the further implementation of their existing commitments. They agree to give renewed impetus in particular in the areas of human resources, industrial co-operation, trade, statistics, infrastructure, energy, defence conversion, agriculture, tourism and science and technology.
(5) The participating States emphasize the need for continuing co-operation and investment in human resources development in order to cope with problems of transition to market economies, rapid technological changes and the evolution of society. Recognizing the importance of education and training, including management and vocational training at all levels, they will intensify their dialogue on education and training systems and promote further co-operation in this area.
(6) The participating States will enhance opportunities for industrial co-operation by providing an appropriate legal and economic environment for business, particularly with the aim of strengthening the private sector and developing small and medium-sized enterprises. They will create favourable conditions for business by progressively reducing obstacles to trade, to freedom of establishment and to contacts among business communities. They will, if appropriate, improve legislation in particular with regard to customs, standardization, competition, property and intellectual property rights, banking, accounting and company law, capital movement and investment protection.
(7) The participating States recognize that the maintenance of an open multilateral trading system based on General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) rules is an essential element in stimulating economic development. They will intensify their efforts to help economies in transition through increased market access.
(8) The participating States stress the importance of comprehensive, transparent and reliable statistics and commercial and administrative information as a basis for policy making and, in particular, for economic decision making, as well as for the efficient operation of a market economy. They will further improve the quality, timeliness and availability of this information. They recognize the valuable role of the ECE in this field, as well as the contribution by OECD of related fundamental analysis and information.
(9) The participating States emphasize the importance of the development of infrastructure, especially in the transport and telecommunication sectors, for a successful transition period and a greater share in international trade.
(10) In view of the impact of increasing transport activities on transport capacity, the environment and safety, they will co-operate in order to improve the efficiency and quality of transport by land, water and air. They will also co-operate in developing an efficient transport system within the CSCE area based on the principles of the market economy, safety and transparent and fully competitive conditions among operators and different modes of transport, with due consideration for the environment and social aspects. They stress the importance of further development and early completion of joint road and rail infrastructure projects, including those being undertaken by the ECE and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
(11) Taking into account the impact on the environment, they will pay particular attention to the development of low-emission transport systems, notably rail, inland waterways and combined transport operations.
(12) They will co-operate in creating an integrated telecommunications market, paying particular attention to the development of modern telecommunications infrastructure and related service capabilities, the establishment and expansion of telecommunications networks throughout the CSCE region, technical co-operation and the facilitation of the free flow of information.
(13) The participating States fully support the further development of the European Energy Charter and stress the importance of completing work on and implementing the Basic Agreement and the protocols. They consider these documents of particular importance for the period of transition and, recognizing their mutual interests in this field, they will co-operate to take advantage of the available opportunities.
(14) They emphasize the need for further energy sector co-operation with the objective of improving the security of energy supply, maximizing the efficiency of the production, conversion, transport, distribution and use of energy, enhancing safety and minimizing environmental problems, on an acceptable economic basis. In this context they also recognize the importance of existing international programmes, such as Energy Efficiency 2000 under the auspices of the ECE. The participating States underline the need for close co-operation in related areas such as commercial development of and research into renewable energy sources, as well as the free movement of energy products.
(15) The participating States stress the social and economic importance of the conversion of military production to civilian purposes. They support co-operation in the conversion of military production with interested participating States on a bilateral level, as well as within the framework of international organizations.
(16) The participating States stress the importance of agricultural reforms carried out in certain economies in transition. They will expand co-operation in sharing agricultural production expertise, including issues of privatization, co-operation and training in the agricultural and food industries.
(17) In order to take advantage of the enhanced opportunities for tourism since the opening of borders, the participating States will co-operate in improving, inter alia, infrastructure, services and harmonization of definitions and indicators, while giving due consideration to the impact of tourism on the environment. They will enhance their co-operation in the field of training and education in this sector and encourage the exchange of know-how and relevant information and the setting up of joint operations.
(18) Reaffirming the essential role of science and technology in the process of sustainable economic and social development, the participating States will enhance their co-operation in this field giving priority to areas which are of direct concern to their populations and to their production systems. This will include areas such as environmental research, biomedicine and health research, nuclear safety, energy and raw material saving techniques, agro- and food-processing technologies as well as measurement and testing techniques in order to facilitate the progressive introduction of international standards and codes of good practice to support the development of trade.
(19) They will take steps towards a greater sharing, where appropriate, of scientific and technological information and knowledge to overcome the technological gap, and recognize that the transfer of technology and exchange of up-to-date know-how should be consistent with non-proliferation obligations and the protection of intellectual property rights.
(20) Recognizing the need to develop human resources in the field of science and technology, they welcome the opportunity for further collaboration within appropriate international organizations and in research programmes such as COST and EUREKA, as well as the recent establishment of the International Centre for Science and Technology with centres in the Russian Federation and Ukraine. They will work towards the development of scientific networks and joint research projects.
(21) The CSCE Ministers agreed at the Prague Council Meeting (30 January 1992) to establish an Economic Forum within the framework of the CSO.
(22) The CSO will convene as the Economic Forum to give political stimulus to the dialogue on the transition to and development of free-market economies as an essential contribution to the building of democracy, to suggest practical efforts for the development of free-market systems and economic co-operation, and to encourage activities already under way within organizations such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the EBRD and the ECE.
(23) The CSO will convene as the Economic Forum. The Economic Forum will thus be governed by the same arrangements as those applying to all regular CSO meetings.
(24) The Forum can invite contributions to its work by those European and transatlantic organizations relevant to the subject under discussion.
(25) The work of the Forum should be so structured as to avoid duplication of the work of international organizations and overcommitment of scarce resources.
(26) The Economic Forum will meet on an annual basis as a rule. The meeting will last for two to three days, and the discussion will focus on two to three specific subjects.
(27) The Economic Forum will consider topics and subjects that may require further study by experts. This will take the form of open-ended seminars on specific subjects during the course of the year. These meetings of experts may, with the agreement of the Forum, be organized and financed by one or more CSCE States and/or by international organizations, possibly in co-operation with private organizations.
(28) These meetings of experts can bring together economic policy makers, parliamentary leaders and representatives of non-governmental organizations and the private sector in a positive dialogue on co-operation and the transition to market economies.
(29) The Forum will welcome reports of meetings of expert groups and encourages their distribution to all CSCE States. However, these groups of experts will not produce documents with commitments binding on CSCE States.
(30) The Economic Forum will permit the exchange of views and experiences concerning key issues of the transition process, as well as on the work of relevant international organizations.
(31) The Economic Forum should serve as an important mechanism for reviewing the implementation of CSCE commitments in the areas of economics, the environment and science and technology. The Forum should disseminate information, help to identify structural problems and suggest practical efforts for the development of economic co-operation in these areas during the period of transition.
(32) The political impulses which the Economic Forum is mandated to give to the discussion on the economic, environmental and science and technology aspects of the transition process will complement and support work in the international economic and environmental organizations that are addressing these problems at an operational level.
- integrating economic and environmental factors during the transition to market economies.
4. DATES AND AGENDA FOR THE NEXT MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC FORUM.
(1) The participating States will intensify the existing and growing co-operation between them in order to restore and maintain a sound ecological balance in air, water and soil and they recognize their individual and common commitment towards achieving these goals.
(2) The participating States stress the need to develop, in the appropriate fora, efficient systems for monitoring and evaluating compliance with existing environmental commitments. They are looking forward to the results of environmental policy performance reviews being carried out in co-operation between OECD and the ECE. They encourage the ECE and other international organizations to consider ways of enabling all CSCE participating States to adhere to relevant conventions.
(3) The participating States underline that the integration of environmental protection in other policies and in the economic decision-making process is an essential condition both for the creation of sustainable economic development and for a prudent use of natural resources. In this respect, the use of economic and fiscal instruments in addition to regulatory instruments is important in order to implement, at national level, the "polluter-pays" principle, as well as the precautionary approach.
(4) They emphasize that environmental protection should be a major consideration in international co-operation among them. They encourage work towards elaborating an Action Programme for Central and Eastern Europe, as well as elements for an Environmental Programme for the whole of Europe, in the follow-up to the 1991 ministerial conference "Environment for Europe".
(5) The participating States will support intensified work within the relevant international organizations to make liberalized international trade and the protection of the environment mutually supportive.
(6) The participating States stress the need to ensure effectively the safety of all nuclear installations, in order to protect the population and the environment. They will co-operate in the appropriate international fora on defining and establishing nuclear safety objectives.
(7) They recommend the widest possible adherence to the IAEA Conventions on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident and on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency and express their support for active work on the early elaboration of an international convention on nuclear safety in the framework of IAEA. The participating States welcome the International Nuclear Events Scale (INES) and Incident Reporting System.
(8) They will work to support the technical co-operation programmes of IAEA aimed at enhancing nuclear safety. They will support other international efforts in this direction aimed at, inter alia, upgrading the safety of nuclear installations where technically feasible, and where not feasible by developing and implementing plans, as soon as practically possible, to substitute them with facilities using environmentally sound energy production processes and through the improvement of energy efficiency.
(9) The participating States should ascertain that their military establishments conform to their nationally applicable environmental norms in the treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes.
(10) The participating States express their concern about the illegal international transport and disposal of toxic and hazardous wastes. They will co-operate to prevent the illegal movement and disposal of such wastes and to prohibit their export to and import by countries that do not have the technical means to process and dispose of them in an environmentally sound manner, in the context of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal. With regard to international transport of radioactive waste they will take into account the IAEA Code of Practice on International Transboundary Movement of Radioactive Waste.
(11) The participating States will work towards the development of policies aimed at increasing environmental awareness and educating citizens to reduce the risks of natural and technological disasters, as well as preparing appropriate actions when such disasters occur. To this end, the participating States recognize the important work under way through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at the Local Level (APELL) programme. The participating States will take appropriate steps to enhance public participation in environmental planning and decision making.
(12) The participating States urge the implementation of principles regarding the exchange of information on the state of the environment, consultation, early warning and assistance in environmental emergencies contained in the OECD Guiding Principles for Chemical Accident Prevention, Preparedness and Response, and in the ECE Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents.
(13) They encourage the designation of national environmental arrangements, such as task forces, which could co-ordinate the dissemination of relevant information on expertise and equipment to countries facing emergencies, to the United Nations Centre for Urgent Environmental Assistance, and to other relevant international organizations. These arrangements will take into account the ECE Conventions on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents and on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context, as well as other relevant agreements.
(14) They would welcome the designation by the United Nations Centre for Urgent Environmental Assistance of one of its staff as liaison officer for the CSCE region, and recommend that the Centre be connected to the CSCE communications network, which could serve as a supplementary information system in emergency situations, taking into account the fact that the Centre will be subject to evaluation by the UNEP Governing Council in June 1993.
(15) The participating States will encourage in the appropriate fora the development of a network of protection areas in the CSCE region to conserve and safeguard the large-scale natural and near-natural biotopes and ecosystems still in existence, as part of their natural heritage, as well as further development of the protection and conservation of animals.
(16) Encouraging early implementation of the forest principles adopted at UNCED and recognizing the importance of sustaining the forest ecosystems of the CSCE region, the participating States decide to give impetus to this issue through practical discussions. In this regard, a Seminar of CSCE Experts on the subject of "Sustainable Development of Boreal and Temperate Forests", will be convened in Montreal from 27 September to 6 October 1993. A proposal outlining the budget, agenda and modalities of this seminar will be presented by Canada for approval by the CSO before the end of 1992.
(1) The participating States welcome the various regional co-operation activities among the CSCE participating States as well as transfrontier co-operation and consider them an effective form of promoting CSCE principles and objectives as well as implementing and developing CSCE commitments.
(2) The participating States will encourage appropriate links among the various forms of regional co-operation as well as steps to provide the CSCE with relevant information on their activities in the framework of regional co-operation, including future work plans.
(3) The participating States will encourage and promote, both bilaterally and, as appropriate, multilaterally, including through initiatives in European and other international organizations, transfrontier co-operation between territorial communities or authorities, involving border areas of two or more participating States with the aim of promoting friendly relations between States.
(4) The development of transfrontier co-operation should involve governments, regional and local authorities and communities.
(5) Transfrontier co-operation should be as comprehensive as possible, promoting increased contacts at all levels, including contacts among persons sharing a common origin, cultural heritage and religious belief.
(6) Special attention should be paid, inter alia, to co-operative infrastructural development, joint economic activity, ecology, tourism and administrative co-operation.
(1) The participating States recognize that the changes which have taken place in Europe are relevant to the Mediterranean region and that, conversely, economic, social, political and security developments in that region can have a bearing on Europe. In this context, the CSO will seek to relate issues regarding co-operation in the Mediterranean to the goals of the CSCE process and will examine, as appropriate, practical modalities for possible contributions to the CSCE by non-participating Mediterranean States.
(2) The Chairman-in-Office of the CSO is encouraged to foster contacts with non-participating Mediterranean States in order to establish an effective information exchange.
(3) Non-participating Mediterranean States will be invited to future review conferences to make contributions concerning security and co-operation in the Mediterranean.
(4) A CSCE Mediterranean Seminar will be convened under the auspices of the CSO in the course of the year following this Follow-up Meeting. It will meet for a duration of no more than five working days. The date, location and agenda will be decided upon by the CSO.
(5) The Seminar can be attended by non-participating Mediterranean States, to which invitations will be extended.
(6) The agenda of the Seminar may comprise topics such as the environment, demographic trends or economic development and other areas of bilateral and multilateral co-operation between CSCE participating States and non-participating Mediterranean States reflecting the general framework of principles of co-operation in the Mediterranean region as provided for in the Final Act and other CSCE documents. The Seminar will not produce a document with commitments binding on CSCE participating States.
Further to paragraph 19 of the Summary of Conclusions of the Prague Meeting of the Council, the participating States decide to establish a programme of co-ordinated support for those participating States which have been admitted to the CSCE since 1991. Through the programme, inter alia, diplomatic, academic, legal and administrative expertise and advice on CSCE matters will be made available as follows.
(1) The programme will be co-ordinated by the ODIHR under the overall guidance of the CSO. The ODIHR will act as a centre of information for relevant activities of the CSCE and the participating States as well as international organizations, including the Council of Europe, as provided for in the mandate of the ODIHR. The ODIHR will make the information received available on request by the participating States.
(2) Subject to the approval of the CSO, the ODIHR will arrange meetings and seminars on CSCE matters, specially designed for recently admitted participating States. Such meetings and seminars will, where possible, be held in the recently admitted participating States. They will be focused on enhancing knowledge on matters dealt with in the CSCE among, inter alia, civil servants, the media and the public at large.
(3) Within its field of competence the CPC will arrange meetings and seminars on CSCE matters, specially designed for the recently admitted participating States. Such meetings and seminars will, where possible, be held in those States.
(4) The CSCE Secretariat will devote special attention to distributing CSCE documents to the recently admitted participating States.
(5) The officers of the CSCE Secretariat, the CPC Secretariat and the ODIHR will, when on missions to recently admitted participating States, make themselves available, to the extent possible to share their expertise in a relevant manner.
(6) Participating States may make available to the ODIHR any national inventories of CSCE expertise available within the diplomatic, academic, legal, administrative and other relevant fields. Persons, institutions and organizations thus listed could, through national initiatives and following requests from the recently admitted participating States, be invited for, inter alia, lectures, seminars, courses and advisory services on CSCE matters in the recently admitted participating States. Such persons, institutions and organizations may also be invited to the seminars arranged by the ODIHR on CSCE matters for recently admitted States, in order to provide expertise in various areas of the democratic process.
(7) The participating States are encouraged to include representatives of the recently admitted participating States in government-sponsored internships, study and training programmes.
(8) Costs ensuing from national initiatives will be borne by the participating States providing the support in question. Costs of the CSCE institutions will be covered within their regular budgets. The provision of accommodation and full board, as well as of interpreters and meeting facilities, by those recently admitted participating States where activities take place will be welcomed as contributions to the costs of the programme of co-ordinated support. The participating States will be invited to contribute financially on a voluntary basis to the seminars and meetings envisaged.
(9) The next review conference will assess the results of this programme.
(1) An informal Financial Committee of Experts of the CSO is established to deal, inter alia, with the issues of budgets, cost savings and staffing. The Committee will meet quarterly, in conjunction with but prior to meetings of the CSO.
(2) The Committee will also consider rationalizing procedures concerning meetings and language staff as well as address a systematic way of handling arrears in CSCE payments by investigating the practice in international organizations, with a view to improving practices in the CSCE. The Committee will report and submit recommendations to the CSO for adoption.
(3) The following scale of distribution is effective as of 1 July 1992: This decision is made on the understanding that the scale of distribution effective until 1 July 1992 will be applied to all costs related to the Helsinki Follow-up Meeting.
(4) The question of reviewing the scale periodically, as well as questions relating to the criteria forming the basis of the scale, will be further discussed at an appropriate time by the CSO through the Financial Committee of Experts.
(5) The financial arrangements set out below do not apply to meetings covered by the budgets of the CSCE Secretariat or the ODIHR.
(6) Any participating State which offers to provide the venue and to organize a CSCE meeting not mentioned in paragraph (5) will ensure cost-effectiveness and financial discipline as regards the expenses of such meetings. The host government will at the same time submit a cost estimate for the premises accompanied by sufficient information to enable the participating States to assess the adequacy and cost-effectiveness of the facilities offered. As soon as the work programme has been decided by the participating States, the host government will submit, if necessary with the help of the CSCE Secretariat, a projection of those expenses subject to reimbursement by the participating States in accordance with the CSCE scale of distribution, including estimated costs of personnel, language services, equipment and administration.
(7) One month before the start of the meeting in question, the organizing authority appointed by the host government will distribute to all participating States a more precise financial forecast, following, where applicable, the structure of the budgets of the CSCE institutions.
(8) The organizing authority will ensure that appropriate records and accounts are kept of transactions and that all payments are properly authorized. A complete account of expenses subject to reimbursement by the participating States in accordance with the CSCE scale of distribution will be presented to the CSO within 60 days of the closure of the meeting or on a quarterly basis for long-running meetings.
(9) The participating States will contribute promptly to the expenses incurred in accordance with the CSCE scale of distribution. The organizing authority/host government may present lists of arrears to the Financial Committee of Experts.
(10) Within 30 days of receiving the account of the meeting, participating States may transmit requests for further information or raise objections to the organizing authority if the account significantly exceeds the financial forecast.
(11) The accounts of such CSCE meetings will be subject to external auditing. The audit report will be submitted to the Financial Committee of Experts.
(12) The Consultative Committee of the CPC, in co-ordination with the host country, is requested to prepare modalities for the cost-effective provision of conference services through a joint Executive Secretary for all appropriate Vienna-based fora for deliberation or negotiation, including meetings of the Consultative Committee itself, the Special Committee of the Forum for Security Co-operation, CPC seminars, and - if so agreed by those concerned - the CFE Joint Consultative Group and the Open Skies Consultative Commission. | http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/peace/docs/helsnk92.htm |
3 October 2020
Greece and Turkey have set up a “bilateral military de-confliction mechanism” to avoid accidental military clashes in the Eastern Mediterranean, NATO said in a statement on 1 October. This NATO-mediated initiative began in early September and is part of wider efforts to defuse a dispute over energy resources in the region.
Germany is leading a diplomatic effort for broader dialogue and EU leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss how to avoid any escalation over the competition for oil and gas resources.
“De-confliction”, in military language, can mean setting up communications links between rival militaries in the same theatre, as the United States has done with Russia in Syria. In the 1990’s, NATO helped establish a similar mechanism in the Mediterranean region, which was effective in helping to reduce tensions and provide the space for broader diplomatic talks.
Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the agreement between Turkey and Greece, both members of NATO, included a hotline to avoid accidents in the sea and air. “I welcome the establishment of a military de-confliction mechanism, achieved through the constructive engagement of Greece and Turkey,” he said. “This safety mechanism can help to create the space for diplomatic efforts to address the underlying dispute and we stand ready to develop it further”.
The talks at NATO headquarters were in part prompted by a light collision between Turkish and Greek frigates and increased war games by their navies in the Mediterranean.
The Turkish Defence Ministry said Turkey and Greece reached a "common understanding on general principles" as a result of the talks. It said the next meeting to discuss technical details for coordination.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Greece on 29 September and called the country a “pillar for stability and prosperity” in the region and expressed “[deep] concern” about Turkish aggression, according to the Washington Post.
Stoltenberg will visit senior government figures in Turkey and Greece next week, as the alliance continues to attempt to defuse a dangerous stand-off between the two member states. | https://natowatch.org/newsbriefs/2020/greece-and-turkey-set-nato-mediated-hotline-avoid-conflict-eastern-mediterranean |
An Energy Measure is a physical measure of a physical system's ability to do work, based on this object position and object motion.
- Context:
- It can be defined as:
- Mechanical Energy when considering the motion of macroscopic objects. It can be either kinetic energy (energy of motion) or potential energy (stored energy, position).
- Thermal Energy when considering the random motion of microscopic particles of matter: molecules, atoms, ions. It is related to the Internal Energy (microscopic kinetic and potential energy, see First law of Thermodynamics), Enthalpy, Helmholtz free energy, and Gibbs free energy.
- Electrical Energy when considering the motion of charged particules: protons, electrons, ions. It is related to the Electrical Potential Energy(Voltage).
- Radiant Energy (Electromagnetic Radiation) when considering the disturbance of electric and magnetic fields or the motion of photons. It is related to the Relativist Energy and the Quantum Physics Hamiltonian.
- It can be defined as:
- Example(s):
- Counter-Example(s):
See: Mechanical Energy, Thermal Energy, Electrical Energy, Electromagnetic Radiation, Conservation of Energy, Potential Energy, Kinetic Energy, Heat, Thermodynamics, Power, Work, Dark Energy, Internal Energy, Relativistic Energy, Hamiltonian, Enthalpy, Voltage, Hemholtz Free Energy, Gibbs Free Energy, Heat, Pressure, Velocity
References
2016
- (Wikipedia, 2016) ⇒ https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Energy
- In physics, energy is a property of objects which can be transferred to other objects or converted into different forms. The "ability of a system to perform work" is a common description, but it is difficult to give one single comprehensive definition of energy because of its many forms. For instance, in SI units, energy is measured in joules, and one joule is defined "mechanically", being the energy transferred to an object by the mechanical work of moving it a distance of 1 metre against a force of 1 newton. Energy (and its units) are often defined in terms of the work they can do. However, technically this is only an approximation, because the second law of thermodynamics means the work a system can do is always less than the total energy of the system, due to waste heat. However, there are many other definitions of energy, depending on the context, such as thermal energy, radiant energy, electromagnetic, nuclear, etc., where definitions are derived that are the most convenient.
- Common energy forms include the kinetic energy of a moving object, the potential energy stored by an object's position in a force field (gravitational, electric or magnetic), the elastic energy stored by stretching solid objects, the chemical energy released when a fuel burns, the radiant energy carried by light, and the thermal energy due to an object's temperature. All of the many forms of energy are convertible to other kinds of energy. In Newtonian physics, there is a universal law of conservation of energy which says that energy can be neither created nor be destroyed; however, it can change from one form to another.
- For "closed systems" with no external source or sink of energy, the first law of thermodynamics states that a system's energy is constant unless energy is transferred in or out by mechanical work or heat, and that no energy is lost in transfer. This means that it is impossible to create or destroy energy. While heat can always be fully converted into work in a reversible isothermal expansion of an ideal gas, for cyclic processes of practical interest in heat engines the second law of thermodynamics states that the system doing work always loses some energy as waste heat. This creates a limit to the amount of heat energy that can do work in a cyclic process, a limit called the available energy. Mechanical and other forms of energy can be transformed in the other direction into thermal energy without such limitations. The total energy of a system can be calculated by adding up all forms of energy in the system.
2005
- (Hyperphysics Encyclopedia, 2005) ⇒ http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/conser.html#coneng
- QUOTE: Energy can be defined as the capacity for doing work. It may exist in a variety of forms and may be transformed from one type of energy to another. However, these energy transformations are constrained by a fundamental principle, the Conservation of Energy principle. One way to state this principle is "Energy can neither be created nor destroyed". Another approach is to say that the total energy of an isolated system remains constant.
1996
- (Wolfram Science World, 2005) ⇒ http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/physics/Energy.html
- QUOTE: Energy is an abstract quantity of extreme usefulness in physics because it is defined in such a way that the total energy of any closed physical system is always constant (conservation of energy). It is impossible to overstate the importance of this concept in all branches of physics from elementary mechanics to general relativity. Energy is measured in units of mass times velocity squared, and the MKS and cgs units of energy are the Joule and erg, respectively. Other common units of energy include the Btu, calorie, and kilowatt hour.
- The important quantity in physics known as work, which is the product of applied force over a distance, has units of energy. In fact, the notion that heat is a form of energy was one of the most important developments in classical physics and thermodynamics.
- Energy is related to power [math]P[/math] emitted over a time t by [math]E=Pt[/math]. | http://www.gabormelli.com/RKB/Energy |
So, entropy roughly measures (in logarithmic units) the size of the main pack of possible elementary states where a system is likely to be. Physical processes are reversible when they preserve the information of this pack (distinguishing it from its outside), thus when they preserve entropy. Large isolated systems may create entropy by diluting this pack, mixing states in and out and forgetting which is which. This explains the conservation of entropy in fundamental laws, and its possible creation (but non-elimination) in irreversible macroscopic processes. In non-isolated systems, processes can somewhere seem to shrink the pack of distinct microscopic states (the volume of phase space) by evacuating their multiplicity to the environment (final states may be identical here but distinct elsewhere).Entropy was defined in information theory by the formula S = ∑i pi Si where Si= -ln pi, assuming the choice of unit of entropy expressed by the natural logarithm (where 1 bit = ln 2). In physics, the usual convention assumes another unit, related to this one by the Bolzmann constant k. In this convention, we should write Si = -k.lnpi. But to simplify, let us set k=1 in the present page.
Still, this process has a sort of non-shrinking property (that will lead to the non-decrease of entropy), that looks like a time symmetry in the property of probabilities (not a real symmetry):
S = ∑i,j mij (-pi ln pi).The concavity of (-x ln x) gives for all j, ∑i mij (-pi ln pi) ≤ - p'j ln p'j.
Proof of 2. Consider a system of 2 objects A and B, which are uncorrelated (especially if they are far away from each other) where a conserved quantity E takes values E1,E2 on two elementary states of A, and values E'1,E'2 on 2 elementary states of B (other conserved quantities staying fixed) such that E2−E1= E'2−E'1. According to 1., both states (1,2) and (2,1) having the same value of the conserved quantity E1+E'2=E2+E'1, also have the same probability p1 p'2=p2p'1. Thus, p2/p1= p'2/p'1, i.e. p2/p1 only depends on E2−E1 throughout the environment, independently of the particular object or states (with equal values of other conserved quantities). Thus, (ln p) must be an affine function of conserved quantities.The most famous conserved quantities are energy and momentum, that are components of a single 4-dimensional object (a linear form in relativistic space-time). As ln p is an affine function of energy-momentum, its direction (differential, or linear part) can be identified as a time-like vector in space-time which defines "the reference frame of the environment" (its average direction, for example on Earth it is the ground's reference frame). When analyzed in this frame, the probability appears independent of momentum, and is thus a mere function of energy, independent of momentum (which no more seems conserved as it can be freely exchanged with the environment).
Fi = Ei − TSi = Ei + T.ln piThen, the Helmoltz free energy F in its standard macroscopic definition, coincides with the average of these free energies over all states:
F = E−TS = ∑i piFiwhere E is the average energy : E = ∑i pi Ei.
pi = e(F−Ei)/T where F = -T.ln ∑i e-Ei/T.Proof.
As ∑i pidFi = ∑i pi Tdpi/pi = T(∑i dpi) = 0, we get dF = ∑i Fidpi.According to the above description of stable environments (not creating more entropy), any stable probabilistic state of an object as well as its environment will follow the Boltzmann distribution of some temperature in some reference frame (for which this state is the one with minimal free energy), unless the conservation of another quantity is at stakes (which might be ignored by looking at the configuration space of an object taken with a fixed value of that other conserved quantity, describing the case of an object that is isolated for that quantity).
Thus the equilibrium condition (dF = 0 for all variations of p) is that all Fi are equal.
When Fi > Fj and dpi = -dpj > 0 while other variations of p cancel (thus going away from equilibrium because each Fi is an increasing function of pi), we get dF>0, thus the equilibrium is a minimum.
Then F = Fi = Ei + T ln pi gives pi = e(F−Ei)/T, and the value of F comes from ∑i pi = 1.
p'j = e(F−Ej)/T = ∑i e(F−Ei)/T mij.We conclude ∑i mij e(Ej−Ei)/T = 1, to be compared with the previous formula satisfied by evolution matrices of isolated systems (where T was absent as if we took the limit of this one for an infinite T, but in fact for another reason: the evolution in an isolated system must preserve energy, so that the only possible mixtures were those between elementary states with equal energy Ei = Ej, thus making temperature irrelevant); a direct deduction of the new formula from an application of the old one to the whole system (object + environment), is left as an exercise to the reader.
In practice, systems evolve by transformations which are not
adiabatic but can be analyzed in terms where the final states into
which the initial elementary states evolve, are probabilistic
combinations, with respective free energies replacing the role of
energies, by the roles substitution commented above. Looking at a
non-isolated system, the minimal amount of entropy creation among
all possible initial probabilistic states may be nonzero as well. | http://settheory.net/entropy |
In physics, free energy is a mathematical function that quantifies the work performed by a closed thermodynamic system during a reversible transformation at constant temperature. That is, in any case, the definition that you can find in a textbook of physics. On the web, though, the term free energy refers most often to a new source of energy that is largely ignored by the scientific community but on which the future of humanity depends in the current context of energy and environmental crisis. Is it reality or Internet myth?
Based on what the Internet says, it would seem that this free energy abounds around us and that “the evidence of this free energy source is demonstrated by tens or even hundreds of people” (Wikistrike 2015). It would be available for free and occupy the “vacuum” that surrounds us. To implement it, no one needs to be an engineer or physicist, as you just have to apply what is described in one of the available books dealing with how to design a machine that will “transform something that we do not know how to detect into something usable” (Newman 2011). But as Aristotle stated, “the definition makes known what is the thing.” So, what is that thing?
Navigating several websites that recycle the same claims, we learn that free energy would be “an electromagnetic energy whose mean is zero and seems to be electrically neutral and whose origin is supposed to be related to the presence of fields of pairs of particles and antiparticles (photons), occupying the vacuum … creating a tension between them, and thus an energy that transforms into a wave that propagates in space”1 (Véringa 2015). Most physicists continue to deny its existence (Wikistrike 2015) while others, “courageous and disinterested researchers, are making the ‘miracle’ of free energy come true” (Ledoux 2015). But the technology developed by these courageous researchers—which would permit us to generate absolutely free electricity and to no longer pay a penny to energy suppliers—is suppressed by the big corporations that tyrannize researchers conducting research on free energy (L’énergie libre de Nikola Tesla 2010).
One example among others: Bruce DePalma is an electrical engineer and meditation devotee who retired to a farm to carry out research on rotating objects. He claimed to have invented a generator using rotating magnets to extract energy from a vacuum but did not dare to push his concept to the end, fearful of assassination (see www.arsitra.org). In spite of this “tyranny,” it is fortunately possible (but for how long, you will ask) to consult on the Internet many videos or descriptions of free energy machines that are presented as so much proof … mostly unverifiable. It’s like the revolutionary “magnet power generator” known as VTA for Vacuum Triode Amplifier, developed in the 1980s by a man named Floyd Sweet, who claimed it produced “much more energy than it consumed.” But its inventor has never subjected the VTA to independent tests, and free energy adepts now consider “that attempts to reproduce results … may face serious problems because we no longer find the kind of magnet used at the time” (see www.arsitra.org). The future of the world is definitely a matter of little concern.
Seeing these videos and reading about all the hopes aroused by the prospect of delivering humanity “from the evil lobbies supposedly controlling this world,” to restore scientific truth in the face of universities that “brainwash students” (see www.energie-sante.net), and to ensure a safer and cleaner planet (see www.quanthomme.info), one might be tempted to believe.
Stubborn Laws
Alas, the laws of nature are badly done. In the eighteenth century, Antoine Lavoisier, the French father of modern chemistry, taking up a thesis proposed by Anaxagore, who lived 500 years bce, expressed a rule that became famous: “in nature, nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed.” This idiom was formalized during the nineteenth century by the fundamental principles2 of thermodynamics, in particular the first principle,3 also called the principle of conservation of energy, which does not allow energy to be created from nothing. The systematic use, by scientific “skeptics,” of this first principle of thermodynamics to nip in the bud the very idea of a free-energy machine is strongly denounced by its supporters who affirm that such a machine “does not violate the principle of conservation of energy” because it only “pumps a little of the energy of a vacuum” (L’énergie libre… 2013) that would fill the universe. Some cite the case of magnets suspended in magnetic levitation, wondering “what inexhaustible energy overcomes gravitation here?” (Petite expérience… N.d.) and assuming it is extracted from a vacuum.
This type of reasoning comes from a misunderstanding of the very concept of energy: it is often imagined as an exchangeable fluid present in us and around us. But energy is an inherent property of matter, and it has no existence of its own. This identity between matter and energy is one of the fundamental concepts underpinned by the famous and yet often misunderstood equation produced by Albert Einstein that can be written:4 E = mc2. In addition, energy is a relative concept: a car in its garage, immobile in relation to the terrestrial reference system, will not bring you anywhere, nor will it hurt anyone because its kinetic energy in this system is zero. However, its kinetic energy is immense in the heliocentric system since the Earth drags it along on its journey around the Sun at 30 km/s. One cannot isolate a packet of pure energy, and seeking to make a representation of energy through imagination or intuition is only an impasse generating paradoxes and mystical interpretations: as physics professor Sadri Hassani5 reminds us in his recent Skeptical Inquirer article, “if there are paradoxes, it is only because we try to understand a physical phenomenon on the basis of our limited, incomplete, and mostly wrong intuition” (Hassani 2016). We should just consider energy as it appears to us in the experiments of physics: as a quantification of the changes in the organization of matter that is transformed, exchanged, and moved by the action of the four fundamental interactions (gravitational, electromagnetic, strong nuclear, and weak nuclear) in a given reference system. Risking a human-centered comparison, I would say that if the atoms were money, then the energy would be the exchange rate.
A Waste of Time and Energy
We cannot create energy from the vacuum; it would be creating matter. That is why the first principle of thermodynamics could never be overcome. To assume the contrary would be to assert the possibility of the spontaneous creation of matter. And to believe that the energy industry is fighting against advances in the field is to ignore the electrical equipment industries, especially portable electrical tools manufacturers, that dream of being able to develop tools without batteries. This would make them lighter and less expensive to produce and would constitute a considerable breakthrough. Work to create energy from a vacuum or to violate the principle of conservation of energy are thus done for nothing. The only result of the efforts of all these people, persuaded to be able to diffuse energy as Jesus multiplied bread, is the confirmation of man’s immemorial inclination for profusion and gratuitousness, nothing differentiating the modern myth of the free energy from the old—the eternal lamp.
Notes
- This talk is riddled with errors and approximations that are difficult to list while keeping a calm mind. Let us emphasize simply that an electromagnetic wave carrying a zero energy density can only correspond to a wave whose electric field is zero and therefore is not an electromagnetic wave. And that if the photons were indeed antiparticles, then the light rays of our sun would brutally reduce our lifetime.
- A principle in physics is a fundamental law that has not been demonstrated but that experiments have never been able to contradict.
- The first principle of thermodynamics states that the increase in energy of a system is equal to the quantity of heat that the system receives from the exterior from which the work the system furnishes to the exterior is subtracted. When the system is isolated, exchanges with the outside are zero and the increase in energy of the system is therefore zero. The universe itself seems to be an isolated system.
- For a particle at rest and that can of course also be written m = E / c2, which implies, for example, that by heating an object of mass m (i.e., by increasing the stirring of its atoms) and thus raising its internal energy of e, then we increase the mass of the object of e / c2 (which does not mean that one creates matter). But this increase in mass is indistinguishable to us given the value of c (c is the velocity of light in a vacuum).
- Professor emeritus of physics at the University of Illinois State, author of the blog skepticaleducator.org.
References
- Hassani, Sadri. 2016. Does E=mc2 imply mysticism? Skeptical Inquirer 40(4) (July/August).
- L’énergie libre de Nikola Tesla. 2010. La Grande Revelation (October 11). Available online at www.la-grande-revelation.com/l-energie-libre-de-nikola-tesla-a1772220.
- L’énergie libre, ILLIMITÉE et NON POLLUANTE disponible pour tous! 2013. Planète Révélations (February 26). Available online at www.electra2zeiss.tonempire.net/t12686p15-l-energie-libre-illimitee-et-non-polluante-disponible-pour-tous.
- Ledoux, Aurélia. 2015. L’énergie libre : elle va changer la face du monde. Une Petite Lumière pour chacun (October 22). Available online at www.unepetitelumierepourchacun.com/2015/10/l-energie-libre-elle-va-changer-la-face-du-monde.html.
- Newman, Joseph. 2011. Energie libre. La machine à énergie de Joseph Newman (April 13). Available online at josephnewman.unblog.fr/2011/04/13/energie-libre/.
- Petite expérience avec deux aimants pour comprendre ce que peut être l’énergie libre. N.d. MagnetoSynergie. Available online at www.magnetosynergie.com/Pages-Fr/Dogmes/FR-Dogmes-04.htm.
- Véringa, Sandra. 2015. Plusieurs scientifiques confirment la réalité de l’énergie libre. Esprit Science Metaphysiques (February 16). Available online at www.espritsciencemetaphysiques.com/plusieurs-scientifiques-confirment-realite-lenergie-libre-en-voici-preuve.html.
- Wikistrike. 2015. Energie libre: mode d’emploi (September 23). Available online at www.wikistrike.com/article-energie-libre-mode-d-emploi-83072190.html. | https://skepticalinquirer.org/2018/01/free-energy-when-the-web-is-freewheeling/ |
A definition of momentum in physics is typically overlooked. If you take a really serious look at the idea of momentum in physics, you may see that it can be truly really uncomplicated.
It is actually simply a essay writing service measure in the energy that’s provided off by a technique since it is traveling by way of a fluid. What exactly is this energy referred to as?
The question of “what is momentum in physics” is truly more an issue of defining the notion of kinetic energy. A slow moving object has significantly less kinetic energy than a quick moving object.
Momentum may be defined in two approaches. essay writing 1 is an acceleration of a particle with respect to a fluid, plus the other is definitely the ratio of mass for the speed with the particle. The particle that’s accelerated includes a continuous possible power. This could be an fascinating method to define the notion of momentum.
The definition of momentum in physics states that a particle might be viewed as to possess momentum if its speed remains continual since it is becoming accelerated. In physics terms, it is actually a phenomenon of conservation of power. The particle is traveling at the identical speed since it is becoming accelerated.
Another paper writing service definition of momentum is the fact that it can be constantly a quantity that is definitely connected for the possible power of the particle. 1 method to appear at it can be that the momentum has been described in terms of the change in energy as the speed of the particle increases. The power adjustments, but the object remains stationary.
The primary distinction amongst these two definitions of momentum is that momentum has to perform using the power of a system because it moves through a fluid. Within the second definition, the fluid has no weight. You are able to feel of momentum as an infinite prospective energy that you have to maintain changing in an effort to build motion. The only point that momentum in physics defines is that there’s a measure of energy which is linked with the system since it is moving by means of best essay writing service a fluid. It does not define velocity. However, when it comes to the definition of momentum in physics, a continual velocity is often equal to a continuous potential energy.
Velocity could be defined in quite a few distinctive ways. The velocity may be the speed of your object within the fluid at the time of the measurement.
The notion of momentum in physics may be described by the notion of prospective energy. A mass and an object of fixed mass are really interacting with one another with respect for the outside atmosphere. When the mass and the object are in motion with respect to one another, they may be exchanging power through a fluid.
One technique to define the idea of kinetic power is the fact that it is a quantity which has exactly the same value for all objects. When you’ve got a mass that is accelerating, then the level of power that it is giving off may be the very same because the level of power that it can be getting.
For more information on the definitions of momentum in physics, visit the main short article that describes the concepts in physics. Also go to the principle web page of this web-site. | https://www.sensationalcarpetcleaning.com.au/definition-momentum-physics-within-planet-difficult-mathematical-equations-theoretical-concepts/ |
Construction begins on energy storage system relying on gravity
Gravity has been the center of wonderment for physicists, mathematicians and thinkers of all kinds for centuries.
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Gravity has been the center of wonderment for physicists, mathematicians and thinkers of all kinds for centuries.
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Researchers have developed a standalone device that converts sunlight, carbon dioxide and water into a carbon-neutral fuel, without requiring any additional components or electricity.
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A startup energy company in New Zealand believes it can power the world with a wireless electric transmission system that can bring power to hard-to-reach areas and do so at lower cost than with traditional power lines.
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The patent application for a "Plasma Compression Fusion Device" was applied for in March last year. It read, "Application filed by US Secretary of Navy." The patent application was published in September this year. Under ...
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For years, researchers have aimed to learn more about a group of metal oxides that show promise as key materials for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries because of their mysterious ability to store significantly ...
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In the pursuit of a rechargeable battery that can power electric vehicles (EVs) for hundreds of miles on a single charge, scientists have endeavored to replace the graphite anodes currently used in EV batteries with lithium ...
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A German power firm will launch demonstrations of a one-of-a-kind, triple-threat power generating platform off Iraklio, Greece, later this year.
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Japan's new 2050 deadline for carbon neutrality has thrown a spotlight on its efforts to find new, greener fuel options, including an ambitious but controversial liquid hydrogen venture.
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Researchers from the University of Houston have reported a new device that can both efficiently capture solar energy and store it until it is needed, offering promise for applications ranging from power generation to distillation ...
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In physics, energy (from the Greek ἐνέργεια - energeia, "activity, operation", from ἐνεργός - energos, "active, working") is a scalar physical quantity that describes the amount of work that can be performed by a force, an attribute of objects and systems that is subject to a conservation law. Different forms of energy include kinetic, potential, thermal, gravitational, sound, light, elastic, and electromagnetic energy. The forms of energy are often named after a related force.
Any form of energy can be transformed into another form, but the total energy always remains the same. This principle, the conservation of energy, was first postulated in the early 19th century, and applies to any isolated system. According to Noether's theorem, the conservation of energy is a consequence of the fact that the laws of physics do not change over time.
Although the total energy of a system does not change with time, its value may depend on the frame of reference. For example, a seated passenger in a moving airplane has zero kinetic energy relative to the airplane, but non-zero kinetic energy relative to the Earth. | https://techxplore.com/tags/energy/sort/popular/all/ |
In physics, energy is subject to the law of conservation of energy. The use of the term “conservation” could be confusing as the idea of conserving energy by “saving gas” is a common phrase, but technically incorrect. According to this law, energy can neither be created (produced) nor destroyed. It can only be transformed. According to Conservation of energy the total inflow of energy into a system must equal the total outflow of energy from the system, plus the change in the energy contained within the system. Given that understanding, the popular phrase “conserving energy by saving gas” really means: reducing the amount of energy that is transformed through combustion, from the potential energy stored in gasoline in to heat energy.
No one really knows what energy is, although it has been rigorously defined in theoretical physics. To this point, please consider the words of Richard Feynman, “It is important to realize that in physics today, we have no knowledge what energy is. We do not have a picture that energy comes in little blobs of a definite amount. That is a most abstract idea, because it is a mathematical principle; it says that there is a numerical quantity, which does not change when something happens. It is not a description of a mechanism, or anything concrete; it is just a strange fact that we can calculate some number and when we finish watching nature go through her tricks and calculate the number again, it is the same.“
Despite this abstraction, scientists calculate energy, and after all of the calculations determine that energy is indestructible and immeasurably abundant. I understand this to be true, mathematically, for energy in all its various forms including: Thermal, Chemical, Mechanical, Sound, Elastic, Electric, Magnetic, Nuclear, Luminus, Mass and Radiant energies.
This fact, the indestructible and abundant nature of energy, is important to my thesis, which suggests that ordering our economy around the principal of scarcity is a logical fallacy. | https://mitchcowart.com/2013/04/10/abundant-indestructible-energy-its-the-law/ |
How to Know if Momentum is Conserved In Nigeria
Momentum is conserved when the mass of the system of interest remains constant during the interaction in question and when no net external force acts on the system during the interaction.
What does it mean for momentum to be conserved?
Conservation of momentum, general law of physics according to which the quantity called momentum that characterizes motion never changes in an isolated collection of objects; that is, the total momentum of a system remains constant.
Is momentum conserved or not conserved?
The total momentum in the universe is conserved. The momentum of a single object, however, changes when a net force acts on the object for a finite time interval. Conversely, if no net force acts on an object, its momentum is constant.
How do you know if momentum is conserved in an elastic collision?
How do you know if a system is conserved?
When there is no net external force acting on a system of particles the total momentum of the system is conserved. It’s that simple. No matter the nature of the interactions that go on within a given system, its total momentum will remain the same.
Is momentum conserved if there is gravity?
In a very short collision, even if gravity is acting in the direction of momentum we’re considering, we usually neglect its effect on the momentum. In contrast, if you consider an object falling through some distance, gravity is changing its momentumand we don’t treat momentum as being conserved.
Is angular momentum always conserved?
Just as linear momentum is conserved when there is no net external forces, angular momentum is constant or conserved when the net torque is zero. If the change in angular momentum ΔL is zero, then the angular momentum is constant; therefore, →L=constant L → = constant (when net τ=0).
Why is angular momentum always conserved?
Objects can change their shape and still conserve angular momentum. Angular momentumdepends on the rotational velocity of an object, but also its rotational inertia. Since there is no external net torque on the ice skater, her angular momentum remains constant because her angularvelocity magnitude increases.
Why is angular momentum not conserved?
Angular momentum, like energy and linear momentum, is conserved. This universally applicable law is another sign of underlying unity in physical laws. Angular momentum is conservedwhen net external torque is zero, just as linear momentum is conserved when the net external force is zero.
Is angular momentum conserved in circular motion?
Answer: The torque on a body is the rate of change of angular momentum. This is because the radius vector and the force (centripetal force) are along the same line. This is the proof of conservation of angular momentum.
Is angular momentum is a vector quantity?
Angular momentum is a vector quantity, requiring the specification of both a magnitude and a direction for its complete description.
Is angular momentum a torque?
Torque can be defined as the rate of change of angular momentum, analogous to force. Therefore, for a closed system (where there is no net external torque), the total torque on the system must be 0, which means that the total angular momentum of the system is constant.
Is momentum constant in uniform circular motion?
In a uniform circular motion, although the velocity of the body changes but the angular velocity of the body remains fixed. Thus, the linear momentum of the body also changes every moment. We know that acceleration is nothing but the change in velocity of the body.
What direction is momentum in circular motion?
angular momentum: A vector quantity describing an object in circular motion; its magnitude is equal to the momentum of the particle, and the direction is perpendicular to the plane of its circular motion.
Is acceleration constant in uniform circular motion?
Acceleration is a change in velocity, either in its magnitude—i.e., speed—or in its direction, or both. In uniform circular motion, the direction of the velocity changes constantly, so there is always an associated acceleration, even though the speed might be constant.
Why is angular momentum constant in uniform circular motion?
Angular velocity have direction perpendicular to the plane of uniform circular motion, which is given by right hand rule and its magnitude is constantbecause it covers equal angular displacement all time. Speed, kinetic energy, magnitude of linear momentum, angular momentum, radial acceleration are also constant.
What is conservation of angular momentum Class 11?
The law of conservation of angular momentumstates that, when the net external torque acting on a system is zero, its total angular momentum is conserved and hence, does not change. where L is the total angular momentum of the system and ΔL is the change in it.
What is radius of gyration Class 11?
Radius of gyration or gyradius of a body about an axis of rotation is defined as the radial distance of a point from the axis of rotation at which, if the whole mass of the body is assumed to be concentrated, its moment of inertia about the given axis would be the same as with its actual distribution of mass.
Is there any exception to the law of conservation of charge?
Conservation of mass – mass cannot be destroyed in any process, with one exception (see #6), and mass cannot be created from nothing. Conservation of charge – In any physical process, like a chemical reaction, the number of positive and negative charges remains the same after the process is complete. | https://nigeriantech.com.ng/how-to-know-if-momentum-is-conserved-in-nigeria/ |
European Diversity Month 2021
We invite all organisations in Europe, whether a signatory of a Diversity Charter or not, to take a stand for diversity and act about it - join us this May in celebrating the European Diversity Month!
European Diversity Month raises awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion in our workplaces and in the society throughout the whole European Union. It celebrates organisations’ efforts in promoting diversity and diverse teams in the workplace and for creating inclusive working environments.
The European Diversity Month supports the European Commission’s commitment to promote diversity and inclusion and to combat discrimination. The legislation in place has helped to bring about equality and enabled millions of people to reach their full potential. However, we all - public institutions, private companies, non-profit organisation, cities need to work together to build equal and inclusive environments. Therefore, the Commission has been supporting voluntary initiatives such as Diversity Charters by setting up a Commission funded European Platform of Diversity Charters in 2010.
Launch event
Book your agendas for the 3 May 2021, the official launch of the European Diversity Month 2021 with Commissioner Dalli and CEO-level participants focussing on the racial and ethnic diversity.
More information
For more information and regular updates please visit our official website. | https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/just/item-detail.cfm?item_id=700254&newsletter_id=883&utm_source=just_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Diversity%20Charters%20%20&utm_content=European%20Diversity%20Month%20&lang=en |
Carolina Housing is committed to fostering an inclusive work and living environment through a culture of trust, growth and collaboration. We promote equity, education and advocacy through developmental opportunities that explore individual identity and personal growth.
Our goal is to incorporate multiculturalism into the various facets of our departmental guiding principles:
- Staff Engagement
- Develop and encourage opportunities for all staff to gain cultural awareness, enhance skills and increase investment in each other and the university community
- Facilities Management
- Maintain residential facilities that support each and every student by offering inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environments which enhance the on campus experience
- Organizational Effectiveness
- Promote inclusive hiring and recruitment practices that foster a diverse work environment
- Advocate for equitable and transparent policies and procedures in our daily practices
- Student Centered Learning
- Create co-curricular educational opportunities that empower students to take ownership over their personal growth and develop skills to navigate an ever changing global society
It is our hope that all members of the Carolina Community and beyond with whom we interact will join us in our efforts to create this environment.
Multicultural Advisor Program
The Multicultural Advisor program promotes learning in the areas of multiculturalism, diversity and social justice through monthly staff development sessions co-facilitated by a Multicultural Advisor and a Community Director. Multicultural Advisors are resident advisors who receive additional training on social justice issues and facilitating group discussion on issues focused on multiculturalism. They encourage and promote learning through dialogue, resident interactions and programming.
The program has the following objectives:
- To create an environment that develops DHRE student leaders to dialogue around topics relating to diversity, multiculturalism and social justice
- To increase awareness and knowledge of diverse identities and how they influence interactions with others
- To promote inclusive communities through positive interaction
- Increase resources available for staff on topics relating to diversity, multiculturalism and social justice
The program objectives are met through the creation and facilitation of modules that cover a range of topics related to multiculturalism and social justice through the use of discussions, scenarios, interactive multimedia, crafts, and campus tours.
Tunnel of Oppression
The Tunnel of Oppression is an annual tour that engages students in an immersive experience of scenes where participants can experience firsthand different forms of oppression through interactive acting, viewing monologues, and multimedia. Participants directly experience the following scenes of oppression: ability, body image, gender identity, homelessness, homophobia, religion, interpersonal violence, race, human trafficking, and mental health. All of the scenes have been written with the Chapel Hill students in mind. Some scenes are direct monologues from student experiences on campus. At the completion of the Tunnel experience, participants go through an active 30 minute processing session where they discuss the experience and learn how they can “rethink their role” in creating positive social change.
For more information please visit http://tunnel.unc.edu/. | https://housing.unc.edu/about-us/multicultural-competence |
Our values and principles of inclusion and diversity are embedded not only in our society but also in legislation such as the Canadian Multiculturalism Act. This past year, we marked its 30th anniversary and renewed our commitment to these principles.
Recent events in Canada and abroad have shown that no community is immune to the effects of hateful rhetoric. Our government recognizes that we are in a unique position to address racism in our institutions and society. The fight against all forms of racism, xenophobia, intolerance, and religious discrimination must continue.
Throughout this year, we continued to address the importance of standing up for human rights, diversity, and building inclusive communities. We are pursuing these priorities through measures announced in Budget 2018, which included more funding for projects that target racism and discrimination. Budget 2018 also increased funding to build capacity for racialized communities, religious minorities, and Indigenous groups, as well as community support for Black Canadian youth to address critical concerns that could impede their full and equitable participation in our society. Additionally, funding was attributed to celebrate, share knowledge, and build capacity in our dynamic Black Canadian communities, in recognition of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent.
All Canadians benefit when we embrace diversity. Budget 2018 provided financial support for cross-country consultations on the development of new national anti-racism and anti-discrimination approaches. Budget 2019 reinforced the Government’s commitment to addressing racism and discrimination through the development of this new anti-racism strategy. At the core of this strategy is a new Anti-Racism Secretariat that will work across government to identify opportunities, coordinate activities and engage with our diverse communities.
The Government will continue to listen to and engage with Canadians to foster greater public awareness of systemic racism and discrimination and to strengthen support for underrepresented communities.
Multiculturalism has been highlighted across the country this year, as Canadians celebrated diversity within and between their communities. The Government of Canada and its partners supported international and domestic engagement through public outreach and promotional activities such as Asian Heritage Month and Black History Month. Together, we also helped fund Canadian Multiculturalism Day celebrations in Montréal, Vancouver and Toronto on June 27, 2018.
As Minister of Canadian Heritage, I am proud of all that we have accomplished in 2018–2019, and I invite you to read this report for further details.
Introduction
The Government of Canada recognizes that the fight against all forms of systemic racism, xenophobia, intolerance, and religious discrimination requires ongoing commitment. Canada remains committed to the pursuit of policies and programs that reflect the essence of multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion. It is in this spirit that we present this year’s Annual Report on the Operation of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act.
Canada’s diversity is ever-growing and is viewed as one of our most important attributes, socially and economically. Statistics Canada projects that by 2036, between 31 and 36% of the population will belong to a ethnic minority group, compared to approximately 22% today.
However, despite our reputation as a diverse and welcoming society, inequities still exist. There is extensive evidence that racism and discrimination continues to impact newcomers, racialized groups, religious minorities, Indigenous Peoples, and multi-generational Canadians of varied backgroundsFootnote 1. These communities continue to report experiencing discrimination at work or when applying for jobs or promotions, resulting in higher rates of unemployment. As well, a wage gap persists amongst those with a university education, and some communities are overrepresented in the criminal justice system, as raised by the Canadian Human Rights Commission (Figure 1).
Police-reported hate crimes data is one way that we are seeing evidence of the racism and discrimination experienced by racialized and religious minority communities. Police-reported hate crime data peaked sharply in 2017, marking a 47% increase from the previous year. This was mostly the result of an increase in hate-related property crimes, such as graffiti and vandalism. Those incidents were mainly targeting Muslim, Jewish, and Black populations and accounted for most of the national upsurge. The number of hate crimes in 2018 declined slightly by 13% but remains higher than any other year since 2009, with the exception of 2017.
Canada is not immune to the global rise in ethnic nationalist rhetoric, anti-immigrant sentiment and xenophobia. Given the importance and reach of social media in society, its powerful role in spreading hate speech and bigotry cannot be neglected. This is especially true among young people for whom social media has tremendous influence. Online disinformation has the potential to decrease social cohesion and propagate racism and hate online. Furthermore, online content filtration technologies can reduce Canadians’ exposure to differing views and increase polarization. Constant exposure to unreliable sources of information is now part of Canadians’ online experience. An informed citizenry able to discern false and misleading content is the best protection possible against online disinformation. As such, equipping Canadians with the tools they need to navigate the new information ecosystem continues to be important.
Part one of this report summarizes the accomplishments of the Multiculturalism Program within the Department of Canadian Heritage, as well as other initiatives undertaken by the Department of Canadian Heritage and its portfolio organizations that contribute to the implementation of Canada’s Multiculturalism Policy.
Part two of this report summarizes how other federal institutions met their obligations under the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, in four thematic areas:
- Collection of Data,
- Education and Awareness,
- Prevention and Solutions, and
- Promotion and Celebration.
This section demonstrates how federal institutions are meeting the requirements of the Act and highlights a series of promising practices that reflect Canada’s multicultural reality.
Part 1: Canadian Heritage
Multiculturalism Program Overview
The Canadian Multiculturalism Act aims to foster mutual respect among Canadians, to encourage equitable participation in society for people of all ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds, and to promote a sense of attachment and belonging to Canada. The Act directs the Minister to develop and deliver programs and practices to support its implementation. The Multiculturalism Program leads work across the federal government to advance the implementation of the Act, and aims to:
In order to deliver on these objectives the Multiculturalism Program focusses its work on five areas of activity:
Community Investments – the Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program (CSMARI) formerly titled Inter-Action, delivers grants and contributions funding under three components: projects, events and community capacity building. An additional component called Community Support for Black Canadian Youth Initiative provides funding for projects that address the unique challenges faced by Black Canadian youth.
Strategic Policy – provides evidence-based policy advice on the overall legislative, policy and regulatory framework for the operation of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act. The directorate also conducts monitoring, research and analysis of the needs and interests of diverse groups and of emerging trends and issues in the areas of multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion.
Public Outreach and Promotion – conducts outreach and educates the public about multiculturalism initiatives such as Asian Heritage Month, Black History Month and Canadian Multiculturalism Day to increase awareness, understanding and public dialogue about multiculturalism in Canada.
Support to Federal and Public Institutions – supports federal institutions to meet their obligations under the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, and to share challenges, best practices, and resources to improve implementation of the Act.
International Engagement – supports Canada’s participation in international agreements and bodies, such as the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).
Key Federal and International Commitments
In last year’s Annual Report (2017-18), Canada welcomed and responded to recommendations stemming from Canada’s appearance before the United Nations’ Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD)Footnote 2 in 2017, and the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, in its Tenth Report entitled “Taking Action Against Systemic Racism and Religious Discrimination Including Islamophobia”Footnote 3 (2018). These two committees recommended ways in which Canada could benefit from a renewed federal coordinated approach aimed at addressing barriers faced by racialized communities, religious minorities and Indigenous Peoples – along with the need for more and better data to effectively address institutional racism.
In Fiscal Year 2017-18 an evaluation of the Multicultural Program was carried out covering the period from April 1, 2011, to March 31, 2017. The findings of this assessment were made public in March 2018 and pointed to the need for: renewed objectives; a review of the Program’s structure; improved data instruments and measures; revised project eligibility criteria to address systemic regional and local issues; and the implementation of measures to ensure service standards are met. The evaluation recommendations were used to inform the work of the Multiculturalism Program throughout 2018-19. The following provides an overview of the Program’s key achievements in the last year.
Multiculturalism Program Highlights
In order to increase its capacity to meet the new and emerging priorities, the Program changed its structure and the design of its programming. This included the establishment of the Multiculturalism Branch in 2018 within Canadian Heritage, which brought together all the aforementioned key functions of the program including: grants and contributions, strategic policy, public outreach and promotion, support to federal public institutions, and international engagement.
As committed in 2018, Canadian Heritage received $23 million over two years to strengthen the Multiculturalism Program. This included $21 million in grants and contributions funding dedicated to address racism and discrimination with a particular focus on Indigenous Peoples, and racialized women and girls, and $2 million for cross-country consultations on a new national anti-racism approach, bringing together experts, community organizations, citizens and interfaith leaders to find new ways to combat racism and discrimination.
In 2018, the Inter-Action Program was rebranded as CSMARI to reflect the new objectives of the Multiculturalism Program’s grants and contributions. Two new components were added to the revised funding program, “Community Capacity-Building” and “Support for Black Canadian Youth”. These revisions support the Program in funding community actions targeting racialized communities, Indigenous Peoples and religious minorities, and to better support unique local and regional needs.
In 2018, additional changes were made to the Program’s terms and conditions, notably to the Program’s Events component to raise the maximum amount payable from $25,000 to $100,000 per event, to remove the requirement of matching cash funding, and to permit the celebration of single community events. As a result of these changes, the Program has seen a significant increase in requests for Events funding (Figure 2).
The new CSMARI Program components are as follows:
- The Events component provides funding to community-based events that foster intercultural and interfaith understanding, civic memory and pride;
- The Projects component provides funding for community development, anti-racism initiatives, and engagement projects that promote diversity and inclusion by promoting the expression of Canada’s multiple identities; and
- The Community Capacity-Building component provides funding for capacity building projects that will contribute to the recipient’s ability to promote diversity and inclusion, and help achieve strengthened governance, develop a communication strategy, and build partnerships.
These changes in the CSMARI Program collectively represent an increase of 24% in terms of the number of supported events and 71% in terms of total dollar value.
In 2018, the government also committed $9 million over three years to Canadian Heritage to address issues related to Black Canadian youth and $10 million over five years to the Public Health Agency to address the challenges faced by Black Canadians by supporting culturally focused mental health programs.
To address the government commitment, a new component, Community Support for Black Canadian Youth, was added to the CSMARI Program. This component funds projects that address the unique challenges faced by Black Canadian youth by:
- Combatting discrimination through awareness raising and/or digital literacy;
- Providing opportunities for Black Canadian youth, and empowering them through the promotion of Black history, culture and identity; and
- Developing leadership skills and civic engagement for Black Canadian youth.
Funding also supported engagement with Black Canadian youth; development of an education and awareness campaign; research on issues specific to Black Canadians; and, the development of a robust performance measurement framework for the approach as a whole.
CSMARI – Grants and Contributions Program
In 2018-19, the CSMARI Program funded 51 projects and 291 community-based events that promote diversity and inclusion by encouraging positive interaction among Canadians communities of all origins. These projects and events contribute to building an integrated, socially cohesive society. Thus far, almost one million Canadians have been reached through CSMARI funding.
Public Outreach and Promotion
The Multiculturalism Program’s ongoing public outreach and promotional activities traditionally include Black History Month, Asian Heritage Month, various web-based resources, and other initiatives. These activities allow all Canadians to be exposed to new narratives around multiculturalism, while genuinely representing the wide diversity that exists within Canadian society. Both Black History Month and Asian Heritage Month were promoted through social media kits that included downloadable education posters, which highlighted the campaign theme, and were made accessible to schools, libraries, museums and the public upon request. Funding was also facilitated through the CSMARI Program’s Events component for communities who wanted to celebrate those cultural heritages locally.
Black History Month
Every February, Canadians are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy and the many contributions of Black Canadians, past and present. In 2019, the theme of the Government of Canada’s Black History Month campaign was Black Canadian Youth: Boundless, Rooted and Proud. The following is one example of the many activities that were launched during this month.
Iqaluit Holds First Ever Black History Month
The capital of Nunavut, Iqaluit, kicked off the month of February with its first opening ceremony for Black History Month. Unknown to many Iqaluit residents and most Canadians, people of African descent have been present in the Canadian territory since the early 1600s. Jean Augustine, the first Black woman elected to the House of Commons, was a keynote speaker at this event at Iqaluit’s Cadet Hall. The event was a resounding success, demonstrating the bridge built between Inuit and African cultures throughout Canadian history. The activities also shed light on the experiences of racism and discrimination that Black Canadians and Inuit still face today. Approximately 100 Iqaluit residents of all backgrounds took part in this event, Iqaluit is becoming increasingly diverse by welcoming immigrants from around the world.
Asian Heritage Month
Asian Heritage Month honours the many achievements and contributions of Canadians of Asian origin who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally rich nation it is today. The theme for the 2019 Asian Heritage Month campaign was Asian Canadian Youth: Shaping Canada’s Future. The campaign brought attention to the role that Asian Canadian youth are playing in our society and their contributions to our Canadian identity. The history of Asian immigration in Canada can be traced back more than 150 years.
MS St.-Louis Official Apology
On November 7, 2018, the Prime Minister delivered a formal apology in the House of Commons regarding the fate of the MS St. Louis and its passengers. In 1939, Canada turned away 907 German Jews seeking asylum; 254 later lost their lives in the Holocaust. The Prime Minister apologized to the passengers, their families, and Jewish communities in Canada and around the world. The Prime Minister apologized to the Jewish refugees Canada turned away, and for the antisemitic “none is too many” immigration policy that led to the MS St. Louis incident.
“Today, I rose in the House of Commons to issue a long overdue apology to the Jewish refugees Canada turned away. By issuing this apology, it is my sincere hope that we can shine a light on this painful chapter of our history and ensure that its lessons are never forgotten. Antisemitism, xenophobia, and hatred have no place in this country, or anywhere in this world. Recent attacks on the Jewish community attest to the work we still have to do. We must always stand up against xenophobic and antisemitic attitudes and hate in all its forms”.Footnote 4
Commemorative National Months Adopted in 2018-19
In keeping with the rich cultural heritage of our country and the spirit of the Multiculturalism Policy, which acknowledges the freedom of all members of Canadian society to preserve, enhance and share their cultural heritage, the Parliament of Canada passed two new parliamentary initiatives proclaiming the invaluable contribution of the Filipino and Latin American communities to Canadian society. Since 2018, June is now recognized as Filipino Heritage Month and October as Latin American Heritage Month to honor these communities who have made and continue to make undeniable contributions to the country’s social, economic and political fabric. These months present an excellent opportunity for Canadians to learn more about these communities.
International Engagement
The Multiculturalism Program’s activities extend beyond Canada’s borders. By participating in international fora, and supporting Canada’s international commitments, the Program learns from, and contributes to the international policy dialogue on diversity and advances the objectives of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act.
International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Canada is a signatory to the United Nations International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination which promotes and encourages universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction based on race, sex, language or religion. As mentioned earlier in this report, Canada’s discussions with the CERD provided an opportunity to look at our work objectively and to improve initiatives to combat racism.Footnote 5
International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance
Initiated in 1998, the IHRA is a coalition of member countries governed by the principles expressed in the Declaration of the Stockholm International Forum on the Holocaust (Stockholm Declaration). Canada became a member of the IHRA in 2009. Through its membership, Canada has had the opportunity to share its expertise in Holocaust education, research and remembrance, and plays a central role as a conciliator and bridge builder. In 2018, IHRA established a 5-year priority of safeguarding the record and countering distortion of the Holocaust. A working definition of Holocaust Denial and Distortion had been previously adopted by IHRA under Canada’s 2013 Chairmanship. Also in 2018, the European Union became a Permanent International Partner of the IHRA.
Key Initiatives at Canadian Heritage: Enhancing the Multiculturalism Mandate
The Department of Canadian Heritage and its portfolio organizations have been leaders in advancing the Government’s priority of diversity and inclusion. They work to fulfill the mandate of preserving and enhancing multiculturalism by promoting and recognizing Canadians’ ethnocultural diversity in their programs, policies and services.
The Department supports culture, the arts, heritage, official languages, citizen engagement and participation, youth and sport initiatives and Indigenous languages and cultures. It is through these programs and those of its many portfolio agencies that Canadian Heritage promotes and builds multiculturalism and diversity in Canada.
The following are some initiatives undertaken by the Department of Canadian Heritage and its portfolio organizations in 2018-19 that helped enhance multiculturalism.
Creative Export Strategy
In June 2018, The Creative Export Strategy was launched with an investment of $125 million over five years to help Canadian creative entrepreneurs maximize their export potential. The Strategy expands market opportunities for Canadian creative industries and promotes Canada’s cultural sector abroad. It proposes a modernized approach adapted to the challenges faced by the creative industries today.
The following are three activities the Strategy supported in 2018-19 that helped Canadian creative entrepreneurs expand their global reach and further their international business objectives:
- A total of 24 projects were funded across Canada under the Creative Export Envelope of the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, including support for the Canadian Arts Presenting Association to lead a delegation of Canadian arts presenters to ENARTS (École Nationale des Arts) Performance Arts Encounter in Mexico in October 2018;
- Canadian Heritage led successful trade missions in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada to China (April 2018) and to Latin America (February 2019), in which nearly 100 Canadian businesses across the creative sectors participated, resulting in
44 commercial agreements; and
- Through its financial support, the department enabled creative businesses to promote their creations directly to serious international buyers during trade events such as the Guadalajara Book Fair (Mexico), the Edinburgh Festival (Scotland), and the Mercado, Industria, Cine y Audiovisual (Mexico).
Canada Media Fund
The Canada Media Fund (CMF) aims to foster, promote, develop and finance the production of Canadian content and relevant applications for all audiovisual media platforms, to deliver timely and personalized content to Canadians. Organizations supported by the CMF include, among others, Canadian television and digital media production companies. Indigenous communities, official language minority communities, as well as communities with other languages, benefit from special production funding envelopes through contributions.
Of the $352 million in CMF’s budget, 0.9% was allocated to the Diverse Languages Program. With the Indigenous Program envelop included, this percentage increases to 3.3% in 2018-19. The Diverse Languages Program supports productions reflecting Canadian diversity by funding projects in languages other than English, French, or Indigenous languages.
Canada Council for the Arts
The Canada Council for the Arts’ mandate is to foster and promote the study and enjoyment of, and production or works in, the arts. Canada Council Peer Assessment Program is the basis for the majority of the Council’s decisions on which artists, projects and organizations receive funding. Peer assessors are selected for their diversity of professional specialization; artistic practice; demographics (age, gender, ethnicity); and regions, to intentionally avoid homogenous types of arts.
The Canada Council for the Arts provides context briefs on diverse artistic practices that peers may not be familiar with to foster understanding of emerging or lesser-known artistic practices. It aims to educate them in considering the historical and current cultural contexts, as well as barriers faced by designated priority groups, when assessing and scoring applications. Examples include culturally diverse arts, and cultural appropriation.
Sport Canada
Sport Canada promotes and enhances Canadian participation in sport, from initial introduction to sport to the highest levels through transfer payments and policy leadership. It ensures that all Canadians have access to quality aligned sport programs in a safe and welcoming environment regardless of race, gender or physical disability, with the aim of fostering the development of high-performance athletes, coaches, officials, leaders and organizations within the Canadian Sport System. It also assists Canadian communities in hosting the Canada Games and international sport events.
The following highlights some activities that took place in sports for 2018-19:
- The Minister’s Working Group on Gender Equity in Sport was launched to address participation challenges and to propose ideas, approaches, and strategies for eliminating barriers that prevent increased participation of women and girls in sport. This working group also provided perspectives and insights on how to achieve gender equity in sport by 2035, by discussing how to deliver programming specifically for women and girls in sport, addressing gender-based violence in sport, including sexual harassment, and how to increase the representation of women in sport leadership positions;
- Funding in the amount of $47.5 million over five years, and $9.5 million per year ongoing were provided to expand the use of sports for social development in more than 300 Indigenous communities. The government has worked closely with the Aboriginal Sport Circle in the design and implementation of this initiative;
- The 2019 Canada Winter Games were held in Red Deer, Alberta from February 15 to March 3, 2019. Over 3,600 participants, 5,000 volunteers, 20,000 visitors enjoyed 19 sports and 10 nights of cultural entertainment as part of Canada’s largest multisport and cultural event for youth. The Games included events for athletes with a disability, a Women in Coaching Program, an Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program, and an Indigenous Officials Pilot Program. The 2019 Canada Games also included the launch of the Canada Games Council’s gender inclusion policy and responsible coach training program.
Exchanges Canada Program
The Exchanges Canada Program offered opportunities for over 13,900 youth to enhance their knowledge and understanding of Canada; to create linkages with one another; and, to enhance their appreciation of the diversity and shared aspects of the Canadian experience. Through participation in forums and group exchanges, youth had the opportunity to connect with other youth and learn about Canadian history, geography, industry, institutions, communities, cultures, and languages.
As a result of their participation in the Exchanges Canada Program, 90% of youth reported that they created new ties with people from other communities; 87% of youth participants reported that they enhanced their appreciation of how diverse Canada is; 83% agreed that they learned new things about Canada; 82% reported having a better understanding of what Canadians have in common; and 81% reported an increased sense of attachment to Canada.
Part 2: Implementation of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act across Federal Institutions
Methodology and Approach to Analysis
Part two of the Annual Report follows the structure of Section 3.2 of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, which describes the responsibilities of federal institutions concerning multiculturalism. The Canadian Multiculturalism Act recognized the crucial role federal organizations could play in preserving and enhancing multiculturalism in Canada. In addition to directing federal institutions to “carry on their activities in a manner that is sensitive and responsive to the multicultural reality of Canada,” the Act instructs federal organizations to address equal opportunity in federal institutions, promote capacity building, enhance the understanding of and respect for diversity, collect research and data that support the development of relevant policies, programs, and practices, and make appropriate use of the language skills and cultural knowledge of individuals of all origins.
To gather information from federal institutions for this year’s Annual Report, Canadian Heritage distributed questionnaires to government institutions of all sizes and mandates. The questionnaires aimed to identify and assess the federal government’s efforts in raising their workforce and society’s awareness and acceptance of Canada’s cultural diversity and inclusivity. This Report seeks to offer a snapshot of the activities undertaken by federal institutions in support of the operation of the Act, along with ensuring accountability and space for shared promising practices.
Of the 159 departments that received the questionnaire, 105 submitted a response. Each questionnaire had approximately 20 questionsFootnote 6 divided into three sectionsFootnote 7. The input received was reviewed and analyzed based on the following four themes from Section 3.2 of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act.
The initiatives highlighted below are a sample of the many initiatives that were submitted by federal institutions for inclusion in this year’s Report.
Federal Institutions Highlights – Thematic Analysis
Promising Practices Highlights
Collection of Data
Many government departments and agencies are increasingly harnessing the power of data to make better decisions and ultimately better serve Canadians. Data provides a strong foundation for better policies, programs and practices and overall strengthens the evidence-based work of government.
For this year’s Annual Report, federal institutions were asked to report on whether they collect statistical racial, ethnic and religious diversity data other than Employment Equity (EE) data and if they used the data to develop or improve internal and external policies, programs, practices and services. These questions were included in the submission form to get a better sense of institutions’ ability to collect data in support of internal and external policies, programs, and services, the type of data that is collected and the purpose for its collection.
Forty-three percent of federal institutions reported that they collected data to support their internal (32%) and external (11%) programs, policies, services and initiatives, 35% indicated that they do not collect data, and 22% provided no information (Figure 3). Only 5% of federal institutions stated that they collect data both internally and externally.Footnote 8 Institutions that collected data mainly did so through surveys to better understand the challenges experienced by individuals based on gender, age, religion, culture, ethnicity, and education-level. Specifically, collecting such data enabled institutions to provide customized support to their staff or clients based on their perspective and specific needs; to gain a multidimensional understanding of the diversity within their workplace (beyond EE data) and correct the issues identified; to understand clients and employees’ belief system, and behavior, amongst other reasons. Smaller institutions noted that data collection can be a challenge, as the size of their organizations make it difficult to preserve the privacy of employees or those to whom they provide services.
This shows a significant improvement of results compared to last year’s Annual Report. This year, only 35% of federal institutions reported that they did not collect data on racial, ethnic and religious diversity compared to 55% last year.
Multiculturalism and Employment Equity are not the same thing.
Employment equity focuses on four designated groups – women, Aboriginal peoples, person with a disability, and members of visible minorities – in the workplace. Multiculturalism has a wider scope, encouraging the participation of all ethnocultural groups in the social, cultural, economic and political life of Canada.
The Government of Canada continues to embrace the importance of data in its policy development. It is committed to ensuring that ongoing workplace improvement is based on evidence, such as that collected through the Public Service Employee Survey (PSES), which is managed by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat. The PSES allows the federal public service to identify what it is doing well and what it could be doing better, from the perspective of its employees, in order to ensure the continuous improvement of people management practices in government.
In 2018, 163,121 employees in 84 federal departments and agencies responded to the Public Service Employee Survey, for a response rate of 57.7%. Some of the results of the survey included information on the experience of employees with discrimination on the job in the previous 12 months. In 2018, 8% of employees who responded to the survey indicated that they had been the victim of discrimination and individuals with authority (77%) and co-workers (36%) were the most frequently cited sources of discrimination. The most common types of discrimination experienced were sex (29%), age (26%) and race (25%). Of those who had indicated they had been discriminated against, 6% filed a grievance or formal complaint, and 49% took no action. The survey results will allow federal departments and agencies to identify their areas of strength and concern related to people management practices, benchmark and track progress over time, and inform the development and refinement of action plans. Better people management practices lead to better results for the public service, and in turn, better results for Canadians.
This section highlights some of the multiculturalism research and data collection activities undertaken by federal institutions during this reporting period:
|Name of federal institution||Initiative|
|Business Development Canada (BDC)||Recognizing the barriers that exist for many newcomers, BDC established a “Newcomer Entrepreneur Success Team” (NEST), a group of employees dedicated to supporting newcomer entrepreneurs. Collection of data on languages has enabled BDC to determine which languages would be offered for the NEST program and in what priority.|
|Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)||The institution has expanded and advanced its people analytics capabilities. CMHC gathers demographic data through its Employee Engagement Survey to develop a Diversity Index and Inclusion Index. The Diversity Index has influenced their workplace transformation, communications and branding. An Inclusion Index was added in 2018 to improve understanding of the dynamics of inclusion and group-based marginality at CMHC.|
|Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC)||This institution collects complaints related data for internal and external purposes. Internal data is used to track the nature and outcome of complaints. CHRC collects racial, ethnic and religious data when related to the substance of complaints. This data is used internally in the development of policies, reporting purposes and position statements and externally for CHRC submissions to Parliament or other external stakeholders, and media releases. In addition, CHRC used national survey statistics for the fourth report in their equality rights series to look at how visible minority adults in Canada fare compared to non-visible minority adults, based on the seven dimensions of well-being (social, emotional, spiritual, environmental, occupational, intellectual and physical wellbeing).|
|Destination Canada (DestCan)||Destination Canada established its market research approach by collecting country-specific data on international travelers’ behaviors. This information helps to inform various marketing programs and activities that target international travelers to visit Canada.|
|National Research Council Canada (NRC)||The purpose of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) program is to support NRC’s commitment to building a diverse and representative workforce, ensuring that NRC’s work with clients, partners and entrepreneurs is free from racial discrimination, barriers, and contribute to a more inclusive NRC and innovation system. Nationality data is collected upon hire. This data is used to understand the diversity of the NRC workforce. Data on visible minorities and Indigenous Peoples, collected through the self-identification process, is used to inform decisions on the development and implementation of programs and policies to support equitable recruitment, retention; and to identify and address challenges that limit members of these groups from accessing opportunities that should be available to all employees.|
|Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)||This institution collects self-identification data from applicants for research grants and scholarships to monitor the equity performance of SSHRC’s programs and to design new measures that achieve greater equity, diversity and inclusion in the research enterprise.|
|Statistics Canada (StatsCan)||The Centre for Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics is focused on three key goals and objectives, which include regular reporting to Canadians, generating new information to address data gaps, and building statistical capacity by sharing and collaborating with new and existing partners. Among other activities, the Centre developed a public-facing data hub, which includes the theme of immigration and ethnocultural diversity to support evidence based policy development and decision-making— both within the federal government and beyond. In 2018-19, an infographic and a booklet on Canada’s Black population, released during Black History Month, presented and celebrated the demographic growth and diversity of the Black population in Canada and helped inform the public and policymakers.|
Education and awareness
Public education and awareness remain two of the most effective ways to counter racism and discrimination, particularly with regard to understanding the multidimensional origins of racism and its use to oppress specific groups, and to deconstructing racial stereotypes and narratives that perpetuate prejudice, violent rhetoric and xenophobic sentiments.
In their submissions, federal institutions were asked to indicate if they had a Multiculturalism Champion in place who is responsible for issues related to Multiculturalism. Close to 9 in 10 institutions (87%) reported that they have a designated senior manager or champion who is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act for their respective federal institution, compared with 13% who did not. (Figure 4) In most cases, senior departmental managers or human resources personnel serve as the champion.
Federal institutions were also asked about the participation of their employees in anti-racism and racial discrimination training.
In 2018, compared to 2017, a slight increase was measured in training provided by federal institutions to sensitize their staff on a broad spectrum of challenges that impede the daily experience, mental health, personal and professional development of the workforce (Figure 5). However, more than half of the submission forms received indicated that their training in anti-racism and discrimination came from courses offered by Canada School of Public Service, such as “Creating a Respectful Workplace”. Most of the training cited in the submissions was not exclusively anti-racism and discrimination training, but rather anti-racism and discrimination was a minor component of the training. The types of training most cited by institutions included training on diversity and inclusion, respectful workplaces, harassment and discrimination, values and ethics, and GBA+ training. While this approach may be standard, institutions should consider specific anti-racism and racial discrimination training capable of addressing those subjects in more depth.
It is important for federal departments and agencies to strengthen understanding of the many ways people are subject to or are perpetuating systemic racism. Conversations on racism should be taking place in a space that is both honest and solution-oriented, by identifying and addressing the historical barriers that negatively affect racialized groups, religious minorities and Indigenous Peoples in their day-to-day lives. It is essential to provide opportunities to educate and raise awareness about the challenges and obstacles, as well as to develop mutual respect and thoughtfulness to create an inclusive, welcoming society.
The following are illustrative examples of education and awareness initiatives that were noted in the submissions received from federal institutions:
|Name of federal institution||Initiative|
|Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)||The institution organized intercultural competency training, which promotes cultural awareness, intercultural skills and competencies to employees to help them identify and stop patterns of racial discrimination.|
|Atlantic Pilotage Authority (APA)||In response to the lack of cultural and gender representativeness in the Canadian Marines’ organizational structure, APA organized, in collaboration with the Nova Scotia Community College Nautical Institute, a roundtable discussion titled “Increase Diversity in the Marine Industry”. This roundtable aimed to attract more women and Indigenous Peoples to the workspace, discuss safety in the work environment (including racism, and sexual harassment preventions), and identify barriers faced by ethnic minorities in the Marine Industry. It was also a necessary step in preparation for ongoing comprehensive action towards convincing more Canadians to consider a career in uniform by ensuring the hiring, and the full and equitable participation of individuals from all origins.|
|Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC)||CHRC hosted a “Fast Talk on Hate and Intolerance” roundtable with experts to identify the policy, legislative and regulatory barriers to justice, and potential roles for the CHRC in combating the rise of hate crime incidents and speech in Canada. Written submission and testimonials informed the development of the objectives, action items and deliverables in CHRC’s strategic action plans. As well, CHRC, in collaboration with Public Safety Canada and the Public Policy Forum, organized a panel discussion on online hate and intolerance. This panel helped participants to gain knowledge on practical ways to combat online hate and ways to provide appropriate community support and recourse mechanisms to victims of hate crimes. Members of the panel included several people with significant experience in combatting hate and intolerance.|
|Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB)||
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CPPIB reassessed their “Impact of Unconscious Bias Training” and identified its limitations to reassess its requirements, and pilot a new workshop called “Managing through Inclusion.” This workshop served to better arm managers with the tools to foster inclusivity and productivity. The success of the pilot sessions provided the grounds to position this training as mandatory for all managers. Outcomes from this workshop included:
|Health Canada (HC)||Health Canada launched the “Building a Purposeful Career” initiative, which collectively engaged visible minorities in developing leadership, tangible skills, and learning from best practices to create and implement purposeful strategies that maximize potential and advances the careers of visible minorities.|
|Privy Council Office (PCO)||PCO organized an info-dialogue around the topic of “Building a More Inclusive PCO” to deliver the main concepts and tools that would lead to their organizational success, by: creating a more inclusive workplace, boldly examining and challenging their staff’s own racial biases (among other things), exploring the concepts of employment equity and diversity at PCO, and reflecting on their expectations and approach towards inclusion.|
|Public Service and Procurement Canada (PSPC)||PSPC organized a joint learning program named “Respecting Differences: Anti-Discrimination” for employees to recognize and appreciate why multiculturalism is an important Canadian value, along with articulating and understanding the advantages of having a workforce that is reflective of our diverse society.|
Prevention and Solutions
The Government of Canada must take a leading role in addressing systemic racism and discrimination when found to exist within our federal institutions and in public policies, programs and services. Accordingly, federal departments and agencies are taking concrete action to prevent and resolve racism and discrimination in all spheres of society by fostering the full and equitable access of individuals and communities of all origins and from all sectors. In this report, federal institutions were asked if they developed partnerships with relevant stakeholders to promote multiculturalism and/or learn more about multicultural communities. We believe that engaging with relevant stakeholders provides an opportunity for them to define and identify the challenges that they are facing, through their own words and perspective. Those consultations contribute to framing new objectives, while leveraging their expertise to prevent and dissolve barriers sustainably.
This year federal institutions reported an increase in efforts to collaborate with partners in the discussion and promotion of multiculturalism (Figure 6). Most of the submissions demonstrated that their focus in the prevention and solutions of racial discrimination is Employment Equity Action Plans, building on the job opportunities and advancements.
A slight increase was also noted in the submissions received for this report, from 70% in 2017-18 to 75% in 2018-19. The following are illustrative examples of practical steps taken by federal institutions to apply an anti-racism perspective to decision-making. Considered as stepping stones to effective remedies, the initiatives reported below have helped anticipate and remove unconscious bias in future policies, programs and decisions:
|Name of federal institution||Initiative|
|Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)||AAFC’s Visible Minority Network hosted a series of career development workshops to support the upward mobility of racialized employees. The series included a roundtable discussion titled “Advancing Your Career and Setting the Stage for the Future,” where speakers, including racialized senior executives, shared their career experiences, lessons learned, practical strategies for career advancement, and recommendations on how to influence policies to help create an equitable environment for career development. The series also featured a “Problem Solving Through Coaching” workshop that empowered the network to think strategically through complex situations, explore innovative possibilities, and make decisions with confidence. This resulted in candid discussion, and ignited a sense of hope, empowerment, and perseverance among the participants.|
|Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)||The institution established the initiative “Hire Immigrants Ottawa”, which heightens cultural awareness and puts to use multilingual skills to equip employees to be able to connect, break linguistic barriers, and communicate with more newcomer entrepreneurs beyond English and French.|
|Canada Lands Company Limited (CLCL)||Canada Lands Company collaborated with Clear View ConnectsTM, which is a 24-hour, confidential and anonymous reporting service that is designed to connect employees to their organization without fear of violating their confidentiality. This independent third party provides an impartial and objective assessment “to meet the specific needs of end-users, while providing a fully integrated, real-time Case Management System, that allows organizations to review anonymous employee reports online”. It offers a space for employees to express their concerns without fear of judgement, exclusion or reprisal.|
|Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)||CRA established the “Employee Third Language Capabilities Directory”, which lists the employees who are willing and available to volunteer their services to eliminate linguistic barriers between the federal institution and their clients. This initiative aims to encourage employees to learn and practice a third language, other than English or French, to ensure that all clients are at ease and accompanied throughout their fiscal inquiries and requirements.|
|Department of Justice Canada||The Department of Justice organized an engagement session with National Indigenous Organizations regarding the Justice Canada Strategic Action Plan to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous Peoples in the criminal justice system, whether as victims/survivors, or accused/offenders.|
|Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED)||The Federal Internship for Newcomers Program offers newcomers a chance to gain valuable Canadian work experience and training opportunities with federal, provincial and municipal organizations. The rationale of this program is to reduce the obstacles that prevent ethnic, racial, and religious minorities from entering ISED’s workplace, and increase diversity in the talent recruited into the department. ISED does so by hiring employees through casual or term contractual needs.|
|Royal Canadian Mountain Police (RCMP)||
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Partnerships with prominent cultural, religious and educational organizations, allows the RCMP to engage with organizations such as:
Promotion and Celebration
Multiculturalism supports the belief that all citizens are equal. There is strength in uniting through diversity and celebrating multiculturalism. Multiculturalism also ensures that all citizens can maintain their identities, take pride in their ancestry and have a sense of belonging. Recognizing and celebrating the diversity of our history and heritage can contribute to the development of a shared sense of community identity, purpose and cohesiveness.
Federal institutions were asked to identify some of the activities they have undertaken to recognize and celebrate the heritage and contribution of the many communities that make up our diverse population. Institutions confirmed their commitment to promoting and celebrating our multicultural heritage by reporting a wide range of celebratory initiatives undertaken within their organizations including: Indigenous Awareness Week, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Indigenous Peoples Day, Multiculturalism Day, Black History Month, and Asian Heritage Month, among many others.
Many institutions engaged the public in their celebration of our diverse heritage. Smaller organizations have expressed that lack of resources impede their ability to participate in some key celebrations. However, a small increase was noted across all federal institutions in the promotion and celebration of our multicultural heritage for this year’s annual report, from 87% in 2017-18 to 90% in 2018-19 (Figure 7).
Highlighted below are some of the varied ways in which federal institutions have promoted and celebrated our multicultural heritage during this reporting period:
|Name of federal institution||Initiative|
|Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL)||Tapping into the inherent love for entertainment and new information of its staff, AECL organized a “Multicultural Jeopardy” event for employees to learn about other cultural, ethnic, and religious holidays to raise awareness regarding their significance and how they are celebrated around the world, creating a sense of discovery and interconnectedness. This initiative was a success and gathered more than half of their staff who actively participated in the activities.|
|Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)||AAFC organized the “Living Library”, which features employees from across the Department, who shared their life stories. The event aimed to explore the diversity within the Department, create positive dialogue, build open-mindedness and increase employees’ understanding of diversity through the retelling of different life experiences. The living “books”, which included two ethnic minorities and an Indigenous person, shared their experiences on topics such as transitioning from refugee to government executive, coming out in the workplace and being an advocate for LGBTQ2+ employees, and escaping domestic violence and building a better life.|
|Global Affairs Canada (GAC)||
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For 10 days in November, at the Canadian embassy of Seoul, South Korea, GAC conducted the 2018 #InclusionMeans social media campaign, provinding a positive narrative about inclusion and cultural diversity. The campaign used Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to discuss topics of gender equality, LGBTQ2+, progressive trade, linguistic diversity and more. The signboards with hashtags, in three languages (Korean, English, and French) appeared in all posts to create a sense of unity as a series. The campaign reached over 40,000 users, including over 22,000 on Twitter, over 15,000 on Facebook and over 5,000 on Instagram. Canada’s mission also participated in “Together Day”, hosted by the Korea Immigration Service of the Ministry of Justice, a national commemorative day to promote a society where Koreans and foreign residents in Korea learn from and respect each other’s culture and traditions.
Canada’s mission in Berlin supported the promotion of the inclusiveness, diversity and innovation of Canada’s cultural scene by funding strong German partner institutions for a total of 78 cultural projects. Among the projects was the celebration and promotion of indigenous perspectives on climate change in the Arctic. The tour included Madrid, Stockholm, Berlin, Potsdam, Stuttgart, and Paris. The mission supported major exhibitions at several important German art institutions reflecting the multicultural influences in Canadian contemporary art.
Conclusion
This report presents an overview of what has been accomplished in 2018-19 in the promotion of Canada`s multiculturalism. Achievements have been highlighted and streamlined under the following four thematic areas: 1) Collection of Data, 2) Education and Awareness, 3) Prevention and Solutions, and 4) Promotion and Celebration.
Federal institutions have made strides in the development of promising practices in the collection of internal and external data on racial, ethnic and religious diversity. The use of disaggregated data on racial issues has contributed to identifying and responding more effectively to the specific needs and challenges raised by ethnocultural communities and religious minorities in various fora and consultation exercises. Federal institutions are also continuing to make improvements in providing more training on anti-racism and discrimination as main topics of education and awareness, rather than as small components of the training. An increase in efforts to collaborate with key stakeholders to promote more than multiculturalism was also noted as a means to clearly define, identify, and prevent racism and discrimination in all social spheres. Those critical partnerships are stepping stones to informing the conceptualization of evidence-based anti-racism practices that are sustainable in preventing and addressing racism. Lastly, federal institutions continued efforts to celebrate the cultural heritage and contributions of the many communities that make up Canada’s diverse society.
While progress has been made, opportunities exist to improve the ways in which federal institutions undertake their activities in support of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act. Training specifically on racial discrimination, outside of training about respect, diversity and civility in the workplace, could be implemented in more federal institutions. In addition, consideration could be given to reviewing institutional complaint mechanisms. Most complaint mechanisms in federal institutions deal with racial discrimination and harassment grievances through the same standard process. Developing solutions and understanding insidious forms of racism are essential to ensuring that the issue is effectively addressed. Lastly, federal institutions could consider how to commemorate multiculturalism events in a more meaningful manner, beyond the posting of messages on the intranet and email distributions to employees.
The preparation of this Annual Report would not have been possible without the valuable and steady collaboration of all federal institutions who have actively taken part in this yearly exercise. They are continuously making incremental changes to address the critical challenges that impede the effective implementation of Canada’s multiculturalism policy. Multiculturalism is an evolving and dynamic reality that requires the government to adapt and modernize its policies and programs as Canadian society evolves, while finding effective solutions to address racism and discrimination.
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2019
Catalogue No. CH31-1E
ISSN 1497-7400
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- Date modified: | https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/corporate/publications/plans-reports/annual-report-canadian-multiculturalism-act-2018-2019.html |
Mark Robertson, Principal, Oakleigh Grammar
Multiculturalism thrives at Oakleigh Grammar as a result of Robertson’s commitment to internationalism and globalisation in an educational context. The focus on the values of inclusivity and diversity have been a cornerstone of the community feel of the school.
Today, Oakleigh Grammar is recognised locally and internationally for its educational programs, enrolments have doubled, and the school’s focus on neuroscience, character development and thought leadership are said to have transformed it into a school of choice in Melbourne. | https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/rankings/hot-list-2017/mark-robertson-principal-oakleigh-grammar/242713 |
In support of this year’s election of new Board members to the Safety Institute of Australia, the Safety on Tap podcast has granted each nominee ten minutes to introduce themselves. Some of these episodes raised the following points of interest:
- The need to change the demographics of the occupational health and safety (OHS) profession to reflect society.
- Any organisation that is undergoing change must acknowledge that even though it may be replacing “old school” thinking and structures, sustainable progress is best achieved by accepting the future is built by “standing on the shoulders of giants”.
- Just because an organisation or profession has been structured one way in the past does not mean that structure remains applicable for the future.
Demographics
The need for demographic diversity in almost all modern organisations is unarguable but the strategies to achieve this can often miss the need to acknowledge the importance of “mental demographics” – the need to change the minds and attitudes of people of all ages. Such a statement echoes the harsh colonialism of changing “hearts and minds” but any strategy for change must integrate existing social and organisational structures and power dynamics or else it could promote potential conflict or “white-anting”.
The demographic focus is often described in terms of Diversity but such a focus risks being dominated by one or two demographic sections, such as gender or age, or even the lobbyist who gains the greatest influence. There is a risk that the push for diversity can compound exclusivity and elitism if diversity is not broadly and carefully applied. Perhaps more, and quicker, progress would come through focusing on Inclusivity rather than Diversity.
To achieve this change, one needs to know oneself. The OHS profession, at least in Australia, has always been poorly defined and identified. Almost twenty years ago the Safety Institute of Australia estimated around 18,000 people identified themselves as safety professionals. It is not known if Health and Safety Representatives were included. There has been the occasional survey of the profession but these have been, principally, for marketing purposes and have not been as helpful as they could have been. The OHS profession is poorly defined and understood although some research efforts have begun.
Building on the past
New thoughts and new approaches are always needed but these should not be dismissive of what has gone before, even if the past was a mess. Progress refines itself on the knowledge of past mistakes. We learn through failures and so the mistakes of OHS institutions and the dead-ends of safety research and thinking are important to know. Corporate knowledge should incorporate the successes and the failures, the good and the bad, so that future strategies are built on a robust state of knowledge.
The future
Many safety organisations have long histories of which they are justifiably proud. In preparing for the future, it is necessary to reflect on whether the structure of an organisation, or a profession, remains suitable or whether that structure is a potential impediment to progress.
The rapid change in communication methods and social and professional connections is a challenge to all contemporary organisations. Most are trying to cope with this change rather than embracing it.
Some organisations may achieve a better understanding of their potential by starting from a clean slate. As OHS professionals, it is worth asking “if the safety profession was to be built today, from scratch, on what structure would it model itself?” Would it look to the past and build a “bricks and mortar” institution? Would it be a “community of practice”? Would it be a virtual institute that operates almost entirely online?
This rumination does not dismiss the history of the safety profession or the achievements of its associations but advocates a lively freedom in thought.
OHS associations have been dominated by academic institutions due to a desire to create mutual support mechanisms and to promote evidence-based policy decisions. These achievements have been largely successful but they have often occurred at the exclusion of others who are just as passionate about safety. The OHS profession should reevaluate the dominance of these formal structural links to academia. If there was not an OHS academia, what would the OHS profession look like? Would a profession be needed? Are there other ways to improve safety in workplaces and society? Perhaps through seeing OHS as a “trade” rather than a “profession”?
Australia’s OHS profession has not yet reached its centenary. One organisation, the National Safety Council of Australia, has only ten years to go. Such anniversaries are often used as a point for reflection and speculation. Discussion of the future of the safety profession in Australia is likely to ramp up in the next decade or so and the discussion will be indicative of the maturity of that profession. Will the profession hang onto a structure that suited it in the 20th Century or be prepared to change substantially to meet the needs of the 21st Century? Will OHS continue to be seen as an impediment to productivity by most or as a base from which a new socio-corporate morality will be built? Will the profession continue to be accused of elitism or will it embrace the inclusivity that the rest of society is working towards?
Organisations, safety ones included, seem obliged to produce strategy and framework documents. against which organisations are rarely held accountable. Set a performance target and figures will always show satisfaction of that target or, if the target will not be reached, the strategy fades into history and is never mentioned again.
The Australian safety profession needs a new vision developed by organisations that are not afraid to scrap outmoded practices, structures and relationships in order to build a more relevant, sustainable and influential profession. This process needs to be based on inclusivity and be prepared to reject historical demarcations that smack of elitism and a narrow understanding of how safety can fit with, and lead. the contemporary socio-political expectations.
One election will not achieve this change but over a short period of time, people of vision will be able to reconfigure the OHS profession for it to suit future needs. Those people, and the organisations they represent, will need to be brave and be prepared to sacrifice long-held but futureless beliefs and practices. The demographics are changing as are the opportunities presented by technology. What the future of the OHS profession demands is the preparation for an uncertain future and multiple possibilities without denying the achievements and mistakes of the past.
In the coming weeks, SafetyAtWorkBlog will be reporting on safety conferences in Melbourne, Sydney and Singapore and will be looking for the future of the profession. | https://safetyatworkblog.com/2017/08/09/configuring-the-safety-profession-for-the-future/ |
Dear University of Iowa College of Dentistry Administration,
We write to you today to express our support in continuing diversity, equity,
and inclusion (DEI) education in your institution. We also stand in harmony with
your students who are working behind the scenes to ensure the DEI trainings
remain since they are important in increasing cultural competency and making
students, faculty, and staff feel comfortable in academia and the workplace. We are
aware of the repercussions faced by the College of Dentistry’s statement deploring
former president Trump’s “Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex
Sterotyping”. The order’s purpose was to, unfortunately, end training that
encourages “anti-American race and sex stereotyping”. The order states that such
trainings are “rooted in the pernicious and false belief that America is an
irredeemably racist and sexist country”. Whereas these trainings strive to promote
the opposite; to educate about the different experiences we, as Americans and
human beings, face due to our race, gender, socioeconomic status, etc. We stand
with you on all things that promote inclusivity and unity, which are embodied by
the DEI trainings.
To the Iowa State legislator(s),
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training are implemented in dental professional
settings for manifesting a welcoming and inclusive environment for students and
prospective patients of any background. For a professional student to send out an
email chain that goes against these values creates an unsafe and exclusive learning
environment for already marginalized students and patients. This action is
intolerable. Most dental institutions would condemn this behavior and discipline
the student for such. That was not the case for Iowa College of Dentistry. Every
individual is entitled to free speech. However, when words and actions create an
insecure environment, it is unacceptable. The Iowa College of Dentistry serves
patients of all backgrounds and are “committed to a welcoming and inclusive
collegiate community for all students, faculty, staff and patients.” Therefore, we
ask you to re-evaluate your perspective and remember the plethora of backgrounds
the university serves and make up the communities in your own state.
At the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, we strive to strengthen
our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts on all fronts. In this past year alone, the
school fully supported student efforts to shed light on the waves of racial injustices
across the country following the death of George Floyd by organizing a protest that
was attended by many students and faculty. Since then, faculty and staff have been
working tirelessly on committees to improve inclusivity and diversity within our
walls. The Office of Student Affairs has fully welcomed students to address any
concerns regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion with the goal of building a
stronger community within our institution where all members feel secure. All of
these efforts only strengthen a professional environment and empower individuals
who make up the fabric of the institution. Addressing issues of diversity, equity,
and inclusivity appropriately advances dental institutions and appeals to future
talent.
Steps to promote diversity for students, faculty and staff are outlined on the Action
UIowa Task Force website under actionable items. We support the UIowa Task
Force group in all it has done to advocate and promote the underrepresented
students, faculty, staff, and patients at the Iowa College of Dentistry. Bringing these
actionable items to life would increase cultural knowledge, decrease discrimination
and bias, and most of all, help to reduce the health disparities that exist in our
country today.
We stand alongside the students of the UIowa Task Force and all who have been
silenced and affected by the inadequate comfort and support at the Iowa College of
Dentistry that should be provided at every institution. | https://pittasda.com/letter-of-support/ |
Multiculturalism is under pressure, but we can ensure its success by enforcing mainstream society’s laws, norms, and ethics.
Immigration has sparked nativist sentiments, racial divisions and economic insecurities in Western liberal democracies. The election of Donald Trump as the US president is evidence of the political foothold that anti-immigrant sentiment is gaining. It comes in the wake of Britain’s Brexit vote and the rise of populist nationalist parties in France, Italy and Germany.
Canada has, by and large, escaped this populist sentiment, though in some pockets of the Conservative Party and among Quebec nationalists, misgivings about immigration are voiced in the code words of preserving “Canadian values.” Still, even Canada harbours ambivalence about immigration, despite its credible record of welcoming immigrants, including, recently, Syrian refugees. An October 2016 Angus Reid/CBC national opinion poll shows 67 percent of Canadians are satisfied with the integration of immigrants into their communities, but 68 percent also want immigrants to do more to fit into Canadian society.
Hundreds of thousands of immigrants every year are needed to grow the Western countries’ economies and balance their populations. The arrival of such large numbers of new citizens is transforming these nations and cultures, arousing the fear of loss of control and identity in historically white societies. Cultural and ethno-racial diversity is changing the feel and face of these communities and arousing resentment. With these developments, economic and business interests have come to clash with social and cultural nationalism.
But multiculturalism need not be viewed as a source of social divisions. It has another side to it, that of the common bonds of institutions, geography, and the interdependencies of a society and nation. The common ground in which cultural diversity is embedded works and can be further made to work for social cohesion.
Diversity in the age of human and civil rights
On arriving in a new country, immigrants do not and cannot abandon their memories and identities, no matter how motivated or coerced they may be to adopt the ways of a host nation. Previous waves of immigrants were, by and large, disconnected from their homelands on arrival. But with cheap air travel, telephone calls, electronic communications and satellite TV, today’s immigrants remain in touch with their homelands, both in personal relations and in political and cultural terms. Grandmothers can even supervise grandchildren across the oceans through Skype. Present-day immigrants retain their cultures longer and hold onto their identities more strongly, because globalization has blown away even the myth (it was seldom the reality) of uniform national cultures. Immigration injects new cultures into national societies.
The multiplicity of ethno-racial groups and their community cultures has always been a feature of most modern societies. Cultural identities persist in second and third generations, producing hyphenated nationals. Immigration expands the range of such subcultures, making multiculturalism the lived reality in many societies, whether the official policy recognizes it or not.
Contemporary multiculturalism is more than the multiethnicity and multiracialism of population. It combines this diversity with the current liberal regime of civil and human rights. It is the equal entitlements provided to all citizens, irrespective of race, colour, ethnicity or religion, that make contemporary multiculturalism inevitable. In Canada, for example, almost every claim to the accommodation of religious and cultural differences is based on entitlements in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Similarly, in the US, the Civil Rights Acts have promoted cultural and religious diversity. A nation now is all the more a composite of communities of distinct identities entitled to recognition and accommodation within its prevailing regime of rights and freedoms. In this sense, multiculturalism is the new nationalism.
Community cultures and the common ground
In multiculturalism, the cultures of various communities interact with their society’s common ground – the overarching mainstream culture, economy, and political and social citizenship that confer entitlements of public participation, protection and access to services. The two components evolve and change in tandem with each other.
The “cultures” of multiculturalism are limited in scope: they are found in domestic and community life. Sociologists call these subcultures, not unlike regional or corporate cultures or those of youth and women. But even in these private spheres, national norms and values have defining roles. For example, polygamy and corporal punishment of children are not permissible even if they are a particular community’s historic practices. Large areas of life are excluded from these subcultures, such as work, law and politics, and the economy. Traffic laws, for example, do not recognize any cultural differences.
Community cultures are embedded in the common ground of norms, values and institutions of the mainstream society. The public culture consisting of national languages, ideology, shared territory and environment, citizenship, laws, economy, technology, services and historical narratives forms the ground upon which community cultures are cultivated. It includes both the values, ideologies and institutions that define the society in broad strokes and the ethics of mundane behaviours of public life, such as lining up to get on a bus, trusting strangers in the streets or not littering in public places.
The subcultures and the common ground penetrate each other and change over time. The common ground is continually reconstructed by absorbing community cultures’ practices and behaviours. A vivid example is the incorporation of global cuisines in the mainstream. For their part, ethno-racial subcultures incorporate mainstream business practices, marriage ideals, dating mores, media discourses, aesthetics and national ideologies.
So, multiculturalism operates in two directions: it bestows recognition on ethno-racial identities and supports the rights of community cultures to hold onto their differences, and it infuses diversity into the mainstream institutions of the common ground through a process of reasonable accommodation, making them more pluralistic.
Countries that manage these two processes through regimes of rights, equality of citizenship and strong civic culture attain a high level of social cohesion and integration of immigrants. Yet it is not always a smooth transformation. The fortunes of multiculturalism rise and fall with economic cycles and political swings from the left to the right and vice versa. With Canadians showing misgivings about how well immigrants are fitting in and a wave of anti-immigrant sentiment in the US, multiculturalism is in under pressure.
Making multiculturalism work for national cohesion
Although the public mood shifts, the inevitability of multiculturalism makes it a permanent condition of contemporary democratic societies. How can public policy guide multiculturalism to contribute to a more cohesive society that is also diverse and fair?
In Canada, acknowledged to be an example of successful multiculturalism, the recognition and accommodation of ethno-cultural differences has, by and large, gone well. The Charter and policies at all levels of government have produced flourishing community cultures and religious freedoms. Controversies about the wearing of the niqab, foreign buyers in the housing market or racist attitudes to minorities among police regularly crop up, to be sure, but there are laws and processes to address them.
But is our common ground as strong and effective as it could be? A deliberate and vigorous enforcement of mainstream society’s laws, norms, etiquettes and ethics is the path to better integrate immigrants and promote social cohesion.
First, Canada’s human rights laws and conventions, such as the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the provincial Codes of human rights, should be amended to specify the criteria for “reasonableness” and include promotion of public order and community interests among the considerations in allowing accommodations of individuals’ cultural and religious rights. Individual rights should be balanced against the imperatives of social cohesion and public interest. Present conceptions of human rights promote the agency of individuals, without much regard to the responsibilities towards human community and national integration.
Second, local governments should have cultural development programs to draw people into institutions and activities that build “bridging” bonds, such as intercultural fairs, sports, media platforms, and artistic and literary activities of interest to all. These programs should aim to involve all citizens, rich and poor, majority as well as minority groups, including second- and third-generation ethnic minorities and immigrants.
Third, English-language and French-language education services for immigrants should be expanded to include instruction in both the civic culture and the national history of Canada.
Finally, immigrants at the stages of selection, entry, settlement and citizenship should be given a respectful, imaginative and appropriate orientation introducing them to Canadian public norms, expected behaviours of everyday life, gender equality and the ethics of living in a multicultural society, going beyond lectures on motherhood Canadian values.
These types of measures would strengthen Canada’s common ground and to integrate immigrants in the mainstream society. They would enrich the ongoing processes of multiculturalism and resolve the tension between the economic need for increased immigration and the desire to preserve the social and cultural continuity of the host society.
Do you have something to say about the article you just read? Be part of the Policy Options discussion, and send in your own submission. Here is a link on how to do it. | Souhaitez-vous réagir à cet article ? Joignez-vous aux débats d’Options politiques et soumettez-nous votre texte en suivant ces directives. | http://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/june-2017/promoting-national-cohesion-through-multiculturalism/ |
Public well being problems are taken into severe issues for the effective answer of issues. Cultural diversity, also referred to as multiculturalism, is the set of characteristics that distinguishes groups inside a society. Other aspects of id are traced by way of essential ideas and forces which shape our sense of self, specifically, the family, childhood and adolescence, citizenship, globalisation and education, social class, gender, race and language.
Morocco additionally faces a rapidly increasing demand for center colleges, as a result of elevated access to primary schooling. A historic perspective via worldwide and UK research research of multilingualism and multiculturalism in schooling policies and practices within the twentieth century.
These instruments foster the mixing of culture into all subjects and at all levels of training in faculties all across Québec. The academic achievement and expertise of first and second-technology immigrants, folks with disabilities and different groups in a susceptible position lag behind those of the rest of the inhabitants.
Having the highest literacy fee in South Asia, Sri Lanka’s training plays a crucial function in the life and tradition of the nation and dates back so far as 543 BC. In different phrases, training in Sri Lanka has a historical past of over 2300 years. Analysis of strikes abroad by the population aged 18 to 34 years outdated, for studies or coaching, in the course of the totally different levels of their educational training. A critical overview of chosen literature on constructions of difference, failure, special educational want (SEN) and incapacity in multilingual and multicultural instructional contexts.
The module begins from the premise that much of children’s social studying takes place exterior of the official curriculum and that kids create for themselves complicated social worlds and meanings in and across the spaces of schooling. This module focuses on an introductory exploration of the key concepts of creativity and its operate in training, in society and within the arts.
The present give attention to white privilege training in a single sector of diversity work maintains a place for racism in diversity education. Instructional establishments, educators, and academic materials depend among the many only agents of cultural growth, change, and maybe even switch”.
Hear elementary school teacher, Diane Holtam, talk about how she works with different teachers to disabuse stereotypic notions of Asian American students’ skills. All students in secondary schooling in the course of the period 2008-2012 acquired a Tradition Card”.
I) Schooling should present the scholar with the fundamental information and fundamental abilities that she or he would require as a working member of the neighborhood. They represented and promoted the culture and academic organisation of contemporary Turkey, the brand new nation as a full participant in worldwide affairs.
Why is there such a chasm between academia and the enterprise world to address the organizational tradition phenomena? She also reviewed the efforts made by the Commission to link the training plans with the targets of UNESCO, significantly the fourth one concerned with holding workshops at colleges in cooperation with several events to introduce the significance of this objective.
An eco-cultural approach seems promising because it relates cultural conditions to educational and psychological processes. Culture is the social change of any character in society. The executive department of the Ministry of Training and Culture contains 13 agencies, together with Finnish Nationwide Agency for Training, Academy of Finland and Arts Promotion Centre Finland.
Schooling should purpose at integrating the scholar with the society wherein he’ll work and establish the moral and ethical requirements that will guide his selections and provides him a sense of social responsibility. Schooling teaches about the social and cultural values.
Parallel to this time about ninety eight% of the colleges in United Kingdom were geared up with radios and there were regular daily programmes. We can comply with the affect of warfare and journey as they indirectly function as brokers of intercultural interplay, and on the transferring of scientific and educational ideas from Europe to the Arab world.
SLSP3160 Education, Culture And Society
Culture might be defined as a social heritage of an organized neighborhood or society which is a pattern of responses which were found and invented when the group has interacted which is a combination of beliefs, customs, religions, and humanities whereas training is the method of imparting information or acquiring information. A recent business research explored how teachers and households perceived relationships and how parental involvement among various families with children in kindergarten was affected by these perceptions. The module will problem students to think about how literacy skills and practices may be developed inside the wider frameworks of inclusion and social justice.
She clarified that this joint work depends upon the coordination and cooperation with international organizations in the fields of training, tradition, science and communication with the aim of developing, supporting and strengthening the UAE’s efforts and strategic vision to high the world’s international locations by 2021.
The Ministry Of Education, Culture And Sport (Spain)
This multicultural variety training helps to take particular person care of the students without making any compromise with their cultural and racial sentiments.
Sadly, in the present day many individuals around the globe are studying English as a Second Language but know little about genuine American tradition. The efforts of the Cultural Affairs Section contribute to goals corresponding to enhancing instructional alternatives and English language expertise, selling conflict mitigation and management, fostering shared society values and respect for diversity, selling democratic values, enhancing the U.S.-Israel security partnership, and fostering mutual understanding among Israel’s huge variety of communities in addition to between the Israeli public and the American people.
These schools got a adequate time frame to register by means of the Commission web site. You will work closely with distinguished professors on analysis projects exploring solutions to our nation’s most urgent academic challenges, offering you with the data and experience to grow to be an academic researcher or university professor.
In August 2001, Republic Act 9155, in any other case called the Governance of Fundamental Training Act, was passed transforming the title of the Department of Schooling, Tradition and Sports activities (DECS) to the Department of Training (DepEd) and redefining the position of field workplaces (regional places of work, division places of work, district workplaces and faculties).
1 publication per participant), printed problems with Journal of Training, Tradition and Society” containing the positively reviewed papers submitted by the participants, full access to all classes and lectures, admission to the opening ceremony, certificates of attendance (to be acquired at the conference personally), convention materials, e book of abstracts, espresso breaks, max 2 lunches, cultural event, and guided Wrocław metropolis tour.
National Fee For Schooling, Tradition And Science Of Ministry Of Schooling Holds Its First Meeting
Imagine adults who haven’t discovered about historical past, civics, economics and geography whereas they were in elementary college. This based mostly on the Fee’s formulation of its strategic direction in conformity with the UAE’s strategic goals related to the educational, cultural and scientific and communication sectors, national agenda, regional and international frameworks of the joint agendas of the UAE through the seven coming years as much as 2021.
The power of this concept is that the local people can preserve and even further develop its conventional values and cultural id because it grows and interacts with the enter of external assets and vitality in accumulating native information for local developments.
A Tradition On The Edge
The Department of Cultural Foundations of Education (CFE) presents highly demanding and nationally outstanding interdisciplinary graduate applications created to help basic inquiry into the character of schooling. Students will probably be launched to definitions, points, cultural contexts and current analysis views into creativity and learning by way of a collection of readings. The first challenge to be handled by multicultural range coaching is English as a overseas language for these students.
Women education became prevalent with the arrival of the British and totally different The curriculum in personal ladies’ faculties ranged from the Urdu, Persian, writing, arithmetic, needlework, and Islamic research of Punjabi. The Edvocate was created in 2014 to argue for shifts in education policy and group with a purpose to enhance the standard of training and the opportunities for studying afforded to P-20 college students in America.
éducation culturelle et médiation
The only greatest determinant of scholar studying is the school. Additional technical assistance from the World Bank, and intensive participation by Namibian educationalists, gave rise to the Schooling and Training Sector Improvement Programme (ETSIP), first as a 15-12 months strategic plan (2005-20) and subsequently as an implementation plan for the primary section (2006-eleven). | https://www.cinewebradio.com/koehler-publishers.html |
Food labeling is a key tool to protect the health of consumers in terms of food safety and nutrition. The label provides information on the identity and content of products, while improving competitiveness and promoting more sustainable, healthy and inclusive food systems.
In Nicaragua, food labels must comply with the provisions of the Technical Regulation on General Labeling of Prepackaged Foods; as well as with the Technical Regulation on Nutritional Labeling of Prepackaged Foods.
Our legislation recognizes two types of label, one original that must contain any tag, sign, brand, image, or other descriptive or graphic material, which has been written, printed, stenciled, marked in relief or intaglio or adhered to the container of a food; and a Complementary Label that is used to make mandatory information available to the consumer when it is in a language other than
Spanish on the original label or to add those mandatory elements not included in the original label and required by our regulations.
On labeling there are fundamental principles, prepackaged foods should not be described or presented with a label or labeling in a way that is false, misleading or misleading, or capable of creating in any way an erroneous impression regarding its nature in any aspect.; and pre-packaged foods must also not be described or presented with a label or labeling that uses words, illustrations or other graphic representations that directly or indirectly refer to or suggest any other product with which the product in question may be confused, nor in such a way as to lead the purchaser or consumer to assume that the food is in any way related to that other product, for example if a sausage is made from soybeans, with a minimum content of pork, and the phrase “pork sausage” appears on its label, the consumer would be given an erroneous impression of the nature of the product, which is why it would be considered a violation of this first principle.
Some data that you must identify in a product before its consumption are:
• Name of the food, which indicates the true nature of the food, be specific and not generic.
• List of ingredients, except in the case of single-ingredient foods, a list of ingredients must appear on the label.
• If you are allergic to certain ingredients, you should be aware of legends that represent warnings about their consumption. In fact, our regulations indicate that the following foods and ingredients have been proven to cause hypersensitivity and must always be declared as such: cereals containing gluten; for example, wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt or their hybrid strains, and products
thereof; crustaceans and their products; eggs and egg products; fish and fishery products; peanuts, soybeans and their products; milk and milk products (including lactose); tree nuts and their derived products; sulphite. Therefore, if any of the ingredients or additives of the previous point or the substances they contain, such as gluten or lactose, could be present in the final product, even unintentionally, the possibility of their presence must be clearly indicated. This statement should be placed after the list of ingredients in a separate sentence and prominently (underlined, bold, or otherwise highlighted). Such as “Contains traces of gluten”, “Made on equipment that processes peanuts”, “Could contain lactose”, or any other phrase that reports
such a condition.
• Net content and drained weight.
• Sanitary Registration of the Product The registration number issued by the Ministry of Health must be indicated. The statement must begin with a phrase or abbreviation that clearly indicates this information to the consumer and the phrase “Sanitary Registry” and abbreviations such as Reg. San., RS, among others, may be used.
• Name and address of the manufacturer, packer, distributor or exporter for domestic products, as the case may be. For imported products, the name and address of the importer or distributor of food and country of origin must be indicated.
• Lot identification
• Marking of the expiration date and instructions for conservation. In fact, the marking of the expiration date must be placed, directly by the manufacturer, indelibly, not be altered and be clearly visible and in the event that an imported product does not indicate the expiration date under the aforementioned conditions, the information must be placed by the importer or packer,
according to the technical information of the manufacturer or supplier. Such information must be available by the importer and provided if requested by the competent authority.
• Instructions for its use.
Whether you are a manufacturer of food products or if you are a consumer, remember these regulations on your next visit to distribution centers. You can also read the complementary information that manufacturers may include, as they are intended to make it easier for the consumer to understand the information related to the nutritional value of the food and help them interpret the declaration on the nutrient.
If you want legal advice on obtaining sanitary registrations and licenses, do not hesitate to contact us. | https://alvaradoyasociadoslegal.com/english-blog/food-labeling/ |
70-80% of a consumer’s purchasing decision is made at the point of sale. It is the job of packaging to make a product standout from the crowd. In a sense, packaging is your face in front of the customer just before they make their purchasing decision.
I create packaging which:
- attracts the attention of the target audience
- carries a message, consistent with the brand
- clearly communicates its messages
- is practical and functional
Over the years I have produced wide range of packaging for Maxell Europe’s products. | http://icre8design.co.uk/packaging-design/ |
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