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- What is fiscal policy?
When a government purchases services and goods, the payments it distributes, and tax it collects to fund these purchases, are known as engaging fiscal policy.
The term fiscal policy tends to be used to describe the effect on an aggregate economy - the total demand for good and services, at a given time and price level. It is used to look at the overall levels of spending and taxation in an economy and most importantly the gap between them.
Fiscal policy proves an important tool for managing the economy, because it can affect the total amount of output produced, otherwise known as gross domestic product (GDP).
Fiscal expansion is used to raise the demand for goods and services, therefore increasing both output and prices. In times of recession and extreme unemployment an increase in demand will lead to more output, but without a change in price. While an economy in full-employment will conversely have a greater effect on prices but less impact on total output.
- Problems with applying fiscal policy
For example if a recession or economic downturn can be forecast, then lag can be stopped or at least reduced, however this proves difficult for economists and fluctuations often occur. | https://business-finance.blurtit.com/3669741/explain-the-problem-of-time-lags-in-enacting-and-applying-fiscal-policy |
Here are some ideas on crowding out that you may find useful. Many past IB economics examinations have focused on the issue so it is a good idea to have understood the logic of it. For example there has been this short essay:
Explain how an increase in government spending can lead to crowd-ing out.
Here are a few points to consider. Onnce again, this is NOT a model answer. If you are not my students, please follow the advice of your own teacher.
The essay together with the diagrams can be found at our wiki space if you click here.
Expansionary fiscal policy refers to increases in government expenditures and / or decreases in taxes in order to increase aggregate demand (defined as…) and thus increase economic activity and lower unemployment.
The increase in government spending is by many thought to be a powerful tool to lift an economy out of recession (defined as…). The current Obama stimulus plan whereby the US government is spending an extra 787 billion dollars is an example of such a policy (note that using an example is always a good idea). The expected increase in national income is larger as a result of the multiplier effect. The multiplier effect results from the fact that one’s spending is another person’s income as well as that economic activity takes place in successive rounds.
'Monetarists', on the other hand, claim that the increase in government expenditures is not as effective as described above as a result of the crowding out effect.
The extra spending will have to be somehow financed. In the loanable funds market the demand for loanable funds will thus increase as illustrated in diagram 1 below from D1 to D2. This extra demand for funds by the government will put pressure on the interest rate (the ‘price’ for using such funds) to increase. Since private investment (I) (defined as spending by firms on capital goods per period) is inversely related to the interest rate, it may decrease (diagram 2).
Aggregate demand which includes C + I + G +NX will thus tend to increase as a result of the increased G but tend to decrease as a result of the lower I. The net effect is that either AD will increase but by less than what the multiplier predicts (to AD’ instead of AD2 in diagram 3) or that it may not increase at all if private investment is completely crowded out.
The extent of the increase in interest rates is not necessarily large as a country may borrow from a much larger globalized loanable funds market (i.e. from foreigners). Also, the responsiveness of investment spending to the change in interest rates is important because if investments depend mostly on expectations any decrease will be small. Lastly, the type of government spending financed is important as if the government uses the funds to spend on infrastructure, education and health then there will be positive long run supply-side effects.
In addition to the above described 'financial crowding' out that works through the change in interest rates there is also the possibility of 'resource crowding' out. The increase in government spending implies that the government will command (use) more scarce resources (more labor, more capital) so less will remain available for the private sector (i.e. private firms) to use.
Hope this helps a bit! | http://www.ibeconomics.org/2009/04/on-crowding-out-effect-ideas-for-short.html |
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11889/5728
|Title:||Gamifying the teaching and learning process in an advanced computer programming course||Authors:||Nawahdah, Mamoun||Keywords:||Education - Methodolgy||Issue Date:||7-Aug-2018||Publisher:||Springer||Source:||Nawahdah M.I. (2018) Gamifying the Teaching and Learning Process in an Advanced Computer Programming Course. In: Egi H., Yuizono T., Baloian N., Yoshino T., Ichimura S., Rodrigues A. (eds) Collaboration Technologies and Social Computing. CollabTech 2018. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 11000. Springer, Cham||Abstract:||Abstract. These days, the conventional ways of teaching programming are not attractive to students. For instance, classical lecture and tutorial classes are not sufficient and provides only one-way learning environment. Most of the students nowadays prefer to have more engaging, fun, competitive, collaborative, and instant feedback learning environment. These elements can be achieved using gamification to increase students’ interest in computer programming courses. More specifically, we used three gamification techniques in one advanced programming course: pair-programming teaching technique to maintain collaboration between students, Kahoot! system to provide an interactive quizzes system and instance feedback, and finally we used Robocode platform to teach Object-Oriented programming concepts in a fun and competitive fashion. We believe that gamifying teaching and learning process has great potential to assist teachers and engage students in a new and challenging way. This paper presents an empirical study that was carried out in one advanced computer-programming course were the mentioned gamification techniques were applied. A subjective system evaluation revealed that the students appreciated the used techniques. The results also revealed that the students’ interest in computer programming were enhanced as well.||Description:||A Chapter from a book titled: Collaboration Technologies and Social Computing : 9th International Conference, CollabTech 2017, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, August 8–10, 2017, Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Computer Science), July 12, 2017 by Takashi Yoshino (Editor), Takaya Yuizono (Editor), Gustavo Zurita (Editor), Julita Vassileva (Editor)||URI:||http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11889/5728||ISBN:||978-3-319-98742-2|
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Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated. | https://fada.birzeit.edu/jspui/handle/20.500.11889/5728 |
Leaning over a table in Hopewell Elementary School�s Makerspace room Wednesday morning, Aubrey demonstrates how to control a gumball-sized robot as it glides along a colorful path traced across a piece of white paper.
�See the top of it? It can scan the line,� she says, gesturing to the Ozobot, which uses a sensor to follow a winding route drawn with special markers.
The Ozobots are just one interactive element of Hopewell Elementary�s Makerspace, a newly converted classroom that teachers can use to encourage students to explore the intersection of science, technology, engineering, the arts and math, or STEAM.
The Makerspace, completed two weeks ago, functions as a sort of hybrid science lab, art room and computer lab where students can pursue long-term projects that incorporate their interests, information from several curriculum areas and a variety of real-world skills.
The space is a learning lab where students like Aubrey can pursue their passions through projects that incorporate several areas of curriculum into engaging, hands-on lessons that foster critical thinking and creativity, third-grade teacher Kristen Nan said.
Nan says she�s been using her third-grade classroom -- dubbed the �Ingenious Lab� -- as a makerspace all school year, and she�s looking forward to using the school's communal Makerspace as hub for her class�s project-based instruction.
Hopewell Elementary opened up the space to the public as part of Remake Learning Days, a regional initiative intended to highlight innovative teaching and learning techniques throughout southwestern Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
During Remake Learnings Days, institutions in the Remake Learning Network -- which include schools, museums, libraries and more -- hosted open houses.
On Wednesday, Hopewell Elementary third-graders demonstrated their favorite elements of the Makerspace for parents, siblings and residents of other Beaver County school districts.
iPad in hand, 9-year-old Addy Turos swiped and tapped her way through a series of iMovies she shot and edited: one video of her classmates learning in the Makerspace and a handful of videos she�d produced for class.
A few feet away, Lilia Alexander, 9, showed off the room�s virtual reality goggles. With the help of a smartphone app, the goggles can transport the wearer around the world or allow them to �ride� a rollercoaster or a twisting waterslide.
Lilia�s class uses the goggles to �travel� to places they�ve learned about in class, including Ireland and the Mojave Desert, she said.
Their classmates floated among the room�s three large tables; they explored building circuits, practiced coding and math problems with the help of interactive iPad gaming system Osmo and created more traditional crafts at an art table covered with paint brushes, pompoms and googly eyes.
Locally, three Hopewell Area School District schools and the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit participated in Remake Learning Days.
Hopewell�s high school and junior high also opened their doors to visitors. Hopewell High School showcased its Interactive robotics lab, complete with underwater remotely operated vehicles and drones, and the junior high gave visitors a glimpse into its STEAM classroom and some teachers lead workshop sessions.
Resources like the Makerspace and robotics lab are part of a districtwide initiative to encourage children to take charge of their learning and explore their interests through exposure to STEAM, Assistant Superintendent Jacie Maslyk said.
Hopewell Elementary children and teachers say they�ve found that learning through interest-driven projects and exploration of technology, science and art is much more engaging and rewarding than traditional classroom instruction, which is more difficult to personalize for each student�s passions and strengths.
Kids like Addy Turos say that -- although they love spending time at home with their families -- this new way of learning has them excited about going to school every day.
�I never want to leave,� Addy said. | https://www.timesonline.com/4aeb908a-4233-11e7-9255-dbb03d07b450.html |
In recent years, we have heard a lot about gamification of learning and serious games. However, there is an important difference between these concepts. An expert explains.
In order to disentangle the game, the serious game and the gamification, I recently spoke with Richard Landers, professor of psychology at the American University Old Dominion and researcher specializing in the field of learning and gamification.
École branchée: We often hear the term "gamification". Can you tell us what it is concretely in a school context?
Richard Landers: When a teacher "gamifies" his teaching, it means that he is using elements from the realm of games and entertainment and applying them to teach learning. Gamification can be achieved to varying degrees. For example, it may just be about using competition and ranking, or it may be more complex and rely on character creation or development. skill trees.
École branchée: You might think that gamification of teaching is simply asking students to play games. What are the specific characteristics of gamification in an educational context?
Richard Landers: I would say that just using games in a classroom is not gamification. In this case, the teacher is simply using a game as a teaching aid, as he would use a blackboard and chalk. The game has been used for learning for millennia. For example, sports have long been used as games for playing in war. Gamification, on the other hand, involves taking elements of the game and applying them outside the context of the game. You can play a game, but you don't play gamification.
École branchée: What are the concepts and theories that can explain that gamification has positive effects on learning, motivation or perseverance?
Richard Landers: It depends on the types and degrees of gamification. Some types of gamification don't seem to be effective at all. For example, simply awarding points to students for completing tasks does not lead to improvement. There has been recent interest in gamification and scientific research remains to be done, but there are some promising forms of gamification application. One of them is the fiction, storytelling and storytelling. Adding an element of fiction to a learning activity is an interesting way to gamify just about anything. This is an effective way, not least because humans tend to pay more attention to stories than facts and to better understand their meaning. For example, telling a student the story of an explorer who crossed the ocean and discovered America is more likely to be remembered than teaching the style "Leif Erikson is believed to have been the first. European to disembark in eastern America, in such and such a year ”.
École branchée: As a psychology professor and researcher, you recently studied the links between gamification and serious games. Are serious games synonymous with gamification? Otherwise, what's the difference?
Richard Landers : As mentioned earlier, there are differences between these concepts. Serious games, which are learning games, have been used for millennia. A serious game doesn't have to be computerized. For example, the famous game John says would have been used for centuries to have children memorize items. There is currently a surge of interest in gamification, but the use of games as an educational tool is really nothing new. Gamification is about deconstructing games, analyzing them and finding out why they are interesting and motivating. Is it because of the competition? Is it attributable to human interaction? Is it due to fiction? Once these elements have been found, they are transposed into another context, that of learning. This is what constitutes the novelty between gamification and serious games.
Trendy school: What can a teacher do who wants to know the basics of gamification?
Richard Landers : Before reading about gamification, a relevant and simpler starting point is to look at the potential of games beyond entertainment. I would recommend to watch the video by famous video game designer Jane McGongial. The video is in English, but may have French subtitles. Those who want to go further and are comfortable with reading in English can also read one of my articles on gamification and serious games. | https://ecolebranchee.com/english/ludification-jeux-serieux-expert-explique/ |
Students call for better pandemic teaching methods and learning materials
We’ll send you a myFT Daily Digest email rounding up the latest FT Schools news every morning.
This article is part of the Financial Times free schools access programme. Details/registration here.
Students from Uganda, Zimbabwe and Brazil have won the 2022 FT/World Bank blog competition on how to improve education during the pandemic.
The judges selected submissions from Jamie Mirembe Catalina Namayanja, Vimbai Zisengwe and Isabela Melara Cavassin out of more than 500 entries from 104 countries.
Most students argued that online learning was no substitute for face-to-face interaction in schools, but some also highlighted the benefits of technology and called on policymakers to be more flexible and explore combining the best elements of both approaches.
Many cited the damaging effects of lockdowns on mental health, the inability of online learning to provide a substitute for the social aspects of studying and the “digital divide” of poor internet access in many regions and countries around the world.
Jamie Mirembe Catalina Namayanja from Uganda described the difficulties of remote learning for poorer children, who have no access to the internet and seek to balance household work with lessons broadcast on radio despite distractions and noise at home. She also called for politicians to place a greater emphasis on education.
Our leaders ought to be more innovative in . . . how they cater to the needs of humbler communities. They can issue leaflets containing subject-specific notes to accompany lesson broadcasts . . . or set up community centres to host interactive sessions like science experiments and presentations. — Jamie
Vimbai Zisengwe from Zimbabwe called for cheaper, accessible and relevant textbooks that were locally produced, reflected the country’s curriculum and would offer support for remote learning, as well as the need to upgrade the internet and make it affordable. She also said teachers should be better paid and trained.
During 2020, I saw school children having to pay their teachers personally to learn. This should be unacceptable and banned . . . They should be tested regularly in not only computer literacy, because I have seen many teachers struggle with using their laptops during online [sessions], but also their subject area. This would ensure that they teach correct and relevant information. — Vimbai
Isabela Melara Cavassin from Brazil called for more tutoring and fewer tests for students. She also argued that teachers could make online learning more enjoyable by getting students to study materials first and then using classroom sessions for lively discussions.
The inverted classroom encourages healthy studying habits, stimulates the establishment of a routine, and makes learning a much more personalised and rewarding experience. The teacher assumes a tutor role, rather than an authority one, and helps each student with their own necessities. — Isabela
The full essays are available on the World Bank’s competition website. | https://www-ft-com.ezproxy.cul.columbia.edu/content/882970a5-cc53-4ff1-9678-503ee0559238 |
Before using Gamification in the classroom, one must truly understand what this means. So here is a brief presentation of what gamification is, the reason why teachers and students love it, the difference between games, gamification and game-based learning and the basic elements that turn your classroom into a gamified environment.
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Monthly meeting online 28-04-22
On Thursday, 28 April 2022, the Gamiright partners held an online meeting to discuss the project's results and plan for the project's final meeting later this year in Spain. | https://gamiright.eu/gamification-in-the-classroom/ |
What are Quantum Measurements?
What are Quantum Measurements?
Chapter 4 introduces a great QM mystery: the notion of quantum measurements. Henry is in a superposition of versions localized in several places, but when Eve measures Henry’s position she (as a classical observer) either sees Henry or she does not. Physical reality is made of such measurements. Eve’s measurement projects or collapses Henry’s superposition state to a single location. The meaning of quantum-state or wavefunction “collapse” and the role of the observer have been at the heart of the historical debate concerning the interpretation of QM. Whereas Von Neumann and Wigner stressed the inseparability of the observed (measured) world from the human mind, alternative “observer-free” views were suggested, such as Everett’s many-world interpretation or Zurek’s quantum Darwinism that replaces the observer by the environment. In the appendix to this chapter the notion of probability amplitudes is elucidated, new notations for operators are introduced and projection operators are presented.
Keywords: quantum measurements, wavefunction collapse, projection postulate, active observer, many-world interpretation, quantum Darwinism, projection operators
Oxford Scholarship Online requires a subscription or purchase to access the full text of books within the service. Public users can however freely search the site and view the abstracts and keywords for each book and chapter.
Please, subscribe or login to access full text content.
If you think you should have access to this title, please contact your librarian.
To troubleshoot, please check our FAQs , and if you can't find the answer there, please contact us . | https://oxford.universitypressscholarship.com/view/10.1093/oso/9780198787464.001.0001/oso-9780198787464-chapter-4 |
In this section, we will present six postulates of quantum mechanics. Again, we follow the presentation of McQuarrie , with the exception of postulate 6, which McQuarrie does not include. A few of the postulates have already been discussed in section 3.
Postulate 1. The state of a quantum mechanical system is completely specified by a function that depends on the coordinates of the particle(s) and on time. This function, called the wave function or state function, has the important property that is the probability that the particle lies in the volume element located at at time .
It is customary to also normalize many-particle wavefunctions to 1.2 The wavefunction must also be single-valued, continuous, and finite.
Postulate 2. To every observable in classical mechanics there corresponds a linear, Hermitian operator in quantum mechanics.
This postulate comes about because of the considerations raised in section 3.1.5: if we require that the expectation value of an operator is real, then must be a Hermitian operator. Some common operators occuring in quantum mechanics are collected in Table 1.
This postulate captures the central point of quantum mechanics--the values of dynamical variables can be quantized (although it is still possible to have a continuum of eigenvalues in the case of unbound states). If the system is in an eigenstate of with eigenvalue , then any measurement of the quantity will yield .
where may go to infinity. In this case we only know that the measurement of will yield one of the values , but we don't know which one. However, we do know the probability that eigenvalue will occur--it is the absolute value squared of the coefficient, (cf. section 3.1.4), leading to the fourth postulate below.
An important second half of the third postulate is that, after measurement of yields some eigenvalue , the wavefunction immediately ``collapses'' into the corresponding eigenstate (in the case that is degenerate, then becomes the projection of onto the degenerate subspace). Thus, measurement affects the state of the system. This fact is used in many elaborate experimental tests of quantum mechanics.
The central equation of quantum mechanics must be accepted as a postulate, as discussed in section 2.2.
Postulate 6. The total wavefunction must be antisymmetric with respect to the interchange of all coordinates of one fermion with those of another. Electronic spin must be included in this set of coordinates.
The Pauli exclusion principle is a direct result of this antisymmetry principle. We will later see that Slater determinants provide a convenient means of enforcing this property on electronic wavefunctions. | http://vergil.chemistry.gatech.edu/notes/quantrev/node20.html |
This is one of several shortened indices into the Quantum Physics Sequence.
Hello! You may have been directed to this page because you said something along the lines of "Quantum physics shows that reality doesn't exist apart from our observation of it," or "Science has disproved the idea of an objective reality," or even just "Quantum physics is one of the great mysteries of modern science; no one understands how it works."
There was a time, roughly the first half-century after quantum physics was invented, when this was more or less true. Certainly, when quantum physics was just being discovered, scientists were very confused indeed! But time passed, and science moved on. If you're confused about a phenomenon, that's a fact about your own state of mind, not a fact about the phenomenon itself - there are mysterious questions, but not mysterious answers. Science eventually figured out what was going on, and why things looked so strange at first.
The series of posts indexed below will show you - not just tell you - what's really going on down there. To be honest, you're not going to be able to follow this if algebra scares you. But there won't be any calculus, either.
Some optional preliminaries you might want to read:
- Reductionism: We build models of the universe that have many different levels of description. But so far as anyone has been able to determine, the universe itself has only the single level of fundamental physics - reality doesn't explicitly compute protons, only quarks.
- Joy in the Merely Real: If you can't take joy in things that turn out to be explicable, you're going to set yourself up for eternal disappointment. Don't worry if quantum physics turns out to be normal.
And here's the main sequence:
- Quantum Explanations: Quantum mechanics doesn't deserve its fearsome reputation. If you tell people something is supposed to be mysterious, they won't understand it. It's human intuitions that are "strange" or "weird"; physics itself is perfectly normal. Talking about historical erroneous concepts like "particles" or "waves" is just asking to confuse people; present the real, unified quantum physics straight out.
- Configurations and Amplitude: A preliminary glimpse at the stuff reality is made of. The classic split-photon experiment with half-silvered mirrors. Alternative pathways the photon can take, can cancel each other out. The mysterious measuring tool that tells us the relative squared moduli.
- Joint Configurations: The laws of physics are inherently over mathematical entities, configurations, that involve multiple particles. A basic, ontologically existent entity, according to our current understanding of quantum mechanics, does not look like a photon - it looks like a configuration of the universe with "A photon here, a photon there." Amplitude flows between these configurations can cancel or add; this gives us a way to detect which configurations are distinct.
- Distinct Configurations: Since configurations are over the combined state of all the elements in a system, adding a sensor that detects whether a particle went one way or the other, becomes a new element of the system that can make configurations "distinct" instead of "identical". This confused the living daylights out of early quantum experimenters, because it meant that things behaved differently when they tried to "measure" them. But it's not only measuring instruments that do the trick - any sensitive physical element will do - and the distinctness of configurations is a physical fact, not a fact about our knowledge. There is no need to suppose that the universe cares what we think.
- Where Philosophy Meets Science: In retrospect, supposing that quantum physics had anything to do with consciousness was a big mistake. Could philosophers have told the physicists so? But we don't usually see philosophers sponsoring major advances in physics; why not?
- Classical Configuration Spaces: How to visualize the state of a system of two 1-dimensional particles, as a single point in 2-dimensional space. A preliminary step before moving into...
- The Quantum Arena: Instead of a system state being associated with a single point in a classical configuration space, the instantaneous real state of a quantum system is a complex amplitude distribution over a quantum configuration space. What creates the illusion of "individual particles", like an electron caught in a trap, is a plaid distribution - one that happens to factor into the product of two parts. It is the whole distribution that evolves when a quantum system evolves. Individual configurations don't have physics; amplitude distributions have physics.
- Feynman Paths: Instead of thinking that a photon takes a single straight path through space, we can regard it as taking all possible paths through space, and adding the amplitudes for every possible path. Nearly all the paths cancel out - unless we do clever quantum things, so that some paths add instead of canceling out. Then we can make light do funny tricks for us, like reflecting off a mirror in such a way that the angle of incidence doesn't equal the angle of reflection. But ordinarily, nearly all the paths except an extremely narrow band, cancel out - this is one of the keys to recovering the hallucination of classical physics.
- No Individual Particles: One of the chief ways to confuse yourself while thinking about quantum mechanics, is to think as if photons were little billiard balls bouncing around. The appearance of little billiard balls is a special case of a deeper level on which there are only multiparticle configurations and amplitude flows.
- Decoherence: A quantum system that factorizes can evolve into a system that doesn't factorize, destroying the illusion of independence. But entangling a quantum system with its environment, can appear to destroy entanglements that are already present. Entanglement with the environment can separate out the pieces of an amplitude distribution, preventing them from interacting with each other.
- The So-Called Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle: Unlike classical physics, in quantum physics it is not possible to separate out a particle's "position" from its "momentum". The evolution of the amplitude distribution over time, involves things like taking the second derivative in space and multiplying by i to get the first derivative in time. The end result of this time evolution rule is that blobs of particle-presence appear to race around in physical space. The notion of "an exact particular momentum" or "an exact particular position" is not something that can physically happen, it is a tool for analyzing amplitude distributions by taking them apart into a sum of simpler waves. This uses the assumption and fact of linearity: the evolution of the whole wavefunction seems to always be the additive sum of the evolution of its pieces. Using this tool, we can see that if you take apart the same distribution into a sum of positions and a sum of momenta, they cannot both be sharply concentrated at the same time. When you "observe" a particle's position, that is, decohere its positional distribution by making it interact with a sensor, you take its wave packet apart into two pieces; then the two pieces evolve differently. The Heisenberg Principle definitely does not say that knowing about the particle, or consciously seeing it, will make the universe behave differently.
- Where Physics Meets Experience: Meet the Ebborians, who reproduce by fission. The Ebborian brain is like a thick sheet of paper that splits down its thickness. They frequently experience dividing into two minds, and can talk to their other selves. It seems that their unified theory of physics is almost finished, and can answer every question, when one Ebborian asks: When exactly does one Ebborian become two people?
- Where Experience Confuses Physicists: It then turns out that the entire planet of Ebbore is splitting along a fourth-dimensional thickness, duplicating all the people within it. But why does the apparent chance of "ending up" in one of those worlds, equal the square of the fourth-dimensional thickness? Many mysterious answers are proposed to this question, and one non-mysterious one.
- On Being Decoherent: When a sensor measures a particle whose amplitude distribution stretches over space - perhaps seeing if the particle is to the left or right of some dividing line - then the standard laws of quantum mechanics call for the sensor+particle system to evolve into a state of (particle left, sensor measures LEFT) + (particle right, sensor measures RIGHT). But when we humans look at the sensor, it only seems to say "LEFT" or "RIGHT", never a mixture like "LIGFT". This, of course, is because we ourselves are made of particles, and subject to the standard quantum laws that imply decoherence. Under standard quantum laws, the final state is (particle left, sensor measures LEFT, human sees "LEFT") + (particle right, sensor measures RIGHT, human sees "RIGHT").
- The Conscious Sorites Paradox: Decoherence is implicit in quantum physics, not an extra law on top of it. Asking exactly when "one world" splits into "two worlds" may be like asking when, if you keep removing grains of sand from a pile, it stops being a "heap". Even if you're inside the world, there may not be a definite answer. This puzzle does not arise only in quantum physics; the Ebborians could face it in a classical universe, or we could build sentient flat computers that split down their thickness.
- Decoherent Essences: Decoherence is implicit within physics, not an extra law on top of it. You can choose representations that make decoherence harder to see, just like you can choose representations that make apples harder to see, but exactly the same physical process still goes on; the apple doesn't disappear and neither does decoherence. If you could make decoherence magically go away by choosing the right representation, we wouldn't need to shield quantum computers from the environment.
- The Born Probabilities: The last serious mysterious question left in quantum physics: When a quantum world splits in two, why do we seem to have a greater probability of ending up in the larger blob, exactly proportional to the integral of the squared modulus? It's an open problem, but non-mysterious answers have been proposed. Try not to go funny in the head about it.
- Decoherence as Projection: Since quantum evolution is linear and unitary, decoherence can be seen as projecting a wavefunction onto orthogonal subspaces. This can be neatly illustrated using polarized photons and the angle of the polarized sheet that will absorb or transmit them.
- Entangled Photons: Using our newly acquired understanding of photon polarizations, we see how to construct a quantum state of two photons in which, when you measure one of them, the person in the same world as you, will always find that the opposite photon has opposite quantum state. This is not because any influence is transmitted; it is just decoherence that takes place in a very symmetrical way, as can readily be observed in our calculations.
- Bell's Theorem: No EPR "Reality": (Note: This post was designed to be read as a stand-alone, if desired.) Originally, the discoverers of quantum physics thought they had discovered an incomplete description of reality - that there was some deeper physical process they were missing, and this was why they couldn't predict exactly the results of quantum experiments. The math of Bell's Theorem is surprisingly simple, and we walk through it. Bell's Theorem rules out being able to locally predict a single, unique outcome of measurements - ruling out a way that Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen once defined "reality". This shows how deep implicit philosophical assumptions can go. If worlds can split, so that there is no single unique outcome, then Bell's Theorem is no problem. Bell's Theorem does, however, rule out the idea that quantum physics describes our partial knowledge of a deeper physical state that could locally produce single outcomes - any such description will be inconsistent.
- Spooky Action at a Distance: The No-Communication Theorem: As Einstein argued long ago, the quantum physics of his era - that is, the single-global-world interpretation of quantum physics, in which experiments have single unique random results - violates Special Relativity; it imposes a preferred space of simultaneity and requires a mysterious influence to be transmitted faster than light; which mysterious influence can never be used to transmit any useful information. Getting rid of the single global world dispels this mystery and puts everything back to normal again.
- Quantum Non-Realism: "Shut up and calculate" is the best approach you can take when none of your theories are very good. But that is not the same as claiming that "Shut up!" actually is a theory of physics. Saying "I don't know what these equations mean, but they seem to work" is a very different matter from saying: "These equations definitely don't mean anything, they just work!"
- Collapse Postulates: Early physicists simply didn't think of the possibility of more than one world - it just didn't occur to them, even though it's the straightforward result of applying the quantum laws at all levels. So they accidentally invented a completely and strictly unnecessary part of quantum theory to ensure there was only one world - a law of physics that says that parts of the wavefunction mysteriously and spontaneously disappear when decoherence prevents us from seeing them any more. If such a law really existed, it would be the only non-linear, non-unitary, non-differentiable, non-local, non-CPT-symmetric, acausal, faster-than-light phenomenon in all of physics.
- Many Worlds, One Best Guess: Summarizes the arguments that nail down macroscopic decoherence, aka the "many-worlds interpretation". Concludes that many-worlds wins outright given the current state of evidence. The argument should have been over fifty years ago. New physical evidence could reopen it, but we have no particular reason to expect this.
- Living in Many Worlds: The many worlds of quantum mechanics are not some strange, alien universe into which you have been thrust. They are where you have always lived. Egan's Law: "It all adds up to normality." Then why care about quantum physics at all? Because there's still the question of what adds up to normality, and the answer to this question turns out to be, "Quantum physics." If you're thinking of building any strange philosophies around many-worlds, you probably shouldn't - that's not what it's for. | https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/rp5GvQpakBdL9nnfS/quantum-physics-revealed-as-non-mysterious |
Good morning Chairman Burgess, Ranking Member Green, and Members of the Subcommittee. Thank you for the opportunity to share information about the efforts underway at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reverse the trajectory of our nation’s opioid overdose epidemic. This epidemic is complex and requires a multi-sector, multi-pronged response. I am pleased to be here today to discuss the federal government’s activities to curtail deaths stemming from opioid misuse, abuse, and overdose. In particular, I will focus on CDC’s unique role in prevention, current programs, successes, and future endeavors.
Given the enormity of this national crisis, collaboration across agencies is essential. Each sector of government has a role to play—whether implementing prevention activities, providing treatment to individuals with opioid use disorder, identifying and disrupting the flow of illicit opioids into and across the country, or advancing research to increase our knowledge on strategies that hold promise. As the nation’s public health and prevention agency, CDC is applying scientific expertise to understand the epidemic and use that information to create interventions to prevent further harms, including the spread of infectious disease and the impact of opioids on mothers and babies. CDC continues to be committed to the comprehensive priorities outlined in the HHS strategy and to saving the lives of those touched by this epidemic. CDC’s work falls into five key strategies to address opioid overdose and other opioid-related harms: 1) conducting surveillance and research; 2) building state, local, and tribal capacity; 3) supporting providers, health systems, and payers; 4) partnering with public safety; and 5) empowering consumers to make safe choices.
CDC tracks and analyzes data to improve our understanding of this epidemic. Since 1999, more than 632,000 Americans have died from drug overdoses. In 2016, the death toll continued to rise. Over 63,600 deaths resulted from drug overdoses.1 More than 42,000 of those deaths involved opioids.2 According to the most recent provisional data, there were 67,344 drug overdose deaths in the 12-month period ending August 2017. This is an increase of nearly 8,000 deaths attributed to drug overdose compared to the 12-month period ending August 2016. CDC’s data indicate that these increases were primarily driven by synthetic opioids, including illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF). Given the evolving nature of this epidemic, it is essential that we continue to track and analyze data to target prevention efforts.
Data are crucial in driving public health action. Timely, high-quality data can help public health, public safety, and mental health experts better understand the problem, focus resources where they are needed most, and evaluate the success of prevention and response efforts. During the past few years, CDC has invested in strengthening the capacity of states to monitor the opioid overdose epidemic and target their prevention activities.
CDC currently provides funding and scientific support to 45 states and Washington, D.C. to equip states with the tools and technical expertise they need to implement a comprehensive prevention program within their communities. States utilize their funding to enhance Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) and leverage them as public health tools, improve health system and insurer practices for safer opioid prescribing, support community-level response and prevention activities, and evaluate policies that may impact the opioid epidemic (e.g., naloxone distribution and Good Samaritan laws). In addition, CDC funds 32 states and Washington, D.C. to improve the timeliness and comprehensiveness of fatal and non-fatal opioid-involved overdose reporting and to disseminate data to stakeholders.
PDMPs are state-run databases that collect patient-specific prescription information at the point of dispensing. While PDMPs vary from state to state in terms of their operation, components of PDMPs that optimize their utility include universal registration and use, real-time reporting, active management (ensuring there is proactive reporting of PDMP data), and interoperability with electronic health records (EHRs) and PDMPs in other states, particularly neighboring ones. PDMPs are among the most promising state-level interventions to improve opioid prescribing, inform clinical practice, and protect patients at heightened risk of opioid misuse, abuse, and overdose and can help providers identify patients who may be misusing prescription opioids or other prescription drugs. In addition, states can use PDMP data to determine “hot spots” or areas where there is a spike in opioid prescribing to target interventions, such as education for prescribers on best practices (“academic detailing”).
Using CDC funds, states are enhancing the utility of their PDMPs in various ways. For example, North Carolina has integrated prescribing data from its PDMP within the clinical workflow of existing health information systems across the state. In Washington, prescription review data from PDMPs are proactively sent to EHRs at emergency departments (EDs) and urgent care sites to inform clinical decision making within those care venues. To enhance usage of PDMPs among providers, some states have taken steps to make access easier by integrating them into EHR systems, permitting physicians to delegate PDMP access to other health professionals in their office (e.g., physicians assistants and nurse practitioners), and streamlining processes for providers to register for PDMP access. Rhode Island has seen great success in streamlining provider registration by investing in PDMP outreach, education, and enforcement. The Rhode Island Department of Health conducted more than 40 continuing medical education (CME) and educational programs regarding responsible prescribing, PDMP registration, and PDMP use. As a result, PDMP registration in Rhode Island increased from 73 percent in January 2016 to 100 percent in September 2016.
After the release of the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain in March 2016, CDC began efforts to facilitate its integration in practice by updating clinical decision supports including alerts on morphine milligram equivalent thresholds within EHRs, setting lower defaults on prescribing amounts for the initiation of opioids for chronic pain management, and adding prompts for providers to check the PDMP for informed prescribing on behalf of their patients. Using CDC funds, New Jersey enhanced its PDMP so that it now automatically converts dosages of commonly prescribed opioids of differing potency—such as codeine and oxycodone—into morphine milligram equivalents allowing prescribers to compare the total potency of all opioid medications being used and thus identify individuals who may need closer monitoring, tapering, or other measures to reduce risks.
CDC supports states to improve data collection and the timeliness of reporting fatal and nonfatal opioid overdoses and associated risk factors in order to better inform the public health response within and across states. The program uses ED and emergency medical services (EMS) data, provided to CDC regularly to track and analyze national patterns of morbidity data. At the state level, the system can detect sharp increases (i.e., potential outbreaks) or decreases (i.e., successful intervention efforts) in nonfatal overdoses which helps states target response and prevention resources to communities most in need or when potential outbreaks are detected.
To improve collection of data for fatal overdoses, funded states leverage CDC’s National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) platform to collect data on all unintentional or undetermined overdose deaths. The data includes valuable contextual information from death scene investigations, detailed information on toxicology, the route of administration, and other risk factors associated with a fatal overdose that help states target their interventions to decrease deaths.
CDC’s support for enhanced data collection in states has provided a better understanding of the challenges states face in working toward more timely and comprehensive opioid overdose data. CDC identified capacity constraints within medical examiner and coroner offices as a hindrance to timely and quality data. To address this, with an increase in appropriations received in Fiscal Year 2017, CDC gave 32 states supplemental funding to support comprehensive toxicology testing through state medical examiner and coroner offices.
In a relatively short time, CDC-funded states have scaled up their data collection expertise to improve their understanding of the epidemic and enhance response and prevention efforts. For example, Ohio is leveraging more timely data to improve the rapidity of its public health response. When there is an anomalous spike in opioid overdoses detected through syndromic ED data, an alert is sent to the local public health department so that they can respond accordingly, increasing access to naloxone in affected areas, working with community partners to increase linkage to treatment, and/or collaborating with law enforcement to detect and respond to changes in illicit drug supply. In Kentucky, public health officials are tracking naloxone administration reported to their EMS system and are using those data to detect anomalous spikes in opioid overdoses both at the state and local levels. In Wisconsin, public health officials are working to link ED and EMS data together to better understand non-fatal overdose trends. They are also linking their fatal overdose data with PDMP data to better understand instances where opioids were prescribed to decedents prior to their death. These data linkage initiatives have helped the state to better understand trends, determine areas within their state at particular risk, and identify and address pertinent risk factors to prevent further overdoses.
CDC recently released data using toxicological and death scene evidence from 10 funded states, allowing for a more robust characterization of opioid overdose deaths. Analysis found that fentanyl was involved in more than half of opioid overdose deaths and that more than half of deaths testing positive for fentanyl and fentanyl analogs also tested positive for cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin. The findings also indicated that illicitly manufactured fentanyl and fentanyl analogs were a major driver of opioid overdose deaths in multiple states. Similarly, ED syndromic and hospital billing data on opioid-involved overdoses were analyzed and show that opioid overdose rates increased an average of 35 percent in 16 states reporting for the selected time period.
CDC has helped strengthen collaboration across sectors to jointly move forward on strategies; and employ programmatic enhancements to their PDMPs, insurance programs, and educational outreach efforts. In Fiscal Year 2019, CDC plans to release new funding announcements for states with a focus on implementing the strategies that have demonstrated the most promise thus far. In addition, CDC hopes to expand support to all 50 states and Washington, D.C., increase timeliness of data sharing, and gain a truly national picture of the opioid crisis while assisting states with their ability to prevent opioid-related morbidity and mortality.
CDC is also taking the lead in preventing opioid-related harms such as the spread of infectious disease and the impact of opioids on mothers and babies. The recent threefold increase in hepatitis C and the 2015 HIV outbreak in Indiana underscore the urgency of the issue. New hepatitis C infections have increased more than 167 percent in recent years and states like Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia reported a 364 percent increase in new hepatitis C infections from 2006 to 2012 in persons under 30. Surveillance for viral hepatitis is limited. Infectious disease surveillance is essential to know the true scale of the epidemic and facilitate more effective state and local responses.
Collaboration at the community level between public health, public safety, healthcare, education, and faith-based stakeholders as well as coordination across multiple levels of the US health care system, and implementation of tailored community-based prevention services are needed to prevent infectious diseases, including HIV, attributed to injection drug use.
CDC also recognizes the serious impact that the opioid epidemic is having on mothers and babies. New data show that one baby is born with signs of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) every 15 minutes in the United States – or nearly 100 infants per day. It is critical that we improve data collection in this vulnerable population, and use this data to drive public health action to better protect mothers and babies. CDC is leveraging the infrastructure of existing birth defects surveillance systems to improve our ability to monitor the occurrence of NAS.
A comprehensive response to the opioid crisis requires a partnership across sectors. As such, CDC has been working closely with law enforcement agencies, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), to determine risk factors for a fentanyl overdose and to implement prevention strategies. In addition, the Heroin Response Strategy (HRS), funded by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and deployed in 10 High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTAs), links public health and public safety. The HRS covers 22 states, from Georgia to Maine. Under the governance of the HIDTA directors, CDC sharpens strategic directions, ensures proper coordination and training, and improves performance measurement. CDC also supports the training and technical assistance for the 22 public health analysts embedded in the program. As part of the HRS, CDC is launching 13 pilot projects to better understand what communities can do to prevent opioid overdose deaths. There is a shortage of evidence to guide public health-law enforcement integrated community response, and CDC’s initiative is designed to build scientific evidence about what works.
CDC recognizes the successes that have been achieved, but also knows that there is much work to be done. Building the capabilities of public health laboratories to contribute to non-fatal overdose surveillance and resulting public health interventions is essential. There is a particular need to fill the gap of testing specimens for tracking morbidity through systematic, routine laboratory testing of drugs and patient samples to obtain and disseminate public health information to public health officials and laboratories.
As this crisis continues to unfold, it is important that public health response is nimble and flexible to adapt to new threats. This fast-moving and complex epidemic will require sustained focus to sustain prevention and mitigate the consequences of opioid use disorder.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify on this important issue. I would be happy to answer any questions. | https://www.cdc.gov/washington/testimony/2018/t20180321.html |
# 2017 Puerto Rico Leptospirosis outbreak
The 2017 Puerto Rico Leptospirosis outbreak was an outbreak of leptospirosis that affected Puerto Rico in the fall of 2017, following Hurricane Maria's landfall.
Cases of infectious diseases often spike in the aftermath of intense storms, with flooding and damage to infrastructure leading to a wide variety of problems that increase the chance for transmission and exposure of infectious diseases, including leptospirosis. Diseases transmitted from animals to humans are collectively known as zoonotic diseases. With climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, related public health implications are growing in scope and complexity. These implications include the need for increased surveillance of possible disease outbreaks, more robust workforce training and rapid response procedures, water, sanitation, pest control infrastructure improvements, and greater health care system resilience.
## Background of leptospirosis outbreak
### The Disease: Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis, caused by an infection of Leptospira bacteria, is likely the most ubiquitous disease transmitted between animals and humans globally, with over 870,000 cases and 49,000 deaths reported annually. Caribbean islands like Puerto Rico have among the highest incidence rates of the disease, with climate, geographic, and socioeconomic factors interacting to increase risk to the population.
Infection due to either direct or indirect exposure to host animals that shed the bacteria in the urine, most commonly the brown rat and sometimes cattle, are the main sources of infection. Haake and Levett claim that the global level of disease is expected to rise with demographic shifts that increase the number of urban poor in tropical regions that are subject to storms and flooding due to climate change.
The delayed onset of symptoms of leptospirosis can make it difficult to detect and distinguish. After an incubation period of typically 5 to 10 days, but potentially as early as 2 days and up to 30 days after infection, people infected with leptospira bacteria can develop flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, headache, myalgia (muscle pain), cough, vomiting, and diarrhea. The early signs are vague and often too general to be able to make a confident presumptive diagnosis of leptospirosis. In some cases, patients may present with only febrile illness with other differentials considered including meningitis, influenza, sepsis and many others. Other patients will present with the fulminant infection exhibiting signs of end stage liver failure, acute renal failure or severe pulmonary hemorrhage syndrome (SPHS). The test considered to be the gold standard for leptospirosis diagnosis by the WHO is one that is not very sensitive in the early stages of the disease, before the body has had a chance to mount a response. This test, the microagglutination test (MAT), is a serologic test that tests the level of antibodies created by the immune system in response to the leptospira bacteria. Although this test has high specificity, it has low sensitivity, again indicating that it can miss many truly infected individuals. It is typical that doctors will submit paired serum samples form early in the course of illness and then later in order to attempt to demonstrate a 4 fold rise in titer an indication of a positive results. Additionally, individuals living in a leptospira endemic region may have relatively high initial MAT test that only indicate previous infection, but not necessarily disease. Commonly, clinicians will submit blood and urine for PCR testing, however this is often time sensitive in that samples should be collected before antibiotic treatment, and there is typically a delay of 1 to 5 days depending on the lab used.,
## Response
An outbreak of leptospirosis may have affected survivors in the weeks following the hurricane. The bacterial infection is contracted through water contaminated with animal urine, with an incubation period of 2 to 30 days. Since large areas of Puerto Rico were without tap water, residents were forced to use other sources of water that may be contaminated, such as local streams. By October 23, four people were suspected of having died from the disease while 74 others were suspected of being infected. There were 18 confirmed cases, 4 confirmed deaths and 99 suspected cases by 7 November. Puerto Rico averages 5 cases of leptospirosis per month under normal conditions. Despite the possibility of an outbreak, officials did not deem the situation being as dire.
In July 2018, CNN in collaboration with the Center for Investigative Journalism (CPI), published an online article in which they had seven disease experts review an official Puerto Rico government mortality database. The seven experts all agreed that since the records listed such a large number of confirmed cases of the bacterial disease leptospirosis, Puerto Rico officials should have declared an "epidemic" or an "outbreak" after Hurricane Maria, instead of choosing to not declare that a leptospirosis outbreak had occurred. The data reviewed included 57 laboratory-confirmed cases of leptospirosis illnesses in 2017. Of those, 54 of them were reported after Hurricane Maria made landfall on 20 September 2017. The number of laboratory-confirmed cases amounted to at least a three-fold increase in cases compared to 2016 and 2015.
### Government Response and Public Reaction
Many of Puerto Rico's essential public health, health care, and other government services were rendered inoperative in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Two weeks after the storm, only 5% of electrical power had been restored to the island, 11% of cell phone towers had been fixed, approximately 50% of the supermarkets were open, 9 of 69 hospitals had been connected back to the electric grid, and less than 50% of water services had been re-established. The slow pace of recovery from the storm itself fueled public anger toward the Puerto Rican and U.S. government for failing to prioritize the island's urgent needs.
As reports of a spike in leptospirosis illnesses and deaths in Puerto Rico spread, the government came under heavy criticism for its response, or lack thereof, to news of a potential outbreak. Territorial officials were blamed for the perceived failure to properly equip disaster response workers who had to operate in flood waters, delays in laboratory testing to confirm leptospirosis cases (both among patients undergoing treatment and deceased individuals), and an unwillingness to report morbidity and mortality data related to leptospirosis once there was increased public scrutiny in response to the rise in deaths.
Despite the criticism that existed by the public, The Puerto Rico Department of Public (PRDOH) health denies a poor response. PRDOH, with the main lab in San Juan, typically provides lab testing and surveillance of disease in the areas affected by Hurricane Maria. There are ancillary facilities located in Arecibo, Ponce, and Mayaguez. According to Concepcion-Acevedo, et al. PRDOH requested assistance from CDC, CDC Foundation, and The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) during the aftermath. It is reported that there was severe damage of the laboratory facilities, specifically three essential lab sectors including the electrical power supply for the facility, physical structure of the laboratory, and damage of the equipment and chemical reagents from power loss and water leaks. The lab was able to create a temporary solution to transport samples from Puerto Rico in the direct aftermath of Hurricane Maria to the U.S. for surveillance and diagnostic/ confirmatory testing, thereby allowing the continual surveillance and diagnosis of high priority diseases while the rebuilding of the PRDOH facility and restoration of essential laboratory services could occur.
The CDC reported several challenges associated with this temporary system including the inconsistent shipping availability to U.S. , reliance on a single generator to power the remaining PRDOH laboratory and communications (fax), and availability of appropriate specimen containers. Despite the challenges, CDC reports successful transport and shipping of over 1700 samples in 4 months and the identification of close to 350 cases of what is referred to as 'high-priority infectious disease,' including leptospirosis.
## Public health implications
### Outbreak monitoring and Surveillance
Like most densely inhabited tropical islands, Puerto Rico has high concentrations of risk factors for zoonotic diseases like leptospirosis. Throughout the Caribbean, widespread poverty, a hot and steadily warming climate, invasive species, tourism, and lack of adequate infrastructure contribute to the persistence of endemic tropical diseases.
Leptospirosis outbreaks have occurred on Puerto Rico in previous years. In 1996, Hurricane Hortense caused serious damage and flooding on the island that led to a fourfold increase in leptospirosis cases and many deaths. During the lead-up to Hurricane Maria, however, many health care providers later reported that they were not notified about the need to monitor and test for the illness. This failure to detect an increase in cases early on in the wake of Maria likely contributed to the illnesses and deaths that sparked public outcry.
Given these gaps in detection, it is likely that improved disease monitoring and testing could have helped prevent the storm-associated rise in leptospirosis deaths. Choosing the best methods for surveillance in this case can be vexing. Leptospirosis, in addition to being highly variable in disease expression, can pose the added challenge of showing few clinical signs in infected individuals for weeks at a time. Because initial symptoms are indistinguishable from many other common illnesses and often do not progress beyond fever and gastrointestinal signs in terms of severity, most infections go unrecognized.
Experiences of medical and public health responders to Hurricane Maria point the way toward potential improvements to leptospirosis monitoring and surveillance strategies. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which operate in multiple health campuses throughout Puerto Rico, established enhanced laboratory-based surveillance after the hurricane hit in order to monitor various infections at VA facilities for the possibility of an outbreak. Enhanced surveillance by the VA detected two DNA-confirmed cases of leptospirosis following the storm. In addition to laboratory testing of disease cases, the VA tracked groupings of infectious disease syndromes such as pneumonia and gastrointestinal illness as share of total visits to emergency departments on the island to try to identify trends for improved planning and resource allocation.
A study of disease surveillance in Puerto Rico after a period of floods caused by Hurricane Hortense in 1996 found an increase in leptospirosis infections that were caught by laboratory tests for dengue fever. The dengue tests found leptospirosis that otherwise would most likely have gone undetected and possibly proven fatal in some cases. This finding supports the need for readily available field laboratory testing for leptospirosis during flooding and other disruptive hydrologic events.
Bandara, et al. discuss the contribution of travel to the increasing caseload of leptospirosis, specifically in some countries. They describe an increase in reporting of leptospirosis suspected to be due to what is termed 'recreational exposure'. They claim that international travel constitutes a major independent risk factor for contracting leptospirosis and that leptospirosis is rarely included in the general differential diagnosis outside of endemic regions. Depending on the test used, there may also be difficulty in currently identifying the infecting server due to geographic variability and there may be a distribution bias as the countries with the highest number of cases with positive leptospirosis assays are those in travelers whose origin is an endemic region such as US, Netherlands, Japan, France, Germany, Australia with appropriate testing facilities.
Monitoring invasive species can also provide insight into how Leptospira is being maintained in the environment. Benavidez et al. demonstrate that rats, mice, and mongooses all contribute to spreading the bacteria in rural areas. Managing these invasive species and reducing their populations could help control the spread of leptospirosis by reducing chances of exposure.
Public health authorities in endemic areas should have a responsibility to coordinate with regional authorities to monitor epidemiological trends with the goal of identifying geographical areas what would benefit from increased service provision and education, likewise correspondence with tourist activities or events expected to bring masses of people should involve measures to address primary and secondary prevention. Bandara et al. suggests prophylactic antibiotic use when individuals are involved with high-risk activities.
### Climate
Warm temperatures, storms, adverse living conditions, poverty, and harmful land use policies all contribute to increased risk for leptospirosis. As global climate change continues to drive convergence of these factors, especially in tropical islands like Puerto Rico, local public health officials and their governments face a multitude of challenges. Leptospira bacteria can survive longer at higher temperatures, with more human cases observed during summer months. Increased rainfall and flooding associated with climate change opens up transmission pathways for leptospirosis and other zoonotic diseases, such as damaged sanitation and water treatment systems, flooded farms, and rodents or other animals seeking shelter and dry land.
Puerto Rico is at a particularly elevated risk of infectious disease outbreaks related to climate change. The U.S. island's small size, remoteness from the mainland, low socioeconomic status, and high population density all magnify the population's exposure and susceptibility to illnesses like leptospirosis. As warmer air and water lead to increased precipitation and more energetic hurricanes, the island will need to adapt and build systems that mitigate climate-linked infectious disease transmission. Public health officials will need to strengthen the essentials of urban sanitation as flooding not only overwhelms sewer and drainage systems, it also spreads garbage and debris throughout the environment that increases chances of transient contact between humans and animals.
Intensifying climate events and related environmental factors will continue to shape transmission of leptospirosis in places like Puerto Rico. Surveillance and predictive modeling efforts utilizing Geographic Information Science can help predict locations of future outbreaks with key factors, such as local infrastructure, rainfall effects, and human and animal population densities. Braiding climate-informed predictive analytics with hardened water, sanitation, and public health infrastructure will be essential to prevent endemic disease in Puerto Rico from becoming seasonal high mortality events.
### Health Care Systems
As a relatively small island with high levels of socioeconomic inequity before Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico lacked a health care infrastructure that was capable of withstanding and fully responding to Hurricane Maria. Beyond the destructive power of the storm and floods, weeks without power and clean water took an immense toll on countless patients and an already overburdened, overworked, and underpaid workforce. People with serious illnesses had their treatments interrupted for weeks, including many who required dialysis for kidney failure. Disruptions in treatment for diabetes and other chronic illnesses underscore Puerto Rico's profound health inequities, thereby exacerbating the high rates of preventable and poorly treated physical illnesses linked to poverty, mental health and substance use issues in the aftermath of the hurricane.
A key intersection of environmental and occupational health and leptospirosis prevention is the activity of health care, emergency response, and other disaster relief workers after heavy rainfall and flooding events. As paramedics, rescue workers, and residents wade through flood waters, they risk direct exposure to leptospira bacteria. This exposure can be mitigated with the use of protective clothing and gear, including proper coverage of wounds, but health care and emergency response systems in low-income urban environments often lack the awareness, training, and material resources necessary to put those precautions in place. Proper bandages, waterproof gear, abrasion-resistant gloves, and face coverings help reduce leptospirosis infections among people who have to move through flood waters. Prophylactic antibiotics to counter diseases like malaria and leptospirosis are also suggested for medical responders. The Puerto Rican government came under fire in the wake of Hurricane Maria for failing to provide protective equipment to relief workers who later contracted leptospirosis and died.
For many Puerto Ricans with chronic illnesses, pharmacies were the first line of response to the disruption in health care services caused by Hurricane Maria, not primary care providers. Pharmacists reported that a lack of telecommunications, electronic health records, and other essential data posed additional health risks. Improving access to pharmaceutical services and removing bureaucratic obstacles to obtaining essential medications, including psychiatric prescriptions, is a key consideration in protecting public health in the face of growing weather and other disasters.
### Socioeconomic Factors
Leptospirosis transmission is shaped by the complex intersections of climate, geography, and socioeconomic factors. In places like Puerto Rico, these factors converge to disproportionately affect people living in poor, urban areas that experience warm temperatures and heavy rainfall. Not only is the risk for leptospirosis in the environment higher in these areas, its potential deadliness as an infection is magnified by the adverse social determinants of health affecting people in these communities. Studies in low-income regions throughout the world indicate that, even controlling for environmental factors, socioeconomic status plays a major role in risk for leptospirosis and the severity of its effects. Communities with high levels of poverty experience higher likelihood of morbidity and mortality for leptospirosis attributable to relative socioeconomic status. To mitigate the risks associated with poverty, climate change, and endemic diseases like leptospirosis in Puerto Rico, the island's territorial government and the rest of the U.S. must address major underlying socioeconomic and political inequities.
In workplace and shared public environments, many pathways for leptospirosis transmission can be addressed by waste removal and occupational health precautions. The prevalence of the disease in poor, urban areas complicates this approach, as private dwellings are more likely to become sites for contact between animals, contaminated water, soil, food, and humans. Residents of these impoverished communities typically lack the resources to address such environmental risks individually, and adverse socioeconomic factors pose additional barriers to implementing widespread prevention strategies. Many people in these areas also perform the majority of the labor to clean up in the wake of flooding, typically without any training or protective equipment. This cleaning activity has been shown to increase infections and spread leptospirosis throughout poor urban environments. In September 2018, millions of bottles of clean water from FEMA intended for hurricane victims were found on an airport runway in Ceiba, apparently never distributed due to government mismanagement. | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Puerto_Rico_Leptospirosis_outbreak |
Identifying Drug-Resistant Hotspots Can Provide Roadmap to Reduce Tuberculosis
A team led by School of Public Health researchers has created a near real-time surveillance method to identify communities experiencing a high burden of drug-resistant tuberculosis in South Africa using routinely collected laboratory data.
In the study, published in PLOS Medicine, the researchers mapped the highest rates of drug-resistant tuberculosis in the Western Cape Province and tracked changes over five years. The results will help create a method that can lead to more targeted interventions and public health approaches aimed at reducing the number of people who contract the disease.
“Our model of mapping high-burden communities can serve as a roadmap for regions working to reduce TB incidence by initiating treatment as soon as possible,” says study senior author Karen Jacobson, assistant professor of epidemiology at SPH and assistant professor of medicine in the Section of Infectious Diseases at the School of Medicine. “By locating emerging and chronic hotspots of the disease in real time, public health providers can evaluate the most effective interventions and monitor progress towards TB reduction goals.”
South Africa has the highest rates of tuberculosis (TB) in the world, and 4 percent of these cases are resistant to first line treatment. The country also has a centrally collected laboratory database that includes TB tests, making it an ideal location to implement a surveillance system to track drug-resistant TB cases by clinic location.
The researchers developed an algorithm to identify unique patients and episodes of disease from the data, and created heat maps of the region to see which areas were most afflicted between 2008 and 2013.
The group identified 799,779 individuals who had specimens submitted for TB tests from clinics during the study period. They found 28 percent were diagnosed with TB, of which 4.6 percent were resistant to first line tuberculosis treatment. The proportion of drug-resistant cases varied geographically, ranging from 0 percent to 25 percent of TB cases in different parts of the region. There were also significant annual fluctuations in drug-resistant TB percentages at several locations. The communities that saw the highest rates of drug-resistant TB were Cape Town townships and informal settlements, the rural region of the west coast, and areas bordering the Eastern Cape Province.
The researchers wrote that their findings show routinely collected laboratory data is a powerful tool for researchers and providers, allowing for more accurate allocation of resources to treat TB. Recent evidence shows that the TB epidemic is dynamic, and that medication-resistant TB infections are spread through transmission from another individual with drug-resistant TB disease. This indicates that constant monitoring could lead to more effective public health interventions, resulting in fewer cases of medication-resistant TB, the authors wrote.
The study’s lead author was alumnus Avery McIntosh (SPH’14,’17), who was a doctoral student while working on the study. The other SPH coauthors were: Helen Jenkins, assistant professor of biostatistics; and Laura White, associate professor of biostatistics.
The other coauthors were: Mary B. Kleinman and Elizabeth J. Ragan of the School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center; Marinus Barnard, Tania Dolby, and John Simpson of the South Africa National Health Laboratory Service; Dana R. Thomson and Megan B. Murray of Harvard Medical School; and Elizabeth M. Streicher, Paul D. van Helden, and Robin M. Warren of Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa. | https://www.brown.edu/academics/medical/about-us/research/centers-institutes-and-programs/aids/news/2018/11/identifying-drug-resistance-hotspots-reduce-tb-south-africa |
Satellites and GIS help developing countries target deadly parasites
Each year, hundreds of millions of people in developing countries are affected by parasitic diseases. One of the most common is malaria, which kills more than a million people annually, mostly children under five years of age. Scientists are using satellite data combined with local health information uploaded into geographical information systems (GIS) to help developing countries better manage limited resources and target interventions in the fight against malaria and other deadly parasitic diseases.
A research project led by the Australian National University (ANU) and involving entomologists, epidemiologists, software developers, social scientists and health policy specialists is working to help predict patterns of parasitic diseases, such as malaria, worms and hydatids, in developing countries like Bhutan, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.
The team uses satellite data, such as temperature, rainfall, vegetation and land usage, and combines it with local health data, uploaded in a GIS, which generates maps identifying problem areas that can help predict disease patterns.
"Some diseases are highly sensitive to their environment, especially parasitic diseases," says Professor Archie Clements, Director of the Research School of Population Health at ANU, and the project leader. "With remote sensing you can identify places where disease flourishes."
Although limited resources on the ground make it difficult for local decision makers to respond quickly, the information provided by the project has proven useful in helping them ensure the resources they do have are targeted to where they are most needed.
"The use of geo-spatial technologies can provide health personnel with practical tools to not only track infections at fine scale, but also to target resources and interventions to priority areas, and to ensure operations that are implemented in these areas actually achieve optimal coverage to ensure maximum impact," says Dr Gerard Kelly, a research fellow with ANU. "As worldwide access to digital and mobile technologies improves, these geo-spatial surveillance technologies are particularly beneficial to support disease management in developing countries where health systems are often over-burdened and resources are generally very limited."
The outcome of this combined approach includes maps that more accurately and effectively facilitate delivery and tracking of preventive measures, such as the distribution of bed nets and the spraying of local homes with insecticide.
It is hoped the project will create opportunities to build skills in local communities. For example, increasing the number of GIS technicians, for long-term sustainability, as well as improving networks between countries to aid the global fight against parasitic diseases.
In its next phase, the project will be scaled up to include additional provinces in the trial countries, as well as integrating data on other parasites, such as Dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis in Bhutan. The team is also seeking support to scale up to larger countries, as well as developing spatial predictions for other diseases, such as worms and hydatids for China, the Philippines and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
"We have the opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the real world, and save a lot of lives," says Professor Clements. | https://newatlas.com/satellites-gis-target-deadly-parasites/36198/ |
The same wastewater surveillance techniques that have emerged as an important tool in the early detection of Covid-19 outbreaks are being adapted for use in monitoring the alarming spread of monkeypox throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and some other US communities.
Before the Covid pandemic, wastewater sludge was thought to hold promise as an early indicator of community health threats, as people could excrete genetic evidence of infectious diseases in their feces, often before they showed symptoms of illness. Israel has monitored wastewater for polio for decades. But before Covid, such risk monitoring in the US was largely limited to academic pursuits.
With the onset of Covid, a research collaboration involving scientists from Stanford University, the University of Michigan and Emory University has pioneered efforts to revamp surveillance techniques for detecting the Covid-19 virus, using wastewater for the first time. Track a respiratory disease.
That same research team, the Sewage Coronavirus Alert Network, or SCAN, is now a leader in expanding wastewater monitoring to detect monkeypox, a once-obscure virus in remote parts of Africa that has infected more than 26,000 people worldwide within months. And more than 7,000 across the U.S. The Biden administration declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency last week, following similar decisions by health officials in California, Illinois and New York.
And SCAN’s scientists envision a future in which wastewater sludge serves as a reservoir for tracking alarming public health concerns. “We’re looking at a whole range of things that we might be able to test,” said Marlene Wolff, an assistant professor of environmental health at Emory.
Since increasing surveillance in mid-June, the SCAN team has detected monkeypox in several of the 11 Northern California sewers it monitors, including Palo Alto, San Jose, Gilroy, Sacramento and two locations in San Francisco. Funded by grants from the National Science Foundation and the CDC Foundation, SCAN is conducting similar monitoring in Colorado, Georgia, Michigan and four other states and intends to scale up to 300 US sites.
It is one of a growing number of sewage surveillance projects across the US run jointly by universities, public health agencies and utility departments that provide Covid results to state and federal agencies. It is unclear how many of these networks have extended their search to Monkeypox. Scan sites in California, Georgia, Michigan and Texas and a research team in Nevada are among the few to report sludge samples that tested positive for the monkeypox virus.
As with Covid, monkeypox data can be used to compare trends across regions, but there are limits to what this type of monitoring can do. Wastewater monitoring does not identify who is infected; It reveals the presence of only one virus in a particular area. And it takes an expert to analyze the sample. Researchers consider wastewater surveillance to complement, not replace, other public health tools.
“We’re still really at the forefront of discovering potential here,” said Heather Bischel, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of California-Davis, which included wastewater monitoring as part of the Healthy Davis Together. Covid testing program for campus and surrounding community. “But what we’ve already seen shows that this kind of monitoring can be adapted to other public health threats.”
Some US communities were sampling sewage before the pandemic to determine what types of opioids residents were using. More recently, with Covid and monkeypox, the technology has shown promise for monitoring flu and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is planning pilot studies to see if sewage can reveal trends in antibiotic-resistant infections, foodborne illnesses and Candida aureus, a fungal infection.
Much of the wastewater testing done in the first year of the pandemic was done in conjunction with universities or county offices and relied on funding provided through the federal Covid Relief Act. At Bischel’s campus, those funds were combined with money from university donors for an extensive testing and treatment program that included wastewater monitoring for the school and the city of Davis. Sewage testing is underway in separate grants.
Currently, the CDC is only reporting Covid results in its national wastewater surveillance system, a reflection of the limited number of sewage sheds it has so far tested for monkeypox.
The global spread of monkeypox was first detected in the UK in May and it was speculated that the virus could also be passed into wastewater, either through faeces or when an infected person with an open sore takes a shower. Sewers in areas of infected people may then “light up” with evidence of the disease – if wastewater testing can identify it.
“It’s been enlightening,” said Brad Pollock, chair of public health sciences at UC Davis Health. “It works as a warning system, and you don’t have to persuade people to take individual tests to use the information; It’s passively collected, so you get a broader community look.”
The virus is believed to be primarily spread through close skin-to-skin contact and exposure to symptomatic lesions, although researchers are exploring other possible routes of transmission. For now, the U.S. outbreak is largely concentrated in gay communities among men who have sex with men.
The discovery of monkeypox in San Francisco’s wastewater system in June, the first of its kind in the country, raised alarm in a city with a thriving LGBTQ+ population. On July 28, San Francisco declared monkeypox a public health emergency, urging the federal government to increase distribution of its vaccine.
For Northern California surveillance, SCAN partners with local health officials and universities to collect samples and then send them to Verily Life Sciences — a health technology company owned by Alphabet, Google’s parent company — for analysis. In the Atlanta area, SCAN is working with health officials in Emory and Fulton counties.
Not all public health agencies are moving as quickly. A wastewater monitoring plan for the virus is now being put together in Los Angeles County alone, which confirmed more than 300 cases of monkeypox by the end of July.
And although California is collecting monkeypox data from its surveillance partners, it’s not available for all regions, with wastewater monitoring for the virus still an emerging method.
“With every new thing we add to the testing platform, we’re learning things,” says SCAN’s Wolfe. “The pandemic really sparked our imagination for a tool that already existed but wasn’t fully developed. That is changing now.”
This story was produced by KHN, which publishes California Healthline, the editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.
KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Along with policy analysis and polling, KHN is one of the three main operating programs of the KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is a non-profit organization that provides health information to the nation.
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This story may be republished for free ( details ). | https://www.melivingnyc.com/join-the-hunt-for-monkeypox-in-covid-sewage-surveillance-labs/ |
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- During his visit to Samarkand, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed the vice prime ministers, ministers and sector leaders to appeal to the population about the work carried out in the region.
In accordance with the instruction, officials headed by the deputy Prime minister, Minister of tourism and sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan Aziz Abdukhakimov spoke about the work being done to develop tourism, sports and culture in the region.
The event was attended by deputy Prime minister, minister of tourism and sports Aziz Abdukhakimov, minister of culture Ozodbek Nazarbekov, first deputy minister of tourism and sports Ulugbek Azamov, deputy minister of tourism and sports Avazzhon Karimov, general director of the agency of Cinematography Firdavs Abdukhalikov, deputy Khokim of the region Botir Nurullayev informed about the work carried out in these areas.
“Based on the tasks set by the head of our state and the results of field studies, we have identified a number of tasks for the development of tourism, sports, culture and cinematography. In 2021, it is planned to attract 1.3 million local tourists, restore 1,000 jobs in the tourism sector by attracting 220,000 foreign tourists as the situation with the pandemic improves, and also implement the necessary measures to dramatically increase the flow of tourists and passengers, attract foreign airlines to Samarkand International Airport on the basis of the concept “Samarkand Airport is a gateway to international tourism in Uzbekistan,” - Aziz Abdukhakimov said.
In addition, the minister of tourism and sports spoke about the following plans:
1. Tourism development: In order to actively attract foreign tourists to the shrines of Samarkand and Bukhara regions within the framework of the “Umra +” program, create a representative office of the Ministry of tourism and sports in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, indicating the sources of funding, the potential of pilgrim tourism in Samarkand region and “Umra +” through Samarkand.
Organization of a series of promotional events in Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Pakistan and the Russian Federation, Turkey and the CIS countries to promote opportunities and additional benefits for travel agencies, transport and logistics companies and airlines organizing Umra + tours.
In the off-season, it is planned to organize the “Month of domestic tourism”, “Week of domestic tourism” and “Days of domestic tourism”.
The region will have 8 hotels, theme parks, recreation and entertainment centers, a craft center and artificial pools that will create modern tourism services.
Samarkand will become a center for MICE tourism and international political conferences through the organization of an international congress center and exhibition complexes with an area of 18,000 square meters. After the launch of this center, 2000 jobs will be created.
In 2020, the village of Konigil, located in Samarkand region, was one of the first in the country to receive the status of a “Tourist Village” and began its activities. As part of the second stage of the Konigil tourist village, 460 jobs will be created through the creation of about 100 tourist facilities and service points on an area of 7.1 hectares.
In addition, the Bogibaland and Shark mahallas in Samarkand will be transformed into tourist mahallas, Tersak in the Urgut region and Choshtepa in the Payarik region - into tourist villages. As a result, 265 new jobs will be created, and citizens included in the “Women's book” and “Youth book” in these makhallas will be provided with jobs first of all.
32.2 billion soums have been allocated for the restoration and improvement of 21 cultural heritage sites. For the construction of tourist and adjacent infrastructure at 10 cultural heritage sites - 15.3 billion soums, for improving road infrastructure at 10 sites - 34.0 billion soums, 9.6 billion soums will be spent on improving water supply, sewerage and engineering - communication networks, etc.
2. Concerning cultural heritage: The concept of creating the museum of the Great Silk Road on Mirzo Bobur street in Samarkand has been developed.
Each tourist who visits the museum will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the most ancient period of our country, its place and significance on the Great Silk Road on the basis of holograms, 3D modeling, VR systems and other modern technologies. In total, there are 1 607 objects of material cultural heritage in Samarkand region, the formation of state cadastral documents and their state registration are underway. Of the objects of material cultural heritage with tourist potential, 13 regions will be equipped with WI-FI and QR codes, 50 with audio guides and 25 with modern turnstiles for electronic registration of tourists and population.
3. Regarding the preparation for international conferences: Within the framework of thorough preparation for international conferences, which are planned to be held in Samarkand region, a huge creative work is being done, as well as work on the improvement and improvement of the city's infrastructure.
978.9 billion soums were allocated by the corresponding decrees of the President. Overhaul of 83.4 km of roads - wall to wall, 41.5 km. construction of information and communication networks, construction of all 20 facilities and 4 new substations for the reconstruction and modernization of 100.3 km of electrical networks, 25 km. construction of drinking water supply networks, 14.1 km. will be carried out for the construction of gas pipelines.
Also, based on the historical significance of Samarkand, the appearance of the city will be adjusted on the basis of a project code developed by a special working group to preserve the national and modern architecture of buildings and structures, advertising banners, road signs.
4. On the development of sports: in 2021, on the basis of the investment program, 5 sports facilities will be reconstructed for 28 billion soums.
In particular, a 154-seat football academy with all amenities will be built and put into operation;
In 2021, 60.4 billion soums will be allocated from the budget and the private sector. 181 sports facilities and grounds (including 56 training, 33 streetball, 32 badminton, 60 mini-football fields).
In 2021, 104.35 km in districts (cities) of the region will be completed the construction of “Health Corridors” and “Bike paths” with a length of 109.84 km.
In 2021-2023, it is planned to reconstruct 8 sports facilities, reconstruct 23 existing sports facilities.
This year, 66.5 billion soums will be invested in public-private partnerships. In total, 11 sports facilities will be built (3 modern football fields, 7 sports complexes, 1 modern swimming pool).
As a result, by the end of the year the number of people involved in physical culture and sports in relation to the population will reach 30%. In the first half of 2021, an additional 2,510 sports clubs will be created, employing 460,000 (27%) young people. By the end of the year this figure will reach 503 thousand (30%).
Mahalla “Yuksalish” in Samarkand was identified as a model in the “Mahallabay” system (attachment) within the framework of the program to involve the population, especially youth, in sports. Based on the interests of young people, in a neighboring secondary school, circles will be organized in 6 additional sports, to which 7 coaches of the children's and youth sports school will be assigned.
Every morning, physical education classes are organized among the population, 15 coaches are appointed in accordance with the schedule. To increase the interest of the population, especially unorganized youth, in sports, competitions in sports such as the Rais mahalla cup”, the “School leader's cup”, and the “Street tournament” will be organized. The sports corner and the “Mahalla chess cup” will be held regularly.
This year, the International university of tourism “Silk Road” will hold quarterly competitions in badminton, chess, mini-football, table tennis, arm wrestling “Rector's Cup” among unorganized youth in areas related to the university. For the further development of chess sport, the “Chess Cafe” will be organized.
5. In the field of culture and art: this year the implementation of the project “Mahalla circles” in cooperation with 90 mahallas and 45 cultural centers of the region, the organization of 180 circles and the involvement of at least 1500 participants in these circles;
By the end of the year, 960 students will be enrolled in 32 children's music and art schools and 64 secondary schools will organize circles of the Children's Amateur Ensemble, and work will be carried out jointly with the regional administration to provide these ensembles with musical instruments;
In Samarkand region, the project “School cultural center” will be implemented, organized jointly with the Ministry of public education on the basis of the experience of the Tashkent region;
In each of the 11 higher educational institutions of Samarkand, student amateur groups have been created for performing skills, traditional singing and dancing, based on the interests of students;
Together with the Ministry of Higher Education, events will be held twice a week in all universities of the region and once a week for students in hostels, creative meetings with famous figures of culture and art, performances, concert programs, Makom evenings;
Concert programs of members of the “Club of people's artists” in May-June of this year, together with the regional administration;
Since May this year, the regional branch of the State philharmonic society of Uzbekistan and all districts of regional ensembles of makomists will organize open-air concert programs in cities;
From June of this year, the Uzbek state circus will organize a tour of the region with the aim of performing shows of circus art programs for students.
“Most importantly, it will create many new jobs and raise the standard of living of the local population, this is our main goal,” concluded Aziz Abdukhakimov.
In addition, Firdavs Abdukholikov, general director of the Cinematography agency, spoke about the work carried out and further plans for the development of cinematography in Samarkand region.
After that, the media and bloggers received answers to their questions from officials. | https://uzdaily.uz/en/post/65036 |
By Clement Nwankpa Jr
In keeping with his campaign promises, Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha has intensified efforts to boost sports in the state.
Consequently, Ihedioha has proposed and gotten the state executive council to approve an upgrade of facilities at the Dan Anyiam Stadium and Grasshoppers International Handball Stadium to meet international standards.
The latest development takes immediate effect and should attract Grade A sporting events in a few months while facilitating Heartland’s return to Owerri for their NPFL home games.
Prior to his assumption of office, the sporting industry was in comatose after eight years of neglect under his predecessor, Rochas Okorocha.
The Dan Anyiam Stadium (DAS) and Grasshoppers International Stadium (GIS) were in very poor state. The dilapidated state of these facilities meant GIS never hosted a handball event all through Okorocha’s administration. In fact, no meaningful sporting activity was held there as the place became an abode for miscreants and street urchins.
As a result, the fortunes of Grasshoppers handball club, arguably the country’s most celebrated club in the 80s and 90s, dwindled.
Similarly, Dan Anyiam stadium failed to meet organisers’ minimum standards for hosting NPFL matches resulting in the state’s football team Heartland being forced to play their home matches in Okigwe.
With no quality home ground, Heartland that had gotten used to playing more home matches away from home, suffered a dip in fortunes these past eight years. The team became a regular relegation candidate during this period and was relegated for the first time in 2016.
The team bounced back to NPFL but were already primed for the drop again in 2018 before an abrupt end to the league due to NFF crisis meant no club was relegated.
In 2019, the team frolicked with the drop till the last day and it took the intervention of Ihedioha, who was to be sworn-in, three days later for the team to beat El-Kanemi 2-0 in Okigwe and retain their Premiership status.
Ihedioha, who had keenly monitored the team’s struggles all these years vowed to restore their glory days as governor. He had as part of his cardinal plans to revive the Dan Anyiam and Grasshoppers stadia while giving the sporting industry a new lease of life.
For his inauguration, these two arenas were given facelifts and deployed for major events. While Grasshoppers hosted the interdenominational service and youth concert, Dan Anyiam was venue for the novelty match and swearing-in Ceremony.
Imolites were shocked at the transformation recorded in the arenas within the short period. Many were amazed that the GIS could be made habitable with just a few weeks touching-up.
During the novelty match, the DAS floodlights came on and many couldn’t remember the last time this was done while a football match was on.
Now in charge, Ihedioha has decided to take it a notch higher.
A proposal has been sent to the state executive council and an approval has been given for the complete refurbishing of the Dan Anyiam and Grasshoppers Stadia.
At the DAS, the grass surface will be resurfaced to meet international standards; the tartan tracks relayed; seats replaced and state-of-the-art scoreboard installed. The practice pitch behind the main-bowl will also be resurfaced and given a facelift.
The target of this phased refurbishment is to ensure the arena meets required standards and hosts international games. With Imo’s high tourism potentials, a top quality DAS will attract international matches to the state and boost sports tourism.
Ihedioha said; “We want to put in place a facility that will host the Super Eagles. This state has immense tourism potentials and one of the major avenues we want to drive this is sports. We will aggressively strive to boost the state’s IGR and tourism and sports is key”.
Of paramount importance is to ensure Heartland play their home matches in Owerri next season.
The governor continued; ” Dan Anyiam is the ancestral home of Heartland. You can’t take Real Madrid away from Bernebau or Manchester United away from Old Trafford. The era of the team playing their home matches away from the home ground is over.
“We will make the place conducive for the team and avail their teeming fans the opportunity to watch them live. You can’t take away the place of the fans in a team. We want to assure Heartland fans that we are bringing their beloved club home. We don’t want the club to battle relegation every season. They have to be up there winning trophies”.
The Grasshoppers arena will also undergo massive upgrade to complement what was put in place before the inauguration. The turf, seats and scoreboard will be replaced to meet international standards.
As the governor promised in his inaugural address, a handball tournament will be held at the arena in the next three months.
“Growing up, Grasshoppers club was the pride of Imolites. This was why a stadium was named after them. We will ensure Grasshoppers bounce back and the first way to do so is to make their home ground functional again”, Ihedioha added.
Preparatory to the elections, three years ago, Ihedioha commissioned a consultant to review the state of sports facilities in the state. Backed with sordid pictures of DAS and GIS, the consultant’s report was alarming.
Moved by the sorry state of the facilities, Ihedioha promised to begin his rebuilding process from these facilities, if elected into office. He is keeping to his words and with the Executive Council’s approval, work will be expedited at the DAS and GIS in the next couple of days.
Truly, the best days for Imo sports are still ahead.
Nwankpa, an author, member NFF Technical Study Group and online publisher, writes from Abuja. | https://www.emekaihedioha.com.ng/imo-exco-approves-proposal-to-refurbish-dan-anyiam-grasshoppers-stadia-return-heartland-to-owerri/ |
BEIJING, March 23 (Xinhua) -- China plans to build a higher level of public service system for fitness and physical activity, according to a newly released set of guidelines.
The country will increase the supply of basic services oriented toward public fitness and sporting interests to boost the population's participation rate in such activities and the accessibility of related facilities, according to the document, which was issued by the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council.
Proactive, sound efforts should be made to separate sports associations from administrative bodies, says the document, while associations of individual sports are encouraged to incorporate unit members and explore individual memberships.
Training centers, bases and sports schools managed by the country's physical culture and sports authorities are encouraged to open their fitness facilities and sports rehabilitation services to the general public.
The document also addresses the need to promote a balance in services between urban and rural areas, as well as the need to protect the natural environment. | https://english.news.cn/20220324/1fdabbbbdc6d4b609930e77df4c1dcc7/c.html |
15:54 | 02/10/2017 Society
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has called for a preliminarily review of the national football development strategy in order to find solutions to tackle the limitations encountered during the promotion of the sport in Vietnam.
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|Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam has demanded a review of a strategy to develop suitable solutions to promote football - Credit: VGP|
On September 28, the deputy PM hosted a working session with leaders of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), as well as representatives of the relevant ministries and agencies, on the situation of Vietnamese football and the operations of the VFF.
Reports delivered at the meeting show that Vietnamese football has achieved notable achievements in recent years, with football training and development growing widely amid strong investment in facilities and grounds. Many clubs, training centres and youth football training centres have been established. Both amateur and professional football systems are regularly held at all ages and levels and have resulted in a number of encouraging achievements at international tournaments.
The privatisation of football has been promoted, attracting more resources to develop domestic football with hundreds of businesses, economic organisations and individuals investing in clubs and sponsoring tournaments.
However, the management and operation of football remains inadequate, as training and educating on ethics and lifestyle for players are underestimated, leading to negative behaviour such as gambling, matchmaking and violence.
At the session, the delegates focused their discussions on the causes of the shortcomings in football development, scoured from a limited perception on the goal of football development and inadequate mechanisms that make it difficult for football clubs to mobilise finance, develop yards and deploy training plans. Especially, a lack of a long-term vision for professional football has caused football management to lag behind in the context of the country’s current development.
Deputy PM Dam emphasised that football is a very popular sport in Vietnam. In 2013, the Prime Minister approved the national strategy of developing Vietnam football by 2020, which considers football development as "an effective tool to contribute to the education of patriotism and national pride, while promoting the image of the country in international arena.”
The strategy has been implemented for four years, he said, urging the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to urgently carry out a preliminary review of the implementation of this strategy, in which they should clarify the viewpoints, goals and major orientations that need to be adjusted, supplemented and implemented in the coming years.
He stated that the most important goal in the preliminary review is to clearly analyse the inadequacies and causes for such limitations, while recognising the responsibilities of each organisation and individual, as well as the responsibilities of the State management agencies and localities in football development and management.
The deputy PM instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to hold an extended conference to collect the opinions of all professionals, stakeholders and fans devoted to the development of domestic football.
Reaffirming that football is a sport of great interest, Dam stressed the need for the management and administration of football to be in accordance with the current law and in respect for the role of professional societies and international practices. | http://ven.vn/deputy-pm-calls-for-measures-to-promote-vietnamese-football-28881.html |
The mission of the Lee County Sports Development (LCSD) office is to attract and retain sporting events and activities that will provide economic stimulus through sports tourism.
Partner with the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau and Economic Development, using sports as a vehicle to diversify Lee County’s tourism industry.
Solicit state, regional, national and international sporting events, thus creating an increase in economic impact from sports tourism.
Increase the level of customer service to our sports visitors, including organizers, athletes, coaches, parents, spectators and sponsors.
Diversify the types of sports events held within Lee County, including the solicitation of summer events that can use indoor facilities such as Hertz Arena, Harborside Event Center, the Lee County Civic Center and Alico Arena.
Enhance the image of Lee County as a premier sports destination.
Work in partnership with municipal parks & recreation departments to identify the need for new sports facilities.
Increase the quality of life in Lee County by providing outstanding entertainment and participatory opportunities through sports.
Create relocation opportunities for sports businesses in Lee County.
Expand opportunities for Economic Development through various sports tourism efforts. | http://www.leegov.com/sports/about |
Andorra’s Minister of Economy and Enterprise, Jordi Gallardo, discusses the country’s decade-long FDI boom and its plans to shake off outdated perceptions.
Not everyone can immediately locate Andorra on the map, and that is the very thing that the country’s Minister of Economy and Enterprise, Jordi Gallardo, intends to change.
Situated between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains, Andorra has a population of approximately 77,500 and an area of 468km2. In 2021, it recorded a GDP of $3.1bn, total imports of $1.57bn and an unemployment rate of 2.5%.
The country’s economy revolves around services, with retail accounting for 17% of GDP, followed by real estate at 15%, the public sector at 14% and financial services at 12%.
In 2012, a foreign direct investment (FDI) law came into force, opening up the country’s economy to foreign investors. Since then, international investors, whether resident or not, may own up to 100% of any Andorra-based company. The law also liberalised restrictions on foreign professionals seeking to work in Andorra.
This change in law has proven to be hugely lucrative for Andorra. FDI went up by 7,600% between 2012 and 2021, and by 540% between 2017 and 2021, accounting for 18.7% of GDP at the end of last year.
Now, the government has embarked on a mission to diversify its economy and boost FDI – and it has decided to do so by improving innovation and technology across all sectors.
Gallardo says that the Digital Economy, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Law is ready to be approved in mid-2022 and will promote entrepreneurship visas and seek to attract digital nomads. It will also create special economic zones (SEZs).
What are the top sectors that the Andorran government is focusing on to attract FDI?
The government has embarked on an economic diversification project and has consulted the private sector to help identify priority sectors.
We came up with a list of 12, including blockchain, e-commerce, fintech, esports, health and wellness, biotechnology, sports, education, audio-visual production, green tech and alternative agriculture.
The public sector will focus on five of them – fintech, esports, health and wellness, biotechnology and sports.
The Digital Economy, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Law is one of the main government initiatives to promote investment in innovation and technology and to diversify Andorra’s economy.
Covid-19 has highlighted new needs and opened up opportunities. Under the new law, the government is seeking to promote entrepreneurship visas, create SEZs and create frameworks for co-living and co-working in order to attract digital nomads and start-ups, who can spur innovation.
Andorra has good connectivity, low energy prices and a very high quality of life, which makes it the perfect location to create an innovative technology ecosystem.
What are Andorra’s main attractions to foreign investors?
Andorra is a small country, and this should be seen as an advantage rather than a disadvantage. Over the past few years, and especially during Covid, we have proven that Andorra can work as a living lab for investors to test strategies before taking on bigger challenges.
During the pandemic, multinational pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturer Grifols was able to use our health data to analyse the behaviour of the virus on a small population. As a result, it decided to invest €25m into an immunology research centre in Andorra.
This has attracted the interest of similar players, and that is exactly what we are trying to achieve with our diversification strategy and innovation law.
Tourism used to be one of Andorra’s top sectors – what happened during the pandemic and how is it looking now?
Andorra attracts about eight million visitors per year. Before the pandemic, tourism accounted for about 60% of our GDP. The impact of the pandemic was significant. However, as soon as we were able to reopen, people came flocking back.
We are noticing a behavioural change around tourism as a result of the pandemic. People are choosing destinations that are closer to home and that focus on nature and well-being, and Andorra is perfect for this.
Why should investors come to Andorra?
Foreign investors should consider Andorra if they want to boost innovation and liaise with a business-friendly government. Andorra is a virgin market and offers a secure environment. It is not only a good place to invest in but also to live in.
What are Andorra’s main challenges in terms of FDI attraction?
We need to put Andorra on the investment map. We also need to change some of the bad messaging of the past. Andorra’s old perception as a tax haven could not be more outdated. We are now EU tax compliant, a member of the International Monetary Fund, and we have signed up to the OECD’s double taxation agreements and adhere to its common reporting standards.
We have worked hard to establish international partnerships and have so far worked with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tech Barcelona and the Israel Innovation Institute, among others. | https://invertirenandorra.eu/in-conversation-with-jordi-gallardo-andorras-minister-of-economy-and-enterprise/ |
The Moreton Bay Region is perfectly positioned to host events and visitors if Brisbane gets the nod to host the 2032 Olympic Games. The bid moved a step closer to winning the race, with the International Olympic Committee’s executive board naming it the preferred candidate overnight.
The IOC’s Future Host Summer Commission has designated Brisbane the preferred candidate city and the IOC’s executive board has unanimously endorsed this decision.
The Brisbane bid committee will now enter targeted discussions with the IOC.
While it’s not a done deal, the decision puts the Brisbane bid in the box seat and ahead of other bids.
The news was delivered by IOC president Thomas Bach during a press conference in Switzerland.
"We have unanimously after a very intense discussion approved this recommendation," Mr Bach said.
"The commission, based on this decision, will start more detailed discussions with the Brisbane 2032 committee and the Australian Olympic Committee about their potential to host the Olympic Games 2032."
Targeted dialogue will now begin, followed by final negotiations, then a vote by the IOC which is likely within the next year.
Brisbane and South East Queensland’s experience in successfully hosting major sporting events, including the 2018 Commonwealth Games, was key factor in the decision. As was existing facilities and planned transport infrastructure.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the news puts Queensland in the box seat and every level of government was committed to making it happen.
“I’ll be working with the mayors and Federal Government to ensure we get funding to make this a reality,” she says.
She says South East Queensland already has 85 per cent of the venues needed to host the Games.
“We don’t have to build huge stadiums that won’t be used in the future,” she says.
“The 2032 Queensland Olympics would support our economic recovery by stimulating investment and creating thousands of jobs for our state.
“We haven’t crossed the finish line yet - we’ve just moved a little further ahead in the race.”
IOC Vice-President and Australia Olympic Committee President John Coates says the Brisbane bid will now have to work through negotiations and formal paperwork and he hopes to conclude these requirements by the end of April, early May.
“On that basis, we could then go to a vote in Tokyo,” he says.
Tokyo is due to host the Games this year, followed by Paris in 2024 and Los Angeles in 2028.
Mayor Peter Flannery says it is an exciting announcement, but he won’t be celebrating until he knows what it means for Moreton Bay Region.
“There’s so much opportunity on the horizon as we look towards a COVID-free future so this announcement couldn’t come at a better time,” he says.
“I think what makes the Brisbane bid so compelling is that all mayors and all levels of government have been united in this cause and want to see the games happen here in 2032.
“For me the big question is exactly what a Games can deliver for Moreton Bay Region, and what it might mean for local infrastructure investment by all levels of government.
“I think Moreton Bay Region is the logical choice for a range of events, and we’re also perfectly positioned as a pre-games training destination. We’ll continue working hand-in-glove with the Council of Mayors (SEQ) and State Government.
“Above all else I see the games as an opportunity to accelerate infrastructure investment, boost job creation, and attract tourism and investment to our region.
“We’ve all united around the need for rapid rail in SEQ, of course we want to ensure that it will stop in the Moreton Bay Region. Following today’s announcement, I hope we hear more concrete commitments from the Federal and State Governments around what infrastructure investment they’ll be prioritising in our region.
“The Olympics is the pinnacle of sport and employs tens of thousands of people in construction, logistics, promotion, tourism, athletics and much more. So, I agree with Brisbane Lord Mayor Schrinner when he says: ‘Today is not the time however to get over-excited, there is still plenty of work to be done’.”
Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism Chairman Shane Newcombe says the Brisbane Bid is a strong one because it goes beyond the boundaries of Brisbane city and will use facilities and sporting hubs across South East Queensland.
“Our region is perfectly positioned to not only host events, but also visitors who will flock to this part of the world to compete, support athletes and watch the world’s best athletes in action,” Mr Newcombe says.
“We’re keen to work with Moreton Bay Regional Council, other councils in South East Queensland and the State Government to deliver a South East Queensland experience to remember for everyone connected with the Games.
“We’re also excited at the possibility to hosting teams and competitions, using the vast array of world-class facilities already here, and our unique accommodation and tourism offering. Bring it on!”
Three-time Olympian and former Murrumba Downs resident Jessicah Schipper says if Brisbane secured an Olympic Games, it would inspire a new generation of swimmers.
She competed in the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games as well as at five World Championships, two Commonwealth Games – achieving seven world records and 30 international medals (20 gold, five silver and five bronze).
The former Undurba State School and Pine Rivers State High School student says competing at home, in front of a home crowd, is something special that definitely lifts performance.
“I remember the two times I got to compete at home … it was amazing and an opportunity for my family to come as well. It’s awesome,” she says.
“It really does give athletes a lift … the atmosphere, you know it’s for you.
“Brisbane and Queensland is a fantastic place for sport in general. Everything you need in the sporting arena – facilities, atmosphere, the climate – it’s here. (And) we breed good athletes here.”
Schipper has been working for Swimming Queensland since she retired in 2012 and runs coaching clinics at clubs around Queensland.
She’s certain the bid, if successful, will inspire the next generation.
“To be able to compete at home … everything about it makes it more compelling … that it’s going to be here,” she says.
“I’m very excited at the possibility that it could be here. We haven’t had it here in Australia for ages and to have it in Brisbane would be amazing.”
Oh, and she’d jump at the chance to be a spectator. | https://www.moretondaily.com.au/news/olympics-2032-in-the-box-seat |
NEW DELHI: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju had a virtual meeting with representatives of the Indian Olympic Association and 15 National Federations to discuss the way forward for the 15 sporting disciplines in terms of training of athletes, participation in national and international competitions and organising sporting events in India.
Speaking about the importance of the meeting, IANS quotes Rijiju as having said: "We are in the first phase of Unlock and as a country we are slowly adapting to the present situation and therefore the time is right to slowly open up sports, while following safety protocols. Since federations are best qualified to decide the way forward for each sport, the ministry would like to get ideas from federations.
"Their ideas will be the key in planning India''s post Covid strategy in sports. After today''s meeting the Sports Ministry will review all the ideas and work in tandem with federations to open up sports. I feel from August onwards we should be able to start some sporting events as well."
The Sports Minister has urged all federations to speak to league managers and propose a few events that can be organised in each sport, in the coming months, the newswire further reports. "Given the situation, we have to be innovative about events. We may need to hold smaller events in stadias and not have spectators. But we can surely try and beam the sports on television channels and social media platforms. The resumption of sporting events will boost the confidence of our athletes and also create an atmosphere of normalcy in these trying times. We can plan some events August onwards," he added.
Among the key points discussed in the meeting, it was suggested by the ministry that federations could submit an interim Annual Competition and Training Calendar (ACTC) to kick start training of Olympic bound athletes in a phased manner. The same could be reviewed later when the international competitions calendar are published by the respective International Federations. "The ACTC has to be kept flexible this year so that decisions can be taken depending on the changing scenario," said Indian Olympic Association president Narinder Dhruv Batra. | https://sportzpower.com/node/9618 |
Shillong, 19th Nov 19: The Meghalaya National Games Outreach Summit was held here today at State Convention Centre, Shillong which was inaugurated by Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma. The inauguration was also attended by Minister, Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, Banteidor Lyngdoh.
In his inaugural address, speaking on various CSR projects, funding and investments for better impacts in Meghalaya sports the Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma said that Meghalaya and North East in general has always been a region that produced excellent sportspersons.
“It is a natural talent in our people and without much support or infrastructures people have excelled in different Sports which reflect the passion and talents of the people,” he said. He said that it is the endeavour and goal of the government to nurture these talents and added that, “This summit is one of the ways towards achieving this goal by bringing all stakeholders together.”
The Chief Minister also added that schools and colleges in the state have good sports infrastructures and sports associations have contributed towards bringing out the talents in the people.
He further informed that with the Meghalaya Sports Policy it has become mandatory for schools to have Physical Training teachers in schools. Highlighting the various aspects of the Meghalaya Sports Policy he said that it is very important to recognize the roles of sports associations and contributions of sportspersons who bring laurels to the State.
Talking about the National Games 2022 the Chief Minister said that it will be a massive transformative event for the State which will have a big impact not only in the sports scenario but also the economy of the State.
He informed that work for all stadiums will start soon with upgradation of P A Sangma Stadium in Tura and other sports facilities in the State. “ The National Games will not only develop the sports culture in the State but will open up opportunities for trade, entrepreneurship, tourism besides developing urban infrastructures and connectivity,” he said.
In his address, Sports Minister, Banteidor Lyngdoh said that the government is working hard to ensure that the infrastructures to host the National Games are built in time.
He also said that the government is ensuring that the infrastructures built is used and maintained in a sustainable way even after the National Games. He also shared and applauded the recent achievements of various athletes of Meghalaya in various national and international sports.
The National Games Outreach Summit: Vision 2022 and beyond will focus on the sporting scenario in Meghalaya with comparative studies and analysis with a special focus on the sporting scenario on the upcoming National Games 2022.
The summit will also look to structure a comprehensive sports development program starting from the National Games 2022 preparation to penning down sports policies, analysis on technical and infrastructure issues and market research studies for a viable community development starting from now to beyond 2022.
The event will push to highlight successful sports and athletic programs, discuss upcoming projects and highlight ideas and issues required to make a change and develop a common envisioned program. | https://spnewsagency.com/the-national-games-2022-will-be-a-massive-transformative-event-for-the-state-conrad/ |
This week, the former Athletic Director of Missouri Southern State University in Joplin was named the interim Executive Director of the Joplin Sports Authority. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.
Jerrod Bruggman stepped down as AD of Missouri Southern in March of this year, where he served in that position for 11 years. He’s been tapped to lead the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit sports commission with the mission to promote, support, and attract sporting events to the Joplin area. The Joplin Sports Authority oversees 14 facilities, including Schifferdecker Golf Course, Memorial Hall, and sports facilities at Missouri Southern. | https://krpsnews.com/2021/06/17/this-week-the-former-athletic-director-of-mssu-was-named-the-interim-executive-director-of-the-joplin-sports-authority/ |
Sports Minister Paul Givan has announced the establishment of a Motorsport Taskforce.
The Taskforce will bring together representatives from sport, stakeholders and officials from Government Departments to help to address safety issues and explore how motorsports events can grow and attract further support.
Up to £20,000 has been secured to take forward the Taskforce.
The Minister said: “The remit of this Taskforce will cover a wide range of issues including event safety, infrastructure and talent development as well as looking at how to continue to maximise the marketing and tourism potential that the various events offer for Northern Ireland.
“This Taskforce funding is in addition to significant investment of £500,000 already provided to motorsport this financial year to take forward important safety works and provide equipment at race courses and tracks at a number of motorsport venues."
The Department is providing £500,000 investment in motorsport for: road racing venues at the North-West 200, the Ulster Grand Prix and Armoy Road Races; for short circuit tracks at Kirkistown, Nutt’s Corner and Bishopscourt; and for the Motor Racing Association and the NI Karting Association. The Department is also providing £40,000 to improved disabled access for the Ulster Grand Prix circuit.
The Minister added: “As a big supporter of motorsport, I recognise that there are inherent dangers for those who choose to participate and compete in this form of sport. While we can never make motorsport free of any risk, we can take steps to improve safety for competitors and spectators alike.
“Motorsport in all its forms makes a significant contribution to tourism and positively markets Northern Ireland as a venue to come to for major international sporting events. | https://www.colerainetimes.co.uk/news/politics/motorsport-taskforce-established-sports-minister-reveals-1-7788722 |
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2015/5/161 Against Child Abuse (Hong Kong) Parent-Child Helpline Service Mr. Arkin Lo Service Manager (Remedial Service) Against Child Abuse
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2015/5/162 Parent-Child Helpline Service Introduction Service Statistics Follow-up Services –Investigation –Multidisciplinary Case Conference
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2015/5/163 Service introduction Service Hour: –9:00am-9:00pm (Weekdays) –9:00am-1:00pm (Saturdays) Service Target: –Public –Children and parents in need –Professionals
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2015/5/164 Service Goals: –Receive reporting of suspected child abuse cases through telephone calls, emails, Facebook and drop-in to the service centres –Provide phone counseling to children in need of emotional support and parents with child management difficulties –Provide follow-up services, such as investigation and counseling to abused children and their families. –Train up volunteer mentors to provide emotional support to children in need. –Connect community social services for the children and parents in need. –Support professionals in handling suspected child abuse cases.
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2015/5/165 Service Statistics (Jan 12 - Jun 13) Time of callNo. of calls% 9:00am-5:00pm1,29974% 5:00pm-9:00pm45726% Total:1,756100% Time of Call:
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2015/5/166 Source of Referral : Source of referralNo. of calls% Child’s mother56132% Public / Neighbor55631% Professional31118% Child’s relative / friend 1368% Child’s father936% Child38382% Abuser322% Others291% Total:1,756100%
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2015/5/167 40% callers were parents (mother: 32%; father: 6%; parent as suspected abuser: 2%) From the statistics, fathers seemed to have less motivation to seek help than mothers.
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2015/5/168 18% callers were professionals (teachers, medical professionals, social workers, etc.) It reflects that the frontline professionals are in need of support when handling suspected child abuse cases. Thus, on-going training should be provided for the professionals on risk assessment, crisis intervention and multidisciplinary collaboration in case handling.
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2015/5/169 Nature of Call Nature of callNo. of calls% Suspected child abuse cases 58733% Child management cases45826% Service enquiry/ Personal problems 64337% Other problems (Family violence, extramarital affairs, etc.) 684% Total:1,756100%
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2015/5/1610 Suspected Child Abuse Cases Suspected child abuse cases No. of reporting cases % Physical abuse 25443% Neglect 10818% Sexual abuse 8815% Psychological abuse 7413% Multiple abuse 6311% Total 587100%
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2015/5/1611 33% of the calls were calls reporting suspected child abuse cases. Among these calls, 43% are related to physical abuse. It reflects that resorting to corporal punishment as a parenting method is still prevalent in Hong Kong. We urge for a total ban against corporal punishment in legislation of Hong Kong.
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2015/5/1612 Child Management Cases Problem natureNo. of calls% Child’s emotional & behavioral problems 12728% Parent’s emotional problems 5913% Childcare management of newborn baby 5512% Academic issues4610% Puberty issues409% Parental conflicts on parenting views 378% Infant development327% In-law conflicts on parenting views 71% Other problems5512% Total:458100%
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2015/5/1613 26% of the calls were related to child management. Among these calls, 41% are related to the emotional problem of children and parents. It reflects that the emotional well-being of children should be addressed. The mental health of parents is also a concern.
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2015/5/1614 Age of Children involved: Age of children Suspected child abuse cases Child management cases 0-2 47 ( 8%)55 (12%) 3-5100 ( 17%)91 (20%) 6-8141 (24%)94 (20%) 9-11118 (20%)78 (17%) 12-14 76 (13%)54 (12%) 15-1723 (4%)27 (6%) 18 or above 6 (1%)27 (6%) No reveal76 (13%)32 (7%) Total:587 (100%)458 (100%) 61%57%
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2015/5/1615 61% of the calls reporting suspected child abuse involve children aged from 3 to 11. 57% of the calls with child management difficulties involve children aged from 3 to 11. It reflects that parents in Hong Kong have high stress when looking after children of this age range. These children may encounter adjustment difficulty after promotion to primary school, higher school or in their puberty. Parents are in need of knowledge about the child development and the skills of emotional management, especially when facing parenting and parent-child relationship difficulties.
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2015/5/1616 Follow-up Services for Suspected Child Abuse Cases Follow-up services No. of follow-up services % Direct phone contact1,97770% Collateral phone contact 27310% Investigation1957% Office interview1866% Refer to community services 1334% Follow-up letter522% Total:2,816100%
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2015/5/1617 Follow-up Service for Child Management Cases Follow-up services No. of follow-up services % Phone counseling20946% Parenting education9621% Introduce to community services 6915% Phone follow-up388% Refer to community services235% Home visit235% Total:458100%
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2015/5/1618 46% of the calls with child management difficulties were in need of counseling and emotional support 21% were in need of advice on parenting. Our social workers conducted a preliminary assessment on the cases and provide corresponding follow-up services, such as phone counseling, home visits and referrals to community services. It reflects that the helpline service can provide instant support and advice to parents in need.
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2015/5/1619 Follow-up Services –Investigation –Involvement of multidiscipline, such as pediatricians and police –Multidisciplinary Case Conference
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2015/5/1620 Calls from helpline Investigation: To conduct risk assessment for abused child and significant family members ACA follow-up services/ No follow-up needs Medical Examination Police Involvement ACA follow-up services: Case management & counseling services Multidisciplinary Case Conference: Welfare plan Is formulated Source of Referral: Child victims, neighbors, relatives, school parties, child care workers, etc. No child abuse elements identified Child abuse identified Reporting Channels: helpline, drop-in, Facebook, email & fax to ACA Chart 1: Handling Procedures on Suspected Child Abuse Cases
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2015/5/1621 Investigation Service Targets: Abused children and children at potential risk of abuse. Service Goal: To protect children from various types of child abuse. Definition of Child Abuse: Any acts of commission /omission that endangers or impairs the physical /psychological health and development of a child. Types of Child Abuse: physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, psychological abuse and multiple abuse.
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2015/5/1622 Overall case-handling procedures +Initial risk assessment (helpline level) +Comprehensive risk assessment (Investigation level) +Instant removal of child from risk +Medical examination / treatment +Police prosecution (if appropriate) +Multidisciplinary case conference +Follow-up: case management and counseling services Investigation
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2015/5/1623 Investigation procedures Basic information gathering from the caller Protection of caller’s confidentiality Information gathering of the abusive incidents and abusive history through home visits and collateral contacts Comprehensive risk assessment Interview child victims, suspected abusers and significant others Removal / safety plan for child victims and cooperative non-abusive parents (e.g. out-of-home care) Escort child victims to hospitals for medical examination Liaise with police when necessary Investigation
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2015/5/1624 Tactfully inform parents of the possible hospitalization when escorting child victims to nearby hospitals for medical examination. Child victims may need to stay in hospital until welfare plan is formulated after the multidisciplinary case conference. Police involvement of handling uncooperative parents and severe abuse cases. Emphasis of multidisciplinary involvement Medical Examination
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2015/5/1625 1.Conference held within 10 days after first interview to the child victim 2.Parties involved in the child’s family: pediatricians, psychologists, nurses, police officers, teachers, school social workers, medical social workers, social workers from governmental child protection unit and our social workers. 3.Family participation in case conference: non- abusive parent and child victim. Multidisciplinary Case Conference
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2015/5/1626 Conference agenda: 1.Information sharing of different parties 2.Discussion of case nature 3.Formulation of welfare plan for the child and the family –Removal / safety plan for child victim –Child/Protection Order (when necessary) –Determination of follow-up agency 4.Child Protection Registry –A database with information of all child victims warranting protection 5.Inform the parents about the collective decisions of the conference and seek their cooperation to implement the welfare plan. Multidisciplinary Case Conference
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2015/5/1627 The END Thank you!
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The Strong Foundations- Program is an early intervention program that provides culturally inclusive, school based support and education to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 5-17 years and their families about mental health and wellbeing. The aim of the program is to raise awareness of mental health and improve the overall social emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE:
15 November 2021
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
The Child and Adolescent Therapist will be responsible for delivering culturally appropriate, evidence based counseling services and support to Aboriginal children, their families and carers in both individual and group based settings, as part of the Strong Foundations Program. The Child and Adolescent Therapist will provide individual and group sessions, provide advocacy and referral where necessary, and provide advice to schools, educators and other health professional’s appropriate mental health, behavioral and emotional support for Aboriginal Children.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
- Commitment to working within SCMSAC vision and values
- Provide quality case management, assessment, counseling and treatment services for Aboriginal children with emotional, behavioral and mental health problems at school
- Assist in the acquisition and development of appropriate resources, including training, which covers the range of issues relevant to Aboriginal Children and their families
- Provide support to the Strong Foundations program, including liaison with schools and community organizations, across schools, health and welfare services and other agencies
- Comply with Strong Foundations program protocols for referral, assessment and reporting
- Network and develop collaborative relationships with relevant government organizations and community agencies to build community capacity in order to successfully link children, young people and their families to support services
- Provide parenting programs, support and assistance to parents, guardians and carers in developing skills to care for their child
- Provide appropriate counseling, referral and support to children, young people and their families using a wide range of strategies including individual, group, family and community based interventions
- Implement agreed measures and participate in evaluation, research and data collection activities as required as an ongoing part of the daily work of delivery of programs and counseling
- Participate in strategies to disseminate the outcomes of the project including marketing the service to other agencies and communities within the region
- Maintain appropriate files and case notes in line with organisational policies and procedures to meet legislative and funding requirements as directed by managers
- Maintain computer based diary management system to enable effective and informed client bookings
- Assist with the provision of administrative duties
- Attend and participate professionally in team, section, SCMSAC staff meetings and other meetings and provide reports as and when required
- Represent SCMSAC with regard to child mental health issues on relevant committees, working groups and community groups as directed
- Ensure the quality of client service through participating in accreditation and quality improvement processes
- Understanding of and capacity to implement EEO, WH&S, ethical practice and principles of a culturally diverse society
- Comply with all SCMSAC Policies and Procedures
- Undertake any other duties, consistent with skills and experience, as directed by the CEO or delegate
REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL VACANCIES
Applications must address the key competencies (selection criteria): For an Information Package containing position description, selection criteria and an employment application, please download above or contact Human Resources via email [email protected] or call 02 4448 0200.
Preferred applicants will also be required to undergo a National Police Check and obtain a new paid employee Working with Children Check (as required by the Act) prior to appointment with South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation.
Salary will be in accordance with the South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation Enterprise Agreement 2019-2022. | https://www.southcoastams.org.au/child-adolescent-therapist/ |
For support related to:
Emergency services, emotional support, community agencies, food, housing and internet resources, substance abuse, military, medical, grief and loss, psychological first aid (and others). Please click on this link to the WCSD Counseling Department Website.
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Helping your child with Anxiety
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Helping Youth and Students Cope with Scare News and Tragedy
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Join Together Northern Nevada
Parenting classes, community events and substance awareness education. | https://www.washoeschools.net/Page/13698 |
Laurel's after school provider is the Boys and Girls Club of Oceanside (BGCO).
El programa después de escuela es el Boys and Girls Club.
Click here for Boys and Girls information Letter-Información en español
Palomar Family Counseling Inc.
Palomar Family Counseling Service, Inc.
NCPEI
◆Increases potential for student success
◆Promotes parent participation in school activities
◆Addresses potential barriers to success
◆Provides training and support for parents
Screening Interventions for Problem Behavior
Prevention and Early Intervention provides screening, early identification and intervention with at-risk children. The evidence based prevention and intervention efforts are designed to be delivered on a continuum which increases in intensity as the risk level increased.
- Level One - Early Risk,
- Level Two – At Risk
- Level Three – High Risk
Once the level has been determined the social-emotional intervention, the Incredible Years, the universal social-emotional evidence based prevention model is used to assist with the identified children grades pre-school through third grade.
The Incredible Years for Parents, Children and Teachers
The incredible years training series addresses parenting, family, child, and school risk factors for children with conduct problems.
It was designed for children, their parents and teachers. Evidenced based materials are presented in classrooms. Small groups are used for more intensive intervention. Parents are involved either individually or through parenting groups.
Programs are designed to train parents and teachers to promote children’s emotional, social, and academic competence and to prevent and reduce aggression and emotional problems in children.
Parent Handbook
The OUSD Student/Parent Handbook is now available for viewing online. The handbook is available in both English and Spanish. Parents can also download a PDF version of this guide. Click Student/Parent Handbook to access this year’s guide.
HOME/SCHOOL COMPACT
Progress Report Parent Information Video
Click here to view the Parent Progress report video that provides information about the changes this year
Haga clic aqui para ver a video de informes de progreso en espanol
Please visit the OUSD Parent Information page. It provides district resources along with outside resources to support your child's transition into Common Core.
Digital Citizenship
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Click here for:
OUSD Common Core Information webpage.
California Department of Education Common Core State Standards Parent Resources
ST Math
WELCONNECT APP FOR FAMILIES ON THE MOVE
The WelConnect app connects families to available resources and support programs provided by their school district, their schools, the surrounding community, and the US military. It's available to download on your device from the Apple iTunes Store, or Google Play for Android. Click here to download. | https://laurel.oside.us/pf4/cms2/view_page?d=x&group_id=1542443291641&vdid=i19g213918oo |
As part of our comprehensive approach to good health and well-being, the Survivors’ Program offers access to a variety of support groups across the Johns Hopkins family of medical institutions to help you negotiate life after leukemia.
We offer professional counseling as well as regular workshops and discussion groups where you can share information, advice and support with other survivors.
The Harry J. Duffey Family Patient and Family Services Program at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins provides professional counseling to our patients, families and caregivers with psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Survivors may benefit from the following Duffey programs:
Living With Cancer Resource Program
This program offers several discussion groups and workshops that can help patients and their families deal with the effects of cancer.
For more information, call (410) 502-1096.
The Kimmel Cancer Center’s Department of Oncology Social Work
The masters-level social workers at the Department can teach you how to manage the stress and changes that may come with cancer. For more information, call (410) 955-8934.
For other Johns Hopkins support resources, visit our Patient and Family Services page.
Pediatric Support
The Johns Hopkins Children’s Center Pediatric Child Life
The Children’s Center specialists are highly-skilled professionals trained and educated in child and adolescent development, education and psychology. They focus on a child’s return to a structured, “normal” life that brings children back to their friends and schools during and after the challenges of treatment and recovery.
Contact:
Kim Robison
Phone: 410-614-6158
Pediatric Social Work
The pediatric oncology social worker is a vital resource for patients and families, providing social and emotional support to all members of the family. We can act as your liaison with medical staff, help you apply for financial resources, or talk with your child’s school or your employer to ensure a smooth transition back into those activities. | https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel_cancer_center/cancers_we_treat/leukemia_program/leukemia_survivors/support_programs.html |
This brief, published in partnership with the Hunt Institute, describes the state of school-aged children’s health and healthcare access in the U.S., summarizes research on the link between children’s health and educational performance, and presents examples and models of school-based healthcare along with summaries of the existing evidence on their effectiveness.
Children Evaluated for Maltreatment Have Higher Subsequent Emergency Department and Inpatient Care Utilization than the General Pediatric Population
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February 27, 2023
In their chapter, Situated Professional Learning through Targeted Reading Instruction: Building Teacher Capacity and Diagnostic Practice, in Innovations in Literacy Professional Learning, Leslie Babinski and co-authors explore professional learning within the Targeted Reading Instruction model.
Unconditional Cash Transfers for Families with Children in the U.S.: A Scoping Review
February 23, 2023
This paper reviews the economic research on U.S. safety net programs and cash aid to families with children and what existing studies reveal about its impacts on family investment mechanisms and children’s outcomes.
A Theory-Based Approach to Understanding Best Practices in Using Online Marketing Materials for Home-Based Parenting Programs
February 22, 2023
Findings have implications for ways to successfully market home-based parenting programs to families experiencing risk factors for child maltreatment and engage them in evidence-based services to promote family well-being.
“It’s Like Night and Day”: How Bureaucratic Encounters Vary Across WIC, SNAP, and Medicaid
February 16, 2023
Research characterizes public assistance programs as stigmatizing and stressful (e.g., psychological costs) but obscures differences across programs or the features of policy design that contribute to varied bureaucratic encounters.
Net Worth Poverty and Adult Health
February 1, 2023
This study broadens the traditional focus on income as the primary measure of economic deprivation by providing the first analysis of wealth deprivation, or net worth poverty (NWP), and adult health.
School-Based Healthcare and Absenteeism: Evidence from Telemedicine
January 17, 2023
School-based telemedicine clinics (SBTCs) provide students with access to healthcare during the regular school day through private videoconferencing with a healthcare provider. SBTC access reduces the likelihood that a student is chronically absent and reduces the number of days absent.
The Utility of Critical Race Mixed Methodology: An Explanatory Sequential Example
January 9, 2023
In their chapter, The Utility of Critical Race Mixed Methodology: An Explanatory Sequential Example, in Advancing Culturally Responsive Research and Researchers, Whitney McCoy and co-authors explore the combining of mixed methodology and critical race theory (CRT) through the explaining of Critical Race Mixed Methodology (CRMM).
The Parenting of Adolescents and Young Adults in the United States
January 9, 2023
In the APA Handbook of Adolescent and Young Adult Development, Drew Rothenberg and co-authors focus on the parenting of adolescents and young adults in the United States. First considering some of the sociodemographic trends that are reshaping families, then examining classic social learning and behavioral approaches to conceptualizing the parenting of adolescents as well as family systems approaches.
An International Perspective on Parenting and Family Influences on Adolescents and Young Adults
January 9, 2023
In the APA Handbook of Adolescent and Young Adult Development, Jen Lansford and co-authors discuss how parents and their adolescent and young adult offspring observe and participate in parent–offspring interactions in their communities and hold expectations about their own relationships derived in part from culturally shaped expectations.
State-Level Legal and Sociodemographic Correlates of Child Marriage Rates in the United States
January 5, 2023
Although there is a breadth of knowledge on child marriage in many low- and middle-income countries, little research and policy discussion exists surrounding child marriage within the United States. Using administrative data from several sources, this study examines how a range of different state-level variables, including political lean, academic performance, median household income, religiosity, population density, minimum age requirements and other state laws, such as parental and judicial consent, and median distance to an abortion clinic are related to variation in child marriage rates across states.
The HOME-21: A Revised Measure of the Home Environment for the 21st Century Tested in Two Independent Samples
January 1, 2023
To reflect historical changes in family composition, gender roles and division of childcare, norms about the acceptability of different forms of discipline, and the digital environment in which children live, this report presents the HOME-21, a revised version of the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment–Short Form, which has been the most widely used measure of children’s home environments for decades.
Why Are My Parents So Annoying?
December 26, 2022
CrowdScience listener Ilixo, age 11, has been wondering why it is that our parents become so annoying as we become teenagers. Is it something that is changing in his brain or are they actually becoming more annoying as they age? Presenter Marnie Chesterton consults our assembled panel of experts, including Jennifer Lansford, a Research Professor at Duke University who studies parenting and child development.
Predicting Child Aggression: The Role of Parent and Child Endorsement of Reactive Aggression Across 13 Cultural Groups in 9 Nations
Journal Articles |
Adolescence to Adulthood
Families and Parenting
Social Emotional Health and Well-Being
December 24, 2022
Parent and child endorsement of reactive aggression both predict the emergence of child aggression, but they are rarely studied together and in longitudinal contexts. The present study does so by examining the unique predictive effects of parent and child endorsement of reactive aggression at age 8 on child aggression at age 9 in 1456 children from 13 cultural groups in 9 nations.
Practitioners in North Carolina’s TANF and Related Income Assistance Programs Offer Perspectives on Latino Families’ Experiences
December 20, 2022
This brief is part of a series to examine state-level policies that relate to social service and safety net programs and the ways in which state and federal policy implementation at the local level may affect the reach of program benefits among Latino families.
Earned Income Tax Credit Receipt By Hispanic Families With Children: State Outreach And Demographic Factors
December 6, 2022
In this study, researchers found that states’ granting of drivers’ licenses to undocumented people, availability of government information in Spanish, and employer mandates to inform employees were associated with higher EITC receipt among Hispanic families. These findings showcase ways in which information and outreach at the state level can support the equitable receipt of tax refunds and similar types of benefits distributed through the tax system.
Parents as Earners: What Parental Work Means for Parenting and the Role of Public Policy
December 1, 2022
Lisa Gennetian and Anna Gassman-Pines’ chapter in The Cambridge Handbook of Parenting focuses on families with young children age 0-5 and considers the context of work and employment for parents, the role of child care and early education as supports for working parents, and the theoretical and empirical linkages between parents’ work contexts and parenting.
Discipline and Punishment in Child Development
December 1, 2022
Jen Lansford’s chapter in The Cambridge Handbook of Parenting provides an overview of parents’ discipline and punishment in relation to child development.
Teacher Workforce Diversity: Why It Matters for Student Outcomes
November 17, 2022
Increasing the racial and ethnic diversity of educators serving students in our public schools is a promising strategy that is vastly underutilized. The research has repeatedly shown the importance of a diverse teacher workforce. However, the path to increase diversity of educators is complex and will take significant efforts and investments by policymakers and advocates to accomplish.
Familial Deaths and First Birth
November 15, 2022
Motivated by the rise in premature mortality among working-age adults, we examine the association between adult familial deaths and the transition to motherhood. Although many deaths can be disruptive, deaths that occur sooner than expected and to certain family members (e.g., mothers) may prompt changes in resources, time available for parenting, or psychological understandings in ways that change fertility behavior.
How Charter Schools Undermine Good Education Policymaking
November 10, 2022
In this policy memo, Ladd argues that charter schools disrupt four core goals of education policy in the United States, namely: 1) establishing coherent systems of schools, 2) attending to child poverty and disadvantage, 3) limiting racial segregation and isolation, and 4) ensuring that public funds are spent wisely. Ladd offers policy recommendations to better meet these challenges.
Racial And Ethnic Disparities In Pandemic-Era Unemployment Insurance Access: Implications For Health And Well-Being
Journal Articles |
COVID-19
Families and Parenting
Poverty and Inequality
Social Emotional Health and Well-Being
November 7, 2022
During the COVID-19 pandemic, workers not identifying as White non-Hispanic in our sample were more likely to get laid off than White workers. However, these workers were less likely than White workers to receive unemployment insurance at all. Among those who were laid off, these workers and White workers experienced similar increases in material and mental health difficulties and similar gains when they received unemployment insurance.
Do children evaluated for maltreatment have higher subsequent emergency department and inpatient care utilization compared to a general pediatric sample?
November 3, 2022
This article presents data on the positive association of having a child maltreatment evaluation with subsequent acute health care utilization among children from birth to age three.
‘I don’t know nothing about that’: How “Learning Costs” Undermine COVID-Related Efforts to Make SNAP and WIC More Accessible.
November 1, 2022
Scholars have focused on administrative burden or the costs of claiming public benefits. Learning, psychological, and compliance costs can discourage program participation and benefit redemption. Although policy changes during COVID-19 were poised to reduce compliance costs and ease conditions that create redemption costs in each program, the learning costs of policy changes prevented many program participants from experiencing the benefits of these policy transformations.
Identifying Barriers to Recruiting and Retaining a Diverse Teacher Workforce
October 24, 2022
A diverse teacher workforce has the potential to improve outcomes for all students, and especially for students of color. While North Carolina clearly recognizes the importance of increasing diversity in the workforce – and despite national and local efforts from school districts and policy makers – the teaching workforce remains largely white and female, even as the students they serve become increasingly diverse, widening the racial gap between teachers and students.
What Do Child Abuse and Neglect Medical Evaluation Consultation Notes Tell Researchers and Clinicians?
October 20, 2022
Child abuse and neglect medical experts provide care to children when there is concern for maltreatment. Their clinical notes contain valuable information. This article includes the results of creating and implemented a coding system for data abstraction from these notes.
Can Community Crime Monitoring Reduce Student Absenteeism?
October 17, 2022
This article examines the impact on student absenteeism of a large, school-based community crime monitoring program that employed local community members to monitor and report crime on designated city blocks during times when students traveled to and from school. The authors find that the program resulted in a 0.58 percentage point (8.5 percent) reduction in the elementary school-level absence rate in the years following initial implementation.
Comprehensive Support and Student Success: Can Out of School Time Make a Difference?
October 1, 2022
The author investigates the effects of a multiyear program, StudentU, on the early high school outcomes of participating students by exploiting data from oversubscribed admissions lotteries. Results suggest that comprehensive services delivered outside of the regular school day have the potential to improve the educational outcomes of disadvantaged students.
Gun violence among young adults with a juvenile crime record in North Carolina: Implications for firearm restrictions based on age and risk
September 30, 2022
The prevalence of arrests for crimes involving guns among young adults in North Carolina with a gun-disqualifying felony record acquired before age 18 suggests that the federal gun prohibitor conferred by a felony record is not highly effective as currently implemented in this population. From a risk-based perspective, these restrictions appear to be justified; better implementation and enforcement may improve their effectiveness.
Child Growth, National Development, and Early Childhood Development in 51 Low-and Middle-Income Countries
September 9, 2022
In Parenting and Child Development in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, Drew Rothenberg and Susannah Zietz’s chapter, Child Growth, National Development, and Early Childhood Development in 51 Low-and Middle-Income Countries, considers the effects of multiple bioecological systems on child growth and development.
Parent Discipline and Violence, National Development, and Early Childhood Development in 51 Low-and Middle-Income Countries
September 9, 2022
In Parenting and Child Development in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, Jennifer Lansford, Drew Rothenberg and Kirby Deater-Deckard’s chapter, Parent Discipline and Violence, National Development, and Early Childhood Development in 51 Low- and Middle-Income Countries, focuses on nonviolent discipline, psychological aggression, and physical violence in relation to specific domains of early childhood development.
Predictors of Early Childhood Development
September 9, 2022
In Parenting and Child Development in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, Drew Rothenberg and co-authors chapter, Predictors of Early Childhood Development, analyzes how the representations of different process, person, and context systems fare relative to one another in predicting the early childhood development outcomes
Net Worth Poverty and Child Development
September 7, 2022
These findings provide evidence that net worth poverty has negative associations with children’s development. Net worth poverty predicts lower reading and applied problem scores and increased behavioral problems.
Net Worth Poverty and Child Development
September 6, 2022
This study provides evidence that net worth poverty has negative associations with children’s development.
Impact of a Universal Perinatal Home-Visiting Program on Reduction in Race Disparities in Maternal and Child Health
Journal Articles |
Families and Parenting
Poverty and Inequality
Social Emotional Health and Well-Being
August 23, 2022
This study demonstrates that a universal approach to early family intervention can have positive population impact while also reducing disparities in outcomes.
Latinx Immigrant Parents and Their Children in Times of COVID-19: Facing Inequities Together in the “Mexican Room” of the New Latino South
August 22, 2022
In their chapter, Latinx Immigrant Parents and Their Children in Times of COVID-19: Facing Inequities Together in the “Mexican Room” of the New Latino South, in The Pandemic Divide: How Covid Increased Inequality in America, Leslie Babinski and co-authors outline the state of affairs for Latinx families in the southeastern US in times of Covid-19 and to situate what is happening within the broader experiences of Latinx communities in the US.
Measuring Educational Opportunity in North Carolina Public School Districts
August 19, 2022
This research brief examines two measures of educational opportunity in North Carolina public school districts, average achievement and achievement growth. The first measure— average achievement—indexes the average level of student achievement at a single point in time. The second measure—achievement growth—indexes the rate of growth in student achievement over time.
Racial Disparities in COVID-19 Case Positivity and Social Context: The Role of Housing, Neighborhood, and Health Insurance
August 18, 2022
This paper analyzed how housing, neighborhood, and health insurance explain disparities in case positivity between and within racial-ethnic groups in Durham County, North Carolina, finding that housing, neighborhood, and health insurance had a significant role in producing racial-ethnic disparities in COVID-19 case positivity.
When Does Crime Respond to Punishment?: Evidence from Drug-Free School Zones
August 15, 2022
Economic theory suggests that crime should respond to punishment severity. Using increases in punishment severity in drug-free school zones along with changes in the probability of detection resulting from a community crime-monitoring program, we demonstrate that drug-related crime drops in blocks just within the drug-free school zones, where punishments are more severe, but only if the monitoring intensity–and hence the probability of detection–is at intermediate levels.
Predictors of Problematic Adult Alcohol, Cannabis, and Other Substance Use: A Longitudinal Study of Two Samples
August 12, 2022
This study examined whether a key set of adolescent and early adulthood risk factors predicts problematic alcohol, cannabis, and other substance use in established adulthood. Externalizing behaviors and prior substance use in early adulthood were consistent predictors of problematic alcohol and cannabis misuse in established adulthood across samples.
Unconditional Cash and Family Investments in Infants: Evidence from a Large-Scale Cash Transfer Experiment in the U.S.
August 1, 2022
A key policy question in evaluating social programs to address childhood poverty is how families receiving unconditional financial support would spend those funds. Economists have limited empirical evidence on this topic in the U.S. We find that the cash transfers increased spending on child-specific goods and mothers’ early-learning activities with their infants.
Effect of Daily School and Care Disruptions During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Child Behavior Problems
August 1, 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected American families and children, including through the closure or change in the nature of their care and school settings. For all families, care or school disruptions were related to worse child behavior, more negative parental mood, and increased likelihood of losing temper and punishment.
The Effects of the Emeryville Fair Workweek Ordinance on the Daily Lives of Low-Wage Workers and Their Families
August 1, 2022
Emeryville, California’s Fair Workweek Ordinance (FWO) aimed to reduce service workers’ schedule unpredictability by requiring large retail and food service employers to provide advanced notice of schedules and to compensate workers for last-minute schedule changes. The FWO decreased working parents’ schedule unpredictability and improved their well-being, decreased parents’ days worked while increasing hours per work day, and parent well-being improved.
Intergenerational effects of the Fast Track intervention on the home environment: A randomized control trial
July 27, 2022
This study examined whether the childhood intervention program called Fast Track improves family life into the second generation.
Compliance with Health Recommendations and Vaccine Hesitancy During the COVID Pandemic in Nine Countries
July 20, 2022
Longitudinal data from the Parenting Across Cultures study of children, mothers, and fathers in 12 cultural groups in nine countries were used to understand predictors of compliance with COVID-19 mitigation strategies and vaccine hesitancy. Findings suggest the importance of bolstering confidence in government responses to future human ecosystem disruptions, perhaps through consistent, clear, non-partisan messaging and transparency in acknowledging limitations and admitting mistakes to inspire compliance with government and public health recommendations.
Three Reasons Why Providing Cash to Families With Children Is a Sound Policy Investment
May 13, 2022
This paper, co-authored by Lisa Gennetian, provides three reasons why giving cash to families with low incomes is a sound policy investment for families and children. (It focuses on why cash is important, not which policy option is the optimal mechanism for distributing cash to families.)
Marriage, Kids, and the Picket Fence? Household Type and Wealth among U.S. Households, 1989 to 2019
April 25, 2022
Researchers examine net worth by the intersection of gender, parental, and relationship status during a period of increasing wealth inequality and family diversification using data from the Survey of Consumer Finances from 1989 through 2019. Despite changing social selection into marriage and parenthood, married parents consistently held a wealth advantage over demographically similar adults in other household types.
Behavioral Economics & Child and Family Policy: A Research Primer
March 22, 2022
Behavioral economics (BE) combines economics with social psychology and cognitive decision-making to offer a broader framework for understanding factors that affect people’s decisions and actions. It provides a way to examine how decisions can be shaped not only by information and costs but by how choices are designed, as well as the context and circumstances of the moment in which decisions are made.
Adult Criminal Outcomes of Juvenile Justice Involvement.
March 10, 2022
Juvenile justice involvement was associated with increased risk of adult criminality, with residential services associated with highest risk. Juvenile justice involvement may catalyze rather than deter from adult offending.
Are Power Plant Closures a Breath of Fresh Air? Local Air Quality and School Absences
March 1, 2022
In this paper the authors study the effects of three large, nearly-simultaneous coal-fired power plant closures on school absences in Chicago. They find that the closures resulted in a 6 percent reduction in absenteeism in nearby schools relative to those farther away following the closures.
Adolescent Positivity and Future Orientation, Parental Psychological Control, and Young Adult Internalising Behaviours during COVID-19 in Nine Countries
February 14, 2022
This study investigated associations between COVID-19-related disruption and perception of increases in internalising symptoms among young adults and whether these associations were moderated by earlier measures of adolescent positivity and future orientation and parental psychological control.
Electronic Health Record Tools to Identify Child Maltreatment: Scoping Literature Review and Key Informant Interviews
February 4, 2022
We conducted a scoping literature review and key informant interviews of child maltreatment experts to (1) document the existing research evidence on the performance of EHR-based child abuse screens (EHR-CA-S) and clinical decision support systems (EHR-CA-CDSS )and (2) examine clinical perspectives regarding the use of such tools and factors that affect uptake. We find that current evidence does not support adoption of a particular CA-S or CA-CDSS and that further refinement of these tools is necessary.
The impact of a poverty reduction intervention on infant brain activity
January 24, 2022
Data from the Baby’s First Years study, a randomized control trial, show that a predictable, monthly unconditional cash transfer given to low-income families may have a causal impact on infant brain activity.
Effects of Daily School and Care Disruptions During the Covid-19 Pandemic on Child Mental Health
Working Papers |
COVID-19
Early Care and Education
K-12 Education
Social Emotional Health and Well-Being
January 15, 2022
The pandemic profoundly affected American children with disruptions to their schooling and daily care. A new study found that service sector workers who had a young child reported disruption on 24 percent of days in fall 2020. The disruptions were more common in remote learning and had a negative impact on children’s behavior and on parenting mood and behavior.
Transitioning to virtual interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic: Impact on the family connects postpartum home visiting program activity
January 12, 2022
In this paper, we analyze program activity for Family Connects (FC), an evidencebased postpartum home-visiting intervention, during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the pandemic began, FC transitioned to a virtual protocol which maintains key psychosocial components of the in-person protocol and adjusts health assessments to address the lack of in-person contact.
Home Visiting Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Program Activity Analysis for Family Connects
January 12, 2022
Early reports highlighted challenges in delivering home visiting programs virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic but the extent of the changes in program implementation and their implications remains unknown. We examine program activity and families’ perceptions of virtual home visiting during the first nine months of the pandemic using implementation data for Family Connects (FC), an evidence-based and MIECHV-eligible, postpartum nurse home visiting program.
Evaluation of a Family Connects Dissemination to Four High-Poverty Rural Counties
January 12, 2022
Home visiting is a popular approach to improving the health and well-being of families with infants and young children in the United States; but, to date, no home visiting program has achieved population impact for families in rural communities. The current report includes evaluation results from the dissemination of a brief, universal postpartum home visiting program to four high-poverty rural counties.
The Intergenerational Transmission of Maladaptive Parenting and its Impact on Child Mental Health: Examining Cross-Cultural Mediating Pathways and Moderating Protective Factors
Journal Articles |
Adolescence to Adulthood
Families and Parenting
Social Emotional Health and Well-Being
January 5, 2022
Using a sample of 1338 families from 12 cultural groups in 9 nations, we examined whether retrospectively remembered Generation 1 (G1) parent rejecting behaviors were passed to Generation 2 (G2 parents), whether such intergenerational transmission led to higher Generation 3 (G3 child) externalizing and internalizing behavior at age 13, and whether such intergenerational transmission could be interrupted by parent participation in parenting programs or family income increases of > 5%.
Pre-Pandemic Psychological and Behavioral Predictors of Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nine Countries
December 13, 2021
Across countries, adolescents’ internalizing problems pre-pandemic predicted increased internalizing during the pandemic, and poorer well-being pre-pandemic predicted increased externalizing and substance use during the pandemic.
Culture and Social Change in Mothers’ and Fathers’ Individualism, Collectivism and Parenting Attitudes
November 30, 2021
Historically, individualism vs. collectivism has been a main organizing framework for understanding cultural differences in family life. This study examines parents in nine countries to understand their individualism, collectivism and parenting attitudes. They found parenting attitudes are predicted by a range of sociodemographic factors.
Parent–adolescent relationship quality as a moderator of links between COVID-19 disruption and reported changes in mothers’ and young adults’ adjustment in five countries.
November 23, 2021
This study capitalizes on a longitudinal, cross-national study of parenting, adolescent development, and young adult competence to document the association between personal disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic and reported changes in internalizing and externalizing behavior in young adults and their mothers since the pandemic began.
The Benefits of Early Childhood Education Can Persist in the Long Run
October 26, 2021
This brief examines how the benefits of high-quality ECE might simultaneously diminish and persist in the long run. Strategies are then discussed to sustain the impacts of ECE during elementary school.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on substance use among adults without children, parents, and adolescents
October 16, 2021
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol and illicit substance use among adults without children, parents, and adolescents was investigated through two studies with five samples from independent ongoing U.S. longitudinal studies.
Text-Based Crisis Service Users’ Perceptions of Seeking Child Maltreatment-Related Support From Formal Systems
September 10, 2021
Many young people were hesitant to reach out to formal systems in the future, in part because of negative experiences during past disclosure experiences. Young people may be more likely to seek support through their preferred communication medium, so providing text- and chat-based communication may be one way to encourage and facilitate disclosure.
Light-touch design enhancements can boost parent engagement in math activities
September 1, 2021
Early proficiency in math skills is increasingly being seen as an independent area worthy of early curriculum development and policy investment to reduce socioeconomic disparities in children’s school readiness.
Understanding Patterns of Food Insecurity and Family Well-Being Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic Using Daily Surveys
September 1, 2021
This paper investigates economic and psychological hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic among a diverse sample of socioeconomically disadvantaged parents and their elementary school-aged children. Longitudinal models revealed that food insecurity, negative parent and child mood, and child misbehavior significantly increased when schools closed; only food insecurity and parent depression later decreased.
Development of individuals’ own and perceptions of peers’ substance use from early adolescence to adulthood
September 1, 2021
This study evaluated how individuals’ own substance use and their perception of peers’ substance use predict each other across development from early adolescence to middle adulthood.
Increasing Instability and Uncertainty among American Workers Implications for Inequality and Potential Policy Solutions
August 20, 2021
Anna Gassman Pines, Elizabeth Ananat, and Yulya Trushinovsky wrote a chapter in the book Who Gets What? The New Politics of Insecurity. In the chapter, they identify how recent trends combine to increase instability and uncertainty among low-wage workers, discuss the effects of instability and uncertainty on workers and families, and consider potential policy solutions.
Childhood Gun Access, Adult Suicidality, and Crime
August 18, 2021
Analyses were based on a 20+ year prospective, community-representative study of 1420 children, who were assessed up to 8 times during childhood (ages 9–16; 6674 observations) about access to guns in their home.
“It Was Actually Pretty Easy”: COVID-19 Compliance Cost Reductions in the WIC Program
August 13, 2021
Studies identify one element of compliance costs—quarterly appointments—as a barrier to continued WIC participation. This article draws on 44 in-depth qualitative interviews with participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to examine how WIC participants perceived the reduction of compliance costs following the implementation of remote appointments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. WIC participants reported satisfaction with remote appointments and a reduction in the compliance costs of accessing and maintaining benefits.
Childhood Wealth Inequality in the United States: Implications for Social Stratification and Well-Being
August 1, 2021
Wealth inequality—the unequal distribution of assets and debts across a population—has reached historic levels in the United States, particularly for households with children.
Effect of a Universal Postpartum Nurse Home Visiting Program on Child Maltreatment and Emergency Medical Care at 5 Years of Age: A Randomized Clinical Trial
July 7, 2021
The Family Connects (FC) program, a community-wide nurse home visiting program for newborns, has been shown to provide benefits for children and families through the first 5 years of life.
Behind the Findings: Policies that Contribute to Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Net Worth Poverty
July 1, 2021
This brief summarizes the findings from Net Worth Poverty in Child Households by Race and Ethnicity, 1989–2019 in the Journal of Marriage and the Family and offers historical context for U.S. policies that have contributed to racial and ethnic differences in net worth poverty in child households.
Maternal Imprisonment and the Timing of Children’s Foster Care Involvement
Book Chapter |
Child Welfare
Families and Parenting
Poverty and Inequality
Social Emotional Health and Well-Being
May 25, 2021
Beth Gifford, Megan Golonka and Kelly Evans wrote a chapter of the book, Children with Incarceratead Mothers Separation, Loss, and Reunification. The chapter summarized findings of their study that examined the timing of mother’s incarceration in relation to her children’s involvement with social services, contributory factors leading to foster care placement, and foster care discharge outcomes.
Improving Access to Critical Nutrition Assistance Programs
May 1, 2021
Participants of the study pointed to a number of actionable recommendations to increase program participation and enhance the participant experience in the nutrition assistance programs SNAP and WIC: Federal and state WIC programs should strengthen vendor management to improve the shopping experience. State and local agencies should develop peer programs to educate WIC participants on…
Insurance Barriers, Gendering, and Access: Interviews with Central North Carolinian Women About Their Health Care Experiences
May 1, 2021
Women face unique logistical and financial barriers to health care access.
The Effect of Coal-Fired Power Plant Closures on Emergency Department Visits for Asthma-Related Conditions Among 0- to 4-Year-Old Children in Chicago, 2009–2017
May 1, 2021
This article investigates the effects of coal-fired power plant closures on zip code–level rates of emergency department visits for asthma-related conditions among 0- to 4-year-old children in Chicago, Illinois. Findings demonstrate that closing coal-fired power plants can lead to improvements in the respiratory health of young children.
Impacts of Heightened Immigration Enforcement on U.S. Citizens’ Birth Outcomes
April 1, 2021
Key Takeaways: Harsher immigration law enforcement by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement leads to decreased use of prenatal care for foreign-born mothers and declines in birth weight. The uptick in ICE activities under the Trump administration may have long-lasting, harmful effects on U.S.-born citizens. Sheriffs and local governments should terminate their 287(g) agreements with ICE…
“It Takes a While to Get Used to”: The Costs of Redeeming Public Benefits
April 1, 2021
Scholars have examined how administrative burden creates barriers to accessing public benefits but have primarily focused on the challenges of claiming benefits. Less is known about the difficulties beneficiaries face when using public benefits, especially voucher-based public assistance programs. Examining redemption costs can help clarify when and where beneficiaries experience burdens, reasons behind discontinuity in program participation, and why public programs fail to meet objectives.
Lower neural value signaling in the prefrontal cortex is related to childhood family income and depressive symptomatology during adolescence
Journal Articles |
Adolescence to Adulthood
Families and Parenting
Poverty and Inequality
Social Emotional Health and Well-Being
April 1, 2021
Lower family income during childhood is related to increased rates of adolescent depression, though the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood.
Clearing gang- and drug-involved nonfatal shootings
March 10, 2021
Clearance rates for nonfatal shootings, especially cases involving gang- and drug-related violence, are disturbingly low in many US cities.
Parenting Across Cultures from Childhood to Adolescence: Development in Nine Countries
February 25, 2021
Edited by Jennifer Lansford and Drew Rothenberg with Marc Bornstein, this book shares findings from a study of parents and children in China, Colombia, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, the Philippines, Sweden, Thailand and the United States. Each chapter is authored by a contributor native to the country examined. Together, the chapters provide a global understanding of parenting across cultures.
Experiences of Hispanic Families with Social Services in the Racially Segregated Southeast: Views from Administrators and Workers in North Carolina
February 19, 2021
While we expected to find that Hispanic families may be disadvantaged by decentralized service delivery in a manner that is similar to the experiences of African American families, workers instead note significant resources that help facilitate Hispanic families’ access to programs.
Do Teacher Assistants Improve Student Outcomes? Evidence From School Funding Cutbacks in North Carolina
February 16, 2021
This article examines the influence of teacher assistants and other personnel on outcomes for elementary school students during a period of recession-induced cutbacks in teacher assistants.
Heightened immigration enforcement impacts US citizens’ birth outcomes: Evidence from early ICE interventions in North Carolina
February 3, 2021
We examine how increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities impacted newborn health and prenatal care utilization in North Carolina around the time Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act was first being implemented within the state.
Getting Tough? The Effects of Discretionary Principal Discipline on Student Outcomes
February 1, 2021
Nationwide, school principals are given wide discretion to use disciplinary tools like suspension and expulsion to create a safe learning environment.
Promoting and Protecting Early Relational Health For Infants & Toddlers in Child Care
February 1, 2021
The science that informs best practice in early intervention, early childhood education, and early childhood mental health is clear: the most important resource infants and toddlers have is the relationships they develop with adult caregivers. For young children in child care programs, relationships with their teachers are a resource they depend on.
Equity and Access in Gifted Education: An Examination within North Carolina
February 1, 2021
The disproportionality between the representation of white students and students of color in gifted education programs is both persistent and pervasive. Attempts over the years to remedy the issue have done little to narrow this disparity.
Work Schedule Unpredictability: Daily Occurrence and Effects on Working Parents’ Well-Being
Journal Articles |
Families and Parenting
Poverty and Inequality
Social Emotional Health and Well-Being
February 1, 2021
Family science has long considered the ways in which parents’ experiences in the workplace can affect families.
Social and Emotional Learning During COVID-19 and Beyond: Why It Matters and How to Support It
February 1, 2021
Social and emotional development was in peril prior to the pandemic. After this time apart, it will take systematic, intentional, and intensive efforts to get social and emotional learning back on track.
Gunshot-victim cooperation with police investigations: Results from the Chicago Inmate Survey
February 1, 2021
Just one in ten nonfatal shootings in Chicago lead to an arrest.
School Segregation at the Classroom Level in a Southern ‘New Destination’ State
January 13, 2021
Using detailed administrative data for public schools, we document racial and ethnic segregation at the classroom level in North Carolina, a state that has experienced a sharp increase in Hispanic enrollment.
Reimagining Policing: How Community-Led Interventions Can Improve Outcomes for Domestic Violence and Mental Health Calls
January 1, 2021
In response to police killings of Black people and the ensuing protests that took place in communities across the country in 2020, media coverage in North Carolina and in much of the nation this past year has focused heavily on instances of police violence and the protests and counterprotests that have since occurred throughout the…
Net Worth Poverty in Child Households by Race and Ethnicity, 1989–2019
November 26, 2020
This study is the first to examine net worth poverty, and its intersection with income poverty, by race and ethnicity among child households in the United States.
Working Families’ Experiences of the Enduring COVID Crisis: Snapshot from Midsummer
November 1, 2020
Key Takeaways: Economic instability remains high among hourly service workers — from both job and household income loss. Food insecurity has increased significantly among working families. Safety net programs can help families maintain their incomes and reduce food insecurity, however benefits are not reaching everyone. Keeping vulnerable families afloat during the pandemic will require policymakers…
Reframing Law Enforcement’s Approach to Domestic Violence Calls
October 1, 2020
The Duke University Center for Child and Family Policy partnered with the Durham Crisis Response Center, the Exchange Family Center, the Center for Child and Family Health, and the Durham County Department of Social Services to create the Durham Integrated Domestic Violence Response System (DIDVRS). DIDVRS is an evidence-based, community-led approach to more appropriately address…
COVID-19 and Parent-Child Psychological Well-being
October 1, 2020
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 has changed American society in ways that are difficult to capture in a timely manner.
Brazil’s Missing Infants: Zika Risk Changes Reproductive Behavior
October 1, 2020
Zika virus epidemics have potential large-scale population effects. Controlled studies of mice and nonhuman primates indicate that Zika affects fecundity, raising concerns about miscarriage in human populations.
Families and Social Change in the Gulf Region
September 15, 2020
Over the last five decades, dramatic social changes have disrupted established patterns of family life and human development in the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council. This book examines the role of these changes, such as urbanization, educational progress, emigration, and globalization, and describes their implications for Gulf families.
Learning from Pre-K Teachers
August 1, 2020
During the spring of 2020, a statewide survey was undertaken to understand how early childhood educators sought to navigate the transition to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Connecting with K-12 Students During COVID-19: Findings and Recommendations from a Survey of North Carolina Teachers
August 1, 2020
This brief uses data from a survey of educators in nine districts participating in the North Carolina Resilience and Learning Project on the challenges of remote learning and education during the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers recommendations for improving educational equity during remote learning, addressing the following areas: technology access, availability of adult support, student well-being,…
K-12 Social-Emotional Support During COVID-19: Reflections and Recommendations from a Survey of North Carolina Teachers
August 1, 2020
This Brief Will Cover Emotional and Mental Health Support for Teachers. Survey data from N.C. teachers on their concerns about returning to school in the fall. Recommended strategies for helping school administrators promote wellness among school staff upon their return. Re-envisioning the Way Students and Schools Interact. Recommended practices for promoting relationship building among teachers,…
“New Normal” for Children and Families: Developing a Universal Approach with a Focus on Equity
Policy Briefs |
COVID-19
Early Care and Education
Families and Parenting
Poverty and Inequality
Race Equity
Social Emotional Health and Well-Being
August 1, 2020
This brief provides an overview of the various channels through which COVID-19 has affected the lives of children and families, and proposes 4 key actions to help communities heal and build stronger, equitable systems: Create a “new” public health system centered upon a universal approach to care with a focus on equity. Invest in early…
Lessons Learned about Online Schooling for Young Children from K-1 Classroom and ESL Teachers
July 1, 2020
This brief provides an overview of lessons learned about online schooling for young children during the COVID-19 pandemic from K-1 classroom and ESL teachers, and 5 recommendations for how to support the continuation of online learning into the next school year.
The Added Benefit of North Carolina’s Evictions Moratorium: Protecting Vulnerable Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic
June 1, 2020
Key Takeaways: Government officials halted housing evictions in North Carolina as a response to the COVID-19 crisis. We analyze administrative data on evictions from the N.C. Administrative Office of the Courts and on public school children in Durham to identify characteristics of children who experience eviction. Our analysis shows that an additional benefit of the…
North Carolina Resilience and Learning Project
May 27, 2020
Katie Rosanbalm wrote the opening chapter of a book entitled, Alleviating the Educational Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences. The book is a collection of approaches to trauma-informed education based on school-university-community collaborations. Rosanbalm’s chapter summarizes the literature on why trauma-informed strategies are important to academic success and describes the specifics of the Resilience and Learning Model. It concludes with preliminary qualitative findings from pilot schools.
NC Pre-K Remote Learning Survey Results | COVID-19 Response
May 1, 2020
Children’s earliest experiences shape their brain’s architecture and create the foundation for healthy development and future learning. High-quality early learning environments support children in meeting critical developmental milestones, and children who attend high-quality early education programs are better prepared for success in school — academically, socially and emotionally.
Ensuring Vulnerable Children and Families Have Access to Needed Health Services and Supports During the COVID-19 Pandemic
May 1, 2020
This policy brief focuses on how necessary responses to the COVID-19 pandemic alter the health and social service landscape for children and families, particularly those who were already vulnerable, and offers policy guidance.
Strategies to Support the Well-Being of Essential Child Care Staff and Young Children During COVID-19
April 1, 2020
Inside: Protecting the Physical Well-Being of Essential Child Care Providers and Young Children Supporting the Social-Emotional Well-Being of Essential Child Care Providers and Young Children Caring for Older Children Supporting Child Care Administrators Whose Facilities are Staying Open to Meet Essential Needs
Devastating Impact of COVID Crisis on Working Families
April 1, 2020
This brief provides an overview of key ways in which COVID-19 has impacted working families, as drawn from our study’s survey analysis. 1. Drastic Reductions in Work Hours and Increase in Job Loss 2. Harmed Well-Being of Both Parents and Their Children 3. Policy Supports Not Reaching Families 4. Employer-Provided Benefits Reaching Some Families
Mothers and fathers in the criminal justice system and children’s child protective services involvement
March 1, 2020
Parents charged with a criminal offense had higher rates of having a child protective services (CPS) assessment/investigation during the three years preceding the charge than parents who were not charged. Changing parental incarceration rates would change CPS caseloads substantially.
Gender Differences in the Impact of North Carolina’s Early Care and Education Initiatives on Student Outcomes in Elementary School
March 1, 2020
Based on growing evidence of the long-term benefits of enriched early childhood experiences, we evaluate the potential for addressing gender disparities in elementary school through early care and education programs.
State of Empowerment: Low-Income Families and the New Welfare State
February 21, 2020
Carolyn Barnes uses ethnographic accounts of three organizations to reveal how interacting with government-funded after-school programs can enhance the civic and political lives of low-income citizens.
Mothers’ and Fathers’ Time Spent with Children in the U.S.: Variations by Race/Ethnicity Within Income from 2003 to 2013
February 10, 2020
Using data from the American Time Use Survey, we examine the empirically underexplored ways in which racial and ethnic identity shapes parental time use.
Agricultural Fires and Health at Birth
October 1, 2019
Fire has long served as a tool in agriculture, but the practice’s link with economic activity has made its health consequences difficult to study.
Raising the bar for college admission: North Carolina’s increase in minimum math course requirements
July 1, 2019
Charles T. Clotfelter, Steven W. Hemelt, Helen F. Ladd Education Finance and Policy (2019) 14 (3): 492–521. https://doi.org/10.1162/edfp_a_00258
Bringing Organizations Back In: Multilevel Feedback Effects on Individual Civic Inclusion
May 1, 2019
Policy feedback scholarship has focused on how laws and their implementation affect either organizations (e.g., their resources, priorities, political opportunities, or incentive structures) or individuals (e.g., their civic skills and resources or their psychological orientations toward the state).
Professionals, friends, and confidants: After-school staff as social support to low-income parents
March 1, 2019
Policy makers, practitioners, and researchers have emphasized the importance of supportive relationships between staff and parents in early childhood education settings and schools.
WIC Recipients in the Retail Environment: A Qualitative Study Assessing Customer Experience and Satisfaction
November 27, 2018
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is an important intervention for prevention and treatment of obesity and food insecurity, but participation has dropped among eligible populations from 2009 to 2015.
Impact of a Neuroscience-Based Health Education Course on High School Students’ Health Knowledge, Beliefs, and Behaviors.
October 1, 2018
The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the potential of an innovative high school neuroscience-based health course for implementation feasibility and impact on student outcomes.
Predicting Patterns of Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration From Late Adolescence to Young Adulthood
August 23, 2018
Saint-Eloi Cadely et al. found longitudinal patterns for the perpetration of both psychological and physical intimate partner violence (IPV), including actively and minimally aggressive patterns.
Where Does the Money Go
November 1, 2017
This report provides a comprehensive look at 2014 social spending by the federal government on children ages 0-8 and breaks down program spending by family income.
Improving Young English Learners’ Language and Literacy Skills Through Teacher Professional Development: A Randomized Controlled Trial
September 19, 2017
Using a randomized controlled trial, we tested a new teacher professional development program for increasing the language and literacy skills of young Latino English learners with 45 teachers and 105 students in 12 elementary schools.
Multifaceted Aid for Low-Income Students and College Outcomes: Evidence From North Carolina
August 10, 2017
We study the evolution of a campus-based aid program for low-income students that began with grant-heavy financial aid and later added a suite of nonfinancial supports.
Impact of North Carolina’s Early Childhood Programs and Policies on Educational Outcomes in Elementary School
November 17, 2016
North Carolina’s Smart Start and More at Four (MAF) early childhood programs were evaluated through the end of elementary school (age 11) by estimating the impact of state funding allocations to programs in each of 100 counties across 13 consecutive years on outcomes for all children in each county-year group (n = 1,004,571; 49% female; 61% non-Latinx White, 30% African American, 4% Latinx, 5% other).
Evaluation of a Public Awareness Campaign to Prevent High School Dropout
June 29, 2016
Many advocacy organizations devote time and resources to increasing community awareness and educating the public in an effort to gain support for their issue.
Self-Regulation and Toxic Stress Report 3: A Comprehensive Review of SelfRegulation Interventions from Birth Through Young Adulthood
February 1, 2016
This is the third in a series of four inter-related reports titled Self-Regulation and Toxic Stress.
Impact of North Carolina’s Early Childhood Initiatives on Special Education Placements in Third Grade
December 1, 2015
This study examines the community-wide effects of investments in two early childhood initiatives in North Carolina (Smart Start and More at Four) on the likelihood of a student being placed into special education.
Self-Regulation and Toxic Stress Report 2: A Review of Ecological, Biological, and Developmental Studies of Self-Regulation and Stress
February 1, 2015
This report builds on the previous report in this series, Foundations for Understanding Self-Regulation from an Applied Developmental Perspective, which describes a theoretical framework that is utilized in the present review of empirical ecological, biological, and developmental studies.
Self-Regulation and Toxic Stress Report 1: Foundations for Understanding Self-Regulation from an Applied Perspective
January 1, 2015
This is the first in a series of four inter-related reports titled Self-Regulation and Toxic Stress, with subtitles specifying the focus of each report.
Substance Use and Abuse in Durham County 2014
February 3, 2014
According to the North Carolina (N.C.) Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services, approximately 18,000 adults and 1,000 children in Durham County abused or were addicted to illegal drugs, prescription medications, or alcohol in 2012(1). Substance abuse not only impacts the individual and his/her family, but also the community.
Attendance in Durham Primary Schools
June 1, 2013
This memo examines recent data from Durham Public Schools related to student absenteeism. This memo examines four related issues surrounding absenteeism: Description of student absenteeism by grade-level Persistence of truancy from one year to the next The association between truancy and grade retention, and The overlap between absenteeism and tardies.
Mental Health Outreach Program (MHOP) Evaluation Report
January 1, 2012
This report summarizes preliminary findings associated with the MHOP program that began in Durham County in January of 2011.
America’s Promise Alliance: 10 Indicators of Academic Achievement and Youth Success
July 1, 2011
Approximately one quarter of U.S. students do not graduate from high school with their peers. Failing to complete high school severely limits opportunities for employment and future financial stability. High school dropouts earn lower wages through their lifetime and work for fewer years.1 The costs to society of high school dropouts are also high and…
Final Report to the Spencer Foundation
June 15, 2011
In 2009, the Spencer Foundation renewed its generous support of the Data Center with an additional two years of funding. In addition, Duke University and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction have continued to support the Data Center through the collaborative relationship established in the current Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions.
Evaluation of the HillRAP Intervention in Davie County Middle Schools 2008-2010
June 1, 2011
This report presents the final findings for a two-year evaluation of the Hill Center Reading Achievement Program (HillRAP) as implemented in a middle school setting from September 2008 to June 2010. The Center for Child and Family Policy at Duke University conducted this evaluation in collaboration with the Davie County Public Schools and the Mebane…
Multiple Response System and System of Care: Two Policy Reforms Designed to Improve The Child Welfare System
April 1, 2009
Child abuse and neglect is a serious problem in the United States. From 2004 to 2005 the number of substantiated reports of maltreatment increased by 27,000 cases from 872,000 to 899,000.
Multiple Response System (MRS) Evaluation Report to the North Carolina Division of Social Services (NCDSS) 2006
June 30, 2006
At the request of the North Carolina Division of Social Services (NCDSS), the Center for Child and Family Policy at The Terry Sanford Institute at Duke University evaluated the Multiple Response System (MRS) reform for families reported to child welfare in 10 MRS pilot counties.
Substance Use and Abuse in Durham County 2006
January 1, 2006
The impact of substance use and addiction surrounds us and affects every aspect of our Durham community.
Multiple Response System (MRS) Evaluation Report to the North Carolina Division of Social Services (NCDSS) 2004
April 1, 2004
In response to a request from the North Carolina Division of Social Services (DSS),Center for Child and Family Policy at The Terry Sanford Institute at Duke University evaluated the Multiple Response System reform for families reported for child maltreatment. | https://childandfamilypolicy.duke.edu/research/resources/ |
The Parental Intervention Project is a multi-faceted program aimed at improving the well-being and outcome of justice-involved mothers and fathers and their children. Created in 2009 as a collaboration between California State University, San Bernardino and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the program focuses on parenting education, trauma recovery, parent-child interaction time, and individual counseling/case management. Classes, groups, and individual work are offered to justice-involved individuals while in custody at correctional facilities and upon reentry through community partnerships throughout San Bernardino County.
The in-custody Trauma Recovery and Family Relations class is a 48-hour, attachment-based psychotherapeutic parent education course which is conducted on a monthly basis for justice-involved mothers and fathers at three of the four San Bernardino County jails. Classes are taught by clinical counseling and MSW interns who are under the supervision of clinical staff. The class is based on substantial documentation in the literature on the pivotal influence of attachment, family stability, and positive parenting practices on children’s well-being and healthy outcomes (as well as on reducing delinquency and incarceration), and the most current research on child development, which has as its centerpiece the critical importance of warm, sensitively attuned, responsive caregiving for the optimal development and well-being of children. Pre- and post-class assessments of parent knowledge and skills as well as feelings of competence and satisfaction are routinely conducted.
The TALK (Teaching and Loving Kids) program: Children aged 13 and under have the opportunity to visit their in-custody, justice-involved mothers and fathers on a weekly basis in a special evening program where volunteer student interns from CSUSB (who have participated in weekly on-campus trainings in positive child guidance and child development) set up “play stations” and assist parents and children as they read, play, and interact. Parents are encouraged to implement some of the parenting skills learned in the parenting class (e.g., active listening, validating their children’s feelings), and the supervising clinical intern uses these occasions to affirm the parents whenever they (or the student interns) observes the mothers/fathers implementing the positive parenting practices.
In the Trauma Recovery and Family Relations classes (a prerequisite for TALK), parents learn that reading aloud to children has myriad benefits. Studies show that one such benefit for children whose parents consistently read to them is that they are the most likely to perform the best, achieve the most, and reach the highest levels of education over time. Additionally, book reading also calms children by providing a warm and nurturing experience in which they receive their parent’s full attention.
Floortime is a strategy learned in the Trauma Recovery and Family Relations classes, which refers to a special period of unstructured, uninterrupted time. Floortime teaches parents to follow the child’s lead, stimulates creativity, and encourages warm, trusting, and emotionally close parent/child relationships. | https://www.csusb.edu/icdfr/funded-projects/parental-intervention-project-pip |
Being a parent is very rewarding, but it’s also hard work – especially at first. As new parents learn to care for their baby it can take lots of energy, emotional commitment, and patience. When you add toddlers and school-aged children, things get a lot harder. Adjusting to parenting is a process of trial and error, good days and bad, and it’s common to take a while to feel comfortable and confident in the parenting role.
BUT WHAT DOES PARENTING LOOK LIKE DURING THE PANDEMIC?
Balancing the demands of motherhood has never been easy. With the COVID-19 pandemic, parents are adjusting to being home all day with their children, maneuvering to balance working remotely, childminding, running a household, and, for those with school-aged children, taking on the role of primary educator.
In fact, 74% of U.S. mothers say they feel mentally worse since the pandemic began, according to a “Motherly's 2020 State of Motherhood survey”. The report, which gathered responses from more than 3,000 millennial mothers between March 9 and April 23, found that 97% of mothers between the ages of 24 and 39 say they feel burned out at least some of the time, with the pandemic only making things worse.
According to the survey results, 30% of full-time working mothers say their primary cause of stress is child care, followed by worries around the mental health and well-being of family members.
With its self-isolation, physical distancing, stay-at-home directives – the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed our way of life. Family dynamics are changing, under unprecedented stress and anxiety, to adapt to a rapidly evolving “new normal.”
When there is no separation between work, family, home, school – what toll will it take on mothers? What are the implications of being a mother in a stay-at-home family during a pandemic? A mother doesn’t get to switch off. She doesn’t get to just take time out and not be a mother for a few days… it’s daunting and overwhelming and beautiful all at once.
There’s so much more pressure on mothers now that we’re asking them to be educators. With less support and resources, we’re now adding long to-do lists and mounting pressure on how to stimulate learning at home, not to let them fall behind academically, while also using the limited time to introduce new hobbies and talents, etc. The expectations for parents are going up when it should, with the global pandemic, be quite the opposite.
Rightly, frontline workers in the public sphere have been praised – we agree emphatically that this is an important recognition – but it seems that people are forgetting what mothers are facing, and accomplishing, in the home and under unimaginable conditions.
AND WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN’S WELL-BEING?
Often added to the aforementioned stress and high expectations are other circumstances, such as decreased income or job loss, financial or housing instability, single parenting, new immigrant status, and living in abusive situations which amplify the stress. These factors can combine to create an immediate danger to mental health, which can reflect on the entire family, and especially on the children.
Some children will bounce back with no ill effects, but the science of trauma suggests that some children may experience biological changes that pose long-term risks for their physical and mental health. As Harvard’s Center for the Developing Child explains:
Toxic stress response can occur when a child experiences strong, frequent, and/or prolonged adversity—such as physical or emotional abuse, chronic neglect, caregiver substance abuse or mental illness, exposure to violence, and/or the accumulated burdens of family economic hardship—without adequate adult support. This kind of prolonged activation of the stress response systems can disrupt the development of brain architecture and other organ systems, and increase the risk for stress-related disease and cognitive impairment, well into the adult years.
The best preventative factor and remedy for children facing stress is close, reliable, and loving care by their parents. We tend to think that resilience is inborn, a character trait that people simply have or don’t have. But studies show that resilience in children is strongly linked to parental care:
The single most common factor for children who develop resilience is at least one stable and committed relationship with a supportive parent, caregiver, or other adults. These relationships provide personalized responsiveness, scaffolding, and protection that buffer children from developmental disruption. They also build key capacities—such as the ability to plan, monitor, and regulate behavior—that enable children to respond adaptively to adversity and thrive.
It is surprising that we are not hearing more people saying ‘What can we do for families? How are mothers coping?’ Can you imagine what mothers are going through right now and how it’s impacting the children and their relationships and marriages?
SO HOW CAN WE PROVIDE HELP FOR MOTHERS?
Motherhood is an emotional roller-coaster and although there is no manual to teach you how to make it through, another mother can truly understand and help make for a smoother ride.
One way of helping families is by creating a safe space where mothers can talk about what they are experiencing. Whether it's on the phone, through video chat, or social media, we should be open to hearing mothers' stories. The Postpartum Support Center (PPSC) has done just that. The PPSC is a community-based, peer focused nonprofit organization founded in Marin County, whose purpose is to provide a support system to new parents and families in need. The main goals of this organization are to help new mothers navigate the postpartum period, reduce parental stress, and build effective support systems.
There is a free Support Line that any mother can call or text and get emotional support, information, resources, ask for referrals, etc. The PPSC offers free online weekly drop-in support groups for mothers experiencing maternal mental health challenges. There is also free peer counseling through Mom to Mom evidence-based peer programs.
The Postpartum Support Center is also constantly working on developing new programs and ways to support mothers and their families in Marin and Sonoma counties. To get involved and support our mothers and families, simply contact us and join our team. Together, we make a greater impact.
AND MOTHERS, PLEASE REMEMBER…
It can take time to adjust to becoming a parent in this “new world”. There’s no ‘right’ way of doing it, so don’t be too harsh on yourself if things work out differently from how you’d planned. Value your role as a parent – it’s a very important job.
Lots of people need a bit of extra support during these difficult times. There’s no shame in asking for help, if and when you need it. You are NOT alone! The PPSC is always here for you.
Be kind to yourself, be kind to those you love, and take a deep breath and try to enjoy that beautiful child in front of you. You’ve got this. | https://www.postpartumsc.org/post/virtual-school-for-many-mothers-things-are-about-to-get-a-lot-more-challenging |
Life after a heart attack will involve a considerable number of changes, and if this is affecting your mental health going for therapy will help cope.
The nature of Cancer is such that patients and their doctors know that in spite of several treatment options, the road to recovery is long. The goal of the treatment is two-fold – removing the cancerous cells and ensuring that it does not recur. One of the more complex cancers is the one that takes siege of the brain. Dr. Surendran J – Senior Consultant Radiation Oncology (at Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospital) discusses Brain Tumors – from symptoms to the best available treatment modalities.
Q:Who is at risk of developing a tumor in the brain?
Dr:Brain tumors can occur in pediatric age, adults and the elderly. Some of the tumors that occur in childhood are curable. In the case of elderly, secondary tumors in the brain are more likely – the primary location being the breast, lung, colorectum, kidneys, prostate and others.
Q:What are the common symptoms of brain cancer?
Dr:Headache, nausea, loss of balance, seizures, sleep problems, weakness in the muscles in limbs and even visual impairment. The symptoms persist for a prolonged period of time. The way the disease presents varies from one person to another. Once other causes for the symptoms are ruled out, the patient needs to be tested for cancer.
Q:How are tumors in the brain detected?
Dr:Before the introduction of computerised imaging treatment of primary brain tumours as well as secondaries in the brain ( metastasis from Breast cancer, Lung cancers and others), was unsatisfactory and dismal. About 40 percent of breast and lung cancers will develop brain metastasis. Appropriate and optimal treatment of Brain metastasis ( BM) is a challenging and demanding task. With the introduction of CT and in particular MRI, tumours could be visualised and defined precisely and therefore treatment can be effectively focused against them. It must be noted that survival of patients with brain metastasis left untreated is very poor.
Q:What treatment options are available to remove the tumor from the brain?
Dr:Treatment modalities include surgical removal , Stereotactic Radiotherapy(SRT) and targeted pharmacological treatment. SRT of brain metastasis involves more parameters and it is the fastest growing method for treating brain metastasis.
Q:What makes SRT the best option for treating brain metastasis?
Dr:The size, number, location and distribution of brain metastasis have marked influence on the survival of the patient. Depending on the patient’s condition and preference SRT enables a treatable situation by optimising the radiation dose to targeted sites at a very high speed, with high efficiency and accuracy in a short duration. This minimises toxicity and spares healthy tissues. After proper treatment of breast/ lung/ colorectal cancer, a significant percentage of patients develop a few metastases in the brain over the next 4 to 5 years. Earlier this was a fatal condition. Now, if we detect a few metastases – around 3 or 4, during a routine follow-up, we can treat them immediately. SRT gives them a second chance at life.
Q:Does Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospital offer SRT treatment?
Dr:SRT is an advanced technology facility available and incorporated in the soon-to-be commissioned Linear accelerator at Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospital. It can be used to treat a majority of BM without the need for open surgery and withoutthe risks of neurocognitive functional impairment. It extends life expectancy and improves quality of life.
Q:Can Radiotherapy benefit children diagnosed with cancer?
Dr:Yes, radiotherapy does play a part in treating pediatric cancers. While mostly we use chemotherapy for children, certain solid pediatric tumors can be completely cured by including Radiotherapy along with chemotherapy. The challenge is to reduce the morbidity or adverse impact on normal tissues. Craniospinal Irradiation for the treatment of pediatric brain tumours especially Medulablastoma can be perfomed with increased precision using Volume Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) which shapes the radiation dose to the tumour while minimising the dose to the organs surrounding the tumour. At Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospital we are equipped to treat pediatric cancer patients as well, thanks to the accuracy of the liner accelerator.
SENIOR CONSULTANT – RADIATION ONCOLOGY
MBBS, MD R.T,
#1, Radial Road, Pallikaranai, | https://www.drkmh.com/blogs/amped-up-radiotherapy-for-brain-tumors/ |
medical, surgical and radiation oncology.
Our team of professional oncologists help treat patients with cancer with various therapies like chemotherapy etc.
Our experts are specialized in treating cancers affecting skin, Breast, brain, Neck, Lung, Gastrointestinal, Gallbladder, ovaries and others. We believe in treating Cancer with a combination of Medical counselling, Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, Surgery and Targeted Therapy. | https://adivahospitals.com/specialties-department/medical-surgical-oncology/ |
We are committed to developing targeted, effective, and safe therapies for the treatment of patients with underserved indications, including various cancers and difficult-to-treat diseases. Our goal is to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Our clinical work includes investigating and applying our technologies and products to the following cancers for which therapeutic options are limited.
Primary liver cancer, otherwise known as HCC, is one of the most common and deadliest forms of cancer worldwide. It ranks as the fifth most common solid tumor cancer. The incidence of HCC is approximately 30,000 cases per year in the United States, approximately 40,000 cases per year in Europe, and is rapidly growing worldwide at approximately 800,000 cases per year. Over 85% of newly diagnosed liver cancers occur in Asia, with an incidence up to 8 times that in United States and Europe combined.
HCC has the fastest rate of growth of all cancers and is projected to be the most prevalent form of cancer by 2020. HCC is commonly diagnosed in patients with longstanding hepatic disease and cirrhosis (primarily due to hepatitis C in the United States and Europe and to hepatitis B in Asia). An estimated 90% of liver cancer patients die within 5 years of diagnosis.
The standard first-line treatment for early stage liver cancer is surgical resection of the tumor. Up to 80% of patients are ineligible for surgery or transplantation at time of diagnosis; however, early stage liver cancer generally has few symptoms, and when finally detected, the tumor frequently is too large for surgical resection. There are few alternative treatments, since radiation therapy and chemotherapy are largely ineffective. RFA (radiofrequency thermal ablation), which directly destroys the tumor tissue through the application of high temperatures administered by a probe inserted into the core of the tumor, has emerged as the standard of care for tumors up to 5 cm in diameter. Local recurrence rates after RFA treatment directly correlate to the size of the tumor. For tumors 3 cm or smaller in diameter the recurrence rate has been reported to be 10%-20%; however, for tumors greater than 3 cm, local recurrence rates of 40% or higher have been observed.
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of gynecological malignancies among women, with an overall 5-year survival rate of 45%. This poor outcome is due in part to the lack of early detection strategies. Most women with ovarian cancer are not diagnosed until stage III or IV, when the disease has spread outside the pelvis to the abdomen and areas beyond and the 5-year survival rates are 25%-41% and 11%, respectively. There were approximately 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer in the United States in 2014, with an estimated 14,000 deaths. Mortality rates have declined very little in the last 40 years, due to the lack of detection tests or improvements in treatment.
First-line chemotherapy regimens are typically platinum-based combination therapies. Although this first line of treatment has an approximate 80% response rate, 55%-75% of women will develop recurrent ovarian cancer within 2 years and ultimately will not respond to platinum therapy. Patients whose cancer recurs or progresses after initially responding to surgery and first-line chemotherapy have been divided into one of the 2 groups based on the time from completion of platinum therapy to disease recurrence or progression. This time period is referred to as platinum-free interval. The platinum-sensitive group has a platinum-free interval of longer than 6 months. This group generally responds to additional treatment with platinum-based therapies. The platinum-resistant group has a platinum-free interval of shorter than 6 months and is resistant to additional platinum-based treatments.
Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, topotecan, and Avastin® are the only approved second-line therapies for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The overall response rate for these therapies is 10%-20%, with median overall survival of 11-12 months. Immunotherapy is an attractive approach for the treatment of ovarian cancer, particularly since ovarian cancers are considered immunogenic tumors. IL-12 (interleukin-12) is one of the most active cytokines for the induction of potent anticancer immunity acting through the induction of T-lymphocyte and natural killer-cell proliferation. The precedence for a therapeutic role of IL-12 in ovarian cancer is based on epidemiologic and preclinical data.
GBM is the most common malignant primary brain tumor. These tumors are often aggressive and infiltrate surrounding brain tissue. GBM arises from glial cells, which are cells that form the tissue that surrounds and protects nerve cells within the brain and spinal cord. GBM tumors are composed mainly of star-shaped glial cells known as astrocytes. These tumors are usually highly malignant because the cells reproduce quickly and are supported by a large network of blood vessels. They are generally found in the cerebral hemispheres, but can be found anywhere in the brain or spinal cord. GBM has an incidence of 2-3 per 100,000 adults per year, and accounts for 52% of all primary brain tumors. Overall, GBM accounts for about 17% of all tumors of the brain (primary and metastatic). They increase in frequency with age, affecting more men than women.
GBM represents the most aggressive type of tumor in the central nervous system, with only one-third of patients surviving for 1 year and less than 5% living beyond 5 years. Current treatment strategies that involve surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy address only the tumor cells. Therapies that also target the protumorigenic tumor microenvironment, which is characterized by formation of new blood capillaries and suppression of the immune system, may improve efficacy.
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women and the leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. About 14% of all new cancers are lung cancers. Eighty percent of patients with lung cancer have smoked, but those who have never smoked can also be affected. Lung cancers are divided into small cell lung cancers (SCLC) and non–small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). Small cell lung cancers usually grow more quickly and are more likely to spread than are non–small cell lung cancers. Common treatment methods include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, laser therapy, or a combination of these. For non–small cell lung cancers, additional treatments may include targeted therapies (such as tyrosine kinase and monoclonal antibodies to block cancer growth), photodynamic therapy, cryosurgery, and electrocautery, all aimed at destroying the tumors.
In preclinical studies, Celsion TheraSilence technology’s delivery of siRNAshort interfering RNA molecules targeting receptor 2 of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)— protein critical for the growth of new blood vessels in tumors—significantly inhibited lung tumor growth.
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Brain Cancer (Malignant Brain Tumors) in Women
Brain cancer is a malignant growth (tumor, space occupying lesion –SOL) in the brain. It can arise from any of the different types of cells in the brain – either the nerve cells itself or the supporting cells. Sometimes cancer may arise from the lining around the brain (meninges) or other surrounding structures, like the pituitary or pineal glands, that are located near the brain is also referred to commonly as brain cancer. Treatment depends upon the size, location, nature of the cancerous growth (tumor).
Overall brain cancer is more common in males than females but women are more likely to suffer develop certain types like meningomas and pituitary adenomas. As with any malignancy, brain cancer can be of two types – primary (when the cancerous growth originates in the brain) and secondary (when cancer of other organs spreads to brain). This spread is known as metastasis. Lung cancer and breast cancer can often spread to the brain in advanced cases.
Brain Cancer Symptoms
The symptoms of brain cancer depend upon the location, size and the rate of growth of the tumor. The brain is covered by the thick bony skull, therefore any growth in the brain will grow inwardly causing pressure (compression) on the surrounding structures (brain tissue, nerves, blood vessel) and increase the pressure in the brain (increased intracranial tension). Sometimes the cancerous growth can cause irritation in the surrounding nerve tissue.
Thus symptoms can be divided into three groups depending upon the effect of the cancerous growth (tumor) on the brain.
Symptoms due to compression of the surrounding structures:
- Altered personality (tearfulness, aggression, irritability).
- Changes in hearing, taste and smell.
- Confusion.
- Problem during swallowing, reading and writing.
- Loss of balance, abnormal gait (walking).
- Difficulty in speaking and understanding others.
- Weakness of limbs (upper and lower both can be affected together or individually), numbness of face and tingling sensation.
- Drooping of eye lids (ptosis), double vision, blurred vision and redness of the eyes.
- Tremor (involuntary persistent movement).
- Loss of control over bladder and bowel movements.
Symptoms due to increased (intracranial) pressure in the brain :
- Headache which is :
– worse after waking up but gradually eases.
– during sleep.
– associated with other symptoms like vomiting and with change of posture.
- Drowsiness or even coma.
- Eyesight (visual) problems.
Symptoms due to irritation of the of the brain:
- Epileptic fits (convulsion).
- Fatigue.
Cancerous growth in the pituitary gland can cause a separate set of symptoms :
- Nipple discharge (milk).
- Breast development in males.
- Abnormal hair growth.
- Intolerance to heat and cold.
- Abnormal menstruation (period).
What causes brain cancer?
Genetic mutations (unexpected sudden change in the DNA) is one of the main reasons behind all cancers, including brain cancer. There are substances which can induce cancer (carcinogens) by inducing mutation and inhibiting the tumor suppressing (certain genes are responsible for arresting growth and killing abnormally growing cells) genes.
- Hereditary: patients of some inherited disease like neurofibromatosis 2.
- Secondary brain cancers occur due to spread of cancer from other sites (breast, lung, colon, kidney) via the bloodstream to the brain.
Risk factors
- Family history : having a first line relative with brain cancer (applies only to certain types).
- Age: some cancers are more common with advancing age, particularly in seniors.
- Radiation: exposure to ionizing and atomic radiation. The debate about cellular (mobile) phone radiation is still raging on.
- Environmental toxin: vinyl chloride.
- Lifestyle : cigarette smoking.
Treatment of Brain Cancer
Treatment options are :
- Surgery: small and easily accessible tumors are removed.
- Radiation: X-ray or proton beams to kill cancerous cells. Usually used in treating secondary brain cancers.
- Radiosurgery: stereotactic radiosurgery uses multiple rays of radiation to focus on the cancer site
- Chemotherapy: drugs used to kill cancer cells.
- Targeted drug therapy: targets specific abnormality. Like in glioblastoma (problem is abnormal new vessel growth) so bevacizumab (stops the growth of new blood vessels) is used. | https://www.phaa.com/brain-cancer-malignant-brain-tumors-in-women.htm |
At Orange Coast Medical Center, a multidisciplinary team of experts is devoted to the care of cancer patients. Our oncologists, surgeons, nurses, social workers, cancer rehabilitation therapists and other specialists are highly skilled and experienced in the field of oncology.
Coupled with our team’s passion and dedication is our strong focus on research. Having participated in some of the world’s most promising clinical trials, our physicians are at the leading-edge of the latest diagnostic and treatment techniques for our patients. Finding a cure and enhancing quality of life are at the forefront of all we do.
In addition, we have created special support groups, education, rehabilitation services, and spiritual counseling for patients and their family members while they are in our care, after discharge and throughout their cancer treatment. Our patients will never have to take their journey alone.
The MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center is accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) - a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients through standard setting, which promotes cancer prevention, research, education and monitoring of comprehensive quality care.
CoC accreditation encourages hospitals, treatment centers, and other facilities to improve their quality of care through various cancer-related programs and activities. These programs are concerned with the full continuum of cancer—from prevention to survivorship and end-of-life-care—while addressing both survival and quality of life
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Lymphedema is a condition in which a part of the body, most often the arms or legs, is severely swollen due to an accumulation of protein and fluid in the affected area. When lymph vessels are unable to properly return lymph fluid back into circulation swelling occurs.
Prostate cancer occurs in the prostate gland in the male reproductive system. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), more than 200,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States this year. Sixty-five percent of all prostate cancers are found in men ages 65 – 69.
A lung nodule, also called a pulmonary nodule, is one of the most common abnormalities seen on radiographic images, and is a small mass of tissue in the lung that is smaller than 3 cm (slightly more than an inch) in diameter. The nodule appears as a white shadow on a chest X-ray or computerized tomography (CT) scan.
Intravenous Pyelogram, an X-ray of the bladder, is taken by injecting dye into the blood stream which then collects in the urine and is detectable during the X-ray.
Most cancers manifest without a known cause, but some are hereditary. Genetic counseling helps hundreds of patients determine their risk for diseases that can be inherited, including colon, uterine, breast and ovarian cancer.
Last year, an estimated 1.4 million Americans learned they had cancer. Many of these cases were identified through routine screenings given or ordered by primary care physicians. For easy reference, use the chart for women and men below, which is based on the American Cancer Society recommendations.
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Chemicals called hormones are produced in glands in the reproductive system, in the ovaries for women and the testicles for men. Cancers most commonly treated with hormone therapy are breast and prostate cancer.
The robotic surgical system provides breakthrough minimally invasive surgical capabilities.
CyberKnife is a robotic radiosurgery system commonly used for the treatment of cancerous and non-cancerous tumors in the brain or the base of the skull. It is also used in certain cases to treat cancers of the pancreas, liver, prostate and lungs. CyberKnife offers a non-invasive alternative to surgery.
Located throughout Orange County and Los Angeles County, MemorialCare-affiliated physicians are locally and nationally recognized in their area of expertise. We've made it easy to find a quality healthcare provider right in your own backyard.
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Surgical Oncology is a discipline of medicine committed to treat cancer tumors through the means of surgery. Cancer treatment methods include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, hormone therapy, bone marrow transplant, immune-therapy, targeted drug therapy and many more.
Experienced team of surgical oncologists at Inodaya Hospitals ensures surgical removal of the tumor at the site of occurrence. A surgical oncologist plays a vital role in providing multidisciplinary cancer care. They are trained to treat both simple and complex cases of all kinds of cancer tumors. Our surgical oncologists have immense knowledge of cancer biology, imaging technologies, radiation therapy and chemical and biological therapy.
Treatments Offered
- Head & Neck Tumors (Mouth, Throat, Larynx, Salivary gland & Thyroid)
- Chest Cancers (Esophageal & Lung cancers)
- Gastrointestinal Cancers (Stomach, Large bowel, Small bowel, Liver & Pancreatic cancers)
- Genitourinary Cancers (Kidney, Bladder, Adrenal, & Penile cancers)
- Skin Cancers
- Soft Tissue & Bone Sarcomas
- Minimal Access Surgery as appropriate in various cancers
The Department of Surgical Oncology has a dedicated team of highly skilled surgeons with extensive experience in delivering comprehensive treatment of cancer. They perform a full range of cancer surgery and reconstructive procedures.
Common surgical procedures: | http://inodayahospitals.com/service-item/surgical-oncology-hospital-in-kakinada/ |
Paras Hospitals, Gurugram
Paras Institute of Oncology in Gurgaon offers medical and surgical treatments for all types of cancers – breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, mouth cancer , oral cancer, brain cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, stomach cancer, uterine cancer, to list a few. The cancer specialists also provide treatment for through chemotherapy, surgical therapy and medical therapy. Paras Hospitals also provides pain management and palliative care to cancer patients. | https://www.parashospitals.com/campaign/cancer-enquiry-form-paras-hospitals-gurgaon/ |
Metastatic brain tumours are cancers that grow in the brain through a primary cancer growing in another part of the body. The primary cancer may be lung, colon, breast, lymphoma, leukaemia etc. They frequently occur in the cerebrum (80%), the cerebellum (13-16%) and the brainstem (3%). Fifty percent of the time, multiple metastatic brain tumours are present. Most are diagnosed after their primary cancer has been diagnosed and treated. About one-third of people with metastatic brain tumours have not been previously diagnosed with cancer, and their central nervous system symptoms are the first indication of cancer. In about half of these people, the primary site will never be found.
Symptoms
Headache: Initially the headache comes and goes, and is usually common in the morning. It gradually increases in duration, frequency and severity
Weakness: One side of the body is weak
Behavioural changes: Some examples include impairment of judgement, reasoning, memory loss, rapid mood changes and mental confusion
Neurological: Drowsiness, changes in vision, speech disturbance, balance problems, clumsy unsteady walk, dizziness and vomiting
Seizures: May be the first indication
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on the medical history, neurological examination and computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. If there is no history of cancer, it is necessary to undergo more extensive testing to determine the primary cancer such as blood, urine and stool tests, chest x-ray, colonoscopy, chest/abdominal CT scan and mammography.
Treatment
Treatment goals depend on the patient and other factors. The goal may be cure or relief of symptoms.
Surgery
Biopsy: Removal of a small piece of tumour to confirm the exact nature of the tumour or to help diagnose the primary cancer if it has not yet been determined
Resection: This is recommended if the patient’s health is good, there are no other metastases in other parts of the body, the primary cancer does not respond positively to radiation therapy, and there is a single metastasis that can be approached surgically without causing undue neurological damage. Resection is usually followed by whole-brain radiation.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation kills cancer cells directly or interferes with their growth. Two types of radiation therapy are available.
Conventional radiation therapy: The whole brain is radiated over one to two weeks. It may be the only treatment used by patients with lymphoma or small cell lung cancer because these cancers are very radiosensitive. Whole brain radiation often follows surgical resection. 60-80% of all patients respond to radiation therapy by experiencing relief of symptoms.
Radiosurgery: Radiosurgery is carried out using the Novalis Shaped-Beam machine located at the NNI-Khoo Teck Puat Radiosurgery Suite at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) Level B1, Block 2. This delivers narrow beams of strong radiation aimed precisely at the tumour from many different directions. Normal brain tissue therefore receives only a fraction of the total radiation dose received by the tumour. Exact knowledge of the tumour location is necessary, and this is achieved by securing the head firmly but painless in a custom-made mask system and doing a CT scan of the head with the mask system in place. For treatment planning, a MRI scan of the head is also required. Radiosurgery is as good as surgery combined with postoperative radiation for treatment of brain metastases. Hospitalisation is not required, and there is no risk of infection or surgical complications. However the result of radiosurgery is not immediately obvious.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is recommended for spinal fluid metastases and is still under investigation for use against metastatic brain tumours. If the primary tumour is hormone dependent, hormones or hormone-blocking drugs may be used. Breast cancers that are oestrogen-receptor-positive are treated with tamoxifen which may also shrink the metastatic tumours. Prostate cancer metastases may also be treated by hormones. Steroids may be effective in patients with lymphoma.
Steroids
Steroids such as Dexamethazone, act rapidly to decrease the symptoms of raised intracranial pressure due to brain swelling that accompanies metastatic brain tumours but do not kill the tumour cells. Improvement is noticeable within six to twenty four hours. This therapy is effective in sixty to eighty percent of patients with metastatic brain tumours. Steroids are frequently prescribed during the course of radiation therapy to reduce the swelling caused by radiation.
Steroid use is monitored by the doctor because of its potential side effects e.g., gastric pain and haemorrhage, aggravation of diabetes mellitus and reduced ability of the body to fight infection etc. | https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/metastatic-brain-tumours/overview |
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Targeted Therapies in Oncology
September 2013
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Certain Patients May Benefit More From Eribulin
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Learning as much as you can when you get diagnosed with cancer can help you a lot. It can aid you to get the most effective treatment. This article helps you to know the fundamentals of the kinds of brain cancer and the way they're treated.
|Infographic on: Types of Brain Tumors » Brain Cancer Classifications|
Where Brain Cancers begin and unfold?A neoplasm may be a mass of cells in your brain that doesn't seem to be traditional. There are two general types of brain tumors:
- Primary brain tumors which begin in brain tissue and tend to stay there.
- Secondary brain tumors are generally more common in a major way. These cancers can start developing in within the body organs or parts and travel to the brain. Breast, kidney, skin, and lung cancers definitely are a few of them. This guide will help you to learn the fundamentals of the kinds of brain cancer. Also, you will learn the way they're treated, which is very important.
What are the common types of Brain Tumours?
- Astrocytomas: These usually arise within the largest part of the brain, the neural structure. They will be of any grade and cause seizures or changes in behavior.
- Meningioma: This area unit the first common primary brain tumors in adults. It is possible that they occur in your 70s or 80s. They may arise within the membrane. The membrane is the lining of the brain. 1, 2 and 3 are the various grades of cancer. They usually begin and grow at a slow pace.
- Oligodendroglia: These arise within the cells that build the covering that protects the cells.
The World Health Organization (WHO) updated the official classification of Tumours. This classification was of the Central Systemanervosum. The World Health Organization (WHO) printed a politician assortment of Central Sistema nervous. The neuro-oncology field is now able to use a precise system for tumor classification. Supported by information from knowledgeable Neuropathologists and Neuro-oncologists. The updated results integrate molecular information with microscopic anatomy. There are over one hundred twenty forms of brain and central systems nervous (CNS) tumors.
Most medical establishments use this classification to identify brain tumours. The United Nations agency classifies brain tumors on two bases. First, by the origin of the cell. Second, by the way, the cells behave. The cells can have the smallest amount of aggression named benign. They can also be the foremost aggressive called malignant. Neoplasm of Grade I is least malignant. Whereas neoplasm of Grade IV is most malignant, which signifies the speed of growth. They are square measure variations in grading systems. They're square measure variations in grading systems,
Is spongioblastoma fatal?Brain Cancer spongioblastoma multiform was not treatable earlier. But due to the Discovery of generally Key Growth Instigator now it is treatable. Any cancer that is quiet is terrific; but, brain cancer could be the scariest of the bunch. Spongioblastoma multiform is one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer.
Brain Cancer SymptomsBrain tumors have a lot of symptoms. Some other tumors also have symptoms such as tumors of the pituitary gland). These are usually found only with a CT scan or tomography conducted for more than one reason. The symptoms of brain cancer generally are not specific. There can be a lot of symptoms. Several alternative sicknesses cause these.
Headaches are a standard symptom of brain cancer. But they do not occur till late within the progression of bad health.
Your headache pattern plays an important role in identifying this. If there is something serious your doctor would tell you to go to the hospital.
The symptoms can turn out to be new or unexpected. These need immediate attention. So you must visit the closest hospital emergency department
Get on the lookout for the new symptoms:
- Seizures:
- Change in mental standing,
- Excessive temporary state,
- Issues with memory, or not able to concentrate
- Visual changes or different sensory issues
- The difficulty with speech or in expressing yourself
- Changes in behaviour temperament
- Clumsiness or problem in walking
- Nausea or disgorgement (especially in old or older people)
- Sudden onset of fever, particularly when therapy.
TREATMENT
Exams and Tests:In most cases, you will go through a CT scan of the brain. It takes a look at us like AN X-ray, but, it shows a lot of detail in 3 dimensions. The method is to inject a distinction dye in the blood to spot abnormalities. The magnetic resonance imaging scan is now more preferred to check brain tumours. This can definitely be as a result of magnetic resonance imaging.
The most used technique for getting a diagnostic test is surgery. Opening the OS, with the intention of removing the full growth, if potential. Then a diagnostic test is taken from the growth. If the doctor is unable to get rid of the growth, a tiny low piece of the growth is removed. In some cases, it's potential to gather a diagnostic test while not gap the OS. The precise location of the growth within the brain is set. This happens by employing CT or magnetic resonance imaging scans. Later, a tiny, low hole is created within the OS and a needle is guided through the opening.
Neurosurgery:Our comprehensive neurological treatment program provides a large variety of choices. These are available for primary and pathologic process cancers of the brain. Treatment plans might include ancient surgical approaches. These are neoplasm resection, therapy and/or immunotherapy.
Less invasive surgical techniques:Brain surgery is often wanted to take away the whole neoplasm, if attainable. Within the past, the medico would create massive incisions to get rid of the neoplasm. Today, we're usually able to use the less invasive surgical technique.
Endoscopy is the process that places a camera next to the brain tumor. This, whenever attainable, could result in smaller surgical incisions. Potential benefits might include:
- Improved recovery time
- Lessened pain throughout the recovery method
- A faster conclusion of cancer treatments
- A faster comes to traditional activities
- Sophisticated brain mapping tools
Sophisticated tools enhance the exactitude and safety of brain cancer surgery. These tools can at times help to remove the tumors which otherwise are not operable. It also conserves the neurologic function:
The intraoperative technique uses a sophisticated magnetic resonance imaging system. This helps to map areas of the brain accountable for necessary functions. The map permits North American country to arrange surgery and avoid harm.
Intraoperative electrophysiology "brain mapping" is also referred to as motor mapping and language mapping. It is like GPS for the brain. Little electrodes square measure placed on the outer layer of the brain. These stimulate the brain and areas around the neoplasm. This helps find regions of the brain to avoid, like those accountable for speech or movement.
Delivering alternative treatments throughout brain cancer surgeryOther treatments are performed at the time of surgical procedure. For instance, native therapy. It is also referred to as target therapy and surgical procedure space. It serves to scalp back facet effects associated with general therapy. These include nausea and an instinctive reflex.
Another treatment for brain cancer treatment is intraoperative therapy (IORT). Radiations are delivered on to the realm of the neoplasm surgical procedure. This is done throughout surgery avoid harm to adjacent traditional structures. These structures are the scalp and the skin on the scalp.
Radiation medical careThe targeted therapy could also destroy brain neoplasm and brain tumor cells. This helps to ease symptoms. This medical care permits doctors to extend the indefinite quantity. It also helps to exactly target radiation to the brain tumor. This reduces harm to healthy brain tissue.
Radiation therapy for brain cancer patients is also an option. One can undergo this therapy once. This usually happens after a diagnostic assay. This can also be after the surgical procedure of a neoplasm. This helps to assist destroy remaining microscopic neoplasm cells. It should even be a possibility for not respectable brain process brain tumors. These are tumors that have to unfold to the brain from another a part of the body.
External beam radiation:Used for brain cancer. The realm radiated generally includes the neoplasm and a region encompassing the neoplasm. For pathologic process brain tumors radiation is delivered to the whole brain.
Because carcinoma spreads to the brain, some carcinoma patients receive whole-brain radiation. This is preventive medical care. It aims to prevent pathologic process brain tumors from developing.
- Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy is usually for patients with the best brain cancer. It should be used alone or together. Usually with alternative brain cancer treatments, as well as surgery and/or therapy.
- Systemic therapy for brain cancer- These kinds of therapy medicine enter the blood and reach areas throughout the body. There is a challenge with brain cancer therapy. It is finding a medicine that may cross the barrier of the neoplasm. The barrier is the natural barrier that protects the brain. The medicine should be able to destroy the neoplasm cells within the brain.
Chemotherapy medicine could also be administered in the form of a pill. It is also possible to inject it into the vein. For a few kinds of brain cancer, therapy medicine could also be given directly into the spinal fluid (CSF). This can be either within the brain or skeletal structure. This assists by establishing a special reservoir below the scalp. The reservoir is hooked up to a tube that leads into a ventricle of the brain wherever the CSF circulates.
This technique will increase the drug concentration at the neoplasm web site. It will also reduce the facet effects generally related to general therapy.
Targeted medical care
- Targeted therapies for brain cancer target specific pathways or abnormalities in cells. These are abnormalities of brain neoplasm tumor. These are usually concerned with tumor growth. Targeted medical care is combined with alternative brain cancer treatments. This treatment is a possibility for patients United Nations agency.
- Not everybody needs to have a second opinion from a distinct specialist. Yet, some individuals may need to try and do this. It’d be vital for you and your family to feel that one has explored each possibility. Asking the opinion of another specialist could assist you to feel confident.
Thanks to set about this can be to raise your own specialist to refer you to a different specialist. Your specialist won't mind you asking. It's common.
Your specialist collects copies of all your check results and scans. These are then sent to a different specialist.
- Finding information yourself
- You might realize info a couple of treatment that you suppose is new, or may well re-offer to you.
- You must take the knowledge to your specialist.
- You'll speak it through with them and establish if it's relevant for your state of affairs.
Cost for treatment:HopkinsMedicine.org offers an outline of the various sorts of surgery
This additionally coasted non-surgical components of the surgery tests on the neoplasm.
The particular removal of the neoplasm values $9,550. Whereas the "operating-recovery room" point lists at $25,856. 2 nights within the hospital value $3,340. | https://www.healthyfyall.com/2019/04/brain-cancer-types.html |
Participants will be breast cancer patients receiving radiation therapy at Massachusetts General Hospital. There will be two groups of patients: those receiving adjuvant radiation therapy alone following surgical tumor resection, and those receiving adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy following surgical tumor resection. Patients receiving any radiation regimen detailed below in section 2b are eligible for the study. In this study the investigators will be drawing blood for beta-endorphin measurement prior to, at various times during, and following patients' treatment regimens. In addition, at each blood draw, patients will complete questionnaires that assess fatigue, mood, and pain. These questionnaires have all been validated for use in cancer patients (see "Procedures Involving Human Participants section below), and for our study, the investigators have formatted them onto computer tablets for ease of patient completion and data analysis. This study will progress as follows:
Patients: Patients expected to receive adjuvant radiation therapy at Massachusetts General Hospital will be approached for enrollment onto this study. Two groups of patients, a chemotherapy group and a non-chemotherapy group, will be enrolled as follows:
1. Adjuvant chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy
2. Adjuvant radiation therapy without chemotherapy
The enrollment goal for each group is 50 patients (total of 100 patients for the study). This calculation is based on the approximate number of 30 patients the investigators will need to achieve a sensitivity of β-endorphin changes of 5 pM being statistically significant to a p-value of<0.05 with 95% power. Based in our finding in mice, the investigators expect β-endorphin levels to vary between individuals, and the investigators have increased sample size by 70% from our calculations to account for deviations from our β-endorphin levels estimations. Additionally, the investigators have added patients to account for a number of patient dropping out of the study, since this is a long trial for patients requiring multiple blood draws.
Observational Model: Case Control, Time Perspective: Prospective
Breast Cancer
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston
Massachusetts
United States
02114
Recruiting
Massachusetts General Hospital
Published on BioPortfolio: 2014-08-27T03:14:05-0400
A Breast Cancer Information Registry for Participants With Breast Cancer or Characteristics of Hereditary Breast Cancer
RATIONALE: Gathering information about patients with breast cancer and their families may help the study of breast cancer in the future. PURPOSE: This clinical trial is gathering informat...
A Multicenter Study of Clinical Epidemiology of Breast Cancer in Shaanxi Province of China
The purpose of the study is to study the epidemic features and diagnosis of female breast cancer, especially the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.The disease-free survival (DFS) an...
Collection of Tissue, Blood, and Cells to Be Used For Studying the Causes, Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Breast Cancer
The purpose of this study is to collect a blood sample from patients with breast disease (cases) and from individuals without breast cancer (controls)that may be used for research purposes...
MRI in Women With Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Prior to Breast Conserving Surgery
To see if performing breast MRI before a lumpectomy will help the surgeon successfully remove the entire cancer with normal tissue margins in a single operation thereby reducing the need f...
Risk and Clinical Benefit of Chemotherapy and Intensive Endocrine Therapy for Luminal B1 Early-stage Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common female malignancy in the world, and the leading cause of cancer-associated mortalities among women. Hormone receptors (HR) including ER and PR are the main...
The Significance of the Stromal Response in Breast Cancer: An Immunohistochemical Study of Myofibroblasts in Primary and Metastatic Breast Cancer.
Gene expression profiling of breast cancer has demonstrated the importance of stromal response in determining the prognosis of invasive breast cancer. The host response to breast cancer is of increasi...
Urinary Phthalate Metabolite Concentrations and Breast Cancer Incidence and Survival following Breast Cancer: The Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project.
Phthalates, known endocrine disruptors, may play a role in breast carcinogenesis. Few studies have examined phthalates in relation to breast cancer (BC), and, to our knowledge, none have considered su...
Trends in Breast Cancer Mortality by Stage at Diagnosis Among Young Women in the United States.
Assessing trends in breast cancer survival among young women who are largely unaffected by breast cancer screening will provide important information regarding improvements in the effectiveness of can...
Localized morphea after breast implant for breast cancer: A case report.
Early breast cancer follow-up guidelines for patients who underwent surgery suggest a regular and accurate clinical examination of the breast area, for an early identification of cutaneous or subcutan...
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Tumors that secrete large volumes of mucus are chemotherapy resistant, however, mechanisms underlying this resistance are unknown. One protein highly expressed in mucin secreting breast cancers is the...
Breast Cancer Lymphedema
Abnormal accumulation of lymph in the arm, shoulder and breast area associated with surgical or radiation breast cancer treatments (e.g., MASTECTOMY).
Inflammatory Breast Neoplasms
Metastatic breast cancer characterized by EDEMA and ERYTHEMA of the affected breast due to LYMPHATIC METASTASIS and eventual obstruction of LYMPHATIC VESSELS by the cancer cells.
Carcinoma, Lobular
A infiltrating (invasive) breast cancer, relatively uncommon, accounting for only 5%-10% of breast tumors in most series. It is often an area of ill-defined thickening in the breast, in contrast to the dominant lump characteristic of ductal carcinoma. It is typically composed of small cells in a linear arrangement with a tendency to grow around ducts and lobules. There is likelihood of axillary nodal involvement with metastasis to meningeal and serosal surfaces. (DeVita Jr et al., Cancer: Principles & Practice of Oncology, 3d ed, p1205)
Capecitabine
A deoxycytidine derivative and fluorouracil PRODRUG that is used as an ANTINEOPLASTIC ANTIMETABOLITE in the treatment of COLON CANCER; BREAST CANCER and GASTRIC CANCER.
Mucin-1
Carbohydrate antigen elevated in patients with tumors of the breast, ovary, lung, and prostate as well as other disorders. The mucin is expressed normally by most glandular epithelia but shows particularly increased expression in the breast at lactation and in malignancy. It is thus an established serum marker for breast cancer.
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Program includes:
- Initial presentation in the clinic
- clinical history taking
- analysis of medical records
- physical examination
- laboratory tests:
- complete blood count
- biochemical analysis of blood
- TSH-basal
- tumor markers
- inflammation indicators
- indicators blood coagulation
- ultrasound of the abdomen
- CT/MRI scan of the abdomen
- colonoscopy with biopsy
- histological and Immunhistochemiсal analysis
- radiation
- chemotherapy
- consultation of related specialists
- symptomatic specific treatment
- the cost of essential medicines and materials
- nursing services
- control examinations
- developing of further guidance
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About the department
The Department of Oncology at the Medicana International Istanbul Hospital offers diagnostics and treatment of the full range of malignant diseases. The department specializes in the treatment of lung, breast, prostate, stomach and other abdominal cancers, etc. The department offers the full spectrum of treatments, ranging from conservative therapy with the chemotherapeutic drugs to the very latest methods of surgical treatment and radiotherapy. Both diagnostics and treatment are conducted in cooperation with other hospital’s departments, including radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, etc. The Chief Physician of the department is Prof. Dr. med. Mutlu Demiray.
If surgical treatment is indicated, the physicians of the department have at their disposal all cutting-edge surgical techniques, including open surgeries and minimally invasive, laparoscopic interventions. The decision on the optimal surgical approach is made on the basis of the complex examination findings within the framework of the interdisciplinary tumor board. In order to ensure the best treatment efficiency, in addition to surgery, other methods of modern evidence-based medicine may be applied. These include chemotherapy, biological therapy, intraoperative radiotherapy, etc.
The department successfully treats superficial and deep-seated tumors of all organs. For example, the specialists of the department are experts in the treatment of breast cancer in women. In addition to surgical treatment, the supplementary therapeutic options include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and radiotherapy. Whenever possible, preference is given to breast-conserving breast cancer treatment In the case of radical or partial breast resection, patients are offered the entire range of reconstructive surgery.
The combination of advanced technologies, close cooperation between various medical specialties during diagnostics and treatment, long experience of the physicians of the department ensure the best possible safety and treatment efficiency for patients.
The department’s service range includes the diagnostics and treatment of the following diseases:
- Lung cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer in women
- Gynecological tumors
- Prostate cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Liver cancer
- Head and neck tumors
- Lymphomas
- Sarcomas
- Tumors of the musculoskeletal system
- And other oncological diseases
Curriculum vitae
Education and Professional Experience
- 2000 Medical Education, Uludağ University Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine.
- 2005 Residency Program, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology, Uludağ University School of Medicine.
- 2005 - 2006 Instructor in the Department of Medical Oncology, Uludağ University School of Medicine.
- 2006 - 2007 Physician at the Bursa AOS Oncology Hospital, Bursa .
- 2007 - 2010 Physician at the Medical Park Hospital, Bursa.
- 2010 - 2011 Physician at the Istanbul Italian Oncology Hospital, Istanbul.
- 2011 - 2013 Physician at the OSM Middle East Hospital, Şanlıurfa.
- 2013 - 2014 Training in Hyperthermia, Integrative Oncology, Ruhr University, Bochum.
- Chief Physician of the Department of Oncology, Medicana International Hospital Istanbul.
Photo of the doctor: (c) Medicana Health Group
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- Program [Description]
Treatment of colon cancer with radiation and chemotherapy
- Hospital: Medicana International Istanbul Hospital
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SORLA is a protein trafficking receptor that has been mainly studied in neurons, but it also plays a role in cancer cells. Professor Johanna Ivaska’s research group at Turku Bioscience observed that SORLA functionally contributes to the most reported therapy-resistant mechanism by which the cell-surface receptor HER3 counteracts HER2 targeting therapy in HER2-positive cancers. Removing SORLA from cancer cells sensitized anti-HER2 resistant breast cancer brain metastasis to targeted therapy.Read:Drug combination increases susceptibility to cytostatic treatments in cases of severe neuroblastoma
HER2 protein is a strong driver of tumor growth. HER2 amplification occurs in about 20% of breast cancers and overexpression or amplification of HER2 is also commonly found in bladder and gastric cancers. HER2 targeting therapies, such as Herceptin, are widely used in clinical care and it plays an important role in the treatment of HER2-positive cancers.
However, some patients will eventually progress during the Herceptin treatment and therapy resistance is frequently linked to the upregulation of HER3 receptor. The newly discovered role of SORLA in supporting HER3 expression and drug resistance offers novel possibilities to target drug-resistant HER2 positive cancers in the future.
“HER2 tumors can become therapy resistant by upregulating HER3. Currently these tumors are un-druggable as there are no HER3 targeted therapies available. Our study showed that removing SORLA protein from drug-resistant HER2-positive cancer cell lines sensitized breast cancer brain metastasis to anti-HER2 therapy. To date, very little has been known about SORLA in cancer. Our discovery that HER3 receptor-induced drug resistance is dependent on SORLA was surprising, since this cancer type and its resistance mechanisms have already been widely studied,” says lead author, Post-doctoral Researcher Hussein Al-Akhrass from Turku Bioscience at the University of Turku, Finland.Read:Targeted immunotherapy could boost radiotherapy response
New understanding of these mechanisms enabled the possibility to control the growth of breast cancer cells in their most aggressive situation when they form tumors in the brain.
In vitro cell culture experiments showed that SORLA protein promotes the recycling of HER3 receptor back to plasma membrane, where the receptor is active and drives the proliferation of cancer cells. When SORLA was removed, HER3 receptor was destroyed in cells leading to sensitisation of the cells to anti-HER2 therapy.
The next goal for the research group is to find a way to block the function of SORLA in tumor cells and therefore if there could be a way to develop SORLA targeting treatment.Read:Novel organoid models illuminate the path to cervical cancers
Researchers identify novel oncogenic function for receptor linked to Alzheimer’s disease
Hussein Al-Akhrass et al. A feed-forward loop between SorLA and HER3 determines heregulin response and neratinib resistance, Oncogene (2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01604-5
University of Turku
Citation:
Novel treatment avenue for resistant cancers: Removing SORLA protein from drug-resistant HER2-positive cancer cell lines (2021, January 29)
retrieved 29 January 2021
from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-01-treatment-avenue-resistant-cancers-sorla.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no
part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only. | https://www.yeshealthplease.com/removing-sorla-protein-from-drug-resistant-her2-positive-cancer-cell-lines/ |
Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) encompasses primary breast cancers with distant metastasis and recurrence after surgery. In general, cure is rarely achieved in patients with MBC; thus, systemic therapy is the standard of care for this disease. Although recent advances in systemic therapies have led to improved survival in patients with MBC (1-3), their clinical outcomes remain unsatisfactory. The elucidation of patient subgroups that may benefit from different treatment strategies is of great interest. The lung is an important site of metastasis from breast cancer (4-6). Multiple pulmonary metastases are commonly observed in patients with MBC; however, a solitary or limited number of metastases may also be detected (4). Cases in which a solitary lung nodule is detected in patients previously treated for breast cancer require histological confirmation for differential diagnosis and treatment strategy because this manifestation represents something other than recurrent disease such as primary lung cancer or benign lung tumor (7,8). Women treated for breast cancer have an increased risk of second malignancies, including lung cancer, compared to the general population (9,10). Most pulmonary metastases show typical radiological features of smooth and ovoid margins but occasionally show radiological signs similar to those of primary lung adenocarcinomas, such as margin notching or irregularity (8). The histological diagnosis of MBC and primary lung adenocarcinoma is also difficult (11).
Oligometastatic disease (OMD) is characterized by a solitary or limited number of detectable metastatic lesions (12,13). Patients with OMD may receive locoregional treatments either alone or in combination with systemic therapy with curative intent (14). In colorectal cancer, the clinical practice guidelines from the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (15) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) (16) recommend surgical intervention or other locoregional treatments in patients with “resectable” OMD. The reported 5-year survival rates after surgical intervention range from 20% to 45% for complete resection of liver or pulmonary metastasis. In MBC (15). OMD accounts for 1–10% of all newly diagnosed patients (17,18), and locoregional treatment remains controversial in this population.
This review presents and discusses available data on MBC of the lung for differential diagnosis and local treatment, especially surgical treatment, which may be associated with improved survival in select patients.
Clinical features of pulmonary metastasis in breast cancer
At the time of diagnosis, only 5–10% of breast cancer patients have distant metastasis (19,20). However, more than 30% of breast cancer patients experience recurrence (6). The bone, liver, lung, and brain are common sites of distant metastasis in breast cancer (21,22). At diagnosis, most pulmonary metastases are asymptomatic; however, progression may cause serious conditions and symptoms such as cough, hemoptysis, pleural effusion, and pulmonary dysfunction, which profoundly affect patients’ quality of life and survival (6). There is a need to establish better treatment strategies for pulmonary metastasis in breast cancer.
The reported incidence of pulmonary metastasis in patients with breast cancer ranges from 7% to 24% according to histological and molecular subtypes (23). Visceral metastasis such as pulmonary metastasis preferentially occurs in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients, while bone metastasis is frequent in non-TNBC patients (23-26). The incidence of pulmonary metastasis can reach 40% in TNBC and 20% in non-TNBC patients (26). Different subtypes exhibit distinctive behavior concerning the sites of distant metastasis (6).
Management of a solitary lung nodule after first breast cancer
Solitary lung nodules observed after breast cancer treatment are traditionally considered to represent metastasis from the breast (27). It is difficult to completely avoid misdiagnosis of a solitary lung nodule in patients after treatment of the first breast cancer, and inappropriate treatment is thus possible (28). Although the radiological features on computed tomography (CT) imaging usually differ between primary lung cancer and metastatic lung tumor, differential diagnosis using radiological examination can be misleading because some pulmonary metastases have an irregularly-shaped appearance similar to that of primary lung cancer (8). The final pathological diagnosis of solitary lung nodules include primary lung cancer, MBC, and benign tumor in 48–67%, 23–43%, and 5–10% of cases, respectively (7,27,29). Therefore, in patients with a solitary lung nodule and a history of breast cancer, differentiation of MBC lung nodule from primary lung cancer, benign lung tumor, and metastasis from other types of cancer is recommended to determine the treatment strategy. Among invasive methods, surgical intervention is the most powerful approach to provide sufficient tissue for histological confirmation along with the determination of hormone receptor expression and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2/neu) statuses. Transbronchoscopic lung biopsy or CT-guided lung biopsy might also be selected based on the tumor location and the accessibility of transbronchial or percutaneous approaches. Since both breast and lung adenocarcinomas show similar histological findings such as secretory-featured cytoplasm, stromal fibrosis, and growth along the alveolar septa (11), pathological diagnosis by hematoxylin-eosin staining, including intraoperative rapid pathological diagnosis, is challenging. Therefore, immunohistochemical analyses of TTF-1, HER2 (27) or MGB1 (11) are useful for the differential diagnosis of pulmonary metastasis of MBC and primary lung cancer.
Similar to other malignancies, the incidence of second primary neoplasms after breast cancer treatment is increasing (30). A cohort study of 17,745 women who received breast cancer treatment observed 2,370 secondary malignancies during follow-up with a 15-year cumulative incidence of second malignancies of 1.807 per 100,000 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.729–1.884] after breast cancer treatment (9). The crude incidence rates of this cohort were significantly higher than those of the general population for several malignancies, including contralateral breast cancer [standard incidence rate (SIR), 2.96; 95% CI, 2.8–3.1] and lung cancer (SIR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.1–1.7). Lung cancers account for 5% of second primary cancers after breast cancer (31).
Lorigan et al. reviewed to determine risk factors of lung cancer after treatment of breast cancer (32). A population-based study of the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program found that adjuvant radiotherapy after mastectomy increased the relative risk of lung cancer of 1.5 (95% CI, 1.3–2.0) comparing patients underwent a radical mastectomy alone (33). Other reports have also reported that radiotherapy for breast cancer increased the risk of second non-breast cancer such as cancer of the lung, esophagus and sarcomas at exposed sites (9,34).
Surgical procedures of pulmonary metastasectomy (PM)
PM requires resection of all detectable lung nodules. Partial or sublober resection is usually performed as PM; however, lobectomy or more extensive resection is occasionally performed to avoid residual tumor (35).
Mediastinal lymph node (LN) dissection is not commonly performed in patients with MBC (35), but lobectomy with mediastinal LN dissection can be performed if primary lung cancer is likely to be considered. Intrathoracic LN metastasis occurs in 39% of patients with thoracic metastasis from breast cancers (36), 13–44% of patients with pulmonary metastasis from colorectal cancers (37,38), and 35% of patients with renal cell carcinomas (39). However, no randomized controlled trials have been conducted to determine the therapeutic effect of LN dissection in these patients, and the indications for LN dissection remain controversial (35).
During surgery, pulmonary metastasis is usually detected by manual palpation by the surgeon’s fingers or the use of surgical instruments. Localization of target lesions can be difficult if they are small, multiple, and/or centrally located. In these cases, multiple localization techniques, including CT-guided use of a short hook wire (40) and bronchoscopic multispot dye-marking (41), have also been applied. Using these techniques and/or manual palpitation, the video-assisted thoracoscopic approach can also be performed for PM (42). However, an open thoracotomy is sometimes needed for more elaborate exploration to confirm the presence of metastasis by palpation and to perform extended resections of large lesions.
Clinical impact of PM for breast cancer
Regarding patient selection for PM, in general, it is important that (I) the primary disease site is controlled, (II) there are no other systemic metastases, or if present, they are actively managed, and (III) an adequate disease-free interval (DFI) is present to confirm “oligometastatic” disease (35,43). In most MBC patients, PM is considered for histological confirmation along with the determination of molecular status, and the role of local treatment is limited (35). Yhim et al. retrospectively investigated the clinical outcomes of consecutive recurrent breast cancer patients with a limited number of isolated pulmonary metastases (less than 4), who received PM followed by systemic treatment (PM group) or systemic treatment alone (non-PM group), during 1997–2007 (44). The authors reported a significantly longer 4-year OS in the PM group than that in the non-PM group (82.1% vs. 31.6%, P=0.001).
Our systematic review assessed survival and prognostic factors for PM in patients with pulmonary MBC. An electronic search of PubMed, complemented by manual searches of the English literature, identified eligible studies using the keywords [“pulmonary metastasectomy” AND “breast cancer”], [“lung metastasectomy” AND “breast cancer”], or [“pulmonary resection” AND “metastatic breast cancer”]. After excluding inadequate literature such as case reports, those including other malignancies, and review articles, nine studies were retrieved (45-53) (Table 1). The patients’ age at PM diagnosis ranged from 50 to 62 years. The DFI, defined as the interval between surgery for primary breast cancer and the appearance of pulmonary metastases, was 26 to 90 months. The 5-year survival rate in MBC patients undergoing PM was 35–72%. The frequently reported significant favorable prognostic factors were DFI (four studies; >3 or 8 years), number of pulmonary metastases (four studies; 1 or <5), complete resection (three studies; R0), and the hormone receptor status of the metastases (three studies: positive). This evidence suggests that PM may be a treatment option in selected patients with MBC; however, prospective randomized trials are necessary to establish an optimal treatment strategy.
Full table
Monitoring of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels
A precise determination of disease status (limited or multiple metastases) is important to consider the indication for local treatment in patients with MBC. Disease status is usually diagnosed by radiological examinations such as CT and PET/CT. The detectability of these radiological examinations depends on the tumor size (size-dependent manner) (Figure 1). Circulating cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA) is released by apoptotic or necrotic tumor cells (54). Using sensitive molecular assays, cancer-specific aberrations can be detected in the ctDNA and used for cancer screening, therapeutic target identification, real-time therapy monitoring, and early diagnosis (54,55). ctDNA levels depend on the tumor burden in the whole body (dose-dependent manner) (Figure 1), and changes in ctDNA levels are associated with tumor volume (56). In clinical course, ctDNA dynamics can be used as a surrogate marker for relapse and metastasis in patients with lung (57) and breast (58,59) cancers. Importantly, ctDNA analysis can detect incipient recurrence earlier than radiological diagnostic modalities with an average lead time of 10 months (range, 2–15 months) (60).
In patients with a limited number of radiologically detectable metastases (solitary or a few), ctDNA levels increase in proportion to the growth rate of radiologically detectable tumors (Figure 1). By contrast, in patients with multiple undetectable metastases and a limited number of radiologically detectable metastases, ctDNA can be detected at an earlier point of the clinical course and ctDNA levels continue to increase regardless of the growth rate of a radiologically detectable tumor. Monitoring of ctDNA levels may help to determine the treatment strategies for patients with MBC.
Future perspectives
Regarding local treatments other than surgery, remarkable advances have been made in radiotherapy, including the development of stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) and thermal ablation therapies including radiofrequency ablation, microwave, and cryotherapy (61-63). The usefulness of these methodologies has been reported for lesions that are difficult to resect. SABR or thermal ablation can benefit patients with pulmonary OMD, particularly those at a high risk for surgery or those who refuse surgery (35).
Currently, various novel anticancer drugs such as cytotoxic cancer drugs, and molecular-targeted drugs, and immune checkpoint inhibitors are being developed. Various ongoing clinical trials are assessing these drugs in monotherapy or combination therapy (64). Since treatment strategies for MBC patients are rapidly changing, the indications for PM in MBC patients should be discussed by multidisciplinary teams including respiratory surgeons, breast cancer physicians, oncologists, and radiation therapists.
Conclusions
Differential diagnosis of a solitary lung tumor is difficult in patients with a history of breast cancer treatment. Some pulmonary metastases in breast cancer have radiological and histological characteristics similar to those of primary lung cancer. In MBC patients with pulmonary metastasis, selected MBC patients with a small number of lung tumors, long DFI, or hormone receptor positivity may benefit from the resection of pulmonary metastasis; however, the selection criteria have not been clearly defined. Using novel technologies and modalities, patient selection for individualized treatment options will help to establish a “cure” for MBC patients.
Acknowledgments
Funding: None.
Footnote
Provenance and Peer Review: This article was commissioned by the Guest Editors (Tadahiko Shien and Kaori Terata) for the series “Loco regional therapy for metastatic breast cancer” published in Translational Cancer Research. The article was sent for external peer review organized by the Guest Editors and the editorial office.
Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/tcr.2020.03.63). The series “Loco-regional therapy for metastatic breast cancer” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. TM reports grants and personal fees from Pfizer, grants and personal fees from Boehringer Ingelheim, grants and personal fees from MSD, grants and personal fees from Chugai, grants and personal fees from Taiho, grants and personal fees from Eli Lilly, grants and personal fees from Ono Pharmaceutical, grants from Daiichi-Sankyo, personal fees from Bristol-Myers Squibb, personal fees from Astra Zeneca, personal fees from Thermofisher, personal fees from Roche Diagnostics, outside the submitted work. The authors have no conflicts of other interest to declare.
Ethical Statement: The authors are accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.
Open Access Statement: This is an Open Access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), which permits the non-commercial replication and distribution of the article with the strict proviso that no changes or edits are made and the original work is properly cited (including links to both the formal publication through the relevant DOI and the license). See: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.
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To the Editor,
The cell surface extracellular domain of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) serves as a checkpoint for cell proliferation and differentiation. HER-2 expression is associated with tumor aggressiveness in breast cancer. Trastuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody (MAB) directed against HER-2, and trastuzumab alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapy is the standard treatment for breast cancer patients whose tumors overexpress HER-2. Although trastuzumab is generally well tolerated, a small number of patients develop mild adverse reactions to this treatment. Among such reactions, autoimmune thyroiditis is a rare adverse event associated with trastuzumab infusion, with an incidence rate of 0.3%. To date, four cases of trastuzumab-associated autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) have been recorded in adjuvant breast cancer studies; however, details of these cases, including clinical manifestations of disease severity and their natural courses, were not reported. Here we report a case of trastuzumab-associated AITD that developed 3 days after the first cycle of trastuzumab therapy in a metastatic breast cancer patient.
A 42-year-old female patient was hospitalized due to headaches and back pain. The patient had undergone modified radical mastectomy on her left breast 2 years prior, followed by eight rounds of adriamycin and cyclophosphamide-based chemotherapy. Examination of the surgical breast tissue revealed an overexpression of HER-2. Five months prior to her hospitalization, an annual imaging study revealed the presence of metastases at multiple sites. However, the metastatic breast cancer was not treated because the patient refused treatment.
A general examination indicated that she was afebrile and tachycardic. On physical examination, her skin color and bilateral conjunctivae showed jaundice, and mild hepatomegaly with abdominal bloating was noted. Several bilateral lymph nodes with firm texture were palpable in the cervical area. The thyroid gland was normal in size and texture. A respiratory system examination revealed diminished breath sounds in bilateral lower lung fields. A chest X-ray showed bilateral costophrenic blunting. Laboratory tests, including complete blood counts and blood chemistries, were performed. The results were as follows: hemoglobin, 12.2 mg/dL; leukocyte count, 11.87 × 109 cells/L (82.6% neutrophils, 9.6% lymphocytes, 6.8% monocytes, 0.7% eosinophils, and 0.3% basophils); platelet count, 220 × 109 cells/L; serum aspartate aminotransferase, 254 IU/L; serum alanine aminotransferase, 66 IU/L; total bilirubin, 4.9 mg/dL; gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, 984 IU/L; alkaline phosphatase, 694 IU/L; lactate dehydrogenase, 1,301 IU/L; blood urea, 5.5 mg/dL; serum creatinine, 0.4 mg/dL; prothrombin time, 12 seconds; activated partial thromboplastin time, 30.2 seconds; erythrocyte sedimentation rate, 60 mm/hour; and C-reactive protein, 19.45 mg/L.
Multiple metastatic lesions, including in lymph nodes and the lymphatics of bilateral lung parenchymas and the spine, were confirmed by computed tomography (CT) scanning of the chest. A CT scan of the liver revealed the presence of multiple metastases in the liver parenchyma and ascites. Ascites fluid was aspirated and presented as a transudate. Cytological analysis of the ascites fluid did not reveal the presence of malignant cells.
A magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was done because of sustained headaches. Multiple enhancing masses of variable size with surrounding edema were observed. These findings were consistent with brain metastasis and corresponded to the clinical signs. The patient received whole brain radiation therapy 10 times (300 cGy each treatment). After radiation therapy, the patient received trastuzumab injections (8 mg/kg body weight).
Three days after the trastuzumab injections, the patient complained of a swelling in the anterior neck area (Fig. 1). Laboratory tests to evaluate thyroid function and the presence of thyroid autoantibodies were performed. The test results showed that she was euthyroid with levels of free thyroxine (FT4, 0.66 ng/dL [normal range, 0.58 to 1.64]) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH, 3.34 μIU/mL [normal range, 0.34 to 5.6]) within the normal ranges. Thyroid autoantibodies were also within the normal range, except for the anti-thyroglobulin (TG) antibody (162.6 IU/mL [normal range, 0 to 40]).
Sonographic imaging revealed that the anterior neck swelling was a diffuse goiter. Internal echogenicity of the bilateral thyroid glands was coarse without focal lesions (Fig. 2). Additionally, a technetium-99m thyroid scan was performed. It showed multiple non-functioning nodules, leading to suspicion of thyroiditis (Fig. 3). We observed her without treatment, and after 5 days, her anti-TG antibody level decreased to 50.63 IU/mL. The follow-up thyroid function tests showed euthyroid status with normal levels of FT4 (0.76 ng/dL) and TSH (1.69 μIU/mL).
Although radiation therapy and chemotherapy were performed, the general condition of the patient deteriorated. Dyspnea became more prominent as ascites increased, and jaundice developed rapidly. Despite conservative care, the metastatic cancer continued to progress. The patient expired 2 weeks after trastuzumab infusion. The cause of death was intractable respiratory failure and hepatic failure induced by rapidly progressive metastatic breast cancer. From the date of the first trastuzumab infusion to the date of her expiration, other AITD symptoms were not present, except for a palpable goiter.
Currently, chemotherapy, including trastuzumab, is a standard treatment for patients with HER-2-positive breast cancer. Trastuzumab selectively targets breast cancer cells while not affecting normal breast epithelial cells. Therefore, trastuzumab is well tolerated with fewer and milder side effects than conventional chemotherapeutic agents.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, despite the high tolerability of trastuzumab, several adverse events have been associated with trastuzumab infusion. Autoimmune thyroiditis has been found to be a rare adverse event associated with trastuzumab infusion. Four cases of AITD were reported among 1,678 breast cancer patients who received adjuvant trastuzumab treatment. The median trastuzumab treatment duration in these four cases was 51 weeks, and the incidence rate was 0.3%. Specific details regarding the clinical manifestations, disease severity, disease course, and recurrence were not provided. The likelihood of metastasis to the thyroid gland was low, as the duration between the occurrence of goiter from diagnosis of breast cancer was long, and sonographic findings were not compatible with metastasis.
Targeted therapies including MABs are rapidly being included in the management of many types and stages of cancer. Although the usage of targeted therapies has increased, targeted therapy-associated AITD has been rarely reported. Gefitinib is an inhibitor of HER-1 signalling that is used in the treatment of various solid cancers, including lung and breast cancers. A patient with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma developed vitiligo, an autoimmune mediated skin disorder, after receiving gefitinib for 4 weeks . The underlying mechanisms of targeted therapy-associated AITD are unknown. The immune reconstitution syndrome has been proposed to explain the occurrence of AITD in response to targeted therapy. This hypothesis suggests that agents that influence cellular or humoral immunity may reconstitute the immune system, thereby inducing AITD . Immune modulatory effects of the HER-1 inhibitor involving the control of major histocompatibility complex expression have recently been reported , and these immune modulatory effects may play an important role in the occurrence of the HER family inhibitor-associated autoimmune reactions. However, the exact mechanism involved in the development of the HER family inhibitor-associated autoimmune reactions is not fully understood.
AITDs are divided into Graves disease and chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. Although the clinical manifestations of Graves disease are opposite to those of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, these diseases share similar etiologies. Immunological studies have revealed that combined cellular and humoral immune responses affect individuals who are genetically predisposed to develop AITD . A recent study reported that thyropathic women with breast cancer have an increased chance of developing AITD-associated autoantibodies than thyropathic women without breast cancer . The elevated value of anti-TG antibody in our case suggested a pre-existing autoimmune condition. Therefore, we suspected that trastuzumab infusion triggered goiter development in this AITD-susceptible patient.
In our case, the duration between initial administration of trastuzumab and the development of AITD was very short. Furthermore, other possible causative factors or agents for AITD were not identified. Recent studies reported that the HER family of inhibitors may induce autoimmune disorders, and a positive finding of anti-TG antibody indicated that the patient may have been predisposed to autoimmunity. This case is noteworthy because clinical manifestations, severity, immunologic findings, and the natural course of trastuzumab-associated AITD have not been reported previously. In addition, the time frame of the reaction in the current case was extremely short compared to previous reports of HER family inhibitor-associated autoimmune reactions.
Trastuzumab can be used in the treatment of early stage and metastatic breast cancers that overexpress HER-2. The recognition of AITD associated with trastuzumab use is difficult, because trastuzumab is usually well tolerated and does not cause marked adverse events. Because thyroid antibodies are more frequently found in thyropathic patients with breast cancer , we recommend that clinicians be aware of the possibility of developing AITD in breast cancer patients treated with even a short course of trastuzumab therapy. | http://www.kjim.org/journal/view.php?number=169598 |
Surgery, in addition to treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy, may increase the length of survival for metastatic breast cancer patients, according to Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Cancer Institute researchers. They studied nearly 13,000 stage four breast cancer patients and found that those who had surgery in addition to their other treatments had a survival advantage over those who had other treatments alone.
Stage four breast cancer accounts for 6% of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases. Systemic therapy, which may include treatments like chemotherapy, hormone therapies and immunotherapies, is routinely part of treatment plans for those patients. The benefits of surgery to remove the primary breast cancer are currently only recommended for relieving symptoms of advanced breast cancer such as pain and bleeding.
Surgery is the standard of care for some other types of cancers that have spread from the site of origin to another part of the body, known as metastatic cancers. Dr. Kelly Stahl, surgical resident and lead author of the study published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology, said that previous studies evaluating surgical interventions for metastatic breast cancer had conflicting results which has led to a lack of consensus among clinicians and researchers.
“Results from previous trials evaluating surgical benefit in metastatic breast cancer patients have been questioned because of the small number of participants or the fact that patients weren’t also receiving chemotherapy or other systemic therapies,” Stahl said. “We felt another key factor missing from those studies was whether the biologic subtype of breast cancer affected the survival rates in relation to surgical intervention.”
Stahl worked with Dr. Daleela Dodge and Chan Shen to identify 12,838 stage four breast cancer patients from the National Cancer Database from 2010-2015 and whether these patients’ cancer cells had a growth-promoting protein called HER2 and hormone receptors for estrogen and progesterone, which can fuel cancer growth. The researchers said knowing these characteristics of a cancer’s biological subtype can help determine which treatment plans may be effective.
Stahl studied patients who either had systemic therapy alone, had systemic therapy and surgery, or had systemic therapy, surgery and radiation. She and her coauthors then evaluated whether certain biologic subtypes and timing of chemotherapy were associated with survival advantages.
“We evaluated whether the hormone status had an influence on surgical benefit in these treatment-responsive breast cancer patients,” said Dodge, an associate professor of surgery and humanities. “Some types of breast cancer, especially like triple negative, where the cancer is hormone receptor and HER2 negative, are not very responsive to treatment. So our goal was to see if surgery made a difference in metastatic breast cancers that were responsive to treatment.”
The researchers excluded patients who died within six months of their diagnoses, in order to ensure that treatment-responsive cancers were being studied. They found that patients with a surgical intervention tended to have a longer length of survival compared to patients with other treatment plans. Patients whose cancers were HER2 positive especially saw prolonged survival when their treatment plan included surgery.
Stahl and her coauthors further analyzed the patients who received surgery to see whether receiving chemotherapy before or after surgery had an impact on their length of survival. They found that regardless of hormone receptor or HER2 status, patients who received systemic therapy—including chemotherapy and targeted treatments—before surgery tended to live longer than those who had surgery before systemic treatment.
“Not only did we find that surgery may be beneficial for treatment-responsive metastatic breast cancer patients, we also uncovered that getting chemotherapy before that surgery had the greatest survival advantage in patients with positive HER2 and estrogen and progesterone receptor status,” said Shen, associate professor of surgery.
The researchers said that randomized, controlled trials evaluating the role of surgery after systemic therapy in a younger demographic with minimally metastatic cancers could be used to confirm their results, but said that patient resistance to randomization in trials like this have resulted in poor study recruitment. Therefore, they encourage clinicians to evaluate real-world evidence, including their study, to choose optimal treatment for metastatic breast cancer patients.
“Stage four breast cancer patients who are responsive to systemic therapy may be able to benefit from the addition of surgery regardless of their biologic subtype,” Stahl said. | https://konkordia.org/2020/12/31/surgery-may-offer-survival-advantage-in-certain-metastatic-breast-cancers/ |
Breast cancer is the most common cancer of women in Hong Kong and other countries in the world. Every year, there are more than 3,500 new cases of breast cancers in Hong Kong. In general, breast cancer risk increases with age. However, in recent years, the number of reported cases has been rising significantly in the younger age group. Currently the median age of breast cancer patients in Hong Kong is 54 year.
Thanks to medical advances, the cure rate of breast cancer has been improving in the last decade. Still, early detection and treatment are critical for improving the survival rate of patients. According to local statistics, the survival rate of patients with early breast cancers can be up to 80% or more afafter appropriate treatment.
(Special thanks to Dr. Mai Yee LUK, Consultant , Clinical Oncology, Queen Mary Hospital for reviewing the information of this page.)
The breasts are made up of glandular tissues comprising mammary gland tissues, fat and connective tissues. During pregnancy, mammary glands will produce and excrete milk for babies.
However, when cells in the mammary gland divide and proliferate in an uncontrolled way, they may eventually develop into tumours which may be benign or malignant. Breast cancer is a malignant tumour developed in the breast.
High risk factors of breast cancer include:
Most breast cancers are first spotted by the patients themselves. Since the cure rate is much higher in early breast cancers, women should stay aware and self-examine their breasts monthly:
Healthy life styles will help to lower the breast cancer risk.
The role of mass breast screening in Asian population remains controversial. Up to present, there is no convincing evidence to recommend routine check-ups to all women. However, women with higher risk (e.g. strong family history of breast cancer) should consult their doctors for advice.
* Bloated or lumpy breasts are normal physiological reactions caused by cyclic hormonal changes, which are common among women before menstrual cycles. There is no need to worry about it. If you are in doubt about the existence of lumps, please consult your doctor to check if they are benign or malignant. Many of these lumps are benign cysts (fluid-filled sacs or pockets in tissues) or fibroma (non-cancerous tumours composed of fibrous tissue) which are harmless to human body.
a) Mammogram: to detect and confirm the location of breast tumours
b) Biopsy: tissues of the lump are taken out through a fine needle for further microscopic examination to determine the nature of cells in the lump.
Some other tests will also be arranged if necessary:
a) Ultrasound: ultrasound scan is used to supplement the mammogram in determining the location, size and nature of breast lumps
b) Hormonal Receptor and HER2 tests -: these may help to determine whether a patient should receive hormonal treatment or targeted therapy
c) Blood tests: to evaluate general body conditions and functions of the liver and the kidneys
d) Chest x-ray
e) Computed Tomography (CT) scan and bone scan; or PET scan: especially for patients with high risk of tumour spreading to other organs.
Surgery
There are two main types of surgery:
1) Breast conservation therapyThe surgeon removes only the breast tumour and its surrounding tissues; patients should require radiotherapy afterwards to reduce the risk of recurrence. This approach is most suitable for smaller lumps located away from the nipple and there is less undesirable effect on the cosmesis.
2) Mastectomy (removal of whole breast)When the breast tumours are too large or found in different parts of breasts, the whole breast has to be removed surgically.
In either procedure, the lymph nodes in the armpit of the affected side has to be sampled or removed for further microscopic examination. Nowadays suitable patients would be offered sentinel lymph node biopsy. If no tumour cells are detected in the sentinel lymph node, patients could be spared the operation of axillary dissection. This will reduce the chance of post-operative lymphoedema of the upper limb.
For patients undergoing mastectomy, the patient may choose to have breast prosthesis or breast reconstructive surgery. The reconstructive surgery generally uses the fat from the belly or specially made saline implant to restore the contour and shape of breasts. It is recommended to seek further advice from experienced surgeons and nurse specialists before and after breast surgery.
Radiotherapy
For more aggressive tumors or potential residual tumor cells around the surgical wound (e.g. in breast conservation therapy), radiotherapy (treatment using high energy X-ray beams) may also be needed as an adjuvant treatment to reduce the risk of recurrence. A whole course of radiotherapy usually takes 5 to 6 weeks. Nowadays hypofractionated treatment of 3 to 4 weeks has also been proved to be equally effective.
Chemotherapy
Adjuvant chemotherapy is often given after surgery for patients with intermediate to high risk of recurrence. Anti-cancer cytotoxic drugs will be used to kill the residual cancer cells, thus helping to reduce the risk of recurrence. A complete course of chemotherapy usually takes 3-6 months. For patients with advanced breast cancer, chemotherapy can also be used in the palliative setting.
Hormonal treatmentEstrogen will stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells. Therefore doctors may prescribe drugs to block the effect of female hormones to stop the growth of breast cancer cells. However, this approach is only effective in tumors with positive hormonal receptors. The treatment usually consists of oral tablets being taken for up to 10 years.
Targeted therapy
For HER2-positive breast cancers, targeted therapy drugs will further improve the effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy. The course will last for 1 year.
Breast cancer may turn out to be fatal if it spreads to other parts of the body, such as lungs, liver, and brain, etc. Treatments may also lead to side effects or complications, including:
Although treatments may induce some side effects with variable degree of severity, modern treatment has been improved to reduce the associated discomfort and side-effects. Nursing care, medications as well as support from relatives and friends can help to relieve discomfort caused by treatments.
Patients need to be attentive to various aspects before and after surgery and during recovery. Knowing more about breast cancer and being considerate will help them to face the disease in a positive way.
Regular clinic visits: patients will need to be followed up regularly to see whether they develop any signs of symptoms of relapse or treatment complications. In general, the risk of relapse will decrease with longer disease-free period.
Avoid lifting heavy objects with the affected arm. This will also decrease the risk of arm swelling after surgery.
Simple exercise: with instructions from doctors and physiotherapists, patients should have simple arm exercise for upper limbs training so as to maintain the mobility of shoulder joints and reduce the risk of arm swelling. | https://www21.ha.org.hk/smartpatient/SPW/en-us/Disease-Information/Disease/?guid=bc5c075d-d161-4abc-9b1b-1b1ca15d6947 |
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Home > News and Publications > JHM Publications > Promise and Progress > A Cancer Revolution
Promise and Progress - 30 Years of Discovery, Education and Compassionate Care
A Cancer Revolution
30 Years of Discovery, Education and Compassionate Care
Date: December 1, 2004
1973
The Department of Oncology is established with just 13 faculty members. By 2003, the Cancer Center has more than 242 faculty and is a world leader in the research and treatment of cancer.
1974
The Nuclear Matrix is identified as the site for DNA replication, shedding light on the cellular changes that cause normal cells to turn malignant.
1975
The Center establishes one of the nation’s first cancer pharmacology programs and begins developing and testing novel new drugs and compounds for the treatment of cancer. It quickly earns NCI recognition and a grant for Phase I trials of these drugs.
1976
Division of Pediatric Oncology established.
1977
The Johns Hopkins Oncology Center opens as one of the first Comprehensive Cancer Centers under the National Cancer Act.
1978
The first Community Outreach proposal is developed to ensure our mission of transferring our discoveries to the community.Breast lesion and evaluation program offers the first nurse-run screening clinic.
1979
The Center is awarded an NCI grant for new drug development.
1980
The cancer cell-purging drug 4-HC is developed, making autologous (self-donor) bone marrow transplants possible.
1981
Neuro-Oncology study group forms, pulling together diverse specialists for patient care and basic and clinical research.
1982
NCI selects the Center as a site for phase l clinical trials of new anti-cancer drugs.
1984
Discovery of the CD34 antibody makes it possible to isolate and collect bone marrow stem cells.
The anti-cancer compound Paclitaxel is refined at the Center and hailed as the most promising new anti-cancer drug in decades. It becomes standard therapy for the treatment of ovarian cancer and shows promise in lung and breast cancer therapy.
1985
The Center’s nursing research program is initiated. Department of Patient and Family Services starts.
1986
The Center is the only in the region to perform stereotactic brain surgery, computer-generated knifeless surgery used to destroy deep-seated tumors and blood vessel malformations in the brain.Timed sequential therapy for leukemia results in long-term remissions for 70 percent of patients treated.
1987
Biodegradable BCNU polymer implants are approved for clinical trials in brain tumor patients.Thalidomide is used successfully to treat graft versus host disease.
1988
“Hot Spots” of increased DNA methylation in human cancers are found and shown to play a key role in the genetic instability of tumors.
1989
Genetically-engineered tumor cells are used to supercharge the immune system to seek out and destroy cancer cells. This vaccine prototype is today being studied in clinical trials for kidney, prostate, and pancreatic cancers.
The P53 gene is isolated and linked to the progression of colon cancer. It is later found to be the most commonly mutated gene in all cancers and marks the beginning of a decade-long series of genetic discoveries associated with the initiation and progression of colon cancer.
1990
A blood test that identifies genetic mutations associated with an inherited form of colon cancer is developed and made available to high-risk families. It is the first genetic screening test for cancer.
1991
Programmed cell death, in which a specific biochemical message is sent to the cancer cell, is used to trigger hormone-dependent breast cancer cells to die.
The National Familial Brain Tumor Registry, one of the largest collections of data on brain tumors in the world, is located in the Center and provides the first evidence that brain cancers can occur as a family disorder.
1992
A group of breast cancer survivors and concerned Maryland women raises $2.l million to fund one of the nation’s first breast cancer research chairs and fellowships.
1993
The Center is awarded a record three SPORE grants for lung, gastrointestinal, and prostate cancer research.
Abnormal Methylation is found to disable tumor suppressor genes, leading to the loss of normal cell function.
The Pediatric Oncology Long-Term Survivors Program becomes one of only a handful in the country to treat and make recommendations to prevent long- term medical problems associated with childhood cancer therapy.
1994
DNA replication errors, called clonal markers, are used to detect cancer cells in body fluids, tissues, and secretions, at the very earliest stages, before they are detectable by pathology. SAGE, a computerized system that allows researchers to simultaneously study thousands of genes, is developed and helps pinpoint differences between normal and tumor cells.
1995
Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Center opens.The Bone Marrow Transplant IPOP Center opens, transferring this intensive therapy to a largely outpatient procedure.
1996
People who smoke are found to have twice as many P53 mutations as those who do not. It is the first definitive biologic link between smoking and cancer.Construction of the new $125 million, 134-bed clinical facility, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Building, begins.
1997
Johns Hopkins and NCI create a joint fellowship training program for Pediatric Oncology.
1998
A saliva test that detects squamous cell head and neck cancer is developed.
The Breast and Ovarian Surveillance Service, Colon Cancer Risk Assessment Service and Familial Cancer Service are established to provide genetic counseling, testing, screening recommendations, and test prevention strategies for individuals and families at high risk of developing cancer.
1999
Bunting-Blaustein Cancer Research Building opens, bringing together more than 400 cancer researchers and staff.
2000
Researchers develop pancreatic cancer vaccine and prove it activates immune cells against pancreatic tumor cells.
A Hopkins investigator becomes the first to definitively link the sexually transmitted virus HPV to the initiation of certain oral cancers.
Prototype for a non-invasive screening test for cancer is developed and detects DNA from tumor cells in body fluids such as urine, saliva, sputum, and breast lavage fluids.
Conversion test developed is nearly 100 percent effective in unmasking hidden gene mutations in patients with a family history of colon cancer.
2001
Sidney Kimmel makes historic $150 million donation—the single largest gift to JHU—for cancer research and patient care at Johns Hopkins.
Center receives more than $2 million for cancer research through the Maryland Cigarette Restitution Fund.
Investigators prove high-dose cyclophosphamide is an effective therapy for many aplastic anemia patients. Gene-based therapy targets FLT-3 gene, the culprit in a lethal form of acute myelogenous leukemia.
Combined chemotherapy/radiation regimen saves voice box for many laryngeal cancer patients.
2002
Cancer pain experts develop HOP (Hopkins Opioid Program), a computer program accessible by hand-held PDAs and used to properly choose and prescribe dosages of pain-killers for cancer patients.
Stool test for colon cancer developed. Detects mutated APC gene in DNA found in stool.
2003
State-of-the-art Gamma Knife Center opens, using the latest computer and robotic technology and precisely targeted X-ray beams to perform knifeless surgery on brain tumors and other brain diseases.
Radiation Oncology receives departmental status. Ted DeWeese is named first director.
2004
Pathology experts develop blood test that detects ovarian cancer-specific proteins.
Two drugs found to ease pain and extend life in advanced prostate cancer patients.
'Switched-off' family of genes found to be early step en route to colon cancer.
Lipid kinase gene is linked to development of colon cancer and found to be one of the most commonly mutated genes.
Online clinical trials database launched. | https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/publications/promise_progress/A_Cancer_Revolution/30_Years_of_Discovery_Education_and_Compassionate_Care |
TwistedBrush Pro Studio like all bitmap (raster) based programs internally store images as a series of pixels in a grid of width x height. This is also how digital photos are stored and any image in a bitmap file format such as JPEG, PNG or GIF. Therefore whenever we talk about sizes of images if we don't talk about the size in pixels we only doing that to make it easier to discuss or to inform other devices such as printers about the intended physical image size.
Bitmap Image: Data stored in a grid of width x height pixels with each pixel having a color value. Bitmap images can not be resized without changing the image data. In reducing a bitmap image in size we will be losing data. If increasing the size we will be replicating data.
Vector Image: Data stored as a series of shapes and lines with various other parameters. Before the vector image can be seen in any way it must be rendered (also called rasterized) into a bitmap image and sent to the display or printer. Vector images can be rendered into any size bitmap image with generally equal level of quality.
Pixels Per Inch (PPI): This is a setting that can be stored in most bitmap file formats that records the density of the pixels desired when the image data is represented on physical media such as paper from a printer. For example a bitmap image of a size of 800 x 600 pixels stored with a PPI of 100 will print 8 inches wide by 6 inches high. That same 800 x 600 with a PPI of 200 will print at 4 inches width by 3 inches high. The bitmap image data is not different regardless of the PPI setting only the size we are telling the printer to print the image - how many pixels to squeeze into each inch of paper.
Dots Per Inch (DPI): In the past DPI was often used both when discussing print density and image density however they are not the same and DPI should be used when talking about print density. The difference is that the printer may use multiple ink droplets (dots) to represent each pixel.
How you intend to use an image will in most cases dictate the image size you should choose as well as if you should units of pixels or a physical value of inches or millimeters.
Print: When your intention is to print an image often it is best to define your image size in the units, inches or millimeters and set the PPI. With that information TwistedBrush Pro Studio will determine the number of pixels needed. A simple calculation inches wide * PPI = pixels wide and inches high * PPI = pixels high. Typical PPI selections for print are between 100 - 300 PPI. When printing smaller often a higher PPI setting is desired and when printing large for framing on a wall or banners something around 150 - 180 often is good enough. Remember that the higher the PPI the more pixels will be need per inch of print so if you are printing big with a high PPI the image (in pixels) may become too big, consume too much memory and be hard to work with.
Web: Typically for web use the images are fairly small since monitors are limited in there size. However, there are times when it make sense to work larger and then resize a copy smaller for publishing on the web. The advantage of this is that the resulting image may look sharper and it may make be easier to work on details when the image is a larger size. Generally it is easier to select sizes in pixels when working on images for the web.
Video: In most cases you will have a specific size requirement for a frame of a video and you can match that with your pixel size choice.
General Electronic Viewing: Generally the same as for the web however you may want to go larger in this case to give more flexibility for future use.
Note: In the Set Page Dialog the PPI selection isn't important if you are setting your image size in pixels. In fact when the unit of measure is set to pixels you can adjust the PPI at any time even after creating your image.
The Pixel Per Inch (PPI) setting for you image can be adjusted at any time. However, care must be taken to only change this on a work in progress or completed image only when the Units field in the Set Page Size dialog is set to Pixels. If Units is set to Inches or Millimeters and you change the PPI setting the page size in pixels will need to be adjusted and your image data impacted.
When Unis is set to Pixels changing the PPI setting will not result in a change to your page size or image data.. | http://help.pixarra.com/m/user_guide/l/40143-understanding-pixels-per-inch-ppi-dots-per-inch-dpi-and-image-resolution |
- What Are Vector Images?
- What Are Raster Images?
- The Difference Between Vector And Raster Images?
- When To Use Which: Vector And Raster Images
The world of digital design and photography is vast and proliferating. As a newbie designer, marketer, or web developer, you may be confused with the plethora of file types, sizes, and dimensions. If you are looking for the correct way to navigate them all, it is crucial first to understand the difference between vector and raster images. Why so?
You will encounter raster and vector images regularly if you work with digital photos, logos, and graphic designs. These are the two most common files used in design, photography, and illustration. Vector and raster images decide your every step of work, right from choosing the software to producing accurate designs.
So, let’s find out more about vector and raster images.
What Are Vector Images?
Imagine you are playing connect the dot, where one dot leads to another, and then another, and as you connect them, you form an image. This is more or less how vector images work. Anchored dots are connected by lines and curves, resulting in scalable vector graphics or, in short, SVG files.
Thus, vector images are composed of lines, curves, and points (anchors), all mapped out on a grid. Naturally, vector files do not have any pixels. Instead, they use mathematical equations to capture the shape, border, and color that build an image. Here, lines, curves, and other elements are paths, whereas the formula is a vector. The formula tells the path how it is shaped, what color it is filled with, and what the borders are like.
You can scale a vector image up and down using any vector-based software. The mathematical formula recalibrates to the new size you give the file, so it is possible to maintain the same image quality across various dimensions. This also means that a vector file can be scaled infinitely. To create and edit a vector image, you can use Adobe Illustrator and CorelDraw programs.
Given below is an example of a vector image. As you can see, each point is defined, color gradients are smooth and even, and the lines, dots, and curves are all neat and precise. Vector images are composed of shapes wherein each shape has its own solid color.
What Are Raster Images?
Hundreds of thousands of tiny colored squares arranged side by side makes a raster file. Raster images are made of pixels arranged precisely to procure detailed and high-quality photos. Raster files are also known as bitmaps.
To break it down further, pixels are just minute square-shaped dots that use color and tone to make an image. And while a single pixel may appear as just a blob of color, many pixels can come together to create complex, multi-colored images. An excellent quality raster image can contain up to millions of pixels. Raster images are hence capable of showcasing soft color gradients, a feature that is not present in vector images.
The most common example of a raster file is a digital photo you take on your phone camera or DSLR. All the images you see in print are raster images, too. The most common file types for raster images are JPEG, GIF, and PNG.
How raster images are used depends upon the quality and size of any image. Each file can contain only a set number of pixels. The number of pixels decides the size of the image, also known as the resolution. The more pixels an image has, the higher it will be in detail and quality. And as the number of pixels goes down, so does the sharpness and detail of a raster image.
With this limitation in resolution, the size to which a raster image can be scaled up also gets limited. For example, if you try to scale up a picture with fewer pixels, it will result in a blurred image. Whereas, if you print a high-res image in a small size, the pixels will cram together. This will result in a distorted image.
The Difference Between Vector And Raster Images
- Resolution and scalability
The primary difference between raster and vector images is their resolution. Raster files are measured in DPI, i.e., dots per inch, or PPI, i.e., pixels per inch. A high-resolution raster image will showcase a variety of colors, resulting in excellent color editing. Such images also show better light and shading. However, when raster images are resized, they lose their quality.
On the other hand, vector images work on mathematical calculations. You can hence resize, rescale, or even reshape a vector image without compromising on its quality.
- Usage
Raster files are used in digital photographs. Any screenshot of a screen, pictures from digital devices, and online JPEGs are all raster images. Due to the level of detail, color, and grading raster images can provide, they are used for printing high-quality images. Raster files are thus used on billboards, flexes, and large posters.
Vector images are better suited for digital illustrations, such as logos, graphic designs, and animations. And since scalability is not an issue with vector files, they are also suitable for certain types of print formats.
- File types and sizes.
Because they use many pixels, raster images are usually larger than vector images. As a result, such files take up a vast amount of storage space on your device or slow downloading speeds on your website. On the other hand, vector files take up less storage space because stored math formulas determine their design.
The most common file types for raster images are JPEG, GIF, and PNG. In contrast, vector files are EPS, SVG, and AI files.
When To Use Which: Vector And Raster Images
Vector files are small in size and highly scalable. This makes them a friendly tool for printing marketing collateral. So, if you are printing business cards or flyers, designing an e-invite, or working with a cute illustration, vector images will serve your purpose.
Digitally, vector files are used in the lower thirds for videos, 2D and 3D animation, and web-based objects. Other uses of vector images include making coin designs, engraving on laser, printing on t-shirts, etc.
Raster images are suited for digital photos and large, high-definition prints. Below, the image breaks down the look of pixels and vectors when you zoom into their respective images.
To Summarize
With clarity on raster and vector differences, you are all set to experiment with your photos, designs, and illustrations using the correct methods. Read the frequently asked questions on vector and raster images below to learn more about the subject.
Key Takeaways
- Both vector and raster images play a pivotal role in photography and design. They cannot be used interchangeably, which gives both the file types a unique purpose and usage.
- Raster and vector differences may prevail, but they are also used together. Brochures, flyers, and posters are common examples. These templates use vector graphics (company logo, mascot, etc.), raster images, and text together.
- More software work with raster images than vectors. And while raster files are more versatile, in many cases, vector images prove better in usage. It is thus essential to understand the difference between raster and vector graphics and make an informed decision.
FAQs
An EPS file is a vector graphic of the Encapsulated Postscript format. EPS files store bitmap image information as well as text. Such files deal with scaling images that are high-res. At the same time, EPS files store a low-res version of the bitmap image, which helps preview the image.
In simpler words, EPS files are vector images designers use for high-quality, professional image prints. EPS files produce huge, detailed images, such as the ones you see on the road on a billboard. EPS files are also helpful for large posters, flex banners, and other marketing collaterals that require fine printing.
Yes, Adobe Photoshop is a raster-based program. Images are created on the platform using pixels, and hence Photoshop is widely used for working with digital photographs. However, designers often choose to open and edit vector files in Photoshop. Editing vectors on PS has limitations, as they can only be worked with as a smart object or a rasterized file.
Thus, if you are working with raster images, Photoshop can be an excellent tool to edit pictures and make photograph-based creatives.
The nature of a PDF file depends on the program used while creating the document. PDFs are mostly vector files, and only sometimes are they raster files. For example, a PDF created using Illustrator would be a vector file. However, a PDF created using Photoshop will get saved as a raster file.
JPEGs are the most common files used anywhere on the internet. They are photographs of some sort, which makes JPEGs raster images. JPEG stands for joint photographic experts group. It is a lossy format of raster images, and their size is denoted by the width and height of the image in pixels.
Yes, you can convert a JPEG file into a vector. The easiest way to do so is by using Adobe Illustrator. Open the program and select the option to start a new project. Insert the JPEG image you wish to convert, and select “Tracing” under “Window > Workspace.” Next, you can adjust the pixels and colors on the image to your liking. Then, save the file as a vector image. If you’re working on the file for usage on a website, save it as an SVG file. If you’re using vector images for printing, save the file as a PDF. | https://www.peppercontent.io/blog/studying-the-difference-between-vector-and-raster-images/ |
When using images in your papers or presentations, keep in mind these helpful guidelines to ensure the best image quality possible:
5 things you need to know about Imaging:
I. Pixels
A digital image is made up of a grid of pixels (picture elements)
Fannywackle/Wikimedia Commons/ CC-BY-SA-3.0
II. Resolution
Resolution is determined by how many pixels there are within the image. The higher number of pixels, the higher the resolution, and therefore the sharper an image will be. The lower the resolution, the more blurry (pixelated ) the image will be. Resolution is measured both in pixel dimensions or document size (pixels per square inch or ppi).
For example:
Pixel dimension:
1060 x 800 pixels= 1060 width x 800=height
Document size:
300ppi=300 pixels x 300 pixels (smaller pixels, for a crisper image)
72ppi= 72 pixels x 72 pixels (larger pixels, which may blur an image)
Wikimedia Commons/ Public Domain/ http://members.isp01.net/hfsears/imAstaire/Adele06_1921.jpg
Image (zoomed in to show quality), 3” x 3” at 72 ppi
Wikimedia Commons/ Public Domain/ http://members.isp01.net/hfsears/imAstaire/Adele06_1921.jpg
Same image at 300 ppi, 3” x 3”
The optimal resolution for printing a digital image is typically 300 ppi, depending on how large your image is. For an 8 x 12 sheet of paper, stick with this. 600ppi resolution is used in professional printing. The human eye will not see a difference and your file size will be much larger if you go above 600ppi.
Be aware: when printing, the terminology is changed to dpi or Dots per inch. Dpi is used to refer to an output resolution of a printer. You usually don’t have to worry about this when using the latest printers, scanners, and imaging software. Please visit the VRC if you have any questions about scanning images.
If you are giving a slide presentation, (such as PowerPoint) you can make the resolution smaller at 72 ppi-150 ppi. Using a larger resolution will make it hard to save your document as each image will take up a lot of space.
III. File Size
File size is determined by how much data is in a file, measured in kilobytes (KB) , megabytes (MB), or even gigabyte (GB), which is usually used when referring to hard drive space, not a single image. The resolution and size of the image can change a file size.
IV. File Type + V. Compression
TIFF (TIF) or Tagged Image File Format. This is the preferred archival standard for digital storage. Tiffs are uncompressed, meaning all data about the image is preserved and nothing is lost.
JPG (JPEG) or Joint Photographic Experts Group. A compressed format that removes inessential data such as indistinct color tones and reduces the file to a more manageable size. Best used in papers, slide presentations, on the web, and editing images.
PSD or Photoshop Document. An Adobe (therefore, proprietary) file. Use only when you are sure you need the image for use within an Adobe product.
GIF or Graphics Interchange Format. Use for graphics with few colors, not photographs. GIFs are 8 bit, therefore have only 256 colors. As a comparison, JPEGs and TIFFs support 24 bits, or 16,777,216 colors.
Help!
If you need help with scanning images or setting up a presentation using any type of software, such as Power Point or ARTstor OIV, please contact Marcia Focht, Curator of Visual Resources at [email protected], or Kristen Gallant, Fine Arts Librarian at [email protected]. Check the Visual Resources Collection page for more information.
For more in-depth explanation on digitizing a collection, technological specifications, and everything you’d possibly want to know about digital imaging, see this useful blog from the State Records of New South Wales or this comprehensive Getty Research Imaging Guide. | https://libraryguides.binghamton.edu/c.php?g=217628&p=1437391 |
Extreme increases in image resolution produce equivalently extreme pixelation.
Creating high-resolution files for use in print production may form one of the mainstays of your professional workflow, especially if you're a graphic artist or print production specialist. If you're presented with low-resolution files and asked to make high-resolution versions of them, you'll achieve better results if you can obtain natively high-resolution files to begin with. Some low-resolution files actually can become high resolution without a loss of image quality, depending on the size at which you need to reproduce them. At the same time, however, some files require upsizing to make them meet your resolution needs.
Open your file in Adobe Photoshop. Press "Shift-Ctrl-I" to open the Image Size dialog box.
Examine the Document Size statistics in the Image Size dialog box. If you see large width and height measurements with a resolution of 72 pixels per inch, your image probably originated from a digital camera. Turn off the "Resample Image" check box and set the resolution to 300 ppi. At the top of the dialog box, notice that the Pixel Dimensions -- width, height and file size -- remain unchanged, whereas the width and height in the Document Size section drop. For example, an 8-bit RGB image that measures 25 inches by 16.667 inches at 72 ppi measures 6 inches by 4 inches at 300 ppi, but remains 6.18MB in file size. Click on the "OK" button to apply your settings.
Review your image. Its size and appearance remain unchanged because you simply told Photoshop to reinterpret its resolution, not to increase it. Instead of a very large low-resolution image, your file became a smaller high-resolution image.
Turn on the "Resample Image" check box and set the resolution to 300 pixels per inch. Notice that the Pixel Dimensions -- width, height and file size -- at the top of the dialog box increase, whereas the width and height in the Document Size section remain unchanged. For example, an 8-bit RGB image that measures 432 pixels wide by 288 pixels high at 72 ppi remains 6 inches wide by 4 inches high at 300 ppi, but becomes 1800 pixels wide by 1200 pixels high, and increases in file size from 364.5K to 6.18MB. Click on the "OK" button to apply your settings.
Look at your image window and image quality. Because you increased the resolution of your file, and thereby its size, your image window appears larger. With that increased size, however, comes pixelation introduced when Photoshop interpolated new pixels to accommodate the larger file area.
Sharpen your image after you increase resolution, not before. If you sharpen first, you may introduce sharpening artifacts that reduce image quality after enlargement. If you sharpen afterward, you may be able to offset some of the softening introduced by enlargement.
If a client asks you to increase image resolution and doesn't understand the negative effects of the process, invite him to watch you upsize a low-resolution image so he can see the byproducts for himself.
Always check client-supplied images that come from digital cameras. Most will show large image dimensions at low resolution. When you incorporate these files into a page layout, you may think you've received large files and try to use them at what appears to be their actual size.
Never use a low-resolution file in a print-production workflow that targets a printing press. The resulting output will look soft and pixelated.
Mott, Elizabeth. "How to Convert to High Resolution in Photoshop." Small Business - Chron.com, http://smallbusiness.chron.com/convert-high-resolution-photoshop-54065.html. Accessed 22 April 2019. | https://smallbusiness.chron.com/convert-high-resolution-photoshop-54065.html |
Pixel is short for picture element and it’s the smallest square sample of an image. The more samples or pixels, the more accurate representation of a picture.
Each pixel can only be one color at a time. Because they are so small, they seem to blend together to form complex images made of a wide variety of color blends. A 100 x 100px image is made of pixels in a grid 100 wide x 100 high, totaling 10,000 pixels.
With the introduction of high-resolution screens, the number of pixels that could be packed into a physical screen went up, which increased the number of pixels per inch.
Pixel density is the number of pixels that fit into an inch. To calculate pixel density, divide by 0 and make the universe implode. No, actually, divide the width of a device in pixels by the width of the device in inches. For example, a 100 x 100px image on a 1 x 1 inch screen has a pixel density of 100px per inch.
High-density screens have more pixels per inch than low-density screens. As a result, UI elements that have the same pixel dimensions appear larger on low-density screens, and smaller on high-density screens.
Logical resolution is essentially what a device’s resolution would be if it didn’t have high resolution. Basically, we design for the smallest, standard screen size to allow us to scale our assets to the corresponding device resolutions.
Apple uses points as the unit of measure in logical resolution. A point is equal to a specific number of pixels depending on the screen resolution. Put simply, at 1x resolution, 1pt = 1px. At 2x resolution, 1pt = 4px because the resolution doubles both the X and Y values, so 2 x 2px. At 3x resolution, 1pt = 9px, which is 3 x 3px and so on. For example, the iPhone 11 measures at 375 x 812 points. Because it has such a high pixel density, it actually packs in 3 times that many pixels, so the true pixel dimensions are 1125 x 2436px.
Logical resolution ensures quality across high- and low-pixel density devices. It also prevents designers and developers from going completely insane by trying to figure out the different sizes of elements for different screens.
Google has a similar unit of measure called density-independent pixels (dps) pronounced dips. They’re not exactly the same as points and have a specific calculation to determine dps for a given screen size.
Regardless of points or dps, this means that everything you design will be designed at 1x. That way designs and assets for larger resolutions can be easily created from your 1x screens. Some screens call for .75x and 1.5x resolutions. This can be problematic because if an object has an odd number of pixels, it will render on the half-pixel causing blurriness.
This is why the 8pt grid system has become one of the primary spacing and sizing standards. | https://www.kickassux.com/ux-library/pixels-vs-points |
Step 3: Set the desired WIDTH and HEIGHT of your image without ticking 'Resample'. If the resulting DPI is above 300 Pixels/Inch, you can now click 'Resample' and bring that value down to 300 Pixels/Inch. If you are downscaling your image (new 'Image Size' is lower than original) choose 'Bicubic Sharper' as the resample method. If the resulting Pixels/Inch value is bellow 300 please don't apply any resampling.
Step 4: Convert your image to a suitable correct colour profile. If you are printing colour images, Adobe RGB is a good choice. If you are printing b&w artwork, go for your working gray profile. We use 'Dot gain 20%'.
Step 5: Save your artwork as a TIFF file using LZH compression. This is a lossless compression format that will make your upload faster without compromising image quality.
Step 6: Open the Upload & Print section on this website. | https://xyz-prints.com/pages/submission-guide |
How Does King Cobra Venom Work to Kill Its Prey?
© 2019, Brandon Cornett | All rights reserved
Reader question: "I am doing a report for school about the king cobra, because I think they are fascinating reptiles. I know they are venomous and dangerous to humans. But I'm wondering, how does king cobra venom work to kill its prey (the kinds of animals they eat on a regular basis)? Can you tell me how their venom works?"
You're not alone. Many people are fascinated by these large and highly venomous snakes. In fact, the king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) has been part of human mythology and culture for thousands of years. But I'll spare you the history lesson and get right to answering your question. Here's how the venom works.
King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)
How King Cobra Venom Works
There are several different types of snake venoms. Some are neurotoxins that attack the central nervous system of the prey. Others contain hemotoxins that destroy red blood cells, thereby causing tissue damage and hemorrhaging. Most venomous snakes fall into one of these two broad categories.
That's the simplified version. In reality, there are many different types of venom. Each one is a chemically complex mixture of toxins, enzymes and proteins. We still have much to learn about them.
But let's get back to the question at hand. How does the king cobra's venom work to kill its prey? This particular species possesses a powerful neurotoxin -- that is, a toxin that affects the central nervous system of its prey. There are other components found within the venom of the king cobra, but it is primarily neurotoxic in nature. It is the neurotoxin that kills the animal bitten.
When the king cobra bites its prey (or even a human, for that matter), the venom is delivered from two glands located near the top jaw just behind the fangs. The venom passes through the snake's hollow fangs, which basically work like hypodermic needles. It is then injected into the flesh of the prey and immediately enters the bloodstream. Of course, all of this happens in a matter of seconds.
The king cobra does not have the most powerful venom in the snake world. But it is certainly strong enough to kill its prey, or even a creature as large as an elephant (though they don't often bite elephants). More importantly, this particular snake can deliver a large amount of venom -- much more than most venomous snakes.
A single, fully envenomated bite from this species can kill an adult human in less than an hour, though not all bites are fateful.
Attacks the Central Nervous System
Within seconds of the bite, the king cobra's venom will attack the victim's central nervous system (CNS). The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, and the many nerves leading to and from them.
The CNS controls all of our bodily and muscular functions, including our breathing. When something damages our central nervous system, it can lead to paralysis and death.
So, how does king cobra venom work in relation to the CNS? In short, it interrupts the body's ability to send and receive signals to and from the brain. It disrupts the neural "communication" that every invertebrate needs to breathe, move and survive.
In large doses, a neurotoxin can cause paralysis and death by asphyxiation (inability to breathe). And the king cobra, the longest and heaviest venomous snake in the world, can deliver very large does of venom with a single bite.
Did you know the king cobra primarily eats other snakes? It's true. Its diet primarily consists of other snakes, both venomous and non-venomous. Talk about a conveniently "packaged" meal -- there are no arms or legs to get in the way. But whether it is biting a mouse, a bird, or another snake, the effect is generally the same. If enough venom is delivered, the prey animal will eventually suffer some degree of paralysis and asphyxiation. Then it's mealtime!
Not the Most Venomous Snake, Contrary to Popular Belief
It is a common misconception that the king cobra is the most venomous snake in the world. This is not true. It is a member of the Elapidae family of snakes, a family that does include some of the most highly venomous species on the planet (such as Australia's inland taipan). But the king cobra's toxicity is relatively low compared to other elapids.
Of course, that doesn't mean you should try to handle one. They are still potentially lethal to humans. They also have a tendency to "stand their ground" when confronted in the wild, which makes them even more dangerous.
This article explains how king cobra venom works to kill its prey. If you would like to learn more about this fascinating member of the Elapidae family, refer to this species fact sheet. | http://www.reptileknowledge.com/articles/article29.php |
Aegisuchus is an extinct genus of giant, flat-headed crocodyliform within the family Aegyptosuchidae. It existed in what is now Morocco during the Cenomanian age of the Late Cretaceous Epoch. The type species Aegisuchus witmeri was named in 2012 by paleontologists Casey Holliday and Nicholas Gardner, who nicknamed it "Shieldcroc" for the shield-like shape of its skull. A. witmeri is known from a single partial skull including the braincase and skull roof.
Description
Aegisuchus is known only from a partial braincase and skull roof cataloged as ROM 54530. It is diagnosed by several autapomorphies, or unique features. At the center of the skull table is a raised and rough-surfaced boss on the parietal bone that is shaped like a circle. On either side of this boss are holes called dorsotemporal fenestrae, and the surrounding bone is relatively smooth. The quadrate bone in the temporal region of the skull has a rectangular projection called the adductor tubercle, which served as an attachment for muscles that closed the jaw. At the front of the skull table, projections on the laterosphenoid bones called capitate processes face out to the side. This feature is also seen in the skulls of living gharials, but evolved independently in each group. Also on the front surface are two holes of the dorsotemporal fenestrae, which pass through the skull and open at the skull table. On the front surface, a ridge of bone or torus makes up the lateral edge of each hole. The back of the skull is wide, with large projections on the exoccipital bones that would have anchored large epaxial muscles in the top part of the neck. This species not being the apex predators of their environment; thus; potentially; this animal could've fallen prey to much larger predators such as Spinosaurus; Sigilmassasaurus, Bahariasaurus; Deltadromesaurus & Carcharodontosaurus.
Size
At 40 cubic centimetres, the braincase of Aegisuchus is much larger in volume than that of any other crocodyliform. Based on the ratio of braincase to skull length in other crocodilians, the total skull length of Aegisuchus is estimated to have been 2.08 to 2.86 metres (6.8 to 9.4 ft) in length. A similar ratio between braincase and body length puts Aegisuchus at 15 to 21 metres (49 to 69 ft) long when based on the proportions of long-snouted gharials, or 16 to 22 metres (52 to 72 ft) long when based on the proportions of short-snouted crocodiles. However, these proportions have been met with a lot of scrutiny, and it is more likely that Aegisuchus reached only 8-10 meters long.
Integument
The circular boss of roughened bone on the skull table is one of the most unusual features of Aegisuchus. As in most crocodilians, the rough-surfaced region was probably covered in a thick skin that tightly adhered to the skull. Surrounding the boss, the smooth-surfaced region bears several deep parallel channels for blood vessels, suggesting that thicker, more complex skin tissue covered this region. Vascularization is not seen in any other crocodilian, and may have been unique to Aegisuchus. Given that the blood vessel channels run into the braincase, the vascularized tissue may have served a thermoregulatory role by heating blood going to the brain and eyes. The central boss may have been used in mating displays, appearing as an eyespot. Modern crocodilians raise their heads out of the water as a social signal in mating displays; as a close relative of crocodilians, Aegisuchus likely had similar mating rituals.
Musculature
The flattened shape of the skull of Aegisuchus suggests that it was an ambush predator resting at the surface of the water. Although only the back of the skull is known, other characteristics can be inferred from the closely related Aegyptosuchus. Aegisuchus probably had eyes that faced directly upward, with no raised ridges surrounding the sockets. A strut of bone called the postorbital bar, which in most crocodilians is vertically oriented, would have been almost flat. The flattened skull of Aegisuchus required significant alteration to jaw muscles. The adductor muscles that close the jaw shifted to a more vertical orientation in Aegisuchus. Muscles like the adductor mandibulae externus medialis, which are weak in most crocodilians, became more important as jaw closers and were greatly enlarged. The broad-surfaced occipital region at the back of the skull provides a large attachment area for the splenius capitis muscles of the neck. With a long flattened snout, Aegisuchus would have had great difficulty in raising its head and opening its mouth if it did not have large neck muscles. A depressed region in the lower part of the back of the skull suggests that the jaw adductor muscles were also large, facilitating jaw opening. A similar mechanism for lifting the head and opening the jaws is seen in the Late Triassic amphibian Gerrothorax. Aegisuchus has a very flexible articulation between the skull and vertebral column, allowing a greater degree of skull elevation than other crocodilians. | https://dinopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Aegisuchus |
Komodo dragons are the heavyweights of the reptile world. These dinosaur-like creatures can snap a person’s legs in two using only their jaws. In the last 15 years, there have been several devastating attacks on humans, some deadly.
You won’t find Komodo dragons wandering around the volcanoes of Oahu, like on the set of Jurassic Park. They only live on five Indonesian Islands. Komodo Island and Rinca Island have the largest populations of them.
With bodies encased in bone-like armor, it’s nearly impossible for a Komodo dragon to feel the impact of, say, a fist of someone fighting to survive. They’re proportionately powerful too. They grow up to three metres long and weigh more than 70kg. Even with such mass, they can run up to 20kph.
Their jaw and throat muscles are designed for devouring large chunks of meat and their 60 serrated teeth measure up to 2.5cm each. They can eat up to 80% of their body weight in one meal. Under threat, a Komodo dragon can vomit the contents of its stomach to lessen its weight in preparation for the confrontation.
Slow-acting venom
Komodos are stealthy stalkers who hunt for almost any kind of meat, from rodents to buffalos. Sometimes they hunt and kill quickly. Other times they spend hours stalking until just the right time to attack. Then, using their monumental power, they bite their victim, releasing bacteria and a slow-acting venom. After the prey has died –- which can take up to four days -– the Komodo dragon uses its powerful sense of smell to locate the body.
Although attacks on humans are uncommon, they do happen. In 2007, an eight-year-old boy had been playing with friends in scrubland near his Indonesian village. Attacking from behind, the dragon held the boy in his jaws until he bled to death. It was a Komodo dragon’s first fatal attack on a human in 33 years.
A living nightmare
The following year, another tragic meeting between human and dragon occurred.
A group of scuba divers was swept onto the shores of Rinca Island after their boat blew off course. Immediately, they endured a living nightmare that lasted two days and two nights, where Komodo dragons repeatedly tried to prey on them. More than 1,000 of the creatures live on Rinca Island, which is less than 200 square kilometres in area.
During one attack, a dragon came at one of the diver’s bare feet. Even a weighted diving belt swung at the powerful lizard couldn’t deter it. Thankfully, the group was rescued before a fatality occurred.
A year later, Muhamad Anwar wasn’t so lucky. He’d been collecting apples from high in a tree when he lost his balance. Circling below, a group of Komodo dragons waited to profit from Anwar’s misstep. When bystanders ran to the commotion, it was already too late. Anwar suffered fatal bites to his hands, body, legs, and neck. He died shortly after.
So how might one avoid being killed by a Komodo dragon? The best defense is to stay clear. Certainly, don’t underestimate them.
But as always, the dragons have more to fear from humans than we have to fear from them. Less than 3,000 of the giant lizards remain. In 1980, Komodo National Park was founded to help protect these primeval creatures. Now tourists can watch them under the protection of park rangers for a yearly membership fee of $1,000.
“I think that’s cheap,” said the region’s governor.
Aside from visiting Komodo dragons at the zoo, that’s the safest way to see them.
What to do, if…
But if you come across one in the wild, you could try running in a zigzag pattern. Komodo dragons are good sprinters, but they are terrible at sharp turns, possibly because their tails are as long as their bodies.
Keep your distance to avoid an ambush and avoid sudden movements. If you find yourself being bitten, find a heavy or sharp object to fight back with. Bare hands won’t do much.
Adult Komodo dragons are too heavy to climb trees too, so heading upward could help. There is currently no Komodo antivenin on the market.
But even this venom isn’t all bad. Recently, an Australian researcher discovered that it can be useful for treating blood clots. The scientist is currently working on a formula that includes the venom as a type of blood thinner. | https://explorersweb.com/dealing-with-wildlife-komodo-dragons/ |
Rattlesnakes are venomous and should be treated with respect.
Western rattlesnakes are habitat generalists and are widely distributed over the western United States. They tend to like rocky areas in drier regions. There are three subspecies of western rattlesnake, the prairie rattlesnake, Great Basin rattlesnake and the Pacific rattlesnake. Can you guess which subspecies occurs in the Basin and Range region? That's right the Paci...no, no, no the Great Basin rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis lutosus), of course.
Even though rattlesnakes are called “cold-blooded”, their muscles and digestion work best at warm body temperatures, so these reptiles bask in the sun or lie on warm surfaces until they are 80-90 F. Western rattlesnakes vary greatly in color, but tend to be camouflaged, consisting of browns and grays, but they can also have greenish and yellowish hues. They have darker rings or splotches along their dorsal or back side.
Often, the first sign that you have come across a rattlesnake is the telltale sound they make with their rattles. I've come across them several times and to me, the rattling noise sounds similar to a running faucet. Rattlesnakes rattle their tail when they feel threatened, so typically they give hikers and other recreationalists a rattling warning before they are within striking distance--not always though and they don't always give a warning rattle. The rattling noise comes from a series of rattles at the end of their tail. Rattles are added each time the snake sheds its skin, which is typically 1-3 times a year. Counting rattles is not a good way to age snakes, as rattles can break off and the variability in shedding. They give birth to live young, but the young can't produce a rattling noise until they have shed at least three times.
Rattlesnakes have a large, triangle shaped head with a narrow neck. The size and shape of their head is due to the bulkiness of their venom glands and the large muscles that control them. Their fangs drop and extend forward when they strike. Venom is then dispensed through their fangs, which are hollow and have slits in the front to envenom their prey. The venom is a toxin that subdues their prey and helps with digestion. When not striking, the fangs fold back against the roof of their mouth. Their jaws are very flexible and the segments are loosely connected allowing the lower jaw to "unhinge" which then allows them to swallow fairly large prey. Rattlesnakes typically prey on small mammals such as mice and squirrels, but have also been known to eat birds, lizards and eggs.
All rattlesnakes are in the subfamily viperidae, also known as the pit vipers. The snakes in this subfamily have sensory pits on either side of their head. These sensory pits are heat sensitive and help rattlesnakes locate prey in low light and even in complete darkness. | https://www.basinandrange.org/basin-and-range-blog/western-rattlesnake |
We took the dog in for his annual checkup today and while we were waiting decided to have lunch at a nearby restaurant (Wild Fusion). As we were leaving I noticed an aquarium right by the exit, and inside, along with the usual brightly colored fish, was this spectacular creature. I’d never seen anything like it before. The white bands had what must be scales, but looked almost like fur. At first it appeared to be suspicious of the camera and retreated backwards. Curiosity seemed to take over and it quickly started to move towards the camera – no doubt checking out what it was.
The zebra moray eel is a mid-sized species of moray eel that has become known for its black and white striped appearance. The striped eel commonly has a length of up to 4.9 feet (1.5 meters), but many specimens found are much smaller. They are found in their habitat primarily in the reefs of the Indo-Pacific region and the eastern Pacific region; including California (United States), Mexico, Columbia, the Galapagos Islands, and of course the make a handsome appearance in people’s aquariums worldwide.
The zebra moray eel has become known as a danger to humans. The truth though is, that the eels only attack in self defense, and most bites on humans are the result of mistaken identity or attempts by humans to hand feed them – don’t try it! Like all morays, its bite has a weak release mechanism and therefore its jaw must be pried off (even in death during cases of human bites). Contrary to popular belief, their bite is not poisonous naturally, but may cause infections because of the toxic bacteria-laden algae that they eat.
The zebra morays have also become known for their practice of hunting in cooperation with groupers; the only cooperative hunting that has ever been observed to go on among fish. Morays are recruited by groupers in order to use their ability to enter small crevices to flush out prey such as crustaceans, sea urchins, and mollusks; which are pretty much the only prey that zebra morays feed on. The “bounty” from these hunts is then shared between species.
As we stated before, morays have primitive biting system, but that’s based sheerly on their first set of jaws, but they also have second set, known as pharyngeal jaws, that rest deeper in their bodies and are shot out into their main jaws when trapping prey.
It’s not much of a picture, but after all it was dark and I was shooting through glass and water so I’m pretty much satisfied that I was at least able to capture this remarkable creature. | http://www.aheadworld.org/2017/02/22/eel/ |
This week we’ll learn about some terrifying extinct fish, the armored dunkleosteus and the spiral-toothed helicoprion, plus a few friends of theirs who could TEAR YOU UP.
Dunkleosteus did not even need teeth:
Helicoprion had teeth like crazy in a buzzsaw-like tooth whorl:
Helicoprion’s living relatives, chimaeras (or ghost sharks) are a lot less impressive than they sound:
Helicoprion probably looked something like this:
But helicoprion has been described in all sorts of wacky ways over the years:
So what are the odds this rendition of edestus is correct? hmm
Show transcript:
Welcome to Strange Animals Podcast. I’m your host, Kate Shaw.
This week we’ve got a listener suggestion! Will B. suggested placoderms, which were armored fish that lived hundreds of millions of years ago. He especially recommended Dunkleosteus. I looked it up and went, “Oh holy crap,” so you bet we’re going to learn about it today. I’m also pairing that terrifying fish with a really weird shark relation called Helicoprion. And we might even take a look at a few other fishes while we’re at it. Creepy extinct fish for everyone! Oh, and Will asked that I include more metric conversions. [heavy sigh] okay I guess
If you had happened to live around 350 million years ago when Dunkleosteus was alive, you would be a fish. Well, you would probably be a fish. I don’t know for sure. That was during the Late Devonian period, and the Devonian is remembered as the “age of fish” by undergraduate geology and palaeo students everywhere. While land plants were evolving like crazy, developing true roots and seeds, fish were even crazier. Ray-finned fish evolved during the Devonian and so did lobe-finned fish like coelacanths. The first amphibious critters developed in shallow lakes and started to spend time on land, and in the ocean there were early sharks, lots of trilobites, and a whole lot of armored fish. Including, eventually, dunkleosteus.
Dunkleosteus terrelli was the biggest species of placoderm. It probably grew over 30 feet long OR TEN METERS, WILL, which made it bigger than a great white shark. But dunkleosteus didn’t have teeth. And before you think, oh, it must have been a filter feeder or something, oh no. It didn’t need teeth. Instead it had bony plates like a gigantic beak. It could open and close its jaws incredibly fast—something like one 50th of a second—and could bite through armor and bone no problem. One article referred to its jaws as sheet-metal cutters. Scientists think its bite was as powerful as that of a T rex, although it didn’t quite match that of megalodon, but since T rex and megalodon both lived many millions of years later than Dunkleosteus, it’s useless to speculate who would win in a fight. But my money’s on Dunkleosteus.
Dunkleosteus wasn’t a fast swimmer. Its head was covered in heavy armor that probably served two main purposes. One, the armor plates gave its massive jaw muscles something substantial to attach to, and two, it kept its head safe from the bites of other placoderms. That’s right. Dunkleosteus was a cannibal.
We actually don’t know exactly how long Dunkleosteus was or what most of its body looked like. The only fossils we’ve found were of the head armor. We do have complete fossils and body impressions of other, much smaller placoderms, so since all placoderms seemed to have the same body plan we can make good guesses as to what Dunkleosteus looked like.
One surprising thing we do have associated with Dunkleosteus fossils are some remains of its meals. These are called fish boluses, and they’re basically just wads of partially-digested pieces of fish that either get horked up by whatever ate them or pass through the digestive tract without being fully digested. From the fish boluses, we know that Dunkleosteus probably preferred the soft parts of its prey and didn’t digest bones very well.
In 2013, a fossil fish over 400 million years old was described that combines features of a placoderm skeleton with the jaw structure that most bony fishes and four-footed animals share. Some other early bony fishes discovered recently also show some features of placoderm skeletons. What does that mean? Well, until these discoveries, researchers had thought bony fishes weren’t very closely related to placoderms. Now it looks like they were. And that means that placoderm jaws, those fearsome cutting machines, were actually the basis of our own jaws and those of most animals alive today. Only, in our case they’re no longer designed to shear through armor and bone. Maybe through Nutter Butters and ham sandwiches instead.
So what happened to dunkleosteus? Around 375 million years ago something happened in the oceans—not precisely an extinction event, but from our perspective it looks like one. Even without human help species do go extinct naturally every so often, and when that happens other species evolve to fill their ecological niches. But during the late Devonian, when species went extinct in the ocean… nothing took their place.
We don’t know what exactly was going on, but researchers have theories. One suggestion is that, since sea levels were rising, marine environments that were once separated by land got joined together. Species that had evolved in one area suddenly had access to a much bigger area. They acted like invasive species do today, driving native species to extinction and breeding prolifically. They kept new species from developing, and caused a breakdown in the biodiversity of their new territories. This only happened in the oceans, not on land, which adds credence to the theory.
It took a long, long time for the oceans to fully recover. For example, coral reefs disappeared from the fossil record for 100 million years as corals almost died out completely. But the animals that had already started evolving to take advantage of life on land survived and thrived—and that led to us, eventually. Us and our little unarmored jaws.
From Dunkleosteus and its sheet-metal cutter beak let’s go to another fish that looked like a shark but had teeth that are so bizarre I can’t even understand it. Helicoprion and its tooth whorl have baffled scientists for over a century.
The various species of Helicoprion lived around 290 million years ago. Like sharks, only its teeth are bony. The rest of its skeleton is made of cartilage, which doesn’t preserve very well.
So what’s a tooth whorl? It resembles a spiral shell, like a snail’s, only made of teeth. I’m not even making this up. Originally people actually thought they were some kind of weird spiky ammonite shell, in fact. Then someone pointed out that they were made of teeth, but no one could figure out what earthly use a circular saw would be if you were a fish and just wanted to eat other fish. Where would you even keep a circular saw of teeth?
Various suggestions included putting the tooth whorl at the very end of the lower jaw, just sort of stuck out there doing nothing; putting the tooth whorl way in the back of the throat where I guess it would cut up fish as they went down; on the snout, on the back, or even on the tail, which are not places where teeth typically do much good. Originally researchers thought the tooth whorl was probably a defensive trait, but now it’s accepted that it was used the way the rest of us use our teeth, which is to eat things with.
The smallest teeth in a tooth whorl are on the inside curls and the biggest are on the outside. Eventually researchers realized the small teeth were from when the individual was a baby fish and had little teeth. Like sharks, helicoprion kept growing teeth throughout its life. Unlike sharks, it didn’t lose its old teeth when the new ones grew in. The older, smaller teeth were just pushed forward along the curve of the whorl and eventually were buried within the animal’s jaw, with only the biggest, newest teeth actually being used.
In 1950 a crushed tooth whorl was found with some cranial cartilage, so scientists knew that the whorl was associated with the head and wasn’t, for instance, on the dorsal fin. That fossil was found in Idaho and consisted of 117 teeth. The whorl was 23 cm in diameter, or about 9 inches across, although slightly larger ones have been found. In 2011 the fossil was examined with a state-of-the-art CT scanner and a 3D computer model generated of the animal’s skull.
Researchers think they have a pretty good idea of what a living helicoprion’s head and jaws looked like. The tooth whorl was fused with and extended the full length of the lower jaw. It grew inside the mouth roughly where the tongue would be if it had a tongue, which it did not. Helicoprion didn’t have teeth in its upper jaw, so the tooth whorl acted less like chompers than like a meat slicing machine. When it closed its mouth, the tooth whorl was pushed back a little and would therefore slice through any soft-bodied prey in the mouth and also force its prey deeper into its mouth. Helicoprion probably ate small fish, cephalopods, and other soft-bodied organisms.
Since we don’t have any fossils or impressions of helicoprion’s body, we don’t know for sure what it looked like, but researchers estimate it probably grew to around 13 feet or 4 meters, but may have possibly exceeded 24 feet or 7.5 meters.
For a long time researchers thought helicoprion was a shark, but it’s now classified as a type of chimaera, which are small weird-looking shark-like fish known also as ghost sharks, spookfish, ratfish, and rabbit fish. I’m going to call them ghost sharks because that’s awesome. They’re not that closely related to sharks although they do have cartilaginous skeletons, and most species like the ocean depths. Ghost sharks have been spotted at depths of 8,500 feet, or 2,600 meters. The longest any species grows is around 5 feet, or 150 cm. Unlike helicoprion, they don’t have exciting teeth. They don’t really have teeth at all, just three pairs of tooth plates that grind together. Some species have a venomous spine in front of the dorsal fin.
While we’re talking about shark-like fish with weird teeth, let’s discuss Edestus, a genus of shark-like fish with weird teeth that lived around 300 million years ago, around the same time as dunkleosteus. It was related to helicoprion but it didn’t have a tooth whorl. Instead it had one curved bracket of teeth on the lower jaw and one on the upper jaw that meshed together like pinking shears. You know what pinking shears are even if you don’t recognize the name. Pinking shears are scissors that have a zigzag pattern instead of a straight edge, so you can cut a zigzag into cloth but not paper because do not dare use my pinking shears for anything but cloth. It dulls them.
Anyway, like helicoprion Edestus didn’t shed its teeth but it did grow new ones throughout its life, so like helicoprion it had a bunch of teeth it no longer needed. In Edestus’s case we don’t have any bits of skull or jaw cartilage to give us a clue as to how its teeth sat in its jaw. A lot of scientific art of Edestus shows a shark with a pointy mouth, where the upper point curves upward and the lower point curves downward with teeth sticking out from the middle. Sort of like an open zipper, if the zipper part was teeth and the non-zipper side was a shark’s mouth. To me that looks sort of ridiculous, and I suspect in reality Edestus looked a lot more like helicoprion. The downward and upward curved parts of the tooth arc was probably buried within its jaw, not sticking out. But that’s just a guess based on about 30 minutes of research.
Researchers estimate that the largest species of Edestus probably grew to about 20 feet long, or 6 meters. No one’s sure how or what it ate, but one suggestion is that if its teeth did project out of its mouth, it might have slashed at prey with its teeth sort of like a swordfish slashes prey with its elongated beak. Hopefully scientists will find a well preserved specimen one day that will give us some clues as to what Edestus looked like, at which point I bet the drawings we have now will look as silly as helicoprion with a tooth whorl perched on its nose.
You can find Strange Animals Podcast online at strangeanimalspodcast.com. We’re on Twitter at strangebeasties and have a facebook page at facebook.com/strangeanimalspodcast. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, email us at [email protected]. If you like the podcast and want to help us out, leave us a rating and review on iTunes or whatever platform you listen on. We also have a Patreon if you’d like to support us that way. Rewards include stickers and twice-monthly bonus episodes.
Thanks for listening! | https://strangeanimalspodcast.blubrry.net/tag/edestus/ |
'This is a typical river scene, which I have based on the River Test, near my hometown of Romsey, and parts of the Itchen. These rivers break up into tributaries, water meadows, fast flowing and quiet parts, and all offering the most paintable wide vistas and small intimate corners'.
How to create foliage
Let’s tackle the main types of foliage and leaf texturing, which will be crucial to our riverbank scenes.
We need to know how to use all our materials and fully appreciate how many household and everyday items can help to create a wealth of textures.
One - Brushmarks
Two - Splattering
Three - Using Clingfilm
- Mix up a wash of green and place a piece of Clingfilm in a pleated fashion into the wet wash, which will suck the film into it and create channels of pale patterns.
- These need to dry before pulling the film off.
- Images made with masking fluid may be drawn before the Clingfilm is applied to give you sharp and bold forms amid the contrasting backgrounds.
- Make sure the masking fluid is runny (like milk), and that you use a good applicator, like a ruling drawing pen, which will help you apply small details where they are needed.
- Let the fluid dry then rub off.
Four - Lifting out
- Try a small sample to start with.
- Apply a dark varied green watercolour wash then using a slightly wetted tissue formed into a leaf shape or the side of your paint brush, carefully lift the shape from the dark background.
- When several shapes have been extracted and are dry, paint pastel shades of yellow and blue to give depth and a sense of sunlight to the area.
Five - Creating contrast
Six - Applying salt
- Apply blues and greens to your watercolour paper, and drop in salt crystals, not too thickly, but leaving watercolour paint between the salt so it has space to work.
- Try different varieties found in the house: dishwasher, Epsom salts, cooking and sea salt. Each gives different results, and are ideal for a variety of textures.
Seven - wet-in-wet
- Use watercolours in a wet-into-wet manner and in contrasting greens.
- As they dry, add similar strokes for a free and deep feel, ideal for grasses on a riverbank.
Eight - Sponging
Pulling it all together
Little White Duck, watercolour, (28x38cm)
- Clingfilm was used for the foreground reeds on both sides of the bird, placing the film in a vertical position.
- Clingfilm was then added to the water area, stretching it across the water in a horizontal position to form small areas of light on the river’s surface.
- Masking fluid was placed on the reeds (under the Clingfilm) and on the areas that need the light preserved, such as the back, neck and feet of the bird.
- Colours used were cobalt blue, burnt sienna, a ready-mixed green, with violet and yellow in the reed area.
- When dry, the film was pulled off.
Sometimes we may include links to online retailers, from which we might receive a commission if you make a purchase. Affiliate links do not influence editorial coverage and will only be used when covering relevant products. | https://www.painters-online.co.uk/tips-techniques/advice/articles/top-techniques-for-painting-riverside-foliage-in-watercolour/ |
Set your watercolor nocturnes aglow with these tips for painting lit windows, street lamps, and more.
By Lynn Ferris
As an artist, I’ve always been drawn to strong light and its ability to bring drama to otherwise ordinary subjects, but it wasn’t until a trip with my daughter to Lincoln, Neb., that I recognized the potential night scenes offered. Our busy schedule disrupted my usual vacation practice of taking afternoon walks with my camera in search of strong cast shadows to shoot as painting references. Instead, I was forced to snap my pictures at night in the city’s downtown area.
While at first I assumed these shots would provide only a temporary sidetrack from my regular subject matter, I quickly came to notice the new appreciation they gave me for looking at the interplay of light and dark. Since that trip to Nebraska, I’ve made a point of regularly tackling night scenes in my work, a practice that has helped me become a more astute observer not only of the dark but of light as well.
Multiple Sources of Light
One thing that sets night scenes apart from other subject matter is that, unless you’re painting a rural landscape in moonlight, night scenes almost always incorporate multiple sources of light. This may seem intimidating, but having several light sources can actually be an advantage—as well as an opportunity for play. Rather than forcing a literal depiction of the scene and its varied lights (which will change at any given moment), think of yourself as designing with light and dark, using the different sources of light to direct the viewer’s eye around your composition.
Start with Windows
I recommend that you approach your night scene by way of the light sources, beginning with lit windows. Because windows are among the lightest areas in any night scene, placing them early helps you define your patterns. Also, the reflective sparkles or highlights in the windows constitute some of your true whites, so you’ll want to establish them before you put down any paint. Painting the lit windows first also allows you to set down an underpainting for the entire picture, as explained in Painting Lit Windows in Watercolor, below.
Demo: Painting Lit Windows in Watercolor
1. HIGHLIGHTS: True whites are critical to the appearance of shine and sparkle, so first, map out the highlights in your windows with masking fluid, alternating between circles, lines, and rectangles set on a diagonal for a natural, irregular look (I recommend working on cold-pressed paper). Also mask the centers of any streetlights. Because these true whites will draw your viewer’s eye, consider where the painting’s focal point will be and make sure these whites direct the eye accordingly.
2. DIFFUSED LIGHT/UNDERPAINTING: Once you’ve masked the whites, wet the entire page and, with broad strokes, add bands of diffused light. I used cadmium yellow, alizarin crimson and just a bit of phthalo blue. These bands of color will become the lit areas of the windows, implying “something inside” without spelling it out exactly.
By covering the entire page, not just the window areas, these colors also become your underpainting, ensuring variety and nuance in subsequent layers of paint. The overall look you’re going for here is of a light, flowing, somewhat gold diffusion of color. The underpainting should be soft-edged, setting the tone for the shapes you’ll lay on top.
Take care not to blend your colors—otherwise, you’ll end up with gray. For this reason, I recommend holding off on using a device like a hairdryer until you’re sure the colors have set.
3. ABSTRACT FORMS: Finally, you want to bring depth and interest to the insides of the windows. For this application, layer light bands of transparent paint over certain sections, looking for places to introduce abstract forms. These forms imply objects or people, as interpreted by the viewer’s imagination.
I like to use phthalo blue, cobalt blue, alizarin crimson and just a bit of phthalo green—but you can use any combination that suits you. Consider adding a few dots of cadmium red to add an extra pop here and there.
Move on to Street Lamps
After the windows and the underpainting are set, the next light sources to consider are street lamps. You’ll address them as you apply your first layer of dark value. I like to use burnt sienna from the tube for this because that color lifts well, which becomes important later when I simulate the soft, radiant halos of lamplight. You can follow my process in Glowing Street Lamp in Watercolor, below.
Demo: Glowing Street Lamp in Watercolor
1. REMOVE MASK: You’ll have masked the area of the lamp when you began your painting (preferably on coldpressed paper). After you’ve laid in the underpainting and are ready to begin the darks, remove the masking fluid.
2. WASH AND LIFT: Prepare your wash and begin applying it to the paper, being careful to avoid your lit windows. Notice the nuance the color takes on as a result of your underpainting. (The lit windows will also begin to take form as the contrast with the darks builds.) As you approach an area with a street lamp, cover it with the wash as you do other areas, but then, with a round brush, quickly drop in some clear water where the center of the bulb would be. Dry your brush slightly and then use it to lift color from the center of the bulb and in a ring around the bulb. Lifting the color in this way moderates the white of the bulb and creates a soft-edged halo.
3. ADD SOFT-EDGED LAYERS: Next, apply more pigment to the perimeter of the light, continuing to drop in and lift water from the center until the soft-edged halo becomes clearly visible and remains. As you add layers of dark values, repeat this process of softening the edges by adding more water and more pigment, lifting and adding until the bulb appears to glow. Allow a small area of true white to remain in the middle, but soften that area as you approach its outer edges.
A Full Range of Values
As you continue layering, I recommend shifting to a mixed burnt sienna made from a base of alizarin crimson with a bit of cadmium yellow and a dab of phthalo blue. This mixed pigment will offer more opportunity for color changes than a tube color, and it will also stay put better as you continue to apply layers.
If the burnt sienna isn’t getting as dark as you’d like, switch to a dark violet or indigo made with phthalo blue and alizarin crimson for some of the darker areas. This mixture makes a wonderfully transparent, rich dark that, when layered over browns, retains its warmth without becoming muddy. Be sure when you paint these layers that you continue lifting from the edges of the halos surrounding the street lamps.
Finishing Touches
The details added at the end really make a night scene come to life. Once your painting is absolutely dry, you can go back in with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (the original, with no added detergents or chemicals) to lift details, sparkles, and reflections. Begin by placing a piece of masking tape over the area you want to lift and, using an inexpensive snap-off knife from a hardware store, create a stencil with the tape. For wires, cut a long line, then lift half of the tape and offset it just a bit to create a fine separation. Dampen the Magic Eraser with clean water and lift. Blot the area with a paper towel before removing the tape.
Last, you’ll want to bring in a few fine black lines and accents, such as wires, railings, or cracks in the pavement. This will add contrast and visual interest. Using a script brush loaded with black made from phthalo green and alizarin crimson, paint in your accents, using a light touch.
Materials
SURFACE: Arches 300-lb. cold-pressed paper
WATERCOLORS: Da Vinci
BRUSHES: Loew-Cornell series 7750 2-inch Sky Wash flat (for wetting large areas), American Journey ¾-inch interlocked nylon flat (for underpainting and applying dark washes), Loew-Cornell series 7020 No. 14 Ultra round (for general painting and lifting), Silver Brush series 2407S Ultra Mini 10/0 script (for applying masking fluid and painting fine lines)
OTHER: Daler-Rowney Art Masking Fluid, mini snap-off knife, masking tape, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (original)
About the Artist
Lynn Ferris, a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, the National Watercolor Society, and the Florida Watercolor Society, teaches workshops across the United States. In another demo from Lynn, learn how she creates depth and luminosity by limiting her palette to three colors and emphasizing the shadows
This article originally appeared in Artist’s Magazine. | https://s31531.pcdn.co/art-mediums/watercolor/light-up-the-night/ |
What is counter-change?
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Counter-change is simply the placing of dark colours or tonal values next to light ones. That is all it means! However the effect that it causes within your watercolour painting is critical to the end result and so vital in order to achieve the impact that is so very important and can make or break the finished painting.
Placing light next to dark will make the dark areas appear even darker and the light areas even lighter. This counter-change effect brings light into a watercolour painting and this vital element is so important to help bring a painting to life, draw in the eye and focus of the viewer, as well as making a finshed painting "pop", as they say.
Accentuating dark areas in this way within a painting also helps with adding depth which is so important as it helps to create a feeling of perspective and distance in the finished painting.
This is a useful tool both to use and make use of when you are creating a painting. Spotting where within the painting this can be done becomes more obvious with practice. When you become proficient at including this technique in your watercolour paintings you will see just how much difference it makes to the final result. It just takes a little bit of thought and planning before you begin the painting process. | https://tonygart.co.uk/tips/show_tip/34 |
In this anatomy lesson, you will discover not only the essential information on human anatomy for artists, but also get a very helpful guidance on classical drawing techniques.
The model for this drawing is the female figure of Night carved by the Italian Renaissance sculptor, Michelangelo Buonarroti, between 1526 and 1531.
This figure has a challenging pose, and the anatomy lesson starts from indication of positions and proportions.
The axis of the shoulders is tilted diagonally in perspective. The circle of the first pair of ribs is indicated at the top. The ribcage spans downward, becoming wider.
I am using the virtual lines of constructive drawing to mark the figure’s edges and angles. To learn about constructive principles and how to use them in drawing, you may enroll in the Drawing Academy course, where I explain this topic in detail.
The knee and ankle joints can be indicated with circles. They appear in perspective as ovals, which we see from below. Such ovals are very helpful when defining the proportions of the lower limbs. When dealing with such a complex figure, it is also helpful to draw larger ovals where the upper legs connect to the body.
The kneecap is positioned just above the top edge of the shinbone.
The quadriceps muscle defines the outline of the front of the upper leg.
The calf muscle gives the rear upper half of the lower leg its characteristic outline.
The calf bone is located on the outer side of the shinbone; its top end is discernible near the knee, and the lower end forms the outer anklebone.
The hamstring muscles define the outline of the rear of the thigh.
The mass of the calf muscles fuses into the tendon at roughly the middle of the lower leg, where it becomes slimmer. This tendon then runs into the heel bone.
Let’s examine the figure’s head.
In this position, we see it from above in three-quarters view. It is also tilted to the side.
The two most important constructive lines of the head are the central vertical line of symmetry and the horizontal eye line, which divides the height of the head into two equal halves.
Because we are looking at the head in perspective, all of these virtual lines are arched.
The figure’s right arm is in the supination position.
The group of muscles called the flexors defines the outline of the forearm. The opposite outline illustrates the extensors group of muscles.
The outer anklebone is located on the same level as the top edge of the foot arch.
With the constructive drawing almost complete, I will now render tonal values in red pencil.
It is advisable to apply pencil strokes along the object’s contours.
Contours should not be confused with outlines. Any three-dimensional object has an infinite number of contours. A contour is a virtual line that can be achieved through the cross-section of an object with a virtual plane. The contour line is where this plane intersects with the surface of the object.
As you can imagine, such a plane can be located at any angle or position, so there is an infinite number of contours for any given object.
Every contour reveals how the surface of the object lies in space. When you apply pencil strokes along these lines, you will portray the three-dimensional nature of the object.
The anatomy lesson delivers more than just anatomy information. Now let me give you some good advice on how to render tonal values.
When planning your artwork, you need to know the darkest shade your drawing tool can provide.
You also need to keep in mind the contrast between the lightest and the darkest values in your piece.
Sometimes, when your drawing tool cannot deliver very dark values or when you don’t plan to make a very deep rendering, you may leave un-rendered not only highlights, but also light areas, in order to maintain contrast.
To do so, start rendering from the darkest areas and gradually build the tonal values up. Eventually you will reach a point when the tones cannot or should not go any darker, and therefore you will stop rendering the light areas as well.
At all times, you need to maintain the relative contrast between light and shadow.
This is like traditional darkroom photography. The darkest values appear first as light tones, then they deepen and mid-tones start to appear; and finally, as the dark and mid-tones become darker, the light areas begin to develop.
By working in this sequence, you will be able to keep control of how tonal values build up throughout the entire drawing process and to make sure the correct contrast between light and dark areas is maintained.
1. Do not start from one corner of the drawing and move to the other, rendering piece by piece to completion as you go.
2. Do not use all the rendering power that your drawing tool can provide as soon as you begin.
3. Do not render one area of the drawing to the completion while leaving other areas untouched. The entire artwork has to be developed simultaneously and gradually.
4. Do not rub your pencil in both directions on paper. Apply pencil strokes in one direction, lifting the pencil at the end of each stroke.
5. Do not be afraid of visible pencil strokes even in smooth areas of drawing. Pencil marks are your hand signature that makes your artwork and creative style unique.
6. Do not smudge pencil strokes with a finger or paper stump. This is an amateur mistake practiced by self-taught artists.
7. You may place a piece of clean paper under your hand to protect the pencil marks from smudging.
8. Keep your pencil well sharpened at all times. A blunt pencil tip is as bad as a blunt knife. Just ask any chief if you still have doubts.
9. Use a pencil knife to sharpen your pencils; this way you will be able to expose about half-an-inch of the lead. No pencil sharpener will do the same quality job. Pencil sharpeners are only good for children for safety reasons.
To see the anatomy lesson in full, enroll in the Anatomy Master Class. | https://anatomymasterclass.com/anatomy-video-lessons/the-anatomy-lesson |
To view the documentation from the current version of the game instead, click here.
Entities are shown as colour-coded sparkly dots when in edit mode. They are used for adding non-geometry/non-texture items, such as:
Each of these entities will be explained soon. All entities are added by the /newent command (or through the editing menu). When adding entities, they are always added to the red dot on the corner of the cube that you selected and at the height of which you are currently hovering (note: the physical entity created will always drop down to the ground).
Some useful commands to use with entities:
When lighting up a map, make sure to allow for contrast, as contrast is what makes a map look atmospheric. Things that are naturally bright, should become naturally bright (for example: outside areas, lights, lamps, etc). Places that are naturally dark, should be a bit dim (for example: A room with no windows or lights).
Tips:
Lights can be added typing "/newent light" and then a number between 1 and 32 to define the size of the light (the radius) and then a number between 1 and 255 to define the brightness.
Coloured lighting can be added typing "/newent light" and then a number between 1 and 32 to define the size of the light (the radius) and then a number between 1 and 255 to define the amount of red light and then a number between 1 and 255 to define the amount of green light and then a number between 1 and 255 to define the amount of blue light.
Note: The radius and all 3 colour values must be defined for a coloured light to be created correctly. You can't omit a value as it will not create the light correctly. If you don't want any colour from a specific value, simply use the value "1" as a place holder.
There is also a new handy menu that you can use to create lights by pressing L or accessing it through the editing menu.
Tip: If you accidentally light a map too brightly (for example, you didn't reset your gamma levels before editing), instead of deleting lights and starting again, you could utilize the /scalelights command.
Pickups must be placed strategically through maps and do take some time to position correctly. Powerful pickups should be few and not be too close to each other (unless there is a good risk involved) and pickups should be well spread and not be too high in number. Try to keep powerful pickups away from the spawn area so players are encouraged to leave their bases. Strategy is key! A good idea to keep in mind when mapping is "what would I need here to help me pwn?".
To place pickups, use the pickups menu inside the editing menu, otherwise type one of the below...
If needed, you can apply height to the model by adding a figure after the command indicating the vertical position of the pickup. This figure is allowed to be a negative number if needed (for example: if you use a pickup on a heightfield and want the pickup to appear at the correct height) to move it downwards instead of upwards.
In AssaultCube, there are three types of spawn points: RVSF spawn points, CLA spawn points and FFA spawn points (free-for-all).
As a general rule, you should place as many spawn points as possible in a spawn area so that players aren't spawning from the same point too often. However, don't over-do it. Make sure that spawn points are not too close to each other.
Also make sure that spawns are not too close to any walls and mapmodels so players don't get stuck inside them. Take care when placing spawn points to make sure you face the direction you would like the player to face when they spawn, so that they spawn looking in that direction, rather than facing a wall!
RVSF and CLA spawn points should be placed in their respective bases. FFA spawns should be placed all over the map in various places (FFA spawns are for non-team type games, such as Deathmatch or One-shot, one-kill).
If spawn points are not created, players will just spawn in the middle of the map, all next to each other, so please remember to add spawn points.
You can add spawn points through the editing menu, or you can type:
AssaultCube is packaged with many mapmodels to begin with, so there's a large choice available. You can add your own custom models if you want through config files. When adding mapmodels to your map, use them sparingly, as mapmodels slow down gamespeed and too many in one place just looks plain ugly.
To add a mapmodel to a map, type: /newent mapmodel X Y Z.
Alternatively, you can use the very handy mapmodel menu inside the editing menu.
Replace X with the mapmodels number (you can find this out by opening /config/default_map_settings.cfg - The mapmodels number is written in a comment to the right of the mapmodel).
Replace Y with the height you would like the mapmodel to appear above the cube that it is placed upon.
If you want a different texture to appear on the mapmodel, you can use Z to define a texture number to apply to that mapmodel. Using this is unrecommended as it's better to use the models default texture.
Note: Some mapmodels in the mapmodels menu do not appear instantly. Instead, they bring up the text needed to place that mapmodel, giving you a chance to define a height for that mapmodel if needed.
Due to the AssaultCube engines limitations... you can't use geometry to create a second level. But, you can use a mapmodel platform or bridge. Look in the editing menu under "Platforms/Clips". Apply some height to these to create a second floor. Using too many of these is unrecommended.
If you want to enable CTF mode on your map, place a CTF flag in each respective base using the menus or by typing:
Clips can be used to block players from accessing areas that they shouldn't be able to access (for example: over a fence).
You can use clips through the editing menu through Entities -> Clips.
You can also simply use the command by picking where you want the clips and typing:
/newent clips W X Y Z
Replace W with the elevation from the ground of the clip.
Replace X with the length of the clip
Replace Y with the width of the clip
Replace Z with the height of the clip.
Note: Some older maps, created prior to v1.0 may use a different technique of clipping that you can't visibly see in editmode, as the current way of using clips did not exist at the time.
Ladders are comprised of TWO pieces. One part is the ladder mapmodel which gives the ladder an appearance. The other part is the "entity" which is an invisible force that let's you climb the mapmodel like a ladder.
Choose the appropriate place for the model, then, pick the appropriate sized mapmodel
from the submenus in Editing > Mapmodels. To place the model
with the correct orientation, turn 90 degrees to the left before placing it.
There is a single ladder rung model that you can use to make different sized ladders if needed (by applying height to the model, see mapmodels).
On the same cube that you placed the mapmodel, type: /newent ladder X. Replace "X" with the amount of cubes that the player will need to climb.
So long as the sound is defined in the config files you can use ambient sounds in a map. When using ambient sounds, sound will be played to all players within the radius defined, from the source of the entity.
To use an ambient sound, type: /newent sound W X Y Z
Replace W with the number for the sound (as defined by your custom
config files).
Replace X with the radius you want the sound to play for.
Replace Y with the amount of distance inside the radius you would like before the sound starts to fade.
Replace Z with the volume of the sound (from 1-255).
For more information, see: newent sound. | https://assault.cubers.net/docs/mapediting3.html |
We’re very excited to present this in-depth tutorial exploring themes of fantasy and light vs. dark by surrealist artist, Aron! Below, you can see the staggering difference between the before and after image and even watch a quick layer-by-layer video to see the work in motion. Read on to learn more about Aron’s workflow and signature style in his colorful tutorial that utilizes some great PixelSquid objects.
Created using Photoshop on the Huion Tablet.
Stock from Envato Elements and PixelSquid.
Hi there! My name is Aron, and I’m a surrealist Digital Artist from North Macedonia. I’m known as @aronvisuals on Instagram, where my artwork shows off the beauty of the universe. I aim to convey that not everything is as dark as it seems to be sometimes, but that everything magical brings hope. I love to create mostly night scenes with stories from my mind and my dreams.
In this tutorial, I’ll demonstrate how to recreate my ”River Of Dreams” artwork. The idea for this came to my mind a long time ago; I’ve always wanted to create something from an overhead angle, and this was the right time since I managed to collect the stock images. This piece came alive because of PixelSquid and I’m so proud of it. So let’s start!
1. The first thing that I do is create the canvas, which is 4000×5000 and 300 dpi.
2. I am using the stock photo of the universe from Envato Elements as the base for water and the universe together. In the following photos, you’ll see how this becomes a dreamy river.
3. Next, I’ll add a PNG file for more stars. Have you seen Aron’s artwork without so many stars? Nope. Why? Because it’s way more magical like this.
4. I add a water stock photo from an overhead angle to help blend the universe so it will look more like water.
5. I’ll play with the Hue/Saturation on the water stock layer until I get the colors I want. I changed the Hue to +141, Saturation to +68 and Lightness – 29, which caused more of the darker areas to disappear and created the colors that I was aiming for. Remember to press the button to create a Clipping Mask for the layer underneath. Without it, it will affect every layer and not just the one you want to change.
6. Here I add another perfect stock image of water with reflection details from an overhead angle, but now we need to make it darker.
7. First, I want to get more blue tones with Color Balance — Cyan -24, Magenta -37 and Blue +48.
8. Then I use Levels to darken it so that all of my details are more visible.
9. It’s time to add the moon, yay! I place a PNG file of the moon and used Levels Adjustment without clipping it to the moon because I still want to make everything darker.
10. Now, it’s time for the lavender object from PixelSquid! I rotate the same lavender object into three different overhead positions since the scene is set up to appear from above. I set them so that they are placed along the edges of the composition. I have a plan for what will be in the center. Wait and you will see!
11. Here, I apply Color Balance to the lavender objects, followed by a Levels Adjustment to lighten them, and then start painting on a mask to bring back the original lights from the stock images. Of course, I paint only certain parts by determining where my source of light is coming from. In this case, it’s coming from the lower left corner. After that, I add more stars and use the Levels Adjustment without a clipping mask to make it a little bit darker.
12. Now, it’s time to add the pier object from PixelSquid. Using the PixelSquid plugin, I rotate and select the pier position at an overhead angle and centered it in my composition. The pier includes shadows but my light source is coming from left, so the shadows should go more on the right side. So, I add a new layer under the pier, painted a shadow for the dock, and used Gaussian Blur to blur it a bit with Opacity at 21% to make it look more realistic.
13. I apply the Color Balance twice to get similar blue and purple tones on everything. Then I use Levels again to set the darkness exactly how I want it, and then bring back the original lights. Since my source of light is on the left side, I paint it on the left. Everything is on a clipping mask for the dock layer.
14. It’s time to add some lily objects from PixelSquid. I use 4 different ones from an overhead position.
15. Then, on the layer under the lilies, I paint their shadows and lower the opacity to not be so visible. I apply Color Balance and Hue/Saturation Adjustment on the lilies many times to get the colors as I want. And, like before, I apply Levels to darken areas, and then bring back the lights, still paying attention to where my main light source is coming.
16. I add a fish from PixelSquid and place it- again from the overhead position- to fit the rest of the scene.
17. I blend the fish in the same way by using Color Balance, Levels, and a lower Opacity. Next, I add a PNG stock of magical stars using Color Dodge Mode at the pier. The plan is to use Brightness/Contrast to darken the area around the full artwork more, invert it (CTRL+I), and then paint there.
18. And now it’s time to add the most important part of the artwork – the girl on the pier. To remove backgrounds, I always use the Eraser tool, even if I know that it can be done faster with the Quick Selection tool or the Pen tool. I prefer to see the details and do it on my own, which I’ve always done since I started using Photoshop.
After I place her on the pier on the layer underneath, I paint her shadows, again remembering to check my source light from the left side so that shadows are on the right along with the other objects in the scene. I then blur it a little bit, as I did with the other shadows, and lower the Opacity on Soft Light Mode.
19. Next, I use Color Balance to match the colors and then Levels Adjustment again to darken the girl as well as bring the highlights back on her left side where the light is hitting. On the next layer, I paint some hair on the left and right side of her head to add more details. I used the Huion Kamvas 22 tablet, in case you’re wondering, and believe me– it’s so much faster and better to paint and draw things with a tablet.
20. In the next step, I add a fog overlay on Screen Blending Mode above all the layers and then use Hue/Saturation shift to the blue tones. I also move the lightness on the left to blend more and use the Clone Stamp to move the fog on the lilies as well. Then, I add a lot of lights on the layer above everything.
21. When everything is placed well, it’s time to get the final color grading. I’m always using built-in default Photoshop Color Lookups (LUTs). By playing with the blend modes, you can see which one fits the best… in this case, it was on Screen Mode with the Opacity at 66%.
22. I add another Color Lookup, one that fades everything by lifting the blacks.
23. Then I add a final Color Lookup with purple/blue tones and Brightness/Contrast to darken everything a little bit more.
24. As a final step, I open the Camera Raw and adjust every slider till I achieve my signature style of coloring, from the lighter to the darker parts.
I set up the Radial Filter in the center and make it lighter in focus. I brought the shadows down a little bit, mostly by using everything in Camera Raw from Exposure, Contrast, and Highlights to Curves, Color Mixer and Split Toning.
That’s it guys! I really hope you enjoyed this tutorial and that you have learned something new. You can see how playing with lights in my artwork relates to themes of lightness vs. darkness. Let your ideas go wild and don’t forget to follow your dreams! If you don’t already have a PixelSquid subscription, I really don’t know what you are waiting for! My work is on a whole new level thanks to their stock objects.
Aron is a Digital Artist from North Macedonia who specializes in surreal art. You can follow him on his Instagram, Twitter, or Behance.
If you’re interested in being featured in our artist tutorials and spotlights, you can email our content team at [email protected]. | https://blog.pixelsquid.com/tutorial-pushing-light-and-dark-values-to-create-surrealism-with-pixelsquid-objects/ |
Discover how to create stunning photo manipulations in Photoshop. In this course, you'll learn everything from photographing models to creating dark conceptual artworks. If you enjoy our photo manipulation tutorials, you will absolutely love this course.
In this tutorial, I'll show you how to create a Catwoman artwork using a range of photo manipulation techniques. You'll learn how to create a dark night city scene from several stock images, practice some retouching techniques as well as enhance the light and contrast of the scene.
What you'll be creating
We'll start this tutorial by combining a sky and a city image using adjustment layers, masking, and brush. Then we'll add the moon and create a glowing light for it. Later we'll add the walls and blend them together using the same previous techniques. After that, we'll add the model and do some retouch on her. We'll use the bat brushes to increase the dark atmosphere for the image. We'll add several adjustment layers to enhance the final effect. You'll need Photoshop CS3 or newer to follow this tutorial.
Tutorial Resources
Step 1
Create a new document in Photoshop with the given settings:
Step 2
Open the sky image. Drag it into our white canvas using the Move Tool:
Step 3
Use a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer and set it as Clipping Mask to desaturate the sky color.
Step 4
Use a Curves adjustment layer (set as Clipping Mask) to darken the sky:
Step 5
Place the city image in the our working document and rotate it a little using the Free Transform Tool (Cmd/Ctrl+T).
Click the second icon at the bottom of the Layers Panel to add a mask to this layer. Use a basic, soft brush with black color to remove the sky part in the city image to reveal the existing sky:
Step 6
Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur and set the radius to 6 px:
This step is too add some depth to the scene.
Step 7
Use a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer (set as Clipping Mask) to remove the blue of the big building at the background:
Step 8
Use a Color Balance adjustment layer to change the scene color:
Step 9
Place the moon image onto the top left of the sky and remove its background using a layer mask. Change the mode of this layer to Screen 100%.
Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur and change the radius to 4 px:
Step 10
To add some light to the moon, double click the moon layer, choose Outer Glow and Inner Glow:
Step 11
To add more light to the moon, make a new layer and use a soft brush with the color #d5dae2 to paint over the moon area. Change the mode to Screen 100%: | https://www.photoshoptutorials.ws/photoshop-tutorials/create-catwoman-poster-photoshop/ |
There are many types of chemicals, all of which can be very dangerous if handled improperly. In fact, the chemicals that are most commonly used to create glass are acid, alkaline, salts, and muriatic acids. Glass is one of the most durable, but still fragile, materials, and handling chemicals can lead to major structural damage.
Acidic chemicals are the most commonly used chemicals for creating glass, and the best way to test for toxicity is by looking at the fluid or liquid itself. Commonly found as a clear yellowish, or brownish liquid, chemicals in glass often appear as thick, greenish lines when viewed in normal light. When chemicals are spilled on glass surfaces, the liquid will often remain on the surface of the material, rather than seeping into it and settling into the wood or other material beneath. However, the same substances that stain glass will stain other materials, causing them to become discolored as well. These colors can be difficult to remove, so you may find that you need to strip the stain from the surface of the material.
In order to prolong the life of your stained glass art, you should place it in a dark room for the winter. Sunlight can actually cause damage to the surface over time, so limiting the exposure to sunlight is essential. You can also protect it from extreme cold by placing it in a box or Tupperware container. Store it away from dampness and be sure to keep it out of the sun during the summer. If you live in an area that experiences severe climate change, or if you simply do not want to see your artwork damaged from the elements, then you should purchase a canvas that is specially made for winter use. that you do not expose your artwork either in the sun or any fluorescent light, when you are not using it.
These are some of the important canvas care tips that you can follow. By following these tips, you can extend the life of your artwork on canvas. Good luck! use} Do not expose your canvas to direct sunlight as this can fade the colors. Canvas should be stored in a cool and dry place. Avoid hanging your artwork on doorsteps or other public places. Store it in a dark and dry place like a cupboard.
When preparing to apply your canvas, you need to prepare the canvas by cleaning it properly. It is important that you use brushes with soft bristles to gently clean the canvas. You can also use soap and water to clean your artwork, but make sure you do this carefully to prevent damage to your artwork.
Painting on canvas involves applying pigment on the surface of the canvas. To create the color of the painting, you will have to apply the paint on the canvas. To make sure that you are not doing something dangerous to your canvas, it is strongly recommended that you apply protective coatings to it.
There are different types of protective coatings for different types of paintings. You should know more about them so that you can apply the right one according to the type of your painting. For instance, there are some coatings that are specifically made for paintings made from watercolor, oil, and acrylic mediums. The best way to determine which type of coating is best for you is to research more about the different types of protective coatings that are available in the market. There are also some other things to consider such as the thickness, surface texture, and overall finish of the coating that you will be applying.
City Chemical LLC produces chemicals that are purchased for industrial use such as Nickel Monoxide (1313-99-1), Primuline (8064-60-6), Quininic Acid (86-68-0), Silicon Tetraiodide (13465-84-4), Silver Nitrate (7761-88-8), Tantalum Ethoxide (6074-84-6), Tetraethylgermanium (597-63-7), Tetraethylsilane (631-36-7), Triethylsilane (617-86-7), Zinc Chromate (13530-65-9), Zinc Silcofluoride (16871-71-9), 1,4-Naphthoquinone (130-15-4), 2,5-Dimethylindole (1196-79-8), 4-Chloro-2-nitrophenol (89-64-5), Antimony Trioxide (1309-64-4), Barium Manganate (7787-35-1), Benzyltrichlorosilane (770-10-5), Dibutyltin Sulfide (4253-22-9), Diphenic Acid (482-05-3). To learn more about chemicals visit citychemical.com. | http://www.makingrain.com/understanding-how-to-paint-in-a-better-way/ |
Eric Joyner Inspired Art
Children in Woodpecker's Class worked with Mrs Poole to create their own artwork inspired by the artist Eric Joyner. His artwork focuses on a 'Robot' theme which links with the work we have been doing through the study of the Iron Man by Ted Hughes.
The children used a range of brush techniques and paint to create a layered landscape effect. We wanted to create 'depth' within the picture. The children explored colour mixing - creating light and dark shades; thickness of brush for background and more intricate work - to create different effects.
We had a great afternoon and can't wait to finish our robot drawings to add to the brilliant backgrounds we created. | https://www.woodstock.oxon.sch.uk/gallery/?pid=3&gcatid=1&albumid=83 |
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BIC NIGERIA AFFIRM COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING JOB FOR OGUN YOUTHS
General Manager of BIC Nigeria, Guillaume Groues, said during a media tour of its factory in Ogun State that the company is committed to providing more jobs for Nigerian Youths and to also create employment for the local community.
he said about 99 per cent of the firm’s employees are from the locality, with 100 per cent of their manufacturing materials locally sourced and 90 per cent locally produced.
In contributing to a healthier environment, he noted that the firm is investing to reduce impact on the environment by using recycled plastic and packaging. He also noted that they are taking measures to mitigate the prevalence of fake BIC products in the country.
We pride ourselves with our constantly growing operation and our impact on local communities, contributing towards the country’s socio-economic development. We look forward to further growth and investment in Nigeria,” he said.
In 2018, he said the firm launched its sustainable development programme, ‘Writing the Future Together.’ The programme, he added, aims to drive BIC to achieve its five commitments – improving environmental and societal product footprint; acting against climate change; providing team members with a safe workplace; making supply chain more responsible and reinforcing commitment to education. | https://remotv.com.ng/2022/11/15/bic-nigeria-affirm-commitment-to-providing-job-for-ogun-youths/ |
The circular economy forms an integral part of our entire value chain, from the use of locally sourced waste material to the sale of our products. The use of biofuel in place of fossil fuels has a positive environmental impact by reducing CO2 emissions.
Alignment with the philosophy of the circular economy from the very start
Our economic model in 2012 was already based on the principles of the circular economy, even before the European Commission adopted its first circular economy plan in 2015. Since that time, our commitment has never ceased to respond to the challenges set out by local and international organisations, with the aim of always being one step ahead.
Focal points of our circular economy strategy
Our goals
Our main goals are focused on strengthening our production efficiency and enhancing versatility in the production of raw materials of greater environmental interest.
This is our contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals: | https://bioarag.es/en/circular-economy/ |
At Bamford Produce, we believe in protecting the environment. As a company, we continually focus on sustainability and strive to reduce our carbon footprint in all aspects of our operations. Whether it is improved warehousing and processing procedures to ensure resource conservation and to minimize environmental impact on our dedicated fleet maintenance and driving procedures, we are constantly investigating and embracing new systems and technologies as they become available to ensure we are the leaders when it comes to sustainability in our industry.
Conversion of shipping containers to recycled materials: In the recent years we have saved the equivalent of 6300 mature trees.
Diversion of plant waste into recycling: All cardboard is recycled and all food waste is sent for animal feed.
We utilize high efficiency lighting and our packaging materials are 100% recyclable or compostable.
We use ROADNET GPS tracking and routing of all our delivery vehicles to reduce mileage, fuel consumption and unnecessary time on the road. | https://bamfordproduce.com/about/sustainability/ |
Brickstack Architects is committed to environmental stewardship through the use of proven passive heating and cooling techniques, proper placement and sensitive interventions to the site, locally sourced building materials and the principles of the North Carolina Green Built Homes and Energy Star standards.
Environmental stewardship means creating architecture that is durable, well-constructed and appropriately designed for its site. A well-designed and well-crafted home contributes not only to a sustainable future, but also to the health and comfort of the homeowner.
In addition to our commitment to our natural resources, we proudly support our local economy through its extraordinary human resources. Western North Carolina is home to an abundance of talented artists, artisans and craftspeople. Without their skilled hands and dedication to their craft, great architecture would not be possible. | https://www.brick-stack.com/ethos |
We strive to continually improve all aspects of environmental performance, including the impact of our operations on air, land, water and seismicity. To support continuous improvement, we focus on technologies and innovative strategies that minimize our environmental footprint.
Tourmaline has undertaken several initiatives to reduce our emissions, primarily through innovation and employing new technologies. In particular, we have dramatically reduced GHG emissions associated with drilling and completions through the use of in-line well testing. We are also a participant in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), a not-for-profit charity that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impacts.
Tourmaline has been an industry leader in water management, and has been at the forefront of technology-driven changes that reduce consumption of fresh water and the volume of flowback water that must be injected into disposal wells.
We were one of the first operators in B.C. to utilize recycled water in hydraulic fracturing operations, and the first in Alberta to receive regulatory approval to use recycled water in hydraulic fracturing operations by constructing an engineered containment facility at our Banshee facility.
Minimizing surface impact is a top priority for Tourmaline. Our use of multi-well pads has reduced surface disturbance dramatically by consolidating wells on a single pad. Rather than constructing new facilities, we look for opportunities to expand existing facilities, reducing the surface impact of additional processing capacity. When new plants are required, they are designed in a compact but expandable manner, thereby providing the ability to increase capacity with minimal impacts on the land. In addition, The Company optimizes its selection of pipeline right-of-ways to minimize surface impact. | https://www.tourmalineoil.com/corporate-responsibility/sustainability |
We utilize the open-pit mining method, which facilitates access and extraction of marble blocks from our marble mine, reducing the risk of accidents caused by collapsed mine roofs, mine floods and the leakage of harmful gases. Compared to underground mining, our open-pit mining operations generally do not involve the use of explosive materials or hazardous chemicals, thereby significantly reducing safety and environmental pollution concerns.
We are committed to following environmentally responsible practices and have adopted measures to minimize the impact and risk of our operations on the environment.
We utilize water with drilling, cutting and sawing activities, water sprays at material transfer points, and water trucks to spray the roads during dry periods to reduce dust from mining operations.
The mine site has also been designed to recycle used water for production activities and dust suppression. Production water and rain falling on the mine area are drained to a central sump where the water is settled and cleared of sediment before being recycled back into ongoing production activity.No toxic or hazardous substances are contained in the drainage water.
We have a limited amount of tailings because our Zhangjiaba Mine is highly utilizable and, as a result, we do not incur additional handling costs.
Methods of noise control include use of silencers, noise and vibration dampening and absorbing materials, isolation and enclosure of noisy equipment, and regular equipment maintenance. We also undertake regular noise, water and air quality monitoring as well as an ongoing reclamation and re-planting program for disturbed areas.
We are confident in our ability to further enhance our safety and environmental protection capabilities, meet the increasingly strict safety and environmental protection standards imposed by the PRC Government and reduce any exposure to potential incremental costs or contingent liabilities relating to safety and environmental protection. | http://www.kingstonemining.com/htm/en/yewu/safe/ |
I have been in the construction industry for over 15 years, first as a carpenter, then as a site manager. It has always played on my conscience that we should be doing more as builders to minimise our impact on the environment. From segregating waste to recycling, there is so much more we can do, and with better planning, we are able to greatly reduce our environmental impact as builders.
Experience you can trust
Sustainability is at our core
All timber is responsibly sourced, FSC-certified and, where possible, locally sourced. This goes for all materials used. I like to shop locally where I can, therefore reducing material travel times and CO2 emissions. I am keen to support other local businesses.
Safety is our priority
Many people are unaware that certain products used within our homes can cause potential dangers. For example, paint types can emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) for many years. At JFSB we use high-quality and safe materials, such as mineral paints, which are much better for us and the environment.
Buildings and the process of constructing them account for over 30% of total global energy use. It is time we started making changes to the way we build.
As an experienced carpenter, I deliver a high-quality, sustainable building service. | https://www.jfsb.co.uk/about |
The first introduction to psychology usually comes in the kind of biology classes. Many biology students already come into class with at least basic knowledge of psychology. They understand that their genes determine how their bodies work, how they physically function and, to a certain degree, how they act or what illnesses they may develop. But very few of these students have an understandable understanding of what exactly DNA is, where it is found in the body, why it causes problems, and how it can be manipulated or altered.
In the case of development, the genes passed from one generation to the next just need to survive. Genes are merely instructions for doing things. People, as all living things, are programmed through thousands of years of natural selection to participate in behavior that’s survival oriented. The basis for this programming is the expression of certain genes that cause specific traits, such as aggressiveness, violence or sexuality. In the case of psychology, the genes that are passed on to us through our parents, siblings, or other kin will determine such behavior.
In terms of understanding what is going on genetically, we are still in the age of molecular biology. In this framework, genes are just packets of information carrying instructions. This is the way humans, plants and animals have been growing for centuries. Nevertheless, in the last 50 years or so, a revolution in the field of psychology has happened known as molecular biology or genomics. Genomics provides a new lens through which we could see the relationships between behavior and genes.
The molecular basis for behaviors and human memory is in fact quite simple – it’s all about the epigenome. The Epigenome is a cellular memory storage that determines whether or not a behavior is going to be voiced or not. Like all memory storage systems, it contains information that is “programmed” in advance by the genome.
What we now know is that the genetic material that determines behaviour exists in all of us, but in varying quantities. Most of the variations come from the variation in the copies of genes within the cellular memory storage of the person. The copy of the gene which determines the behavior is called the epigome. It is this particular copy that we call the epigenome.
The significance of the epigenome in psychology and its relationship to individual differences has been shown in a landmark study on twins. For years, autism research was based upon research on twins. However, it was discovered that there was substantial heritability (hitability) to behavior that existed between individuals who had identical twins but whose traits were very different. This study provided the first evidence of the significance of the epigenome in human behaviour and its link to abnormal behavioral disorders such as autism.
Even though the significance of the Epigenome in psychology has been established, many in the psychological area are hesitant to accept its potential as a significant factor in mental illness. 1 reason for this is it is difficult to define a real genetic sequence or locus that causes a behavioral disorder. Another issue is that there are just too many genetic differences between individuals to use a single DNA sequence to determine mental illness. Finally, even though the research on the Epigenome has been promising, more work has to be done to determine the role that genetics play in complex diseases like schizophrenia. If this finding holds true, it may be utilised as a foundation for analyzing other complicated diseases that have complex genetic components.
If you are interested in learning more about Epigenetics and how it applies to psychology, I highly recommend that you follow the links below. My site discusses the exciting new technologies that are available today to better understand how Epigenetics affects behavior and the susceptibility to disease. You can even hear me speak on my epigenetics and autism blog. My research into Epigenetics is centered on understanding the environmental causes of disease, but I have also been involved in studying the relationship between Epigenetics and Autism. My future articles will also discuss diseases of the brain which can be affected by Epigenetics. | https://www.hardtofindstamps.com/happy-new-year-quotes-2019-oprah-winfrey/ |
While personalized genomics data have been rapidly accumulating, much of the genetic variants such as those measured in cancer genomics projects are difficult to interpret, and their roles in disease such as cancer unknown. We have developed novel computational methods that can accurately predict the likelihood of genetic variants in cancer development, even those mutations not yet collected from patients. We also have the unique ability to identify cooperative units of variants that collectively play significant role in cancer development. Our work will lead to improved methods for precision medicine. This project is current supported by NIH NCI.
Multiscale Mechanistic Modeling of Disease and Health. Heading link
After collection of big data, we will need to integrate genomics, proteomics, epigenetics, networks, cells, tissues, organs, and population data to develop mechanistic models. There are tremendous opportunities in gaining understanding of underlying mechanism of major cellular processes, as malfunctioning of these cellular processes belie many diseases. Informed by the large amount of data and measurement, quantitative models and computational simulation will untangle the complexities of many diseases, leading to formulation of new strategies for treatment and for manipulation for health benefits.
Stochastic Network and Constructing Personal Health Fitness Landscape. Heading link
Beyond sequences, proteins, and chromosomes, a higher-level landscape picture of the physiological states of cells is emerging, much like the evolutionary landscape of Waddington first formulated in the 1940s. With key biological processes characterized, we can now construct a probability landscape of cells, where the largest basin of the greatest attractor is that of the healthy state, and other smaller basins of higher altitude correspond to different disease states. Complex diseases such as cancer, represented by these elevated metastates, may be reached from multiple paths, corresponding to the heterogeneous nature of cancer cells with different environmental and genetic alterations. Ultimately, we can quantitatively define personalized baseline health states through measurements, simulations, and models.
Topological Data Analysis. Heading link
The emerging field of computational topology and topological data analysis (TDA) will be instrumental in conquering the unwieldly complex high-dimensional data such as the time-evolving probability landscape of cells computed using the ACME algorithm, so specific health fitness landscape in high-dimension can be constructed. The rapid developing field of TDA holds great promise beyond currently well-known deep learning and neural net methods.
(Liang has established collaborations with Herbert Edelsbrunner, a founder of the field of Computational Topology and TDA at IST Austria, with on-going projects on high-dimensional homology group computation. Extensive high-level research exchange of postdoc and PhD student between UIC/IST are planned.).
Computational Design of Bionanopores and Decellularized Biomaterial. Heading link
We also have unique and significant strengths in designing novel devices for data measurement. Bionanopores has the promise to sequence and quantify virtually all biologically relevant macromolecules. It is successful development will enable detection of modified state of proteins, as well as the presence of bacterial/virus. | https://cbqb.uic.edu/research-2/ |
The University of Georgia – As the earth is warming; the Arctic meltdown is all set to expose the massive carbon dioxide store that can threaten the sustenance of life on earth. According to Aron Stubbins, a researcher at the University Of Georgia Skidaway Institute Of Oceanography, the ancient carbon is until now locked in the Arctic permafrost. The study reports were published in the Geophysical Research Letters.
After staying dormant for around thousands of years, now due to global warming the carbon dioxide is slowly leaking into the atmosphere. Even though the discussion of reducing the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere has been doing rounds for the past couple of decades, no consideration ever was given to this Arctic CO2 storehouse.
Once the carbon starts releasing into the atmosphere, it can immediately bring a drastic change in the climate and the consequences can be quite dreadful. The frozen soil in the Arctic region carries the major amount of this carbon store. This soil is the remnants of animals and plants that died around 20,000 years ago or more. This organic material could not decompose as it was frozen permanently for years together.
Decomposition of Organic Material Can Cause Carbon Release
In its frozen state, the organic material is protected from the bacteria that otherwise in warmer conditions immediately start the process of decomposition of organic material. Hence, now when there will be Arctic meltdown the organic material will be exposed to the bacteria, which will cause the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in higher amounts.
The U.S Army released a film on the Distant Early Warning System known as DEW line in 1958. It was an educational film that depicted the importance of the DEW line, which was built in the form of radar sites in the North American Arctic. The move was taken to alert Washington to the impending attack from Soviet during the cold war days.
The opening lines of that film described the exact condition of the Arctic circles, as it is today, desolate, remote and savage. However, no one could foresee the problem of carbon release it can cause in the future. | https://www.worldtechtoday.com/tag/arctic-meltdown |
So far this year, you have learned about the following:
- An atom consists of positively charged protons and neutrons with no charge in a nucleus in the centre of the atom and much smaller electrons, which are negatively charged and on the outside of the atom.
- Molecules are tiny particles made up of more than one atom. A water molecule is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
- Elements are pure substances that are made up of one type of atom. There are 92 naturally occurring elements and some man-made elements.
- Compounds are substances made up of more than one type of atom, tightly bound together. They can look and behave very differently to the elements that they are made up of.
- Elements are organised in the periodic table according to the number of protons in their nucleus. Hydrogen is #1 because it has one proton, helium is number 2 because it has 2 protons etc.
- Each column of the periodic table contains elements with characteristics in common – the noble gases in Group 8 are all very non-reactive elements for example.
Your assessment task for this unit of work is to produce an artefact that explains your understanding of the carbon cycle. It might be a poster, video, Voicethread, cartoon or slideshow. You could use Comic Life, ToonDoo, a common-craft style video or another tool. Make sure you include the following processes:
- Photosynthesis – green plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrate (glucose) that is used by all other living organisms as the source of food.
- Respiration – all living organisms (with the exception of a few bacteria) use oxygen to convert carbohydrates into energy, releasing carbon dioxide and water into the atmosphere.
- Decomposition – Bacteria and fungi break down organic matter (leaves, wood, dead animals etc) into carbon dioxide and water during respiration.
- Fossil Fuel formation – Oil, coal and gas are formed after millions of years under extreme pressure and high temperatures, from once living organisms such as trees and microscopic algae.
- Combustion – wood, gas, oil, coal and other carbon-containing compounds can be burnt with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide. | http://technoscience.global2.vic.edu.au/tag/elements/ |
carbon cycleReading time:
Carbon exists in nature in various forms (table 5) :
CO2 is the compound that is fundamental to the carbon cycle and, if there were no life on Earth, the CO2 levels in the air would mainly depend on volcanic activity, more or less balanced out by changes to silicates which, after being washed by rainwater containing CO2, can create carbonates which are themselves likely to be converted back into CO2 should they come into contact with volcanic phenomena.
Vital cycles and then Man's activities have altered the geological cycle, as shown in the outline given in figure 2 where we can see:
- regulation effected by the biological cycle [synthesis (especially photosynthesis, performed by algae and terrestrial plant life) – respiration (or fermentation, in an anaerobic medium)];
- an injection of CO2 that creates an imbalance (because it is only partly compensated for by a subsequent attachment), created by Man’s activities: the burning of organic forms (wood) and fossil fuels (oil, coal and gas) or the decomposition of carbonated rocks (cement plants, lime kilns) releasing quantities of CO2 contribute to planet heating through the greenhouse effect.
To the above, we need to add the different sources of methane that are naturally produced during anaerobic fermentation; thus, CH4 emitted by paddy fields and the stomachs of ruminants and by liquid manure constitute an additional factor that will affect the balance of this cycle.
In water (figure 3), dissolved CO2 is in equilibrium with the atmospheric CO2 on the one hand and with the dissolved carbon species (HCO3–, CO32–) on the other. The greater part of dissolved mineral carbon is stored in the oceans. Dissolved mineral carbon is converted into organic compounds through the photosynthetic activity of algae and, to a lesser extent, through the photosynthetic activity of aquatic plants; the annual worldwide flow of carbon thus established is equal to approximately 60 billion tonnes per year (compared with 110 in the case of terrestrial plants). 80% off this amount is then discharged as CO2 through respiration and the remaining 20% as organic carbon, particulate organic carbon ( POC ) or dissolved organic carbon ( DOC ), consisting of secreted metabolites and excreted waste.
The biomass stock that guarantees these flows collects the organisms responsible for primary production (the plants referred to above to which we have to add phototrophic or chemotrophic bacteria, see water and cell metabolism) and those found in the food chain (zooplankton, macro-invertebrates, vertebrates). The POC emitted during their lifetime and the substance produced by their cadavers (excluding a small fraction that drops down into the sediment, the ultimate carbon well in some cases), undergo bacterial decay through enzymatic hydrolysis, adding to the existing stock of DOC.
Other forms created by terrestrial leaching and/or discharged with pollution (endogenous) have to be added to the POC and DOC produced within the water (exogenous).
Part of the total DOC is assimilated by heterotrophic bacteria; the remainder (refractory DOC) persists in the form of a solution (e.g. humic acids). OM biodegradable fractions end up in the bacterial biomass through anabolism and are discharged through catabolism :
- Case of CO2 in an aerobic medium (respiration), within the water;
- Case of CO2 and of CH4 in an anaerobic medium (fermentation) in the vicinity of and within the silt and sediment (especially in marshes), CH4 itself likely to be re-oxidised as CO2 in an aerobic medium.
The CO2 regenerated by this mineralisation of organic matter can again be assimilated, closing the carbon's aquatic cycle. | https://www.suezwaterhandbook.com/water-and-generalities/what-water-should-we-treat-and-why/natural-water/carbon-cycle |
PUTRAJAYA – The Malaysia Happiness Index (MHI) 2021 that was announced by Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) resulted an overall happiness score of 6.48 in the Happy level, reported by The Star.
The study also indicates that regardless of races, genders, strata, age groups, education and marital status, Malaysians are generally happy.
This first-ever study that analysed the happiness level in the country was announced by Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, saying that he’s glad that the findings are satisfying and could served as a guide for future developmental policies.
“The study shows the concept of inclusiveness because the results are similar across the board in terms of ethnicity, gender, and strata. This makes it easy for us to plan developmental policies as the gaps are not that wide,” he said at the launch of the MHI at the Statistics Department here yesterday.
The survey about Malaysians’ happiness was conducted from September to November in 2021, the index is developed to measure the happiness level in Malaysia from physical, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects.
“Overall, Malaysians are at a happy level despite the country facing the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and an economic crisis in 2021, the year when the MHI Survey 2021 was conducted. This scenario may be different in future studies,” Mohd Uzir added.
The study recorded a total of 42,446 respondents, which had 73 indicators under the 13 components, which includes, family, housing and environment, social participation, health, communication facilities, education, working life, income, public safety, time use, religion and spiritual, culture and emotional experience.
Labuan is the happiest
The MHI barometer categorises happiness into 5 different groups, which are a score of 0 to 2 as Very Unhappy, 2.01 to 4 as Unhappy, 4.01 to 6 as Moderately Happy, 6.01 to 8 at Happy, and 8.01 to 10 at Very Happy.
W.P. Labuan MHI’s score is close to ‘perfect’, which is 9.29, whereas Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya scored 7.77 and 7.28 respectively, showing that Malaysians who reside in federal territories are the happiest in the country.
On the other side, Melaka and Selangor has been recorded with the lowest MHI score, which is 5.85 and 5.74 respectively, which shows that the citizens in these states were only Moderately Happy.
Other than that, the index also found that among Malaysians, married people are the happiest, with a 6.48 score. By gender, women were happier with a 0.03 higher index than men, which is 6.49.
Mohd Uzir also shared that three components with the highest score value are, the family component (7.23), religion and spiritual component (7.21), and the health component (6.75).
Measuring by educational attainment, Malaysians with tertiary education recorded the highest on the index at 6.58.
While participants of the survey with primary education are at 6.53, those with secondary education at 6.41 and those with no formal education at 6.31.
Those who lives in rural was indicated to be happier than those in urban, with a 6.54 and 6.46 score respectively.
All ethnic groups were recorded at a Happy level with a score between 6.28 and 6.50, with the Bumiputra scoring the highest and “others” the lowest.
The study also found that Malaysians who aged between 55 and 59 were the happiest, with a score of 6.51.
Read also: | https://weirdkaya.com/dosm-just-released-its-happiness-index-results/ |
Malaysians are a happy bunch despite the pandemic and economic crisis, according to findings by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).
According to The Star, Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the first-ever Malaysia Happiness Index (MHI) 2021 found that most Malaysians are generally happy with their lives.
“The study shows the concept of inclusiveness because the results are similar across the board in terms of ethnicity, gender, and strata,” he said.
Mohd Uzir said the study analyses the happiness level in the country and it has 73 indicators covered under the 13 components of MHI, namely family, housing and environment, social participation, health, communication facilities, education, working life, income, public safety, time use, religion and spiritual, culture and emotional experience.
Categorisation was based on a score of one to 10 from very unhappy to very happy to indicate how satisfied respondents are, whereby a score above 6.01 means they are happy.
The survey was conducted from September to November 2021 and collected 42,446 responses from across the country. The overall happiness score is 6.48, which is in the ‘Happy’ level.
“Overall, Malaysians are at a happy level despite the country facing the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and an economic crisis in 2021, the year when the MHI Survey 2021 was conducted. This scenario may be different in future studies,” Mohd Uzir said.
Results of the survey
The MHI barometer categorises happiness into 5 different groups, with a score of 0 to 2 as Very Unhappy, 2.01 to 4 as Unhappy, 4.01 to 6 as Moderately Happy, 6.01 to 8 at Happy, and 8.01 to 10 at Very Happy.
According to the infographic, W.P. Labuan MHI’s score is close to ‘perfect’ at 9.29, while Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya scored 7.77 and 7.28 respectively, showing that Malaysians who reside in federal territories are the happiest in the country.
On the other hand, Melaka and Selangor recorded the lowest MHI score, at 5.85 and 5.74 respectively, showing that the citizens in these states were only Moderately Happy.
Meanwhile, the study also found that married people are the happiest, with a 6.48 score. If measured by gender, women were happier with a 0.03 higher index than men, which is 6.49.
Mohd Uzir also shared that the 3 components with the highest score value are, the family component (7.23), the religion and spiritual component (7.21), and the health component (6.75).
While measuring by educational attainment, Malaysians with tertiary education recorded the highest on the index at 6.58, while primary education at 6.53, secondary education at 6.41 and no formal education at 6.31.
Rural folks in Malaysia are also found to be happier than city dwellers, although both are at a Happy level, scoring 6.54 and 6.46 respectively.
When measured by ethnic groups, all ethnics were at a Happy level with a score between 6.28 and 6.50, with the Bumiputra scoring the highest and “others” the lowest.
Meanwhile, it was also found that Malaysians who aged between 55 and 59 were the happiest, with a score of 6.51. | https://www.malaysiatrend.com/2022/07/25/dosms-happiness-index-survey-finds-msians-generally-a-happy-bunch/ |
Does Norway have high taxes?
Scandinavian countries are known for having high taxes on income. According to the OECD, Denmark (26.4 percent), Norway (19.7 percent), and Sweden (22.1 percent) all raise a high amount of tax revenue as a percent of GDP from individual income taxes and payroll taxes . Norway’s top marginal tax rate is 39 percent.
How much is sales tax in Norway?
25.00% The current Norway VAT (Value Added Tax ) is 25.00%. The VAT is a sales tax that applies to the purchase of most goods and services, and must be collected and submitted by the merchant to the Norway governmental revenue department. Norway’s VAT rate of 25% ranks as one of the ten highest VAT rates in the world.
How much income tax do you pay in Norway?
As a tax resident of Norway , you must pay tax on income that you ‘ve earned during a calendar year. You ‘ll be liable for tax on your salary and other income , including interest income , income from the letting of property and income from shares. The income tax rate is 22 percent.
Why is tax so high in Norway?
The tax level in Norway has fluctuated between 40 and 45% of GDP since the 1970s. The relatively high tax level is a result of the large Norwegian welfare state. Most of the tax revenue is spent on public services such as health services, the operation of hospitals, education and transportation.
Is Norway a tax haven?
With a secrecy score as low as 44, Norway cannot be considered as a haven for secrecy. The official Norwegian report “ Tax Havens and Development” from 2009 was important as an early contribution to making the fight against financial secrecy a policy issue for OECD countries.
Which is the highest taxed country in the world?
Countries With the Highest Income Tax for Single People Germany . Germany has a progressive tax, which means that higher-income individuals pay more taxes than lower-income individuals. Belgium . Belgium’s top progressive tax rate is 50%. Lithuania . Denmark. Slovenia.
What is a good salary in Norway?
around one million kroner per year
Why Norway is so rich?
Norway’s huge oil and gas sector is the clear driving factor behind the nation’s economic boom over the last three decades, following major discoveries in the North Sea (although falling energy prices in recent years have had an impact).
What is the tax on cars in Norway?
25 per cent
Is health care free in Norway?
In Norway , all hospitals are funded by the public as part of the national budget. However, while medical treatment is free of charge for any person younger than the age of sixteen, residents who have reached adulthood must pay a deductible each year before becoming eligible for an exemption card.
Does Norway have inheritance tax?
Inheritance tax is abolished with effect from 1 January 2014. This means that you should NOT submit inheritance or gift notification for any inheritance or gifts you received during or after 2014. The inheritance tax was abolished by the Norwegian Parliament.
What is Norway’s biggest industry?
What Are The Biggest Industries In Norway? Oil And Gas . Norway’s petroleum industry is extremely important to the nation’s economy. Hydro-power. Along with oil and gas hydro-power is another major energy sector that plays a key role in fueling the Norwegian economy. Aquaculture . Shipping. Tourism .
Are guns legal in Norway?
Gun ownership is restricted in Norway , unless one has officially documented a use for the gun . By far the most common grounds for civilian ownership are hunting and sports shooting, in that order. Rifle and shotgun ownership permission can be given to “sober and responsible” persons 18 years or older.
Is Norway left or right wing?
Labour describes itself as a social-democratic party of the centre-left. The Conservatives’ party leader is Prime Minister Erna Solberg. The Conservative Party is considered to be a moderate centre-right party in the Norwegian political spectrum, and it officially subscribes to the liberal conservative ideology.
Is Norway a happy country?
After placing fourth last year, Norway is now the world’s happiest country , according to the 2017 World Happiness Report, released on Monday. As evidence, they cite periods of substantial economic growth that were nonetheless matched by declining happiness in China and the United States, which ranked 14th. | https://www.norwayhotelsoption.com/norway/norway-sales-tax.html |
"[Gordon Brown's] British model of growth...led to the highest level of household debt in relation to income in the world", Vince Cable, Lib Dem Conference, 19/09/2011
In the last few years we have heard much from politicians about the need to "tighten our belts" and both in terms of household and national budgets. But is Vince Cable's recent dramatic claim about the level of personal indebtedness really supported by the data?
Analysis
It seems that by anybody's measure the UK's household debt to income ratio is very high, both by international and UK historical standards. The OECD for example records that, as of 2009, average UK household debt was 170.7 per cent of disposable household income.
The IMF also provides the following graph illustrating the size of the UK's household debt to disposable income ratio compared to certain other economies.
To say this ratio is "high" is one thing, and to claim that it is 'higher than certain other comparable economies' is another. But Mr Cable went even further, arguing that it is the highest in the world. On the evidence seen by Full Fact, this is not the case.
The European statistics agency Eurostat has produced data that shows that, as of 2009, the UK's household debt to disposable income ratio was the fourth highest of the (European) countries that it examined. According to this data, UK household debt was 148.97 per cent of disposable income, compared to the 199.10 per cent seen in Ireland, the 241.30 per cent for the Netherlands, and the 275.10 per cent recorded in Denmark. On top of this, in 2008, it records both Norway and Switzerland (for both of whom 2009 figures are unavailable) as also having a higher debt to income ratio than the UK.
Full Fact also found more up to date (2010) IMF data showing that, while the UK's household debt to income ratio is certainly high, it is not the highest in the world. The below graph illustrates this:
Here again, we see the UK with a lower ratio than Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden in 2010.
It appears then that Vince Cable has overstated the terms of his claim. OECD figures (found at Annex Table 58 here) show that the ratio he talks about can be said to be the highest in the G7, however Full Fact can find no evidence to support the claim that it is the highest in the world, and plenty to contradict it.
Full Fact has contacted the Lib Dem press office to see whether they can point us towards an alternative source backing up Vince Cable's claims. As yet they have not provided us with this.
Conclusion
Vince Cable seems to be significantly overstating his case by claiming that the UK has the highest household debt to income ratio in the world. The data that Full Fact was able to obtain on this matter all showed that we ranked behind four other European nations, before we even consider the rest of the world.
We need facts more than ever.
Right now, it’s difficult to know what or who to trust. Misinformation is spreading. Politics and the media are being pushed to the limit by advancements in technology and uncertainty about the future. We need facts more than ever.
This is where you come in. Your donation is vital for our small, independent team to keep going, at the time when it’s needed most. With your help, we can keep factchecking and demanding better from our politicians and public figures.We can give more people the tools to decide for themselves what to believe. We can intervene more effectively where false claims cause most harm.
Become a donor today and stand up for better public debate, on all sides, across the UK. | https://fullfact.org/news/uks-household-debt-income-ratio-highest-world/ |
The newly released World Happiness Report 2019 by the United Nations shows that most Southeast Asian countries generally improved their perception of happiness, but two saw significant changes: Thailand and Malaysia.
The report, which measures happiness by six “key variables,” namely GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption, is published annually.
It lists Singapore happiest country in Southeast Asia with a global score of 34, while Myanmar is the unhappiest in the region at rank 131. Brunei is not in the list.
Five countries increased their happiness, most of all Cambodia by eleven notches to rank 109, Laos by five to 105, Indonesia by four to 92, the Philippines by two to 69 and Vietnam by one notch to 94.
Happiness deteriorated in Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar.
Malaysia was also among the biggest losers worldwide, alongside Venezuela and the Ukraine. It dropped to rank 80 this year from 35 last year and was surpassed by the Philippines. While the report does not specify the reasons in detail, the regional table shows that Malaysian are particularly unhappy about corruption and a lack of social support by the state and are also missing a healthy life expectancy.
Myanmar dropped slightly from 130 to 131, with a population expressing discontent about missing social support, low life expectancy and low income levels. | http://investvine.com/happiness-dropped-in-thailand-malaysia-un-report/ |
Author: Maciamo HayWritten in July/August 2020.
The United Nations' World Happiness Report assesses the happiness level of nations based on reports of subjective happiness, well-being and life satisfaction. The factors that make some societies happier than others have been debated, but affluence, health and life expectancy all come short of explaining why a country like Costa Rica gets a higher happiness score than the United States, Singapore or Qatar. Countries with a high level of development like Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain, Portugal or Hungary scored relatively low on happiness. Even the United States ranked 18th worldwide in 2018 and 19th in the 2019 even though it had one of the highest GDP per capita. After getting acquainted with the psychological stages in a society's evolution (known as spiral dynamics), I set about devising a scoring system to assess how far advanced were various countries on the path to a post-capitalist culture. The classification was based on values and not on GDP per capita, although the spiral dynamics theory postulates that a society must past through each stage of development before going to the next. The 5th stage (green vMeme) represents post-capitalist values such as social fairness, egalitarianism, consensus, altruism, tolerance of other cultures and lifestyles, and the protection of the environment. This level of consciousness can only be attained after people have passed through the 4th stage of personal success, capitalism and consumerism (orange vMeme) and having rejected its excesses.
The old adage has it that 'money does not bring happiness'. Psychologists have confirmed that this was true, at least once basic needs were met. One must realise that before adopting the values of the green vMeme. My score table shows that there is a reasonable correlation between those "post-capitalist" (for want of a better, more encompassing term) values and levels of happiness - especially after being adjusted for GDP per capita at PPP. The correlation seems stronger within a same region though. It works well within Europe. It works within East Asia or within Latin America, but not when all countries are mixed up, probably because other cultural factors also play a role.
There correlation in general is quite good. A few countries are happier than their Green vMeme scores suggest. This includes Luxembourg because of its extremely high GDP per capita, but also because it lost a lot of points in the Ecology score simply because the CO2 per capita appears high due to the low taxes on gasoline and the fact that people from neighbouring elgium, Germany and France come to fill their tanks in Luxembourg, which distorts the official petroleum consumption per capita. Israel, Malta and Cyprus also score higher than expected on happiness, probably because the sunlight has a positive effect on mood. Another country is Czechia, for reasons I can't explain (especially considering the big gap in happiness with Slovakia, which is very similar culturally).
Countries that are less happy that they should be are Portugal, and to a lower extend also Greece and Bulgaria. High unemployment in Greece (17% in 2019) may play a role in this, but not in Portugal and Bulgaria (each 7% in 2019).
Nearly perfect match between the two scores.
The countries in the New World (Americas, Australia and New Zealand) are all happier than their Green vMeme score would suggest. This is especially true for Costa Rica, Mexico and Brazil.
I thought about the reasons why Latin American countries score considerably higher on happiness than on the level of post-capitalist culture. One factor is that I could not find data for all categories in my scoring system. None got any point for consumption of Fairtrade products, because they are typically the beneficiaries of Fairtrade agriculture rather than the consumers of goods labelled as such. I had to give the same Wikipedia score to all Spanish speaking countries as there was no way to distinguish the country of origin of contributors. Nevertheless it is undeniable that some countries contributed more than others.
Last but not least, the ecology score is usually low in Latin America, but that is not entirely the fault of the population. If the governments do not have the means or the will to recycle municipal waste in every city, or if CO2 emissions are high because of (foreign) companies abusing the environment, we can't put all the blame on the population.
The choice for ecological and Fairtrade products is generally only possible once people become wealthy enough to vote with their feet and boycott abusive companies. It's not a choice that most ordinary people have in Latin America yet.
If I exclude Fairtrade from the total Green vMeme score, here is what I obtain for the New World.
All the Green vMemes scores are higher and more in line with the Happiness scores. Costa Rica and Mexico still get considerably higher happiness scores. | https://eupedia.com/psychology/link_between_post-capitalist_culture_and_higher_happiness.shtml |
Denmark is known for its high taxation and social spending as a significant portion of its budget, but it may be a lesser-known fact that the cost of living in Denmark is among the highest in the world.
As of 2017, the cost of living in Denmark was ranked sixth in terms of its consumer price index (including rent), which is currently at 65.83. The consumer price index is a calculation of the average prices of rent and consumer goods and services within the country. Though this number is high, it pales in comparison to the two other Nordic nations that are also listed as being in the top ten most expensive countries to live. Namely, Iceland, which was ranked third with a CPI index of 92.79, and Norway, ranked fourth with a CPI index of 76.70.
The reference point of these CPI calculations is the cost of living (including rent) in New York City, meaning that New York City is a baseline equal to 100. That said, this data reflects that the average cost of rent plus the average cost of living in Denmark is 34.17% less than the cost of living and rent in New York City.
The country also has a sales tax rate of 25% and Danish citizens, in almost all cases, pay more for consumer goods and services. For example, the price of a Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI hatchback in the U.S. is approximately $20,000. In Denmark, this price is about $45,747.33, and the cost of gas is about or $1.59 per liter, or $6.36 per gallon.
Among other comparisons to the U.S., the average price in Denmark for a pair of Levi 501 jeans is about $130, a basic dinner for two in a local pub or diner is about $64 and a 40” flat screen television costs about $603. Also, the median monthly rent for a furnished 480-square-foot studio apartment in an average neighborhood is about $917, in addition to an average of $190 in utilities per person.
Another unique aspect of the Danish economy is that although the average citizen makes about $43,000 per year, they devote between 35 to 45% of this to their income taxes, depending on whether they are married, have kids and a few other factors. For those making $67,000 or more per year, a total of 52% of their income will go to taxes, and the highest marginal tax rate for the wealthiest is currently 55.8%. However, these tax rates are comparatively lower than in the past. Data shows that in 1997, Danes paid a record high top marginal income tax of 65.9%, and the rate did not fall below 60% until 2009.
Nonetheless, as of August 2016, 60% of Danes said that they would oppose tax cuts, 15% said they were unsure and only 25% favored them. The reason for such a high level of support for high taxation is because most Danes view the taxes as an investment for a better society and an increased quality of life.
Since it is a focus of many Danish policymakers to take into consideration the quality of life and overall happiness for their citizens, they ensure that they have a highly funded welfare system. For this reason, it is not surprising that education is entirely free even at the university level and every Danish student gets $900 monthly from the government. This is not only beneficial for young people, but it also relieves parents from having to worry about how they will finance their children’s education.
Denmark also has one of the most generous parental leave policies worldwide, allowing parents up to a total of 32 weeks of funding from the state to tend to their newborns following birth, as well as free, safe and high-quality health care for all citizens.
The Danish labor market is also positively impacted by the welfare model. By practicing an extremely efficient active labor market policy that, among other things, provides job-searching assistance to the unemployed and makes efforts to keep the unemployed actively engaged in searching for a job. In addition to this, if a Danish citizen loses his job, he can receive unemployment insurance for up to four years.
Perhaps it is a combination of these things that has led Denmark to be ranked the happiest nation in the world for the third year in a row, according to the United Nation’s World Happiness report of 2016. The five countries that were ranked directly below Denmark were Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Finland and Canada, which is notably significant as all of those countries also impose high taxation and have similar welfare programs in place.
While the cost of living in Denmark is high, and the country is certainly not a flawless, utopian society, it appears to value the well-being of its people over economic growth. Demark can, at a minimum, serve as a role model to the global community when it comes to improving the lives of its citizens. | https://borgenproject.org/tag/danish-economy/ |
Introduction Most countries have set economic growth as one of their highest priority objectives. Survey evidence, however, suggests that the relationship between income (GDP per capita) and the level of individual self-reported happiness (subjective well-being index) is not linear. Figure 5.1 presents a simple scatter plot of income and happiness for 94 countries from 1952 to 2004. Although there is an increasing trend between happiness and income, we find that after a certain level of income, the marginal utility of income decreases. | https://kyushu-u.pure.elsevier.com/en/publications/determinants-of-happiness-environmental-degradation-and-attachmen-2 |
How many hours a week do ER physicians work?
What You’ll Love About Emergency Medicine. There’s a lot to love about emergency medicine. In terms of lifestyle, some love it, others hate it. On average, EM doctors work around 40 hours per week, which usually translates to 3-4 shifts per week, meaning you have several days off.
How many hours does a ER resident work?
What are work hours like? Residents work a combination of 8, 9, and 12-hour shifts.
Do ER doctors get breaks?
Yes. Very common. Our docs don’t have anyone to cover them for a break so they eat while charting or when it’s slow.
How stressful is being an ER doctor?
There is certainly stress involved in taking care of a very sick person. But it is relatively minor compared to that which comes from the nature of the job itself. When you start a shift in the ED, there are patients waiting to be seen, patients in the process of being seen, and some waiting for a disposition.
How often do emergency physicians work?
The typical emergency physician will work three to five shifts a week. Five is high, but there are some weeks during which that type of workload is necessary.
How many hours a week do emergency medicine residents work?
EM residents work, on average, 45.50 h per week. Postgraduate year 1-3 programs utilizing 28-day schedules averaged two additional EM rotations and 338.2 more clinical EM hours compared with calendar-month rotations.
Do residents really work 80 hours a week?
Residents work 40–80 hours a week depending on specialty and rotation within the specialty, with residents occasionally logging 136 (out of 168) hours in a week. Some studies show that about 40% of this work is not direct patient care, but ancillary care, such as paperwork.
Which residency has the best hours?
Respondents gave these specialties the highest average rating for work hours and schedule flexibility:
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation.
- Dermatology.
- Radiation oncology.
- Orthopedic surgery.
- Emergency medicine.
Which residencies work the most hours?
As expected, the surgical sub-specialties work the longest hours with neurosurgery leading the pack and general surgery following closely in second. Of the medical specialties, suprisingly, neurology works the most hours, with pediatrics and internal medicine following close behind.
How much do ER doctors make an hour?
How much does a Physician – Emergency Room make hourly in the United States? The average hourly wage for a Physician – Emergency Room in the United States is $142 as of September 27, 2021, but the range typically falls between $121 and $167.
Are ER doctors happy?
The average happiness score for all physicians who responded was 3.96, which is on the cheerful side. Emergency medicine physicians were even happier: With a score of 4.01, they were the fifth-happiest physicians.
Are ER doctors rich?
This can be easily demonstrated by comparing surveys of hours worked among the various specialties to salary surveys. In the 2018 Medscape Physician Compensation Report, emergency medicine was ranked 13th of 29 specialties, with an average income of $350,000. | https://rescuingprovidence.com/urgent-care/quick-answer-how-many-hours-a-month-does-an-er-doctor-work.html |
Did you feel particularly good last Friday? Maybe you enjoyed #Eclipse2015 as so many others did. Or you felt great because the world was celebrating the International Day of Happiness!
The International Day of Happiness was instituted by the United Nations in 2012, as I wrote last year. I must say that beyond a flood of tweets, I haven’t seen too many official events this year. The exception however was a very interesting data set from Eurostat that answers how happy we actually are in the EU.
I’ll come with the answers soon. But let me first give an idea on how we actually measure happiness.
How do you measure happiness?
There are practically three ways to measure happiness:
- “Overall, how satisfied are you with your life these days?” With this question, people are asked about their overall quality of life or life satisfaction. There can be a little bias there – I might answer something different today than I would tomorrow. But the experience of researchers is that these biases cancel each other when the sample is large enough.
- “How much of the time over the past four weeks have you been happy?” This question instead measures positive affect, or people’s happiness level on an emotional rather than on a more rational level. It’s based on the idea that beyond the overall life satisfaction, the presence of positive emotions and the absence of negative emotions is a good indicator of how a person really lives.
- Finally, there is ‘eudaimonia’, ‘eudaimonic happiness‘, or ‘meaning of life‘, which has a less clear-cut question. Eudaimonia broadly refers to the value and purpose of life, important life goals, and for some, spirituality. This requires a bit more reflection before it is answered.
Eurostat’s results show that the three measures are correlated at country level and at individual level, with some exceptions. A high level of positive affect is correlated with high life satisfaction and meaning of life. Still, one out of fourteen is ‘happy all of the time’ but with a low level of life satisfaction!
The good news: how happy are we?
There is a lot of good news in the figures:
- 16 out of 28 countries have an average above 7.0, and the EU average is 7.1 out of 10
- The highest level of happiness is found in Denmark, Finland and Sweden, with 8.0. The Netherlands and Austria score an 8.
- On average, young people (16-24) score highest, at 7.6. The outliers are the Austrians: 8.4!
- In Finland (8.3) and in my own home country, the Netherlands (8.0), the highest bracket is the age group 25-34. Does that mean that statistically, I will never be as happy as I am now? (The answer is: no. The study explains there can also be a ‘cohort effect’ – a group of people could retain the same happiness level, independent of their age group.
- And the happiest are… Danish seniors! The absolute highest number is found in Danes in the age of 65-74: 8.6, and 0.7 higher than the 50-64 group in Denmark (7.9). There must be something amazing about retirement in Denmark!
- There is only a marginal difference between men (7.1) and women (7.0). Also, there are slightly more women in the highest category. And controlling for differences in income, marital status, and labour market position, women are happier.
- 42.1% of Danes scores above 8, and only 5.6% of Dutch score below 6. This might actually be the most important outcome: when it’s about happiness, it is not only the average but also the distribution that should count. In these two countries, happiness seems to be distributed fairly equally.
The bad news: how unhappy are we?
But there also is a bit of bad news in the figures:
- Generally, happiness levels tend to decline with age: from 7.6 (16-24) to 6.9 (50-64), before making a little rise to 7.0 (65-74) and a further decline to 6.8 (75+)
- Bulgarians and Serbians appear to be quite miserable: they score averages of 4.8 and 4.9. In Bulgaria, every age group is below 6.
- Unemployment buys unhappiness. The difference between full-time employment and unemployment is 1.6 points (7.4 vs 5.8).
- There is also a strong relation between poverty and unhappiness. Only 7.5% of materially deprived people has a high level of life satisfaction. And deprivation of important needs (ability to pay rent, to keep the home warm, a holiday or a car) has a larger negative effect on happiness than poverty in monetary terms.
The full analysis from Eurostat is available here. | http://www.forastateofhappiness.com/tag/age/ |
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