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Why is my dog throwing up and pooping diarrhea?
Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common signs of gastrointestinal upset. There are many possible causes for these conditions, including viruses and parasites, something very simple like having eaten something bad, or something more complicated like cancer or organ problems (such as kidney failure).
What kind of problems does a miniature poodle have?
Treatment requires surgery, which usually allows the dog to live a normal life aside from an increased risk of arthritis. Toy and Miniature Poodles can also be affected by a skin problem called sebaceous adenitis. This condition is caused by inflammation of the sebaceous glands and can lead to dog hair loss and skin infections.
How old do poodles have to be to have health problems?
Symptoms may show in Poodles as young as 5 months old, but they can be diagnosed with the condition at any age. The indications may be very subtle in the early stages of a dog’s life, and more prominent signs won’t appear until they grow older.
When does a miniature poodle get hypoglycemia?
Toy and Miniature Poodles are also prone to getting hypoglycemia, but puppies will commonly develop the condition within 4 months of birth. Hypoglycemia occurs when there is a sudden drop in blood sugar levels and can be fatal for dogs.
What causes vomiting and diarrhea in older dogs?
Vomiting and diarrhea can also be symptoms of parasites like intestinal worms, kidney disease, an upper urinary tract infection, or hypothyroidism. If it’s hypothyroidism, your dog will exhibit weight gain, fur loss, lethargy, frequent ear infections, dull coat,…
Can a poodle with an upset stomach throw up?
Aside from bloating, gas, mucus, diarrhea and constipation, a Poodle may be struggling with an upset stomach may vomit. Even more than digestion issues, it is throwing up that brings up a red flag to owners that their Poodle is having tummy troubles.
How often should a poodle have a bowel movement?
IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome. -Constipation – While IBS can cause diarrhea with some Poodles, it can cause constipation with others. For those Poodles that have chronic stomach upset, there may be a change back and forth from both conditions. In general, a dog should have a health bowel movement 2 to 3 times per day.
Why is my old dog throwing up all the time?
Many dogs will vomit after eating grass, for instance. Vomiting can be more dangerous in senior dogs because they may already have other health issues, as well as the fact that vomiting can be severely dehydrating. If your old dog is vomiting a lot, or just more than once, or appears sick, call your veterinarian.
Why is my poodle throwing up yellow bile?
Even if you believe that you are feeding your Poodle on a good schedule, the sign of vomiting yellow stomach bile means that it is time to offer smaller, but more frequent meals. | https://lyotomachida.net/2020/08/08/why-is-my-dog-throwing-up-and-pooping-diarrhea/ |
14 May - This is not a retrial
For the sake of the jury and due process, the event we're attending is not to be referred to as a retrial.
Things do seem oddly familiar though. Are you sure we haven't been here before? Is this a groundhog I see before me?
Things got under way with the prosecuting QC, Mr Blair, treating us to a brief summary of the case against Toby and Phil. He described what they did-- from agreeing (conspiring) to go to Fairford, to cutting the fence and entering the base carrying peace poppies, pictures of Iraqi casualties of the first Gulf War, video and text explanations of their action, a banner, soil and seeds (to transform the runway into a peaceful place), and nuts and bolts to put in the aircraft engines. Yup, the A word came out very quickly (3.33pm according to Ginny, who wins a gold star for paying very close attention). (A for Anarchy, by the way.)
Ed Rees, Defence Counsel, explained that while there's no disagreement over the facts of Toby and Phil conspiring and going to Fairford intending to disable B52 bombers, their defence rests on the reasonableness of their actions in the light of their, also undisputed, honestly held beliefs that war crimes were about to be committed.
He referred to the facts that Fairford is effectively an American base, that B52s stationed there were being prepared to drop bombs on Iraq, and that these were likely to include cluster weapons and weapons containing depleted uranium .
15 May - Dollars and donuts
We must mention the tremendous boost given by supporters coming to court yesterday from far and wide (and of course the stalwart Bristol peace campaigners). And especially Lizzie and Les from Southampton, who injected a bit of fun and creativity as they had us all folding origami cranes. The jury action started at about midday with the prosecution reading police statements and presenting an enormous number of things Phil and Toby took with them on the action.
Personally I'd have thought the guards would have spotted the pantechnicon they must have used to carry it all before T and P could drive it through the fence A Team style and do donuts on the runway. The first exhibits the jury saw were some photographs of casualties of the first Gulf War. As they studied and passed them around the mood seemed sombre.
Boredom replaced other emotions as the long list continued, though light relief was provided by the flashing deely boppers offered for consideration but alas not modelled by the prosecutors. Particularly important were the warning notices T and P took to put on any damaged planes, alerting the military personnel to the danger of attempting to operate them.
Next stop A Witness--Squadron Leader Ivor Morris, the head honcho, RAF-wise, for the Fairford base. It became abundantly clear through his evidence that the RAF had no real jurisdiction there and all decisions about operations were the business of the US Air Force. The bill for the fence repair, presented in evidence, was in US dollars..
. Mr Morris also described security arrangements at the base. Most interestingly that as soon as base personnel knew of any unauthorised entry all normal work would be halted, all gates closed, all buildings searched inside and out, and a sweep made of the entire site. This seems to indicate that Toby and Phil's action, while not achieving all their aims, must have had the effect of delaying the start of the bombing.
16 May - Toby's evidence
Toby gave evidence and did very well. So, from the top, Ed “The Crooner” Rees, QC for the defence, called Toby to the witness box. Toby was sworn in and Ed's questions started -- initially to give a thumbnail sketch of the beliefs that lead him to take this action and what he intended to do.
He went through his understanding of the political and military lead-up to the invasion, including the situation post the first Gulf war since when the bombing of Iraq has never completely stopped...
Then we had a brief tour of some of the exhibits as Toby explained what he'd do if they had got to the planes, namely putting nuts and bolts in the engines' air intakes and affixing warning signs: “Danger - Bomber Grounded”. Phil and Toby planned to do this to as many planes as possible before they were stopped or ran out of warning signs--their primary concern, whilst trying to stop the loss of innocent life in Iraq, was to ensure nobody was endangered as a result of damaging the planes.
They also planned to seal the bomb doors with pictures of Iraqi civilians; splash red and black paint, symbolising blood and oil, over the planes (which would also alert the USAF personnel to possible damage); drape a big colourful banner proclaiming “Swords into Ploughshares - Hope and Resistance” over the plane, and above all stay there until they were taken away.
18 May - Apologies to Mr Blair
So, Friday... was closing speeches day, prosecution then defence. Neither of us bloggers managed to hear the prosecution one, so this is a second-hand report. Apologies to Mr Blair if I don't do justice to his speech, which by all accounts was very good, though of course Wrong and therefore not entirely a Good Thing (cf Sellar and Yeatman 1066 & All That? - keep up, everyone!) Mr Blair began by acknowledging the importance of direct action in righting wrongs in our society, using examples such as the abolition of slavery and women's suffrage. His main argument was over the reasonableness or otherwise of Phil and Toby's actions--their defence rests on their actions being reasonable and proportionate in relation to the crime they were trying to prevent, in the circumstances as they believed them to be at the time. Of course, we all know that T and P were entirely right about what was going to happen, but that is knowledge after the fact and therefore cannot affect the jury's deliberations--and there's precious little comfort for the Iraqis in saying ``!I told you so.'' Mr Blair asserted that Phil and Toby's planned actions were not reasonable and proportionate, and that therefore their defence does not stand and the jury should find them guilty. We know better. | https://peacenews.info/node/5731/b52-two-retrial-blog |
The Operations Department was created in 2011 to help the Executive Director focus on strategic activities. It coordinates DNDi infrastructure globally (finance, operational and strategic planning, human resources, information systems and technology, legal structuring, risk management and organizational development) and supports decision-making and flows of information across the organization. It also provides oversight to business development and legal activities and liaison offices.
Purpose of the position
The Finance Manager will be responsible for DNDi‘s financial functions including financial reporting to donors, support Internal Control function and compliance. The Finance Manager will support the R&D and Transversal teams with the financial management of their activities (budgetary planning, control, and follow up). S/he will report directly to the Finance and Planning Director and to support the finance managers who in charge of donors and reporting. This is a short-term position for 8 months at 100% (maternity leave replacement).
Specific job responsibilities
In collaboration with Fundraising team
- Prepare and update the global income plan and GAP analysis. Sharing information with the teams
- In collaboration with the R&D, Fundraising, and Finance teams, assist in building financial proposals in compliance with donors’ requirements
- Review donors contract before signature for compliance and share information with the teams (R&D and non-R&D)
- Produce/prepare intermediate and final financial reports for submission to donors in collaboration with R&D and Fundraising teams on time manner
- Allocate grants to activities as per donors’ requirements and organizational needs
- Liaise with Fundraising team to prepare the donor audit and provide information with the Finance team
Ensure adequate financial control is maintained over DNDi projects departments
- Participate in the revision of financial policies and internal control procedures with the support of the Finance team
- Contribute to accounting guideline definitions and modifications
- Collaboration with other departments (legal, fundraising, procurement, HR, etc.) and regional offices to direct compliance issues to appropriate existing channels for investigation and resolution
- Monitor and coordinate compliance activities of other departments to remain abreast of the status of all compliance activities and to identify trends
- Organize or perform ad hoc training sessions to ensure adherence to financial standards
Budgeting process
- Support to build the organization annual budget, conduct budget revisions and follow-up, in collaboration with the R&D team and other departments
- Work closely with Programme Finance team (NTD, Viral, and GARDP) to prepare global budget consolidation to present to the Executive Team for arbitration and decision making
- Support the launching out of the new budget process and tools. Ensure the new budget process and tool are implement for each disease.
- Contribute to establish and manage dash board with R&D teams, Fundraising, and Finance teams
- Undertake ad hoc financial analysis tasks as required. This will include benchmarking for donors’ presentation at the annual meeting, case analysis, etc. | https://www.dndi.org/2018/previous-jobs/finance-manager-8-months-contract/ |
There are thousands of pounds of fruit falling from North Shore fruit trees each year that is either going to waste or feeding problem bears, instead of providing nourishment to local families who can’t afford to buy fresh produce.
Volunteers with the North Shore Fruit Tree Project know summer’s bounty is out there and have pledged to make it easy on the homeowner to donate the fruits of their labour.
“They just need to call us and we will come and pick it for them,” said Tricia Edgar, communications coordinator with the NSFTP.
In turn, the volunteers will then bring the apples, plums and other fruit they pick to North Shore Lookout Shelter, North Shore Crisis Services Society, and Harvest House – all of which provide groceries for North Shore residents in need.
This is the first season for the NSFTP which is funded through community grants from the City and District of North Van, as well as Vancouver Coastal Health.
North Van resident Tom Walker gave life to the project, using his master’s degree from SFU in urban studies to foster ideas around sustainable communities and food security.
“I would come across all these trees (on the North Shore) that were sagging with fruit,” he said. “I thought ‘How tragic it is that all this fruit is just sitting there’.”
Walker also drew inspiration from the well-established Vancouver Fruit Tree Project, which last year alone collected 7,300 pounds of fruit and distributed it to 15 community organizations including daycares, community kitchens, and seniors’ centres.
The City of North Van is teeming with fruit trees, said Walker, who explained how the area was at one time home to many orchards.
“People don’t think of the North Shore as having fertile ground,” he said. “In Upper Lonsdale around 29th (street) there was one (orchard) that was a full city block.”
There is also a grove of apple trees near the sixth hole of the Gleneagles golf course in West Van that was once part of larger orchard used by turn-of-last-century North Vancouver hotel owner Peter Larson to help feed his business.
Wasted food isn’t the issue that the fallen fruit presents in the heavily-wooded district municipalities of North and West Vancouver. The apples and other fruit are considered attractants in areas where people co-exist with bears.
“It’s (fruit) a yummy-smelling fermenting thing to them,” said Edgar.
Walker adds that local residents have even gone to great lengths including chopping down their fruit trees, just to avoid contact with bears. “They can’t manage their trees anymore and they don’t want bears in their backyard,” he said. “So they cut them down.”
The NSFTP’s first two picks yielded 170 pounds of apples and yellow plums. Walker said the goal is to eventually have a collecting schedule where harvests happen each week. Local fruit tree owners also have the option of keeping one quarter of the fruit that is collected. | http://www.northshorefruittreeproject.ca/2010/08/fruit-tree-initiative/ |
Elasticity and Young’s Modulus (Theory, Examples,
The new version of Hooke’s law is . Now we have , which is called Young’s Modulus or the modulus of elasticity.Young’s modulus provides the linear relationship between stress and strain. Young’s modulus is the same for any material–you could take a spoon or a girder; as long as they have the same young’s modulus and you knew their sizes, you could predict how much force would cause sp.info Young's Modulus:Tensile Elasticity Units, Factors 160 rows · Units of Modulus of Elasticity/Young’s modulus are:Nm -2 or Pa. The practical units used sp.info
- See all 160 rows on omnexus.specialchem
Modulus of Elasticity Young's Modulus Strength for Metals Modulus of Elasticity, Average Properties of Structural Materials, Shear Modulus, Poisson's Ratio, Density Thermal Properties of Metals, Conductivity, Thermal Expansion, Specific Heat The following chart gives ultimate strength, yield point and modulus of elasticity data for steel and iron.sp.info
Metals and Alloys - Young's Modulus of ElasticityYoung's modulus can be used to predict the elongation or compression of an object. Modulus of Elasticity for some common metals at various temperatures according ASME B31.1-1995:1 psi (lb/in2) = 1 psi (lb/in2) = 144 psf (lbf/ft2) = 6,894.8 Pa (N/m2) = 6.895x10-3 N/mm2 T (oC) = 5/9 [T (oF) - 32] 1 psi (lb/in2) = 6,894.8 N/m2 (Pa)
Young's Modulus - Approximate Values
Approximate Values. Young's modulus can vary somewhat due to differences in sample composition and test method. The rate of deformation has the greatest impact on the data collected, especially in polymers. The values here are approximate and only meant for relative comparison. Approximate Young's modulus for various materials.sp.info Soil Young's modulusSoil Young's modulus (E), commonly reffred to as soil elastic modulus, is an elastic soil parameter and a measure of soil stiffness. It is defined as the ratio of the stress along an axis over the strain along that axis in the range of elastic soil behaviour.sp.info Materials Data BookYoung’s modulus E = initial slope of σt −εt curve = initial slope of σn −εn curve. Yield stress σy is the nominal stress at the limit of elasticity in a tensile test. Tensile strength σts is the nominal stress at maximum load in a tensile test. Tensile ductility εf is the nominal plastic sp.info Modulus of Elasticity, Youngs Modulus, Average Properties Metals and Materials Table of Contents Modulus of Elasticity also know as Young's Modulus is the mathematical description of an object or substance's tendency to be deformed elastically (i.e., non-permanently) when a force is applied to it.
Young’s modulus:Young’s modulus of Steels [With PDF
Young’s modulus is a fundamental mechanical property of a solid material that quantifies the relationship between tensile (or compressive) stress and axial strain. It is denoted by the letter “E” and mathematically eed as E=Stress/Strain E=σ/ϵ; Here sp.info What Is The Young's Modulus Of Steel?Apr 16, 2021 · The Young’s modulus of steel (also referred to as modulus of elasticity of steel) is between 190 – 210 GPa at room temperature, which is around 27500 ksi to 31200 ksi. The steel young modulus is a measure of its stiffness/ resistance elastic deformation to tensile loads.sp.info Modulus of Elasticity for Metals - AmeswebModulus of elasticity (or also referred to as Young’s modulus) is the ratio of stress to strain in elastic range of deformation. For typical metals, modulus of elasticity is in the range between 45 GPa (6.5 x 10 6 psi) to 407 GPa (59 x 10 6 psi). Modulus of elasticity is also a measure of material's stiffness or resistance to elastic deformation.sp.info Lab 4 Youngs Modulus.pdf - UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL 1 No. Dokumen:MS/DMCU1022/4 No. Isu./Tarikh:1/16-02-2015 EXPERIMENTAL METHOD Young Modulus No. Semakan/Tarikh:1/18-09-2019 Jum. Mukasurat 3 OBJECTIVE To determine the Modulus Young’s value using bending method. LEARNING OUTCOME At the end of this laboratory session, students should be able to 1. Understand the relationship between load and period for oscillating
Modulus of Elasticity - Definition, Young's Modulus
- What Is Young’s Modulus? | http://www.fontaneros-24h.es/ah36/youngs-modulus-table_73260.html |
Title:
New command [FLOTATION:###]
Post by:
Brygun
on
December 21, 2018, 02:40:45 AM
I'm working on a multiple method to make punts/boats
AFAIK right now the flotation is fixed # x the weight of the craft
I'd like if there was a [FLOTATION:###] command. This sets the amount of capacity for a water craft.
FLOTATION would be the capacity to float things beyond the craft's own weight. This would include the character's weight, things the character carries and things dropped in the craft
Consider that a log floats at half way up without bark on it
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-floating-log-in-the-pond-60450474.html
From that 1 Tree trunk floats 500 lbs for its 500 lbs of weight (weight/float ratio 1:1)
(that weight needs to include the character)
Consider that a raft of 3 trunks 1,500 lbs would have 1,500 lbs load
(or Jeb's 3 logs of 1,200lbs floats 1,200 lbs)
Consider that a simple dug out canoe with 400 pounds of wood removed could have the original 500 lbs plus that removal for 900 lbs floated by 100 lb dug out canoe (weight/float ratio 1:9)
A flare out of steaming the side could increase that even more possibly even getting to 1,200 lbs floated, roughly the same as a raft.
Leather used as tarp over wicker framing would also have a high weight/flotation
If we modders could set the flotation we can present various technologies with their own pros and cons much better.
Another factor might be boat durability but nothing I know of can damage a boat.
Title:
Re: New command [FLOTATION:###]
Post by:
PALU
on
December 21, 2018, 11:14:21 AM
The reason the carrying capacity of craft is extremely high is that the game doesn't yet allow you to tow timber, so it's a way to allow you to move timber without making a silly number of trips. I expect the carrying capacity to be adjusted when timber can be towed.
Title:
Re: New command [FLOTATION:###]
Post by:
Brygun
on
December 22, 2018, 02:59:12 AM
1) Updating my recommendation of [FLOTATION:###] to include the craft's own weight in the check, an inclusive floating.
At first I was thinking external of the craft's own weight but the program steps checking for flotation would be easier if it just summed all item weight including the craft on the tile
2) Recommend changing the can it float tests as
original
SUM(weight on tile) vs (weight of water craft x factor)
to
SUM(weight on tile) vs SUM(FLOTATION) on tile
3) Assign the trunk and logs flotation equal to their weight
Now you could tow trunks and logs as they provide as much flotation as they do weight. this is detected in the SUM(FLOTATION) step
Small pieces of wood while they do float will tend to drift apart during movement so could be excluded.
Or... you could assign board, block, slender trunk etc a FLOTATION equal to their own weight but I think thats unnecessary. there are lots of examples of towing trunks and logs but many small pieces aren't known to be done in real life (very much)
SMF 2.0.13
|
SMF © 2016
, | http://www.unrealworld.fi/forums/index.php?action=printpage;topic=4703.0 |
Overview and Timeline
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Board of Education are looking for a leader who shares our commitment to equity, transparency, and integrity, and potential candidates should also be ready to listen to and partner with families and community partners across the city.
To help lead this inclusive and transparent selection process, the Board has hired BWP & Associates, an Illinois-based executive search firm with experience conducting national superintendent searches. More information about the timeline and process for engaging stakeholders and ultimately selecting our next leader can be found below.
Community Engagement
Mid-May to Early June
BWP & Associates conducted interviews, focus groups, and public surveys to ensure various stakeholder groups have a voice in the selection process.
Application Window Opens
Mid-May to Mid-June
The job description was posted and candidates were able to apply for the position through June 18.
Initial Interviews
Early to Late June
Prospective candidates were screened on a rolling basis and initial interviews were conducted.
Semifinalist Interviews
Early July
A selection committee composed of Board members, CPS and City leaders, as well as a teacher, principal, and two parents will interview semifinalists.
Finalist Interviews
Mid-July
Mayor Lightfoot and Board President del Valle will conduct final interviews and identify a recommendation for the district’s next CEO.
Next CEO Selected
Late July
After an offer has been accepted, the district will announce its next CEO to the public.
Community Engagement
Parents and community partners will be able to participate in the CEO selection process in several different ways.
Survey
All CPS stakeholders were encouraged to complete our survey by June 11, 2021 to help the district determine the qualities, experiences, and priorities that are most important to our staff, families, and community partners. The survey was available in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and Polish.
Focus Groups and Stakeholder Interviews
CPS will be inviting more than 300 students, parents, staff, LSC members, and community partners to gather feedback about the qualities we want in a new leader for our school district.
To ensure diverse voices are heard and presented, we ask community members to complete this interest form if they wish to participate in one of 30 focus groups that will be conducted in the coming weeks. Focus group participants will be selected from a randomized lottery should interest exceed capacity. There will also be Spanish-only focus groups to ensure our Latinx families are heard and engaged while we search for a new CEO.
In addition to our larger focus group discussions, BWP & Associates will interview key partners, including labor leaders and elected officials, to ensure their priorities are considered.
Resources
Over the next several months, BWP & Associates will be releasing a report every two weeks to provide an update on the selection process. These reports will be regularly added to this page. | https://www.cps.edu/about/leadership/ceo-search |
Open Binary and Object Group organizes a programming contest every year. Mr. Hex belongs to this group and joins the judge team of the contest. This year, he created a geometric problem with its solution for the contest. The problem required a set of points forming a line-symmetric polygon for the input. Preparing the input for this problem was also his task. The input was expected to cover all edge cases, so he spent much time and attention to make them satisfactory.
However, since he worked with lots of care and for a long time, he got tired before he finished. So He might have made mistakes - there might be polygons not meeting the condition. It was not reasonable to prepare the input again from scratch. The judge team thus decided to find all line-asymmetric polygons in his input and fix them as soon as possible. They asked a programmer, just you, to write a program to find incorrect polygons.
You can assume the following:
The input consists of a set of points in the following format.
N
x1 y1
x2 y2
...
xN yN
The first line of the input contains an integer N (3 ≤ N ≤ 1000), which denotes the number of points. The following N lines describe each point. The i-th line contains two integers x1, y1 (-10000 ≤ xi, yi ≤ 10000), which denote the coordinates of the i-th point.
Note that, although the points are the vertexes of a polygon, they are given in an artibrary order, not necessarily clockwise or counterclockwise.
Output "Yes" in a line if the points can form a line-symmetric polygon, otherwise output "No". | https://judge.u-aizu.ac.jp/onlinejudge/description.jsp?id=2159 |
The algorithm used by the ICU to perform rating calculations remained unchanged between 1999-2012 and this web site, initially at least, implemented the same algorithm. However, the detailed breakdown of calculations available from the web site revealed some hitherto unknown issues requiring some minor adjustments to be made.
The old algorithm is deemed to be version 1.0. Subsequent improvements, as detailed below, are referred to as versions 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and so on in the order they were implemented. There will only ever be a version 2.x series if there are major changes to the algorithm.
Version 1.1: Provisional rating calculations after bonuses
In the standard algorithm, provisional ratings are calculated before bonus points are awarded. If any bonus points are awarded, provisional ratings are recalculated. These calculations are performed by an iterative algorithm controlled by two parameters:
- a maximum number of iterations (a safety measure to prevent an infinite loop if convergence does not occur)
- a threshold rating change between successive iterations which, if not exceeded, signifies that a stable solution has been reached
For the first calculation (before bonuses) the maximum iterations are set to 30 and the threshold change to 0.5. In practice, the iterations tend to converge to a solution well before the maximum. For example, in the 126 tournaments in the 2011-12 season the largest number of iterations required was only 16 and the average was about 5.
An issue occured only when bonuses were awarded. In that case when provisional ratings are recalculated for the second time the maximum number of iterations used (in version 1.0) was only 1. One iteration is usually not enough to reach a stable solution and this was causing a problem.
The symptom was provisional ratings which were slightly different from what one would expect from the standard formulae involving performance ratings. For the 2011-12 season about 20% of provisional ratings calculated were out by at least one point. The largest difference was 13 but most were small (the average being 2.2).
The solution is simply to allow more time for the second set of iterations to converge by using the same maximum as the first set, namely 30 (instead of 1). When the 2011-12 tournaments were rerated after this change and the September 2012 rating list republished, 59 out of 893 published ratings changed, no changes were more than 10 points and only one change was a decrease.
Version 1.2: Recalculating bonuses
There is a second issue related to the recalculation of provisional ratings after bonuses. The problem is that bonuses depend on provisional ratings and provisional ratings depend on bonuses. The last step in version 1.1 and before was to recalculate bonuses (for a second time). That means bonuses will be correct relative to provisional ratings but the converse may not be true.
To resolve this problem, that last step, recalculating bonuses a second time, was removed. The only drawback is that there may now be occasions where a player might get a slightly different bonus to the expected one if they have any provisionally rated opponents. However, this was deemed the lesser evil.
In December 2012 this modified algorithm was used to rerate all tournaments from September 2011. This successfully eliminated nearly all inaccurate provisional ratings while having a limited overall impact on players' ratings. 87% of published ratings for September 2012 were unchanged while for those that did change, none did so by more than 10 points and most by only 1 point.
The fraction of inaccurate provisional ratings remaining after this change was only 4% with a maximum error of just 1 point. This is negligible and into the territory of rounding errors.
Version 1.3: The maximum iterations in general
In August 2013 a tournament, the Connaught U16 Championship, where the majority of players were unrated, failed to rate. The error message from the system was "performance rating estimation did not converge". On further investigation it was discovered that one more iteration than the maximum of 30 was required to get to convergence for this particular tournament. Since there had already been one or two previous tournaments that had needed close to 30 iterations to converge, it was apparent that 30 was too low and it was therefore bumped up to 50 for both phases (before and after bonuses).
Since no previous tournaments had exceeded the old maximum of 30 it was unnecessary to rerate any of them again after this change. Only the Connaught U16 tournament was rerated (this time successfully) and all subsequent tournaments will use the new maximum number of iterations. | https://ratings.icu.ie/articles/18 |
Being Volunteer’s Greenathon is an environmental initiative with support from L&T Infotech. The programme aims at planting and nurturing trees for carbon neutralization. The programme started in October 2018 with the aim of increasing the green cover of the planet. The goal is to plant 5000 trees and nurture them till they become self-sustaining. The idea is to cover the planet with trees by engaging volunteers.This initiative is being implemented at Mhalunge and Ram Tekdi, Pune. So far, a total of 7000 trees have been planted by volunteers. The programme clocked in a total of 2700 volunteering hours. Each volunteer led an enthusiastic group of another 30 volunteers towards the successful completion of the initiative. In total the drive witnessed a participation of 800 volunteers who walked a distance of 2 km to the designated area and planted 1000 saplings belonging to nearly 20 different plant species. The team kick-started the tree plantation drive by pledging with deep sincerity to always plant more trees and also nurture them. This was followed by dedicatedly planting the saplings in pits that were dug prior to the plantation drive.
Sprint Activities
Short duration (2-6 hours) volunteering opportunities for on-field social work, planned mostly on weekends.
Green Dot InitiativeGreen Dot Initiative was started Jan 2016 in Chaturshringi Hill, SB Road, Pune and has now been expanded to 4 more forest locations. 956 volunteers from Jan 2016 till today worked on planting 12,000+ and nurturing 20,000+ plants and the nurturing is still ongoing , increasing the forest cover tremendously. Total number of volunteering hours covered were 1792 hours. | https://beingvolunteer.org/Greenathon |
Left to right: Walther Nernst, Albert Einstein, Max Planck, Robert Millikan, and Max Von Laue in November 11, 1931.
In 1900, German theoretical physicist Max Planck accidentally gave birth to the field of quantum mechanics (aka quantum physics) when he tried to investigate why the results of his black body experiment did not match the laws of classical physics. He discovered that energy is discharged in small packets (called quanta) and seemed to be emitted in wavelengths.
Since then, Einstein and other physicists used his study and, in so doing, drove the advancement of quantum physics, the field of science that deals with the behavior of matter and energy at the smallest atomic (and subatomic) scales. Planck was eventually awarded a Nobel Prize for his work.
On the other hand, the world of physics has been a ball pit of uncertainties since. Thanks to this work, our eyes have been opened to a chaotic universe—one where particles pop into and out of existence and everything is in a constant state of flux.
In order to understand quantum physics, you have to throw all sense of logic out the window. Why? Unlike classical physics, quantum physics does not honor the same logic that applies to our everyday surroundings. Quantum particles follow a different set of laws—laws which, to date, we still do not fully understand.
For around a century now, physicists all over the world have been trying to make sense of quantum phenomena. But so far, all attempts to unify quantum mechanics with the common physical laws of our everyday environment have been in vain. We are left with several probabilities instead of certainties.
To begin with, the standard definition seems simple enough: Quantum mechanics is “the branch of mechanics that deals with the mathematical description of the motion and interaction of subatomic particles.” Part of the issue with this is that measuring atomic positions accurately is a horrendously tricky (and practically impossible) task. As theuncertainty principle states, measuring quantum positions even with something as gentle as light would knock the atoms around because everything (including light) has momentum, rendering any measurement automatically inaccurate. How can we really advance if we can’t truly get accurate measurements?
And sadly, this is just the start of the problem.
Quantum particles (seemingly) do as they please, when it pleases them, making it practically impossible to replicate results of an experiment—a fundamental validation requirement of the scientific method.
In fact, even Einstein, who himself helped breathe life into the field of quantum physics, hated quantum physics. It is unpredictable and, most of the time, illogical (or at least counter intuitive). Take, for example, wave-particle duality, which shows that light exhibits properties of both particles and waves.
The double-slit experiment is one of the most basic experiments in quantum physics, yet it remains one of the biggest mind-bogglers of all time. In this experiment, atoms are seen behaving as both a particle and a wave depending on the presence of interference. And it seems as if they have a mind of their own, distributing themselves into forming an interference pattern.
“If you can explain this using common sense and logic, do let me know, because there is a Nobel Prize for you,” British theoretical physicist Jim Al-Khalili says.
And things get far stranger.
The emptiness of the universe: This is the kind of stuff that the early pioneers in quantum mechanics believed in—and the kind of thing that most people still believe in. But this picture of the universe is wrong…quantum physics tells us so.
In the 1920’s, researchers thought that emptiness — an absence of stuff — is what quantum mechanics was talking about. Arthur Eddington’s “The Two Tables” is a really nice treatment of the subject. In this piece, Eddington essentially argues that there are two tables: First, there is the table of everyday experience. It is a table that we can see and interact with. It is comparatively permanent, it is coloured, and (above all) it is substantial. Second, there is the table of science. This is something that is intangible. It is mostly emptiness with numerous, sparsely-scattered electric charges rushing about with great speed.
However, this metaphor is (of course) wrong.
The atom is a crazy soup of electrons, positrons, quarks, photons, gluons, and so on. These are popping about and annihilating one another. It just happens that they are so evenly cancelled out that the “empty space” picture, which was given to us by the 1920’s quantum mechanics, describes it extremely well. As was noted, this emptiness is not an accurate depiction of what is actually going on. The deviations, that we can test, go into Quantum Field Theory.
What people living in the 1920’s did not realize is that “empty space” is not what we think it is — it is a soup of a lot of things that average out to zero. Like thermodynamic equilibrium, i.e. “no net flow” is nowhere near the same as “no flow” at all!
The potential repercussions of wielding the seemingly untamable field of quantum physics—of nailing down a solid theory of it all—are immense. Understanding quantum phenomena is the key to unlocking a vast world of powerful possibilities in relation to our ability to manipulate the world around us.
Below are only a few very important things that rely on our understanding of quantum phenomena in order to advance:
Quantum computers rely on the state of superposition to perform far more complex tasks using less steps than conventional computers. Theoretically, quantum computers can runmore operations than there are atoms in the universe.
These materials transmit electricity without any energy loss but currently only work in cryogenic temperatures. Physicists are currently figuring out how to make superconductors work at room temperature.
The identities of these invisible, mysterious particles/energy that make up around 98% of our universe remain unknown. We know more on what it’s not than what it is, and can only detect them through their gravitational force.
Ironically, not only are the smallest particles known to man also the most difficult to understand—they also govern the biggest, most powerful phenomena in our universe.
So to answer the question, “Where are we now in the field of quantum physics?” While we have undoubtedly gone a long way in understanding and harnessing the powers of quantum phenomena, we are mostly still in the dark.
If you believe you have the mental capacity and stamina to join the quantum physics field and make all this a little less crazy (or at least try to), humanity will thank you for it. Also, Nobel Prizes are at large.
This article is adapted from a publication on futurism.com
Quantum field theory has made some incredibly accurate predictions about the universe, but it has also made some of the worst.
Three physicists wanted to calculate how neutrinos change. They ended up discovering an unexpected relationship between some of the most ubiquitous objects in math.
The “fittest” quantum properties make the most copies of themselves.
There is a mystery that has confounded scientists for a century.
How can there be intelligence without consciousness?
In this inspiring talk, the mathematician Edward Frenkel speaks about the beauty and elegance of mathematics
In an incredible first, scientists have captured the world's first actual photo of quantum entanglement
In this exclusive interview with Dr. Alan Wallace we discuss consciousness, mathematics, practicing deep sleep states and meditation as preparation for dying consciously.
A new model suggests that these subatomic particles may not be so fundamental after all.
In a curved universe, no matter which direction you travel in, you will end up at the starting point
This video is about Bell's Theorem, one of the most fascinating results in 20th century physics.
Reversing history from Galileo's time, it is now the scientists who refuse to look through the telescope.
David Bohm was one of the most distinguished theoretical physicists of his generation, and a fearless challenger of scientific orthodoxy. | https://www.scienceandnonduality.com/article/what-is-quantum-mechanics |
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This is the place for all my most recent discoveries and for feature articles related to the Moon, its history and physical peculiarities.
The Asteroid Belt lies between the orbits of the planets Mars and Jupiter. It is a belt of both small and very large fragments of rock. Some astronomers used to believe the Asteroid Belt had once been a planet it its own right but they now comment that there is not enough material in it to create a whole planet. However, they also know that much of the original material it once contained is missing, so where did it all go?
doesn't quite add up. Estimates show that most of the lightweight, volcanic rock that should be part of the Asteroid belt is missing - so where did it go? Collisions in the Asteroid Belt sometimes send pieces of rock spinning out of orbit and some of these fall to Earth as meteorites but material lost to space can't account for all the missing volcanic rock.
The picture on the left is of Ceres. Ceres is a body in the Asteroid Belt and in fact the largest asteroid of all - which is why it is sometimes referred to as a minor planet. Unlike other fragments, it is massive enough to have adopted a spherical shape under its own gravitational forces.
What interested me when I studied Ceres was its size and mass. The Moon is 3.66 times smaller than the Earth but it has a mass that is only 1/81st part that of the Earth. Now here is the really strange fact. Ceres is exactly 3.66 times smaller than the Moon and has a mass that is 1/81st part of that of the Moon! In other words the relationship of Earth and Moon is absolutely mirrored in the relationship of the Moon and Ceres. This would be an outrageous coincidence under any circumstances but when we bear in mind that the size and mass relationship of the Earth and Moon is odd to say the least, finding the same relationship between the Moon and Ceres is well beyond freaky.
The unbelievably odd relationships in terms of size, mass and orbital characteristics between the Earth and the Moon act as what I have referred to as 'Messages in a Bottle'. Things were organized in this way to act as clues, that will force us to look more closely at the Moon and to realise 'what' it really is and how it came to be there. Ceres, with its size and mass relationship with the Moon is also such a clue - these relationships simply could not exist by chance and so the only alternative explanation is that someone intended them to be that way. The ploy worked because I discovered the peculiar relationships of the Moon and Ceres. So why did our future selves want us to focus our attention on the Asteroid Belt?
When we bear in mind the problem of all the missing volcanic rock from the Asteroid Belt and then realise what the Moon is made of, the answer becomes obvious. The lightweight volcanic rock for the Moon had to be harvested from somewhere. I had originally thought it all came from the Earth, but it would have been much easier to use physics to bring it from the asteroid belt. Suitable rock was selected and then forced onto a journey, using Mars as a slingshot, towards the Sun. As it crossed the Earth's orbit the material was collected and eventually it formed well over 90% of the Moon. The amount of work necessary would have been a fraction of that needed to remove all the Moon's material from the Earth and in any case even the then thick crust of the Earth would not have been sufficient to create the Moon.
It is a near certainty that the surface layer of the Moon came from Earth. This was necessary because the original crust of the Earth was too thick to allow plate tectonics to begin, which in turn was essential for eventual life. The top layer of the Earth's crust had to be removed and this is what became the surface layer of the Moon. Additional proof of this lies in the fact that surface Moon rocks are known to have been heated to an extremely high temperature in the remote past - something that happened when the material was blasted from the surface of the Earth. | https://www.whobuiltthemoon.com/stop-press-page.html |
Preparing responsible citizens demands attention to the causes and consequences of violent action. Reducing and preventing violence requires an understanding of the complexity of the phenomenon and the recognition of the multiple causes of such harmful behaviour.
Such a basic understanding is necessary if we are to propose positive remedies and point out ways toward peaceful solutions and non-violent alternatives. Major scientific research programs need to address this complex problem. The present social circumstances add a quite timely politically-charged consideration of possible peaceful alternatives. Knowledge of aggression is not only a window to understand humanity better, but also shows that violence involves an intensely emotional individual experience for perpetrators, victims, and for witnesses as well.
During the last quarter of the previous century and the beginning of the present one, CICA has addressed different aspects of this topic by scholars from multiple disciplines in an effort to focus a multidisciplinary attention on this important individual and societal issue. Recently we have been focusing more carefully on one of its most extreme expressions, terrorism, by organizing joint conferences on the topic with the Society for Terrorism Research, as well as on the analysis and resolution of conflicts.
The international, interdisciplinary, comprehensive approach characteristic of these meetings provides a useful biosocial focus by bringing together a number of disciplines to study more effectively the complex relationship between brain, aggression and human consciousness. The main goal is to bridge the persistent gulf between biologically based approaches and those built on the social sciences, in the understanding that real solutions will only be found through the integration of insights reached from the interaction of many different fields and levels. There is no human function which does not involve both the brain and social context! | https://cicainternational.org/aims/ |
Q:
A model for non-negative data with many zeros: pros and cons of Tweedie GLM
I analyze technical measurement data with the aim of developing a forecasting model.
The data is given as a non-negative time series (data per hour). The data looks quite wild and contain many zeros. I expect these zeros to be the result of measuring quantities that are not zero but too small. It is ok to treat those zeros as zero.
Just transforming (Box-Cox e.g.) these data with exact zeros does not seem right.
So I thought about a classical glm first. But these do not allow for mass at zero and a continuous distribution above zero.
So I stumbled upon Tweedie glms eg here.
It must be quite a standard problem in the task to predict measurements. What are the pros and cons of working with Tweedie?
PS: The number of zeros decreases with the years ... I have to ask the data collector why this could be ...
A:
You're right to think that a Box-Cox transformation won't deal with the zeros issue (nor indeed would any other transformation).
The Tweedie might be suitable, and is sometimes used for data like these*, but the probability of a zero is related to the $p$ (the power in the variance function).
*\ another issue to consider -- your data are observed over time, so you must also consider the possibility of time-dependence (such as autocorrelation).
A more common solution to the zeros would be a zero-inflated or hurdle model, such as a zero-inflated gamma. There are numerous questions on site on "zero-inflated"/"0-inflated" models and hurdle models.
However if your thought was correct and it's only "too small to register", that would indicate censoring.
Looking at the plot though, I have some doubts that it's an adequate explanation for what we see:
Between the lower two grey lines, there are only three points, but a large number of points either exactly on the line (or very close to it). That big gap would be consistent with your thought, but those three points (circled in red) do not seem consistent with it -- if those points can register, why not others?
However, such a banding feature can sometimes be seen in Tweedie distributions as well; the tricky part would be whether it's even possible to get the right mix of parameters to match both the proportion of zeros and the banding at lower values.
(Beware interpreting those plots; the spikes at zero are not density but probability, and strictly speaking should not be represented on the same plot as the continuous part. You can draw a cdf but it's less clear what's going on.)
However, even more seriously perhaps, the Tweedie definitely cannot reproduce the clumping behaviour at the top end of the plot (for that matter neither can any of the other models I've mentioned).
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June 05, 2020
49 years, 7 months, 29 days old age Sangeetha Katti will turn 50 on 07 October, 2020. Only 4 months, 1 days, 22 hours, 14 minutes has left for his next birthday.
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Birthdays Celebrated on Each Day of Week
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Sangeetha Katti has celebrated the total number of 49 birthdays till date. See the analysis by days count and bar graph. | https://www.celebrityborn.com/biography/sangeetha-katti/1161 |
The utility model discloses a high-precision progressive die for computer shielding case elastic pieces, which comprises an upper die holder, elastic pins, a lower die holder, a lower die plate and an upper die plate, the elastic pins are arranged at corners of the lower die holder, pressing holes matched with the elastic pins are arranged on the upper die plate, the upper die plate is arranged on the lower end face of the upper die holder, and the elastic pins are arranged on the pressing holes. A lower die plate is arranged on the upper end face of the lower die base, the upper die plate is matched with the lower die plate, a stamping column, a stamping cutter, pressing blocks, a stamping protruding block and a cutter are sequentially arranged on the upper die plate, the pressing blocks are arranged on the two sides of the upper die plate, the cutter is arranged at the tail end of the upper die plate, and a punched hole matched with the stamping column is formed in the lower die plate. A punching groove matched with the punching cutter is formed in one side of the even number of punched holes, receding grooves matched with the pressing blocks are formed in the two sides of the lower die plate, pressing grooves matched with the punching protruding blocks are formed in the upper end face of the lower die plate, a supporting block is arranged at the tail end of the lower die plate, and the cutter is in sliding fit with one side of the supporting block. | |
How far is Berlin (Ohio) from Cleveland? Here's the quick answer if you drive this relatively short distance without making any stops. Nonstop drive: 74 miles or 119 km Driving time: 1 hour, 29 minutes Even though you can drive this distance straight through, it might be more interesting to stop along the way The Inn at Honey Run is located in Holmes County, Ohio, home of the world's highest Amish concentration. Within 15 miles of our boutique hotel, you can discover some of the most fascinating things to do in Amish Country.On a drive along the area's back roads, keep an eye out for signs marking the workshops of the area's finest artisans A distance calculator will help you find out how far it is between any two places, whether within the United States or around the globe. Your results will include a straight line distance and a driving distance (if applicable). Click the 'Get Directions' link for turn-by-turn driving directions. A straight line distance (or as the crow flies.
Ohio (US) Distance Chart (Distance Table): For your quick reference, below is a Distance Chart or Distance Table of distances between some of the major cities in Ohio (US). [Note: The distance between cities in Ohio (US) distance chart below is straight line distance (may be called as flying or air distance) between the two locations in Ohio (US) calculated based on their latitudes and longitudes Millersburg is a village in Holmes County, Ohio, in the United States. As of the 2000 census, the village population was 3,326. It is the county seat of Holmes County. Millersburg is located at 40°33′18″N 81°55′5″W / 40.555°N 81.91806°W / 40.555; -81.91806 (40.554901, -81.917940), along Killbuck Creek Berlin is situated in east-central Holmes County at the junction of U.S. Route 62 and State Route 39. US-62 leads northeast 11 miles (18 km) to Wilmot, and State Route 39 leads southeast 10 miles (16 km) to Sugarcreek. Together, the two highways lead west 7 miles (11 km) to Millersburg, the Holmes county seat The 18-mile long reservoir has a surface area of 3,590 acres during the normal summer, but can expand to 5,500 acres when heavy rainfall occurs. The lake is the fifth-largest inland lake in Ohio. Most visitors to Berlin Lake are interested in the recreational opportunities the large lake provides. Berlin Lake is a paradise for boaters
Berlin Heights is a village in Berlin Township, Erie County, Ohio, United States. The population was 714 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Sandusky, Ohio Metropolitan Statistical Area. In the late 1850s a branch of the free love movement was established in Berlin Heights Comfort Suites Hotel and Conference Center. 4810 Township Road 366, Berlin, OH 44610, United States of America - Excellent location - show map. Excellent location - rated 9.6/10! (score from 646 reviews) Real guests • Real stays • Real opinions. 9.3 Explore the best trails in Berlin, Ohio on TrailLink. With more than 41 Berlin trails covering 4367 miles, you're bound to find a perfect trail like the Bike and Hike Trail or Hoover Park Connector Trail. View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink
Website. (330) 893-3134. State Route 39. Berlin, OH 44610. From Business: Ohio's largest arts and crafts mall with over 400 artisans and crafters is conveniently located in the heart of Amish Country. Sol's is made up of three large. 2. Country Edge Antiques The distance by car is 306 km. Follow the Berlin, OH to Detroit driving route along I-75 N. Get driving directions from Berlin, OH to Detroit . flight distance = 138 mile Distance from Berlin, OH to Pittsburgh, PA. The total driving distance from Berlin, OH to Pittsburgh, PA is 116 miles or 187 kilometers.. The total straight line flight distance from Berlin, OH to Pittsburgh, PA is 95 miles.. This is equivalent to 153 kilometers or 83 nautical miles.. Your trip begins in Berlin, Ohio
Come visit Amish Country's newest campground! Opened in the fall of 2011, it is a brand new facility that is locally owned and only two miles west of downtown Berlin on State Route 39. With our great rates; we offer convenient, free wi-fi and 30/50 amp services at every campsite Getting to and Around Amish Country Ohio. The closest airport is the Akron Canton Regional Airport which is about 35 miles (56 km) from Millersburg, OH. The Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Port Columbus International Airport are each located about 60 miles (100 km) from the area Free: See How You're Listed. On Yahoo, Yelp, SuperPages, AmericanTowns and 25 other directories! Improve Your Listing. Add your social media links and bio and promote your discounts, menus, events BERLIN, OHIO. Berlin Ohio is one of the oldest villages in Holmes County dating back to 1816 when John Swigert plotted out the town with 108 lots along 2 streets. John Swigert was originally from Berlin, Germany, but he wouldn't name the new town Berlin until another settler arrived, this time from Berlin, Pennsylvania Distance Information. The distance calculator can help you prepare for the road by helping you figure out how far a city is from you. Calculations are made in kilometers and miles and information is available for all countries around the world. Additionally, Distancesto.com provides a way for you to see where you are going, determine the cost.
Offering a continental breakfast, Berlin Heritage Inn is located in Berlin, Ohio, the Heart of Ohio's Amish Country. Complimentary WiFi and local and long distance phone service is included. Each room includes air conditioning and cable TV. Private bathrooms include toiletries. Select rooms feature a spa bath or fireplace With the distance calculator distance.to you can easily determine distances between world-wide locations. Simply enter any desired location into the search function and you will get the shortest distance (air line) between the points, the route (route planner) as well as all important information Find out the distance between (almost) any two places in the world! Starting Point: Destination: in You need to spell out the whole name of the place without abbreviation. For example: DO NOT use St. Louis USE Saint Louis. Almost no effort is made to ensure that these figures are accurate. So don't bet your house on the results..
From €62. Book. Holiday Inn Express Salem, an IHG Hotel. 8.4 (125 reviews) 17.6 Km - 240 North Cunningham Road, Salem OH 44460. More hotels in Berlin Center. Check your tyre pressure at least once a month and particularly before a high-speed journey. New route calculator - Beta version Antique Collectibles & Design is located approximately 23 miles from Berlin Center. Visit Antique Collectibles & Design at 11326 Lincoln St SE. If you need more information, call them: (330) 862-2000. Read more about Antique Collectibles & Design in Robertsville, OH Berlin Lake. 2030 Bonner Road. Deerfield, OH 44411. (330) 547-3781. Press 1 for Ranger Station. Press 2 for Entrance Station. Press 3 for Lake Information. Resource Manager's Office: (330) 654-0865. Authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1938, Berlin Lake is one of 16 flood control projects in the Pittsburgh District Discover Berlin Center, Ohio with the help of your friends. Search for restaurants, hotels, museums and more
For a leisurely drive back to a simpler time in life, explore the rolling hills of Ohio's Amish Country in Holmes County. The picture above was taken near Charm. With 160 total miles set out along the Amish Country Byway, visitors are truly in for a treat The distance between Berlin and Cleveland in a straight line is 58 miles or 93.32 Kilometers Driving Directions & Drive Times from Berlin to Cleveland can be found further down the page. Driving distances, maps and journey times are currently provided by Google mapping systems
In Ohio, there were 579 newly reported COVID-19 cases and 0 newly reported COVID-19 deaths on Jul 01, 2021. Get The Latest Data. From cities to rural towns, stay informed on where COVID-19 is spreading to understand how it could affect families, commerce, and travel. Follow new cases found each day and the number of cases and deaths in Ohio Distance from Berlin, Ohio to Trenton, Ohio. 257 km: 159 miles: 139 nautical miles: The straight line distance is shown in above table. The travel time between Berlin and Trenton (straight-line distance) by foot, bike, car, and airplane can be calculated using the calculator above Salt Fork State Park Campground is a large campground with sites for all sizes of RVs. There are Full Hookup, 50-amp Electric, and Non-electric sites. An Equestrian Campground and Primitive Campground (walk-in, tent only) are also available. Reserve online or by calling (866) 644-6727 There are 69.41 miles from Berlin to Delaware in southwest direction and 91 miles (146.45 kilometers) by car, following the SR 39 route.. Berlin and Delaware are 1 hour 50 mins far apart, if you drive non-stop. This is the fastest route from Berlin, OH to Delaware, OH. The halfway point is Mansfield, OH. Berlin, OH and Delaware, OH are in the same time zone (EDT)
How Far is it Between. This tool can be used to find the distance between two places. Input the two places names and find out the distance between them. The direct disance and driving distance are both displayed. To start type the names of the places below and click the Show button Roscoe Village has a story to tell. It's the story of a small port built along the Ohio & Erie Canal. It's the story of the way lives were enriched by the wonders of canal travel in this newly developing region. It's the story of the 1913 flood that wiped out the canal and left the village of Roscoe to suffer years of decline How far is it between Paris and Berlin. Paris is located in France with (48.8534,2.3488) coordinates and Berlin is located in Germany with (52.5244,13.4105) coordinates. The calculated flying distance from Paris to Berlin is equal to 546 miles which is equal to 878 km.. If you want to go by car, the driving distance between Paris and Berlin is 1054.85 km.. The distance between Dayton and Berlin in a straight line is 143 miles or 230.09 Kilometers Driving Directions & Drive Times from Dayton to Berlin can be found further down the page. Driving distances, maps and journey times are currently provided by Google mapping systems Know what's coming with AccuWeather's extended daily forecasts for Berlin, OH. Up to 90 days of daily highs, lows, and precipitation chances
The quickest way to get from Indianapolis to Berlin is to drive which costs $27 - $40 and takes 4h 56m. More details. What is the distance between Indianapolis and Berlin? The distance between Indianapolis and Berlin is 238 miles. The road distance is 276.3 miles. Get driving directions Before you arrive, make sure to check out the policies page for information regarding your stay. Find out additional information on how we are keeping guests and staff safe during Covid-19. Compare us to other hotels in Berlin, Ohio and see that we have the best Amish Country accommodations at low seasonal rates In 1949, when the Ohio Department of Natural Resources was created, Mohican and several other state parks were developed from existing state forests. The new park was named Clear Fork State Park. Years later in 1966, the name was changed to Mohican State Park in order to alleviate confusion between Mansfield's Clearfork Reservoir and the state. Throughout the night, one can enjoy, and participate in salsa dances. Location: Englische Strasse 21-23, Berlin 10587. Entry fee: Free. 25 Euros for homo boy's night at Sun loungers. Time: From Monday to Friday- 12-23, Saturday to Sunday- 12-24 Homo boy's night on Monday 19-03 in June
0:00. /. Live. •. Located near the heart of Amish Country in Ohio, The Farm at Walnut Creek hosts over 500 animals, comprised of species from six of the seven continents. Our menagerie includes exotic animals such as giraffes, camels, zebras, and kangaroos along with more common animals like horses, llamas, buffaloes and deer Weather Forecast for Berlin, Ohio If you planning to travel to Berlin, Ohio, here is your 6-day travel weather forecast to make sure you have all the essentials needed during your stay. Start your day when the sunrises at 10:24 AM. The temperature feels like 67.75 with a humidity level of 69 so dress accordingly From Columbus, OH. Take Interstate 70 East to Interstate 77 North. Follow Salt Fork signs to US Route 22 East (Cambridge Exit 47) Turn right onto US Route 22 East and follow for approximately 6 miles to the park entrance. Turn left into the park and follow the signs to the lodge. We are located 7 miles or approximately 15 minutes from the park.
Visit Beautiful Berlin Township, Ohio Looking for a beautiful, affordable getaway where every season offers plenty to do and the locals treat you like family? Whether you need family fun, a weekend with friends, or time away as a couple, Berlin Township is the vacation gem you've been searching for Dundee Falls. Dundee Falls is the highlight of the 1,912-acre Beach City Wildlife Area. The waterfall is located in a picturesque forest and plunges into a rocky gorge as the creek makes its way towards the South Fork of Sugar Creek. The waterfall is rather consistent for Ohio, so you should expect to see water flow here for a decent portion of. About Knox Lake. Knox Lake is in Knox County covers 495 acres of fishing water and has 12 miles of shoreline. This lake is in Ohio Division of Wildlife District One Welcome to DistanceBetween.us. Travelling made Easy Geographic Information and Distance Calculation at your Fingertips. Calculate distance between any two geographic locations on the planet, plan and print the best route find location based information on your screen: The driving distance and direct distance in miles and kilometers, a route map, driving directions, fuel consumption, trip costs. | https://ertemfoglak.com/visualizations/coronavirus-covid-19-spread-map/state/ohioag1v5723iq4a-b |
When you are ready to create your will, remember that the state of New York has specific rules for you to follow.
You should also pay attention to one particular tip in order to avoid a misstep that could invalidate this important document.
Writing your will
A last will and testament, often simply called a will, must be in writing and, as the testator or maker of the will, you must sign it. If you are unable to sign, another person can affix your name to the document while in your presence, then add his or her name and residence address. However, that person cannot be one of the witnesses to the signing.
Witnesses
For your will to be valid, New York law requires at least two attesting witnesses. Witnesses are often present at the signing. However, they can also attest to your signature as testator within 30 days of the signing. They must also add their residence addresses at the end of the will. It is your obligation to declare to each of the witnesses that the document you signed is, in fact, your will.
About the staples
In the state of New York, anyone who is at least eighteen years of age and of sound mind may create a will. Your will shows how you want to dispose of your property and, if applicable, who you wish to be guardians of your children in the event of your death. Considering the importance of this document, you must ensure that it meets all the New York requirements. To that end, there is one unusual tip: Do not remove the staples if you are making copies. To do so will invalidate the will. | https://www.esslawfirm.com/blog/2022/01/new-york-offers-important-pointers-about-preparing-your-will/ |
These 2-year-old eels sense and respond to magnetic fields, but the question remains whether newborn eels do as well.
Eels make remarkable migrations. Adults from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean swim to the Sargasso Sea to reproduce, and their offspring take a few years to return the 6000 kilometers to their respective coastlines. How they get there has been an enduring mystery. Many biologists have assumed these newborns drift aimlessly until swept up into the Gulf Stream, but like a few other marine creatures, they may actually use Earth’s magnetic field to guide their course, marine biologists have now discovered.
Some researchers question whether this sixth sense exists in the very youngest eels found in the Sargasso Sea, but if it does, “this study adds to the growing body of evidence that the magnetic sense may be an important component of fishes that make long migrations in the ocean,” says Michael Miller, an eel biologist at Nihon University in Fujisawa, Japan, who was not involved in the work. And if it holds up that newborn eels do more than drift aimlessly, the study paints a new picture: These young eels “may be the ultimate swimming machines,” he adds.
Over the years, researchers have found that a magnetic sixth sense exists, perhaps even in people, and is important in salmon, sea turtle, and trout migrations. And some work indicates that adult eels also sense magnetic fields. But proving the same was true of juvenile eels was quite tricky, as these fish can be quite erratic in their behavior. That makes it hard to discern any patterns in their orientation, and thus they are difficult to test.
To better quantify whether eels did tend to swim in a particular direction in response to a magnetic field, Lewis Naisbett-Jones, a marine biologist at University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and Nathan Putman, a marine biologist from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory at the University of Miami in Florida, designed a 25-centimeter-wide underwater arena: a central chamber connected to a dozen outer sections, each representing 30° on a compass. They tested so-called glass eels, which is what the juvenile eels transform into when they arrive in Europe. A movable wall kept the eel in the center until the magnetic field was turned on and testing began.
The researchers simulated magnetic fields from different parts of the migration route, and the fish responded as if they knew where they were going. In the magnetic field that was the same as in the Sargasso Sea, most of the eels headed southwest, showing they did head in a particular direction in response to the magnetic field. In the test using the magnetic field found in the Atlantic off North America, the eels turned northeast, showing that slightly different magnetic fields caused them to orient in a different way, the researchers report today in Current Biology .
“We were not surprised to find eels have a magnetic map, but we were surprised to discover how well they can detect subtle differences in magnetic fields” Naisbett-Jones says.
At first, the orientations were confusing—the eels weren't headed the most direct way home. Yet a computer model showed that the headings taken by the juvenile eels in the experiment would in fact make their migration more efficient, as they got the fish into the Gulf Stream faster and kept them in this current so that they headed to Europe.
The oceanographic model "strengthens the overall findings,” says Miguel Baltazar-Soares, a marine biologist at Bournemouth University in Poole, U.K., who was not involved with the work.
But Putman doesn’t think the use of older eels is a problem and assumes even newborns have this magnetic sense. Instead, he thinks that the novelty of finding a magnetic compass in eels “might rub some people the wrong way” because they had not discovered it before.
Next, he hopes to demonstrate that adult eels also use magnetism to find their way to the Sargasso Sea. | https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/04/young-european-eels-may-use-magnetic-fields-guide-them-home |
This blog post is going to be on the projective closures of affine varieties. This too is something that has confused me for some time. I did manage to make sense of most of it eventually, but I want to still write it down for my peace of mind.
Say we have a polynomial in affine space . We want to find the projective closure of that. How do we do it? We first homogenize it by writing it as a homogeneous polynomial . Note that is the extra variable that has been added here. Then, after having sketched the zeroes of the polynomial in the -th affine chart in projective space, we find the projective closure in the whole space by assuming , and then determining what are the zeroes of the remainder of the polynomial.
Why does this work? The complement of the -th affine chart is that space in projective space that the affine curve could never have reached in affine space. Remember that the whole affine curve, point by point, lies inside the affine chart. Hence, the points in the complement of the chart will contain all the “new” points of the curve. Heuristically speaking, the “new” points are all those points that the curve tends to, if it could go infinitely far, whatever that might mean.
Now how do you find the projective closure of a general algebraic set (and not one that is generated by a single polynomial)? In other words, say you have an affine algebraic set . What changes do you need to make to in order for to be the projective closure of ? Turns out, homogenizing the generators of is not the answer, but homogenizing *all* the elements of is. Is is the explanation of this part that is the aim for writing this post.
Why does homogenizing the generators not work? This is because we may count extra points of projective closure. How? Take the polynomials and in . Their corresponding homogeneous polynomials are and in . The variety corresponding to the ideal is obviously . Hence, the affine chart of will also contain the empty set, the projective closure of which is also the empty set. However, the projective closures of both and contain the point . From this, we can see that a set of algebraic sets in affine space may all contain a set of points of projective closure that their intersection may not.
This problem is solved by homogenizing all the polynomials in , and then generating an ideal from it. The variety corresponding to this ideal is exactly the projective closure of . Let this ideal be referred to as . Why does this work?
First of all, it is clear that the projective closure of lies inside . Now we need to prove the other inclusion. If we can produce a homogeneous polynomial such that the corresponding variety on the affine chart is the same as , then we’ll be done. This we can do by just adding the homogenized versions of all the generators in , but also ensuring that the homogenized versions are of different degrees!!! The key insight behind this is that as we have a sum of homogeneous polynomials of different degrees, the corresponding variety will contain only those points that lie in the intersection of all zero sets of the individual polynomials. The affine chart will consequently only contain those affine points which lie in the zero sets of all those affine polynomials, which is precisely . To complete the proof, we need to assume that each affine variety has a unique projective closure.
Such a polynomial (sum of homogenized versions, to different degrees, of all the generators of ) does in fact exist in . Hence proved. | https://randommathgenerator.com/2016/10/01/projective-closures-of-affine-varieties/ |
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VERGE 21: The climate tech event.
Audience: Join more than 15,000 leaders online — from the private and public sectors, utilities, solution providers, investors and startups — advancing systemic solutions to address the climate crisis through five key markets: clean energy, sustainable mobility, carbon removal, regenerative food systems and resilient infrastructure.
Where and When: October 25-28, Online
Conferences
VERGE 21 is composed of five concurrent conferences. The community comes together for one shared keynote program each day, and participates in sessions across the distinct conference programs, focused on:
VERGE Carbon — Using offsets and new technologies to draw down carbon and restore forests, create new products and rebuild soils.
VERGE Energy — Decarbonizing, decentralizing and digitizing global energy systems to be more resilient and accessible.
VERGE Food — Transforming food systems to equitably and profitably feed a more populous planet, while regenerating the natural world.
VERGE Infrastructure (new this year) — Envisioning and influencing a more adaptive, climate-smart and inclusive world.
VERGE Mobility — Accelerating electric, clean and equitable mobility that will improve lives and the planet.
What We Value
Fresh and Convergent Content: We aim to elevate the latest trends, innovations and approaches to accelerating the clean economy, and prioritize solutions that are systemic and interconnected by nature.
Creativity and Interactivity: We strive to expand participants’ perspectives, catalyze new ways of thinking and facilitate meaningful interactions among attendees.
Diversity: We are committed to fostering dialogue among, and elevating the leadership of, speakers with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. This includes maintaining gender parity among speakers and ensuring racial diversity in all programing.
DEI Commitments
GreenBiz is committed to ensuring the sessions at VERGE 21 reflect the world we live in. Our goals include:
Including the perspective of a BIPOC speaker in every session with three or more people (including the moderator)
Increasing the total number of BIPOC speakers across the entire program
Including gender diversity in every session with two or more people (including the moderator)
Session Formats
Breakout: Panel (45 min) — A moderated discussion with no more than four speakers (including the moderator) and ample time to address questions from the audience.
Breakout: Presentation (45 min) — Led by one or two individuals, featuring a mix of instruction and exercises designed to give attendees the knowledge they need to get started on a particular task or challenge.
Breakout: Fireside Chat (45 min) — A conversation between a speaker and an interviewer. This format is a deep dive into a participant's expertise or research, and should include ample time to address questions from the audience.
Keynote: VERGE Talk (5-10 min) — Short-form, stand-and-deliver, inspirational presentations (à la TED Talks) as part of the keynote program, delivered by visionary leaders, typically featuring a breakthrough idea.
Keynote: Conversation (15-20 min) — Lively, keynote conversations among experts about a particular topic, or a one-on-one interview with a high-profile thought leader or C-level executive. | https://events.greenbiz.com/events/verge-conference/online-event/2021/speaker-nomination |
Yesterday morning I had a good time leading a discussion on newspaper websites with a group of publishers from the AAN (Association of Alternative Newsweeklies). Their 3 day conference here was hosted by our own Charleston City Paper and included about 20 papers from across the country.
The alt papers play an important role. I couldn’t live in a town that doesn’t have a good one. While they’re trying to navigate the upheaval in the print world (due to the economy and internet) just like the mainstream papers, they are not suffering the same drastic declines in readership and subscriptions. Probably due to their key role within the community, focused/local content and willingness to adapt and experiment.
I shared a planning model we use to help conceptualize interactive experiences and looked at various news/media sites…both good and bad…from across the country. We wrapped up with a review of the attendees’ websites (as a group)…to draw conclusions about the opportunities they face. The overriding observation is that while many of the alt papers/sites are doing great things (and the Charleston City Paper is among the best in the country)….as a group they fit a pretty similar mold. There’s an opportunity to keep pushing the boundaries of storytelling, community participation and content generation, usability and utility, and inspired design. And ultimately, to keep pushing the “alternative” into the alternatives to separate from rest of the mainsteam pack. | https://www.blueion.com/blog/hanging-with-the-aan/ |
So I don’t know how the rest of Goucher students spent their spring break, but I was fortunate enough to spend my spring break in sunny South Carolina for the High Tide Ultimate Tournament with two ultimate frisbee teams from Goucher.
The Goucher men’s team, “Gophbusters”, and the Goucher women’s team, “All You Can Eat” are both part of the Ultimate Frisbee Club here at Goucher, but play as separate teams for the men’s and women’s brackets of the High Tide Tournament.
High Tide is a series of college ultimate frisbee tournaments divided across four weeks and taking place in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Each of the week long tournaments draw in frisbee teams from colleges all across the East Coast and Midwest. As a result, my team and I had the opportunity to face off against a wide variety of opponents, each with unique strengths, weaknesses, and strategies to bring to the field.
Some teams showed better sportsmanship than others, but I personally never felt disrespected or degraded by any of the teams we played against. There was plenty of spirit to go around both on the frisbee field and off of it. Players on both sides swapped stories and jokes on the sidelines while chanting an endless supply of cheers to their teammates. After games you would often find teams congratulating opposing players on their accomplishments and successful plays during the game. When the Goucher men’s team had bye games we would go watch the Goucher women’s team to cheer them on and provide encouragement, and vice versa. The overall vibe of the High Tide Tournament seemed much more friendly and supportive compared to tournaments I’ve played in for other sports such as basketball and baseball.
At the end of the week, when I asked my teammate Brian Barger, ‘21, what his favorite part about High Tide 2018 was, he quickly told me that while he really enjoyed all the time spent playing frisbee, “the community bonding was huge.” Both Brian and I have been part of the ultimate frisbee team since the beginning of the school year, attending numerous practices for two to three days a week for months on end, but spending a week together in a house with the team showed me sides of my teammates that I never saw during practices or games. The senior members of the team did a great job of taking care of the rookies and the rest of the team by helping them stay healthy and well rested in preparation for the rapid barrage of frisbee games we played each day of the tournament. Each ultimate frisbee game at High Tide is 70 minutes long, and teams play between one to four games each day, often back to back unless teams are lucky enough to get a bye game somewhere in between the cluster of matches. Ultimate frisbee involves a huge amount of running up and down the field and the pace of the game is very quick with constant movement and few timeouts. Captains were constantly encouraging teammates to drink plenty of water, gatorade, and even pickle juice for electrolytes to help with muscle cramps and fatigue. When I would finally come back to the house with the rest of the team after each long day of frisbee, both the men’s and women’s team would come together and cook meals for everyone and participate in a variety of bonding activities such as watching movies and making crafts. Captains would then tell us to get to sleep early each night in preparation for the next day of frisbee. Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better spring break and High Tide had a lot to do with that. | http://quinnews.com/author/michael-wink |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to undersink piping such as P- trap drains and water supply piping, and specifically discloses apparatus to cover and insulate the undersink drain piping to protect a person from abrasions and burns which may be caused by contact with the piping.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventionally, water which drains from a sink or basin, such as a restroom sink, travels through the drain opening of the sink and empties into undersink piping. The undersink piping directs the water from the sink into the building's waste water system. The undersink drain piping is commonly referred to as a "P-trap" drain assembly, and "P-trap" assemblies are common to many sinks in both commercial and residential applications.
The P-trap assembly generally includes a vertical pipe section which extends downwardly from the sink drain opening and extends below the sink to couple with a J-shaped pipe section. The J-shaped pipe section makes a 180° bend and then extends vertically upward to couple with an L- shaped pipe section which makes a 90° bend from the J-shaped section to extend generally horizontally into the wall to connect the P- trap with the waste water system of the building. The P- trap creates a vapor barrier preventing undesirable vapors from passing back into the building through the drain piping. The J-shaped section also serves the purpose of capturing or trapping any foreign objects which fall down the drain and which may become lodged in the waste water drainage system therefore clogging the system, hence the name "P-trap". Under the force of gravity, any foreign objects will sit in the bottom of the J-shaped section to be subsequently removed, such as by a plumber.
Also extending below sinks are hot and cold water supply pipes commonly referred to as supply water angle valves, which include supply line sections which extend generally horizontally from the wall to connect to a valve and faucet line sections that extend generally vertically upward from the valve to connect to the sink faucet apparatus.
Current building regulations require that restroom facilities in a public building, such as restroom sinks, be accessible to all people, including disabled persons and particularly those disabled persons who must use a wheelchair. Persons in wheelchairs must often maneuver the chair partially under the sink to access it. Since the water supply pipes and P-trap drain pipes protrude from the wall under the sink there is a risk of abrasions to the person's legs from the hard piping or even burns from the temperature of the piping which is heated by the water passing therethrough. The current federal and state regulations regarding undersink piping, most notably the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), require that the P-trap and water supply piping be covered and insulated so as to protect a person using the sink from being burned or from incurring injuries from impact with the piping. As a result of these regulations, various methods and apparatuses have been utilized to try and adequately cover and insulate undersink P-traps and water supply piping.
In the past, one of the more popular methods of insulation was to utilize loose foam insulation which was wrapped around the piping. However, traditional foam insulation usually fits poorly and is difficult to secure resulting in wasted time and frustration by the plumber or other installer. Furthermore, the foam wrap, due to its poor fit and inadequate securing means, is not very aesthetically pleasing in its appearance. Additionally, the ribbed construction of a wrapped pipe leaves ridges and cavities which trap dirt and other bacteria under the sink.
Various other methods and apparatuses have been utilized to cover a P- trap beneath a sink as is evidenced by various patents in the field. However, besides having other drawbacks, many of these other devices and methods are still difficult and time consuming to install. For example, one such apparatus utilizes three separate pieces which must each be individually placed around a pipe section and secured thereon. Before installation, the pieces have to be individually cut apart from each other and then trimmed to fit properly. Such an installation process generally requires no less than three or four cuts of the unitary insulative piece to separate the pieces and sometimes even six cuts for completing the subsequent trimming and fitting of the pieces. Thus, the process is somewhat cumbersome and slow.
Inherent in such cutting and trimming procedures is the requirement that the installer measure each of the pieces for the proper fit. The measurement steps which are necessary further slow down the installation process. For example, undersink piping assemblies use pipes which are not uniform in their dimensions, and particularly not uniform in their length dimensions from assembly to assembly. As may be appreciated, an installer will have to measure the pipes and then transfer that measurement to the various insulation pieces. That is, they will have to individually measure and mark each insulation piece before trimming. Even if the proper measurement tools are available, the measurement steps are time consuming and tedious because they must be accurately transformed to several cylindrically-shaped pieces of insulation. Additionally, once the measurement of the pipes is complete, it often is not readily apparent to an installer what dimensions are actually to be measured on the insulation pieces, particularly if the installer, such as a plumber, has never made such an installation. Furthermore, since the insulative pieces themselves have circular cross sections and therefore are difficult to manipulate for transferring the measurement thereto, the process is still tedious even if the installer knows what to do.
As well, the interior surfaces of the insulation pieces, which is where the measurement marks are usually made in order to preserve the exterior appearance of the covers, may be resistant to many commonly used marking devices.
Consequently, various of the prior art apparatuses require an inefficient, and therefore, costly installation procedure making them particularly undesirable to the facility owner who is paying for the time that is required from the hassle presented by some of the prior art apparatuses and the measurement steps necessary at installation make these prior art devices undesirable to the installer as well.
Accordingly, there is still a need for a simple and sanitary P- trap cover assembly and method which addresses the shortcomings of the existing devices and methods.
It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide such a cover assembly and method which addresses the shortcomings of prior art devices and is still effective to prevent a disabled person from being burned or bruised and cut by the undersink piping when using a sink.
It is further an objective to provide proper insulation while reducing the complexity of the installation procedure, and particularly reducing the complexity of the measurement and trimming procedures necessary for proper installation.
It is still another objective to eliminate some of the steps that have been necessary in the past for proper installation.
It is still another objective to make the installation process easier and faster, and thus, more cost efficient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above-discussed objectives and other objectives are achieved by the insulative cover assembly of the present invention which eliminates the necessity of having to specifically measure and mark each insulation piece during installation. In that way, the installation process is made more accurate quicker and with greater cost efficiency.
The insulative cover assembly of the present invention comprises a unitary body including a first cover section and a second cover section coupled together. The first and second cover sections of the unitary body are separateable to form individual cover pieces for covering the respective undersink pipes. The first cover piece has an elongated body terminating in an approximately 180° bend at an end of the piece and the second cover piece has an elongated body terminating in an approximately 90° bend at the end of that piece. The unitary body includes a longitudinal slit thereon, and therefore, each cover piece, when separated from each other, may be spread apart and positioned over the respective pipes.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the unitary body includes measurement indicia formed thereon which extends along a longitudinal dimension of the unitary body. The measurement indicia is formed on an inside surface of the body and provides an indication of the length of each of the cover pieces. The measurement indicia further takes into account the lengths of the curved bend portions of each piece. This feature is particularly helpful to insure proper measurement and installation of the particular section on a respective pipe.
The measurement indicia has two sections, with each section corresponding to a respective cover section or cover piece. The measurement indicia is referenced to the end of a respective cover section, and particularly, to the end of the cover section having a respective bend. The measurement indicia includes a plurality of successive numerical markings and corresponding hash marks to provide a numerical indication of the length of the section in a particular unit of length, such as inches. A metric unit of length might also be utilized. The length is measured from the reference point at the bend portion of the cover section.
To properly install the insulative cover assembly of the invention, a measurement is made from the bottommost point on the J- shaped pipe to the end of the straight pipe closest to the drain sink. Another length measurement is made from forwardmost point at the 90. degree. bend of the L-shaped pipe to the end of the L-shaped pipe proximate the wall. Once these two measurements have been made, an installer only has to look at the indicia in the unitary body of the invention for the numerical marking corresponding to the measured length of one of the particular pipes. The shaped sections of the unitary body, of course, must be matched up with the proper pipe so that the indicia corresponds to the measurement that pipe. A cut is then made along the unitary body at that numerical marking, and the proper length of the cover piece is achieved. The first cut made will separate the unitary body into the respective cover pieces. Similarly, the corresponding numerical marking for the other cover piece is found and a cut is made thereon. Generally only two cuts are made to provide cover pieces having the proper length and no independent measurement of the cover pieces or marking thereof is required. The present invention reduces the number of steps necessary to make a proper installation and thus makes the installation process easier, quicker and more cost efficient. Furthermore, the installer no longer has to worry whether he has the proper marking tool to make a mark on the cover pieces.
The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention shall be made apparent from the accompanying drawings and the description thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
FIG. 1 is a side view of the invention in use to cover an undersink pipe assembly;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 2, shown spread open to reveal the measurement indicia;
FIG. 4 is a side view in partial cross-section of a cover section of the invention after it is measured and cut in accordance with the principles of the invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 illustrates the insulative cover assembly 10 of the present invention as installed on a P-trap drain piping assembly 12 underneath a sink 14. The insulative cover assembly 10 is positioned on the drain piping assembly 12 in order to cover and insulate the piping and reduce or prevent burns and abrasions of a handicapped person in a wheelchair coming into contact with the piping. The drain piping assembly 12 under sink 14 is essentially divided into three pipes shown by dashed lines. A straight pipe 16 extends downwardly from the sink drain (not shown) and attaches to one side of a J-shaped pipe or "trap" pipe 18, which is attached to straight pipe 16 by a pipe nut 20 at the juncture 21 between the pipes 16, 18. An L-shaped pipe 22 is joined to the other side of the J-shaped pipe 18 by a similar pipe nut 24 at juncture 25. The L- shaped pipe 22 extends back into the wall to dispose of waste water draining from sink 14. Juncture 21 is the forwardmost juncture from the wall 27 which supports sink 14 and piping 12 and thus is referred to herein as a forward juncture. Juncture 25 is a rearward juncture.
The insulative cover assembly 10 includes a first cover piece 30. First cover piece 30 has a generally elongated body with a generally linear portion 32 making up comprising a substantial portion of its length. When the first cover piece 30 is placed over pipes of the drain piping assembly 12, an end 34 of linear portion 32 abuts generally against the bottom of the drain of sink 14 (see FIG. 1 ). The other end of the first cover piece 30 terminates in an approximately 180° bend portion 36 which extends from end 38 of the linear portion 32. The first cover piece 30 has a longitudinal slit 40 along its length from the first end 34 of linear portion 32 to an end 39 of the bend portion 36 for being spread apart and positioned over the pipes 16, 18.
A second cover piece 31 covers the L-shaped pipe 22. Second cover piece 31 has a body including linear portion 33 and terminating in an approximately 90° bend portion 35. The 90° bend portion 35 couples with and abuts to end 39 of the first cover piece to cover juncture 25 and thus provide complete insulation of pipe assembly 12. Longitudinal slit 40 allows the second cover piece 31 to be spread apart and installed in a manner similar to the first cover piece as discussed below.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first cover piece 30 and second cover piece 31 coupled together to form a unitary body 41. Unitary body 41 may be shipped as shown in FIG. 2 and includes all of the necessary cover pieces for covering and insulating piping assembly 12. The unitary body 41 preferably has a generally circular cross- section for a proper fit on the pipes and is separateable into the individual cover pieces as described below.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, bend portion 36 of the first cover piece 30 is configured to have an inner diameter D.sub.1 which is generally close in dimension to the outer diameter of the J-shaped pipe 18 such that there is very little room for the bend portion 36 to move or shift on the J-shaped pipe 18 when cover assembly 10 is installed. However, the J-shaped pipe 18 is joined to straight pipe 16 by pipe nut 20, which has a larger outer diameter than both the J-shaped pipe 18 and the straight pipe 16. Straight pipe 16 usually maintains an outer diameter similar to the outer diameter of the J-shaped pipe 18.
To provide proper installation, linear portion 32 of the first cover piece 30 increases to a larger inner diameter D.sub.2 at a transition region 42 proximate juncture 21. Linear portion 32 increases from the first diameter D.sub.1 of the 180° bend portion to a larger second diameter D.sub.2, so that the first cover piece 30 can be positioned over the larger diameter pipe nut 20 and so that cover piece 30 simultaneously and continuously covers pipes 16, 18, pipe nut 20 and juncture 21. Linear portion 32 maintains the increased diameter D.sub.2 from transition region 42 up to the end 34 where it joins with the second cover piece 31 to form the unitary body 41. (See FIG. 2 ) In a preferred embodiment of the invention, transition region 42 is gradually increased in diameter from D.sub.1 to D.sub.2 to give a smooth appearance.
Second cover piece 31 has the linear portion 33 which maintains the inner diameter D.sub.2 until the 90° bend portion 35 where it increases to form an enlarged portion or collar 49. Referring to FIG. 2, the first cover piece 30 also has a collar 48 positioned proximate the 180° bend portion 36. Collar 48 is approximately equal in dimension to D.sub.2 so that the collar 48 covers juncture 25 and pipe nut 24 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Collar 49 is dimensioned to also have an inner diameter approximately equal to D.sub.2 so as to cover nut 24 and juncture 25 and abut against collar 8. The cover pieces 30, 31 and abutting collars 48, 49 provide complete insulative coverage for the piping assembly.
Unitary body 39 has a opposing flanges 46 formed thereon which extend along the length of the body generally along the adjacent linear portions 32,33 of the cover pieces. Flange 46 includes a series of aperture pairs 47 formed therein for receiving fastening structures. The apertures 47 of each pair are positioned, one on either side of the longitudinal slit 40, and are axially aligned with each other. When unitary body 39 is separated into the separate cover pieces 30, 31, the cover pieces are spread apart at the slit to be placed around the pipes. Fasteners (not shown), such as cable ties, are placed in the apertures and through each pair and are secured to effectively close the slit 40 and secure the cover pieces.
FIG. 2 illustrates the first cover piece 30 and second cover piece 31 coupled together to a form unitary body 41 which is then separated into the individual cover pieces during the installation process as discussed further hereinbelow. To that end, unitary body includes a first cover section (corresponding to the first cover piece 30) and a second cover section (corresponding to the second cover piece 31 ). For reference herein, the first cover piece or first section 30 and the second cover piece or second section 31 will be given similar reference numerals, although, the term "section" will generally refer to the unitary body while the term "piece" will refer to the separate insulative cover pieces measured and formed from the unitary body 39 in accordance with the principles of the invention.
Generally, the respective cover pieces will bey be appreciated, cut lines 50, 52 in FIG. 3 are merely illustrative and may be positioned elsewhere on the unitary body 39 depending upon the lengths of the pipes to be covered,
Referring now to FIG. 3, unitary body 41 further comprises measurement indicia 54 formed and positioned on an inside surface 53 of the body. The measurement indicia provides an indication of length of the cover sections 30, 31 so that measurement and marking of those individual sections is not necessary. More specifically, the measurement indicia 54 comprises a series of hash marks 56 which extend successively in the longitudinal direction on the inside surface 53 of the unitary body 39. The measurement indicia includes successive numerical markings 58 corresponding to the hash marks for providing a numerical indication of the length of a particular cover section in a standard unit of length. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the numerical markings correspond to the lengths of cover sections in inches. In one embodiment, the hash marks are separated by approximately 1/4 of an inch. As may be appreciated, a metric system of measurement or some other system of measurement might also be utilized. Furthermore, more or less hash marks might be utilized for finer or courser measurements of length in accordance with the principles of the invention.
The indicia 54 includes a first section 60 and a second section 62 which correspond respectively to the lengths of the first cover piece 30 and the second cover piece 31. The first indicia section 60 provides a measurement of the length of the first cover piece 30 while the second indicia 62 provides in indication of the length, in inches, of the second cover piece 31. In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the indicia sections 60, 62 share a common reference point, indicated at line 64, to indicate the end of each indicia section.
The measurement indicia is referenced to or originates at the endmost or outwardmost point of the respective bend of the cover section. For example, referring to FIG. 4, the length L.sub.1 of cover piece 30 is referenced from the endmost point or line 66 on the approximately 180. degree. bend portion 36. The indicia marks 56 and numerals 58 indicate the length, in inches, along the cover piece from the origin point or reference point 66. Similarly, the length L.sub.2 of the second cover piece 31 is referenced to the outwardmost point or line 68 on the approximately 90° bend portion 35. In that way, L.sub.2 indicates the length of the second cover piece 31 from the origin or reference point 68 (see FIG. 1 ).
To install cover pieces 30, 31, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, length measurements are made of the respective undersink pipes. Referring to FIG. 1, the measurement is made from an upper end of the straight pipe 16 indicated by line 70 to the bottom of the J-shaped pipe 18 indicated by line 72. That measured length is designated at L.sub.1 corresponding to the length of the necessary first cover piece 30 (see FIG. 4). Once L.sub.1 is determined, for example, to be approximately 11 inches, the hash mark on the measurement indicia 54 corresponding to 11 inches is located and a cut is made thereon as indicated by cut line 50. Similarly, the length of L. sub.2 is measured (See FIG. 1 ), and a corresponding hash mark on the measurement indicia 54, for example, 7 inches, is located and a cut is made thereon as indicated by cut line 52.
Accordingly, two separate cover pieces 30, 31 are produced by the unitary body 39 and have the proper length for adequately covering the undersink piping. Only two cuts are necessary for proper fitting pieces, and no measuring and marking of the cover pieces is necessary. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the cover pieces are spread along the longitudinal slit 40 and positioned over the pipe such that the collars 48, 49 of the cover pieces abut at juncture 25. Again, only two cuts are required for the installation, and since no separate measurement and marking of the cover pieces is required, the installation process is quicker, easier and more cost efficient than installations involving prior art devices.
Once the cover pieces 30, 31 have been properly measured and have been positioned on the respective pipes, fastening structures, such as cable ties, are placed in the apertures 47 formed in flanges 46 for securing the cover pieces to the pipes.
While the present invention has been illustrated by a description of various embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative example shown and described. According to the scope of applicant's general inventive concept. | |
Q:
How to create Lookup tables other than using case statements
I was trying a code which needs look up tables. I wanted to know if there is any other way other than using case statements to create look up tables or to store values into them.
A:
A good synthesis tool will be able to make sense of a ROM (reg [width-1:0] name [depth-1:0] if you will) and properly synthesize reasonable hardware from it. You can access its elements using square bracket syntax:
reg [7:0] lut [1023:0];
initial $readmemh(...); // to fill lut
assign output = lut[input];
| |
This TIMP3 antibody is generated from a rabbit immunized with a KLH conjugated synthetic peptide between 176-210 amino acids from the C-terminal region of human TIMP3.
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Clonality
polyclonal
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Storage instructions
Short term 4°C, long term aliquot and store at -20°C, avoid freeze thaw cycles. Store undiluted.
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Applications
WB: 1:1000
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Validations
Anti-TIMP3 Antibody (C-term) at 1:1000 dilution + human placenta lysate Lysates/proteins at 20 µg per lane. Secondary Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG, (H+L), Peroxidase conjugated at 1/10000 dilution. Predicted band size : 24 kDa Blocking/Dilution buffer: 5% NFDM/TBST.
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Background
Complexes with metalloproteinases (such as collagenases) and irreversibly inactivates them by binding to their catalytic zinc cofactor. May form part of a tissue-specific acute response to remodeling stimuli. Known to act on MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-9, MMP-13, MMP-14 and MMP-15.
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References
Related Products / Services
Please note: All products are "FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY AND ARE NOT INTENDED FOR DIAGNOSTIC OR THERAPEUTIC USE" | https://novoprolabs.com/p/timp3-antibody-c-term-134883.html |
A new report out of the USDA says that Americans throw away 133 billion pounds of food every year, or 31 percent of the total amount of available food. That’s over 4,200 pounds of food a second. At the same time, the biotech industry says that we need genetically engineered crops to feed the world. Need? They must have not seen the most recent report out of the USDA that says that in the United States, 31 percent—or 133 billion pounds—of the 430 billion pounds of the available food supply at the retail and consumer levels went uneaten. | https://www.bewell.com/blog/tag/food-distribution/ |
Candidates should be able to:
- describe a database as a persistent organised store of data
- explain the use of data handling software to create, maintain and interrogate a database.
What is a database?
A database is a persistent, organised store of related data.
- A database is persistent because the data and structures are stored in secondary storage, even when the applications that use the data are no longer running.
- A database is organised because the data is stored in a very structured way, using tables, records and fields so that users and data handling applications can easily add, delete, edit, search and manipulate the data.
- A database is made up of related data because the individual items of data have a connection of some sort.
An address book, an encyclopaedia and a telephone directory are examples of paper-based manual databases. However, it is more common to talk about computerised databases. Computerised databases have several advantages over manual databases. These include:
- the ability for the data to be accessed by more than one person at the same time
- the ability to interrogate or query the data and view the resulting answers
- the ability for changes to the data to be made quickly available to all end users
- the reduction of errors in repetitive tasks due to the processing accuracy of data handling software
- the output of data in a range of different formats to suit user needs (e.g. graphs, reports, forms, etc.), either for viewing on screen or as print-outs
A computerised database is a collection of related data stored in one or more computerised files in a manner that can be accessed by users or computer programs.
Most computerised databases are operational databases, meaning that data going into the database is used in real time to support the ongoing activities of a business. A supermarket accounting system is an example: as items are sold, the inventory database is updated and the inventory information is made available to the sales staff.
Computers have the ability to store large amounts of data in a compact space and to process it speedily. Organisations of all sizes use databases to store, sort, interrogate and manage their data. Below are a few examples:
Hospital databases maintain details of patients, doctors and treatments.
The databases manage and co-ordinate admissions, consultations, treatments, staffing and stock control. Business use databases to keep track of sales, stock and staff, etc. and to analyse their own performance
Businesses use databases to keep track of sales, stock and staff etc. and to analyse their own performance.
Databases also help businesses to monitor trends in customers’ purchases. This helps businesses identify market opportunities.
Internet Search engines, such as Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc. all have powerful databases behind the scenes to collect the details of websites that are used in searches.
What is data handling software?
Any software designed to create, maintain and interrogate computerised databases is termed data handling software. Data handling software can therefore range from a simple program that creates and maintains a specific comma-delimited flat-file database through to sophisticated relational database management systems that can be used to create and manage a huge variety of database structures.
How is data management software used to create a database?
Database creation involves using software to define and build the structures to hold the data. In a database file the data is structured in a particular way.
- A single item of data is stored in a named FIELD
- A complete set of fields makes up a RECORD, the KEY FIELD contains data unique to that record
- All the records on one ENTITY are stored in a TABLE
- One or more tables then make up the database FILE
Database creation involves the following steps:
- Each field would be created, selecting a data type to match the data to be stored.
- An existing field is set as the key field or a field is created for this purpose.
- Once the complete set of fields have been created and any validation rules added, they are saved as a table.
- Data is then entered into the database fields, each complete set of fields forming a single record with a unique entry in the KEY FIELD.
For example, in a database of students;
- A TABLE would store all the data on all the students
- An individual RECORD would store the data on a single student
- Several FIELDS would store the data (attributes) of the student such as Student ID, Forename, Surname etc.
- A KEY FIELD such as ‘StudentID’ can store a unique number to identify that student.
This database FILE would contain just one table and is known as a flat-file database. There are a number of limitations to such databases and a relational database which contains multiple linked tables offers many advantages.
How is data management software used to maintain a database?
Database maintenance involves the following:
- adding (also referred to as inserting) new data records (for example, when a new member of staff joins a company or a new product is added to the stock in a warehouse).
- deleting existing data records (for example, when a member of staff leaves a company or a product discontinued from the stock in a warehouse).
- updating (editing) existing data items within existing data records (for example, when a member of staff changes their name or a product has a price change).
How is the data in a data files actually stored?
The data in a database can be physically stored in different ways, each offering particular advantages and disadvantages.
Serial data files
In a serial data file each record is stored in series, one after the other and there are no particular order to the records.
In this type of file structure the computer has to read through the data record-by-record until it finds the record that is needs to access. This makes accessing data from a serial file relatively slow.
If a record is deleted or edited then the complete altered file is re-written back to the storage medium which is relatively slow and may involve writing to a temporary file until the process is completed. The original file is then replaced by the altered temporary file.
Sequential data files
In a sequential data file the data the records are still in series but they are stored in order, using one of the records in the database. This makes if much easier to locate a particular record using an algorithm such as a binary sort.
An alternative an indexed sequential file. Here the position of each record is stored in an index which is a separate sub-file. This allows the computer to quickly access any record by looking it up in the index first and then going directly to the correct location.
SUMMARY:
- Serial data files are slow to access particular records within the file.
- Sequential data files allow faster access to particular records, either using the fact that the data is sorted or indexed.
How does data management software interrogate a database?
Database interrogation involves using the database management software to query (search) the database for information.
There are many reasons why users may wish to query data, including:
- To identify a group of records that share a certain attribute – e.g. a list of students with nut allergies, products from a particular supplier, etc.
- To calculate totals based on the information held in records – e.g. calculating the total value of the assets held by a company.
- To update the details of a specific record or group of records
The above list shows that queries are a means of producing information from data. This information is used by the decision makers in organisations to plan strategies and tactics. Databases usually allow users to create, save and then reuse queries.
A query design specifies which records the user is searching for and what fields to display out of those records. There are two types of query:
- Simple query – looking for data in one field only (for example – for example a user of a car showroom database could run a simple query to find out how may Toyota cars there are in stock).
- Complex query – looking for data in multiple fields (for example a user of a car showroom database could run a complex query to find all hatchback or saloon Toyota cars registered between August 2006 and July 2010 but not with 5 doors).
- Further information on queries. | https://teachcomputerscience.com/the-database-concept/ |
This private residence was architecturally planned to take full advantage of the expansive ocean and jungle views. The 2-level home features 4 separate bedrooms, each outfitted with a king bed, a TV and air conditioning, and 4 deluxe full baths as well as 2 half-baths. The layout includes 2,500 square feet of living space and can accommodate up to 9 guests, providing plenty of flexibility for a family vacation or a group of friends on a getaway!
The home is the only residence at Tulemar Resort that is handicap accessible. This accommodation has a full chef’s kitchen equipped with modern appliances, a separate TV room with a pull-out sofa to accommodate another guest if needed, a washer/dryer, a large balcony, and private access to one of the largest infinity pools on the property. Amenities also include daily maid service and wireless internet.
Features & Amenities: | https://www.tulemarresort.com/accommodations/tule-villa/full-villa-4-bedrooms/ |
A few days ago, I had a discussion with a programmer about his solution to a particular problem. Since he was having difficulty getting it to work, I suggested a different approach. He said that he had already considered that, but it would be too expensive in terms of performance.
So I asked him how much more expensive the 2nd approach was. Was it a few percentage points (which we could live with) or orders of magnitude. He said that he was not sure, but based on the logic, it would be slower. He had never measured it.
Let me not end the story by saying who was right or wrong. The point I want to illustrate is that in many situations, people tend to make decisions without ever having factual data. Their decision may be right. It may be wrong. But at the time they make it, they base that on pure speculation without any basis in real data.
It is interesting how often this happens in software development decisions. Why was a particular technology, language or methodology chosen? Usually, the decision maker will point to it being “better”, “higher‐performing”, “more efficient”, etc. than other choices. Unfortunately, those persons cannot explain why other companies (and perhaps superior‐performing competitors) seem to do very well with those sub‐standard technologies.
In many cases, a person makes a decision based on one primary factor, and then uses other reasons to justify the decision. For example, a programmer may be more comfortable with Java or C# or Ruby, because of greater experience in and knowledge of the language and tools. It is perfectly okay to say, “This works for me because I know this better”. Instead, we get religious wars suggesting that there is only one pure language and the others are all doomed. Apparently, no one has created working software in those other languages.
Once someone has made a decision, it is very easy to find evidence to support it. Take your pick in any area: politics, religion, technology, arts, etc. Think of one belief you have right now and Google it. You will find many results supporting it. Now, Google the opposite of that belief. Lo and behold, you can find just as many results.
The more important the decision, the more people are prone to guessing. What should the company do for its employees and its customers? How should it respond to market trends and competition? One of the most frequent sentences I hear from people in various companies is, “I think so (or he/she said so) and hence we will go ahead and do this.”
How about saying, “I have no clue. Let us experiment. Let us try this out. Let us get the results. Let us ask people and get feedback. Maybe we are making a mistake. Let’s see if it works. If it doesn’t, let us try something else.”
The key thing that stops people from doing this is the horror of admitting they are wrong. Of course, if they have guessed wrong, they will be proved wrong. But then, they can always blame bad luck and other convenient scapegoats. Some people can never make wrong judgments.
Very often, leaders and managers do not explain the reasons why they ask for something. By doing that, they put themselves in an impossible position. There is no one to correct their reasoning or provide contrary data. And when their decisions start showing signs of failure, they are hesitant to change them because it highlights their original wrong thought process.
I think the solution for this problem is a method of decision‐making that incorporates honesty and introspection. What is the real reason behind a particular decision? Sometimes, the honest answer to that question can be pretty ugly. Maybe the decision is made out of fear, or selfishness. Maybe so, but denial will only lead to problems down the road.
Understanding the true reasons behind a decision will help divorce you and your ego from the decision and marry the reasons to the decision. If the reasons change, you can change your decision without thinking that you are at fault. | http://www.thoughtclusters.com/2008/01/the-guessing-game/ |
Social insects build large, complex structures, which emerge through the collective actions of many simple agents acting with no centralized control or preplanning. These natural systems motivate investigating the use of artificial swarms to automate construction or fabrication. The goal is to be able to take an unspecified number of simple robots and a supply of building material, give the system a high-level specification for any arbitrary structure desired, and have a guarantee that it will produce that structure without further intervention.In this thesis I describe such a distributed system for automating construction, in which autonomous mobile robots collectively build user-specified structures from square building blocks. The approach preserves many desirable features of the natural systems, such as considerable parallelism and robustness to factorslike robot loss and variable order or timing of actions. Further, unlike insect colonies, it can build particular desired structures according to a high-level design provided by the user.Robots in this system act without explicit communication or cooperation, instead using the partially completed structure to coordinate their actions. This mechanism is analogous to that of stigmergy used by social insects, in which insects take actions that affect the environment, and the environmental state influences further actions. I introduce a framework of "extended stigmergy" in which building blocks are allowed to store, process or communicate information. Increasing the capabilities of the building material (rather than of the robots) in this way increases the availability of nonlocal structure information. Benefits include significant improvements in construction speed and in ability to take advantage of the parallelism of the swarm.This dissertation describes system design and control rules for decentralized teams of robots that provably build arbitrary solid structures in two dimensions. I present a hardware prototype, and discuss extensions to more general structures, including those built with multiple block types and in three dimensions.
Description
PhD thesis
Date issued2006-05-12
Citation
Ph.D. thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Other identifiers
MIT-CSAIL-TR-2006-052
Series/Report no. | https://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/33791 |
Mermaids are mythical creatures that appear like perpetually young women. But do they actually age and exactly how long do mermaids live? Here is what I found about how old they might get.
Mermaids live very long lives but are not immortal. According to Greek mythology, they can get thousands of years old. Hans Christian Andersen also wrote in “The Little Mermaid” that mermaids live 300 years long until they die and turn into sea foam.
Let’s have a closer look at the lifespan of mermaids in mythology as well as from a biological point of view.
How long do mermaids live in mythology?
Since mermaids are mythical beings it is hard to define exactly how old they can become. But we can find some clues about their lifespan in Ancient Greek mythology as well as newer texts.
1000 year old mermaids from Greek mythology
The mermaid myth started in the Ancient Near East and became most prominent in Ancient Greece. The mermaids as we know them today are mostly based on how mermaids were depicted in Ancient Greece.
That’s why to find out the age of mermaids, we should look at what the Ancient Greek myths say about how long they live.
Mermaids were called Tritonides after their merman father Triton the sea god. They were sea nymphs. And nymphs in general (lesser female nature deities) were known to reach around 1000 years of age . They were not immortal like some of the higher-order gods and goddesses of Greek mythology.
Some of the nymphs’ lifespan was actually tightly linked to the place in nature they guarded. This could for example be trees (tree nymphs: Dryads), springs, rivers and lakes (water nymphs: Naiads) or mountains and grottos (nymphs: Oreads). Once this natural place ceased to exist, the nymph that lived there also died.
For example, if the spring of a Naiad dried up, the water nymph would not have any life energy left as she was interwoven with the force of that spring.
This however also means, that it was possible for the nymphs to outlive 1000 years if their trees, springs etc. existed for longer than that. In fact, the Ancient Greek writer Plutarch suggested that the water nymphs (Naiads) could live longer than 9720 years.
Now, the Tritonides did not watch over the ocean in the same way the Naiads watched over rivers and springs. Also, the ocean does not cease to exist after a thousand or so years like some trees or lakes might. Instead, the Tritonides were mostly guiding their ocean god and goddess parents on their trips throughout the sea.
The best guess at their lifespan we have is thus the fact that they were nymphs. And since nymphs were, in general, said to reach around 1000 years of age, we can assume that the Tritonides (mermaids) could also get around 1000 years old.
Hans Christian Andersen’s 300 year old mermaids
Another piece of literature that tells us how old mermaids can get is the famous 1837 fairytale of The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen. This fairytale definitely defined how we think about mermaids, especially since it is also the root story of the presumably most well-known mermaid ever: Disney’s Ariel.
In the original fairytale, the Little Mermaid talks to her grandma about how much she would like to see the human world outside of the ocean.
The grandma tells her about how they differ from humans: mermaids do not have an immortal soul and die at 300 years of age. After their death, they then turn into sea foam and rise up to the surface of the sea.
The grandma then presumes to talk about how the mermaids have a much better and longer life than the humans (who have that immortal soul and go into heaven after death). But this does not weaken the Little Mermaid’s wish to become human as we all know…
How old could mermaids get from a biological point of view?
As we have learned, mermaids can get at least 300 years or even around 1000 years old. But that is from a mythological point of view.
What if there were real mermaids out in the oceans? How old might they get from a biological point of view?
To estimate how long real mermaids might live, we can look at the lifespans of similarly sized and intelligent marine animals.
For example, most sharks get 20-30 years old, dolphins and manatees can live up to 60 years and the Greenland shark can even reach a staggering 500 years!
Similar to mermaids, the Greenland shark is commonly around 6.5 and 13 feet (2-4 meters) long and very intelligent. But why do they live so long and could mermaids also get that old? It is believed that the reason for their extraordinarily long life could be the cold waters they live in around the polar region of Greenland.
In response to these cold surroundings, their metabolism might slow down so they don’t use up too much energy. This slowed down metabolism might also delay the aging process significantly so that they simply age much slower.
But for mermaids to live that long, it would mean that they also would have to live in the polar region in ice-cold water. However, I don’t think that would be the most likely place you would find mermaids, as I described in this article about whether mermaids could be real.
The more likely answer could be that real mermaids would live in warmer waters and reach a similar age to humans (70-100 years) and marine mammals like dolphins and manatees (60 years). So, they would probably have a lifespan of around 60-100 years.
References:
Theoi. Tritonides. https://www.theoi.com/Nymphe/NymphaiTritonides.html
Britannica. Nymph. https://www.britannica.com/topic/nymph-Greek-mythology
Frederic Stewart Colwell (1989). Rivermen: A Romantic Iconography of the River and the Source, p. 48. | https://www.sevenseasmermaid.com/how-long-do-mermaids-live/ |
The invention provides an autoclaved aerated concrete building block. The autoclaved aerated concrete building block is characterized in that 2-4 rows of flat-strip-shaped vertical blind holes are downwards formed in the building block along the upper surface of the building block; the width of each hole is 16mm-18mm; the distance from the bottom end of each blind hole to the bottom plane of a building block body is 10+/-0.5mm; the quantity of the blind holes in each row is more than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 4; the size width of a thermal insulation bridge between the two adjacent blind holes needs to be more than 30mm; the distance between the two rows of blind holes needs to be more than or equal to 30mm and less than or equal to 60mm; edge ribs at the two end parts, in the length direction, of the building block body are not less than 30mm and edge ribs, in the width direction, of the building block body are not less than 40mm; the hole rate of core holes of the autoclaved aerated concrete building block is not more than 24.0%. | |
GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is calling on the community to take preventive measures to prevent getting gastroenteritis.
Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and intestine, which is usually due to acute infection by viruses or bacteria or to food-poisoning toxins and causes vomiting and diarrhea. Fluid loss is sometimes severe especially in infants and intravenous fluid replacement may be necessary.
CPS via its surveillance has observed an increase in the number of cases, and is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with the Inspection Department, and is calling on all sectors within the economy that are in the food preparation business to take additional measures with respect to handling and how food is prepared.
The numbers observed by the surveillance team of CPS with the assistance of the Caribbean Public health Agency (CARPHA) review for the period of January to March 21st, 2015 (Epidemiological Week 1 to 11) is 179 suspected cases (81 in the age category 0 to 4 years of age and 98 in the age category 5 years old and above).
Viral gastroenteritis presents in children and adults several viruses such as rotavirus, enteric adenoviruses, astroviruses and caliciviruses including Norwalk-like viruses.
Viral agents such as Norwalk-like viruses are also common causes of epidemics of gastroenteritis among children and adults. The epidemiology, natural history and clinical expression of enteric viral infections are best understood for type A rotavirus in infants and Norwalk agent in adults and this is only known or confirmed with laboratory testing.
The associated symptoms are diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, fever and headache. The most common symptoms are vomiting and repeated episodes of diarrhea (three or more episodes within 24 hours).
The causes and treatment of gastroenteritis can differ between children and adults. The latter is a preventive measure to ensure food safety and public health.
The most common causes of gastroenteritis in adults are the norovirus and food poisoning and it is self-limiting.
The infection can spread when bacteria found in faeces or vomit is transferred to other objects. Bacteria can be transferred through poor hygiene. It is spread through contamination of hands, objects or food infected with the aforementioned. The virus enters your body via your mouth. Viral gastroenteritis may also be spread through coughing and sneezing.
For example, if someone does not wash their hands after going to the toilet, any viruses or bacteria on their hands will be transferred to whatever they touch, such as glass, kitchen utensil or food.
To prevent the spread of the infection, wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet and before eating or preparing food; clean the toilet, including the seat and handle, with disinfectant after each bout of vomiting or diarrhea; don’t share towels, cutlery and utensils with other household members; and don’t return to work until 48 hours have passed since your last bout of vomiting or diarrhea.
Consult your family physician if you have the vomiting/diarrhea so you can be referred to the lab to get a confirmation on the diagnosis and the virus type.
Practicing good food hygiene will help you avoid getting gastroenteritis from food poisoning. You should regularly wash your hands, surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water; never store raw food and cooked foods together; avoid cross contamination of foods; make sure that food is properly refrigerated; always cook your food thoroughly; and never eat food that is past its sell by date.
If symptoms persist for a prolonged period of time, the family doctor may consider blood and stool tests to determine the cause of the vomiting and diarrhea. | https://www.721news.com/2015/04/ministry-of-public-health-advises-community-to-take-measures-to-prevent-gastroenteritis-as-noticeable-increase-in-cases-has-been-observed/ |
Do You Love Your Neighbour? | Youth Group Games | Games, ideas, icebreakers, activities for youth groups, youth ministry and churches.
How To Play Do You Love Your Neighbour?
Get all the players to sit in a circle, except for one person who must stand in the middle of the circle. The aim of the game is to not miss out on a seat and get stuck in the middle.
The person in the middle of the circle (we'll refer to them as "the it player" from now on) starts by asking someone sitting down the question, "Do you love your neighbour?"
1. "Yes" - this means that the players sitting to the left and right of them must get up and switch seats.
2. "No but I love people who ____" - this means that all players who fit into the description (ie. people who are weaing a hat, people who like icecream etc.) must get up from their seat and move into another seat.
In both scenarios, the it player will try to sit in an empty seat before the other players can. The it player simply needs to try and get into a seat while the other players are switching their seats. Of course, someone will inevitably be left without a seat and will now become the new it person. They will then ask the next person the question and the game continues.
This can be turned into an elimination game in which the person in the middle is asked the question, and answers thinking of their last neighbour before stepping out of the circle.
do you find any hostility or resentment arrising from this game?
I have played this before with the kids at our church & they love it!
I think I'd feel rejected if someone said ' No, I do not' when they're asked about me.
this sounds like a good game, except I don't really understand it.
This doesn't make any sense at all! And it seems a little mean.
The kids loved this one, but we did break a chair! Our kids understood that we aren't really commenting about our neighbor, it's just a reason to involve everyone.
im sorry but i think i missed something..! what happens when the starter says " yes but i also love the blond person..(4 example)"??? do u mean that it's the blond girl's turn now?? and are ALL the players the ASKERs?!?!
This is a really fun game but we play it a little different.
I lead a youth group for high school and Junior high school. We do play it a little differently; we have a group of kids in a circle and have one person in the middle. The person in the middle walks up to one person and says do you love you neighbor and if they say yes, they say "except for the people who have brown hair" or "except for the people who have jeans on" or "except for the people who have a certain quality or thing. Then the people with that quality have to get up and find a new seat while the person in the middle tries to steal their seat. The person who doesn't get a seat is the one in the middle. If the person says no then the two people on either side of them have to switch seats while the person in the middle try and steal their seat. Another rule we had is you can't single people out, like you can't say "Yes except for anyone who has the name that starts with a M and ends with a alory." The kids seem to single out their friends. We played this with a group of 30 or 40 people and they had a lot of fun. It was CRAZY!!
Yea Malory your way sounds much better.
This game is exactly like "upset the apple cart" which is when everyone but one person sits in a circle (in chairs). The one in the middle (unlike the whole "do you love me" kind of idea) just says something like "My name is Lauren and I have a big brother" and then everyone who also has a big brother gets up, runs to a new set (not the one they were in or the one next to it), including the person who was in the middle and the last one with out a seat is "it" and then says something like "I'm Bob and I have on jeans" and the games keeps going. If someone who's out says their name but then says "upset the apple cart" instead of a quality about themselves, then everyone has to get up and run to a new seat.
We played a similar game called "The Sun Shines" and the person in the middle will say..."The Sun Shines on anyone who is wearing jeans, or brushed their teeth this morning, etc. Students will get up and move to another seat that's not the adjacent seat to their left or right. The person without a seat would stand in the middle and give their name. Everyone would tap their thighs twice, clap their hands twice, snap their fingers twice and point to the person in the middle and say his/her name. A great way to try and remember everyone's name. The kids love it, even try to be in the middle. Always try to have someone new in the middle. If a person is in the middle again, they can pick someone who hasn't been in the middle. Once everyone has a turn to be in the middle, they continue until they're done playing.
We played it and it was called: I like people.
The chairs were set up in a circle and there was one person in the middle and the person in the middle would say..."I like people but I especially like people with: ...." and then who ever had the "with" called could get up and find a new chair and the person left in the middle had to go again. It works awesome with large groups and is actually a lot of fun.
This looks like a popular game with lots of room for variation.
We have a version called "I have never..." where the person in the middle says "I have never skiied" (for example) and all those who HAVE skiied have to change seats. It can be a great game at the beginning of the year when kids are getting to know each other. Now that I have read your other variations we might be able to spread the fun through the whole year :0) Thanks.
I THINK THIS IS A PRETTY COOLGAME TO PLAY BUT HOW DO YOU KEEP THE FUN GOIN IF ONE DOES NOT LIKR THEIR NEIBHOUR?
Thank you for this game! It was excellent and the students enjoyed it thoroughly.
Perhaps ,instead if saying "expect the one who ..." the person in the middle can say " I love the neighbors who is wear jeans, sandals, glasses etc. | https://youthgroupgames.com.au/games/261/do-you-love-your-neighbour/ |
I can't believe that I have been writing Gerry's Kitchen for five years now! As a hobby blog, it is a very demanding mistress but I wouldn't change it for the world - I have been lucky enough to eat, drink and stay at some very nice places across the country - sometimes at my own expense and other times when PR agencies have been kind enough to send me along to check out or review their clients premises.
Despite eating out more than ever before, I still managed to cook more at home than previous years, plus I also worked hard to speak more of the fantastic people who work in the food and drink industry.
Here is a round up of some of my favourite recipes, reviews and 5 Questions posts of 2016.
We started the year with an overnight stay at Hotel Indigo Glasgow with dinner at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse.
I caught up with Damian Bush of luxury popcorn maker, Poporopo, as the business celebrated its 1st birthday and sled him 5 Questions.
Following their success in BBC's Dragons Den, Bad Brownie found time to answer 5 Questions.
We had the chance to get behind the scenes at The Honours Glasgow at Malmaison and even met Michelin starred chef Martin Wishart before he cooked us lunch.
As professionals Masterchef champion Jamie Scott prepared to open his first restaurant, The Newport, he squeezed in time to answer 5 Questions.
This sticky pork belly recipe has become a weekend regular at Gerry's Kitchen.
The first Glasgow Restaurant Festival took place in April and I caught up with Chef Tony Singh.
We ate a lot of great meals in April, staring with a fantastic lunch at Two Fat Ladies at the Buttery.
Our trip to London in April seen us have lunch at Galvin at Windows. I managed to get head chef Joo Won to answer 5 Questions.
Mumbai Mansion in Edinburgh served up the best Indian food that we have ever eaten.
I bought a slow cooker and the first thing I cooked was their beef cheek recipe from Masterchef finalist, Stuart Archer.
After a visit to Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa in Neston, we enjoyed a cracking Sunday Roast dinner at The Richmond in Liverpool.
CIS Excellence Awards Young Chef of the Year, Adam Newth has had a busy year but he found time to answer 5 Questions.
After a ton of gin at the The Scottish Juniper Festival, we ended our day in Edinburgh with a fantastic dinner at Wedgwood The Restaurant.
He has been all over the TV with Channel 4 show, First Dates, but Galvin at Windows general manager still found time to answer 5 Questions for Gerry's Kitchen.
Fresh from being crowned Masterchef champion, Jane Devonshire was quick to tell her story by answering her own 5 Questions.
We ended a very wet July with an brilliant overnight stay with dinner at The Taynuilt Hotel and Restaurant.
I started my birthday month with some recipe development working with Darnley's View.
She might have been halfway through a busy summer season in Marbella but Linekers Group Director, Lina Hodgkins, still found time to answer 5 Questions.
We ate out a lot in August, starting with a very nice dinner at The Trading House in Glasgow.
Prior to us visiting his restaurant for my birthday lunch, Chef Graham Campbell answered 5 Questions.
My birthday lunch was a brilliant tasting menu at Castlehill Restaurant in Dundee. One of the best meals of the year.
Birthday dinner was another tasting menu, this time at Adam Newth's restaurant in Broughty Ferry, The Tayberry.
My brother-in-law is related to one of Scotland's newest gin producers just had to ask Esker Gin to answer 5 Questions.
Did we have the best fish and chips when we went to Northern Ireland? Very probably! Well done Harry's Shack in Portstewart.
While on holiday in Lanzarote, I visited brand new micro-brewery Cerveza NAO and fell in love with their take on craft beer.
In return for asking Esker Gin to answer 5 Questions, they sent me some of their fine Gin to review.
The busiest woman in hospitality and The Catey's Manager of the Year, Chantelle Nicholson, found time to answer 5 Questions.
With winter coming, I prepared this spiced squash soup in an attempt at keeping the chills at bay.
I was sent a copy of Marcus Wareing's latest cookbook, Marcus At Home, and quickly set about preparing a fantastic lamb dish for dinner.
I started drinking whisky. Actually, I started drinking fine whisky and realised that I only like whisky that I can't afford. I did have a great night at Hutchesons when I attended An Evening with George Grant of Glenfarclas.
Does beer go with smoked salmon? Loch Fyne Oysters and Fyne Ales worked together to launch This Gose.
More smoked salmon, this time with some more recipe development with Inverawe Scottish Oak Smokehouse.
One of the last meals of 2016 was definitely worth the wait when we were invited along to La Petite Mort in Edinburgh.
So there you have it, some of the highlights of what was a very busy year.
I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make 2016 a very enjoyable year for myself and Nicola, and also thank all of my readers for taking time to read Gerry's Kitchen over the past year.
I wish you all the best for the coming year and I look forward to sharing more recipes, reviews and 5 Questions in 2017. | http://www.gerrys.kitchen/2017/01/gerry-kitchen-best-of-2016.html |
Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. decreased its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) by 3.8% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 391,685 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock after selling 15,565 shares during the quarter. Abbott Laboratories makes up 0.7% of Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc.’s investment portfolio, making the stock its 25th largest position. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc.’s holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $46,939,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.
Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of ABT. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 4th quarter worth $1,881,512,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 160.8% in the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 10,401,508 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock worth $1,246,517,000 after purchasing an additional 6,413,312 shares during the period. Steadfast Capital Management LP bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 1st quarter worth about $158,654,000. Morgan Stanley boosted its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 5.2% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 26,687,412 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock worth $2,922,006,000 after purchasing an additional 1,316,343 shares during the period. Finally, Sculptor Capital LP bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 1st quarter worth about $148,083,000. Institutional investors own 72.99% of the company’s stock.
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Shares of NYSE ABT traded up $1.49 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $119.74. 28,146 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 5,340,793. The stock has a market cap of $212.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 37.54, a P/E/G ratio of 2.34 and a beta of 0.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 1.75 and a quick ratio of 1.32. Abbott Laboratories has a 52-week low of $98.36 and a 52-week high of $128.54. The business’s 50-day moving average is $114.74.
Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 22nd. The healthcare product maker reported $1.17 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the Zacks’ consensus estimate of $1.02 by $0.15. The company had revenue of $10.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $9.67 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 24.02% and a net margin of 15.33%. Abbott Laboratories’s revenue for the quarter was up 41.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.57 EPS. Analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.35 earnings per share for the current year.
The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 16th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 15th will be paid a $0.45 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, July 14th. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.50%. Abbott Laboratories’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 49.32%.
ABT has been the subject of several analyst reports. Barclays cut their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $150.00 to $125.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, June 2nd. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $126.00 to $136.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Friday. Credit Suisse Group lifted their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $120.00 to $130.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Friday. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $135.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Monday, July 12th. Finally, Atlantic Securities assumed coverage on Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Thursday, April 15th. They set a “neutral” rating and a $122.00 price target for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and fifteen have given a buy rating to the stock. The stock currently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and an average target price of $125.00.
In other Abbott Laboratories news, SVP Jared Watkin sold 94,576 shares of Abbott Laboratories stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, April 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $119.90, for a total value of $11,339,662.40. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 59,783 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $7,167,981.70. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 1.50% of the stock is owned by insiders.
About Abbott Laboratories
Abbott Laboratories engages in the discovery, development, manufacture, and sale of a broad and diversified line of health care products. It operates through the following segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Nutritional Products, Diagnostic Products, and Medical Devices. The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment refers to the international sales of a line of branded generic pharmaceutical products. | |
The sale of a long-vacant lot will generate the funds to preserve 28 units of existing affordable housing in the Columbia Waterfront District, seed the creation of up to 70 new units of affordable housing in Red Hook, and protect two local community gardens.
The deal was called a “win-win-win-win” by Brooklyn Councilmember Brad Lander Thursday morning, as the organizations responsible for crafting the agreement celebrated with a press conference at 163 Columbia St. and photo op in the nearby South Brooklyn Children’s Garden.
“Number one, it’s a lovely, in-scale development that will fit right into the neighborhood,” Lander said. “Two, it provides resources for the Carroll Gardens Association to permanently preserve 28 affordable units.
“Three, it provides the resources to explore new affordable housing in Red Hook,” he continued. “And four, it makes permanent green space,” at the South Brooklyn Children’s Garden and the nearby Pirate’s Garden. Both gardens had been on year-to-year leases. Councilmember Carlos Menchaca will be working with Lander on the Red Hook preliminaries.
The agreement was approved by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the City Council. It allows the non-profit Carroll Gardens Association (CGA) to sell the 1,991-square-foot lot, which had been covered by a deed restriction to ensure it remained open space. (CGA purchased the lot in 1991 as part of a seven-lot package in the South Brooklyn Renewal Project.)
Avery Hall Investments purchased the lot and intends to develop a four-unit market-rate residential building, with no rezoning required.
The city looked over the agreement closely because of the release of the deed restriction, a rare event which has generated controversy recently in the case of Rivington House, a Manhattan community health facility.
After a flurry of criticism, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced in July a series of reforms to the city’s procedures concerning the release of city-owned property from deed restrictions.
“They were very serious about what it meant to release a deed restriction,” Lander said. “The city wanted to know the details of what CGA would be doing, legal work had to be put to paper and it took some time.”
He added that the deal built on years of engagement by the Carroll Gardens Association.
“What a great strength of civic and community energy is in this neighborhood,” he said.
CGA Executive Director Vilma Heramia praised Lander for “connecting the dots” and seeing the deal through. “Without this agreement, the project’s affordability requirements would expire, leading to the loss of much-needed affordable housing in this community.”
The neighborhood preservation organization has also organized rent-stabilized tenants, formed the Southwest Brooklyn Tenant Union and organized childcare workers, Heramia said.
Lander, in turn, praised Avery Hall for sticking with the negotiations after roughly two years of working with CGA and the city.
Avery Hall says the new building will have a “contextual, yet modern, design.”
The affordable housing is targeted to people who earn less than 60 percent of the area median income, with 30 percent set aside for the homeless.
Sunshine Flint, a gardener and planner of the South Brooklyn Children’s Garden, said she was thrilled with the deal.
“This means the garden will survive,” she told the Brooklyn Eagle. The garden plays a vital role in the community, she said, with free gardening classes for children and donations to Foodbank New York.
“We donated 250 pounds of fresh produce to a pantry in West Harlem last year,” she said.
Shannon McGuire Mulholland, founder of the South Brooklyn Children’s Garden, said the garden had 114 members, more than half children.
“It’s amazing when you have small children and they know where their food is coming from,” she said. Through donating to Food Bank, kids also hear a “powerful message” that some people don’t have enough food, she added. | https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2016/07/21/affordable-housing-and-community-gardens-preserved-in-columbia-district-deal/ |
Recent advances in the engineering or strategy of materials and device design have established ultrathin, soft, lightweight, and skin-conformable characteristics in wearable/implantable electronic systems, allowing precise, long-term monitoring of biological signals from skin/internal organs while reducing signal artifacts upon daily body motions or other external effects. Such a soft, flexible platform offers an opportunity capable of recording and analyzing diverse physical, chemical, and electrophysiological parameters for clinically useful information in the effective prevention, treatment, and management of illness as well as the preservation of physical and mental well-being. Combination with other peculiar functions such as bioresorbable and self-healing properties can enhance the biosafety/reliability of devices and realize unprecedented applications in the fields of biology and medicine or other areas of interest. This Review summarizes the underlying mechanisms of materials science in terms of a mechanical balance between devices and biological structures, discusses the latest biomedical applications with a focus on technological advances and significance, and concludes with an overview of current challenging points and perspectives for future research directions in wearable/implantable electronics. | https://koreauniv.pure.elsevier.com/en/publications/materials-devices-and-applications-for-wearable-and-implantable-e |
The flydubai flight landed in Dubai eleven hours late after a replacement crew was flown to Shiraz, Iran.
A flydubai Boeing 737-800 was forced to divert to Shiraz, Iran after the captain fell unconscious. The 1st officer of the flight, operating from Tashkent to Dubai, announced an emergency and diverted to the nearest airport.
flydubai flight
After a ten-hour wait on the ground, passengers made it to Tashkent an hour later with a replacement crew. According to Harald, flydubai flight FZ1942 was on its way from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to Dubai International Airport (DXB), a 3-and-a-half-hour journey flown by the 737-800.
Last Thursday, the flight left Tashkent at 04:36 AM, scheduled for 06:50 AM coming in DXB. However, the aircraft made an unexpected stop along the way: an emergency landing.
Shiraz International Airport
2 hours and 30 minutes in, the 737 made an emergency landing in Shiraz, Iran (SYZ), not for technical problems, but because the captain suddenly fell unconscious. While details on what happened to the pilot remain private, we know that the 1st officer quickly took management of the aircraft and contacted air traffic control (ATC) in SYZ. The 737 was granted approval to land at the Iranian airport and did so safely 50 minutes later, at 06:07 AM local time.
Upon landing, passengers had to wait for ten hours as flydubai deployed a new flight crew to take over from the ill captain and all other crew members, who had reached their operating limits. FZ1942 took off from SYZ at 16:14 local time and landed safely in Dubai at 17:45, 11 hours behind schedule.
While modern aircraft are designed for 2 pilots in the cockpit, only one is in control of flight systems at a given time, with the other providing important support functions. With 2 fully-trained pilots at the helm, each of them is more than capable of flying the 737-800 alone, which is exactly what happened on FZ-1942.
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However, procedures need that pilots divert to the closest airport in case either crew member is seriously ill and unable to fly anymore. This is to confirm that any emergencies later in the flight do not require to be dealt with by only one pilot and maintain passenger safety.
Onboard FZ-1942 on Thursday was a 19-year-old Israeli soldier returning from a holiday in Uzbekistan, according to JPost. Given the political situation between Iran and Israel, her presence in Shiraz could have led to problems, and the government was keenly following the situation. Thankfully, all passengers were safely able to leave on the same flight after spending some time in the terminal area.
The flight diverted to SYZ due to engine problems and was unable to leave until over 2 years later due to sanctions, export controls, and the grounding of the MAX. Meanwhile, passengers needed to clear immigration in Iran and spend a night in the hotel, raising another set of problems. | https://theaeronation.com/idf-soldier-stuck-in-iran-on-a-flydubai-boeing-737-diverted-for-emergency-landing-exclusive/ |
Q:
How do I get specific rows once prioritized from multiple tabs to copy onto the 1st tab/worksheet?
I have created an excel workbook with 11 tabs/sheets. The first sheet is a combined prioritization preceding the 10 individual department prioritizations each on their own sheet. I used the same column headers on all of the 11 sheets, with column A being "Division Priority". What i'm trying to do is when any row is updated with a number in column A on any of the 10 tabs, the row is copied to the first tab/sheet which is the "consolidated" tab. For example, on sheet 3 for sales and marketing, that team places a 3 in column A for one of the projects, it would now show on Tab 1- 'Consolidated' I'm a beginner and have been searching for hours on how to do this including using some IF statements but nothing seems to be specific to a column while copying the row or limiting the data that is transferred to the master sheet to only specific rows after they have been numbered. any help is much appreciated. Or any other specific questions just let me know.
Addendum from comment:
I want any row that is designated with a number in column A on any of the tabs (2-11) to show up on the first tab. So if on tab/sheet 3, the sales team decides the project listed in row 15 is their #1 priority, they would put a '1' in column A row 15. That would copy that entire row onto the first tab/sheet as it's the consolidated project list of priorities (so sheet 3 row 15 would be copied to sheet 1, row 2). Anything not numbered in column A would therefore not show on the first tab/sheet.
A:
You can implement a Workbook_SheetChange that will cover all of the worksheets (excluding the first) that will act on a change to a numeric value in columns A.
Tap Alt+F11 and when the VBE opens, look to the Project Explorer on the left side. If you cannot find the Project Explorer, tap Ctrl+R to show it (or View ► Project Explorer). Double-click ThisWorkbook to show the workbook code sheet. Paste the following into the pane on the right side titled something like Book1 - ThisWorkbook (Code).
Private Sub Workbook_SheetChange(ByVal Sh As Object, ByVal Target As Range)
If Target.Count > 1 Then Exit Sub
If Not Intersect(Target, Sh.Columns(1)) Is Nothing Then
If Target.Row > 1 And Sh.Index > 1 And _
IsNumeric(Target) And Not IsEmpty(Target) Then
On Error GoTo Fìn
Application.EnableEvents = False
Target.Resize(1, Target.CurrentRegion.Columns.Count).Copy _
Destination:=Sheets(1).Cells(Rows.Count, 1).End(xlUp).Offset(1, 0)
End If
End If
Fìn:
Application.EnableEvents = True
End Sub
Tap Alt+Q to return to your worksheet(s). Any number typed into column A of worksheets 2-12 will result in that row being copied to the first worksheet's first blank row.
EDIT: Add project removal when priority is removed
ElseIf Target.Row > 1 And Sh.Index > 1 And _
(IsEmpty(Target) Or Not IsNumeric(Target)) Then
On Error GoTo Fìn
Application.EnableEvents = False
With Sheets(1)
If CBool(Application.CountIf(.Columns(3), Target.Offset(0, 2).Value)) Then
.Rows(Application.Match(Target.Offset(0, 2).Value, .Columns(3), 0)).EntireRow.Delete
End If
End With
The above will look in the first worksheet for the project identifier associated with the project in column C when the priority is removed from the division worksheet. If the priority is changed from something like 3 to 1, it will still make a duplicate record. That scenario has not been fully accounted for as there has been no discussion on business rules for dealing with it.
| |
Turnkey! Move-in-ready 3-bedroom 2.5 bathroom two story townhome situated next to Los Serrano's Golf Course in Chino Hills. Bright open kitchen with white cabinets. Recessed lighting, French doors that lead to the paved backyard, laminate wood flooring and the family room opens to the kitchen which creates an open feeling to this area. Generously sized master bedroom complete with large walk-in closet. Loft converted to be an office or extra guest space. Enjoy the beautiful mountain view and all the amenities the community offers. Close to shops and schools.
Listing courtesy of Listing Agent: Erwin Magpantay from Listing Office: Richard L. Gundzik
Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of . This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent. | https://www.investorsteamrealty.com/property/TR21253858/ |
I made a two band custom unit to produce tuned binaural beats tracks (After struggling to get this together on my laptop). The idea is to be able to add a binaural beats track to meditation music I am producing that actually tracks the chord progression of the music without losing the Hertz difference of the left and right ear.
There are two controls, “tune” and “beat”. Tune is self-explanatory and can be sequenced to follow the music. The “beat” control should be the difference in Hertz between the left ear and the right ear. So for example if the fixed frequency is 440 Hz, and the “beat” parameter is 5Hz, then the right ear should be tuned to 445 Hz, but I did this by listening and checking with a pulse to Hertz unit instead of actually using hard knowledge about how to achieve the effect. I would be very interested to hear @odevices ideas on this. The crucial setting is on the offset in the tuning of the oscillator in the second band (controlled by the “beat” parameter). The main thing was getting the gain right. Right now it’s super small, something like 0.005 ? What is the maths behind this, can it be more accurate? | https://forum.orthogonaldevices.com/t/binaural-beats-unit/2782 |
Exercise has long been associated with higher quality sleep. While the research has mainly been done on those who don’t have insomnia, studies are suggesting that staying committed to a regular exercise routine can indeed improve the quality and duration of your sleep if you do. A study published in October 2015 in the Journal of Sleep Research showed that after six months of exercising 150 minutes a week, participants reported significantly reduced insomnia symptoms. They also had significantly reduced depression and anxiety scores.
Some of our expectations regarding our sleep might be slightly misguided. As an example, the thought that we will fall asleep almost immediately upon retiring to our beds may be improper. It should normally occur in less than 15 to 20 minutes, but it may take as long as 30 minutes as we get older. In fact, people who fall asleep in less than five minutes may be "pathologically sleepy." This means that they are so sleepy that they fall asleep quicker than might be normal. In some cases, this ability to fall asleep quickly—and enter rapid eye movement (REM) sleep quickly—can be seen in excessive daytime sleepiness that might occur in sleep deprivation or narcolepsy.
We need to sleep to think clearly, react quickly, and create memories. In fact, the pathways in the brain that help us learn and remember are very active when we sleep. Skimping on sleep has a price. Cutting back by even 1 hour can make it tough to focus the next day and slow your response time. Studies have shown that when you lack sleep, you are more likely to make bad decisions and take more risks. This can result in poor performance on the job or at school and a greater risk for an accident or car crash.
Light therapy is used as part of sleep treatment plans. If you have trouble falling asleep at night or have delayed sleep-phase syndrome, you may need more light in the morning. Light exposure plays a key role in telling the body when to go to sleep (by increasing melatonin production) and when to wake up. A walk outdoors first thing in the morning or light therapy for 30 minutes may help.
The more overstimulated your brain becomes during the day, the harder it can be slow down and unwind at night. During the day, many of us overstress our brains by constantly interrupting tasks to check our phones, emails, or social media. Try to set aside specific times for these things, and focus on one task at a time. When it comes to getting to sleep at night, your brain won’t be accustomed to seeking fresh stimulation and you’ll be better able to unwind.
There are other non-medication options that might be helpful. Some people find benefit with the use of aromatherapy, although research studies may not support its use. Various relaxation techniques, including the use of biofeedback and breathing techniques, may also establish a connection between your mind and body. This can be incorporated into your bedtime rituals and make it easier to relax and transition into sleep.
Unwind by keeping the lights low. Light signals the brain that it's time to wake up. Staying away from bright lights (including computer screens!), as well as meditating or listening to soothing music, can help your body relax. Try to avoid TV, computers and other electronics, and using your phone (including texting) at least 1 hour before you go to bed.
Abdominal breathing. Most of us don’t breathe as deeply as we should. When we breathe deeply and fully, involving not only the chest, but also the belly, lower back, and ribcage, it can actually help the part of our nervous system that controls relaxation. Close your eyes and try taking deep, slow breaths, making each breath even deeper than the last. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Make each exhale a little longer than each inhale.
Memory consolidation: While you sleep, the brain repeatedly replays remembered events from that day; if these phases are interrupted, memories aren’t fully formed, or even not formed at all. This is part of what helps you learn new skills. One study found that mice doing an hour’s training followed by sleep would ‘learn more’ than mice who did three hours of training but were then sleep deprived. This process is the result of connections forming between neurons, which happens more often during sleep.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema), high pressure in the eye (glaucoma), heart problems, high blood pressure, liver disease, seizures, stomach/intestine problems (such as ulcers, blockage), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged prostate).
See a Doctor. While lifestyle changes are the first line of treatment for sleeplessness, if you’re still not getting enough rest after improving your bedtime routine and trying a variety of relaxation strategies, a physician may be able to help determine if your sleeplessness is merely a symptom of another health concern, and prescribe appropriate treatment. | http://stay-at-home-mom-business.com/CbdMomsSleep/natural-sleep-aids-kefir-i-cant-get-my-newborn-to-sleep-at-night.html |
Synchronicity Earth recently took part in a capacity building conference hosted at ZSL London Zoo. Katy Scholfield, our Co-Head of Programmes, was invited to speak at a session on innovative partnerships for capacity building. We believe in providing long-term, flexible support to our partners. In many cases, this means providing support for capacity development to help organisations reach their potential and amplify their impact. Capacity building involves investing both time and financial resources in organisations and individuals in the knowledge that this is essential to the organisation achieving its mission in the long term.
Here we look at three very different approaches we are taking to enhance the capacity of organisations and individuals to address critical conservation challenges.
White-bellied Heron: Supporting individuals to develop technical skills and expertise to address conservation of a threatened species.
Synchronicity Earth has been directly engaging in capacity building for individuals through our White-bellied Heron programme. There are thought to be a maximum of 250 individuals left of the White-bellied Heron, and its only known global stronghold is in Bhutan. As part of our White-bellied Heron programme, which has been active for five years, we have specifically focused on directly building the capacity of the key individuals at the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature Bhutan (RSPN), our in-country partner. To this end, we have developed partnerships with Prague and ZLIN zoos in the Czech Republic to host three RSPN staff members at their facilities and provide direct training in captive breeding of heron and crane species. This is a fundamental step in the conservation of the species, and RSPN is now in the process of building the world’s first White-bellied Heron captive breeding centre. We have also part-funded another RSPN staff member, Indra Acharja, to study for a Master’s degree in Forest Science from Yale University. Indra graduated earlier this year and is now back in Bhutan working with the RSPN team to continue their conservation and research programmes on the White-bellied Heron. We have also supported training for RSPN staff in satellite tagging of WBH birds, the use of cameras to record nesting behaviour, and other field methodologies for monitoring this incredibly important population of birds.
Shoal: Hosting a new organisation addressing a critical gap in conservation action.
Shoal is a new global partnership to conserve fish and other threatened freshwater species in their habitats. It aims to bring together those with a personal or business interest in fish or freshwater environments to work together to address one of nature’s most urgent conservation challenges. As a new initiative, only launched in March this year, Shoal does not yet have the capacity to operate as an independent organisation. This is often an issue in the conservation sector. Good ideas are not taken forward because of a lack of dedicated staff time or institutional support. Synchronicity Earth therefore acts as the host organisation for the Shoal partnership, with Shoal’s work aligning with the objectives of our freshwater programme.
In this context, capacity development means hosting Shoal’s Executive Director, providing staff time and financial resources to support Shoal’s development, as well as administrative, logistical and organisational support. This is a very ‘hands-on’ form of capacity development but is something that Synchronicity Earth is set up to do – for example it has also played a key role in the development of the Amphibian Survival Alliance. Without this sort of institutional support or very significant financial backing it can be extremely difficult for these new, innovative, and much-needed conservation initiatives to get off the ground.
Asian Species Action Partnership: Working with a key partner to support capacity development of organisations and individuals.
This year, Synchronicity Earth launched our newest programme – the Asian Species Programme. In the development of this programme, our research identified a concerning lack of conservation attention on dozens of species in Southeast Asia that are on the brink of extinction. Much of the conservation funding and action in the region focuses on a handful of well-known species, while numerous others are being completely overlooked. We recognised the need to support an increase in both the number and the capacity of organisations working on species conservation in Southeast Asia. In this situation, we chose to work with a partner, the Asian Species Action Partnership (ASAP), to provide support to conservation organisations in Southeast Asia. The model of this partnership is to bring together organisations that are working to conserve the most threatened species in the region and increase their effectiveness and the power of the work they are doing. To ensure that their capacity development programme responds to the needs of conservationists in Southeast Asia, ASAP conducted an analysis of capacity gaps in the region, identifying key areas where groups are requesting additional support and tailoring their capacity support to meet these needs.
As these three examples show, capacity building is a catch-all term which encompasses an array of different activities and approaches. The common thread which weaves through these examples and many, many more is that they all respond to needs identified by conservation experts and practitioners and they all create the conditions necessary for conservation to be truly effective.
Capacity building is often a long-term investment, but it is one which is just as important and rewarding as supporting the implementation of the conservation actions themselves. | https://www.synchronicityearth.org/innovative-partnerships-and-approaches-for-capacity-building/ |
In Southeast Asia's green economy, conservation interventions intensify the production of resources as commodities through land sparing activities and zoning in extensively used landscapes. Such initiatives encounter problems where poor resource users diversify livelihoods in multi-functional landscapes over time. In terms of ‘livelihood bricolage’ – the mixing, matching and building of portfolios – we describe how forest users enhance security by building dynamic livelihood portfolios based on the economic and socio-cultural considerations of place. Philippine case studies show how disrupting livelihood bricolage in multi-functional landscapes with ‘intensifying interventions’ spatially constrains livelihood security and conservation objectives. We conclude that more equitable forest governance supports land sharing with diverse, extensive livelihoods in varied landscapes. | https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/land-sharing-not-sparing-in-the-green-economy-the-role-of-livelih |
The chick makes the hole bigger. The chick keeps turning in its shell until the shell is cracked all the way around. The chick pushes with its legs and body until it pushes itself out of the egg. The chick needs to rest for a while. It is hard work to hatch from an egg! When the chick dries, its down feathers become fluffy .
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Fish Live in water Have gills to breathe Cold blooded Most lay eggs
Have scales Have fins Move their tails back and forth to swim
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Fish
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Insects Have three body parts Head Thorax Abdomen Have an exoskeleton
Lay eggs Have six legs Most have antennae Some have wings
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Life Cycle of an Insect
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Insects
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Terms of Processing of Requests
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CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
This PCT patent application claims priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 201410843256.9, filed on Dec. 30, 2014, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference herein.
The present invention generally relates to the display technologies and, more particularly, relates to a pixel structure and display method thereof, and a display apparatus containing the same.
Flat-screen display apparatuses generally include LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) apparatuses and OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display apparatuses. Particularly, compared to an LCD, an OLED display has advantages such as being self-luminous, having faster response time, and providing a wider viewing angle. OLED displays are often suitable for flexible displays, transparent displays, three-dimensional displays, and many other display applications.
Currently, an FMM (Fine Metal Mask) is often applied in the process to manufacture top-emitting AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display panels. The FMM is often used in a deposition process for forming the organic light-emitting layer. Generally, the opening size of the FMM is often subjected to a restriction of minimum opening size. In the deposition process, a distance between sup-pixels for displaying a same color may be subjected to certain restrictions such that the distance between two sub-pixels for displaying one color may be different from the distance between two sub-pixels for displaying another color. As a result, the manufacturing of AMOLED display panels may be inevitably limited by the opening size of the FMM and the precision of the deposition process. It might be difficult to obtain high display resolution. Particularly, it may be difficult to realize the aperture ratios required by high resolutions. The aperture ratio of the display panel may even affect the product lifespan, display brightness, etc.
The present invention addresses the above problems in the prior art. The present disclosure provides a pixel structure, a method for displaying the pixel structure, and a display apparatus containing the pixel structure. The pixel structure can realize high resolution and improve the aperture ratio of the sub-pixels. The pixel structure can also simplify the back panel wiring and the manufacturing process. The display apparatus containing the pixel structure can have desirable display brightness and improved lifespan.
One aspect of the present disclosure provides a pixel structure. The pixel structure includes first sub-pixels, second sub-pixels, and third sub-pixels. In the pixel structure, two adjacent third sub-pixels facing each other form a third sub-pixel group, the second sub-pixels are arranged along a direction of a first axis to form second-sub-pixel rows, the first sub-pixels and the third sub-pixel groups are arranged in an alternating configuration along the direction of the first axis parallel to the second-sub-pixel rows, and the second-sub-pixel rows and rows formed by the first sub-pixels and the third sub-pixel groups are arranged in an alternating configuration. The second sub-pixels are arranged along a direction of a second axis to form second-sub-pixel columns, the first sub-pixels and the third sub-pixel groups are arranged in an alternating configuration along the direction of the second axis parallel to the second-sub-pixel columns, the second-sub-pixel columns and columns formed by the first sub-pixels and the third sub-pixel groups are arranged in an alternating configuration. Geometric center of each second sub-pixel is positioned on a perpendicular bisector of a line connecting centers of any two of adjacent third sub-pixel groups and first sub-pixels. At least two of the third sub-pixels neighboring the first sub-pixel and positioned on a same side of a central axis of the first sub-pixel are connected with direct connection lines to form a third sub-pixel string, the third sub-pixel groups displaying a same color. The first axis is different from the second axis.
Optionally, a diagonal direction is 45 degrees clockwise with the direction of the first axis, 45 degrees counter clockwise with the direction of the first axis, 45 degrees counter clockwise with the direction of the first axis, or 45 degrees counter clockwise with the direction of the second axis; geometric centers of the first sub-pixels in consecutive rows and consecutive columns are aligned to form lines along one of diagonal directions; geometric centers of the third sub-pixel groups in consecutive rows and consecutive columns are aligned to form lines along a diagonal direction parallel to lines formed by the geometric centers of the first sub-pixels such that the lines formed by the geometric centers of the first sub-pixels and lines formed by the geometric centers of third sub-pixel groups are arranged in an alternating configuration; each second sub-pixel is aligned between two adjacent first sub-pixels and two adjacent third sub-pixel groups, wherein the two adjacent first sub-pixels are aligned in one diagonal direction and the two adjacent third sub-pixel groups are aligned in another diagonal direction; and a geometric center of each second sub-pixel is arranged at an intersection of a perpendicular bisector of a line connecting geometric centers of adjacent first sub-pixel and third sub-pixel group in an adjacent row and a perpendicular bisector of a line connecting geometric centers of adjacent first sub-pixel and third sub-pixel group in an adjacent column.
Optionally, geometric centers of the first sub-pixels positioned in one row or one column are aligned along a straight line; geometric centers of the third sub-pixel groups positioned in one row or one column are aligned along a straight line; and geometric centers of the second sub-pixels positioned in one row or one column are aligned along a straight line.
Optionally, a display unit includes the first sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel adjacent to the first sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel string neighboring the first sub-pixel, wherein adjacent display units share the first sub-pixel and the third sub-pixel string.
Optionally, the third sub-pixel string includes two neighboring third sub-pixels along a diagonal directions, wherein the two neighboring third sub-pixels each is contained in a different third sub-pixel group along the diagonal direction and the two neighboring third sub-pixels are positioned on two sides of the second sub-pixel in two adjacent rows and each having a shortest distance to the second sub-pixel along the diagonal direction; and the second sub-pixel, a third sub-pixel string having a shortest distance to the second sub-pixel, and two first sub-pixels positioned on two sides of the second sub-pixel in two adjacent rows and each having a shortest distance along a diagonal direction to the second sub-pixel form a display unit.
Optionally, the third sub-pixel string includes two neighboring third sub-pixels along a diagonal directions, wherein the two neighboring third sub-pixels each is contained in a different third sub-pixel group along the diagonal direction and the two neighboring third sub-pixels are positioned on two sides of the second sub-pixel in two adjacent columns and each having a shortest distance to the second sub-pixel along the diagonal direction; and the second sub-pixel, a third sub-pixel string having a shortest distance to the second sub-pixel, and two first sub-pixels positioned on two sides of the second sub-pixel in two adjacent columns and each having a shortest distance along a diagonal direction to the second sub-pixel form a display unit.
Optionally, two adjacent second sub-pixels positioned on two sides of the first sub-pixel and aligned along a diagonal direction have centrosymmetry about the geometric center of the first sub-pixel, two other adjacent second sub-pixels positioned on two sides of the first sub-pixel and aligned along another diagonal direction have centrosymmetry about the geometric center of the first sub-pixel, and four display units each includes one of the adjacent second sub-pixels share the first sub-pixel; and in the display unit, the third sub-pixel string neighboring the second sub-pixel is shared by an adjacent display unit in an upper adjacent row, an adjacent display unit in a lower adjacent row, or a combination of the upper adjacent row and the lower adjacent row.
Optionally, in the display unit, the third sub-pixel string neighboring the second sub-pixel is shared by an adjacent display unit in an upper adjacent column, an adjacent display unit in a lower adjacent column, or a combination of the upper adjacent column and the lower adjacent column.
Optionally, the three third sub-pixels are positioned on a same side of a central axis of the first sub-pixel, and each of the three third sub-pixels is contained in a different third sub-pixel group; two of the third sub-pixels are aligned along one diagonal direction, two of the third sub-pixels are aligned along the other diagonal direction, wherein one third sub-pixel is positioned on a crossing of two diagonal directions; and the second sub-pixel, two adjacent first sub-pixels positioned on two sides of the second sub-pixel in two adjacent rows and having the shortest distance to the second sub-pixel along a diagonal direction, and a third sub-pixel string with a shortest distance to the second sub-pixel forms a display unit.
Optionally, the third sub-pixel string neighboring the first sub-pixel includes: an adjacent third sub-pixel in a same row as the first sub-pixel, and two adjacent third sub-pixels in a same column on upper and lower sides of the first sub-pixel, where each of three neighboring third sub-pixels is contained in a different third sub-pixel group.
Optionally, the third sub-pixel string neighboring the first sub-pixel includes: a third sub-pixel positioned adjacent to and in a same row with a first sub-pixel positioned on one side of the display unit; and two third sub-pixels each positioned adjacent to another first sub-pixel in a same display unit, wherein the two third sub-pixels are positioned in two adjacent rows and each is contained in a different third sub-pixel group.
Optionally, the third sub-pixel string neighboring the first sub-pixel includes: an adjacent third sub-pixel in a same column as the first sub-pixel, and two adjacent third sub-pixels in a same row on upper and lower sides of the first sub-pixel, where each of three neighboring third sub-pixels is in a different third sub-pixel group.
Optionally, the third sub-pixel string neighboring the first sub-pixel includes: a third sub-pixel positioned adjacent to and in a same column with a first sub-pixel positioned on one side of the display unit; and two third sub-pixels each positioned adjacent to another first sub-pixel in a same display unit, wherein the two third sub-pixels are positioned in two adjacent columns and each is contained in a different third sub-pixel group.
Optionally, two second sub-pixels adjacent to the first sub-pixel aligned along a diagonal direction have centrosymmetry about a geometric center of the first sub-pixel, another two second sub-pixels adjacent to the first sub-pixel aligned along another other diagonal direction have centrosymmetry about the geometric center of the first sub-pixel, and four display units each containing one of the second sub-pixels share the first sub-pixel; and three third sub-pixels each containing one of three second sub-pixels share the third sub-pixel string, wherein the three second sub-pixels are aligned in a row adjacent to the third sub-pixel string or a column adjacent to the third sub-pixel string.
Optionally, two third sub-pixels of a same third sub-pixel group have mirror symmetry along the row axis or along the column axis and are positioned between two first sub-pixels; and two third sub-pixels positioned on two sides of a same first sub-pixel and in a same row or in a same column as the first sub-pixel have centrosymmetry or mirror symmetry about a geometric center of the first sub-pixel, wherein the two third sub-pixels each has a shortest distance to the first sub-pixel along the direction of the first axis or the second axis.
Optionally, two third sub-pixels of a same third sub-pixel group are positioned between adjacent two second sub-pixels along a diagonal direction and a line connecting geometric centers of the two third sub-pixels lies between the two third sub-pixels; and two third sub-pixels adjacent to the second sub-pixel along a diagonal direction has centrosymmetry or mirror symmetry about the geometric center of the second sub-pixel.
Optionally, a shape of the first sub-pixel, a shape of the third sub-pixel group, and a shape of the second sub-pixel each has an axis of symmetry; the axis of symmetry of the shape of the first sub-pixel extends along a direction parallel to the direction of the first axis or second axis, or along a diagonal direction; the axis of symmetry of the shape of the third sub-pixel group or a third sub-pixel extends along a direction parallel to the direction of the first axis or second axis, or along a diagonal direction; and the axis of symmetry of the shape of the second sub-pixel extends along a direction parallel to the direction of the first axis second axis or along a diagonal direction.
Optionally, an overall arrangement of the first sub-pixels form lines along a diagonal direction of 45 degrees or 135 degrees with the direction of the first axis; an overall arrangement of the second sub-pixels form lines along a diagonal direction of 45 degrees or 135 degrees with the direction of the first axis; and an overall arrangement of the third sub-pixel groups form lines along a diagonal direction of 45 degrees or 135 degrees with the direction of the first axis.
Optionally, each of the shape of a first sub-pixel, the shape of a second sub-pixel, the shape of a third sub-pixel, and the shape of the third sub-pixel group is any one of a circular shape, a triangular shape, a quadrilateral shape, an pentagonal shape, a hexagonal shape, an octagonal shape, or a combination thereof.
Optionally, the first sub-pixel has a quadrilateral shape, an octagonal shape, or a combination thereof the third sub-pixel has a triangular shape, a quadrilateral shape, or a combination thereof the third sub-pixel group containing two adjacent third sub-pixels facing each other has an overall shape of a quadrilateral shape, an octagonal shape, or a combination thereof; and the second sub-pixel has a quadrilateral shape, an octagonal shape, or a combination thereof.
Optionally, the first sub-pixel has a rhombic shape; the third sub-pixel has an isosceles triangle shape; the third sub-pixel group containing two adjacent third sub-pixels facing each other has an overall shape of a rhombic shape; and the second sub-pixel has a triangle shape.
Optionally, the first sub-pixel has a rhombic shape; the third sub-pixel has a rectangle shape; the third sub-pixel group formed by two adjacent third sub-pixels facing each other has an overall shape of a quadrilateral shape; and the second sub-pixel has a rectangular shape.
Optionally, turning angles of the quadrilateral shapes or octagonal shapes of the first sub-pixels, the second sub-pixels, and the third sub-pixel groups are chamfered.
Optionally, two second sub-pixels having a shortest distance along a direction of the first axis or second axis have same shapes.
Optionally, two second sub-pixels having a shortest distance along a direction of the first axis or second axis are symmetric about a perpendicular bisector of a line connecting geometric centers of the two second sub-pixels.
Optionally, geometric centers of the first sub-pixels, geometric centers of the second sub-pixels, and geometric centers of the third sub-pixel groups are uniformly distributed.
Optionally, an area of the first sub-pixel is equal to an area of the third sub-pixel group; and an area of the second sub-pixel is less than the area of the first sub-pixel.
Optionally, the area of the third sub-pixel group is greater than the area of the first sub-pixel; and the area of the first sub-pixel is greater than the area of the second sub-pixel.
Optionally, a color displayed by the first sub-pixel, a color displayed by the second sub-pixel, and a color displayed by the third sub-pixel group each is any one of red, green, and blue.
Optionally, the first sub-pixel displays red or blue, the second sub-pixel displays green, and the third sub-pixel group displays blue or red.
Optionally, each of the first sub-pixel, the third sub-pixel string, and the second sub-pixel is connected with a data line for receiving pixel display information; the third sub-pixels of a same third sub-pixel string receive a same display information or addressable electrode of each sub-pixel in the same third sub-pixel string are electrically connected.
Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for displaying the pixel structure. In the pixel structure, third sub-pixels positioned on a same side of a central axis of the first sub-pixel and neighboring the first sub-pixel form a third sub-pixel string, wherein the third sub-pixels in the third sub-pixel string display a same color; and a display unit includes the first sub-pixel, a second sub-pixel adjacent to the first sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel string neighboring the first sub-pixel, wherein adjacent display units share the first sub-pixel and the third sub-pixel string such that each display unit displays pixel display information containing three colors.
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Optionally, the method includes steps S to S. In step S, the pixel structure obtains theoretical brightness values for each pixel unit from the pixel display information, wherein the theoretical brightness values correspond to colors displayed by the first sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel string; in step S, the pixel structure calculates actual brightness values of the first sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel string of each pixel unit; and in step S, the pixel structure inputs the actual brightness value to the first sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel string of each pixel unit to display images.
Optionally, the actual brightness value of the first sub-pixel is calculated as a sum of weighted theoretical brightness value of each shared portion of the first sub-pixel; the actual brightness value of the second sub-pixel is the theoretical brightness value corresponding to the color displayed by the second sub-pixel; and the actual brightness value of the third sub-pixel string is calculated as a sum of weighted theoretical brightness values of each shared portion of the third sub-pixel string.
Optionally, four adjacent display units share one first sub-pixel, wherein a weight of each shared portion of the first sub-pixel corresponds to a theoretical brightness value of the shared portion and the weight is ¼.
Optionally, the third sub-pixel string includes two adjacent third sub-pixels along a diagonal direction, wherein each of the two adjacent third sub-pixels is contained in a different third sub-pixel group; the second sub-pixel, a third sub-pixel string having the shortest distance to the second sub-pixel, and two first sub-pixels positioned on two sides of the second sub-pixel in two adjacent rows and each having the shortest distance to the second sub-pixel along a diagonal direction form a display unit; the third sub-pixel string of the display unit neighboring the second sub-pixel is shared by an adjacent display unit in an upper adjacent display unit row, a lower adjacent display unit row, an upper adjacent display unit column, a lower adjacent display unit column, or a combination thereof; and a weight for the theoretical brightness value of each shared portion of the third sub-pixel in the third sub-pixel string is ½.
Optionally, the third sub-pixel string includes three sub-pixels neighboring a first sub-pixel, wherein the three third sub-pixels are positioned on a same side of a central axis of the first sub-pixel and each of the three third sub-pixels is contained in a different third sub-pixel group; two of the third sub-pixels are aligned along one diagonal direction, two of the third sub-pixels are aligned along another other diagonal direction, wherein one of the third sub-pixels is positioned on a crossing of two diagonal directions; the second sub-pixel, two adjacent first sub-pixels positioned on two sides of the second sub-pixel in two adjacent rows and each having a shortest distance to the second sub-pixel along a diagonal direction, and a third sub-pixel string having a shortest distance to the second sub-pixel forms a display unit; each of three second sub-pixels aligned in one row or one column and neighboring the third sub-pixel string is contained in a display unit, wherein each of the display units containing one of the three second sub-pixels share the third sub-pixel string by shared portion of the third sub-pixel string; and a weight of the theoretical brightness value for a color displayed by a shared portion of the third sub-pixel string in each of the three display units is ⅓.
Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a display apparatus. The display apparatus incorporates a pixel structure. The pixel structure includes first sub-pixels, second sub-pixels, and third sub-pixels. In the pixel structure, two adjacent third sub-pixels facing each other form a third sub-pixel group, the second sub-pixels are arranged along a direction of a first axis to form second-sub-pixel rows, the first sub-pixels and the third sub-pixel groups are arranged in an alternating configuration along the direction of the first axis, and the second-sub-pixel rows and rows formed by the first sub-pixels and the third sub-pixel groups are arranged in an alternating configuration. The second sub-pixels are arranged along a direction of a second axis to form second-sub-pixel columns, the first sub-pixels and the third sub-pixel groups are arranged in an alternating configuration along the direction of the second axis, the second-sub-pixel columns and columns formed by the first sub-pixels and the third sub-pixel groups are arranged in an alternating configuration. Geometric center of each second sub-pixel is positioned on a perpendicular bisector of a line connecting centers of any two of adjacent third sub-pixel groups and first sub-pixels.
Other aspects of the present disclosure can be understood by those skilled in the art in light of the description, the claims, and the drawings of the present disclosure.
For those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the invention, reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
One aspect of the present disclosure provides a pixel structure.
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Embodiment 1 provides a pixel structure. As shown in , the pixel structure may include first sub-pixels , second sub-pixels , and third sub-pixels . Meanwhile, referring to , two adjacent third sub-pixels , facing each other, may form a third sub-pixel group . The second sub-pixels may be aligned to form second-sub-pixel rows in a direction of the row axis. The first sub-pixels and the third sub-pixel groups may be arranged in an alternating configuration along the direction of the row axis. For example, one first sub-pixel may be positioned between two third sub-pixels along the direction of the row axis (horizontally), and vice versa. The second-sub-pixel rows and the rows formed by the first sub-pixels and the third sub-pixels may be arranged in an alternating configuration. For example, one second-sub-pixel row may be positioned between two rows formed by the first sub-pixels and the third sub-pixel groups , and vice versa. The second sub-pixels may be aligned to form second-sub-pixel columns along a direction of the column axis (vertically). The first sub-pixels and the third sub-pixel groups may be arranged in an alternating configuration along the direction of the column axis. For example, one first sub-pixel may be positioned between two third sub-pixels along the direction of the column axis, and vice versa. The second-sub-pixel columns and the columns formed by the first sub-pixels and the third sub-pixels may be arranged in an alternating configuration. For example, one second-sub-pixel column may be positioned between two columns formed by the first sub-pixels and the third sub-pixel groups , and vice versa. The geometric center of a second sub-pixel may be positioned on the perpendicular bisector of the line connecting the geometric centers of any two of the adjacent first sub-pixels and third sub-pixels (i.e., the two first sub-pixels and the two third sub-pixel groups adjacent to the second sub-pixel ).
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The two opposing adjacent third sub-pixels may refer to the two adjacent third sub-pixels arranged facing/opposing each other along a direction of the vertical axis between the two third sub-pixels . The two third sub-pixels may have the shortest distance in between. The sizes and shapes of the two third sub-pixels may be substantially the same. The two third sub-pixels may also have mirror symmetry, i.e., one of the third sub-pixels is the mirror image of the other third sub-pixel . For example, if the two third sub-pixels both move toward the vertical axis, the two third sub-pixels may form a pattern with matching boundaries.
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It is understandable that, according to certain manufacturing or design requirements, the two third sub-pixels for forming a third sub-pixel group may also have different shapes and/or different sizes. For example, one third sub-pixel may have a greater size than the other third sub-pixel . Also, the two third sub-pixels may have similar overall shapes but may be different from each other in some areas. For example, certain areas of the two third sub-pixels may have been removed or modified such that the two third sub-pixels may have similar overall shapes but different shapes in certain areas. Other reasons may also cause the two third sub-pixels to have similar overall shapes but different shapes in certain areas. The two third sub-pixels with the features described above are also suitable for the manufacturing/design requirements of the third sub-pixels for forming the third sub-pixel group .
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Meanwhile, two second sub-pixels , having the shortest distance along the direction of the row axis or along the direction of the column axis, may have the same shapes or have mirror symmetry about the perpendicular bisector of the line connecting the geometric centers of the two adjacent second sub-pixels . For example, in , the two second sub-pixels , having the shortest distance along the direction of the row axis, may have the same shapes and have mirror symmetry about the perpendicular bisector of the line connecting the geometric centers of the two adjacent second sub-pixels . According to various applications/embodiments, the pixel structure of may be rotated for 90 degrees to form the pixel structure of . In , the two second sub-pixels , having the shortest distance along the direction of the column axis, may have the same shapes and have mirror symmetry about the perpendicular bisector of the line connecting the geometric centers of the two adjacent second sub-pixels .
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It should be noted that, the shapes of the two second sub-pixels as described may or may not be exactly the same, and the mirror symmetry may or may not be precise according to certain design/manufacturing process. All substantially similar configuration/arrangement of the second sub-pixels are within the scope of the present disclosure. Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, limitations such as the mirror symmetry, certain features being the same, being aligned in a diagonal direction, and specific limitations on angles, sizes, and shapes only need to be approximate or similar. That is, the geometric relationships in the present disclosure may not need to be precise. According to requirements on design/manufacturing process, any suitable approximate/similar geometric relationships capable of representing the embodiments of the present disclosure are within the scope of the present disclosure.
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In , the two adjacent third sub-pixels in a third sub-pixel group , positioned between two first sub-pixels , may have mirror symmetry along the direction of the row axis. The two third sub-pixels , positioned on two sides of a first sub-pixel in the same row and having the shortest distance along the direction of the row axis to the first sub-pixel , may have mirror symmetry or centrosymmetry about the geometric center of the first sub-pixel . A second sub-pixel may be positioned in a diagonal direction with respect to the adjacent first sub-pixels and third sub-pixel groups . Two second sub-pixels , having the shortest distance along the diagonal direction, may have mirror symmetry about the geometric center of the first sub-pixel (or third sub-pixel group ) between the two second sub-pixels .
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Similarly, in , the two adjacent third sub-pixels in a third sub-pixel group , positioned between two first sub-pixels , may have mirror symmetry along the direction of the column axis. The two third sub-pixels , positioned on two sides of a first sub-pixel in the same column and having the shortest distance along the direction of the column axis to the first sub-pixel , may have mirror symmetry or centrosymmetry about the geometric center of the first sub-pixel . A second sub-pixel may be positioned in a diagonal direction with respect to the adjacent first sub-pixels and third sub-pixel groups . Two second sub-pixels , having the shortest distance along the diagonal direction, may have mirror symmetry about the geometric center of the first sub-pixel (or third sub-pixel group) between the two second sub-pixels .
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In certain embodiments, the overall arrangement of the second sub-pixels in the pixel structure illustrated in may be modified. As shown in , a second sub-pixel may be positioned in a diagonal direction with respect to the adjacent first sub-pixels and third sub-pixel groups . Two second sub-pixels , having the shortest distance along the diagonal direction, may have the same orientation and relative position with respect to the adjacent first sub-pixels (or third sub-pixel groups ). It is understandable that, the pixel structure of can also be rotated by 90 degrees to form a new pixel structure according to certain applications/embodiments and details are thus omitted herein.
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FIG. 1
FIG. 5
In certain embodiments, the overall arrangement of the third sub-pixels in the pixel structure of can be modified. As shown in , two adjacent third sub-pixels in a same third sub-pixel group may be positioned between the two second sub-pixels adjacent to third sub-pixel group in a diagonal direction. Two third sub-pixels , positioned on two sides of and adjacent to a second sub-pixel along the diagonal direction, may have mirror symmetry or centrosymmetry about the geometric center of the second sub-pixel . That is, the distance between the geometric center of the second sub-pixel and one point within the area defined by one of the third sub-pixels may be the same as the distance between the geometric center of the second sub-pixel and the corresponding point within the area defined by the other of the third sub-pixels (alternatively, the geometric center of the second sub-pixel may be positioned on the midpoint of the line connecting one point within the area defined by one of the third sub-pixels and the corresponding point within the area defined by the other of the third sub-pixels ).
FIG. 5
FIG. 5
FIG. 5
FIG. 5
FIG. 6
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It is noted that, the pixel structure of may be modified so that adjacent second sub-pixels in may have the same arrangement. That is, the second sub-pixels in may not have mirror symmetry about the geometric center of the first sub-pixel (or the third sub-pixel group ) between the second sub-pixels . However, each second sub-pixel may have the same orientation and relative position with respect to the adjacent first sub-pixels (or third sub-pixel groups ) such that the second sub-pixels with the same orientation form lines along a certain diagonal direction. Meanwhile, the pixel structure of may also be rotated by 90 degrees to form a new pixel structure as shown in , and details are omitted herein.
FIGS. 1 to 6
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In the pixel structures described above (i.e., ), geometric centers of the first sub-pixels in consecutive rows and consecutive columns may align in lines along a diagonal direction different from the directions of the row axis and the column axis. That is, the first sub-pixels may align accordingly in the same lines. Geometric centers of the third sub-pixel groups in consecutive rows and consecutive columns may align in lines along the diagonal direction different from the directions of the row axis and the column axis. That is, the third sub-pixel groups may align accordingly in the same lines. In the diagonal direction, the lines formed by the first sub-pixels and the lines formed by the third sub-pixel groups may be parallel and arranged in an alternating configuration such that one line formed by the first sub-pixels may be arranged between two lines formed by the third sub-pixel groups , and vice versa.
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In the diagonal direction, the second sub-pixels may be positioned between adjacent lines formed by the first sub-pixels and between adjacent lines formed by the third sub-pixel groups . The geometric center of a sub-pixel may be positioned on the intersection of two bisectors, where one bisector may represent the perpendicular bisector of the line connecting the geometric centers of the adjacent first sub-pixel and third sub-pixel group in an adjacent row and the other bisector may represent the perpendicular bisector of the line connecting the geometric centers of the adjacent first sub-pixel and third sub-pixel group in an adjacent column.
The diagonal direction may refer to an angle of 45 degrees clockwise or counter clockwise with the direction of the row/column axis. An angle of 45 degrees counter clockwise with the direction of the row/column axis may refer to an angle of 135 degrees clockwise with the direction of the row/column axis. In the present disclosure, any diagonal direction may refer to one of the directions described above. Also, any line along a diagonal direction may refer to a line along one of the directions described above.
FIG. 1
FIGS. 3 to 6
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As shown in any one of and , all the first sub-pixels in a pixel structure may be arranged in continuous lines along a diagonal direction, and all the third sub-pixel groups in a pixel structure may be arranged in continuous lines along a diagonal direction. Along the diagonal direction, the lines formed by the first sub-pixels and the lines formed by the third sub-pixels may be parallel and arranged in an alternating configuration. For example, one line by the first sub-pixels may be arranged between two lines formed by the third sub-pixels , and vice versa. Along the diagonal direction, the second sub-pixels may be arranged between two adjacent lines formed by the first sub-pixels and between two adjacent lines formed by the third sub-pixels . It should be understood that, it is only required that, the line representing the shortest distance between the boundaries of two adjacent sub-pixels of different types (e.g., a second sub-pixel and an adjacent first sub-pixel ) aligned in a line along a diagonal direction forms an acute angle (i.e., an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees) with the horizontal direction (i.e., the direction of the row axis). In some embodiments, an angle of 45 degrees may be used to meet the distance/spacing limitation between openings of the FMM to improve the manufacturing process.
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The geometric centers of the first sub-pixels in a same row or in a same column may be aligned along a straight line. The geometric centers of the third sub-pixel groups in a same row or a same column may be aligned along a straight line. The geometric centers of the second sub-pixels in a same row or a same column may be aligned along a straight line. The arrangement described above may simplify the manufacturing process of the pixel structure.
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To ensure uniform display effect, the geometric centers of the first sub-pixels , the geometric centers of the second sub-pixels , and the geometric centers of the third sub-pixel groups may be distributed uniformly in a pixel structure. That is, the first sub-pixels , the second sub-pixels , and the third sub-pixels may be distributed uniformly in a pixel structure. The arrangement described above may enable the sub-pixels for displaying different colors to be distributed uniformly on the pixel structure. The display quality can be improved.
FIG. 2
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As shown in , the at least two neighboring third sub-pixels on one side of central axis of a first sub-pixel , may form a third sub-pixel string (circled in dashed lines and indicated by lines in other figures of the disclosure). The third sub-pixels in the third sub-pixel string may display the same color. A display unit may include two first sub-pixels , a second sub-pixel adjacent to the first sub-pixels , and a third sub-pixel string neighboring the first sub-pixel . The display unit may share the two first sub-pixels and the third sub-pixel string with adjacent (i.e., surrounding display units ). Specifically, a third sub-pixel string may include at least two third sub-pixels . For illustration purposes, the third sub-pixel string illustrated in the present disclosure may include two third sub-pixels or three third sub-pixels . In practice, the number and positions of third sub-pixels in one third sub-pixel string are not limited to the embodiments shown here and can be adjusted according to requirements in the design/manufacturing process, for example, to accommodate wiring requirements and algorithm.
FIG. 1
FIGS. 3 to 6
FIGS. 7 to 15
FIG. 7
FIG. 7
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As shown in , , and , a display unit is shown in a dashed box (no real boundaries in an actual pixel structure). Consecutive display units may form consecutive display unit rows along the direction of the row axis and consecutive display unit columns along the direction of the column axis. Based on the sub-pixels shared by display units, sub-pixels in a pixel structure can be divided according to a plurality of different arrangements. illustrates display units with a plurality of different arrangements. Each of the display unit may represent a different configuration/arrangement of the sub-pixels in the display unit sharing sub-pixels with adjacent display units . Each display unit in may share the first sub-pixels and the third sub-pixel string with adjacent display units . The position of an adjacent pixel unit , sharing the first sub-pixels and/or the third sub-pixel string , may be dependent on the positions of the first sub-pixels and the third sub-pixels within the display unit .
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FIG. 2
Specifically, a third sub-pixel string may include two neighboring third sub-pixels along a diagonal direction. Each of the third sub-pixels may form a third sub-pixel group with another third sub-pixel . The two neighboring third sub-pixels may be positioned on two sides of the second sub-pixel along a diagonal direction. Each of the two neighboring third sub-pixels may be in a row adjacent to the second sub-pixel and has the shortest distance to the second sub-pixel along the diagonal direction. Referring to , two third sub-pixels connected with a line may form one third sub-pixel string . A second sub-pixel , a third sub-pixel string having a shortest distance to the second sub-pixel , and the two first sub-pixels positioned on two sides of the second sub-pixel may form a display unit . The two first sub-pixels may each be in an adjacent row and each having a shortest distance to the second sub-pixel along a diagonal direction.
FIGS. 7
FIG. 7
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In , (A), (C), (D), and (F) each illustrates a structure of a display unit . Each of the display units includes a third sub-pixel string formed by two third sub-pixels with direct connection (i.e., the third sub-pixels are directly connected). Direction connection refers to the connection between objects formed by direct wiring instead of being formed through algorithms and/or indirect wiring through back panel wiring. (B) and (E) in each illustrates a structure of a display unit with adjacent display unit rows (i.e., the upper adjacent display unit row and/or the lower adjacent display unit row). Each of the third sub-pixels in the display unit (i.e., in (B) and (E)), can be directly connected to a third sub-pixel of another display unit in the adjacent row (i.e., the upper adjacent display unit row and/or the lower adjacent display unit row) to form a third sub-pixel string. That is, the third sub-pixel may form direction connection with another display unit in the adjacent row. As shown in (B) and (E), the display units can display the color of the third sub-pixel through the third sub-pixel string connecting the display unit and the adjacent display unit in the upper display unit row, or through the third sub-pixel string connecting the display unit and the adjacent display unit in the lower display unit row. The display unit can also display the color of the third sub-pixel through a third sub-pixel string connecting the display unit and the adjacent display units in the upper display unit row and the lower display unit row simultaneously.
FIG. 3
FIG. 1
FIG. 3
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illustrates a pixel structure modified from the pixel structure illustrated in . In , a third sub-pixel string (shown by two third sub-pixels connected with a line) may refer to two adjacent third sub-pixels aligned along a diagonal direction. The two adjacent third sub-pixels may be positioned on two sides of a second sub-pixel along a diagonal direction and each of the two third sub-pixels is contained in a different third sub-pixel group (not shown) adjacent to the second sub-pixel . One of the two adjacent third sub-pixels may be positioned in the upper adjacent column and the other may be positioned in the lower adjacent column. Each of the two adjacent third sub-pixels may have the shortest distance to the second sub-pixel along the diagonal direction. A second sub-pixel , a third sub-pixel string with the shortest distance to the second sub-pixel , and the two first sub-pixels positioned in adjacent columns on two sides of the second sub-pixel may form a display unit . The two first sub-pixels may each have a shortest distance to the second sub-pixel along the diagonal direction.
In the pixel structures described above, by sharing sub-pixels between adjacent display units, high display resolution can be realized. Meanwhile, the aperture ratio of the sub-pixels can be improved and the manufacturing process for forming the pixel structures may be simplified. Display brightness and product lifespan may be improved.
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In one embodiment, four second sub-pixels may each be adjacent to a same first sub-pixel along a diagonal direction. Of the four second sub-pixels , two aligned along a diagonal direction may have centrosymmetry about the geometric center of the first sub-pixel , the other two aligned along the other diagonal direction may also have centrosymmetry about the geometric center of the first sub-pixel . The four display units , each including one of the second sub-pixel , may share the first sub-pixel . In one display unit , the third sub-pixel group neighboring the second sub-pixel (connected with a line) may be shared by adjacent display units in the upper adjacent display unit row and/or in the lower adjacent display unit row. Alternatively, in one display unit , the third sub-pixel string neighboring the second sub-pixel (connected by a line) may be shared by adjacent display units in the upper/right adjacent display unit column and/or in the lower/left adjacent display unit column.
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For example, four adjacent display units , positioned in two adjacent columns of two adjacent rows, may form a 2 by 2 block shape. The four adjacent display units may include five first sub-pixels . The first sub-pixel positioned in the center may be adjacent to the second sub-pixel of the four display unit along a diagonal direction. Of the four second sub-pixels , two aligned along a diagonal direction may have centrosymmetry about the geometric center of the first sub-pixel in the center, and the other two aligned along the other diagonal direction may also have centrosymmetry about the geometric center of the first sub-pixel in the center. The first sub-pixel may be shared by the four display units . Each of the four first sub-pixels positioned at the four corners of the color gamut area formed by the four display units may be shared by adjacent display units in the adjacent (upper and/or lower) display unit rows.
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FIG. 1
FIGS. 3 to 6
FIG. 3
FIGS. 1 and 4
FIGS. 5 and 6
FIG. 1
FIGS. 3 to 6
FIG. 1
FIGS. 3 to 6
FIG. 1
FIGS. 3 to 6
In one embodiment, the shape of the first sub-pixel , the shape of the third sub-pixel group , and the shape of the second sub-pixel may each be a symmetrical shape, e.g., have at least an axis of symmetry. The axis of symmetry of the shape of a first sub-pixel may extend along a direction parallel to the direction of the row axis or column axis, or along a diagonal direction (as shown in and ). The axis of symmetry of the shape of a third sub-pixel group or a third sub-pixel may extend along a direction parallel to the direction of the row axis (as shown in ) or column axis (as shown in ), or along a diagonal direction (as shown in ). The axis of symmetry of the shape of a second sub-pixel may extend along a direction parallel to the direction of the row axis (as shown in and , when the shape of the second sub-pixel is a square, a rhombus, a circle, and/or other suitable regular polygons) or column axis (as shown in and , when the shape of the second sub-pixel is a square, a rhombus, a circle, and/or other suitable polygons), or along a diagonal direction (as shown in and ). Thus, the overall arrangement of the first sub-pixels , the second sub-pixels , and the third sub-pixel groups may form a structure/pattern with axes of symmetries. In the manufacturing process, when applying the FMM to form the pixel structure, the FMM is often stretched along the direction of the row axis and/or column axis. Since the axes of symmetries of the pattern/structure may be parallel along the direction of row axis and/or column axis, the FMM may not be deformed during the manufacturing process. The shapes of the sub-pixels may not be distorted. Thus, the arrangement/designs described above may ensure the positions of the sub-pixels in the pixel structure to remain accurate.
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In the pixel structures described above, to simplify the wiring of the display panel and manufacturing process of masks, the turning angles of certain shapes (e.g., quadrilaterals or octagonal) of the sub-pixels (e.g., the first sub-pixels , the second sub-pixels , and/or the third sub-pixel groups ) may be chamfered to improve independent color displays between the sub-pixels.
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In one embodiment, the overall arrangement of the first sub-pixels may form lines along a diagonal direction of 45 degrees or 135 degrees with the direction of the row axis. The overall arrangement of the second sub-pixels may form lines along a diagonal direction of 45 degrees or 135 degrees with the direction of the row axis. The overall arrangement of the third sub-pixel groups and/or the third sub-pixels may form lines along a diagonal direction of 45 degrees or 135 degrees with the direction of the row axis. That is, a second sub-pixel may be positioned between two adjacent first sub-pixels and between two adjacent third sub-pixel groups . Each second sub-pixel may be positioned in a diagonal direction of 45 degrees with respect to an adjacent first sub-pixel (or third sub-pixel group ). The diagonal direction of 45 degrees may refer to the angle between the line connecting the geometric centers of the second sub-pixel and an adjacent first sub-pixel (or third sub-pixel group ) and the direction of the row axis. The diagonal direction may refer to an angle of 45 degrees in the upper left with the direction of the row axis, an angle of 45 degrees in the upper right with the direction of the row axis, an angle of 45 degrees in the lower left with the direction of the row axis, and/or an angle of 45 degrees in the lower right with the direction of the row axis.
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The pixel structures described above may include a line of single sub-pixels (e.g., a line of only second sub-pixels ) or a column of single sub-pixels on the edges of the pixel structures. A single sub-pixel may form a display unit with sub-pixels in the adjacent rows or columns to display images. The display unit may include three sub-pixels. By applying appropriate edge detection algorithms, desirable display effect can be obtained. The processing of the sub-pixels on the edges of the pixel structure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed here.
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The first sub-pixel , the third sub-pixel group , the third sub-pixel , and the second sub-pixel may each have a circular shape, a triangular shape, a quadrilateral shape, a pentagonal shape, a hexagonal shape, and/or octagonal shape. The shape of a sub-pixel may be determined according to manufacturing/design requirements. In one embodiment, the first sub-pixel may have a quadrilateral shape and/or an octagonal shape, and the third sub-pixel may have a triangular shape and/or a quadrilateral shape. Two adjacent third sub-pixels , facing each other, may form a third sub-pixel group , and the third sub-pixel group may have an overall shape of a quadrilateral shape and/or an octagonal shape. The second sub-pixel may have a quadrilateral shape and/or an octagonal shape. By arranging the shapes of the sub-pixels as described above, the formation of the display units may be more flexible. In practice, the shapes of the sub-pixels can be flexibly determined according to the applications and/or the display effect of the corresponding display panel.
FIGS. 3 and 4
FIG. 1
FIG. 1
FIGS. 3 and 4
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The pixel structures illustrated in are modified from the pixel structure of . In the pixel structures of and , the first sub-pixel may have a rhombic shape, and the third sub-pixel may have an isosceles triangle shape. The third sub-pixel group , formed by the two adjacent third sub-pixels facing each other, may have an overall shape of a rhombic shape. The second sub-pixel may have a triangle shape.
FIGS. 5 and 6
FIG. 1
FIGS. 5 and 6
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The pixel structures of are modified from the pixel structure illustrated in . In the pixel structures of , the first sub-pixel may have a rhombic shape, and the third sub-pixel may have a rectangular shape. The third sub-pixel group , formed by the two adjacent third sub-pixels facing each other, may have an overall shape of a quadrilateral shape. The second sub-pixel may have a rectangular shape.
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In the pixel structure described above, the area of the first sub-pixel may be equal to the area of the third sub-pixel group , and the area of the second sub-pixel may be less than the area of the first sub-pixel . Alternatively, the area of the third sub-pixel group may be greater than the area of the first sub-pixel , and the area of the first sub-pixel may be greater than the area of the second sub-pixel .
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The color displayed by the first sub-pixels , the color display by the second sub-pixels , and the color display by the third sub-pixel group may be any one of red (R), blue (B), and green (G) colors such that desirable full-color images can be displayed by the pixel structure. In one embodiment, the first sub-pixels may display red or blue, the second sub-pixels may display green, and the third sub-pixel groups may display blue or red. Particularly, in OLED display devices, since the materials for emitting blue light often has a lower emission efficiency and a shorter lifespan compared to the materials for emitting red light/color and green light, the area of a sub-pixels for displaying blue may be larger than the area of a sub-pixel for displaying red and the area of a sub-pixel for displaying green. In addition, since human eye is more sensitive to green color, and the material for emitting green light may have the highest emission efficiency, a sub-pixel for displaying green may have the smallest area. That is, the area of a second sub-pixel may be smaller than the areas of both a first sub-pixel and a third sub-pixel group . Meanwhile, the sub-pixels for displaying green, easier to be identified by human eye, may be distributed uniformly in the directions of row axis and column axis to ensure desirable display quality along the directions of row axis and column axis.
FIG. 1
FIGS. 3 to 6
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For example, in and , the first sub-pixels may display red (R), the second sub-pixels may display green (G), and the third sub-pixel group may display blue (B). The sub-pixels for displaying red each may be shared by adjacent display units. The sub-pixels for displaying blue may be adjacent and facing each other.
FIG. 8
FIGS. 16-18
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In , the first sub-pixels may display blue (B), the second sub-pixels may display green (G), and the third sub-pixel groups may display red (R). The sub-pixels for display red may be adjacent and facing each other. The sub-pixels for displaying blue may be shared by adjacent display units . In the pixel structures described above, by arranging the sub-pixels for displaying red or blue (i.e., being adjacent or shared), risks of color mixing by sub-pixels can be reduced. Meanwhile, the arrangement described above may also reduce the areas between sub-pixels, i.e., the areas with no light emission, such that the aperture ratio can be increased to about 42%. Using conventional pixel structure designs, the aperture ratios achieved would be lower. For example, using the pixel structure designs shown in , the aperture ratios realized are about 20-30%, 30-35%, and 37%, respectively. The display resolution of the pixel structure can be improved, and desirable aperture ratio can be obtained. The above arrangement can also improve the lifespan and display brightness of the products.
The red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colors described above may each be the color displayed/emitted by one sub-pixel. For example, in the pixel structure of an organic electroluminescent display device, the RGB colors described above may refer to the colors of the light-emitting layer of the organic electroluminescent diodes. When biased normally, the light-emitting layer may emit light with the corresponding color. In the pixel structure of an LCD device, the colors described above may refer to the colors of the CF (Color Filter) layer in the film substrate. When the backlight passes through the CF layer, the backlight is filtered by the CF and light with the corresponding color can be produced.
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The pixel structures described above receive pixel display information/data through data lines. In one embodiment, a first sub-pixel , a third sub-pixel string , and a second sub-pixel each may be connected with a data line for receiving pixel display information/data. Also, the third sub-pixels in one third sub-pixel string may receive the same display information/data. Alternatively, the addressable electrode of each sub-pixel in one third sub-pixel string may be electrically connected.
FIG. 1
FIGS. 16 to 18
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Referring to , since a first sub-pixel may only be connected with one data line and may be shared by the four display units and the third sub-pixel string (the two third sub-pixels connected with a line) may only be connected with one data line and may be shared by three display units , the number of data lines used in the disclosed pixel structure can be reduced. The back panel wiring can be easier. Meanwhile, compared to conventional pixel structures (as shown in ), when the same number of display units are used in the pixel structure, fewer data lines are used in the disclosed pixel structure. Thus, the power consumption of the display apparatus containing the pixel structure can be reduced.
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The sub-pixels in the pixel structures presented above may be OLED display devices or LCD display devices. That is, the pixel structure provided by the present disclosure may be suitable for OLED display devices and LCD display devices. It is noted that, the pixel structure disclosed may also be suitable for other devices containing the pixel structures such as digital cameras, plasma display devices, and so on. For example, when the pixel structure is used in an OLED display device, the metal electrodes (i.e., anode or cathode) of each OLED, corresponding to the third sub-pixels in a third sub-pixel string , may be electrically connected together. The metal electrodes (i.e., anode or cathode) of each OLED may also not be connected and the same display information can be loaded on each OLED. When the pixel structure is used in an LCD display device, the pixel electrodes of each LCD device, corresponding to the third sub-pixels in a third sub-pixel string , may be electrically connected together. The pixel electrode of each LCD device may also not be connected and the same display information can be loaded on each LCD device.
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For manufacturing LCD display devices, the first sub-pixels , the second sub-pixels , and the third sub-pixel groups may be formed through a patterning process. For manufacturing OLED display devices, the first sub-pixels , the second sub-pixels , and the third sub-pixels may be formed through a deposition process. The patterning process may include a photolithography process, or include a photolithography process and corresponding etching steps. The patterning process may also include printing, inkjet printing, and/or other process for forming predetermined patterns. The photolithography process may refer to the steps including film formation, exposure, and/or development. By applying appropriate photoresist films, masks, and/or exposure apparatus, patterns can be formed through the photolithography process. The deposition process, i.e., the vacuum coating process, may be referred to as the process of evaporating/subliming the material/substance for forming the film and depositing the evaporated/sublimed material/substance on the surface of the substrate/device. To form a certain pattern, the FMM can be applied on the surface of the substrate/device such that the evaporated/sublimed material/substance may not be formed in the areas covered by the FMM. Based on the pixel structure to be formed, appropriate processes can be selected to form the pattern of the pixel structure.
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FIG. 1
FIGS. 3 to 6
FIGS. 16-18
Particularly, for OLED display devices, the first sub-pixels , the second sub-pixels , and the third sub-pixel groups may correspond to the openings in the FMM. When forming the pixel structures in and , the limit on the distance/spacing between two openings in the FMM may be applied on a diagonal direction (e.g., 45 degrees) to increase the density of the sub-pixels and improve the display resolution. For example, the resolution of greater than 300 ppi (pixels per inch) can be obtained. In comparison, using the conventional pixel structure designs shown in , the resolutions realized are all below 300 ppi.
In the manufacturing process of OLED display devices, since the distance between two sub-pixels may represent the distance in a diagonal direction, the distance/spacing between two sub-pixels may be increased such that it is easier to apply the FMM to form the pattern of sub-pixels. The pattern may correspond to the areas on the FMM with openings to form the sub-pixels. The distance/spacing between the openings (i.e., along a diagonal direction) in the FMM as described above may be much greater than the distance/spacing between the openings (i.e., a long the row axis or column axis) in a conventional FMM. By using the FMM as described above, a pixel structure with higher resolution may be obtained.
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Considering the arrangement of the first sub-pixels , one first sub-pixel can be shared by four adjacent display units . Considering the arrangement of the third sub-pixels , when electrically connected, one third sub-pixel can be shared by three display units in one row or in one column. In the pixel structures disclosed above, the distance/spacing between the openings corresponding to adjacent sub-pixels for displaying the same color (i.e., the adjacent sub-pixels for display red, blue, or green) in the FMM may be increased such that the design of the FMM and the deposition process for forming the organic layer can be easier. Higher display resolution may be easier to obtain in the pixel structures provided in the disclosure. Compared to conventional pixel structures (i.e., three sub-pixels forming one display unit ), the display units of the pixels structures provided in the present disclosure share sub-pixels to display images. The manufacturing process for forming the pixel structures disclosed are greatly simplified, and the design and manufacturing of the FMM is easier.
The present disclosure provides a new pixel structure. By optimizing/improving the arrangement of the sub-pixels for displaying RGB colors, the line representing the shortest distance between the boundaries of two adjacent sub-pixels for displaying different colors may have an angle of 45 degrees with the horizontal direction. Thus, when the manufacturing of the FMM has a certain precision, the arrangement of the sub-pixels described above can obtain higher display resolutions. Meanwhile, the aperture ratio of the sub-pixels can be improved, and the aperture ratio of the display apparatus containing the pixel structure can be improved. Correspondingly, the display brightness of the display apparatus containing the pixel structure can be improved. The lifespan of the OLED display device containing the pixel structure can be improved.
Particularly, the pixel structure provided in the present disclosure is suitable for forming side-by-side top-emitting AMOLED display panels through a deposition process using the FMM.
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Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for displaying the pixel structure. Embodiment 2 provides the method for displaying the pixel structure in embodiment 1. As described above, in the pixel structure, adjacent display units share one first sub-pixel and one third sub-pixel string for displaying images so that each display unit is able to display pixel display information of three colors (i.e., the RGB colors).
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In the pixel structure provided by the present disclosure, the third sub-pixels on one side of the central axis of a first sub-pixel and neighboring the first sub-pixel may form a third sub-pixel string . The third sub-pixels in the third sub-pixel string may display the same color. One display unit may include two first sub-pixel , a second sub-pixel adjacent to the first sub-pixel , and a third sub-pixel string neighboring/between the two first sub-pixel . Adjacent display units may share the first sub-pixels and the third sub-pixel string so that each display unit is able to display the pixel display information of three colors (i.e., the RGB colors).
FIG. 9
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In the pixel structure provided by the present disclosure, as shown in , four adjacent display units , positioned in two adjacent columns of two adjacent rows, may form a 2 by 2 block shape. The 2 by 2 block shape may include five first sub-pixels . The first sub-pixel positioned at the center of the 2 by 2 block (i.e., four adjacent display units ) may be adjacent to each of the four second sub-pixels along a diagonal direction. The first sub-pixel positioned at the center may have two perpendicular central axes and the direction of each central axis may extend between two of the four second sub-pixels . Of the four second sub-pixels , two along one diagonal direction may have mirror symmetry about a central axis of the first sub-pixel , and the other two along the other diagonal direction may also have mirror symmetry about a central axis of the first sub-pixel . The first sub-pixel positioned at the center may be shared by the four adjacent display units . The four adjacent display units may form a large color gamut area. The four first sub-pixels positioned at the four corners of the large color gamut area (i.e., each positioned at one corner) may each be shared by adjacent display units in the adjacent display unit rows.
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In the pixel structure illustrated in , the first sub-pixels may display red (R), the second sub-pixels may display (G), and the third sub-pixels may display blue (B). Based on the configuration of the second sub-pixel contained in a display unit , display units with different configurations may be defined. The first sub-pixels shared by a plurality of (e.g., four) display units may be labeled as R, R, R, and R. The third sub-pixel strings shared by a plurality of display units may be labeled as B, B, B, and B. The sub-pixels with the same labeling number may form a color gamut (e.g., sub-pixels with labels of R, G, and B may form a gamut, and sub-pixels with labels of R, G, and B may form another color gamut). In one color gamut, the colors formed by mixing the colors displayed by the sub-pixels may represent the pixel display information of the color gamut.
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When display images, first, a data source for providing the pixel display information may be used to input/send corresponding pixel display information (i.e., containing the RGB color information for the first sub-pixel , the second sub-pixel , and the third sub-pixel string ), to each pixel unit . The method for displaying the pixel structure may include the following steps.
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In step S, the theoretical brightness values for each pixel unit may be obtained based on the pixel display information. The theoretical brightness values may correspond to the colors displayed by the first sub-pixel , the second sub-pixel , and the third sub-pixel string .
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In step S, the driving circuit/chip of the display panel may determine, receive, and store the pixel display information, and amplify the pixel display information for each color to obtain display information for the three primary colors (i.e., RGB colors). The driving circuit may further obtain brightness signals through suitable matrix transformation processes. The brightness signals may correspond to the theoretical brightness values of the three primary colors. The process described above can be obtained by using any suitable brightness/color separation means used in conventional manufacturing processes and is omitted herein.
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In step S, the actual brightness values of the first sub-pixel , the second sub-pixel , and the third sub-pixel string of each pixel unit may be calculated.
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In step S, the actual brightness value of a first sub-pixel may be calculated as a sum, i.e., a weighted sum, of the weighted theoretical brightness value of each shared portion of the first sub-pixel . The actual brightness value of a second sub-pixel may be the theoretical brightness value corresponding to the color displayed by the second sub-pixel . The actual brightness value of the third sub-pixel string may be calculated as a sum of the weighted theoretical brightness values of each shared portion of the third sub-pixel string . A shared portion of a first sub-pixel or a third sub-pixel string may refer to a portion shared by an adjacent display unit .
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In the pixel structure illustrated in , since four adjacent display units (i.e., depicted as the 2 by 2 block) may share one first sub-pixel (e.g., the first sub-pixel positioned at the center of the 2 by 2 block), the weight (or relative weight) for the theoretical brightness value of each shared portion of the first sub-pixel may be ¼. For example, the first sub-pixels may display red, the input signal sent to a first sub-pixel may be a sum of the weighted pixel display information for the red color displayed by each shared portion of the first sub-pixel . Each shared portion is shared by one of the four adjacent display units . The weight may each be ¼.
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A third sub-pixel string may include two adjacent third sub-pixels along a diagonal direction. Each third sub-pixel is contained in a different third sub-pixel group . A second sub-pixel , a third sub-pixel string with the shortest distance to the second sub-pixel , and two first sub-pixels positioned on two sides of the second sub-pixel in two adjacent rows and each having the shortest distance to the second sub-pixel along a diagonal direction, may form a display unit . In one display unit , the third sub-pixel string , positioned next to the second sub-pixel , may be shared by an adjacent display unit in an upper and/or a lower adjacent display unit row. Alternatively, the third sub-pixel string of one display unit , positioned next to the second sub-pixel , may be shared by an adjacent display unit in an upper/right and/or a lower/left adjacent display unit column. The weight for the theoretical brightness value of each shared portion of a third sub-pixel in the third sub-pixel string , shared by adjacent display units , may each be ½. For example, the third sub-pixel strings may display blue, and the input signal sent to the third sub-pixel string may be a sum of the weighted pixel display information for the blue color of each shared portion of the third sub-pixel string , and the weight may each be ½.
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In one embodiment, the final brightness value of a first sub-pixel (or a third sub-pixel string ) may be calculated as a sum of weighted theoretical brightness values for the color displayed by each shared portion of the first sub-pixels (or the third sub-pixel string ). The weighted theoretical brightness value is a product of the theoretical brightness value of the color displayed by a shared portion and the corresponding weight. For example, when a first sub-pixel is shared by four display units , the relationship between the sum and weighted theoretical brightness values described above can be, H=Ax+By+Cz+Dδ, where A, B, C, and D may each represent a weight for the display information of the color displayed by a shared portion of the sub-pixel and H may represent the actual brightness value of the color displayed by the sub-pixel (i.e., the weighted sum). The values of the weights may satisfy A+B+C+D=1.
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It should be understood that, since the overall display effect (e.g., bright or dark) of the image displayed may be dependent on the pixel display information, the weights for theoretical brightness values of the color displayed by the first sub-pixel (or the third sub-pixel string ) can be adjusted to obtain a more appropriate weighted sum and improved display brightness.
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In step S, the actual brightness value may be sent/inputted to the first sub-pixel , the second sub-pixel , and the third sub-pixel string of each pixel unit to display images.
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In step S, the actual brightness values of the first sub-pixel , the second sub-pixel , and the third sub-pixel string of each display unit may be obtained through step S. The actual brightness values may be sent to the corresponding sub-pixels to display images.
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As shown in the pixel structures described above (e.g., in embodiment 1), a first sub-pixel , a second sub-pixel , and a third sub-pixel string may each be connected with a data line. In step , the first sub-pixel , the second sub-pixel , and the third sub-pixel string may receive the corresponding actual brightness value (i.e., obtained from step S) through the data line.
FIG. 1
FIG. 9
FIG. 9
FIGS. 3 to 6
FIG. 1
FIG. 8
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For illustration purposes, the method for displaying the pixel structure is applied on the pixel structure illustrated in (in embodiment 1). The color mixing of a display unit, the formation of a color gamut, and the calculation of actual brightness values are illustrated for the pixel structure of . As shown in , the sub-pixels for displaying red may be the first sub-pixels , the sub-pixels for displaying blue may be the third sub-pixels , and two third sub-pixels may form a third sub-pixel strings . Similarly, the actual brightness values of the sub-pixels in the pixel structures of (modified from the pixel structure of ) may be calculated in the same manner. Meanwhile, in the pixel structure of in embodiment 1, the sub-pixels for displaying blue may be the first sub-pixels , the sub-pixels for displaying red may be the third sub-pixels , and two adjacent third sub-pixels may form a third sub-pixel strings . The actual brightness values of the sub-pixels in the pixel structure of may be calculated in the same manner and the details are omitted herein.
By applying the method provided in the present disclosure, brightness information of the sub-pixels can be calculated through suitable pixel sharing algorithms and desirable display effect can obtained for the pixel structure. The number of data lines used in the pixel structure can be reduced, and back panel wiring can be made easier. The power consumption of the display apparatus containing the pixel structure can be further reduced.
FIG. 1
FIGS. 3 to 9
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The present disclosure further provides another pixel structure. Compared to the pixel structures disclosed in previous embodiments of the present disclosure, such as the pixel structures in and , the pixel structure may include a greater number of third sub-pixels in one third sub-pixel string for displaying the same color.
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Another aspect of the present disclosure provides another pixel structure. Embodiment 3 provides the pixel structure. Compared to the pixel structure described in embodiment 1, the third sub-pixel strings in the pixel structure provided in embodiment 3 may include more third sub-pixels . The third sub-pixels display the same color.
Similar to the pixel structure provided in embodiment 1, the pixel structure provided in embodiment 3 may also be used in OLED display devices and/or LCD devices. The pixel structure may also be used in other suitable device with display functions such as digital cameras, and plasma display devices.
FIG. 10
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In one embodiment, as shown in , a third sub-pixel string may include three sub-pixels neighboring a first sub-pixel . The three third sub-pixels may be positioned on the same side of the central axis of a first sub-pixel . Each of the three third sub-pixels may be contained in a different third sub-pixel group . One of the third sub-pixels may be positioned at the crossing of the two diagonal directions adjacent to the first sub-pixel , the second third sub-pixel may be aligned with the sub-pixel at the crossing along one diagonal direction, and the third sub-pixel may be aligned with the sub-pixel at the crossing along the other diagonal direction. Three consecutive second sub-pixel in a column, three first sub-pixels each positioned in a row between two adjacent second sub-pixels and each having a shortest distance to the adjacent second sub-pixels along a diagonal direction, and a third sub-pixel string with a shortest distance to the second sub-pixels may form a display unit .
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FIG. 14
Specifically, the three third sub-pixels in the third sub-pixel group next to the first sub-pixel , aligned along the two diagonal directions, may include a third sub-pixel adjacent to and in the same row as the first sub-pixel , and two adjacent third sub-pixels adjacent to and in the same column on both (i.e., upper and lower) sides of the first sub-pixel . The three third sub-pixels described above may each be contained in a different third sub-pixel group . For example, the first sub-pixel described above may be the first sub-pixel marked in M in the middle row as shown in (A) and (B) of .
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FIG. 10
The three third sub-pixels in the third sub-pixel string in the display unit illustrated in may also be described as follows. The third sub-pixel string may include the third sub-pixel adjacent to and in the same row with the first sub-pixel , which is between the two first sub-pixels on two sides of the display unit , and the two third sub-pixels adjacent to and on both sides of the first sub-pixel , which is between the two first sub-pixels on two sides of the display unit . The two third sub-pixels may be contained in a different third sub-pixel group .
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FIG. 14
FIG. 14
That is, the third sub-pixel string neighboring the first sub-pixels (labeled with S in (A) and (B) of ) on one side of a display unit may represent the same third sub-pixel string neighboring the other first sub-pixel (labeled with M) in the same display unit . In other words, the three first sub-pixels and three second sub-pixels in one display unit may share the same neighboring third sub-pixel string , as shown in (A) and (B) of .
FIG. 11
FIG. 10
FIG. 11
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The pixel structure of can be obtained by rotating the pixel structure of for 90 degrees. In , a third sub-pixel string may include three sub-pixels neighboring a first sub-pixel . The three third sub-pixels may be positioned on the same side of the central axis of a first sub-pixel . Each of the three third sub-pixels may be contained in a different third sub-pixel group . One of the third sub-pixels may be positioned at the crossing of the two diagonal directions adjacent to the first sub-pixel , the second third sub-pixel may be aligned with the sub-pixel at the crossing along one diagonal direction, and the third sub-pixel may be aligned with the sub-pixel at the crossing along the other diagonal direction. Three consecutive second sub-pixel in a row, three first sub-pixels each positioned in a column between two adjacent second sub-pixels and each having a shortest distance to the adjacent second sub-pixels along a diagonal direction, and a third sub-pixel string with a shortest distance to the second sub-pixels may form a display unit .
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The three third sub-pixels in the third sub-pixel group , aligned along the two diagonal directions and next to the first sub-pixel , may include a third sub-pixel adjacent to and in the same row with the first sub-pixel , and two third sub-pixels adjacent to and in the same row on both (i.e., upper and lower) sides of the first sub-pixel . The three third sub-pixels described above may each be contained in a different third sub-pixel group .
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FIG. 11
The three third sub-pixels in the third sub-pixel string in the display unit illustrated in may also be described as follows. The third sub-pixel string may include the third sub-pixel adjacent to and in the same column with the first sub-pixel , which is between the two first sub-pixels on two sides of the display unit , and the two third sub-pixels adjacent to and on both sides of the first sub-pixel , which is between the two first sub-pixels on two sides of the display unit . The two third sub-pixels may each be contained in a different third sub-pixel group .
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FIG. 11
FIG. 12
FIG. 11
FIG. 13
Similar to embodiment 1, the configuration/arrangement of the second sub-pixels in the pixel structure of can also be modified to form the pixel structure shown in . Alternatively, the arrangement of colors displayed by the first sub-pixels and the third sub-pixels in the pixel structure of can be modified to form the pixel structure shown in .
FIGS. 10 to 13
FIG. 14
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FIG. 14
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The pixel structures of can be divided into different display units with different configurations. Each display unit may share sub-pixels with adjacent display units . illustrates two display units (separated by the dashed line in between) with different configurations. In (A) and (B) of , three third sub-pixels connected by lines may form a third sub-pixel string . Each third sub-pixel string may be formed by third sub-pixels with direct connection. The third sub-pixel string may be shared by two other display units , and each of the two other display units may include one of the two second sub-pixels , adjacent to the lines of direct connection, in the display unit . The two second sub-pixel , each adjacent to the first sub-pixel in the middle (labeled with M) along a diagonal direction, may each have centrosymmetry about the geometric center of the first sub-pixel (labeled with M) with another second sub-pixel (not shown). That is, the two other display units , each containing one of the two second sub-pixels in the pixel unit shown in , may share the first sub-pixel (labeled with M). Also, the two second sub-pixels , each adjacent to the same third sub-pixel string and adjacent to the lines of direct connection in the display unit , may be positioned in the same column/row. The two display units , each containing one of the three second sub-pixels , may share the third sub-pixel string .
FIGS. 10 to 13
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As shown in , when the pixel structure is used in an OLED display device, the metal electrodes (i.e., anode or cathode) of the OLEDs, corresponding to the third sub-pixels in a third sub-pixel string , may be electrically connected together. The metal electrodes (i.e., anode or cathode) of the OLEDs may also not be connected and the same display information can be loaded on each OLED. When the pixel structure is used in an LCD display device, the pixel electrodes corresponding to the third sub-pixels in a third sub-pixel string may be electrically connected together. The pixel electrodes may also not be connected and the same display information can be loaded on each pixel electrode.
Compared to the pixel structure disclosed in embodiment 1, the pixel structure disclosed in embodiment 3 may further reduce the number of data lines used in the pixel structure. Back panel wiring can be made easier, and the power consumption of the display apparatus containing the pixel structure can be further reduced.
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Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for displaying the pixel structure in embodiment 3. In the pixel structure described in embodiment 3, adjacent display units may share a first sub-pixel and a third sub-pixel string for displaying images such that each display unit is able to display pixel display information of three primary colors (i.e., RGB colors). Embodiment 4 illustrates the method for displaying the pixel structure in embodiment 3.
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The method for displaying the pixel structure disclosed in embodiment 3 can be referred to the method for displaying the pixel structure disclosed in embodiment 1. Since the number of third sub-pixels in one third sub-pixel string may be different from the pixel structure disclosed in embodiment 3, the weights for calculating the actual brightness values of the third sub-pixel strings can be adjusted.
FIG. 15
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In one embodiment, as shown in , a third sub-pixel string may include three sub-pixels next to a first sub-pixel . The three third sub-pixels may be positioned on the same side of the central axis of a first sub-pixel . Each of the three third sub-pixels may be contained in a different third sub-pixel group . One of the third sub-pixels may be positioned at the crossing of the two diagonal directions adjacent to the first sub-pixel , the second third sub-pixel may be aligned with the sub-pixel at the crossing along one diagonal direction, and the third third sub-pixel may be aligned with the sub-pixel at the crossing along the other diagonal direction. Three consecutive second sub-pixels in a column, three first sub-pixels each positioned in a row between two adjacent second sub-pixels and each having a shortest distance to the adjacent second sub-pixels along a diagonal direction, and a third sub-pixel string with a shortest distance to the second sub-pixels may form a display unit .
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The first sub-pixels may display red (R), the second sub-pixels may display green (G), and the third sub-pixels may display blue (B). Based on the configuration of the second sub-pixel contained, different display units can be defined. The first sub-pixel , which may be shared by a plurality of display units , may be labeled with R, R, R, and R. The third sub-pixel string , which may be shared by a plurality of display units , may be labeled with B, B, B, and B. The sub-pixels with the same labeling number may form one color gamut (e.g., R, G, and B may form one gamut, and R, G, and B may form another color gamut). The color formed by mixing the colors of the sub-pixels in a gamut may represent the display information of the color gamut.
FIG. 15
The method for displaying the pixel structure of may include the following steps.
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In step S, the theoretical brightness values from the pixel display information for each display unit may be obtained, where the theoretical brightness values may correspond to the colors displayed by the first sub-pixel , the second sub-pixel , and the third sub-pixel string of each display unit .
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In step S, the actual brightness values of the first sub-pixel , the second sub-pixel , and the third sub-pixel string of each display unit can be calculated.
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In step S, a third sub-pixel string may include three sub-pixels neighboring a first sub-pixel . The three third sub-pixels may be positioned on the same side of the central axis of a first sub-pixel . Each of the three third sub-pixels may be contained in a different third sub-pixel group . One of the third sub-pixels may be positioned at the crossing of the two diagonal directions adjacent to the first sub-pixel , the second third sub-pixel may be aligned with the sub-pixel at the crossing along one diagonal direction, and the third sub-pixel may be aligned with the sub-pixel at the crossing along the other diagonal direction. Three consecutive second sub-pixels in a column, three first sub-pixels each positioned in a row between two adjacent second sub-pixels and each having a shortest distance to the adjacent second sub-pixels along a diagonal direction, and a third sub-pixel string with a shortest distance to the second sub-pixels may form a display unit . The two consecutive second sub-pixels may be aligned in one row/column and positioned adjacent to the third sub-pixel string . Two display units , each containing one of the two second sub-pixels , may share the same third sub-pixel string . The weights of the theoretical brightness values for the color displayed by the shared portion of the third sub-pixel string in each of the three display units may be ⅓.
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In step S, the corresponding actual brightness values may be inputted into the first sub-pixel , the second sub-pixel , and the third sub-pixel string of each pixel unit to display images.
By applying the method provided in the present disclosure, brightness information of the sub-pixels can be calculated through suitable pixel sharing algorithms and the pixel structure can obtain desirable display effect. The number of data lines used in the pixel structure can be reduced, and back panel wiring can be easier. The power consumption of the display apparatus containing the pixel structure can be further reduced.
Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a display apparatus. The display apparatus may include the pixel structures disclosed in embodiment 1 or embodiment 3. The pixel structure in the display apparatus can be operated by the corresponding method provided in the disclosed embodiments.
The display apparatus can be an LCD panel, an electronic paper, an OLED panel, a mobile phone, a tablet, a television, a monitor, a laptop, a digital photo frame, a navigator device, and/or any suitable product/device with display functions.
In the display apparatus, since the pixel structure is formed by an improved deposition process, the aperture ratio of the sub-pixels are improved. The pixel structure thus has improved display brightness. Meanwhile, since the sub-pixels in the pixel structure have improved display brightness and color uniformity, the display apparatus containing the pixel structure can thus have improved display effect.
The pixel structures and corresponding methods provided in the present disclosure improve the aperture ratio of the sub-pixels, and improve the display brightness and display resolution of the pixel structure. The display effect of the display apparatus containing the pixel structure can be improved. Meanwhile, by using the method for displaying the pixel structure, images can be displayed normally and back panel wiring of the data lines can be easier. The power consumption of the display apparatus can be reduced. The present disclosure provides a technical solution to the problems existing in conventional display apparatus such as difficulty in improving the display resolution in OLED display apparatuses due to limitations in manufacturing process.
It should be noted that the embodiments are only exemplary. The arrangement/configuration of the sub-pixels may be subjected to different designs or applications and should not be limited by the exemplary embodiments.
It should be noted that the above embodiments disclosed herein are exemplary only and not limiting the scope of this disclosure. Without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention, other modifications, equivalents, or improvements to the disclosed embodiments are obvious to those skilled in the art and are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following drawings are merely examples for illustrative purposes according to various disclosed embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1
illustrates schematics of an exemplary pixel structure in one embodiment of the present disclosure according to the disclosed embodiments;
FIG. 2
FIG. 1
illustrates enlarged schematics of the pixel structure of according to the disclosed embodiments;
FIG. 3
FIG. 1
illustrates schematics of the pixel structure of with a rotation angle of 90 degrees according to the disclosed embodiments;
FIG. 4
FIG. 1
illustrates schematics of another arrangement of the second sub-pixel in the pixel structure of according to the disclosed embodiments;
FIG. 5
FIG. 1
illustrates schematics of another configuration of the pixel structure of of according to the disclosed embodiments;
FIG. 6
FIG. 5
illustrates schematics of the pixel structure of with a rotation angle of 90 degrees according to the disclosed embodiments;
FIG. 7
FIG. 1
illustrates schematics of different arrangements of display units of the pixel structure of according to the disclosed embodiments;
FIG. 8
FIG. 1
illustrates schematics of another color configuration of the pixel structure in of according to the disclosed embodiments;
FIG. 9
illustrates an exemplary configuration of display units of the pixel structure in another embodiment according to the disclosed embodiments;
FIG. 10
illustrates schematics of an arrangement of the pixel structure of another embodiment according to the disclosed embodiments;
FIG. 11
FIG. 10
illustrates schematics of the pixel structure of with a rotation angle of 90 degrees according to the disclosed embodiments;
FIG. 12
FIG. 10
illustrates schematics of another arrangement of the second sub-pixel in the pixel structure of according to the disclosed embodiments;
FIG. 13
FIG. 10
illustrates schematics of another arrangement of the sub-pixels in the pixel structure of ;
FIG. 14
FIG. 10
illustrates schematics of different configurations of display units in the pixel structure of according to the disclosed embodiments;
FIG. 15
illustrates schematics of an exemplary configuration of display units of the pixel structure in another embodiment according to the disclosed embodiments; and
FIGS. 16-18
illustrate schematics of conventional pixel structures. | |
Our SGAC network is growing with more and more events around the world. You can also get involved and take the lead in organising your own event in your country/region!
Depending on the size of the event you envision, please consider:
Since the first regional event, or Space Generation Workshop in 2014, SGAC has been able to attract a larger member audience excited to bring an ‘international’ gathering to their region with participants that are interested in discussing local space activities and may not be able to attend SGAC events in other parts of the globe. This movement allows the participants to meet similar minded space enthusiasts from their region, and spin a cultural flavour.
SGAC organises one Space Generation Workshop per region every year!
Check out the Regional Event page to learn more about the different SGAC events.
The increase of the SGAC local events has led to engagement within many new countries. In turn, local events act as the backbone of SGAC activities in a country and greatly contribute to connect the global space community. Widening the introduction of national mailing lists, and holding events has also helped National Points of Contact grow the local network that supports them in the past few years.
Is there already an event happening in your country? If not, we encourage you to share your event idea with us!
Check out the Local Event page to learn more about the different SGAC events.
Any questions? Please reach out to [email protected]. | https://spacegeneration.org/organise-an-sgac-event |
Mononeuropathies can affect nerves in the legs, arms, or other parts of the body. Mononeuropathy means a single nerve or nerve group has been damaged, for example, by a lesion that has developed along a nerve or group of nerves. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a good example of a mononeuropathy, in this case, affecting the wrist area. With mononeuropathy symptoms may be sudden (acute) or may develop slowly (chronic). Some of the more common mononeuropathies are
Today I’m going to share with you one of my favorite hip flexor stretches. But first, you need to understand this isn’t a standalone fix for the problem. How to truly fix your tight hip flexors is really quite simple, but involves two steps: you need to fix your muscle imbalances and (probably) stretch out those hip flexors like I’m about to show you.
Loop a resistance band either above your knees (least resistance), below your knees (medium resistance), or around your ankles (greatest resistance). Bend knees slightly with your feet hip-width apart. Step to the side until the band provides resistance, then slide your other foot over to re-create your original stance. Repeat this sidestepping movement for 10 to 15 feet in one direction (or as far as you can), and then cover the same distance in the other direction.
Hi John, Thank you for the video and instructions. My question to you is that I’m schedule to have a reconstructive hip repair (Laberal tear) in July for my right hip and (second) and told that I have a tear in the right as well. I’ve been suffering from back pain too and know its because of the hips and my sitting because of work. If I can tolerate the exercise, would your recommend to do them? And if so, should I take it down from your suggested reps? I’ve been doing DDP Yoga for the last week and besides general soreness and some discomfort in my right hip, i’ve been able to make it through a full workout as well as do the core exercises. Your response would be greatly appreciated.
If you suffer with hip pain, this can be especially hard, as every movement we make, it seems, utilizes the hip in some way. Often, hip pain presents as dislocated hip symptoms because the hip pops when you move. This can be especially frightening, making one think the hip is broken. When one experiences hip pain running all down the right side of the body, with lower back pain in the right side above the hip area-- combined with pain that runs down the back of the leg, or upper thigh pain when walking, you may have sciatica, a condition caused by a compression of the sciatic nerve.
Work on strengthening all of your core muscles and glutes. These muscles work together to give you balance and stability and to help you move through the activities involved in daily living, as well as exercise and sports. When one set of these muscles is weak or tight, it can cause injury or pain in another, so make sure you pay equal attention to all of them.
A diagnostic SI joint injection may be performed to confirm the cause of pain. The SI joint is injected with a local anesthetic and corticosteroid medication. The injection is given using X-ray fluoroscopy to ensure accurate needle placement in the SI joint. Your pain level is evaluated before and 20-30 minutes after injection, and monitored over the next week. Sacroiliac joint involvement is confirmed if your pain level decreases by more than 75%. If your pain level does not change after the injection, it is unlikely that the SI joint is the cause of your low back pain.
• Scoliosis. Instead of running straight up the center of the back, a spine with scoliosis twists to one side. Scoliosis can be classified as true (meaning it has to do with abnormal development of the spine) or functional (meaning its cause is not directly related to the spine). Functional scoliosis may occur when a discrepancy in leg length causes the pelvis to tilt to one side to compensate. The cause of true scoliosis is largely unknown, although doctors suspect that it may be the result of imbalanced growth in childhood.
Example: a friend of mine went to the hospital after a motorcycle accident. He’d flown over a car and landed hard on his head. Bizarrely, he was sent home with very little care, and no imaging of his back, even though he was complaining of severe lower back pain. A doctor reassured him that it was just muscle spasms. (This all happened at a hospital that was notorious for being over-crowded and poorly run.) The next day, still in agony, he went to see a doctor at a walk-in clinic, who immediately took him for an x-ray… which identified a serious lumbar fracture and imminent danger of paralysis. He had been lucky to get through the night without disaster! He was placed on a spine board immediately and sent for surgery. The moral of the story? Sometimes, when you’ve had a major trauma and your back really hurts, it’s because your back is broken. BACK TO TEXT
Hip hikers (also known as the pelvic drop) are great exercises to get your gluteal muscles working in a weight bearing position. To do the exercise, stand sideways with one foot on a step and the other hanging off. Keeping both knees straight, lower down your pelvis on one side so your foot moves toward the floor. Both knees should remain straight; the motion should come from your hip joint. Once your pelvis is lowered down, slowly raise it back up to the starting position. Repeat the exercise for 10 repetitions.
You can strain or tear one or more of your hip flexors when you make sudden movements such as changing directions while running or kicking. Sports and athletic activities where this is likely to occur include running, football, soccer, martial arts, dancing, and hockey. In everyday life, you can strain a hip flexor when you slip and fall, for example. | http://www.monsteritalia.net/opening-up-hip-flexors-hip-flexor-release.html |
Athletics, also known as track and field or track and field athletics, is a collection of sport events. The word is derived from the Greek word "athlos" meaning "contest". It is a collection of sport events, which can roughly be divided into running, throwing, and jumping.
History
Athletics was the original sport at the first Olympics back in 776 BC where the only event held was the stadium-length foot race or "stade". The earliest recorded win was at these games in the stade race.
There were several other "Games" held throughout Europe in later eras:
- The Pythian Games (founded 527 BC) held in Delphi every four years
- The Nemean Games (founded 516 BC) held in Argolid every two years
- The Isthmian Games (founded 523 BC) held on the Isthmus of Corinth every two years (one year being that which followed the Olympics)
- The Roman Games — a direct imitation of the Greek Olympics, however was a much more popularised spectacle, with most competitors likely to have been professional athletes (the Greek Olympics was more a common-man's fare). Many themes of the Roman Circus (chariot races, gladiatorial combats and wild animal displays) were incorporated into the Roman Games asides from athletic sports.
Modern athletic events are usually organised around a 400 m running track, on which most of the running events take place. Field events (jumping and throwing) often take place in the field in the centre of the running track.
Many athletic events have an ancient origin and were already conducted in competitive form by the ancient Greeks. Athletics was included in the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and has been part of the program ever since, providing the backbone of the Olympics. Women were not allowed to participate in track and field events in the Olympics until 1928.
An international governing body, the IAAF was founded in 1912. The IAAF established separate outdoor World Championships in 1983. The AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) was the governing body in the United States until it collapsed under pressure from advancing professionalism in the late 1970s. A new governing body called The Athletics Congress (TAC) was formed, it was later renamed USA Track and Field (USATF or USA T&F). An additional, less structured organization, the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) also exists in the USA to promote road racing. Both organizations allow athletes to receive money for racing putting an end to the "shamateurism" that existed before.
Indoor track & field
There are two seasons for track & field. There is an indoor season, run during the winter and an outdoor season, run during the summer. Most indoor tracks are 200 meters, however, less frequently, there are smaller and larger tracks that measure from between 180 to 300 meters. The indoor track consists of four to six lanes instead of the eight to ten on an outdoor track. Often an indoor track will have banked turns to compensate for the tight bends.
In an indoor track meet athletes contest the same events as an outdoor meet with the exception of the 100 m and 110 m/100 m hurdles (replaced by the 60 m sprint and 60 m hurdles at all levels), and the 10,000 m run and 3,000 m steeplechase. Indoor meets also have the addition of a 3,000 m run (at both the collegiate and elite level).
In the field events, indoor meetings only feature the high jump, pole vault, long jump, triple jump and shot put. The longer throws of javelin, hammer and discus are reserved for outdoor meetings, as there is normally not enough space in an indoor stadium to house these events.
For multi-event athletes there is the Pentathlon for women (consiting of 60m hurdles, high jump, shot put, long jump and 800m) and heptathlon for men (consisting of 60m, long jump, shot put, high jump, 60m hurdles, pole vault and 1000m).
Events
There are other variations besides the ones listed below but races of unusual length (e.g. 300 m) are run much less often. With the exception of the mile run, races based on imperial distances are rarely run on the track anymore since most tracks have been converted from a quarter mile (402.3 m) to 400 meters.
Men and women do not compete against each other. Women generally run the same distances as men although hurdles and steeplechase barriers are lower and the weights of the shot, discus, javelin and hammer are less.
- Track events - running events conducted on a 400 meter track.
- Sprints: events up to and including 400 m. Common events are 60 m (indoors only), 100m, 200m and 400m.
- Middle distance: events from 800m to 3000m, especially 800m, 1500m, mile and 3000m.
- steeplechase - a race (usually 3000 m) in which runners must negotiate barriers and water jumps.
- Long distance: runs over 5000 m. Common events are 5000m and 10000m.
- Hurdling: 110m high hurdles (100 m for women) and 400m intermediate hurdles (300 m in high school).
- Relays: 4 x 100m, 4 x 400m, 4 x 200 m, 4 x 800 m, etc. Some events, such as medley relays, are rarely run except at large relay carnivals.
- Road running: conducted on open roads, but often finishing on the track. Common events are half-marathon and marathon.
- Race walking: usually conducted on open roads. Common events are 10 km, 20 km and 50 km. | http://wiki.phantis.com/index.php/Track_and_field |
Work is a scalar quantity as no direction is needed to represent it. moreover it is scalar product of two vectors (force and displacement ).
Pressure is a scalar quantity. Since pressure is the force acting on an area. it does not have a direction.
Area bounded of velocity versus time graph represents the displacement. | https://www.topperlearning.com/answer/pressure-and-thrust/86e6i1kk |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a character recognition method, in particular to an on-line handwritten character recognition method for recognizing characters written by hand.
2. Relevant Art
Conventionally on-line handwritten character recognition methods can be classified into pattern matching methods and structural analysis methods.
The pattern matching method conducts recognition based on the sum of distances between respective strokes wherein coordinates are assigned to each stroke comprising an input character and template (See Odaka, K. et al., "Stroke order free on-line handwritten character recognition algorithm"; The Journal of the Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineered; Vol. J65-D, No. 6, pp. 679-686 (1982)). However, in this method, disadvantages exist in that, with regard to input characters that are largely distorted, the distance between the correct template is greater than the distance from another template, hence a large number of templates must be provided in order to account for various character distortions.
On the other hand, the structural analysis method conducts recognition based on the relative positional relationships between respective strokes comprising an input character and template (See Ishii, Yasuo; "Positional stability of stroke representative points of online handwritten kanji characters"; The Journal of the Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineered; Vol. J68-D, No. 12, pp. 2107-2115 (1985)). This method also presents problems in that although certain (kanji) characters possess different character styles, these differing characters are more- or-less identified as the same character by means of the aforementioned relative positional relationships between strokes.
In addition, in both of the aforementioned methods, it is necessary to conduct some type of normalization processing in order to cope with the magnification, reduction and/or rotation of the handwritten characters. This processing greatly influences the success or failure of the character recognition.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a handwritten character recognition method which can process large distortions of handwritten characters using only one template, and recognize handwritten characters without being affected by the magnification, reduction and/or rotation of the handwritten characters.
Therefore, the present invention provides a handwritten character recognition method for recognizing a handwritten input character by comparing said handwritten input character with a plurality of templates corresponding to a plurality of various types of characters based on time series information of points characterizing each stroke of said handwritten input character formed from at least one stroke, said handwritten character recognition method comprising the steps of:
expressing time series information of said points characterizing each stroke as points in a coordinate system;
forming a plurality of straight lines connecting points within said coordinate system corresponding to the points characterizing a stroke of said handwritten input character, and points within said coordinate system corresponding to the points characterizing another stroke of said handwritten input character, and expressing a shape for said handwritten input character by means of a matrix consisting of elements comprising a quantity calculated from a relative angle formed by means of said plurality of straight lines;
forming a plurality of straight lines connecting points within said coordinate system corresponding to the points characterizing a stroke of each of a plurality of templates, and points within said coordinate system corresponding to the points characterizing said stroke or another stroke, and expressing a shape for each of said templates by means of a matrix consisting of elements comprising a quantity calculated from a relative angle formed by means of said plurality of straight lines;
calculating a distance between said handwritten input character and each of said plurality of templates using said matrix expressing a shape for said handwritten input character, and said matrix expressing a shape for each template; and
designating a character corresponding to a template selected based on said distance, as a recognition result of said handwritten input character.
According to the aforementioned handwritten character recognition method, a plurality of straight lines connecting the points characterizing a stroke of the handwritten character and other points are formed, and the shape of the handwritten character is then expressed by means of a matrix consisting of elements comprising a quantity calculated from a relative angle formed from these plurality of straight lines. In addition, in the same manner, a plurality of straight lines connecting the points characterizing a stroke of the template and other points are formed, and the shape of the template is then expressed by means of a matrix consisting of elements comprising a quantity calculated from a relative angle formed from these plurality of straight lines. The distance between the aforementioned handwritten character and template is then calculated using the above matrices of the handwritten character and template, and the character corresponding to the template of the smallest distance is selected as the recognition result of the aforementioned handwritten character.
In this manner, modifications of handwritten characters in which the stroke order and number of strokes are correct, can be handled using only one template. Therefore, it is possible to reduce both the recognition time, as well as the quantity of templates required for comparison with the handwritten inputted character, and also conduct recognition processing of these characters without being affected by magnification, reduction and/or rotation therein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an input process of a handwritten character recognition method according to a First Embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a recognition process of a handwritten character recognition method according to a First Embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3(A) to FIG. 3(D) are diagrams showing points in displacement coordinate system, interpolation, trajectory division and matrix elements at the time of handwritten input of the Japanese symbol "" according to a First Embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4(A) to FIG. 4(D) are diagrams showing points in velocity coordinate system, interpolation, trajectory division and matrix elements at the time of handwritten input of the Japanese symbol "" according to a Second Embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5(A) to FIG. 5(D) are diagrams showing points in acceleration coordinate system, interpolation, trajectory division and matrix elements at the time of handwritten input of the Japanese symbol "" according to a Third Embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a recognition process of a handwritten character recognition method according to a Fourth Embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a comparison procedure of the handwritten input character with each template.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for calculating distance by means of vectors.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for calculating distance by means of matrices.
FIG. 10(A) to FIG. 10(C) are diagrams showing interpolation and stroke division of the letter "G".
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a calculation example of vector elements of a letter "G".
FIG. 12(A) to FIG. 12(D) are diagrams showing a calculation example of matrix elements of a letter "G".
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a calculation example of matrix elements of a letter "C".
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a template for a letter "G".
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing first stroke order information of a template for a letter "G".
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing second stroke order information of a template for a letter "G".
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing handwritten input of a letter "G" in a handwritten character recognition method according to a Fourth Embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18(A) to FIG. 18(C) are diagrams showing a combination of a stroke order and connection positions when a letter "G" is written by means of two strokes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following, the embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to the figures.
First Embodiment
The First Embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.
FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an input process of a handwritten character recognition method according to a First Embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the recognition process of the aforementioned; and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing points which represent the horizontal and vertical components of the displacement of the pen tip moving along each stroke, interpolation, stroke division and matrix elements &OHgr; at the time of handwritten input of the Japanese symbol "".
The input process of the handwritten character recognition method according to present embodiment will now be explained based on FIG. 1.
The input process commences along with the assignment of stroke number n=1 (step 101), and handwritten input of the nth stroke of a character is conducted using a tablet digitizer or the like (step 102). This character is designated as Cx. The pen for use in handwritten input can detect whether or not the tip therein (pen tip) is in contact with the tablet digitizer (step 103). In the state where the pen tip is in contact with the tablet digitizer, the horizontal and vertical displacement of the pen tip are recorded as the time sequence information of the nth stroke (step 104). Measurement of the non- contact time r commences from the time point when the pen tip separates from the tablet digitizer (steps 105-107) . This non-contact time r is then compared with a preset value R (step 108), and when the non-contact time r exceeds this preset value R, handwritten input of all strokes of the above character is completed, and the recognition process commences. In the case when the pen tip comes back into contact with the tablet digitizer while the non- contact time r does not exceed preset value R, handwritten input of the n+ 1 stroke commences, and input processing continues (steps 108, 106,109).
The recognition process of the handwritten character recognition method according to present embodiment will now be explained based on FIG. 2.
Initially, the neighboring points of each respective stroke recorded above are connected using straight lines and the intervals between stroke points therein are interpolated using broken lines (step 201). Subsequently, the broken lines resembling each stroke are equally divided into k (k≧1) broken lines, and numbers are assigned to each division point, i.e., 1, 2, . . . , k+1 (1 is the stroke origin; k+ 1 is the end of the stroke) according to the time sequence of the points (step 202). A (k+1)N row×kN column (N is the number of strokes) matrix P consisting of elements is calculated, wherein the elements of row {(k+1) (n-1)+i} and column {k(m-1)+j} comprise an angle &OHgr; formed by means of the straight line joining division point i of stroke n and division point j of stroke m, and the straight line joining division point i of stroke n and division point j+1 of stroke m (step 203).
The distance di (i=1, . . . , M) between the inputted handwritten character Cx and M templates Qi (i=1, . . . , M) corresponding to the respective characters possessing the same number of strokes is calculated as the sum of the squares of each element of matrix P-Qi (step 204). This sum of the square is calculated by means of taking either the sum of the squares of all elements of matrix P-Qi, or taking the sum of the squares of a specific portion of the above matrix (e.g., the portion of elements calculated from the straight line connecting a division point of stroke n and a division point of stroke n+ 1).
The character Cz corresponding to the template Qz with the smallest distance dz is then selected as the recognition result (step 205) . If other characters for recognition exist, the procedure returns to step 101, and the above-described steps are repeated (step 206).
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing points which represent the horizontal and vertical components of the displacement of the pen tip moving along each stroke, interpolation, stroke division and matrix elements &OHgr; at the time of handwritten input of the Japanese symbol "" according to the aforementioned input and recognition processes. Each point shown in FIG. 3(A) indicates the horizontal and vertical displacement of the pen tip recorded in the input process of FIG. 1. Neighboring points are connected by straight lines, and broken line interpolation of the intervals between the recorded points therein is then conducted, as shown in FIG. 3(B). Subsequently, broken lines resembling each stroke are divided into four equivalent portions, and the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 are assigned to the respective division points according to the time sequence of the points forming each stroke, as shown in FIG. 3(C). In the present embodiment, N=2, k=4, n=1, and m=2, thus a 10×8 matrix P consisting of elements is calculated, wherein the element of the row i and column (4+j) comprises the angle . OMEGA. formed by means of the straight line joining division point i (i=1- 5) of stroke n and division point j (j=1-4) of stroke m, and the straight line joining division point i of stroke n and division point j+1 of stroke m. The angle &OHgr; shown in FIG. 3(D) comprises i=2, j=3, and thus indicates the element of row 2, column 7 of matrix P.
In this manner, the shape of a character is expressed by means of a matrix consisting of elements comprising a quantity calculated from a relative angle between respective strokes, thus the recognition process can be performed free of any influence from the size and/or direction of the handwritten inputted character.
Second Embodiment
In the following, the Second Embodiment of the present invention will be explained. Instead of the displacement coordinate system used in the First Embodiment, the Second Embodiment utilizes a velocity coordinate system where a coordinate represents horizontal and vertical components of the velocity of the pen tip moving along each stroke. Consequently, in step 104 of the input process shown in FIG. 1, recording of the horizontal and vertical components of the velocity of the pen tip serves as the only difference from the First Embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing points representing the horizontal and vertical components of the velocity, interpolation, trajectory division and matrix elements &OHgr; when the Japanese symbol "" shown in FIG. 3 is handwritten as an input character.
The points shown in FIG. 4(A) indicate the recorded points in the velocity coordinate system. The point at the origin of this velocity coordinate system corresponds to the point of the velocity coordinate system at the first stroke point. The curved line in which the last three values of the vertical coordinate are positive represents the trajectory of the left side stroke (n=1) of the Japanese symbol ""; while the other curved line represents the trajectory of the right side stroke (n=2) of the Japanese symbol "". FIGS. 4(B), (C) and (D) respectively correspond to FIGS. 3(B), (C) and (D), thus their explanations will be omitted.
Third Embodiment
In the following, the Third Embodiment of the present invention will be explained. Instead of the displacement coordinate system used in the First Embodiment, the Third Embodiment utilizes an acceleration coordinate system where a coordinate represents horizontal and vertical components of the acceleration of the pen tip moving along each stroke. Consequently, in step 104 of the input process shown in FIG. 1, recording of the horizontal and vertical components of the acceleration of the pen tip serves as the only difference from the First Embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing points which represent the horizontal and vertical components of the acceleration, interpolation, trajectory division and matrix elements &OHgr; when the Japanese symbol "" shown in FIG. 3. is handwritten as an input character. The points shown in FIG. 5(A) indicate the recorded points in the acceleration coordinate system. The point closest to the origin of this acceleration coordinate system corresponds to the point of the acceleration coordinate system at the first stroke point. The curved line in which all values of the vertical coordinate are positive represents the trajectory of the left side stroke (n=1) of the Japanese symbol ""; while the other curved line represents the trajectory of the right side stroke (n=2) of the Japanese symbol "". FIGS. 5(B), (C) and (D) respectively correspond to FIGS. 3(B), (C) and (D) , thus their explanations will be omitted.
Furthermore, methods for detecting velocity and acceleration of the pen tip include a method in which a sensor is provided in the pen (velocity sensor and acceleration sensor), and an arithmetic calculation method for the above. In addition, in FIGS. 3(C), 4(C) and 5(C) of the aforementioned First, Second and Third Embodiments, the broken lines resembling each trajectory are equally divided into four segments. However, the above embodiments are not limited to these examples, as long as the number of divisions and method of division correspond to a given template. In the same manner, angle &OHgr; which comprises elements of matrix P is designated above as being formed by means of the straight line joining division point i (i=1, 2, . . . , k+1) of stroke n and division point j (j=1, 2, . . . , k) of stroke m, and the straight line joining division point i of stroke n and division point j+1 of stroke m. However, as long as this angle corresponds to a template, it is also possible for this angle to comprise the angle formed by means of the straight line joining division point i (i=1, 2, . . . , k+1) of stroke n and division point j (j=1,2, . . . , k) of stroke m, and the straight line joining division point i of stroke n and division point h of stroke m (h=1, 2, . . . , k; however h≠j).
Fourth Embodiment
In the following, the Fourth Embodiment of the present invention will be explained. FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 are diagrams showing the procedural flow of the handwritten character recognition method according to the present embodiment.
The overall flow of the aforementioned will first be explained according to FIG. 7. Initially, the coordinates of the points forming each stroke of an input character of N strokes as measured by a tablet digitizer or the like is inputted (step 301). After interpolating the coordinates of the points forming each stroke by means of a broken line (step 302), this interpolated broken line is equally divided into k number of sections (step 303). Vector a and matrix A are then calculated using the coordinates of the division points (step 304).
An explanation of each process in the aforementioned steps 301- 304 will now be explained using the example when the letter "G" is handwritten.
The points shown in FIG. 10(A) are the coordinates of the measured points forming the input character. As shown in FIG. 10(B), neighboring points are then connected by straight lines, and broken line interpolation is conducted. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 10(C), the broken lines resembling each stroke are then equally divided into k (in FIG. 10(C), k=4) sections, and numbers are appropriately assigned to each division point (1 is the stroke origin; k+1 is the end of the stroke) according to the time sequence of the points (the aforementioned are steps 301-303).
In step 304, vector a of the handwritten inputted letter "G", as shown in FIG. 11, is calculated as an (2N-1) dimensional vector comprising the elements of L1/(L1+L2+L3), L2/(L1+L2+L3) and L3/(L1+ L2+ L3), wherein L1 is the length of the first stroke (indicated by a solid line in FIG. 11), L2 is the distance between the end of the first stroke and the origin of the second stroke (indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 11), and L3 is the length of the second stroke (indicated by a solid line in FIG. 11): each of the aforementioned lengths is divided by L1+L2+ L3 to produce the above elements.
Subsequently, matrix A which is obtained in step 304, is calculated as a (k+1)N row, kN column matrix consisting of the components of row (k+1) (n-1)+i and column k(m-1)+j comprising the angle . OMEGA. formed by means of a straight line joining the di division point i of stroke n and division point j of stroke m, as shown in FIG. 12.
For example, in the case of FIG. 12, the input letter "G" in which N=2, is interpolated and divided wherein k=4, thus matrix A is a 10×8 matrix. In the case when each element of matrix A is expressed by Axy (x=1, 2, . . . , (k+1)N: y=1, 2, . . . , kN), . OMEGA. shown in FIG. 12(A) consists of n=1, i=4, m=2 and j=3, thereby producing A47. In addition, in the same manner, &OHgr; shown in FIG. 12(B) consists of n=2, i=3, m=1 and j=2, thereby producing A82; &OHgr; shown in FIG. 12(C) consists of n=1, i=3, m=1 and j=4, thereby producing A34; and &OHgr; shown in FIG. 12(D) consists of n=2, i=2, m=2 and j=4, thereby producing A78.
The aforementioned matrix A is calculated in the exact same manner with regard to a character written with one stroke. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, when the letter "C" is entered, k=4 and N=1, thus matrix A is a 5×4 matrix. In addition, &OHgr; shown in FIG. 13 consists of n=1, i=5, m=1 and j=2, thereby producing A52.
After the completion of the processes of the aforementioned steps 301- 304, comparison with each template is performed (step 305) [the comparison of the input character with each template will be explained below]. The comparison is conducted until all templates have been compared. When all templates have been compared, the character corresponding to the template with the smallest distance H between the input character from the matrix is outputted as the recognition result (steps 306 and 307).
In the following, the flow of the comparison of the input character with each template in step 305 of FIG. 6 will be explained according to FIG. 7.
However, before proceeding to this explanation, an example of a template shown in FIG. 14 will first be described. With regard to the template "G" shown in the aforementioned figure, the coordinates of the points forming each stroke are registered as a three-stroke character possessing the stroke order information shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. The first stroke order information (FIG. 15) comprises the stroke order of 1, 2, 3 in which the letter "G" is written. In this case, it is possible to continuously write the strokes coming before and after the intervals between strokes 1 and 2, and strokes 2 and 3, thus the minimal number of strokes is designated as "1". The second stroke order information (FIG. 16) comprises the stroke order of 1, 3, 2 in which the letter "G" is written. It is possible to continuously write the strokes coming before and after the interval between strokes 1 and 2, thus the minimal number of strokes, in this case, is designated as "2".
In the flowchart of FIG. 7, the number of strokes when the characters of the templates to be compared are written in square (printed) style is M. After comparing N and M (step 401), in the case when N≦M is not satisfied, the distance H from the matrix of this template and the input character results in H=∞ (step 402). In the case when N≦M is satisfied, the distance G from the vector of this template and the input character is calculated (step 403) [the method for calculating distance G will be explained in detailed below].
Subsequently, this distance G is compared with a preset threshold value (step 404), and in the case when distance G exceeds this preset threshold value, the distance H from the matrix of the aforementioned template and the input character results in H=∞ (step 402). In the case when the aforementioned distance does not exceed the preset threshold value, the distance between matrix A', formed from the above template, and matrix A is calculated (step 405), and this calculated distance is designated as distance H from the matrix of the above template and the input character [the method for calculating distance H will be explained in detailed below]. The procedure moves to step 306 of FIG. 6 after obtaining distance H.
In the following, the flow of the calculation of distance G from the vector of each template and the input character in step 403 of FIG. 7 will be explained according to FIG. 8.
The initial value of distance G from a vector is set to G=∞ (step 501). Each template possesses at least one of the aforementioned stroke order information, and a comparison between the stroke order of the inputted character and the stroke order of a template is performed for each stroke order information. In addition, the minimum number of strokes of the stroke order information to be compared is designated as M', and compared with the number of strokes N of the inputted character (step 502). The result of this comparison is determined (step 503), and in the case when N≧M' is not satisfied, the comparison with the subsequent stroke order is performed (step 504). In the case when N. gtoreq.M' is satisfied, all possible combinations Q for selecting N- M' connection positions from M-M' connection positions are calculated (step 505), and the stroke point coordinates of the template are distributed into N number of strokes based on the stroke order to be compared and connection position Q (step 506).
Vector a' of the template is then calculated in response to the N strokes formed above according to the same method as in the calculation of vector a in step 304 of FIG. 6. In other words, the coordinates of the points forming each stroke of the template are subjected to broken line interpolation (step 507), the interpolated broken line is equally divided (step 508), and vector a' is calculated (step 509). The absolute values of the differences between the components of vector a and vector a' are then summed to produce distance g (step 510). g and G are then compared (step 511), and when g > G, a decision is made as to whether or not a subsequent combination of connection points exists (step 513). In addition, in the case when g < G, G=g is designated, and the stroke order P and combination of connection positions Q are recorded as Pmin and Qmin, respectively (step 512). Following this, a decision is made as to whether or not a subsequent combination of connection points exists (step 513). In the case when a subsequent combination of connection points exists, the process returns to step 505 and the aforementioned procedure is repeated. In the case when a subsequent combination of connection points does not exist, the process moves to step 504 where a comparison with the subsequent stroke order information is performed. When the subsequent stroke order information has been compared, the process moves to step 404 of FIG. 7.
In the following, the flow of the calculation of distance H from the matrix of each template and the input character in step 405 of FIG. 7 will be explained according to FIG. 9.
Initially, the points forming each stroke of the template is distributed into N strokes based on stroke order Pmin and combination of connection positions Qmin (step 601). Matrix A' is the n calculated (step 602-604) with respect to the N strokes formed above in the same manner as in the calculation of matrix A in step 304 of FIG. 6. Calculation of 1- cos(&OHgr;-&OHgr;') for the difference &OHgr;-. OMEGA. ' between each respective component of matrix A and A' are performed, and the overall sum of this calculation with regard to all components is designated as distance H from the matrix (step 605). After distance His obtained according to the aforementioned, the process proceeds to step 306 of FIG. 6.
The procedure of template comparison shown in FIG. 6 will now be concretely explained using, as an example, the case when handwritten input of the letter "G" is performed using two strokes (N=2) as shown in FIG. 17.
The three examples of the stroke order and combination of connection positions when writing the letter "G" using two strokes are shown in FIGS. 18(A)-(C). In FIGS. 18(A)-(C), strokes each of which is handwritten in a single stroke are expressed by a solid line. Vector a' and the distance G from this vector are calculated with respect to each example of FIGS. 18(A)-(C). These results show that the stroke order and combination of connection positions of FIG. 18(B) provide for the smallest distance. The points forming each stroke of the template is then distributed into two strokes based on the aforementioned stroke order and combination of connection positions. In other words, the points of the first stroke of the template are distributed into the first stroke, and the points of the second and the third strokes are distributed into the second stroke. A matrix and distance H from this matrix are then calculated according to the aforementioned method with respect to the two strokes formed above.
As described above, at least one stroke order information is contained in one template. Consequently, even characters written in running style can be processed using only one template, and thus it is possible to reduce the recognition time, as well as the quantity of templates required for comparison with the inputted character. | |
A new feature for Content Publishers allows users to expire content blocks. The expire feature can be used on any block type (rich text, news, calendars etc.) and allows for the scheduled removal of content from a page so that content can be hidden from the public after a specified date/time.
Adding expiration dates for content blocks
- Edit a page containing content to be expired.
- Click the expire button on the block.
- Toggle the expire content button to yes.
- Set the expiration date and time for when the content should become unavailable to visitors.
- Click the expire content block button to close the window.
When content is set to expire in the future, the content block will have tan stripes running through it. The strips are only visible in edit view, to signal that the content is set to expire. Website visitors will not see the stripes.
In edit view, expired content blocks will contain grey stripes. The content will still be available to editors to use at a future date, or delete completely. Unless the expiration date is changed or removed, the content will be invisible to website visitors. | https://support.foxbright.com/hc/en-us/articles/360005953894-Setting-up-content-blocks-to-expire- |
14 is a composite number. 14 = 1 x 14 or 2 x 7. Factors of 14: 1, 2, 7, 14. Prime factorization: 14 = 2 x 7.
When 14 is a clue in the FIND THE FACTORS 1 – 10 or 1 – 12 puzzles, use 2 and 7 as the factors.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
How lovely are your branches…
Do Christmas factor trees have lovely branches? It depends on how they are constructed. For example here are 2 of the many possible factor trees for 1680. I think one of them is more lovely than the other.
This blog is actually about a logic puzzle that is based on the multiplication table. Today we have puzzles that look like Christmas trees, garland, lights, or blocks and a bright star for the very top.
Directions to solve the puzzles: In both the top row and the first column place the numbers 1 – 10 so that they are factors of the given clues. It may be more challenging than you think, especially for the higher level puzzles. If you click 10 Factors 2013-12-09, you can print the puzzles in color or black and white from an excel spreadsheet or you can type the answers directly on the spreadsheet. You must have a spreadsheet program on your device to access the file. | https://findthefactors.com/2013/12/09/o-christmas-tree/ |
On March 11, 2011 the regional secretariat of WANEP and its national network in Nigeria held a debriefing session with the ECOWAS Early Warning Directorate (EWD) at the headquarters of the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, Nigeria. The two institutions had extensive discussions on the peace and security situation in the sub-region with particular emphasis on the ongoing political crisis in Cote d’Ivoire and the contribution of civil society organizations towards an appropriate resolution of the crisis.
The debriefing session was held within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the ECOWAS Commission and WANEP in the operationalisation of a sub-regional early warning and response system in West Africa. The historic partnership of ECOWAS-WANEP, which dates back eight years, serves as an important medium for civil society’s interfacing with the intergovernmental body.
|"We continue to appreciate the availability of WANEP in this very unique partnership and hope that they will do all within its powers to resuscitate the position of the Liaison Officer which helps to make the relationship even tighter"|
|Mrs. Florence Iheme – Ag. Director EDW|
Accra, 24th March 2011 - The deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in Cote d’Ivoire calls for urgent action from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and the International Community under the leadership of the United Nations to stop the killings of innocent civilians especially women and children and the massive displacements of the population. As the Heads of State of ECOWAS meet in Abuja on 23rd and 24th March 2011, there is an urgent need for collective action and a unified position on the resolution of the Ivorian crisis and the protection of the civilian population. .........
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In the past decade, Jos Plateau in the north central zone of Nigeria has been faced with a vicious cycle of violent conflicts that have claimed the lives of thousands and destruction of livelihoods estimated at billions of Naira. It has also led to the displacement of significant number of the population most of who have relocated with their families due to the multiple level of reoccurrence and negative impact of the conflict on their socio-political and economic well-being. Since the re-emergence of the conflict in January 2010, an estimated number of over 3,000 lives have been lost with majority being women and children in different secret killings, attacks and counter attacks with a new dimension of bombing introduced on the eve of Christmas of 2010. Despite the multiple local and national ongoing interventions, the conflicts and degree of violence do not seem to be de-escalating, thereby creating a sense of uncertainty and insecurity amongst the citizenry.
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Following the devastating earthquake that struck northeast Japan, WANEP expresses its profound condolences to the Government and People of Japan over the catastrophic earthquake and the ensuing devastation of the tsunamis leading to the loss of precious lives and destruction of communities.
Mr. Emmanuel Bombande, the Executive Director, in a letter addressed to the Embassy of Japan in Ghana over the tragic effects of the earthquake and tsunamis stated:
‘On behalf of the Board, the Management, members of the Regional Secretariat, members of the networks across the sub-region, the entire WANEP and myself, I extend our deepest sympathies to you and all the people of Japan, to all those affected by the devastating earth quake and tsunami as well as the nuclear reactor explosion that happened in Japan in the past few days. We are together with you in our hearts and prayers at this difficult time. We believe that with the efficiency and bold response mechanisms led by your Prime Minister in the ongoing rescue missions and relief efforts, you will overcome the grave consequences of this unprecedented tragedy’.
Meanwhile, on March 3, 2011 WANEP organized and hosted in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan a round table discussion with Dr. Hoshino from Japan who made a presentation on the theme ‘Japan’s Role in Human Security and Peacebuilding in West Africa’. His presentation revealed the importance Japan attaches to human security and peacebuilding and their willingness to accompany local actors to ensure there is local ownership and success in peacebuilding activities. | http://www.wanep.org/wanep/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=25&Itemid=33&limitstart=477 |
“Universal history”, as a Kantian concept, arises from the fusion of philosophy with history. This treatise explores Kant’s essay, “Idea for a Universal History from a Cosmopolitan Point of View”. Analysis of this essay leads to a hope that history, when studied in its entirety, reveals Nature’s intentions for man; and all human actions confirm to Nature’s intention of achieving perfection within the horizon of cosmopolitanism.
INTRODUCTION
Asserting universal meaning to the entirety of human history, instead of being limited to one historical phenomenon is known as “universal history”. Historical events, when studied in isolation, seem meaningless. However, the interpretation of history using philosophy suggests that Nature has a purpose for man, which is to create an environment where the natural predispositions of man are fully developed. Kant has introduced this aim at an individual level, and then applied it to the whole world, thereby building the concept of cosmopolitanism and giving rise to universal history. | https://www.majortests.com/essay/Essay-On-Cosmopolitanism-PJVV4QXA26.html |
Campaigners, trade unions and politicians have criticised the anticipated 3.5% rise in commuters' train fares next year.
Pressure group the Campaign for Better Transport urged the Government to "commit to a fares freeze".
The annual cost of getting to work for many long-distance travellers is expected to rise by more than £150.
The exact increase will be confirmed when the July Retail Prices Index (RPI) measure of inflation is released by the Office for National Statistics on Wednesday.
But economists from Investec and the EY Item Club both predict the figure will be announced as 3.5%.
The Department for Transport (DfT) uses July's RPI to determine the annual increase in regulated train fares, which comes into force every January.
Regulated fares include season tickets on most commuter routes, some off-peak return tickets on long distance journeys and Anytime tickets around major cities.
These fares went up by 3.6% this year.
In January the Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, said RPI has "no merit", adding that "virtually everyone recognises" the alternative Consumer Prices Index (CPI).
Rail campaigners want CPI to be used to determine regulated fare increases, as it is generally lower than RPI.
The fare increase announcement comes as new research shows passenger satisfaction with rail punctuality and reliability has fallen in the last 10 years.
Analysis of Transport Focus survey results by consumer group Which? revealed that the proportion of people satisfied with those categories of train performance declined from 79% in spring 2008 to 73% in spring 2018.
The introduction of a new timetable in May caused widespread chaos in the North of England and on various London commuter lines. Thousands of passengers are still waiting to receive enhanced compensation.
The disruption led to the Government vetoing further timetable changes expected in December, which means upgrades in areas such as the West Midlands, the West of England and South Western Railway routes have been cancelled or delayed indefinitely.
A Campaign for Better Transport spokesman said: "Given the mess surrounding the new timetable, the lack of improvements and the failure to deliver compensation, the Government cannot go on telling passengers that fare increases are justified."
Shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald claimed Transport Secretary Chris Grayling's handling of the railways is "now beyond a joke".
He called for the Government to freeze fares on the routes most severely affected by the timetable changes - Govia Thameslink Railway, Northern and TransPennine Express - as a "small gesture of goodwill towards those passengers who have suffered".
Mick Cash, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union, described the looming far increase as "another kick in the teeth for Britain's passengers".
A DfT spokesman said: "Any fare increase is unwelcome, but it is not fair to ask people who do not use trains to pay more for those who do.
"Taxpayers already subsidise the network by more than £4 billion a year - meaning that 38% of our transport budget is spent on the 2% of journeys that the railway accounts for."
A Scottish Government spokesman said: "ScotRail's fares increases are generally lower, on average, than those elsewhere in the UK.
"This is a result of our policy to place a cap that is lower than RPI on regulated off-peak fares increases, whereas the UK Government applies an increase at the level of RPI to all regulated fares."
Paul Plummer, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, representing train companies, said: "Of every pound spent on train fares, 98p is invested back into the railway, helping to underpin a once-in-a-generation investment to change and improve for the benefit of our customers, local communities and UK economy." | https://www.heart.co.uk/scotland/news/local/criticism-of-35-rise-in-rail-season-ticket-costs/ |
© 2015 The Korean Society of Anesthesiologists.
Hyun Kang
Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
Correspondence to:
Hyun Kang
Received
October 8, 2014;
Accepted
December 19, 2014.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0
) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Abstract
Other Sections
Abstract
Reference
Repeated measures designs are widely used in the field of anesthesiology because they allow the detection of within-person change over time and provide a higher statistical power for detecting differences than a single measure design while reducing the costs and efforts to conduct a study. However, the complex process of calculating the sample size for repeated measures design requires profound statistical knowledge and also programming skills in some instances. In the present article, the author describes 1) the basic statistics for repeated measures design, 2) the explanation for G Power software, and 3) how to calculate the sample size using an example. (Anesth Pain Med 2015; 10: 6-15)
Key Words
: G Power, Power calculation, Repeated measures design, Sample size determination, Sphericity
References
Other Sections
Abstract
Reference
Moher D, Dulberg CS, Wells GA. Statistical power, sample size, and their reporting in randomized controlled trials. JAMA 1994;272: 122-4.
Freiman JA, Chalmers TC, Smith H Jr, Kuebler RR. The importance of beta, the type II error and sample size in the design and interpretation of the randomized control trial. Survey of 71 “negative” trials. N Engl J Med 1978; 299: 690-4.
Guo Y, Logan HL, Glueck DH, Muller KE. Selecting a sample size for studies with repeated measures. BMC Med Res Methodol 2013; 13: 100.
Liu G, Liang KY. Sample size calculations for studies with correlated observations. Biometrics 1997; 53: 937-47.
Huynh H, Feldt LS. Conditions under Which Mean Square Ratios in Repeated Measurements Designs Have Exact F-Distributions. JASA 1970; 65: 1582-9.
O'Brien RG, Kaiser MK. MANOVA method for analyzing repeated measures designs: an extensive primer. Psychol Bull 1985; 97: 316-33.
Cohen J. Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences (2nd ed): Hillsdale, 1988.
Faul F, Erdfelder E, Lang AG, Buchner A. G*Power 3: A flexible statistical power analysis program for the social, behavioral, and biomedical sciences. Behav Res Methods 2007; 39: 175-91.
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Lets start off by saying, I love The Lord of the Rings films. They are absolutely my favorite movies of all time, and I think those films are one of the best, if not the best trilogy of all time.
I have been waiting for The Hobbit Trilogy for a very long time, ever since the end of Return of the King. I never understood why it was taking so long and I was worried about it. The thought of Guillermo del Toro potentially directing The Hobbit made me want to shoot myself. I do NOT like his work at all. So when he dropped out and Peter Jackson announced he was directing, I was the happiest guy in the world.
So we have known The Hobbit will be two films for a while now. Right off the back some people may be worried about that. But every single thing will be in the movies, they will not leave any characters out or plot points like they did in The Lord of the Rings. They are also adding a couple characters and bringing back characters. That right there is enough for me to grasp and be thankful for. We wont be watching a rushed film, instead we will be watching two perfectly paced films.
Then a couple days ago Peter Jackson threw us for a loop, when he announced The Hobbit Part 3. Now I was a little worried, not for the films their self. But what the heck is this going to be about? That’s also what a lot of other people are asking too. How is one book going to be three films? I will tell you, I am not making any of this up. All the things I am telling you, all come from Peter Jackson himself, things stated throughout various interviews.
The Hobbit book follows Bilbo and the dwarves only. Gandalf does join them throughout the book, but often leaves. As I understand in the Appendix of The Hobbit, it explains what Gandalf goes and does, I wont spoil anything, but its, enough stuff to be a big chunk of a movie. It wont all be shown at once, but put in how it would be in the book.
Another thing that will be in the film, enough to make a third Hobbit, are private notes Tolkien himself wrote about events in The Hobbit. Now I do not know exactly what these notes contain, nor does anyone else. But it is an additional 100+ pages. So between the Gandalf things and the new things, that should be enough.
Another thing that could be twenty-thirty minutes when translated to film should be that Battle of Five Armies. The battle could be very detailed and be potentially the greatest thing ever!
So those are my thoughts on the whole thing, I’m not worried at all. I have complete faith in Peter Jackson and if anyone can make it work, its him! | http://brightonbiz.co.uk/the-hobbit-trilogy/ |
1. Linking with the Previous Article
In the previous article (“Looking Anew at Education”) the following theses were defended:
- All that we need to live our life with autonomy and that is not innate to us must be acquired through education (apud Rousseau);
- Education, in this sense, is learning-centered, not teaching-focused, and learning is a lifelong endeavor that begins at birth and ends only at death (apud UNESCO);
- Education, thus understood, is too rich a process to be limited to the confines of a single institution or organization, such as the family, or the school, or even a combination of both, and must be seen as the responsibility of the entire society (apud UNESCO, OECD, and others);
- Society, therefore, in all of its complexity, must be seen as the learning environment in which education (i.e., learning) takes place: the locus par excellence of education is the world, not the school (apud Illich and others);
- In this learning environment we educate one another through continuous interaction and dialogue, always mediated by the world, and in this process we all use resources that, in traditional education, are reserved for the school to be deployed only by the teacher (apud Freire);
- The final goal of education is human development: through education we, who at birth are unfinished beings, become conscious of our incompletion and attempt to become always more fully human through the implementation of our strategic life project (apud Freire, UNDP, and others).
It is clear that, in this paradigm, the distinction between formal and non-formal education loses importance, and, therefore, the role of conventional schooling in education is considerably diminished.
It is also clear that in the transition from the present to the new paradigm, which can be quite long, we cannot do without the school. But the school must undergo a process of change and innovation in order to participate in this transition.
2. Change and Innovation
The twentieth century was a century of change. If we compare the beginning of the twentieth and of the twenty first centuries, 1901 and 2001, we see that the world, in most respects, was not same in those two occasions. The fact that in 2001 a new millennium, and not merely a new century, began, helped feed the sensation that the world had radically changed during the previous one hundred years.
It is undeniable that technological innovation, even though it was not an agent of change (this role is reserved exclusively for humans), was an important tool of change. The telephone, the movies, the radio, the record player, the automobile, the airplane, the computer, the Internet, the television, the video camera, recorder, and player, the mobile phone, and many other technologies (medical technologies, for instance) came to fruition in the twentieth century, even if their roots were in the second half of the previous century (mostly in the latter portion of it). In due time, all of these technologies, which originally were quite different from one another, became digital or computerized, in a mechanism frequently labeled convergence.
The changes that these innovative technologies leveraged in the world were broad, deep and pervasive. Pervasive in the case means that almost every aspect of private, social, and professional life was affected by them.
The school was, and has remained, a notable exception. It is true that there were small changes and innovations within the school, but they were mostly superficial or cosmetical, and very often affected only a single dimension of the institution: the institution as a whole was not transformed.
In order to better understand this assertion we must have in mind the relation between change and innovation.
Innovation involves change, but not every change brings innovation.
As many authors have convincingly argued in recent times, after Thomas S. Kuhn’s seminal work, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (1962), change can be of two kinds:
- Ordinary change, or change that is contained within the established paradigm;
- Extraordinary change, or change that leads to the replacement of the paradigm.
In the first case we usually have small, piecemeal, incremental, gradual changes — surface improvements of an established paradigm. The changes or improvements do not question the paradigm: they take it for granted. When they have to deal with practice (and not theory), these changes and improvements do not depart too much from the conventional, almost universally accepted, way of doing things.
In the second case we usually have to deal with broad, profound, systemic (holistic), radical, often abrupt changes, that lead to the destruction of an established paradigm and its replacement by another. The changes here subvert the established paradigm, since they aim at replacing it by another paradigm. When they have to deal with practice (and not theory), these changes significantly depart from the conventional, generally accepted, way of doing things.
If we extend a bit further the use of a political analogy, we could say that the first kind of change is reformative, while the second is transformative. Reformative change is “change within the paradigm”. Transformative change is “change of the paradigm”. Transformative change is very close to, if not the same thing as, revolutionary change. It is also very close to, if not the same thing as, recreating or reinventing that which is the object of change.
The main indicator that helps us differentiate between the transformative and the reformative nature of a proposed change is the degree of innovation that it represents in relation to what presently is thought or done. Innovation has to do with what is new. Its degree can be measured by comparing what is new in thought or practice with present thought or practice. The greater the degree of innovation, the greater the departure from present thought or practice and so the greater the breadth, depth, all-inclusiveness, and radicality of the change.
The following figure, taken from a small book by David Hargreaves called Education Epidemic, available for free on the Internet, helps understand what is being said here.
3. The School: Reformation or Transformation?
The graphic shows that the two kinds of change mentioned can lead to:
- Institutional or organizational reformation: when the change takes place within existing structures and maintains the present paradigm;
- Institutional or organizational transformation: when the change goes beyond existing structures and replaces the present paradigm (to transform is to go beyond [trans] present form, to transcend existing structure, to replace the paradigm).
Something else that is important is the following. If, in a process of change, we concede too much to existing thought and practice, innovation will be the first victim: there will be little that is new and the end result will not be very different from where we started.
Three quotes, coming from widely different sources, corroborate this assertion:
“The only way to drastically change the world is to imagine it different from the way it is today. Apply too much of the wisdom and knowledge that got us here, and you end up right where you started. If you want to get different results, take a fresh look from a new perspective” (Jay Allard, former Microsoft Vice-President – quote slightly altered for emphasis; bold and underlining added).
“If you keep doing pretty much what you’ve always done, you’ll keep on getting pretty much what you’ve always got” (Jack Canfield, well-known author – quote slightly altered for emphasis).
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” (attributed to many people, including Benjamin Franklin and Albert Einstein).
As already mentioned, the last sixty years brought about change in the world that was broad, profound, systemic (holistic), radical, often abrupt, and frequently unexpected. This change led to significant departures from existing thought and practice in almost every area of life – enough to cause many important authors to speak of a new Renaissance, a new era, a new civilization. It is difficult to imagine that this sort of change would leave an important institution of society, such as the school, unaffected.
And yet, as mentioned in the previous section, the school was, and continues to be, a notable exception among the institutions that the twentieth century inherited from the previous centuries. While it is undeniable that there have been small changes and innovations within the school in the past two hundred and fifty years or so, they are mostly superficial or cosmetical, and very often affect only one single dimension of the institution: either the curriculum, or the methodology, or the form of assessment, or the kind of technology used, or the other resources employed, or the style of management, or the relation with the world of work, or the relation with the surrounding community, etc. The institution itself has not been significantly changed. It certainly has not been transformed: the school is still basically the same institution created around two centuries and a half ago at the beginning of the Industrial Civilization.
There seems to be little doubt that the school will become an obsolete institution (assuming it is not there yet) and eventually die if we allow it to rest content with a lesser sort of change that keeps too close to existing thought and practice. But that is what will happen if we limit the degree of innovation that affects it.
So, when we speak of innovation, it is this second kind of change – transformative, revolutionary change – that we must have in mind: it is the reinvention of the school that we must pursue. This is the only attitude compatible with the paradigm proposed in the previous article. And yet this will not take place quickly: it will require persistence and patience.
To create itself anew, and before it can renew its practice, the school must rethink its theoretical framework, that is, its pedagogical vision, which includes its view of education and learning and its understanding of its own role in the learning of the students.
4. The School of the Industrial Civilization
The school that we know was created in the Industrial Civilization according to the model that prevailed in the factory. These are the main elements of this model:
- First, you define the core function of the factory: in the case of the school, the delivery to the new generations of the cultural legacy of the past;
- Second, you define and organize the processes: in the case of the school, you organize the legacy in compartments (disciplines) and divide it up in dosages adequate to the imagined capacity of those to whom it is going to be delivered (grades);
- Third, you define a methodology, namely, the way in which this legacy ought to be delivered to the students: disciplinary teaching to groups of no more than forty students for several periods of no more than fifty minutes with small intervals (five to ten minutes) between them;
- Fourth, you define the professionals you need to deliver the legacy through teaching: specialists in the content of the disciplines (which, if too complex, may require a specialist for the earlier years and another for the more advanced years);
- Fifth, you define methods of quality control: regular assessments in the form of quizzes, tests, examinations that guarantee that everyone, in a given age group, knows basically the same about any given discipline;
- Sixth, you define other norms that guarantee that the students attentively receive the delivery in orderly and disciplined regiments, that they do not talk or consult with each other especially during assessments, and that make it difficult, if not impossible, for any student to claim or receive individualized attention or personalized treatment.
- Seventh, you define what should be the standard profile of the student as he finishes his schooling and final examinations that should guarantee that all graduating students conform to this profile
5. The School in the Learning Society
In the present stage we do not as yet have a Learning Society: a society in which all institutions have an educational focus and contribute to the learning of those that participate in them.
But we must create a new school that performs a transitional role in helping create the Learning Society and in preparing us to actively, interactively and collaboratively learn in it.
In the next article its contours will be discussed.
São Paulo, on the 12th of October, 2012, revised in São Paulo, on the 22nd of August, 2017
(*) I thank Microsoft’s Brazilian subsidiary for the authorization to use in this article material that I wrote at her request five years ago. | https://deschooling.education/2017/08/22/2-change-innovation-and-the-school/ |
An upcoming study shows the future for birds and insect life around Fukushima has been badly damaged, an ominous sign of things to come.
The study, set to be published next week in Environmental Pollution, looked at 14 species of birds common to Fukushima and Chernobyl. David McNeillwrites in the Irish Times:
Researchers working in the irradiated zone around the disabled Fukushima nuclear plant say bird populations there have begun to dwindle, in what may be a chilling harbinger of the impact of radioactive fallout on local life.
In the first major study on the impact of the world’s worst nuclear crisis in 25 years, the researchers from Japan, the US and Denmark say that analysis of 14 species of birds common to Fukushima and Chernobyl shows the effect on numbers is worse in the Japanese disaster zone. [..]
Timothy Mousseau and Anders Pape Moller say their research there uncovered major negative effects among the local bird population, including reductions in longevity, male fertility and birds with smaller brains.
Many species show “dramatically” elevated DNA mutation rates, developmental abnormalities and extinctions, they add, while insect life has been significantly reduced.
Japanese researchers began studying flora and fauna around Fukushima in November, with an initial report on the findings expected in March. | https://www.agoracosmopolitan.com/news/international/2012/02/13/2951-alien-agenda-fukushima-bird-population-going-extinct.html |
The development of general scientific abilities is critical to enable students of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to successfully handle open-ended real-world tasks in future careers (1–6). Teaching goals in STEM education include fostering content knowledge and developing general scientific abilities. One such ability, scientific reasoning (7–9), is related to cognitive abilities such as critical thinking and reasoning (10–14). Scientific-reasoning skills can be developed through training and can be transferred (7, 13). Training in scientific reasoning may also have a long-term impact on student academic achievement (7). The STEM education community considers that transferable general abilities are at least as important for students to learn as is the STEM content knowledge (1–4). Parents consider science and mathematics to be important in developing reasoning skills (15). | http://www.istarassessment.org/category/sr-research/ |
What is current local time in Landskrona now?
View Landskrona, Sweden correct time. Landskrona online html clock
1:22:07 PM, Wednesday 15, August 2018 CEST 24 hours
|Standard time:||UTC/GMT +1 hour|
|Daylight saving time:||+1 hour|
|Current time zone offset:||UTC/GMT +2 hours|
|Time zone abbreviation:||CEST|
DST starts on Sunday 25 March 2018, 02:00 Landskrona standard time
DST ends on Sunday 28 October 2018, 03:00 Landskrona daylight time
|Today||Yesterday||Tomorrow|
|Sunrise Time:||5:41:13 AM 05:41:13||5:39:16 AM 05:39:16||5:43:10 AM 05:43:10|
|Sunset Time:||8:44:56 PM 20:44:56||8:47:17 PM 20:47:17||8:42:35 PM 20:42:35|
|Length of day:||15 h 03 m 43 s||15 h 08 m 01 s||14 h 59 m 25 s|
|Solar Noon:||1:13:05 PM 13:13:05||1:13:16 PM 13:13:16||1:12:52 PM 13:12:52|
|Astronomical Twilight Starts:||2:39:10 AM 02:39:10||2:33:20 AM 02:33:20||2:44:39 AM 02:44:39|
|Astronomical Twilight Ends:||11:46:59 PM 23:46:59||11:53:13 PM 23:53:13||11:41:05 PM 23:41:05|
|Latitude:||55° 52′ 15″ North|
|Longitude:||12° 49′ 49″ East|
Time at locations near Landskrona time zone: Berlin, Madrid, Rome, Paris, Budapest, Hamburg, Warsaw, Vienna, Barcelona, Stockholm, Belgrade, Munich, Milan, Prague, Copenhagen, Salzburg, Monaco, Brussels, Gdansk
|Airport||IATA||ICAO||Distance to Landskrona|
|Copenhagen Airport||CPH||EKCH||30 km|
|Malmoe Airport||MMX||ESMS||49 km|
Online html clock provided by 24TimeZones.com is really nice and fancy website widget! You can adjust color and size of your Landskrona online html clock or choose advanced clocks for almost any city in the world here!
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Local time in Landskrona, Landskrona, Sweden - you may check correct current time, standard offset to GMT, summer/winter time 2018, and time conversion dates on this page.
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This is a video segment, with added text subtitling, taken from the documentary film “The Heavens Declare” Part 2 where in I describe the new physics of how light from the most distant galaxies could have reached Earth in just 24 hours during the Creation by God 6000 years ago. My model is based on Carmeli’s cosmology and where the Universe was rapidly stretched out by the Creator on Day 4 of Creation week when He made the stars and galaxies. This provides a solution to the creationist light-travel-time problem.
Modern astronomy describes a universe that is billions of light-years in extent. If we reasonably assume that a light-year is the distance that light travels in one year at one light-year per year and that the speed of light has been a constant over all time since the creation of the Universe then creationists have a problem, don’t they? Since the Universe was created only a mere 6 thousand years ago how can light travel billions of light-years? This is called a light-travel-time problem.
Despite increasingly compelling arguments from biblical creationists that offer solutions to this problem, still many doubt the Bible’s clear timescale. This is because, they think, it is impossible for light to have reached Earth in only a few thousand years from galaxies that are billions of light-years away. This misconception is often the ultimate stumbling block to a straightforward acceptance of the Bible—even the gospel itself.
This book, Starlight, Time, and the New Physics, provides one such solution and it is summarized below. But before proceeding know this, the most accepted model describing the origin of the universe in the hot big bang also has a light-travel-time problem. This is called the horizon problem. See my blog, Big bang has a light-travel-time problem.
It is often claimed by anti-biblical creationists that believing the literal Creation account as described in the first 11 chapters of Genesis is the same as believing in pseudosciences like alchemy, astrology, and even a flat Earth. The reason they say this is because some galaxies are billions of light-years distant from us in the universe, so how could light travel to Earth in the 6 thousand years available since the Creation? Surely light could only travel 6000 light-years in 6000 years. That is not even outside our galaxy. This is then called a light-travel-time problem. But the most accepted model describing the origin of the universe, the hot big bang inflation model has a light-travel-time problem. It is called the horizon problem.
The horizon problem can be understood best from the illustration (left). First imagine two points on the last scattering surface (LSS) of the big bang fireball that were initially much closer together. We now allegedly see radiation in the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) coming from these points on that putative source 13.8 billion years after the universe has expanded by an expansion factor of about 1100. According to the theory, by the time the radiation gets to our vicinity in the universe it has cooled by the same expansion factor, and we measure its temperature in the CMB at almost a uniform temperature of 2.72548±0.00057 K (-270 °C), which is uniform to about 1 part in 100,000. That is, it is at the same temperature for all directions in space. It is extremely uniform. So how is that possible?
The big bang theory describes the origin of the Universe starting some 13.8 billion years ago with a ultra-hot plasma cooling to form hydrogen and helium gas in an expanding universe. From this, a billion years later, stars and then galaxies allegedly started to form. Some of the stars exploded building the heavier elements and dust and then about 5 billion years ago our sun allegedly condensed from a solar nebula of the gas and dust from recycled stars. Then about 4.6 billion years ago planet Earth and the rest of the planets in the solar system formed from the remnants of that cloud. Eventually the Earth cooled, oceans formed, life started by some unknown mechanism, crawled out of the ocean onto the land, and over the past 3.8 billion years life evolved from single-celled organisms to the complex life today. Man allegedly evolved from some ape-like ancestors over the past 2 million years. But what does the straight-forward account of the Creation in Genesis chapter 1 describe?
The observational evidence1 that the late Halton Arp and others have accumulated, documented and described provides a starkly different story about the location and distribution of galaxies and quasi-galactic objects (including quasars) in the universe from that which is promoted by big-bang cosmologists and the popular press.
Instead of the notion that all matter originated in the initial big bang Arp promoted the idea that new matter formed in a series of little bangs with quasars (or QSOs = quasi-stellar objects) being ejected from the hearts of active galaxies, which in turn eject more quasars which eventually evolve into galaxies over millions of years of cosmic time.
After Edwin Hubble published his astronomical observations of the redshifted light from nearby galaxies in 1929 it has almost universally been taught that the Universe is expanding. Hubble observed in the light from most of those galaxies that the spectral lines were shifted towards the red end of the spectrum as compared to a local laboratory source of the same atomic gas species. See illustration below. From this he interpreted that it was a Doppler effect, where the galaxies were receding from us the observer.
The Doppler effect is what you experience when you hear the pitch of the sound coming from a speeding train rushing past you. Also you might have had experience with ultra-sound imagining–there the Doppler effect is used to see the flow rate of blood in your arteries and veins. Those examples employ sound waves but the Doppler effect is real physics applied to electromagnetic waves in police radar or weather radar.
The question needs to be asked though, is this the same effect seen in the light from galaxies around us? Cosmologists today say, No! They interpret the observations differently. They say it results from the expansion of space–called cosmological expansion. The galaxies are actually not moving (except for local motion within their own clusters). The universe is expanding and over time it appears to us that they are moving away from us. Hubble discovered, and it has been confirmed many times since, that the greater the distance to a galaxy the greater the spectral lines are redshifted. This is called the Hubble Law.
Halton Arp passed away on Saturday morning 28th December 2013 in Munich, Germany. He will be sorely missed by many but not so much by others because of his challenges to the ruling big bang paradigm.
With Geoffrey Burbidge and others, Professor Halton Arp was a thorn in the side of those who held to the standard story line of the big bang. In many papers and several books1 he promoted the idea that quasars are born from the nucleus of active galaxies—parent galaxies.
Cosmology is Not Science!
We might ask, with all the modern technology—including space-borne telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope and numerous others, and large, earth-based telescopes with adaptive optics and advanced supercomputers for image processing and simulations—hasn’t the evidence now been firmly found to establish the big bang as correct? The following paragraphs (emphases added) from a 2007 article in the prestigious journal Science includes quotes from three well-known cosmologists.1
The great I AM born in a manger
In the book of Exodus chapter 3 we read about when God called Moses to lead the children of Israel out from under the oppression of the Pharaoh of Egypt. The following is the English translation of the Hebrew text Exodus 3:13,14 (KJB = King James Bible)
13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?
14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
The argument is this: The universe is extremely large—tens of billions of light-years across. The Bible tells us that God made the universe a mere 6000 years ago. How does the light from distant galaxies reach earth then? Surely that size of the universe demands an enormous timescale?
But couldn’t God just have created the light in transit. No, that would be deceptive. It would mean a stream of light carrying false information for billions of years to come.
But surely even you must admit that the simplest and even most logical explanation (if you don’t first presuppose that the biblical account in Genesis is correct) is that the light, from galaxies millions of light-years away, did indeed travel for millions of years to get here? | https://biblescienceforum.com/page/54/ |
Boston, Massachusetts is known for having an economy that thrives on research, education, health care, technology, and social character. It is also one of the oldest and wealthiest cities in the United States. The city was founded in 1630 and was dubbed the "city on the hill," along with many other nicknames throughout the years. Boston has also been referred to as Beantown, due to its popularity of the molasses rich Boston Baked beans that are a tradition to the people who are natives of the area. Boston is extremely rich in culture, natural resources and a history made solid by the first Native Americans, explorers, and Puritans that set foot on her rich soil.
The original settlers fell in love with the islands of Boston Harbor, and many refused to leave even after their deaths which is why Boston may be known for many of it's famous haunting's to this day. Many of these ghosts have been reported at various locations throughout the city, as rumors of sightings never seem to end. In fact the ghosts of Boston have become so popular that the city offers an actual ghost tour so that anyone brave enough to meet the folklore and local legends head on can get that hair raising experience up close and personal.
The Boston Commons are well known for being haunted since public hangings were held there regularly up until 1817, and there have been many reports of ghostly sightings over the years. A small cemetery nearby has been reported as having three different spirits, the most predominant one being that of a young woman dressed in black, appearing lost, who disappears when approached. The most widely witnessed apparitions seen at the Boston Commons is that of two female spirits dressed in nineteenth century Edwardian tea attire, walking arm in arm, smiling at passerby's, but quickly vanishing when approached.
The Boston Gardens carries several legends and spirits within its eerily beautiful interior. Many visitors and locals claim to have seen spirits playing cards and the legendary Paul Revere with his horse, while others claim to have entered a time warp of sorts when entering the garden at night. In 1897, an underground gas explosion killed ten people at the Boylston Street stop on the Green Line subway. The countries oldest abandoned subway is literally brimming with ghostly activity that has drawn in ghost hunters from every corner of the United States in an effort to get documented proof of paranormal activity.
The Omni Parker House on Tremont Street in downtown Boston is not only prestigious, but it is haunted. The original owner, Harvey Parker has been spotted frolicking in the halls, walking through walls, and guests have reported him standing at the foot of their bed. Room 303 has had the most documented encounters by far as unexplained laughter and talking can be heard by visitors, and the stench of cigar smoke wafts through the air. Unexplained fires and lit cigarettes have been found in the room just just in time before any serious damages occurred. Room 303 has since been turned into a closet due to too many reports from guests complaining about irritating disturbances. The history of the Omni is sketchy, but it is known that a man killed himself at the Omni in 1949, and that five students were accidentally killed in a prank in 1770 on the Parker House land.
Sitting in Boston's Back Bay on Beacon Street is the Charles gate Hotel, built in 1891 by John Pickering Putnam; his architectural influence was derived from his interest in Nationalism. Frequented by the wealthy until the 1920's, the Charlesgate quickly became a boarding house for ladies of the night and it was linked to the Mafia. The Hotel is now filled with multiple condominiums complete with visitors from the other side. Apparitions in the form of Flappers have been spotted by several dozen workman and visitors, and the basement, once a stable has had quite a few sightings of ghost horses.
The Emerson Majestic Theatre, built in 1903 has been noted for being one of the most haunted theatres in the district. The unused balcony is haunted by a couple with a child dressed in turn of the century clothing, and a seat in the audience is often frequented by a ghostly Mayor that died during a performance in the theatre. Playwright Eugene O'Neill lived in Suite 401 at the Boston University in Shelton Hall, and in 1953 he died there. He was said to have lived a torturous life and acted out his suffering through his plays. O'Neill has been seen by many students as he haunts the floor that is now reserved for students majoring in writing.
The sign over the entrance to the 164-year-old John Stone's Inn claims it offers "spirits, food and lodging," but it is not until you see Captain John Stone's picture staring down from above the bar, that you know about which kind of spirits they are talking about. For starters, the spirit of a 10-year-old girl is often reported staring out a window in a storage room near the kitchen, and an invisible intruder enjoys putting his hands around the necks of customers in the dining room.
Several employees have felt an unseen presence tapping them on the shoulder or holding their hands under the ice when they try to fill buckets. Other unexplained occurrences include glasses flying across the dining room, cups falling off shelves for no reason, and mysterious $10 bills materializing in a tip jar. In 1984, investigators held two televised séances in an upstairs lounge in front of 150 witnesses. They claimed to have contacted the spirits of the little girl, a female innkeeper, and Captain John Stone. The Inn is located in Ashland, Massachusetts, just 25 miles from Boston, but worthy of mentioning considering the frequency of ghostly sightings by guests.
Lt. Andrew Lanier was confined to the Fort Warren prison on George's Island in the Boston Harbor during the civil war. His wife attempted to help her husband escape, only to be caught by guards. Lt. Lanier was killed immediately, and his wife was sentenced to be hanged. She wore a black dress on the day of her hanging, and can still be seen walking the island late at night in her black attire. Many visitors also report hearing gunshots, crying, screaming, and moaning from unknown sources.
Boston's architectural treasures include beautiful brownstones adorned by picturesque cobblestone lined streets. Ornate gas-lit street lamps light the way in quaint neighborhoods like Beacon Hill and Charles Street. It is a charming sight to see and one cobblestone lane that lay between Willow and Cedar on Beacon Hill is not only the most photographed street in America, but also perhaps the most haunted. Numerous stories about sightings of ghostly figures in civil war attire and turn of the century garb have been told over the years by locals and tourists.
A two and a half mile walk through Freedom Trail invite ghost seekers to enjoy sixteen historic sites by conveniently following a red trail starting from the Boston Commons and ending by crossing the Charles River to the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. The colorful tour of Boston's history includes storytellers, three burial grounds, churches, Massachusetts State House, the Boston Massacre site, and the Paul Revere House, along with other monuments. Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere, and the victims of the Boston Massacre are all buried at the Granary Burying Grounds found along the Freedom Trail.
Many visitors have reported ghostly sightings along the trail as well as pockets of cold air, and other strange unexplained events. It is not uncommon to have an extra person that you did not know about show up in photos. However, they do not appear as colorful as your friends and family members. The many spirits that have been witnessed along the trail appear to be dressed in everything from period clothing to Edwardian finery, and civil war uniforms. These entities from another era greet visitors in a friendly fashion, often by smiling or nodding at the tour guests, but quickly vanish if approached. | https://guides.wikinut.com/Paranormal-Travels%2C-Boston%2C-Massachusetts/3iy2r-bi/ |
An Evening with Cabinet: In Defense of Forgetting
In The Book of Laughter and Forgetting, Milan Kundera writes: “The struggle of man against power is the struggle of memory against forgetting.” This perspective—one that bears the mark of life under a totalitarian regime in which repression often took the form of enforced forgetting—assumes that remembering is always a virtue, and that to not remember is a failure. But can forgetting be a virtue? How do we understand the relationship between what needs to be forgotten in order for other things to be remembered? This event will explore how the humanities and the sciences engage with the various functions and values of forgetting. | https://pen.org/event/an-evening-with-cabinet-in-defense-of-forgetting/ |
Are you ready?
This intelligence test measures your creativity and ability to think of multiple solutions. Play the timer below for 2 minutes, following the directions in the Google Form below. (reset the timer after each box.)
2 MIN TIMER
What's the Point of This?
I started reading Malcom Gladwell's Outliers this week. The basic thesis of this book is that "outliers," particularly successful or extraordinary people like Bill Gates or Andrew Carnegie are not solely the product of hard work, genius, or go-get-ivesness, but a combination of brilliance, opportunity, and/or luck.
In one chapter he uses the case of psychologist Lewis Terman's longitudinal study of geniuses, "Genetic Studies of Genius". Terman's "termites," as he called them were children selected from prestigious families and schools for the highest of high of IQ scores. His hypothesis was that when these children grew up and impacted their professions, you would find multiple Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and influential civil servants.
More than 40 years into the study, his hypothesis was critiqued as resoundingly false. One contributing factor to success beyond our popular notion of "high IQ" is creativity. Successful individuals are not only "smart," but they are often creative problem solvers and abstract thinkers.
Gladwell introduces an "alternative intelligence test," that measures divergent intelligence (ability to think creatively in many directions vs. traditional IQ assessments that measure convergent intelligence, the ability to eliminate other options to a "right" answer). One of the more popular tests is Guilford's Alternative Uses Task (1967), which asks participants to think creatively about common, everyday items.
How could I use this in my class?
I think administering the Alternative Uses Task would be a great thing to do with your students when trying to unlock creativity or effort in your classroom. Many students who may feel insecure about their traditional IQ intelligence could do well at the task, opening up for you (and them) the idea of who is "smart" in your class.
Divergent thinking is important in finding multiple solutions to problems that can often get kids stuck on word problems/ open-ended problems. Knowing who the creative thinkers are in your room helps you and your students know who to go to as the "experts" when students are stuck for ideas. Facilitating these exchanges also open up opportunities for leadership beyond the "smart" students, engaging more of your students.
It could be especially interesting as an opener to presenting your students with a 3-Act Math Story.
WANT SOME FOR MORE? | http://www.mrcbaker.com/2014/12/are-you-gifted-try-this-intelligence.html |
Review: current and new generation pneumococcal vaccines.
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines (PPVs) and conjugate vaccines (PCVs), of which PPV23 and PCV13 are the current front runners, have had a significant, beneficial impact on public health. With regard to PPV23, there has been some debate, however, about its protective efficacy against all-cause pneumonia, as opposed to invasive pneumococcal disease, in high-risk cases. PCVs, on the other hand, have been included in many national immunisation programmes for prevention of severe pneumococcal disease in infants and young children, as well as for adults in various high-risk categories. Although innovative and effective, the protective efficacy of PCVs, the composition of which is based on the geographic prevalence and virulence of pneumococcal serotypes, is limited due to colonisation of the nasopharynx with non-vaccine serotypes. This phenomenon of serotype replacement has provided the impetus for development of new generation recombinant protein and whole cell pneumococcal vaccines with the potential to provide serotype-independent protection. In addition to an overview of the successes and limitations of PPVs and PCVs, this review is focused on emerging and pipeline protein-based and whole cell vaccines, preceded by a consideration of conserved pneumococcal virulence factors which are potential vaccine candidates.
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The US has committed to withdraw from Paris, abolished domestic climate policies and emissions are set to increase, or at best stablise. Are these actions long-lasting? In new research, Dr. Luke Kemp argues that the actions of Trump alone are unlikely to have a large long-term impact on emissions, unless carried on by future administrations. Yet the poor climate policy decisions of the US are deeper and can be attributed to the fossil fuel lobby and Republican Party.
Donald Trump’s announcement on 1st June 2017 to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement gained much attention. But Dr. Luke Kemp, lecturer at the ANU Fenner School of Environment and Society, argues that this decision itself will not have an effect on emissions. In research recently published in Palgrave Communications he outlines what current actions are likely to shape US emissions in the longer-term.
For example, the Dakota and Keystone XL oil pipelines which could each contribute the equivalent of more than 100 mega tonnes of carbon dioxide for the next 50 years are worthy of more attention than withdrawal.
Current actions by the Trump administration will either lock-in place large amounts of emissions over decades, or be shorter lasting and less damaging. That is, some policies will have a long-term ‘lock-in potential’.
Those with a low lock-in potential are short-lived and are easily reversed. An example of a low lock-in potential decision was the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. If a future US President wishes to re-enter, it could take only a matter of months and would not need the consent of the US Senate.
A high lock-in potential decision is one that is harder to reverse and will result in extensive future emissions, which will be the case for the Dakota and Keystone XL oil pipelines. Another example is the cancelation of international climate financing which may result in other countries choosing cheaper fossil fuel alternatives over renewable energy sources.
So, what are the take home messages? The actions of Trump that could be most damaging are often overlooked for symbolic and short-lasting measures such as withdrawal. That Trump is one manifestation of the deeper problem of the recalcitrance of the US fossil fuel lobby and Republican party. It is these factors that have shaped US climate policy and Trump is but a symptom of this locked-in behaviour.
The full research paper can be found here – Kemp, Limiting the climate impact of the Trump Administration, Palgrave Communications 3, Article number: 9 (2017), DOI: 10.1057/s41599-017-0003-6. | http://climate.anu.edu.au/research/stories/us-climate-inaction-bigger-trump |
You are invited to join us for our upcoming webinar. The Burges Salmon Net Zero Team will be hosting a joint UK HFCA and Hydrogen Council webinar, chaired by Brioney Thomas, Partner and Head of Transport at Burges Salmon. The webinar will take place between 14.30 and 16.00 hours on Wednesday 30th September 2020.
This 90 minute webinar, organised by the UK HFCA, will focus on the latest developments in the global hydrogen market development, including the work that the Hydrogen Council is engaged in with global investors, policy makers and industry. It will also provide an overview of the opportunities for hydrogen in the UK. This will include outlining the next steps in the development of the hydrogen and fuel cell market and discussing how deployment can accelerate.
A presentation will be given by Franc Pierre-Etienne from the Hydrogen Council and will be followed by a panel discussion with representatives from Air Liquide, Ceres Power, Johnson Matthey, Anglo American and Burges Salmon.
To register please follow link below. | https://www.burges-salmon.com/news-and-insight/events/webinar-hydrogens-role-in-the-post-covid-recovery-uk-and-international/ |
Chowk is a kind of market in Lucknow, which is the iconic public place of the city. This place tells history from the mid-18th century. The Chowk has three major historical sites, including Gol Darwaza, Shah Meena's Tomb, a Muslim saint, and a fort called Panch Mahal. Since 1766 this palace known as Machhi (fish) building. There are two major reasons for changing the name of Panch Mahal, first that this fort had 26 arches, and two fish were carved in each. The second reason is that the owner of this palace awarded the title of fish honor. Also, fish is considered an auspicious animal. This symbol of fish can be seen not only in the buildings of the Chowk but also in many cases of the government. The Chowk grew in popularity, and gradually it became a major part of Old Lucknow. Important public, cultural, historical, and commercial buildings can also be seen in the Chowk and its surrounding areas.
Weekly Close Days: Thursday
Throughout the year 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM, Last Entry: 10:30 PM
Free for all
Available near the center
21 days Lockdown in india may have to be extended: PM Narendra Modi to opposition.
An adventure is an exciting experience that is typically a bold, sometimes risky, undertaking. Adventures may be activities with some potential for physical danger such as traveling, exploring, skydiving, mountain climbing, scuba diving, river rafting or participating in extreme sports.
Places of natural beauty such as beaches, tropical island resorts, national parks, mountains, deserts and forests, are examples of traditional tourist attractions which people may visit. | https://www.tripinvites.com/places/lucknow/chowk/ |
I hope you'll forgive me, but I don't really like 5-why. It's a decent methodology (especially if you don't do incident analysis often), but in my opinion there are better options. Instead, we can use barrier-based incident analysis methods like Tripod Beta, Barrier Failure Analysis or BSCAT. I'll use Barrier Failure Analysis (BFA) to explain. If you don't know what BFA is, take a look at the picture in this post. Why is this better? Well, here are 5 reasons why I think analysing barrier failures is better than 5-why.
1. Barriers focus your attention
In a 5-why diagram, everything is an event or a root cause. If the incident is large, this can lead to an overwhelming amount of information with no difference between important and supporting events. In barrier failure analysis, events are scaffolding that allow us to identify barriers. Barriers are what the organisation should have had in place and it is where our focus should be. During the investigation this focus is useful to spend the resources we have in the right place. After the investigation is complete, this focus is also useful to communicate more effectively to people that weren't part of the investigation team.
2. There is a clear visual sequence of events
A 5-why diagram flows in one direction. Both the sequence of events and the contributing factors are all displayed from, for instance, left to right. Barrier failure diagrams flow in two directions. The events and barriers are modeled horizontally, and the barrier failure causations are vertical. This makes it easier to distinguish between the direct sequence of events in the incident and the underlying contributing factors.
This is not unique to barrier failure diagrams. For instance causal factors charting also flows in two directions.
3. It's more difficult to stop the analysis too early
5-why gives little guidance beyond asking why and ending up with a root cause. This can lead to root causes which aren't useful root causes. The analysis can stop too early (e.g. 'warning signs were absent', without diving into why they were absent) or actually go too far (everything was 'poor safety culture'). In barrier failure analysis, this problem is reduced by giving each level in the causation path a specific purpose. You describe the immediate cause first, then the context in which that immediate cause can happen, and finally the underlying system level cause. In 5-why, the 5 levels don't have a meaning (except for the final one), which makes it more difficult for people to guide their analysis in the right direction.
4. Recommendations can focus on immediate and long term interventions
There are two logical places in a barrier failure analysis where recommendations can be made. On the barrier for more immediate corrective actions, and on the underlying cause for a more long term systematic intervention. Both are useful because we can first get up and running safely in the short term, and then prevent recurrence in the long term. The recommendations in 5-why usually focus more exclusively on root causes, and thus on the long term only.
5. It's easier to connect to existing risk assessments
Any risk assessment method you use already has the concept of barriers (control measures, IPL's, safeguards or something similar). It's weird to have different ways of thinking for incident analysis and risk assessment when they are really two sides of the same coin. With a barrier-based incident analysis method you can more easily connect back to the barriers in an existing risk assessment. This can be useful for trending across incidents and to add new incident scenarios to the risk assessments. | https://blog.slicerisk.com/5-reasons-why-analysing-barriers-is-better-than-5-why/ |
Element has an opportunity for an Associate Test Technician to join our rapidly expanding team. As a member of the operations team in one of the various laboratories across Elemen. The Associate Test Technician position performs a variety of routine and non-routine testing assignments within the department assigned and insures timely and accurate test results under direct supervision. The technician positions must be proficient in a number of core business skills including but not limited to compliance to established safety rules, code of conduct, and company policies and procedures.
Responsibilities
Prepare material specimens for testing
Perform tests as directed by customer specifications
Operate under the supervision of a more senior test technician and/or a Department Manager
Gather and record test data
Construct and maintain various test fixtures and other laboratory equipment
Skills / Qualifications
Working knowledge of laboratory safety
HS diploma or GED certificate preferred. College or vocational school coursework welcomed
0-2 years\u2019 experience in a testing related field
Possess the ability to work alone periodically throughout the work day with supervision
Understand what must be completed each work day and takes the initiative to complete those tasks properly and timely - does not need Senior/Principal Technician or management to explain what the task is
Ability to read and understand customer specifications and perform the testing required
Able to develop a proven ability to set up and perform a variety of tests according to customer specifications under the supervision and technical input of Senior/Principal
#LI-AL1
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Everything we do helps our customers to build better products; get their products to market on time; save them time and money; and minimize the risk associated with product development and production.
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At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming \u201cthe world\u2019s most trusted testing partner\u201d.
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TIC Council Statement
Element is proud to be a full member of the Testing, Inspection & Certification Council (the \u201cTIC Council\u201d), an international association representing independent testing, inspection and certification companies.
Members of the TIC Council must implement and abide by the TIC Council Compliance Code. Element has therefore issued an overarching Code of Conduct which is supported by our Compliance Programme. A copy of the Code of Conduct and more information about our Compliance Programme can be found in the Governance and Integrity section of www.element.com. | https://www.bluecollarcrossing.com/job/id-2ff577689bd6a10dca95996b62be4daa |
This year, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Ben Bernanke, University of Chicago Professor Douglas Diamond, and Washington University in St. Louis Professor Philip Dybvig won the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel “for research on banks and financial crises.” The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, which awards the Nobel prizes in Physics, Chemistry, and Economics every year, cited Bernanke’s research on the 1929 Wall Street crash and subsequent Great Depression as well as Diamond and Dybvig’s seminal 1983 bank run model as the basis of the award. Together, all three laureates’ works answer two very simple questions: Why do we even have banks, given their potential, as well as previous record, to cause massive economic disruptions? Could bank failures be the cause of financial meltdowns and not the consequence?
Bernanke’s research found that financial failures in the 1930s, including a collapse in demand because of unavailability of credit, exacerbated an already wilting economy into the Great Depression. Banks, being intermediaries between borrowers and lenders, had a plethora of information about which borrowers could be trusted to make good on the terms of their loans. However, this information dissipated as many of these banks became insolvent and were shut down. The fear of imminent financial collapse fanned the flames as clients rushed to withdraw their deposits, setting off a domino effect in which banks could no longer pay off their depositors and failed. While this encouraged local lenders, non-banking firms, and retail merchants to lend vis-à-vis banks, these smaller entities could not minimize the cost of transferring credit from lenders to borrowers mostly because they lacked information on creditors. These inefficiencies made it increasingly difficult to gain credit, resulting in savings not fueling the economy as investments. Instead of circulating in the financial system and multiplying, money was proverbially lying under the mattress.
Bernanke built upon Milton Friedman and Anna Schwartz’s theory that the Fed’s inaction in not expanding the money supply worsened the Depression. While still serving on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, he acknowledged their contribution in a 2002 speech at a conference at the University of Chicago:
“Let me end my talk by abusing slightly my status as an official representative of the Fed. I would like to say to Milton and Anna: Regarding the Great Depression, you’re right. We did it. We’re very sorry. But thanks to you, we won’t do it again.”
Meanwhile, Diamond and Dybvig’s research derived the optimal solution to a major banking problem: Considering the wide range of deposits, payoff values, and customer patience levels, how should banks decide to split their assets between long-term and short-term? The Diamond-Dybvig model explains that all banks are inherently vulnerable to runs. All it takes is a handful of frightened customers to show up and withdraw their money; this would kick off a cascading cycle of fear among clientele. No one wants to be the last in line and not receive a penny on their investment from a bank which has been forced to liquidate all assets and pay withdrawers off. Diamond and Dybvig recommend deposit insurance as a solution against runs.
The key takeaways from Bernanke, Diamond, and Dybvig’s works are that banks are indispensable, a necessary evil. Bernanke showed how banks alone possess the ability to process and use information about borrowers and lenders, keeping the economy healthy; The Diamond-Dybvig model suggests that banks play the crucial role of generating liquidity by offering liquid deposits against long-term assets. To address these issues in a more modern perspective, I asked Professor Harald Uhlig, Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago, about the role of banks and the Fed in the 2008 financial crisis, especially in comparison with the Great Depression.
“2007 was very different from the Great Depression,” Uhlig said. “The key to the Fed’s response was to provide as much liquidity as possible, lending freely to banks against good collateral, but also buying up the troubled assets. The Fed acted as buyer of last resort, not just lender of last resort.”
The term ‘lender of last resort’ originates in Sir Francis Baring’s 1797 publication Observations on the Establishment of the Bank of England, where he called the Bank of England “the dernier resort” from which other banks could borrow in terms of crisis. English economist Henry Thornton identified in An Enquiry Into the Nature and Effects of the Paper Credit of Great Britain the associated ‘moral hazard’ problem: With the promise of a lender of last resort, banks are incentivised to take greater risks because they have a safety net protecting them from the consequences. Later in the 19th century, Walter Bagehot, an English economist and journalist, formulated his famous rule, later summarized as: “To avert panic, central banks should lend early and freely to solvent firms, against good collateral, and at high rates.” Returning to the 2008 analysis, the Fed being the ‘buyer of last resort’ meant that it would buy up toxic assets left untouched by other investors. Uhlig elaborated on this notion:
“The Fed asked financial institutions to bring them their illiquid assets so that they might consider buying them up. Think of the Diamond-Dybvig model. A bank has some long-term assets but suppose all of their clientele want to withdraw their deposits. The Fed bought the long-term assets, which allowed banks to pay off the withdrawers.”
I then asked what would have happened had the Fed not bailed out insolvent banks.
“Insurance companies could have failed, leaving a large portion of the populace without much needed and desired insurance. Further bank failures would have left millions of people with deposits in these banks bereft of a solution to their credit problem,” responded Uhlig. “The government would have then had to choose winners and losers by transferring assets to those who lost out in the crash, which would have wreaked havoc. We were not clear, however, that this fallout would have necessarily taken place.”
This bailout question became the crux of the Great Recession. The debate of whether financial institutions are too big to fail continues to play out—should government address prevalent concerns about cronyism, moral hazards, and asymmetric information? Bernanke, Diamond, and Dybvig present a compelling argument in favor of a robust but well-regulated banking system. In 2008, then-Fed Chair Bernanke flooded the banks and markets with liquidity in order to keep banks solvent; we therefore avoided a 1930s-style depression. Speculation persists, though, as to where the future of banking is headed, and whether these theories can withstand periodic change in congressional and executive offices as well as the oscillating opinion of economists and laymen across the field. | https://thechicagothinker.com/uchicago-wins-33rd-econ-nobel-exclusive-commentary-on-this-years-winners/ |
At the RSA Conference 2015 in San Francisco this week, Yair Amit and Adi Sharabani of Skycure demonstrated what they call a “no iOS Zone” – the exploitation of two iOS vulnerabilities that allows attackers to force a constant cycle of reboots on any iOS device within range of a specially configured router, rendering all nearby iPhones and iPads useless.
Yet another SSL flaw
Amit and Sharabani first discovered that all iOS devices connected to their new router – set up to demonstrate a network attack – were repeatedly crashing. They investigated further.
The pair explain in a blog post that “by generating a specially crafted SSL certificate, attackers can regenerate a bug and cause apps that perform SSL communication to crash at will. With our finding, we rushed to create a script that exploits the bug over a network interface. As SSL is a security best practice and is utilized in almost all apps in the Apple app store, the attack surface is very wide. We knew that any delay in patching the vulnerability could lead to a serious business impact: an organized denial of service (DoS) attack can lead to big losses…
“An even more interesting impact of the SSL certificate parsing vulnerability is that it actually affects the underlying iOS operating system. With heavy use of devices exposed to the vulnerability, the operating system crashes as well. Even worse, under certain conditions, we managed to get devices into a repeatable reboot cycle”.
Combine this Wi-Fi attack with the so-called Wi-Fi Gate vulnerability, which forces iOS users to join a particular Wi-Fi network, and you can disable every iOS device in the vicinity, irrespective of whether they’ve chosen to join your network.
The only way to prevent such an attack would be to disconnect from the Wi-Fi network, which you can’t do while your device is constantly rebooting except by leaving the vicinity of the malicious router – literally running away.
If your organisation supports BYOD (bring your own device), you could lose all functionality on every affected device. | https://blog.itgovernanceusa.com/blog/no-ios-zone-wi-fi-attack-can-incapacitate-any-iphone-or-ipad |
The Hurricane Harvey Registry revealed something researchers have known for decades: natural disasters contribute to mental health problems. The registry’s recently announced initial findings showed nearly two-thirds of respondents experienced Harvey-related mental health difficulties,...
MMHPI Applauds Sen. Jane Nelson’s Initiatives to Strengthen Texas’ Mental Health System
On June 26, Sen. Jane Nelson announced plans for legislation to strengthen the state’s mental health system. This included creating a consortium to help coordinate state mental health initiatives across health-related institutions of higher education,…
Texas Mental Health Professionals Encouraged to Apply for Loan Repayment Assistance
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Loan Repayment Program for Mental Health Professionals is currently accepting applications for student loan repayment assistance. The funds are available for certain eligible mental health professionals providing care…
Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute Recognizes State Leadership for Their Work to Support the Texas Veterans + Family Alliance Grant Program
This Veterans Day, the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute honors the men and women who served our country, and, especially, their families. We also want to recognize the Texas Legislature and our state leaders, especially…
Okay to Say™ Recognizes State Rep. Garnet Coleman’s Efforts for Raising Awareness Around Mental Health Issues with Leadership Award
Okay to Say™, a community-based awareness campaign committed to expanding the conversation around mental health issues, recognized Texas State Representative Garnet Coleman with the inaugural Okay to Say Leadership Award for his dedication and tireless…
Celebrating Two Years & Looking Forward
The Institute’s first year solidly established its leadership and team infrastructure, priorities, and reputation as a trusted resource. Its second year concentrated on statewide policy work, community engagement projects, and the launch of Okay... | https://mmhpi.org/tag/legislative/?p=post |
RIO DE JANEIRO—There is at least one award in Olympic gymnastics that’s not made of gold, silver or bronze: Anyone who nails a move for the first time in the history of the sport will leave Rio with that maneuver named in his or her honor.
One of the newest, officially sanctioned moves in gymnastics, for example, was approved by the International Gymnastics Federation last year as a “change-leg leap to free-cross split sit.” But it’s already known around the sport by the surname of its inventor—in part because that’s how she referred to the mount in an Instagram video.
“Behold,” she wrote. “The Dick.”
Marisa Dick, a Canadian-born gymnast representing Trinidad and Tobago, may only have one day here to show off “The Dick.” She likely won’t make it out of Olympic qualifying Sunday, and Dick winning a single medal would be as stunning as three-time world champion Simone Biles not winning several. Dick finished 74th on the beam event at the most recent world championships, where she unveiled her eponymous move, and that meant she left the competition with a different prize: her name in the sport’s official Code of Points.
“It’s one of those things,” Dick said this week, “that lives on forever in the gymnastics world.”
| |
An unstable system will change - that's what being unstable is.
If, as it wobbles around, the system finds a state in which it is stable, it will stop and stay there.
We see balance because it lasts longer than imbalance.
It's not because of some magic had by balance. — Banno
Do you think one reason that consciousness appears to be irrational is that the universe cannot be defined solely by logic, and requires or other tools to describe it? — DanielP
In the ethical world:
Karma - good things happen to good people, and vice versa
Aristotle's mean of virtues - virtue is a balance, or an average, between extremes
Jesus's golden rule - treat your neighbor as yourself; in other words, your neighbor is equal to you — DanielP
Maybe the cosmos is on a sliding scale between imbalance and balance. Do you think it is? — DanielP
And if so, where on the sliding scale would the whole cosmos appear to be? — DanielP
Not anything is stable, for everything leaks, I guess, or else a perfect zero-sum would have put existence out of business. — PoeticUniverse
If not, it should be for philosophers. My personal philosophy is based on the BothAnd Principle. Which is : My coinage for the holistic principle of Complementarity, as illustrated in the Yin/Yang symbol. Opposing or contrasting concepts are always part of a greater whole. Conflicts between parts can be reconciled or harmonized by putting them into the context of a whole system.Is balance the invisible hand guiding the universe? — DanielP
matter cannot be created or destroyed — DanielP
What is synthetic a priori? — DanielP
The BothAnd Principle emerged from my development of the Enformationism worldview. And that unconventional understanding of how the world as-a-whole works grew out of the 20th century revelations of Relativity and Quantum and Information Theories indicating that Mass (matter) is a form of Energy, and that Energy is a form of Information. Basically, metaphysical Information is both causative Energy and substantive Matter.How did you come up with your BothAnd principle? — DanielP
So if balance seems like the guiding hand in the universe, is it something to believe in? — DanielP
Get involved in philosophical discussions about knowledge, truth, language, consciousness, science, politics, religion, logic and mathematics, art, history, and lots more. No ads, no clutter, and very little agreement — just fascinating conversations. | https://thephilosophyforum.com/discussion/7017/belief-in-balance |
Keeping students alert and responsive during lectures is a challenge even for experienced teachers in small group settings. Research has shown the importance of student participation and involvement in the learning process. Many ideas and strategies have been proposed to promote these two vital education elements . Among them is the use of interactive technology where the instructor asks a question to the class and each student answers individually. These answers are tallied and the professor can get immediate, quantitative, and real-time feedback information that can be used to detect and address comprehension problems and to adapt the lecture plan accordingly. In this paper we report our experiences using a wireless interactive system named the Classroom Performance System (CPS) in a fast-paced, short but comprehensive Java programming course. We present the challenges we faced and the lessons we learned in designing and delivering lectures using this type of technology. Cate...
Roberto E. Lopez-Herrejon, Morrie Schulman
Real-time Traffic
Classroom Performance System
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ITICSE 2004
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Java Programming
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Small Group Settings
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claim paper
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Copyright © 2009-2011 Sciweavers LLC. All rights reserved. | http://www.sciweavers.org/publications/using-interactive-technology-short-java-course-experience-report |
By Flora Nicole. Light. Tuesday, January 09th 2018, 20:42:17 PM.
Ambient light. This acts as fill light. “In bathrooms with taller ceilings a cove or cantilever details ambient lighting fixtures can be installed along the perimeter of the space” Whitehead says. “Architectural details such as these can hide the fixture and create indirect lighting”.
Painting with light is another way to add surprise. Here colored LED lighting with toe kick lights underneath the island and cabinets creates dramatic appeal.
It may seem impossible to add a pretty pendant light in many cases especially when working with a concrete condo ceiling. A dropped ceiling panel can provide a place to house lighting fixtures like pot lights or pendants or even a minimalist LED strip to brighten a passageway while creating a beautiful space-defining feature. | http://proudautisticliving.com/wall-mount-reading-lights/dimmable-bedside-reading-lamps-nightstand-lamp-wall-mounted-for-bedroom-led-mount-lights-large-size-of-gold-swing-arm-bronze-task-light-flexible-hung-sconces-table/ |
World Land Trust (WLT) has launched an urgent appeal to raise £30,000 and save a newly discovered hummingbird’s habitat from being destroyed by mining.
The newly discovered species, the Blue-throated Hillstar, is in critical danger of extinction as it can only be found on a few remote mountaintops in southern Ecuador where mining corporations have gained the rights to extract metal.
The metal-rich landscapes of Ecuador have seen an increase in industrial mining over the past thirty years. Swathes of Ecuador’s tropical forests have been cleared so that metals such as copper, gold and lead can be extracted from large open pits, a disaster for local wildlife.
WLT has launched the Save the Blue-throated Hillstar appeal to raise £30,000. If we are successful it will enable our partner Naturaleza y Cultura Ecuador (NCE) to extend a Water Protection Area to include the hillstar’s 70,000 acre range. This will put it under government-level protection and remove the threat of mining.
“This is a unique opportunity to save a critically endangered species from extinction,” says Richard Cuthbert, Director of Conservation at WLT. “If we do not act now, mining corporations can move in on the habitat and create a mine which would most likely wipe out the hillstar population.
The land is owned by local communities, who want to ensure it is protected because they rely on the clean freshwater collected in the mountain ecosystem. With the funds from this appeal, NCE will extend the proposed Water Protection Area so the total area protected will be almost 200,000 acres (79,000 hectares) and also provide water for at least 470,000 Ecuadorian people.
As well as the Blue-throated Hillstar, a new species of frog, the Tik Tik Rain Frog, was also discovered in August, found very close to the eastern border of the proposed protected area. This unique páramo habitat is also home to Spectacled Bear, Mountain Tapir and the magnificent Andean Condor. These mountains are still relatively unexplored by naturalists, and by protecting them, we may discover many more species new to science.
Update 15/02/2019: The fundraising target of £30,000 to save the Blue-throated Hillstar has been reached in less than two weeks, thanks to a rapid response from World Land Trust supporters to the plight of this critically endangered bird. | https://www.worldlandtrust.org/news/2019/02/save-the-blue-throated-hillstar/ |
The search found 303 results in 0.023 seconds.
Adopting complimentary integrative research methodologies, this article examines changing conceptions of community among urban residents within the city of Suzhou, Jiangsu province, China. Through local residents’ past memories, “everyday” experiences of (former) urban communities, and reflections on a particular way of life, we focus upon the subjective/affective meanings and memories attached to processes of urban change.
The most common counterargument to taxing carbon emissions is that the policy has a negative impact on economic growth. The author tests the validity of this argument by visualizing the enactment of carbon prices on gross domestic product per capita from 1979 to 2018 and presenting a formal fixed-effects regression analysis of panel data. No connection is found between carbon price implementation and diminished economic growth. This outcome is primarily due to policy design and the general nature of economic growth.
Hip-hop has deep historical ties to disadvantaged communities. Resounding success in mainstream and global music markets potentially disrupts those connections. The authors use in-depth interviews with 25 self-defined rap/hip-hop artists to explore the significance of place in modern hip-hop. Bringing together historical studies of hip-hop and sociological neighborhood studies, the authors examine hip-hop artists’ community connections.
Collective efficacy is an often‐studied concept, yet theoretical differences and confusing terminology lead to an inability to translate the concept across disciplines. Utilizing a nationally representative sample, this study employs structural equation modeling combined with a series of hierarchical models to test the hypotheses that the focal independent variables of neighborhood perceptions, strong social ties, and civic engagement as a proxy for weak social ties are each positively associated with collective efficacy while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. | https://www.asanet.org/search?f%5B0%5D=node%253Afield_related_topics_term%3A90&f%5B1%5D=node%253Atype%3Aresearch_brief&f%5B2%5D=node%253Atype%3Ajournal_article&f%5B3%5D=node%253Atype%3Aresearch_trend&f%5B4%5D=node%253Afield_related_topics_term%3A133&f%5B5%5D=node%253Afield_related_topics_term%3A170&f%5B6%5D=node%253Afield_related_topics_term%3A91&order=desc&sort=node%3Acreated |
Plastic water pipes are the pipes that carry water to the faucets and fixtures within our homes and buildings – vary from many other building materials in that they are the only ones that come into direct touch with the water that we drink, cook with, and wash with daily. The materials we use to supply our drinking water are important for our health.
Plastic pipelines have been the preferred material for plumbers and home builders since the 1950s. Plastic plumbing pipes are basically produced from Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Polybutylene. They are simple to install and cost-effective. Concerns about the safety of these materials prompted the development of alternatives such as High-Density Polyethene (HDPE) and Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX). Water intake pipes can be formed of copper or a variety of plastic materials, and each has a variety of advantages and disadvantages when it comes to human health and the environment.
Types of Water Pipes
Plastic water pipes are normally one of the following types, each with its own set of environmental consequences:
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- High-density polyethene (HDPE)
- Crosslinked polyethene (PEX)
How are Plastic water pipes manufactured ?
All plastic pipes are created from petroleum, which results in carbon emissions during extraction, transportation, feedstock refinement, and manufacturing. When drinking water comes into touch with pipes, a chemical reaction occurs. Plastic pipes, in general, require more chemicals to be used in their manufacturing than copper pipes, and some of these chemicals can seep from the pipes or break down into other chemicals that leach from the pipes.
PVC and CPVC pipes, for example, are made with organotin stabilisers, which are hazardous to the reproductive system and can leak into drinking water through plastic taps. While guidelines such as the NSF International Drinking Water standards establish allowable amounts of some pollutants that leak out of pipes and pipe components, these testing and standards have limits.
While most pipes, except PEX, are theoretically recyclable, copper is the only pipe made of reuse content (40-80%) and is likely to be recycled at the end of its life (40-50 per cent global recycling rate for copper).
What is the best option?
While there are genuine and significant considerations to be made, the best way to avoid hazards and promote circularity throughout the pipe life cycle is to consider these points:
- Copper pipes have less health risks as compared to the alternatives., But many soldiers and fluxes used to connect pipes contain lead and other heavy metals of concern.
- If plastic pipes are chosen, polypropylene (PP) or high-density polyethene (HDPE) should be preferred over cross linked polyethylene (PEX). Chemical levels may be higher in PEX pipes than in PP and HDPE pipes. Furthermore, when PEX pipes reach the end of their useful life, they cannot be recycled into new pipes.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is among the third most widely used material made of plastic. This material is not only used for the construction of pipes, but also in the manufacturing of profile applications such as windows and doors.
A good pipe system and tap must be strong and durable. Plastic pipes are necessary tools for the transportation of fluids and liquids. Many problems can arise in the pipes and taps, such as poor material causing breakage, bursting, and blocking the flow, among other things. What is required in situations like these is to consider and be aware of the quality and functions. Plastic taps and pipes are required for liquid services, so it is critical to have a basic understanding of the materials, applications, functions, and other components of water pipes and taps. Hence for a beneficial purchase, it is necessary to check and purchase the best pipe for your home. | https://guestpostingnow.com/plastic-water-pipes-and-taps-are-they-good/ |
Peer Reviewer of the following journals:
· IEEE Access
· ACM International Conference Proceedings Series
Title: Automatic Extraction of Impervious Surfaces from High Resolution Remote Sensing Images Based on Deep Learning
Abstract: Due to the complexity of urban surface, the differences in impervious surface materials, the mutual interference between the spectra of ground objects and the huge impact of ground object shadows in high-resolution remote sensing (HRRS) images, it is improper to directly use shallow machine learning algorithms and conventional object-oriented segmentation methods to extract urban impervious surfaces from HRRS images. Therefore, a method for automatic extraction of impervious surfaces from HRRS images based on deep learning (AEISHIDL) is proposed to address this problem. Firstly, the original HRRS images are pre-processed and the Gram-Schmidt algorithm is employed for the fusion of panchromatic and multi-spectral bands in HRRS images. In addition, an enhanced bilateral filtering method considering edge characteristics (EBFCEC) is designed and adopted to remove noises and enhance edges of man-made objects in original HRRS images. Secondly, the EBFCEC filtered images are partitioned into multi-layer object sets by using improved marker watershed based on LAB color space (IMWLCS), and the related objects in different sets are re-segmented to have the same edges through edge integration, after which we extract spectral feature averages and shape feature values of all objects while the convolutional neural network (CNN) is used to calculate the CNN feature averages of all pixel neighborhoods in each object. Finally, the fuzzy c-means clustering (FCM) algorithm is employed jointly considering the spectrum, shape and CNN features of the segmented objects in HRRS images to judge whether the objects belong to impervious surfaces, thereby effectively increasing the accuracy of automatically extracting impervious surfaces. Two different experimental regions are selected from two different types of HRRS images (WorldView 2 and Pléiades-1A) respectively (4 experimental regions in all). The experimental results show that AEISHIDL has higher accuracy and automation level compared with other four representative methods in urban impervious surfaces extraction from HRRS images. | http://icbaie2020.com/news/3 |
Introduction Fred Smith started FedEx in the early 1970s, only two years removed from service in Vietnam in the Marine Corps. Still the leader of the company today, Smith has built one of the world’s most successful logistics firm on leadership principles derived from his experiences in the Marines. These principles have become incorporated in FedEx’s corporate philosophy, organizational culture and its organizational structure. This style has allowed the company to deliver a high-consistency level of service and strong returns to investors. Leadership Style
Former Marine Fred Smith has based his own personal leadership style at FedEx on the principles derived from his experiences in the Marine Corps (Smith, 2010). Smith has incorporated many of his personal leadership lessons into the FedEx Leadership Institute, where the firm’s managers are trained. Smith has noted that those trained in the military will immediately recognize many of the principles that are taught at the FedEx Leadership Institute as being familiar from their military training. The influence of the military has lead to a strong hierarchical leadership style with centralized command structures at FedEx.
The company makes most major decisions at its Memphis headquarters and then disseminates these decisions to regional managers for implementation. The company even makes a strong emphasis on hiring ex-military in order because they tend to be a better cultural fit with the hierarchical management structure. The company believes that veterans are “team players and have great leadership skills”, which makes them well-suited for the company’s organizational culture and generally a good fit for the leadership style that Fred Smith has created (Epstein, 1998).
Armed with thousands of ex-military in the management ranks, FedEx has built an organizational structure that emphasizes centralized decision-making and reliance on local managers to lead the employees, a structure similar to what is found in the military. The centralized structure allows for decision implementation to take place in a coherent manner, essential for a company wherein thousands of geographically isolated operating units must work in tight coordination with one another to facilitate overnight delivery of goods around the world.
FedEx has a nine-point system which is used to evaluate leadership potential among its employees. These points are charisma, individual consideration, intellectual stimulation, courage, dependability, flexibility, integrity, judgment and respect for others (Row, 1998). The company views these values as being central to strong transactional leadership. Changes to FedEx’s business model are few and far between at this point in the company’s existence. The bulk of economic value derives from executing the same transactions repeatedly, day after day.
The values do incorporate, however, a couple of aspects of transformational leadership, particularly the emphasis on individual consideration and intellectual stimulation, which the company identifies as the ability to improve the abilities and though processes of fellow employees. Advantages and Disadvantages The transactional leadership style that FedEx emphasizes has several advantages. First, it facilitates day-to-day excellence in operations. This emphasis on short-term operational excellence allows the company to execute millions of individual transactions each day with a low error rate (MindTools. om, 2010). The transactional leadership style also has the benefit of allowing the firm to improve its profitability over time by making efficiency improvements. This has value for firms such as FedEx that are operating in industries that are based on large volumes of low-value transactions, in which minor improvements can lead to significant cost savings when spread out over millions of transactions. The transactional leadership style developed is based on the hypothesis that followers are motivated through a system of rewards and punishment.
The transactional leader’s follower relationship is one of quid pro quo – or this for that. If the follower does something good, they will be rewarded. . In addition, this style of leadership is ideal for companies that are in mature industries, where growth is slow and competition strong. In such industries, success is usually defined by tight cost control rather than by growth initiatives or new product introductions, and this fits the current situation at FedEx. There are some disadvantages to the transactional leadership style, however.
This style is often considered to be inferior in times of crisis when strong transformation of the business is required. Should FedEx’s core business move beyond the “cash cow” stage of maturity, the company may lack the vision to radically transform itself (for example, if jet fuel costs become too high to offer overnight courier service profitably). The company has succeeded thus far with its leadership style in part because it has had the same leader for its entire history – the ability of FedEx to develop transformational leaders has not yet been tested.
In addition, the company has been able to utilize their current business model profitably since the years following its inception, and there has been no crisis that threatened this cash flow significantly. 5 Ways To Successfully Implement Transactional Leadership 1. Transactional leaders must understand what motivates their employees. 2. Ensure employees understand the reward system and how they can achieve the rewards. 3. Ensure that both reward and punishment systems are in place and are consistently exercised. 4. Provide constructive feedback throughout the work process. . Ensure that rewards and recognition are provided in a timely manner. That said, FedEx does have within its leadership style the ability to make changes quickly. With a single transformational leader at the top of the organizational chart, FedEx can quickly disseminate changes throughout the organization via its thousands of strong military-style leaders. This may help the company to transform itself in a reactionary manner, but does not address the ability of the company to transform itself in a proactive manner.
Transformational leadership can sometimes fall into the trap of only reacting to the need to change, rather than anticipating it (no author, 2010). One of the difficulties that has emerged with respect to the FedEx leadership style is the ability of management to integrate its style with the leadership styles at other firms. For example when FedEx took over Kinko’s there were significant differences between the two firms with respect to organizational culture.
This made the integration of Kinko’s into FedEx difficult from a leadership perspective, and the move eventually was made to bring Kinko’s entirely into the FedEx fold as FedEx Office, moving out the former Kinko’s leadership and restructuring the Kinko’s organizational culture in the process (Palmeri, 2008). Conclusion Overall, the military-influenced transactional leadership style of Fred Smith at FedEx has been highly effective in helping the company build itself into a world leader, in part because it has a significant level of fit with both the nature of the firm’s business and its place in the product life cycle.
The company does a strong job of supporting this leadership style by recruiting from the military and incorporating military leadership techniques into its proprietary training institutions. The major weakness of this approach is that FedEx may not be prepared to deal with significant changes – although it has the tools to address such changes there is little evidence that the firm has developed strong transformational leaders that can spearhead significant changes. Works Cited: Smith, F. (2010). What the Marine Corps taught me can be seen every day in FedEx.
Military. com. Retrieved August 30, 2010 from http://www. military. com/veterans-day/famous-veterans/frederick-smith. htm Epstein, M. (1998). Hiring veterans: A cost-effective staffing solution. HR Magazine. Retrieved August 30, 2010 from http://www. allbusiness. com/human-resources/workforce-management-hiring-recruitment/708916-1. html Row, H. (1998). The 9 faces of leadership. Fast Company. Retrieved August 30, 2010 from http://www. fastcompany. com/magazine/13/9faces. html MindTools. com. (2010). Leadership styles. MindTools. com. | https://hstreasures.com/leadership-style-46380/ |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND ART
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
BEST MODE
The present invention relates to an apparatus for the quantitative analysis of reduced inorganic sulfur.
Sulfur is present in the environment in several different forms which may be generally classified as organic and inorganic sulfur. The presence of each form of sulfur has important environmental implications. For example, combustion of both inorganic and organic sulfur produces sulfur dioxide, a greenhouse gas and source of acid rain. Another significant environmental problem is the acid generating potential of a class of inorganic sulfur materials known as reduced inorganic sulfur. These compounds produce acid when materials containing them are mined, excavated or drained, and exposed to atmospheric oxygen. The term “reduced inorganic sulfur” refers to sulfur in a form that can undergo oxidation and includes mineral disulfides (e.g. pyrite and chalcopyrite), monosulfides (e.g. sphalerite, galena and covelline), polysulphides (e.g. pyrrhotite and bornite), non-stoichoimetric metal sulfides (e.g. greigite), other sulphides such as chalcocite, sulfites (salts of sulfurous acids) and elemental sulfur. In the present specification and claims the term “reduced inorganic sulfur” will be understood to include any inorganic sulfur compound that can be oxidised.
Further types of naturally occurring inorganic sulfur compounds are the sulfate minerals, such as gypsum, which include sulfur in the oxidized sulfate form. These materials are generally not a source of acid in the environment.
When sulfide bearing material is mined or excavated, oxidation of the reduced inorganic sulfur may occur. The result is acid sulfate soil and acid mine drainage. Acid mine drainage refers to acid water produced by the oxidation of minerals such as pyrite in the presence of water and is one of the major environmental problems facing the mining industry. The oxidation of reduced inorganic sulfur in acid sulfate soils is a global environmental problem affecting more than 12 million hectares of agricultural land worldwide, degrading aquatic habitats and corroding concrete and steel infrastructure. It is therefore important for environmental management to be able to measure the amount of reduced inorganic sulfur in a wide range of materials including sediments, soils, mine spoil, sludge, petroleum, mineral ores, fossil fuels and water.
There are several known methods for measuring the sulfur content of a material. Combustion followed by measurement of evolved sulfur oxides is used to measure the total sulfur content (i.e. the combined inorganic and organic sulfur). Such methods are typically used to measure the sulfur content of coal. Combustion of coal is a major source of sulfur dioxide pollution. However, the combustion method does not distinguish between organic sulfur, reduced inorganic sulfur or mineral sulfates and accordingly cannot be used to accurately quantify the reduced inorganic sulfur in a sample.
The most widely used method for assaying reduced inorganic sulfur is by peroxide oxidation in which the sulfur is oxidised to sulfate. The amount of sulfate liberated by peroxide oxidation is then analysed by conventional wet chemical quantitative analysis. Although this method is the accepted procedure, the present inventors have surprisingly and unexpectedly observed that the method is subject to serious interferences from organic sulfur and sulfate minerals such as gypsum. This interference is particularly important when sediments having low reduced inorganic sulfur are measured. An erroneous estimate of the reduced inorganic sulfur content may lead to the recommendation of costly and/or inappropriate and environmentally damaging management practices.
(a) measuring the total sulfur and soluble sulfur content and estimating the reduced inorganic sulfur content from the difference between the two values. A disadvantage of such differential measurement is that the errors are cumulative.
(b) microscopic examination of a sample, and
2
(c) indirect measurement by estimating the amount of pyritic iron (FeS) in a sample. However non-pyritic forms of reduced inorganic sulfur are not measured.
Other methods for analysing reduced inorganic sulfur, but which are considered to be less accurate than the peroxide oxidation method, include:
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for measuring the reduced inorganic sulfur content of a sample selectively and accurately.
According to a first broad form of the invention there is provided an apparatus for measuring the reduced inorganic sulfur content of a sample, the apparatus having a reaction chamber, means for introducing a reducing agent that can selectively convert the reduced inorganic sulfur of a sample into the reaction chamber to hydrogen sulfide, means for measuring the amount of hydrogen sulfide evolved by reaction of the reducing agent with the sample and a detector for detecting when evolution of the hydrogen sulfide has reduced or ceased.
2
2
The apparatus of the present invention has a reaction chamber for allowing a sample to be tested to be digested by a reducing agent that selectively converts the reduced inorganic sulfur component of a sample to HS. The reducing agent should not react with organic sulfur or sulfate materials to produce HS. Preferred reducing agents include chromous salts, stannous salts and mercurous salts.
2
2
An especially preferred reducing agent is acidified chromous chloride. Acidified chromous chloride solutions are typically prepared by passing acidified chromic chloride through a column containing zinc, pre-amalgamated in mercuric nitrate. This process is difficult, slow and requires specialised equipment to minimise atmospheric oxidation of the acidified CrCl. Also, acidified CrClis unstable and can only be stored for a few days. Thus, it is preferred that chromous chloride is generated in situ in the reaction chamber. Typically, chromium, concentrated HCl, ethanol and distilled water are introduced into the reaction vessel. The chromium is typically in the form of a powder, but may also be added as a pellet or slurry.
The reduction reaction is typically carried out in an inert atmosphere such as nitrogen or argon, but can for short periods of time be conducted in air, such as up to about 20 minutes. Generally, the reaction is carried out at elevated temperatures with or without agitation under reflux conditions. The condenser used in the reflux process may be cooled by any of the known methods including a continuous flow of water or a refrigeration unit. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a condenser that is cooled by means of water that is recirculated through a refrigeration unit. This arrangement allows for the apparatus to be in the form of a portable unit that is suitable for use in the field.
The apparatus of the invention is typically automated and controlled by a central processor which can control some, or essentially all, of the functions of the apparatus. This allows the apparatus to be operated by non-skilled personnel.
Typically, the amounts of reagents added to the reaction chamber are automatically supplied to the reaction chamber in pre-determined quantities in a pre-determined order. Generally, the liquid ingredients are added using a peristaltic pump.
In a further broad form of the present invention there is provided an automated apparatus for measuring the reduced inorganic sulfur content of a sample, the apparatus having a reaction chamber, means for heating the chamber, a condenser, means for introducing a reducing agent into the reaction chamber which converts reduced inorganic sulfur to hydrogen sulfide and measuring means for measuring the amount of hydrogen sulfide evolved. Typically, the apparatus includes a refrigeration unit for cooling water for the condenser.
2
2
2
2
The reduced inorganic sulfur composition of the sample may be calculated from the amount of HS evolved by reaction with the reductant. The HS evolution may be measured by any of the known methods of measuring HS. Such methods include colourimetric, turbidimetric and gravimetric methods. Particularly preferred methods include electrochemical, spectroscopic or chromatographic techniques such as mass spectroscopy, gas chromatography, UV or IR spectroscopy. A particularly preferred measurement means is an electrochemical gas analyser. Generally, the gas which provides the atmosphere in the reaction chamber also serves as a carrier gas to carry the evolved HS to the measurement means.
2
2
The amount of HS evolved may also be measured indirectly. For example, HS may be oxidised to sulfate or sulfur dioxide. These oxidation products may then be measured by suitable methods including turbidimetric or gravimetric, chromatographic or spectroscopic methods.
2
2
2
The apparatus of the present invention typically includes a means for detecting when the evolution of HS has decreased to a pre-determined rate. Typically, this is when HS evolution has substantially ceased. Cessation of HS evolution indicates that the reduction reaction has been completed. When completed, a fresh sample may be analysed. With conventional wet chemical procedures, a sample is allowed to react for a pre-determined maximum length of time. The present inventors have observed that the reduction reaction can often take much less time than has traditionally been allowed. Thus, by being able to monitor when the reaction has ceased, sample throughput may be optimised. The apparatus may include an alarm or other signalling device to alert an operator that the reaction has finished. Alternatively and/or in addition to, the apparatus may have means for automatically disengaging any heating of the reaction chamber and deactivate the condenser on completion of the reduction reaction.
2
2
2
2
The means for detecting when evolution of HS has ceased may be in addition to, or part of, the HS measuring means. For example a gas sensor or other detection means may be associated with the reaction chamber to detect the HS therein. Gas sensors for detecting the presence of HS are known.
2
2
In the preferred embodiment where the HS measurement means is an electrochemical gas analyser or spectrophotometric analyser, the analyser may be programmed to detect when the rate of HS evolution has decreased.
2
2
2
2
2
Preferably the electrochemical gas analyser can measure the HS concentration on a real time basis to allow the rate of HS evolution to be constantly monitored. Typically, the HS evolution data may be represented as a function of cumulative HS concentration v time or absolute HS concentration v. time.
2
Different forms of reduced inorganic sulfur react at different rates. Thus, by being able to monitor the rate of HS evolution, information can be obtained as to the relative amounts of different forms of reduced sulfur materials present in the sample.
According to a further broad form of the invention there is provided an apparatus for measuring the amount of reduced inorganic sulfur in a sample, the apparatus having a reaction chamber, a means of introducing a reducing agent that can selectively convert the inorganic reduced sulfur of the sample in the reaction chamber to hydrogen sulfide and means for continually monitoring the amount of hydrogen sulfide evolved.
According to still a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method of measuring the amount of reduced inorganic sulfur in a sample, the method including reacting a sample with a reducing agent that selectively converts the reduced inorganic sulfur to hydrogen sulfide and measuring hydrogen sulfide evolved as a function of time.
The ability to determine the relative amounts of different types of reduced inorganic sulfur is important for environmental management. This enables predictions to be made as to the potential rate of acid generation as opposed to simply calculating the total acid generating potential of a soil material.
A knowledge of a form of sulfur generally referred to as acid volatile inorganic sulfur is of particular importance. Acid volatile sulfur includes monosulfides and non-stoichiometric sulphides such as greigite and mackinawite. In the preferred apparatus in which acidic chromous chloride is generated in situ, the sample can be treated with the concentrated HCl and ethanol only. Neither chromium nor water are added.
Only the acid volatile sulfur fraction will react under these conditions and can thus be selectively analysed. If the total reduced inorganic sulfur is required, the same sample can then be treated with the chromous chloride reductant by introducing chromium powder and water into the reaction chamber as described above.
FIGS. 1 and 2
The apparatus of both are designed to be fully automated and to be portable to allow onsite use in the field.
11
12
12
13
14
15
16
FIG. 1
The apparatus illustrated in has a removable reaction vessel . An operator can place a known volume or mass of a sample to be tested into the reaction vessel. Alternatively, the apparatus can include an in-built balance to measure the mass of material in the reaction chamber. The reaction vessel is placed in a heating mantle which is equipped with a magnetic stirrer. In use, the reaction vessel is connected, with an air-tight seal, to inlets , and outlet . The sealed connection may be provided by any suitable means such as ground glass joints or O ring seals.
14
17
15
18
19
20
19
20
21
22
23
24
15
16
26
26
27
13
26
28
29
28
The inlet is connected to a chromium powder dispenser . The inlet is connected, with an air-tight seal, to a nitrogen gas source and to acid and water and ethanol reservoirs , . The reservoirs , , each have a peristaltic pump , , for delivering pre-determined amounts of liquids via three way valves to inlet . The outlet is connected an insulated condenser which typically has copper pipes surrounding a glass core. Refrigerant is supplied to the condenser from pump . Typically, the apparatus includes a heat exchange apparatus by which heat extracted from the condenser can be used to heat the mantle . The upper end of the condenser is connected, via an air-tight seal, to an IR gas analyser . A moisture control unit is disposed between condenser and analyser .
30
31
The apparatus is operated by a central control computer . The power source is typically a 12V power supply. However, mains supply of any voltage (e.g. 110V or 240V), AC or DC, may be used by the incorporation of a suitable adaptor.
To operate the apparatus, an operator places an amount of a sample to be tested in the reaction chamber and places the chamber in the mantle. Prior to analysis, the reservoirs of the chamber are charged with chromium powder, ethanol, water and concentrated HCl respectively. The sample to be tested may be any material containing reduced inorganic sulfur and includes soil, mine spoil, fossil fuels such as coal and oil, sediments, plants and animal materials, water (both naturally occurring and waste), chemical waste and minerals. The samples may be pretreated depending on the nature of the sample. For example the mineral samples may be fine ground prior to analysis.
30
The apparatus is operated by the computer which can be programmed to fully automate the analysis. If desired manual override capabilities may be included. Under normal operational conditions, all that is required of the operator after placement of the sample in the reaction chamber is to press an “on” switch. This will initiate purging of the system with nitrogen for a predetermined and monitored flow rate. After a fixed time, predetermined amounts of chromium powder, water, ethanol and 12N HCl are added to the reaction chamber in turn. The water also serves to flush the HCl from the lines.
The amounts of reagent added will depend on the weight of the sample. For a 1 g sample, typically about 2.059 g chromium powder, 10 mL ethanol, 28.25 mL of 12N HCl and 31.75 mL of water are added.
2
2
2
2
29
28
30
13
26
12
After addition of the reagents, the reaction chamber is heated to boiling with stirring. As HS is evolved it is carried by the nitrogen through the dessicant in the moisture trap to the IR gas analyser . The cumulative concentration of the HS gas is calculated by the computer using an algorithm relating HS concentration and gas flow rate. When HS evolution has ceased or fallen below a pre-determined level the computer will terminate the analysis by sequentially disengaging the electrochemical gas analyser, and turning off the heating mantle , gas flow and condenser . The reaction vessel can then be removed by the operator and cleaned. The apparatus is ready for the next analysis.
2
2
The total amount of reduced inorganic sulfur can be read directly from a digital panel or stored digitally. The results may also be presented graphically as either cumulative HS production or real time HS production rates.
FIG. 2
FIG. 1
The apparatus of is similar to that illustrated in and the same reference numerals refer to the same features.
12
35
26
36
27
37
38
39
FIG. 1
2
The apparatus does not include an ethanol reservoir. Ethanol is instead added to reaction vessel together with a sample for analysis. The nitrogen inlet of has been replaced by a pump to introduce air as the carrier gas. The condenser is cooled by water pumped from refrigeration unit via pump . The IR analyser has been replaced by an electrochemical gas analyser . A HS trap is located between the analyser and vent .
The above procedures may be modified to separately analyse the acid volatile sulfur fraction. In this case, the sample and ethanol are placed in the reaction chamber as before, but only HCl (20 mL) is added. The heating mantle is not required and remains turned off. If both the acid volatile and total reduced sulfur are required, the first procedure may then be performed on the sample remaining in the reaction chamber. However, it will only be necessary to add 8.25 mL of HCl (because 20 mL have already been added) plus the chromium powder and water.
It can be seen that the apparatus of the present invention can provide a self contained, portable and automated analyser for reduced inorganic sulfur. At present there is no automated system for quantifying reduced inorganic sulfur. All existing techniques used by industry must be performed by skilled personnel in a well equipped laboratory. Thus, it has hitherto not been possible to analyse reduced inorganic sulfur on site. Automation of the present apparatus allows onsite analysis. Further, skilled laboratory personnel are not required to conduct the analysis.
The present apparatus can be in the form of a completely portable unit which may be operated from a 12V power supply. The present apparatus can also be operated using a mains power supply in the laboratory. The use of recirculated chilled water contributes to the ability of the apparatus to be self contained. Such portability and self containment is not practical with conventional wet chemistry techniques.
2
The ability to constantly monitor HS evolution and to detect when such evolution ceases also offers significant advantages over wet chemical analytical techniques in which a sample is digested for a set period of time. The present inventors have observed that for some samples, digestion can be completed in about 10 minutes as compared to the standard time of one hour allowed for reaction. Thus by monitoring completion of the reaction, the speed of analysis can be considerably increased.
The present invention also provides a method and apparatus for selectively measuring the reduced inorganic sulfur without interference from organic sulfur and sulfate materials. Still further, the acid volatile sulfur fraction can be selectively measured. Also, by monitoring the rate of hydrogen sulfide evolution, important information can be obtained as to the relative amounts of different types of reduced inorganic sulfur in the sample.
It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments as described and claimed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
schematically illustrates a preferred apparatus of the present invention, and
FIG. 2
illustrates a further preferred apparatus of the present invention. | |
NRO partners with SpaceX for final launch of 2020
The National Reconnaissance Agency's sixth and final mission of 2020 launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Dec. 19. (SpaceX)
WASHINGTON — The National Reconnaissance Office successfully completed its final launch of the year on Dec. 19, wrapping up a 2020 that saw the agency launch six missions into orbit.
For NROL-108, the agency utilized a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifting off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This was NRO’s second dedicated launch with SpaceX, with the first taking place with NROL-76 in May 2017.
“We are excited to partner with SpaceX again,” said NRO Principal Deputy Director Troy Meink in a statement.
As is the agency’s practice, NRO did not reveal details of the payload’s mission or capabilities, merely noting that it is “a national security payload designed, built and operated by the agency.”
“Data collected by NRO’s national security systems are used to provide intelligence to United States’ senior policy makers, the intelligence community and Department of Defense, as well as U.S. allied partners,” the agency explained in a statement. “Additionally, information collected by NRO systems can be used to assist emergency and disaster relief efforts in the U.S. and around the world.”
“The successful launch of NROL-108 by SpaceX just days after the launch of NROL-44 by United Launch Alliance, underscores NRO’s commitment to a robust launch schedule supported by a growing number of partners and locations,” said Meink. “Despite the challenges of 2020, NRO this year has successfully launched six missions from two countries. We are dedicated to delivering reconnaissance capabilities that keep this nation and our allies safe, while prioritizing the security and health of our launch teams.” | |
This invention relates generally to low viscosity polymeric colorant formulations comprising extremely low amounts of viscosity modifiers that significantly reduce the overall viscosity of the resultant colorant formulation as compared with the viscosity of the colorants themselves. In such a manner, the resultant formulation facilitates the utilization of such polymeric colorants within certain coloring processes and methods requiring low viscosity formulations while simultaneously permitting substantial retention of the same high color strength characteristics of the unmodified colorants. Such an unexpected result thus permits production and utilization of a low viscosity formulation that does not sacrifice colorability to an appreciable degree for target substrates or media. The inventive formulations thus comprise any number of polymeric colorants, (i.e., oxyalkylenated colorants comprising at least one chromophore constituent and at least oxyalkylene chain) and at least one viscosity modifying agent possessing a dipole moment of between 1.0 and 5.0 and/or a flash point of from about -20°C to about 180°C. Such a modifying agent provides a significant reduction in viscosity at low levels (to permit better pumpability of the desired colorants) with no appreciable differences in coloring performance within final target media, and facilitates removal of such modifiers during or after utilization. Methods of production, utilization, and products produced with such formulations and by such methods are also encompassed within this invention.
in situ
i.e.
Polyurethane products, such as foams, resins, and the like, have traditionally been colored by pigments, polymeric colorants, and dyes. Generally, these colorations are performed during foam, resin, etc., formation. For instance, polymeric colorants (, polyoxyalkylenated colorants), such as those described in U.S. Patent 4,284,279 to Cross et al., have been introduced within polyol compositions during slabstock foam production. The "colored" polyol then reacts with an isocyanate composition, in the presence of a catalyst possibly, to form the desired colored foam. Pigments have also been added in the past, most notably in solid, paste, or powder form, to a polyol stream to form the same type of colored foam products. Such compounds are readily available and inexpensive; however, they also exhibit or create problems during handling, mixing (with other pigments to create different shades, for example), and actual incorporation within target media. Furthermore, pigments, being solid in nature, tend to from clumps of solids within target media that leads to aesthetically displeasing consequences or clogging of machinery or instrumentation. Additionally, spills are likely (since the powder or solid form of such pigments do not transport easily due to atmospheric conditions and possible air disturbances), and clothes or hand staining by difficult-to-handle pigment compounds is very likely to occur through the utilization of such solid coloring agents. Also, such pigments are not storage-stable in liquid form, generally, and appear to easily precipitate out of solution after even a short shelf storage duration. Furthermore, such pigments are difficult to control from a uniformity standpoint such that the ultimate polyurethane product may exhibit uneven colorations without proper and time-consuming prior mixing. As such, polymeric colorants have proven to be more desirable than powdered or solid pigments as coloring agents within such polyurethane coloring processes.
Also, thermoplastics have been colored with polymeric colorants in the past, such as in U.S. Patent 4,640,690 to Baumgartner et al. Such colorants have proven quite useful and beneficial in their high coloring and low migratory and blooming properties. Pigments have also been utilized for such coloring processes; however, the use of solid and/or powders has, again, suffered from the same handling, precipitation, and uneven coloring problems, particularly in industrial operations. Polymeric colorants are thus more desirable for these procedures as well.
Also utilized to color certain thermoplastic substrates are quaternary ammonium/anionic dye complexes, such as those disclosed within U.S. Patents 5,938,828 and 5,948,152, both to Zhao et al. Such colorants provide excellent tinting of thermoplastic compositions but also suffer from high viscosity problems in pumpability, etc., within the necessary machinery.
One drawback in the utilization of such polymeric and/or quat/anionic dye colorants, which are present as either liquids or waxes primarily, but may also exist as solid or very highly viscous pastes, is the difficulty in preparing suitable physical forms of such colorants for universal utility within desired processes. For instance, slabstock foam production requires either a high or low pressure pumping mechanism to introduce such colorants within a polyol stream. If the viscosity of the colorants is too high, such pumping may be deleteriously effected and the coloring procedure may prove too difficult to accomplish or the final product may, as with some pigments, exhibit uneven colorations. Low, and/or controlled, viscosity colorants are thus necessary to facilitate simple modifications of such beneficially coloring colorants for introduction within a variety of different coloring procedures. To date, the great majority of modifications to polymeric colorant viscosities have been accomplished through the physical admixing of large amount of viscosity modifiers, such as, for example FOMREZ®. Although viscosity modifications have been provided with such agents, the overall color strength available to the end-user has been sacrificed. Thus, the desired colorants were modified for utilization within myriad processes (such as polyolefin, polyester, polyurethane, and the like, coloring methods) in the past, but greater amounts of such low viscosity colorant were required to provide the desired coloring strength (and thus coloring effects) within the target substrates and/or media. (For this invention, the term "color strength" is intended to encompass the degree of color available for introduction within a target composition per actual volume of colorant present, otherwise known as color value. Such a color value is thus directly related to the actual amount of colorant present within the colorant composition.) The greater amount of low viscosity colorant required, the greater the cost to the end-user, and ultimately, to the consumer. There is thus a need to provide a reduced viscosity polymeric colorant composition which does not lose any appreciable degree of color strength upon attaining the desired viscosity level. To date, no such improvement has been accorded this industry by the prior art.
In addition, EP-A-0 276 452 concerns viscosity reducing agents for aromatic polyester polyols and polyether polyols, i.e. the viscosity of aromatic polyester polyols and polyether polyols is reduced by adding 5-15 %, based on the weight of the polyol, of a cyclic organic viscosity reducing agent selected from propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, mixtures of ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate, and caprolactone.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a high color strength, low viscosity, polymeric colorant-comprising composition that also comprises extremely low amounts of viscosity reducing agents. A further object is to provide a polymeric colorant composition that exhibits a significant reduction in viscosity with an extremely low amount of viscosity reducing agent, which does not deleteriously effect the desired coloring procedure, present A further objective of this invention is to provide a extremely low viscosity polymeric colorant composition that retains substantially the same general color value as a high viscosity composition comprising the same polymeric colorant, wherein the colorant is present in the low viscosity composition in an amount nearly the same as that of the high viscosity colorant.
n
m
x
1
R
A
B
n
m
x
1
R
is an organic chromophore;
2
2
is a linking moiety in said chromophore selected from N, O, S, SON, and CO;
2-4
is selected from one or more C alkyleneoxy constituents
is an integer of 2 to about 100;
2
2
is 1 when A is O, S, or CO, and m is 2 when A is N or SON;
is an integer of 1 to about 5; and
1
4
1
8
1
20
is selected from H, C-C alkyl, C-C fatty ester, a C-C alkenyl succinic anhydride moiety, and any mixtures thereof, and
i) at least one polymeric colorant containing composition wherein the polymeric colorant is selected from any of the colorants defined within Formula (I)
R{A[(B)R]} (I)
wherein
ii) at least one aprotic viscosity modifying compound exhibiting a dipole moment of between 1.0 and 5.0 or, alternatively, exhibiting a flash point of -20°C to 180°C.
Accordingly, this invention is directed to a nonaqueous liquid composition comprising
i
e
The methods of production of such compositions are also contemplated within this invention. The term "liquid composition" is intended to encompass any composition which is present in a fluid state (.., possessing a viscosity of below about 10,000 centipoise at standard temperature and pressure).
i
e
The term "nonaqueous" denotes a composition into which no water has been specfically introduced. Due to the possibility of atmospheric water being introduced through exposure to a relatively humid environment, this term does not rule out the potential for any water to be present through such a manner. The term "liquid dispersion" is intended to encompass any composition which is present in a fluid state (.., possessing a viscosity of below about 10,000 centipoise at standard temperature and pressure). The term "aprotic" is well known within the chemical arts and simply means that no protons can be accepted or donated by the specific compound. As such, it is imperative that certain moieties not be present on the intended viscosity modifying compound. Such unwanted moieties include, without limitation, acid groups, hydroxyls, amines, and the like. However, as noted above, this list is not definitive; any aprotic compound possessing the required dipole moment property is included in this definition.
The dipole moment requirement for the viscosity modifying compound is necessary to provide the desired performance characteristics for the inventive nonaqueous low viscosity liquid polymeric colorant containing compositions. It has been found, surprisingly, that the selection of a relatively low dipole moment viscosity modifying compound provides the desired drastic lowering of overall viscosity with minimal amounts of viscosity modifying material, thus providing the desired high color retention. Furthermore, due to the low dipole moment, the corresponding flash point of the viscosity modifying compound is also relatively low in order to permit removal of such a compound upon introduction within a coloring method utilizing relatively low processing temperatures. As such, since the aprotic compound must exhibit a low flash point, and dipole moments have not been recorded for all compounds which may function in this capacity within the inventive dispersions, the viscosity modifying compound may alternatively be defined in relation to its aprotic nature and its flash point. Thus, a flash point of between about -20°C and 180°C is necessary; preferably such a level is between 0°C and 165°C; more preferably from 80°C to about 160°C; most preferably between about 95°C and 145°C. Such an aprotic compound thus does not affect any production methods (such as, as merely one example, polyurethane coloring through initial introduction within a polyol composition followed by admixing with an isocyanate; at low heat exposures, the viscosity modifying compound will evaporate from the final composition with relative ease). It is also preferable that the selected aprotic viscosity modifying compound (or compounds) be liquid in nature and exhibit a viscosity of at most 500 centipoise at standard temperature and pressure (i.e., 25°C at 1 atmosphere) as measured by a Brookfield Viscometer. This requirement facilitates handling (particularly in large-scale industrial applications) and more easily permits production of the desired viscosity level for the nonaqueous liquid composition itself.
Also determined to be of great importance to the selection of a proper viscosity modifying compound within the inventive nonaqueous liquid pigment dispersion is the molecular weight of such a compound. Due to the low dipole moment (which concerns the low polarity of the compound itself), and/or the low flash point necessary for such a compound, the molecular weight must also be rather low. Thus, a molecular weight of at most 200 is available for the inventive dispersion; preferably, this weight is at most 150; more preferably, at most about 120; and most preferably, between about 85 and 116.
Such specific compositions provide low-viscosity compositions comprising highly desirable high color value polymeric colorants. In the past, as noted above, the necessity of reducing the viscosity of polymeric colorant-containing compositions in order to permit utilization within certain processes resulted in a severe reduction in the amount of colorant actually present within the low viscosity formulation. As a result, the available color value for such a low viscosity composition was sacrificed in order to provide a more versatile colorant composition. This loss of color value detrimentally affects the costs involved in the production of such target substrates or media since greater amounts of low viscosity colorant composition had to be introduced in order to effectuate an acceptable color shade. The inventive compositions alleviate such a problem by providing a low viscosity formulation of large amounts of intrinsically high viscosity polymeric colorants (which thus exhibit high color strength characteristics). Thus, lower amounts of low viscosity colorant compositions may thus be utilized to provide acceptable color levels to target substrates or media in comparison with the aforementioned previously utilized low viscosity formulations. Such an improvement is quite significant as the versatility and costs involved with such polymeric and/or quat/anionic dye colorants are increased and decreased, respectively. Thus, the inventive compositions of such colorants and low dipole moment compounds provide significant reductions in viscosity (such as a viscosity reduction of about 50% as compared with the non-modified colorant with a small amount of low dipole moment modifier present, such as about 1 to about 5% by weight).
n
m
x
2
2
2
2
1
4
10
22
1
20
16
18
1
1
1
The term "polymeric colorants" is intended to encompass any colorant
(I) R{A[(B)R]}
wherein
R is an organic chromophore;
A is a linking moiety in said chromophore selected from the group consisting essentially of N, O, S, SON, and CO;
B is selected from the group of one or more alkyleneoxy constituents containing from 2 to 4 carbon atoms;
n is an integer of from 2 to about 100;
m is 1 when A is O, S, or CO, and m is 2 when A is N or SON;
x is an integer of from 1 to about 5, preferably 1 or 2; and
R is selected from the group consisting of H, C-C alkyl, C-C fatty ester, a C-C alkenyl succinic anhydride moiety, and any mixtures thereof. The organic chromophore may be of any standard type, including, without limitation, anthraqninone, methine, azo, disazo, trisazo, diazo, nitroso, triphenylmethane, diphenylmethane, xanthane, acridine, indamine, thiazole, or oxazine. Preferably, R is one or more of triphenylmethane, methine, azo, or thiazole based compounds. Group A is present on group R and is utilized to attach the polyoxyalkylene constituent to the organic chromophore. Nitrogen is the preferred linking moiety. The polyoxyalkylene group is generally a combination of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide monomers. Preferably propylene oxide is present in the major amount The preferred number of moles of polyoxyalkylene constituent per chain (B) is from 2 to 15 (n would therefore preferably be from 4 to 30), more preferably from 4 to 10 (n would most preferably be from 8 to 20). Also, preferably two such polyoxyalkylene chains are present on each polymeric colorant compound (x, above, is preferably 2). Group R is preferably hydrogen; however, C-C fatty esters are also highly preferred.
As noted above, also useful as colorants within this inventive composition are purified quat/anionic dye types as disclosed within U.S. Patents 5,938,828 and 5,948,152, incombination with the polymeric colorants noted above.
The colorants utilized within the present invention are generally liquid at ambient conditions of temperature and pressure, although they are generally highly viscous liquids (i.e., greater than about 6,000 cps, more likely higher than about 9,000 cps. As discussed above, in order to permit or improve pumpability of these colorants within and/or into certain coloring processes, the viscosities thus must be reduced significantly. Most mechanisms required to incorporate such polymeric colorants within target media (for example, mixheads and/or feed tank pipes for adding pigments within polyurethane foam production methods) utilize certain pumps and feed lines that are highly sensitive to pressure provided by higher viscosity compositions. With lower and possibly more uniform viscosities between utilized colorant compositions, versatility of colors increases, thereby providing an overall improved ability to produce desirable end products. Such low viscosity may be (and has been) provided through the introduction of a solvent or viscosity modifier at a point in time near to the actual incorporation of the dispersion within the target media (for polyurethane, the addition would take place either within the polyol component or within the isocyanate component; the two components are mixed together with catalysts to form the desired polyurethane foam). However, this late introduction adds to the complexity and potential problems facing the user in producing such dispersions, again, and particularly, at the industrial level. Thus, a storage stable, low viscosity polymeric colorant containing composition is highly desired; unfortunately, such compositions have not been available until this recent development.
The inventive nonaqueous liquid compositions exhibit a number of surprising characteristics that lend themselves to a suitable inexpensive, yet highly effective, coloring formulation, particularly for polyurethane foams. Storage stability, without any phase separation between liquid components, is of utmost importance with such compositions. The retention of extremely low viscosities, without any noticeable or, at least significant, increase, over a long duration, thus provides a highly desired, easy-to-handle product. Without intending to be bound to any scientific theory, it is believed that such storage stability is provided through the interaction of the specifically selected aprotic viscosity modifiers with the target liquid colorants by preventing reactions or attraction between reactive groups (hydroxyls, for example) on the colorants themselves and, since the viscosity modifying compounds are aprotic, not reacting with the colorants. Additionally, the polyurethane foams produced with such inventive dispersions do not exhibit any appreciable losses in color or shade depth in comparison with standard non-modified pigment dispersions nor extraction of the modifying agents after prolonged use or exposure to harsh conditions (i.e., methanol, salt water, etc.). Other impressive similarities between such viscosity modified and non-viscosity modified pigment dispersions are discussed in greater detail below. Succinctly, the inventive dispersions provide improved processability over non-modified polymeric colorant compositions, as well as simultaneous storage stability, all without any appreciable loss in performance as compared with the same non-modified polymeric colorant compositions. Such highly unexpected benefits are of enormous importance to improving upon the available process conditions for applications requiring polymeric colorant utilization.
TABLE 1
<i>Preferred Poly(oxyalkylenated) Colorants</i>
Ex. #
Color
Chromophore
Moles EO
Moles PO
Group A
Group R<sub>1</sub>
1
Blue
Triphenylmethane
4
26
N
H
2
Blue
Triphenylmethane
4
16
N
H
3
Blue
Triphenylmethane
12
8
N
H
4
Red
Benzothiazole
6
6
N
H
5
Yellow
m-toluidine Methine
6
6
N
H
6
Yellow
Aniline Methine
7
15
N
H
7
Yellow
m-toluidine Methine
16
10
N
H
8
Yellow
m-toluidine Methine
10
14
N
H
9
Orange
diphenyl bisazo
16
20
N
H
10
Purple
Dinitroaniline azo
8
10
N
H
11
Violet
Thiophene Azo
10
14
N
H
12
Yellow
Aniline Methine
7
15
N
H
13
Red
Benzothiazole Azo
16
20
N
H
Particularly preferred colorants, and thus merely examples of the polyoxyalkylene polymeric colorant and/or quat/anionic dye colorant of this invention, include the following:
Four hundred fourteen grams of direct blue 86 (0.342 mol), six hundred twenty-two grams of methyl bis[polyethoxy (15) ethanol] coco ammonium chloride (0.683 mol, trade name Variquat® K1215) were dissolved in one liter of water. The solution was stirred for 2 hours. The complex was purified through ultrafiltration. The ultrafiltration process was monitored by monitoring the sodium level of the solution. When the sodium level (adjusted to 100% solid) is lower than 1000 ppm by weight, the solution was stripped under reduced pressure at 90°C to produce homogenous dark blue liquid. Upon cooling to 25°C at 1 atmosphere of pressure, the resultant complex remained in liquid state.
A small amount of the resultant blue liquid was then placed between two microscope slides to test for uniformity of color. The liquid was evenly spread out upon placement of the upper slide and the slides were then viewed under a microscope at 10X power. This sample was homogenous and even amounts of color were uniformly distributed throughout the viewed slides. No phase separation or foreign substances (particles, for instance) were observed.
One hundred twenty six grams of direct blue 86, two hundred twenty grams of methyl (polypropylene glycol) diethyl ammonium chloride (trade name Emcol™ CC-9) were dissolved in one liter of water. The mixture was stirred for 2 hours. The solution was then extracted with 500 milliliters of methylene chloride. The methylene chloride solution was stripped under reduced pressure. An anhydrous flowable dark blue liquid was produced which remained in a liquid state at room temperature and pressure.
The dipole moment requirement for the viscosity modifying compound is necessary to provide the desired performance characteristics for the inventive nonaqueous pigment-containing dispersion. It has been found, surprisingly, that the selection of a relatively low dipole moment viscosity modifying compound provides the desired drastic lowering of overall viscosity while simultaneously separating individual pigment particles within solution, and preventing reagglomeration of the same particles. Furthermore, due to the low dipole moment, the corresponding flash point of the viscosity modifying compound is also relatively low in order to permit removal of such a compound upon introduction within a coloring method utilizing relatively low processing temperatures. As such, since the viscosity reducing (preferably aprotic) compound must exhibit a low flash point, and dipole moments have not been recorded for all compounds which may funciton in this capacity within the inventive dispersions, the viscosity modifying compound may alternatively be defined in relation to its aprotic nature and its flash point. Thus, a flash point of between about -20°C and 180°C is necessary; preferably such a level is between 0°C and 165°C; more preferably from 80°C to about 160°C; most preferably between about 95°C and 145°C. Such a preferred aprotic compound thus does not affect any production methods (such as, as merely one example, polyurethane coloring through initial introduction within a polyol composition followed by admixing with an isocyanate; at low heat exposures, the viscosity modifying compound will evaporate from the final composition with relative ease). It is also preferable that the selected aprotic viscosity modifying compound (or compounds) be liquid in nature and exhibit a viscosity of at most 500 centipoise at standard temperature and pressure (i.e., 25°C at 1 atmosphere) as measured by a Brookfield Viscometer. This requirement facilitates handling (particularly in large-scale industrial applications) and more easily permits production of the desired viscosity level for the nonaqueous liquid pigment dispersion itself.
Also determined to be of great importance to the selection of a proper viscosity modifying compound within the inventive nonaqueous liquid pigment dispersion is the molecular weight of such a compound. Due to the low dipole moment (which concerns the low polarity of the compound itself), and/or the low flash point necessary for such a compound, the molecular weight must also be rather low. Thus, a molecular weight of at most 200 is available for the inventive dispersion; preferably, this weight is at most 150; more preferably, at most about 120; and most preferably, between about 85 and 116.
Such an inventive dispersion is preferably storage stable. By this term, it is intended that the inventive dispersion will remain in a fluid state with substantially no phase separation of or gelation between liquid components for at least 60 days while being continuously exposed to a temperature of at least 50°C. Such a test is one manner of reproducing long-term storage conditions and thus is not intended as being the sole limitation of temperature within this invention. One of ordinary skill in this art would appreciate the need to provide a modified test of this nature. Thus, the inventive dispersions must merely exhibit substantially no phase separation and retention of its low viscosity after exposure to high temperature storage for 60 days. Certain standard compounds found within polymeric colorant compositions do not provide the desired low viscosity results noted above. Specific viscosity modifiers that do not provide such significant modifications include, without limitation, DMSO, polyethylene glycol (of most any molecular weight), FOMREZ® series compounds (from Witco), and the like. This list is not meant to be exhaustive, only exemplary as to what compounds may be present within the "polymeric colorant containing composition" prior to viscosity modification with the desired viscosity modifying compounds agents.
The specific and thus preferred viscosity reducing agents for this invention include cyclic carbonates and cyclic lactones, monoalkylene glycols, or any mixtures thereof; more preferably, propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, butyrolactone, butylene carbonate, caprolactone, valerolactone, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and the like. Most preferably, such agents are either butyrolactone or propylene carbonate (or mixtures of both). The monoalkylene glycols may be utilized as preferred viscosity reducing agents for thermoplastic coloring procedures; however, these compounds tend to react with free isocyanates too easily in polyurethane coloring processes so they should be avoided in those particular instances. Such compounds may be added in any proportion to the polymeric colorant containing composition in order to provide the desired viscosity reduction; however, the lower the amount, the greater color strength is provided by the resultant low viscosity polymeric colorant composition. Thus, amounts as low as 0.01 and as high as about 20% by weight of the entire composition are workable. Preferably, these proportions are from about 1 to about 15%, more preferably, from about 3 to about 15%, and most preferably from about 5 to about 10%, again all by weight.
The use of cyclic carbonates and cyclic lactones in polyurethane chemistry is known. US Patent 3,883,466 describes the use of a cyclic alkylene carbonate as a liquid modifier to moderate the reaction exotherm between the hydroxy component and the polyisocyanate in the production of a rigid, dense rapid-setting polyurethane. US patents 4,709,002 and 4,731,427 describe the use of cyclic alkylene carbonates in the production of rigid RIM polyisocyanurate and urethane-modified polyisocyanurate parts. These two references do not indicate why cyclic alkylene carbonate is used but do suggest that the carbonate can be added to the isocyanate stream in order to reduce its viscosity. US patents 5,028,635 and 5,149,458 report two polyurea-cyclic carbonate RIM systems having improved flow properties. European Patent 0,350,644 and US Patent 5,442,034 report similar applications for cyclic carbonate in RIM elastomers and spray polyurea elastomers, respectively. US Patent 4,812,523 describes high solids thermosetting coating composition with cyclic carbonates as reactive diluents to reduce viscosity. Cyclic carbonates and cyclic lactones have also been used as viscosity reducing agents in aromatic polyester polyols and polyether polyols (EP 0,276,452). No teachings or fair suggestions exist, however, that cover the incorporation, addition, etc., of such viscosity reducing agents to already liquid polymeric colorants to improve the desired coloring procedures.
As it concerns this invention, it was first determined, initially and surprisingly, that viscosity modifications that are more drastic than traditional modifications for polymeric colorants actually provide improved color strength characteristics to polymeric colorant containing compositions and thus the versatility of such compositions can consequently be increased. It was then discovered that specific viscosity reducing agents which provide drastic viscosity reductions were not only available, but also workable and beneficial for the target processes, to-be-colored substrates, and to-be-colored media. There is no mention or suggestion of the addition of such particular viscosity reducing agents to and/or within polymeric colorants or polymeric containing compositions anywhere within the pertinent prior art.
The inventive compositions are thus liquid in nature and do not exhibit any gelation, even after long-term storage (i.e., two months at elevated temperatures). Thus, such compositions do not exhibit any thixotropic characteristics and do not require mixing, shaking, or the like, prior to incorporation within the desired coloring procedure. Such coloring procedures generally require the injection or addition of the low viscosity polymeric colorant within a liquid formulation, such as a polyol stream (for a polyurethane coloring procedure) or a molten polymer (for a thermoplastic coloring procedure). Interestingly, and preferably for this invention, the preferred viscosity reducing agents noted above all exhibit rather low vapor pressures as any excess present within the target liquid is easily evaporated upon exposure to heat. Furthermore, these preferred viscosity reducing agents do not exhibit deleterious reactions with the target constituents (except for monoalkylene glycols which react unfavorably with the isocyanates ofpolyurethane procedures). Thus, the benefits provided by the selected viscosity reducing agents are quite significant and result in reduced colorant and consequently, reduced costs for the consumer.
Although the inventive compositions may comprise a formulation of solely polymeric colorant and preferred viscosity reducing agent, other constituents may also be present. Such components include, without limitation, solvents, such as water, lower alcohols, methyl ethyl ketone, and the like; other types of colorants, including dyes, pigments, inks, and the like; hydrotropes; salts; pH modifiers; other viscosity modifying agents; and surfactants.
TABLE 2
<i>Viscosity Modifiers Tested</i>
Modifier
Dipole Moment
Flash Point (°C)
Mol.Weight
Propylene Carbonate (PC)
4.9
135
102
Butylene Carbonate (BC)
*
135
116
Ethylene Carbonate (EC)
4.87
160
88
Butyrolactone (BLO)
4.27
98
86
Caprolactone (CLO)
4.35
109
114
1,3-Dioxolane (DOL)
1.19
1
74
Tetrahydrofuran (THF)
1.75
-17
72
Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)
3.96
95
78
Ethylene Glycol (EG)
2.28
110
62
Propylene Glycol (PG)
*
107
76
TABLE 2
*The Dipole Moments of these compounds have not been determined.
For the following examples, the particularly analyzed, and thus the potentially preferred aprotic viscosity modifying compounds (and some comparative compounds) were:
TABLE 3
<i>Viscosity Behavior (cps) of Example 1 from Table 1 Above for 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, and 15% by weight additions of specific additives as noted (Color Value of about 49)</i>
Additive
Standard
1%
2%
3%
5%
10%
15%
Speed
Fomrez®
51,200
47,500
44,600
41,000
35,500
23,000
16,200
0.5 rpm
CLO
51,200
48,830
38,500
34,160
-
--
--
0.5 rpm
DEG
51,200
40,500
35,500
31,500
19,300
9,700
5,700
0.5 rpm
PC
51,200
39,600
32,100
27,500
20,600
8,600
4,433
0.5 rpm
BLO
51,200
41,850
32,200
25,500
-
--
-
0.5 rpm
EG
51,200
36,600
29,600
23,800
15,600
7,200
4,100
0.5 rpm
Thus, these compounds were introduced within the following non-limiting, but preferred and comparative examples, and analyzed and tested for various desired characteristics. Unless otherwise noted, the viscosity was measured at 25°C at standard pressure, and at a spindle rate of 6 rpm in a Brookfiedl Viscometer.
TABLE 4
<i>Viscosity Behavior (cps) of Example 1 (CV40) for 0, 1, 2, and 3% by weight additions of viscosity modifying compounds</i>
Additive
Standard
1%
2%
3%
BC
12,160
8,040
6,940
5,700
EC
12,160
7,625
7,080
5,841
PC
12,160
7,333
6,500
6,000
TABLE 5
<i>Viscosity Behavior (cps) of Example 1 (CV 35) for 0, 1, 2, and 3% by weight additions of viscosity modifying compounds</i>
Additive
Standard
1%
2%
3%
BC
5,300
4,700
4,283
3,714
EC
5,300
3,671
2,676
2,613
PC
5,300
4,500
3,400
2,800
TABLE 6
<i>Viscosity Behavior (cps) of Example 2 from TABLE 1 (CV 71) for 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, and 15% by weight additions of viscosity modifying compounds</i>
Additive
Standard
1%
2%
3%
5%
10%
15%
PEG 400
87,900
62,100
58,200
50,900
34,500
18,700
12,800
Fomrez ®
87,900
62,800
57,000
55,800
43,800
28,700
20,500
DMSO
87,900
62,300
45,700
38,300
29,400
10,300
3,800
DEG
87,900
61,300
49,200
41,900
27,700
13,200
7,100
EG
87,900
60,900
43,600
33,100
20,600
9,000
4,700
PC
87,900
72,100
63,400
39,100
26,400
12,200
5,800
Such a colorant was adjusted in color value to 40 and 35, respectively, through the addition of large amounts (about 20 and 25% by weight, respectively) of FOMREZ®. To such colorant compositions, the following additives were introduced with the following viscosity effects as listed in Tables 4 and 5:
TABLE 7
<i>Viscosity Behavior (cps) of Example 3 (CV 77) for 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, and 15 % by weight additions of viscosity modifying compounds</i>
Additive
Standard *
1%
2%
3%
5%
10%
15%
Fomrez<sup>1</sup>
131,100
129,000
126,100
109,360
98,330
49,600
33,160
PC
131,100
116,500
98,880
91,000
79,500
20,500
10,500
EG
131,100
87,160
65,330
57,360
31,500
12,300
5,833
TABLE 7
*As noted above, no readings could be made with the standard sample.
<sup>1</sup>This was used as the standard sample.
This colorant exhibited a much higher viscosity than that of Examples 1 and 2. Its viscosity was too high to be read by Brookfield Viscometer (Model DV-II+). As a result, this colorant had to be initially mixed with 3% FOMREZ® before adding other viscosity modifiers. Various potential modifiers were screened for this colorant (cut with 3% FOMREZ®) and the viscosity behaviors are listed in TABLE 7, below. The results suggest that EG and PC can effectively reduce viscosity for this specific colorant.
TABLE 8
<i>Viscosity Behavior (cps) of Example 14 (CV 79) for 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, and 15% by weight additions of viscosity modifying compounds</i>
Additive
Standard
1%
2%
3%
5%
10%
15%
Fomrez
135,000
129,800
118,000
105,200
90,660
58,830
34,000
DEG
135,000
104,800
92,330
69,000
38,830
13,500
7,833
PC
135,000
118,200
85,660
80,500
44,160
16,500
7,833
TABLE 9
<i>Viscosity Behavior (cps) of Example 4 (CV 53) for 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, and 15% by weight additions of viscosity modifying compounds</i>
Additive
Standard
1%
2%
3%
5%
10%
15%
PC
10,420
9,080
7,880
6,900
4,725
2,720
1,500
TABLE 10
<i>Viscosity Behavior (cps) of Example 6 Uncut (CV 44) for 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, and 15% by weight additions of modifying compounds</i>
Additive
Standard
1%
2%
3%
5%
10%
15%
Fomrez
4,375
4,212
3,980
3,950
3,675
3,262
2,637
DEG
4,375
3,987
3,525
3,300
2,712
2,300
1,700
EG
4,375
3,787
3,412
3,175
2,537
1,710
1,162
PC
4,375
3,812
3,450
3,062
2,437
1,412
850
TABLE 11
<i>The Viscosity Effect (cps) of PC to Uncut Example 6, 7, and 8</i>
Example
Standard
1% PC
2% PC
3% PC
6
1,125
1,040
977
900
7
937
885
830
767
8
940
878
825
763
TABLE 12
<i>The Viscosity Effect (cps) of PC to Examples 9, 10, and 11</i>
Example
Standard
1% PC
2% PC
3% PC
9
8,862
8,200
7,587
5,750
10
3,460
3,324
3,185
2,820
11
2,335
2,090
1,945
1,820
TABLE 13
<i>Viscosity Behavior of Examples 12, 13, and 1</i>
Example
Standard
1% PC
2% PC
3% PC
12
344
321
292
284
13
431
401
366
352
1
2,150
2,020
1,850
1,733
This colorant also exhibited a very high viscosity. The results in TABLE 8 suggest that DEG and PC can effectively reduce this colorant's viscosity while retaining a high color value.
Thus, such compounds provide excellent viscosity reduction characteristics
<b>Ether Foam</b>:
<i>Sample</i>
<i>CV</i>
<i>PHP (CV)</i>
<i>Rise Time</i>
<i>Tack Time</i>
Example 1
24.7
2
1 min. 33 sec
3 min
Example 1/3%EG
35
2 (24.7)
1 min. 22 sec
3 min
<b>Ester Foam:</b>
Sample Tack)
CV
PHP (CV)
Foam Performance (Rise,
Example 1
CV 24.7
10 PHP
Good Foam
Example 1/3%EG
CV 35
10 PHP (35)
Failed
Blue X3LV/3%EG
CV 35
10 PHP (24.7)
Failed
<b>Clicable Foam</b> (Witco76 100g, colorant 10 g, water 3.6 ml, L532, leveling agent,1 ml, 33LV 0.3 ml, NEM 1.3 ml, TDI 32.5 ml):
Sample
CV
PHP (CV)
Foam Shrinkage (Acceptable?)
Example 1
24.7
10 PHP
OK
Example 1/3%EG
35
10 PHP (35)
OK
Example 1/3%EG
35
10 PHP (24.7)
OK
As shown below, ethylene glycol demonstrated a good ability for reducing viscosity. For such polymeric colorants. In order to see if it is suitable in PU application, a sample of Example 1, above, and the same colorant mixed with 3% EG were tested in regular ether foam, ester foam and clicable foam. The related performances are summarized as the following concerning the time necessary to effectuate rise in the foam bun, the amount of time required to show adhesion to a metal spatula placed on the foam bun after production, and the amount of shrinkage noticed subsequent to foam bun production:
Although it passed the performance tests for polyether foam and clicable foam, the Example 1 colorant/3%EG (CV 35) blend failed to make regular 10 PHP polyester foam.
As demonstrated in Section 5.1 to 5.6, cyclic carbonates (BC, EC, PC), cyclic lactones (CLO and BLO), diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG) can effectively reduce the viscosity of polymeric colorants. But the addition of DEG or EG into the colorants will potentially consume isocyanate (TDI or MDI), one of the starting materials of polyurethane polymerization. It will affect product polyurethane foam performance and require changing the related formulation.
Cyclic carbonates and cyclic lactones do not generate extra hydroxyl (OH) group during the polymerization, as shown in Scheme 1. From this point of view, they are suitable as viscosity modifiers in polyurethane application (Some carbon dioxide may also be generated from cyclic carbonate side reactions, but no advisable effect was observed).
By cutting Example 1 to CV 35 with 3% PC and 3% Fomrez®, a new high strength blue colorant was made.
<i>Compositions</i>
<b><i>HS Blue</i></b>
<i>X3LV</i>
Example 1 Uncut (CV 53)
66%
46.6%
Fomrez®
31 %
53.4%
PC
3%
-----
Viscosity (cps)
2,833
2,275
Basically, it was found that about 0.7 g of this new blue colorant (Color Value of about 35) was equal in strength to about 1 g of Example 1 (CV of about 25), thus reducing the amount of colorant needed to provide effective colorations within target media.
Several lab tests related to polyether and polyester foams, color extraction, and temperature/long storage were performed. Results suggest that the performance of PC blended new blue colorant (comprising Example 1) was very similar in performance to the unmodified colorant of Example.
The foam rise time (the amount of time needed to effectuate a the rise of foam; the quicker the rise time, the more efficient the process), tack time (the less time the better as retained adhesion after foam production and curing is undesirable and costly), bun height (the foamier the article the better) and firmness (the more resilient the foam article the more useful it is), were all tested for the new blue colorant in relation to its Example 1 counterpart. For each test, the two colorants provided substantially the same results, thus showing the viability of the low viscosity blue in polyether foams.
The foam rise time, tack time, bun height and firmness were substantially the same for both colorants, again showing the viability of the low vicosity colorant.
<i>Sample</i>
<i>Extraction</i>
<i>Foam Sample</i>
<i>Extraction</i>
Example 1/3% PC
0.0491
Example 1
0.0493
The results listed in the following table show the low extraction of the new low viscosity colorant from foam media.
A sample of the Example 1/3% PC in a tightly capped container was placed in a 50°C oven, and the viscosity of the sample was measured every day for 10 days. No viscosity change was detected and no phase separation was observed.
While the invention will be described and disclosed in connection with certain preferred embodiments and practices, it is in no way intended to limit the invention to those specific embodiments, rather it is intended to cover equivalent structures and all alternative embodiments and modifications as may be defined by the scope of the appended claims.
Background of the Prior Art
Objects of the Invention
Summary of the Invention
EXAMPLEs 14 and 15
Preferred Purified Quat
Anionic Dye Colorants
/
EXAMPLE 14
EXAMPLE 15
Description of the Preferred Embodiment
Example 3 Colorant from TABLE 1
Example 4 Colorant from TABLE 1
Ethylene Glycol (EG) as a Viscosity Reducing Agent for Foam Colorations
Propylene Carbonate (PC) as a Viscosity Reducing Agent for Foam Colorations
High Strength Low Viscosity Blue (Example 1) - Technical Feasibility
vs
High Strength Blue (CV 35) . Blue X3LV (CV 24.7):
a) Polyether Foams (2 PHP and 4 PHP)
b) Polyester Foams (2 PHP and 4 PHP)
c) Extraction Tests (4 PHP polyurethane foam) in Methanol upon 60 days storage
d) Effect of Elevated Temperature and Long Storage Time | |
Concerts celebrating the creativity and individuality of every dancer ...
Within complex choreography and structured improvisation - Each dancer is also given their own moment to shine on stage. Seet Dance is non-competitive and we do not have examinations or grading. We believe in empowering each child to grow as a unique creative artist.
Seet Dance concerts are held regularly at Io Myers Studio at UNSW.
The space within Io Myers Studio was designed to allow for the creative mind to explore and execute works of every type. A fully flexible space, the Studio hosts a wide range of activities, from students working on their first productions to Australia's premier performance artists. With recently upgraded equipment, the venue is suitable for live performance, video screenings and cross-media experimental works
We feel very privileged to be dancing at Io Myers - a magical space with a long history and ongoing role as a leading venue for performance research in Australia. | http://www.seetdance.com/concert/ |
Contents:
Summary
Online Transcript
Download Transcript (MS Word file)
Slides: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
About Gary Webb
Popular Culture of Disaster
University of Delaware Disaster Research Center
Disasters in the Movies:
CNN, Audiences Swept Away by Disaster Films
WHYY, Q. Disaster movies are in vogue ...
Mr. Showbiz, Disaster Movies
Volcano, The Coast is Toast
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SUMMARY
EIIP Classroom Online Presentation
"Popular Culture of Disasters"
Gary Webb, Ph.D.
The EIIP Virtual Classroom topic on October 21 was the Popular Culture of Disasters with Gary Webb, Ph.D. Gary is currently a post-doctoral research fellow at the Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware. His introduction to the topic covered some of the reasons why the popular culture of disaster exists; however, he suggested that explaining why the culture exists depends to a great extent on how we define it. Dr. Webb used a number of slides to illustrate his presentation, including cartoons that blend images of disasters with other popular themes and a listing of classic and recent disaster movies. A number of activities are underway to generate interest and solicit input on the topic. The EIIP Virtual Forum live discussion is one of those activities. Another is a Popular Culture of Disaster electronic mailing list --- current subscribers to the list were invited to the Virtual Forum discussion. A sociologist in Germany has offered to create a popular culture of disaster web site to help with this effort also. Additionally, opportunities for research sessions are sought at upcoming professional meetings like next summer's Hazards Research and Applications Workshop.
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GARY WEBB, Ph.D.
Gary is currently a post-doctoral research fellow at the Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware. He recently completed a Ph.D., specializing in disaster research and collective behavior. His dissertation looked at individual and organizational response to natural disasters, technological emergencies, and civil disturbances. Currently, he is focusing his research interests on the popular culture of disaster.
* * * *
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At a recent World Congress of Sociology, several disaster researchers, in informal conversation, noted that there seemed to be no literature at all on disaster jokes and humor, even though all experienced field workers seem to have run across instances of such behavior. It may be that humor serves as a coping mechanism for great stress; it might be argued that popular culture is a major way through which people derive their images of disasters, so perhaps this is an area that deserves closer investigation.
The parameters of the topic are yet to be defined, but the area of inquiry is generally expected to include disaster jokes and humor, board games and puzzles, myths, folk legends and beliefs, calendars, songs and poems, predictions and reactions to predictions, novels, plays and films including spoofs, commemorative newspaper issues or memorial services, art, photos or video tapes, memorabilia, cartoons and comic strips, or even WWW chat rooms.
A number of potentially interesting questions come to mind: | https://www1.udel.edu/DRC/emforum/recordings/19981021.htm |
Galapagos tortoise, thought to be extinct, found in Ecuador
Story highlights
The tortoise belongs to the Chelonoidis phantasticus species, which is a species of giant tortoises and is native to the Galapagos archipelago
A species of turtle that was thought to be extinct has been re-discovered on the Galapagos island of Fernandina.
The species was believed to have gone extinct nearly a century ago. "It was believed to have gone extinct more than 100 years ago!," Environment Minister Gustavo Marique said in a statement. "We have reconfirmed its existence. The tortoise of the species Chelonoidis phantasticus was found in #Galapagos."
"This discovery undoubtedly renews our hope for the recovery of this species, in order to avoid a fate similar to that of Lonesome George," said Danny Rueda, director of the Galapagos National Park, in a statement released by the environment ministry.
Lonesome George was the last known member of the species who had refused to mate with female tortoise of other species, and had died in 2012. | |
1. Introduction {#sec1-molecules-24-03073}
===============
It is well known that natural products, particularly those with novel chemical structures, are recognized as playing an important role in the discovery of drugs that are beneficial for human health. However, it is still a great challenge to explore active constituents of natural sources due to the chemical diversity and complex matrices of natural products. The traditional phytochemistry approach, which involves the extraction, isolation, complicated chemical manipulations, and spectroscopic analysis of these active constituents is time-consuming and laborious, and also tends to result in the loss of minor or unstable components during the separation process.
Recently, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem with mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS), especially with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), has begun to play an important role in the detection and identification of complex compounds used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) due to its high mass accuracy and resolution \[[@B1-molecules-24-03073],[@B2-molecules-24-03073]\]. However, the main difficulty associated with structural identification may be the process used to acquire mass complex HRMS data. In previous reports, complex components of TCM have been detected and identified mainly based on MS/MS fragmentation, which is usually inefficient and labor-intensive, since it is usually done individually using manual processes. Additionally, this approach is largely dependent on the fragmentation patterns summarized from reference compounds \[[@B3-molecules-24-03073],[@B4-molecules-24-03073]\]. It has made structural characterization more difficult, especially due to the lack of chemical standards. Furthermore, progress has been hindered further by the large number of interfering substances contained in crude herbal extracts.
Therefore, in order to rapidly detect and efficiently filter as many signals of interest as possible, a novel and effective data processing technique, the mass defect filtering (MDF) method has been explored. In fact, the identification of target compounds from a complex matrix using the MDF strategy has been used widely in MS data processing \[[@B5-molecules-24-03073],[@B6-molecules-24-03073],[@B7-molecules-24-03073]\].
It is well known that active components of natural herbs always share a similar core carbon skeleton, with variations, such as hydroxyls, formyls, carbonyls, acetyls, and glycosylations, or a combination of these, in their chemical substitution groups. Theoretically, core substructures with different substituents always possess only relatively minor changes in their mass defect value. The mass defect profile of the compounds that share a similar carbon skeleton structure or substructure usually change within a limited range. Therefore, when analyzing a crude extract, a majority of interfering components can be excluded automatically from the complex samples by a defined MDF value which facilitate the identification of target structural analogues in TCM \[[@B8-molecules-24-03073],[@B9-molecules-24-03073],[@B10-molecules-24-03073]\].
Forskolin, a labdane-type diterpenoid, is an active natural compound with a unique complex structure that originates from a well-known traditional Indian medicinal herb, *Coleus forskohlii* (Willd.) Briq. \[[@B11-molecules-24-03073]\], which is used worldwide for the treatment of glaucoma, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, and asthma based on its activity as a cyclic AMP booster \[[@B12-molecules-24-03073],[@B13-molecules-24-03073]\], and is a promising anticancer \[[@B14-molecules-24-03073],[@B15-molecules-24-03073]\], anti-inflammation \[[@B16-molecules-24-03073],[@B17-molecules-24-03073]\], and anti-HIV \[[@B18-molecules-24-03073]\] agent. Currently, commercial production of forskolin relies mainly on the extraction from its only known natural source, *Coleus forskohlii*, which is distributed in India and Southeast Asia \[[@B11-molecules-24-03073]\]. At present, due to the significance of its activity, the market demand for forskolin will keep growing. However, reliable and sustainable commercial forskolin extraction from *C. forskholii* will become impossible due to the dramatic decrease of its natural source and low extraction yields. Great effort has been made globally to identify more natural sources containing forskolin type active compounds, in order to meet the market demand. However, as far as we know, there are only a few plants that have been identified to contain these active compounds \[[@B19-molecules-24-03073]\].
*Blumea aromatica* DC., a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, known as Shanfeng in Chinese, belongs to the composite family and is a perennial herb widely distributed throughout Southwest China, as well as the southern and southeastern regions of Asia. Shanfeng has been widely used as traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of rheumatism, arthralgia, and eczema. However, only a few detailed reports are available on the chemical properties of *B. aromatica* \[[@B20-molecules-24-03073]\]. In our previously study, a total of five diterpenoid compounds were isolated from *B. aromatica* in our lab. It was notable that the structures of the diterpenoid isolated from *B. aromatica* shared a core skeleton which was similar to that of forskolin. As far as we know, this was the first time that these forskolin-type diterpenoid (FSKD) compounds were found in *B. aromatica*.
In order to find more FSKDs and fully profile the FSKDs in *B. aromatica*, identify other alternative plant resources containing forskolin active ingredients, and understand the effective material basis and pharmacological activity of crude herbs, it is urgently required to develop a sensitive and reliable method to characterize the FSKD in *B. aromatica*. In this study, we describe an effective and facile approach for the overall capture of the FSKDs in *B. aromatica* based on UHPLC-QTOF/MS coupled with the MDF approach. For the first time, a total of 38 FSKDs were filtered out and tentatively identified from *B. aromatica*. It is expected that the Method and Results of the present study would expand our understanding of the chemical constituents of *B. aromatica*, and provide a helpful strategy to identify natural plant resources containing FSKD active components, as well as to be used as an effective tool to screen for chemical targets for future phytochemical and pharmacological activity studies on these important herbal medicines.
2. Results {#sec2-molecules-24-03073}
==========
According to the proposed screening strategy below, first, the MDF filtration method was established based on the FSKDs constituents which have been reported in Coleus forskohlii \[[@B21-molecules-24-03073],[@B22-molecules-24-03073]\]. Secondly, the extract of *B. aromatica* sample was analyzed by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS at both positive and negative modes. Then, the developed MDF method was performed to pick out the potential precursor ions of the FSKDs. Finally, the structures of the screened compounds were further elucidated based on MS/MS spectra and fragmentation pathways were summarized using the reference substance (see [Figure 1](#molecules-24-03073-f001){ref-type="fig"}).
The base peak ion (BPI) chromatogram of the extraction of *B. aromatica* before and after MDF filtration is shown in Figure 4. In this study, a total of 38 FSKDs of the *B. aromatica* sample were selected and characterized ([Table 1](#molecules-24-03073-t001){ref-type="table"}).
2.1. Optimization of Sample Preparation and UHPLC-QTOF-MS Analysis Conditions {#sec2dot1-molecules-24-03073}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The extract parameters were optimized in order to obtain a higher extraction efficiency, including the following: the type of extraction method (ultrasonic and refluxing); extraction solvent (different methanol/water ratio solvent of 70:30, 80:20, and 85:15, *v/v*); and extraction time (20, 30, 45, and 60 min). The chromatograms of *B. aromatica* extract with different extraction conditions were available in [Supplementary Materials](#app1-molecules-24-03073){ref-type="app"} (online at [www.mdpi.com/xxx/s1](www.mdpi.com/xxx/s1)). The results were evaluated by the number of detected peaks after UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis. In the end, ultrasonic extraction conducted for 45 min with 80% methanol (*v/v*) as a solvent was selected as the optimal extraction conditions for crude sample preparation.
The UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS conditions, such as the column type, the composition of mobile phase, ionization mode, capillary voltage, and collision energy, were also evaluated to get a shorter analytical time and satisfactory separation effect. The mobile phase additives may have a significant influence on signal response. It was found that the aqueous mobile phase containing formic acid (0.1% *v/v*) could improve the peak shape and give higher ionization efficiency, especially that of trace peaks. Thus, a gradient elution system composed of acetonitrile-0.1% aqueous formic acid was chosen as the eluting solvent system to give the optimal chromatographic peak shapes and resolution. In order to shorten analytical time and obtain satisfactory separation, two RP-C~18~ columns, Waters ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 (100 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) and ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 (100 × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm), flow rate (0.3 mL/min, 0.4 mL/min, 0.5 mL/min, and 0.6 mL/min) and column temperature at 30 °C, 35 °C, and 40 °C were evaluated. Finally, ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 column (100 × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm) with the temperature at 35 °C and flow rate of 0.5 mL/min were chosen to obtain optimal chromatographic results. MS spectra were scanned at both positive and negative modes. The positive scanning mode was selected due to its higher ionization efficiency, and higher abundance fragment ions, even at low collision energy. Meanwhile, the precursor ions prone to form the \[M + HCOO\]^−^ quasimolecular ions were scanned under a negative scanning mode, which helped to confirm the molecular formula. The collision energy was optimized in the range of 20--60 V to obtain better MS/MS spectra results for the FSKD. In general, low collision energy is applied to ions with a low molecular weight to produce satisfactory fragment ions. In contrast, large molecules require high collision energy to obtain more fragment ions.
2.2. Establishment of the MDF Filtration Method {#sec2dot2-molecules-24-03073}
-----------------------------------------------
The MDF strategy has been applied to greatly improve the efficiency of the identification of bioactive constituents in TCM \[[@B23-molecules-24-03073],[@B24-molecules-24-03073],[@B25-molecules-24-03073]\]. The components share the same core structure but have different substituent groups, which result in relatively narrow and defined mass defect shifts. Hence, in order to follow the MDF strategy, it was essential to define the mass defect value based on the combination of core structure and substituents.
On the basis of the concept of MDF described above, the first step was to ensure filtering reference skeleton based on published forskolin analogues \[[@B19-molecules-24-03073],[@B21-molecules-24-03073],[@B22-molecules-24-03073]\]. The next step was to establish the mass defect range based on the core structure and substituent group combination. Then, filtration was applied to the chromatogram based on the setting expressed as central formula ± mass defect tolerance. Finally, background ions were automatically removed, and characteristic ions remained visible after screening. In this study, the filtering parameters were established using the "accurate mass filter" function in MassLynx 4.1 software (Waters Corp., Milford, MA, USA). On the basis of the information published on these compounds, the filter reference was determined as 8, 13-epoxy-14 ene labdane diterpenes (C~20~H~34~O) and is illustrated in [Figure 2](#molecules-24-03073-f002){ref-type="fig"}.
The substituents of the core structure mainly included carbonyl-function at the C-11 position, hydroxylation at C-1, C-6, C-7, and C-12 positions, acetylation or deacetylation, and other oxidized derivatives. The mass defect values were different between various substituents, with both carbonylation and acetylation increasing the mass defect value while hydroxylation decreased the mass defect value. On the basis of extract mass summaries of published forskolin analogues and mass defect value of the various substituents, the exact mass value was set on the X-axis and the mass defect value on the Y-axis. The mass defect distribution diagram obtained is shown in [Figure 3](#molecules-24-03073-f003){ref-type="fig"}. It is interesting to note that all the components were found to be clustered in an elliptical range. Thus, the calculated minimum and maximum mass defect values of the labdane-type diterpenoids were found to be in the range of 0.2171--0.2788 Da, while the mass ranged from 280--460 Da. Therefore, the filtering template used for FSKD screening was set as follows: mass range 280--460 Da, MDF value set at 0.25 Da, with an upregulation of 30 mDa and downregulation of 40 mDa. The mass error of the predicted chemical formula should be less than 10.00 ppm, while the element composition was set at C (18--25), H (28--40), and O (2--7).
2.3. FSKD Analogue Identification After Filtration Using the MDF Approach {#sec2dot3-molecules-24-03073}
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
After filtration using the optimized MDF approach, all interfering ions with mass defects that were significantly not within the filter window were excluded. The base peak intensity (BPI) chromatograms before and after filtration are shown in [Figure 4](#molecules-24-03073-f004){ref-type="fig"}. The noise level of the filtered chromatogram was much lower than that of the chromatogram without MDF filtration. As a result, a total of 38 peaks of the potential FSKD were filtered out within 28 min of chromatographic running time ([Table 1](#molecules-24-03073-t001){ref-type="table"}). Similar types of chemical structures always possess similar MS/MS fragmentation behaviors and lead to common characteristic ions \[[@B8-molecules-24-03073],[@B9-molecules-24-03073],[@B23-molecules-24-03073]\]. The fragment ions of each filtered peak are listed on [Table 1](#molecules-24-03073-t001){ref-type="table"}. The accurate mass and element composition of the precursor ions and fragment ions were calculated using the tool of "elemental composition" of MassLynx V 4.1 software. The mass error of the predicted chemical formula of less than 10.00 ppm were selected as candidate compounds. Meanwhile, MassFragmentTM software was used to assist with the elucidation of chemical structure based on a scoring system. The structural identification of the FSKDs were further confirmed using reference compounds, published literature, the MS/MS fragmentation pathway, key product ions filtration, SciFinder, ChemSpider, and other online databases. All related data of the identified components are summarized in [Table 1](#molecules-24-03073-t001){ref-type="table"}.
The cleavage pathways of FSKDs of *B. aromatica* are proposed based on MS/MS data of the reference compounds. In previous research, diterpene compounds with a similar skeleton were found in *B. aromatica*, of which the structure belongs to 8,13-epoxy-14 ene labdane type diterpenes, and it is similar to the structure of forskolin. Until now, five FSKDs have been isolated from *B. aromatica* by our group. Three of them, acromatin A, acromatin B and acromatin C, together with another two commercial standard compounds, forskolin and isoforskolin, were employed as template structures to study the fragmentation patterns of the FSKDs, which can subsequently enhance the comprehensive identification of other FSKDs in *B. aromatica* with the same core skeleton.
### 2.3.1. Structural Elucidation of Acromatin A, Acromatin B, and Acromatin C {#sec2dot3dot1-molecules-24-03073}
On the basis of previous studies, compounds acromatin A, acromatin B, and acromatin C extracted from *B. aromatica* were isolated and characterized by our team and were identified using UV, IR, HRMS, and NMR. Their chemical structures are shown in [Figure 2](#molecules-24-03073-f002){ref-type="fig"}. The structures of acromatin A, acromatin B, and acromatin C were found to share the same core skeleton of 8,13-epoxy-14 ene labdane diterpenes, with only differences in chemical configurations of the substituent group at the C-4 position, for which the substitutions groups were carboxyl, aldehyde, and methylene hydroxyl for acromatin A, acromatin B, and acromatin C, respectively. Unlike forskolin, no carbonyl group was substituted at the C-11 position and no acetyl group substitution at the C-6 and C-7 positions was found in these FSKDs extracted from *B. aromatica*. Their main fragmentation pathway was the cleavage of COOH, CHO, and CH~2~OH at C-4 and the neutral losses of H~2~O groups, along with the cleavage of the C~9~-C~11~ and C~8~-O-C~13~ bonds of the C-ring.
As regards to acromatin C, the deprotonated molecular ion (*m/z* 335.2226, \[M − H\]^−^) was observed at t~R~ = 18.08 min under negative ionization mode and adductive ion *m/z* 690.4946 \[2M + H~2~O\]^+^ under the positive mode. The elemental composition of the quasimolecular ions were calculated to be C~20~H~32~O~4~ using the "elemental composition" of MassLynx v4.1 software. It is notable that the SFKDs in *B. aromatica* are prone to form stable precursor ions \[M − H\]^−^ or \[M + COOH\]^−^ under the negative scanning mode, however, it is difficult to break these down to obtain fragment ions even under high collision energy. In contrast, the fragmentation ions easily formed under the positive ionization mode, even at low collision energy (6 V). Therefore, in our study, both negative and positive scanning modes were used to obtain more information for structural elucidation of SFKDs in *B. aromatica*.
As shown in [Figure 5](#molecules-24-03073-f005){ref-type="fig"}, under positive ionization mode, the main product ions at *m/z* 319.2274 \[M − H~2~O\]^−^ and 301.2170 \[M − 2H~2~O\]^−^ corresponded to the successive neutral loss of H~2~O. There was a 46 Da difference between the fragment ion at *m/z* 319.2274 and 273.2220, indicating the presence of a carboxyl group. The product ion at *m/z* 255.2115 was produced by cleavage of the ion at *m/z* 273.2220 at the C~8~-O-C~13~ bond and the loss of one H~2~O group, while the product ion at *m/z* 175.1485 was produced by cleavage of the C~9~-C~11~ bond. Additionally, fragment ions at *m/z* 255.2115, 235.1695, and 221.1543 corresponded to the successive loss of the formic acid group, the cleavage of C~9~-C~11~, and C~11~-C~12~, respectively. As for the low mass fragments, such as that at *m/z* 145.1005 (C~11~H~13~) and *m/z* 133.1010 (C~10~H~13~), they were derived from the A-ring and B-ring segments. In brief, the proposed fragmentation pathways of the SFKDs were mainly derived from the neutral losses of COOH, CHO, and CH~2~OH at C-4 and H~2~O, the cleavage of C~8~-O-C~13~, and then the cleavage of A and B rings. Notably, ions at *m/z* 273, 255, 221, and 175 were found to be the characteristic fragment ions of these types of SFKDs. The prominent fragmentation pathway proposed for acromatin C is shown in [Figure 4](#molecules-24-03073-f004){ref-type="fig"}, which is expected to facilitate the characterization of SFKDs after filtration using the MDF method.
The compounds acromatin A and acromatin B share the same core frame structure with acromatin C**,** with differences in the substituent group at the C-4 position. Similar to acromatin C, the cleavage pathways of acromatin A and acromatin B mainly include the neutral losses of H~2~O, CO, and CH~2~O, and the cleavage of the C~8~-O-C~13~ bond in the C-ring. Fragmentation is always triggered by rearrangement of the A-ring, resulting in the formation of a seven-member ring when the C-4 position is substituted by a -CH~2~OH group. As shown in [Figure 6](#molecules-24-03073-f006){ref-type="fig"}, acromatin B (t~R~ = 20.17 min) produces the quasimolecular ion at *m/z* 658.5023 \[2M + H~2~O\]^+^ and 663.4627 \[2M + Na\]^+^ under positive ionization mode, with a molecular formula of C~20~H~34~O~3~. Fragment ions *m/z* 305.2476 and 287.2370 are derived from the successive loss of H~2~O, accompanied by the rearrangement of the A-ring to form a seven-member ring, followed by the cleavage of the C~8~-O-C~13~ bond forming the product ions at *m/z* 269.2266 and 189.1643. Another cleavage pathway, with the neutral losses of -CH~2~OH directly without rearrangement of the A-ring, yields the product ions of *m/z* 275.2375 and further fragmentation of *m/z* 275.2368 produces ions *m/z* 257.2271 and 177.1639 due to the cleavage of C~8~-O-C~13~ bond of the C-ring (see [Figure 6](#molecules-24-03073-f006){ref-type="fig"}). The characteristic fragments for this type of SFKDs were also observed at *m/z* 275, 257, and 177, which could be used for the identification of ions in this type of FSKD structure.
### 2.3.2. Structural Elucidation of Forskolin {#sec2dot3dot2-molecules-24-03073}
Forskolin shares a common core frame structure with acromatin A, acromatin B, and acromatin C, which belong to the 8,13-epoxy-14ene labdane type of diterpenes. The differences are in the substituent group of the structure. There is usually a carbonyl substitution at the C-11 position of forskolin, dimethyl substitution at C-4, and acetyl substitution at the C-6 or C-7 position. Additionally, no hydroxyl group is substituted in the C-12 position ([Figure 2](#molecules-24-03073-f002){ref-type="fig"}). As for forskolin, the quasimolecular ion at *m/z* 411.2383 \[M + H\]^+^, with a molecular formula of C~22~H~34~O~7~, produced the predominant fragment ion at *m/z* 393.2272 \[M + H − H~2~O\]^+^, 375.2171 \[M + H − 2H~2~O\]^+^, 357.2066 \[M + H − 3H~2~O\]^+^, and 315.1960 \[M + H − 3H~2~O − CH~2~CO\]^+,^ were subjected to the successive cleavages of hydroxyl (-18), acetyl (-42) groups, respectively ([Figure 7](#molecules-24-03073-f007){ref-type="fig"}). Rearrangement was also observed in the cleavage pathway of forskolin.
Elimination of --OH leads to the formation of carbocation at the C-9 position, which is prone to rearrangement of the methyl group at C-17 to form a seven-member ring. The product ions at *m/z* 297.1845 \[M + H − 4H~2~O − CH~2~CO\]^+^, 269.1905 \[M + H − 4H~2~O − CH~2~CO − CO\]^+^, and 201.1276 \[M + H − 4H~2~O − CH~2~CO CO − C~5~H~8~\]^+^ are attributed to the neutral loss of H~2~O, CH~2~CO, and CO, respectively, after rearrangement. The abundant fragments at *m/z* 297 and 201 are the characteristic ions attributed to this type of labdane diterpenes. At the same time, the neutral loss of an acetyl group (-42) is also characteristic of the cleavage ascribed to this type of FSKDs.
2.4. Accuracy Evaluation of the MDF Filtration Method {#sec2dot4-molecules-24-03073}
-----------------------------------------------------
The effectiveness of the MDF approach using the core substructure and substitution groups as a filter reference has been well demonstrated in the *B. aromatica* extract. After removal of the interfering compounds in *B. aromatica* extract using the above UHPLC-QTOF-MS and MDF filtration approach, the background noise of the BPI chromatograph ([Figure 4](#molecules-24-03073-f004){ref-type="fig"}) was significantly reduced and detection sensitivity was successfully enhanced. The efficiency of the MDF approach was also evaluated based on the number of FSKD compounds identified using UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS platform divided by the number of compounds selected by MDF as potential FKSDs. Theoretically, all ions with a mass defect value within the setting range should be selected for further structural elucidation. However, some of these ions were not identified due to a weak response intensity, leading to the lack of MS/MS data and unavailability of fragment ions of the selected precursor ions under the MS conditions selected. In order to increase screening efficiency, these ions need to have a MS response intensity above 2.0 e^4^ (positive mode) or 6.0 e^4^ (negative mode) to be suitable for use in further research.
After filtering the FSKDs in *B. aromatica* extract using MDF, a total of 45 peaks were selected within the defined range. Then, UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS was applied to characterize both target and non-target components in *B. aromatica* extract. Finally, a total of 38 potential FSKD precursor ions were selected based on accurate mass, fragment behaviors, and diagnostic ions, described above. All identified FSKDs were confirmed to be distributed in the established mass defect range. The MS/MS fragmentation patterns of the 38 FSKDs are summarized in [Table 1](#molecules-24-03073-t001){ref-type="table"}. The BPI chromatogram of the FSKDs under the positive ion mode is shown in [Figure 4](#molecules-24-03073-f004){ref-type="fig"}. On the basis of the results of structural characterization, the accuracy of the MDF filtration method for FSKDs in *B. aromatica* was found to be 84.44%.
It is notable that, many FSKD isomers were detected in the *B. aromatica* extract. These include peaks at 14, 17, 20, 23, 25, and 29, the adduct ions \[M + HCOO\]^−^ at *m/z* 381.2268 and the deprotonated molecule ions \[M − H\]^−^ at *m/z* 335.2226, which give the same molecular formula of C~20~H~32~O~4~, as with that of acromatin C. Meanwhile, the characteristic fragment ions at *m/z* 319, 301, 273, 255, 221, and 175 are consistent with that of acromatin C. Therefore, compound 14, 17, 20, 23, 25 and 29 are suggested to be isomers of acromatin C, which are FSKD analogues. The existence of diagnostic ions at *m/z* 273.2225, 255.2115, 221.1545, and 175.1496 indicate carbonyl group substitution at the C-4 position, similar to that of acromatin C.
Peaks 9, 10, 12 and 13 give rise to deprotonated molecule ions \[M − H\]^−^ at *m/z* 353.23, with the same molecular formula as C~20~H~34~O~5~, indicating the isomer structure of each other. Characteristically, compounds 9, 10, 12, and 13 yield the product ions at *m/z* 337, 319, 301, 289, 273, 255, 221, and 175, which indicates that these compounds share the same or similar substructure. At the same time, the diagnostic fragment ions of 273, 255, 221, and 175 are consistent with that of acromatin C. Therefore, compound 9, 10, 12, and 13 were deduced to be FSKD analogues. Using the same strategy, other diterpenoids in *B. aromatica* extract were characterized as FSKDs.
It is noteworthy that the diagnostic fragment ions at *m/z* 297 and 201 were not detected in the filtered peaks and neither was the characteristic neutral loss of acetyl (-42) observed. Therefore, it was assumed, that they are different from the structure of forskolin, with no carbonyl group substituted at the C-11 position and no acetyl group substitution at C-6 and C-7 positions in these types of FSKDs detected in *B. aromatica* extract.
3. Materials and Methods {#sec3-molecules-24-03073}
========================
3.1. Chemicals and Materials {#sec3dot1-molecules-24-03073}
----------------------------
The authentic standard of forskolin and isoforskolin were purchased from the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (Beijing, China). Acromatin A, acromatin B and acromatin C were isolated from *B. aromatica* in our laboratory and their structures were identified using ESI--MS and NMR. The purity was more than 98% (determined by HPLC). Acetonitrile (HPLC-grade) and formic acid with a purity of \>98% were purchased from Merck KGaA (Darmstadt, Germany), and ultrapure water purified with a Milli-Q Academic system (Millipore, Bedford, MA, USA) was used for the LC/MS analysis. The structures of the reference compounds are summarized in [Figure 2](#molecules-24-03073-f002){ref-type="fig"}.
The herbal material was collected from Fengshan county, Hechi, Guangxi Province of China and authenticated by S. X. Feng as *Blumea aromatica DC*. and the voucher specimens (No. 153603) were deposited at the Herbarium Centre, Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, China.
3.2. Preparation of Sample and Standard Solutions {#sec3dot2-molecules-24-03073}
-------------------------------------------------
The air-dried sample of *B. aromatica* was pulverized into a powder and sieved through an 80-mesh screen. An aliquot of 0.5 g of dried *B. aromatica* powder was suspended in 20 mL of 80% methanol (*v/v*) in a 25 mL volumetric flask and sonicated at 100 Hz for 45 min. After reaching room temperature, the suspension was made up to 25 mL by adding 80% methanol (*v/v*). The solutions obtained were centrifuged at 13,000 rpm for 10 min, then filtered through 0.22 μm filter units, before being injected into UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS systems.
Stock solutions: A specified amount of forskolin, isoforskolin, acromatin A, acromatin B, and acromatin C were dissolved in 80% methanol-water (*v/v*) to obtain initial stock solutions at a concentration of 1.0 mg/mL, and then stored at under 4 °C in a refrigerator. All solutions were filtered using a 0.22 μm PTFE syringe filter before being injected for LC/MS analysis.
3.3. UHPLC-QTOF/MS Conditions {#sec3dot3-molecules-24-03073}
-----------------------------
A Waters ACQUITY UHPLC I-Class system (Waters Corporation, Milford, MA, USA) was used to carry out the chromatographic separations. The analysis gradient elution with 0.1% (*v/v*) aqueous formic acid (A) and acetonitrile (B) was used as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. The optimized gradient elution program was: 0--2.5 min, 5--10% B; 2.5--4.5 min, 10--22% B; 4.5--7.0 min, 22--28% B; 7.0--14.0 min, 28--55% B; 14.0--20.0min, 55--60% B; 20.0--22.0 min, 60--70% B; 22.0--25.0 min, 70--95% B; and 25.1--28.0 min, 5% B. Chromatographic separation was achieved with an ACQUITY HSS T3 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm; Waters, USA) at 35 ℃. The sample injection volume was set at 2 μL.
MS/MS analysis was performed on a high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF-MS) system (Xevo G2-S, Waters Corporation, Manchester, UK), with a performance of resolution \>30,000, mass accuracy \<1 ppm, and coupled with an electrospray ionization (ESI) interface. All samples were determined at both positive and negative ionization mode with mass ranging from 100 to 1200 Da over a 28 min analysis time. LockSpray™ was used to ensure MS data accuracy and reproducibility. The leucine-enkephalin (Sigma-Aldrich, Saint Quentin Fallavier, France) was used as the lock reference mass, generating \[M − H\]^−^ and \[M + H\]^+^ at *m/z* 554.2615 and *m/z* 556.2771 at the negative and positive electrospray ionization mode, respectively, with a concentration of 400 ng/mL and flow rate of 5 μL/min during MS analysis to ensure accuracy during MS analysis. The lockspray scan time was set as 0.1 s and the interval was set to 20 s.
The other QTOF-MS operating parameters were optimized as follows: nitrogen was used as the source of gas, while ultrahigh purity argon was used as the collision gas for collision induced dissociation (CID). The desolvation gas flow rate was set at 800 L/h with a temperature of 350 °C, and the cone gas was set at 20 L/h and the cone voltage was set at 40 V, the source temperature was set at 120 °C and the capillary voltage was set at 2.7 kV and 3.0 kV at the negative and positive scanning modes, respectively. For the MS/MS experiments, an MS^E^ experiment with a dynamic collision energy range of 30--50 V was conducted to obtain both precursor ions and fragment ions using one injection of the sample. The MS^E^ parameters were set as follows: function 1: *m/z* 100--1200, 0.2 s scan time, 0.02 s inter-scan delay, 40 V sample cone, low collision energy set at 6 V; function 2: *m/z* 50--1200, 0.2 s scan time, 0.02 s inter-scan delay, 40 V sample cone, 30-50 V ramp high collision energy.
3.4. Data Process {#sec3dot4-molecules-24-03073}
-----------------
The MDF method was followed using the "accurate mass filter" function of Masslynx 4.1 software. The molecular formulas were obtained using the "elemental composition" of Masslynx 4.1 software. The mass error of the predicted chemical formula lower than 10.00 ppm was selected as the candidate compound. Meanwhile, MassFragmentTM software, which can automate structural assignment based on a particular scoring system, was applied to assist the elucidation of chemical structure and to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of MDF. The MS/MS fragment analysis using MassFragment^TM^ was performed at the positive scanning mode. The key parameters were set as follows: maximum mass error, double-bond equivalent DBE 0--10; electron count, odd; maximum H deficit, 6; and fragment number of bonds, 4.
4. Conclusions {#sec4-molecules-24-03073}
==============
In the present study, a powerful strategy was used to rapidly obtain the characteristic forskolin analogues of *B. aromatica* using a method of UHPLC-QTOF/MS coupled with MDF data filtration approach. Compared with the conventional method, the MDF strategy enables a majority of the interfering ions to be automatically filtered, allowing the original data to be analyzed more effectively, accurately, and rapidly. It could be used for the rapid analysis of other homologous families used in TCM, especially when there is a lack of literature and inaccessibility of standards of authentication.
A total of 38 FSKD precursor ions were characterized, or tentatively identified, in *B. aromatica* extract, for the first time. The newly discovered FSKDs significantly expand our understanding of the chemical constituents of *B. aromatica*, which is a potential alternative plant resource that contains forskolin-type diterpenoid active compounds. Accurate structural identification of chemical compounds in TCM requires integration of NMR, IR, UV, and MS data. The current DMF filtration strategy based on MS data is able to provide structural information of interested compounds used in TCM. Further research will be conducted at our lab to target the phytochemical and pharmacological activity of the FSKDs of important herbal medicines.
**Sample Availability:** Samples of the compounds acromatin A, acromatin B, and acromatin C are available from the authors.
The following are available online at <https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/24/17/3073/s1>, Figure S1: Chromatograms of *B. aromatica* extract with different extract method, Figure S2: Chromatograms of *B. aromatica* extract with different extract solvent, Figure S3: Chromatograms of *B. aromatica* extract with different extract time.
######
Click here for additional data file.
UHPLC method development and validation, L.H. and Z.Z.; sample preparation, C.Y. and B.Y.; data curation, L.W.; conceived and designed the experiments, Z.S., S.W. and J.M.; project administration and analyzed the data: L.H. and Z.S.; paper writing---review and editing, Z.Z. and L.P. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 2015NSFC81460534); the Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi (No. 2013GXNSFDA019022, No. 2015GXNSFBA139118, and No. 2018GXNSFAA281139); and the Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants Research and Innovation Team Building Project (GYCH2019006 and GYCH2019008).
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
UHPLC
Ultra-high
QToF
Quadrupole Time of Flight
MDF
Mass defect filter
FSKD
forskolin-type diterpenoids
TCM
Traditional Chinese medicines
{#molecules-24-03073-f001}
{#molecules-24-03073-f002}
{#molecules-24-03073-f003}
{#molecules-24-03073-f004}
{#molecules-24-03073-f005}
{#molecules-24-03073-f006}
{#molecules-24-03073-f007}
molecules-24-03073-t001_Table 1
######
Foskolin-type diterpenoids of *B. aromatica* screened using the MDF method.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peak No. Retention Time (min) ESI^−^, m/z \* ESI^+^, m/z Formula MS/MS Fragment Ions in Positive Mode \*\*
--------------------------- ---------------------- ---------------- ------------- ----------------------------- ------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 7.81 369.2282 415.2367 388.2722 \[M + H~2~O\]^+^ C~20~H~34~O~6~ 353.2346, 335.2242, 317.2135, 305.2133, 299.2022, 289.2181, 287.2037, 275.2031, 271.2077, 259.2080, 253.1980, 237.1858, 229.1974, 221.1555
393.2276 \[M + Na\]^+^
741.4863 \[2M + H\]^+^
2 7.95 369.2274 415.2335 393.2271 \[M + Na\]^+^ C~20~H~34~O~6~ 353.2341, 335.2237, 317.2133, 299.2029, 289.2183, 287.2025, 275.2028, 271.2073, 259.2076, 255.2122, 253.1950, 221.1556
741.4832 \[2M + H\]^+^
763.4637 \[2M + Na\]^+^
3 8.30 369.2273 415.2336 388.2710 \[M + H~2~O\]^+^ C~20~H~34~O~6~ 353.2343, 335.2233, 317.2122, 305.2129, 299.2018, 289.2175, 287.2021, 275.2022, 271.2075, 259.2068, 253.1958, 229.1965, 221.1552
393.2259 \[M + Na\]^+^
741.4811 \[2M + H\]^+^
4 8.40 369.2279 415.2338 388.2710 \[M + H~2~O\]^+^ C~20~H~34~O~6~ 353.2345, 335.2234, 317.2120, 305.2132, 299.2014, 289.2176, 287.2024, 275.2027, 271.2075, 259.2065, 253.1952, 229.1965, 221.1556
393.2260 \[M + Na\]^+^
741.4801 \[2M + H\]^+^
763.4626 \[2M + Na\]^+^
5 9.19 351.2180 397.2241 370.2602 \[M + H~2~O\]^+^ C~20~H~32~O~5~ 335.2232, 317.2122, 305.2121, 299.2022, 289.2179, 287.2014, 275.2006, 271.2074, 255.2113, 253.1974, 221.1557, 175.1492
375.2152 \[M + Na\]^+^
705.4606 \[2M + H\]^+^
727.4465 \[2M + Na\]^+^
6 9.29 351.2178 397.2248 370.2602 \[M + H~2~O\]^+^ C~20~H~32~O~5~ 335.2232, 317.2122, 305.2121, 303.2323, 299.2022, 289.2179, 287.2021, 275.2006, 271.2074, 259.2070, 253.1974, 221.1557, 175.1491
375.2159 \[M + Na\]^+^
705.4611 \[2M + H\]^+^
727.4465 \[2M + Na\]^+^
7 10.93 351.2176 397.2245 370.2604 \[M + H~2~O\]^+^ C~20~H~32~O~5~ 335.2235, 317.2125, 305.2120, 303.2328, 299.2020, 289.2176, 275.2010, 271.2071, 259.2073, 253.1970, 221.1553
375.2155 \[M + Na\]^+^
705.4610 \[2M + H\]^+^
727.4466 \[2M + Na\]^+^
8 11.74 307.1905 353.1953 309.2070 \[M + H\]^+^ C~18~H~28~O~4~ 291.1969, 273.1863, 263.2017, 255.1757, 245.1913, 227.1808, 221.1551
326.2342 \[M + H~2~O\]^+^
331.1891 \[M + Na\]^+^
9 12.12 353.233 399.2389 377.2291 \[M + Na\]^+^ C~20~H~34~O~5~ 337.2320, 319.2272, 301.2164, 289.2163, 273.2215, 271.2060, 253.1949, 221.1548, 175.1482
10 12.36 353.233 399.2389 \-\-- C~20~H~34~O~5~ 337.2322, 319.2274, 301.2160, 289.2165, 273.2210, 271.2061, 253.1946, 221.1545, 175.1484
11 12.38 365.1948 411.2001 \-\-- C~20~H~30~O~6~ 349.2005, 319.2261, 301.2149, 273.2208, 255.2085, 221.1521, 175.1489
12 12.76 353.2316 399.2379 \-\-- C~20~H~34~O~5~ 337.2365, 319.2250, 301.2152, 289.2156, 279.1592, 273.2215, 259.2047, 255.2110, 253.1702, 221.1533, 175.1490
13 14.36 353.2319 399.2379 377.2271 \[M + Na\]^+^ C~20~H~34~O~5~ 337.2360, 319.2256, 301.2150, 289.2159, 279.1590, 273.2212, 259.2053, 255.2111, 253.1703, 221.1535, 175.1488
14 14.96 335.2217 381.2268 \-\-- C~20~H~32~O~4~ 319.2276, 301.2173, 287.2014, 289.2154, 273.2222, 269.1906, 255.2115, 221.1545
15 14.98 349.2011 395.2065 \-\-- C~20~H~30~O~5~ 333.2071, 315.1973, 287.2030, 269.1908, 255.2138, 227.1819, 221.1565
16 15.28 \-\-- \-\-- 634.5107 \[2M + H~2~O\]^+^ C~19~H~32~O~3~ 291.2344, 273.2238, 255.2130, 207.1768, 199.1505, 191.1453, 175.1503
17 15.63 335.2231 381.2283 \-\-- C~20~H~32~O~4~ 319.2298, 301.2192, 283.2084, 273.2283, 255.2133, 221.1560, 207.1770, 189.1659, 175.1502
18 16.25 333.2078 379.2132 335.2216 \[M + H\]^+^ C~20~H~30~O~4~ 317.2112, 299.2007, 289.2163, 271.2057, 253.1952, 243.2113, 221.1542, 175.1483, 161.1327, 145.1014
357.2035 \[M + Na\]^+^
331.2238 \[M + Na\]^+^
639.4576 \[2M + Na\]^+^
19 16.43 \-\-- \-\-- 331.2238 \[M + Na\]^+^ C~19~H~32~O~3~ 291.2314, 273.2210, 255.2104, 207.1739, 199.1477, 191.1429, 175.1480
639.4576 \[2M + Na\]^+^
20 16.65 335.2207 381.2254 359.2176 \[M + Na\]^+^ C~20~H~32~O~4~ 319.2257, 301.2152, 283.2047, 273.2204, 255.2104, 221.1533
21\# 16.87 321.2061 367.2113 \-\-- C~19~H~30~O~4~ 305.2112, 287.2007, 259.2059, 241.1946, 231.2101, 221.1540, 175.1487
22 16.94 333.2064 379.2114 335.2225 \[M + H\]^+^ C~20~H~30~O~4~ 317.2118, 303.2327, 299.2014, 285.2218, 271.2065, 253.1960, 221.1547, 207.1751, 175.1487
357.2048 \[M + Na\]^+^
23 17.03 335.2215 381.2254 337.2387 \[M + H\]^+^ C~20~H~32~O~4~ 319.2274, 301.2170, 289.2174, 273.2222, 255.2122, 221.1542, 193.1231, 175.1484
673.4677 \[2M + H\]^+^
24\# 17.16 349.2016 395.2074 \-\-- C~20~H~30~O~5~ 333.2086, 315.1972, 287.2021, 269.1918, 247.1706, 243.2122, 235.1702, 221.1907, 203.1807
25 17.46 335.2232 381.2286 337.2384 \[M + H\]^+^ C~20~H~32~O~4~ 319.2277, 301.2173, 289.2173, 273.2225, 255.2121, 221.1546, 207.1761, 199.1497, 193.1228, 175.1493
354.2652 \[M + H~2~O\]^+^
26 17.73 347.1849 393.1899 349.2000 \[M + H\]^+^ C~20~H~28~O~5~ 303.1945, 285.1851, 274.2733, 240.2318, 221.1531, 207.1741, 175.1471
27 18.01 335.2225 381.2278 359.2196 \[M + Na\]^+^ C~20~H~32~O~4~ 319.2268, 301.6121, 273.2212, 255.2112, 221.1540, 199.1494, 175.1490
695.4498 \[2M + Na\]^+^
28\# 18.08\ 335.2226 381.2281 690.4946 \[2M + H~2~O\]^+^ C~20~H~32~O~4~ 319.2274, 301.2170, 273.2220, 255.2115, 235.1695, 221.1543, 199.1485, 193.1228, 175.1493
(acromatin C)
29 18.35 335.2228 381.228 359.2162 \[M + Na\]^+^ C~20~H~32~O~4~ 319.2274, 301.2170, 273.2220, 255.2115, 235.1698, 221.1543, 207.1731, 175.1493
30 18.65 \-\-- \-\-- 345.2425 \[M + Na\]^+^\ C~20~H~34~O~3~ 305.2476, 287.2370, 275.2368, 269.2266, 257.2272, 207.1748, 189.1643, 177.1639
667.4901 \[2M + Na\]^+^
31 18.79 \-\-- \-\-- 662.5363 \[2M + H~2~O\]^+^ C~20~H~34~O~3~ 305.2482, 287.2376, 275.2368, 269.2271,257.2288, 229.1962, 207.1753, 189.1646, 177.1646, 161.1337, 149.1328
32 18.84 335.2231 381.2287 359.2205 \[M + Na\]^+^\ C~20~H~32~O~4~ 319.2279, 305.2486, 301.2169, 287.2375, 273.2223, 255.2117, 221.1548, 207.1755, 199.1490, 189.1647, 175.1492
690.4948 \[2M + H~2~O\]^+^\
695.4514 \[2M + Na\]^+^
33 19.20 349.2385 395.2438 368.2815 \[M + H~2~O\]^+^\ C~21~H~34~O~4~ 333.2448, 319.2286, 301.2179, 283.2076, 273.2235, 255.2127, 235.1706, 221.1554, 207.1403, 193.1242, 175.1493, 161.1339
718.5308 \[2M + H~2~O\]^+^
34 19.31 349.2379 395.2432 \-\-- C~21~H~34~O~4~ 335.2238, 319.2288, 301.2180, 289.2183, 283.2069, 273.2222, 255.2126, 221.1554, 207.1403, 193.1242, 175.1493, 161.1339
35 19.45 335.2223 381.2276 359.2200 \[M + Na\]^+^\ C~20~H~32~O~4~ 319.2267, 301.2168, 291.2322, 273.2218, 255.2110, 221.1540, 207.1749, 203.1799, 189.1640, 175.1494
673.4678 \[2M + H\]^+^
36\# 19.52\ \-\-- \-\-- 345.2401 \[M + Na\]^+^\ C~20~H~34~O~3~ 305.2476, 287.2370, 275.2368, 269.2266, 257.2271, 207.1748, 189.1643, 177.1639, 161.1328, 149.1325
(acromatin B) 667.4901 \[2M + Na\]^+^
37\# 20.17\ \-\-- \-\-- 658.5023 \[2M + H~2~O\]^+^\ C~20~H~32~O~3~ 303.2314, 285.2208, 275.2384, 257.2264, 205.1589, 201.1648, 187.1484, 177.1638, 149.1330
(acromatin A) 663.4627 \[2M + Na\]^+^
38 22.20 319.2278 365.2329 \-\-- C~20~H~32~O~3~ 303.2325, 285.2217, 257.2268, 233.1548, 221.1542, 201.1646, 175.1483, 163.1487, 147.1175
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\# Represented compounds that were identified with reference substances. \* All compounds were detected using the dominant formate adduct ions \[M + HCOO\]^−^ and deprotonated molecule ions \[M − H\]^−^. \*\* the data obtained under positive mode offered more information on fragment ions and the positive mode was then chosen for structural elucidation. \-\-- Represented no corresponded ions were observed.
| |
August 26, 2017
LAYERING.
Photos by Christina Shields
Dress – Vintage / shop similar here and here
Mesh top – shop here
Docs – shop here
Sunnies – Quay x Kylie Jenner / shop more Quay here
Shop the look:
Back in the days, I would shoot my blog outfits on a white plain wall making sure the outfit was the only subject. Its the way I started this blog and I honestly really loved sharing my looks that way! This shoot with Christina at her studio reminds me of those posts I used to do and I forgot how much I loved it.
This is one of my favorite outfits involving vintage so far. I was wearing a vintage sheer dress I got from etsy and layered it with a mesh white top and wore some shorts underneath.Layering prints can be quite tricky but it is all about the textures and making sure they blend well together. I definitely will be wearing a lot of mesh this fall (its currently a major trend) but I won’t be limiting myself to wearing it just as a top! It can be so fun to wear it under any other piece, particularly a nice printed dress or a vintage t-shirt.
Do you guys layer your pieces often? Its really a great way to make the most out of your closet as the look can get a whole different twist. There’s endless possibilities to create totally different outfits! For instance, this dress would look amazing with a vintage t-shirt underneath, or this mesh top with a bandeau top underneath. What other ideas do you have for this mesh top? Would love to put together another look inspired by your comments!
16 Comments
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So ‘grunge’ is back then! A white tee should work just as well as the mesh top.
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Absolutely love it!
Mireia from TGL
https://thegoldlipstick.com/
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Lovee it! ^.^
http://www.nutooka.com/dotted-saturday/
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I love these shots and the styling! So cool!
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I love this look! so cool!
xx
https://closettostreet.com/
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I love this look. This whole mesh trend is pretty amazing, I’m really enjoying it.
I’m trying to thing of way you can wear this top and all I can come up is with a nice bralette or a simple bra and high waster shorts or pants.
Love
Pili
To Read with Tea
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Hhhhhhhhhhh
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Pero que lindas fotos Luanna.
Te sigo desde siempre, nunca me canso de ver tus fotos, son pura inspiración.
Un super beso,
Mila
http://styleinlima.net
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Loveee this look!
xxAmanda
http://www.poiseinwings.com/2017/08/back-to.html
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Absolutely love the grunge mood here! x
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With winter coming up, I definitely think I’ll be layering a lot more often! I always love putting mesh tops under plain tees, just adds something extra to a look!
Lucy Jane | Infinity of Fashion
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I love dress looks beautiful
New post: http://thepinkpineappleblog.blogspot.com/2017/08/haute-couture-street-style-2.html
Blog:http://thepinkpineappleblog.blogspot.com/
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Love this outfit. So chic and on point.
http://doseofbeckx.com/
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Oh my good you are sir perfect and I love so much your style you are really the inspiration for me love Lua ❤️❤️
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I really love this look! Bit like the old u ❤️ Total Inspiration for me though! | http://www.le-happy.com/layering/ |
Extra-dimensional conversations October 13, 2014Posted by mareserinitatis in physics, science, younger son.
Tags: alternative universes, calabi yau, dimensions, physics, spacetime, younger son
trackback
The younger son occasionally has band lessons after school. Recently, I picked him up and he said that his band teacher hadn’t been in her office when he was supposed to have his lesson. The next comment surprised me.
You know, in an alternative universe, I forgot my instrument but she was in her office. And then there’s other universes where I had my instrument and she was in her office and others where I forgot my instrument AND she wasn’t in the office.
Apparently he has combinatorics licked.
I was somewhat surprised at this response, so I asked him what he knew about other universes.
Not much. I just know you use wormholes to get between them.
I responded that wormholes are supposed to transport you across time and space, but wasn’t sure if the strict physics definition allowed for travel outside of our universe.
Mom, wormholes transport you across dimensions!
This made me wonder if he knew about M-theory. When I asked him what he knew about higher dimensions, he said,
Well, they’re really similar. But after a short time, you notice differences.
I was confused, but he continued.
And some dimensions have aliens and some don’t.
Ah! His definition of higher dimensions was basically an alternate universe. He was working with the ‘sci-fi definition.’ I needed to change terminology, as we obviously were discussing two different things with the same word, so I said the world we live in has three spatial dimensions and time as the fourth dimension.
Time is a dimension?!
He understood and explained the concept of two dimensional space and then three dimensional space, but he was perplexed about time as a dimension. My explanation was that you can move through time, but only forward. With the spatial dimensions, you can move forward and backward, left and right.
I think I blew his mind at that point, so I figured we’d drop it and move on to Calabi Yau spaces another time. In the meantime, I’m trying to decide if I should introduce him to Abbot’s Flatland.
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No comments yet — be the first. | https://cherishthescientist.net/2014/10/13/extra-dimensional-conversations/?shared=email&msg=fail |
It’s not often that a new piece lingers in the mind so much that it colors one’s perception of the more familiar works that follow it.
That is what happened Thursday night at Symphony Hall, as Andris Nelsons began the Boston Symphony Orchestra program with Sebastian Currier’s Divisions, whose vivid evocation of conflict and ambivalence proved capable of casting its shadow over a Beethoven concerto and a Brahms symphony.
Composed as part of an international commissioning project for orchestral works to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I, Divisions grapples with the mixture of light and darkness in human nature, and suddenly Beethoven seemed to be doing the same in his Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, and likewise Brahms in his sunny (we thought) Symphony No. 2 in D major.
The performance was neither a world nor a U.S. premiere—the Seattle Symphony Orchestra gave both last April, and the third co-commissioner, the National Orchestra of Belgium, performed the work in June. But it was the BSO’s first performance of any piece by the Pennsylvania-born, New York-based Currier. One hopes there will be many more.
That’s a very American attitude, and one imagines that this piece, the only U.S. composition in a mostly European commissioning project, probably struck audiences “over there” as highly American in sound as well, from the restless energy and short attention span of its opening to its craggy dissonances à la Copland’s sterner side and fervent string passages right out of Harris and Schuman.
Perhaps the most native sound of all was a high, lonesome trumpet, evocatively played by Thomas Siders, floating over the softer passages like the protagonist of Copland’s Quiet City re-asking Ives’s unanswered question.
Currier seems to have one of the best ears in the business, and in Divisions he treated the orchestra as a rich instrument instead of as a machine for making special effects. It was a pleasure to hear the attentive Nelsons bring the piece’s heterogeneous elements together as the divisions of the human heart began to work together as “divisions” (variations).
All the while, however, a deep, muffled, menacing brass chord stood off to the side, a reminder of irreconcilable things and of latent violence, and the piece closed ambiguously, pianissimo.
The audience’s response, by contrast, was loud and enthusiastic, and there were cheers for the composer when Nelsons escorted him onstage.
Perhaps it was just a listener’s imagination, but following the dark reflections of the Currier work, the military snap of the opening bars of Beethoven’s C minor Piano Concerto sounded unusually blunted and restrained in Nelsons’s rendition.
Both the conductor and piano soloist Lars Vogt—substituting for Paul Lewis, reportedly recovering from surgery—seemed to approach the piece rather gingerly and reflectively, varying the tempo freely and maintaining a chamber music-like conversation instead of going for more symphonic momentum and resonance.
This tentative attitude nearly sank the second movement, as a gap opened between Vogt’s introverted playing, often barely audible and tending to defer to even the most routine woodwind parts in the orchestra, and Nelsons’s lush, passionate orchestral tutti.
Sonic balance (if not agreement on the tempo) was restored in the finale, as Vogt asserted himself with rather brittle forte playing and buttery fast scales. All’s well that ends well, and Vogt’s fleet, brilliant playing in the Presto coda, smartly supported by Nelsons and the orchestra, brought more cheers.
The evening’s emphasis on the mysterious and meditative continued in the soft-focus opening of the Brahms symphony, conducted by Nelsons mostly with just a batonless right hand carving the air. However, more forceful passages later had plenty of rhythmic punch, and juicy tone poured out of the violas in the waltz-like theme.
The second movement had some difficulty coming together, perhaps from a shortage of rehearsal. The horns were sometimes too loud, masking the opening cello theme, and other balance problems muddied the subtle shifts in harmony. Unusually for these players and this conductor, the orchestra didn’t respond fully to Nelsons’s exhortations in the big crescendos.
In contrast, the musicians stayed right with the conductor for his striking interpretation of the third movement, all loose and swimmy with the Allegretto main theme (that wavy right hand again), crisp and very fast in the Presto episode. Brahms’s subtle way of weaving woodwind lines in and out of each other was delightfully realized.
In the program notes, the Brahms biographer Jan Swafford described the symphony’s finale as “a romp,” which of course it is, but not without some lingering shadows. Nelsons gave these their due, but no more, as he exuberantly banished the evening’s dark thoughts in a final blaze of brass.
Brahms, who endlessly battled despair and pessimism in his life and music, definitely won a round in his Second Symphony, which proved just the piece to bring Thursday’s listeners back from a new work’s haunting reflections on war. | http://bostonclassicalreview.com/2015/10/powerful-currier-premiere-casts-long-shadow-over-bso-program/ |
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