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Clementi Ridges is bounded by Clementi Avenue 6 and Commonwealth Avenue West, approximately 5 minutes (400m) walk away from Clementi MRT Station. In terms of pricing, excluding grants, 3-room from $322K, 4-room from $438K and 5-room from $550K. This development consists of 684 units of 3-, 4- and 5-room Standard flats. Facilities to be provided include a Residents’ Committee (RC) centre and an education centre. Nearby Primary Schools: Nearby Secondary Schools: The nearest groceries stores are located at: Accessibility: Amenities: Affordability:	http://www.btohq.com/bto-project-spec/Clementi-Ridges
Zoning is the regulation of the use of land. It is the exercise of police power intended to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare. Zoning does not create divisions of land nor does it guarantee development. Zoning constitutes an effort on the part of the designated governmental body to avoid land use conflicts between neighbors by ensuring that uses and structures are generally compatible with other uses and structures in the area. It is a means to promote the welfare of the community by guiding orderly growth. The Michigan Zoning Enabling Act In Michigan zoning is implemented and statutorily authorized under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, MCL 125.3101, et seq. (“MZEA”). The MZEA was enacted in 2006 and consolidated several prior zoning enabling acts applicable to separate divisions of government. The MZEA authorizes a local unit of government to regulate land and to create zoning districts in which it may regulate the use of land. MCL 125.3201(1). A municipality’s zoning efforts are generally comprised of two parts: (1) the zoning ordinance; and (2) the zoning map. The zoning ordinance sets out the text of the applicable regulations and the zoning map identifies the zoning districts to which the applicable section of the zoning ordinance applies. Except as allowed by the MZEA, regulations are to be uniform within a particular district. A zoning ordinance must be based upon a plan designed to promote the public health, safety, and welfare and take into account additional considerations set forth in the MZEA such as land characteristics, public transportation, natural resources, residents, and recreation. MCL 125.3203. The adoption of a zoning ordinance is significant in part because a zoning ordinance controls in the event of an inconsistency between the zoning ordinance and an ordinance adopted under any other law. MCL 125.3210. A local municipality’s authority to regulate land use, however, is subject to certain limitations. For example, Section 208 of the MZEA allows nonconforming uses to continue if the use of the dwelling, building, structure, or land was lawful at the time of the enactment of a zoning ordinance or amendment, even if that use does not conform to the zoning ordinance or amendment as enacted. MCL 125.3208(1). Further, Section 205 of the MZEA subjects a zoning ordinance to the electric transmission line certification act, MCL 450.651, et seq., and the regional transit authority act MCL 124.541, et seq. In addition, a zoning ordinance may not “regulate or control the drilling, completion, or operation of oil or gas wells” nor may a zoning ordinance “prevent the extraction, by mining, of valuable natural resources . . . unless very serious consequences would result . . .” considering the standard set forth in Silva v Ada Township, 416 Mich 153 (1982). MCL 125.3205(2) & (3). The MZEA also sets forth certain limitations on a locality’s ability to restrict state licensed residential facilities, MCL 125.3206(1), family child care homes, MCL 125.3206(3), group child care homes, MCL 125.3206(4), airports, MCL 125.3203, and craft and fine arts instruction. MCL 125.3204. Significantly, a zoning ordinance may not engage in exclusionary zoning, which means to “have the effect of totally prohibiting the establishment of a land use within a local unit of government in the presence of a demonstrated need for that land use . . . unless a location within the local unit of government does not exist where the use may be appropriately located or the use is unlawful.” MCL 125.3207. The prohibition of exclusionary zoning constitutes an effort on the part of the Michigan legislature to limit land use restrictions motivated by a “Not in My Back Yard” approach. Zoning involves three separate functions. The first is the legislative function of adopting the zoning ordinance and any amendments. The legislative function will be conducted by the law making body of the locality which is accountable to the locality’s voters. The second is the administrative function of implementing the procedures and requirements of the zoning ordinance. These activities involve the submission and consideration of applications, site inspections, and zoning enforcement. The administrative function will often be carried out by the zoning administrator and the planning commission. The third function is the quasi-judicial function relating to the appeal of administrative decisions, interpretation of the ordinance and zoning map, and consideration of variance requests. This third function is usually carried out by the zoning board of appeals. Zoning is interconnected with and dependent upon community planning. Planning is the process of establishing and implementing a local community’s goals, objectives, and policies for growth, and development over the course of future decades. A locality that pursues a zoning ordinance must have created a planning commission responsible for recommending to the locality’s legislative body: (1) a zoning plan; (2) zoning districts; (3) a zoning ordinance; and (4) the manner of administering and enforcing the zoning ordinance. MCL 125.3305. Once a locality creates a planning commission as allowed by Section 11 of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, MCL 125.3811, (“MPEA”), the locality must also adopt a master plan as required by Section 31 of the MPEA, MCL 125.3831. The planning commission is the governmental body which prepares the master plan which then becomes the basis for local land use regulations such as the local zoning ordinance. The legislative body is the governmental entity which then formally enacts the zoning ordinance and adopts the master plan recommended by the planning commission. The zoning administrator is the individual primarily responsible for administering and enforcing the zoning ordinance. MCL 125.3407. In some communities there may be deputy zoning administrators or a building inspector may serve as the zoning administrator. The zoning administrator is often the primary interface between members of the community and the government’s exercise of zoning power. The zoning administrator will take and review certain applications and conduct site inspections. If the zoning administrator determines that there is a violation of the zoning ordinance, then the zoning administrator must enforce the zoning ordinance through the imposition of fines and penalties, civil infractions, and blight designations. A violation of the zoning ordinance is considered a nuisance per se, and upon such a finding a court is to abate the nuisance. MCL 125.3407. The planning commission will share administrative responsibilities with the zoning administrator by conducting such administrative functions as review and approval of site plans, MCL 125.3501, special land uses, MCL 125.3502 & 125.3504, and planned unit developments, MCL 125.3503. To a great extent, by sharing administrative responsibilities with the zoning administrator and by considering the policies underlying the adoption of the zoning ordinance and master plan, a planning commission is able to ensure that the zoning ordinance, as adopted and enforced, implements the goals and objectives of the master plan and that the zoning ordinance and master plan are consistent. The planning commission can then make periodic recommendations and reports to the legislative body to inform the legislative body if there are any changes that need to be made to the zoning ordinance in order to achieve the development goals set forth in the master plan. The MZEA also requires that a zoning ordinance create a zoning board of appeals (“ZBA”), though the legislative body itself may act as the ZBA. MCL 125.3601(1) & (2). The statutory authority of the ZBA is described as follows: The [ZBA] shall hear and decide questions that arise in the administration of the zoning ordinance, including the interpretation of the zoning maps, and may adopt rules to govern its procedures sitting as a [ZBA]. The [ZBA] shall also hear and decide on matters referred to the [ZBA] or upon which the [ZBA] is required to pass under a zoning ordinance adopted under this act. It shall hear and decide appeals from and review any administrative order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an administrative official or body charged with enforcement of a zoning ordinance adopted under this act. For special land use and planned unit development decisions, an appeal may be taken to the zoning board of appeals only if provided for in the zoning ordinance. The ZBA is the body to which a landowner would submit an appeal who feels aggrieved by a decision of the zoning administrator or the planning commission (when acting in an administrative capacity). The ZBA hears appeals of the administrative bodies, considers variances from the strict application of the zoning ordinance, and interprets the zoning ordinance. The decision of the ZBA is final and once made there is no further recourse at the local level. MCL 125.3605. A decision of the ZBA may be challenged by timely appealing the decision to the circuit court for the county in which the property is located. MCL 125.3606. The circuit court then reviews the record and the ZBA’s decision to ensure that the decision: - Complies with the constitution and laws of the state of Michigan; - Is based upon proper procedure; - Is supported by competent, material, and substantial evidence on the record; and - Represents the reasonable exercise of discretion granted by law to the ZBA. If the circuit court considers the record inadequate to make the review, or that additional material evidence exists that with good reason was not presented, the circuit court may also order that further proceedings take place on conditions that the circuit court deems proper. Summary Through the MZEA and the MPEA, the Michigan legislature has created a structure which allows communities to both plan for the future and regulate land use in the present. The MZEA also creates an enforcement structure which provides authority and discretion to a locality but also reserves to the circuit courts a right of review. The different roles played by each of the governmental bodies involved in zoning are distinct and serve to complement one another and help to create a structure which is both responsive to the short term and immediate needs of land use regulation and the implementation of a community’s long term development goals. Being aware of these roles can assist a member of the community in determining the best use of their land and in interacting with their local government. Matthew W. Heron is a Member of Hirzel Law, PLC where he focuses his practice on dispute avoidance, condominium law, commercial litigation, commercial real estate, land use, large contractual disputes and title litigation. He has extensive litigation and trial experience in state and federal courts involving commercial litigation issues and real estate matters. Mr. Heron concentrates his practice on drafting, revising, amending, restating and interpreting governing documents of condominium and homeowner’s associations in Michigan. He can be reached at (248) 478-1800 or [email protected]. You can also follow him on Twitter at @mwheron75.	https://michiganrelaw.com/2017/02/01/regulating-land-use-an-introduction-to-the-michigan-zoning-enabling-act/
Hours: Monday to Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. About Ahead Reading Since 1991, Read Ahead has connected students in public elementary schools with caring mentors from leading business and community partners. During the weekly Read Ahead sessions, our volunteer mentors form meaningful relationships with their mentees and help children develop their literacy skills, confidence, love of reading and other skills essential to success. Over 98% of teachers would recommend Read Ahead to a colleague, and our program impacts the lives of over 750 children every year. The need for Read Ahead is particularly urgent in the wake of COVID-19. To cope with this moment, Read Ahead has developed a fully virtual program in 2020. Combining our 30 years of experience with new technological platforms and a program designed by educators, Read Ahead continues to match children with mentors who can help them. support for fun, bonding live program sessions. , confidence, literacy skills, and more. Our program remains fully virtual for the 2021-22 school year, but we plan to switch to a hybrid model in the future. With the development of our new virtual program and commitments against racism and oppression (https://readahead.org/anti-oppression-commitments-oct2020/), Read Ahead has the opportunity to deepen our impact on students. We are committed to continuous improvement as an organization and look forward to taking bold new steps to create better outcomes for the students, families and schools we serve. Read Ahead expects every staff member to be an active and engaged contributor to Read Ahead’s organization-wide efforts to advance DEIB’s goals, including, but not limited to, participating in team meetings and ensuring that all project plans and results are aligned with DEIB’s objectives. Read Ahead’s commitments against racism and oppression are outlined here. Read Ahead provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics or veteran status. We seek to build a diverse workforce representative of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. Expectations for remote and in-person work Read Ahead continues to closely monitor health and safety guidelines in New York City. Currently, the role of the Program Coordinator is predominantly remote with some in-person expectations. Expectations for remote work versus in-person work may be adjusted as health and safety guidelines change. We are in partnership with nine New York public elementary schools. Our program is currently running virtually, but most participants log in from school or extracurricular sites, and we expect staff members to make periodic visits to school sites during the school year. For the program coordinator, the necessary in-person visits will include meetings with school or extracurricular staff and support during certain sessions of the program. Periodic additional in-person work may include other meetings with stakeholders deemed necessary for the success of the program and / or support for organization-wide events. Read Ahead has an office located at 50 Broad Street. We are preparing to reopen our offices in January as an optional resource for staff members, but have no office work requirement at this time and are currently conducting our team meetings remotely. Staff will be notified in advance of any changes to these policies. Vaccination policy As of September 27, 2021, all New York City Department of Education employees, contractors, and visitors are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination before entering a school building. In addition, the city recently announced new vaccination requirements for workplaces. Read Ahead is finalizing our own COVID vaccination and safety policy – which will be aligned with current school guidelines and in line with city requirements – and plans to implement it in January. Job overview As a member of a dynamic and dedicated program team, the Program Coordinator (part-time) is responsible for the management of Read Ahead in the school or program assigned to him. They act as Read Ahead ambassadors and engage regularly with mentees, parents and guardians, volunteer mentors and school staff. The program coordinator (part-time) is responsible for ensuring that the program runs smoothly, that mentors and mentees are supported throughout their mentoring experience and that program goals are met. The Program Coordinator (part-time) is responsible for critical administrative and logistical tasks, including planning, attendance tracking and database entry. As part of a dynamic and evolving program team, the Program Coordinator (part-time) will support the development of an enhanced literacy program that engages students, caregivers, schools and teachers even more deeply. mentors. As we focus on deepening the impact of our literacy engagement with students, Read Ahead may extend its current program offerings beyond our current volunteer model. Program Coordinators (part-time) will participate in initiatives that will further deepen the impact of Read Ahead’s unique approach of using literacy as a vehicle for social change. The program coordinators (part-time) work approximately 29 hours per week (specific schedule to be confirmed during a discussion with the manager and will be based on the needs of the school and the program). Occasional meetings, training sessions or other events may also take place outside normal hours. The ideal candidate is a flexible and proactive problem solver with excellent relationship building (especially with families), organizational and communication skills. The role is ideal for someone who understands the New York public school system and the communities we serve. This is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about kids, mentoring, reading and / or volunteering. Experience in the use of technology and a comfort and interest in learning new technologies is a plus. A satisfactory criminal background check and DOE fingerprinting are required. Responsibilities Program facilitation (subject to change depending on program models) - Facilitate, coordinate and monitor 10-15 weekly Zoom Ahead Reading sessions with up to 25 participants - Communicate effectively and regularly with key stakeholders including parents / guardians, volunteer mentors, and teachers / school staff - Manage program technology and provide assistance to participants (i.e. Zoom and online reading platforms) - Manage and support ~ 150 volunteer mentors, including ongoing communication - Support ~ 100 Grades 1-5 mentees in their mentorship experience - Provide ongoing support to mentors and mentees, including formal recordings Program quality management (subject to change) - Carry out tasks that ensure a high quality program, including data tracking, support the training of mentors - Review and approve mentor applications and support mentors throughout the onboarding process - Collaborate on the content and possibly the delivery of mentor training - Support the creation of session material for the programs, as well as support program development, enhancements and redesigns by the program team - Work with school staff and families to share information about the 2021-2022 program and encourage student enrollment, including communicating with school administration and school liaison officers, answering questions from caregivers, helping to fill out authorization forms - Collaborate on a summer staff-led RA program pilot project with students and / or lead or collaborate in the continuation of a mentor-mentee program Family engagement - Support and execute new family engagement initiatives to build relationships with families - Support all other initiatives that promote greater parental and caregiver engagement, as determined by the Senior Director, Program and Impact Administrative tasks - Enter and track program data in Read Ahead’s database in a timely manner with attention to detail / precision - Coordinate scheduling and mentor and mentee reminders for your program sessions Organizational culture - Actively participate in team meetings, learning initiatives and professional development - Ensure the inclusion of DEIB initiatives in the onboarding, training and ongoing management of mentors - Support all key DEIB initiatives and new team building practices Qualifications - Passion for Read Ahead’s mission - Demonstrated understanding of the link between literacy, child development and social justice - A demonstrated commitment to an anti-racist lens and fairness in their work and communications (internal and external) - Experience working with children and their parents / guardians, and a positive and growth-oriented approach to supporting children - Experience or strong interest in volunteer management - Strong organizational skills, including the ability to effectively manage time and deadlines - Excellent verbal and written communication skills - Experience with technology and openness to learning and using new tools (e.g. email, video conferencing, cloud file management, and project management tools) - High level of attention to detail - Team player and contributor - Ability to work and adapt in a rapidly changing environment - Interest in working remotely with the ability to remotely lead and monitor daily mentoring sessions Summary of compensation and benefits Pay rate: $ 25 / hour Paid time off (PTO) and benefits - All federal holidays - juinteenth - Wednesday – Friday of Thanksgiving week - Christmas Eve – New Year’s Day - Sick days - Accumulated vacation days - 403 (b) with up to 3% match per Read Ahead for all employees who are employed on the last day of the calendar year (e.g. 12/31/2022) - Professional development / well-being allowance - TransitChek How to register How to register: Submit a resume and cover letter to Evelyn Canela at www.readahead.org/apply. In your cover letter, state why you are interested in working for Read Ahead and why the role of Program Coordinator is right for you. The job expires in 30 days.	https://www.webfilebrowser.org/program-coordinator-part-time/
BJP’s true assessment of its Gujarat victory was best surmised by Dr Shashi Tharoor while talking to India Today. Commenting on the victory speech of PM Modi, he said “the speech was not celebratory but defensive” – a sharp departure from past victory celebrations. The PM has no particular reason to celebrate. Although BJP won the election, his party got beaten in his own home town, the BJP tally came down to 99 not just from its previous 115 but also its boastfully projected 150; 5 cabinet ministers lost; the Congress gained 19 more seats than in 2012 and its vote share jumped by 3%, while the BJP gained 1% yet as compared to the votes received during Lok Sabha 2014 elections, the BJP vote loss translates to 11%, amounting to a loss of 66 assembly seats. Worse, seeing the resentment against his government’s policies at the centre and the functioning of its government in the state, Modi had to abandon ‘Vikas’ as the thrust of campaigning and reverted to his tested communal polarization formula, with help of course from Mani Shankar Aiyer. He was also reduced to begging for votes in the name of Gujarati ‘asmitha’. Moreover, this was also an election where he lied as never before and made the most bizarre analogies and statements to communalize the voters – something that will come back with a vengeance to haunt him. Therefore, it is not surprising that the PM was not particularly celebratory over the Gujarat victory and was defensive in his speech. PM Modi, shrewd politician that he is, knows that the Gujarat elections, as Mamta Bannerjee has put it, ‘belled the cat for 2019’ in a major way, and the done same for the ensuing assembly elections in 4 crucial states. The Gujarat 2017 elections always began with the presupposition that the BJP, in the face of perceived entrenchment of Hindutva in Gujarat, of the PM being a Gujarati, of the strong support of the RSS and its allied organizations, of the party’s control over government machinery and the complicity of big media, would have no difficulty in not only handsomely retaining power for the sixth consecutive time, but also possibly reaching its goal of 150 seats. Under the circum-stances, an invigorated Congress, empowered by the patedar agitation, Dalit revolt and farmer distress considered even an addition of 10 seats to its 2012 tally a big victory. That it eventually won nearly twice that many seats, reducing the BJP to the double digit tally of 99, dealt a severe psychological blow to the BJP, simultaneously also sending a number of negative messages to the nation about BJP, Modi and Hindutva, putting both the party and the PM on the defense. Modi and the BJP essentially came to power in various states and the centre because of Congress incumbency worsened by scams and by presenting the so-called ‘Gujarat Development Model’ as an alternative political and development model. The fact, however, was that this model was nothing but a narrow Hindutva development model in which the creation, ownership and control of wealth and the economy rest in the hands of the upper castes. This also implies that development that takes place under BJP would largely be urban as this model rests on using the money and resources of and enriching the already rich, most of whom are either based or operate in urban areas and who dominate Gujarat. Gujarat, though, has a diverse population of castes, with Dalits, SCs, STs and OBCs covering 102 assembly seats, besides a 11.5% minority population most of which is Dalit, ST and other low caste, who mostly live in rural areas and account for several other assembly segments. Except most minorities, large tracts of these sections were BJP voters in the last assembly elections and in 2014 Lok Sabha elections. But the Hindutva developmental model only gave them crumbs from the development table and after 22 years of BJP rule, rural development in Gujarat is as marginal as in the rest of the country. This is the principal reason for the larger discontent in the state, denoted by the patedar agitation, Dalit uprising and farmer distress and agitation and this discontent in the rural areas is clearly reflected by the fact that most BJP seats came from the urban areas where relative development has indeed taken place. This is why BJP won 44 of 55 urban seats while congress won 71 of 127 rural seats, where rural OBCs favored the BJP due to Congress’ proximity with the Patedars. Even in the urban areas, BJP lost 6 seats contested by sitting BJP heavy hitters, while its urban vote share as compared to 2014 elections came down by 11%. More importantly, it was because it could not match its claims of vikas for all with visible proof of it that the BJP completely stopped talking about vikas during campaigning. It is one thing, as it did in 2014, to sell Gujarat model to a nation-wide electorate that has no way of confirming the claim, and quite another to try to sell it to Gujaratis living in Gujarat and have seen development unfold the way it did. Additionally haunted by Demonetization and GST woes, the BJP found itself on the back foot as the opposition made lack of vikas and economic disruption their main election plank, leaving the BJP defenseless. In effect, the farcical Gujarat Model has been exposed to the rest of the country as nothing but unsubstantiated claims. This now poses a major drawback for BJP in the ensuing state elections and the general elections in 2019 because it cannot boast of any all inclusive development model while asking for votes, even as the BJP finds itself beleaguered by the negative effects of demonetization and GST that will take a couple of years to stabilize, and by the general disapproval of civilized society across the country to BJP patronized social disturbances. Halfway through the campaign, it was obvious that there was a back-lash against the BJP. Unable to talk about vikas, PM Modi and the BJP were reduced to falling back on their tested communal polarization formula to consolidate Hindu votes. But the results show that here have not been as many takers for communalism in the state as earlier because despite winning elections, it has actually lost a total of 19 seats and 11% vote share since 2014. In the process, though, PM Modi indulged in some of the worst communal utterances, analogies and tactics to polarize voters, putting himself and the BJP in poor light because voters now know that the Gujarat Model is a lie and that when false claims of achievement fail to garner votes, they indulge in the worst kind of tactics to deceive people in order to get votes. It is in this sense that Mamata Bannerjee said the cat was belled. The message has gone across that the BJP does not any have fixed developmental solution for the nation and also cannot be trusted. Every politician goes through a period which makes him or breaks him. The Gujarat elections have made Rahul Gandhi as the RaGa seen in the elections was a completely different person compared to earlier times. Ever since his visit to the US and appearances at Berkeley and Harvard Universities, Rahul Gandhi has transformed into an aggressive, battle-ready yet sober politician. His factual approach, humility in accepting Congress’ failures, his refusal to match the BJP’s cheap mudslinging, instead choosing to stay with facts, established a higher moral ground for the Congress. His insistence that Hinduism is not the ward of BJP alone; his honesty in assuring the people to do the best he can rather than make false promises; his promise to uplift the subalterns through inclusive development and proving that he means business by having Manishankar Aiyer suspended for using a derogatory word against the PM even though the PM has said worse about the Gandhi family, contrasted the gory sides of BJP and Hindutva as seen in the utterances of Modi, thereby also creating a higher political narrative for the Congress. This puritan approach –which civilized people generally subscribe to – is a sharp contrast to the extreme communal and ‘any-thing goes to stay in power’ style of BJP politics that Gujarat voters had seen for too long. With RaGa beginning to go great guns, and having no asmitha’ to fall back on in ensuing state and general elections, the BJP now faces a Congress that is on a higher moral ground and a higher political narrative. The surge in sup-port for the Congress in Gujarat also indicates that people have begun forgiving the Congress for past failures. Future elections will be decided primarily on present state of actual development, economic and social welfare issues, vs the BJP’s promises and its extreme communal ideology and practices. As the BJP MP Sanjay Kakade told Rediff, “This is definitely not the BJP’s victory, This is PM Modi’s victory 100 per cent.” – a reference to Modi’s aggressive campaigning focused on communalism and on Gujarati pride – both of which will not get the BJP much mileage in all future elections after poor results in its stronghold- Gujarat. The BJP may have managed to retain Gujarat, but in the process, it has set itself up for highly likely defeat in oncoming state and general elections. This is a big time and larger loss that cannot be offset by its victory in Gujarat. It is now up to the opposition to capitalize on this loss. Oliver D’Souza is an award winning author and editor of Dalit Post.	https://countercurrents.org/2017/12/how-bjp-retained-gujarat-yet-still-lost-big-time/
Associate Professor Nina Fonoroff’s hybrids of collage, painting, and musical composition from sampled sound and cinema have recently resulted in new variations of her well-received courses. Central to her creative process is a deep involvement in almost all of the phases of a film’s production—from scripting and shooting to editing and finishing of image and sound elements—enriching our students’ vision and skill. Most recently, Fonoroff has begun experimenting with hand-processing film.	https://finearts.unm.edu/faculty/nina-fonoroff/
The present invention relates to a force-reduction mechanism with a plurality of levers for a force-measuring device. The levers follow each other in a functional sequence where the force to be reduced is transmitted from one lever to the next by way of coupling elements. The force is introduced by way of a first coupling element into a first lever that is rotatably supported by a fulcrum on a stationary support. Mechanisms of the kind that the invention relates to have at least one additional lever beyond the first lever. The additional lever is connected by a coupling element to a preceding lever within the functional sequence of levers. Furthermore, in the kinds of mechanisms envisaged by the invention, the stationary support, coupling elements and levers are configured at least in part as portions of a monolithic material block. Force-reduction mechanisms for a force-measuring device are known from EP 0 518 202 B1, where a force is reduced by means of at least one lever that is rotatably supported on a stationary support, the force being introduced into the lever by way of a coupling element. The stationary support, coupling elements and levers are configured as separate portions of a monolithic material block. In order to achieve large reduction ratios, embodiments are described which have two or three serially arranged levers connected by coupling elements. The levers are designed for a degree of structural strength commensurate with the load that each of them is exposed to, and they are essentially disposed at vertical positions immediately above one another. The fulcrum or pivotal axis of each lever, i.e., the resting point of the lever, is designed as a slender, flexible portion through which each lever is connected to the stationary support. If the input force into the mechanism is large, the fulcrum reactions of the levers will be of a corresponding magnitude. Consequently, the stationary support will have to be designed for adequate rigidity in the areas between its mounting portion and all of the fulcra. Thus, to meet a given minimum of structural rigidity, the stationary support needs to have the appropriate geometric dimensions. Accordingly, a certain predetermined portion of the monolithic material block has to be set aside for the stationary support. The customary dimensions of material blocks used in this application allow for two or possibly three levers and a stationary support of appropriate dimensions, together with a parallelogram linkage surrounding the force-reduction mechanism with two parallel-guiding members extending from a fixed leg to a movable leg of the parallelogram. As mentioned in EP 0 518 202 B1, if a larger number of levers are provided in order to achieve larger reduction ratios, it will be necessary to either use a larger material block or to reduce the dimensions of the stationary support to allow for the additional lever volume. Each additional lever has to be supported by an adequately rigid portion of the stationary support. The levers following each other in sequence are arranged essentially parallel to each other, meaning that an imaginary longitudinal line defined by the fulcrum and the coupling pivots of each lever runs essentially parallel with the corresponding imaginary lines of the other levers. This imposes design limitations on the possible spatial arrangements for the levers, the stationary support, the fulcra and the coupling elements. The fulcra of sequentially adjacent levers are in alternating positions near opposite ends of their respective levers. Accordingly, the middle portion of the stationary support between the fulcra at opposite sides is weakened because of the material taken up by the levers. Thus, with a material block of customary size, it is impossible to increase the number of levers without a loss of structural rigidity. However, the use of a larger material block is undesirable, because the force-transmitting mechanism needs to be designed as a component fitting into an overall force-measuring system. If this one component were redimensioned, other components including standardized parts shared with other systems would likewise have to be changed. It is therefore the object of the present invention, to provide a force-reduction mechanism in which large reduction ratios can be achieved in a compact space. In accordance with the present invention, the foregoing objective can be met by a force-reduction mechanism with a plurality of levers following each other in a functional sequence. The force to be reduced is passed from one lever to the next by way of coupling elements. The force is introduced through of a first coupling element into a first lever that is rotatably supported by a fulcrum on a stationary support. Beyond the first lever, the mechanism according to the invention has at least one additional lever. The additional lever is connected by an additional coupling element to a lever that precedes the additional lever in the functional sequence of levers. The stationary support, coupling elements and levers are configured at least in part as distinct portions of a monolithic material block. In the force-reduction mechanism proposed by the invention, at least one of the additional levers has a fulcrum axis that is movable in relation to the stationary support. The present invention is based on the observation that the use of only spatially fixed fulcra or pivotal supports for the levers represents a severe limitation on the possible layouts for additional levers and the possible reduction ratios. Given that the coupling elements connecting the levers can transmit tensile forces only, the connection from the second to the third lever at the latest will require a space-consuming reach-around portion to be added to one of the levers. For example in FIGS. 5 and 7 of EP 0 518 202 B1, already the first lever reaches laterally around the second lever. A reach-around portion of this kind needs to have a lever portion designed for a compressive load and a coupling element designed for a tensile load. The compressive lever portion reaches laterally from one lever around the other and thereby unnecessarily reduces the possible length of the lever that lies inside the reach-around portion. This represents an undesirable design limitation, given that in any event the levers have to be progressively shorter in order to allow each of the levers to rest on a fixed fulcrum on the stationary support. It has been found that the force-reduction potential, i.e., the attainable reduction ratio in relation to the volume or to the largest side surface of the material block, can be increased by using at least one additional lever with a fulcrum axis that is movable in relation to the stationary support. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the movable fulcrum of a lever is located on a preceding lever. As is obvious in this embodiment as well as in general, a lever fulcrum that is fixed on a preceding lever participates in the movement of the preceding lever. A preferred embodiment of the invention has a first, second and third lever arranged in a functional sequence. The respective fulcra of the first and second lever are located on the stationary support, while the fulcrum of the third lever is located on the first lever and thus shares the movement of the first lever. A further developed embodiment of the inventive concept has four levers in a functional sequence. The respective fulcra of the first and second lever are located on the stationary support. The fulcrum of the third lever is located on the first lever and thus shares the movement of the first lever, while the fulcrum of the fourth lever is located on the second lever and thus shares the movement of the second lever. The advantage of a movable fulcrum is that is requires no space on the stationary support. Also, the concept of a movable fulcrum provides more freedom in the design of force-reduction mechanisms. In particular, it eliminates the need for reach-around portions of levers, so that the freed-up space can be used for force-reduction elements. The levers with movable fulcra or pivotal axes allow a more space-efficient arrangement with respect to the attainable force-reduction ratio. Due to the advantage that no reach-around elements are needed for transmitting the force, the entire space taken up by each lever can be used to the benefit of the force-reducing function. A lever that has its fulcrum axis fixed on a preceding lever of the force-reducing mechanism can be entirely surrounded by preceding levers. In an arrangement of this kind, the surrounded lever does not impose any design limitations on the shape of the stationary support nor on the way in which the dimensions and proportions of the surrounding levers are used to perform their force-reducing function. As in the known state-of-the-art devices, only a first part of the last lever in the force-reduction chain belongs to the monolithic material block. The remaining part of the last lever is an extension, attached to the first part by means of two bore holes. The extension is shaped like a fork, extending along both sides of the material block and ending, e.g., at a measuring or compensating device. The same two-part configuration is also possible when the first part of the last lever is surrounded by preceding levers. Even with more than two levers, a nested, spiral-like arrangement of a lever chain makes it possible to connect the successive levers only through coupling elements, i.e., without the need for reach-around, compressively loaded lever portions. As can be demonstrated through model calculations and experiments, if at least one lever has its fulcrum axis on a preceding lever, the total reduction- or magnification ratio is slightly larger than the product of the ratios of the individual levers. The reduction ratio was determined for a mechanism with three levers where the fulcrum of the third lever was located on the first lever. In the example that was analyzed, the first lever had a short arm of 11.8 mm and a long arm of 66.2 mm. The second lever had arm lengths of 4.5 mm and 52 mm, respectively. The third lever had a short arm of 4.5 mm and a long arm of 101 mm, including a fork-shaped extension beyond the material block. The multiplication of the individual reduction ratios would lead to an overall ratio of 1/1455. With a correction allowing for the fact that the third lever fulcrum is located on the first lever, the effective reduction ratio turns out to be 1/1494. With the fulcrum of the third lever being located on the first lever, the correction leading to the effective reduction ratio depends on the distance between the respective fulcra of the first and third lever. In the subject case, the distance was 14.2 mm. This leads to the conclusion that the reduction ratio is increased if the fulcrum of a lever is located on a preceding lever of the mechanism. In addition to the space savings, the increase of the lever-reduction ratio is a further advantage of the inventive concept, according to which at least one lever rests on a fulcrum that is fixed on a preceding lever. Also included among levers with a movable fulcrum are knee-joint levers. Knee-joint levers are force-reducing or or -magnifying devices with a force-introduction arm, a force-output arm, and an anchored arm, the three arms being connected to each other at a pivotal hub. When a force is applied to the force-introduction arm, the pivotal hub will be subjected to a slight displacement. Thus, by extension of the term fulcrum, the pivotal hub could also be called the movable fulcrum of the knee-joint lever. In a knee-joint lever with a force-introduction arm, a force-output arm, and an anchored arm, the forces in the arms are in essence tensile forces, which can be transmitted through members with compact material cross-sections. The force-reduction ratio of a knee-joint lever is determined by an angle rather than by an arm-length ratio. Thus, very large reduction ratios can be achieved within the most compact space. Because of the essentially horizontal orientation of the first lever receiving the force to be reduced as well as of the last lever extending with its fork-like second part beyond the material block into a measuring or compensating device, it is necessary for coupling elements from the intermediate levers to the first and last lever to be vertical. Because a knee-joint lever changes the direction of the force between the input and output, the preferred arrangement has at least a pair of knee-joint levers with equal and opposite direction-changing angles. As a result, the change in force direction associated with the pair of knee-joint levers is essentially negligible. To obtain an arrangement with only vertical or horizontal couplings, one would use knee-joint levers in which the force-introduction arm and the force-output arm are essentially at a 90xc2x0 angle to each other, while the angle between the force-output arm and the anchoring arm is 90xc2x0+"PHgr". The force-reduction factor of a knee-joint lever of this kind has the numerical value of tan("PHgr"). Because a knee-joint lever takes up only a small amount of space, the resulting loss in rigidity of the stationary support is insignificant. With the small amount of space required and with the possibility of prescribing the direction-changing angle, it is possible to design network-like arrangements of knee-joint levers with a very high degree of force reduction in relation to the space consumed. The knee-joint levers can be used either by themselves as intermediate levers, or also in combination with at least one additional straight lever. In the latter case, the additional straight lever is pivoted in a fulcrum located either on the stationary support or on another lever. When there are more than two straight levers arranged in parallel and vertically above one another, at least one lever arm will have to transfer a force that is directed. towards a corresponding arm of the next lever. Because the coupling elements can only pull, but not push, i.e., they can carry only tensile forces, it is customary to design reach-around arrangements with a lever portion conducting a compressive (pushing) force and a coupling element transferring a tensile force. Instead of using a space-consuming arrangement of this kind, which contributes nothing to the force-reduction ratio, a combination of two consecutive knee-joint levers allows the pushing force to be converted to a parallel pulling force with a strong lever reduction taking place at the same time. Each of the two knee-joint levers redirects the force by an angle of 90xc2x0, so that the total change in direction is 180xc2x0. The change of 180xc2x0 in the direction of the force makes it possible to connect lever arms through a pair of knee-joint levers where otherwise a reach-around arrangement would have to be used. It is self-evident that instead of the horizontally oriented straight levers it is also possible to use levers running in other, arbitrarily selectable directions. Knee-joint levers with appropriate direction-changing angles can be used to connect straight levers of different angular orientation. The use of knee-joint levers and/or straight levers that are fulcrum-supported on another lever significantly increases the design freedom to arrange levers in a material block. The increased design freedom allows large force-reduction ratios to be accomplished within a small amount of space.
Career Readiness Counselor Company Description: Cape Cod Community College is a place of personal discovery, enrichment, and professional development for those just beginning the quest and for those at many points along the path of higher education throughout life. It is a caring, comprehensive institution that belongs to the people it serves and responds to their individual and community needs. Students attending Cape Cod Community College are striving for personal excellence, and are finding it, day after day. Graduates of the College can be found in all levels of private business, the professions, and public service, and they excel at what they do. For students seeking to lay a foundation for further study, there is no better place to begin than at Cape Cod Community College. In today's highly competitive market place, the well prepared transfer student is the most aggressively recruited person in higher education. For many Cape Cod Community College graduates, that Associate Degree opens the door to institutions that were just not an option after high school. And, when you consider the savings in the overall cost of a four-year degree at either a public or a private university, starting at Cape Cod Community College becomes an incredible bargain that blends quality with unmatched value. The students' education is the first priority at Cape Cod Community College. As a learning-centered community, we value the contributions of a diverse population, welcome open inquiry, and promote mutual respect. The College offers a strong educational foundation of critical and creative thinking, communication competency, and a global, multicultural perspective that prepares students for life and work in the 21st century. Our liberal arts, sciences, and career programs provide educational pathways that serve the varied social, economic, and demographic characteristics of our community with a distinctive focus on sustainability. We honor our past, celebrate our present and imagine our future. Job Description: GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES: Under direct supervision of the Director of Academic Advising, the Career Readiness Counselor provides direct advising support to students in the area of career readiness, supports the testing, assessment and programmatic offerings of the Student Readiness Office, and assists in administration of the HandShake platform. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: - Provide a full range of career readiness support including career advising support to students, education- and career-research workshops, and resume/cover letter support. - Assist in the administration of the HandShake platform. - Support non-departmental administration of the College's internship process including the maintenance of host-site requests and College administration forms. - Work alongside faculty and academic departments to identify and promote internships for specific certificate and degree programs. - Maintain current working knowledge of services available in the community; maintain effective working relationships with employers, parole/probation officers, social services agencies, registered apprenticeships, Career Centers, Workforce Investment Boards, and other resources in the community to facilitate services for students. - Assist with program development and implementation within the Student Readiness Office including, workshop development and presentation and assessment proctoring. Requirements: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: - Bachelor's degree in a closely related field with three (3) years of experience and/or training that includes academic advising and/or career counseling or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. - Excellent writing, presentation, administrative skills. - Proven ability and interpersonal skills to work effectively with a diverse population of students, alumni, faculty, staff, and employers. ADDITIONAL PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: - Master's degree. - Experience with educational testing platforms. Equivalency Statement Applicants who do not meet the qualifications as noted above are encouraged to put in writing precisely how their background and experience has prepared them with the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience required for the responsibilities of this position. Additional Information: COMPENSATION: MCCC Unit Position. Grade 4 Career Development Counselor position salary range of $52,754 - $63,770. Actual salary will be consistent with the MCCC/MTA Collective Bargaining Agreement, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Includes participation in a comprehensive employee benefits program. APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 31, 2022 Please visit our website at www.capecod.edu for information on Cape Cod Community College. COVID VACCINE POLICY: Candidates for employment should be aware that all Cape Cod Community College students, faculty, and staff must comply with the Massachusetts state two-year public college vaccination policy as a condition of employment. Please see College website for details. This appointment is subject to the FY2022/23 budget appropriations. Appointment subject to SORI (Sex Offender Registry Information), publicly-accessible Massachusetts CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and national background checks. The College does not provide any measure of assistance for applicants who do not have the ability to work in the United States. Cape Cod Community College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity or sexual orientation in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statues and College policies. The College prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence. Inquiries or complaints concerning discrimination, harassment, retaliation or sexual violence shall be referred to the College's Affirmative Action/Title IX Coordinator, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission or the United States Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights. Application Instructions: ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED. Begin the online application process by going to the APPLY NOW link. During the process you will be given an opportunity to upload required documents: a cover letter addressing how you meet the minimum requirements of the position and resume (failure to submit requested documents may result in disqualification). Please note that finalist candidates will be asked to provide three current professional letters of reference and transcripts. See the FAQ for using our online system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website. Returning Applicants - Login to your Cape Cod Community College Careers Account to check your completed application.	https://www.highered360.com/jobs/JobDetail.cfm?JobID=3-177923445
To examine an astrocyte-specific role for 4R tau in disease, we used tau isoform-switching ASOs, previously characterized in our lab, to alter the ratio of tau isoform expression in hTau-expressing mouse and human astrocytes. Our findings demonstrate that, despite the low level of tau expression in astrocytes, 4R tau interferes with normal astrocyte functions and induces neuronal hyperexcitability. Ezerskiy LA, Schoch KM, Sato C, Beltcheva M, Horie K, Rigo F, Martynowicz R, Karch CM, Bateman RJ, Miller TM. Astrocytic 4R tau expression drives astrocyte reactivity and dysfunction. JCI Insight. 2022 Jan 11;7(1):e152012. doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.152012. PMID: 34874917; PMCID: PMC8765054 2021 Grese ZR, Bastos AC, Mamede LD, French RL, Miller TM, Ayala YM. Specific RNA interactions promote TDP-43 multivalent phase separation and maintain liquid properties. EMBO Rep. 2021 Dec 6;22(12):e53632. doi: 10.15252/embr.202153632. Epub 2021 Nov 17. PMID: 34787357; PMCID: PMC8647020 Alquezar C, Schoch KM, Geier EG, Ramos EM, Scrivo A, Li KH, Argouarch AR, Mlynarski EE, Dombroski B, DeTure M, Dickson DW, Yokoyama JS, Cuervo AM, Burlingame AL, Schellenberg GD, Miller TM, Miller BL, Kao AW. TSC1 loss increases risk for tauopathy by inducing tau acetylation and preventing tau clearance via chaperone-mediated autophagy. Sci Adv. 2021 Nov 5;7(45):eabg3897. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abg3897. Epub 2021 Nov 5. PMID: 34739309; PMCID: PMC8570595. The gene TREM2 appears to influence abnormal protein accumulations in Alzheimer’s disease through the brain’s immune cells; however, it is not clear if and when TREM2 might be targeted in disease to limit pathology or the immune response. We used antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to reduce Trem2 levels in the mouse brain at specific times in disease and investigated amyloid protein accumulations, microglial responses, and genetic signatures. ASO-mediated Trem2 lowering during late-stage disease reduced amyloid pathology, which may have been triggered by an acute activation of microglia to engulf and clear amyloid deposits. Full citation: Schoch KM, Ezerskiy LA, Morhaus MM, Bannon RN, Sauerbeck AD, Shabsovich M, Jafar-Nejad P, Rigo F, Miller TM. Acute Trem2 reduction triggers increased microglial phagocytosis, slowing amyloid deposition in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2021 Jul 6;118(27):e2100356118. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2100356118. PMID: 34187891; PMCID: PMC8271763. Increased activity in perivascular fibroblasts could precede motor-neuron degeneration and be a predictor of shorter survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. 2020 In a phase 1–2 dose-escalation trial involving adults with ALS due to SOD1 mutations who received intrathecal tofersen (an antisense oligonucleotide) or placebo, the levels of mutant SOD1 in the CSF were 33 percentage points lower in the highest-dose tofersen group than in the placebo group. In this manuscript, we detail the creation and possible uses of a new website that illustrates microRNA expression by cell type in the central nervous system. Similar databases for protein-coding genes have achieved widespread use, however no comparable tool for microRNA expression existed before this. We believe this new resource will serve as a valuable tool for researchers moving forward in microRNA research and enable the generation of previously unexplored hypotheses. This work was a collaboration between our group and the lab of Dr. Joseph Dougherty in the Departments of Genetics and Psychiatry at Washington University. In this manuscript, we describe the development of a new tool called “AAV calling cards” for measuring enhancer and transcription factor (TF)-mediated regulation in the mouse brain. It offers novel advantages over other methodologies, including the ability to probe epigenetic profiles in specific, targeted cellular populations and to record and integrate transient TF binding events over time. AAV calling cards will now enable unique studies in the areas of neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. This work was a collaboration between our group and two labs in the Department of Genetics at Washington University, those of Dr. Robi Mitra and Dr. Joseph Dougherty. 2019 2018 Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) are responsible for 20% of familial ALS. Given the gain of toxic function in this dominantly inherited disease, lowering SOD1 mRNA and protein is predicted to provide therapeutic benefit. We have developed next-generation SOD1 ASOs that more potently reduce SOD1 mRNA and protein and extend survival in SOD1G93A mice. These results define a highly potent, new SOD1 ASO ready for human clinical trial and suggest that at least some components of muscle response can be reversed by therapy. We recently demonstrated that microRNA-218 (miR-218) is greatly enriched in motor neurons and is released extracellularly in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis model rats. To determine if the released, motor neuron-derived miR-218 may have a functional role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, we examined the effect of miR-218 on neighbouring astrocytes. Surprisingly, we found that extracellular, motor neuron-derived miR-218 can be taken up by astrocytes and is sufficient to downregulate an important glutamate transporter in astrocytes [excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2)]. The effect of miR-218 on astrocytes extends beyond EAAT2 since miR-218 binding sites are enriched in mRNAs translationally downregulated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis astrocytes. Inhibiting miR-218 with antisense oligonucleotides in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis model mice mitigates the loss of EAAT2 and other miR-218-mediated changes, providing an important in vivo demonstration of the relevance of microRNA-mediated communication between neurons and astrocytes. These data define a novel mechanism in neurodegeneration whereby microRNAs derived from dying neurons can directly modify the glial phenotype and cause astrocyte dysfunction. 2017 Multiple neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by single-protein dysfunction and aggregation. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are small sequences of DNA able to target RNA transcripts, resulting in reduced or modified protein expression. ASOs hold considerable promise for neurodegenerative disease therapies as evidenced by SMA and ALS human clinical trial successes, and preclinical efforts in other CNS disorders continue to progress. Motor neurons are the cell type that is selectively lost in ALS. To develop tools to understand and monitor ALS disease progression, Mariah Hoye of Dr. Miller’s group identified factors that were specifically expressed in motor neurons only. These factors, called microRNAs (or miRNAs), may help researchers understand why motor neurons, and not other cell types, are selectively lost in ALS. One of the motor neuron enriched miRNAs was detected in spinal tap biofluid from an ALS rat model and its levels changed as disease progressed. These data suggest that miR-218 could be a clinically useful marker of disease status. Furthermore, Hoye found that rats treated with an ALS therapy had restored levels of the motor neuron marker, suggesting that miR-218 is a motor neuron specific and drug responsive marker for ALS rodents. Aggregates of a protein called “tau” are one of the factors involved in causing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. In this manuscript, Dr. Miller and colleagues show that lowering levels of tau protein prevented loss of neurons and reversed previous build up of tau protein in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, using the same tau lowering strategy, researchers saw similar results when the drug was given to non-human primates. This study was the first to show that markers of neurodegeneration that accumulate in Alzheimer’s disease may ractually be reversed by treatment with antisense oligonucleotides. 2016 Tau protein has been implicated in many neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. These disorders all have different brain regions, progression rates, and protein aggregation patterns that are affected by differences in tau protein. This article aimed to expand upon previous work and determine the relationship between tau protein strains and the characteristics of various neurodegenerative disorders. The authors found that different strains of tau protein were sufficient to account for the different neuropathological presentations of disease in mouse models. The authors conclude that further study of the strains and their effects could establish an increased understanding of human tauopathies. Natural history data is often used to help researchers understand disease characteristics and can be especially beneficial when considering how to design therapeutic clinical trials for a disease. In this manuscript, Dr. Miller’s group examined the natural history of ALS patients with mutations in the SOD1 gene in an attempt to provide updated information from a previous study that dated back to 1997. 15 medical centers contributed data from more than 175 ALS-SOD1 patients, and various disease measures such as age of onset were examined. The researchers concluded that the updated data was primarily unchanged from the previous study, showing support for the use of ALS natural history data in the design and implementation of clinical trials in the ALS-SOD1 patient population. Aggregates of a protein called “tau” are one of the factors involved in causing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. However, the tau protein has several different forms and it was not known which form of the protein was more detrimental and thus which form could be targeted for therapy in Alzheimer’s disease. In this manuscript, Dr. Kathleen Schoch of Dr. Miller’s group demonstrated, for the first time, that the “4R” form of tau was more toxic in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, she showed that 4R tau could be effectively reduced in mice, indicating that a similar approach to lowering toxic 4R tau could be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies in future studies Changes in the C9orf72 gene account for about 30% of familial ALS and 5-10% of sporadic ALS. The “orf” part of the gene name stands for “open reading frame,” which in genetic terms means we know that this is an important part of the genome, but the function of the gene is unclear. One way to determine the importance of an unknown gene region is to delete that region in mice and determine how this affects the mouse model. Dr. Miller’s collaborators at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, led by Dr. Robert Baloh, took this approach. Somewhat surprisingly, they found that loss of this gene region led to changes in cells of the immune system, thus refocusing ALS researchers on what these immune system related cells might be doing in ALS. Dr. Baloh and colleagues recognized the importance of linking these new findings to humans with the disease and subsequently used spinal cord samples donated from ALS patients at Washington University in St. Louis. Strikingly, these human samples showed some changes similar to the mouse models and thus helped demonstrate the relevance of the mouse studies to humans. 2015 Understanding risk and prognostic factors for diseases can help researchers understand the disease better and develop therapeutics more effectively. This study attempted to determine whether a history of pre-morbid type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is a prognostic factor in ALS. Dr. Miller and colleagues examined the relationship between DM2 and survival in a population of 1,322 participants from 6 clinical trials and found that survival did not differ depending on whether or not the patients had DM2. However, it was discovered that survival did differ depending on the patient’s BMI. The researchers concluded that a history of pre-morbid DM2 is not an independent prognostic factor in ALS. Mutations in the SOD1 gene are known to cause some forms of familial ALS. Researchers are developing a treatment to reduce the level of SOD1 in familial ALS, but it is essential to understand how long SOD1 stays in the body to determine if the new treatment is effective in reducing SOD1. This manuscript aimed to determine the half-life of the protein in the cerebral spinal fluid using a new mass spectrometry technique called silk-isotope labeling kinetics (SILK). Researchers found that in rat models of ALS, SOD1 is a long-lived protein with a similar half-life in the cerebral spinal fluid and in the central nervous system. When applied to human participants, the SILK method worked successfully and confirmed the long half-life of SOD1. This study provided important insights into the kinetics of SOD1 and will help to develop future interventions for ALS. In this review, Dr. Miller and his colleague, Dr. Linga Reddy, examined new RNA-targeted therapeutic approaches for the treatment of ALS. Several of these RNA-targeted approaches include small-interfering RNA (siRNA) and antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) strategies that work by inhibiting levels of toxic proteins in ALS. They concluded that ALS provides a unique opportunity for the use of these RNA inhibition strategies because animal models of ALS are well-defined, extensive information is available regarding the genetics of ALS, and recent clinical trials for ALS employed ASO therapeutics with success. 2014 Aggregates of a protein called “tau” cause disease in tauopathies such as Alzheimer’s disease. In this manuscript, Dr. Miller and colleagues aimed to characterize the properties of tau, such as the protein’s structure, and determine whether different strains of tau might correspond to different tauopathies in humans. The researchers used a cell system to isolate tau strains from 29 patients with 5 different tauopathies and found that different diseases are associated with different sets of strains. This information will help investigators understand the properties of the tau strains in order to make more accurate diagnoses in the clinic and ultimately therapies for the treatment of these diseases. In Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, it was recently discovered that a variant (p.R47H) in the TREM2 gene increases the risk of contracting these diseases. However, it was not known whether the TREM2 variant also increases the risk of developing ALS. Dr. Miller and colleagues examined DNA from 923 individuals with singleton ALS and 1854 healthy control individuals from ALS clinics in the United States and tested the DNA for the p.R47H TREM2 variant. They found that the TREM2 variant is indeed a risk factor for ALS, thus identifying the TREM2 signaling pathway as a therapeutic target for ALS. 2013 MicroRNAs are small molecules located throughout the body that can regulate various processes inside cells. For this reason, they are being investigated as potential therapeutic targets in a variety of diseases. In this manuscript, Dr. Miller’s group identified microRNAs that were changed in a rat model of ALS compared to normal rats. Six of these microRNAs were also found to be changed in human ALS tissues. The researchers then developed antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) inhibitors of the microRNA in order to test whether decreasing levels of one of the microRNAs, miR-155, would be beneficial in the ALS model. It was discovered that the ASO drug inhibited miR-155 across the brain and caused an increase in survival by 10 days and disease duration by 15 days (38%) versus control animals. This study provided support for the use of ASOs to successfully inhibit microRNAs throughout the brain and spinal cord as a way to treat ALS. Canine degenerative myelopathy is a disabling neurodegenerative disorder affecting specific breeds of dogs characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons and paralysis until death. This disease is the first and only naturally occurring non-human model of ALS. Researchers wanted to understand the role of canine SOD1 protein in this disease and compare it to the toxic role of human SOD1 protein in ALS in order to understand the parallels between both disorders. The investigators were able to establish close parallels for the role the SOD1 mutant protein plays in both canine and human disorders. The progression of many neurodegenerative diseases is often driven by aggregated proteins that form clumps and then interact with other proteins, which causes them to become aggregated as well in a feed-forward cycle. However, the actual mechanism by which aggregated proteins, such as tau and alpha-synuclein, interact with and trigger other proteins is unknown. In this manuscript, researchers investigated a cell surface molecule called heparan sulface proteoglycans (HSPGs) and found that HSPGs facilitate the spreading of tau aggregates as well as alpha-synuclein proteins. This work demonstrated a common mechanism of propagation for tauopathy and synucleinopathy, which could then potentially be targeted as a therapeutic strategy in future studies of these neurodegenerative diseases. Tau is a protein that forms aggregates in Alzheimer’s disease and causes hyperexcitability in neurons, which contributes to disease progression. Previous studies have shown that genetic deletion of tau substantially reduces hyperexicitability in various mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease, induced seizure models, and genetic models of epilepsy. However, researchers in Dr. Miller’s lab wanted to test a more translatable method of tau reduction in adult animals in order to determine whether this strategy could be applied to human patients. They found that antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-mediated tau reduction decreased tau expression throughout the mouse central nervous system and caused less severe seizures compared to control mice. These results demonstrate that tau reducing ASOs could benefit those with epilepsy and potentially other disorders associated with tau-mediated neuronal hyperexcitability. In this review, Dr. Sarah DeVos and Dr. Miller examine new antisense oligonucleotide therapeutic strategies to treat various neurodegenerative diseases. Antisense oligonucleotides are molecules that can be relatively easily modified to target the RNA of a disease-associated gene and consequently reduce or increase levels of the disease-associated protein. Application to mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases has shown the ability of ASOs to rescue disease-associated phenotypes in vivo. These preclinical animal data have prompted the translation of ASOs from bench to clinic, and multiple human clinical trials of ASOs are now underway. The researchers conclude that although ASO technology is still somewhat early in development, translating ASOs into human patients for neurodegeneration appears promising. Dr. Sarah DeVos and Dr. Timothy Miller demonstrate two methods that are commonly used to deliver antisense oligonucleotide drugs to the central nervous system of mouse models. Dr. Miller and colleagues present the results of the first-in-man Phase I clinical trial of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeted to SOD1 in familial ALS patients in this publication. Mutations in the gene SOD1 cause approximately 13% of genetically inherited ALS. ASOs targeting SOD1 prolonged survival in preclinical animal studies. The goal of this clinical trial was to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of an SOD1 ASO (ISIS 333611) after intrathecal administration in patients with SOD1 related ALS. No dose-limiting toxic effects or any safety or tolerability concerns related to ISIS 333611 were noted and no serious adverse events occurred in patients given the drug. This was the first clinical study of intrathecal delivery of an ASO, and the researchers concluded that ISIS 333611 was well-tolerated when administered as an intrathecal infusion. Additional clinical trials are now underway. Therapies designed to lower levels of the toxic SOD1 protein in ALS patients are currently in clinical trials. However, there must be a method in place to assess the effectiveness of these therapies; thus, researchers must establish a way to make sure SOD1 protein levels are decreasing in the central nervous system. In this manuscript, investigators attempted to understand whether SOD1 protein levels in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), which bathes the brain and spinal cord, may be a good proxy for levels of SOD1 in the CNS. They found that CSF levels of SOD1 were very similar to CNS SOD1 levels and concluded that SOD1 protein in the CSF will be an excellent pharmacodynamics marker for future SOD1-lowering therapies such as antisense oligonucleotides. 2010 Mutations in the SOD1 gene cause about one-fifth of familial ALS. There are many proposed mechanisms for how the mutant protein becomes toxic to neurons, and mitochondrial dysfunction is one of these potential mechanisms since mutant SOD1 has been found to associate with mitochondria in rodent models of SOD1 mutant-mediated disease. In this manuscript, researchers investigated how mutant SOD1 affects the protein content of spinal cord mitochondrial before disease initiation in rodent models that develop ALS-like disease. They determine that altered mitochondiral protein content accompanied by selective decreases in protein import into spinal cord mitochondria comprises part of the mitochondrial damage arising from mutant SOD1. These data are important for understanding ALS disease mechanisms and whether the disease-causing pathways can be targeted for therapies. 2009 In this manuscript, a large family with ALS caused by a I113T mutation in the SOD1 gene is examined. Although this one mutation is passed down through many family members, the age of onset, clinical characteristics, disease progression, and penetrance of the mutation was extremely variable. For instance, some family members developed ALS at age 39, while others were asymptomatic at age 86 and showed no signs of disease. These types of studies are important for understanding how specific genetic mutations can affect families, especially when existing literature about a particular mutation is not detailed and comprehensive enough. Wegorzewska I, Bell S, Cairns NJ, Miller TM, Baloh RH. TDP-43 mutant transgenic mice develop features of ALS and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009;106(44):18809-18814. PMID: 19833869. 2008 Miller TM, Smith RA, Kordasiewicz H, Kaspar BK. Gene-targeted therapies for the central nervous system. Arch Neurol 2008;65(4):447-451. PMID: 18268183. Vande Velde C, Miller TM, Cashman NR, Cleveland DW. Selective association of misfolded ALS-linked mutant SOD1 with the cytoplasmic face of mitochondria. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008;105(10):4022-4027. PMID: 18296640. 2007 Bailey AO, Miller TM, Dong MQ, Vande Velde C, Cleveland DW, Yates JR. RCADiA: simple automation platform for comparative multidimensional protein identification technology. Anal Chem 2007;79(16):6410-6418. PMID: 17616168. 2006 Miller TM, Kim SH, Yamanaka K, Hester M, Umapathi P, Arnson H, Rizo L, Mendell JR, Gage FH, Cleveland DW, Kaspar BK. Gene transfer demonstrates that muscle is not a primary target for non-cell-autonomous toxicity in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006;103(51):19546-19551. PMID: 17164329. Miller TM, Smith RA, Cleveland DW. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and gene therapy. Nat Clin Pract Neurol 2006;2(9):462-463. PMID: 16932606. Smith RA, Miller TM, Yamanaka K, Monia BP, Condon TP, Hung G, Lobsiger CS, Ward CM, McAlonis-Downes M, Wei H, Wancewicz EV, Bennett CF, Cleveland DW. Antisense oligonucleotide therapy for neurodegenerative disease. J Clin Invest 2006;116(8):2290-2296. PMID: 16878173. Yamanaka K, Miller TM, McAlonis-Downes M, Chun SJ, Cleveland DW. Progressive spinal axonal degeneration and slowness in ALS2-deficient mice. Ann Neurol 2006;60(1):95-104. PMID: 16802286. 2005 Miller TM, Johnston SC. Should the Babinski sign be part of the routine neurologic examination? Neurology 2005;65(8):1165-1168. PMID: 16247040. Miller TM, Layzer Rb. Muscle Cramps. Muscle Nerve 2005;32:431-442. PMID: 15902691. Miller TM, Kaspar BK, Kops GJ, Yamanaka K, Christian LJ, Gage FH, Cleveland DW. Virus-delivered small RNA silencing sustains strength in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Ann Neurol 2005;57(5):773-776. PMID: 15852369. Miller TM, Cleveland DW. Medicine. Treating neurodegenerative diseases with antibiotics. Science 2005;307(5708):361-362. PMID: 15661995. 2004 Miller TM, Dias da Silva MR, Miller HA, Kwiecinski H, Mendell JR, Tawil R, McManis P, Griggs RC, Angelini C, Servidei S, Petajan J, Dalakas MC, Ranum LP, Fu YH, Ptacek LJ. Correlating phenotype and genotype in the periodic paralyses. Neurology 2004;63(9):1647-1655. PMID: 15534250. Liu J, Lillo C, Jonsson PA, Vande Velde C, Ward CM, Miller TM, Subramaniam JR, Rothstein JD, Marklund S, Andersen PM, Brannstrom T, Gredal O, Wong PC, Williams DS, Cleveland DW. Toxicity of familial ALS-linked SOD1 mutants from selective recruitment to spinal mitochondria. Neuron 2004;43(1):5-17. PMID: 15233913. Miller TM, Kogelnik AM, Olney RK. Proposed modification to data analysis for statistical motor unit number estimate. Muscle Nerve 2004;29(5):700-706. PMID: 15116374. Bruijn LI, Miller TM, Cleveland DW. Unraveling the Mechanisms Involved in Motor Neuron Degeneration in ALS. Annu Rev Neurosci 2004;27:723-749. PMID: 15217349. 2003 Miller TM, Cleveland DW. Has gene therapy for ALS arrived? Nat Med 2003;9(10):1256-1257. PMID: 14520369. 2002 and previous years Miller TM, Moulder KL, Knudson CM, Creedon DJ, Deshmukh M, Korsmeyer SJ, Johnson EM, Jr. Bax deletion further orders the cell death pathway in cerebellar granule cells and suggests a caspase-independent pathway to cell death. J Cell Biol 1997;139(1):205-217. PMID: 9314540. Miller TM, Tansey MG, Johnson EM, Jr., Creedon DJ. Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity blocks depolarization- and insulin-like growth factor I-mediated survival of cerebellar granule cells. J Biol Chem 1997;272(15):9847-9853. PMID: 9092520. Miller TM, Johnson EM, Jr. Metabolic and genetic analyses of apoptosis in potassium/serum-deprived rat cerebellar granule cells. J Neurosci 1996;16(23):7487-7495. PMID: 8922404. Hug C, Miller TM, Torres MA, Casella JF, Cooper JA. Identification and characterization of an actin-binding site of CapZ. J Cell Biol 1992;116(4):923-931. PMID: 1370838.	https://millerlab.wustl.edu/publications/
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a latch system for a fireplace door and, more particularly, to a door latch which will permit a door of a gas-fired fireplace to open and relieve an explosion in the fireplace in the event of an accidental failure of the fireplace ignition system. 2. Description of the Prior Art Factory-built fireplace assemblies have long been available as both free-standing and wall recessed units. One popular form of a fireplace functions as a room heater and comprises a combustion chamber surrounded by an enclosure providing a passageway for circulating room air over the combustion chamber. Heated air may thereby be circulated into the room either by gravity or by use of a blower system. This type of fireplace is preferably fired with natural or LP gas and has ceramic or cement artificial logs simulating the appearance of a wood burning fireplace while offering the advantage of efficiently converting the natural or LP gas to room heat. A common design of a gas-fired fireplace is of a construction known as the direct-vent type. In this construction, the combustion chamber is fabricated as a sealed enclosure and is vented by a concentric pipe arrangement in which flue gases are exhausted through a central pipe while intake air is drawn into the combustion chamber through an annular space defined by an outer larger diameter pipe. Such a fireplace construction has become popular because the cooling effect on the central exhaust pipe by the intake air allows the fireplace to be vented without costly masonry chimney construction. Accordingly, the direct-vent, gas-fired fireplace has gained wide acceptance in modern building architecture. In a standard design of the direct-vent, gas-fired fireplace, the combustion chamber is sealed at its front face by a glass panel. The glass panel serves to enclose the combustion chamber while allowing the fire to be viewed by the occupants of the room. However, a failure in the ignition system of the fireplace could cause excess accumulation of gas within the combustion chamber which, if ignited, could in turn cause a combustion chamber explosion. Such an explosion could pose a safety hazard to the room occupants if the glass fireplace front were to shatter. Accordingly, it is common in fireplace design to use explosion relief panels in the metal enclosure of the combustion chamber. These panels are essentially designed to blow out under the pressure of an explosion and relieve the combustion chamber pressure without breaking the glass front. A disadvantage of present fireplace construction using explosion relief panels in the combustion chamber is that in the event the panels are blown out by an explosion, it is a very labor-intensive job to repair the fireplace. Particularly, in typical cases in which the fireplace is a wall-recessed unit, the entire fireplace must be disassembled and removed from the wall to gain access to the relief panels. Generally, another disadvantage of common fireplace construction is that the frontal glass panel is mechanically secured to the fireplace enclosure by screws and other hardware making it time consuming to gain access to the interior of the enclosure in the event that maintenance of the fireplace needs to be performed. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a fireplace assembly in which explosion relief panels need not be constructed in the combustion chamber to relieve internal pressure from a possible gas explosion. It is further desirable to provide a fireplace assembly in which the typical front glass panel is readily removable, without the need for tools of any kind when access to the interior of the fireplace is necessary.
Available as an ebook at: Barnes & Noble Nook eBooks Corp. OverDrive \| \| Skepticism Temple University Press, 1990 eISBN: 978-1-4399-0410-7 \| Cloth: 978-0-87722-657-4 Library of Congress Classification JF2051.B67 1990 Dewey Decimal Classification 323.042 ABOUT THIS BOOK \| AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY \| TOC \| REQUEST ACCESSIBLE FILE ABOUT THIS BOOK Aryeh Botwinick argues for the recovery of a radical democratic tradition that emphasizes the role of individual participation in the development and control of social and political institutions. Such involvement implies philosophical skepticism—the assumption that the truth about what is the best course of action cannot be known with certainty and that, therefore, every person’s opinion has an equal claim to be considered. The crucial stumbling block to reappropriating this radical egalitarian tradition is the supposed unviability of a consistent skepticism. In an effort to chart a new course of philosophical inquiry into political matters, Botwinick grapples with the formulation of a consistent version of skepticism, claiming that it provides "a continually renewing impetus for the expansion of political participation." Twentieth-century philosophers have, for the most part, opted for some version of mitigated skepticism, which, the author argues, "has blinded them to the radical political implications of skepticism." Underscoring a pattern of convergence between Anglo-American and Continental philosophy, Botwinick proposes a number of strategies to rehabilitate the rationality of participatory democratic political institutions by articulating an acceptable version of consistent skepticism. See other books on: Equality \| Ethics & Moral Philosophy \| Political participation \| Skepticism \| Social participation See other titles from Temple University Press \| \| Nearby on shelf for Political institutions and public administration / Public administration / Political parties:	https://www.bibliovault.org/BV.book.epl?ISBN=9781439904107
I'm writing a full article (6-8 pages) using IEEE guidelines. Currently got two versions: one where images are more readable, and another where 4 images to be read need a lot of zoom. In the first case, the article has 10 pages in total (3 columns are references). In the second case, 8 pages in total (3 columns are references). I know from fact that References most definitely count (for the page total). IEEE page limits are inclusive of any front and/or back matter. And it is a HARD limit—not even a single word should spill over onto an additional page. I don't want to have the images like that where the reader needs to put on extra zoom but i also want to respect the total page limit. Is there a way the images can be placed after references (or anywhere in a specific section) that makes them not count for the total page count? If not, considering the images are very relevant and both the content and references were reduced as much as i could, what can I do in this situation?	https://academia.stackexchange.com/questions/144144/ieee-full-article-with-small-images-or-more-than-8-pages
The first edition of this National Book Award winner was published by Random House in 1974. It was 373 pages long, and the original retail price was $7.95. The first edition can be identified by the following points: FIRST EDITION is stated both on the top of the copyright page, and on the bottom of the copyright page (in proper case) beneath the Random House number line "24689753". Boards are maroon with gold lettering. Back of dust jacket has photo and biography of the author, and no reviews. The Hair of Harold Roux won the National Book Award. Picture of the 1974 first edition dust jacket for The Hair of Harold Roux. Picture of the first edition copyright page for The Hair of Harold Roux. Picture of dust jacket where original $7.95 price is found for The Hair of Harold Roux. Picture of the back dust jacket for the first edition of The Hair of Harold Roux. Picture of the first edition Random House boards for The Hair of Harold Roux. Picture of the back dust jacket flap for The Hair of Harold Roux. Picture of the title page for The Hair of Harold Roux.	http://www.nbaward.com/book-details.php/The-Hair-Of-Harold-Roux
Primary School Rankings in Singapore 2020 We rank all the 186 primary schools in Singapore based on Gifted Education Programme (GEP), Special Assistance Plan (SAP), the achievements in Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentation, Singapore National School Games, Singapore Uniformed Groups Unit Recognition, and popularity of each school in Primary 1 (P1) Registration. Data are aggregated from the Ministry of Education (MOE), Singapore. How do we calculate rankings? Our rankings are calculated using a series of steps to ensure statistical rigor and useful guidance in the school choice experience. In general, we assigned weights for each factor,	https://schlah.com/primary-schools
- Why hire an App grad? - Employer Relations Brochure Follow the 3Ws and do your Daily Health Check before leaving your residence hall or coming to campus. Click here for the latest university COVID-19 updates. For details about Student Affairs operations, see the Student Affairs Covid-19 Response. Updated November 9, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Summer and Fall Jobs Fair Date: April 15, 2020 Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Location: Grandfather Mountain Ballroom, Plemmons Student Union Are you in need of talented and eager students for the summer or fall season? We encourage all employers to engage with our students at this event to identify the experiences, skill sets and career competencies your organization needs. Local employers on and off campus are invited to attend. Registration Information Company For-Profit: $125 (includes 2 representatives) For-Profit Company & Local Chamber Member: $100 (includes 2 representatives) Government & Non-Profit: $75 (includes 2 representatives) Non-Profit & On-Campus: $50 (includes 2 representatives)* Additional Representatives: $10 each *On-campus employers registered for this event but fail to attend the day of the event will be charged a $50 fee to their budget code.	https://careers.appstate.edu/summer-and-fall-jobs-fair-employers
Flavius Odoacer (433–493), also known as Flavius Odovacer (Odoaker), was a soldier, who in 476 became the first King of Italy (476–493). His reign is commonly seen as marking the end of the Western Roman Empire. Though the real power in Italy was in his hands, he represented himself as the client of Julius Nepos and, after Nepos` death in 480.... Found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odoacer Odoacer (c. 433-493) King of Italy from 476, when he deposed Romulus Augustulus, the last Roman emperor. He was a leader of the barbarian mercenaries employed by Rome. He was overthrown and killed by Theodoric the... Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/20688 Odoacer Odovacar noun Germanic barbarian leader who ended the western Roman Empire in 476 and became the first barbarian ruler of Italy (434-493) Found on https://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/20974 Odoacer first barbarian king of Italy. The date on which he assumed power, 476, is traditionally considered the end of the Western Roman Empire.[7 related articles] Found on http://www.britannica.com/eb/a-z/o/7 Odoacer Odoacer (ōdōā'sur) or Odovacar (–vā'kur) , c.435–493, chieftain of the Heruli, the Sciri, and the Rugii (see Germans). He and his troops were mercenaries in the service of Rome, but in 476 the Heruli revolted and proclaimed Odoacer their king. Odoacer defe...	https://www.encyclo.co.uk/meaning-of-Odoacer
Since around the sixteenth century, the fertile farmlands of the Lowlands have provided opportunities for Highlanders in need of a better life. The nineteenth and twentieth centuries saw thousands of men and women move from the Scottish Highlands to the industrial belt of the Lowlands in search of employment. Vast numbers of people were dispossessed of their land and forcibly evicted from their homes during the Highland Clearances, which took place from around 1750 to 1860. As just one example, the decade between 1811 and 1821 saw the Duchess of Sutherland evict around 15,000 people in favour of 200,000 sheep. As in Ireland, the 1840s Potato Famine also led to destitution for many Highland families. While some sought a new life overseas, others moved south to the Lowlands. Employment in Lanarkshire As the industrial revolution gathered pace, Highlanders came to North Lanarkshire in droves, seeking work in the coal and iron industries. Many were actively encouraged to come. For instance, a coal-master in Carnbroe arranged for around 70 Gaelic-speakers to come from Tiree to break a local strike. The migration from Highlands to Lowlands continued into the twentieth century. Highland men commonly joined the police, swelling the ranks of Lanarkshire Constabulary. Many Highlanders were considerably taller than their Lowland counterparts. Both Highland men and women often found employment in nursing and psychiatric care, particularly from the late 1940s thanks to the new National Health Service. Many Highlanders worked nurses at the County Fever Hospital in Motherwell or as attendants in Hartwood Hospital near Shotts. Holding onto Highland culture The desire of these Highland immigrants to hold onto treasured customs and traditions has had a lasting cultural impact on North Lanarkshire. For instance, several Lanarkshire towns regularly hosted Highland Games during the twentieth century, including Airdrie, Coatbridge and Kilsyth. Shotts organised their inaugural annual Highland Games in 1950 but the town had held similar events in earlier decades. The Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band formed in 1910 and has won the World Pipe Band Championships a whopping sixteen times, surpassed only by Strathclyde Police. In recent years, North Lanarkshire Schools Pipe Band has seen success. The Novice Juvenile B band won the 2018 Scottish Schools, British and European Championships and were runners-up in the World Pipe Band Championships, all of which saw them crowned ‘Champion of Champions’. Mother tongue Throughout the medieval period Scottish Gaelic was the main language spoken across all of Scotland. It fell into decline in the early eighteenth century after the political union with England, and is now largely associated with pockets of the Highlands and Islands. The Royal National Mòd, run by An Comunn Gàidhealach (The Gaelic Association) is the main festival of Scottish Gaelic literature, song, arts and culture. It has been held in towns across Scotland, both Highland and Lowland. Both Motherwell (1983) and Airdrie (1993) have played host to the Mòd. Gaelic is also kept alive in Cumbernauld through Gaelic medium education in Condorrat Primary School and Greenfaulds High School. Native Gaelic speaker Murdo Morrison left the Isle of Lewis to join the Royal Navy on his sixteenth birthday. He met his wife-to-be while she was on holiday in Stornoway and later settled in her hometown of Wishaw, where he became President of the Motherwell and Wishaw Highlanders Association.	https://www.culturenlmuseums.co.uk/story/migration-highlands-to-lowlands/
What SARS-CoV-2 Sequencing Is and How It Influences COVID-19 Response All viruses mutate or change as they try to replicate and spread in people. Viruses that have RNA genetic materials, such as SARS-CoV-2 detected in SARS-CoV-2 sequencing and influenza viruses, mutate much quicker than viruses with DNA in them. Each time SARS-CoV-2 multiples, the ability of the virus to change is also there. A lot of mutations do not affect the ability of the virus to cause disease or spread as they do not modify the main proteins involved in transmission and infection. When one of these mutations eventually affects the ability of the virus to cause disease or spread, there can be a viable higher advantage over the other existing lineages of SARS-CoV-2. Over time, some lineages of the SARS-CoV-2 with certain advantages become more prevalent and later circulate throughout the population. When a SARS-CoV-2 lineage or group of it has features that impact public health, the CDC then classify or labels them as a variant of interest (VOI) or variant of concern (VOC). How Scientists Track Variants Through SARS-CoV-2 Sequencing Scientists make use of genomic SARS-CoV-2 sequencing to determine which variant of SARS-CoV-2 is in the sample. Scientists are continually collecting sequences for SARS-CoV-2 sequencing. They analyze similarities as well as differences among the SARS-CoV-2 sequences and call this process the genomic surveillance. Using genomic surveillance, scientists record and track the spread of variants and monitor all the changes in the SARS-CoV-2 variants’ genetic codes. As a whole, this data is used to get a better understanding of how variants may affect public health. CDC and their public health partners gather more genomes through SARS-CoV-2 sequencing. This has greatly improved the understanding of which variants are circulating in the US. Massive SARS-CoV-2 sequencing and genomic surveillance have also made it possible to identify how quickly variants emerge and which one is most important to study and monitor. SARS-CoV-2 sequencing has also helped scientists identify the spread of variants to new regions. Take for example, upon the receipt of the SARS-CoV-2 sample from the first carrier of the Omicron variant it took only 5 hours to detect that it was Omicron and characterize the entire genomic SARS-CoV-2 sequence in 8 hours. It has prevented widespread community transmissions. The rapid detection of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 worldwide has further emphasized the power of a well-rounded genomic SARS-CoV-2 sequencing and surveillance. This has also stressed the value of sharing genomic SARS-CoV-2 data across the globe. Where Data for SARS-CoV-2 Sequencing and Genomic Surveillance Comes From Scientists employ the process called genomic SARS-CoV-2 sequencing to determine its variants. Scientists and laboratories collect viral specimens from a portion of the population who test positive for COVID-19 and do SARS-CoV-2 sequencing. After a positive test is determined, additional time is taken to prepare and do SARS-CoV-2 sequencing on the viral specimen, and analyze the data thereafter. Genomic SARS-CoV-2 sequencing may take a few days to weeks. Why SARS-CoV-2 Sequencing is Vital These sequences as a result of SARS-CoV-2 sequencing offer scientists valuable information to be used to: - Characterize the SARS-CoV-2 virus - Estimate the prevalence of a particular variant in a population - Estimate the effectiveness of medical treatments (like monoclonal antibodies) against particular variants - Study the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus outbreaks How Genomic SARS-CoV-2 Sequencing Works Genomic SARS-CoV-2 sequencing goes beyond just testing for SARS-CoV-2. It allows scientists to form a classification of the virus as a variant and identify its lineage. SARS-CoV-2 sequencing and genomic surveillance have been key in the government’s public health efforts to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s a summary of steps taken in SARS-CoV-2 sequencing: - Extraction: The stands of RNA are extracted from the virus - Library Preparation: The SARS-CoV-2 RNA must be prepared before it can be put into the SARS-CoV-2 sequencing machine. The procedure in this step may vary depending on the type of sample and the equipment specifically used. - Sequencing Proper: The library is loaded into the sequencing machine. This machine will identify the nucleotide bases in the RNA. - Analysis: The SARS-CoV-2 sequencing machine produces data. The data are millions of long strings of letters. These letters are taken together or aligned with a top-quality reference sequence. Certain analytical programs compare newly sequenced data to the reference. Analytical programs also identify variations in the sample. These identifications allow scientists to form solid inferences on the ancestral relationship or lineage, much like a family tree. How Crucial SARS-CoV-2 Sequencing is to COVID-19 Response Genomic SARS-CoV-2 sequencing has played a very important role in the COVID-19 response formation. Newer COVID-19 variants are forming continually. Data from genomic surveillance has guided countries to perform quicker and more informed decisions for public health since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The value and importance of genomic SARS-CoV-2 sequencing for the government’s response to public health and safety go beyond knowing when to enforce lockdowns. Genomic SARS-CoV-2 sequencing has helped countries prepare for potential spikes in cases. It has also allowed governments to take important steps like securing oxygen supply, setting up more hospital beds, or upping testing procedure frequencies by looking into more transmissible COVID-19 variants. Vaccine decisions remain to be crucial amidst the huge vaccine hesitancy among a lot of populations. Governments therefore should make informed choices regarding this through genomic SARS-CoV-2 sequencing. Therefore, with the genomic SARS-CoV-2 sequencing data, countries can take early steps to respond to new variants. Beyond this pandemic, genomic surveillance is not new at all. Scientists have been utilizing genomic sequencing and surveillance to gain more understanding of the transmission and drug resistance of pathogens. Among these pathogens studied through genomic sequencing and surveillance are HIV and tuberculosis. Great examples of how genomic identification has helped nations select the best possible response, diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments are the Dengue, Yellow Fever Virus, and Chikungunya. This field of study and practice has also been proven to be important in identifying not only viral transmissions such as that obtained through the SARS-CoV-2 sequencing but for new zoonotic diseases as well like Ebola and Lassa Fever. There is so much value in genomic SARS-CoV-2 sequencing and genomic surveillance as a whole not only in first-world countries like the U.S. but in developing countries and regions such as Africa. These evolving regions should continue to invest in laboratories for genomic sequencing. The spotlight now is on COVID-19 and genomic SARS-CoV-2 sequencing, but it cannot be more emphasized that an opportunity presents itself to figure out sustainable infrastructure for the future. DISCLAIMER: We may receive commissions and other revenues from this article. We are a paid partner of organizations mentioned in this article.	https://mymmanews.com/what-sars-cov-2-sequencing-is-and-how-it-influences-covid-19-response/
The National Academy of Medicine prepares a well-being plan for health personnel Seven priority areas emerge from the process that began before the COVID-19 pandemic. A new national healthcare worker wellness plan will be released this month. The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) Collaborative Action on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience will announce the plan based on nearly six years of collective work among 200 collaborative members and network organizations. The new plan targets healthcare worker burnout that began before the COVID-19 pandemic and worsened during the pandemic. Members of the Collaboration recognize that the challenges facing healthcare workers are “systemic, complex and long-standing,” according to NAM. “It is essential for us to have a nationally coordinated plan to help move American health care from the current reality of a workforce shortage and a burnout crisis to a future where every healthcare worker can experience joy in their workplace and know they are valued,” said NAM President and Collaborative Co-Chair Victor Dzau, MD, in a Press release. “NAM is poised to take clear next steps to work with leaders in healthcare organizations and educational institutions for healthcare professionals, policy makers, healthcare IT companies, payers, regulators, associations and others involved in cultivating a healthcare system to support our healthcare providers and optimize their well-being. In May, NAM released a draft plan to coordinate action in at least seven priority areas: - Positive working and learning environments and culture - Measurement, evaluation, strategies and research of well-being - Mental health and stigma - Compliance, regulatory and policy barriers to the daily work of health workers - Effective technological tools - Effects of COVID-19 on healthcare personnel - Succession recruitment The collaboration said the strains of COVID-19 have led healthcare workers to experience burnout and moral injury, and to leave or consider leaving the profession. America’s health care workforce is at a critical juncture, but the challenges can be met. American Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, served as co-chair of the Clinician Well-Being Collaborative. In May, he published his own “Surgeon General’s Advisory Addressing Health Worker Burnout.” “Even before the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, our healthcare workforce faced extraordinary and overwhelming challenges,” Murthy said in the NAM press release. “As we rebuild and recover from the pandemic, we owe health workers a debt of action. I am grateful to the National Academy of Medicine for recognizing this and for their leadership in the national plan for our health workforce, because if we fail to tackle burnout and ensure that workers have the support and resources they need, the consequences will be felt by all who depend on the health care system. NAM launched the Collaborative in 2017 with three objectives: - Increase the visibility of anxiety, burnout, depression, stress and suicide among clinicians - Improve basic understanding of clinician wellness challenges - Advance multidisciplinary evidence-based solutions to improve patient care by caring for the caregiver The the plan will be published June 24 at NAM headquarters in Washington, DC, and online.	https://intuttitalia.com/the-national-academy-of-medicine-prepares-a-well-being-plan-for-health-personnel/
The invention provides a text data screening method and device, electronic equipment and a storage medium, and the main technical scheme comprises the steps: screening to-be-processed text data through a first screening strategy, and the first screening strategy is used for carrying out data screening according to a first punctuation and a last punctuation; screening the to-be-processed text data through a second screening strategy, wherein the second screening strategy is used for screening preset control characters in the to-be-processed text data; screening the to-be-processed text data through a third screening strategy, wherein the third screening strategy is used for screening according to the proportion of the preset sensitive vocabularies in the to-be-processed text data; and screening the to-be-processed text data through a fourth screening strategy, wherein the fourth screening strategy is used for screening according to the total text length of the to-be-processed text data. Compared with the prior art that errors exist in screening results or normal text data are lost, the method has the advantages that redundant texts, sensitive texts or too short texts can be removed, and high-quality texts can be obtained.
Q: Notation for the sample total variation Given a sample $x=(x_1, \ldots, x_n)$, what is your favorite notation for the sum of squares $\sum (x_i -\bar x)^2$ ? I like to keep $s^2_x$ for the sample variance, and I wonder whether $ss^2_x$ is a nice notation for the sum of squares. Now if there are two paired samples $x$ and $y$, how to denote $\sum(x_i-\bar x)(y_i - \bar y)$ (and by the way how do we call it) ? If we use $ss^2_x$ for the total variation, should we use $ss_{xy}$ or $ss^2_{xy}$ ? Actually I'm currently writing a doc about Deming regression and here is an example of an expression using the above notations : $$\frac{ss^2_x ss^2_y - ss^4_{xy}}{ss^4_{xy}}. $$ Strange for the eyes, no ? Moreover the first time I typed this expression I did a mistake by confusing $ss_{xy}$ and $ss^2_{xy}$. What do you think about $v^2_x$ ? A: In the maths and stats degree I did, the sum of squares was represented by $S_{xx}$: $$S_{xx} = \sum_{i=1}^n(x_i-\bar{x})^2$$ with an analogous formula for $S_{yy}$. One nice aspect of this notation is that the sum of cross-products is denoted by $S_{xy}$: $$S_{xy} = \sum_{i=1}^n(x_i-\bar{x})(y_i-\bar{y})$$ For the sample mean and variance, we used $\bar{x}$ and $s^2$. For the mean of a random variable $X$ or of a population, $E(X)$ or $\mu$, and the for variance $V(X)$ or $\sigma^2$.
Randolph Housing Costs What are the Randolph College Living Expenses? Did you know there are other costs besides tuition to go to college? Consider just how much extra the cost of living is at Randolph College . On this page you will find: - Outline of Housing Costs - Room & Board Trends and Total Expenses - Meal Plans and Housing Requirements - Housing Costs Comparison - References Randolph Living Expenses Dining and housing costs at Randolph are bundled together. In 2020 students typically paid about $13,580 for cost of living. \|Expense\|\|On Campus\| \|Room and Board\|\|$11,000\| \|Other Living Expenses\|\|$3,082\| \|Books and Supplies\|\|$1,280\| \|Total\|\|$15,362\| Forecasted Total of $64,536 in Living Costs Over Four Years In the past five years, Randolph room and board have changed -5.0% per year on average, compared to a nationwide average change of 2.4%. Incoming first year students in 2021 can expect to be charged an average of $15,490 for housing and dining expenses based on existing trends. Associate degree students would pay approximately $15,785 in their final year, while bachelor's degree students will likely shell out about $16,986 for their final year. Bachelor's degree students will end up having to pay a total of approximately $64,536 in housing and dining expenses by the time they complete their degree, while two-year students may pay a total of about $31,275. * estimated Answers to Questions About Living and Dining on Campus at Randolph Are you wondering whether you may be required to live on campus? If you are a first-time full-time student, some schools may require it. See the table below to find out whether Randolph does or not, as well as the on-campus housing capacity. Schools may offer meal plans where the number of meals per week can vary, for example, the student receives a meal card and charges meals against the card. Then there are schools like Randolph that offer meal plans based on the number of meals per week. See the table below to find out the number of meals per week in the maximum meal plan offered at Randolph. \|Question\|\|Answer\| \|Are Freshmen Required to Live on Campus?\|\|Yes\| \|On-Campus Housing Capacity\|\|764\| \|Meals Per Week Included in Max Meal Plan\|\|19\| Campus Costs are Average Compared to Other Schools Randolph on-campus students will pay as much as $15,362 for living expenses. This cost is close to the national average of $14,951. Find Out More About Randolph College Related Schools If you’re considering Randolph College, here are some more schools you may be interested in knowing more about. - McDaniel College - Ripon College - Thomas More University - University of Redlands - Westminster College Pennsylvania Curious on how these schools stack up against Randolph? Pit them head to head with College Combat, our free interactive tool that lets you compare colleges on the features that matter most to you! Check out the following matchups: - Randolph College vs. McDaniel College - Randolph College vs. Ripon College - Randolph College vs. Thomas More University - Randolph College vs. University of Redlands - Randolph College vs. Westminster College Pennsylvania References More about our data sources and methodologies.	https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/randolph-college/paying-for-college/room-and-board/
- Manage and automate the customer flow to the service counters. - Provide a smooth and comfortable journey to customers through all touchpoints. - Get automated analytical data about the bank’s performance. - Monitor and control all branches easily. - Measure and evaluate the customer satisfaction. - Improve efficiency and foster more customer loyalty and retention. - Surpass other local competitors, who were deploying simple queuing management systems that lacked many of the advanced functionalities that the bank was seeking. That is why Raiffeisen Bank embraced SEDCO’s Customer Experience Management (CEM) solution, a completely new concept that far exceeds what queuing management systems can do, ensuring a seamless customer journey even before the customer visits the branches. Raiffeisen Bank is the first in Bosnia and Herzegovina to implement this solution.	https://www.sedco-online.com/en/about-sedco/case-studies/raiffeisen-bank-first-implement-sedco%E2%80%99s-cem-solutions-bosnia-and
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - It was the search of a lifetime for one family in Kentucky, who were on a mission to return a lost ring they found while on vacation in Myrtle Beach to its rightful owner. A woman was on a mission to find the owner of a ring she found in Myrtle Beach. The ring was found by Cristy Hill in the ocean surf between 9th and 10th Avenue South on Ocean Boulevard near the Captains Quarters Resort. The ring had several names engraved on it which caused Cristy to believe the ring might belong to a mother. [ Woman on mission to find owner of ring found in Myrtle Beach waters ] After having no luck finding the owner while they were on vacation, she decided to go to social media where the missing ring would go viral with more than 200,000 shares. On Wednesday afternoon, nearly a week after the ring was found, Hill got the message she was hoping for. “Oh I was just so excited I was like, 'Yes, finally good things are still happening,” said Hill. Cristy received a Facebook message stating the ring belonged to Stephanie Wood, living in Gastonia, North Carolina. Wood had lost the ring on their first day of vacation last week, and was staying at the Days Inn right across the street from where the ring was found. “As soon as we got to the beach, my instinct was, ‘I want to be out in the ocean,’ and in a matter of two waves it was gone,” said Wood. To prove the ring’s rightful owner, Hill wanted the owner to know all five names on the ring, which belong to Wood’s five children. “As soon as my sister told me it was in Kentucky I told her we’re making a road trip to Kentucky because I want to just wrap this girl in my arms and give her the biggest hug,” said Wood. The ring was a gift from Wood’s kids for Mother’s Day this year. When she saw the post had more than 200,000 shares, she was at a loss for words. “To go through all the efforts and all those who shared that post, had they not done that, it would not have gotten to me and I cannot thank everybody enough,” Wood said emotionally. The two briefly spoke over Facebook and were overwhelmed knowing that the impossible search would end with a happily ever after. “It means the world to me and I know my kids are going to be so happy to see it again,” said Wood. Hill and Wood would like to thank everyone who helped share the post on Facebook. Both hope to personally meet in Tennessee or North Carolina and deliver the ring back to Wood and her family. Copyright 2019 WMBF. All rights reserved.	https://www.nbc15.com/content/news/FOUND-Social-media-helps-woman-find-owner-of-ring-lost-in-Myrtle-Beach-511570661.html
Attraction Type: China Railway Museum in Beijing is the only national professional museum in China. It was formerly called the Museum of Science and Technology of Ministry of Railways. China Railway Museum is China's professional tech museum of railway system sponsored by the Ministry of Railways. The initial purpose of the museum was to carry out the work of cultural exhibition, film, exhibitions, model making of railway. In September 2003, the Museum of Science and Technology of Ministry of Railways was renamed as China Railway Museum. After years of development, its functions have changed from a single function of exhibitions into a professional museum that combines various exhibitions, conservation, research, dissemination, and other museum functions. It is mainly responsible for protection of cultural heritage railway industry, railway technological knowledge dissemination, development outcomes display of railway. China Railway Museum is a specialized agency that performs the heritage collections display, education, scientific research of China's railway. History In February 1978, the Ministry of Railways of China approved the establishment of Ministry of Science and Technology Museum. In the same year in August, the Ministry of Railways Science and Technology Museum was officially established under the management of the Ministry of Railways. Since the establishment of the Museum of Science and Technology of the Ministry of Railways, it carried out the work of cultural exhibition, film, exhibitions, model making of railway, but there was no formal location. In June 1991, according to the instruction of the Ministry of Railways, the building of China Railway Museum was constructed. In September 2003, the Science and Technology Museum of the Ministry of Railways was renamed to China Railway Museum. Three exhibition Halls of China Railway Museum China Railway Museum is divided into three exhibition halls: Zhengyang Gate Museum, Eastern Suburb Museum, and Zhan Tianyou Memorial Museum. Office of the museum is located on the NO.1 Building, NO.2 Yard, Liandao South Street, Xuanwu District Beijing. Zhengyang Gate Museum Zhengyang Gate Museum is main exhibition hall of China Railway Museum. It is located in the southeast side of Tiananmen Square. Zhengyang Gate Museum exhibits the history of the development of China's railway. The outline of the exhibition strictly follows 130-year development path of Chinese railway. The outline was divided into five phases according to the railway history. The exhibition makes use of a large number of informative historical vivid pictures to fully demonstrated China's railway development history. It provides the majority of visitors with information of China Railway’s past, present and future. It also provide valuable historical and important basis for historians who are interested in railroad history research. Eastern suburbs Museum Eastern suburbs Museum is located in NO.1 Yard, Jiuxian Bridge North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing. Eastern suburbs Museum exhibits locomotives with the construction area of 16,500 square meter. The exhibition hall has 8 shows lines equipped with different structures and different track bed sleeper. It can display 80-90 (vehicles) locomotive in one time. The exhibition hall displays more than 50 refurbished locomotives, whose manufacturing time span from 1881 to 1993. Among them, there are 28 sets of steam locomotives, 8 diesel locomotive, one electric locomotives, 7passenger train, and 9 cargo vehicles. The existing Chinese oldest locomotive - No. 0 steam locomotive, as well as "Mao Zedong" and "Zhu De" locomotives that were named after the Chinese meritorious great men, are displayed in the museum. There are also a variety of different models of steam locomotives made in different time in British, America, Japan, Russia, Belgium and other countries. Here you can see a variety of passenger vehicles, such as vintage special bus and national leaders’ official cars. There are also different types of rail seat car, sleeping car, dining car, baggage cars and other different functions cars. The history relic in locomotive exhibition hall in China Railway Museum is not only the microcosm of the development China's railway, but the witness of China history development from the outdated period to the modernization of the railway in China. Zhan Tianyou Memorial Museum Zhan Tianyou Memorial Museum is located in the northern side of Badaling Great Wall north, the world famous tourist attractions. It is built to commemorate the establishment of special character Zhan Tianyou. The building area of Zhan Tianyou Memorial Museum is 2800 square meters, of which the exhibition area is 1850 square meters. There are more than 2,000 pieces of cultural relic’s collection. Zhan Tianyou (1861-1919) was an outstanding modern scientist, project management expert, engineering regulations expert in China. He was a pioneer in China's national railway undertakings, as well as Chinese pioneer of modern science and technology community. He graduated from Railway Engineering major, Department of Civil Engineering in Yale University,. The basic display of memorial museum is divided into four parts and twelve units. It vividly demonstrates Mr. Zhan Tianyou’s patriotism, innovation, struggle, self-reliance glorious life through objects, pictures, charts, sand table model, scene recovery and multimedia video, touch screen and other forms and means.	http://www.study-in-china.org/StudyTour/PlacesOfInterest/135
During this month, which concludes the beginner phase of the program, you train the various parts of your body in the same order as you did last month, following the same set-and-rep schemes – three to five sets for most of the exercises and eight to ten reps. You may have noticed that I always recommend higher reps on the calf exercises – because 20 and 25. Experience has shown me that it’s best to keep the repetitions high on calf work just as you have to do on forearm work – because the calf is a very dense muscle and seems to respond better to higher repetitions. Muscles like the biceps and triceps, on the other hand, are less dense, more coarse and respond better to lower reps. Consequently, my suggestion for calf exercises is to perform the same number of sets as you do for the other muscles but keep the reps much higher – doing 20 to 25 per set on all calf movements. Note that the barbell front lunge, which is the second exercise in this program, calls for you to alternate legs, putting one foot forward, bringing it back, then putting the other foot forward and bringing it back. That’s one rep. As you perform the exercise, you count the reps, “One, one; two, two; three, three” and so on until you get to the required number. As for the number of sets, you have undoubtedly noticed as you have followed this training program that you generally drop back on the number of sets per exercise at the beginning of the month compared to what you were doing at the end of the previous month. That’s the case again this time; at the end of last month you were doing five sets for most of the exercises, but at the beginning of this month I recommend that you go back to three sets per exercise and build back up. Why? If you train with the proper intensity constantly increasing your poundages as you get stronger so that the last rep or two is always challenging but not an all-out, train-to-failure effort – you will find that at the end of the four weeks on any of these monthly routines you will have reached the maximum of your capability. you will be getting to the point where you are almost not going to be able to do the exercises properly – that is, in strict form – because the weight you are using is verging on the most that you can handle. That will mean you have reached a plateau in your strength progression for that exercise. At that point of course, it becomes almost as difficult psychologically to do the workout as it is physiologically. Consequently, it only makes sense for you to back off psychologically at the beginning of the next month by decreasing the number of sets and then gradually build back up for another peak, as it were, in the last week or so of the cycle. That’s why the program usually calls for you to cut back on the number of sets per exercise at the beginning of each month. This month’s routine brings you to the end of the beginner phase of the program. Next month you move into the intermediate phase. This seems like a good time to remind you that while this 20-month program gets progressively harder as we go from beginner to intermediate to advanced levels, the choice of how far you want to go or exactly what you want to do with these workouts is entirely up to you. No doubt you have already noticed that you could become a very fit individual and look like a million bucks just by continuing to train at the present level – without ever going any further in terms of training workload or intensity. If you want to take your physique development above and beyond that – in other words, if you are truly dedicated to perfecting your physique and you have the time, energy and drive to do it – then the intermediate and advanced programs will help you get there. If you do want to back off at some point and just carry on with the previous month’s training intensity, remember that you can maintain what you have built – and remain an extremely fit, muscle-toned individual – simply by changing the exercises each month and continuing with the same number of sets and reps you have been doing. You can also use the routines from the intermediate and advanced phases but keep the sets and reps at the beginner level; i.e., three to five sets, eight to 10 or 10 to 12 reps. You can play all kinds of creative games with these monthly routines. In fact, that may be necessary because some people may need more time than others to work up to the more advanced levels of training. So as we go on with this program, you have all kinds of options open to you – which is the whole idea because it’s your life and your body. Only you know how much time and energy you can devote to your training, how far you want to go with it and ultimately what you want to achieve, so it’s only right that you be the one to call the shots. I am just here to give you the exercises and some guidance on how to accomplish what it is you want to accomplish. First and last, however, the choice of what you want to accomplish is yours, which is as it should be. To shine own self be true. Please get a physical before starting any of the programs at billpearl.com, especially if you are overweight, have not exercised for a while, have had any health problems or if there is any history of health problems. We also recommend that you then visit your doctor on a regular basis while training and report any problems to your doctor. Should any exercises in these routines be uncomfortable or dangerous to do because of some sort of physical impairment you have, please substitute another exercise for the same body part which will not aggravate the condition. There is a tremendous variety of exercises available for any body part, as you know if you have seen or read my book, Keys to the Inner Universe, so there’s absolutely no reason to be doing some particular exercise that aggravates a back problem, a weak knee or whatever condition you may have simply because you see it in a workout routine somebody put together. billpearl.com and/or any associates are not prescribing any kind of treatments with these programs. \|Exercise\|\|Sets/Reps\| \|1. Barbell Good Morning\|\|1 set of 25-30 reps\| \|2. Barbell Front Lunge\|\|3-5 sets of 8-10 reps\| \|3. Standing Toe Raise on Power Rack\|\|3-5 sets of 20-25 reps\| \|4. Inner Pec Press on Inner Pec Machine\|\|3-5 sets of 8-10 reps\| \|5. Medium Grip Barbell Upright Rowing\|\|3-5 sets of 8-10 reps\| \|6. Wide Grip Rear Lat Pull-Down\|\|3-5 sets of 8-10 reps\| \|7. Lying Supine Two Dumbbell Triceps Curl\|\|3-5 sets of 8-10 reps\| \|8. Standing Medium Grip Barbell Curl\|\|3-5 sets of 8-10 reps\| \|9. Over a Bench Sit-Up\|\|1 set of 25-50 reps\| \|10. Dip Stand Alternated Leg Raise\|\|1 set of 25-50 reps\| Stand erect with your feet about sixteen inches apart. Place a light barbell on your shoulders. Grasp the bar with both hands in a comfortable position. Keep your back straight and your head up as you inhale and bend forward at the waist until your upper body is parallel to the floor. Return to starting position and exhale. Be sure your knees are in a locked position during the entire exercise. Place a barbell on your rear shoulders as if you were to perform a barbell squat. Keep your head up, back straight and feet planted firmly on the floor about fourteen inches apart. Inhale and step forward as far as possible with your right leg until your upper right thigh is almost parallel with the floor. Your left leg should be held as straight as possible, not bending the knee any more than is necessary. From this position, step back to starting position and exhale. Do the prescribed number of repetitions with your right leg and then repeat the same number of repetitions with your left leg. Place a barbell on the pegs of a power rack just below shoulder height. Position a thick board, or raised platform, directly under the barbell. Place the barbell on your upper back keeping the bar against the power rack throughout the exercise. Stand erect with your back straight, head up and legs straight with your knees locked as you stand with the balls of your feet on the board. Do not let your hips move backward or forward while performing the exercise. Inhale and raise up on your toes as high as possible. Hold this position a short period and return to starting position and exhale. Be sure to keep the bar against the rack. If you turn your toes out and heels in, it will affect your inner calf more. If you keep your feet straight, it will affect your main calf muscle more. If you turn your toes in and heels out, it will affect the outside of your calf more. The way this exercise is performed will depend a great deal on how the inner pec machine you use is constructed. Some are more elaborate than others and have adjustable seats and arms. The main thing is to remember while performing this exercise is to keep the upper arms fairly high and about in line with your shoulders. You should keep the forearms in a vertical position so as not to bring any more of the triceps and deltoids into play than necessary. Concentrate on squeezing your forearms together by concentrating on the pectorals doing the work. Inhale as you are squeezing and exhale as you return your arms back to starting position. Place your hands on a barbell with the palms facing down and use a hand grip about eighteen inches apart. With the barbell at arm’s length while you are standing erect and in a stationary position, pull the weight straight up until it is nearly under the chin. Keep the elbows out to the sides and in the top position the elbows are nearly as high as your ears. Keep the barbell in close to the body and pause momentarily at the top before letting the weight back to starting position. Inhale as you raise the bar and exhale as you lower the bar. Place your hand on a lat machine bar about thirty-six inches apart. Kneel down on your knees until you are supporting the weight stack with your arms while they are extended overhead. Inhale and pull the bar down behind your head to the middle of your neck. Return to starting position ant exhale. Keep your back straight and do no bend forward. Lie on a flat bench. Hold a dumbbell in each hand and press them to arm’s length keeping them in line with your shoulders. Inhale and lower both dumbbells straight down in a semicircular motion by bending your arms at the elbows but keeping your upper arms vertical throughout the exercise. The dumbbells should be lowered until your forearms and biceps touch. Press the dumbbells back to starting position using the same path and exhale. Hold a barbell with both hands using a palms-up grip about eighteen inches apart. Stand erect with your feet about sixteen inches apart. With the barbell at arm’s length against your upper thighs, inhale and curl the bar up to the height of your shoulders keeping your back straight, legs and hips locked out. As you are lowering the bar back to starting position, do so in a controlled manner causing the biceps to resist the weight as much as possible. Exhale as you return to starting position. Position a bench so you are able to sit on it and have an object close by so you can put your feet under it to support your weight. Sit directly on the bench and your knees should have a slight bend to them. Starting at the upright position, inhale and lower your torso backwards and down until you are just below parallel with the floor. Return to starting position and exhale. Position yourself on a dip stand facing away from the machine with your body being supported by your arms, having your elbows locked out. Hanging in a vertical position, inhale and raise your right leg up until it is parallel to the floor. As you commence to lower your right leg, start raising your left leg to give you the same motion your legs move while swimming. Inhale as you raise your right leg and exhale as you raise your left leg. - For best results do this routine three times a week – Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Use the off days for rest and recuperation. - Last month you worked up to five sets for most of the exercises. This month I suggest that on exercises 2 through 8 you drop back to three set initially and then follow this progression through the month: - Week1: Three sets and minimum reps. - Week2: Four sets and medium reps. - Weeks 3 and 4: Five sets and maximum reps. - For the three midsection exercises in this routine start with the minimum number of repetitions and gradually increase them so you do the maximum number at the end of the month. - Do not train to failure. The last rep should feel difficult but should not be an all-out effort. At the beginning of this routine you’ll have to experiment to determine the poundages to use in order to make the last rep or two challenging but not impossible. Don’t hesitate to decrease your weight on the last set or two of an exercise in order to complete the necessary number of reps. Finish what you start – don’t train to failure. - From week to week as your body adapts and your strength improves, increase the weight on each exercise. Remember, you want to make the last rep of each set challenging. Keep accurate records of your poundages, sets and reps from workout to workout. This will enable you to easily keep track of your progress from one poundage to the next rather than forcing you to rely on memory. - Concentrate on correct form and mentally focus on the bodypart you’re working. - Rest for 30 seconds to two minutes between sets. If you feel any kind of unusual pain during your workout, consult with a trainer (if one is available). Of course, if you’re just starting a training program, you should always check with a physician to ensure that you have no health problems that could make training dangerous. People ask me why I don’t believe in training to failure at a time when the popular notion in bodybuilding is that the only way to make maximum progress is to always go for that last impossible rep (in other words, train to failure). I tell them the answer is quite simple: If you do a workout of, say, nine exercises, three sets per exercise, and in each set you go to failure, which means you couldn’t complete the last rep, what you have done in these 27 sets is trained yourself to fail 27 times! That doesn’t sound like success in my book. My approach to training has always been to push yourself in your workouts, but do not train to failure! The last rep should be difficult, but not impossible or unachievable. And I’ve always been a great believer that you should leave the gym each day feeling like you had a great workout but you’ve still got a little bit left in the gas tank, so to speak. Because if you don’t leave the gym with the feeling of having something in reserve, you will sooner or later reach a point where your training begins to seem so hellish and burdensome, you will either start missing workouts or stop training altogether. And then where is your progress? So speaking from experience, I urge you: Train hard, yes, but not to failure. Complete what you start — and that means every rep. I believe that this approach will not only ensure that you’ll stay with your training program year after year (obviously training longevity is a very important aspect of all of this) but you’ll also make the greatest progress. Why? Because you’ll be training yourself for success in each and every rep, set and workout. Your training will be a positive rather than negative experience. And you’ll be much more likely to keep your enthusiasm high and to avoid injury, overtraining and mental burnout. Bill Pearl grants individuals the right to print and use this program for their own personal use. All content and graphics are copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form other then outlined in the previous sentence. Bill Pearl, 84, is a four-time Mr. Universe and author of the best-selling bodybuilding books, Legends of The Iron Game, Keys to the Inner Universe, Getting Stronger, and Getting in Shape. He has personally coached more major contest winners than anyone else in history. At his own peak as a bodybuilder when he last won the Universe in 1971 at age 41, he weighed 242 pounds at a height of 5’10” and his arms measured 21 inches!	http://www.billpearl.com/championphysique_month6/
At Sertec we are proud to have an enviable reputation for our capability and expertise in manipulated tube and assemblies. Along with our skilled and responsive teams dedicated to tube manipulation we can manufacture high quality components varying in size and complexity from mild or stainless steel, up to 3 meters in length. Using the latest technology, our fully automated CNC bending machines, with programmable boost facility, enables the manipulation of tubes up to 76mm diameter with a wall thickness of 3mm. As proud Automotive specialists the components we manufacture include exhaust components, spare wheel carriers, side and rear steps and side bars. In addition, we have the ability to end form and head tubular products housed at our Redditch site. We have the confidence in our people and our machines to be able to advertise an impeccable service to all our customers no matter of the requirements.	https://www.sertec.co.uk/our-expertise/tube-manip/
If there is one topic that divides the developer community, it's whether to use use code comments or not. Some believe code should be self-documenting and code comments are a code smell, a sign of an underlying problem. On the other side of the fence, others believe that self-documenting code is a fairytale and code comments are useful. So what's the answer? The argument against code comments Supporters of self-documenting code often highlight that "readable" code and that comments that can become stale or out-of-date and misleading as a result. Allen Holub argues that well-designed code that uses descriptive names shouldn't need code comments: Allen Holub@allenholubComments in your code can be a "bad smell." Code that models the domain, uses well chosen and descriptive names, is written for readability rather than cleverness, needs almost nothing in the way of comments. If the code is so obscure that you need comments, make it less obscure.22:49 PM - 01 Jun 2019 Similarly in this post on code health developers Dori Reuveni and Kevin Bourrillion wrote: "While reading code, often there is nothing more helpful than a well-placed comment. However, comments are not always good. Sometimes the need for a comment can be a sign that the code should be refactored." Is self-documenting code a myth? Those opposed to self-documenting code believe it's something of a myth and perhaps more a reflection of programmers' hatred of writing documentation: Along the same lines developer and co-founder of Write the Docs Eric Holscher called self-documenting "the biggest documentation myth in the software industry in this post, arguing that code comments and documentation still have value. Meanwhile Jef Raskin wrote that while he endorsed the techniques that some programmers claim make code self-documenting, he also argued that these methods cannot provide the documentation necessary for reliable and maintainable code: "The fundamental reason code cannot ever be self-documenting and automatic documentation generators can’t create what is needed is that they can’t explain why the program is being written, and the rationale for choosing this or that method. They cannot discuss the reasons certain alternative approaches were taken. So when is it okay to use comments? The most common scenarios for needing to use code comments is if your code is particularly complex, it's absolutely impossible to make your code self-explanatory or you want to explain why you did something a certain way. Another popular shared principle for using code comments is: - Code explains the how, code comments explain the why. As a documentation advocate, I've personally always seen the value in comments, particular for a beginner or junior developer. Code is designed to be read and executed very literally by machines, whereas no two humans are the same. Our understanding is impacted by a whole host of factors including experience, knowledge level and grasp of a particular coding language. Rather tellingly, the PC Magazine definition of "self-documenting code" also comes with this footnote: It's very subjective [...] what one programmer thinks is self- documenting may truly be indecipherable to another... Tips on writing code comments If you're going to use code comments, there are a number of thing you can do to make them as helpful and useful as possible: 1. Use descriptive names Before you even consider using a code comment, check you can't use a more descriptive name. For example, instead of using a comment: int time = ... // Returns time in seconds You could use a more descriptive name: int timeInSeconds 2. Don't comment the obvious If it's obvious what the code does, don't duplicate this in a comment. For example, don't do this: print "Hello, World!" // Console prints "Hello, World!" 3. Keep it concise I would try to keep the number and length of comments to a minimum. There is nothing worse than finding a wall of text in someone’s code. Studies have actually found a correlation between sentence length and user comprehensions. 4. Avoid ambiguous words Certain words can create ambiguity in your documentation. Some prime examples of ambiguous words include: Should: Suggests an action is optional rather than mandatory. For example, "You should do x to make this work". In most cases its better to use the word must instead. Please: Everyone writes please because it's polite but it makes an instruction sound like a request rather than a requirement. Be rude, don't say please. This and it: Ambiguous pronouns like ‘this’ and ‘it’ make it unclear what the subject or object of your sentence is. Always clarify if you can. 5. Don't use jargon Don’t use jargon or acronyms that not everyone will understand. Sometimes we get so caught up in our work, it’s easy to forget what is a common, everyday language for you, might be completely alien to someone else. For example, instead of writing an acronym write it out in full the first time your write it. For example: Java virtual machine (JVM), Kubernetes (K8s), JSON Web Token (JWT) etc. 6. Avoid passive voice Passive voice creates questions and ambiguity. Always include the subject that is performing the action if possible. For example: - ❌ Passive voice: "The web service is queried." What is sending the query? - ✅ Active voice: "The user queries the web service." It is clear what the subject of the sentence is. 7. Avoid slang and dialect words Using slang or dialect in code comments is likely to cause confusion. For example, a British developer might write: \\ Sorry, I wrote this code when I was knackered so it might be rubbish. In this case, dialect words like 'knackered' (tired) and 'rubbish' (garbage or trash) might not make sense to English speakers from other countries let alone non-native English speakers! 8. Stick to one language Don’t write in multiple languages. Most people might understand common Latin words but not everyone will understand them so think about using friendlier alternatives: - e.g.: Use For example, instead. - i.e: Use that is instead. - N.B: Use Please note or Note:. 9. Avoid location & temporal words Time never stops and the location of code may change at some point in the future. As a result, it's best to avoid the following: - 🗺️ Location words: Above, below. - 🕰️ Temporal words: New, latest, current, up-to-date. 10. Be cautious with humour Everyone likes a joke every now and then. Wouldn’t life be boring if we lost our sense of humour? I found this example of humour on Stackoverflow: stop(); // Hammertime! While this is funny if you know the MC Hammer song, it’s worth bearing in mind some people won't find this funny if they don't understand the cultural reference. A comment like this may well end up confusing or annoying some people. Summary If you skipped to the end, in summary... although some people are advocates for self-documenting code, others think code comments can be useful if your code is complex or if you feel the need to explain why you did something a certain way. In my opinion: Using code comments > Writing code people can’t understand If you are going to use code comments, my tips include: - Use descriptive names. - Don't comment the obvious. - Keep it concise. - Avoid ambiguous words. - Don't use jargon. Define acronyms if you do. - Use the active voice where possible. - Avoid using slang. - Don't write in Latin. - Avoid location/temporal words. - Be careful with humour (probably best to avoid!).	https://practicaldev-herokuapp-com.global.ssl.fastly.net/scottydocs/a-case-for-code-comments-eek
India shooting down of one of its own satellites was a "terrible thing" as it created about 400 pieces of orbital debris, the chief of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration said, warning that the risk of debris colliding with the International Space Station has risen by 44 percent since the Indian anti-satellite weapon test. Only three other countries—the U.S., Russia and China — have anti-satellite missile capabilities. The NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said about 60 pieces of debris have been tracked so far. Out of which, 24 are going above the apogee of the ISS, the point of the space station’s orbit farthest from the Earth. Bridenstine said not all pieces were big enough to track and the NASA is right now tracking objects which are 10 centimeters or bigger. "That is a terrible, terrible thing to create an event that sends debris and an apogee that goes above the international space station. That kind of activity is not compatible with the future of human spaceflight," he said at a NASA townhall with employees. Interestingly, Bridenstine is the first top official from the Trump administration to come out in public against the India's ASAT test. A day after India successfully carried out its ASAT test, acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan warned that the event could create a "mess" in space but said Washington was still studying the impact. Bridenstine said the NASA is "learning more and more every hour" that goes by about this orbital debris field that has been created from the anti-satellite test. "Where we were last week with an assessment that comes from NASA experts as well as the Joint Space Operations Center (part of the U.S. Strategic Command).. is that the risk to the International Space Station has increased by 44 percent," Bridenstine said. "It's unacceptable. The NASA needs to be very clear about what its impact to us is," he said. The risk from small debris as a result of the ASAT test to the ISS went up 44 percent over a period of 10 days. "So, the good thing is it's low enough in earth orbit that over time this will all dissipate," he told his NASA colleagues. The ISS is a habitable artificial satellite, orbiting the Earth at an altitude between 330 km and 435 km. It is a joint project between space agencies of the U.S., Russia, Japan, Europe and Canada, and serves as a research laboratory for scientists to conduct space experiments. "And we're still dealing with it. We are still, we as a nation are responsible for doing space situational awareness and space traffic management, conjunction analysis for the entire world," the NASA chief said.	https://www.bloombergquint.com/global-economics/india-s-asat-test-created-400-pieces-of-debris-poses-risk-to-iss-and-its-astronauts-nasa-chief
To evaluate the nutritive value of the cotton stalk, the dry matter intake (DMI) and the nutrient digestibility of the cotton stalk were determined in this experiment. 18 crossing mature wethers (Romney x Chinese Merino) with average body weight of 38.6 kg were divided into 3 groups. Supplemented with 350g of concentrate for each group, the sheep in the group 1 and group 2 were fed limited and ad libitum by the cotton stalk respectively, and the sheep in the group 3 was designed to eat the corn silage ad libitum. The results showed that the cotton stalk could be eaten and utilized by sheep as roughage. The DMI of the cotton stalk was 693g/d /sheep, and the digestibility of DM, OM, CP, cellulose and semi - cellulose in the cotton stalk were 34.6% , 39. 7% , 43.0% , 5% and 65.8% respectively. The lower digestibility of cellulose was one of the problems constraining the utilization of cotton stalk for animal and needed to be studied further. According to the proximate calculation, the sheep would increase live - body weight by 1 kg if 4. 3 kg of cotton stalk consumed in this experimental condition. Therefore, it is worthy of considering that the cotton stalk can be used for ruminants by a larger scale in the practical production. 【CateGory Index】： S826 CAJViewer7.0 supports all the CNKI file formats; AdobeReader only supports the PDF format.	http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTOTAL-CQJQ200303015.htm
Xia M, Huang D, Tong Y, Lin J. Pearl powder reduces sleep disturbance stress response through regulating proteomics in a rat model of sleep deprivation. J Cell Mol Med. 2020;24:4956--4966. 10.1111/jcmm.15095 Meng Xia and Delun Huang contributed equally to this work. 1. INTRODUCTION {#jcmm15095-sec-0005} =============== Pearl, in addition to improving skin beauty, is a well‐known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for various disorders, including insomnia, palpitations, convulsions or epilepsy. According to Compendium of Materia Medica, a famous historical Chinese Herb Pharmacology, patients in stressful status can take pearl powder as tranquillizer and sedative to protect and nourish YIN by calming endogenous WIND and removing toxic substances.[1](#jcmm15095-bib-0001){ref-type="ref"}, [2](#jcmm15095-bib-0002){ref-type="ref"} Pearl is mainly composed of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, which accounted for 91% of total weight. Other inorganic molecules such as silica, calcium phosphate, aluminium oxide and ferric oxide, as well as some trace elements such as sodium, magnesium, manganese, selenium, aluminium and copper can also be found in pearl powder. It also contains essential amino acids including lysine (Lys), valine (Val), threonine (Thr), methionine (Met), leucine (Leu), phenylalanine (Phe), tryptophan (Trp) and histidine (His).[3](#jcmm15095-bib-0003){ref-type="ref"}, [4](#jcmm15095-bib-0004){ref-type="ref"} The nutrients in pearl powder are enriched with proteins, peptides and amino acids, making great contributions to the body\'s bioactivity including improving antioxidant defence system.[5](#jcmm15095-bib-0005){ref-type="ref"} For example, amino acid Asp and Glu possess antioxidant properties, and Cys exhibits free radical quenching ability.[6](#jcmm15095-bib-0006){ref-type="ref"} Indeed, there are different usages of pearl when it is added to different combination of Chinese herbs which can selectively targeting different part of body sites to balance YIN.[7](#jcmm15095-bib-0007){ref-type="ref"} Estazolam, a triazolobenzodiazepine, has been widely used as hypnotic medication.[8](#jcmm15095-bib-0008){ref-type="ref"}, [9](#jcmm15095-bib-0009){ref-type="ref"} It belongs to class of benzodiazepines, a GABAa receptor agonist in the brain. Estazolam can cause sedation and relaxation, therefore facilitating sleep. However, estazolam is extremely addictive with very severe withdrawal symptoms and can cause a similar black‐out effect, and some studies reported that it also confers the risk of dementia.[10](#jcmm15095-bib-0010){ref-type="ref"}, [11](#jcmm15095-bib-0011){ref-type="ref"} Therefore, pearl and nacre are valuable traditional medicines with a lot of potential for more clinical treatments, if we understand their mechanism of action and signalling pathway. In this study, we have been suggested that pearl contains many bio‐protective reagents that target several molecules and play critical roles in multiple metabolic pathways. To test this hypothesis, we used a previously validated insomnia model in rats, induced by sleep deprivation (SD), resulting in learning and memory impairment which had been thought to be caused by pathological changes in hippocampus.[12](#jcmm15095-bib-0012){ref-type="ref"}, [13](#jcmm15095-bib-0013){ref-type="ref"} Based on it, we conducted an advance technology iTRAQ for a broad screening and comparing on differential proteomic expression in hippocampus. Our results indicate that sleep deprivation can induce learning and memory deficit which associated with oxidative phosphorylation, ribosome and proteasome proteins. Pearl is able to lowering or reversing some, if not all of the mal‐alternation. 2. METHODS {#jcmm15095-sec-0006} ========== 2.1. Animals and ethics statement {#jcmm15095-sec-0007} --------------------------------- The experimental protocols, care and handling of animals used in this study were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, in accordance with IASP Guidelines for the Use of Animals in Research. Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were purchased from Hunan Slack Jingda Experimental Animal Co. Ltd, Hunan, China, with the average body weight of 180 ± 20 g. Rats were housed in four rats per cage in a well‐ventilated colony room having a 12‐hour (h) light/dark cycle (lights on at 7:00 [am]{.smallcaps}) and temperature of 22°C. Six‐week‐old rats received standard laboratory rat chow and tap water ad libitum feeding. After a week of adaptation, rats were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 9/group) as control (CTL), sleep deprivation (SD), pearl powder (PP) and estazolam (ES). The sleep deprivation was conducted for about 20 hours/d (23:00‐19:00) and lasted for total 7 days: rats were placed in a platform (height 20 cm and 5 × 5 square centimetre area) which was in a container of water (depth 18 cm). The Ctr, PP and ES groups were administrated repeatedly with 0.9% saline, pearl powder (2.5 mg/kg/d) and estazolam (0.13 mg/kg/d) starting from 1st day of sleep deprivation once per day for 14 days. The schedule of administration is illustrated in Figure [1](#jcmm15095-fig-0001){ref-type="fig"}. ![Workflow. Six‐week‐old rats were conducted MWM test from day 3 to day 7 with the hidden platform in the water tank, and then, spatial memory and cognition were examined by MWM at day 8 without the hidden platform. From day 9 to day 16, all rats were administrated with or without sleep deprivation, as well as treatment, respectively, with PP/ES or saline from day 9 to day 23. Pearl powder (2.5 mg/kg/d) and estazolam (0.13 mg/kg/d) in saline, the same volume of saline was administered in groups of CTL and SD. Afterwards, the MWM training (days 18‐22) and test (day 23) were performed for another 6 d again. Then, the rats were killed and hippocampus tissues were collected for proteomic and other analyses](JCMM-24-4956-g001){#jcmm15095-fig-0001} 2.2. Morris Water Maze (MWM) test {#jcmm15095-sec-0008} --------------------------------- Before behavioural tests, rats were adapted in our animal facility for at least 1 week in the housing room which has the same condition as behavioural room.[14](#jcmm15095-bib-0014){ref-type="ref"} MWM training and test were performed in a circular water tank (120 cm in diameter) containing opaque water (22 ± 1°C) at a depth of 25 cm and were divided into four quadrants. A hidden escape platform (9 cm in diameter) was placed in the centre of one quadrant, with its surface 1 cm below the water. The rats were subjected to an acquisition trial four times a day for five consecutive days. During each trial, the rats were placed in water at one of the four quadrants and the starting position was randomly selected. Each rat was trained to swim for locating the hidden platform. Rats that failed to find the hidden platform within 60 seconds were placed on it for 30 seconds. The same platform location was used for all rats. The platform was removed on the sixth day, and the rats were subjected to the spatial probe trial test for 60 seconds. The time and distance spent in the target quadrant were recorded. 2.3. Protein extraction and trypsin digestion {#jcmm15095-sec-0009} --------------------------------------------- Rats were killed in a box connected to CO^2^ tank. Then, rat brains were quickly removed from skulls and left on cold platform. Two pieces of hippocampal tissues underneath cortex were carefully dissected out using surgery tools, immediately frozen on dry ice and stored in −80°C freezer. Sample size: 3 rats per group. The hippocampus tissues were homogenized thoroughly with a tissue grinder in 1:50 (W/V) Lysis Buffer (8 mol/L urea, 2 mmol/L EDTA, 10 mmol/L DTT and 1% Protease Inhibitor Cocktail). Samples were sonicated for 3 minutes and centrifuged at 13 000 g at 4℃ for 10 minutes to remove debris, and the protein supernatant was collected and precipitated with 3× Volume of ice‐cold acetone for 3 hours at −20℃. After centrifugation at 4°C at 12 000 g for 10 minutes, the protein in the pellet was resuspended with urea buffer (8 mol/L urea, 100 mmol/L TEAB). The protein concentration was determined using a Modified Bradford Protein Assay Kit according to the manufacturer\'s instructions. After that, 100 μg protein of each sample was first reduced with 10 mmol/L DTT at 37°C for 60 minutes and then alkylated with 55 mmol/L iodoacetamide (IAM) at room temperature for 30 minutes in the dark. The urea concentration of protein sample was diluted to less than 2 mol/L by adding 100 mmol/L TEAB. The total protein of each sample was digested with Sequencing Grade Modified Trypsin at the mass ratio of protein:trypsin = 50:1 at 37°C overnight and at a ratio of 100:1 for a second digestion at 4 hours. 2.4. Peptide isobaric labelling and HPLC fractionation {#jcmm15095-sec-0010} ------------------------------------------------------ After trypsin digestion, peptide was desalted by Strata‐X SPE column and vacuum‐dried. Peptide was reconstituted in 20 μL 500 mmol/L TEAB and processed according to the manufacturer\'s protocol for 8‐plex iTRAQ kit. Briefly, one unit of iTRAQ reagent was all added to peptide solution after thawed and dissolved in 50 μL isopropanol. The peptide mixtures were incubated for 2 hours at room temperature, and then pooled and dried by vacuum centrifugation. The dried and labelled peptide was reconstituted with HPLC solution A (2% ACN, pH 10) and then fractionated into fractions by high pH reverse‐phase HPLC using Waters Bridge Peptide BEH C18 (130 Å, 3.5 μm, 4.6 \* 250 mm). Briefly, peptides were first separated with a gradient of 2%‐98% acetonitrile in pH 10 at a speed of 0.5 mL/min over 88 minutes into 48 fractions. Then, the peptides were combined into 12 fractions and dried by vacuum centrifugation. The peptide fractions were desalted using ZipTip C18 according to the manufacturer\'s instructions. Samples were finally dried under vacuum and kept at −20°C until MS analyses were performed. 2.5. High‐resolution LC‐MS/MS analysis {#jcmm15095-sec-0011} -------------------------------------- This experiment was performed by NanoLC 1000 LC‐MS/MS using a Proxeon EASY‐nLC 1000 coupled to Thermo Fisher Q Exactive. Trypsin digestion fractions were reconstituted in 0.1% FA and directly loaded onto delivered to a reversed‐phase pre‐column (Acclaim PepMap®100 C18, 3 μm, 100 Å, 75 μm × 2 cm) at 5 μL/min in 100% solvent A (0.1 mol/L acetic acid in water). Next, peptides eluted from the trap column were loaded onto a reversed‐phase analytical column (Acclaim PepMap® RSLC C18, 2 μm, 100 Å, 50 μm × 15 cm). The gradient was comprised of an increase from 15% to 35% solvent B (0.1% FA in 98% ACN) over 45 minutes, 35% to 98% solvent B during 5 minutes and keep in 98% in 5 minutes at a constant flow rate of 300 nL/min on an EASY‐nLC 1000 system. The eluent was sprayed via NSI source at the 2.0 kV electrospray voltage and then analysed by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in Q Exactive. The mass spectrometer was operated in data‐dependent mode, automatically switching between MS and MS/MS. Full‐scan MS spectra (from m/z 350 to 1800) were acquired in the Orbitrap with a resolution of 70 000. Ion fragments were detected in the Orbitrap at a resolution of 17 500, and the 20 most intense precursors were selected for subsequent decision tree‐based ion trap HCD fragmentation at the collision energy of 27% in the MS survey scan with 45.0‐second dynamic exclusion. 2.6. Proteomic data analysis and bioinformatics {#jcmm15095-sec-0012} ----------------------------------------------- The resulting MS/MS raw data were searched against the Rattus norvegicus proteome database (taxon identifier: 10 116 including 29 975 protein sequences) downloaded from UniProt database using Sequest software integration in Proteome Discoverer (version 1.3, Thermo Scientific). Trypsin was chosen as enzyme, and two missed cleavages were allowed. Carbamidomethylation (C) was set as a fixed modification and oxidation (M), and acetylation in N‐term was set as variable modification. The searches were performed using a peptide mass tolerance of 20 ppm and a product ion tolerance of 0.05 D, resulting in 1% false discovery rate (FDR). The GO (gene ontology) was used for the annotation of the identified proteins, which was composed of BP (biological processes), CC (cellular components) and MF (molecular functions), and the analysis was based on the UniProt‐GOA database (<http://www.ebi.ac.uk/GOA/>). The pathway analysis of differently expressed proteins was based on the KEGG (Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) database. The online KEGG Automatic Annotation Server (KAAS) service tools were used to annotate the KEGG database description for each protein and to map the annotation results using other KEGG online service tools and the KEGG mapper. The interaction between differential expression protein (DEPs) groups was derived from the Search Tools for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database. A high confidence (0.7) for the required interaction score and the active interaction sources, including text mining, experiments and databases, were chosen to draw the protein‐protein interaction map using Cytoscape 3.2.1. 2.7. Western blotting {#jcmm15095-sec-0013} --------------------- The protein expression levels of PLK1, PGP and HGS were analysed by a Western blot. Equal amount of protein from each sample was loaded onto SDS‐PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) gel, separated by electrophoresis and transferred onto a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membrane by a semidry Western blot system (Trans‐Blot® TurboTM System, Bio‐Rad, Singapore). The membrane was then blocked in 5% non‐fat milk for 2 hours at 37°C and incubated at 4 ℃ with primary antibodies for 16‐18 hours Membranes were washed three times using TBST buffer (a mixture reagent of TBS \[Tris‐buffered saline\] and Tween‐20) and then incubated with secondary antibodies in TBST buffer for 2 hours at 37°C. Bands were visualized with an alkaline phosphatase detection kit (C3206, Beyotime Biotechnology Inc). The following commercially available antibodies were used as primary antibodies: (anti‐RIMS3 antibody, anti‐CPI‐17, anti‐metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 antibody, anti‐superoxide dismutase 1 antibody, anti‐PP2A beta antibody, anti‐beta‐actin antibody). 2.8. Statistical analysis {#jcmm15095-sec-0014} ------------------------- One‐way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test were used in behavioural tests (Figure [2](#jcmm15095-fig-0002){ref-type="fig"}) and Western blot quantification (Figure [5](#jcmm15095-fig-0005){ref-type="fig"}). Data were expressed as mean ± SEM P \< .05 is considered as statistically significant difference between groups. To analysis the data of proteomics, paired comparisons of mean number between two groups were performed using t test, and the proteins with fold change (ratio) ≥1.2 and those with fold change (ratio) ≤0.83 were considered difference (DEPs) with statistically significant when P \< .05. ![MWM test result comparison before and after modelling (data expressed as mean ± SEM, p \< .05 represents statistical significant). A, Escape latency is the time (s) in which the rat swims from the starting point to the hidden platform point at the test day (without the hidden platform). The rats in assigned groups (CTR, SD, PP and ES) were tested before (day 8) and after (day 23) modelling (sleep deprivation + treatment). Escape latency in SD was increased significantly from 9.2 ± 1.8 (before modelling) to 19.4 ± 2.6 (after modelling), whereas the escape latencies in the PP and ES groups show no difference before and after modelling. Therefore, sleep deprivation injured the rats' capability of finding the platform; pearl powder and estazolam reverse the injury. B, Distance ratio: ratio of swimming distance (m) in target quadrant (the hidden platform stood in at the training days) versus total swimming distance in water pool within 60 s is used to reflect the animal memory. The distance ratio in the SD group was significantly decreased from 60.0 ± 5.0 (before SD) to 35.5 ± 5.6 (after SD), whereas the distance ratio of rats in other groups was not significantly changed before and after modelling. Therefore, SD rats were injured in memory, but PP and ES were capable to prevent memory injury. C, Number of entries into the quadrant with withdrawn platform within 60 s as measurement of spatial memory. Before modelling, the rats in different group show the similar entry times: that is, 2.2 ± 0.28 (CTL), 2.1 ± 0.20 (SD), 2.2 ± 0.33 (PP) and 2.0 ± 0.33 (ES). After modelling, the travel times in SD were 1.4 ± 0.27, decreased by 31.8% (\*P \< .01). However, the travel times in other groups were not changed or slightly increased after modelling. This indicates the rats treated with PP or ES ameliorate spatial memory deficit induced by SD](JCMM-24-4956-g002){#jcmm15095-fig-0002} 3. RESULTS {#jcmm15095-sec-0015} ========== 3.1. Behavioural tests {#jcmm15095-sec-0016} ---------------------- To evaluate the effect of pearl powder on sleeplessness stress, the spatial learning and memory ability were tested using MWM test, which primarily depends on the hippocampus function.[15](#jcmm15095-bib-0015){ref-type="ref"}, [16](#jcmm15095-bib-0016){ref-type="ref"} Prior to any treatment, all rats were firstly trained for swimming and the measurements were accessed as shown in Figure [2A‐C](#jcmm15095-fig-0002){ref-type="fig"}. All rats exhibited similar behavioural capabilities, that is in a similar latency to reach the position of the hidden platform, and swam approximately at the same ratio of swimming distance in platform quadrant VS total swimming distance in all quadrant within 60 seconds. In modelling period, the SD, PP and ES rats received sleep deprivation stress, whereas those rats also received saline, PP or ES treatment. In the post‐modelling MWM test, compared with CTL, SD rats displayed decreased efficiency searching for hidden platform, while PP and ES rats actively searching for the hidden platform, with efficiency similar to CTL. These results indicate that sleeplessness stress can significantly cause the injury in hippocampus with a shorter latency, decreased the ratio and decreased travel times (%). Furthermore, both PP and ES can significantly improve the spatial learning and memory loss caused by sleep deprivation stress. 3.2. Proteomic quality and differential quantitative analysis {#jcmm15095-sec-0017} ------------------------------------------------------------- In screening for protein(s) expressed differently from SD vs to other groups in proteomic study, there were total 3745 proteins identified, and 69% (2592 proteins) were quantified with high correlation in biological replicas, and six differential proteins identified from Venn analysis (Figure [3A](#jcmm15095-fig-0003){ref-type="fig"},[B](#jcmm15095-fig-0003){ref-type="fig"}). In total, there were 353 differentially expressed proteins found. Compared with SD, in PP samples, there were 37 proteins were up‐regulated and 27 proteins were down‐regulated (Figure [3C](#jcmm15095-fig-0003){ref-type="fig"}). Compared with the CTL group, 55 proteins in SD group were up‐regulated and 54 proteins were down‐regulated. After pearl treatment, 10 of the 55 up‐regulated proteins were down‐regulated and 14 of the 54 down‐regulated proteins were up‐regulated (Figure [3D](#jcmm15095-fig-0003){ref-type="fig"}). And 22 differential expressing proteins were identified (Table [1](#jcmm15095-tbl-0001){ref-type="table"}). These proteins had different expressing trend after sleep deprivation treatment but rescued towards back to CTL expression direction after pearl was added to these rats. ![Result overview of differential proteomics based on LC‐MS/MS analysis. A, Repeatability analysis of quantification proteins of two replications. Pearson\'s correlation coefficient was used for the repeatability analysis. B, Venn diagram of protein identification between each replication. C, DEP screening uses a volcano plots with the threshold of fold change \>1.2 or \<1/1.2 and P‐value \<.05. D, Venn diagram showing that 10 up‐regulated and 17 down‐regulated proteins in SD/CTL and PP/CTL overlap](JCMM-24-4956-g003){#jcmm15095-fig-0003} ###### The differentially expressed proteins identified in SD vs control group and PP vs SD group Protein Description Gene name SD‐vs‐CTL SD‐vs‐CTL SD‐vs‐CTL PP‐vs‐SD PP‐vs‐SD PP‐vs‐SD ------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- P62716 Serine/threonine‐protein phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit beta isoform Ppp2cb 1.31 0.002 Up 0.68 0.001 Down D3ZSP1 Protein LOC100361838 LOC100361838 0.73 0.0038 Down 1.21 0.0145 Up Q5XIP1 Protein pelota homolog Pelo 0.76 0.0468 Down 1.27 0.0413 Up A4GW50 Protein Stk38l Stk38l 0.78 0.0144 Down 1.29 0.0047 Up G3V9K0 Cysteinyl‐tRNA synthetase (Predicted), isoform CRA_b Cars 0.77 0.0041 Down 1.23 0.0284 Up A0A0H2UHV7 Alanine‐‐tRNA ligase, cytoplasmic Aars2 0.78 0.0007 Down 1.34 0.0362 Up D4A4L5 Protein Isca2 Isca2 0.73 0.0114 Down 1.24 0.032 Up D3ZHV3 Metallothionein Mt1m 1.28 0.0148 Up 0.82 0.0003 Down D3ZUI1 Methylthioribulose‐1‐phosphate dehydratase Apip 1.27 0.0036 Up 0.76 0.0098 Down M0R660 Glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase GAPDH 1.21 0.0172 Up 0.82 0.0003 Down B2RYN1 Fructosamine‐3‐kinase‐related protein Fn3krp 0.76 0.0018 Down 1.48 0.0131 Up D3Z8I7 Protein Gstt3 Gstt3 1.22 0.006 Up 0.81 0.0062 Down F1LMQ3 Protein Psmd8 Psmd8 0.75 0.0291 Down 1.3 0.0476 Up A0A0G2JZ43 Phosphoinositide phospholipase C Plcb2 1.26 0.0094 Up 0.82 0.0484 Down F1LS26 Protein strawberry notch homolog 1 Sbno1 0.25 0.0023 Down 3.5 0.0007 Up Q6TXI6 LRRGT00013 LOC317456 0.8 0.0029 Down 1.34 0.0464 Up Q63468 Phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthase‐associated protein 1 Prpsap1 0.76 0.0003 Down 1.25 0.0122 Up D3ZK73 Cullin 4B (Predicted) Cul4b 0.82 0.0069 Down 1.36 0.0045 Up F2Z3T7 Isochorismatase domain‐containing protein 1 LOC103694869 0.8 0.0081 Down 1.23 0.0108 Up D3ZEV0 Protein LOC100912427 LOC100912427 1.23 0.0488 Up 0.19 0.0017 Down D3ZZN4 Uncharacterized protein N/A 1.33 0.0297 Up 0.8 0.0299 Down P05505 Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 3 Mtco3 1.82 0.0073 Up 0.71 0.0143 Down John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 3.3. Functional, pathway and protein domain enrichment analysis {#jcmm15095-sec-0018} --------------------------------------------------------------- To obtain a functional overview of differentially expressed protein, gene ontology (GO) annotation analysis was applied. Proteins were functionally classified based on UniProt GO annotation and demonstrated through heat map (Figure [4A](#jcmm15095-fig-0004){ref-type="fig"}). Although as many as 353 differentially expressed proteins were identified, their dynamic changes can be assigned into 5 main patterns (Figure [4B](#jcmm15095-fig-0004){ref-type="fig"}). Furthermore, the differentially expressed proteins in each pattern were applied into pathway analysis through KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) database (Figure [4C](#jcmm15095-fig-0004){ref-type="fig"}). The first pattern represents the populations of protein with decreased expression level in SD groups as compared to CTL, which is rescued in the PP group, but not in the ES group. And the proteins in this pattern were mainly enriched in retrograde endocannabinoid signalling and autophagy pathway. The second pattern shows the populations of proteins with similar expressing level in the SD and PP groups as compared to the CTL group. However, ES treatment caused increased expression suggesting possible side effect caused by ES treatment. The proteins in this pattern were mainly enriched in metabolic pathway, Parkinson disease and oxidative phosphorylation pathway. The third pattern indicates the protein expression level in the SD group is slightly decreased compared with the CTL group. Their expression levels in the PP and ES groups were further decreased suggesting mild side effect caused by PP and ES treatment. The proteins in this pattern were enriched in peroxisome, dopaminergic synapse and PPAR signalling pathway. The fourth pattern demonstrates the groups of protein with increased expressing level in the SD group as compared to CTL. The increase was specifically rescued (partially) to the level similar to CTL in the PP group but not in the ES group. The proteins in this pattern were enriched in Huntington disease pathway, Parkinson disease and Alzheimer disease pathway which all were nerve disease related pathway were most three enriched pathways in this pattern. ![Clustering and KEGG pathway annotation of protein expression pattern based on protein expression level. A, Heatmap of all 353 DEPs resulted from proteomic experiment. B, DEPs were separated to five clusters by protein expression pattern analysis. C, KEGG pathway statistics of proteins in five expression patterns](JCMM-24-4956-g004){#jcmm15095-fig-0004} 3.4. Western blot {#jcmm15095-sec-0019} ----------------- To validate the expression data from proteomic analyses, five proteins related to sleep deprivation were selected for Western blotting assay. Hippocampal protein expression level from four groups of rats (3 rats/group)---Ctr, SD, PP and estazolam---were examined (Figure [5A](#jcmm15095-fig-0005){ref-type="fig"}: representative Western blot result) and quantified (Figure [5B](#jcmm15095-fig-0005){ref-type="fig"}). Of 5 tested proteins, 3 (RIMS3, Ppp1r14a and MGR3) were decreased and 2 (SOD1 and Ppp2cb) were increased in SD as compared to other groups. Western blotting assay was consistent with the results of the mass spectrometry analysis. ![Validation of five differentially expressed proteins in CTL and treatment groups. A, RIMS3, Ppp1r14a, MGR3, SOD1, Ppp2cb and β‐actin bands, respectively, expressed from rat groups of CTL, SD, PP and estazolam. B, The relative density of the validated proteins was normalized with β‐actin as the internal reference. One‐way ANOVA, n = 3, \*P \< .05](JCMM-24-4956-g005){#jcmm15095-fig-0005} 3.5. Pathway‐protein crosslinking network construction {#jcmm15095-sec-0020} ------------------------------------------------------ After GO analysis was performed, we would like to explore interaction relationship formed by these differentially expressed proteins. Cytoscape software v2.8.3 (<http://www.cytoscape.org>) was used to visualize the pathway‐protein crosslinking network (Figure [6](#jcmm15095-fig-0006){ref-type="fig"}). In this network, protein Ppp2cb has most edges which means it has most interaction relationship. Oxidative phosphorylation Parkinson\'s disease pathway, ribosome and ribonucleoprotein pathway were the two most enriched pathway in this interaction network. ![Protein‐protein interaction between DEPs. Proteins\' expression ratio of PP/SD was marked with continuous colour mapper. Proteins enriched in oxidative phosphorylation Parkinson\'s disease and ribosome and ribonucleoprotein were marked in grey cycling](JCMM-24-4956-g006){#jcmm15095-fig-0006} 4. DISCUSSION {#jcmm15095-sec-0021} ============= In this study, we used a previously validated rat insomnia model, induced by sleep deprivation, to examine the relationship between SD and learning/memory manifestations. Through test of MWM, we observe that such stress can result in behaviour abnormality which can be rescued by pearl powder---a traditional Chinese medicine that had been used for insomnia. The limitation of this study is that such animal model can only partially recapitulate insomnia in human, which is much more complicated and may be caused by various factors in addition to sleep deprivation (such as gene, drug and various kind of stress). Impaired hippocampal functions have been implicated in insomnia and cognitive decline. To understand the mechanism how pearl powder affects hippocampus of animals receiving sleep deprivation, we performed a broad screening technology, that is iTRAQ‐based global proteomic. We identified 3745 proteins in stressed rat hippocampus and quantified 2592 proteins for screening. The expression of proteins from SD model with a probability ≥0.95 was obtained via comparisons with control, pearl powder and estazolam samples. Some of the key findings from proteomics were replicated using the Western blot. In Figure [5](#jcmm15095-fig-0005){ref-type="fig"}, proteins changed (down‐regulation of RIMS3, Ppp1r14a and MGR3 and up‐regulation of SOD1 and Ppp2cb) by SD can be effectively reversed by pearl powder in a great extent. Hierarchical clustering showed that the top 22 temporal proteins and genes that could be divided into four groups exhibited different expression patterns. From the four patterns, we generalized from differentially expressed proteins, the changing trend in the PP group and the ES group was not always the same. This means the pharmacological effect of these two medicines is not the same. Our results indicate that PP shows higher rescue capability, and ES has bigger side effect. Figure [4](#jcmm15095-fig-0004){ref-type="fig"} shows that pearl powder displays specific rescue effect in pattern 1 and pattern 4. In pattern 1, the pathways most sensitive to PP treatment are retrograde endocannabinoid signalling[17](#jcmm15095-bib-0017){ref-type="ref"}, [18](#jcmm15095-bib-0018){ref-type="ref"} and autophagy; in pattern 4, the most sensitive pathways to PP treatment are the proteins enriched relative to Huntington disease and Parkinson disease (pattern 4). Our experimental results have human correlates with studies that support the application of pearl powder to stressful behaviour disorder.[19](#jcmm15095-bib-0019){ref-type="ref"} There is substantial literature correlating depression symptoms and psychosocial dysfunction in patients with insomnia.[20](#jcmm15095-bib-0020){ref-type="ref"}, [21](#jcmm15095-bib-0021){ref-type="ref"}, [22](#jcmm15095-bib-0022){ref-type="ref"}, [23](#jcmm15095-bib-0023){ref-type="ref"} More direct evidence also comes from a randomized placebo‐controlled trial showing that pearl powder may promote the development of antioxidant capacity and cognitive hypervigilance.[24](#jcmm15095-bib-0024){ref-type="ref"} It has also been suggested that humans who experience an adverse life event have a hyper‐responsive HPA and that HPA reactivity may in turn modulate memory and learning impairment.[25](#jcmm15095-bib-0025){ref-type="ref"} It is known that chronic insomnia patients show abnormal substructure,[26](#jcmm15095-bib-0026){ref-type="ref"} which may be caused by decreased neurogenesis.[27](#jcmm15095-bib-0027){ref-type="ref"} Endocannabinoid signalling (ECS) is altered in preclinical and clinical models of depression, with one of the common symptoms as insomnia. Several studies indicating that hippocampal progenitor proliferation and neurogenesis require intact ECS.[28](#jcmm15095-bib-0028){ref-type="ref"}, [29](#jcmm15095-bib-0029){ref-type="ref"} Therefore, ECS pathway deficit is one of the underline mechanisms for abnormal hippocampal structure and activity in insomnia patients, which can be rescued by pearl treatment. Further studies will be required to understand the mechanisms regarding the regulation of hippocampus such as impaired feedback signalling from epigenetic changes regulating RIMS3, Ppp1r14a, MGR3, SOD1 and Ppp2cb or other forms of expression. Such as the impact of pearl treatment on endocannabinoid signalling pathway in hippocampus of SD rats. What initiates this cascade of events during stress is also unknown. Insomnia may alter the HPA axis through activation of cytokines, which is another biological targeted that may be rescued by pearl powder. 5. CONCLUSIONS {#jcmm15095-sec-0022} ============== In conclusion, our results demonstrate, for the first time, that sleep deprivation causes hippocampus injury through several pathways including endocannabinoid signalling, autophagy, Huntington disease, oxidative phosphorylation Parkinson disease and ribosome and proteasome, which can be corrected (at least partially) by pear powder. Clinically, the cause of insomnia is very complicated, and pearl powder had been used in combination with other Chinese medicine as treatments for insomnia, with unclear functionality. Interestingly, the identified pathways had been implicated in the pathology of anxiety and depression. Therefore, we speculate that pearl powder by itself may be useful for anxiety‐ or depression‐induced insomnia. Further studies can be focused on dissecting effect of pearl powder on each biological pathway, in the context of insomnia and cognitive decline. CONFLICT OF INTEREST {#jcmm15095-sec-0024} ==================== All authors declare no conflict of interests. AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS {#jcmm15095-sec-0025} ==================== Jiang Lin designed the study. Meng Xia, Delun Huang and Yuangming Tong performed experiments. Meng Xia analysed the data. Delun Huang and Yuangming Tong carried out critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content. This study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81860805, 81460720), Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi (2017GXNSFAA198329, 桂科AD17195080) and The First Qihuang Project of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine for high‐level talent team training project (\#2018001). DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT {#jcmm15095-sec-0027} =========================== The data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.
A Happy New Year !! Last year we published the book ` Beyond Boundaries` -Design overcoming boundaries creates better cities and architecture- commemorating our 20th year since the foundation of Jun Mitsui & Associates, Architects. In this book we re-evaluated our body of works and re-organized our design philosophy for the next generations. Your sincere support and understanding made this book possible and I really thank you all from the bottom of my heart. We are determined to contribute ourselves to the world by designing beautiful buildings and cities by going beyond Public-Private boundaries, Property Boundaries, Language Boundaries and Cultural Boundaries. And we are delighted to work with people all over the world for the better society. It is our duty and happiness that our design gives happiness to the people, to support their living and protect their family. It is our determination to design sustainable cities and architecture for the coming generations that will act as a loved social assets for many years. We will give our best to all the projects in 2017, and we are happy to work on those with you all. We wish you all the best to you for 2017. 1st January, 2017 Jun Mitsui Jun Mitsui & Associates Inc. Architects. Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects Japan, Inc.	https://www.jma.co.jp/en/2017/01/jun-mitsui-new-year-greeting-2017/
Routing under multiple independent constrains in point-to-point networks has been studied for over 10 years. Its NP-hardness keeps pushing researchers to study approximate algorithms and heuristics, and many results have been published in these years. To the best of our knowledge, the nature of its average case has been explored only for the self-adaptive multiple constraints routing algorithm (SAMCRA), which is an algorithm about multiple constraints routing. In this paper, we simplify SAMCRA into a format that is convenient for our average case analysis. This variant algorithm gives optimal solutions also for very large dimensional networks such as with more than 1000 nodes. Although it runs in exponential time in the worst case, we prove that its average case time complexity is bounded by a polynomial function of the number of nodes in the network. Lastly, we give empirical results that align with our theoretical work. First Page 1211 Last Page 1222 Recommended Citation KAPLAN, DERYA YILTAŞ (2017) "Maximum size of the pareto cost sets for multi-constrained optimal routing," Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences: Vol. 25: No. 2, Article 44.	https://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/elektrik/vol25/iss2/44/
Given the importance of Canadians speaking out accurately on Bill C-11, ACTA, and the TPP, I’ve posted ten key questions and answers to sort through the claims. The first eight questions address the links between Bill C-11 and SOPA as well as proposed changes to the current copyright law. The final two question focus on ACTA and the TPP. Bill C-11, the Canadian copyright reform bill, is the latest iteration of several attempts at Canadian copyright reform. There is a lot to like about the bill: it includes an expansion of the fair dealing provision, new consumer rights for format shifting, time shifting, and backup copies, a provision facilitating user generated content, a new distinction between commercial and non-commercial infringement, as well as a fair and effective approach to Internet provider liability. Some of these provisions are not perfect (flexible fair dealing would be better than the C-11 model, eliminating statutory damages for non-commercial infringement is needed), but the bill is far better than prior Conservative copyright bills. As I have stated since its introduction, Bill C-11 is flawed but fixable. The major problem with the bill remains the digital lock provisions, which eviscerate many of the new consumer rights and undermine fair dealing. The approach has been widely criticized by dozens of groups representing business, creators, consumers, educators, and librarians. The proponents of the digital lock rules are chiefly U.S.-backed lobby groups, the same groups that were behind SOPA in the U.S. In fact, there is considerable evidence that the Canadian approach is a direct result of ongoing U.S. pressure on the issue. Had SOPA passed, it included a provision requiring further linkages between U.S. trade pressure and intellectual property policy. 2. Could Bill C-11 become more like SOPA? Yes. Last week, I noted that music and entertainment software lobby groups have proposed SOPA-style changes to C-11. For example, the industry wants language to similar to that found in SOPA on blocking access to websites, demanding new provisions that would “permit a court to make an order blocking a pirate site such as The Pirate Bay to protect the Canadian marketplace from foreign pirate sites.” Section 102 of SOPA also envisioned blocking of websites. Several lobby groups also want language similar to that found in the infamous Section 103 of SOPA. That provision, which spoke of sites “primarily designed or operated for the purpose of…offering goods or services in a manner that engages in, enables, or facilitates” infringement, raised fears that it could be used to shut down mainstream sites such as Youtube. According to a music industry document, Bill C-11’s “enabler provision” should be expanded to include “services that are primarily operated to enable infringement or which induce infringement.” Those demands are echoed by the Entertainment Software Association of Canada, which called on the government to “amend the enabling provision to ensure that it applies to services that are “designed or operated” primarily to enable acts of infringement.” Both groups also want statutory damages added to the enabler provision so that liability can run into the millions of dollars for a target website. Bill C-11 committee member Dean Del Mastro, a Conservative MP, specifically referenced the enabler provision in a recent interview about potential changes and there are rumours that the U.S. government is pushing the Canadian government to toughen the enabler provision (while keeping the digital lock rules unchanged). 3. Are there plans to add “three strikes and you’re out” Internet termination rules to Bill C-11? The government has indicated that it does not want to add Internet termination (often called graduated response) to the bill. However, the music industry is demanding that Internet providers be required to adopt a termination policy for subscribers that are alleged to be repeat infringers. According to the music industry document: To incent service providers to cooperate in stemming piracy by requiring them to adopt and reasonably implement a policy to prevent the use of their services by repeat infringers and by conditioning the availability of service provider exceptions on this being done. This demand would move Canada toward the graduated response policy that could result in loss of Internet service for Internet users. There is no indication in the music industry document of due process or even proof of infringement. 4. Are these SOPA-style changes simply technical amendments? No. The expansion of the enabler provision to include SOPA-style rules could create new legal risk for legitimate websites. For example, last week I illustrated how the rules could be used to target online video sites such as Youtube. If those proposed changes are adopted, it could create a huge chill in the investment and technology community in Canada. Online video sites, cloud computing sites, and other online services may look at the Bill C-11 and fear that even a lawsuit could create massive costs, scare away investors, and stifle new innovation. 5. Can Bill C-11 be fixed? I believe the answer is yes. First, the SOPA-style demands, including website blocking, Internet termination, and expanded liability, must be rejected. Second, the digital lock provisions must be fixed by linking circumvention of digital locks to copyright infringement. Such an approach enjoys broad support as it would provide legal protection for digital locks, be consistent with the WIPO Internet treaties, and follow the model of trading partners such as New Zealand and Switzerland. 6. Aren’t these digital lock rules needed to help the music industry? No. As the industry itself now promotes, Canada is a leader when it comes to online music sales. Canada is the 6th largest market for recorded music in the world, ranking 6th for digital sales and 7th for physical sales. Digital sales have grown faster in Canada than the U.S. for the past five consecutive years. There are wide range of online music services in Canada, all created without restrictive digital lock rules. I delivered a full talk on the issue titled Why Copyright Reform Is Not the Cure for What Ails the Music Industry last year at the Nova Scotia Music Week conference (talk sources). 7. Aren’t these digital lock rules needed to help the entertainment software industry? No. The Entertainment Software Association of Canada has been one of the most outspoken proponents of restrictive digital lock rules. Yet its own evidence demonstrates why balanced digital lock rules do not put the industry at risk. In 2007, it released a report called Entertainment Software: The Industry in Canada, which estimated that there were approximately 9,000 video game jobs in Canada. Four years later, the industry has grown to 16,000 jobs, yet Canada has had no digital lock legislation during that period. In other words, without any changes to Canadian copyright law, the industry has emerged as a major success story. Not only is the claim unsupported by years of experience, but when the industry was recently asked about perceived risks, copyright concerns fell well down on the list. Last year, the ESAC commissioned a study by SECOR Consulting that surveyed the industry and asked for the top three risks faced by the Canadian video game industry over the next two to five years. Copyright ranked far behind many other concerns. 8. Aren’t these digital lock rules needed to be compliant with international law? No. While digital lock rules are needed to comply with the WIPO Internet treaties (which Canada has signed but not ratified), the treaties offer considerable flexibility in their implementation. I addressed the issue in great detail in a peer-reviewed article on the topic. The article is part of a larger book on Bill C-32 (the predecessor to C-11) called From “Radical Extremism” to “Balanced Copyright”: Canadian Copyright and the Digital Agenda. It is available as a Creative Commons licensed download. 9. Where does Canada stand on the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA)? Canada signed ACTA in October of last year. At the moment, ratification of ACTA will require legislative change in Canada. Some of those changes are contained in Bill C-11, but not all. A second intellectual property enforcement bill is expected to be introduced in Canada later this year that will provide new powers to customs officials as well as other measures. The Department of Foreign Affairs is presently conducting an open consultation on ACTA. Email your comments to the department or write Consultations and Liaison Division (BSL), Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Lester B. Pearson Building, 125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0G2. 10. Where does Canada stand on the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP)? The Canadian government filed notice of a public consultation on December 31, 2011 on the possible Canadian entry into the Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations, trade talks that could result in an extension in the term of copyright that would mean nothing new would enter the Canadian public domain until 2032 or beyond. The TPP covers a wide range of issues, but its intellectual property rules as contemplated by leaked U.S. drafts would extend the term of copyright, require even stricter digital lock rules, restrict trade in parallel imports, and increase various infringement penalties. I’ve written about the effect in Canada here, here, and here. The major intellectual property lobby groups want to keep Canada out of the deal until we cave to the current U.S. copyright demands. The IIPA, which represents the major movie, music, and software lobby associations, points to copyright reform and new border measures as evidence of the need for Canadian reforms and states “we urge the U.S. government to use Canada’s expression of interest in the TPP negotiations as an opportunity to resolve these longstanding concerns about IPR standards and enforcement.” These are the same groups that supported SOPA in the U.S. The consultation is open until February 14, 2012. All it takes a single email with your name, address, and comments on the issue. The email can be sent to consultations@ international.gc.ca. Alternatively, submissions can be sent by fax (613-944-3489) or mail (Trade Negotiations Consultations (TPP), Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Trade Policy and Negotiations Division II (TPW), Lester B. Pearson Building, 125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2).	https://www.michaelgeist.ca/2012/01/10-q-on-c-11-and-sopa/
René von Schomberg on Responsible Innovation and its dimension of societal impact. What’s the Value of Social Science? Prof. Lupia on the value of social science, its responsibilities, potentials and application. An Accelerator for Science in Latin America: FAPESP A driving force for Latin America’s research infrastructure: The São Paulo Research Foundation ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Current Issue #Infrastructure Science as we know it today would be simply impossible without a multitude of critical services that enable scientists to connect and to collaborate, to share and to disseminate knowledge. These infrastructures often remain in the background and only become visible when they no longer work. But what kind of infrastructure fits the demands of increasingly networked research? Who should build it and make it available? Who may use it and who may not? Our next dossier will deal with the topic of research infrastructure. Join us on the search for answers in the upcoming weeks! What is this blog about? This blog is not about actual elephants, it is about science. But we are not covering the latest findings in elementary particle physics or essays on Luhmann’s system theory. This blog is about those untackled problems in science that everyone sees but nobody talks about. Looked at in this way, this blog is about elephants after all: Elephants in the lab. One by one we will spot these elephants and discuss ways to tackle them and as we go along. And: Every post on this blog is actually citable with a separate DOI. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Why are infrastructures of infrastructure important for research? Pascale Ehrenfreund on the role of maintenance-intensive infrastructures, CC licenses, and the internet in the research of the DLR. The Need for an African Lightsource Setting up new infrastructures would play an important role in preventing best-trained African researchers from emigrating. The physicist Prosper Ngabonziza states that having a synchrotron light source would be very beneficial for the continent as a whole. Towards a Global Research Infrastructure We would all like a truly global research infrastructure, in much the same way as many would like world peace and global democracy. The point really is that we wouldn’t just like it, we need it. The four faces of Twitter user’s activity around science. Adrián A. Díaz-Faes analyses four dimensions of twitter metrics around science in a quantitative study. Meet the Research Impact Canvas Fecher and Kobsda introduce the Research Impact Canvas – a structured guide to plan science communication activities. How can we establish sustainable Open Innovation? Marion Poetz on what it takes to foster innovation in Science and how to make it more interesting for companies and organizations. Increasing value in biomedical research Evgeny Bobrov on strategies and approaches to increase the value of biomedical research. Active but not Activists: Research communication by Scientists for Future Gregor Hagedorn, the initiator of Science for Future, explains how Scientists for Future uses a pro-active form of science communication to draw attention to global challenges. Helping Scientists: Increasing visibility and impact of research How to support scientists in increasing the visibility and impact of their research? Tamika Heiden shows insights from her work.	https://elephantinthelab.org/
TIP #3: Noting Seasonal Steam Load Variations is Important.Even when you think you’ve selected the correct PRV, there are some “tricky” installations that can fool you. For instance, consider an installation where a large percentage of the supply steam is used for heating and only a small percentage is used in a manufacturing process. Obviously, in such an application, the peak steam demand occurs in the winter months and the summer steam demand is greatly reduced. Seasonal two level steam load variation is often ignored. Typically, a PRV is selected to handle the peak wintertime loads and summertime needs are forgotten. Which means that during the summer months the PRV is oversized. And that of course means that (as discussed in Tip #2) the PRV will perform poorly and wear prematurely. Thankfully, there is a simple solution to the load variation problem. A single stage parallel reduction station such as the one shown in Figure 1 makes it possible to use properly sized valves in both summer and winter. Here’s an example of how it works (refer to Figure 1). - The smaller PRV (Valve A) is sized to handle one third of the maximum output on the system. - Pressure reducing valve B is sized to handle the remaining two thirds of the maximum load. - Valve A is set to a slightly higher downstream pressure than Valve B. For that reason, when the load demand is low, steam will take a path through Valve A. - As the demand increases, however, a point will be reached where the small size of Valve A begins to restrict steam flow.	https://www.campbell-sevey.com/remember-seasonal-steam-load-variations-steam-system-troubleshooting-tips/
I realise in order to read this you will probably be using Wi-Fi and I am not suggesting for a minute we do without it! It is a great tool in helping us communicate and connect with one another. As human beings we have an innate desire to connect with another human. This feels so natural to us we don’t even think about it, we just do it. So it might be no surprise that this need to connect arises from our basic instinct for survival. As babies we humans are unable to do pretty much anything for ourselves for the first year of our lives. We are totally reliant on our mother or other kind adult to provide us with food, warmth and safety. At this stage being able to connect with another human is a matter of life and death and is the basis for our strong desire for connection. As we grow, forming strong healthy connections with our adult carers is essential for our mental and emotional wellbeing. Many issues with mental health in adult life can be traced back to the lack of having this need met during childhood. Being cut off from other people has a detrimental impact on our physical as well as our mental health as research on loneliness in older people has shown. Most of us will know how good it feels to connect with another person whether it is in a group, individually with a friend or romantically. It makes us feel good, and when I say this I literally mean it FEELS good. Our emotions are mostly based on our brains responding to body sensation. How do you feel when you are with someone you have a strong connection with? Light, expansive, fizzing with energy or you may get that warm and calm ‘fuzzy feeling inside’. But we are busy people, we rush from place to place with our heads full of ‘stuff’ and our ‘to do’ lists. We are often distracted and prone to daydreaming. Some of us may have even had experiences in our lives that mean we are completely out of touch with ourselves. All of this makes it difficult to connect with ourselves let alone another person. However, one way to help us connect well with ourselves and others is to be ‘present’. You know how it feels when you are talking to someone but you can sense they are not listening? This is an example of them not being ‘present’. How does it feel? Frustrating, upsetting? Now try and remember a time when someone gave you their full and undivided attention, listening carefully to all you said. How did that feel? One of the ways to help us be more present is to be embodied. What I mean by this is that you can feel yourself in your body. All of you – your body, mind and consciousness are all fully attending and in the same place at the same time. You may have heard this called being grounded. Fully inhabiting our bodies will help us bring our attention to the present and one of the best ways of doing this is to focus on our felt sense. This is the world of sensation, touch, smell, sound and taste. Focusing on our felt sense takes us out of our heads, where we often spend most of the time, and into our bodies. It helps us stay present, and yoga is the perfect way to make that deep connection with our body. In yoga practice we focus on our breath, and on our body sensation as we go into a pose, hold it and come out again. We notice what is stiff, what moves easily, and notice if we are trying to force our body or can't be bothered to make the effort. We also notice if our mind becomes distracted – and as a result we get to know ourselves a whole lot better. Another great way for those seeking deeper insight into and better connection with themselves is Craniosacral therapy. It allows you time and space to be with your self in a supported environment and the possibility to experience peace and stillness. Craniosacral Therapy is a complementary therapy that has it's origins in Osteopathy. Biodynamic Craniosacral therapy the form I practice is based on the understanding that the tissues in the body display a rhythmic motion and recognises this motion as a natural self healing force. Throughout our lives factors such as accidents, injuries and physical and emotional stress cause our tissues and bodies to contract, this creates an imbalance that may result in illness. By listening with our hands to the subtle rhythmic tide like movements Craniosacral therapists work to help raise vitality and support your body’s innate ability to balance and heal it’s self. Who is it for? In this Biodynamic form of Craniosacral therapy we do not use manipulation, in fact the treatment is so gentle it is suitable for people with fragile conditions for example after an operation or accident. People seek CST for many reasons from helping to reduce stress, and promote relaxation to helping recovery from an illness, accident or chronic conditions like headaches or digestive disorders. Whether you choose to connect with your friend, your loved ones, your pet or go for a walk in the forest and connect with nature I wish you meaningful and fulfilling connections. Dawn About the Author: Dawn has over 25 years experience in the field of skincare and bodywork, specifically, massage, aromatherapy and reflexology. She has put all these skills together to create her own holistic facial, for those wanting a deeply relaxing facial using natural plant based products. After receiving Craniosacral therapy herself she trained and qualified in the therapy in the hope she could offer the benefits of this subtle but powerful form of body work to others. She is registered with the Craniosacral Therapy Association and is a member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists.	https://www.yogacrow.uk/single-post/2018/06/15/There-is-no-Wi-Fi-in-the-forest-but-you-will-find-a-better-connection
Yoga Psychology: Addressing the Root Causes of Dis-ease Healing is a word we use a lot in spiritual circles. We’re healing ourselves, we’re healing our traumas, we’re healing our karmas… Healing, healing, healing. But, what is that, really? Webster defines healing in a few ways: - To make free from injury or disease - To cause an undesirable condition to be overcome - To restore to original purity or integrity In my estimation, healing, like any spiritual practice, is a constant process. One without end, and that requires consistent attention on our part. For the rest of our lives, we will always be “healing.” What I want to focus on today is what we consider “healed.” Period. Past tense. Done. Finito. To consider something past the point of healing to healed means that we put in the work required to free ourselves from mental, emotional, or psychological trauma. It means tending to undesirable conditions in such a way that we restore our integrity. To do this, we must employ two things: - Resolve - Vulnerability To resolve something, we bring it back to its original state of wholeness (integrity). This means: We have to be tired of our own shenanigans. We can’t rely on others to do the work for us, and we must be so darned over our suffering, we’re willing to live without it. Secondly, vulnerability means we have to stay with the discomfort. Oooh…. I know that sucks. Trust me. I’ve been working to heal my Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (an autoimmune disorder) for nearly two decades, and it has caused immense suffering at times in my life. But, I understand that healing is not possible until I am tired of my own suffering. (Remember, suffering is a state of mind. Thanks, Buddha, for reminding us of this.) While I’m still a work in progress in terms of my own healing (read my story here), I can tell you that everything around the disease has gotten my swift and direct attention. Because even the most physical of diseases have powerful underlying psychological, emotional, and mental root causes…which often contribute to suffering. Even as we do our best to get the physical form back into a state of optimum health, working with our mind and emotions is an essential part of our healing process… It’s actually something we have the power to heal. Doing the work to heal the psyche and soul empowers us to move past suffering. We are free to identify ourselves with our wholeness, rather than with what might be missing, or broken. All of us are capable of this. And, I want to help. Watch my Thursday Facebook Live broadcast below to learn about the power of your psychology to influence the deeper root causes of your healing journey. Whether you struggle with physical, physiological, or mental ailments, my interest in in the underlying factors that support health and wellbeing. I talked about one of my favorite tools of resolution, vulnerability, and resilience to help you on your healing journey. Resources and Links For more information about personal practices that can help facilitate healing you can read my book, Yoga Beyond the Mat. If you suffer from any sort of thyroid disease or issue and would like to learn about thyroid specific healing practices check out my Thyroid Healing Yoga course. Chakras are, of course, at the root of it all! If you would like to learn more about Chakras I encourage you to join me on my Chakra Webinar or in the Alchemy of the Chakras course.	https://alannak.com/blogs/blog/yoga-psychology-addressing-root-causes-dis-ease
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 18): The High Court has now allowed the infamous recording “Can I advise you something” of Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor's conversation with her husband Datuk Seri Najib Razak, reversing its decision from last December. Justice Mohamed Zaini Mazlan in his decision today said after perusing the amended Section 41A of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act, he arrived at a decision to admit the recording and its transcript. “Section 41A of the MACC Act 2009 is a non-obstante clause, which prevails over the documentary evidence provisions in the Evidence Act 1950. Section 41A of the MACC Act is a special provision which excludes the general law. “The wording of Section 41A is plain and obvious. It clearly entitles any documents or copies of them that were obtained by the commission (MACC) to be admissible in any proceedings,” the judge said. Section 41A reads: "Where any document or a copy of any document is obtained by the commission under this act, such document shall be admissible in evidence in any proceedings under this act, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any other written law.” Justice Zaini said while the defence had argued that the section cannot be applied retrospectively, the answer lies in former Lord President Raja Azlan Shah's judgement in the public prosecutor vs Datuk Seri Harun Idris case. He added that Section 41A is clearly procedural in nature as it pertains to the admissibility of documents during proceedings. “In any event, the prosecution's attempt to have these two items (the recording and transcript) admitted was made during the current proceedings, long after Section 41A was incorporated ...the words in Section 41A as I mentioned earlier are clear and unambiguous. Parliament does not legislate in vain,” he said. “I have therefore come to the conclusion that the audio recording and the transcript are admissible in evidence, and convert them to P36 and P163 respectively. I must, however, add that the weight to be attached to them is a different consideration altogether,” the judge said. He then ordered Rosmah to enter into her defence. The prosecution wanted to admit the intercepted audio recording as evidence to show her overbearing nature and influence. Senior Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram said in his opening statement in the trial that Rosmah "wielded considerable influence [in the government] by reason of her overbearing nature". "She placed herself in a position where she was able to influence decisions in the public sector. The prosecution will lead direct and circumstantial evidence to show that the accused solicited bribe and received gratification as alleged in the charges brought against her," the former Federal Court judge said. The MACC had intercepted several recordings, which were released by then MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya. Read also:	https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/rosmahs-can-i-advise-you-something-audio-clip-transcript-admitted-evidence
You don't want to miss this. EMERGE SELECTS NEW BOARD MEMBERS Following a six week search of local young minority + multicultural professionals, Emerge Sarasota hosted two board candidate informational sessions and interviews. Nearly a dozen interested parties met with Emerge's President and one other current member regarding appointment to the board. During Emerge Sarasota's monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 13, five new members were nominated and appointed to the organization's board of directors. EMERGE'S NEWLY APPOINTED BOARD MEMBERS Congratulations to our newly appointed board of directors: Amanda Walker Ellie McIntosh Keisha Jennings Pascale D. Edouard, MPH, BS Ranisha Pitts Our board capacity is now stands at eight board members. Amanda Walker Ellie McIntosh Ranisha Pitts The remaining appointees, Keisha Jennings and Pascale Edourd, are not pictured. Interested in learning more about Emerge? If you are interested in becoming a part of Emerge's growing board, please email [email protected].	https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Emerge-Sarasota-Announces-Board-Appointments.html?soid=1127100570565&aid=Gbg-z4CRRlo
November 15, 2014 Pascale Beale, a master of California-Mediterranean cuisine, creator of Pascale’s Kitchen, and author of the popular new cookbook, Salade: Recipes from the Market Table. // by Pamela Burke// Leave a Comment If you liked this post, you might also be interested in these: This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Many times it takes enormous determination and courage in the face of fear and uncertainty. Leading is about passion. Stand up and do it if something needs changing.	https://www.thewomenseye.com/2014/11/16/twe-podcasts-pascale-beale-salade/
Airborne infection isolation room (AIIR). Formerly, negative pressure isolation room, an AIIR is a single-occupancy patient-care room used to isolate persons with a suspected or confirmed airborne infectious disease. Environmental factors are controlled in AIIRs to minimize the transmission of infectious agents that are usually transmitted from person to person by droplet nuclei associated with coughing or aerosolization of contaminated fluids. AIIRs should provide negative pressure in the room (so that air flows under the door gap into the room); and an air flow rate of 6-12 ACH (6 ACH for existing structures, 12 ACH for new construction or renovation); and direct exhaust of air from the room to the outside of the building or recirculation of air through a HEPA filter before retruning to circulation (MMWR 2003; 52 [RR-10]; MMWR 1994; 43 [RR-13]). American Institute of Architects (AIA). A professional organization that develops standards for building ventilation, The “2001Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Health Care Facilities”, the development of which was supported by the AIA, Academy of Architecture for Health, Facilities Guideline Institute, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health, is the primary source of guidance for creating airborne infection isolation rooms (AIIRs) and protective environments (American Institute of Architects – Academy of Architecture for HealthExternal [Current version of this document may differ from original.]) Ambulatory care settings. Facilities that provide health care to patients who do not remain overnight (e.g., hospital-based outpatient clinics, nonhospital-based clinics and physician offices, urgent care centers, surgicenters, free-standing dialysis centers, public health clinics, imaging centers, ambulatory behavioral health and substance abuse clinics, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and dental practices. B Bioaerosols. An airborne dispersion of particles containing whole or parts of biological entities, such as bacteria, viruses, dust mites, fungal hyphae, or fungal spores. Such aerosols usually consist of a mixture of mono-dispersed and aggregate cells, spores or viruses, carried by other materials, such as respiratory secretions and/or inert particles. Infectious bioaerosols (i.e., those that contain biological agents capable of causing an infectious disease) can be generated from human sources (e.g., expulsion from the respiratory tract during coughing, sneezing, talking or singing; during suctioning or wound irrigation), wet environmental sources (e.g., HVAC and cooling tower water with Legionella) or dry sources (e.g., construction dust with spores produced by Aspergillus spp.). Bioaerosols include large respiratory droplets and small droplet nuclei (Cole EC. AJIC 1998;26: 453-64). C Caregivers. All persons who are not employees of an organization, are not paid, and provide or assist in providing healthcare to a patient (e.g., family member, friend) and acquire technical training as needed based on the tasks that must be performed. Cohorting. In the context of this guideline, this term applies to the practice of grouping patients infected or colonized with the same infectious agent together to confine their care to one area and prevent contact with susceptible patients (cohorting patients). During outbreaks, healthcare personnel may be assigned to a cohort of patients to further limit opportunities for transmission (cohorting staff). Colonization. Proliferation of microorganisms on or within body sites without detectable host immune response, cellular damage, or clinical expression. The presence of a microorganism within a host may occur with varying duration, but may become a source of potential transmission. In many instances, colonization and carriage are synonymous. D Droplet nuclei. Microscopic particles < 5 µm in size that are the residue of evaporated droplets and are produced when a person coughs, sneezes, shouts, or sings. These particles can remain suspended in the air for prolonged periods of time and can be carried on normal air currents in a room or beyond, to adjacent spaces or areas receiving exhaust air. E Engineering controls. Removal or isolation of a workplace hazard through technology. AIIRs, a Protective Environment, engineered sharps injury prevention devices and sharps containers are examples of engineering controls. Epidemiologically important pathogens. Infectious agents that have one or more of the following characteristics: - are readily transmissible; - have a proclivity toward causing outbreaks; - may be associated with a severe outcome; or - are difficult to treat. Examples include Acinetobacter sp., Aspergillus sp., Burkholderia cepacia, Clostridium difficile, Klebsiella or Enterobacter sp., Extended spectrum beta lactamase producing gram negative bacilli [ESBLs], methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA], Pseudomonas aeruginosa, vancomycin-resistant enterococci [VRE], methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA], vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus [VRSA]influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], rotavirus, SARS-CoV, noroviruses and the hemorrhagic fever viruses). H Hand hygiene. A general term that applies to any one of the following: - handwashing with plain (nonantimicrobial) soap and water); - antiseptic handwash (soap containing antiseptic agents and water); - antiseptic handrub (waterless antiseptic product, most often alcohol-based, rubbed on all surfaces of hands); or - surgical hand antisepsis (antiseptic handwash or antiseptic handrub performed preoperatively by surgical personnel to eliminate transient hand flora and reduce resident hand flora) 559. Healthcare-associated infection (HAI). An infection that develops in a patient who is cared for in any setting where healthcare is delivered (e.g., acute care hospital, chronic care facility, ambulatory clinic, dialysis center, surgicenter, home) and is related to receiving health care (i.e., was not incubating or present at the time healthcare was provided). In ambulatory and home settings, HAI would apply to any infection that is associated with a medical or surgical intervention. Since the geographic location of infection acquisition is often uncertain, the preferred term is considered to be healthcare-associated rather than healthcare-acquired. Healthcare epidemiologist. A person whose primary training is medical (M.D., D.O.) and/or masters or doctorate-level epidemiology who has received advanced training in healthcare epidemiology. Typically these professionals direct or provide consultation to an infection control program in a hospital, long term care facility (LTCF), or healthcare delivery system (also see infection control professional). Healthcare personnel, healthcare worker (HCW). All paid and unpaid persons who work in a healthcare setting (e.g., any person who has professional or technical training in a healthcare-related field and provides patient care in a healthcare setting or any person who provides services that support the delivery of healthcare such as dietary, housekeeping, engineering, maintenance personnel). Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Any transplantation of blood- or bone marrow-derived hematopoietic stem cells, regardless of donor type (e.g., allogeneic or autologous) or cell source (e.g., bone marrow, peripheral blood, or placental/umbilical cord blood); associated with periods of severe immunosuppression that vary with the source of the cells, the intensity of chemotherapy required, and the presence of graft versus host disease (MMWR 2000; 49: RR-10). High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. An air filter that removes >99.97% of particles ≥ 0.3µm (the most penetrating particle size) at a specified flow rate of air. HEPA filters may be integrated into the central air handling systems, installed at the point of use above the ceiling of a room, or used as portable units (MMWR 2003; 52: RR-10). Home care. A wide-range of medical, nursing, rehabilitation, hospice and social services delivered to patients in their place of residence (e.g., private residence, senior living center, assisted living facility). Home health-care services include care provided by home health aides and skilled nurses, respiratory therapists, dieticians, physicians, chaplains, and volunteers; provision of durable medical equipment; home infusion therapy; and physical, speech, and occupational therapy. I Immunocompromised patients. Those patients whose immune mechanisms are deficient because of congenital or acquired immunologic disorders (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection, congenital immune deficiency syndromes), chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cancer, emphysema, or cardiac failure, ICU care, malnutrition, and immunosuppressive therapy of another disease process [e.g., radiation, cytotoxic chemotherapy, anti-graft-rejection medication, corticosteroids, monoclonal antibodies directed against a specific component of the immune system]). The type of infections for which an immunocompromised patient has increased susceptibility is determined by the severity of immunosuppression and the specific component(s) of the immune system that is affected. Patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT and those with chronic graft versus host disease are considered the most vulnerable to HAIs. Immunocompromised states also make it more difficult to diagnose certain infections (e.g., tuberculosis) and are associated with more severe clinical disease states than persons with the same infection and a normal immune system. Infection. The transmission of microorganisms into a host after evading or overcoming defense mechanisms, resulting in the organism’s proliferation and invasion within host tissue(s). Host responses to infection may include clinical symptoms or may be subclinical, with manifestations of disease mediated by direct organisms pathogenesis and/or a function of cell-mediated or antibody responses that result in the destruction of host tissues. Infection control and prevention professional (ICP). A person whose primary training is in either nursing, medical technology, microbiology, or epidemiology and who has acquired specialized training in infection control. Responsibilities may include collection, analysis, and feedback of infection data and trends to healthcare providers; consultation on infection risk assessment, prevention and control strategies; performance of education and training activities; implementation of evidence-based infection control practices or those mandated by regulatory and licensing agencies; application of epidemiologic principles to improve patient outcomes; participation in planning renovation and construction projects (e.g., to ensure appropriate containment of construction dust); evaluation of new products or procedures on patient outcomes; oversight of employee health services related to infection prevention; implementation of preparedness plans; communication within the healthcare setting, with local and state health departments, and with the community at large concerning infection control issues; and participation in research. Certification in infection control (CIC) is available through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology. Infection control and prevention program. A multidisciplinary program that includes a group of activities to ensure that recommended practices for the prevention of healthcare-associated infections are implemented and followed by HCWs, making the healthcare setting safe from infection for patients and healthcare personnel. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) requires the following five components of an infection control program for accreditation: - surveillance: monitoring patients and healthcare personnel for acquisition of infection and/or colonization; - investigation: identification and analysis of infection problems or undesirable trends; - prevention: implementation of measures to prevent transmission of infectious agents and to reduce risks for device- and procedure-related infections; 4) control: evaluation and management of outbreaks; and - reporting: provision of information to external agencies as required by state and federal law and regulation (The Joint CommissionExternal [Current version of this document may differ from original.]). The infection control program staff has the ultimate authority to determine infection control policies for a healthcare organization with the approval of the organization’s governing body. L Long-term care facilities (LTCFs). An array of residential and outpatient facilities designed to meet the bio-psychosocial needs of persons with sustained self-care deficits. These include skilled nursing facilities, chronic disease hospitals, nursing homes, foster and group homes, institutions for the developmentally disabled, residential care facilities, assisted living facilities, retirement homes, adult day health care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and long-term psychiatric hospitals. M Mask. A term that applies collectively to items used to cover the nose and mouth and includes both procedure masks and surgical masks ([This link is no longer active: www.fda.gov/cdrh/ode/guidance/094.html#4. Similar information may be found at FDA: Masks and N95 RespiratorsExternal, accessed May 2016.]). Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). In general, bacteria (excluding M. tuberculosis) that are resistant to one or more classes of antimicrobial agents and usually are resistant to all but one or two commercially available antimicrobial agents (e.g., MRSA, VRE, extended spectrum beta-lactamase [ESBL]-producing or intrinsically resistant gram-negative bacilli) 176. N Nosocomial infection. Derived from two Greek words “nosos” (disease) and “komeion” (to take care of). Refers to any infection that develops during or as a result of an admission to an acute care facility (hospital) and was not incubating at the time of admission. P Personal protective equipment (PPE). A variety of barriers used alone or in combination to protect mucous membranes, skin, and clothing from contact with infectious agents. PPE includes gloves, masks, respirators, goggles, face shields, and gowns. Procedure Mask. A covering for the nose and mouth that is intended for use in general patient care situations. These masks generally attach to the face with ear loops rather than ties or elastic. Unlike surgical masks, procedure masks are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. See FDA’s Masks and N95 RespiratorsExternal. Protective Environment. A specialized patient-care area, usually in a hospital, with a positive air flow relative to the corridor (i.e., air flows from the room to the outside adjacent space). The combination of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration, high numbers (≥12) of air changes per hour (ACH), and minimal leakage of air into the room creates an environment that can safely accommodate patients with a severely compromised immune system (e.g., those who have received allogeneic hemopoietic stem-cell transplant [HSCT]) and decrease the risk of exposure to spores produced by environmental fungi. Other components include use of scrubbable surfaces instead of materials such as upholstery or carpeting, cleaning to prevent dust accumulation, and prohibition of fresh flowers or potted plants. Q Quasi-experimental studies. Studies to evaluate interventions but do not use randomization as part of the study design. These studies are also referred to as nonrandomized, pre-post-intervention study designs. These studies aim to demonstrate causality between an intervention and an outcome but cannot achieve the level of confidence concerning attributable benefit obtained through a randomized, controlled trial. In hospitals and public health settings, randomized control trials often cannot be implemented due to ethical, practical and urgency reasons; therefore, quasi-experimental design studies are used commonly. However, even if an intervention appears to be effective statistically, the question can be raised as to the possibility of alternative explanations for the result. Such study design is used when it is not logistically feasible or ethically possible to conduct a randomized, controlled trial, (e.g., during outbreaks). Within the classification of quasi-experimental study designs, there is a hierarchy of design features that may contribute to validity of results (Harris et al. CID 2004:38: 1586). R Residential care setting. A facility in which people live, minimal medical care is delivered, and the psychosocial needs of the residents are provided for. Respirator. A personal protective device worn by healthcare personnel over the nose and mouth to protect them from acquiring airborne infectious diseases due to inhalation of infectious airborne particles that are < 5 μm in size. These include infectious droplet nuclei from patients with M. tuberculosis, variola virus [smallpox], SARS-CoV), and dust particles that contain infectious particles, such as spores of environmental fungi (e.g., Aspergillus sp.). The CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) certifies respirators used in healthcare settings (Personal Protective Equipment for Healthcare Workers). [Current version of this document may differ from original.]. The N95 disposable particulate, air purifying, respirator is the type used most commonly by healthcare personnel. Other respirators used include N-99 and N-100 particulate respirators, powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRS) with high efficiency filters; and non-powered full-facepiece elastomeric negative pressure respirators. A listing of NIOSH-approved respirators can be found at [This link is no longer active: www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/respirators/disp_part/particlist.html. Similar information may be found at NIOSH Respirator Trusted-Source Information.]. Respirators must be used in conjunction with a complete Respiratory Protection Program, as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that includes fit testing, training, proper selection of respirators, medical clearance and respirator maintenance Respiratory Hygiene/ Cough Etiquette. A combination of measures designed to minimize the transmission of respiratory pathogens via droplet or airborne routes in healthcare settings. The components of respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette are - covering the mouth and nose during coughing and sneezing, - using tissues to contain respiratory secretions with prompt disposal into a no-touch receptacle, - offering a surgical mask to persons who are coughing to decrease contamination of the surrounding environment, and - turning the head away from others and maintaining spatial separation, ideally >3 feet, when coughing. These measures are targeted to all patients with symptoms of respiratory infection and their accompanying family members or friends beginning at the point of initial encounter with a healthcare setting (e.g., reception/triage in emergency departments, ambulatory clinics, healthcare provider offices) 126 (Srinivasin A ICHE 2004; 25: 1020; Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette in Healthcare Settings [Current version of this document may differ from original.]) S Safety culture. Shared perceptions of workers and management regarding the level of safety in the work environment. A hospital safety climate includes the following six organizational components: - senior management support for safety programs; - absence of workplace barriers to safe work practices; - cleanliness and orderliness of the worksite; - minimal conflict and good communication among staff members; - frequent safety-related feedback/training by supervisors; and - availability of PPE and engineering controls 620. Source Control. The process of containing an infectious agent either at the portal of exit from the body or within a confined space. The term is applied most frequently to containment of infectious agents transmitted by the respiratory route but could apply to other routes of transmission, (e.g., a draining wound, vesicular or bullous skin lesions). Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette that encourages individuals to “cover your cough” and/or wear a mask is a source control measure. The use of enclosing devices for local exhaust ventilation (e.g., booths for sputum induction or administration of aerosolized medication) is another example of source control. Standard Precautions. A group of infection prevention practices that apply to all patients, regardless of suspected or confirmed diagnosis or presumed infection status. Standard Precautions is a combination and expansion of Universal Precautions 780 and Body Substance Isolation 1102. Standard Precautions is based on the principle that all blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions except sweat, nonintact skin, and mucous membranes may contain transmissible infectious agents. Standard Precautions includes hand hygiene, and depending on the anticipated exposure, use of gloves, gown, mask, eye protection, or face shield. Also, equipment or items in the patient environment likely to have been contaminated with infectious fluids must be handled in a manner to prevent transmission of infectious agents, (e.g., wear gloves for handling, contain heavily soiled equipment, properly clean and disinfect or sterilize reusable equipment before use on another patient). Surgical mask. A device worn over the mouth and nose by operating room personnel during surgical procedures to protect both surgical patients and operating room personnel from transfer of microorganisms and body fluids. Surgical masks also are used to protect healthcare personnel from contact with large infectious droplets (>5 μm in size). According to draft guidance issued by the Food and Drug Administration on May 15, 2003, surgical masks are evaluated using standardized testing procedures for fluid resistance, bacterial filtration efficiency, differential pressure (air exchange), and flammability in order to mitigate the risks to health associated with the use of surgical masks. These specifications apply to any masks that are labeled surgical, laser, isolation, or dental or medical procedure ([This link is no longer active: www.fda.gov/cdrh/ode/guidance/094.html#4. Similar information may be found at FDA: Masks and N95 RespiratorsExternal, accessed May 2016.]). Surgical masks do not protect against inhalation of small particles or droplet nuclei and should not be confused with particulate respirators that are recommended for protection against selected airborne infectious agents, (e.g., Mycobacterium tuberculosis).	https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/isolation/glossary.html
The University of Western Australia (M092), 35 Stirling Highway, 6009 Perth Australia Many Australian mammals have become restricted to small populations on offshore islands or remnant fragments which may harbor unique genetic and phenotypic variation. Conservation efforts rely on robust taxonomy, which may be confounded by varying levels of divergence between populations and discrepancies on how taxonomic units are defined. The evolutionary mechanisms driving divergence are also often unclear. My project will focus on three threatened Australian mammals: the boodie (Bettongia lesueur), the golden bandicoot (Isoodon auratus) and the dibbler (Parantechinus apicalis). I aim to combine morphometric analyses with powerful genomic approaches to gain a better understanding of evolutionary processes and how this can inform species taxonomy and conservation. The loss of biodiversity is one of the most severe human-induced global environmental problems and will likely have detrimental cascading effects on ecosystem functioning and services critical to sustaining civilization. With 21% of Australian endemic land mammals at risk of extinction, it is vital to implement effective management strategies. My research will assist in guiding current and future fauna restoration projects by improving our understanding of the dynamics of population genetics, morphology, local adaptation and evolution. I will also inform how such information can be applied to best practice management to improve conservation of mammals at risk of extinction. In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s): Zoology, Bachelor of Science (First Class Honours), The University of Western Australia Award Date: 14 Dec 2018 Zoology and Genetics, Bachelor of Science, The University of Western Australia Award Date: 17 Mar 2018 Research Associate, Western Australian Museum 2020 → … Select a country/territory to view shared publications and projects Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review Rick, K., Mitchell, N., Ottewell, K. & Travouillon, K. Ecological Society of Australia 30/06/20 → 30/06/23 Project: Research Rick, K., Mitchell, N., Ottewell, K. & Travouillon, K.	https://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/persons/kate-rick-2
May 12, 2013 \| The Internal Revenue Service building in Washington. / Susan Walsh, AP by Gregory Korte, USA TODAY by Gregory Korte, USA TODAY WASHINGTON -- The Internal Revenue Service official responsible for tax-exempt organizations was briefed in 2011 that her unit was targeting Tea Party groups for additional scrutiny, according to a draft timeline of events compiled by the agency's inspector general. That chronology cast doubt on a statement to reporters Friday by IRS Director of Exempt Organizations Lois Lerner that she only learned of the enhanced reviews through news reports last year, and that only low-level employees were involved in the decision. The scandal broke Friday when Lerner apologized for how the agency handled Tea Party-related groups' tax-exempt applications. Her apology was first reported by the Associated Press. The apology came in advance of the expected release of the critical report by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, which has been investigating the IRS's treatment of Tea Party groups at the request of Congress. That report is expected this week, but excerpts obtained by USA TODAY provide a timeline investigators compiled through e-mails and interviews with IRS officials. The timeline shows that on June 29, 2011, Lerner received a briefing on how IRS officials in Cincinnati were dealing with applications for tax-exempt status for Tea Party groups. The briefing paper showed that the IRS was subjecting certain groups to further investigation based on politically loaded terms in the tax-exempt application file. Groups were singled out for enhanced scrutiny if: â?¢ The words "tea party," "patriots," or "9/12 project" appeared anywhere in the group name or case file; â?¢ The group's stated issues included government spending, government debt or taxes; â?¢ The organization had a goal of educating of the public via advocacy or lobbying to "make America a better place to live;" â?¢ Any statements in the case file critical of how the country is being run. Under those criteria, 100 groups had their applications sent to a dedicated team of specialists for further investigation -- adding months to the approval process, according to the report. During the 2011 briefing, Lerner raised concern about those criteria, according to the inspector general's report. So in January 2012, the office sent out a new set of criteria in a BOLO memo -- meaning "be on the lookout" -- for "political action type organizations involved in limiting/expanding government, educating on the Constitution and Bill of Rights, social economic reform/movement." The additional scrutiny for Tea Party groups often delayed approvals of their tax-exempt status for months, and the IRS said Friday that about half of all applications affected are still pending. The Tea Party groups were seeking tax-exempt status under a provision of the tax code for social welfare groups - so called 501(c)(4) organizations. Unlike other charities, these groups are allowed to engage in political advocacy as long as it's not their primary purpose. The additional information requested of Tea Party groups often included requests for donor lists, which the IRS later admitted was inappropriate and "troubling." Tea Party groups who protested were told they didn't have to submit the information, and those donor lists that were submitted have been destroyed, IRS officials told the inspector general. IRS officials could not be reached for comment late Saturday. But on Capitol Hill, calls for an investigation intensified. The chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees tax laws, said the committee will hold hearings soon. "We will hold the IRS accountable for its actions," said Rep. Dave Camp, R-Mich. The inspector general's draft timeline also raises questions about the repeated denials by IRS officials that they were singling out Tea Party groups. In a March 2012 Ways and Means subcommittee hearing, IRS commissioner Douglas Shulman gave explicit assurances that the IRS was not targeting Tea Party groups. "What's been happening has been the normal back-and-forth that happens with the IRS," he said. "And so, there's absolutely no targeting." In an April 2012 letter to the House Oversight Committee, Lerner said the IRS's questions to Tea Party groups were "in the ordinary course of the application process." Tea Party groups said the government's activities were "criminal." "The IRS lied. They lied before Congress in 2011 and they lied again yesterday. We must know how many more lies they have been telling and how high up the chain the cover-up goes," said Jenny Beth Martin, National Coordinator for Tea Party Patriots, in a statement.
The International Chamber of Commerce ("ICC") has introduced new rules for arbitration (the "2021 Rules") that will apply to cases filed from January 1, 2021 onward. The 2021 Rules respond to the global pandemic by modernizing procedures and increasing the role of technology. The previous arbitration rules came into force on March 1, 2017 (the "2017 Rules") and will continue to apply to cases registered before January 1, 2021. Overview of Key Changes in the 2021 Rules (a) Increased Use of Technology The 2021 Rules represent a continuing effort by the ICC to remain responsive to the needs of international arbitration stakeholders in an unprecedented and ever evolving dispute resolution landscape. Technology has always been important in international arbitration, given the global context. Arbitration was already ahead of traditional court processes in its adoption of flexible procedures, virtual examinations, and electronic filing, and the pandemic has only escalated the need for technology. See our previous blog post on arbitration in the time of COVID-19. In the new 2021 Rules, Article 3(1) removes the reference to paper filing by providing that all pleadings and written communications "shall be sent" instead of "supplied in a number of copies" to each party, each arbitrator, and the Secretariat. Additionally, arbitrators will now have increased discretion to conduct a virtual arbitration. The 2017 Rules provided that "the arbitral tribunal shall hear the parties together in person" on a party's request or on its own motion (Article 25(2)). In contrast, the new Article 26 specifically empowers arbitral tribunals to decide between conducting in-person or remote hearings, subject to two requirements: (i) the parties must be consulted as a preliminary step; and (ii) "the relevant facts and circumstances of the case" must be considered. The 2021 Rules also contemplate remote hearings broadly, either by videoconference, telephone, or "other appropriate means of communication." (b) Expanded Scope for Expedited Proceedings While many international arbitration cases have large amounts at stake, not all disputes warrant a full hearing with witness testimony. In 2017, the ICC created a simplified procedure for smaller quantum or less complex claims, to improve cost-effectiveness and accessibility (see our previous blog post on the 2017 Rules). Expedited arbitrations are often decided on a "documents only" basis. Building on the success of these procedures, the 2021 Rules increase the opt-out threshold for expedited arbitrations from $2 million to $3 million USD (Article 30 and Appendix VI). (c) Robust Case Management and Consolidation Procedures The 2017 Rules provided that an arbitral tribunal "may" adopt such procedural measures as it considers appropriate to ensure effective case management (Article 22(2)). The 2021 Rules replace "may" with "shall" (Article 22(2)), creating a positive duty to effectively manage cases. The 2021 Rules also expand the scope for consolidations and joinder. Previously, two or more arbitrations could be consolidated into a single arbitration where the "claims were made under the same arbitration agreement" (2017 Rules). The new Article 10(b) clarifies that the Court may, on a party's request, consolidate where the claims are made under the same arbitration agreement or agreements. Furthermore, Article 10(c) allows consolidation even when the claims are not made under the same arbitration agreement or agreements, provided that the arbitrations are between the same parties, the disputes arise in connection with the same legal relationship, and the Court finds the arbitration agreements to be compatible. Article 7(5) of the 2021 Rules now permits joinder of additional parties after the constitution of arbitral tribunals upon a party's request. The consent of all parties is no longer a requirement, in comparison with the 2017 Rules, which only permitted joinder with the consent of all parties, before the tribunal was constituted. (d) Preventing Unequal Treatment and Conflicts of Interest The 2021 Rules build on the due process established in the 2017 Rules to further ensure compliance with public policy and prevent unequal treatment. Article 12(8) in the 2021 Rules allows the Court to disregard "unconscionable arbitration agreements." The new Article 12(9) limits the right of parties to nominate their own arbitrator in "exceptional circumstances" where there is a "significant risk of unequal treatment and unfairness that may affect the validity of the award." In an effort to improve transparency and impartiality, the new Article 11(7) requires parties to disclose the identity of any non-party which has entered into a funding arrangement or has an economic interest in the outcome of the arbitration. Article 17 requires increased supervision of party representation to prevent conflicts of interest. Conclusion The 2021 Rules are the result of the ICC's vision of arbitration in a rapidly changing environment centered on due process and technology. The focus on greater efficiency, flexibility, and transparency will benefit all stakeholders who adopt the Rules. To view the original article click here. The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.	https://www.mondaq.com/canada/arbitration-dispute-resolution/1029728/icc-adapts-to-the-new-normal-with-2021-rules-of-arbitration
Criss Cross Miniatures is a fusion of skills. David carefully frames Maggie's sewing to create indivdual pictures. His carvings add depth to screens and interest to his furniture. David has been making miniatures on and off for 30 years. His prize winning leather work can be seen at the 'World in Miniature' exhibition near Carlisle. He specialises in making exact replicas with exquisite attention to detail at 1/12th scale. Having worked in saddlery, David scaled down his leather working skills to include upholstery for his miniature furniture. For Criss Cross Miniatures, Maggie's full size cross-stitch has been shrunk onto tiny fabric to produce quality images that are designed to fit a range of different rooms. From fun colourful designs for the nursery, to more intricate and grown-up pieces, there should be a piece for somewhere in your house!	https://www.miniatura.co.uk/Exhibitors/CrissCross
In my experience as someone who advocated for a family member, it was important in our search for a therapist to find someone who was experienced in techniques and interventions that would allow the client to reach their therapeutic goals. It was important as a caregiver that my loved one would be seeing someone who was ethical, empathic, open-minded, patient, who was effective in communication, had good problem-solving skills, had an awareness of how to advocate for their clients, and had good listening skills. As a client, I believe you will see that I possess these skills and more. I believe these skills will help you in working through past trauma, overcoming pain from your past, learning new coping skills, defining your goals, and having greater clarity on what you want out of life. You may be wondering how I can help you therapeutically. In the quietness of your struggles have you ever wondered, why do you have challenges in regulating your mood, can you heal from past trauma, how can you get beyond the hopelessness you feel, and how can you adjust to life changes? If you are someone who has challenges with anxiety, Depression, Self-Esteem issues, Past Trauma, Family issues, Conflict/Divorce, Marriage/Couple issues, Adjustment Disorder, Relationship issues, Grief and Loss, Communication Skills, Behavioral skills, and Coping Skills; I may be a good fit for you. I am a graduate of Walden University, where I completed my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. As an undergraduate, I earned my Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management. I always had a focused interest in advocating for others. This led to an opportunity where I began working for Carolina Behavioral Care, where I worked in Medical Records Management. I worked there for twelve years. During this time, my interest in counseling expanded; I later was accepted into Walden University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s Program. After completing the program, I became a Student Intern at Helping Moon Counseling. I am a postmaster graduate and a registered mental health counseling intern working toward licensure at Helping Moon Counseling. Nina Barela, the clinical director, is my direct supervisor. I enjoy working with Teens, Adults, and Couples. My focus is a humanistic/client-centered approach. I promote an empathetic and non-judgmental safe space for my clients. I aid my clients in exploring their curiosity, intuition, creativity, and humility, which allows the client to discover they already possess the tools they need to flourish. Another approach that I use is a cognitive behavioral approach. I use this approach to aid my clients in identifying maladaptive beliefs and ways of thinking. This challenges the client to develop realistic and positive ways of thinking. I would like to expand my professional development by becoming certified in EMDR and rapid resolution therapy. I have always been passionate about helping and assisting others. It is amazing to watch as a client learns a new skill. It is wonderful to observe the beauty of changes unfolding as clients come to new realizations that help them live their best lives. I look forward to challenging and encouraging my clients on their journey to healing and wellness.	https://helpingmoon.com/staff/kenya-nicole/
In folded-product production in which a product stream is split up into at least two sub-streams which each run through an associated folding arrangement and are then reunited, it is possible to achieve a high level of user-friendliness and good cost-effectiveness in that at least one sub-stream is assigned a marking arrangement for marking the products passing it, with the result that, upon detection of inaccuracies stemming from the folding operation carried out following the splitting-up action, said products can immediately be assigned to the associated sub-stream, and thus to the folding arrangement belonging to said sub-stream.
An inspection of areas or spaces to which access is restricted is necessary in many industries and technical fields. Some simple examples in FIG. 7 illustrate the problem of access restriction. FIG. 7A shows a simple wall or structural component W1 of a considerable size such that it might be difficult to easily inspect the backside thereof, for example if the wall W1 is quite high and only accessible from the top T. FIG. 7B shows another example of a wall W2 to which access is restricted because the back side of the wall is accessible only from one side A whilst the inner space (hollow space) is access-restricted on three other sides B, C and D because of solid walls. Whilst the front surface of the wall W2 maybe visually (or e.g. via infrared sensing or laser sensing) inspected to detect for example mechanical defects, it is difficult to inspect (or analyze) the back side of the wall W2 because the opening A might not be wide enough for a human being to crawl into it or the wall W2 might simply be too high such that it would at least be cumbersome to a person to climb up the wall on one side and struggle down the other side if the side B was accessible (as discussed with reference to FIG. 7A. There may be also other reasons why access to certain areas or spaces behind the wall W1 or W2 is restricted. For example, the interior space may be polluted with hazardous gases such that a human being must not enter the restricted space for health reasons. It could also be that fire has developed inside the space or behind the wall and this does not allow immediate access. In such a case, the inspection might not simply relate to inspecting the structural component or the inside wall itself but to inspecting the interior space as to whether or not there is trapped a human being who needs assistance. In cases of such area or space access restrictions, an inspection device, for example a camera, must be inserted into the space differently. Conventional solutions, for example in the field of pipe inspection, comprise the use of a small robot crawling into the piping or into the space to which access is restricted for human beings. Such a robot can be remote-controlled and may be equipped with a camera. For smaller spaces, it might be sufficient to fix an inspection device to the end of a holding rod and then to physically move around the inspection device by moving the holding rod. In the aerospace industry, inspection of various structural components is essential before, and in particular, after assembly and during maintenance. For example, in the aircraft many access-restricted areas exist as hollow spaces in the wings or elsewhere in the fuselage. In addition, the inner mechanical structure of a wing is quite complicated and involves various different support structures. In such a case, typically a manhole is provided somewhere to provide access to the inner space and a human being crawls into this access-restricted space, for example into a wing or a tank after degassing. On the other hand, exactly because the wing comprises complicated support structures inside it is also not easily possible to have a robot driving around inside the wing for inspection.
Why are you running for office? I have lived in Carroll County for 40 years and have seen a lack when bringing the county into the 21st century. Schools, business and government lacks leadership or ability to address issues in face of changing technology or using technology to address issues. What do you see as the most pressing issue the county faces and how would you address it? Pandemic aside there is no single issue. Carroll County lacks infrastructure for technology advancements and the proper knowledge to use such technology. As a rural area we are not given interest by corporations for employment or redress issues by government policies. What plans do you have to help the county and its businesses successfully emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic? Increase vaccinations rates, prevent exposure to current and new variants, stop rumor-mongering and false disclosures. How will you tackle the issue of producing solar energy while preserving quality farmland in the county? Allow farms to generate renewable energy and receive rebates for power supplied to the grid. Mandate renewable energy for new home construction. Expand infrastructure for electric cars and other electric vehicles. What would you do to address broadband access in the most rural parts of the county? County-wide network access is mandatory these days. I want to establish a county-wide fiber network that providers can deliver service on. What steps should the county government take to address opioid overdoses and deaths? We need a greater focus on the medical treatment of addictions and holding pharmaceuticals responsible for the increasingly addictive pain-killers. What role can the county government play to improve education in county schools? We need to cut back on the over-administrating of our schools and return focus to quality in curriculum and scholastic fields. Students need to have the real-world skills upon graduation and not be burden with years of debt for college education that does not guarantee jobs. What efforts does the county need to make to address systemic racism in government services? Be sure that access exists for all citizens regardless of any label used now or in the future. Remove policies that record such labels for no purpose and not maintain databases of demographic information that is collected for only the purpose of statistics and does not improve access or quality of services. What steps must the county take to improve public safety? Reduce military equipment purchased or granted to local law enforcement. Return to using uniforms and not military-style fatigues. Train in non-lethal procedures and methods. Remove administrators and bring more officers back to the streets to interact with the public and regain trust. How is climate change impacting the county and what can be done locally to address the effects? Nothing, geographic regions that are affect by climate is too large for a small county to act. These policies must be made at a state or national level. Ongoing actions and policies burden local government and citizens with taxes and mandates that will not effectively reverse or reduce climate change. Baltimore Sun Media's voter guide allows candidates to provide their background, policy and platforms on issues, in their own words. Any questions or feedback can be sent to [email protected], or read more about the questionnaire process here.	https://www.capitalgazette.com/politics/elections/voter-guide/bs-2022-candidate-carroll-commissioner-shaffersea-20220517-kojwavsgz5fytennnnvci5rbli-story.html
How do you write an end of contract letter? How to write a termination letter - Notify the employee of their termination date. - State the reason(s) for termination. - Explain their compensation and benefits going forward. - Notify them of any company property they must return. - Remind them of signed agreements. - Include HR contact information. How do you write a termination of contract to an employer? How to write a termination letter? - Let the employee know the date of their termination. - State the accurate and detailed reason(s) for his/her termination. - Mention compensation and/or benefits, if any. - Notify that they must immediately return all company property. How do you write a thank you letter for an end of contract? How to write a thank-you letter after resigning - Use proper structure and formatting. - Include the date and contact information. - Add a salutation. - Remind them of your last day. - Express your gratitude. - Express good wishes. - Add complimentary close and name. How do I write a termination email to my employer? What should be included in a termination letter? - The effective date of termination. - The reason for dismissal. - Compensation and benefits information going forward. - Company property that is to be returned. - Reminder of signed employment documents. - Name and contact information for a human resources representative. How do you thank a terminated employee? When being let go from a company, a thank you letter expressing gratitude for your time with the company is an excellent way to keep a positive relationship with your former employer….Common options include: - Sincerely. - Thank you for your time. - Thank you again for the opportunity. - Best regards. How do you respond to a terminated employee? If the employee wants to vent or express unhappiness, you can simply say, “I understand you feel that way, but the decision is final.” And, particularly if you didn’t make the termination decision, resist any temptation to distance yourself from the situation. How do you terminate an Employee? Here’s how to properly terminate an employee: - Document issues and warnings prior to the termination. - Bring your documentation to the termination meeting. - Prepare a termination document. - Have the meeting in a private location. - Listen to what they have to say. - Use a checklist. - Be respectful. - Allow them to ask questions. Does HR need to be present during a termination? During the termination, a member of the HR department should be in attendance. The representative may present to the terminated employee the reasons for the firing, or a supervisor may do so while the HR representative takes notes and observes. HR is meant to serve as a neutral third party. How do you react to termination? Here are seven tips on how to handle yourself and what to say when you’re at a loss for words. - Stay Present and Manage Your Emotions. - Keep Your Dignity. - Get Your Stories Straight. - Inquire About Getting Assistance Finding a New Role. - Ask if You’re Allowed to Apply for Other Positions Internally. - Take Care of You. How do you fire an employee gracefully? How to fire an employee gracefully - Offer opportunities for improvement beforehand. - Have HR as a witness. - Meet face-to-face. - Keep it clear, short, and professional. - Before the employee leaves the building. - Tell your team the news. - Prepare for the future. Which is the easiest way to terminate an employee? How do you fire an employee legally? - Revisit performance reviews. - Document issues, and make the employee aware of them. - Schedule another review. - Give them a probation period to fix the problems. - Don’t procrastinate when it comes to firing. - Keep the termination meeting short, stick to the facts, and be clear and firm. Can I be terminated without warning? Even though California is an “at-will” state, meaning that an employer or employee can be terminated at any time with or without cause at any time and for any lawful reason, with or without advance notice. How do you write a letter to end a contract? The letter must be a total formal letter with proper gratitude and respect shown in its words. What is a letter ending contract? The purpose of the contract. How to end a letter with closing examples? Sincerely. This professional sign-off is always appropriate,especially in a formal business letter or email. How do you write an employee termination letter? Be professional. Avoid using any casual or informal language even if you have a familiar relationship with the employee.	https://www.meltingpointathens.com/how-do-you-write-an-end-of-contract-letter/
Mars shifted between long dry periods and wetter eras before completely drying up to the nearly dead world we see today about three billion years ago, study shows. Data collected by the NASA Curiosity rover, which has been on Mars since 2012, was used by researchers from the Research Institute in Astrophysics and Planetology. Curiosity is exploring the base of Aeolis Mons, a mountain several miles high at the centre of the Gale crater, and the researchers have used a telescope on the vehicle to make detailed observations of the steep terrain at a distance Using the ChemCam instrument they discovered that the Martian climate alternated between dry and wet periods, before drying up completely about 3 billion years ago. View of hillocks on the slopes of Mount Sharp, showing the various types of terrain that will soon be explored by the Curiosity rover, and the ancient environments in which they formed, according to the sedimentary structures observed in ChemCam's telescope images As Mars became dry, Earth may have been a water world, according to previous studies, and Venus may have had the perfect environment for life to flourish. While Venus suffered from a runaway greenhouse effect creating the hellish world we see today, and Earth became a thriving continental planet, Mars remained dry. Spacecraft in orbit around Mars had already provided clues about the mineral composition of the slopes of the 18,000ft mountain, also known as Mount Sharp. But now, ChemCam has successfully made detailed observations of the sedimentary beds from the planet's surface. The instrument consists of a laser, camera and spectrograph that work together to identify the chemical and mineral compositions of rocks from a distance. The Mars curiosity rover was initially intended to be a two-year mission to gather information to help answer if the planet could support life, has liquid water, study the climate and the geology of Mars an has since been active for more than 2,000 days The rover was initially intended to be a two-year mission to gather information to help answer if the planet could support life, has liquid water, study the climate and the geology of Mars. Due to its success, the mission has been extended indefinitely and has now been active for over 2,000 days. The rover has several scientific instruments on board, including the mastcam which consists of two cameras and can take high-resolution images and videos in real colour. So far on the journey of the car-sized robot it has encountered an ancient streambed where liquid water used to flow, not long after it also discovered that billions of years ago, a nearby area known as Yellowknife Bay was part of a lake that could have supported microbial life. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.
Summary from Goodreads: From New York to Paris, Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald reigned as king and queen of the Jazz Age, but those who really knew them saw their inner turmoil. Committed to a Baltimore psychiatric hospital in 1932, Zelda vacillates between lucidity and madness as she fights to forge an identity independent of her famous husband. She discovers a sympathetic ear in her nurse Anna Howard, who finds herself drawn into the Fitzgerald’s tumultuous lives and wonders which of them is the true genius. But in taking greater emotional risks to save Zelda, Anna may end up paying a far higher price than she ever intended. Not longevity. Not peace. Not some chloroformed happiness. Not tranquility. They are all such common goals… No. I want audacity. High color. Total independence. I was incredibly captivated by the premise of this novel, as I love a good bit of Jazz Age historical fiction. Also, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of my all-time favorite novels, so I was interested in learning a bit more about the man behind the book. Going into Call Me Zelda, I was sure that it was going to become one of my new favorites, but unfortunately I was let down a little bit. The sections of the novel dealing with Zelda and Scott’s relationship, particularly when it came to writing and art, I really enjoyed. However, I never really connected with the book’s main character, the fictional nurse Anna Howard who takes care of Zelda and ends up becoming her closest friend and confidante. It wasn’t that I didn’t like her as character, because there was nothing in particular about her that especially bothered me, I just thought that compared to the excitement of the Fitzgeralds she seemed a little boring (I apologize if that makes me sound a bit pompous and insensitive). That being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend checking it out if you are interested in the Jazz Age or Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald themselves. Title: Gone Girl Author: Gillian Flynn Genre: Adult Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Crime Novel Publishing Info: Published in 2012 by Broadway Book, a trademark of Random House LLC Number of Pages: 555 pages My Rating: 5/5 Summary from Goodreads: On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy’s diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on the edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media– as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents– the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter– but is he really the killer? As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet? It’s a very difficult era in which to be a person, just a real, actual person, instead of a collection of personality traits selected from an endless Automat of characters. I put off reading this book for a long time because there was a lot of hype surrounding it, especially with the release of the movie adaptation last year. Some people absolutely loved it, while others couldn’t even finish it, so I decided it was due time for me to make up my own mind during July, and wow am I glad I did! I won’t say too much about this book, because I think that with psychological thrillers it’s best to go in not knowing a whole lot about the plot, but I will say that the main premise of Gone Girl surrounds the disappearance of Amy Dunne as told through the alternating perspectives of both Amy and her husband Nick. Gone Girl is packed full of plot twists, unreliable narrators, disturbing characters, and wonderfully written dialogue. This book was all I could think about it until I finished it and, unlike a lot of thrillers I have read in the past, the ending took me completely by surprise (and rather infuriated me, if I have to be completely honest, but that’s a discussion for another time). This was brilliant, so go buy it and read it if you haven’t already! Also, for anyone who has already read this, does the movie follow the book fairly well? Author: Rhonda Helms Genre: New Adult, Romance Publishing Info: Published in July 2015 by Kensington Books Number of Pages: 240 pages My Rating: 1/5 Summary from Goodreads: Fearless and flirtatious, Megan Porter isn’t your typical math major. On the fast track to graduating with honors, a spot in her school’s masters program is nearly guaranteed. But her senior year is quickly turned upside-down by her new thesis advisor, cryptography professor Dr. Nick Muramoto. Young, effortlessly good-looking, and intellectual, he’s far more intriguing than the immature jocks Megan usually goes for. And as she decodes the hidden messages he leaves in the margins of her assignments and in their emails. she realizes this might be more than a schoolgirl crush– especially after they share a passionate kiss. Soon Nick and Megan grow closer, and their different worlds begin to merge. But if their relationship is discovered, Nick’s career could be over. With Megan’s parents close to campus on business, hiding their love becomes an even greater challenge. Yet keeping secrets will lead Megan to discover hers in just one piece in a much larger puzzle– next to her mother’s stash of painkillers– that may put her carefully laid plans for the future in jeopardy. I received this book as an e-galley for review from Netgalley and Kensington Publishing, and unfortunately this ended up being my least favorite book of the month. I wrote a full review of this a few weeks ago, and I will link it here if you want to know more of my feelings about this one. Definitely a bit of a letdown. 😦 Author: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary Publishing Info: Published in 2013 by Anchor Books, a division of Random House LLC Number of Pages: 589 pages My Rating: 5/5 Summary from Goodreads: Ifemelu and Obinze are young and in love when they depart military-ruled Nigeria for the West. Beautiful, self-assured Ifemelu heads for America, where despite her academic success, she is forced to grapple with what it means to be black for the first time. Quiet, thoughtful Obinze had hoped to join her, but with post-9/11 America closed to him, he instead plunges into a dangerous, undocumented life in London. Fifteen years later, they reunite in a newly democratic Nigeria, and reignite their passion – for each other and for their homeland. Dear Non-American Black, when you make the choice to come to America, you become black. Stop arguing. Stop saying I’m Jamaican or I’m Ghanaian. America doesn’t care. This book was beautiful and moving and thought provoking and ugh, it was fantastic. I also reviewed this one, so you can check that out here if you want to know more of my thoughts on Americanah. Possibly my favorite book I read this month.	https://reflectionsofareader.net/2015/08/04/july-wrap-up-a-month-of-ups-and-downs/
Washington, DC—Despite the District of Columbia embracing four leading best practices, other basic economic development standards and safeguards remain absent. Broadly, the District has four major shortfalls: - failure to set job creation and job quality standards, - lax reporting on project outcomes, - failure to enforce existing standards, and - the need for an online transparency database. The report is available at: http://www.goodjobsfirst.org/ABetterDealForTheDistrict Despite such shortcomings, experience shows that the District can rapidly change course. For example, recent enhancements raised D.C.’s ranking on job subsidy transparency from dead last to 26th among the states in a 2014 Good Jobs First national report card study. These are the major findings of A Better Deal for the District: Enhancing Economic Development Transparency & Accountability in Washington, D.C., a report published today by Good Jobs First, a non-profit resource center on economic development based in Washington, DC. The report was commissioned by the Baltimore Washington Laborers and Public Employees District Council. An examination of newly obtained documents received pursuant to an information request also highlights poor record-keeping, low standards, and lax enforcement on economic development deals in the District. “The records we obtained show a clear need not only to put details about subsidy packages online in an open government database, but also to set better standards,” said Thomas Cafcas, Good Jobs First Research Analyst and lead author of the report. “Every time we spend public dollars on a project, we need to be clear about our return on investment,” said D.C. Council member Elissa Silverman (I – At-Large). “That can only be accomplished with a transparent process that sets enforceable targets for living wage jobs. A Better Deal for the District outlines how we can optimize our spending to meet these important goals.” Drawing from best practices across the nation, the most important policies for the District to consider in the near future are: - Building an online transparency portal to digitize existing records and make them easily downloadable, similar to Maryland, Illinois, and Louisiana. - Upgrading what the District requires in return for economic development subsidies. States such as Virginia and North Carolina mandate market-based wage rates, meaning that subsidized jobs must pay better than average for that labor market. Nearby states also require employers to provide healthcare benefits and cover some of the premium obligation. - Enforcing economic development standards through money-back guarantees if job subsidy recipients do not meet performance benchmarks. Virginia and Maryland both incorporate strong penalties for failing to meet job creation or quality objectives. “The District should build upon existing economic development best practices by embracing commonsense transparency and accountability measures,” Cafcas continued. “Strong job creation thresholds along with average-or-better wages and healthcare benefits for workers generate a higher return on economic subsidies and prevent hidden taxpayer costs.” The report was covered in the Washington Post & WAMU 88.5 (NPR affiliate). Join the conversation on Twitter using #BetterDeal4DC:	https://clawback.org/2015/02/11/report-district-of-columbia-job-subsidy-practices-in-need-of-improvement-lag-behind-nearby-jurisdictions/
From teaching digital asset management, archiving, and cataloguing courses at UCLA and NYU, to running the nonprofit, historical preservation Audiovisual Archive Network service, Linda Tadic has always had content preservation on the mind. And when she founded Los Angeles-based Digital Bedrock in 2015, there likely wasn’t anyone more qualified to get a dedicated archival company for the media and entertainment sector off the ground. Tadic’s company future-proofs files, identifies long-term vulnerabilities, migrates assets when new storage media becomes available, validates formats, tackles metadata needs, and keeps an ever-watchful eye on potential obsolescence of formats. Tadic spoke with the Media & Entertainment Services Alliance (MESA) about today’s digital preservation challenges, the importance of metadata, and the surprising challenges companies are faced with when formats become obsolete. MESA: What was the impetus for Digital Bedrock, how did the company come about? Tadic: For decades, I’ve worked in film, video, audio archives and of course now everything is digital. Because of my involvement in the moving image archive community I saw all the pain points that organizations and individual creatives were having, especially now that they’re creating content digitally or digitizing their analogue originals to digital formats. People are drowning in the amount of storage that they’re now having to deal with. Then there’s the intensive process of media migration over time, whether the content is stored on an external hard drive, server, or on tape. I saw that a lot of people didn’t want to deal with cloud storage, primarily because of the security, but also it can be pretty expensive when you’re putting terabytes and terabytes of data up in the cloud and you have to get it out. And then of course there are obsolescence factors, which means the digital object itself — not the media that the content is sitting on — can become obsolete over time when a format or software is no longer supported. I developed Digital Bedrock to do this intensive, complex preservation work for organizations and creatives. I wanted to create a system to automate that preservation work, so the clients don’t have to do it themselves, and don’t have to buy the infrastructure. Give us the content they want preserved, and we take it from there. MESA: We all know things have changed in terms of digital preservation nowadays. The needs have changed, especially the file sizes, the sheer amount of stuff we’re trying to preserve. What do they need to account for nowadays? What do they need to work on – worry about – that they didn’t have to in just in recent years? Tadic: I would say that if anybody is doing what they would call digital preservation themselves, they’re probably doing the basic actions: simply storing their files, maybe redundantly, and maybe running fixity checks. But full preservation goes beyond those basic steps. So not just redundancy and not just making sure that their bytes are healthy. You need to know everything about how those files were created. You need to know the relationships between different files. You need to be able to run those fixity checks on a scheduled basis, not just put it somewhere and hope that you’re okay. There are also obsolescence factors. Think about productions that are shooting on digital cinema cameras, which output proprietary RAW formats. the analog film camera negative in archives is usually 35mm; you can look at it, know exactly what it is, and you know how to preserve it. The problem with digital camera original is you’re really dependent on the proprietary technology of the company that created the camera. To preserve that camera original, you need to know everything about all the characteristics of that file, much more in detail, much more in depth than you ever needed to do with analogue media, whether it was film or the audio just sitting on a shelf. You need to know how that file was created and that can be hundreds of fields of technical metadata. Some camera manufacturers are very open with their technical metadata about how the files are created and their characteristics. Others are not. So, it can be difficult to get file data, header information, and be sure that content is always kept alive, via all the metadata associated with every file. MESA: Formats come and go. And you guys make it a point to keep clients in the loop on what’s yesterday’s news. What are some examples of this? How do you plan around this? How do you plan on the formats no longer being useful? Tadic: We’ve developed something we call the Digital Object Obsolescence Database, or the DOOD, where we monitor all of the various factors and vulnerabilities that are required to keep today’s format alive. So, it’s not just the formats that become obsolete. It’s the software, the codecs, and other vulnerability factors. When a file is ingested into our system, it’s validated, checked against the DOOD for obsolescence, and then we get a score back. If something is flagged as being endangered we will notify the client and discuss options on keeping that content alive. We don’t just automatically say: “Transcode content.” We strongly recommend not doing that, because especially with media and entertainment content, you can have digital objects that are dependent on other files. We’ll notify the client and say, ‘OK, you have all of these files that you’ve given to us for preservation and they’re endangered. And this is why they’re endangered, because this factor is endangered.’ They’re made aware so they can make an informed decision before taking any action in making the decision of transcoding the file or using an emulator. In a worst-case scenario, there’s no solution except to keep the bits healthy until a solution is identified. MESA: You offer other services as well: cataloguing, consulting, file migration. Touch on some of these. What are some of the other high points for the company? Tadic: Much of our consulting work is in the area of metadata audits, largely because metadata is one of my specialized areas. I co-authored a book on metadata for broadcasting, and am on the SMPTE Core committee. I’ve performed metadata audits in the past before forming Digital Bedrock. A client will want a metadata audit likely because they want to create either a brand-new enterprise metadata schema, or map across existing internal systems. An audit involves reviewing the systems in use, and interviewing staff that create or use metadata. Deliverables are usually a new metadata schema that incorporates their existing data from existing systems, plus a report on workflow. Sometimes the schema includes a map to industry standards to ensure compliance if that’s required by the organization; sometimes it entails creating controlled vocabularies. Collection assessments are important as well. Let’s say you have files or analogue material sitting around and you want to know what you have. Our team can create an inventory, and make recommendations for appraisal and preservation triage actions. MESA: Use case examples. Obviously, we don’t want to violate any non-disclosure agreements, but is there anybody – any clients – that you’d like to share their success with working with the company? Tadic: There are companies that have created high-quality digital restorations and we’re preserving their files, their raw scans. There are other companies where they have a number of assets, and we help them curate what they have, both film and TV assets, and we’ve helped them discern what they want to preserve long-term. People with a lot of assets can become overwhelmed: “What should I preserve? How can I identify that?” We help them decide. A tool that we’ve developed helps them go through and select the files that they want to have preserved, instead of trying to preserve everything. Not everything is critical. But you need to know what is critical and preserve that. MESA: Are there services you guys would like to beef up or new areas that you’d like to get into? What’s on the horizon for you guys? Tadic: Our current markets which our software was built to support are media and entertainment; libraries, archives, and museums; and artists and creatives, like producers, photographers, and independent filmmakers. The area now that we want to next enter building off the infrastructure that we’ve already created, would be law enforcement and government agencies. Law enforcement in particular is having a lot of the same issues as media and entertainment, where they simply have a lot of quantity of digital content they need to store and securely retain for evidence purposes. We also intend to enter personal archiving, largely because I keep being asked by prospective clients if they can use us for their personal files. We come from the world of archivists, artists, creatives, and we believe our work serves as a model for the film archives of the future, conserving assets for centuries to come.	https://www.mesalliance.org/2017/08/28/digital-bedrock-new-approach-content-preservation/
Abstract The goal of this research project is to develop new, ultra-fast methods for dynamic imaging applications to enable greater clinical utility in the future. We intend to meet this goal by combining several existing image reconstruction methods, namely parallel imaging and non-Cartesian trajectories, to generate novel fast acquisition methods. Our current research involves the use of radial trajectories, as opposed to the standard, rectilinear trajectory, to acquire highly accelerated datasets in a very short time. These data can then be reconstructed using a special formulation of a parallel imaging method known as GRAPPA in order to reconstruct error-free images. Using this technique, we have acquired images with a temporal resolution of 60ms. We plan to expand this concept to trajectories which have the potential for even fast data acquisition, namely spiral and anisotropic field-of-view trajectories. Using these methods, we believe that it will be possible to generate images in less than 40ms, which will allow the acquisition real-time, free-breathing cardiac images, making EKG gating and breathholding unnecessary for cardiac function exams. In order to make these reconstructions possible in a clinically acceptable timeframe, they will be implemented on a GPU platform, which will reduce the reconstruction time from minutes to seconds. In the independent phase of the project, the GPU platform will be exploited in order to investigate different constrained reconstruction methods for MRI data. In addition to parallel imaging and non-Cartesian acquisitions, these techniques which include compressed sensing have also emerged as a new and important category of possible fast imaging methods. Early work has demonstrated an up to 20-fold reduction in data, and thus time, needed for an image. The power of these methods is obvious, although it is not yet clear if they will be viable in a clinical setting, due to, for instance, incredibly long computation times (sometimes up to days). Thus based on our experience in the first stage of this proposal, the independent portion of this project will explore the potential of these constrained reconstruction methods and examines the possibility of combining them with the non- Cartesian parallel imaging methods developed in the earlier phase. The rapid computational platform, in the form of the GPU implementations, will allow these novel image reconstruction techniques to be vigorously tested, paving the way for these methods to become practical for widespread clinical use.
In the standard accepted concept, contractility is the intrinsic ability of heart muscle to generate force and to shorten, independently of changes in the preload or afterload with fixed heart rates. At molecular level the crux of the contractile process lies in the changing concentrations of Ca2+ ions in the myocardial cytosol. Ca2+ ions enter through the calcium channel that opens in response to the wave of depolarization that travels along the sarcolemma. These Ca2+ ions "trigger" the release of more calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and thereby initiate a contraction-relaxation cycle. In the past, several attempts were made to transfer the pure physiological concept of contractility, expressed in the isolated myocardial fiber by the maximal velocity of contraction of unloaded muscle fiber (Vmax), to the in vivo beating heart. Suga and Sagawa achieved this aim by measuring pressure/volume loops in the intact heart: during a positive inotropic intervention, the pressure volume loop reflects a smaller end-systolic volume and a higher end-systolic pressure, so that the slope of the pressure volume relationship moves upward and to the left. The pressure volume relationship is the most reliable index for assessing myocardial contractility in the intact circulation and is almost insensitive to changes in preload and after load. This is widely used in animal studies and occasionally clinically. The limit of the pressure volume relationship is that it fails to take into account the frequency-dependent regulation of contractility: the frequency-dependent control of transmembrane Ca2+ entry via voltage-gated Ca2+ channels provides cardiac cells with a highly sophisticated short-term system for the regulation of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. An increased stimulation rate increases the force of contraction: the explanation is repetitive Ca2+ entry with each depolarization and, hence, an accumulation of cytosolic calcium. As the heart fails, there is a change in the gene expression from the normal adult pattern to that of fetal life with an inversion of the normal positive slope of the force-frequency relation: systolic calcium release and diastolic calcium reuptake process is lowered at the basal state and, instead of accelerating for increasing heart rates, slows down. Since the force-frequency relation uncovers initial alteration of contractility, as an intermediate step between normal and abnormal contractility at rest, a practical index to measure it is mandatory. Measuring end-systolic elastance for increasing heart rates is impractical: increasing heart rates with atrial pacing has to be adjunct to the left ventricular conductance catheter, to the left ventricular pressure catheter, to the vena cava balloon, and to afterload changes. Furthermore, a noninvasive index is needed. Noninvasive measurement of the pressure/volume ratio for increasing heart rates during stress in the echo lab could be the practical answer to this new clinical demand in the current years of a dramatic increase in the number of heart failure patients. When ~3,500,000,000 years ago prokaryotes appeared, the selection of an intracellular messenger preceded the appearance of ionic channels of enveloping lipid membranes. Calcium had conformational and stechiometric advantages to be chosen as an intracellular messenger (=good messenger and modulator of intracellular processes), due to its high coordination number and irregular coordination geometry. If calcium was the first intracellular messenger, ionic channels for calcium had to appear for the cells to maintain constant intracellular calcium concentrations . Ionic channels, other than function of intracellular ionic concentration surveyors, became to have the first function of reactive capability to outer stimulus, changing abruptly their functions. The primitive Ca2+ channels were activated by mechanical stimuli, present but slow and low efficient in reactions. But faster reactions are essential for survival. When ~1,500,000,000 years ago the hydrosphere became aerobic and the primitive unicellular organisms developed mechanisms of energy production, eukaryotes developed active transport and voltage-gated channels as a result of selection for faster signaling [1, 2]. When in this new evolutional cell a mechanical stimulus involving a portion of the membrane hits the cell, a depolarization produced by the mechanic-sensitive Ca2+ channels subsequently extends the effect to the entire cell by voltage gated Ca2+ channels. With the appearance of multicellularity, even faster signaling had to appear for life competition. As a possible solution to this new requirement, increase in density of Ca2+ channels would increase the speed of the depolarizing wave, but would have compromised the role of Ca2+ as modulator of intracellular function. The appearance of Na+ channels, capable of carrying greater ionic fluxes without interfering with intracellular processes, would be evolutionarily favorable. And, in fact, this model was the one chosen by evolution in nerve cells: earlier selection of Na+ channels to sustain potential changes . In fact, also for a maximum concentration on the cell membrane of channels, Ca2+ channels mediated maximum velocity is equal to 0.10 m/sec. For Na+ channels mediated max. velocity is 3 m/sec. In primitive muscle fibers all the activating Ca2+ ions for contraction came from outside the cell. High density of Ca2+ channels would increase the speed of the depolarizing wave and at the same time would speed up the activation of the contractile machinery. But with the evolutionary appearance of intracellular calcium stores (sarcoplasmic reticulum) in supplying Ca2+ ions for contraction, muscle fibers acquired the capability of stronger contraction with less energy consumption. As for force of contraction, also signaling speed was a problem in muscle cells: but in these cells less pronounced advantages are provided by an exclusively Na+-channels-based membrane potential changes. The simultaneous presence of fast Na+ channels for conduction function and slow Ca2+ channels for beginning the contraction mechanism through inward calcium flow was maintained . At the present evolutionary state, once the impulse has formed in the sinus node, it spreads very rapidly throughout the atrium to reach the atrioventricular (AV) node and ventricles. In atrial tissue, the pattern of the action potential is dominated by a fast sodium channel. The action potential duration of atrial tissue is short when compared to that of ventricles, and the inward flow of calcium ions is less, with a lower force of contraction developed in the atria and lower activity of L-type calcium channels. Conduction of the wave of depolarization is rapid through conduction tissues where the action potential goes through fast sodium channel activity, whereas conduction is lower through the ventricular myocardium, where there is chiefly calcium channel activity with a slower rate of depolarization. Ultimately developed, the frequency-dependent control of transmembrane Ca2+ entry via voltage-gated Ca2+ channels provides mammalian cardiac cells with a highly sophisticated short-term system for regulation of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. Up-regulation of Ca2+ entry through Ca2+ channels by high rates of beating (HFIUR of ICa) is involved in the frequency-dependent regulation of contractility: this process is crucial in adaptation to exercise and stress [4, 5]. This regulation is rapid, (the steady state is reached rapidly within few seconds for each heart rate level), intrinsic to the myocardium cell, with no necessity to be driven from neuronal or hormonal controls (Fig. 1). The crux of the contractile process lies in the changing concentrations of Ca2+ ions in the myocardial cytosol. Crucial features are entry of Ca2+ ions through the voltage-sensitive L-type Ca2+ channels, acting as a trigger for the release of Ca2+ ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Relatively small amounts of calcium ions actually enter and leave the cell during each cardiac cycle, whereas much larger amounts move in and out of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Calcium-induced calcium release explains most of the current available data. This process elevates by about tenfold the concentration of calcium ions in the cytosol. The result is the increasing interaction of calcium ions with troponin C to trigger the contractile proteins (Fig. 2). Left ventricular pressure starts to builds up when the arrival of calcium ions at the contractile proteins starts to trigger actin-myosine interaction. The thin actin filament interacts with the myosin head when Ca2+ ions arrive at troponin C (TnC). As more and more myofibers enter the contracted state, pressure development in the left ventricle proceeds. The interaction of actin and myosine increases, and cross-bridge cycling augments. As long as enough calcium ions are bound to troponin C, many repetitive cycles of this nature occur. The enhanced force development in response to a greater calcium ion concentration is due to recruitment of additional cross bridges. When calcium ions depart from their binding sites on troponin C, cross-bridge cycling cannot occur and the diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle sets in. At the end of systole, calcium stops interacting with troponin C and calcium ions are taken up into the SR by the activity of the SERCA (sarcoplasmatic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase) pump that constitutes nearly 90% of the protein component of the SR. Calcium taken up into the SR by the calcium uptake pump is stored within the SR before further release. To balance the small quantity of calcium ions entering the heart cell with each depolarization, a similar quantity must leave the cell. First, calcium can be exchanged for sodium ions entering by the Na+/Ca2+ exchange and, second, an ATP-consuming sarcolemmal calcium pump can transfer calcium into this extra cellular space against a concentration gradient. As the cytosolic calcium ion concentration starts to decline because of the uptake of calcium into the SR under the influence of activated phospholamban, more and more myofibers enter the state of relaxation (Fig. 2). The preload is the load present before contraction has started, at the end of diastole. When the preload increases, the left ventricle distends during diastole, and the stroke volume rises according to Starling's law . The proposed explanation for the Starling effect, whereby a greater end-diastolic fiber length develops a greater force, is explained by an interaction between sarcomere length and calcium ions (length sensitization of the sarcomere): 1) increase in end-diastolic fiber length at any given free Ca2+ concentration would increase force by a small amount on the basis of the change in filament overlap; 2) when the fiber is stretched and the sarcomere length increases, for any given number of Ca2+ ions binding to TnC, there is greater force development. Length sensitization of the sarcomere explains how the sarcomere can "upgrade itself" to a higher force-length curve . The afterload is the systolic load on the left ventricle after it has started to contract. Increased afterload means that an increased intraventricular pressure has to be generated first to open the aortic valve and then during the ejection phase . In the nonfailing heart, the left ventricle can overcome any physiological acute increase in load . Contractility: how can it be defined? - The myocardial fiber number involved in the contraction process. - The maximal velocity of myocardial fibers shortening. Increased contractility, is reflected in higher myocardial fiber shortening velocity, with a more highly developed tension peak and a steeper pressure rise, when preload, afterload, and heart rate are constant: in the cytosol calcium release is more and faster from SR with a higher cytosol calcium concentration in systole: more troponin is activated from higher levels of calcium with more acitn-myosin cross-bridges in the time unit, and ultimately myocardial fiber contraction is more and faster. Decreased contractility is reflected in lower myocardial fiber shortening velocity, with a lower tension peak and a blunted pressure rise, when preload, after load, and heart rate are constant: in the cytosol calcium release is less and slower from SR with a lower cytosol calcium concentration in systole: less troponin is activated from lower levels of calcium with less actin-myosin cross-bridges in time unit, and ultimately myocardial fiber contraction is less and slower. Contractility expressed in the isolated myocardial fiber is the maximal velocity of contraction of unloaded muscle fiber (Vmax). This value is defined as the maximal velocity of contraction, when there is no load on the isolated muscle. This strictly preload and after load independent index, fulfills the theoretical requirements for contractility quantification and greatly contributes to this research field [9, 10]. Nevertheless, this model is not usable in in-vivo conditions. In the past attempts were made to transfer the purely physiological concept of contractility expressed in the isolated myocardial fiber by the maximal velocity of contraction of unloaded muscle fiber (Vmax), to the in vivo beating heart. Suga and Sagawa achieved this aim by measuring pressure/volume loops in the intact heart: during a positive inotropic intervention, the pressure volume loop reflects a smaller end systolic volume and a higher end-systolic pressure, so that the slope of the pressure volume relationship (Ees) moves upward and to the left [11, 12]. Ees is the most reliable index for assessing (standard) myocardial contractility at rest in the intact circulation and is almost insensitive to changes in preload, and after load. This is widely used in animal studies and occasionally clinically . Pressure-volume loops in the cath lab. A conductance catheter is used to measure pressure-volume loops in humans. The time landmarks during the cardiac cycle include the following: B, aortic valve opening and the beginning of ejection; C, aortic valve closure; D, mitral valve opening; and A, end-diastole. During diastole (D-A tract) LV filling occurs, with a low end-diastolic LV pressure increase in the normal heart. During isovolumic contraction, or pre-ejection systole, (A-B tract) LV volume is unchanged but LV pressure rises to point B when it equals aortic pressure, and the aortic valve opens: isotonic systole, or systolic ejection phase (B-C tract), starts. When LV systolic emptying ends (C point), the aortic valve closes, and isovolumic diastolic relaxation starts. (C-D tract). Smaller end-systolic volume and higher end-systolic pressure are typical markers of higher contractility. Counter-directional changes identify compromised contractility. Focusing on end-systolic volume and on end-systolic pressure it immediately appears that the upper left corner of the pressure volume loop (C point) quantifies both measures. Focusing on cytosol calcium concentrations along the pressure-volume loop, (Fig 3) in diastole (D-A tract) cytosolic calcium is reuptake from cytoplasm and stored in the SR . At the A end-diastolic point, the end-diastolic volume (or maximal myocardial fiber length) predicts contractile-proteins calcium-sensitivity of the upcoming systole according to the Starling's law . The velocity of the pressure development in the isovolumic systole (A-B tract), and the ejection force in the isotonic systole (B-C tract) are both strictly linked to the contractile state. When LV systolic emptying ends (C point), the aortic valve closes, and isovolumic diastolic relaxation starts. (C-D tract). More highly developed systemic pressure simultaneously with lower end-systolic volume is typical of higher contractility. Counter-directional changes identify compromised contractility. If end-systolic volume is measured for different end-systolic pressure values, sequential end systolic pressure/volume values can be recorded (C, C1, C2, C... points). The upper left corners (C, C1, C2, and C... points) of the loops define the LV end-systolic pressure-volume relation (ESPVR). (Fig. 4) The ESPVR predicts in a heart with constant contractility the end-systolic volume when end-systolic pressure changes, and ultimately predicts the left ventricle ability to empty for different afterload values . The end-systolic pressure-volume relationship (ESPVR). Suga and Sagawa were the first to use simultaneous LV pressure-volume measurements. These Authors, searching for a preload and afterload independent contractility index, measured pressure-volume loops during sudden preload and afterload changes. The upper left corners of the loops (C, C1, C2, C... points) define the LV end-systolic pressure-volume relation (ESPVR). ESPVR predicts the end-systolic volume in a heart with constant contractility when end-systolic pressure changes, and ultimately predicts the left ventricle ability to empty for different afterload values. The slope of the ESPVR line is the end-systolic elastance (Ees). In the clinical setting it is difficult to generate the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship (ESPVR) free of changes in reflex-mediated variations in contractility. It also requires a means to measure pressure and volume accurately and simultaneously. Contractility is quantified by the angular coefficient (or slope) of the ESPVR relation: the Ees (end systolic elastance) (Fig. 5). The heart contractility dependence on increasing heart rates has been established in most mammalians. The inherent ability of ventricular myocardium to increase its strength of contraction independently of neurohormonal control, in response to an increase in contraction frequency is known as frequency treppe (Fig. 6). In humans this myocardial property causes the contractile force to rise, as contraction frequency is increased from 60 to about 180 bpm and to then decline with further increase in frequency (the force-frequency relation "FFR") . Force-frequency relation or Bowditch treppe. Developed force of contraction in the isolated papillary muscle at increasing stimulation rates. The stimulus rate is shown as the action potential duration on an analog analyzer. The tension developed by papillary muscle contraction is shown as developed force. An increased stimulation rate increases the force of contraction. On cessation of rapid stimulation, the contraction force gradually declines. Heart rate is a leading determinant of cytosol calcium concentration, and strictly linked to contractility. In the healthy heart, a frequency increase up to 180 beats per minute provides for faster systolic calcium SR release (increased contractility or developed force) and for faster diastolic SR calcium reuptake (positive lusitropic effect). (Modified from Opie LH. Normal and abnormal cardiac function. Chapter 14, page 443. In Braunwald Zipes Libby, Heart disease, 6th edition, W. B Saunders Company, 2001). Heart rate is a leading determinant of cytosol calcium concentration, and strictly linked to the contractility levels. In the healthy heart, a frequency increase up to 180 beats per minute provides systolic faster calcium SR release (increased contractility or developed force) and diastolic faster SR calcium reuptake (positive lusitropic effect). Up-regulation of Ca2+ entry through Ca2+ channels by high rates of beating (HFIUR of ICa) is involved in the frequency-dependent regulation of contractility: this process is crucial in adaptation to exercise and stress . This regulation is rapid, (the steady state is reached rapidly within few seconds for each heart rate level), intrinsic to the myocardium cell, with no need to be driven from neuronal or hormonal controls (Fig. 1, Fig. 6). This property has been definitively established in the human heart in experimental settings using cardiomyopathic myocardial strips. Measurements of twitch tension in isolated left-ventricular strips from explanted cardiomyopathic hearts compared with non-failing hearts show reduction in peak rates of generation and relaxation of twitch tension and a decrease in slope of tension rate vs. contraction frequency [15, 16] (Fig. 7). The FFR of these failing groups both exhibit a negative treppe at contraction frequencies above about 100 bpm. Presence of a negative treppe in the working range of heart rates may constitute an additional liability beyond mere depression of the wall tension since this may contribute to an accelerated progression of heart failure. In patients in end stage failure the peak of the FFR occurs at such a low frequency that there is a negative treppe over the entire in vivo range of heart rates. The contraction frequency at which the FFR begins its descending limb ("optimum stimulation frequency") declines progressively in the order: atrial septal defect, coronary artery disease, diabetic myopathy, mitral regurgitation, dilated cardiomyopathy. This suggests that a correlation between severity of myocardial disease and optimum contraction frequency may exist [15, 16]. In more severe heart failure the peak of the FFR is shifted sufficiently to lower frequencies so that it has a negative slope over the entire range of in vivo heart rates (i.e., 80–150 bpm). The weakening of contractile strength as heart rate rises suggest the possibility that in vivo, a sudden increase in heart rate could predispose the ventricle to being stretched by venous return. While the FFR is well known in the physiological lab [5, 17, 18], with extensive studies in isolated strips of failing myocardium [15, 16], in animal models of heart failure [19, 20], till now its knowledge and use in the clinical setting is extremely limited [21–26]. "As the ventricle fails, there is a change in the ventricular gene expression pattern from the normal adult pattern to that normally observed only during fetal life. There is a down regulation of the calcium uptake pump (SERCA2) and of the fast-contracting myosin heavy chain. The fetal program may be activated from cytosolic calcium overload, by adding phosphate groups to enzymes that normally inhibit the fetal program " (Fig. 8). Molecular basis of contractility in failing heart. There is increasing evidence that disturbances in calcium handling play a central role in the disturbed contractile function in myocardial failure. The sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) is depressed both in function, as well as in expression. At the same time the sarcolemmal sodium-calcium (Na+/Ca2+) exchanger is increased both in function and in expression. The result is a characteristic change in calcium homeostasis with decreased diastolic uptake of calcium into the sarcoplasmic reticulum with subsequently reduced calcium release during the next systole, resulting in reduced contractile performance. At the same time increased capacity of the sodium-calcium exchanger extrudes intracellular calcium ions to the extra-cellular space, thereby rendering these ions unavailable for the contractile cycle. Intracellular Ca2+ handling is abnormal in heart failure and cause systolic and diastolic dysfunction. The mRNA and protein levels of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger are increased in myocites from heart failure patients and correlates inversely with the SERCA mRNA levels. The augmentation in Na+/Ca2+ exchange activity is a compensatory response to the reduction in Ca2+ reuptake caused by a decrease in SERCA2. But enhanced Na+/Ca2+ exchange instead of SRCa2+ reuptake is an energy-wasting process: ATP consumption to extrude cytosolic Ca2+ from the myocyte is almost doubled with respect to the normal SRCa2+ reuptake. Changes in the calcium cycle are fundamental to the impaired contractile performance of the failing heart. The SR calcium stores are severely depleted because of the combined effects of depressed calcium uptake into the SR resulting from decreased SERCA activity, both down-regulated and inhibited. Thus, the calcium ions entering with depolarization are unable to trigger the release of enough calcium to generate a normal calcium transient (Fig. 9). There is a close relationship between the depression of SERCA in human heart failure and the depressed force-frequency relationship. Paradoxically, the diastolic calcium level is higher than normal. Starting from this higher level, as the heart rate increases, the calcium ions enter more rapidly through the calcium channels than can be extruded through the Na+/Ca2+ exchange, so that the diastolic levels rise, as does the diastolic tension. Muscle strips prepared from patients with severe heart failure behave very differently from normal muscle, in that there is hardly any response to an increased stimulation frequency. Whereas in strips from normal hearts, optimal force development is reached at rates of about 150 to 180 beats/min, in patients with cardiomyopathy an increased heart rate produces a decreased twitch tension (Fig. 7). In addition, the diastolic tension rises markedly with the stimulation frequency, compatible with a rate-induced cytosolic calcium overload causing diastolic dysfunction . This standard, historically accepted, rest-assessed contractility, is limited because it is an invasive index, but especially because it fails to take into account frequency-dependent regulation of contractility: ultimately developed in the evolutional scale, as a typical feature of more advanced mammalian species, absent in fetal life and in adults with heart failure-induced regression of the contractile mechanism, the frequency-dependent control of transmembrane Ca2+ entry via voltage-gated Ca2+ channels provides mammalian cardiac cells with a highly sophisticated short-term system for regulation of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. The impossibility of separating the cellular mechanism of contractility changes from those of load or heart rate is now clear. "Thus, there is a clear overlap between contractility, which should be independent of load or heart rate, and the effects of load and heart rate on the cellular mechanism. Hence, the traditional separation of inotropic state from load or heart rate effects as two independent regulators of cardiac muscle performance is no longer simple now that the underlying cellular mechanisms have been uncovered ." This topic is not important only as a speculative concept, but especially clinically: in fact as the heart fails, there is a change in the ventricular gene expression pattern from the normal adult pattern to that normally observed only during fetal life, as a memory of primordial contraction patterns, with an inversion of the normal positive slope of the relation: the systolic calcium release and diastolic calcium reuptake process is lowered at the basal state and, instead of accelerating for increasing heart rates, it slows down. Since the assessment of FFR shows initial alteration of contractility, as an intermediate step between normal and abnormal contractility at rest, a practical index to measure it is mandatory. Since end-systolic elastance (Ees), expressing the slope of the in-vivo, end-systolic ventricular pressure vs chamber volume relation, is the most "foolproof' window into in vivo myocardial contractility, Ees should be measured at each heart rate step increase, as made by Liu and coworkers (Fig. 10). But measuring Ees for increasing heart rates is impractical: increasing heart rates obtained with temporarily pacing has to be adjunct to the LV conductance catheter, the LV pressure catheter, the vena cava balloon, and to afterload changes. Proof of this is that only Liu adopted this method in humans. (Table 1). Several attempts have been made to transfer the force-frequency relationship from the experimental lab to clinical applications. Such attempts have been based on invasive evaluation in cath lab (Feldman 1988, Bhargava 1988, Hasenfuss 1994, Liu 1993, Inagaki 1999), or noninvasive evaluation with radionuclide scintigraphy (Schuler 1982, Dehmer 1981, Lavie 1989). The extensively adopted maximum rate of pressure rise (max dP/dt) for force measurement is largely preload and afterload dependent. Since End-systolic elastance (Ees), is almost insensitive to changes in preload and afterload, Ees should be measured at each heart rate step increase, as done by Liu and coworkers. But measuring Ees for increasing heart rates is impractical: increasing heart rates obtained with atrial pacing has to be adjunct to the LV conductance catheter, the LV pressure catheter, the vena cava balloon, and the afterload changes. Proof of this is that only Liu adopted this method in humans. The scintigraphic approach is noninvasive, but requires exposure to ionizing radiations and – due to limited temporal resolution – allows the measurement of SP/ESV only at baseline at peak exercise. The pattern of the force-frequency relationship over a spectrum of different heart rates cannot be assessed. If assessment of Ees is difficult under clinical conditions at fixed heart rates, assessment of Ees for increasing heart rates is much more difficult. A simpler approach was utilized by Feldman and co-workers in DCM pts vs. normal hearts, by measuring the SUGA index (SP/ESV ratio, instead of Ees) at baseline, and for pacing induced heart rate increase to 25 and 50 bpm beyond basal heart rate. SP/ESV ratio measurement is simpler than Ees measurement, and equally provides knowledge of an up-sloping, flat, or biphasic Bowditch treppe (Fig. 11). Non-invasive methods [27–30] have been proposed to assess the rest-peak stress change in inotropic state, based upon the assumption that positive inotropic interventions are mirrored by smaller end-systolic volumes and higher end-systolic pressures (Table 1). During bicycle stress echocardiography, dobutamine or pacing stress, continuous 2D echo monitoring is performed by protocol and blood pressure, ECG and left ventricular volumes are obtained at each step, providing the basic information required to build a force-frequency relationship over a wide range of frequencies (Fig. 12). A totally noninvasive estimation of force-frequency relation during stress in the echo lab is theoretically appealing for the identification of limited contractile reserve and latent global left ventricular dysfunction. Stress echo lab: contractility me too? Blood pressure analysis. One investigator records all blood pressures at rest and during exercise during the study. The blood pressure recording is made using a manometer sphygmomanometer and the diaphragm of a standard stethoscope. Echocardiography is performed using conventional two-dimensional echocardiography and tissue harmonic imaging and digitized on-line into a quad screen, cineloop format. Left ventricular end-systolic volumes are measured from apical four and two chamber view, using the biplane discs-method. To build the force-frequency relationship, the force is determined at each step as the ratio of the systolic pressure (cuff sphygmomanometer)/end-systolic volume index (biplane Simpson rule/body surface area). This method is similar to the previously proposed ones but is totally noninvasive, with echocardiography used to assess LV volumes during exercise and cuff blood pressure to estimate peak systolic pressure as an index of end-systolic pressure [31–33]. During (exercise, DOB or pacing) stress echocardiography continuous 2D echo monitoring is performed by protocol and blood pressure, ECG and left ventricular volumes are obtained at each step, providing the basic information required to build a force-frequency relation over a wide range of frequencies . This approach is based on serial assessment of these variables at different exercise steps so that the force-frequency pattern (up sloping, flat, and biphasic) can be assessed (Fig 13). FFR, from myocardial strips to the echo lab. Time sequence during stress echo (upper panel). The force frequency relation is built off line. The force-frequency relationship is defined up-sloping when the peak exercise SP/ESV index is higher than baseline and intermediate stress values; biphasic, with an initial up-sloping followed by a later down-sloping trend, when the peak exercise systolic pressure/end-systolic volume index is lower than intermediate stress values; flat or negative, when the peak exercise systolic pressure/end-systolic volume index is equal to or lower than baseline stress values. The critical heart rate (or optimum stimulation frequency) is defined as the heart rate at which systolic pressure/end-systolic volume index reaches the maximum value during progressive increase in heart rate; in biphasic pattern, the critical heart rate is the heart rate beyond which the systolic pressure/end-systolic volume index has declined by 5%; in negative pattern the critical heart rate is the starting heart rate. The critical heart rate (or optimum stimulation frequency) is the human counterpart of the treppe phenomenon in isolated myocardial strips; the optimal heart rate is not only the rate that would give maximal mechanical performance of an isolated muscle twitch, but also is determined by the need for diastolic filling. ASD = atrial septal defect; CAD = coronary artery disease; IDDM = diabetic myopathy; MR = mitral regurgitation; DCM = dilated cardiomyopathy. The patient undergoes transthoracic echocardiography at baseline and at each 10 beat frequency increase during stress. This is performed using conventional two-dimensional echocardiography and tissue harmonic imaging, and digitized on-line into a quad screen, cineloop format. Images are also recorded on half-inch S-VHS videotape. Left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes are measured from apical four and two chamber view, by an experienced observer using the biplane discs-method [35, 36] (Fig. 12). Only representative cycles are measured and the average of three measurements is taken. The endocardial border is traced, excluding the papillary muscles. The frame captured at the R wave of the ECG is considered to be the end diastolic frame, and the frame with the smallest left ventricular cavity the end systolic frame. One investigator records all blood pressures at rest and during exercise during the study. The blood pressure recording is made using a manometer sphygmomanometer and the diaphragm of a standard stethoscope (Fig. 12). To build the force-frequency relationship, the force is determined at each step as the ratio of the systolic pressure (cuff sphygmomanometer)/end-systolic volume index (biplane Simpson rule/body surface area). The force frequency relation is built off line (Fig. 13). The slope of the relationship is calculated as the ratio between SP/ESV (Systolic Pressure/End-Systolic Volume) index increase (from baseline to peak exercise)/heart rate increase (from baseline to peak exercise). The force-frequency relationship is defined up-sloping when peak exercise SP/ESV index is higher than baseline and intermediate stress values (Fig. 14); biphasic, with an initial up-sloping followed by a later down-sloping trend, when peak exercise systolic pressure/end-systolic volume index is lower than intermediate stress values [6, 25] (Fig. 15); flat or negative, when peak exercise systolic pressure/end-systolic volume index is equal to or lower than baseline stress values (Fig. 16). The critical heart rate (or optimum stimulation frequency) is defined as the heart rate at which systolic pressure/end-systolic volume index reaches the maximum value during progressive increase in heart rate; in biphasic pattern, the critical heart rate is the heart rate beyond which systolic pressure/end-systolic volume index has declined by 5%; in a negative pattern the critical heart rate is the starting heart rate . Force-frequency curve with stress echo in a normal subject. Upper panel: On the left, systolic blood pressure by cuff sphygmomanometer (SP, first row); left ventricular end-systolic volumes calculated with biplane Simpson method (ESV, second row); heart rate increase during stress (bpm, third row); in the lowest row, the force-frequency curve built off-line with the values recorded at baseline (second column), and at different steps (third, fourth, fifth column) up to peak stress (sixth column). An increased heart rate is accompanied by an increased systolic pressure with smaller end-systolic volumes (normal up sloping force-frequency relation). Lower panel: molecular basis (first row), action potential (second row) and calcium transient (third row) of myocytes at baseline (first column), intermediate stress (second column) and peak stress (third column). In the normal heart increase in heart rate is accompanied by an increase in myocardial contractile performance (up-sloping FFR). At higher heart rates more and faster "cascade" calcium is released from the SR: more calcium is available in the cytoplasm for C troponin interaction and contraction. Equally calcium reuptake is more and faster in diastole. Both action potential and calcium transient are rapidly peaking in systole at each stress step. Force-frequency curve with stress echo in a subject with latent LV dysfunction without dilation. Upper panel. On the left, systolic blood pressure by cuff sphygmomanometer (SP, first row); left ventricular end-systolic volumes calculated with biplane Simpson method (ESV, second row); heart rate increase during stress (bpm, third row); in the lowest row, the force-frequency curve built off-line with the values recorded at baseline (second column), and at different steps (third, fourth, fifth column) up to peak stress (sixth column). The force-frequency relation is biphasic, with an initial up-sloping trend followed by a later down-sloping trend. Lower panel: hypothetical molecular basis (first row), action potential (second row) and calcium transient (third row) of myocytes at baseline (first column), intermediate stress (second column) and peak stress (third column). In latent failing myocytes calcium transient can be normal at baseline, but abnormal at higher heart contraction rates: compared with a normal baseline pattern (first column), at intermediate stress (second column) delayed cytosolic Ca2+ diastolic removal occurs; further dysfunction (cytolsolic Ca2+ attenuated rise with depolarization and a markedly delayed return to baseline) occurs at higher heart rates. When the heart beats at frequencies beyond the CHR, when calcium is extruded from the myocyte instead of re-entry in the SR, the O2 consumption for each unit of force developed is doubled; the combination of decreased cardiac force development and increased oxygen uptake indicates decreased efficiency of cardiac work. Force-frequency curve with stress echo in a subject with dilated cardiomyopathy and depressed baseline left ventricular function (EF% = 30%). On the left: systolic blood pressure by cuff sphygmomanometer (SP, first row); left ventricular end-systolic volumes calculated with biplane Simpson method (ESV, second row); heart rate increase during stress (bpm, third row); in the lowest row, the force-frequency curve built off-line with the values recorded at baseline (second column), and at different steps (third, fourth, fifth column) up to peak stress (sixth column). An increased heart rate at peak exercise is accompanied by no changes in end-systolic volumes (abnormal flat force-frequency relation). Lower panel: molecular basis (first row), action potential (second row) and calcium transient (third row) of myocytes at baseline (first column), intermediate stress (second column) and peak stress (third column). The action potentials are markedly prolonged at baseline and during stress in patients with advanced heart failure; calcium cycling is slow at basal heart rates and even more at higher heart rates. These abnormal patterns are related to a profound derangement of the contractile machinery in the failing myocyte: fewer calcium membrane channels, fewer RNA levels encoding contractile proteins, fewer and dysfunctioning SERCA. A critical alteration of force-frequency relationship occurs, with an inversion of the normal positive to a flat or negative slope. This proposed approach allows the assessment of a theoretically robust and sophisticated index of left ventricular contractility with an absolute minimum extra-burden of data acquisition and analysis, since all the basic parameters (heart rate, blood pressure and left ventricular volumes) are routinely acquired during exercise stress echo testing . The extra measurements consist of serial evaluation of ventricular volumes and linear interpolation of the force-frequency relationship. This approach is simple, not time-consuming, and highly feasible [31–33]. This index of global contractility is theoretically appealing for the identification of limited contractile reserve and latent global left ventricular dysfunction. These are all prerequisites for a larger scale testing in the clinical subsets in which the contractility information can be more important – such as patients with latent ventricular dysfunction or advanced chronic heart failure . Noninvasive measurement of pressure/volume relation (the Suga index) [11, 26, 31] for increasing heart rates during stress in the echo lab could be the practical answer to this new clinical demand in recent years of a dramatic increase in the number of heart failure patients.	https://cardiovascularultrasound.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1476-7120-3-27
Job Summary: Community health-driven individual responsible for 1) maintaining and growing an evidence-based, data-driven CCHCI-wide infectious disease prevention and response program, and 2) population/community level infection surveillance program for Cochise County for population-level infectious disease epidemics, 3) establish and maintain internal and external collaborations to address infectious diseases of concern. Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities: The job duties and responsibilities listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Other duties that fall within the broad scope of this classification may be assigned. Infectious Disease Education, Testing, Control, Reporting and Surveillance - Maintain, develop, and implement evolving strategies for infectious disease surveillance and needs assessments, with the purpose of recognizing opportunities to implement infectious disease prevention and treatment programs. Inclusive of all infectious diseases of concern throughout the service area. - Sustain a working relationship with the county health department, ADHS, hospitals and other vested entities, to include relevant collaborations with Mexican professionals. - Provide up-to-date information, consultation, and education regarding infectious disease to employees, the public, and the media. - Collaborate closely with community and clinical vaccination efforts. Ensure a dynamic approach is tailored to fit the current need of patients and community members. - Through regular report analysis (EHR, laboratory portals, etc.), ensure that all persons tested at CCHCI for infectious disease are informed of their result in a timely and effective manner. - Work with the Public Relations/Media Specialist within CCHCI to advertise events, pertinent testing/vaccine updates, and coordinate media messages. - Ensure compliance with mandatory reporting requirements of all infectious disease related diagnoses and/or data in CCHCI operations to county and state health departments. - Submit all required infectious disease reports, internal and external, including but not limited to HRSA, ADHS, CCHSS, CCHCI Board of Directors and Leadership, and others as needed. - Assure Covid-19 and any emerging infectious disease of concern testing supplies are ordered/stocked in sufficient quantities to meet testing demand. - Maintain Covid-19 database any emerging infectious disease in support of testing results, immunizations, etc. - Participate as an integral team member, collaborating with various departments and colleagues, including Clinical Leadership, Operations, Corporate Compliance/Risk Management, Human Resources, Quality, and others as needed. - Supervise program staff as needed. Data Driven Infectious Disease Prevention, Response and Collaboration - Establish and maintain regular internal infectious disease data dashboards focused on selected HEDIS and non-HEDIS measures. - Increase utilization of both internal and external data for tracking and analysis of infectious disease data among CCHCI patients and regional population surveillance in general. - Review available risk assessments at least annually and as needed with consideration of served populations, regional vulnerabilities, relevant statistical data, and new and emerging infectious diseases. Conduct needs assessments as needed. - Develop and implement continuous improvement procedures and protocols based on data for patient and community care relating to infectious disease control and quality management. - Maintain regular internal Infectious Disease Committee that analyzes, discusses, and strategizes around internal dashboards and available external infectious disease data with the purpose of program development to prevent and control infectious diseases. - Maintain regular binational infectious disease advisory committee that utilizes CCHCI and public health infectious disease data originating from both US and Sonora, Mexico. - Leadership & Representation - Writes and participates in grant application, management, and reporting. Ensures all pertinent grant deliverables are met. - Participates in community outreach events throughout service area as needed. - Ensures compliance with state and federal requirements and accreditation bodies. - Facilitates data-driven reviews of effectiveness of services and seeks to continuously strengthen and improve on services. - Responsible for policies and procedures within the organization related to infectious disease surveillance and response. - Represent CCHCI with outside organizations as applicable at a regional, state, national and (potentially) international meetings. Minimum Qualifications – Education, Experience, Certificates & Licenses: - Registered Nurse RN (Associate or bachelor’s program), Master’s in Public Health, Masters in Epidemiology, or other relevant public health or healthcare degree. - Demonstrate problem solving skills including planning and establishing priorities. - Excellent critical thinking skills and strong written and verbal communication skills. - Outstanding organizational skills. - Ability to utilize Electronic Medical Records and data base management. - Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. - Must be proficient and have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.). Preferred Qualifications: - Advanced education and experience in community health, public health, epidemiology and/or data analysis is highly desirable. Required Language Skills: - Ability to comprehend and compose instructions, correspondence, and communications in English in both oral and written format. - Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred, but not required. - Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to patients, internal providers and staff and other agency staff working in cooperation with the organization. Physical Requirements: - Ability to occasionally exert enough force to move objects weighing up to 10 pounds. - Ability to continuously remain in a stationary position. - Ability to constantly move about inside the workplace to assist patients, operate office or medical equipment, etc. - Ability to traverse short distances indoors and outdoors between work sites. - Possesses hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to constantly operate computer, telephone, and other office machinery. - Possesses close visual acuity necessary to accurately record and view information on a computer monitor, handwritten and typed documents. - Ability to discern the nature of sounds at a normal spoken volume. - Possesses hand-eye coordination and visual acuity necessary to frequently operate a motor vehicle in normal and adverse weather conditions. Other Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: - Ability to employ statistical / mathematical methods to collect and analyze data and develop solutions. - Ability to perform a variety of assignments and make decisions requiring considerable independent judgment. - Ability to utilize Electronic Medical Records and data base management. - Excellent critical thinking skills and strong written and verbal communication skills. - Must be proficient and have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.). - Demonstrate problem solving skills including planning and establishing priorities. - Displays high level of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. - Displays sound and accurate judgment and ability to make timely decisions. - Knowledge of health plans and community health centers preferred. - Knowledge of HIPAA and Corporate Compliance rules and regulations. - Knowledge of Human Resources policies and procedures and Employee Handbook. - Computer literacy required with proficiency in use of all Microsoft Office programs. - Outstanding organizational skills. - Must be detail oriented and possess strong organizational skills. - Ability to prioritize and plan work activities, use time efficiently and develop realistic action plans. - Ability to employ motivational techniques to train, mentor, and lead staff. - Demonstrated leadership skills with ability to build effective teams. Work Environment & Conditions: - Work is frequently performed both indoors and outdoors with exposure to outside weather conditions to include heat and cold, and humid, windy, and dry conditions. - Work includes frequent driving in normal and adverse weather conditions over improved and rough road surfaces. - Work requires reliable transportation as position requires frequent travel and extended hours to include early mornings, evenings, holidays, and weekends. - Work requires ability to be contacted by cell phone during or outside of regular work hours.	https://jobs.cchci.org/infectious-disease-program-manager/job/18452573
In recent years, the impact investing industry has captured imaginations with its market-oriented, innovative approaches to addressing the world's most intractable social and environmental challenges. Just over a decade removed from the coining of the phrase "impact investing", it is now estimated that the industry manages $150 billion in assets and that this figure will grow to $300 billion by 2020. The industry has steered capital to countless social interventions and mission-oriented organizations. This event will take stock of the state of the impact investing market and highlight some of the most exciting innovations currently taking place in the industry. The event is targeted towards anyone who is involved in the impact investing sector or is seeking to explore ways in which private sector funding may be utilized towards supporting innovative projects delivering a social impact around the world.	https://www.reedsmith.com/en/events/2018/11/2018-impact-investing-event
Job Description: Design, develop, troubleshoot and debug software programs for databases, applications, tools, networks etc.As a member of the software engineering division, you will take an active role in the definition and evolution of standard practices and procedures. Define specifications for significant new projects and specify, design and develop software according to those specifications. You will perform professional software development tasks associated with the developing, designing and debugging of software applications or operating systems.Provide leadership and expertise in the development of new products/services/processes, frequently operating at the leading edge of technology. Recommends and justifies major changes to existing products/services/processes. BS or MS degree or equivalent experience relevant to functional area. 8 or more years of software engineering or related experience.Oracle is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and protected veterans status or any other characteristic protected by law.Team:The Security Evaluations team is responsible for the independent (formal)global security evaluations of Oracle products (mostly Common Criteria and FIPS140-2), including their use in Oracle cloud services, an important aspect ofOracle's commitment to security. The team is part of Oracle's Global ProductSecurity group, under the management of the Chief Security Officer. This groupis responsible for managing cross-product security activities and the securityassurance for Oracle products and cloud services.The Security Evaluations team(SecEval) are experts in government security evaluations and assurancestandards. We are looking for someone to join the team that brings at least thesame level of expertise as the rest of the team.Role:As a Senior Principal Security Analyst in the Security Evaluations team, youwill be mainly responsible for managing security evaluations and validationsfor Oracle. Duties in support of theseresponsibilities and other duties include:* Track progress of approved security evaluation and validation projects against budget and schedule, performing continuous analysis of risks they face* Finance and resource budget preparation, maintenance, and reporting* Collaborate with Legal and Procurement departments on activity with all third parties including contracts and Statements of Work* Lead or participate in international evaluation communities, participating in appropriate external working groups as assigned. The ability and willingness to lead a community of external participants is critical in this role.* Some testing or evidence development (authoring of CC or FIPS specialized documentation) and/or editing/reviewing of this evidence may be required from time to timeQualifications:Five years experiencein EITHER (essential to have one of these)o performing evaluations/validations (both as anevaluator and consultant in ISO 15408 "Common Criteria" or FIPS140) in a CC / FIPS certified labORo the equivalent amount of time managing evaluations and/or validations as avendor* Expertise in FIPS or CC certification methodologies and processes are critical skills for the candidate.* Comfortable preparing some technical evidence as needed and or repeating of developer tests to support evaluations and validations* The ideal candidate will have the ability to translate security certification jargon to development and interpret consultants/labs advice* Solid knowledge of cryptography preferred* Knowledge of operating systems, particularly Solaris and Linux, preferred* A working knowledge of any of the following technologies are advantages to the candidate: relational databases (particularly Oracle DBMS), Apache based application servers, identity and access management products, and cloud service technologies. OpenSSL and other cryptographic modules are also helpful.* Knowledge of Oracle product development internals and lifecycle practices a plus* The successful candidate should possess excellent time management and organizational skills as well as demonstrable verbal and written communication expertise.* Strong knowledge of Procurement Management processes are key skills for the candidate.* CSSLP, CISM or CISSP preferred.* PMP or PRINCE2 helpful.* Education Requirements:o US/Canada: BS (essential) or MS (preferred) degree or equivalent experience relevant to functional areao UK: BSc (essential) and MSc (preferred) or equivalent experience relevant to functional areaMust be willing to travel up to 25% in US,Canada and worldwidePreferred Locations San Francisco Bay Area or Washingon,DCJob: Product DevelopmentOrganization:* OracleTitle:* Software Developer 5Location: United StatesRequisition ID: 180019M6 Keywords: Oracle, East Brunswick , Software Developer 5, IT / Software / Systems , East Brunswick, New Jersey \| Click here to apply! \| Didn't find what you're looking for? Search again! \| \| Other IT / Software / Systems Jobs BI Analyst SAS/SQL Description: BI Analyst SAS/SQL Wilmington DECan skype to hire but locals will get first look.6 month contract to hire.Has 15 bonus potential once full time. ul li Look for SAS people who understand credit card (more...) Company: EliteInfotek Inc.	https://www.eastbrunswickrecruiter.com/it-software-systems-jobs/558310821/software-developer-5
There are some things you just don't expect to see in Detroit -- one of them being a man taking his kangaroo for a walk. A Snapchat user was in her car when she spotted a man walking a kangaroo on a leash. The man is mostly seen running along with the kangaroo as it hops down the street. It led to a lot of speculation as to where the man got the marsupial, but Detroit's local CBS affiliate got to the bottom of it. The man's name is Javon Stacks and he has a company called Exotic Zoo, which brings exotic animals to schools and kids' parties. He insists the company is licensed and the animals are treated well. When the video was taken, he says, he had the kangaroo at a birthday party and was taking it out to stretch its legs.	https://v1011fm.iheart.com/featured/big-al/content/2017-03-29-watch-man-spotted-walking-a-kangaroo-on-detroit-street/
Building a Model It all starts with a model. These articles help you learn the tools and concepts around the modeling component of the Exaptive Studio and Cognitive City. Think of building a model like using a whiteboard to tell the system about the things you care about. Then the system can help you import data, visualize, a... Sun, 3 Apr, 2022 at 1:45 PM A starting pair is the simplest form of model to build. It's comprised of just two element types and one connection type between them. If you're b... Sun, 3 Apr, 2022 at 1:32 PM When you create a new element type the only property it has assigned to it is "Name". As you link element types together through connection types,... Sun, 3 Apr, 2022 at 1:45 PM As you build your model the system will be automatically building a data collection form for each element type in the background. Even if you're planni... Tue, 5 Apr, 2022 at 1:49 PM A graph is a fancy math word for a network. This is not to be confused with the other use of the word "graph" which can refer to a plot made by gr... Sun, 3 Apr, 2022 at 1:47 PM A network is made up of nodes and connections between them. We call the nodes "elements" and these elements can belong to different element types.... Mon, 16 Jan, 2023 at 9:50 AM A network has nodes and connections between them. Since not all connections between things are the same, in the model builder you can define different "... Mon, 4 Apr, 2022 at 2:19 PM In 2022, we are running a model building challenge to demonstrate the ease and the power of getting your mental model out of your head and into a system tha...	https://helpdesk.exaptive.com/support/solutions/folders/11000018257
The authors confirm that all data underlying the findings are fully available without restriction. All relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files. Introduction {#s1} ============ Wheat (Triticum spp.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were domesticated 10,500 years ago in the Near East, from where they spread east (to Central and South Asia) and west (to Europe and the Mediterranean basin, including North Africa) [@pone.0110177-Zohary1]. The oldest evidence of domesticated cereal crops in North Africa, dated at 4650--4350 cal BC, comes from the Fayum Neolithic at Kom W and K [@pone.0110177-Wendrich1]. The Neolithic of Nubia (c. 6000--3500 cal BC) and Central Sudan (5000--3500 cal BC), which appears after non-agricultural, ceramic Mesolithic groups [@pone.0110177-Usai1], is typically described as centred on pastoralism [@pone.0110177-Caneva1], [@pone.0110177-Hland1]. While seeds and fruits are occasionally found [@pone.0110177-Krzyaniak1], [@pone.0110177-Magid1], [@pone.0110177-Magid2], they are very scarce. This scarcity has been attributed to taphonomy in relation to wet/arid cycles and high microbial activity [@pone.0110177-Young1], [@pone.0110177-Salvatori1], and sometimes to inadequate archaeobotanical recovery [@pone.0110177-Wetterstrom1]. Possible evidence of plant processing comes from numerous grinding stones from cemeteries. The grinding of tubers and grass seeds has been suggested [@pone.0110177-Magid1], [@pone.0110177-Barich1] and phytolith analysis of quern stones from Conical Hill, Wadi Howar (4300 cal BC) in western Sudan, confirms the use of chloridoid and panicoid grasses [@pone.0110177-Radomski1]. The available data on plant remains, therefore, give only restricted information about the processes related to the transition to agriculture. While the period of wild plant gathering during the Mesolithic and the use of crop plants in the later Neolithic are better understood, the introduction of domestic crops (cereals) in this region and the exploitation of wild grains are poorly documented. For the period after the introduction of domesticated crops, it is suggested that the exploitation or cultivation of local (wild) grasses may have continued, at least in the savannah-like regions with a relatively moist climate of Central Sudan [@pone.0110177-Barich1], [@pone.0110177-Edwards1], [@pone.0110177-Neumann1]. The evidence emerging from some Neolithic Sudanese cemeteries suggests that plant exploitation played an important role in the supposed pastoral economy [@pone.0110177-Dittrich1]. In here we discuss the Central Sudan Early Neolithic cemetery of Ghaba and the Nubian Middle Neolithic cemetery R12 [@pone.0110177-Salvatori2] ([Fig. 1](#pone-0110177-g001){ref-type="fig"}). We focused our analyses on silica skeletons (phytoliths in anatomical articulation) and starch grains from two complementary contexts: radiocarbon dated pillow-like structures found under the skulls of three individuals ([Table 1](#pone-0110177-t001){ref-type="table"}) and dental calculus from 20 individuals. ![Map showing the location of R12 and Ghaba, as well as other settlements in Egypt and Sudan mentioned in the text.](pone.0110177.g001){#pone-0110177-g001} 10.1371/journal.pone.0110177.t001 ###### Radiocarbon dates from phytoliths of the pillow-like structures in R12 and Ghaba cemeteries. ![](pone.0110177.t001){#pone-0110177-t001-1} Cemetery Grave Conventional radiocarbon age 2σ calibrated result (95% probability) Laboratory number ---------- ------- ------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- ------------------- R12 46 6240±40 years BP 5311--5066 cal BC Beta-351736 Ghaba 233 6620±40 years BP 5620--5480 cal BC Beta-359170 Ghaba 295 5800±40 years BP 4730--4540 cal BC Beta-371517 Case Study {#s1a} ---------- The R12 cemetery is located on the bank of the Seleim palaeo-channel (in the Dongola Reach in Nubia) that was active between 6200 and 3700 cal BC [@pone.0110177-Macklin1], [@pone.0110177-Salvatori3]. The site produced 166 graves containing remains of 198 individuals [@pone.0110177-Judd1]. Two Middle Neolithic phases were identified: phase A, dated to 5000--4500 cal. BC, and phase B, dated to 4500--4000 cal. BC [@pone.0110177-Judd1], [@pone.0110177-Salvatori4]. Ceramics and animal bones (cattle, sheep, goat and wild animals) are present in both phases [@pone.0110177-Pllath1], but plant macroremains were not recovered. Possible, indirect indications of plant use come from grinding stones encountered in many graves and an unusually large pot from grave 138, which may have been used for storage [@pone.0110177-Salvatori5]. Isotope studies of 22 human skeletons from a variety of phases show a mixed isotope signature between C3 and C4 input [@pone.0110177-Iacumin1]. This might be directly related to the plant intake or to the consumption of animals grazing on C4 grasses. There is evidence from teeth analysis of tooth abrasion and dental caries, the latter indicating that the intake of food rich in carbohydrates played an important role in the diet [@pone.0110177-Judd1]. The cemetery of Ghaba, in the Shendi region of Central Sudan, is located on the eastern bank of the Nile, a few hundred meters away from the river. Spontaneous vegetation is nowadays scarce, but the Neolithic climate presumably was more humid and floods occurred more often during the Middle Holocene [@pone.0110177-Williams1]. Occupation at the cemetery has been dated to 4750--4350 and 4000--3650 cal BC, thus being partly contemporaneous with R12 [@pone.0110177-Usai1], [@pone.0110177-Usai2]. The pottery differs from the Nubian one but some common traits point to interregional contacts [@pone.0110177-Salvatori2]. Biological remains such as bucrania of domestic cattle, animal bone tools and mollusc shells have been recovered, but no plant macroremains were found. Materials and Methods {#s2} ===================== All necessary permits were obtained for the described study, which complied with all relevant regulations. Excavation and export permits were provided by the National Corporation for Antiquities and Museums (NCAM), Republic of The Sudan, Ministry of Tourism, Antiquities and Wildlife. The project has annual rolling permits for exporting all material to be studied and analysed. Skeletal materials of R12 are held at the British Museum (London, UK) and of Ghaba are held at the Research Centre in Evolutionary Anthropology and Palaeoecology (Liverpool, UK). The sediment materials are held by the project director (Donatella Usai, University of Padova, Italy) and are available upon request. The entire set of analysed samples (20 calculus and 3 sediment microscopy slides) is stored in the collections of the BioGeoPal Laboratory of the University Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona, Spain). Pillow-like structures {#s2a} ---------------------- In five graves in R12 and in 39 of Ghaba a whitish and powdery deposit was observed, usually in a very circumscribed area of the grave. Three of these deposits were investigated for opal phytoliths and the analysed phytoliths were directly radiocarbon dated [@pone.0110177-Parr1], [@pone.0110177-Wilding1]. The analysed sample from R12 was collected from the deposit behind the skull of grave 46, associated with an early phase of the site. The two samples from Ghaba were collected from the deposits behind the skulls of graves 233 and 295. Small quantities of these pure samples were mounted directly on slides with Entellan. The analysis of phytoliths focused on the pattern of elongate cells from silica skeletons to allow as accurate as possible taxonomic identification of grasses. Phytolith samples for radiocarbon dating were processed according to [@pone.0110177-Madella1]. Dental calculus {#s2b} --------------- Dental calculus was sampled from two skeletons from R12 and 18 skeletons from Ghaba according to standard methods [@pone.0110177-Crowther1]. All erupted deciduous and permanent tooth crowns were visually examined. Calculus was removed from teeth with large deposits and a well-preserved antimere (corresponding opposite tooth) so that a record of the calculus formation for each tooth type would be preserved. The calculus was carefully peeled away with a dental tool in sterile and starch-free conditions by applying force against the edge of the deposit, in a direction parallel to the long axis of each tooth, so as not to damage the underlying enamel. Recovered calculus fragments were placed in 1.5 ml Eppendorf tubes. The tubes were topped up with 5% sodium hexametaphosphate and stirred to deflocculate the samples. After 24 hours, samples were sonicated for 5 min. and centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 5 min. The supernatant was pipetted out. After adding distilled H~2~O to the tube this step was repeated three times. Subsequently, samples were topped up with 5% hydrochloric acid (HCl) to dissolve the calculus fragments and release plant microfossils. When no more calculus fragments were visible (after 30 to 180 minutes), samples were centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 5 min. and the supernatant pipetted out again. Samples were cleaned four times with distilled H~2~O and dried at 40°C. To prepare the slides, 20 µl of distilled H~2~O was placed in the tube and the residue suspended by agitation using the pipette point; the suspension was recovered and mounted in 50% glycerol. Powder-free gloves were worn during all phases of the process. Microscopic analyses {#s2c} -------------------- All samples were observed with a Leica DM2500 microscope equipped with a Leica DF470 camera for microphotography. Slides were scanned at 200× magnification and the observed microremains were identified and photographed at 630× magnification. Taxonomical identification {#s2d} -------------------------- Identification of phytoliths and starch grains was based on a reference collection from European, African and Asian economically relevant plants, and by using pertinent literature [@pone.0110177-Madella2], [@pone.0110177-Rosen1], [@pone.0110177-Neumann2]. The taxonomical identification of silica skeletons usually relies on the combination of morphological and morphometrical characteristics of several cell components (e.g., long and short cells) [@pone.0110177-Lu1], [@pone.0110177-Zhang1], [@pone.0110177-Ball1], [@pone.0110177-Portillo1]. In some cases, the identification, even at genus or species level, can rely only on one element (for example long cells) [@pone.0110177-Madella2], [@pone.0110177-Rosen1], [@pone.0110177-Ryan1], [@pone.0110177-Tsartsidou1]. Our identifications have been based on long cell morphology and interlocking patters as well as, when present, on short cells and papillae. The vocabulary for describing the long cells morphology and relative dimensions is from [@pone.0110177-Madella2] and general criteria in [Table S1](#pone.0110177.s001){ref-type="supplementary-material"}. Furthermore, we identified single grass short cells (important for understanding the C3 vs. C4 input) to support the silica skeleton evidence. Results {#s3} ======= Pillow-like structures {#s3a} ---------------------- Phytolith preservation is excellent at both cemeteries (no pitted surfaces and extensive articulated sheets of silicified cells), pointing to very limited taphonomic disturbance. Silica skeletons provide evidence that the deposits from these cemeteries are dominated by epidermal sheets produced in the inflorescence bracts of grasses (Poaceae) ([Table 2](#pone-0110177-t002){ref-type="table"}). These sheets are composed of long cells with occasional short cells and papillae. 10.1371/journal.pone.0110177.t002 ###### Silica skeletons from the pillow-like structures of R12 and Ghaba cemeteries. ![](pone.0110177.t002){#pone-0110177-t002-2} R12 GHABA ---------------------------- ----- ------- ----- ------ ----- ------ Monocotyledoneae Poaceae Panicoideae Paniceae Brachiaria sp. . . . . 49 29.7 Digitaria sp. . . 1 1.0 . . Digitaria/Echinochloa . . 1 1.0 . . Echinochloa sp. type a . . 54 52.9 12 7.3 Echinochloa sp. type b . . 1 1.0 17 10.3 Panicum/Setaria . . . . 2 1.2 Andropogoneae Sorghum sp. . . 2 1.9 7 4.2 Panicoideae indet. . . 4 3.9 43 26.1 Pooideae Triticeae Hordeum/Triticum 29 90.7 10 9.8 5 3.0 Poaceae indet. 3 9.3. 23 22.5 22 13.3 Silicified tracheids . . 6 5.9 8 4.8 Total silica skeletons 32 102 165 The R12 assemblage is mostly comprised of silica skeletons of C3 cereals ([Table 2](#pone-0110177-t002){ref-type="table"}), with dendritic long cells, several types of trapezoidal short cells and rare papillae. Morphological analysis of the material indicates its origin from plants of the wheat/barley group (Triticum sp. and/or Hordeum sp.) ([Fig. 2](#pone-0110177-g002){ref-type="fig"}). Moreover, the analysis of single short cells shows the predominance of rondels (92% of the short cell assemblage), further reinforcing the predominance of a pooid input -- a grass subfamily that includes, among other cereals, wheat and barley. In striking contrast, the Ghaba samples are dominated by C4 grasses from different taxa, including the wide, non-taxonomic group of millets ([Fig. 3](#pone-0110177-g003){ref-type="fig"}). The observed silica skeletons are composed almost exclusively of long cells with very characteristic structure and side protuberances that allow identification at genus level [@pone.0110177-Madella2] (for identification criteria see [Table S1](#pone.0110177.s001){ref-type="supplementary-material"}). Plants of the Paniceae tribe (Panicoideae subfamily), and particularly Echinochloa sp. and Brachiaria sp., are prevalent ([Table 2](#pone-0110177-t002){ref-type="table"}). The assemblage additionally includes small quantities of Panicum/Setaria, Digitaria sp. and Sorghum sp. (Andropogonaceae tribe). Several silica skeletons with long cells with short ∩-undulated protuberances have been grouped as indeterminate Panicoideae ([Table 2](#pone-0110177-t002){ref-type="table"}). These cell types tend to occur along the narrow margin of the inner parts of the inflorescence (upper lemma and palea) of several panicoid grasses as noted, for instance, in foxtail millet, common millet and green foxtail [@pone.0110177-Lu1], [@pone.0110177-Zhang1]. Furthermore, the assemblages from Ghaba seem to have an important input from wild grasses (Poaceae indeterminate) and a small presence of wheat/barley cereals ([Table 2](#pone-0110177-t002){ref-type="table"}). The analysis of single short cells from the Ghaba samples shows a predominance of panicoid morphotypes (89% of the short cell assemblage in Grave 233, and 80% in Grave 295), as well as a minor presence of chloridoids (10% in Grave 233 and 6% in Grave 295). The short cell assemblage from Grave 295 also includes pooids (6%) and other types of short cells (9%). ![Silica skeletons from R12 compared to reference material.\ (a--b) Wheat/barley silica skeletons from grave 46, (c) modern silica skeleton from lemma of Hordeum vulgare L. and (d) modern silica skeleton from lemma of Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccon (Schrank) Thell. Scale bar 50 µm.](pone.0110177.g002){#pone-0110177-g002} ![Silica skeletons from Ghaba compared to reference material.\ (a) Brachiaria sp. silica skeleton from grave 295, (b) modern silica skeleton from the inner part of the inflorescence of Brachiaria ramosa (L.) Stapf., (c) Echinochloa sp. type a silica skeleton from grave 233, (d) modern silica skeleton from the inner part of the inflorescence of Echinochloa colona (L.) Link., (e) Echinochloa sp. type b silica skeleton from grave 295 and (f) modern silica skeleton from the outer part of the inflorescence of Echinochloa frumentacea Link. Scale bar 50 µm. See [Table S1](#pone.0110177.s001){ref-type="supplementary-material"} for the detailed description of identification characters.](pone.0110177.g003){#pone-0110177-g003} Dental calculus {#s3b} --------------- Calculus samples from Ghaba yielded primarily damaged and undamaged starch grains (N~total~ = 20). Seven large (20--40 µm) discoidal grains with smooth or rugose surface (taphonomic rugosity), and occasionally showing lamellae, are from Triticeae grasses ([Fig. 4a](#pone-0110177-g004){ref-type="fig"}). The identification of Triticeae starch suggests wheat and barley ([Fig. 4b--c](#pone-0110177-g004){ref-type="fig"}), confirming the evidence from the phytoliths. Panicoid grasses are identified by two medium-sized (10--20 µm), polyhedral, aggregated starch grains, with wrinkled surface, flat facets and centric hila ([Fig. 4d](#pone-0110177-g004){ref-type="fig"}). These are panicoid starch grains from big millets such as Sorghum or Pennisetum ([Fig. 4e--f](#pone-0110177-g004){ref-type="fig"}). Dicotyledoneae are represented by five large (20--30 µm), ovoid grains, with centric, linear hila and rugose surface ([Fig. 4g](#pone-0110177-g004){ref-type="fig"}). Morphological characters fall within the Faboideae subfamily of Fabaceae (legumes), which includes east African species such as the hyacinth bean (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) ([Fig. 4h--i](#pone-0110177-g004){ref-type="fig"}). However, the taphonomised surface (rugose and without lamellae) impedes a more detailed identification. Three small to medium-sized (5--20 µm), spherical, semi-compound grains with smooth surface and centric hila (Type 1 in [Table 3](#pone-0110177-t003){ref-type="table"}) were observed but no identification was possible using our reference collection. Finally, some damaged non-identifiable granules were observed (Damaged indet. in [Table 3](#pone-0110177-t003){ref-type="table"}). Phytoliths were scarce in the calculus samples. An exception is grave 296, which yielded several silica skeletons of Poaceae, including panicoids. The phytolith identifications in other Ghaba dental calculus samples also saw the presence of phytoliths generally identifiable as grasses. The dental calculus from R12 yielded one Faboideae starch grain, one damaged unidentifiable starch grain and some grass phytoliths ([Table 3](#pone-0110177-t003){ref-type="table"}). ![Starch grains recovered from dental calculi from Ghaba compared to reference material.\ (a) Triticeae starch grain from the skeleton of grave 169, (b) modern starch grain of Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccon (Schrank) Thell., (c) modern starch grain of Hordeum vulgare L., (d) Panicoideae starch grains from the skeleton of grave 297, (e) modern starch grain of Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br., (f) modern starch grain of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench., (g) Faboideae starch grain from the skeleton of grave 52, (h) modern starch grain of Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet and (i) modern starch grain of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. Scale bar 20 µm.](pone.0110177.g004){#pone-0110177-g004} 10.1371/journal.pone.0110177.t003 ###### Plant microremains recovered from dental calculi from Ghaba and R12. ![](pone.0110177.t003){#pone-0110177-t003-3} GHABA R12 ------------------------ ------- ----- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---- --- --- --- Phytoliths Silica skeletons Panicoideae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 6 . . . Poaceae indet. . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . 5 . . . Total silica skeletons . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . 1 11 . . . Single cells Monocotyledoneae Poaceae Long cells Panicoideae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 . . . Pooideae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . Poaceae indet. . . . . . . 1 1 . 2 . 1 . . . . 52 . . 1 Bulliform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . Trichome . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . 2 . . . Dicotyledoneae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . Indet. taxon . 2 . . . . . . . 1 . . . . 1 . 5 . . . Total single cells . 2 . . . . 1 1 . 3 1 1 . . 1 . 78 . . 1 Starch grains Triticeae 1 1 1 . 1 . . . . 1 . . . . . 1 . 1 . . Faboideae 1 . . . 1 . . 1 . . . 1 . . . . . 1 . 1 Panicoideae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . Type 1 . . . 2 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Damaged indet. . . 1 1 . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . Total starch grains 2 1 2 3 3 1 . 1 . 1 . 1 . . . 1 . 4 1 1 Discussion {#s4} ========== The vegetal material recovered from these Neolithic Sudanese cemeteries originates from the plant exploitation strategies of human groups inhabiting the Nile Valley during the Mid-Holocene. The phytolith evidence from Ghaba\'s graves highlights broad spectrum exploitation of local grasses (mostly panicoids) from savannah-like environments, while the R12 sample reveals the use of cereals (wheat/barley), which probably came from the north of the Nile Valley. At the same time, the analysis of the dental calculus from several individuals from both cemeteries indicates that local grasses and domestic cereals were directly used as part of the diet of the people of Ghaba and R12. Additionally, the microfossils indicate the dietary presence of legumes and other non-identifiable sources, which might have included local tubers. The grave samples from R12 are dominated by phytoliths from chaff of wheat/barley. The scarcity of papillae in the silica skeletons prevents a meaningful statistical analysis that would identify the remains at species level [@pone.0110177-Ball1]. However, the wheat/barley phytoliths can be interpreted as originating from domesticated plants because their wild ancestors are missing from the region [@pone.0110177-Zohary1]. Based on published macrobotanical data from Neolithic Egypt -- Merimde [@pone.0110177-Zohary1] and Fayum [@pone.0110177-Wendrich1] -- these finds hypothetically concern emmer wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccon (Schrank) Thell.) and hulled barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The direct date from one of the cereal phytolith concentrations (grave 46; 5311--5066 cal BC) shows that the evidence of domestic cereals from R12 pre-date the cereal finds from the Fayum and Merimde in Egypt (dated at after 4500 cal BC) and the earliest finds of barley from Kadruka 1 in Sudan (c. 4500--4000 cal BC) [@pone.0110177-Reinold1]. This implies that domesticated wheat and barley were available in regions of Egypt and Sudan at least 500 years earlier than previously thought. This confirms an earlier spread of the Near East type of agriculture towards the south. The R12 Mid-Holocene environment and river dynamics were sufficiently similar to the north Nile Valley to allow for flooding cultivation [@pone.0110177-Macklin1]. Furthermore, the early acceptance of cereals in Nubia can be attributed to people in this region being already familiar with wild grass exploitation. This probably resulted in the quick adoption of other plants, such as domesticated cereals coming from the Near East. The phytolith samples from Ghaba, in contrast to R12, show an input from a variety of C4 grasses. This demonstrates that people at Ghaba exploited mixed stands of wild savannah grasses. Such exploitation of semi-arid ecological niches in Sudan was already suggested [@pone.0110177-Clark1] and it is compatible with the evidence from impressions in pottery from Early Khartoum (Mesolithic) [@pone.0110177-Fuller1], Early Neolithic sites in Central Sudan [@pone.0110177-Krzyaniak1], [@pone.0110177-Magid1], [@pone.0110177-Magid2] and ethnographic studies [@pone.0110177-Harlan1]. Ghaba, besides providing direct evidence of the gathering of savannah grasses, shows the considerable disparity of their use at a single site. These findings, radiocarbon dated at 5620--5480 cal BC and 4730--4540 cal BC, are not just similar to other Sudanese sites but also to the Neolithic Nabta Playa, Farafra and Abu Ballas in Egypt [@pone.0110177-Barakat1] and Mesolithic sites in Libya [@pone.0110177-Neumann1], [@pone.0110177-Castelletti1], [@pone.0110177-Mercuri1], [@pone.0110177-Wasylikova1]. The direct dietary evidence from starch grains and phytoliths found in the dental calculus confirms the result from sedimentary samples. It also shows that Ghaba has a range of plant intake covering both domestic C3 cereals and wild C4 grasses, together with legumes (Faboideae) and other non-identified starchy plants/organs. Legumes are scarcely recorded in the charred macrobotanical data [@pone.0110177-Magid3]. In the starch assemblages from Ghaba, domestic cereals are more common than panicoid grasses, in striking contrast with the phytolith assemblages from the pillow-like structures. This pattern is most likely due to a better preservation of the starch grains of major dimensions [@pone.0110177-Haslam1], such as those of domestic cereals. The evidence from R12 is unfortunately poorer, only confirming the presence of legumes and grasses in general. Considering all this, the evidence from the Nubian and Central Sudan Neolithic sites of R12 and Ghaba suggests broad-spectrum exploitation of plant resources by these Neolithic communities. The presence of phytolith-rich deposits advocates for the systematic use of intact grass inflorescence and/or inflorescence by-products as grave goods in Neolithic Sudan. Indeed, similar whitish deposits were observed at Neolithic WT1 Pyramid at Sedeinga, north of Kerma, and the Late Neolithic cemetery Kadada C near Ghaba [@pone.0110177-Reinold2]. The finds from both phytoliths and starch reveal new information on the diet of these human groups, indicating a diverse intake of grains (cereals, various millets and legumes). R12 is dominated by domestic Near East cereals and provides rare direct evidence of the cultivation of crop plants in a society whose economy has been considered mainly pastoral. This cemetery also provides the first evidence in Africa for the use of the near-eastern wheat/barley crop assemblage. Finally, the calculus microremains imply the consumption of green parts and/or reservoir organs from plants of savannah-like environments, including riverine areas. Supporting Information {#s5} ====================== ###### Identification criteria for Panicoideae silica skeletons. (DOCX) ###### Click here for additional data file. We acknowledge L. Maritan for firstly recognising the phytoliths, A.-M. Mercuri for bringing us together and assessing the samples for pollen and J. Irish for sampling the calculus from Ghaba. The R12 skeletal material is housed at the British Museum, Department of Ancient Egypt and Sudan; samples of calculus from some individuals were kindly provided for the project by D. Antoine. We are also thankful to Y. Lecointe for providing material for this study, and C. Rilly and C. Gradel for encouraging and organising the study project on Ghaba material. This research benefitted from discussions with C. Vermeeren, D. Pomstra and C. Lancelotti. [^1]: Competing Interests:The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. [^2]: Conceived and designed the experiments: MM WAO. Performed the experiments: WAO JJGG. Analyzed the data: JJGG MM PR. Contributed reagents/materials/analysis tools: DU. Wrote the paper: MM JJGG WAO PR DU. Director of the excavations at the site: DU.
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Researchers will develop a multidisciplinary, multilingual and multicultural e-health care approach to test across Europe in the Czech Republic, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Germany and England to identify how best to reach this goal. HOMESIDE A HOME-based Spousal caregiver-delivered music Intervention for people living with DEmentia: A Randomised Controlled Trial Professor Helen Odell-Miller at Anglia Ruskin University will work with a multinational team to develop and test a music programme to support people living with dementia, delivered from the comfort of their own home. As the majority of people with dementia live in the community rather than in care homes, support here is crucial. Music interventions can reduce behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia but, but we don’t yet know the whether this type of intervention might also work when delivered by a carer at home. Researchers will assess the impact of the intervention on depression, resilience and quality of life for both the person with dementia and their carer across Australia, Norway, England, Germany and Poland. OPTIM-PARK OPTIMisation of community resources and systems of support to enhance the process of living with PARKinson’s disease: a multisectoral intervention At the University of Southampton, Dr Maria Carmen Portillo will lead a multinational programme aiming to enhance quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s Disease, their carers and family. The researchers will build and test multi-sector care pathways using resources and systems of support in the community. With a particular focus on disadvantaged areas, they hope to optimise the use of community resources across Europe, reduce inconsistency between nations and improve the effectiveness of care pathways. They will test their intervention to help care providers and health professionals learn from best practice and apply these findings to their own work. Four countries will take part in this programme, involving researchers from England, Spain, Norway and Denmark. SHAPE Self-management and HeAlth Promotion in Early-stage dementia with e-learning for carers – A randomised controlled trial Professor Linda Clare at University of Exeter and Professor Martin Knapp at London School of Economics and Political Science will work with a multinational team to develop and test a new way to support people living with mild dementia and their carers. The SHAPE programme combines training to enable people to manage and cope with life with dementia, with advice on healthy living. This intervention aims to promote confidence among people affected by dementia and empower them to continue to participate in daily life and society. Participants will take part in the study in Norway, England and Australia to assess this approach across borders. 'For many people, a diagnosis of dementia can have a significant impact on confidence. It can really dent their ability to feel able to cope with the challenges of everyday life. We’re investigating how we can best support and empower people to live independently and as well as possible in dementia.' - Professor Linda Clare, of the University of Exeter SHARED Social Health And REserve in the Dementia patient journey Dr Daniel Davis at University College London will work with a multinational team to unravel the relationship between social health, biological and psychological factors in dementia. They will use existing data from 40 studies, capturing long-term data from nearly 150,000 individuals to probe which aspects of health are most influential during a person’s life, before and after a diagnosis of dementia. Researchers will map the role of social health across the entire patient journey for the best ways to prevent dementia, and make positive change for people living with dementia. Researchers are collaborating in this study from The Netherlands, Sweden, Australia, UK, Germany and Poland. What research is Alzheimer's Society funding? We are investing £10 million a year into dementia research. We fund a variety of dementia research projects and initiatives across the UK to help improve care, understand causes and work towards a cure.	https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/research/our-research/JPND
5 Healthy Store-Bought Sauces that Make Weeknight Cooking WAY Chill They just happen to be vegan too. Most of our favorite meals involve a great sauce. And, while we'll never stop making our own, we’re also aware of the weeknight dinner magic that come from having a few trusty store-bought versions stashed in the fridge or pantry. Out of all the options in the condiments aisle (and online), these are the healthyish options we're reaching for right now. “All these sauces represent labor saved,” says senior food editor Chris Morocco. “It gives you such a leg up in terms of a flavor starting point.” Bonus: They all just happen to be vegan.	https://www.bonappetit.com/gallery/5-healthy-store-bought-sauces
This webinar brought together experts in the fields of M&E, research, knowledge management , and peer reviewed publishing to answer questions and give tips and tricks to mine and share relevant learning and evidence with country counterparts and the global community. Panelists included: - Sujata Bijou, IntraHealth, has spent over fifteen years in international program design, implementation, monitoring, quality improvement, evaluation, and field research focusing on RH, FP, MCH, and HIV/AIDs. Sujata currently works as a Senior Technical Advisor for Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning at IntraHeatlh International. - Samantha Dittrich, BMJ, has more than eleven years of domestic and international experience in epidemiology, disease surveillance, pharmacovigilance, and nursing in communicable and non-communicable diseases. She has an extensive background in global health security, public health, program management and clinical research. - Ruwaida Salem, Senior Program Officer at the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs (CCP), has more than 15 years of experience in the global health knowledge management field. She has worked as an editor, writer, and content strategist and now manages the production process for the Global Health: Science and Practice peer-reviewed journal. - Margarite Nathe is principal editor/writer at IntraHealth International. As part of IntraHealth’s communications team and editor of the blog VITAL, she writes about global health, international development, and making the world a healthier place for all 7.6 billion of us. Panelists answered questioned and discussed challenges and concerns about positioning M&E work for publishing, selecting the right venue for manuscript submission, and making strategic decisions for which knowledge dissemination tool to use. Webinar recording (Adobe Connect) View materials from the webinar:	https://coregroup.org/webinar/position-your-me-for-publication/?mode=high
Difficult start for the integration of the aviation industry in the European carbon market The official entry of the aviation industry in the European Emission Trading Scheme beginning of 2012 was accompanied with heavy opposition and was shielded off by the sector, leaving leaving some doubt about the exact details of its implementation. The associated cost is the main argument of the critics of the system, but is the EU ETS really a threat to the industry? Other causes, deeply rooted in the industry, but less known, are in reality the driving force behind this resistance. Carbon markets and CO2 quotas: a complex system already implemented for the heavy industry The European CO2 trading market exists since 2005 and affects some 13,000 industrial facilities (eg power plants, paper mills, ...) which are among the most polluting in Europe. The goal is to create a price signal, taking into account the degradation of the environment related to human activities, and penalizing the most polluting activities. On the basis of historical emissions and reduction targets set for 2020 by the government, each member state calculates a total amount of allowances available for all installations on its territory. A part of this amount, which varies depending on the sector of activity and the time variable is distributed free. The rest available on the CO2 market, is subjected to the law of supply and demand. Structure of the European CO2 market At the end of each year, each facility included in the system, must justify a number of allowances to cover its emissions, otherwise it is liable to financial penalties. Therefore, in addition to allowances received free of charge, these facilities must buy on the market, at the market price, the number of allowances they need to level out their balance as carbon emitter. A scalable, yet little deterrent system that must be set up over time The share of free emission rights, distributed for each installation, varies depending on the activity and time. While this was little restrictive in 2005, it is likely to become restrictive and it is expected to have the totality of the quotes traded on the market (after 2013). In parallel, the total amount of emission rights needs to decrease (note 1) over time. However, this theory is not corresponding with the reality because the drop in industrial activity since 2008 has led to a saturated market (due to the economical crisis) and therefore a considerable drop in the price per ton CO2 (note 2). The emission price is now historically low, at less than €6 per ton, a price level which is not deterrent enough to ensure the CO2 savings are met desired by the countries that signed the objectives for 2020. Evolution of the historical prices, Source : MEDDTL (Click to enlarge) Despite the low level of deterrence imposed by the ETS scheme, it has the possibility to deploy an effective and unified environmental strategy over a wide area. The aviation industry, that accounts for 3% of the global emissions and has an increasing traffic flow of over 6% per year, cannot remain long time out of the ETS system. The low carbon price is currently an asset to gently integrate the aviation sector into the carbon market. A brute entry with little real impact on the sector's emissions. The commercial airline industry entered the EU ETS early 2012. According to an equality principle, the imposed regulation includes all flights taking of or landing in Europe, so the regulation applies for both European - & foreign airlines. While the system was imposed unilaterally by the European Community, the regulation instantly sparked reactions from non-member countries to be excluded. The main argument was the excessive cost that it would entail. But this argument does not withstand the analysis. In fact, the energy efficiency (note 3) of the European airline industry increased with an average of 2.7% each (note 4) year over the last decade. Also, the energy needs, and therefore the CO2 emissions of the airline industry In Europe, augmented with 6% in comparison with the period 2004-2006. Based on the same period, the calculation of the quotas available for the aviation does not risk to introduce a lot of tension on the carbon market, especially since the price signal is weak. Keeping in mind the traffic growth assumptions commonly accepted by the stakeholder (+5,5% each year) and assuming that the energy intensity will drop on the same rate for the years to come, the financial impact in 2020 for the entire airline industry in Europe is estimated to be 1.3 billion euro each year and only 4,5% of the toal carbon market. This additional cost, which will certainly be integrated in the airline fares, will therefore only represent approximately €0.90 per 1000km round trip, which is considerably less than an increase of a barrel crude oil of 3% (note 5). < Provision of the evolution in terms of quotes for the aviation In fact, the countries that opposed to the ETS in the aviation industry (China & US) mainly opposed due to sovereignty considerations. On the other hand, the heavy traffic between those countries and the European Union give them a strategic advantage in the commercial negotiation with the aviation industry in Europe (namely the constructors) because these countries are of strategic importance for the health of the sector. The cost argument is therefore diplomatically acceptable, but it is not viable. However, this blocking jeopardizes the whole system since it might withdraw a portion of its substance and offers European players some weight in the discussion to reduce the maximum impact of the system on their activities. Although the system is heavily attacked, the European Union and its member states remain firm in their positions so the battle is not yet over. Notes 0 : 100 €/tonne 1 : -1,74% par an après 2013 2 : 1 quota carbone = 1 tonne de CO2 3 : consommation de carburant par passager transporté au kilomètre 4 : principalement grâce au renouvellement au sein des flottes des avions les plus énergivores 5 : en retenant un prix de 100€ par baril Sources :	https://energy.sia-partners.com/difficult-start-integration-aviation-industry-european-carbon-market
Sunday 3 August; Eastbourne Lammas Festival. Music, dance, carnival and workshops on Eastbourne seafront. Western Lawns, Eastbourne Seafront West, King Edwards Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4EE. Free. Tel: 01323 737808. Saturday 9 August, Pan's Picnic. Fourth annual Pagan Federation London picnic at Queen's Woods High Gate, North London. Noon - 6pm. Please bring your own food for the BBQ and drinks. Visit: http://www.pflondon.org/ 8th, 9th and 10th of August, The Artemis Gathering. Festival in 40 acres of beautiful countryside in Oxfordshire. The event features ecological and environmental charities, a medieval encampment, a bar, cafe, fire pit and wandering performers. The main entertainment will be music by the Dolmen, Damh the Bard and Richie Hudson, with an alternative club featuring the Witching Hour DJ Swedish. The event is selling out fast, so it is advisable to book quickly at http://www.witchfest.net/. If you know of any pagan events and want them listed on A Bad Witch's Blog, email me via my blog or leave a comment below.	http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/08/pagan-events.html
Examining the History and Consequences of the Doctrine of Christian Discovery Professor Philip Arnold is principal investigator on a Luce Foundation grant awarded to Syracuse University to explore the impact of the Doctrine. For over 30 years Syracuse University Professor Philip Arnold has been teaching in the area of religion and colonialism. As president of the Indigenous Values Initiative (IVI) and founding director of the Skä·noñh—Great Law of Peace Center, he has collaborated with the Onondaga Nation and scholars from Central New York-area institutions to advance scholarship surrounding decolonization. His research has led him to explore a famous U.S. Supreme Court case that would ultimately shape the future of international property law. In that 1823 case, known as Johnson v. M’Intosh, the Supreme Court ruled that a land sale in 1763 by the Piankeshaw Indian nation to British citizens was not valid because the Piankeshaw nation did not have the right to convey the land, citing the Doctrine of Christian Discovery (DoCD). As the 200-year anniversary of the Johnson v. M’Intosh case approaches, Arnold will serve as principal investigator on a grant awarded to Syracuse University by the Henry Luce Foundation to examine and challenge the theology and legal theory of the DoCD. According to Arnold, the project, titled “200 Years of Johnson v. M’Intosh (JvM): Indigenous Responses to the Religious Foundations of Racism,” will explore how the DoCD and related narratives including the Columbus story and Manifest Destiny (policy of U.S. expansion across North America coined in the mid-1800s) established codes of domination that continue to impact Indigenous Peoples in America and around the world today. The DoCD was a framework issued by the Vatican in the mid-fifteenth century which established a justification for seizure of lands not inhabited by Christians. According to the website DoctrineofDiscovery.org, it was formulated as a series of papal bulls and sanctioned the conquest and colonization of non-Christians who were deemed “enemies of Christ” in Africa and the Americas. (1) “The global scale with which the DoCD expressed itself in the ‘Age of Discovery’ — first in Africa, then the Americas, and beyond — created a unified Christendom, which became the basis of the transatlantic slave trade, land theft and the opposing force against the great global plurality of cultures,” says Arnold, associate professor and chair of the Department of Religion and core faculty member of Native American and Indigenous Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences. “The doctrine continues to be used by multi-national corporations and nation-states in their extraction of resources in indigenous territories around the world. These religious ideas became the foundational building blocks of white supremacy and Manifest Destiny that we are dealing with today.” While over 350 Christian denominations and other religious groups have taken a first step to denounce and repudiate the Doctrine of Christian Discovery, Arnold says the DoCD continues to influence land appropriation today and has been cited in court cases as recently as 2005’s City of Sherrill v. Oneida Indian Nation of N.Y. In that case, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the Oneida Indian Nation could not restore tribal sovereignty to land that had been taken by New York State, says Arnold. In that decision, the Court drew upon the DoCD when delivering its opinion, and said that the Oneidas had “relinquished governmental reins and could not regain them through open-market purchases from current titleholders." (2) “Commodification of land, understood by the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas as Mother Earth, is seen as the root cause of disrupting the natural world,” says Arnold. “This 200th year anniversary of Johnson v. M’Intosh is an opportunity to examine this clash of values as related to land.” The Luce grant will support conferences planned and led by Indigenous scholars, activists and students; podcasts that will amplify Indigenous voices; art exhibits featuring the work of Indigenous artists; and journalistic writings illuminating Indigenous values. Arnold and his colleagues plan to hold a major event at Syracuse University in April 2022 featuring An Evening with Buffy Sainte-Marie, Indigenous Canadian-American musician and social activist. Additionally, the group is organizing a conference to take place at Syracuse University in February 2023, the month that marks the 200th anniversary of Johnson v. M’Intosh. An art show themed around the DoCD featuring work by Indigenous artists will be held at the Skä·noñh—Great Law of Peace Center in 2023-24. Arnold and his collaborators will also produce a special issue of the journal CrossCurrents for religious groups, schools and Indigenous communities, and a book for the series Haudenosaunee and Indigenous Worlds, published by the Syracuse University Press. Together these materials serve to educate the public about the history and consequences of the DoCD. The Henry Luce Foundation seeks to enrich public discourse by promoting innovative scholarship, cultivating new leaders, and fostering international understanding. Established in 1936 by Henry R. Luce, the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Time, Inc., the Luce Foundation advances its mission through grantmaking and leadership programs in the fields of Asia, higher education, religion and theology, art, and public policy.	https://thecollege.syr.edu/news-all/news-from-2022/examining-the-history-and-consequences-of-the-doctrine-of-christian-discovery/
Illinois Court Awards $3.3 Million in Workers’ Compensation Case When a person is injured in the workplace, they have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim and recover compensation for lost wages, medical bills and other damages. However, some employers retaliate against workers who file claims. This is because a claim can sometimes raise insurance premiums, and when this happens, some employers get angry and decide to treat their employees negatively. This was what happened in Illinois. A jury found that Dean Foods had retaliated against an employee who was injured while on the job. The employee took the case to the U.S District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and was awarded more than $3.3 million. The employee was injured while working for Dean Foods in 2013. He had surgery and attempted to return to work the following year. He was ready to return to light-duty work, but Dean Foods never offered him a position. Instead, they offered him work that exceeded his medical restrictions. The jury also found that Dean Foods did not accommodate the man’s disability. The company never had a dialogue with the man about his disabilities and restrictions and therefore violated the Americans with Disability Act. The jury determined that Dean Foods retaliated against the man and awarded him $3,316,443 in punitive damages. What is Workers’ Compensation Retaliation? When a person is injured while performing work duties, they have the ability to file a claim for compensation, regardless of who is at fault. An employer should never discourage an injured employee from filing a claim. If a person does file a claim and the employer retaliates against them in anyway for doing so, then they can be forced to pay punitive damages to the employee. Retaliation can come about in many forms. An employer can engage in many acts that can be considered retaliation, including the following: - Terminating an employee - Demoting or transferring an employee to a different department - Reducing the employee’s pay - Reducing hours - Threatening or harassing the injured employee - Giving unwarranted negative performance reviews or disciplining the employee An employee can file a lawsuit if the employer’s retaliation or discrimination violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Proving retaliation, however, is not an easy task. An employee needs more than just a feeling that they are being retaliated against. You will need evidence such as voicemails, emails and letters. Verbal statements can also be used, but proving that your employer said them can be challenging. Inconsistent behavior, mood changes, body language, timing and falsified evidence can be used against your employer to strengthen your case. Contact a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today Applying for workers’ compensation benefits can be a complicated process. Plus, many workers face retaliation from their employers for filing a claim. The Chicago workers’ compensation accident lawyers at Harvey L. Walner & Associates, LTD can help you with any obstacles and challenges you may face. We have been protecting the rights of workers for more than 75 years. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online request form or call 312-800-0000. Resource:	https://www.walnerlaw.com/illinois-court-awards-3-3-million-in-workers-compensation-case/
Columbia Association is working diligently to provide reasonable modifications that enable persons with disabilities to participate in Columbia Association programs and activities. Columbia Association remains sensitive to ensuring that existing facilities and all new construction provide reasonable modifications for those with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This effort is directed towards employment and providing accessible sports facilities, swimming pools, golf courses, tot lots, and pathways. The listing below is of Columbia Association’s facilities with greater accessibility to persons with disabilities. Facilities with equipment specifically designed for individuals with mobility issues are noted.	https://www.columbiaassociation.org/policies-statements/ada-compliance/ada-friendly-facilities/
Proformative Advisors are experts, not only on the topic areas noted, but are also expert users of Proformative, and provide advice and feedback that helps us improve the Proformative site for corporate finance, accounting and treasury professionals. Regis Quirin is a financial executive with 23 years of corporate experience, i.e. New York Stock Exchange (4 years), JP Morgan Chase (14 years), and GMAC ResCap (5 years). Since January 2000, Regis has worked with small and medium-sized entities, i.e. joint ventures, start-up entities, established businesses. Regis engages heavily in operations and strategy; and is often responsible for business transformation, i.e. finance, accounting, organizational. His primary focus has been preparing organizations to grow considerably or reshape their portfolios of businesses. With a background in accounting, financial, and risk management, as well as new business development; Regis has proven abilities leading teams of professionals. In addition to publishing the book “Redesign to Turnaround Underperforming Small and Medium-Sized Businesses” in 2014, articles have been contributed to both the Institute of Finance Management “Controller’s Report” Member Briefing and CIO Review Magazine. Regis has a Masters of Business Administration from Fordham University - Graduate School of Business Administration; as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from New York University – College of Arts and Science. Chief Financial Officer Consultant : CMD Capital Formation LLC - [2011-01 to 2012-12] Provide financial management and analysis expertise to Executive Staff. Recommend growth plans and strategies based on future and current trends. Oversee daily financial activities. • Prepare and distribute Investor documentation to raise capital. • Develop tools and systems to provide critical financial and operational information. • Help develop and execute analysis of various business initiatives (e.g., opening new operations, asset acquisition, new services). • Oversee cash flow planning to ensure availability of funds as needed. Serve as final point of escalation for A/P and A/R issues. • Help in the installation and utilization of forward-looking, predictive models and activity-based financial analyses. • Ensure maintenance of appropriate internal controls and financial procedures. • Enhance and implement financial and accounting systems, processes, tools and control systems. • Provide ad hoc project solutions. Vice President FP&A : GMAC ResCap - [2006-01 to 2011-02] Managed finance team of 5 individuals to support national business development channel. Performed financial modeling of expected cash flows for new initiatives; conducted financial management activities – budgeting, forecasting, business planning and analysis, strategic planning and expense control activities. Conducted meetings with plan owners to review plan inputs, assumptions and business forecasts. Partnered with business colleagues to develop and modify processes to meet the changing business environment needs and / or streamline activities and procedures to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Vice President FP&A : JPMorgan Chase - [1992-04 to 2006-01] Managed finance team of 7 individuals to support national business development channel. Launched joint venture companies, i.e. financial set-up tasks and personnel on-boarding tasks. Performed profitability analysis to support current business and proposed initiatives. Managed and coordinated company financial / business planning, budgeting, forecasting, and expense control functions. Ensured staffing levels sufficient to achieve business objectives, within budget parameters. Research Associate : New York Stock Exchange - [1988-05 to 1992-03] Conducted analysis of customer trading patterns on NYSE and competitor exchanges. Generated daily, weekly, monthly reporting for senior management.	https://www.proformative.com/users/regis-quirin
Description:Overview: The Patent Agent position exists to reduce external outside counsel spending and assist the AGC of IP with management of the Company's Patent portfolio and to help drive innovation from Engineering and Industrial Design. Responsibilities: - Patent Prosecution Management: including review invention records, drafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications globally before the Patent and Trademark Office and instructing Foreign Associates; Overseeing internal team process for seeking execution and filing of formal documents including declarations and assignments globally - Outside Counsel Management: including instructing, reviewing, overseeing and approving outside counsel's work on various global patent matters. - Docket and Filing Systems Management: overseeing and establishing the company's docketing practices and electronic filing room systems filing practices, and overseeing Docketing Specialist activities regarding patent systems - Patent/Technology Analysis and Landscaping: including conducting prior art searches and landscape researches and opinions to guide R&D development - Patent Portfolio and Patent Strategy Management: including conducting patent portfolio reviews with Design, engineering and business team, developing global patent strategies based on business roadmap and R&D development - Managing Patent Prosecution Budget: including developing efficient means to provide the most value and protection with limited budget, tracking spending throughout the year - Harvest inventions: including understanding R&D activities, scheduling and running technical discussions with engineers, and assisting in documenting all IP discovered. - Client Counseling: provide guidance to R&D and business on various patent matters globally, provide training on patent process and strategy - Patent Annuity Management: including determine the value and activity associated with various patents, seeking input from business and instructing annuity firm accordingly - Global Patent Coordination: including various meetings throughout the year, developing patent strategy for cross-regional inventions with Global counterparts and seeking global patent protection - Evaluate current processes and implement new cost and time efficient processes within the IP team Qualifications:	https://www.ajiu.live/jobdetail-senior-patent-agent-job-piscataway-nj-lixil-corporation
Shareholder Register - In the United Kingdom, the term of the shareholder register often means the register of members. In other words, a shareholder register refers to a regularly updated list of 'the owners of company's shares. It is required for each current shareholder to be recorded there. The register contains such personal details as person's name and address, as well as the number of owned shares. Moreover, such details as shareholder's occupation and the price paid for the share could also be included. The shareholder register is vital for company’s ownership examination. The term shareholder register is widely accepted in Europe and some other continents. Interestingly enough, the USA coined its own term, namely a shareholder list. A shareholder register has to include all the shares that are issued by the company. Additionally, some registers detail all shares issues to any individual shareholder within the period of the last 10 years, together with the date of shares transfers. The registers may include the party’s name to whom shares were transferred. The register may include as well the purchase prices of such shares. Should the shares be not fully paid for, the shareholder register should include the amount, which was not paid. The foundation of a shareholder register is a transparent list of beneficial owners of shares (shareholders, who can exercise voting rights related to shares, together with other concrete rights and powers, and are entitled to dividends). The Shareholder Register aims to provide detailed information on company’s shareholders. With the use of a technical connection, company managers may gain access at their own terminals to individual information on shareholders, current positions and past movements, along with aggregate information by nationalities, percentage capital, etc.To be more precise. The shareholder register should list the following information : - the shareholder’s name and address - the number of shares or share certificates; - the date of shares issue. Law What is worth noticing is the fact that if there was no share certificate issued for the share, the shareholder register should note a lien or other similar right. Most usually it is the company’s board of directors that is responsible for maintaining the shareholder register. If there are any doubts as to what should be included in the register, the decision is made during the board meeting. In line with the provisions of law, the board of directors should maintain the register in a reliable manner. However, in other countries apart from the company itself, the register may be kept by an external company. A shareholder may take advantage of their rights only when they are entered into the company’s shareholder register. In the event when several persons own shares together, they may take advantage of their rights only by a joint representative. The shareholder register constitutes a public document. Thus, it should be made available for public inspection at the company’s registered office. In other words, it is an important document that helps to identify the shareholders and the owners of other company’s registered securities. It can be useful when we want to verify the number, nominal value, type as well as the classes of shares and other registered securities. The shareholder register may be also kept with the aim of securing shareholder’s rights and monitoring the circulation of shares and other securities that are registered .	https://ceopedia.org/index.php/Shareholder_register
Citation: Kohn, R., Angel, R., Mitchell, R., Weber, G., Kerr, B.J., Sutton, A., Carpenter, G. 2002. Impact of animal nutrition and feed management on the environment: success, challenges and future direction. Animal Residuals Agricultural Animal Manure Management Policy and Technology. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: To predict the future direction of animal nutrition and feed management on the environment, one must understand where we are today in terms of making animal production more environmentally friendly. With current regulations on phosphorus (P) (soil runoff and ground water infiltration), nitrogen (N) (aerial emissions, soil runoff, and ground water infiltration) and sulfur (S) (aerial emissions); nutrition and feed management personnel utilize published and ongoing research to reduce the release of these nutrients into the environment. Prior to discussing technologies that will impact losses of these nutrients, however, the future direction of nutrient management may need to consider other `nutrients¿ of environmental concern. For this discussion, nutrients or compounds that may need to be considered in future Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans are those fed to animals that are not fully utilized by the animal or by the crop to which the manure is applied. Besides N, P and S as stated above, compounds (including nutrients) that may be of future concern include zinc, copper, iron, production facility particulate emissions, malodorous compound emissions from production or manure storage facilities, pharmaceutically active compounds, and microbes. Although the combination of existing (diet manipulation, program feeding, etc) and future technologies (genetic modification of crops and animal/microbes) will greatly aid in reducing the impact of animal production on the environment, the road to this improvement will be difficult as improvements in one area of the animal production¿environmental puzzle often impacts other areas of concern. In context of this discussion, alterations in diet composition with subsequent assimilation through the biological system of the animal, after which excretion products are further contained and modified in manure storage facilities; creates an inherently complex situation with which to make rapid progress on reducing the impact of animal production on the environment. Ultimately, efforts are needed to link dietary treatments to animal metabolism, to manure development, to the soil and water environment, to crop utilization; to generate a model of cause and effects of changes in the entire production cycle.	https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=134455
On 3 December, the exhibition “Two Palmyras: Real and Virtual” begins its run in the General Staff building as part of the large-scale programme for the Day of Palmyra in the Hermitage. The Day of Palmyra in the Hermitage comprises a series of events devoted to discussion of the ancient city’s role in world culture, possibilities and methods for restoring the site, and problems of preserving the “Archaeological Monuments of Palmyra” UNESCO World Heritage site. Besides professional discussions, the programme includes the opening of three exhibitions, the key element of which is a comparison of two Palmyras” – Southern and Northern, the ancient city itself and Saint Petersburg. The exhibition “Two Palmyras: Real and Virtual” develops on this theme, reflecting other parallels as well: the real-life city that has been destroyed several times over the course of its existence, and its virtual embodiments that aim to preserve the appearance of the city at various periods in its history. The main idea of the exhibition is to present the current stage in the study of Palmyra and to demonstrate the results of the most up-to-date monitoring of the state of the site that are being carried out in the hope of the reconstruction of the ancient city at some later date. The central part of the display is a detailed model of the territory of ancient Palmyra on a scale of 1:300 made by 3D printing on the basis of photogrammetric scanning carried out by specialists from the Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IHMC) and the Geoscan company. The expeditions to create a 3D digital model of the state of the site and to record the damage inflicted on it took place in 2016 and 2019 under the leadership of the IHMC’s Deputy Director, Natalia Solovyova. Members of the State Hermitage staff and military topographers participated in its work. Over several years, a tremendous job was accomplished: more than 55,000 high-definition aerial photographs were taken, covering a total area of 20 square kilometres, while the elements of the model are made up of almost 700 million points with detailing down to three centimetres. The aerial photography was supplemented by several thousand ground-level shots of the most important objects of the ancient city that had been particularly badly affected by the acts of destruction, including world-famous works of architecture – the Great Colonnade, Monumental Arch, Temples of Bel and Baalshamin, Roman Theatre. Thanks to the large-scale work carried out, Russian scientists acquired a high-precision 3D models of the terrain and buildings and created detailed orthophoto maps with high spatial resolution, making it possible to study the layout of Palmyra in great depth. The world’s most detailed and precise digital model of Palmyra was completed and formally presented in August 2020. Based on the 3D model, researchers have been developing a geographic information system named PalmyraGIS (GIS “Palmyra in Time and Space”) with a database that encompasses the results of all previous archaeological and historical studies of the city made over the past 300 years, as well as a geospatial depiction of the current state of the site. For each object there is a description of the time, extent and character of the damage inflicted in recent years. All this is not merely a document registering the barbaric destruction of humanity’s cultural assets, but also a research tool that surpasses in its universality all methods employed hitherto. The data obtained will become a reliable foundation for the planning of any further measures for the reconstruction, restoration and conservation of the monuments and further scholarly research into Palmyra. The digital model can be explored on the special website https://palmyra-3d.online. The exhibition also features one more high-precision model – a detailed recreation of the Temple of Bel that was destroyed in 2015. The temple has been made on a scale of 1:33 and it presents the famous edifice in two states – in the condition on the eve of the destruction in 2015 and as a complete reconstruction. The model has been produced from the digital reconstruction carried out by specialists from Mikhail Atayants’s Architectural Studio in the team of the IHMC’s 2019 expedition. This digital model is considerably superior to all similar works presently known in respect of the scientific approach to questions of reconstruction, detailing and the quality of execution. This reconstruction has also served as the basis for the creation of interactive software that allows people to take a virtual walk around the temple area and that can also be tried out at the exhibition. While the exhibition is running, the art object Capital has been installed on Bolshaya Morskaya Street beneath the Arch of the General Staff building (the appearance of which was inspired by one of Palmyra’s edifices – the Arch of Triumph). The piece is an exact, full-size copy made from natural Dolomite limestone of one of the capitals that topped the pilasters of the Temple of Bel. It measures 1.9 × 1.9 × 1.1 metres and weighs around 7.5 tonnes. The display is supplemented by exhibits that show the changing state of Palmyra over the last 250 years – items relating to the architecture of ancient Palmyra and to the 2016 and 2019 expeditions, as well as a series of photographs for comparison. In this way, the exhibition not only presents cutting-edge technologies and the very latest methods in the preservation of cultural treasures, but also acquaints visitors with the actual process of international work in Palmyra. The exhibition curator is Ivan Vasilyevich Korneyev, Head of the State Hermitage’s Historical and Informational Service.	https://wvww.hermitagemuseum.org/wps/portal/hermitage/what-s-on/temp_exh/!ut/p/z0/fY3BDoIwEER_xUvPWzCBc2M8FA94MYG9mNVsYBVaKA3i31v9ADOneXmZAYQG0NEqHUXxjobUWyyutTFFtj_oqranUps6uxxtafOzLaEC_C-kBXnMMxrAu3eRtwhNz2GUSB3v2Cn9wy4qzVsvN_k-L0pHHicfKLyVzlMSePmJhlECLYFpWCVEmJ7YfgD5JVft/
It’s been in its planning stages for the last three years, and now the 2010 Power Smart Manitoba Winter Games are ready to go. Almost 3,500 athletes will gather in the largest multi-sport event in the province this weekend in Portage la Prairie. Coming off the heels of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, these games will feature 10 different sports: artistic gymnastics, badminton, cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, five pin bowling, hockey, ringette, Special Olympics and volleyball. The Opening Ceremonies will kick things off Sunday at the PCU Centre beginning at 8 p.m., with competition running until Saturday, March 13. Organizers anticipate the impact to the local economy to be over $1 million. The Province of Manitoba provides the host community with an $80,000 operational grant and an additional $80,000, which was matched by the host community, for facility development. A complete schedule of events is available at ManitobaGames.ca.	https://www.chrisd.ca/2010/03/06/2010-power-smart-manitoba-winter-games/
More than a year into the pandemic, it seems as good a time as any to comment from the perspective of an Island entertainer and musician as the second disrupted summer/fall season approaches. Traditionally, the months of May to October are prime earning months for myself and others in my field. Each local entertainer I know has a unique approach to the entertainment business that reflects their particular talents and experience. Despite the professional differences between us, it is fair to say that the passion we share for the stage and the lights is something that is a common trait and one that is particularly affected by the pandemic and the need for physical distance. I realized last fall that there is a gap between reality and perception when I was asked if I had lost half of my work last summer. The actual figure was not in the 50 per cent range but more in the 99 per cent range. This last year has been very difficult. One of the hard facts to absorb in the last while has been the fact that we who strive daily to continue a grand Maritime legacy of music, entertainment, and oral tradition are not what we imagined ourselves to be. We have not been labelled essential workers, when everything in my very soul tells me that our musical traditions are exactly that, essential. Every Islander has been affected by this difficult period. I want to first of all thank those who have continued to hire musicians within the boundaries of COVID distancing restrictions. You’ve kept us from despair with your efforts. Secondly, I thank those who have physically supported us by coming out to musical events. As the summer and fall season approaches, I encourage those who are able to support local theatres, halls, organizations and bars who have gone the extra distance to make venues safe. None of them is supporting entertainers to financially capitalize on an opportunity. It would be so much easier to just lock the doors. Please think about what you can do to fill an audience seat this coming season. It’s no longer enough to talk about the abundance of musical talent we have on this Island. My late father had an old-fashioned term for that. He called it “lip service”. We have an opportunity to support our entertainment industry on P.E.I., and that begins with people in venues, venues that are working with guidelines to ensure your safety. This upcoming season will be limited but the passion and effort is there. Please think about what you can do to help a musical artist as we aim for a post pandemic era. Perhaps the “new normal” can include a real investment in our local cultural identity, not by government but by people coming out to clap their hands and tap their toes. Michael Pendergast is a longtime local folk musician and entertainer whose business has been affected by restrictions to public gatherings. He resides in Tracadie Cross.	https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/opinion/letter-of-the-day-musicians-and-performers-face-another-disrupted-season-100579281/
Devolving responsibilities and services alone will not square the circle of fewer resources, growing service demand, and the need to raise productivity and drive economic growth. Our functional devolution proposals are a step towards this within specific services, however, more fundamental questions remain about how local public services are funded in the long term. With the devolved nations gaining greater control and freedom over their own taxation, and 100 per cent business rates retention to English local government by 2020, the question of further fiscal devolution and financial autonomy for areas in England beyond 2020 is now being raised. London Councils and GLA’s joint response to the Government’s consultation on 100 per cent business rates retention sets out a detailed set of proposals for the devolved retention and management of business rates by London Government, that will balance the need to incentivise growth against the pressures caused by population growth and any newly transferred responsibilities. It sets out a clear vision for a devolved London business rates retention system, including 14 specific asks of Government that would be needed to enable such a devolved system. The proposals seek to address two fundamental issues with the current system: the negative impact of business rates appeals, which currently impedes growth and makes funding unstable; and the premise that revaluations should be to a fixed yield nationally – seeking for London’s business rates to be de-coupled from the rest of the country, to prevent economic growth in the capital artificially constraining business rates growth across the rest of the country. The 2017 revaluation provides further evidence of the unsustainability of the current system with values again increasing disproportionately in London compared with the rest of the country, thereby restricting any future business rates growth outside of the capital and making local authorities outside of London more reliant on top-up grants. London’s proposals, as set out in the 14 “asks”, would help address these problems in ways that would not only help London manage its future sustainable economic growth, and the financial sustainability of its local public services, but would benefit local government in the country as a whole.	http://rrlondoncouncils-lb01.rs.rroom.net/our-key-themes/local-government-finance/government-spending-plans/autumn-statement-2016/fiscal
The embodiment of the invention discloses an optical cable and an optical cable laying method, which are used for realizing full-pipeline optical cable laying in a fluid pipeline. The embodiment of the invention provides an optical cable. The specific structure of the optical cable is as follows: the optical cable comprises an optical fiber, an optical fiber buoyancy adjusting device and a traction device; wherein the traction device is connected with the optical fiber and is used for pulling the optical cable to move forwards along the flowing direction of the fluid medium by utilizing the fluid pushing force of the fluid medium in the fluid pipeline or fixing the optical cable by utilizing the fluid pushing force of the fluid medium; and the buoyancy adjusting device wraps the optical fiber and is used for adjusting the density of the optical cable, so that the optical cable floats in the fluid pipeline.
June 2, 2020 To the family and friends of George Floyd, and to all members of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association: The Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) expresses sincere condolences for the outrageous death of native Houstonian George Floyd. Mr. Floyd’s death while in the custody of law enforcement officers was completely unnecessary and exemplifies the systematic abuse of people that will continue to occur without serious and effective oversight of law enforcement policies, procedures and actions. HCCLA demands a full and transparent investigation, and charges must be sought against all criminally responsible parties. The community is in pain. This pain is not unique to Minneapolis, sadly; it extends across America. The killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor are just the latest examples to bring to light the national shame of brutality perpetrated in the name of law enforcement. Far too often, that overzealousness and barbarism is aimed at people of color. The United States has witnessed too many undeserved, early funerals. HCCLA is the largest local criminal bar in the State of Texas with nearly 800 members. HCCLA demands justice for Mr. Floyd and others victims throughout the nation, and here locally. HCCLA insists the time for change is now, and not for the next generation to address. HCCLA demands courts stop upholding unjust convictions by claiming the violation of individual rights by police is “harmless”. HCCLA demands District Attorney Offices across Texas immediately release the names of peace officers found to have engaged in sustained use of force or complaints of racism. HCCLA demands local governments stand against police union obstruction of justice. All lawyers, judges, and upstanding officers of the law and the courts must rise up against this exploitation of any person. In an effort to propose a solution, we strongly support implementing the following rules immediately: - Require all police officers wear body cameras and equip all patrol vehicles with dash cameras. Police policies should require all officers leave their bodycams and dashcams running during any encounter and keep them on while a person is in police custody. No muting or turning the cameras off while they are on scene. Police departments should also eliminate any delay in releasing the footage for cases filed. - Increase the penalty for official oppression from a Class A misdemeanor to a 3rd Degree felony. Police Officers are granted large amounts of authority and trust from the community. When they violate that trust the penalty should be higher. If an assault where a person causes bodily injury is a Class A misdemeanor, then the penalty should be higher when an officer uses his or her authority in an unjustifiable assault. Officers enjoy enhanced protections when they are “targets” of crime, they should also suffer enhanced penalties for abusing their authority. - We need transparency for the officer complaint process. All protections for un-sustained complaints against police officers should be removed. Far too often when complaints are made, Internal Affairs will investigate and, in some cases, recommend mediation. Un-sustained complaints should remain in an officer’s public personnel file along with the investigation and outcome. - Immunity from civil liability should be removed for officers who violate people’s civil rights as well as departments who continually protect those officers from discipline for excessive force. HCCLA’s members are seeking to be part of the solution. Many HCCLA members are providing free representation (pro bono) for those people arrested while engaging in peaceful protest. Together, HCCLA stands against racism, violence in the name of order, and demands due process for all citizens accused. HCCLA will use all available resources to promote awareness of any criminal cases involving excessive force or racism by law enforcement. HCCLA is prepared to assemble with community members, partners and local officials to help identify what more can be done together. Starting in Houston – starting today – resources must be dedicated to address this systemic, institutional problem. There are no reasons to wait for tomorrow.	https://hccla.org/george-floyd/
Album-Release: 2017 HRA-Release: 04.08.2017 Label: OnClassical Genre: Classical Subgenre: Instrumental Album including Album cover - Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1827): Diabelli Variations, Op. 120: - 1Theme. Vivace00:48 - 2Var. 1, Alla marcia, maestoso01:55 - 3Var. 2, Poco allegro01:03 - 4Var. 3, L'istesso tempo01:34 - 5Var. 4, Un poco più vivace01:06 - 6Var. 5, Allegro vivace01:02 - 7Var. 6, Allegro ma non troppo e serioso01:58 - 8Var. 7, Un poco più allegro01:31 - 9Var. 8, Poco vivace01:44 - 10Var. 9, Allegro pesante e risoluto01:54 - 11Var. 10, Presto00:38 - 12Var. 11, Allegretto01:14 - 13Var. 12, Un poco più mosso00:57 - 14Var. 13, Vivace01:16 - 15Var. 14, Grave e maestoso04:58 - 16Var. 15, Presto scherzando01:34 - 17Var. 17, Allegro01:02 - 18Var. 18, Poco moderato01:43 - 19Var. 19, Presto00:52 - 20Var. 20, Andante02:38 - 21Var. 21, Allegro con brio01:22 - 22Var. 22, Allegro molto00:52 - 23Var. 23, Allegro assai00:59 - 24Var. 24, Fughetta. Andante03:49 - 25Var. 25, Allegro00:48 - 26Var. 26, Piacevole01:19 - 27Var. 27, Vivace01:03 - 28Var. 28, Allegro01:03 - 29Var. 29, Adagio ma non troppo01:21 - 30Var. 30, Andante, sempre cantabile02:15 - 31Var. 31, Largo, molto espressivo05:21 - 32Var. 32, Fuga. Allegro03:13 - 33Var. 33, Tempo di menuetto. Moderato04:27 - 6 Bagatelles, Op. 126: - 34No. 1 in G Major03:33 - 35No. 2 in G Minor03:01 - 36No. 3 in E-Flat Major02:52 - 37No. 4 in B Minor04:38 - 38No. 5 in G Major02:50 - 39No. 6 in E-Flat Major04:08 Info for Beethoven: Diabelli Variations, Op. 120 & 6 Bagatelles, Op. 126 "33 Veränderungen über einen Walzer einen Walzer von Diabelli": this is the original German title chosen by Beethoven for one of his last great bursts of musical inspiration. Even the title is remarkable, indeed, he did not choose the traditional word "Variation", but the more germanic-sounding "Veränderungen", whose approximate translation could be "transformation". As a matter of fact, the word "tranformation" fits the purpose: by going through the whole composition, the listener (and the pianist) can realize Beethoven's will for the conversion and destruction of the coarse and childish theme written by Diabelli. The master from Bonn did not solely "kindle" the futile waltz, but also rediscovered (after the last three sonatas) the great masters of the previous century (in the two fugues) and of the Viennese school (in the last Minuetto). Even though the Diabelli Variations constitute the master's last outstanding work for the piano, he did not use it so as to give his ultimate farewell to the instrument. While he was delving into the great string quartets, he found the time to write the final set of Bagattellas (literally "trivial things"), in which any kind of rhetoric and wish for greatness is abandoned in order to reach a lighter and fainter musical language: namely the Bagattellas are truly "romantic" creations. Giovanni Mazzocchin, young promise of Italian pianism, gives to Diabelli Variations (aka. "Transformations") an analytical and very precise reading. Giovanni Mazzocchin, piano Giovanni Mazzocchin is born in Bassano del Grappa in 1994. He studied at the Conservatory 'Arrigo Pedrollo' in Vicenza under the guidance of Marco Tezza. During the years of conservatory he also attended masterclasses with some notable pianists such as Carlo Grante, Alexander Madzar and Filippo Gamba. He degreed in 2012 with high degrees, honor and special mention. Giovanni is now student at the University of the Padua in the faculty of Computer Science, and he combines the study with the musical interest. He is as an OnClassical artist since November 2015. A first collaboration with the label includes the recording of the late sonatas by Ludwig van Beethoven, Opus 101 & 106 (Hammerklavier) and Opus 109, 110, 111 (OnClassical Cat. OC141C), and the Bach's Goldberg Variations. This album contains no booklet.	https://www.highresaudio.com/en/album/view/dp4fjq/giovanni-mazzocchin-beethoven-diabelli-variations-op-120-6-bagatelles-op-126
The source files illustrating the control of a process with binary On/Off actuator in REXYGEN are located in this folder. Process is controlled with a PID controller. Analog output from PID is converted into binary format with pulse-width modulation in the block PWM. Timing of the project The algorithm runs each 100 milliseconds (0.1 s). See the EXEC function block, tick x ntick0 = 0.05 x 2 = 0.1 Prerequisites - REXYGEN Runtime Core must be installed and running on the target device. Running the example - The *exec.mdl file is the project main file. - Open it with REXYGEN Studio, compile and download it to the target device. - Switch to Watch mode and observe the algorithm. - Open trend diagnostic window for the block TRND_Loop for observing proces value, manipulated variable and set point trends. You can choose the TRND_PWM for watching signals from PWM block too. - Change the set-point (CNR_sp) in range from 0 to 10. - Observe the controller action (PIDU:mv) and the process reaction (MDL_PROCESS:y) in trend TRND_Loop and PWM action in TRND_PWM. - Change the set-point (CNR_sp) in range from -10 to 0 and observe system behavior again. Documentation - Press F1 for help on the selected function block in the REXYGEN Studio. - PIDU function block documentation - PWM function block documentation - Function blocks of REXYGEN - REXYGEN Studio User Guide - Complete documentation of REXYGEN Additional information - Visit the REXYGEN webpage for more information about the example projects and developing advanced automation and control solutions using REXYGEN.	https://www.rexygen.com/example-projects/0303_PID_Control/0303-10_PID_with_PWM/0303-10_PID_with_PWM.html
This paper describes the design, fabrication, and analysis of an experiment that demonstrates the stability and control system characteristics of an aircraft constrained at the center of gravity in an air flow field. Given a set of basic requirements, the physical system (including the airframe, wings, tail, and mounted ball bearing) was designed, modeled, and manufactured. With the aircraft placed in front of a fan and allowed to rotate freely with the ball bearing, an angular rate sensor and servo motor to the deflect the elevator may be connected to any computer using an analog/digital Data Acquisition (DAQ) device to send and receive signals needed for the real-time control of the system. Using Simulink and Matlab with the DAQ device, the user may take data on the response of the aircraft and design the control system. The basic open loop input/output responses, system identification, and comparison to a theoretical model are described, and future work will be used to identify the closed loop control characteristics of the experiment.	https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/aerosp/59/
Doha: Five films supported by the Doha Film Institute will be screened at the Locarno Film Festival, which takes place in Switzerland and starts tomorrow and runs until 14 August. These films include director Majid Al Remaihi’s “And Then They Burn the Sea”, which is supported by the Qatar Film Fund dedicated to supporting Qatari cinematic talent, which is the first Qatari film to participate in the prestigious Locarno Film Festival, thus writing a new chapter in the history of Qatari cinema. Fatma Hassan Al-Remaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute, said: “The selection of Majid Al Remaihi’s film to be screened at the Locarno Festival is a historic achievement that attests to the progress of the Qatari film industry. This achievement will inspire young talents to continue to pursue their ambitions in the world of cinema and make their mark on the international stage by producing original stories that reflect our nation’s culture and traditions. I am so proud to see filmmakers from across our region leading a new trend in filmmaking with the ability to deliver influential stories that resonate globally. Their creativity and dedication to the arts are a reflection of the current state of Arab cinema”. “Over the past ten years, the Doha Film Institute has been supporting powerful and impactful stories that discuss a range of issues and explore many perspectives, so that the Institute has become an essential supporter of the next generation of filmmakers from Arab countries and the world” She added. Our funding programs are in line with our primary mission, which is to give distinguished filmmakers the opportunity to express themselves, communicate their voices, and help them realize their aspirations in the field of storytelling in a way that enriches global cinema and promotes cultural diversity.” “And Then They Burn the Sea” is the filmmaker’s elegy for his mother, who, over the course of several years, suffered memory decline until she lost it completely. The film combines various artistic colors ranging from poetry, folk history, and the personal archive of Majid Al Remaihi, exploring through it the meanings of mourning and loss. The film is screened at the Locarno Film Festival in the Pardi Di Domani category, which is dedicated to short and medium films from around the world. The film was also shortlisted for the Concorso Internazionale category. Majid Al Remaihi attended several documentary short film workshops organized by the Doha Film Institute before starting the production of his film under the direction of director Rithy Panh, one of the former Oscar nominees. الدوحة: تُعرَض خمسة أفلام مدعومة من مؤسسة الدوحة للأفلام في مهرجان لوكارنو السينمائي، الذي يقام في سويسرا وينطلق غدا ويتواصل حتى 14 أغسطس الجاري. وتشمل هذه الأفلام فيلم المخرج ماجد الرميحي “ومن ثم يحرقون البحر”، المدعوم من صندوق الفيلم القطري المخصَّص لدعم المواهب السينمائية القطرية، وهو أول فيلم قطري يشارك في مهرجان لوكارنو السينمائي المرموق، ليكتب بذلك فصلاً جديداً في تاريخ السينما القطرية. وقالت فاطمة حسن الرميحي، الرئيس التنفيذي لمؤسسة الدوحة للأفلام: “يُعد اختيار فيلم ماجد الرميحي للعرض في مهرجان لوكارنو إنجازاً تاريخياً يشهد على تقدّم صناعة السينما القطرية. سيُلهِم هذا الإنجاز المواهبَ الشابة ويدفعهم للاستمرار في السعي نحو تحقيق طموحاتهم في عالم السينما وترك بصماتهم على الساحة الدولية من خلال إنتاج قصصٍ أصيلة تعكس ثقافة أمتنا وتقاليدها. أشعر ببالغ الفخر وأنا أرى صنَّاع الأفلام من جميع أنحاء منطقتنا، وقيادتهم لتيارٍ جديد في عالم صناعة الأفلام بما يمتلكونه من قدرات تمكّنهم من تقديم قصص مؤثرة تلقى صدى عالمياً. إن براعتهم في الإبداع وإخلاصهم للفنون انعكاس للوضع الراهن للسينما العربية”. وأضافت: “على مدار السنوات العشر الماضية، دأبت مؤسسة الدوحة للأفلام على دعم قصصٍ قوية ومؤثرة تناقش جملةً من القضايا وتستعرض وجهات نظر عديدة حتى أضحت المؤسسة داعماً أساسياً للجيل المقبل من صنَّاع الأفلام من الدول العربية والعالم. تتماشى برامجنا التمويلية مع مهمتنا الأساسية وهي منح الفرصة لصنّاع أفلام مميزين للتعبير عن أنفسهم وإيصال أصواتهم ومساعدتهم في تحقيق طموحاتهم في مجال السرد القصصيّ على نحو يثري السينما العالمية ويعزّز التنوع الثقافي”. ويُعدّ فيلم “ومن ثم يحرقون البحر” قصيدة رثاء من صانع الفيلم لأمِه التي عانت على مدار أعوام عدة تدهوراً في الذاكرة حتى فقدتها تماماً. ويجمع الفيلم ألواناً فنية شتى تتنوع ما بين الشعر والتاريخ الشعبي والأرشيف الشخصيّ لماجد الرميحي، مستكشفاً من خلالها معانيَ الحداد والفَقد. ويُعرَض الفيلم في مهرجان لوكارنو في فئة Pardi Di Domani المخصَّصة لعرض الأفلام القصيرة والمتوسطة من مختلف أنحاء العالم. كما وصل الفيلم إلى القائمة القصيرة لفئة Concorso Internazionale. وقد حضر ماجد الرميحي العديد من ورش الأفلام الوثائقية القصيرة التي تنظمها مؤسسة الدوحة للأفلام قبل البدء في إنتاج فيلمه تحت إشراف المُخرج ريثي بان، أحد المرشحين السابقين لجائزة أوسكار.	https://www.wgoqatar.com/101656
For several weeks now, companies worldwide have been in a state of emergency. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a sudden collapse in sales in many companies. The retail trade, the tourism industry, the catering trade and many other sectors are particularly affected. Many companies are experiencing economic difficulties. The Federal Government is supporting German companies with extensive immediate relief packages such as short-time working allowances, liquidity assistance through tax deferrals and bridging loans from the KfW. In these times, the managers of the companies have to monitor the economic situation of the company particularly closely and initiate measures at an early stage if there are signs of negative developments. When considering suitable measures, however, managers should not focus exclusively on the public immediate relief packages but should also take the restructuring options available under the German Insolvency Statute (Insolvenzordnung, InsO) into consideration. In each individual case, it should be examined on the basis of liquidity planning whether the public immediate relief packages, such as taking out KfW loans, are suitable for improving the company's economic situation in the long term. For in many cases it is already apparent now that taking out KfW loans will only have a short-term effect. For example, it will not be possible to compensate for lost sales due to business closures in the future. The companies will therefore have to bear a high debt burden. Restructuring a company by initiating a debtor-in-possession management can therefore be a real alternative to the immediate relief packages offered provided by the Federal Government. In this way, restructuring measures can be developed under this procedure to enable the company to become competitive on the market again and operate profitably. According to the German Insolvency Statute, the company may restructure itself in the course of insolvency proceedings by means of debtor-in-possession management. The aim of the procedure is to preserve the company and restructure it in a sustainable manner. In the case of suitable companies, restructuring succeeds through early coordination with the parties involved in the proceedings, in particular with the company's creditors, and the preparation of an insolvency plan. The insolvency plan includes in particular the proportionate satisfaction of unsecured creditors and measures under company law, such as a capital cut, transfer of shares, capital increases in kind through the contribution of receivables (debt equity swap) and conversion measures. In contrast to regular insolvency proceedings, no insolvency administrator is appointed in debtor-in-possession management proceedings. The previous management is allowed to control the proceedings itself and is supported by an experienced restructuring expert. During the debtor-in- possession management procedure, the management is supervised by a court-appointed insolvency monitor who is independent of the debtor company and the creditors. In the case of larger companies, a provisional creditors' committee must be formed to represent the interests of creditors in the debtor-in-possession management procedure. The debtor-in-possession management procedure ends one the insolvency plan drawn up is approved by the creditors. The company will then be released from the proceedings after a restructuring phase of about 6 months with debt relief. If there are signs of a negative development, the managers of the companies should include in their examination, in addition to the public immediate relief packages, the restructuring options offered by a debtor-in-possession management procedure. With sufficient preparation time, the main creditors, customers and suppliers can be analysed in advance. On this basis, a holistic assessment can then follow for each individual case and a sustainable restructuring strategy can be developed. Our restructuring and financing experts at Luther support you in examining alternative courses of action and support you in the respective process.	https://www.luther-lawfirm.com/en/newsroom/blog/detail/can-restructuring-by-means-of-debtor-in-possession-management-be-an-alternative-to-government-support-measures-during-the-corona-crisis
28th August 2020 This week we’ve chosen three books that you might not normally consider. Two are real stories from the past and one is fiction – but they’re all books to curl up with in the evening and get lost in. We’re pairing them up with Decaffé, the perfect partner if you like a coffee after dinner. We decaffeinate it using a natural water method and then delicately roast it to produce a smooth, malty taste with a hint of caramel. It’s all the flavour without the kick of caffeine, perfect for cosy evenings reading. A reminder of spring: Cherry Ingram by Naoki Abe Cherry blossom, one of the most beautiful sights of spring, is an obsession in Japan. But in the 1920s, Japan’s cherry population was under threat. Step forward an English botanist called Collingwood Ingram. Determined to help, he began sending rare varieties from his own garden in Kent to the other side of the world. A century on, Japan is world renowned for its displays of blossom in the spring and it is all done to Cherry Ingram. Why we love it: This is not a book for gardeners – it’s much more than that. If you’ve ever stopped to admire a cherry in full blossom, you’ll find something in this book. If you haven’t, you will do in future. It’s the beautifully written story of how one person can make a difference and how trees improve our world. A fantastical journey: The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern Imagine reading a book full of stories and finding a recollection from your own childhood hidden in the pages. That’s exactly what happens to Zachary Rawlins after he stumbles on a forgotten book in his university library. Determined to solve the puzzle of the stories, he embarks on an extraordinary adventure into a labyrinth of stories hidden far below the earth. Why we love it: If you loved fantasy films and stories as a child (as we did) this is a wonderful novel to escape into. It’s a little bit Neverending Story, a little bit Labyrinth. Erin Morgenstern’s previous novel The Night Circus was a worldwide bestseller, so you know that she knows her way around a good yarn! An extraordinary family: The Good Sharps by Hester Grant This is the story of four brothers, three sisters and the extraordinary lives they led. Brought up in a Northumberland rectory in the 1700s, they would change their world. Among this family’s achievements are: commissioning the world’s first lifeboat; becoming surgeon to King George III; building the canal network; having a successful career as an artist and musician; and being recognised Britain’s first great campaigner for the abolition of the slave trade. Hugely successful, yet loving, brothers and sisters, they’re people you’d love to share a coffee with. Why we love it: Sometimes history can seem a bit remote from our modern lives, but not in this case. Close and full of life, the Sharps loved a good party, preferably on a boat in the middle of the Thames. Oh, and they also can claim to have invented the canal boat holiday! We think you’ll get along with them. We hope you enjoy these books – they’re the perfect excuse to make another cafetière of Decaffé and settle down for a night of reading. Remember to head to the Vintage website and enter the competition to win these books and a year’s supply of coffee.	https://www.taylorsofharrogate.co.uk/vintage-books-week-4/
Opinions of the United 2005 Decisions States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit 10-19-2005 Polat v. Atty Gen USA Precedential or Non-Precedential: Non-Precedential Docket No. 04-2519 Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.law.villanova.edu/thirdcircuit_2005 Recommended Citation "Polat v. Atty Gen USA" (2005). 2005 Decisions. Paper 387. http://digitalcommons.law.villanova.edu/thirdcircuit_2005/387 This decision is brought to you for free and open access by the Opinions of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit at Villanova University School of Law Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in 2005 Decisions by an authorized administrator of Villanova University School of Law Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. NOT PRECEDENTIAL UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE THIRD CIRCUIT No. 04-2519 SAKIR POLAT, Petitioner v. ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES, Respondent On Petition for Review from a Final Order of the Board of Immigration Appeals BIA No: A79-399-963 Submitted Under Third Circuit L.A.R. 34.1(a) September 30, 2005 Before: RENDELL, FUENTES, and WEIS, Circuit Judges (Filed: October 19, 2005) ____ OPINION OF THE COURT FUENTES, Circuit Judge Petitioner Sakir Polat, a native and citizen of Turkey, challenges a decision of the 1 Board of Immigration Appeals (“BIA”) upholding the denial by an Immigration Judge (“IJ”) of his request for political asylum, withholding of removal and relief under Article III of the Convention Against Torture. Because the IJ’s decision was supported by substantial evidence, we will affirm. BACKGROUND I. Mr. Polat entered the United States on May 1, 2000 without a visa or other entry documents, and filed for political asylum. At the merits hearing on March 3, 2003 and in his statement in support of his application for asylum, Mr. Polat testified to the following facts: Mr. Polat was a member of the Fazilet Party, a political party in Turkey that advocates a lessening of military control of the Turkish government. As a member of that party, Mr. Polat recruited new members and attended meetings. In August 1997, he was arrested with a group of other party members during a demonstration, and was beaten on his feet with sticks. He was released the next day after his brother paid a bribe to the police. In May 1999, Mr. Polat was again arrested at a Fazilet Party demonstration, and was threatened and beaten. After his family again bribed the police, he was allowed to “escape” from prison, about two weeks after he had been arrested. A warrant for his arrest was later sent to his home by mail, around August 1999. Mr. Polat submitted this warrant to the Court with a translation (JA 343), which reads, in pertinent part: 2 “To: Birth Department/ Yozgat/The person ehose [sic] identity is given below, Sakir Polat (accused) has been wanted by civil court decision dated 98/145. If that person comes to your department, kindly let us know./ Alparslan Dogan” After he received this arrest warrant, Mr. Polat went into hiding. When his daughter was born, he returned home and stayed there for about twenty days. Mr Polat is afraid to return to Turkey because he believes that he will be thrown in jail and that his life will be in danger. II. The IJ found Mr. Polat not credible and denied his application. First, the IJ did not believe Mr. Polat’s claims that he had been arrested. She noted that Mr. Polat did not arrive in the United States until about a year after his second arrest, and that although he stated that he spent that time collecting money for the trip, he left and returned to Turkey several times during the same period on trips to the Netherlands, Spain, and Romania. He received exit visas for these trips. The IJ also pointed out that in an interview with authorities in the Miami airport after his arrival in the United States, and then a week later in a second interview, Mr. Polat stated that he had never been arrested. At the merits hearing, Mr. Polat explained that he had been asked whether he had ever committed crimes, and that he had said no (JA 176); he later stated that he didn’t mention the arrests because he was not brought to a courtroom in the course of the arrests (JA 177). The IJ also found not credible Mr. Polat’s claim that he had received an arrest 3 warrant. She did not believe that a warrant would be mailed to his home, and noted that the warrant referred to a civil judgment and was mailed to the “birth department,” shedding doubt on its relevance to a criminal arrest. Moreover, the IJ referred to an investigation of the arrest warrant by the Immigration and Nationalization Service (INS). On May 7, 2002, the INS filed with the IJ a memorandum from the Consul at the United States Embassy in Ankara, Turkey. (JA 316-18.) The memo indicated that following a request from the Department of Justice, the consulate investigated the authenticity of the arrest warrant submitted by Mr. Polat and contacted Alparslan Dogan, who purportedly had signed the arrest warrant. According to the memo, Commander Dogan stated that the warrant was fraudulent, that he was not the Commander in 1999, the year of the warrant, and that the signature was not his. Lastly, the memo stated that there were no outstanding arrest warrants against Mr. Polat in Turkey. Based on this information, the IJ found that Mr. Polat had an obligation to demonstrate that the document was reliable, and that he had not done so. The IJ did not find sufficient evidence that Mr. Polat had committed fraud by fabricating the warrant, however, and noted that the memo was hearsay. Finally, the IJ stated that she did not believe that Mr. Polat would be in danger if he returned to Turkey, noting that Mr. Polat’s brother and father are members of the Fazilet party and have remained in Turkey. STANDARD OF REVIEW Where, as here, the BIA affirms the IJ’s decision without opinion, this Court 4 reviews the decision of the IJ. Partyka v. Attorney General, 417 F.3d 408, 411 (3d Cir. 2005). The IJ’s findings of fact are reviewed for substantial evidence. Dia v. Ashcroft, 353 F.3d 228, 247 (3d Cir. 2003). Adverse credibility determinations are similarly reviewed under a substantial evidence standard. Gao v. Ashcroft, 299 F.3d 266, 272 (3d Cir. 2002). Where credibility determinations are “based on speculation or conjecture, rather than on evidence in the record,” they are reversible, and “minor inconsistencies and minor admissions . . . ‘are not an adequate basis for an adverse credibility finding.’” Id. (citations omitted). DISCUSSION The IJ based her adverse credibility finding on three main points: (1) that Mr. Polat left and returned to Turkey several times after his second arrest and before his departure for the United States; (2) that in two interviews shortly after his arrival in the United States, Mr. Polat stated that he had never been arrested; and (3) that the arrest warrant submitted by Mr. Polat was not believable. These three factors provide substantial evidence to support the IJ’s holding. Mr. Polat’s extensive travel after his purported second arrest and before his departure for the United States suggest that he was not in constant fear of arrest during this period. It is also notable that these trips required repeated interactions with the Turkish government to receive exit visas and a passport renewal. (JA 115-16.) Generally, inconsistencies between an asylum seeker’s airport statements and his 5 testimony before the IJ are not sufficient in themselves to support an adverse credibility finding; “[s]uch an interview is likely to be hurried; language difficulties arise; the results may be inaccurately recorded, and an arriving alien who has suffered abuse in his home country may be reluctant to reveal full information in his or her first meeting with the government.” Fiadjoe v. Attorney General, 411 F.3d 135, 159 (3d Cir. 2005). Here, however, Mr. Polat failed to mention the arrests in two different interviews, and his explanations for not mentioning them were dubious. Moreover, the fact of his arrests was not a minor point, but rather a central element of Mr. Polat’s claim for asylum. Mulanga v. Ashcroft, 349 F.3d 123, 137 (3d Cir. 2003) (noting that “immaterial discrepancies between airport interviews and subsequent testimony should not be used to make adverse credibility determinations”) (emphasis added). It was therefore reasonable for the IJ to consider this omission in deciding whether Mr. Polat was credible. As for the arrest warrant, Mr. Polat argues that the IJ erred in admitting the consular report because its weak probative value was outweighed by its prejudicial effect. As the government notes, the IJ provided Mr. Polat several opportunities to investigate the warrant and provide evidence of its reliability, as well as to determine whether Mr. Polat’s confidentiality had been violated as he claimed, but Mr. Polat was unable to do so. (See, e.g., JA 120-27.) Moreover, the IJ recognized that the memo was not definitive, noting that it was hearsay. (JA 41.) In discrediting the arrest warrant, the IJ did not rely solely on the memo. She noted that Mr. Polat had not explained why it was addressed to 6 the “Birth Department,” and also considered the fact that Mr. Polat was at home on several occasions after receiving the arrest warrant, but was never arrested. In combination, these points provide substantial evidence in support of the IJ’s decision. We therefore deny the Petition for Review. 7
Let’s Check Our Cybersecurity Before We Wreck Ourselves By Avery A. Dial, Partner and Co-Chair, Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice Group, and Nicole Christman, Attorney Microsoft released its annual Digital Defense Report this past month, which shows an increased sophistication of cyber threats. This annual report, initially launched in 2005, continues to contribute to a community approach to better improve the security of our shared digital ecosystem. This year’s eighty-eight (88) page report covers cybersecurity trends throughout the past year and recommends that all organizations, businesses, and industries need to invest in professionals and technology to help stop attacks. Recent attacks are showing a trend in certain techniques such as credentialed harvesting, the use of compromised username/password information to gain access to sensitive information; ransomware, a type of malware that blocks access or threatens the use of the victim’s sensitive information unless the victim pays a ransom; and an increased focus on the Internet of Things (IoT), given the interconnection of our phones, devices, etc. Also, attack campaigns are morphing to avoid detection, changing use from domains to email addresses to content templates and URL domains. In the past years, cybercriminals focused on malware attacks. However, more recently, cybercriminals have shifted their focus to a more direct means of phishing attacks (~70% increase), such as sending emails pretending to be reputable companies to induce a victim to reveal passwords, personal and financial information. Further, nation-state actors have shifted their targets this year to COVID-themed attacks, luring victims with crisis themes, and targeting nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), government health care organizations, among others. Some of these actors are even targeting vaccine research organizations. Most of these attacks originate from groups in Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea. Ransomware continues to grow as a significant threat, and many government officials have warned against the potential use to disrupt the 2020 elections. Moreover, working from home has presented new challenges and vulnerabilities. As more organizations move applications to a cloud, there is an increase in distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, which causes harmful infiltration of an organization. Social engineer is also being used to psychologically manipulate victims into performing actions or divulging confidential information. All organizations, businesses, industries, and even individuals should work with the government, IT, and legal professionals to help stop attacks through regular security updates and comprehensive backup policies, enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFAs alone have prevented the majority of attacks, and we recommend you ensure your organization implements them today.	https://www.kdvlaw.com/news-resources/lets-check-our-cybersecurity-before-we-wreck-ourselves/
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Paul S. Grogan: How a community foundation becomes a civic leader Paul S. Grogan, president of the Boston Foundation, visits with students in a school supported by the foundation, which works with community members, state and local governments, and other institutions to improve health and vitality of greater Boston. Images courtesy of the Boston Foundation The Boston Foundation envisions its role as more than just a philanthropy; it also serves as a civic leader, says the foundation president in this Q&A. The Boston Foundation, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, is one of the oldest and largest community foundations in America. It has long been a major philanthropy, but about 15 years ago, the foundation took on another important role: civic leader. Under the leadership of President Paul S. Grogan, the foundation has conducted and shared research into critical issues facing greater Boston, and has used that data to help shape a common agenda. “The foundation is a kind of neutral meeting ground where very wealthy people feel very comfortable, but also people from the low-income neighborhoods and minorities feel very comfortable,” he said. “It’s really believing in the wisdom of communities, and ordinary people, and trying to make sure they are involved in the process.” Grogan spoke with Faith & Leadership while at Duke University to give a lecture for the Foundation Impact Research Group. The following is an edited transcript. Q: How do you move forward in your mission to build and sustain a vital, prosperous city and region? This is a very big project to get a grip on. We don’t pretend that we can do these big things by ourselves. There’s tremendous collaboration in Boston among foundations, and also in terms of interaction between foundations, and state and local government. The other thing, I think, that’s important is that we are a place-based institution. We’re focused on the health and vitality of greater Boston, yes -- but its people and place. We have to focus on the attributes of the place. But people need to have opportunity as well. And so we also focus on helping to produce upward mobility and economic opportunity for those that haven’t had it. Q: Talk a little about your organization’s function as a “civic hub and center of information.” Traditionally, the Boston Foundation was a steward of philanthropy and a grant maker. And we continue to do those two things. About 15 years ago, we added a third major role for the foundation at the instigation of our board of directors. They really felt that the Boston Foundation, in addition to making good grants and being helpful, could be influential by doing other things like commissioning significant research and making sure that the public focused on what that research was saying. It was really this third function of research, civic activity and public policy that we’ve come to call “civic leadership.” We’ve been doing those other two things for 100 years. We’ve only been doing the civic leadership for 14 or 15 years. But it’s had quite an impact. Q: Why was that necessary? One might expect that government would be doing that, or the business community, or even the church. What need did you see? The perception was that independent community and civic leadership was in decline in Boston. In the business community, there have been widespread mergers and acquisitions that reduced the number of headquarters of companies that were there, and reduced the number of business leaders who were involved and engaged. Of course, the Catholic Church’s influence in civic leadership has declined precipitously for all the reasons we know -- very sad. And we have a strong-mayor form of government, and traditionally very strong occupants, but it’s good to have a balance. The government can’t do it all, and in fact, government is improved by the involvement of independent community and civic leaders. So I don’t think the board, when they mandated this change in strategy, felt that the Boston Foundation could substitute for all those things. But we could be part of an answer, part of a more robust response to what they thought is almost a kind of drift. There were some things going very well in Boston, but there wasn’t that kind of discussion going on, civically, about what we need to do in the future. They wanted to see the foundation play a role in starting to get that to happen. Q: It was interesting to me to see, throughout your materials, that it seems you are trying to have a give-and-take with the community. Why do you think that’s important, and how do you implement it? It’s really believing in the wisdom of communities, and ordinary people, and trying to make sure they are involved in the process. The foundation is a kind of neutral meeting ground where very wealthy people feel very comfortable, but also people from the low-income neighborhoods and minorities feel very comfortable. I think it’s important also for our legitimacy that lots and lots of people feel a connection with the foundation, so they’re not questioning whether it’s our right to do this or that, or, “Aren’t you overstepping your bounds?” We don’t get that very much, because there is this ethic of involving a lot of people in what we do. Q: How do you make sure that you have a diversity of involvement? You have to be committed to it and committed to a very aggressive effort to build and maintain relationships that cross a lot of boundaries. We have quite a diverse board of directors, and this is an issue of real concern for them. And they really govern the institution -- they have a lot of power. We have a very diverse staff. More than 40 percent of our total staff are minorities, including many in positions of authority and leadership. I think people are acutely aware of the dramatic demographic changes that are occurring in our city. The white population is diminishing as a percentage of the whole. The minority population is growing. So Boston proper is a minority-majority city at this point, just barely, but a minority-majority city. Q: What are some examples of community projects that have flourished with startup funding? One of the things that’s strong in Boston now is neighborhood health centers. We have more than 20 of them, and we’ve really been a leader in that field. Most of the health centers got their startup capital from the Boston Foundation, and they’re providing the direct care in the neediest communities. The impact of that has been enormous. We helped start an organization called Save the Harbor / Save the Bay, which succeeded in getting Boston Harbor cleaned up. It was a stupendous accomplishment, a $4.5 billion investment, which has unleashed this incredible waterfront development that is one of the big drivers of Boston’s success. The foundation was instrumental in starting a lot of what we think of as the safety-net institutions. For instance, we provided the startup capital for what’s now called the Greater Boston Food Bank. It’s just incredible the amount of food that they’re making available to the needy. Cultural institutions like the Boston Children’s Chorus -- we now have one of the top youth choruses in the United States, and we were inspired to do this by learning what was going on in Chicago. They’ve performed all over the country, heavily minority and low-income participation, and what these kids go on to do is amazing. Q: Shifting to the Boston Indicators Project, why is research and data so important? We believe it is very powerful, and efficacious, to keep critical data in public view -- not only to have the data, but to present it powerfully at certain intervals. This is a way to build the literacy -- at least of the leadership of the community -- about the major trends that are underway, and major problems and challenges that are appearing. We’ve become an institution that is much more responsive to data, and I think it’s been a good thing. One of the things that I think we’ve been able to do was bring a public-affairs capacity to this research so that it doesn’t just go on a shelf. There are forums. We cultivate the press so that they’re focused on it. We’re very active in getting these issues paid attention to. You don’t just do a report and hope for the best. We’ve got a game plan to try to use it to stir an interest and, perhaps, get a result. And in a surprisingly large number of cases, we’ve gotten a big result. Q: Were there any surprises or revelations? We’ve been out ahead of things a number of times. The Indicators Project spotlighted some years ago that the middle class isn’t going to be able to stay in the city, because of the housing expenses and cost of living generally. You can see the city moving toward what you could call a barbell shape, where you’ve got people at the top who can afford it, people at the bottom in public housing or having subsidies that enable them to stay, but people in the middle are just not being able to afford this city anymore. That is a huge issue now, and everybody understands it’s a big, big problem. It’s a top priority of our mayors. Q: And do you think that having data through the Indicators Project helps get buy-in for a shared civic agenda? It can help people see the severity of a problem. For instance, one of our big accomplishments was a legislation that reformed municipal health care plans in Massachusetts, whose costs years ago were running completely out of control. They were really devouring city budgets, so that they’d have to lay off police and firefighters to pay the health premiums for the remaining employees. But it was a very difficult issue to deal with, because the public employee unions were very happy with the situation where they were negotiating individual plans with cities. But it was unsustainable. And we were able to show in a great piece of research that this problem was so bad that a whole bunch of new money that the legislature had appropriated for education in the previous 10 years had been completely consumed, and then some, by rising health care premiums. There had been no impact on the kids whatsoever from a very large amount of additional education money. So it not only just showed the problem, but it showed consequences. And we were told later by the legislative leaders that that report, despite the politics -- which was all against doing anything about this -- that report sealed it. That was it. So we’ve seen situations like that where a great piece of research that really sheds light on something like that can have surprising impact. Q: Did your religious life or upbringing have an impact on the work that you do? I was brought up in a family of service, of people who engaged in service. Unfortunately, they’re all gone now, but three of my uncles were Protestant ministers, and very, very serious people, and very committed to their work, and just remarkable people. My own father was a lifelong public educator. And so the Judeo-Christian values of service and concern for one’s fellow man, and wanting to do something to make the world a better place, very much came out of that family, and my observations of what they were doing. I had no idea how my career would unfold, but the idea of service as a bedrock, fundamental thing really came from the values that in turn came from the faith.	https://faithandleadership.com/paul-s-grogan-how-community-foundation-becomes-civic-leader
Great series of FinTech interviews by Head of Innovation at Leveris, Conor McAleavey. See more about them here. In this instalment of Ireland’s FinTech Future blog series, we sit down with one of the founding members of the FPAI (FinTech and Payments Association of Ireland) – Anna Scally to find out about the Irish FinTech scene and how the FPAI is helping nurture collaboration within the sector. Anna is also an International Tax Partner, Head of Technology and Media and FinTech Lead at KPMG Ireland. Tell us about the FPAI and what are its goals? In September 2015, we launched the FinTech and Payments Association of Ireland (FPAI), of which I am a founding Director (alongside Colm Lyon of Pay with Fire (and formerly Realex Payments), Morgan Lynch of Senddr and Colm Rafferty of Maples and Calder.) Our primary function is to try to unify the industry and bring people from all areas of FinTech and Payments to the one table. The FPAI is a trade association for all FinTech stakeholders who are involved in financial technology and payments in Ireland. Its main focus is to provide a catalyst for creating an environment in which both indigenous and multi-national FinTech and Payments companies can excel. Businesses of all sizes and stages of development are encouraged to join: start-ups, scaling and international businesses are all welcome. During 2016, the Association was heavily engaged in contributing to the government’s International Financial Services Strategy (IFS 2020) and lead the way in creating the structures and dialogue needed to support the Fintech and Payments ecosystem. In September 2016, Paul Kerley (ex Fenergo and Norkom) took over as Chair of the Association. Paul took over from Colm Lyon who served as the inaugural Chairman. Colm helped the Association to achieve so much in its first year and we are eternally grateful to him for that. Three additional members from the industry joined the Board. Ruth McCarthy (Fexco), Mark Bonham (AirBnB) and Brian McCabe (State Street). Each of Ruth, Mark and Brian has been heavily involved in the association and its work prior to joining the board, each being chair of Working Groups established by the FPAI (more below on the working groups). What do you think the FPAI has achieved so far and what are you hoping to achieve in the next 12 to 24 months? The FPAI has achieved so much in the last 18 months. We have helped to provide a focal point for companies and other interested parties in the FinTech and Payments industries. We have convened two Working Groups which have provided detailed and extensive input to Government, which has influenced Government priorities outlined in the IFS 2020 report. Those working groups are focussed on Payments and a broader FinTech Strategy for Ireland. We also convened a very active Regulatory Special Interest Group (RIG), which has made 4 formal submissions during the year to the European Banking Authority (EBA), the Dept of Finance and the Central Bank of Ireland on regulatory issues including, the adoption of PSD2 and 4th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AML4) – critical issues for the industry. Over 90 members participated in those working groups – and I want to thank all of those who participated in 2016 as they provided real and critical industry insight into really important matters. In addition, we hosted our first annual conference in April 2016. This was the largest gathering of FinTech stakeholders ever in Ireland. FinTech Nation brought together players from across the FinTech sector to discuss the state of FinTech in Ireland and its future. We have provided a forum for individuals and businesses involved in the industry to meet-up and share industry insights through our programme of “Meet-ups” throughout the year. All events are free to FPAI members. Irish tech companies and financial institutions are already working closely together to design new products and services. I think we have provided an important forum and an opportunity for stakeholders to meet and learn from one another in a mutually beneficial environment. We have hosted a number of Partner Sessions, including one on Brexit. These sessions have provided an opportunity to the FPAI and its Working Groups to update members and Partners, including Enterprise Ireland (EI), International Development Agency (IDA), Central Bank of Ireland (CBI), Financial Services Ireland (FSI), Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) and many others working in the industry, on what the association has been up to. They’ve also provided a useful forum to share insights and help to ensure clarity on the role of each and minimise the risk of overlap dealing with various industry issues. We have seen an acceleration in the sector over the past 18 months and Dublin can now credibly be listed as a growing centre for FinTech development. More and more Irish FinTech companies are gaining international recognition and are winning significant new business on the global stage. As for the next 12 months, I would anticipate that our working groups will continue the excellent work that they have been undertaking. Some of the initiatives will stem from IFS2020 and the priorities outlined. A number of the initiatives will fall outside of that. The FPAI’s plan for 2017 is extensive. We want to accelerate our industry engagement programme. We want to continue to be the go-to place for Government and other interested parties to hear from industry about what is important for FinTech and Payments companies operating here in Ireland. We want to continue to be an important link between industry and the various and relevant institutions of the State (CBI, Department of Finance etc). We want to continue to work to ensure that Ireland continues its development as a centre for FinTech and Payment companies to grow their businesses. We will also continue our outreach globally. It is important to point out that our members include large domestic and international financial institutions, large Tech US MNC’s with FinTech offerings, and both domestic and international emerging and growing Fintech and Payments companies. The FPAI have made a number of submissions to the government as part of public consultations including that on Tax and Entrepreneurship and Share-Based Remuneration. What was the outcome of those submissions and do you think the environment is now better in terms of investment as well as starting and growing FinTech businesses? Yes, you are correct. In addition to the Payments Strategy, our submission on a FinTech Strategy for Ireland and our four submissions related to regulatory matters, we also responded to the consultations run by the Department of Finance in 2015 and 2016 on Tax and Entrepreneurship and Share-Based Remuneration. Obviously, there were some moves on Capital Gains Tax (CGT), with certain changes made to the CGT Entrepreneurs Relief. But there is still a lot to be done there in order to ensure Ireland can compete on a par with the UK. The fact of the matter is many early stage companies fail, so we want to make sure that the environment is right to encourage entrepreneurs to be ambitious and be prepared to take risks even where the odds might be stacked against them. Having an attractive CGT regime for those who succeed would help to create an environment that encourages entrepreneurs to be ambitious and push on even when things are really tough. In relation to the consultation on Share-Based Remuneration, we were disappointed that the Minister did not make any changes in Budget 2016, but we do hope that suitable changes are made in 2017. Research shows that companies perform better where employee and corporate goals are aligned. By enabling employees to participate and become shareholders in their companies in a manner that is both tax efficient on the way in and way out, could be really attractive. It would really help a number of early stage companies to hire and retain talent and encourage the employees to be a real part of growing and sharing in the success of those companies. The FPAI hosted a number of FinTech focused events in Ireland last year including the FinTech Nation conference. Were these events a success and what have you planned for 2017? The events have been a huge success. In particular, FinTech Nation (see above) which was the first and biggest meeting of FinTech players in Ireland. We hope to repeat that in 2017 and build on the success of our wide programme of stakeholder events; all of which bring together the industry’s major stakeholders to communicate and interact in an open forum. In terms of legislation and regulation, what are the most important steps that you feel the Government/Central Bank/Regulator now need to take to ensure Dublin (and more generally, Ireland) continues to make progress toward being an important hub of global FinTech? Two years ago, the Irish Government announced that FinTech would be a core component of IFS 2020, its strategy for developing the country’s financial services sector. The Government has acknowledged Ireland’s strengths in FinTech and the potential for economic growth and jobs offered by the sector is undeniable. I believe Dublin has the ideal ecosystem to become a centre for FinTech innovation and development in Europe. Our financial services sector has recovered and we have an incredibly successful technology sector with a talented workforce. We must continue to provide proactive government support and the kind of environment that will support and encourage start-ups and enable the growth of significant world-class companies. It is also important to remain very attractive to international/FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) companies operating in this area. On the payments side, we are keen to strengthen competitiveness in payments, improve the regulatory engagement in payments and promote innovation in payments. Having the right policies in place is key to delivering on these goals. Engagement with the Central Bank/Regulator has been extensive over the last 12 months and I expect this to continue, which is a really positive development. On the FinTech side, it will be important to build on the very strong foundations that exist in the industry today. We want to facilitate the supporting of our start-up community and helping to enable the growth of companies of scale who can compete globally. We also want to ensure that international FDI are keen to locate FinTech and Payment operations here and it is important that Ireland continues to remain competitive in order to ensure that continues. Some countries like Switzerland and the US are looking to bring in a special FinTech license which would allow FinTechs to provide financial services without any systemic risk to the overall financial system. Do you think this is a good idea and could it work in Ireland? The Central Bank (of Ireland) has said that FinTech can have a really positive impact on consumers, through providing new and enhanced products and services and increasing choice, but it has also flagged that FinTech represents an important emerging challenge for supervisory authorities such as itself. Other international bodies, including the G20/OECD (The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) task force, have committed to examining the impact of FinTech on the market and financial stability. Given developments in the US and Switzerland, there is clearly a growing recognition among supervisory authorities to develop standards and provide appropriate frameworks for responsible product development in FinTech. Critically, new standards must be monitored and enforced to protect consumers and financial stability, without impeding the appetite amongst FinTechs for innovation. FinTech companies at different stages need different types of help and support. Could you perhaps talk through what needs to happen broadly at each stage. (e.g.) Seed stage, early stage and growth stage? The lifecycle of FinTech companies is in many ways no different to that of any other new business and the challenges faced by most start-ups – from seed and incubation, through to growth and maturity – are universal. Raising funding, making the right business connections and leveraging relationships all come to the fore quite early on in a FinTech, however. Getting good advice from day one is key and setting your sights on the global picture is important. Irish FinTech’s and FinTech’s located in Ireland have certain advantages. They need, and indeed do have, a global outlook from day 1 – and this can be really helpful in driving them to succeed. The broader tech ecosystem here in Ireland is also really unique. There are not many places in the world where early stage companies can get the opportunity to engage with large MNC’s in a collegiate environment. The fact that we also have a thriving international financial services sector and our domestic banks are taking a real and genuine interest in FinTech is really helpful too. What do you think can be learned from the major FinTech hubs like New York, London and Singapore? We are seeing a lot of FinTech diversification in these markets but in particular in Asia. There’s more activity around InsurTech, blockchain and data and analytics. An emerging area that is starting to grow is RegTech — technologies that reduce the cost of regulatory compliance and improve risk outcomes for financial institutions. We know that Ireland has the core ingredients to become a global centre for FinTech innovation and growth and we can learn so much from major hubs like New York, London and Singapore. FinTech is a disruptive, innovative and potentially significant game changer for the financial services industry in this country. On the plus side, Ireland, and in particular, Dublin, can confidently differentiate itself in terms of the relative ease of doing business here. What effect, if any, do you see Brexit having on the Dublin tech scene in general but also specifically from a FinTech perspective? Do you feel it also throws up some opportunities? FinTechs are certainly looking to Ireland ahead of the UK’s departure from Europe, and while the Central Bank has said it is too early to speculate on potential implications such as increases in applications for authorisation, it is clear that Ireland’s attractiveness in the sector remains very strong. Many corporates are forging ahead with FinTech-related activities. Banks, financial institutions and insurance companies seem to be continuing to shift their view of FinTech companies as disruptors and competitors to one where they are viewed as partners and enablers. In recent months, the focus has been on creating opportunities to leverage FinTech, whether through direct investment, acquisition or the creation of innovation labs. Outside of regulation, what are the wider steps in terms of the FinTech ecosystem we need to take as an industry (I’m talking about as individuals and companies) to ensure Ireland continues to grow as a FinTech hub? Given the scale of the opportunity, there is intense global competition among countries and cities to establish themselves as hubs of excellence for FinTech. In Ireland, we have a 12.5% corporation tax rate – the lowest rate in Western Europe – and we offer start-up relief with a three-year exemption for new businesses where profits are less than €320k, with marginal relief where profits are below €480k. And we have a very competitive R&D Tax Credit regime. But it’s not all about tax incentives. Ireland is home to entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders in every sector and I think this has broad appeal for FinTechs looking to grow and expand. They choose Ireland for many different reasons but they each have one thing in common – a desire to succeed in a business-friendly European environment that’s great for business and great for living. IDA Ireland provides advice, assistance, grant aid and incentives to international companies coming to Ireland. A wide range of supports are available from capital, employment and R&D grants, to support recruiting talent and finding office space. For international companies coming to Ireland, IDA Ireland will be the principal body responsible for providing assistance. For entrepreneurs looking to come to Ireland to start their business, assistance is provided by Enterprise Ireland. Aside from equity and bank financing, Ireland has a vibrant angel and Venture Capital (VC) environment. Levels of angel and VC funding have increased significantly in recent years, particularly in financing and developing high-potential innovative companies. The links between universities and companies are very strong too, and this can be of real benefit and very attractive to ambitious and cutting edge FinTechs. Independent from the FPAI, what part can industry leaders like yourself take to help Dublin grow as a FinTech hub? For me, it’s about calling out all the good reasons to do business in Ireland. And in the case of FinTech, we’re notably talking about Dublin’s strengths as a capital city. I travel a lot to the US in particular to visit my clients, and these opportunities, together with KPMG’s global footprint also helps me to share the good news and reasons why FinTechs choose Ireland. I know many do, but I think all industry leaders should look to their individual networks and connections and see how they can highlight Dublin on the international stage – be that through speaking at conferences or talking to the media – there’s a lot we can do to copper-fasten Dublin’s status as a FinTech hub with a strong commitment to Europe.	https://irishtechnews.ie/dublin-has-the-ideal-ecosystem-to-become-a-centre-for-fintech-innovatio-in-europe-anna-scally/
After reading “A Boot Stamping On A Human Face Forever” by my dear friend, Alexander Wallace, I came to recognize his point- the idea that this world is a cruel one, that the history of the human race is consumed by evil and negativity. The title of his article, referencing a passage from the masterpiece, 1984 by George Orwell, encapsulates what he sees of humanity and its history: a bleak tale of perpetual sadness and misery. I’m not going to deny the historical facts that are presented in my friend’s article; it is certainly true that human history entails a great amount of suffering. While studying history, I find that there is a certain sense that humanity never truly does seem to get it “right.” Wallace notes this as well, stating that studying history and what it entails have made him a cynic. I honestly cannot blame him for this, as his reasoning is perfectly valid from many angles: given the atrocities he mentioned, including events ranging from the Holocaust to various war crimes, history and the human race come across as highly depressing, leaving behind a bad taste almost inconceivable in its misery. However, it is my opinion that it is not necessarily contradictory to believe the world certainly can be and is, in many respects, a sad, cruel place, while also believing that humanity as a race has great promise and the ability to overcome anything it sets its mind to. In saying this, I realize I do fall into the demographic Wallace presents as being optimistic and sheltered to the point of naïveté: I am indeed an upper-middle class, sheltered, leftist college student. That being said, I have taken the time to think critically about history and what it represents. I understand that my life is a greatly privileged, happy one when compared to the rest of humanity, both in the present-day and when set in comparison to the rest of history. However, that does not mean my somewhat optimistic mindset is inherently flawed and incorrect. Nuance always exists in historical interpretation, and I believe that while great tragedy is present in history, it is unfair to portray it as mostly negative in such a broad sense. In fact, it would be just as naïve to view history through a purely cynical lens as it would be to see it through rose-tinted glasses. In adopting cynicism and a negative understanding of the world, we set a self-fulfilling prophecy for ourselves. The idea of this world being inherently negative is constantly reinforced depending on how you view it on a personal level. Atrocities have constantly occurred throughout history and will likely continue to happen to an extent. However, this does not necessarily mean that the entire past, present, and future of humanity is hopeless. Humans are far from perfect- to be human is to be flawed. Humans are capable of great good as much as they are capable of great evil. I do not believe it is valid to portray the concentration camp at Auschwitz as an encapsulation of the human race. While Wallace mentions Oskar Schindler in his article, he downplays the moral impact of his actions. Human good is much more meaningful in the face of hellish adversity, as was in his case. Humanity, as a species, is far greater than the atrocities of the Nazi regime. Sure, it is far from perfect, but at the same time, it is not inherently evil and consumed by self-interest as Wallace asserts. The Nazi regime was beaten and recognized as an unmistakable evil. While its apologists glorify it to this day, there is no denying there are people out there who counter its legacy, who seek to shape the future in a way that will bring humanity above the dark aspects of its past. As a history major and aspiring historian, I find that history is rooted in both the humanities and social sciences: it consists of both hard facts as well as a great deal of interpretation. Without getting too deep into certain aspects of history and their implications, I think it is completely fair to say that studying history does not have to make one a cynic.	https://www.theodysseyonline.com/refutation-of-the-inherent-evil-of-human-history
The art of glassblowing has changed little since Roman times. While most glass you see today is machine-made, the craft of glass blowing continues to be passed down, so that beautiful, intricate and bespoke pieces continue to be created. Bransfield Glass is a studio in Westcott, Buckinghamshire, where glass artists and their pupils can practise this fascinating craft. The team of experts has over 60 years' experience between them, and they continue to pass their knowledge on. With just a one-day or half-day workshop, you can introduce yourself to this unique art, and produce a timeless and beautiful piece to keep. So if you are looking for a unique experience for yourself or someone special, book a class and see where it takes you.	https://www.bransfieldglass.com/
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This picture has been rated : 240 times. The Average Score for this category is: 4.38 More Info State: New York Country: United States Description: 55 gallon freshwater tank Advice: none Fish Kept: 2 blue knight Lobsters - 7 red claw crabs - 10 gold inca snails 1 small and 1 large Pleco - 2 angle fish - 1 gost fish - 5 cat fish (different types 8 other assorted fish. Corals/Plants: Assortment of live plants Tank Size: 55 gallons Quote: it's for my daughter About Yourself: none MOST RECENT ARTICLES Cultivating a thriving reef tank can be a challenge with all of the requirements you must meet. Trends in the aquarium trade have an effect on more than just aquarium hobbyists -- they can affect the whole world. The pet trade gets a bad rap for exploiting wild animals but sometimes the opposite is true.	https://www.ratemyfishtank.com/user/794qoxnjL6/55-gallons-fish-tank/freshwater-fish-tank-photo/7097
Fran Burr, Executive Director for the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops, kicked off the meeting by sharing with members a progress report on the organization’s activities. She started by reinforcing the importance of the CRSC’s Vision including how it is instrumental in growing membership, in encouraging financial support, and necessary to direct the CRSC’s projects and initiatives. After describing the outcomes from the Spring 2016 Roundtable meeting, Fran went on to share what she called the "highlights and lowlights" of the six months following that meeting. There were several highlights to report on including: the expanding membership in categories where we feel more representation is needed; the progress of the Sustainability Metrics Platform (see section on the Sustainability Metrics Platform Project – Progress Report below, for more information); and the Seeking Synergies workshop and outcomes. A few 'lowlights' were mentioned as well, including the organization’s financial situation which is leaving some uncertainty about what initiatives would be feasible in the 2017 annual plan and any further work on the CRSC’s proposed Assurance Protocol. Project leaders for the Assurance Protocol had made some good progress in recent months, bringing more definition to the concept through the summer months. However, the Protocol did not receive Steering Committee consensus or approval in September – therefore its development will be paused until there is clearer direction on some of its components. Finally, Fran spoke of the organization being "sustainability-ready". The Roundtable Meeting agenda was designed to show members that many stakeholders in the agriculture industry have 'figured it out' and they are demonstrating that they are 'ready' for sustainability – and for the many benefits that come from embracing it. Common Ground: The Value of Synergistic Relationships in Crop Sustainability Perhaps one of the most successful efforts coming out of the CRSC this year has been establishing the Seeking Synergies network. Erin Gowriluk of Alberta Wheat (view presentation) was the Moderator of a panel, devoted to sharing the role of three key participants in a ground-breaking Seeking Synergies Workshop. The Workshop, held on September 21st, was a first of its kind, bringing together leaders of agriculture organizations with well-established sustainability initiatives to discuss potential synergies and seek opportunities for future collaboration. Erin described the expectations for the full-day session, which included participating with a willingness to be completely forthright; identifying any barriers to collaboration, real or perceived; and working together in a positive and solutions-oriented manner. Panelists included Clyde Graham, Senior Vice President, Fertilizer Canada, representing 4Rs Nutrient Stewardship (view presentation); Denis Tremorin, Director, Sustainability, Pulse Canada, representing the Canadian Field Print Calculator Initiative (view presentation); and Paul Watson, EFP Director for ARECA and representative for National Environmental Farm Plan (view presentation); as well as Fran Burr, Executive Director for the CRSC (view presentation). Erin's introductory remarks highlighted how each of the four initiatives represented by the panel are at a cross-roads and how that made the timing right for the Seeking Synergies effort. Erin shared the first deliverable of the network, which was a Statement of Alignment. The panelists then gave some background on their initiatives and subsequently shared their commitment to supporting the CRSC in reaching its objectives through collaboration. Finally, Fran and Erin summarized the panel discussion with a presentation and discussion of the short term goals for the network. The Seeking Synergies network is a testament to the ability of the grains industry to overcome differences and work together for the long term benefit of crops sustainability in Canada. Paving the Way: Learnings from our Sustainability Forerunners The CRSC would not be where it is today without the support of Canadian and global sustainability veterans. Representatives from three established sustainability programs reflected on their respective experiences and offered advice to CRSC members: SAI Platform Jenny Edwards, Project Manager of the global Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) Platform, provided an overview of the multi-purpose tool, which includes both self-assessment and verification elements. Farmers and suppliers alike see the program as beneficial, with typical uses including on-farm assessment, benchmarking against other schemes, and identification of supply chain risk. Having flexibility in implementation has been an important feature for platform users (a wide range of products, farmers, companies and regions are involved), as has the program's drive to reduce complexity by creating a harmonized, cross-supply chain definition of what SAI means by 'sustainable agriculture'. Finally, and not surprisingly, delivering a credible and effective 'common' sustainability solution requires extensive stakeholder input and consensus building. Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Fawn Jackson, Executive Director, Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) emphasized the importance of 'getting our message out' and listening to others' views from the outset. Acknowledging the benefits of having access to start-up advice from the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef and other sector partners, Fawn reflected on the role of the CRSB's core building blocks (e.g., mission, vision, business plan, membership) in enabling the organization's successful establishment and subsequent growth. Of particular note, the CRSB commissioned and recently announced the results of a strategic assessment of the social, environmental and economic impacts of the Canadian beef industry. Alongside this study, the CRSB has forged a synergistic relationship with McDonald's through the now completed Verified Sustainable Beef Pilot Project. Groupe AGÉCO Jean-Michel Couture, Associate Project Director, Groupe AGÉCO, provided an introduction to Dairy Farms+, an interactive online tool developed as part of the Dairy Research Cluster Initiative to support farmers in meeting their sustainability goals. An element of the Canadian dairy farmers' certification program, Dairy Farms+ encompasses self-assessment questionnaires, an on-farm environmental 'foot printer', a best management practices library, and a customizable action plan. Developed with international standards in mind, this innovative tool will enable dairy farmers to evaluate their adoption of good management practices (GMPs) or benchmark their operation against provincial or national averages. Dairy Farms+ will be more extensively piloted by a representative sample of producers from multiple provinces beginning in 2017. Navigating the Verification Waters: Three Producer Perspectives Participants in three different producer sustainability programs shared their experiences with and offered insights on the value of on-farm verification: Cecilie Fleming, of Granum Alberta, expanded on why her family farm is enrolled in the province's Verified Beef Production Plus program, an expansion of Verified Beef Production, the Canadian beef industry's on-farm food safety program. In addition to enabling beef producers to showcase their sound production and risk management practices, the program incorporates an audit component which Cecilie describes as an educational opportunity. "If there are gaps in our current production practices or what we are auditing, we don't fail; we simply receive a corrective action request which we are given time to address. Our auditors are producers themselves and trained to understand all production practices. They're there to help prove what we are doing right – which will help us when end users begin demanding sustainably sourced meat." Stuart Holmen, of Paradise Valley Alberta, described his family's desire to leave their farm business and land and resources in better shape for future generations. With a primary focus on grains, Stuart has been working with Archer Daniels Midland to become certified through the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC). Consistent with Cecilie's experience, Stuart found that he was already doing many of the things he was now being asked to do under ISCC. For example, putting records he had already been keeping into the ISCC format was 'painless'. Similarly, the farm recently took part in a verification process which involved submitting information that had already been collected for the family's own purposes. Stuart concluded by acknowledging the value of ISCC participation in planning for the future of his farming operation. William Van Tassel, of Lac-Saint-Jean Quebec, reflected on his participation in the province's Agri-Environmental Support Plan (EFP) and Agri-Environmental Fertilization Plan (PAEF). Under the EFP, agrologists assess a farm's agricultural and environmental practices and recommend changes to improve performance. The PAEF is a nutrient farm plan compulsory for cash crop farms of more than 15 acres. It contains fertilizer usage information for inclusion in the EFP (e.g., phosphorous and fertilizer usage, manure management). Data in the PAEF may also inform EFP action related to soil health and water conservation. Like the other panelists, William credited the EFP and PAEF with helping to improve his farm's recordkeeping and performance. He added that information generated by his farm is aggregated (protecting his privacy) and that any farm program must be user friendly. Producer Readiness Survey Report Colin Siren, Ipsos Reid's Vice President of Agriculture and Animal Health, presented the preliminary results of a producer survey administered under the Alberta Farm Sustainability Extension Working Group (AFSE) to gauge awareness of and the extent to which existing practices meet global sustainability indicators. Fielded via telephone during the summer of 2016, the survey reached 401 Alberta farmers representing various regions, ages and gross farm sales. Key topics include social license, soil management, fertilizer and nutrient management, chemical handling and storage, water management, biodiversity, health and safety, labour conditions and financial sustainability. Overall survey findings revealed that: - Farmers are generally aware of, but feel they know little about, sustainability standards. - Farmers are balanced in their perceptions of standards, accounting for anticipated benefits and drawbacks (one drawback is not having enough information to comply with the standards). - The majority of farmers have adopted the best practices discussed in the survey report, with variations based on farm demographics and farmer values. The full results of the Ipsos study will be released soon by AFSE. Participants in the CRSC Roundtable meeting are encouraged to review the complete results, once published. Sustainability Metrics Platform Project: Progress Report Karen Churchill, Cereals Canada, updated members on key Sustainability Metrics Platform developments since the Spring Roundtable meeting. Highlights included: i) a preview of GHG emission and carbon sequestering data from the recently completed Regional Carbon Analysis Study (enhanced to incorporate fertilizer data supplied by Fertilizer Canada and other industry partners), which will be followed over the next three months by a Carbon Life-Cycle Assessment; ii) an overview of key findings and information gaps identified as part of the recently completed Social Metrics Study; iii) a status report on the Grower Survey, which, set to be administered in spring 2017, will verify practices and communicate sustainability across a statistically significant and geographically representative cross section of Canadian grain farmers; and iv) a preview of a possible configuration of the future Sustainability Metrics Platform. After addressing participant questions on the above activities, Karen noted that, in accordance with the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Agri-Marketing Program funding agreement, all Metrics Platform activities will be completed before the end of 2017. AgroEcosystem Project: Conservation Practitioners Workshop Paul Thoroughgood, Ducks Unlimited, updated members on activities undertaken as part of the AgroEcosystem Project. Key among these was a Conservation Practitioners Workshop led by the Soil Conservation Council of Canada. Attended by agriculture industry and conservation representatives, this unique forum led to: i) the development of a shared vision for the environmental pillar of the CRSC (see below); ii) the creation of an effective platform for industry engagement and cooperation with environmental NGOs; and iii) the identification of twelve 2026 outcomes, one of which called for the agricultural industry and environmental conservation groups to work together to develop solutions to existing and emerging issues that challenge the sustainability (economic, social, and environmental) of the landscape. Paul and AgroEcosystems project co-chair Maria Trainer, CropLife Canada, plan to announce these developments at the 2016 GrowCanada Conference. Vision for the Environmental Pillar of the CRSC Under the vision of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops (CRSC), Canadian farmers meet the growing demand for increased production while conserving and restoring ecosystem health (soil, water, and wildlife) and managing climate risk for future generations. Your CRSC: Where do we go from here? The final section of the Fall Roundtable Meeting agenda was devoted to members and observers. During this session, moderated by Fran Burr, Executive Director for the CRSC, the attendees were asked to divide themselves into small groups, discuss three questions, and then report back to the full assembly. The questions, "What should the CRSC keep doing… stop doing…and start doing?" resulted in a rich list of recommendations. In the "Keep Doing" category, the membership highly supported the work of the Sustainability Metrics Platform project and the Seeking Synergies network activities. Other mentions included focusing on communications as a means of engaging stakeholders and leveraging resources to name a few. Regarding what the CRSC should "Stop Doing", although this question received the fewest responses, there were good suggestions made, such as 'stop trying to do it all' and avoiding the belief that 'one size fits all' in this space. Perhaps most useful were the ideas for what to "Start Doing". There were suggestions around business planning and creating a business case for the CRSC going forward and declaring the 'problem statement'. Expanding membership with end users, ENGOs, and producer associations was recommended, along with clearer articulation of the value proposition for these categories of members. Actually, more effort on all aspects of communication was encouraged by participants, including increasing awareness, communicating how the organization is funded, and providing greater transparency on market influences – all coupled with a stronger sense of urgency. Fortunately, some of the above items are captured in the CRSC's 2016 annual plan and future direction for 2017. But many of them are not and will need to be well-vetted with the CRSC Steering Committee to determine their applicability in the coming months. Thank you to all those who openly and honestly shared their ideas about the future of the CRSC. We hope that over the coming fiscal year, you will see evidence that your voices were heard and will be acted upon.	http://sustainablecrops.ca/resources/the-crsc-meeting-proceedings/14-resources/meeting-proceedings/15-october-19-2016
Teacher beliefs play a fundamental role in the education landscape. Nevertheless, most educational researchers only allude to teacher beliefs as part of a study on other subjects. This book fills a necessary gap by identifying the importance of research on teacher beliefs and providing a comprehensive overview of the topic. It provides novices and experts alike a single volume with which to understand a complex research landscape. Including a review of the historical foundations of the field, this book identifies current research trends, and summarizes the current knowledge base regarding teachers’ specific beliefs about content, instruction, students, and learning. For its innumerable applications within the field, this handbook is a necessity for anyone interested in educational research. 'When teachers walk into classrooms, their beliefs about their role can be more critical than their lesson plan, the assessment, the students, or the structure of the class. A book dedicated to these beliefs is welcome. This book, one of the first on this topic, is more an introduction via a pleasant dip than full immersion…‘the key construct of the field, the one of beliefs is ill defined; its methods are acknowledged to be problematic; and the fundamental rationale, the one of beliefs as an explanatory principle for practice, is refuted as much as confirm’. This is why this book is so critical. It brings together various perspectives, and poses a great direction for future researchers, for PhD teams, and for those who have innovative measurement skills. If, as I would defend, it is the beliefs of teachers that matter most, then this field needs to grow up. I commend this book, warts and all, as a forerunner for exciting things to come. That, at least, is my belief.'- Professor John Hattie, Director, Melbourne Education Research Institute Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The Australian Educational and Developmental Psychologist Chapter 1. Introduction. Section One. Foundations of Teachers’ Beliefs Research. Chapter 2. The Promises, Problems, and Prospects of Research on Teachers’ Beliefs. Chapter 3. Historical Overview and Theoretical Perspectives of Research on Teachers’ Beliefs. Chapter 4. The Development of Teachers’ Beliefs. Chapter 5. The Relationship between Teachers’ Beliefs and Teachers’ Practices. Section Two. Studying Teachers’ Beliefs. Chapter 6. Assessing Teachers’ Beliefs: Challenges and Solutions. Chapter 7. Measuring Teachers’ Beliefs: For What Purpose? Chapter 8. Qualitative Approaches to Studying Teachers’ Beliefs. Chapter 9. Methods for Studying Beliefs: Teacher Writing, Scenarios, and Metaphor Analysis. Section Three. Teachers’ Identity, Motivation, and Affect. Chapter 10. The Intersection of Identity, Beliefs, and Politics in Conceptualizing ‘Teacher Identity’. Chapter 11. A Motivational Analysis of Teacher Beliefs. Chapter 12. The Career Development of Preservice and Inservice Teachers: Why Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Beliefs Matter. Chapter 13. A “Hot” Mess: Unpacking the Relation between Teachers’ Beliefs and Emotions. Section Four. Contexts and Teachers’ Beliefs. Chapter 14. Teachers’ Beliefs about Teaching (and Learning). Chapter 15. Teachers’ Instructional Beliefs and the Classroom Climate: Connections and Conundrums. Chapter 16. Teachers’ Beliefs about Assessment. Chapter 17. Context Matters: The Influence of Collective Beliefs and Shared Norms. Section 5. Teachers’ Beliefs about Knowing and Teaching within Academic Domains. Chapter 18. Personal Epistemologies and Teaching. Chapter 19. The Individual, the Context and Practice: A Review of the Research on Teachers’ Beliefs Related to Mathematics. Chapter 20. Beliefs about Reading, Text, and Learning from Text. Chapter 21. Science Teachers’ Beliefs: Perceptions of Efficacy and the Nature of Scientific Knowledge and Knowing. Chapter 22. Teachers’ Beliefs about Social Studies. Chapter 23. Teacher Beliefs and Uses of Technology to Support 21st Century Teaching and Learning. Section Six. Teachers’ Beliefs about Learners. Chapter 24. Preschool Teachers’ Ideas about How Children Learn Best: An Examination of Beliefs about the Principles of Developmentally Appropriate Practice. Chapter 25. Teachers’ Beliefs about Cultural Diversity: Problems and Possibilities. Chapter 26. Teachers’ Beliefs about English Language Learners. Chapter 27. Teachers’ Beliefs about Students with Special Needs and Inclusion. Edited by Patricia A. Alexander, the Routledge Educational Psychology Handbook Series spans the entire field of educational psychology, providing in-depth, up-to-date coverage of the latest theories, research, methodologies, applications, issues, and policies in each area of study. Each handbook profiles the boundaries and maps the various sectors within its field of study.	https://www.routledge.com/International-Handbook-of-Research-on-Teachers-Beliefs/Fives-Gill/p/book/9780415539258
One of the innumerable attractions in Rome which we were able to see last week was that of Michelangelo’s Moses, housed (among other artistic works/artifacts) in the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli. The statue of Moses was sculpted by Italian High Renaissance artist Michelangelo Buonarroti, who created this work in the years 1513-1515. This sculpture was originally commissioned in 1505 by Pope Julius II for his tomb. Moses is here depicted as seated, holding the two tablets of stone. Some suggest the intensity portrayed is meant to represent his holy anger when he cast down the stones upon being confronted with Israel’s idolatry. But to the point of this post, Moses is seen here with two horns on his head. This is based on a rendering of Exodus 34:29 in the Vulgate, the Latin translation of the Bible in use during Michelangelo’s time. The English Standard Version renders the text, which speaks of Moses coming down from Mt. Sinai after talking with God, “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God.” The Latin Vulgate renders the Hebrew word qaran, “to shine” as “horned.” Hence the horns on Michelangelo’s Moses. The NET Bible contains this translator note: The word qaran is derived from the noun qeren in the sense of a “ray of light” (see Hab. 3:4). Something of the divine glory remained with Moses. The Greek translation of Aquila and the Latin Vulgate convey the idea that he had horns, the primary meaning of the word from which this word is derived. Some have tried to defend this, saying that the glory appeared like horns or that Moses covered his face with a mask adorned with horns. But in the text the subject of the verb is the skin of Moses’ face. The statue stands 8 feet, 4 inches and is made of solid marble. Click images for larger view.	https://leonmauldin.blog/tag/moses/
What is Healthchek? Healthchek is Ohio’s Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) Program. It provides a group of services to children and teens (birth through age 20) which includes: Prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The goal of Healthchek is to discover and treat health problems early. What services does a Healthchek exam cover? - Physical check-ups - Comprehensive health and developmental history - Health education, counseling, and risk factor interventions - Hearing, vision, and dental checks - Nutritional screenings - Developmental screenings - Shots (if needed) - Appropriate lab tests - Treatment for all medically necessary ailments If a potential health problem is found, further diagnosis and treatment is covered, a Heathchek Coordinator is available in each county department of job and family services to assist Medicaid consumers in getting these services. Pregnancy-Related Services What is the Pregnancy-Related Services (PRS) Program? Medical services provided in addition to regular prenatal care. The goal of PRS is to promote a healthy pregnancy. What services does the program cover? - Access to medical appointments - Information about Healthchek services available for your child once born - Referral to Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) - Individual counseling and education - Assistance making and getting to/from medical appointments - Information on Lamaze, parenting and child care classes - Information about healthy eating habits - Prenatal risk assessment and prenatal care Who is eligible for Pregnancy-Related Services? All pregnant women receiving Medicaid For more information on Healthchek and Pregnancy-Related Services contact 937-440-3471.	https://www.miamicountyohio.gov/487/Healthchek
This website is owned and controlled by Sheddens Medical Practice. The confidentiality and privacy of your information is important to us and any personal information you give us will only be used in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 and the NHS Confidentiality Code of Practice. We will not store personal information about people who visit this site unless they provide contact information or use one of our on-line services. If you provide personal information in order to use one of our services on this website, it will only be used for the purposes stated on the page. It will not be shared with any third party without your consent unless required by law.The ‘data controller’ (Practice Manager) is responsible for your personal infomation, and can be contacted at the Practice either in writing or by phone. The practice will ensure that patient confidentiality is maintained at all times by all members of the practice team. However, for the effective functioning of a multi-disciplinary team it is sometimes necessary that medical information about you is shared between members of the practice team. Please be assured that all members of the team are bound by confidentiality rules. The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Sheddens Medical Practice and whilst we endeavour to keep the information up-to-date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Sheddens Medical Practice. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, Sheddens Medical Practice takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.	https://www.sheddens.co.uk/the-practice/practice-policies/website-terms-and-conditions/

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