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It is a no surprise that enterprises and cloud service providers continue to go cloud-native at a rapid pace and DevOps, specifically, Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Delivery (CD) tools play a key role in delivering high-quality innovative software faster to their end-users. Arm is gaining significant momentum in edge-to-cloud software development applications and views CI/CD tools support as one of the foundational pillars to create a robust Arm software ecosystem by offering developers a frictionless environment.
In this blog, we are specifically going to focus on Jenkins, a popular Java based open source CI/CD tool used by software developers to build, test and deploy code. The goal of this blog post is to:
This is NOT a technical blog on how to use Jenkins or what CI/CD is. Plenty of excellent online resources exist covering these topics.
Since Jenkins is written in Java programming language for which Arm has a robust support, installing and using Jenkins on Arm based machines is straightforward. The following table captures some of the major open source projects using Jenkins CI supporting multi-architecture with links to Jenkins Arm slaves running the build and test jobs:
Projects
Application Domain
Jenkins CI Arm Slaves
Kata-containers
Containerization/Virtualization
Arm01, Arm02
Bigtop
Big Data
Akraino
Networking Edge Stack
FD.io/VPP
Networking Data Plane
AdoptOpenJDK
Java Language Ecosystem
OpenHPC
Building Blocks for HPC Linux Cluster
Arm Slaves
Figure 1 Jenkins Master Slave Setup for CI Build Jobs
Some of the above projects such as FD.io, AdoptOpenJDK and OpenHPC are part of the WorksOnArm initiative - a Packet-Arm partnership to create awareness and drive adoption of Arm hardware within the data center by providing hardware and software infrastructure including CI/CD tools. A more detailed list of WorksOnArm projects using Jenkins can be viewed on the WorksOnArm Github page.
We would also like to point out some interesting community work that is happening around multi-arch support for Jenkins:
To summarize, there are couple of different ways to run Jenkins on Arm hardware either through regular download and install or through Docker multi-arch images. There are no technical barriers for deploying Jenkins CI on Arm as we have now seen several open source projects today that are confidently running Jenkins CI natively on Arm machines building and testing code for various software frameworks. We expect the multi-arch support for Jenkins to continue to mature as more and more developers adopt different kind of hardware architectures for their next cloud-native projects!
Please continue using Jenkins CI on Arm (Master/Slave) if that's the CI software your project is using today and watch out for the more Jenkins community support updates for Arm architecture as highlighted above. | https://community.arm.com/developer/tools-software/tools/b/tools-software-ides-blog/posts/jenkins-community-support-for-arm-architecture |
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
2. Description of the Related Art
The present disclosure relates to an automotive lamp.
Typical automotive lamps are capable of switching between a low-beam mode and a high-beam mode. The low-beam mode is used to illuminate a close range in the vicinity of the user’s vehicle with a predetermined light intensity. In the low-beam mode, light distribution is determined so as to prevent glare being imparted to an oncoming vehicle or a leading vehicle. The low-beam mode is mainly used when the vehicle is traveling in an urban area. In contrast, the high-beam mode is used to illuminate a distant range over a wide area ahead of the vehicle with a relatively high light intensity. The high-beam mode is mainly used when the vehicle is traveling at high speed along a road where there are a small number of oncoming vehicles and leading vehicles. Accordingly, the high-beam mode provides the driver with high visibility, which is an advantage, as compared with the low-beam mode. However, the high-beam mode has a problem of imparting glare to a pedestrian or a driver of a vehicle ahead of the vehicle.
In recent years, the Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) technique has been proposed in which a high-beam light distribution pattern is dynamically and adaptively controlled based on the state of the surroundings of a vehicle. With the ADB technique, the presence or absence of a leading vehicle, an oncoming vehicle, or a pedestrian ahead of the vehicle is detected, and illumination is reduced or turned off for a region that corresponds to such a vehicle or pedestrian thus detected, thereby reducing glare imparted to such a vehicle or pedestrian.
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As an ADB lamp, light-emitting diode (LED) array ADB lamp has been proposed. is a block diagram showing such an LED array ADB lamp. An ADB lamp includes an LED array , a light distribution controller , and a power supply circuit . The LED array includes multiple LEDs arranged in an array and an LED driver that drives the multiple LEDs . Each LED corresponds to a pixel. The LED driver includes current sources (switches) each of which is assigned to the corresponding pixel. The LED driver controls the on/off state of each current source so as to switch the on/off state of the corresponding pixel.
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The power supply circuit supplies a power supply voltage V to the LED array . The light distribution controller generates a control signal for instructing the multiple pixels to turn on or off, and transmits the control signal to the LED array . The output beam of the LED array is irradiated to a virtual vertical screen via an unshown optical system. A light distribution pattern that corresponds to the on/off states of the multiple light-emitting elements is formed on the virtual vertical screen .
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As a result of investigating the ADB lamp shown in , the present inventor has come to recognize the following problem. is a diagram for explaining a PWM operation of the ADB lamp shown in . shows the on/off states of the multiple pixels.
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The light distribution controller controls the on/off ratio (duty cycle) in the PWM period Tp for each LED . shows a case in which all the LEDs are PWM-controlled in the same phase. In this case, at the start of the PWM period Tp, the multiple current sources are turned on at the same time, thereby turning on the multiple LEDs at the same time.
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That is to say, at the start of the PWM period Tp, the load of the power supply circuit suddenly becomes heavy. In other words, the power supply circuit is required to be designed to be capable of handling a sudden increase in the load current I at the start of the PWM period Tp. Specifically, the power supply circuit requires a large current supply capacity and favorable load regulation characteristics.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure has been made in order to solve such a problem. Accordingly, it is an exemplary purpose of an embodiment of the present disclosure to relax the design specifications required for a power supply circuit configured to supply electric power to multiple light-emitting elements.
A controller according to an embodiment is structured to pulse width modulation (PWM) control multiple light-emitting pixels in an array that form a variable light distribution lamp. The controller includes: a common counter provided in common for the multiple light-emitting pixels, and structured to generate a common count value having a ramp waveform; and a signal processing unit structured to generate multiple duty cycle instruction values for specifying duty cycles for the multiple light-emitting pixels according to a light distribution instruction, to store multiple offset values that correspond to the multiple light-emitting pixels, to generate an individual count value for each light-emitting pixel by adding a corresponding offset value to the common count value, and to generate an individual PWM signal according to a result of a comparison between the individual count value and the corresponding duty cycle instruction value.
A controller according to an embodiment is structured to pulse width modulation (PWM) control multiple light-emitting pixels in an array that form a variable light distribution lamp. The controller includes a signal processing unit structured to generate multiple individual PWM signals that correspond to the multiple light-emitting pixels according to a light distribution instruction. The signal processing unit is structured to change a combination of the phases of the multiple individual PWM signals adaptively according to a light distribution.
It should be noted that any combination of the components described above or any component or any manifestation of the present disclosure may be mutually substituted between a method, apparatus, system, and so forth, which are also effective as an embodiment of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings which are meant to be exemplary, not limiting, and wherein like elements are numbered alike in several Figures, in which:
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FIG.
is a block diagram showing an ADB lamp using an LED array method;
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FIG.
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FIG.
is a diagram for explaining a PWM operation of the ADB lamp shown in ;
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FIG.
is a block diagram showing a lamp system according to an embodiment;
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FIGS. A and B
are diagrams for explaining the operation of the i-th light-emitting pixel supported by a controller;
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FIG.
is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a lamp system according to an embodiment;
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FIGS. A and B
are diagrams for explaining a design method for phase control data corresponding to a light distribution;
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FIG.
is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a controller;
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FIG.
is a block diagram showing a controller that is capable of switching the phase control data;
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FIG.
is a diagram showing an example of the light distribution of a high beam;
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FIG. A
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FIG.
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FIG. B
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FIG.
is a diagram showing an example of the phase control data that corresponds to the light distribution shown in , and shows a comparison example in a case in which the light distribution shown in is controlled using different phase control data;
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FIG.
is a diagram showing an example of the light distribution of a low beam; and
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FIG.
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FIG.
is a diagram showing an example of the phase control data that corresponds to the light distribution shown in .
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
OUTLINE OF EMBODIMENTS
Description will be made regarding the outline of several exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The outline is a simplified explanation regarding several concepts of one or multiple embodiments as a prelude to the detailed description described later in order to provide a basic understanding of the embodiments. That is to say, the outline described below is by no means intended to restrict the scope of the present invention and the present disclosure. Furthermore, the outline described below is by no means a comprehensive outline of all the possible embodiments. That is to say, the outline described below by no means restricts essential components of the embodiments. For convenience, in some cases, an “embodiment” as used in the present specification represents a single or multiple embodiments (examples and modifications) disclosed in the present specification.
This outline is by no means an comprehensive outline of all conceivable embodiments. That is to say, the outline is by no means intended to identify the indispensable or essential elements of all the embodiments, and is by no means intended to define the scope of a part of or all the embodiments. The sole purpose of the outline to is to present several concepts of one or multiple embodiments in a simple form as a prelude to the detailed description described later.
1. A controller according to one embodiment is structured to pulse width modulation (PWM) control multiple light-emitting pixels in an array that form a variable light distribution lamp. The controller includes a common counter and a signal processing unit. The common counter is provided in common for the multiple light-emitting pixels, and structured to generate a common count value having a ramp waveform. The signal processing unit generates multiple duty cycle instruction values for specifying duty cycles for the multiple light-emitting pixels according to a light distribution instruction. The signal processing unit stores multiple offset values that correspond to the multiple light-emitting pixels, and generates an individual count value for each light-emitting pixel by adding a corresponding offset value to the common count value, and generates an individual PWM signal according to a result of a comparison between the individual count value and the corresponding duty cycle instruction value.
With such an arrangement, this allows the phase of each individual PWM signal to be shifted according to the offset value. Such an arrangement is capable of setting the timings at which the multiple light-emitting pixels are turned on as desired. With this, the current that flows through the multiple light-emitting pixels can be smoothed, thereby suppressing the current peak, and thereby allowing the required capacity of the power supply circuit to be reduced. This can facilitate the design of the power supply circuit. Also, this can provide advantages of allowing the power supply circuit to be provided with a reduced cost, a compact size, etc.
In one embodiment, the signal processing unit may include multiple adders that correspond to multiple light-emitting pixels. Also, each adder may add a corresponding offset value to the common count value so as to output the individual count value. It should be noted that the term “addition” as used in the present specification includes “substruction”.
In one embodiment, the signal processing unit may include a processor that is capable of executing a software program. Also, the controller may be provided by a combination of the software program and the processor.
In one embodiment, the signal processing unit may be structured to store multiple items of phase control data including the multiple offset values, and to select one item that corresponds to the light distribution instruction from among the multiple items of phase control data. With this, in various kinds of light distributions, this arrangement is capable of optimizing the lighting-on timings, i.e., the lighting-on periods, of the multiple light-emitting pixels. This allows the current peak to be suppressed more effectively.
In one embodiment, first data that is one item of the multiple items of phase control data may be determined such that, in a case in which the multiple light-emitting pixels are divided into ranks according to luminance, the multiple individual PWM signals that correspond to the multiple light-emitting pixels included in the same rank have substantially dispersed phases. With this, the current can be further smoothed.
In one embodiment, second data that is one item of the multiple items of phase control data may be determined such that the phases of k individual PWM signals that correspond to k multiple (k < n) light-emitting pixels included in a center region from among the n multiple light-emitting pixels are dispersed, and such that the phases of 1 individual PWM signals that correspond to 1 multiple (1 < n) light-emitting pixels included in an outer-circumferential region from among the n multiple light-emitting pixels are dispersed. The second data can be effectively used for providing the high-beam light distribution.
In one embodiment, third data that is one item of the multiple items of phase control data may be determined such that the phases of k individual PWM signals that correspond to k multiple (k < n) light-emitting pixels included in a center-most region from among the n multiple light-emitting pixels are dispersed, such that the phases of 1 individual PWM signals that correspond to 1 multiple (1 < n) light-emitting pixels included in an outer-most region from among the n multiple light-emitting pixels are dispersed, and such that the phases of m individual PWM signals that correspond to m multiple (m < n) light-emitting pixels included in a region interposed between the center-most region and the outer-most region are dispersed. The third data can be effectively used for providing the high-beam light distribution.
In one embodiment, fourth data that is one item of the multiple items of phase control data may be determined such that, in a case in which the multiple n light-emitting pixels are divided into ranks according to luminance, the phases of the individual PWM signals that correspond to the light-emitting pixels included in the multiple ranks are changed in a cyclic manner.
In one embodiment, fifth data that is one item of the multiple items of phase control data may be determined such that, in a case in which the multiple light-emitting pixels are divided into a first region defined on a lower side of a cutoff line of a low beam and a second region defined on an upper side of the cutoff line, the phases of the individual PWM signals that correspond to the light-emitting pixels included in the first region and the second region are changed in a cyclic manner. The fifth data can be effectively used for providing the high-beam light distribution.
In one embodiment, sixth data that is one item of the multiple items of phase control data may be determined such that the multiple individual PWM signals have equal phases.
In one embodiment, the variable light distribution lamp may form an active sensor together with an image sensor. Also, the sixth data may be selected in an image capture cycle of the image sensor. This is capable of preventing the occurrence of an artifact pattern in the image captured by the image sensor.
In one embodiment, seventh data that is one item of the multiple items of phase control data may be determined such that the phases of the multiple individual PWM signals that correspond to the multiple light-emitting pixels are an arithmetic progression.
A controller according to one embodiment is structured to pulse width modulation (PWM) control multiple light-emitting pixels in an array that form a variable light distribution lamp. The controller includes a signal processing unit structured to generate multiple individual PWM signals that correspond to the multiple light-emitting pixels according to a light distribution instruction. The signal processing unit is structured to change a combination of the phases of the multiple individual PWM signals adaptively according to a light distribution.
With this, in various kinds of light distributions, this arrangement is capable of optimizing the lighting-on timings, i.e., the lighting-on periods, of the multiple light-emitting pixels. This allows the current peak to be suppressed more effectively.
In one embodiment, the signal processing unit may store multiple items of phase control data each determining a combination of the phases of the multiple individual PWM signals. Also, the signal processing unit may select one from among the multiple items of phase control data according to the light distribution instruction. In many cases, an automotive lamp supports the use of several predetermined light distribution patterns. Accordingly, the phase control data may be prepared for each light distribution (i.e., for each combination of the duty cycles of the respective pixels), and the phase control data to be used may be switched according to the light distribution.
In one embodiment, first data that is one item of the multiple items of phase control data may be determined such that, in a case in which the multiple light-emitting pixels are divided into ranks according to luminance, the multiple individual PWM signals that correspond to the multiple light-emitting pixels included in the same rank have substantially dispersed phases. With this, the current can be further smoothed.
In one embodiment, second data that is one item of the multiple items of phase control data may be determined such that the phases of k individual PWM signals that correspond to k multiple (k < n) light-emitting pixels included in a center region from among the n multiple light-emitting pixels are dispersed, and such that the phases of 1 individual PWM signals that correspond to 1 multiple (1 < n) light-emitting pixels included in an outer-circumferential region from among the n multiple light-emitting pixels are dispersed. The second data can be effectively used for providing the high-beam light distribution.
In one embodiment, third data that is one item of the multiple items of phase control data may be determined such that the phases of k individual PWM signals that correspond to k multiple (k < n) light-emitting pixels included in a center-most region from among the n multiple light-emitting pixels are dispersed, such that the phases of 1 individual PWM signals that correspond to 1 multiple (1 < n) light-emitting pixels included in an outer-most region from among the n multiple light-emitting pixels are dispersed, and such that the phases of m individual PWM signals that correspond to m multiple (m < n) light-emitting pixels included in a region interposed between the center-most region and the outer-most region are dispersed. The third data can be effectively used for providing the high-beam light distribution.
In one embodiment, fourth data that is one item of the multiple items of phase control data may be determined such that, in a case in which the multiple n light-emitting pixels are divided into ranks according to luminance, the phases of the individual PWM signals that correspond to the light-emitting pixels included in the multiple ranks are changed in a cyclic manner.
In one embodiment, fifth data that is one item of the multiple items of phase control data may be determined such that, in a case in which the multiple light-emitting pixels are divided into a first region defined on a lower side of a cutoff line of a low beam and a second region defined on an upper side of the cutoff line, the phases of the individual PWM signals that correspond to the light-emitting pixels included in the first region and the second region are changed in a cyclic manner. The fifth data can be effectively used for providing the low-beam light distribution.
In one embodiment, sixth data that is one item of the multiple items of phase control data may be determined such that the multiple individual PWM signals have equal phases.
In one embodiment, the variable light distribution lamp may form an active sensor together with an image sensor. Also, the sixth data may be selected in an image capture cycle of the image sensor. This is capable of preventing the occurrence of an artifact pattern in the image captured by the image sensor.
In one embodiment, seventh data that is one item of the multiple items of phase control data may be determined such that the phases of the plurality of individual PWM signals that correspond to the multiple light-emitting pixels are an arithmetic progression.
In one embodiment, the controller may include a common counter and a signal processing unit. The common counter is provided in common for the multiple light-emitting pixels, and structured to generate a common count value having a ramp waveform. The signal processing unit generates multiple duty cycle instruction values for specifying duty cycles for the multiple light-emitting pixels. The signal processing unit stores multiple offset values that correspond to the multiple light-emitting pixels, and generates an individual count value for each light-emitting pixel by adding a corresponding offset value to the common count value, and generates an individual PWM signal according to a result of a comparison between the individual count value and the corresponding duty cycle instruction value.
With such an arrangement, this allows the phase of each individual PWM signal to be shifted according to the offset value. Such an arrangement is capable of setting the timings at which the multiple light-emitting pixels are turned on as desired. With this, the current that flows through the multiple light-emitting pixels can be smoothed, thereby suppressing the current peak, and thereby allowing the required capacity of the power supply circuit to be reduced. This can facilitate the design of the power supply circuit. Also, this can provide advantages of allowing the power supply circuit to be provided with a reduced cost, a compact size, etc.
In one embodiment, the signal processing unit may include multiple adders that correspond to multiple light-emitting pixels. Also, each adder may add a corresponding offset value to the common count value so as to output the individual count value. It should be noted that the term “addition” as used in the present specification includes “substruction”.
In one embodiment, the signal processing unit may include a processor that is capable of executing a software program. Also, the controller may be provided by a combination of the software program and the processor.
In one embodiment, the signal processing unit may be structured to store multiple sets of offset values, and to select one set that corresponds to the light distribution instruction from among the multiple sets. With this, in various kinds of light distributions, this arrangement is capable of optimizing the lighting-on timings, i.e., the lighting-on periods, of the multiple light-emitting pixels. This allows the current peak to be suppressed more effectively.
EMBODIMENTS
HIGH BEAM
LOW BEAM
UNIFORM LIGHT DISTRIBUTION
LIGHT DISTRIBUTION FOR IMAGE CAPTURING
MODIFICATION 1
MODIFICATION 2
MODIFICATION 3
MODIFICATION 4
Description will be made below regarding preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The same or similar components, members, and processes are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The embodiments have been described for exemplary purposes only, and are by no means intended to restrict the present invention. Also, it is not necessarily essential for the present invention that all the features or a combination thereof be provided as described in the embodiments.
In the present specification, the state represented by the phrase “the member A is coupled to the member B” includes a state in which the member A is indirectly coupled to the member B via another member that does not substantially affect the electric connection between them, or that does not damage the functions or effects of the connection between them, in addition to a state in which they are physically and directly coupled.
Similarly, the state represented by the phrase “the member C is provided between the member A and the member B’ includes a state in which the member A is indirectly coupled to the member C, or the member B is indirectly coupled to the member C via another member that does not substantially affect the electric connection between them, or that does not damage the functions or effects of the connection between them, in addition to a state in which they are directly coupled.
In the present specification, the reference symbols denoting electric signals such as a voltage signal, current signal, or the like, and the reference symbols denoting circuit elements such as a resistor, capacitor, or the like, also represent the corresponding voltage value, current value, resistance value, or capacitance value as necessary.
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is a block diagram showing a lamp system according to an embodiment.
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The lamp system includes a battery , an in-vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) , a variable light distribution lamp , and a controller .
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The variable light distribution lamp includes an LED array device and a power supply circuit . The LED array device includes multiple (n) light-emitting pixels PIX through PIXn and an interface circuit housed in a single package. The number n of the light-emitting pixels PIX is determined according to the resolution of the variable light distribution lamp . Specifically, n may be several hundred to several thousand.
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The multiple light-emitting pixels PIX through PIXn each include a light-emitting element and a current source . The multiple light-emitting elements _ through _ are each configured as a semiconductor light-emitting element such as an LED, semiconductor laser (LD), organic EL element, or the like. The multiple light-emitting pixels PIX through PIXn are spatially arranged in in an array (in the form of a matrix).
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The multiple current sources _ through _ are coupled to the corresponding multiple light-emitting elements _ through _ in series. The multiple current sources _ through _ are each configured to be turned on and off independently. When the i-th current source _ is turned on, the corresponding light-emitting element _ emits light. In this stage, the corresponding light-emitting element PIXi becomes the lighting-on state.
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The interface circuit controls the on/off states of the current sources _ through _ according to a control signal S from the controller . The interface circuit and an interface circuit described later may each be configured as a high-speed serial interface.
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The power supply circuit supplies electric power to the LED array device . The configuration of the power supply circuit is not restricted in particular. The power supply circuit may include a DC/DC converter configured to step down a power supply voltage (battery voltage) V from the battery and a converter controller . The converter controller controls the DC/DC converter such that electric power that allows the light-emitting elements _ through _ to turn on is supplied to the LED array device .
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The converter controller may employ the lowest voltage from among the voltages (cathode voltages of the light-emitting elements ) at all the connection nodes each of which couples the corresponding light-emitting element and the corresponding current source as a feedback signal V. Also, the converter controller may control the DC/DC converter such that the feedback signal V approaches a target value V.
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Alternatively, the converter controller may employ the output voltage V of the power supply circuit as the feedback signal V. Also, the converter controller may control the DC/DC converter such that the feedback signal V approaches a target value V.
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The controller receives a light distribution instruction S from the in-vehicle ECU , generates a control signal S that corresponds to the light distribution instruction S, and transmits the control signal S to the interface circuit of the LED array device . The controller may be built into a housing of a headlamp provided with the variable light distribution lamp . Also, the controller may be arranged as a component external to the housing. The variable light distribution lamp is a heat generator. Accordingly, an arrangement in which the controller is arranged in the vehicle interior is advantageous from a thermal design viewpoint.
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Specifically, the controller PWM-controls the multiple light-emitting pixels PIX through PIXn so as to control light distribution. A PWM frequency of several hundred Hz (e.g., 100 to 400 Hz) is employed, for example. Accordingly, the PWM period is set to several milliseconds to several dozen milliseconds (ms).
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The controller includes a common counter , a signal processing unit , and an interface circuit . The common counter is provided as a common counter for the multiple light-emitting pixels PIX through PIXn, and generates a common count value cv configured as a ramp-wave signal having a PWM period Tp. For example, in a case in which the number of gradations m is 256, the common counter can be configured as an 8-bit counter. The common count value cv may be a ramp-up signal that counts up from 0 to 255 and returns to 0 after it reaches 255. Alternatively, the common count value cv may be a ramp-down signal that counts down from 255 to 0 and returns to 255 after it reaches 0.
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The signal processing unit generates multiple duty cycle instruction values dc1 through dcn for specifying the duty cycle for each of the multiple light-emitting pixels PIX through PIXn according to the light distribution instruction S from the in-vehicle ECU . The duty cycle instruction values dc1 through dcn each have the same number of bits (8 bits) as that of the common count value cv. When the duty cycle instruction value is set to the maximum value (255), the duty cycle is set to 100%. When the duty cycle instruction value is set to the minimum value (0), the duty cycle is set to 0%.
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The signal processing unit stores the multiple offset values ofs1 through ofsn (which will be collectively referred to as “phase control data” hereafter) corresponding to the multiple light-emitting pixels PIX through PIXn. The signal processing unit adds a corresponding offset value ofsi to the common count value cv of the common counter for each of the light-emitting pixels PIXi (i = 1 to n), so as to generate an individual count value cvi. The number of bits of each individual count value cvi is the same as that of the common count value cv (8 bits). In a case in which cvi exceeds the maximum value max (255), the value is processed such as (cvi - max). The signal processing unit compares each individual count value cvi with the corresponding duty cycle instruction dci, and generates an individual PWM signal pwmi having a level (⅟0) that corresponds to the comparison result.
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The interface circuit transmits the control signal S including information on the multiple individual PWM signals through pwmn to the interface circuit .
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The format or signal format of the control signal S is not restricted in particular. For example, the control signal S may be transmitted as image data.
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With the PWM period as Tp, and with the number of gradations as m, the controller may transmit the control signal S configured as image data for every control period Tc (= Tp/m), so as to update the state of each of the light-emitting pixels PIX through PIXn.
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FIGS. A and B
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FIG. A
The above is the configuration of the lamp system . Next, description will be made regarding the operation thereof. are diagrams for explaining the operation of the controller for controlling the i-th light-emitting pixel. shows a case in which the offset value ofsi is zero. In this case, the individual count value cvi matches the common count value cv. Accordingly, the individual PWM signal pwmi transits to the on level at the start of the PWM period Tp.
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FIG. B
p
shows a case in which the offset value ofsi is non-zero. In this case, the phase of the individual count value cvi advances by (ofsi/256) x T as compared with the phase of the common count value cv. The individual count value cvi having a phase thus shifted is compared with the duty cycle instruction value dci so as to generate the individual PWM signal pwmi having a shifted phase with the same duty cycle as in a case in which the offset value ofsi is set to zero.
It should be noted that, in a case in which the offset value ofsi is a negative value (or in a case in which decrementing is executed with a positive offset value), this allows the phase to be delayed.
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is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the lamp system according to the embodiment. An appropriate phase shift is applied based on the duty cycle (on duty) of each pixel. This allows the number of light-emitting pixels PIX that turn on at the same time to be reduced. With this, the peak value of the output current I of the power supply circuit can be suppressed. This allows the power supply circuit to have a reduced current supply capacity. Alternatively, this allows the power supply circuit to be designed to have low response characteristics (load regulation) with respect to load fluctuations. This can facilitate the design of the power supply circuit . Also, this can provide advantages of allowing the power supply circuit to be provided with a reduced cost, a compact size, etc.
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FIGS. A and B
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FIG. A
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FIG. B
are diagrams for explaining the design method for phase control data corresponding to the light distribution. For ease of understanding and simplification of explanation, description will be made in which n = 4, and the duty cycles of all the pixels are set to the same value, i.e., 40%. shows the operation of a first design example. shows the operation of a second design example.
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In the light distribution in this example, the second design example is capable of suppressing the peak of the output current I more than the first design example. That is to say, the offset values may preferably be designed such that the number of light-emitting pixels that turn on at the same time is reduced.
The phase shift amount to be applied to each pixel, i.e., the offset values ofs1 through ofsn, may be dynamically calculated according to the light distribution pattern such that the peak current is reduced.
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Next, description will be made regarding an example configuration of the signal processing unit . is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the controller . The signal processing unit includes a duty cycle generating unit , memory A, memory B, and n circuit blocks that correspond to n light-emitting pixels PIX through PIXn.
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The duty cycle generating unit generates multiple duty cycle instruction values dc1 through dcn for specifying the duty cycles of the multiple light-emitting pixels based on the light distribution instruction S, and stores the duty cycle instruction values dc1 through dcn in the memory A.
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The memory B is configured as a table that stores the offset values ofs1 through ofsn for the multiple light-emitting pixels, i.e., the phase control data.
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The circuit block _ for each pixel includes an adder and a comparator . The adder adds the offset value ofsi to the common count value cv so as to generate the individual offset value cvi. The comparator compares the individual offset value cvi with the duty cycle instruction value dci so as to output the individual PWM signal pwmi. From another viewpoint, the signal processing unit includes n adders and n comparators . The offset values ofs1 through ofsn of the respective channels to be loaded are held by nonvolatile memory (not shown).
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The signal processing unit may be configured as a hardware component. For example, the signal processing unit may be configured as a programmable logic (PL) unit or an integrated circuit (IC). Alternatively, the duty cycle generating unit portion may be provided as a processor that executes software, and the circuit blocks _ through _ may each be configured as a hardware component.
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Alternatively, the entire signal processing unit may be provided as a combination of a software program and a processor that is capable of executing the software program.
With the automotive lamp, in many cases, several patterns of the light distribution to be used are determined beforehand. Accordingly, the phase control data may be prepared such that it includes multiple offset values for each light distribution (i.e., for each combination of the duty cycles for the respective pixels). Also, the phase control data to be used may be switched according to the light distribution.
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is a block diagram showing a controller A that is capable of switching the phase control data.
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The controller A is provided with memory C that stores multiple items of phase control data. A selector selects one item of phase control data from the memory C corresponding to the light distribution instruction S, and loads the phase control data thus selected in the memory B. Alternatively, the memory B may be omitted. In this case, the circuit blocks _ through _ may each be configured to be capable of directly referencing the memory C.
Next, description will be made regarding a specific example of the phase control of the multiple light-emitting pixels PIX for each light distribution.
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is a diagram showing an example of high-beam light distribution. The high-beam light distribution is configured such that it is brightest in its center portion, and darkens toward its outer region. That is to say, a large duty cycle is applied to each light-emitting pixel in the center region. On the other hand, a smaller duty cycle is applied to each light-emitting pixel in the outer region.
In a case in which the multiple light-emitting pixels are divided into ranks based on the luminance to be provided, one of the multiple items of phase control data may be determined such that the phases of the multiple individual PWM signals for the multiple light-emitting pixels included in the same rank are dispersed in the PWM period, i.e., such that there is no concentration of the light-emitting periods of light-emitting pixels that provide the same luminance. This provides further smoothed current.
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In the example shown in , three luminance ranks are defined. Accordingly, the light-emitting pixels are divided into three reigns, i.e., a Hi region in the center-most region, a Lo region in the outer-most region, and a Mid region as the other region. In this case, the phase control data is determined such that the phases of k individual PWM signals for the k (k < n) multiple light-emitting pixels included in the Hi region from among the n light-emitting pixels are dispersed in the PWM period. Similarly, the phase control data is determined such that the phases of 1 individual PWM signals for the 1 (1 < n) multiple light-emitting pixels included in the Lo region from among the n light-emitting pixels are dispersed in the PWM period. Furthermore, the phase control data is determined such that the phases of m individual PWM signals for the m (m < n) multiple light-emitting pixels included in the Mid region defined such that it is interposed between the Hi region and the Lo region are dispersed in the PWM period.
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is a diagram showing an example of the phase control data that corresponds to the light distribution shown in . shows a comparison example in a case in which the light distribution shown in is provided by control based on different phase control data. In a case in which the light-emitting pixels included in the same luminance rank, i.e., in the same region, have phases that are close to each other as shown in (in a case in which the offset values are close to each other), the peak power (peak current) becomes larger.
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In contrast, with an arrangement as shown in in which the phases of the light-emitting pixels included in the same luminance rank, i.e., in the same region, are dispersed, such an arrangement is capable of suppressing the peak power (peak current).
Description has been made in this example regarding an arrangement in which the light-emitting pixels are divided into three ranks (regions). Also, the light-emitting pixels may be divided into two ranks (regions). Alternatively, the light-emitting pixels may be divided into four or more ranks (regions).
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is a diagram showing an example of the light distribution of a low beam. The low-beam light distribution includes a first region defined on the lower side of a cutoff line and a second region defined on the upper side of the cutoff line. In particular, the center of the first region is designed to provide a particularly high luminance. The second region is designed to provide a very low luminance for overhead signs.
In a case in which the n multiple light-emitting pixels are divided into ranks according to the luminance, the phase control data to be used for generating such a light distribution may be determined such that the phases of the individual PWM signals to be applied to the light-emitting pixels included in the multiple ranks are changed in a cyclic manner.
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is a diagram showing an example of the phase control data that corresponds to the light distribution shown in . The phase control data is determined such that the phases of the individual PWM signals to be applied to the light-emitting pixels included in the first region (high luminance, medium luminance) and the second region (very low luminance) are changed in a cyclic manner. shows an example in which PIX, PIX, PIX, PIX, ... are included in the first region (high luminance, medium luminance), and PIX, PIX, PIX, ... are included in the second region (very low luminance).
The overall area of the first region is divided into two regions (high and medium). The individual PWM signals to be applied to the light-emitting pixels included in the first region may be determined such that the phases thereof are changed in a cyclic manner.
In a case in which the light distribution is designed so as to provide uniform luminance over all the pixels, the multiple individual PWM signals may be determined such that they have a uniform phase, i.e., such that the offset values ofs1 through ofsn are an arithmetic progression.
In some cases, the variable light distribution lamp forms an active sensor together with an image sensor. In this case, in a case in which the multiple light-emitting pixels emit light at random timings, this involves the formation of an artifact pattern on the image sensor. In order to solve such a problem, the phase control data is designed so as to align the phases of the multiple individual PWM signals, i.e., such that the offset values ofs1 through ofsn are substantially the same value. The phase control data thus designed may preferably be used in the image capturing cycle of the image sensor. This is capable of preventing the formation of an artifact pattern in the image captured by the image sensor.
The above-described embodiments have been described for exemplary purposes only, and are by no means intended to be interpreted restrictively. Rather, it can be readily conceived by those skilled in this art that various modifications may be made by making various combinations of the aforementioned components or processes, which are also encompassed in the technical scope of the present invention. Description will be made below regarding such modifications.
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Various modification may be made for the format of the control signal to be generated by the controller . For example, the controller may transmit the control signal S that indicates the timings at which the individual PWM signal through pwmn are to be switched for the respective channels to the variable light distribution lamp .
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Alternatively, in a case in which the number n of the light-emitting pixels PIX is small, the interface circuit and the interface circuit may be coupled via n wiring lines. With this, n individual PWM signals PWM through PWMn may be transmitted using the n wiring lines.
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Description has been made in the embodiment regarding an arrangement in which the controller is provided with a single common counter. However, the present invention is not restricted to such an arrangement. Also, n multiple individual counters each of which is capable of controlling the phase may be provided. Furthermore, an arrangement may be made so as to allow the phase of each individual counter to be shifted according to an offset value ofs. With this, the count value of the individual counter may be compared with the duty cycle instruction value for each light-emitting pixel so as to generate the individual PWM signal.
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The signal processing unit may calculate the phase control data for determining a combination of the phases of the multiple individual PWM signals (i.e., offset values ofs1 through ofsn) in a real-time manner according to the light distribution.
The above-described embodiments show only an aspect of the mechanisms and applications of the present invention. Rather, various modifications and various changes in the layout can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined in appended claims. | |
The present application claims priority from Japanese application JP 2006-304009 filed on Nov. 9, 2006, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.
The present invention relates to a coil device to be used for the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves and a nuclear magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (hereinafter called MRI apparatus) using the same.
In the MRI apparatus, imaging of a subject to be examined is performed by placing the subject in a uniform static magnetic field generated by magnets, irradiating electromagnetic fields to excite nuclear spins inside the subject body, and then by receiving nuclear magnetic resonance signals that are the electromagnetic field generated by the nuclear spins. The irradiation of electromagnetic waves and the reception of nuclear magnetic resonance signals are conducted by the RF coil which transmits or receives electromagnetic waves of radio frequency (RF). And the transmitting coils, the receiving coils or the transmitting-receiving coils in various shapes suitably used for the MRI apparatus have been developed.
The signals to be measured usually by the MRI apparatus are the signals from the hydrogen nucleus contained in water and fat. The sensitivity of the MRI apparatus has been improved by the employment of the higher magnetic field in the MRI apparatus in recent years. As a result, it has become possible to obtain signals from the nucleus of other than hydrogen (signals from non-hydrogen nuclides), including those of phosphor, carbon, fluorine and sodium. It is expected that the imaging of signals from phosphor and carbon may enable the acquisition of information associated with the metabolism of muscles and proteins.
In general, MRI signals from non-hydrogen nuclides are significantly weaker or 10 to 100 times weaker, than those from hydrogen nucleus, so that it is difficult to obtain detailed images. Therefore, the MRI signals with low image resolution from non-hydrogen nuclide are usually displayed by superimposing them onto the morphological image produced from the MRI signals from hydrogen. In such case, it is desirable to image the MRI signals from hydrogen and of non-hydrogen nuclides at the same time or in succession.
Since the coil used for the transmission and reception of MRI signals has high frequency selectivity, the coil for obtaining MRI signals from hydrogen and the coil for obtaining signals from non-hydrogen nuclide were usually installed separately. But an attempt has been made recently to use a single coil to be tuned with two frequencies.
[Patent document 1] U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,247
[Patent document 2] U.S. Pat. No. 4,916,418
[Patent document 3] U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,694
For example, the patent reference 1 discloses how to be tuned with two or more frequencies in a multiple patch resonator system by using an RF coil in which multiple number of conductive wires, rung, are disposed in the axial direction between dual cylinders on concentric circles. The reference 2 proposes how to be tuned with two or more frequencies by installing inductor/condenser resonant circuit in parallel with each rung of bird cage type coil. Further, the reference 3 proposes the method to be tuned with two or more frequencies by providing plural sets of so called endring of bird cage type.
In general, the multiple patch resonator type and bird cage type coils are known to have a uniform sensitivity range, and therefore are effective for the accurate imaging of the target region such as human head. However, the method according to the Patent Document 1 has a disadvantage that since every other rung of those disposed in the circumferential direction is allocated to different frequencies, the uniformity of effective sensitivity declines.
The method described in the Patent Document 2 has disadvantages, which include increased complexity of tuning of circuits and difficulty of application to large coils for imaging the body trunk or the like in the high-magnetic field MRI at least 3 Tesla due to too small capacity of condensers. The method described in the Patent Document 3 has such disadvantage that since the end of the bird cage coil is made of plural sets of endrings, the size in the vertical direction becomes too big and reduce the part for the shoulder when the human head is disposed inside the coil.
An object of the present invention is to provide a coil device, which has a uniform sensitivity range and dual tuning frequencies and is capable of transmitting and receiving MRI signals of dual frequencies. Another object of the present invention is to provide a coil device, which has dual tuning frequencies but occupies the space nearly equivalent to that by a single coil. The present invention also has an object to provide a coil device that is compatible with a high magnetic field MRI apparatus. Another object of the present invention is to provide an MRI apparatus which, by installing the aforementioned coil device, is capable of acquiring signals from both hydrogen nucleus and non-hydrogen nuclides in the same testing procedure.
In order to achieve the foregoing objects, the coil device of the present invention is the coil device, which is used for the transmission and/or reception of signals, is equipped with the multiple number of first coils having first and second conducting sections disposed spaced each other, second coils electrically connected with each of the multiple number of first coils, and transmission means for transmitting signals to the coil device and/or reception means for receiving signals from the coil device.
The first conducting section has a first conducting part, a second conducting part disposed spaced from the first conducting part and a first condenser that electrically connects the first conducting part and the second conducting part.
The second conducting section has a third conducting part, a fourth conducting part disposed spaced from the third conducting part and a second condenser that electrically connects the third conducting part and the fourth conducting part.
The transmission and/or reception means is connected in parallel with at least one of the first condensers of the multiple number of first coils.
In the coil device of the present invention, the second coil may have a third condenser between every contact points with the multiple first coils. By thus disposing the third condenser, tuning frequencies can be easily varied over a broad range.
In order to achieve the foregoing objects, the coil device of the present invention is the coil device, which is used for the transmission and/or reception of signals, is equipped with the multiple number of first coils having first and second conducting sections disposed spaced each other, second coils electrically connected on at least one point with each of the multiple number of first coils, and transmission means for transmitting signals to the coil device and/or reception means for receiving signals from the coil device.
The first conducting section is composed of virtually single conducting part (including the first conducting part and the second conducting part directly connected without through condenser).
The second conducting section has a third conducting part, a fourth conducting part disposed spaced from the third conducting part and a second condenser that electrically connects the third conducting part and the fourth conducting part, the second coil has a third condenser between every connection points with the multiple number of first coils.
The transmission and/or reception means is connected in parallel with the third or second condenser.
This coil device has a simpler coil configuration because the first conducting section has no condenser.
In the coil device of the present invention, the first to the third condensers are adjusted to have two different tuning modes. For example, one of these different tuning modes is of bird cage type, in which the first coil functions as a rung of the bird cage type coil, while the second coil functions as a ring. The other is a tuning mode of multiple patch resonator type, in which the multiple number of first coils disposed spaced each other function as an individual coil of the multiple patch resonator. For example, when the capacities of the first and second condensers are set at C1 and C2, respectively, the values of C1+C2 can be used in adjusting tuning frequencies in the bird cage type tuning mode, while the value of C1×C2/(C1+C2) in adjusting tuning frequencies in the multiple patch resonator type tuning mode.
The first coil is of, for example, strip line type.
The coil device of the present invention is equipped with a multiple number of first coils having the first and second conducting sections which are disposed to face each other and electrically connected, and second coils which have the first ring-shaped conductor connected with one ends of the first conducting sections of the multiple number of first coils and the second ring conductor connected with other end of the first conducting section, and a feeding/receiving means to feed or receive electricity. At least one condenser is connected in tandem in either of a first loop consisting of two adjacent first conducting sections, the first ring-shaped conductor and the second ring-shaped conductor, and a second loop consisting of the first conducting section and the second conducting section electrically connected with said first conducting section.
The coil device of the present invention may have various shapes, such as approximate cylinder, hollow circular truncated cone and circle, depending on the size and the disposition of the first and second coils, so that the coil device with an optimum shape for particular application can be used. The cylindrical coil, for example, is appropriate as a coil used for the human head or whole body in the MRI apparatus. The coil in a cylinder or circular truncated cone shape can be installed in the horizontal magnetic field MRI apparatus, while the coil in a circular truncated cone-like shape and circle can be installed in the vertical magnetic field MRI apparatus.
In the coil device of the present invention, the condenser to be inserted into the first loop can be inserted into the first conducting section or into the first and/or the second ring-shaped conductor which connects two adjacent first conducting sections.
The feeding/receiving means is installed in parallel with at least one of the condensers inserted into the first conducting section, or, with at least one of the condensers inserted in the first and/or second ring conductor.
Alternately, the feeding/receiving means is equipped with at least one first loop coil disposed in parallel with the loop surface of the first loop and/or at least one second loop coil disposed in parallel with the loop surface of the second loop. In the case when the first loop coil and second loop coil are equipped, they can feed or receive different tuning frequencies between the first and second loop coils.
In the coil device of the present invention, the feeding/receiving means can be installed in two places where circular polarized feeding/receiving is possible. This enables QD transmission or QD reception, thereby improving sensitivity and efficiency.
Further, in a preferable embodiment of the present invention, the first and the second coils are made of non-magnetic material. Accordingly, it will be a coil device suitable for the MRI apparatus.
The MRI apparatus of the present invention is equipped with means for generating static magnetic field, an RF coil which is disposed in the magnetic field space generated by the static magnetic field generating means and generates high-frequency magnetic field perpendicular to the direction of the static magnetic field or detects high-frequency magnetic field perpendicular to the direction of the static magnetic field, and means for imaging (visualizing) information inside a subject to be examined by using nuclear magnetic resonance signals generated from the subject and detected by the RF coil, wherein the coil device of the present invention is equipped as an RF coil.
The MRI apparatus of the present invention is an MRI apparatus equipped with means for generating static magnetic field in the vertical magnetic field direction, wherein a coil device of the present invention with a shape of circular truncated cone or circle is used as an RF coil. In this case, a pair of RF coils can be disposed above and below the subject.
In the MRI apparatus of the present invention, the RF coil has the first and second tuning modes with different frequencies, and the condenser is adjusted to make one of the first or the second tuning modes be tuned with resonance frequency of hydrogen nucleus while the other is tuned with resonance frequency of nuclide of other than hydrogen.
The present invention provides a coil device, which, with one coil, has a uniform sensitivity range and can be tuned with two different frequencies. It can be configured that one of the two tuning frequencies has a tuning mode of multiple patch resonator type, while the other has a tuning mode of bird cage type. Because of the characteristics of the tuning mode of multiple patch resonator type, the coil device of the present invention is applicable to the high-magnetic field MRI apparatus.
In the coil device of the present invention the space between first coils disposed adjacently is electromagnetically transparent, allowing the invasion into the RF electromagnetic field from outside. Consequently, the coil device of the present invention can be used in combination with other transmission coils disposed in the outside of the same. For example, in the application to the MRI apparatus, it is possible to use the coil device of the present invention exclusively as a receive only coil by using other larger coil placed outside for the RF transmission.
Further, according to the present invention, an MRI apparatus which is configured relatively simply by using the aforementioned coil device of the present invention as an RF coil and has homogenous sensitivity at two frequencies can be constructed.
An embodiment of the present invention is described below with drawings.
FIG. 1
To begin with, the first embodiment of the MRI apparatus of this invention is explained. shows the outline of the MRI apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
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This MRI apparatus comprises a magnet , which applies static magnetic field to a subject to be examined, gradient magnetic field coils , which impart magnetic field gradients in a certain direction on the static magnetic field, an RF coil , which is inserted into the magnet and transmits electromagnetic waves including radio waves to the subject and receives electromagnetic waves, a transmitter-receiver , which is connected with the RF coil , generates and transmits electromagnetic waves to be irradiated from the RF coil, detects nuclear magnetic resonance signals from the RF coil and processes the signals, a gradient magnetic field power supply , which supplies electric current to the gradient magnetic field coils , a data processing unit , which controls the driving of the transmitter-receiver and the gradient magnetic field power supply and performs various information processing and operations by operator, and a display , which displays results of processing at the data processing unit .
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The gradient magnetic field power supply and the gradient magnetic field coil are connected with the gradient magnetic field control cable . Also, the RF coil and the transmitter-receiver are connected with the coil-controlling cable and the transmission/receipt cable .
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FIG. 1
There are two different types of MRI apparatus, depending on the direction of static magnetic field generated by the magnet , namely horizontal magnetic field and vertical magnetic field systems. In the horizontal magnetic field system, in general, the magnet has a cylindrical bore and generates static magnetic field in the horizontal (left and right) direction as shown in . In the vertical magnetic field system, on the other hand, a pair of magnets is disposed above and below the subject and generates static magnetic field in the vertical (up and down) direction as shown in . The present invention can be applied to both of these systems.
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In the MRI apparatus of this configuration, intermittent electromagnetic waves and gradient magnetic fields with the interval of approximately several milliseconds are irradiated upon the subject placed (not illustrated in the figure) in the static magnetic field using the RF coil and the gradient magnetic field coil , and by receiving and processing the signals generated from the subject in resonance with the electromagnetic waves, magnetic resonance image is obtained. shows the single RF coil as the RF coil which irradiates and receives electromagnetic waves. However, more than one RF coils, such as RF coil for imaging wider range and RF coil for imaging localized range, for example, may be used in appropriate cases.
The MRI apparatus of the present invention employs as either of these RF coils, a coil device having dual tuning frequencies to be explained later. One of such tuning frequencies is, for example, a resonance frequency of hydrogen nuclear spin, and the other is a resonance frequency of non-hydrogen nuclear spin, such as carbon, sodium and phosphor. Such resonance frequency depends on the strength of the static magnetic field. In the MRI apparatus with the magnetic field strength of 3 Tesla, for example, the frequencies of MRI signals of hydrogen, carbon, sodium and phosphor are about 128 MHz, 32.2 MHz, 33.9 MHz and 51.8 MHz, respectively.
The MRI apparatus of the present invention can obtain signals from two nuclei in a single testing process, by using, as an RF coil, the coil device with dual tuning frequencies corresponding to two nuclides. This makes it possible to display morphological images produced with the signals from, for example, hydrogen as superimposed by the metabolic information produced with signals from phosphor or carbon on it. As there is no time lag between the time when the morphological image and metabolic information are obtained, the image useful in performing accurate testing will be provided.
FIG. 2
The RF coil of the present invention is explained below. shows an overview of one embodiment of the coil device of the present invention. This coil device is preferable for, for example, an RF coil to be used for the human head in the horizontal magnetic MRI apparatus.
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The RF coil of the present embodiment comprises the multiple number of (16 in the illustrated example) first coils and the second coil consisting of two ring-shaped parts and which connect said first coils . The first coils comprises the first conducting section consisting of two conducting parts, and and the second conducting section consisting of two conducting parts, and , and are disposed to configure a cylinder with the second conducting section and the first conducting section being inside and outside of said cylinder, respectively. When used as a coil for the head, human head is inserted into this cylinder to perform MRI imaging. The coil is not limited to particular size, but the size of the head coil is, for example, 340 millimeter in external diameter, 270 millimeter in internal diameter and 220 millimeter in axial length.
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The conducting sections of the first coil and the second coils, and , can be comprised of a thin conductive metal sheet or a rod or pipe of conductive metal. When the RF coil is a coil for MRI apparatus, all parts and components comprising the coil are made of non-magnetic materials. This may prevent the noise and distortion to be caused by the influence of such parts and components. The conducting sections of the first and second coils are supported by the supports made of non-magnetic engineering plastic such as Delrin® and acrylic resin.
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Two conducting parts and , which constitute the first conducting section, are connected via the first condenser . Two conducting parts, and , which constitute the second conducting section, are connected via the second condenser . The end of the first conducting section is connected with the second conducting part and one of the ring-shaped parts of the second coil. Similarly, the end of the first conducting part is connected with the second conducting part and the other ring-shaped part of the second coil.
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The first conducting section (the conducting parts and ), the second conducting section (the conducting parts and ) and the condensers and comprise one loop, and the first coil . On the other hand, the ring-shaped conducting parts and play a role to connect the multiple number of first coils disposed in a cylindrical form at the top and bottom positions. Because of this structure, the coil of this embodiment has a feature that the conventional bird cage type tuning mode and the multiple patch resonator type resonance mode co-exist with a single coil.
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FIG. 2
If a bird cage type tuning occurs, the first conducting sections ( and ) and the second conducting sections ( and ) of the first coil can be deemed as being arrayed in parallel. Namely, no circular electric current flows through the first coil, whereas electric currents flow through the first and the second conductors of the first coils in the same vertical direction as shown in . Accordingly, it can be deemed that the first coil, combined with the ring-shaped parts and of the second coil, is equivalent to the bird cage coil. In this case, if the values of the condensers and are C1 and C2, respectively, C1+C2 is a synthesized capacity of the condenser when it is considered as a bird cage type coil, and the coil can be considered as a low pass bird cage type coil.
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On the other hand, when a tuning of multiple patch resonator type occurs, the electric current hardly flows through the second coil (ring-shaped part) while circular current flows through the loop made by the first coil. This is the opposite way of current flow to that in the bird cage type mode. The condensers inserted into the circular loop of the first coil are considered as the condensers and disposed in tandem. The synthesized capacity of the condenser relating to the tuning frequency in this case is expressed as C1×C2/(C1+C2).
In general, the resonance frequency is proportional to 1/√(LC) in the inductor/condenser resonance circuit, where the value (L) of inductance depends on the size and the shape of the coil. Therefore, by adjusting the values of individual condensers, C1 and C2, so as to make the synthesize capacity C in the aforementioned two tuning mode an appropriate value in accordance with the resonance frequency of the nuclide to be tested, it is possible to operate the coil in dual tuning modes. Namely, because the tuning frequency of the MRI signals is determined precisely by the nuclide to be tested and the intensity of the static magnetic field, whereas the inductance value L which determines the resonance frequency of the coil is determined by the size and the shape of the coil, the synthesized capacity required for each tuning mode is determined automatically by the nuclide to be tested.
With the coil device of this embodiment, the bird cage type tuning mode appears usually on the lower frequency range, while the multiple patch resonator type tuning mode appears on the higher frequency range, though it depends on the value of the condenser. The synthesized capacity of a bird cage condenser with a tuning mode at lower frequency range is set as
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and the synthesized capacity of the condenser on a multi patch resonator tuning mode is set as
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and by using the synthesized capacities, A an B, which are determined by the resonance frequency of the nuclide to be used and the inductance value L, C1 and C2 which satisfy the abovementioned simultaneous equations is determined.
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However, it should be considered that there is no solution for C1 and C2 unless the requirement A>4B is satisfied. If the requirement A>4B is not satisfied, the condensers are disposed in tandem between adjacent first coils in the ring-shaped parts and , as illustrated in (). This enables to raise the tuning frequency of the bird cage mode without changing the tuning frequency of multiple patch resonator type so much. Therefore the synthesized capacity of the tuning mode of bird cage type “A” can be increased to satisfy the relation; A>4B. In this way, dual tuning modes can be realized. By thus disposing the third condenser, the flexibility of the coil design can be greatly expanded.
FIG. 2
FIG. 3(
FIG. 3(
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As an arrangement of condensers, the embodiment illustrated in and ) illustrates the case in which the condensers are inserted into the first conducting sections ( and ) and the second conducting sections ( and ) of the first coil, and the case in which they are inserted into the ring-shaped parts and connecting adjacent first coils. In case where the condenser is disposed in the ring-shaped parts and comprising the second coil, the condenser inserted into the first conducting sections ( and ) may be omitted as shown in ). This coil has an advantage of simplified configuration.
FIG. 2
FIG. 3
FIG. 4
The configuration of the coil of this embodiment, in which the feeding and receiving circuits are added, is explained below. The coil devices shown in and are independently tuned with two particular frequencies and have a uniform sensitivity. However, for the transmission and the reception by using the coil, feeding and receiving points of the coil must be configured. shows an example of feeding and receiving circuits. Also, because the feeding and receiving circuits are often configured in the same circuitry, the figure shows only receiving circuit.
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FIG. 4
In general, there are two systems of feeding, linear polarized and circular polarized systems, and either of which may be employed. Under the system called linear polarized feeding, there is only one feeding point, from which, for example, alternate radio waves are fed in parallel with the first condenser of the condenser inserted into the first conducting section of one of the multiple number of first coils. Under this system, the polarized waves in the electromagnetic field generated inside the coil are linear polarized waves. Under the circular polarized feeding system, as shown in , power is fed not only to the first feeding point installed in parallel with the condenser but also to the condenser located at the position 90 degree from the cylinder axis. From the feeding point parallel with the condenser , alternate electric waves with the wavelength displaced by ¼ of that of the first feeding point is fed, in which polarized wave generated inside the coil is circular polarized wave. The MRI apparatus which employs the circular polarized wave feeding has better sensitivity and efficiency than that employing the linear polarized wave feeding.
FIG. 5
FIG. 5
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shows another embodiment of the feeding method. In the feeding method shown in , loop coils are displaced in parallel with the surface of the loop contained in the coil device, to which alternative electric waves are fed. For example, feeding is carried out by the alternative electric wave source and loop coils, which are disposed in parallel with and proximately to the cylindrical curved surface made by the first conducting section of two first coils and the second coil connecting them. This method is suited to the feeding of only the tuning mode of the bird cage type, which the coil of this embodiment has.
502
Alternately, feeding is carried out by the alternate electric wave source and the loop coils, which are disposed in parallel with and proximately to the first coil consisting of the first and second conducting sections. This method is suited to the feeding of only the tuning mode of the multiple patch resonator type, which the coil of this embodiment has.
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FIG. 5
The coil device of this embodiment has dual tuning modes, but may be equipped with any one of the aforementioned two feeding means, and . In such case, the coil device may be arranged to operate in only one tuning mode. The coil device may be configured to have two feeding means and , in which two tuning frequencies can be fed separately and efficiently. shows the configuration, in which the feeding means and are installed in one position, or the example of linear polarized feeding. The circular polarized feeding is also possible by placing additional feeding means which are similar to the feeding means and 90 degree off on the cylinder shape, and by feeding alternate electric waves with the wavelength displaced by ¼ of the wavelength.
The most preferred embodiment of the feeding and condenser installation methods as explained above differ depending on the uses to which the coil device of this embodiment is applied, for example, the method how the MRI apparatus is configured, so that the method deemed most appropriate is applied. It is also possible to employ many secondary combinations on the basis of the aforementioned configuration.
As explained above, in the coil device of this embodiment the tuning is possible at two different frequencies with one coil in a relatively simple circuit configuration. Moreover, since it has a bird cage type tuning mode as well as a multiple patch resonator type tuning mode, uniformity of sensitivity is excellent and transmission efficiency is high. The use of such RF coils as a transmission coil may reduce the number of power amplifiers which occupy larger space and consume large amount of electricity.
The RF coil of this embodiment has the great flexibility in the adjustment of frequencies, and needs less space to be occupied by the coil, and is particularly preferable as an RF coil for the MRI apparatus. For example, it enables simultaneous imaging of signals from both hydrogen and other than hydrogen nuclides such as phosphor, carbon and sodium in the MRI apparatus, and may provide high quality images with highly homogenous sensitivity.
Since the cylindrical coil device such as the coil device of this embodiment is sensitive to the electromagnetic wave direction intersecting the circular loop configuring the first coil or the loop consisting of the first coils adjacent to the second coil, it is preferable that the coil device is installed so that an axis of the cylinder becomes almost parallel to the direction of the static magnetic field of the MRI apparatus. Therefore, the coil device of this embodiment is preferable for the MRI apparatus of the horizontal magnetic field system, in which the body axis of the subject is usually in the direction of the static magnetic field (horizontal).
FIG. 2
The embodiment of the coil device of the present invention has been explained above, but various modifications can be made to the shape of the coil device and the elements and others constituting the coil device of the present invention. For example, a cylindrical RF coil is shown in , but its shape can be changed in accordance with the system of the MRI apparatus and the shape of the subject to be tested.
FIG. 6
FIGS. 2-5
shows other embodiments of the coil device of this invention, in which the coil has different shapes. The figure omits condensers and shows only conductors. The condensers and feeding methods in various configurations or with various modifications as explained in the embodiments shown in can be applied as appropriately.
601
601
FIG. 6(
FIG. 2
a
The coil shown in ) is made by deforming the cylindrical coil almost to the circular truncated cone shape. Even with the coil , it is possible to obtain similar sensitivity distribution and tuning frequency to those of the coil shown in , only by slightly adjusting the value of condenser and others.
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601
FIG. 6(
FIG. 6
b
a
The coil shown in ) is made by combining two coils deformed to the circular truncated cone shape, and has uniform sensitivity at the central part of these two coils. When they are employed as an RF coil in the MRI apparatus, therefore, they can be disposed to sandwich the subject horizontally or vertically to obtain highly sensitive information on the central part of the subject. This coil can be applied to the horizontal magnetic field MRI apparatus like a cylindrical coil or the coil in the shape of circular truncated cone shown in (), but is also applicable to the vertical magnetic field MRI apparatus.
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FIG. 6(
FIG. 6(
FIG. 6(
c
b
b
The coil shown in ) is made by further deforming the coil shown in ) to a complete plane shape, and like the coil shown in ) two of the coil can be disposed to face each other. This coil has an excellent sensitivity to the electromagnetic waves which are almost parallel to the planar coil surface and is preferably applicable to the vertical magnetic field MRI apparatus. It is applicable most preferably to the MRI apparatus equipped with static magnetic field magnets, called open MRI apparatus.
FIG. 1
The second embodiment of the MRI apparatus of the present invention is explained below. The MRI apparatus shown in uses the coil device of the present invention as a transmitting-receiving RF coil. The MRI apparatus of this embodiment equipped with a receive only coil and a transmit only coil may use the coil device of the present invention as a receive only coil and/or transmit only coil.
FIG. 7
FIG. 1
FIG. 7
701
702
illustrates the configuration where the coil device of the present invention is used as the transmit only coil or the receive only coil for the MRI apparatus. Since the magnet which generates static magnetic fields, the magnet which generates gradient magnetic fields, the power supply for the gradient magnetic field and the display are installed in the same way as in , they are not shown in .
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The RF coils and are disposed on a static magnetic field. The RF coil is a transmitting coil and is connected with the transmitter . The RF coil is a receiving coil and connected with the receiver . The receiver and the transmitter are connected with the data processing and operating part .
FIG. 7
FIGS. 2-5
702
701
701
701
702
701
In the MRI apparatus shown in , the receive only coil , for example, comprises the coil device of the present invention as shown in . The RF coil can be configured by, for example, the publicly known bird cage type coil or multiple patch resonator type coil. In the coil device of the present invention, as mentioned above, the multiple number of first coils connected with the second coils made of two ring-shaped parts are disposed spaced each other to allow the invasion of electromagnetic wave from outside. Consequently, without preventing transmission by the RF coil , electromagnetic wave can be irradiated from the RF coil inside the subject equipped with the receive only coil . In this case, nuclear magnetic resonance signals can be received in a tuning mode at the frequencies corresponding to that of the electromagnetic waves irradiated from the RF coil .
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702
The coil device of the present invention can be used as a transmit only coil . In this case, by using two different coils with a tuning mode at different frequencies as the receive only coil , different nuclides can be tested. Further, since the coil device of the present invention has a great flexibility in adjusting frequency, the coil with different sizes and shapes can be configures by adjusting the capacity of condenser to be inserted into the first conducting and the second conducting sections of the first coil and the capacity of condenser to be inserted into the ring-shaped conducting section of the second coil. Therefore, the coil device of the present invention can be used as the transmit only coil and the receive only coil for the same MRI apparatus. This may ease the testing of two nuclides without complicating the equipment or exchanging coils.
FIG. 2
An example, in which the RF coil made of 16 first coils and second coils, as shown in , are installed in the MRI apparatus with the magnetic field strength of 3 Tesla to obtain hydrogen and carbon signals, will be explained.
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208
In the present example, the coil was designed to have an axial length of 220 millimeter, outer diameter of about 334 millimeter and internal diameter of approximately 276 millimeter. Also, the value, C1, of the first condenser sandwiched between the first conducting sections of the first coil was set at 17 pF, and the value, C2, of the condenser between second conducting sections was set at 12 pF. Since the use of a copper rod of 4 millimeter in radius is assumed, the electric conductivity of copper was used.
FIG. 8
Resonance characteristics of this RF coil obtained by simulation are shown in , where the horizontal and vertical axes represent the frequency and the impedance, respectively. The impedance was obtained by simulating the case in which linear polarized feeding wave was fed only from a condenser disposed at the first conducting section of the first coil.
FIG. 8
801
As shown in , the RF coil of the present example shows the multiple number of peaks, of which 8 peaks appearing in the range between frequencies of 30 MHz and 110 MHz are resonance peaks characteristics to the low pass and bird cage type coil, while the peak at about 32 MHz is a tuning peak with highly uniform sensitivity over a large volume inside the coil. The frequency of 32 MHz corresponds to the tuning frequency of sodium or carbon in the MRI apparatus with the strength of static magnetic field of 3 Tesla.
802
Further, nine peaks seen near the higher frequency region from 125 to 143 MHz are resonance peaks of the multiple patch resonator type coils. In general, the number of resonance peak characteristics to the multiple patch resonator type coil is expressed by the formula, “the number of first coils/2+1”. Accordingly, the RF coil consisting of 16 first coils is estimated to have 9 peaks. Among these peaks, the peaks second lowest peaks at 129 MHz are tuning peaks with uniform sensitivity over a large volume inside the coil region. The frequency of 129 MHz corresponds to the tuning frequency of hydrogen in the 3 Tesla MRI apparatus.
FIG. 8
As shown characteristically in , it was found that in the embodiment of the coil of the present invention, a resonance mode of bird cage type appears at the lower frequency range and a resonance mode of multiple patch resonator type at the higher frequency range in the impedance characteristics graph.
FIG. 4
FIG. 9
Then, the sensitivity inside the coil was examined with a tuning frequency of bird cage type and multiple patch resonator type, separately. The sensitivity at the surface cut at the center of the coil in perpendicular to the central axis of the cylindrical coil was obtained by simulation. In this case, circular polarized feeding was performed to two condensers at two places shown in . shows the results.
FIG. 9
901
902
In , the picture is a sensitivity map at the bird cage type tuning point of 32 MHz, and the picture is a sensitivity map at the multiple patch resonator type tuning point of 129 MHz. The unit of contour in the sensitivity map is A/(m√W). The graphs illustrated right-side each sensitivity map show the sensitivity distribution at one cross section surface.
901
As illustrated, the birdcage type sensitivity map shows uniform sensitivity of 6-7 at the central part. This is the characteristic sensitivity distribution of the bird cage type coil characteristic in the circular polarized feeding.
902
The multiple patch resonator type sensitivity map shows uniform sensitivity of about 0.7 near the center. In this case, a relatively strong sensitivity of about 3 is shown in the donut-shaped space sandwiched between the first and the second conducting sections of the first coil constituting the RF coil, actually also in thick cylindrical space. This donut-shaped sensitivity is characteristic to the resonance of multiple patch resonator type.
All results shown above revealed that the RF coil of the present invention could generate uniform sensitivity of bird cage and multiple patch resonator types at two frequencies of 32 MHz and 128 MHz. It is known that the multiple patch resonator type has much freedom in the coil design especially in capacitor setting values than the bird cage type in the high magnetic field MRI apparatus and has higher sensitivity. The fact that the tuning in the higher frequency range is of multiple patch resonator type in the present invention indicates its usefulness in the coil production for the high magnetic field MRI apparatus.
301
FIG. 3
The values of the condensers, C1 and C2, shown in this example are 12 pF and 17 pF, respectively. However, two tuning frequencies can be widely varied by changing these values. Also, as mentioned above, by installing the condenser with relatively large capacity at the ring part of the second coil, as shown in , the tuning frequency of bird cage type can be changed to the higher frequency range by hardly changing the multiple patch resonator type tuning frequency.
This example explains concrete configuration of dual-frequency tuning coil which can be tuned with the frequencies of hydrogen and phosphor in the 3-Tesla MRI apparatus as in Example 1.
FIG. 2
301
301
The RF coil of this example is, as in Example 1, the RF coil in the shape shown in . However, it is different from Example 1 in that the condenser is inserted into the ring-shaped part of the second coil and its value was set at 250 pF. As mentioned earlier, by inserting the condenser into the ring-shaped part of the second coil, the tuning frequency of bird cage type can be raised. The simulation of resonance characteristics of the RF coil of this example revealed that the addition of the condenser of 250 pF into the ring-shaped part of the RF coil in Example 1 could alter the bird cage type tuning frequency from 32 MHz to 52 MHz while maintaining the multiple patch resonator type tuning frequency at 129 MHz. The frequency of 52 MHz is almost identical with the tuning frequency of phosphor in the 3-Tesla MRI apparatus. It was also shown that by using the coil configuration of the present invention, a coil having dual frequency tuning corresponding to the frequencies of hydrogen and phosphor could be configured. Similarly, the dual frequency tuning coil, which can correspond to both hydrogen and other nuclide, or other two nuclides, can be configured.
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301
Resonance characteristics of the RF coil, in which two conducting parts of the first conducting section connected via the condenser are connected with one conductor into one conductor without using the condenser in Example 2, was examined. Other elements of the configuration were same with those of Example 2. Feeding was performed in parallel with the condenser or among the multiple number of condensers.
Simulation of the RF coil of this Example show that the bird cage type resonance mode appears, like the RF coil in examples 1 and 2, at the lower frequency range than that of the multiple patch resonator type resonance mode, and that the bird cage mode of high pass type appeared instead of the bird cage mode of low pass type in Example 1.
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207
It was found that if the value C2 of the condenser inserted into the second conducting section (inside the rung) is set at 5.8 pF, and the value of the condenser of the second coil (ring part) at 119.7 pF, a dual frequency tuning coil which is adapted to the frequencies of hydrogen and phosphor could be configured. The RF coil of this example has an advantage that the configuration may be simplified because the condenser can be omitted.
The RF coil of the present invention has dual tuning modes with a single coil, and can receive and/or transmit two different signals of different frequencies. This coil device is applicable as a part of the MRI apparatus as well as to all kinds of devices which use electromagnetic frequencies in the range of several MHz to several GHz frequencies.
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. . . . Static magnet, . . . gradient magnetic field coil, . . . RF coil, . . . transmitter-receiver, . . . data processing/operating section, . . . display, . . . gradient magnetic field power supply, . . . first coil, , . . . first conducting section of the first coil, , . . . second conducting section of the first coil, . . . first ring-shaped part (second coil), . . . second ring-shaped part (second coil), . . . first condenser, . . . second condenser, . . . third condenser, , . . . condensers connected in parallel with feeding and receiving circuits, , . . . feeding/receiving loop circuits, - . . . RF coil, . . . transmission coil, . . . reception coil, . . . receiver, . . . transmitter, . . . data processing/operating section
TECHNICAL FIELD
BACKGROUND ART
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Object to be Achieved by the Invention
Means for Achieving the Object
EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
DESCRIPTION OF NOTATIONS
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a block diagram showing an example of the MRI apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2
FIG. 3(
FIG. 2
a
b
shows an example of the coil device of the present invention ) and () shows each layout of the condenser of the RF coil in .
FIG. 4
shows an example of the feeding/receiving means of the coil device of the present invention.
FIG. 5
shows another example of the feeding/receiving means of the coil device of the present invention.
FIG. 6
shows examples of changed shape of the coil device of the present invention.
FIG. 7
shows another example of MRI apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 8
is a graph showing the resonant impedance of the coil obtained from the simulation model of the example.
FIG. 9
shows sensitivity maps inside the coil at the tuning points of both bird cage type and multiple patch resonator type. | |
The present study examined the effects of time of day of testing on a simulated aviation task. The tasks required the participants to engage in multitasking while electroencephalogram (EEG) data was collected to objectively measure participants’ workload. Task demands were altered throughout the testing period to expose participants to both high and low workload conditions. Additionally, individual differences in circadian rhythm were explored by assessing participants’ circadian typology. No significant differences in performance were found resulting from time of day differences. However, performance and EEG differences were found based on phase of testing and workload manipulations. Subjective workload measures were influenced by time of day, with a moderating effect of circadian typology. Implications are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Feltman, Kathryn A., "The effects of time of day and circadian rhythm on performance during variable levels of cognitive workload" (2016). Theses and Dissertations. 348. | https://commons.und.edu/theses/348/ |
Shumpei KUMON (Executive Director, GLOCOM)
A general election is approaching. Though not yet formalized, Prime Minister Koizumi is expected to dissolve the lower house after he is renominated as the president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
On every election a question is asked. Do people vote for a candidate based on his or her personal qualities, or as a representative of a policy or a party? Then the story often goes on to a stereotype proposition that the fact that many people tend to vote on personality rather then the party of a candidate is an indication of the pre-modern mind-set of Japanese people.
However, an either-or approach in discussing a policy or a philosophy behind it, such as to choose between a market-oriented and government-controlled economy, or between capitalism and socialism, has virtually no significance today. What is important is to devise a skillful mix of policies to maximize the number of satisfied people. Indeed, most of the industrialized countries in the 20th century experienced their political parties shifting their ideologies to middle-of-the-roadism and calling themselves the people's parties, which has made it difficult to differentiate political parties based on their policies or principles. Names of the parties vividly illustrate this phenomenon. In Japan, for example, what are the differences among the Liberal Party, the Democratic Party, and the Liberal Democratic Party? And what does it mean for the Liberal Party and the Democratic Party to merge?
Another marked characteristic of the last century is the significant advance in means such as public opinion polls to find out people's desires. It is not necessary any more to go through all the trouble of carrying out a general election in which every citizen expresses an opinion. Rather, sampling from a small randomly chosen group of people would readily and obviously reflect the will of the people at large. And if democracy means a government run respecting people's wills, running a government should be relegated to a group of professionals who could realize the will of the people rather than to any political party with a distinctive underlying philosophy in promoting a policy. A system where realization of the will of the people would be auctioned among professionals, competing in method and cost to achieve the goal--to run a government--could be envisaged, which might in fact serve the people better.
If so, the Japanese way where choosing a representative is based on a personal quality rather than proposed policies could be considered a better system. Factions in each political party could be considered as separate professional groups.
There is, however, a flaw in the Japanese style of emphasizing personalities in choosing lawmakers. It is the risk of those chosen professionals to begin seeking their own interests more than that of the people, and the tendency of such a group to devise an internally 'fair' system where members would be promoted not by their abilities but by seniority. This would result in a political structure that is of, by, and for the assembly members.
This deplorable trend is not unique to Japan's political parties. It is a universal tendency of any such group of people created by human beings. Organizations are in theory established and operated with a certain social objective. By "social" I mean the seeking of well-being and benefit of other than its own members. Nevertheless, most organizations begin to neglect such original objectives and in time begin seeking the welfare of insiders. Any organization reaching that stage would have lost the very basic reason of existence, and therefore require a full-blown restructuring. | http://www.glocom.org/debates/20030901_kumon_will/index.html |
An early American hymn tune comes alive in this new arrangement that captures the vibrancy and earthiness of the shaped note era. Using a variety of bell techniques, it should become a favorite of ringers and listeners alike. Its styling makes it an ideal selection for festivals.
Audio Samples
Additional Information
|Series:||Alfred Handbell Series|
|Arranged by:||Dan Edwards|
|Instrument:||Handbells|
|Voicing:||3-5 Octaves|
|Format:||Sheet|
|Item Number:||00-45224|
|UPC:||038081516714|
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Want to get the latest updates and special offers from Alfred Music? | https://www.alfred.com/hark-i-hear-the-harps-eternal/p/00-45224/ |
Reconciliation is the process of matching transactions you entered in QuickBooks with your bank or card company’s records. It is highly recommended that you reconcile your bank and card accounts in QuickBooks on a regular basis to ensure accuracy of your accounting records. More specifically, reconciliation helps ensure that:
- All your transactions such as payments, deposits, and bank fees are accounted for in QuickBooks.
- All transactions in your QuickBooks bank register, as well as its ending balance, match what you have in your actual bank account.
Before you start reconciling the account, make sure you have:
- Backed up your QuickBooks company file.
- Set up the bank or card account in QuickBooks with the correct beginning balance.
- Entered all uncleared transactions for the statement period.
- Received a copy of your bank or card statement.
The Reconciliation Process
You will come across two main screens as you start and complete the reconciliation process.
The Begin Reconciliation window
In this window, you choose the account to reconcile and review all the information corresponding to it. It is important that all information in this window is accurate before proceeding to the next step.
To go to the Begin Reconciliation window, go to the Banking menu and click Reconcile.
|For customers with QuickBooks Merchant or Payments account:If QuickBooks Desktop detects that you are not signed in to your Payments account, a Sign In prompt will appear. This is to ensure that your account is successfully signed in and linked to a valid company ID.|
- In the Account field, select the bank or card account you want to reconcile.
- The Statement Date is automatically filled in. Usually it is 30 or 31 days after the statement date you entered for the previous reconciliation. You can change it as needed.
- The Beginning Balance is automatically filled in. It is the sum of all previously cleared transactions. Make sure it is the same as the opening balance shown on your statement.
- In the Ending Balance field, enter the corresponding balance from your statement.
- If the financial statement shows a service charge or interest that you haven't yet entered into your QuickBooks records, enter those amounts into the Service Charge and Interest Earned section. Do NOT enter charges you have already entered as QuickBooks transactions.
- Click Locate Discrepancies to see available reports that will help you track discrepancies and other reconciliation issues. You will also be given the option to Undo and Restart Reconciliation on the Locate Discrepancies window.
- Click the Undo Last Reconciliation button if troubleshooting requires you to revert to the previous reconciliation.
Why do I need to undo last reconciliation?
You will normally need to undo last reconciliation when you cannot locate discrepancies during reconciliation or if you want to change the date of the opening balance. Note that when you undo previous reconciliation, your beginning balance will revert to the previous beginning balance and all previously cleared transactions will be uncleared.
- If all information is correct, click Continue to proceed to the Reconcile window.
The Reconcile screen
In this window, you can refine the choices you want to match against your bank statement. This is where you select transactions to clear. If this window shows a zero difference after you select all transactions that appear on your statement, then congratulations! You can simply click the Reconcile button and you’re done reconciling the account.
- Hide transactions after the statement’s end date: Put a check mark in the box if you want to display the transactions covered only by the statement period you are working on. This will help avoid confusion especially if you are “behind” in the reconciliation process.
- The transactions entered in QuickBooks: These are listed and divided into two sections – the Cheques and Payments (Money out) and Deposits and other Credits (Money in). If you are reconciling a card account, the sections are Charges and Cash Advances (purchases) and Payments and Credits (payments to the card company). Check the transactions against what you have on your bank or card statement. Click only the ones that appear on your statement and ensure the amounts are the same. Note that as you select transactions, the Cleared Balance changes.
What if there are too many transactions?
By default, the transactions are listed according to date. If there are too many transactions for the statement period, it may be easier for you to resort transactions, especially if you are trying to find a transaction with a specific amount, reference #, etc.
Click the header/title of the column you want to resort. Clicking it once automatically sorts the transactions. Clicking it a second time reverses the sort. For example, if you want to arrange transactions according to amount, click the Amount column header. The transactions are rearranged in ascending or descending order.
- Items you have marked cleared: This section displays the total number and the total amount of Deposits and Checks you’ve selected. Some bank provides the same summary of transactions on their statement. Looking at this section will save you time if you need to check for discrepancies.
- Mark All/Unmark All: Click either of these buttons to select/deselect transactions. If you reconcile on a regular basis and if all transactions for the statement period were entered correctly, selecting all transactions at once may save you time. Just make sure the reconcile window shows a zero difference between the ending balance and cleared balance.
- Go To: Click this button to open (and edit) the transaction from the reconciliation window. This is helpful if you need to do minor edits on the transaction before you mark it reconciled or cleared.
- Matched: If the account you are trying to reconcile is setup for online banking, clicking this button will automatically select the transactions that were downloaded and auto-matched.
- Columns to Display: Click this button to choose the fields you want to display.
Why do you need to choose columns?
By default, QuickBooks displays the Date, CHQ #, Payee and Amount columns. Except for the Amount column, you can add or remove the other fields to help avoid confusion. For example, if your statement shows the reference # for most transactions, you can choose to display only the CHQ # and AMOUNT columns. This way, you can easily find and mark transactions.
- Modify: Click this button if you have last minute changes on the information you entered in the Begin Reconciliation window.
- This section provides you with a glimpse of the reconciliation figures.
- Service Charge, Interest Earned, and Ending Balance: They are all based on the amount you entered for these fields in the Begin Reconciliation window.
- Cleared Balance: The figure decreases as you select/clear cheques and payments and increases as you select/clear deposit and other credit amount.
- Difference: This gives you the difference between the beginning balance you entered and the cleared balance (the transactions you've selected so far). Ideally, this should be zero.
- Leave: Click this button if you need to go out of the reconcile window to work on another account or to edit transactions.
What happens when I click the Leave button?
QuickBooks keeps track of the transactions you already marked as cleared -- that is, they remain checked in the Reconcile window. When you go to the account register, an asterisk (*) is displayed in the cleared column of the transactions you marked until you complete the reconciliation. The asterisk indicates that a transaction is pending because you haven't finished reconciling your QuickBooks account with your financial statement.
When you are ready to resume reconciling, you need to go back to the Begin Reconciliation window, re-enter the beginning balance and proceed with reconciliation as usual.
- Reconcile Now: Click this button if you are done selecting all transactions.
What happens next?
If the difference is zero: QuickBooks saves the reconciliation and displays the Select Reconciliation Report window. Choose the type of report and then click either Display or Print. Click Close if you do not need any reports at this time.
QuickBooks gives you the option to choose between Reconciliation Summary or Reconciliation Detail report, or select both. Though not displayed after you completed the reconciliation process, the Reconciliation Discrepancy Report is also available in QuickBooks to help you figure out any discrepancy or issue when reconciling the account.
If the difference is anything but zero: QuickBooks displays the Reconcile Adjustment window. The options available in this window are:
If you need to locate the journal entry, you can:
- Return to Reconcile: if you need to go back to the previous window.
- Leave Reconcile: if you need to go out of the reconciliation window so you can review or edit existing transactions that are causing the discrepancy.
- Enter Adjustment: if you want to complete the reconciliation process although you didn’t get a zero difference on the previous window. QuickBooks will automatically enter a Journal Entry under a special expense account called Reconciliation Discrepancies. You can check and edit it as needed by going to your Chart of Accounts.
- Use the Find feature.
- From the Edit menu, click Find.
- On the Find window, go to the Advanced tab and select the Memo filter.
- In the Memo field, type Balance Adjustment and click Find.
- Any balance adjustment will be displayed.
- View the Previous Reconciliation report.
- From the Reports menu, click Banking > Previous Reconciliation.
- If a balance adjustment was made, you will see a General Journal Entry at the top of the report under the Cleared Transactions section.
- Use the Find feature.
FOR CARD ACCOUNTS: If your ending balance is anything but zero, QuickBooks will display the Make Payment window and prompt you to write a cheque or enter a invoice to pay for the outstanding balance. If you do not want to record payment, you can click Cancel.
Reconciliation discrepancies
You may encounter discrepancies as you reconcile your bank or card account. Discrepancies are mismatches caused by transactions in the account that don’t agree with your printed statement. Below are two of the available resources dealing with mismatches and other reconciliation issues. | https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/banking/reconcile-bank-and-card-accounts-in-quickbooks-desktop/01/239267 |
Professional Development
Wildlife Triggers Change in Congressional Debate on Climate
AIBS Washington Watch, 2007
Adrienne Froelich Sponberg
The 110th Congress is taking a new approach to climate change. Rather than debating whether or not climate change is a “hoax,” the Democratic-majority Congress is moving full steam ahead. With the creation of a select House committee on climate change and a number of committees holding hearings and debating legislation, lawmakers are now discussing the possible consequences of climate change for, among other things, ecosystems and wildlife.
The impacts of climate change on wildlife are pulling more policymakers into the debate. Senator John Warner (R–VA) admits that his love of hunting and fishing sparked his interest in climate change. At a recent Environment and Public Works (EPW) subcommittee hearing on the link between climate change and wildlife, Warner noted, “The wildlife and the plant species are not represented by any lobbyists. And how they react to today’s climate is a pure, clear science and it could well provide the benchmarks, the early indicators, of what direction that our nation must move to solve this problem.”
Warner isn’t the only sportsman turning his eye toward climate change. In a recent survey of licensed hunters and anglers conducted by the National Wildlife Federation, 76 percent of respondents said they believe global warming is occurring. More than 70 percent of sportsmen believe that climate change is a serious threat to wildlife and affects, or will affect, hunting and fishing conditions. Even more—80 percent—said that America should be a world leader in addressing the issue of global climate change. “We are reaching a tipping point in this country where the vital sportsmen’s constituency is adding its voice to those who recognize global warming is occurring, that it poses serious threats and that action must be taken to address it,” said Larry Schweiger, president of the National Wildlife Federation.
However, Senator James Inhofe (R–OK), former chair and current ranking member of the EPW committee, believes that the link between climate change and wildlife is tenuous. In his opening remarks for a hearing on the topic, Inhofe stated, “The fact is that the relationship between species and climate is not clearly understood.” He added, “It is clear the environmentalists are seeking to use Americans’ love of wildlife as a way to bring about climate change policies they cannot get on the science alone.”
Thomas Lovejoy, director of the H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment, believes the science is there: “The data have moved from the anecdotal to the statistically significant, and they demonstrate unequivocally that nature is on the move.” Nadine Lymn, public affairs director at the Ecological Society of America, says Inhofe’s skepticism on the relationship between climate and species is unfounded. “If the senator had taken a moment to survey the scientific, peer-reviewed literature, he would have discovered numerous studies demonstrating clear linkages between climate and species, from population declines to disruptive effects in marine food webs.”
The challenge now confronting scientists is predicting responses to an uncertain future climate. “The important issue before us is not the stirrings we can already document but the changes that further climate change is likely to engender,” Lovejoy told the EPW committee. Margaret Palmer, coauthor of the 2004 report Ecosystems and Climate Change: Research Priorities for the U.S. Climate Change Science Program, prepared for the Ecosystems Interagency Working Group, believes scientists are up to the challenge. “Once funding is enhanced, ongoing and future research will lead to important information for policymakers rather quickly, in less than a decade.” Scientists need not conduct thousands of site-specific experiments, either. “As long as the research reveals the trends and elucidates the underlying ecological mechanisms, then we are in position to suggest ways to deal with the impacts.”
However, the research to provide those answers relies largely on federal funding, and those dollars are becoming harder to obtain. The Climate Change Science Program is slated for a 7.4 percent cut in fiscal year (FY) 2008, the fourth year in a row that funding for the program has declined. Within that total, funding for the “ecosystem research element” has declined at an even greater pace, dropping 10.3 percent between FY 2005 and FY 2007. Earlier this year, Alan Leshner, chief executive officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, told congressional appropriators that the current slide in climate change research funding needs to be reversed, saying that “a continuing decline is, I believe, a path to disaster.”
Adrienne Froelich Sponberg (e-mail: [email protected]) is director of public affairs at the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography.
| |
Camp expansion slated at Lime Hollow
Lime Hollow Executive Director Glenn Reisweber talks about the expansion of the summer camp program near a pavilion that serves as one of the shelters for campers.
CORTLANDVILLE — With enrollment in the Lime Hollow Nature Center’s summer camp program on the rise, the environmental center is hoping to once again upgrade and renovate part of the facility with help from the community.
Preliminary site plans have been received by the town and sent to the county for review, following the regular meeting Tuesday evening of the town Planning Board.
Lime Hollow Executive Director Glenn Reisweber attended Tuesday’s meeting where he talked about the need to upgrade Camp McLean, the staff housing, picnic pavilion, outdoor stoves and old farmhouse next to the Visitor’s Center off McLean Road.
Upgrades would include adding three bathrooms and three showers to staff housing along with new filtration and septic systems. A new kitchen and preparation area would also be built off an extension planned for the pavilion space.
Reisweber said improvements are not merely aesthetic. In addition to much-needed renovations to infrastructure, the upgrades are primarily intended to keep up with the 252 percent increase in enrollment the camp has seen since 2006.
The nature center tracks enrollment by counting how many children spend time at the camp each week over the course of the summer. For example, if one child spent five weeks at summer camp, that would be counted as five so-called “camping opportunities.”
Reisweber said Lime Hollow provided a total of 314 camping opportunities in 2006. Last year, there were 1,104.
So that means changes had to be made to accommodate the increased number of campers and staff, which Reisweber noted was also another positive change for the nature center.
“We have become a small business — we used to have no business,” he said. “In the summer we have 25 to 30 people on the summer staff, so in terms of an economic driver and an employment driver, that’s a big seasonal boost in the work force.”
More importantly, though, is creating an environment where new and returning campers can come to learn and interact with nature and the outdoors.
“We are bucking that big trend in a big way as a summer camp,” he said. “We have more kids than ever before spending more time outside than we’ve ever seen.”
Lime Hollow’s operation was expanded in 2015 with the completion of Camp Gustafson, the $1 million project which upgraded four existing structures and created an amphitheater and the Environmental Education Center classroom building. More than 200 donors and volunteers helped to complete that project.
Reisweber said Thursday that much like the Camp Gustafson project, progress on the new project would be largely contingent on community support.
He added he and his staff are in the middle of calculating costs, and while he would like to see the improvements gradually phased in over the next two years, he’s willing to wait as long as it takes.
“We have to raise money to keep the doors open, so I’ve got to balance the numbers,” he said. “We’re not going into the deficit spending model on this — this may be a long-phased operation because I’m coming off a major capital campaign. I don’t intend to operate in the red.”
So while there is no cost estimate or slated date of completion for the small, but significant improvements Lime Hollow wants to make, Reisweber said the wait would be worthwhile if it keeps campers coming back.
“We’re going to make it a little better for the kids,” he said, “Because we can and we want to do better for the kids.”
Hunter Barlow, 9, of Caroline has been attending camp at Lime Hollow since he was about 4 years old, his mother, Laura Barlow, said this morning.
“He loves nature,” his mother said. “He loves being outside. They teach about environmental issues. They also have themes for each week. Even though they are fun, they have an educational component to them. During the time he has been there, it (the camp) has grown exponentially.” | |
This page describes the development of QATrack 2.0, starting late September 2007.
Background
For the members of the community that are involved in QA to able to set a high quality on it's work, they must have access to high quality, available tools that help them approach individual and collective goals.
Overview
The name of the tool will be QATrack, and will hold version 2.0.
The following people are involed:
|Name||Role||OpenOffice.org Account|
|Per Eriksson||Lead Developer||pereriksson|
|André Schnabel||Mentor||andreschnabel|
Project Start
The project will start at the end of September 2007.
Project End
The project will continue until the product has been tested successfully and been released.
Schedule
|Section||When||Target|
|Phase 1||Development of new Features|
|Phase 2||QATrack Testing new features||2007-10-20 .. 2007-11-??|
|Phase 3||Bugfixing|
|Phase 4||Community Test / production use|
Feedback
We hare interested receiving feedback from the whole community. Power users are a primary group, other comments are greatly appreciated but have to stand aside from wishes from the power users.
Discussion will take place on the [email protected] mailinglist. IssueZilla might be used to track individual tasks, but the project will always be documented here.
Features
QATrack 2.0 will implement these major features:
Centralized CollabNet Enterprise Edition (CEE) authentication
This will be achieved by a technically reliable method.
The feature will improve security and simplify password management.
Localization Support
This version will have localization support.
Centralized language management
Langauges will be maintainable directly in the interface.
IssueZilla-integration
The web interface will support reading and generating issues.
Improved interface
An improved web interface with simpler navigation and lighter colors.
Improved source code
Improved security and simplified future development with reusable objects and resources
Technical Implementation
|Category||Implementation||Who||Completed|
|Builds||Introduce a Comments field for greater flexibility and communication between users working with the same build. Especially important with large language builds having many users.||pereriksson||50%|
|Builds||Introduce a TCM Report URL field as requested for QATrack 1.0.||pereriksson||25%|
|Builds||Introduce integration towards IssueZilla. How should this work?||pereriksson||40%|
|User Management||Users should be able to be set as QA-Leads for languages. These users should be able to assign languages to users.||pereriksson||40%|
|User Preferences||List the user's all roles.||pereriksson||100%|
|Localization||A user should be able to select a User Interface language, which should be stored in the user's profile.||pereriksson||100%|
|First Page||Display last 20 messages from RSS feed.||pereriksson||90%|
|First Page||Display messages written by users with ADM role.||pereriksson||50%|
|Messages||Administration of messages.||pereriksson||0%|
|Authentication||Replace current authentication with CollabNet integration solution.||pereriksson||85%|
|Users||New users should be added to the database.||pereriksson||100%|
|Languages||Languages should be manageable by users with the global role "ADM".||pereriksson||100%|
Database Tables
All tables have character set "utf8_unicode_ci". | https://wiki.openoffice.org/w/index.php?title=QATrack_Development&oldid=52141 |
A hallmark of the CNA Certification Program is that it demonstrates that you are current in your chosen specialty area. This is why you have to renew your credential every five years.
You need to have accumulated a minimum of 2,925 hours’ experience as a registered nurse in your nursing specialty or area of nursing practice during your current five-year certification term. Full-time, part-time or casual employment are all eligible.
Continuous Learning: This is our most popular renewal option and encourages you to independently seek out learning opportunities. To fulfill this requirement, you must have accumulated 100 hours of continuous learning activities over your five-year certification term. We provide an easy-to-use form that you can use to log your activities, which are then submitted as part of your renewal application.
Exam: You also have the option of rewriting the certification exam at the end of your five-year term. By passing the exam, which is periodically updated to reflect the latest practice advancements, you prove that your knowledge of your specialty area continues to be current. | https://www.mycna.ca/en/my-certification/certification-renewal/renewal-eligibility |
The United States will be the main absentee from plans to contribute to Iraq’s finances, US officials say as Baghdad seeks to rebuild the country following a devastating battle against the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group.
US officials at a donors’ conference held for Iraq’s reconstitution in Kuwait said Monday that the White House did not plan to pledge funds at the event.
This came despite announcements by officials in the conference that Baghdad would need more than $88 billion to rebuild Iraq following more than three years of war on Daesh that left many parts of the Arab country in ruins.
The US, which has been leading a military coalition purportedly fighting Daesh, claims it has played a major role in Iraq’s war against terrorists.
This comes as independent monitors have time and again challenged the claim and revealed that the US-led military campaign has significantly inflicted more civilian casualties.
The US also occupied Iraq for eight years after its invasion of the country in 2003, which led to the fall of former strongman Saddam Hussein. Many blame Washington’s presence in the country for the failure of Iraq’s efforts to make economic and political progress.
The United Nations has warned that the failure of the international community and major powers in the West to help Iraq could lead to renewed instability.
“If the international community doesn’t help the government of Iraq to stabilize these areas (devastated by the war) the gains against Daesh could be at risk,” said Lise Grande, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, at the Kuwait conference.
The Kuwait International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq kicked off Monday in Kuwait City, Kuwait’s capital, with the focus on post-war reconstruction of Iraq and vital issues concerned. The three-day meeting brings together several economic powers as well as regional and international organizations.
Kuwait’s state news agency, KUNA, reported a pledge of providing Iraq with $330 million in humanitarian aid by non-governmental organizations at a parallel NGO conference.
However, the figure would be far shy of Iraq’s estimates for funds needed to press ahead with post-Daesh reconstruction efforts.
Planning Minister Salman al-Jumaili said during the conference that those ignoring Iraq’s pleas for financial help were forsaking the security of the entire Middle East region.
“Rebuilding Iraq is restoring hope to Iraq, and restoring the stability of Iraq is stabilizing the states of the region and the world,” said al-Jumaili.
Other Iraqi authorities said that a bulk of the funds was urgently needed for rebuilding the houses destroyed during the Daesh militancy, which are estimated at around 147,000 units.
The director general of Iraq’s Planning Ministry, Qusay Adulfattah, said the country would need some $23 billion in the short term and more than $65 billion in the medium term. Daesh controlled almost a third of Iraq at the peak of its devastating campaign.
Authorities declared a full victory over the terrorist group in December 2017. | http://www.libertyfrontpress.com/washington-not-to-contribute-funds-to-iraqs-reconstruction/ |
Why You Should Limit Privileges
One of the often overlooked problems in cybersecurity is the internal forces that can wreak havoc on a network. According to a Ponemon study: “55 percent of respondents say their organization had a security incident or data breach due to a malicious or negligent employee.” That’s just from inside the organization.
The question, therefore, is how do you give your staff the tools they need to work, without opening up vulnerabilities to your data? This is particularly important when the cost of an average data breach is $3.62 million. Because of this, we want to share a few thoughts on privilege and how unfettered access can open up a world of problems for your business.
Because Your Data Is Not for Everybody
Privileged access to data should be, well, a privilege. Does someone in your shipping department need access to your CFO’s accounting sheets? Does a salesperson need access to your banking information? Privilege is an employee’s ability to access data or tools through his or her workstation and across your network. Administrators, for example, have total access to anything in that network. For each employee position in your business, what is the level of access that individual has to your company’s data?
In the world of cybersecurity, there’s a concept called the principle of least privilege. This principle calls for the employee (or the position) to have access to the least amount of information and resources to complete the job – in other words, the minimum you need to complete your work. This hugely relevant factor is often missing in companies.
Because Hackers Choose the Path of Least Resistance
Hackers are looking for easy access. Leave the road less traveled to the poets. When a system has open access, the least-secure workstation or one careless mistake can spread to your entire network. One attack on one computer could be limited based on access. But if admin privileges are given, the attack broadens quickly.
From the Microsoft Windows Security Resource Kit:
“For example, examine the consequences of a network administrator unwittingly opening an email attachment that launches a virus. If the administrator is logged on using the domain Administrator account, the virus will have Administrator privileges on all computers in the domain and thus unrestricted access to nearly all data on the network. If the administrator is logged on using a local Administrator account, the virus will have Administrator privileges on the local computer and thus would be able to access any data on the computer and install malicious software such as key-stroke logging software on the computer. If the administrator is logged on using a normal user account, the virus will have access only to the administrator’s data and will not be able to install malicious software. By using the least privileges necessary to read email, in this example, the potential scope of the compromise is greatly reduced.”
In an environment that is practicing the principle of least privilege, the smallest error could have dire consequences. Why carry the risk when a few identity management protocols could eliminate the vulnerability while still allowing access to all the information needed to get the job done?
Learn More: Everything You Need to Know About Cybersecurity
Because Role-Based Attributes Means Higher Cybersecurity
At the enterprise level, you find limited access across the board. This is because they have the IT staff to give them that higher level of security. For others, however, implementing a limited-access program can be complicated, because roles are often not defined by their data-access privileges.
A good identity management system helps you determine these roles and what attributes help define them. Whether it’s in the network’s active directory, on servers, on workstations or on any variety of business applications, identity management helps you keep your system on lockdown. | https://kjtechnology.com/why-you-should-limit-privileges/ |
Jul 28, 2016
Choose leafy greens of all types and of all colors. Many leafy greens are rich in the following nutrients:
Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Folate, B Vitamins, Iron
Cooking and Prepping Tip: Do not leave dark greens soaking in water as the water-soluble vitamins (Vitamin C, B Complex Vitamins) will leak out.
My Favorite Summer Salad Recipe:
Spring Mix Lettuce
1/2 C Blueberries or 1/2 C Strawberries or Chopped Apples and/or Grapes! | http://dietitiancindy.libsyn.com/lettuce-talk-lettuce |
School of Nursing
The School of Nursing offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Disaster Healthcare Mission Management (non-nursing major, DHMM), and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These programs prepare healthcare professionals who demonstrate confident leadership in providing excellent and compassionate care across the world. The School has a special affinity for vulnerable and disadvantaged populations, especially in rural and global settings and disaster situations.
The School of Nursing offers the following programs, divided into undergraduate and graduate:
Undergraduate Programs:
Graduate Programs:
Welcome to the School of Nursing, where faculty come together in a wonderful tapestry of gifts and talents. Our faculty are innovative, teaching from a unique concept-based curriculum that equips students with higher levels of critical thinking and decision-making abilities. They are committed to a culture of excellence, encouraging and supporting students to reach exceptional levels of professional practice. Our faculty are spiritually bold and emphasize caring holistically for others in settings such as a hospital, on a mission field across the world, or at the scene of a disaster. | https://www.leeuniversity.edu/academics/nursing/ |
Restorative Drawing for Artists. Are you a visual artist who's been feeling blah about it lately? We'll rediscover the joy of it via playful drawing exercises and low-stakes sharing.
Restore joy and creativity via playful, low stakes, and soothing drawing exercises.
We'll meet once a week for 5 weeks, 2 hours each session.
Each class will roughly be composed of:
All class members will have access to our class Discord, where members of old and new cohorts can chat with each other. Optional homework assignments will be posted in the Discord.
Exercises: Introspective self portraits, embodying your demons, and more.
This week is about reminding ourselves to embrace imperfection by drawing under constraints.
A series of exercises done during class time.
This class is open level! It's for anyone who's feeling burnt out and looking for some creative rejuvenation.
If you're up for trying some drawing in service of self-reflection, connection, relaxation, and goofing around, you'll get a lot out of it.
You like art, and drawing, but sometimes hate it, but want to love it again.
Want emails on new cohorts? | https://year-one.hyperlink.academy/courses/anti-burnout-artists-spa/79?utm_source=hyperlink&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=hyperlink-knowledge-drop-feb21-new-courses-clubs |
People should be aware of their own blind spots when it comes to making decisions about foreign investments. South African investors are close to a lot of political noise and it evokes a lot of emotions.
At a recent PSG investment webinar portfolio managers and wealth advisors addressed some of the blind spots with regard to foreign investments. (Blind spots are generally seen as a lack of insight or awareness about a specific area of one’s behaviour.)
PSG Wealth advisor Marzel Swart cautions against making decision based on emotions.
After the recent unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng there was a lot of talk about investing fully offshore.
However, that is one of the blind spots to be wary about since the discussion remains relative to each individual’s circumstances.
Read: ‘You are free to choose – but not from the consequences of your choices’
PSG Wealth manager Morné Oosthuizen says personal circumstances change. It is quite possible that many young South Africans will end up working or living abroad.
“The question is whether the parents and grandparents will still need a large rand return or will their need for foreign currency returns increase.”
Currency diversification
Oosthuizen says the diversification between rand, dollar or euro investments then becomes more important.
“That is because our circumstances can change to such an extent that we will need both domestic and foreign investments. For years we have seen currency investments as a long term investment, but now we will reach a point where we need income from other currencies.”
People often look at the amount of money they have when deciding where to invest. However, they should consider their entire balance sheet. “The average South African [relatively speaking] is going to retire with a paid-up mortgage, a pension fund amount, or business interests that can be sold.”
That means the individual’s biggest assets are in SA. Their pension fund is restricted to a 30% offshore exposure and most of the advice over many years has been to limit offshore discretionary investments to between 30% and 40%.
Rand depreciation
Tian Ebersohn, portfolio manager at PSG, says South Africans are part of the world economy and we are becoming world citizens. “We increasingly see people who either want to move abroad or have children there, and although they stay in SA they would want to visit their children.”
To live in SA, a rand return is then important. However, the rand is continuously depreciating against other currencies and South Africans will be able to do less and less with the rand abroad.
Read: SA proves to be resilient… in more than one way
“Therefore it is very important to protect your income or the buying power of the rand against depreciation, and foreign exposure will offer that protection,” says Ebersohn.
JSE shouldn’t be ignored
Hennie Fourie, PSG Wealth advisor, says whether one wants to or not, one cannot completely ignore the JSE.
“Most of our wealth is locked into retirement annuities or pension funds. Most of us have retirement savings and within these products the local share exposure always makes up the biggest part of the product.”
He says the JSE still counts among the top 20 biggest exchanges.
This means fund managers do have the option of investing in multinational companies that are invested in the JSE.
The nature and structure of the JSE is such that the top four companies dominate our stock exchange. “They determine the direction of our exchange,” says Fourie.
Ebersohn warns against this domination because of the concentration risks. He refers to Naspers which makes up almost a fifth of the bourse. Its exposure to the Chinese market through its holding in Tencent and changes to government regulations can result in significant movements in the share price.
The diversification plan
That is why diversification is important. South Africans do not get exposure to the large international companies that are known as ‘the disrupters’. This includes the large technology companies such as Apple and Amazon.
Swart advises investors to always consider their asset class allocation when making investment decisions. If there is a sufficient share exposure in the portfolio the discussion about local or offshore becomes less relevant.
“The most important thing is to ensure that you invest in the share market and that you are invested in good companies who have the ability to adapt to the changing environment.”
When deciding on investing offshore it must be for the right reasons and not only because we have no confidence in the rand or the country.
The blind spots
Fourie notes that there isn’t a strong correlation between share markets and the economy or politics.
“We have seen that even though we are still in the thick of the Covid-19 pandemic, our market and foreign markets are at record levels. Markets are forward-looking and the expectation is that things may improve in the future.”
He adds that it is important to stay in the market, because to sit on the sidelines and wait for the economy to recover will be too late. Share markets recover before the economy recovers.
Listen to Simon Brown’s interview with Prandhana Naidu from Melville Douglas in this MoneywebNOW podcast (or read the transcript here): | https://www.moneyweb.co.za/investing/finding-the-balance-between-local-and-offshore/ |
Extended Van Trip Included 29 EAS Undergraduate Majors, 2 Geology Graduate Students and 2 Geology Professors
Founded in 1998, GeoSociety is a recognized, student organization within the University of Houston’s Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences. With over 100 current undergraduate and graduate student members, the organization seeks to build fellowship between undergraduate geoscience students by organizing social events, facilitating career preparation, volunteering in the community, and exploring geology outside of the classroom. A tradition of GeoSociety is the annual winter field trip. This year, it took place January 2-8, 2020, and visited geologic sites in southern New Mexico.
The 2020 trip was led by EAS geology professors Peter Copeland and Mike Murphy and included 29 EAS geology and geophysics majors that ranged from sophomores to seniors. EAS geology graduate student Shelby Johnston and former EAS undergraduate student and Geosociety president David Lankford-Bravo helped organize and co-lead the field trip. Lankford-Bravo is now a Ph.D. student in geology at the University of Texas at El Paso. GeoSociety president Laura Taylor-Barnett organized field trip logistics that included arranging transportation and making reservations at camp grounds. The group traveled in rental vans from Houston.
The group visited geological sites around Silver City in southeastern Mexico along with visits to the gypsum sand dunes in White Sands National Park. They also visited outcrops sites in the City of Rocks State Park and Gila National Forest, including a visit to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.
Four undergraduate students in the group had been previously selected by Dr. Copeland to conduct original, undergraduate geological research on the deformational history of the Florida Mountains in southwestern New Mexico. In the field, these four students, supervised by Drs. Copeland and Murphy, made geologic maps of the area. These students were trained in drone photography by Lankford-Bravo whose current Ph.D. research study in Utah relies heavily on drone photography.
Undergrad researchers Hunter Martin and Kenneth Shipper digitally merged the drone photographs to form a continuous base map for the area, and the geological observations were overlain onto this base map. Undergrad researchers Rachel Ronquille and Audrey Schmitt collected rock samples in the field and brought them back to the lab in the EAS department to extract key minerals for dating by sieving and heavy liquid separation. The four undergrads will combine their multi-disciplinary results into a more integrated geologic understanding of the Florida Mountains.
This extended and wide-ranging trip was only possible because of generous financial support from Hess Corporation and Apache Corporation which allowed the 29 geology students to participate at minimal personal expense. | https://www.uh.edu/nsm/earth-atmospheric/news-events/stories/2020/0309-field-trip |
How profound it is to be resilient… Thanks to the students who took time to share their stories with me. Thank you for demonstrating strength in community and the value of art. And thank you to HACC for listening to the needs of your students and community.
You saved HACC Arts.
A few weeks ago, students and professors at Harrisburg Area Community College quickly took action, organized, and worked with the college’s administration to restore arts courses that had recently been removed from the curriculum.
Due to their efforts, five of the six courses have been reinstated for the Fall 2018 class schedule and HACC’s President, Dr. John “Ski” Sygielski, has promised that the college will continue to better assess the needs of it’s students.
https://theburgnews.com/news/hacc-restores-arts-offerings-in-response-to-complaints-from-students
I spent time with some of the students who are not only enrolled currently in those classes, but are part of a tight-knit community of makers thriving and supporting each other through the arts programs at HACC. As of Wednesday, they are relieved and excited to continue their arts education here at the community college.
Shawna Purdy-Beaver throwing in the ceramics studio at HACC. March, 2018.
Shawna Purdy-Beaver originally worked as a hairdresser and hair educator in Harrisburg. In 2013, after owning two different salons, raising her children, and getting married, she decided to go back to school. Shawna started taking photography courses at HACC… which led her to explore glass art and eventually, ceramics as well. “I fell in love with ceramics!” she states passionately.
Shawna hopes to eventually open an arts center. She has always loved to teach and is fervent about the ‘desire in [her] heart’ to open a place in Harrisburg where people of all ages can come to learn to be makers of art. Agency through art and the programs at HACC helped her discover her own gifts and she wants to help others do the same. “When you get involved in the arts you always hear people say, ‘I always wanted to try that…,’ and I want to have a place where people can try it. I don’t care if you’re 80 or 95 [years old],” she says, “come on in here. We’ll find you a slow wheel and some soft clay and we’ll teach you how to throw.”
Ariana Bronson shows her classmates, Megan Caruso and Allanah Green, the progress she has made experimenting with crystalline glazes in the ceramics studio at HACC. March, 2018.
Ariana Bronson was homeschooled and cyber-schooled before coming to HACC to study ceramics in the Fall of 2015. Ari comes from a family that cherishes the arts and, as a result, states that she has, “always had a tactile sense of learning.” Acknowledging the cost of tuition at four year institutions and hoping to avoid extraneous debt, she values her education and resources here at the community college. A large portion of her time in the studio is dedicated to experimenting with and developing her own crystalline glazes and building a portfolio to apply to four year schools to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts. | http://danifresh.com/blog/?tag=glassblowing |
We are a volunteer group from the Greater Richmond area of Virginia who value dialogue as one of the paths to a more just, inclusive, peaceful, compassionate and sustainable world. We believe in the exponential power of effective action coming from reflection and collective wisdom expressed in group dialogue.
We convene dialogue events with trained facilitators on meaningful topics.
We provide trained facilitators to organizations seeking deeper dialogue.
We lead training programs: basic facilitation, advanced facilitation, and action dialogue for effecting change.
We offer free training guides online: making change with action dialogues, difficult/conflict dialogue, deepening the dialogue, and dialogue as a teaching tool.
We educate groups about other dialogue models for inspiring cooperative action.
We gather resources and provide information about dialogue through this website and community outreach.
We can begin to change the way we think by changing the way we listen.
The process of dialogue is the effort to recognize the common ground of humanness and from that collaborative base, explore the issue at hand. A lot can be accomplished if we transcend our apparent separateness and meet with an attitude of open, nonjudgmental curiosity. It is an attempt to listen with our hearts.
I am so grateful for the dialogue process as it consistently gives the 'formula' for safe, open, genuine communication for all to take something of value from each gathering.
One of the many values for me in the dialogue process is that it invites me to be the person I want to be in relationship to myself and others. I am called to my deeper nature, and I see others in theirs. I am always moved by the beauty and wisdom within everyone and in the group as a whole.
Using the dialogue model has been the profoundest part of my university years. Some half dozen comments of participating students called it "the best learning experience of my almost four years of college". To think—this can be ongoing in every community, every circumstance of life, at every age!
Our mission is to facilitate meaningful experiences of dialogue, provide leadership training on group facilitation, and encourage the use of dialogue models that inspire action through civic engagement and community collaboration. | http://richmondactiondialogues.com/about_us.htm |
The Broncos, aided by the usual favours of the draw, managed to progress to within a game of the Grand Final, only to find out the distinct lack of class compared with the eventual Premiers. They were the second best attacking team in the competition (597 points) and were a genuine threat with Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt combining well. Even with the impending departure of Hunt, the Broncos were lead strongly in this area despite the concerns around the quality in their halves. Now, the challenge will be forming a new combination with youngster Kodi Nikorima; they appeared at their worse when hooker, Andrew McCullough, was taken out of the season with a serious knee injury. It appears that as good as their playing roster is, McCullough is the glue that holds this team together. The Broncos have lost a lot of talent heading into this season, hoping that youngsters coming through their system can make the jump into the NRL.
Strength: Forward pack – They have one of the best packs in the competition and are always difficult to stop. They are stacked with experience and appear to know what is needed at the right time. Keeping these players firing will be important to their hopes; then again, they demonstrated that there are a host of players willing to step up and make their name in first grade. The most important factor in this area is keeping Andrew McCullough on the field and steering this team around.
Weakness: Depth – Once you get past the stars, the Broncos are relying heavily on players improving on their best. This was evident last year when they didn’t manage the initial intensity set in matches, when the bench players came into the match. Considering they have only added 3 players to their squad, this problem could be one that is set to continue.
Key to their success: Having players, other than their stars, delivering quality performances.
Verdict: The Broncos have plenty of favours in the NRL and it generally means that they are going to perform well over the season, usually finishing in Finals contention. This may all be about to end though, with the loss of Hunt an underestimated factor. He offered a considerable amount of poise and measure in the halves, often covering the lack of execution from Milford; this fragile area of their game is more exposed than ever and will cause concern. Their forwards alone will win matches and allow the halves and outside backs to benefit from momentum created in the middle of the field. However, it is the close matches that mean the most, that will be the difference in their season. The cause for concern is genuine and this may lead to them battling to make the Top 8 and it may come down to the last few games.
Prediction: Just making it into the Top 8.
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Canberra Raiders
2017 Finish: 10th (W: 11 L: 13 Diff: +61)
Gains: Charlie Gubb (Warriors), Liam Knight (Roosters), Sam Williams (Wakefield Trinity), Michael Oldfield (Panthers), Brad Abbey (Bulldogs), Sitiveni Moceidreke (Rabbitohs) Craig Garvey (Bulldogs), Siliva Havili (Dragons)
Losses: Jordan Turner (Huddersfield Giants), Dave Taylor (Toronto Wolfpack), Scott Sorensen (Sharks), Lachlan Croker (Sea Eagles), Clay Priest (Bulldogs), Adam Clydsdale (released), Erin Clark (released)
Coach: Ricky Stuart
Things were looking positive heading into the 2017 season, at the top of most selections for Finals (and beyond) given their performance in 2016. That is where their hopes ended though, never living up to the promise of an exciting season. Winning just 2 out of 9 games in the middle of the season halted whatever momentum that had built early on. The Raiders failed to do the little things right and a season average completion rate of 75% and 11 errors per game, was only the start of their issues. Hopes of an improvement heading into 2018 took a major hit when hooker Josh Hodgson suffered an ACL injury during the World Cup. They have what it takes to win an exciting game from time to time but consistency was always an issue; if this is not addressed early on, then the Raiders could find miss the Finals completely for the second consecutive season.
Strength: Attack and Power – The Raiders had the 3rd best attack in the league, averaging 23.3 points per game and the pressure they created was relentless. When they got rolling, teams found it extremely difficult to halt their momentum. This was generated by their forwards and finished off by their exciting outside backs. Of course, once teams figured out how to stop their points, they were left with little else. Nevertheless, plenty of teams were left wondering how to find a solution.
Weakness: No 9 – The loss of Josh Hodgson is massive and will have an impact on the rest of the squad. In previous years when they have experienced success, he has been a major influence on this team. This is for a variety of reasons but most notably, his ability to take pressure of the halves and get his team moving forward. They have touted a mid-season return but by that stage, it may all be too late.
Key to their success: Establishing their spine.
Verdict: The Raiders are set to struggle at the beginning of 2018; they are without one of their best players who controls the speed of play better than most. While they will have a solution to this problem, it is uncertain whether or not this will be a positive one for their campaign. Assuming they can learn to win without Hodgson, then they are a chance at making the Top 8. However, it isn’t as clear cut as that and they will need a strong contribution from other players to assist their cause. It would also be beneficial to their cause if they create consistency within their team, rather than the unpredictable nature that plagued them during 2017. Given that coach Ricky Stuart has been with the team for a number of years now, discipline isn’t going to be a new concept and perhaps the same voice that was unable to changes their ways prior is not going to have the desired effect.
Prediction: Miss the Top 8 by a long way.
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Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
2017 Finish: 11th (W: 10 L: 14 Diff: -95)
Gains: Kieran Foran (Warriors), Aaron Woods (Wests Tigers), Fa’amanu Brown (Sharks), Ofahiki Ogden (Warriors), Jeremy Marshall-King (Wests Tigers), Clay Priest (Raiders), Mason Cerruto (Panthers)
Losses: James Graham (Dragons), Josh Reynolds (Wests Tigers), Sam Kasiano (Storm), Tyrone Phillips (released), Craig Garvey (Raiders), Richie Kennar (Rabbitohs), Brad Abbey (Raiders), Tyrone Phillips (Panthers)
Coach: Dean Pay
The Bulldogs had yet another poor season in 2017, missing the Finals for the first time since 2011; the below average performance culminated in the sacking of Des Hasler. A former club legend, Dean Pay, has been named to replace him and he certainly has his work cut out for him. The Bulldogs were the worst attacking team in the competition last year, averaging just 15-points per game; this was despite having several strong attacking players and capable forwards. There was no greater sign of the broken system than the resurgence of hooker Michael Lichaa once he was given freedom to play his “natural” game. Perhaps with a new set of ideas at the club, the playing squad will rise with renewed motivation. While the game plan came under scrutiny, the meagre form of the players didn’t go unnoticed.
Strength: Renewed Attack – With the worse attacking record in the competition, the Bulldogs had become stale and boring in attack. Hasler was blamed for this and many believe that their flair will return without his structure limiting individual’s judgements. This will be very hard for opposition teams to defend against early on and it may just be an edge they use to their advantage.
Weakness: Unanswered questions – The Bulldogs were a club that was generally built around stability and this has left them recently. Decisions surrounding the board, player recruitment and coach have left them with many uncertainties heading into this season. This can go one of two ways and if the Bulldogs let it affect them; you will see a decline in a number of areas, most notably, their on-field performance.
Key to their success: Reinventing their attack and finding points.
Verdict: There have been plenty of positive changes at the Bulldogs; in equal measure, they are relying on some of their “big name” recruits consistently performing to a high level. There is no doubt that they have the talent but with a rookie coach, there are too many uncertainties surrounding this team to made a specific prediction. Combine these factors with the off-field issues around the board and if the Bulldogs find themselves on a losing streak, many within this club will begin to point the finger of blame.
Prediction: Miss the Top 8 but will be in with a chance for a long time.
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Cronulla Sharks
2017 Finish: 5th – Eliminated Week 1 of Finals by the Cowboys (W: 15 L: 9 Diff: +69)
Gains: Josh Dugan (Dragons), Aaron Gray (Rabbitohs), Ava Seumanufagai (Wests Tigers), Scott Sorensen (Raiders), Braden Uele (Cowboys), Matt Moylan (Panthers)
Losses: Jack Bird (Broncos), Gerard Beale (Warriors), Fa’amanu Brown (Bulldogs), Daniel Mortimer (Leigh Centurions), Manaia Cherrington (Warriors), Jordan Drew (released), Jeremy Latimore (Dragons), Chris Heighington (Knights), James Maloney (Panthers)
Coach: Shane Flanagan
The Sharks were rightly bathing in the success of winning the clubs inaugural premiership in 2016 and it showed towards the end of the season. As much as they attempted to silence talk that the motivation had gone since they had achieved the seemingly impossible, there were moments throughout the season where the 2016 Sharks would’ve performed far better than the 2017 side. They had one of the highest mistake rates of any team in the competition; despite this, they were able to make the Finals where they were upset by the Cowboys. The result in that match summed up their season and now that success has been achieved, they need to reshape the look of their squad and plan for new success. That task began with their recruitment and it will be a vastly different team with Matt Moylan in the squad. This adds another dimension to their team, similar to that of Ben Barba in 2016; whether or not it will have the desired affect is unknown and with several players in the team nearing the end of their careers, the time is now for other players to stand and resume responsibility.
Strength: Quality Players – Leading up to their Premiership, the Sharks built a strong squad that was able to break their drought; many of those players still remain at the club and some of the younger stars that were involved in 2016 are growing into better players. With plenty of experience to call upon, the Sharks have a squad that will know how to win tight matches. This makes them a dangerous team in big matches.
Weakness: Mistakes – the Sharks committed a lot of mistakes last year when in possession on the ball and this reduced their ability to build pressure. On the other side of the ball, they gave away too many penalties at crucial times. These are two areas that they will want to address heading into 2018; if they can control these areas moving forward, they are going to have more scoring opportunities in positive field position.
Key to their success: Limiting their mistakes.
Verdict: The Sharks are a quality team that appears to have managed to cover the post-Premiership hangover with a few changes within their playing ranks. More importantly, they have kept a core group of youngsters together with immense experience around them. 2018 appears as though it will be a positive one for the Sharks and they are, somewhat, a forgotten favourite for the Premiership. An overlooked factor could also be the fitness of their senior players; in the past, they have managed this with some difficulty and given they are running on old legs, the chance of them carrying injuries at the same time as one another is increased. Nevertheless, teams are always having to battle the concern of injuries with minimal control and overlooking that factor, the Sharks appear as though they will be a genuine threat for the competition.
Prediction: Top 4 and giving the competition a real shake.
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Gold Coast Titans
2017 Finish: 15th (W: 7 L: 17 Diff: -190)
Gains: Jai Arrow (Broncos), Brendan Elliot (Knights), Keegan Hipgrave (Broncos), Mitch Rein (Panthers), Leilani Latu (Panthers), Bryce Cartwright (Panthers)
Losses: Chris McQueen (Wests Tigers), Leivaha Pulu (Warriors), Tyrone Roberts (Warrington Wolves), Tyler Cornish (released), Nathaniel Peteru (Leeds Rhinos), Paterika Vaivai (Leigh Centurions), Daniel Vidot (retired), Brenton Lawrence (retired), Jarryd Hayne (Eels)
Coach: Garth Brennan
After a year of improvement that saw them make the Finals, the Titans came back to reality with several off-field issues, mainly surrounding the coach/player relationship between Neil Henry and Jarryd Hayne, taking plenty of focus away from their performance. In the end, the Titans finished 15th, with just 7 wins to their name. Henry was eventually sacked and now they head in a new direction under the guidance of Penrith prodigy, Garth Brennan; he will have his work cut out for him attempting to turn this team around but he comes with good credentials following a stint at Penrith. The early focus should be on defence; the Titans average the 2nd most amount of points conceded at an average of 26.6 points per game and only managed 18.7 in attack. Now that Hayne has left, there can be a renewed focus on developing a hard work ethic which demands success; they have the makings of a strong squad of players are certainly possess plenty of playing talent to make them a dangerous team in 2017.
Strength: Spine – The Titans always had the makings of a strong team in this area and with another year behind them, some of their young playmakers will be full of confidence. When they were good in 2017, they were one of the best attacking teams in the competition and with one notable absence (who nearly always demanded the ball), their playmakers can go back to playing their best and commanding the ball when they want it. Much like other successful teams, they have a strong hooker that can control the speed of the ruck to get his team on the front foot.
Weakness: Keeping everyone healthy – In recent years, the Titans have struggled to maintain consistency within their playing ranks. This has been a major downfall as players cannot get comfortable with several different players calling the shots. This extends to their pack and given all that they experienced last year, they are due for some luck in this area.
Key to their success: Having their spine playing with confidence and consistency.
Verdict: The Titans are hoping that new coach Brennan will have an immediate impact on the chances of his team. In reality, they still have a few steps to make yet before they will be considered as a genuine chance. Nevertheless, they will attempt to make the road trip to their home ground a difficult one and have all the makings of a team that will cause others plenty of headaches. The challenge for them is maintaining consistency over each week and recent history suggests that their problems will not automatically disappear. Expect an improved performance but it will take a few year yet before the fortunes of this club are turned around.
Prediction: Miss the Top 8.
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Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
2017 Finish: 6th – Eliminated Week 1 of Finals by the Panthers (W: 14 L: 10 Diff: +40)
Gains: Toafofoa Sipley (Warriors), Jack Gosiewski (Rabbitohs), Lachlan Croker (Raiders)
Losses: Brenton Lawrence (retired), Steve Matai (retired), Brett Stewart (retired), Blake Green (Warriors), Pita Godinet (Wests Tigers)
Coach: Trent Barrett
After a very slow start that left many questioning whether or not Trent Barrett was the right man to lead this club, the Sea Eagles eventually gelled together and made that thought a distant memory. This lead to a 5-game winning streak in the middle of the season that had many tipping them to make the Finals; this prediction eventuated and the Sea Eagles did not look out of place at this point. Despite suffering key injuries towards the end of the season, they were gallant in defeat and have kept hopes high of returning to their glory days this season. Credit has to go to coach Barrett, he quickly realised that time on the road was good for his team (winning 7/12) and built his progress around this. They are a team that has plenty of improvement left in them; they conceded the 6th most points per game (21.3 points per game) and often found themselves chasing a deficit early on in the first half. They are a team that built confidence within the younger players in their team last year and will look to those players (Trbojevic brothers in particular) to take the leap forward after representative honours.
Strength: Attacking threats – there are numerous options for the Sea Eagles in attack and this makes them a dangerous team from anywhere on the field. Tommy Turbo, DCE, Walker and even Jake Trbojevic, the list could go on. Nevertheless, it is up to Barrett to find the structure that allows each of these players to flourish when needed. The last thing they need is players attempting to take over when there is a better man for the situation.
Weakness: Depth in some areas – the Sea Eagles have a strong set of players that can compete with the best each week but if these players are injured, it is unknown whether or not they can be competitive enough. Jake Trbojevic is already suffering an injury and without a recognised playmaker to assist DCE in the halves just yet, defensive teams will be aware of who/what they need to target to overcome their opponents.
Key to their success: A strong start and maintaining a fortress at Brookvale.
Verdict: The Sea Eagles are a difficult team to figure out; they appear to have plenty of proven talent to perform well in matches, yet are one player short (a quality 5/8) of really making a claim for the Finals. This is a major cause for concern ahead of this season and makes it difficult to place them on the ladder. Assuming they find the right player to fill the void left by Blake Green, then they are in with a real chance of finishing high on the ladder. At this stage of the season though, there is too much uncertainty around this to assume that they can cover their loss and it doesn’t bode well for their 2018 campaign.
Prediction: Falling short of the Top 8.
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Melbourne Storm
2017 Finish: 1st – PREMIERS (W: 20 L: 4 Diff: +297)
Gains: Sam Kasiano (Bulldogs), Ryan Hoffman (Warriors), Patrick Kaufusi (Cowboys), Sandor Earl (unattached), Ryan Papenhuyzen (Wests Tigers), Billy Walters (Brisbane Easts), Cooper Johns (Sea Eagles), Kayleb Milne (NZ rugby)
Losses: Cooper Cronk (Roosters), Tohu Harris (Warriors), Jordan McLean (Cowboys), Robbie Rochow (Wests Tigers), Jesse Arthars (Rabbitohs), Slade Griffin (Knights), Mark Nicholls (Rabbitohs)
Coach: Craig Bellamy
Everything came together in the right way in 2017 for the Storm as they dominated the competition from the start of the season, right until the end with their Grand Final win over the Cowboys. Making amends for their 2016 loss to the Sharks, the Strom continually reminded the competition of what is required of them if they are to compete each week with their opponents. Everything went right for them as they managed to escape any serious injuries to key players and even unearthed some new talent as players covered for their stars during the Origin period. Now, the Storm enter into unchartered territory with Cooper Cronk departing the club and Brody Croft the new halfback. His job will be made easier by the quality players around him but the expectations for the Storm will be high once again as the ethos within this club drives success and is the envy of just about every other club in the competition.
Strength: Quality & Consistency – The Storm are a club that thrives on players buying into their culture; they have the ability to turn ordinary players into great players and this is an asset that most other clubs dream of. It ensures that they are not only successful, but continually desire for success and accountability for performance.
Weakness: A new frontier – The loss of Cronk, McLean and Harris is yet to be felt by this club and the uncertainty of this makes for interesting viewing. They appear to have a ready-made replacement for Cronk but he is yet to experience a long NRL season and Harris and McLean’s contribution to this team can be underestimated. Providing they can cover these losses, they will be in a good position; for now, it appears as though it could be their downfall.
Key to their success: Unearthing the next crop of superstars.
Verdict: It is no secret that the Storm will hold a strong desire to go back-to-back; history is against them though, as no team has been able to achieve this since the NRL began back in 1998. Nevertheless, the culture within this club will ensure that they are aspiring to break this trend and they are bound to finish at the right end of the competition. They have one of the best players in the NRL leading the way and have players that are desperate to prove that they too belong in this team. It would be a massive shock to see them finish any lower than 6th, with their quality attitude alone winning them more matches than most.
Prediction: Top 4 and as always, setting the benchmark.
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Newcastle Knights
2017 Finish: 16th – Wooden Spoon (W:5 L: 19 Diff: -220)
Gains: Kalyn Ponga (Cowboys), Connor Watson (Roosters), Aidan Guerra (Roosters), Tautau Moga (Broncos), Herman Ese’ese (Broncos), Slade Griffin (Storm), Jacob Lillyman (Warriors), Chris Heighington (Sharks), Mitchell Pearce (Roosters)
Losses: Dane Gagai (Rabbitohs), Rory Kostjasyn (retired), Sam Mataora (retired), Mickey Paea (Hull FC), Anthony Tupou (retired), Joe Wardle (Castleford Tigers), Josh Starling (retired), Jack Stockwell (released), Pauli Pauli (released), Jaelen Feeney (released), Peter Mata’utia (Leigh Centurions), David Bhana (released), Tyler Randell (Wakefield Trinity), Chanel Mata’utia (released)
Coach: Nathan Brown
The Knights captured another wooden spoon last season, yet it was done amid a renewed hope in their talent and potential this season. Rather than lose matches convincingly each week, the Knights fought hard in many of their matches and won more games compared to 2016. There has been a massive turnover of players at this club with the hope that the losing culture will change. Whether or not this will have the desired affect is unknown but it does give the Knights a strong chance of improving. New recruits to the club such as Pearce, Lillyman, Griffin and Ponga bring plenty of hope that they will lift themselves off the bottom of the ladder and given the fight that was displayed at various times in 2017, the Knights are a team that is heading in a better direction than most; the only issue is that the climb is far higher for them than the majority of the competition.
Strength: Minimal expectation – It has been a tough few years for the Knights and this has many believing that despite the changes, they are still going to struggle. Nathan Brown has the advantage to galvanise his team and play with the thought that they are players that not too many other teams wanted. This can often bring out the best in teams and with a point to prove and no expectations, the Knights are a very dangerous team for anyone to face.
Weakness: Quality – As impressive as the recruiting and changes have been, the Knights are still not at the standard that is needed for them to become a genuine success. They are several quality players short of competing with the leading teams in the competition and it will only take a few injuries to cause major disruptions to this team.
Key to their success: Restoring a home ground advantage.
Verdict: The Knights will not feature in the Finals, yet they will be far improved on last season. Several of their players will be playing with a point to prove and the attitude within this club is slowly turning around. As mentioned above, the Knights are still missing a few players that will make them a force in this competition and the current squad of players will struggle to maintain a consistent intensity over the 26 rounds of the competition. Nevertheless, they will cause plenty of headaches for their opponents in 2018.
Prediction: Missing the Top 8 but playing very well.
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New Zealand Warriors
2017 Finish: 13th (W: 7 L: 17 Diff: -131)
Gains: Tohu Harris (Storm), Gerard Beale (Sharks), Leivaha Pulu (Titans), Manaia Cherrington (Sharks), Adam Blair (Broncos), Peta Hiku (Warrington Wolves), Matiu Love-Henry (Norths Devils), Blake Green (Sea Eagles)
Losses: Kieran Foran (Bulldogs), Manu Vatuvei (Salford Red Devils), Ben Matulino (Wests Tigers), Bureta Faraimo (Hull FC), Charlie Gubb (Raiders), Toafofoa Sipley (Sea Eagles), Ryan Hoffman (Storm), Jacob Lillyman (Knights), Bodene Thompson (Leigh Centurions)
Coach: Stephen Kerney
Another season, another Warriors campaign that promised so much and failed to deliver. Hopes were high after the impressive recruiting but it appeared as though their underperforming attitude still remained. Winning just 4 of their opening 11 matches meant it was always going to be difficult for the Warriors to resurrect their season and injuries only further hampered their cause. Their final standing suggests it was close but in reality, they were 3-points away from the Titans in 8th and never really threatened with as they lost their last 4 matches. This meant that Andrew McFadden was finally sacked and Stephen Kerney hired to turn this club into the force they are capable of. His record isn’t a great one though, failing with the Eels but erhaps the culture shift towards New Zealand will suit him and the players in his team; after all, he has enjoyed plenty of positives with the Kiwis at an international level. Hopefully he can redirect this team where they need to go but a lot of work has to be done between now and then.
Strength: Unpredictability – It appears as though not even the Warriors players know how they will perform leading up to matches. When they are brilliant, they are hard to stop and very difficult for teams to plan against them when they are firing.
Weakness: Consistency – It has (and could always will be) the Warriors Achilles heel. It is very rare that they can put multiple wins together but if they can overcome this and travel well, there is no limit to what they can achieve.
Key to their success: Surprise, surprise…consistency!!!
Verdict: The Warriors are one of the most frustrating teams in the competition and attempting to pick their chances is extremely difficult. Fact is, their coach is not proven to be successful and they have a playing squad that continually underachieves. There are plenty of good coaches that are available this season and no doubt, Kearny is working on borrowed time. Assuming the Warriors start poorly and he is sacked, a new coach will jolt this playing squad into action but in the end, it will all be too late. 2018 looks set to be another year of frustration for all that consider just how talented the Warriors are.
Prediction: Bottom half of the ladder (and a new coach!).
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North Queensland Cowboys
2017 Finish: 8th – Lost Grand Final to the Storm (W: 13 L: 11 Diff: +24)
Gains: Carlin Anderson (Townsville Blackhawks), Jordan McLean (Storm)
Losses: Kalyn Ponga (Knights), Ray Thompson (retired), Patrick Kaufusi (Storm), Braden Uele (Sharks), Patrick Mogo (Broncos)
Coach: Paul Green
The Cowboys surprised everyone, except for themselves, in their run towards the Grand Final. The circumstances surrounding them making the Finals was amazing to say the least (just ask fans of the Dragons) and they made sure that they were not a team that was there to make up the numbers. What was more amazing was that they were doing this without two of the best players that have ever strapped on a boot for the club. Hopes are now high of the Cowboys having another successful season in 2018 with their big-name players fit and spending more time at club level following a departure from representative duties. The future appears bright for the Cowboys and the belief that resides within this team is one of their biggest assets. The culture of success, hard work and dedicating might be about to pay off yet again.
Strength: Not being a “one-man” team – The Cowboys streak towards the end of the season not only made a statement on how talented they are, but that they have moved past Thurston being the centrepiece of this team; arrive Michael Morgan and Jason Taumalolo, the next wave of talent that will push this team forward. Of course, JT returning to the team, along with Matt Scott, will only serve as a positive as the Cowboys establish themselves as one of the leading teams in the competition.
Weakness: Injuries and travel – The two appear not to be linked together but if an injury is suffered on the road, the recovery process can often be delayed as they travel back to Townville. The obvious question revolves around the fitness of Thurston and Scott but they are sitting in a great position if limiting injuries is their most pressing issue.
Key to their success: Winning at home with JT leading the way.
Verdict: Everything has come together strongly ahead of 2018 for the Cowboys and this has many believing they will be an unstoppable force. They will have a strong record at home and if they manage this as a minimum, they will half of their games and make the Finals. However, the Cowboys are a far stronger team than this and will win majority of their matches. Even if they suffer some injuries to key players, they proved last season the resolves that lies within this side. There is plenty to be excited about in Townsville and if Paul Green can emulate a creative game plan that delivered success a few years ago, the Cowboys will going deep into the Finals and are deserving favourites for the Premiership.
Prediction: The team to beat!
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Parramatta Eels
2017 Finish: 4th – Eliminated Week 2 of the Finals by the Cowboys (W: 16 L: 8 Diff: +39)
Gains: Kane Evans (Roosters), Jarryd Hayne (Eels)
Losses: Semi Radradra (rugby union), Isaac De Gois (retired), Bureta Faraimo (Hull FC), James Hasson (released), Jeff Robson (retired)
Coach: Brad Arthur
The Eels played above and beyond expectations in 2017, finishing in the Top 4 and were eliminated in the second weeks of the Finals at the hands of the Cowboys. As disappointing as that was, this was undoubtedly a starting point for a new venture for this club. Brad Arthur has installed a strong work ethic within this team and all players are aware of the expectations with their training and performance. This was displayed in how tough it became for opponents to move past them, with many often underestimating the talent they possessed. The Eels would have learned plenty from their failings in 2017 and will be out to improve in more ways than one. Arthur has placed plenty of faith in the players within his squad as well as those coming through the Eels system, evident in the lack of recruiting of players. The better the Eels play, the more the hype around them grows and this can also be a downfall as fans of the club continue to wait for their first premiership since the 1980’s.
Strength: Resilience – It was a factor of their play last year that many came to know and love, with the Eels pushing every opponent regardless of the circumstances surrounding a match or what happened over 80 minutes. You knew that if you played the Eels, you were in for a tough match. Character such as this is not going to disappear quickly and those that knew Brad Arthur were not surprised with the way this team was performing.
Weakness: Jarryd Hayne – He is one of the most talented players in the competition, yet his track record of underperforming does not bode well for the aspiring success of the Eels. His disruptive nature and poor training ethic will cause trouble within this team sooner or later. While it is unfair to completely pin the weakness of the team on one individual player, history demonstrates that the Eels coaching staff need be wary of what can happen.
Key to their success: Not believing the hype.
Verdict: The Eels made a statement of their intent last season and will be out to continue that in 2018. Providing they can overcome the “Hayne factor” and have it not affect the rest of the squad, they are in a strong position to finish within the Top 8. The only positive from the way they exited the competition at the end of last season is that they will be more determined this year to avoid such a situation. They have the right defensive structure to win tight matches and Brad Arthur has instilled confidence within his team that has them playing with little fear of their opponents. This combination makes for a dangerous setting and points towards another pleasing year for the Eels.
Prediction: Easily in the Top 8 and pushing hard for a Grand Final berth.
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Penrith Panthers
2017 Finish: 7th – Eliminated by the Broncos in Week 2 of the Finals (W: 13 L: 11 Diff: +45)
Gains: Tyrone Phillips (Bulldogs), James Maloney (Sharks)
Losses: Sitaleki Akauola (Warrington Wolves), Zach Dockar-Clay (Hull Kingston Rovers), Peta Hiku (Warrington Wolves), Samisoni Langi (Leigh Centurions), Darren Nicholls (Dragons), Matt Moylan (Sharks), Mitch Rein (Titans), Leilani Latu (Titans), Mason Cerruto (Bulldogs)
Coach: Anthony Griffin
Despite a host of issues off the field, the Panthers powered their way into the Finals to be one of the most dangerous teams. Their run ended in Week 2 at the hands of the Broncos, although they went down with a fight and sent a strong message to their rivals ahead of 2018. Expectations were high heading into last season and they quickly came back to earth as their young team struggled with consistency, mistakes and never matched expectations and reality. The issues off the field have culminated in the departure of youngster Matt Moylan, with plenty of people quick to doubt coach Anthony Griffin and suggest that he has already lost the playing group. In a coup for the Panthers, they have acquired the services of James Maloney, offering plenty of stability and experience in a key area of play. Just how he fits into this team remains to be seen but there is no doubt the edge that he brings to any team. If the Panthers can fix up their mistakes and their poor defensive structures, they are capable enough to progress further into the Finals in 2018.
Strength: Talented Youngsters – While this can also be a downfall for most teams, the Panthers head into 2018 with one of the most talented and exciting roster full of youngsters. It meant they were a dangerous team to play in 2017 and it should be no different this year; providing they can play with poise at crucial points during the season, it will be a positive for them. This is where the recruitment of James Maloney will be a key factor.
Weakness: Defence – The Panthers averaged the most missed tackles of any team in the competition (36.4 per game) and conceded 19.1 points per game. More often than not, they were playing from behind in matches and while they had the attacking ability to make amends, they were guilty of giving some teams too great a lead. It is no secret that while attack wins matches, defence wins competitions.
Key to their success: Improving their defence.
Verdict: The Panthers have the foundations of a strong team that could give the competition a shake, yet they are a team that is craving maturity in their play. As mentioned above, the inclusion of Maloney is intended to have the impact of calming down the younger players at key stages of a match and doing what is required for victory. His combination with Nathan Cleary will also ensure they win more games than they lose this season and should ensure they of a Finals berth. Given this is their platform, there is no reason why the Panthers cannot finish high up the ladder and compete with the leading teams in the competition. Assuming they play a consistent brand of play, they could be a surprise packet this season (and put their trial form into perspective).
Prediction: Finishing inside the Top 8.
_______________
South Sydney Rabbitohs
2017 Finish: 12th (W: 9 L: 15 Diff: -100)
Gains: Dane Gagai (Knights), Jesse Arthars (Storm), Mark Nicholls (Storm), Richie Kennar (Bulldogs)
Losses: Bryson Goodwin (Leigh Centurions), Aaron Gray (Sharks), David Tyrrell (released), Anthony Cherrington (released), Luke Kelly (released), Dane Nielsen (released), Jack Gosiewski (Sea Eagles), Sitiveni Moceidreke (Raiders)
Coach: Anthony Siebold
The Rabbitohs missed the Finals for a second consecutive season following their Premiership success back in 2014. That achievement appears as a distant memory, with the Rabbitohs struggling to compete each week with several stars missing at different stages of the year. Given the lack of talent, they performed strongly towards the end of the season and it them a chance to expose some talented youngsters to the rigours of the NRL. Unfortunately, coach Michael Maguire will not be around to view the rewards as he parted ways with the club that he delivered a drought-breaking Premiership. No doubt they are rebuilding their club after it was dismantled following that success and the future looks bright. They have recruited well and have several players coming through their system that are out to make a name for themselves sooner rather than later. With a change at the helm, Anthony Siebold will realise that he is working on a limited timeframe for success, otherwise he will be cast aside. If they can keep their stars fit, the Rabbitohs could be one of the biggest improvers in the competition in 2018.
Strength: Improving quality – The Rabbitohs increased their value with the recruitment of Dane Gagai and this move adds and experienced player to an area of the field. They have just about every area covered and will rely on these players to lead to the way for the rest of the team. Hopefully for them, this also coincides with increased game time for the likes of Burgess, Inglis and Reynolds.
Weakness: Mistakes – It was the Achilles heel of the Rabbitohs in 2017, as momentum was continually lost through handling errors. When they managed a high completion rate, they were good to watch, build pressure through the power of their forwards and having numerous attacking options. It is very difficult to score points without the ball in hand…
Key to their success: Getting the best out of their stars.
Verdict: The Rabbitohs have invested plenty in rebuilding their club after they were decimated as a result of their Premiership. This was not well managed by head office and while plenty of questions are yet to be answered, the Rabbitohs will be hoping to take a step in the right direction. Assessing their chances, you cannot move past the fact that they are a club that is still rebuilding and hoping that their star players will draw the final piece of the puzzle before they achieve success. With this is mind, the Rabbitohs will be far more competitive that they have been in previous season and will be out to give themselves a chance of playing Finals football. That being said, they appear to still be missing a quality 5/8 to complement the style of their halfback and hooker, as well as a “no nonsense” set of props that will only focus on their jobs in matches. Hope is on the horizon but success appears to be another year away at this stage.
Prediction: Pushing for the Top 8 but may just fall short.
_______________
St George-Illawarra Dragons
2017 Finish: 9th (W: 12 L: 12 Diff: +83)
Gains: James Graham (Bulldogs), Ben Hunt (Broncos), Jeremy Latimore (Sharks), Darren Nicholls (Panthers), Mitch Allgood (Wakefield Trinity)
Losses: Josh Dugan (Sharks), Russell Packer (Wests Tigers), Mose Masoe (Hull Kingston Rovers), Will Matthews (Widnes Vikings), Tyrone McCarthy (Salford Red Devils), Taane Milne (Wests Tigers), Josh McCrone (Toronto Wolfpack), Drew Hutchison (Leigh Centurions), Siliva Havili (Raiders), Joel Thompson (Sea Eagles)
Coach: Paul McGregor
The Dragons started the season as one of the biggest surprises and it was quickly forgotten as they went on a horror losing streak. They attempted to change plenty to halt their woes but were unable to fix their issues in time to make the Finals. In finishing 9th, pressure built on coach McGregor, as many wondered that if a better option became available, would the Dragons take it? They have kept faith in their coach and given him the chance to rebuild his team. They have recruited well with the likes of James Graham and Ben Hunt delivering much needed quality and experience in important positions. The hope is that such players will be able to launch the Dragons to the next level and make them a consistent team.
Strength: Halves – The addition of Hunt adds another dimension to the Dragons attack and more importantly, takes plenty of pressure away from Widdop. He was at his best during the World Cup when he was free to play his natural game and Ben Hunt is a solid halfback. There were only glimpses of him at his best in Brisbane, as he too desired a more capable halves partner. Now with the two paired together, they appear to have the attributes to complement one another and achieve success.
Weakness: Controlling the middle – Looking at their losses, several players need to stand up for the Dragons in the middle of the field this season. There will be a few players wanting to establish themselves as regular first graders and it is these players who need to support the star recruits. Cameron McInnes is great at hooker and will only get better, yet this stands for nothing if the team is playing behind a beaten pack.
Key to their success: Keeping everyone on the field at the same time.
Verdict: The Dragons have the makings of a good team but will need some luck also; while their halves have the stability need towards the end of attacking sets, the forwards will need to establish a platform for them to work from. This is where the luck comes into it; they will need to keep a core group of players in this area together and find the balance of rotating players from the bench. They lost plenty with the departure of a few notable players and this can leave a hole in their team. The other factor hanging over the heads of the Dragons surrounds their coach; if they struggle early on in the season, there will be plenty of pressure upon his shoulders. There are plenty of capable coaches available and this can cause a big disruption to their team. Assuming this area is under control, the Dragons look set for the Finals. Their defence is only going to improve and establish a strong platform for them in matches.
Prediction: Scraping into the Top 8.
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Sydney Roosters
2017 Finish: 2nd (W: 17 L: 7 Diff: +72) – Eliminated in Week 3 of the Finals by the Cowboys.
Gains: James Tedesco (Wests Tigers), Cooper Cronk (Storm), Reece Robinson (NSW Waratahs)
Losses: Kane Evans (Eels), Aidan Guerra (Knights), Connor Watson (Knights), Liam Knight (Raiders), Paul Carter (released), Mitchell Pearce (Knights)
Coach: Trent Robinson
The Roosters dominated majority of the season to finish second behind eventual Premiers, the Melbourne Storm; for a while there, it appeared as though they were going to capture the Minor Premiership. While they were unable to reach that milestone, many believed they were set for a spot in the Grand Final; that was until the Cowboys caused a major upset in the Grand Final Qualifier. Most teams would consider that a successful season and the Roosters appear to be in a stronger position ahead of their 2018 campaign. They have added two massive names in Cronk and Tedesco to their team and they are only to be better for their inclusion. Many believe they are the team to beat, however, such is the game of rugby league, high expectations can quickly unravel.
Strength: Talent as far as the eye can see – Aside from Tedesco and Cronk, the Roosters have maintained the likes of Keary, Cordner, JWH, Friend, Mitchell and Napa. This makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the competition and many will struggle to maintain all of their stars. There is no doubt that the Roosters are one of the teams to beat this season and each week they will showcase their potential and set a benchmark for other teams to reach.
Weakness: Too many voices – When the game is on the line, you want the ball in the hands of the right player. The Roosters have a host of players that will demand the ball at certain points and it can quickly become an issue if order is not established. Knowing the type of coach that Trent Robinson is, this will be a minor issue and if anything, it will take just a few weeks for these players to be cohesive over 80 minutes.
Key to their success: Finding the right balance between their all of their talented stars.
Verdict: The Roosters are one of the favourites for the competition and with good reason. They have a host of talented players that are strong on both sides of the ball and know how to achieve success. Trent Robinson has assembled a strong squad of players and if he manages to balance their talent, there is no doubt that they can capture the Premiership. There will be no shortage of teams aiming to play to their level each week and this can become very draining on a team and again, Robinson will have a difficult task of managing this throughout the season (not to mention the representative program). Roosters fans have plenty to be excited about ahead of this season.
Prediction: Top 4 and a big chance to feature in the Grand Final.
_______________
Wests Tigers
2017 Finish: 14th (W: 7 L: 17 Diff: -158)
Gains: Josh Reynolds (Bulldogs), Benji Marshall (Broncos), Russell Packer (Dragons), Ben Matulino (Warriors), Chris McQueen (Titans), Mahe Fonua (Hull FC), Taane Milne (Dragons), Robbie Rochow (Storm), Corey Thompson (Widnes Vikings), Pita Godinet (Sea Eagles)
Losses: James Tedesco (Roosters), Aaron Woods (Bulldogs), Matt Ballin (retired), Joel Edwards (released), Justin Hunt (retired), Jack Littlejohn (released), Kyle Lovett (released), Jordan Rankin (Huddersfield Giants), Ava Seumanufagai (Sharks), Jeremy Marshall-King (Bulldogs)
Coach: Ivan Cleary
2017 started positively for the Tigers but they quickly came undone amidst a host of issues, mainly with their coach. Jason Taylor was quickly shown the door and once Ivan Cleary came to the club, there was a definite shift in attitude. This meant that the playing squad were aware of the expectations and guidelines set by their coach and they bought into his philosophy. Due to the lack of talent within their team, the arrival of Cleary didn’t translate into success, although it does place them in a positive position heading into this season. Many believed that the Tigers were always going to struggle with the players in their team that were grabbing headlines for a variety of reasons, now that several of those players have departed, Cleary has the opportunity to build a squad of players that want to be at the club for the right reasons. You only have to look at the “Gains & Losses” (above) to see that a major attitude shift lies ahead in 2018.
Strength: Attitude – There are plenty of people doubting the potential of this team but Ivan Cleary is no mug; he understands the correct way to build a squad of players that want success and this will flow onto other areas. Attitude is a key factor in defensive structure and with some talented players around to create points, the Tigers may find themselves relying on defending their own line to get them through 50/50 matches.
Weakness: Depth – The Tigers are in yet another holding pattern as Cleary attempts to transition this team into the side that he wants in order to achieve success. Unfortunately, while the attitude within the club is ideal, the quality of players is not where it needs to be. While this may appear to be a negative at this stage, the learning curve for this playing squad will be invaluable to them in future years.
Key to their success: Not absorbing too many negatives in a rebuilding year.
Verdict: As mentioned above, the Tigers are not going to achieve the success their fans desire, although they will be building strongly for beyond this year. Unfortunately, Cleary inherited majority of this team and has only just had the opportunity to change the playing group. This appears to have worked on the attitude of the team; more often than not, this is the most difficult area to alter. Now that he has the players buying into his coaching philosophy, the rebuilding process is going to accelerate. For now though, fans must bide their time and focus on the bigger picture ahead.
Prediction: Miss the Top 8 but in a good position beyond 2018.
Good luck! | https://www.theprofits.com.au/rugby-league/2018-nrl-season-preview/ |
Testing the online reading effects of emotionality on relative clause attachment.
Previous research has shown the impact of the emotional dimension of nouns (i.e., valence and arousal) on the completion of relative clauses (RC) that are preceded by a double antecedent [e.g.,: Someone shot the servant (the first noun phrase, NP1) of the actress (the second noun phrase, NP2) who was on the balcony] (Fraga et al. in Q J Exp Psychol 65:1740-1759, 2012). The present study explored for the first time the role of emotional valence, specifically emotional positive nouns, on RC disambiguation in a self-paced reading experiment. Two types of NP1-NP2 relationships were compared: emotional-neutral vs. neutral-emotional. Results showed NP1 preferences in the emotional-neutral condition, whereas no preferences were found in the neutral-emotional condition. We conclude that during reading, the emotional properties of nouns play a role in disambiguation preferences: RC attachment preferences can be neutralized when emotional factors are manipulated. The results are discussed within the framework of current models of sentence processing and with reference to the controversial differences between comprehension and production.
| |
In fulfillment of its statutory obligations, the leadership of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has sent list of potential Six Commissioners and one Executive Commissioner to the Presidency, reports ITRealms.
Presently, there is only one Executive Commissioner (Technical Services) Engr. Ubale A. Maska who has been working with the Executive Vice Chairman at the Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta.
Disclosing this in Lagos at a one-day forum on Corporate Governance while responding to question by ITRealms, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said that a list has been compiled by his office and forwarded to the Presidency for consideration.
He also agreed that the appointment of these commissioners are essential and must cut across the six-geo-political zones of the country in addition to the two executive commissioners, would immensely facilitate the work of the Commission.
According to him, it would be fool handy to be discussing corporate governance in a forum like this without first of all ensuring that the NCC is in good standing in line with the statutes setting up the Commission, hence the list has since been dispatched to Presidency.
ITRealms gathered that the leadership of the Nigerian Communications Commission by law should consist of nine Commissioners made up of six Non-executive members, including the Chairman, representing each of the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria and three Executive members, including the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive and two Executive Commissioners.
He, therefore, urged corporate organisations within the sector to ensure compliance because NCC is now taking the issue more seriously, especially looking at Code of Corporate Governance for the telecoms industry published in 2014.
As said by him, the Code consists of 12 principles and was developed to protect the interest of investors and stakeholders in the industry as well as promote time-valued principles of accountability, responsibility, transparency, integrity and ethical conduct.
“No doubt, the Code has expanded the frontiers of accountability in the operation of companies in the sector,” he said, emphasizing however, that challenges still exist and cited for instance that the Code is declaratory in nature and implementation was initially voluntary across the industry, leading to violations. | https://www.itrealms.com.ng/2016/06/breaking-news-ncc-sends-names-of.html |
Read all about it! How ESG hit the headlines last summer
As colleagues, we are true believers that ESG frameworks can help companies address risk, increase transparency in reporting and strengthen relationships with investors, employees, customers, suppliers, regulators and communities.
Given the explosive growth in ESG investing and reporting, media reporting naturally followed. The first tranche of media stories focused on the financial or business perspectives, including whether there was a link to materiality and risk. As Covid-19 tightened its grip around the world, it seemed a shift began to occur in media accounts during summer 2020. Images of pollution-free canals, wildlife returning to once-populated areas and deserted city streets were part of a new global stillness. It was as if the Earth was recovering, while humanity was coping with a global lockdown.
To verify our anecdotal perceptions, we sought to research to what degree certain media outlets published articles that demonstrated this heightened awareness of climate impact, the business and investor shifts to address employee health and safety and the wellbeing of customers.
We also wondered whether the articles could serve as bellwethers, or precursors, to forecast upcoming proxy season issues or new areas for investor activism. In other words, did the reporting on the pandemic intensify these company-to-investor issues and initiate new conversations between companies and investors?
What we searched for
During the months of July and August 2020, Molly Higgins – a Colby College student – became our research assistant. We provided the parameters, including a list of news outlets to check on a daily/weekly/monthly basis, depending on publication schedules. Molly tracked 24 ESG-related terms, including:
CEO compensation (or comp proposal)
Climate change (or climate impact)
Corporate accountability
Corporate governance
Corporate purpose
Corporate sustainability or sustainability
Diversity
Employee health and well-being (or well-being)
Environmental, social, governance
ESG
ESG correlation to performance
ESG negative screening (or screens)
ESG positive screening (or screens)
ESG proposals (or ESG shareholder proposal)
ESG rankings
ESG ratings and stock returns
ESG screens
ESG screening
Governance
Human capital management
Impact investing
Responsible investing
Socially responsible investing
Two degrees Celsius
We selected the aforementioned categories to determine whether there was a greater emphasis on some ESG topics than others. We were aware, of course, that the propensity of reporting during the summer of 2020 was influenced by the pandemic and wondered whether the social or ‘S’ side of ESG might be covered more prevalently than other categories. There are 10 separate categories for ESG, and that helped us note how the media differed in their descriptions of several ESG components.
The media outlets we chose included some of the most prominent in the US: Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The Week, Fortune, Pensions & Investments, TIME, Washington Post, USA Today, and Bloomberg Business.[should that be Bloomberg Businessweek? If not, it shouldn’t be italicized as Bloomberg Business is a company, not a publication]
Our analysis: It depends on what you read
The articles are clearly a reflection of the times in which we were/are living. From the overt mentions of the 24 topics catalogued, the top three categories that emerged are: environmental, social and governance, including the shortened ESG acronym (40.21 percent), climate change (25.56 percent) and diversity (21.32 percent). We found that:
- ESG mentions dominated four major publications: the WSJ, Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and Pensions & Investments
- These same four publications had the top number of references to climate change, along with the Washington Post
- The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and Pensions & Investments covered diversity issues far more than the other publications.
The fourth category, which appears well down in the count, is governance, at 4.75 percent of the total. The same four publications are the leaders in publishing articles that mention a variety of governance matters. One publisher, TIME, published 58 articles, of which three had a climate focus. The vast majority (the other 55) of the articles are stories on social justice, stemming from a summer of significant racial unrest.
The ESG-related categories, including ESG correlations, negative, positive, shareholder proposals, ratings, rankings, screens and screening, do not register significant numbers of articles. We surmise that these issues were not as pronounced in the publication space due to the greater need to focus on the overarching ESG issues, not the specialized investment details.
Takeaways for 2021 proxy season
The three top categories provide a roadmap for the continued dialogue between board members, management and investors as we progress through the spring 2021 proxy season.
ESG issues have primarily centered on the social side; employee health and safety, as well as the safety of customers, is a significant factor in engagement discussions. Investors have asked that boards begin to link part of executive pay and compensation packages with specific measurements for E, S and G factors.
Boardroom diversity remains a focus of investors and stakeholders as they seek more representative board members, with skillsets to take up the emerging issues of human capital management and employee wellbeing, technology expertise to adapt sales and business needs in an online environment and techniques to expand the customer base safely and securely. The demand for board diversity has become squarely focused on the role played by the CEO to show progress in this area. Diversity targets for executive pay and compensation packages are in the news.
Engagement on climate issues became heightened as countries implemented quarantines for citizens and travelers. Global manufacturing companies, emitters of greenhouse gasses, slowed production or, in some cases, shut down. Once production was restarted, the dialogue picked back up. The recognition that much of the climate-related concerns are man-made became a viable discussion between companies and their stakeholders.
A look to the future
ESG, with its three main areas, tended to be lumped together, but the prevalence in the number of mentions in major news publications shows that ESG issues were front and center last summer across the country. The staggering number of ESG references, given the global situation last June, July and August, speaks to the publishing houses trying to keep up with the demands for ESG information from their readership. At that time, it was becoming clear the pandemic was not going to spare any countries, industries or demographics.
As investors and stakeholders evaluate what they and companies learned from the pandemic in 2020 and as companies implement lasting changes to their business models, true leaders of ESG will become the best-in-class companies. Timing came into play as we moved from the fall to winter 2020. The 2021 proxy season may be too soon for certain shareholder proposals to be filed or investor dialogue to be concluded.
Companies can be sure that by fall 2021 and in early 2022, the way they have addressed ESG-related Covid-19-specific impacts and reported on material and non-material facts and risks will be followed carefully by the media. These issues will remain important to key stakeholders: employees, customers, investors, suppliers and regulators. While companies may have been given a slight reprieve due to the overwhelming circumstances of the pandemic, the media spotlight will continue to be focused on ESG. | https://www.corporatesecretary.com/articles/esg/32558/read-all-about-it-how-esg-hit-headlines-last-summer |
Fall and Winter tips and recipes from Off The Vine Produce
While many organic fruits and vegetables are available year-round, we enjoy some only briefly and eagerly anticipate their return from year to year. At Off the Vine, eating seasonally means enjoying the ripest and freshest food at the height of its natural harvest time. It means supporting local organic farmers who transport their goods the shortest distance to your plate. It also means experimenting with delicious foods you might not otherwise consider adding to a meal! Eat fresh and enjoy!
A few tips & recipes for Fall and Winter produce
Winter Squash – The thin-skinned varieties (acorn, butternut, delicata and sweet dumpling) can be peeled with a paring knife or vegetable peeler. Most recipes using these varieties call for cutting the squash in half. Position the squash on a cutting board, stem end facing you. Place the blade of a heavy chef’s knife horizontally along the length of the squash. With a hammer or mallet, repeatedly hit the back of the blade near the handle to drive it into the squash until it breaks in half. With a spoon, scoop out the seeds and strings and discard, or set aside if you plan to roast the seeds.
To cook winter squash, place unpeeled pieces cut sides down on a shallow baking dish and bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes or longer. Check for doneness by piercing with a fork or skewer. When tender, remove from the oven and allow the pieces to cool. Spoon out the soft flesh and mash with a fork or process in a blender or food processor. Peeled pieces can be cut into cubes and boiled until tender. Use with any recipe calling for cooked mashed or pureed squash. Or microwave the squash pieces on high for 15 minutes or longer.
Small acorn squash and spaghetti squash can be pierced in several places with a long-tined fork or metal skewer and baked whole. Piercing prevents the shell from bursting during cooking. Place the squash on a baking dish and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours at 325°F. Test for doneness by squeezing the shell. When it gives a bit with pressure, it is done.
Home Preservation
Store whole winter squash in an area where temperatures range from 45 to 50°F for three to six months. At room temperature reduce storage time to one and a half to three months depending on variety. Cooked squash freezes well. Pack into freezer containers or freezer bags leaving 1/2 inch head space and freeze for up to one year.
Butternut Squash & Pear Soup
Serves 6-8
INGREDIENTS:
1 large butternut squash (about 4 pounds)
4 quarts vegetarian bouillon or stock
2 medium yellow onions, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons butter
3 pears (must be ripe and flavorful), peeled and sliced
1 apple, peeled and sliced
3 tablespoons curry powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Crème Fraîche (optional)
Chives, chopped (optional)
PREPARATION:
1. Peel the squash, remove seeds and chop into chunks. In a pot large enough to hold all of the ingredients, cook the squash in the bouillon or stock over medium heat.
2. Meanwhile, sauté the onions in butter until translucent. Add the pear and apple slices and sauté until soft (about 5 minutes); add curry powder. Combine the onion mixture into the squash and simmer for approximately 30 minutes. When squash is tender, add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Working in batches, purée the soup in a blender. Add more stock or water if necessary to reach a thick creamy soup consistency. Divide soup among bowls and serve hot, topping with Crème Fraîche and chives, if using.
Avocado Salsa
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups tomatillos (about 1/2 pound)
2 small or 1 large avocado, peeled and pitted
1/2 jalapeno chile
1 clove garlic
1/4 bunch cilantro, stemmed
About 1 teaspoon kosher salt
PREPARATION:
1. To prepare the salsa, soak the tomatillos in cold water for a few minutes,
then peel off and discard the husks.
2. Place the tomatillos in a blender with the avocadoes, jalapeño, garlic,
cilantro and salt.
3. Blend on high speed until smooth and vibrant in color; it should be thicker
than gravy but thinner than guacamole.
4. Adjust the seasoning with salt as necessary.
Squash Fritters with Tart Tomato Chutney
Yields 1-3 dozen depending on size
Winter Squash Fritters
INGREDIENTS:
1½ cups white whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
2 large eggs
¾ cup milk
3 tablespoons olive oil, plus some for frying
2 cups fresh winter squash, peeled, seeded and cubed or sliced
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons basil, chopped
PREPARATION:
1. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl.
2.Make a well in the center of the bowl and add eggs, milk and oil. Whisk together and add squash and herbs.
3. Put enough oil in a frying pan to grease it well.
4. Drop the batter into the pan and fry a few fritters at a time, until golden on each side.
Tart Tomato Chutney
INGREDIENTS:
2 pounds of assorted heirloom tomatoes, seeded and cut into chunks
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ½ teaspoon spice mixture (recipe follows)
or
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons honey
¼ cup of seasoned rice vinegar
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
PREPARATION:
1. Put tomatoes, green onions and cilantro in a bowl and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a sauce pan. Add spice mixture and heat until bubbly, about 2 minutes.
3. Slowly add honey and rice vinegar. Cook for three minutes or until slightly thick and gooey.
4. Pour mixture over tomatoes, cilantro and green onions. Season with salt and let sit for about 5 minutes before using.
Four Apple Treats for One!
Combine: 1 medium apple with…
2 teaspoons organic peanut butter, 2 teaspoons organic raisins
1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon chopped dry roasted peanuts
1 tablespoon honey, ½ ounce crushed pretzels
1 ½ tablespoons real maple syrup, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Champagne Citrus Compote
Serves 6 to 8
This is a very simple recipe showing off the best citrus that the winter farmers market has to offer. You can make a smaller version of this in the morning for breakfast, omitting the sugar and the champagne. You can serve this compote for dessert by itself, with cookies, ice cream, pound cake or almond torte.
INGREDIENTS:
8-10 pieces of citrus; grapefruit, oranges, minneolas, blood oranges etc.
1/2 cup organic sugar
1/4 cup juice from assorted citrus
1 cup Champagne or Prosecco
PREPARATION:
Peel and section citrus by first cutting off both ends. Then with a sharp knife remove the peel, being careful to remove all the pith but not cutting off too much fruit. Holding the fruit in your hand over your serving bowl, slice into one section along the membrane. Upon reaching the center of the fruit, using the sharp edge of the knife, push the section out into your bowl. When you have removed all the sections, squeeze the juice over the sections in your bowl.
After all the fruit has been sectioned and the juice squeezed from it, remove ¼ cup of the juice and in a small saucepan stir together the sugar and the juice. Cook over medium heat just until the sugar has dissolved. Let cool, and then gently stir into your compote without breaking down the sections. Then add the champagne or prosecco, (you can add more than 1 cup if you like!).Serve in glass bowls with cookies.
Urban Citrus and Raisin Collards
Serves 4 – 6
INGREDIENTS:
2 large bunches collard greens
Course sea salt, to taste
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2/3 cup raisins
PREPARATION:
1. Wash the greens: remove the stems. Stack four or five leaves on top of one another. Roll them into a tight cylinder and slice crosswise with a sharp knife, cutting the leaves into thin strips. Rinse the leaves in cold water, drain in a colander and spin in a salad spinner.
2. In a large pot over high heat, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon salt. Add the collards and cook, uncovered, for 8 to 10 minutes, until softened.
3. Prepare a large bowl of ice water to cool the collards.
4. Remove the collards from the heat, drain and plunge them into the bowl of cold water to stop the cooking and set the color of the greens. Drain.
5. In a medium sauté pan over medium heat, warm the oil. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add the collards, raisins and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
6. Add orange juice and cook for an additional 15 seconds. Do not overcook (collards should be bright green). Season with additional salt to taste if needed and serve immediately.
Smooth Acorn and Pumpkin Soup
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS:
3 tablespoons butter
½ pound pumpkin; peeled, seeded and cut into two inch cubes
½ pound acorn squash; peeled, seeded and cut into two inch cubes
1 pound tart apples; peeled, cored, and roughly chopped
1 large onion, roughly chopped
2 navel oranges, juiced
4 cups chicken stock
½ cup Riesling wine
1 teaspoon fresh tarragon
1 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoon maple-cinnamon crème fraîche
salt and pepper to taste
snipped chives for garnish
PREPARATION:
1. Place butter in large, deep sauce pan on medium heat.
2. Add pumpkin, squash, apples and onion to the pan; sauté for 5-10 minutes.
3. Add chicken stock, orange juice, wine, tarragon. Turn heat to medium high, and simmer for 30 minutes, cool and puree.
4. Slowly warm the bisque with the cream.
5. Once warmed, strain the bisque through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chives and crème fraîche and serve.
HEIRLOOMS
As we move into the cool season, some of the most eye-catching and tasty vegetables – sweet red carrots, black turnips, bright green Romanesco, gigantic radishes and red greens – all have something in common. They’re heirlooms!
Plant cultivars can be grouped into two general categories: modern and heirloom varieties. Modern varieties are those developed through a formal system of breeding and selection, usually by plant breeders. These varieties tend to be high yielding and genetically uniform.
Heirloom varieties, also called farmers’ varieties, traditional varieties or landraces, have been selected and developed by farmers through years of cultivation and seed saving for the next season. Farmers hand them down through generations. These varieties are often specifically suited to a certain climate and soil type, and have been selected for flavor, pest resistance, productivity, and even beauty. Heirlooms are typically very genetically diverse and variable.
Since the industrialization of agriculture, a staggering number of traditional varieties have disappeared. Over 95% of the vegetable cultivars one could find in 1903 are now extinct. With the loss of these farmer-developed varieties comes the loss of the genetic diversity they contain, which is crucial in the development of modern varieties. Without a diverse genetic pool from which to pull to create modern cultivars, world agriculture is in trouble. Several organizations and many farmers and gardeners work to preserve genetic diversity by keeping heirloom varieties under cultivation. Some farms grow heirlooms, and these varieties, rare to find in a conventional supermarket, are part of what make produce from the local areas so different.
GUIDE TO ROOT VEGETABLES
The term “root vegetable” specifically refers to edible plant roots, though it is sometimes used to include anything that grows underground (tubers and enlarged stems, such as potatoes, taro, ginger and sunchokes). Roots store energy for plants in the form of carbohydrates and vary widely in their content of starches and sugars.
Beets – typically red and globe-shaped; also available in white, golden, and Chioggia (candy cane) varieties. Beets have the highest sugar content of any vegetable, but are low in calories. Do not peel or cut before cooking. Red beets can stain your hands and clothing. Serving suggestions: Add wedges to salad with green beans and goat cheese; toss with herb butter and enjoy.
Carrots – available in white, purple and gold, in addition to orange. High in beta-carotene, which is converted in the body to Vitamin A. Store carrots away from apples or pears because they release ethylene gas, which can turn carrots bitter. Carrots are commonly used for both savory and sweet dishes. Serving suggestions: Shred raw carrots and mix with olive oil, lemon juice, and rosemary to make a salad. Add carrots to stew, tomato sauce, vegetable soup, or stir-fries. Make carrot cake or carrot pudding.
Daikon – long, dense cucumber-shaped roots also known as Oriental radish or mooli; often included in stir-fries, or pickled (as in Korean kimchi). Serving suggestion: Steam daikon with shredded carrots, then dress with vinaigrette made with rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and chopped cilantro.
Parsnips – resemble ivory-colored carrots. Pleasantly sweet, with earthy herbal notes. In ancient times, parsnips were used as a sweetener. Serving suggestions: Boil with potatoes and mash together. Or toss roasted parsnips with nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, or allspice and a little brown sugar or maple syrup.
Radishes – usually round but sometimes elongated; typically red-skinned with white interior; peppery flavor. Radishes are typically eaten raw in salads, as an appetizer, or as a garnish.
Rutabagas – usually yellow- or purple- fleshed and round, larger than turnips. Rutabagas are a cross between a cabbage and a turnip. In Europe, they’re often called “swedes.” Serving suggestions: Add diced rutabagas to chicken pot pie. Use julienned raw rutabagas on a crudités tray.
Sweet potatoes – not related to potatoes or to true yams, which grow in tropical climates, though sweet potatoes are commonly called yams in the United States. Sweet potatoes have been cultivated in the Americas for over 2000 years. Dozens of varieties exist, but two are most familiar: orange-fleshed and squash-like (like Garnets) and pale-fleshed and fluffy when cooked (like Jersey Yellows). Serving suggestions: Cut into sticks and fry like French fries. Mash and combine with crème fraîche and minced chipotles.
Turnips – usually white-fleshed and round, with purple-tinged skin. In Japanese and Arab cuisines, turnips are often pickled; in China, they are sun-dried and salted or preserved in soy sauce. Serving suggestions: Dress shredded raw turnips, cabbage, and carrots with sharp mustard vinaigrette and poppy seeds to make a slaw. Make a gratin of paper-thin turnip slices, cream, and Parmigiano and Reggiano cheese.
Cruciferous Crops
Brassicaceae has made a substantial contribution to humans’ foods choices: the enormous cabbage family includes turnips, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, rapini, romanesco, mustard seed, mustard greens, collards, kale, bok choy, canola, rutabaga, radish, watercress, and arugula, among others. Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, collard greens, and kohlrabi, different as they look, are all cultivar groups of the species Brassica oleracea.
Carrots
Wild carrots originated about 5,000 years ago in what is now Afghanistan. Both Egyptians and Greeks used the wild green, purple, white, yellow and black-rooted plants medicinally. In the winter months, root vegetables are at their absolute sweetest because cold air and soil temperatures have encouraged the conversion of starches to sugars. Crops harvested from cooler regions of the state are mostly “clip-tops” because their delicate above-ground parts have frozen off, while carrots grown in more temperate coastal regions might still be connected to their stems and leaves. The culinary directions that you can take these lovely roots are as many as their shades – soup, salad, cake, bread, juice, braises, stews, and more. | https://www.waltonoutdoors.com/eat-your-vegetables/ |
Mindful Thoughts for Stargazers explores how knowledge of the workings of the universe can deepen our levels of awareness and connect us to our internal worlds.
Part of the Mindful Thoughts series, this dazzlingly illustrated little book meditates on all aspects of the cosmos, including:
- Stars
- Planets
- The moon
- Comets
- Navigation
- Time
- Sound
- Photons
- . . . and much more
Physics and astronomy are not cold, detached subjects, they engender awe, wonder and a sense of connection with everything that exists. Astronomer and ex-Zen monk, Mark Westmoquette, provides 25 calming meditations that offer mindful insight on the skies above us, suitable for everyone from scientists to stargazers. | https://zenways.org/product/mindful-thoughts-stargazers-mark-westmoquette/ |
A fresh new year is a great time to reflect on your career and where you want your future to go. Efficient time management, says Sean McLoughney, is critical to making these plans a reality.
It is that time of year again when ambitious business goals are agreed upon, strategic plans are discussed, and managers set performance expectations for their team. It is also when people think about their careers and set themselves some career goals.
Central to these plans and discussions is goal setting. While people are generally good at writing goals and planning their next career move, achieving them is still challenging. One of these challenges is time or, more precisely, the perceived lack of time. However, this is a convenient excuse in most cases – we tend to spend more time planning our annual holiday than planning our careers. This year make your career a priority by devoting sufficient time to ensure you achieve your career goals.
Below are six time management steps that will get the best return on your time when managing your career.
High-performing companies are underpinned by a good business plan with action goals used as a roadmap for success, so why not apply that strategy to your career path? Start your career plan by writing what success looks like for you by the end of the year. This might entail describing the role you seek, the type of work you would like to do or what you would like to achieve. Next, write some goals that will enable you to turn your plan into reality. Use the SMARTER Goal system when writing your goals:
When you set a motivational goal, you are more likely to set aside sufficient time to complete it. It would help if you visualised your reward to remain motivated. Answer these questions: Why does this goal matter to you? What will you gain by achieving it? Your answers should increase your motivation levels and provide some focus when you encounter a setback.
Break your goals down into concrete action steps or tasks. Use a spreadsheet or planner to list your tasks to give you greater oversight of everything you need to do to achieve your career goals. For example, you might need to complete a skill gap analysis by comparing your current skills set against the skills required for your preferred role.
One of the main reasons career planning fails is not calculating how much time it will take you to complete a task – you write a plan, but you don’t work out how much time you need to implement it.
In your spreadsheet or planner, write the estimated time you require to complete each task on your list. Now you can see clearly where your time can be spent and start to budget accordingly.
Understanding your time capacity by applying the ‘time-management balance sheet’ principle is simple. The time-management balance sheet is a snapshot of your time capacity at a particular moment. In step four, you have calculated the amount of time required to complete your career goals; now, you must find the available time. Check your diary to see when you are free to spend time managing your career. Aim to spend some time working on your career progression every week. Ensure you have enough time available to complete your tasks. If you don’t have enough available time, you need to prioritise your list.
Once you have identified an opening in your schedule, allocate this time to a specific task – book in the task in the same way you would a meeting. Commit to completing the action at the agreed time. Schedule a month’s worth of tasks to begin this approach. Writing the tasks into your diary will also increase your accountability. Review your progress at the end of each month and then set aside time for next month’s tasks.
Remember, successful careers don’t happen by chance; they result from good planning and taking personal responsibility for its direction. Planning is a forerunner to success; great careers also require an investment in time.
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© Copyright Chartered Accountants Ireland 2020. All Rights Reserved. | https://www.charteredaccountants.ie/Accountancy-Ireland/Home/AI-Articles/make-time-for-your-career-goals |
I've talked to a lot of people in the past month about Melissa's disease, and about my role as a caregiver for her. Yes, it is grueling at times, she does require assistance at night frequently, and it takes a lot out of you. But if someone were to ask what the most difficult part of taking care of Melissa is, I could sum it up in one word:
LUNCH.
Allow me to provide some background. ALS can do some weird stuff in your brain, including re-wiring your taste buds for some odd reason. Many people lose the taste for certain foods they've always loved, and have odd cravings in their place. Melissa, for example, lost the taste for ANY dessert about a year ago. Let me say that again for emphasis: SHE CAN'T EAT DESSERTS. (And you thought the whole not-able-to-walk thing was bad!) Anything sweet like chocolate or pie makes her nauseated. The only thing that I've been able to get her to eat was a small teaspoon of vanilla ice cream, and that was only once.
In its place, Melissa has cravings for certain... non-dessert stuff after dinner. For a long time, she'd eat a bunch of green olives. Yes, without the martini. In the past few weeks it suddenly changed to pickles. She told her dad to pick up a jar of sliced pickles out of the blue one day, and threw a fit when I brought her the nightly bowl of them. She informed me, quite pointedly, that what I had were pickles sliced in cross-section, or pickle CHIPS. What she really wanted was pickles sliced longways, or pickle SPEARS. The fact that she had left off this oh-so-crucial bit when she asked for "sliced Pickles" was dismissed.
These cravings do bleed over into other areas, namely Lunch. Now her mom is Betty Crocker when it comes to cooking, so the fridge is constantly full of single-serving leftovers and the pantry is always stocked with assortments of cheese, deli meat and chips. We never had a problem with lunch before, but now every day when I come upstairs at noon and ask her what she wants to eat, she gives me that look that says "What *IS* this 'Lunch' thing that you speak of?" as if she has never been faced with this dilemma in her life. Then she spends about 10 minutes pondering what her body craves and might possibly be within driving distance.
"Come on, Mel, you KNEW that this was coming. You had lunch yesterday, and every day before that most likely." She nods smiling, and I usually make my sandwich downstairs while she decides. "Perhaps tomorrow you can think about this before Noon? That way we can have it ready to actually EAT at lunchtime?" She looks up and thinks for a second and replies "Nah. This is fun. This is good quality time that we have together."
So aside from Lunch, most everything else about taking care of her is not a big deal. | http://blog.kernsville.com/2008/12/ |
Entercom Communications Corp. found using ticker (ETM) now have 4 analysts covering the stock with the consensus suggesting a rating of ‘Buy’. The range between the high target price and low target price is between 7 and 3 calculating the average target price we see 5.63. Now with the previous closing price of 5.07 this would imply there is a potential upside of 11.0%. The 50 day MA is 5.24 while the 200 day moving average is 3.78. The market capitalisation for the company is $714m. You can visit the company’s website by visiting: 0
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Disclaimer
You understand and agree that no content published on the Site constitutes a recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy is suitable or advisable for any specific person. You further understand that none of the information providers or their affiliates will advise you personally concerning the nature, potential, advisability, value or suitability of any particular stock, share, security, portfolio of securities, transaction, investment strategy, or other matter. We openly disclose that we and our contributors may have interests in investments and/or providers of services referred to within the website and that we receive remuneration from certain of the companies referred to on this website. | |
There are many interpretations of what constitutes a democracy. Not all of these recognize that the fundament for a democratic society is the acceptance of dissent. All qualities that we see as constituent of democracy, like separation of powers; equality; elections; freedoms of speech, political expressions and press; etc., are however empty phrases unless society protects those who do not subscribe to the predominant, publicly endorsed ideologies. Nevertheless, it cannot be disregarded that dissent can be destructive and even pose a danger to the democracy that protects it. Recently we have seen all over Europe that populist right-wing parties are gaining increasing influence; influence that could be interpreted as a threat to democratic principles like equality of individuals. How can this be dealt with democratically?
We believe that the only reasonable way — the only democratically correct way — to handle populist discontent is by careful scrutiny of what is being expressed. To stigmatize and trying to exclude the dissent from public debate has not been successful in suppressing the tendencies. By instead refuting the fundamental premises for the claims, it should be a minor problem to refute these. Complaints should not be denied but instead publicly challenged. This presupposes great trust in democratic principles but also a preparedness to change ones own position.
To facilitate democratic dialogue about concrete issues, on any level in society, we have constructed a collaborative tool. The principle is very simple, almost banal, and the fact that we propose a simple tool to solve a complex problem in deed seems presumptuous. Yet we have experienced that the tool is remarkably powerful. The reason why we can claim with some confidence that it works, is the theoretical founding of it. It is built on the assumption that people are not making judgments in isolation. Societies are systems of people and thus societal problems can only be solved by addressing values and interests of the involved stakeholders; by answering questions about how these are affecting the problem situation and how these are affected by any proposed solution.
The advantages with using the tool for this type of analysis are many. First, the tool supplies an open, distributed platform, in which an analysis can evolve organically. It allows different parties to include their points of view and decision makers to follow how arguments have been applied in concrete situations. Second, it counters the power of rhetoric and invites pluralism. Unlike debates, there is no need to limit the number of issues. Structure is instead given by application of arguments in concrete situations. Finally, the tool is designed to counter a number of biases, commonplace in decision making. The form in which arguments are presented makes it difficult to revert to value-laden principled reasoning, and invites to a proactive, concrete, solution-oriented discourse.
At the conference, we will present the moral philosophical and psychological foundation for the tool and demonstrate how it works. It represents a form of social media that has the purpose of facilitating democratic dialogue. | http://uu.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A551308&c=22&searchType=SIMPLE&language=no&query=&af=%5B%5D&aq=%5B%5B%7B%22categoryId%22%3A%2211518%22%7D%5D%5D&aq2=%5B%5B%5D%5D&aqe=%5B%5D&noOfRows=50&sortOrder=author_sort_asc&sortOrder2=title_sort_asc&onlyFullText=false&sf=all |
This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korea Patent Application No. 2002-0015438 filed on Mar. 21, 2002 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the contents of which are incorporated herin by reference.
(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an organic electroluminescence (hereinafter, xe2x80x9cELxe2x80x9d) display and a scan driver, and, more particularly, to an organic EL display and a scan driver with low power consumption.
(b) Description of the Related Art
In general, an organic EL display is a display that emits light by electrical excitation of fluorescent organic compound and displays images by driving each of Mxc3x97N organic luminescent cells with voltage or current.
The organic cell has a structure of an anode (ITO), an organic thin film and a cathode layer (metal). The organic thin film is formed as a multi-layered structure including an emission layer (xe2x80x9cEMLxe2x80x9d), an electron transport layer (xe2x80x9cETLxe2x80x9d), and a hole transport layer (xe2x80x9cHTLxe2x80x9d) so as to increase luminescence efficiency by balancing electron and hole concentrations. In addition, it can include an electron injection layer (xe2x80x9cEILxe2x80x9d) and a hole injection layer (xe2x80x9cHILxe2x80x9d) separately.
Organic EL displays that use organic luminescent cells like the above are configured as a passive matrix or an active matrix that includes thin film transistors (TFTs). In the passive matrix configuration, organic luminescent cells are formed between anodes and cathodes lines that cross each other and are driven by driving those lines. While in the active matrix configuration, each organic luminescent cell is coupled to a TFT usually through ITO electrode and are driven by controlling the gate voltage of the corresponding TFT.
The organic EL display is generally composed of an organic EL display panel, a scan driver, and a data driver. The organic EL display panel includes a plurality of data lines transmitting data signals representing image signals, a plurality of scan lines transmitting selection signals and pixel circuits provided in pixel areas defined by two adjacent data lines and two adjacent scan lines. When the scan driver applies the selection signals to the scan lines, transistors are turned on by the selection signals, and then, the data signals representing the image signals are applied to gates of driving transistors from the data driver through the data lines, and currents flow through organic EL devices via the transistors in correspondence to the data signals applied to the gates thereof. Thereby, lights are emitted.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 1A, the scan driver is composed of master-slave type flip-flops and NAND gates, and each flip-flop includes four inverters as shown in FIG. 1B. If inverters and NAND gates composed of PMOS transistors or NMOS transistors, which are easy to manufacture compared with CMOS transistors, are used, static currents flow.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are circuit diagrams to represent output parts where the static currents are generated when PMOS transistors or NMOS transistors are used in the inverters or NAND gates.
As shown in FIG. 2A, in the case where logic circuits are composed of PMOS transistors, when a load is attached to GND side, and output Vout is high level, the static currents flow. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the case where logic circuits are composed of NMOS transistors, when a load is attached to VDD side, and output Vout is low level, the static currents flow. Accordingly, when the inverter using PMOS transistors has a low level input and when the NAND gate using PMOS transistors has at least one low level input, the output thereof is high level, and thereby the currents flow. However, in case of a flip-flop composed of four inverters, two inverters receive low level inputs and the other two inverters receive high level inputs. Thus, the static currents always flow in the half of the inverters within the flip-flop.
In the organic EL display panel, so as to use PMOS transistors connected to the scan lines as normally-off switches, inputs applied to the PMOS transistors, i.e., outputs of NAND gates (in case of being composed of PMOS transistors) must become high levels. Accordingly, the static currents flow in the NAND gates during most of time.
When the static currents flow as above, there is a problem that static power loss is increased, and thereby power consumptions are increased in the scan driver.
In accordance with the present invention power consumption is decreased by reducing static currents in a scan driver.
A scan driver is divided into several parts and a clear signal is applied to a non-operating scan driver.
An organic EL display according to the present invention includes an organic EL display panel, a data driver applying data signals to data lines, and a scan driver applying selection signals to scan lines. The organic EL display panel includes a plurality of scan lines transmitting selection signal, a plurality of data lines transmitting data signals representing image signals, and a plurality of pixel circuits coupled to the scan lines and the data lines.
The scan driver is composed of more than two scan driving units and a selection controller generating clear signals, and each scan driving unit includes a plurality of flip-flops coupled with each other in series and a plurality of buffer units receiving outputs of the flip-flops to drive the respective scan lines. Each of the flip-flops is composed of a plurality of logic gates (NOR gates or NAND gates) and a plurality of switching elements. The clear signals keep outputs of logic gates of scan driving units as a constant value for the scan driving units not to generate the selection signal.
The flip-flop is composed of a first to a fourth logic gates, and the first logic gate receives the clear signal and output of the previous flip-flop, inputted through a first switching element, as input. A second logic gate receives the output of the first logic gate and the clear signal as input, and the output terminal of the second logic gate is coupled via a second switching element to the output of the previous flip-flop inputted through the first switching element. A third logic gate receives the clear signal and the output of the first logic gate inputted through a third switching element as input, and output of the third logic gate becomes output of the flip-flop. A fourth logic gate receives the clear signal and the output of the third logic gate, and the output terminal of the fourth logic gate is coupled via a fourth switching element to the output of the first logic gate inputted through the third switching element.
In addition, the selection controller may further generate reset signals for setting initial values of the scan driving units. The first and the fourth logic gates preferably further receive the reset signals as inputs.
Furthermore, the buffer unit preferably includes a fifth logic gate receiving output of the flip-flop and the clear signal. The buffer unit may include an inverter coupled to output terminal of the fifth logic gate and a buffer coupled to output terminal of the inverter.
The first to the fifth logic gates are preferably composed of the same conductive type thin film transistors.
The first to the fifth logic gates are NOR gates, which may be composed of PMOS transistors. Or, the first to the fifth logic gates are NAND gates, which may be composed of NMOS transistors.
A method of driving the organic EL display in accordance with the present invention includes: dividing the scan driver into a plurality of scan driving units, applying a first clear signal, with level for making outputs of the logic gates constant regardless of other inputs, to the other scan driving units while the selection signal is generated from a n-th scan driving unit, and applying a second clear signal with level opposite to that of the first clear signal to the n-th scan driving unit; applying the second clear signal to a (n+1)-th scan driving unit adjacent to the n-th scan driving unit before the (n+1)-th scan driving unit receives the selection signal outputted from the last flip-flop of the n-th scan driving unit; and applying the first clear signal to the n-th scan driving unit when the selection signal begins to be outputted from the (n+1)-th scan driving unit.
In addition, a reset signal for setting an initial value of the (n+1)-th scan driving unit may be applied thereto before the second clear signal is applied to the (n+1)-th scan driving unit.
The logic gates are preferably NOR gates composed of PMOS transistors. Or, the logic gates are NAND gates composed of NMOS transistors.
| |
Code of Conduct
Why have a code of conduct?
A guiding philosophy for community-based underwater research groups in NSW is to minimise the impact on the underwater environment when conducting group-driven activities. It’s essential that members strive, where possible, for passive interactions with biota, allowing marine creatures to guide and control the interaction where such interactions occur.
By ensuring that marine biota has ‘space’ and by interacting with them in a non-threatening way, group members are able to enjoy longer and often more spectacular encounters with them. Importantly, we minimise our impact on their natural behaviours.
A code of conduct is intended to be a central guide and reference for group members in support of day-to-day decision making regarding their interactions with seascapes, habitats and the biota that reside in marine ecosystems. It clarifies the organisation's mission, values and principles, linking them with standards of personal and group conduct. It can be considered binding on any person who is a member of a particular group.
Additionally, a code of conduct offers an invaluable opportunity for responsible organisations to create a positive public identity for themselves which can lead to a more supportive operational environment and an increased level of public confidence and trust among important constituencies and stakeholders.
The outcome of the adoption of a code of conduct can be simply thought of as a means to protect and conserve marine systems by establishing and implementing environmentally-friendly guidelines to promote positive conservation outcomes when conducting monitoring and research activities. | https://uvnsw.net.au/code-of-conduct/ |
By worship of the Lord, who is the source of all beings and who is all-pervading, a man can attain perfection through performing his own work.
Commentary by Sri A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada of Gaudiya Sampradaya:
As stated in the Fifteenth Chapter, all living beings are fragmental parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord. Thus the Supreme Lord is the beginning of all living entities.
This is confirmed in the Vedanta-sutra—janmady asya yatah [SB 1.1.1]. The Supreme Lord is therefore the beginning of life of every living entity. And as stated in the Seventh Chapter of Bhagavad-gita, the Supreme Lord, by His two energies, His external energy and internal energy, is all-pervading. Therefore one should worship the Supreme Lord with His energies. Generally the Vaishnava devotees worship the Supreme Lord with His internal energy. His external energy is a perverted reflection of the internal energy. The external energy is a background, but the Supreme Lord by the expansion of His plenary portion as Paramatma is situated everywhere. He is the Supersoul of all demigods, all human beings, all animals, everywhere. One should therefore know that as part and parcel of the Supreme Lord one has his duty to render service unto the Supreme. Everyone should be engaged in devotional service to the Lord in full Krishna consciousness. That is recommended in this verse.
Everyone should think that he is engaged in a particular type of occupation by Hrishikesha, the master of the senses. And by the result of the work in which one is engaged, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna, should be worshiped. If one thinks always in this way, in full Krishna consciousness, then, by the grace of the Lord, he becomes fully aware of everything. That is the perfection of life. The Lord says in Bhagavad-gita (12.7), tesham aham samuddharta. The Supreme Lord Himself takes charge of delivering such a devotee. That is the highest perfection of life. In whatever occupation one may be engaged, if he serves the Supreme Lord he will achieve the highest perfection.
Commentary by Sri Vishvanatha Chakravarthi Thakur of Gaudiya Sampradaya:
Humans attain perfection by worshipping (abhyarcya) through their prescribed work him alone, the Supreme Lord, from whom arise the activities of all living entities. This worship consists of offering the work in the mind, thinking, “By this work may the Lord be satisfied.”
Commentary by Sri Ramanuja of Sri Sampradaya:
18.46 He from whom arise all activities as origination of all beings and by whom all this is pervaded, by worshipping Him, i.e., Myself, who abide in Indra and other divinites as the Inner Ruler, man attains perfection, consisting in the attainment of Myself by My grace. It has been told before that everything originates from Me and all this is pervaded by Me, in texts like the following: ‘I am the origin and dissolution of the whole universe’ (7.6), ‘There is nothing higher than Myself, O Arjuna’ (7.7), ‘This entire universe is pervaded by Me in an unmanifest form’ (9.4), ‘Under My supervision, the Prakrti gives birth to all mobile and immobile entities’ (9.10) and ‘I am the origin of all; from Me proceed everything’ (10.8).
Commentary by Sri Sridhara Swami of Rudra Sampradaya:
The method described is that by worshipping the Supreme Lord Krishna or any of His authorised avatars or incarnations and expansions as revealed in Vedic scriptures is through the medium of one’s own prescribed duty while knowing that from Him proceeds the activities of all jivas or embodied beings and by whom all existence is created and permeated one has achieved perfection in their life.
Commentary by Sri Madhvacharya of Brahma Sampradaya:
Sri Madhvacharya did not comment on this sloka.
Commentary by Sri Keshava Kashmiri of Kumara Sampradaya:
The perfection of self-realisation is only obtained in perfection from worshipping the Supreme Lord and offering everything one possesses to Him. This can be also done by following one’s natural duties without deviation as ordained in Vedic scriptures. All jivas or embodied beings manifested from Lord Krishna who is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent and who created, maintains and sustains everything in all creation which is all permeated solely by Him.
Commentary by Sri Adi Shankaracharya of Advaita Sampradaya:
18.46 Manavah, a human being; vindati, achieves; siddhim, success, merely in the form of the ability for steadfastness in Knowledge; abhyarcya, by adoring, worshipping; svakarmana, with his own duties stated above, as allotted to each caste; tam, Him, God; yatah, from whom, from which God; comes pravrttih, origin,-or, from which internal Ruler comes the activities; ;bhutanam, of creatures, of living beings; and yena, by whom, by which God; is tatam, pervaded; sarvam, all; idam, this world. Since this is so, therefore,
Commentary by Sri Abhinavagupta of Kaula Tantra Sampradaya:
18.41-60 Brahmana – etc. upto avasopitat. Surely the intrinsic nature of the Brahmanas etc., does not voilate what has been difined (above) by way of classifying their duties. Therefore, as far as you are concerned, you have the intrinsic quality of the Ksatriya (warrior), and your nature i.e., intrinsic quality, does, without fail, assume the part of the inciter of yourself, even though you don’t like it. For, a person who acts simply being incited by that (natural condition), there is the strong bondage of the merit or demerit. Therefore, perform actions following the means of correct knowledge, taught by Me. In that case, the bondage would disappear. The intention of the principal sentence (statement of the entire passage under study) is to help to get this idea. The meaning of the subordinate sentences (statements) is evident. Briefly (verse 50) : in short. Knowledge : i.e. the one which has been explained earlier. Nistha conveys, avoiding verbal jugglary, the meaning ‘what has been determined’. He who is endowed with intellect totally pure etc. : All this has been almost explained already. Hence, no more trouble is taken [to comment upon it].
Sanskrit Shloka Without Transliteration Marks:
yatah pravrttir bhutanam
yena sarvam idam tatam
sva-karmana tam abhyarcya
siddhim vindati manavah
Sanskrit to English Word for Word Meanings:
yataḥ — from whom; pravṛttiḥ — the emanation; bhūtānām — of all living entities; yena — by whom; sarvam — all; idam — this; tatam — is pervaded; sva-karmaṇā — by his own duties; tam — Him; abhyarcya — by worshiping; siddhim — perfection; vindati — achieves; mānavaḥ — a man. | https://www.bhagavad-gita.us/bhagavad-gita-18-46/ |
15 hours a week SCP 14 £23,080 pro rata (actual £9,357).Initially a 12 Month Contract.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Social Prescriber covering a number of surgeries within the Torridge area. Employed by TTVS, the Social Prescriber will play a key role in the primary care network (PCN) multidisciplinary team but will also work in conjunction with the other Community Connectors working within the PCN. Social prescribing empowers people to take control of their health and wellbeing through referral to a ‘Community Connector’ (sometimes referred to as a Link worker) who give time with a focus on ‘What matters to me’. This is achieved by adopting a holistic approach to an individual’s health and wellbeing, connecting people to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support.
Key Responsibilities of Social Prescriber:
- Working alongside GP’s taking referrals from a wide range of agencies. Building relationships with practice staff and other social prescribers across Northern Devon – attending North Devon Social Prescribing network meetings
- Developing supportive relationships with the local VCSE organisations, community groups and statutory services
- Providing personalised support to individuals, their families and carers to take control of their health and wellbeing, live independently and improve their health outcomes. Taking a holistic approach based on the persons priorities and the wider determinants of health
- Be proactive in encouraging self-referrals and connecting with all local communities, particularly those that statutory agencies find hard to reach.
- Help to develop robust referral processes from GPs and others into the statutory, voluntary and community sector
- Meet with people as referred, in one-to-one sessions to explain the options available to them and offer support to access them
- Assess individuals’ needs for support whether they are just looking for a simpler signposting service or in need of more in-depth support
- Offer a connector service for the individual to appropriate community group or service
- To develop an understanding of the current VCSE and statutory provision within Torridge PCN area
- Co-produce a simple personalised care and support plan, introducing or reconnecting people to community groups and statutory services
- Keeping accurate records and data from all referrals and collating these for evaluation
Purposes
The person suited to this post will:
- Be approachable and an excellent communicator; both written and verbal
- Have the ability to actively listen, empathise with people and provide person-centred support in a non-judgemental way
- Be able to get along with people from all backgrounds and communities respecting lifestyles and diversity
- Be able to support people in a way that inspires trust and confidence, motivating others to reach their potential
- Have a strong awareness and understanding of when it is appropriate or necessary to refer people back to other health professionals/agencies
- Be able to develop and maintain effective working relationships
- Be proactive, with a ‘can do’ personality
- Have a commitment to collaborative working with all local agencies
- Able to maintain a database and produce reports as required, paying attention to detail
- A good level of IT skills – use of email, word, excel etc
- Have energy and enthusiasm to develop the service
Job Type: Part-time
Salary: SCP 14 £23,080 pro rata (actual £9,357)
Flexible Working Options Available:
- Flexitime
- Work remotely
Interviews will take place on the 22nd December 2020, via Zoom. | https://torridgecvs.org.uk/news/new-job-vacancy-social-prescriber |
Commercial Real Estate Law in Massachusetts
In Eastham, Massachusetts, commercial real estate is any form of real property (land or permanent structures) being utilized for business purposes.
The laws governing commercial real estate in Eastham, Massachusetts are quite different from those applying to residential real estate.
Buyers and renters of residential property enjoy some pretty substantial legal protections, because the law of most states presumes that shelter (being necessary to survive, for the most part) is more important than business. Therefore, many of these consumer protections don't apply to commercial real estate.
These absent protections include rent control, and warranties of habitability, among others. The most general protections, such as prohibiting sellers of real estate from lying regarding the property to the buyer, apply in any context, however.
Common Commercial Real Estate Law Issues in Eastham, Massachusetts
Financing: The majority of small business owners in Eastham, Massachusetts probably can't afford to buy much real estate outright, with cash paid up front, so most small business buy commercial real estate with a mortgage. A mortgage is a loan taken out for the purpose of buying real estate, using that real estate as collateral for the loan.
Concealment of Defects: Sellers and lessors of commercial real estate are under a duty to disclose any defects in the property which might impact the buyer's decision to purchase it, such as water damage, mold, or other structural problems. These defects are quite typical, and the buyer has a right to know about them. If the seller doesn't disclose these defects, where they exist, the buyer can sue for any harm this causes.
Duty to Inspect: This is a companion to the duty to disclose defects. Usually, buyers of real estate are expected to inspect the property. If they fail to conduct a good inspection, they might not be able to recover damages if they are harmed by any defects which an inspection would have revealed.
Encumbrances: An encumbrance is any interest held in a piece of property by a party other than the seller and the buyer. These property interests might make it very challenging for the buyer to use the land as they intended when they bought it. A typical type of encumbrance in Eastham, Massachusetts is the easement. An easement is some right that a third party has in a piece of property. For example, suppose that, many years ago, a neighbor adjacent to the land you want to buy, paid a previous owner for the right to cross his land to reach a public road. Unless the agreement states otherwise, this right will usually apply to subsequent owners, and has to be honored. Therefore, it might interfere with the intended use of the new owner.
Can a Eastham, Massachusetts Attorney Help?
These issues can be very complicated, and most people consider such financially-weighty decisions to be very necessary. If you are one of those people, it's a smart move to contact an Eastham, Massachusetts real estate attorney if you are facing any of the issues discussed above. | https://realestatelawyers.legalmatch.com/MA/Eastham/commercial-real-estate-law.html |
PAGADIAN CITY, January 26, 2020 (PIA)- The Pagadian City government hosted the Chinese New Year celebration on Friday marking "The Year of the White Metal Rat" in a ceremony held at Plaza Luz here.
Mayor Samuel Co said the Chinese New Year's celebration, is an annual activity of the local government that pays homage and esteem to the rich culture and tradition of the Filipino-Chinese community in the city as they were also regarded as one of the biggest contributors to the economic well-being of the city.
"As we celebrate the Chinese New Year, we revitalize our bond of friendship, unity, harmony and cooperation among Filipino-Chinese community and to our tri-people as well", Co said.
Co said that the two-day celebration is not only to make the activity worth remembering but also to express gratitude to our Almighty God for the abundant blessings that the city has received from Him.
"I am very grateful to our Almighty God for sparing our city from devastating natural disasters," Co said.
The people of Northern and Southern part of Mindanao, Co said they were directly affected by earthquake; part of Visayas was slammed with a powerful typhoon and its people evacuated, and in Luzon, thousands of people were affected in the aftermath of the volcanic eruption in Taal, but Pagadian City is spared to experience these calamities.
Co also considered part of this year's blessings are the construction of more commercial buildings as he signed applications for building permits like the establishment of DFA consular office and the tax holiday incentive for the investors.
"The Filipino-Chinese community are always hoping and praying for prosperity particularly for their good business and for them to contribute for our economy," Co said.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Bagnus Gaerlan, Jr., the event's guest of honor and speaker encouraged the Filipino-Chinese community and the public to help the government in maintaining peace and order, adding that "each one of us plays a significant role in preservation of peace and security in our country."
Gaerlan assured the public that the Philippine Army is always ready to serve the people and secure the city of Pagadian.
"Your active support has motivated and inspired us to faithfully fulfill our duties and responsibilities as your protector," Gaerlan concluded.
During the event, the students of Pagadian Chinese Chamber School performed the traditional dragon and lion dance performances, cultural dances, and field demonstration to highlight the rich Chinese culture.
The Filipino-Chinese Community gave "ampao" or red envelopes and distributed groceries to 1,000 poor people. A fireworks display capped the celebration. | https://www.chinanews.net/news/263844871/pagadian-celebrates-spring-festival-2020 |
negative integers blue.
Now try coloring just the positive integers with red and
blue such that there are no one-sided infinite monochromatic
AP's. This is almost as easy -- color
the first one red, the next two blue, the next three red,
the next four blue, and so on. If an AP
has step size d, then eventually it will hit a blue integer
and eventually hit a red integer, as soon as the
monochromatic blocks reach size d.
What about finite AP's? Given any
coloring of the positive integers,
can you find a monochromatic finite AP
of arbitrarily long length?
Surprisingly, yes!
The Van der Waerden theorem says that given any
number of colors and specifications for lengths,
there's an M large enough so that no matter
how you color the first M integers with those colors,
you can always find a monochromatic AP of at least
one of the given lengths and colors!
Presentation Suggestions:
You may ask students to think about
the first two questions
(perhaps a bonus problem on a HW)
before doing this Fun Fact.
The Math Behind the Fact:
The Van der Waerden theorem follows from the diagonal Van
der Waerden theorem in which all the
specified lengths are equal. This in
turn can be proven with a very clever
application of the pigeonhole principle
and double induction. The key observation is
that one may treat a block of m integers
colored with k colors as a single integer colored
with km colors.
The Van der Waerden theorem also follows as a consequence of
the much more difficult Hales-Jewett Theorem, which involves
monochromatic combinatorial lines in colored
high-dimensional lattices.
All of these results are part of a branch of mathematics
called Ramsey Theory.
How to Cite this Page:
Su, Francis E., et al. "Van der Waerden Theorem."
Math Fun Facts.
<http://www.math.hmc.edu/funfacts>.
Want another Math Fun Fact? | https://www.math.hmc.edu/funfacts/ffiles/30003.4.shtml |
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed more rigorous data breach reporting requirements for telecom carriers in response to breaches that recently hit the telecommunications industry.
On Wednesday, Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel shared the proposal in the form of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the first step in changing the FCC’s rules for alerting federal agencies and customers of data breaches.
“Customers deserve to be protected against the increase in frequency, sophistication, and scale of these data leaks, and the consequences that can last years after an exposure of personal information,” Chairwoman Rosenworcel said [PDF].
“I look forward to having my colleagues join me in taking a fresh look at our data breach reporting rules to better protect consumers, increase security, and reduce the impact of future breaches.”
Updates proposed by the FCC to its current data breach reporting rules for mobile carriers include:
- Eliminating the current seven business day mandatory waiting period for notifying customers of a breach
- Expanding customer protections by requiring notification of inadvertent breaches
- Requiring carriers to notify the Commission of all reportable breaches in addition to the FBI and U.S. Secret Service
The FCC also wants feedback regarding the inclusion of specific categories of information in breach alerts carriers sent to customers, which would help ensure the breach notifications come with actionable info for consumers.
The NPRM also proposes revisions to the Commission’s telecommunications relay services (TRS) data breach reporting requirements.
“Current law already requires telecommunications carriers to protect the privacy and security of sensitive customer information,” Rosenworcel added.
“But these rules need updating to fully reflect the evolving nature of data breaches and the real-time threat they pose to affected consumers.”
As part of this same effort, the FCC proposed new rules to fend off SIM-swapping attacks and port-out fraud in September to further reduce the risk of telecom customers’ information being improperly exposed.
In February, T-Mobile learned of a data breach following reports from multiple customers who became victims of SIM-swapping attacks.
In August, the same carrier disclosed a massive data breach after attackers brute-forced their way through its network and gained access to testing environments, allowing them to steal records belonging to 54.6 million current, former, or prospective customers. | https://masterjitips.com/fcc-wants-new-data-breach-reporting-rules-for-telecom-carriers/ |
As you consider a PhD or professional doctorate program, you might find you need to learn a new language just to understand the doctoral degree process and outcomes. Here are the most common terms (and their definitions) you might encounter.
ABD: “All but dissertation.” An unofficial phrase which describes a PhD candidate who has completed all the requirements of the degree program except for the final dissertation—and without the dissertation, the PhD cannot be awarded. It is NOT a recognized credential.
Accreditation: A quality assurance process that certifies educational institutions or programs for achieving and maintaining commonly recognized high standards. There are several career areas where graduating from an accredited program can make a difference in the type of career and the rate of pay graduates can earn. Learning about industry standards in your chosen field and what accreditation(s) are available are important points of research.
Colloquia/Colloquium: See Residency
Comprehensive Exam (also called Qualifying, General, Preliminary, or Major Field Exam): Comprehensive exams (often simplified as “comps”) allow students to demonstrate competency within their program, and serve to ensure they are prepared to move into the dissertation phase of the degree.
Programs may also require students to complete qualifying or preliminary exams. These may be similar to comprehensive exams and may be taken in lieu of or in addition to comprehensive exams. Comprehensive exams are generally distinguished by their breadth of focus, and are designed to ensure students can demonstrate knowledge and readiness for the dissertation.
Dissertation: The dissertation is the final step in the PhD process after successful completion of the comprehensive exams. The actual project depends on the program, but regardless of the field of study, there will be a large research component that is meant to be developed into a final degree deliverable that will increase the body of knowledge in the chosen field, either by adding new contributions or by expanding and deepening previous studies. It will take the form of a written project that evaluates and interprets the research the PhD candidate has completed, usually in a five-chapter format that can run several hundred pages. It’s an independent project that’s the most intensive form of research and writing a doctoral candidate will undertake.
Dissertation Advisor: Students will have a dissertation advisor to turn to for help in overcoming obstacles, managing time, writing advice, and planning for the dissertation. Generally an advisor is assigned by the university early in the student’s doctoral process, although some universities allow the student to select their own advisor. The advisor can guide a student through selecting coursework that will be the foundation needed to approach writing a dissertation. The advisor can also assist in navigating university policies and processes, and providing career advice or resources.
Dissertation Milestones (Phases of Research): There are generally three primary stages of writing a dissertation (although at Capella University, there are 16 milestones along these three stages, to keep the process in small, manageable pieces):
- Proposal. By the time students complete coursework and colloquia, they should have selected a topic. Preparing the proposal involves developing the research plan and methodology; and obtaining approvals of the topic and research plan from the mentor, committee, and the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
- Data Collection and Research. The student takes the approved research plan and begins research.
- Writing. Once the research is complete, it’s time to write the dissertation. Generally, a dissertation will have five chapters: an outline of the full background of your study; a comprehensive literature review supporting your research; a discussion of your choice of research design, data collection, and analysis, and details of the research steps; the actual data analyses and results; and the final evaluation and interpretation of your results. (Some universities may require a sixth chapter of conclusions.)
IRB (Institutional Review Board): An IRB is a standing committee at a university that examines potential research projects to ensure that humans involved in the research are protected and the appropriate safeguards are in place. Dissertation research is always subject to IRB approval.
Mentor: Depending on the university, a mentor is either assigned to a student or chosen by the student early in the PhD process and is the first point of contact for questions and concerns about the program. They’re able to advise the student as to his/her academic progress and recommend resources, but they also provide emotional support and resources for managing non-academic issues that may be obstacles for the student, such as work-life balance, family issues, etc. In many cases, the mentor may help with career advice as well as academic guidance. They will guide the student through the research and dissertation process, often providing a more personal relationship.
PhD: The most common type of doctoral degree awarded in the U.S. The PhD prepares students to conduct research and contribute new knowledge in their field, with career outcomes usually focused on continued high-level research or entry to academia.
Professional Doctorate: A doctoral degree with a primary focus on applied research; considered a more career-focused degree. Professional doctorates will apply knowledge in the field rather than continuing research or teaching, or they will conduct research that will solve real-world problems in their specific field.
Qualitative Research: Qualitative research focuses on examining a topic via cultural phenomena, human behavior, or belief systems. This type of research utilizes interviews, open-ended questions, or focus groups to gain insight into people’s thoughts and beliefs about certain behaviors and systems.
Quantitative Research: Quantitative research involves data-gathering across a wide range of participants in order to uncover relationships, trends, or other characteristics across groups. This type of research involves statistical analysis of demographic, survey, experimental, or similar numerical data.
Research Methodology: Working towards a PhD requires a dissertation, which requires research that studies a problem or gap in knowledge. There are several research methodologies available, but the most commonly used are the qualitative and quantitative methods (see above).
Residency: A transition step between coursework and the dissertation, residencies are meant to prepare the student for the dissertation work. Residency formats vary from school to school, but in general, there’s an in-person component that’s different from regular coursework. The content varies depending on your degree program, but students will likely learn how to identify a research problem and topic, conduct a literature review, develop a well-formed research question, select the correct research methodology and design, and begin developing a research strategy.
NOTE: Some universities may call this step colloquia. Additionally, it’s important to know that, depending on the context, a “residency” may have an entirely different function (such as a PsyD residency, which has different goals and objectives and is likely to include hands-on training in the field).
Scientific Merit Review (SMR): For a researcher to conduct ethical research, the research must demonstrate potential benefits that can offset potential risks to participants. Part of the IRB process is to consider the scientific merit of the study and determine if it has a reasonable risk/benefit ratio. The greater the risk a study presents, the more attentive the IRB must be to study design and scientific merit.
A study lacking in clear design or scientific merit has little benefit to justify participant risk. In contrast, a carefully designed study with clear potential for benefit may justify some degree of participant risk, presuming such risk is disclosed and minimized to the extent possible.
There are three criteria a dissertation must meet to receive approval on scientific merit:
- Will the research advance the scientific knowledge base?
- Will the research contribute to research theory?
- Does the research meet certain hallmarks of good research methodology?
Terminal Degree: A PhD or professional doctorate are considered a terminal degree—the highest academic achievement that can be attained.
Capella University offers PhD and professional doctorate degrees in programs ranging from business to education and health to technology. Learn more about Capella’s doctoral degree programs. | https://www.capella.edu/blogs/cublog/doctoral-degree-glossary/ |
Changing field names and types
This article serves to communicate the risks involved in changing a field's name, namespace and/or its data type. It's important to note that ACF won't stop you from carrying out the changes, since the rationale for doing it can vary greatly.
Normally, ACF will show these field properties as read-only for already created fields, but it's possible to edit these fields by clicking the small "lock" icon in the lower left corner of the dialog:
The reason behind making this just a tiny bit difficult is that changing an existing field's definition of name and/or namespace may cause loss of access to any already defined values for that particular scope that use the current name and namespace combination. Or, maybe worse, you may point your new name/namespace combination to some already defined fields (by other apps, maybe) with incompatible values.
Changing a field's data type may cause undesired effects, if the field's existing data is not compatible with the new type and may require changes to your theme.
Please only change a field's type when you know what you are doing and always consult the below table for any issues that may arise. This may not be an exhaustive list of issues that may arise from changing a field's type, so make sure you are planning a change carefully.
A change of a field's type is always possible when there are no existing values tied to the definition (no values entered for a product, a page etc).
However, when existing values are already in place, care must be taken before carrying out a change. Please see the below table for how field types can be changed.
Also note that while something is possible from a technical standpoint, it doesn't mean it's a good idea. But ultimately, this is for you to decide. | https://help.accentuate.io/article/64-changing-field-names-and-types |
Dulwich Prep London boasts a well-resourced multi-media workshop where boys are encouraged to explore and express their creativity through a broad range of three-dimensional design and make assignments.
Design Technology is taught through a combination of teacher-led projects and problem solving activities which provide the boys with a repertoire of skills. The boys work on solo projects to develop independent thinking in research, design, evaluation and modifications or in design teams, sharing ideas, knowledge and expertise in order to build cooperation and reinforce learning.
From carpentry to metalwork, mechanisms to electronics, on drawing boards and computers, Design Technology projects increase in complexity as the boys’ experience and understanding of materials, tools and processes develops. Incorporating new processes or systems into each new project enables the boys to enhance their understanding of the design processes and hone the skills needed to meet the challenge of bringing their ideas to reality. | https://www.dulwichpreplondon.org/Design-Technology |
It’s April now, so folks will be going on about April showers. Well, we had a lot of rain in March! It was, according to the Met Office, the fifth wettest March on record. Not, you would think, conducive to photography. I might disagree with that. Rain, and overcast days, are great for photography. Blue skies are boring!
There was a very heavy shower recently. I had looked out of the hall window to check the weather and noticed that there were very big raindrops bouncing off my car roof. I fitted my 100-300m lens to my E-M10 and focused manually on the spot where I wanted the drops to land. I set the lens to its maximum aperture to give a nice blurry background. It wasn’t very bright, so I pushed the ISO up to 1000 to give a reasonable shutter speed. It came out at 1/4 sec. Longer would have blurred the water too much. It took quite a few frames to give a good drop pattern. Cool look though.
One another March day I was in Swindon town centre. It was, as they say, “trying to rain” with a lot of overcast cloud, so the light level was way down. I thought the low light level was a perfect chance to use the “Silky water” light painting mode on my Huawei phone. I kept the shutter open as I walked through a pedestrian tunnel. It’s very mysterious.
This final image also used the “Silky Water” mode. There’s a water feature in Swindon where water flows over a series of stainless steel ribs. Moving the camera down accentuated the rib structure, yet took away any semblance of reality. The low contrast due to the weather made it easy to keep the highlight detail.
Bad weather is good weather really.
There was a TV programme on this week about the selfie craze. It’s something that has come from almost nowhere, to be the thing that you just have to do when you are out and about. It’s then got to be posted on social media. Some argue that it feeds a need for the new generation to be seen to be having a great time, rather than just having a great time.
There are places to take selfies springing up, so you can take the same image as everyone else. It’s a curious way to assert your individuality. This one was by was of a parody, and was at Banksy’s Dismaland alternative art show in Weston Super Mare a few years ago. There were still lots of folks using it though.
This one was used as advertising for the sheepsmilk Roquefort cheese, and was near the fabulous Millau Viaduct in France. The hat reads “Death to Cows”. My eye was caught by the abandoned apple juice bottle on a seat nearby.
This was also in France, at one of the sites being used for the “Rencontres des Arles” photography exhibition. There was a series of them, and it wasn’t clear if they was being used in an ironic way, or if they just wanted folks to have a bit of fun. The juxtaposition of the hard hat sign on an adjacent building site was to good to miss.
Perhaps it is an extension of those cutouts of people in bathing costumes that were at the seaside for you to stick your head through for other people to photograph? It’s someone else’s idea of where to take a photo though, and that makes me a bit uncomfortable. Perhaps I should lighten up!
I recently I gave my “Movement in Photography” talk to Salisbury Camera Club. I had a chance to wander round the cathedral before my talk. It was a lovely clear evening, so I took the chance to test my phone camera for night photography.
This was a while after sunset, in the so-called “Blue Hour”. It’s hand-held with no tripod, but still sharp. I think the camera takes a number of frames and chooses the sharpest one. I’ve used Perspective Crop in Photoshop to get the verticals nice and vertical. There’s a nice colour contrast between the warm gold of the floodlights and the cool blue of the sky.
Inside there’s a new art installation with ladders of light. I rested my phone on the edge of the font to get a perfect reflection. The font is like an infinity pool, so it looks as if the cathedral’s flooded.
A cathedral is the seat of a bishop, and their throne is called a cathedra. Us regular folk have to sit on regular chairs. In Salisbury Cathedral there are stacks of metal-framed chairs in the side aisles. The stacks do make interesting patterns. Here I have gone for a symmetrical composition, but the the change in light on the tubes brings in variation. It’s like the spine of an animal.
The cathedral in Salisbury is well worth a visit, and it’s now been declared safe after the Novichok incident.
I recently went to the Jeff Koons sculpture exhibition at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. It was a bit of a coup to get such a prominent artist to give a show there. Koons is famous for being very kitsch, and also famous for very high prices, and I wasn’t sure if I would like the art on show or not. The critics seem divided about the quality and relevance of his work.
Photography was permitted, so it was out with my trusty mobile phone. One of the exhibits is a large steel ballerina that is lacquered with transparent colour. I loved the reflections and distortions in the highly polished surface. There’s a bit of Dali in the “melting” reflection of the painting on the wall. I was chastised by the attendant for getting too close*. I apologised and moved away.
I was also chastised by another attendant for getting too close* to this Spalding-branded basketball floating in a state of equilibrium. The ball is filled with distilled water and hovers in a salt water/fresh water gradient. It was loaned by its American owner. I’m guessing that it had to be sent empty and refilled in Oxford, so what arrived was a tank, a stand and the ball. Seems like not much for £17 million dollars!
The works were lit with quite directional spotlights, and I found the interplay of shadows a bit more interesting than some of the works. This is the shadow cast by a “balloon rabbit” made of steel. The white line is the one you must not cross. The floorboards made for a strong diagonal.
After the Jeff Koons show I met my wife and we went for a meal. The restaurant had the most extraordinary wallpaper in the loos, and the way it wrapped round corners gave a strange perspective to the faces. It distorted reality in a similar way to the Jeff Koons show. Accidental art?
I recently updated my phone to Pie, the latest version of Android. It also updated my phone camera software, and the settings were all in different places! It took a while to find one of my favourites which is the “Silky Water” light painting mode. It’s designed to be used with the camera held still, but I love the effects you get when the camera is moved about during the exposure. It’s called Intentional Camera Movement (ICM).
This week, whilst waiting for a friend at the Watermill Theatre near Newbury, I went for a walk. The River Lambourn flows past the Watermill, and a short distance away it is bridged by the infamous A34 trunk road. The bridge is very functional indeed, with large girders spanning the river. Whilst it’s quite an oppressive thing to stand underneath, the structure is a great base to use with ICM.
The image you get depends very much on the place you start and how you move the camera. They are unique images, in that it’s almost impossible to exactly reproduce the movement. Here I concentrated on the girders and twisted the camera round so the effective viewpoint changed. I’ve inverted it in post-processing so the river is now at the top as a band of mist.
Moving the camera only in one plane has allowed the bridge structure to be the main focus. Once more I have inverted the image in post-processing so the lines in the composition work better. The ICM technique takes away detail leaving just the main elements.
I’m now trying a technique where I move the camera for part of the exposure and keep it still for part of the exposure. In this image I kept it still in at least three places and then moved it so there was a central line splitting the image in half. It’s now an array of lines and angles, and looks a bit like an open book.
When I took these images the camera kept saying “steady your device”. I think not! | http://phototraininguk.com/ |
Apollo Education stock tanks on lower earnings
The Apollo Education Group saw its stock fall sharply Thursday after the for-profit school reported another quarter of lower earnings and dwindling enrollment, in part because of massive computer glitches.
Net income at the Phoenix-based company fell 66 percent to $34 million. Its stock finished regular trading at $27.56, down 13.5 percent on a day when the S&P 500 as a whole was up. Earnings per share were up 44 cents per share after adjustments for one-time items. That beat expectations, but was down from $1.05 a year earlier.
Apollo CEO Greg Capelli blamed much of the near-term performance on problems at the flagship University of Phoenix rolling out new online classroom software.
"Unfortunately, the conversion to a brand new platform was more challenging than we originally anticipated," Capelli said during a conference call with investors. "That resulted in a greater-than-expected impact on retention. ... We are 100 percent committed to fixing all the issues relative to the classroom as quickly as possible. Our teams have already made substantial progress."
Brian Swartz, Apollo's chief financial officer, said company revenue per student fell 8.5 percent during the most recent quarter, much of it because of 7,000 students dropping classes or not attending them because of the widespread computer problems. He said he expects that revenue trend to continue during the current quarter and becoming a nonissue by year's end.
"We're going to get it fixed," Capelli said. "We've put every available asset on it. It's our No. 1 priority."
Even so, the company has struggled to stem the longer-term trend of declining enrollment. The overall number of students was down nearly 14 percent, to 227,000, from the same period a year earlier, Apollo reported. New enrollment was down 5 percent, which was only slightly worse than financial analysts had expected.
In a note to investors, Paul Ginocchio of Deutsche Bank in San Francisco, said Apollo's results "create lots of new uncertainty."
He said the implementation mistakes cost Apollo about $50 million.
"We came away feeling less confident in the improving trajectory of new enrollment," he wrote.
Apollo's stock has struggled since 2009, when it traded above $84. In the years since, the company has been battered by congressional reports on the for-profit education industry that showed students often paid overly high costs for degrees that too often led to low-paying careers.
The company has responded in part by expanding its brand into foreign markets such as Australia, Brazil, India and South Africa, acquiring similar operations there. Revenues from Apollo's global unit rose 26 percent, and Capelli described it as "a real bright spot" for the company.
"We continue to expect our 2015 financial results to be weighted more toward the back half of the year," Swartz said. "This is primarily due to the expected timing of the University of Phoenix recovery along with the full-year impact of our 2014 acquisitions. ... Our goal is to address our operational challenges in 2015 and work toward getting back to our original plan of growing Apollo Education Group in 2016 and beyond."
Reach the reporter at [email protected]. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/2015/01/08/apollo-stock-plummets-lower-earnings/21448907/ |
On Thursday morning, Jason and Jeanette Burgett opened their Highland cafe, The Wooden Spoon, at 7 a.m. as usual. Their team put fresh pastries in the display case and started making egg sandwiches and scrambles.
And when customers walked to the counter to grab those orders, the staff donned gloves and handed out to-go boxes, asking everyone — politely — to eat their food elsewhere. Along the restaurant’s far wall, all 18 chairs were stacked on top of a row of tables.
“We’ve only had a couple (of customers) who walked away. Other than that, they’ve all been grateful for it,” Jason Burgett said of the decision to sell takeout only starting Thursday.
For the past couple of weeks, the Burgetts have taken extra precautions to sanitize their small, decade-old neighborhood cafe and kitchen.
“And then last night,” Burgett said, “when everything escalated, well, in the food industry, not all of us have health insurance. So to keep us all safe and working, we decided to make everything to-go … So there’s not people sitting literally two feet from each other.”
On Wednesday night, President Trump addressed the nation regarding the new coronavirus. Earlier that day, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic. By Thursday, the U.S. stock market saw its largest drop since 1987.
Unable to do anything else, restaurants in Denver and elsewhere responded with drink specials, free deliveries and even changes in their business structure in order to stay open.
“We’re trying to take all the precautions for all of us here,” Burgett said. “This is how we make money, through the customers, and if the customers get sick, you know, we can’t help them.”
While The Wooden Spoon will stick solely to carryout until the virus is “somewhat contained,” Burgett said, other restaurant owners are taking different approaches to keep their workers and customers safe, and themselves in business. At Chook’s two Denver locations, Id Est restaurants and more, curbside pickup is a new option for customers.
On East Colfax, Vince Howard said he’s running his recently opened Tessa Delicatessen as usual, though “I wanted the bathrooms to smell like Comet this morning,” he added.
Howard said the recommended protocols of washing and cleaning “are really things that we already do” in a restaurant. He had posted a message a day earlier on Tessa’s Instagram account, assuring customers of his own precautions and asking them to act responsibly in return. If they’re sick, he said, they should order food through delivery channels.
“We are here to serve our guests,” the message said. “We do so with cleanliness and pride in our health, as well as our craft. What we do for you is so important to us.”
As the new coronavirus has spread around the globe, and even as restaurants continue to serve their customers, they have been some of the indirect casualties — whether through racism against Chinese-owned businesses, curfews and lockdowns in countries like Italy or canceled events and festivals such as South by Southwest in Texas.
And while older demographics and those with pre-existing health conditions are the most at-risk individuals, restaurant workers are often employed without health insurance or other workplace benefits to aid them in sickness.
“Here’s the thing: Food-service workers, regardless if they work at the cheap buffet or the fancy restaurant, don’t want to get sick, either,” L.A. Times food editor Peter Meehan wrote Thursday in a column. “If you can’t trust that they’re doing their best to keep themselves — and, by extension, you — safe, then your problems are deeper-seated than a (newspaper) food section can help you with.”
Early this week, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced that businesses would be required to compensate sick workers while they take time to get tested and wait for results to return. Local burrito chain Illegal Pete’s is taking the mandate a step further, offering paid time off to sick employees.
“Honestly, I feel more concerned for the food-service workers than their customers,” said Elaine Scallan Walter, an associate professor of epidemiology with the Colorado School of Public Health in Aurora. “I don’t think there’s any reason for those who are not at high risk not to go out (to eat),” she added.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, older adults and those with serious underlying medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes should avoid crowds and practice social distancing as much as possible. Those who are healthy should prevent illness by washing or sanitizing their hands often, avoiding close contact in public, and covering any coughs or sneezes.
But nationwide data sent from Resy, the booking platform, to its restaurant clients earlier this week shows that reservations were down already on Tuesday by as much as 65% in Seattle and 30% in New York City. “All restaurants should anticipate very significant cover and revenue declines in April and May,” the platform stated.
In the restaurant-filled Denver neighborhood of LoHi, The Bindery has started to see a slowing of weekday dinner reservations, according to owner Linda Hampsten Fox.
“I think once people are ending their workday, they are eating at home partially to stay away from the virus and crowds, but also to save money,” she said. “As a restaurant owner, there are so many unknowns that we are addressing as quickly as we can.”
For her, part of addressing those unknowns means making sure the dining room is well ventilated, the tables are spaced safely apart, bathrooms are cleaned every hour and the whole restaurant is sanitized daily. Hampsten Fox said she’s also increasing grab-and-go lunch options and even starting her own dinner delivery service within a 1/2-mile radius.
Delivery companies like Uber Eats, Grubhub, DoorDash and Caviar all offer options for orders to be left outside the door of a diner’s residence. Uber, DoorDash and Caviar also are implementing paid time off for up to two weeks for drivers who are diagnosed with COVID-19 or placed in either quarantine or isolation.
“I think for those at a higher risk … delivery is probably a good option,” Scallan Walter with the Colorado School of Public Health said. “It’s not a food-borne disease, but I think we’re still learning a lot. So does it stay on surfaces? Should you be concerned about packaging? Those things are still unknown. You might want to wash your hands after removing food from the package.”
While guidelines are changing from day to day, Scallan Walter is still teaching in-person classes to graduate students at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. And she’s also living her life outside of work.
“I think being able to frequent your local coffee shop or restaurant and being able to take the precautions that are recommended, certainly at the moment that seems like a reasonable option,” she said, adding, “Well, I’m going out tonight.”
Food delivery advice
Colorado Restaurant Association CEO Sonia Riggs said to contact restaurants directly about delivery, “as sometimes third-party companies list restaurant menus without permission and may have an outdated menu posted.”
“And as a reminder to patrons,” she said, “restaurants train rigorously in preventing the spread of disease, and they are heavily regulated by health code. We’ve heard from many restaurants that are implementing sanitation procedures that are well beyond what is mandated to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for guests, and this is true whether those guests dine in or order out.”
Updated March 13 at 1:05 p.m.The following corrected information has been added to this article: Because of a reporting error, the state of the U.S. stock market was previously misstated. On Thursday, March 12, the Dow experienced its largest daily plunge since 1987.
Subscribe to our new food newsletter, Stuffed, to get Denver food and drink news sent straight to your inbox. | https://myhealthyliferecipes.com/denver-restaurants-adding-new-delivery-take-out-options-during-coronavirus-outbreak/ |
How do we know when to keep being persistent with the things we want?
I have been thinking about this question recently, in my personnel life as well as my professional like. Working At The Autism Treatment Center of America with families who have children on the Autism Spectrum I am often asked by parents, “Do I just keep asking him, or should I drop it when he does not respond?”
There are many ways to respond to this question, for instance, if your child is still involved with you, for example looking at you or talking to you, and seems motivated to play a game with you then keep asking.
If they are exclusive and focused on something else, then we would suggest you stop asking and join your child in their current activity until they reconnect with you, then you can ask again. This is not about dropping your request it is about the timing of when you ask.
However the over riding principle is, believe that your child at some point will do the thing you are asking them to do. If you stop asking them you are really saying that you do not believe it is possible. Then there is no opportunity for your child to grow.
So persistence is really the belief in action that our children can change and grow.
This is a fundamental belief of The Son-Rise Program. | https://blog.autismtreatmentcenter.org/2009/09/persistence.html |
Four years after its construction was finished, the Caminito del Rey visitor centre in Malaga provimce finally opened its doors after being officially inaugurated on Thursday 20 October by the president of the Junta de Andalucía, Juanma Moreno, the president of Malaga´s provincial authority, Francisco Salado, and the mayor of Ardales, Juan Alberto Naranjo, among others.
Constructed on a 25,000 square metre plot located next to the MA-5403 Ardales-El Chorro road it has 240 parking spaces and a viewpoint overlooking the Conde de Guadalhorce reservoir. In addition to providing information, its aim is to promote sustainable mobility through a bus that connects the 500 square metre space with the entrance and exit of the elevated walking route.
Designed by Luis Machuca, who also planned the walkway, it boasts an attractive, modern, wooden design. Although it was completed in 2018, and its opening was announced for the middle of that year, the pandemic and a change of management of the visitor attraction meant that it did not happen.
Located at kilometre point 5.5 on the road the centre has an information and customer service desk at the entrance with explanatory panels on the history of the Caminito and its restoration, as well as information on the flora, fauna and geology of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes natural area, photographs and tourist information on the surrounding towns and villages.
It also has three audiovisual screens: one showing the location of the walkways and the entire route in real time; another on the Caminito and the surrounding area; and another with weather information including temperature and wind speed.
Salado said that the bus that connects the entrance and exit of the Caminito will have a stop beside the centre, inviting visitors to leave their private vehicles here. The Malaga Cercanías train will also soon arrive at El Chorro station, which will increase the Caminito's connectivity with both the city and the rest of the Costa del Sol.
“This centre is a quality step towards the Caminito del Rey brand of excellence,” said Salado who stressed that more than 2.5 million visitors have walked along the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes since the walkway opened in 2015.
“It has become an international icon of the province of Malaga and Andalucía and a driving force for inland tourism. Practically half of its visitors are foreigners, and we have already counted more than a hundred different nationalities,” he added.
As for the impact it has had on the region, from 2016 until now, the number of tourist establishments has increased from 210 to 474, with 5,600 accommodation places.
Every year, the Caminito del Rey generates an economic impact of around 25 million euros, which means a total of 175 million euros, contributing to the creation of around 550 jobs, according to data provided by Salado. Its popularity has also led to a huge increase in the number of tourist accommodations which have risen from 210 in 2016 to 474 now, with 5,600 beds.
Juanma Moreno, the President of the Junta de Andalucía, said that the Caminito del Rey “is an exemplary example of how to enhance the value of a first-class tourist resource. It is an example for the whole of Andalucía and Spain, preserving the natural and heritage values that make it unique”.
Moreno also underlined the role of the provincial authority in putting together a “powerful” candidacy to be presented to UNESCO as a World Heritage Site with “the institutional backing of the Junta de Andalucía”. The bid, endorsed by more than 21,100 people and entities, will focus on the importance of recognising the uniqueness of the surrounding industrial heritage, such as the original footbridges themselves, the railway station and the bridges and the Gaitanejo dam.
Moreno also spoke of the drought situation, referring to the state of the three reservoirs in this area: the Guadalteba is at just over 60 per cent capacity and the Guadalhorce and Conde de Guadalhorce are at 33 per cent capacity and 27 per cent capacity, respectively.
Moreno pointed out that the regional government is only responsible for 33 per cent of the Andalusian territory and that it has been “anticipating the drought situation for years” by implementing measures such as the two drought decrees that have allowed it to speed up key works to improve supply, costing 141 million euros, to have 33 more cubic hectometres of water.
He also called on the government, “which is responsible for the remaining 67 per cent of the Andalusian territory, to speed up the emergency works and try to alleviate the serious situation”. | https://www.surinenglish.com/malaga/caminito-del-rey-visitor-centre-20221020175225-nt.html |
Calcium lactate sounds like something that could come from dairy, but where does it really come from? Calcium lactate is both a health supplement and
a common ingredient used in many foods, but most consumers pay little attention to it or its origins. Although calcium is a mineral typically associated with milk, and lactate sounds a lot like lactose, calcium lactate is not a dairy product. Calcium lactate is a calcium salt that comes from lactic acid. The Vegetarian Resource Group has researched the origin of lactic acid in the U.S. and has determined it to be vegan; however, lactic acid outside of the U.S. may not be vegan.
So if you’re going to ask, is calcium lactate vegan? Well, it depends on where the lactic acid is made.
If you find this article helpful, please let us know in the comments below. And if you have any more questions about what other foods are vegan or not, leave a message in the comments section and we’ll be very happy to address it for you.
You may have more concerned questions like Is Wine Vegan, Is Albumen Vegan, and more.
Learn more vegan-related topics like cooking vegan dishes tutorials, vegan options on restaurant menus, and information about a certain food if it’s vegan or not, all of them on our website.
Suggested Read: Is Soda Vegan? | https://veganfoodlover.com/is-calcium-lactate-vegan/ |
COLUMN: The fight for equality isn’t over
There is still a long way to go before the U.S. finally achieves equality, as seen with recent U.S. Supreme Court cases.
Dec. 14, 2019
Abigail Ruhman is a sophomore journalism major at MU. She is an opinion columnist who writes about student life, politics and social issues for The Maneater.
This column is part one of Abigail Ruhman’s “Twelve Gays of Christmas: The Sequel” series. Twelve Gays of Christmas is a 12-column series about a variety of LGBTQ topics. During the holidays, members of the LGBTQ community are more likely to experience depression. By informing readers of the issues facing the LGBTQ community, these columns are meant to support the community this holiday season. This year is the second year of this series and shows that even though it can seem like things are fine, there is still a lot of discrimination and challenges facing the LGTBQ community.
There is something nauseating about watching the U.S. Supreme Court discuss your identity as if there was a reason it could be used against you. For marginalized groups, this has been a reality since the 1800s. While discrimination and dehumanization go back so much further, there is something unique about a country founded on freedom denying you just that in the highest court.
This year, the queer and gender-nonconforming community saw three cases make it to the Supreme Court, and that gut-wrenching feeling returned. Two of the cases focused on gay men who were fired because of their sexuality, while the other was about a transgender woman who was fired because her boss disapproved of her gender identity. Despite the belief that marriage equality meant the end of the queer and gender-nonconforming rights movement, this year the community once again saw their rights put at risk. For the first time ever, the Supreme Court saw a case on transgender rights, and no one is sure how it will go.
At this point, the community shouldn’t have to be scared that the Supreme Court won’t support them, but it’s a real possibility. With the addition of Justice Brett Kavanaugh, this Supreme Court is the most conservative the U.S. has seen since the 1930s. Politics seems to be heading in a more conservative direction, but not by the will of the people.
In 2016, the presidential candidate who won was not selected by the popular vote. While that may sound like old news, Donald Trump gained a large influence on the nation without actually having the majority of it behind him. The Supreme Court now has a conservative majority, but that move doesn’t align with public opinion.
The Supreme Court is debating LGBTQ rights, but it doesn't reflect the values of our American climate. These three cases could act as a precedent to protect queer and gender-nonconforming workers, or those who oppress the community.
The battle for queer liberation isn’t over, and claiming that it is ends up hurting the community in the long run. In today’s world, people are still worried that the court meant to protect them will leave them without the backing they need. This applies to every marginalized group, but these cases highlight the fact that the queer rights movement didn’t stop after marriage equality was protected by the Supreme Court.
These cases haven’t been decided on yet, which means the queer community will go into 2020 without truly knowing how the Supreme Court will side. However, this isn’t the only area where the fight for equality is taking place. The community is still fighting in their personal, professional and public lives. The battle isn’t over, and that means there is still something everyone can do and learn.
For the community, there is hope. People are still fighting for you, and they will continue to fight for you. You deserve the opportunity to feel safe and happy with your sexuality and gender identity, and that is not too much to ask for. It can be hard to believe that progress is still possible, but it is.
For allies or people outside of the community, you can help the queer and gender-nonconforming community. Learning more about the issues facing the community and researching ways to help means something. It means you are actively trying. Being an ally is more than coming to pride or saying you love your gay best friend. It’s speaking up even if no one else does and working to call out prejudice and discrimination. The community doesn’t get days off from being queer or gender-nonconforming, so being an ally shouldn’t come with built-in vacation time.
The U.S. should be past these issues already. People are still fighting for the right to exist and be protected. Everyone has a role in the fight for equality. The battle isn’t over until there aren’t enough problems in the world to do a 12-column series for a college newspaper.
Edited by Bryce Kolk | [email protected]
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Please provide a full name for all comments. We don't post obscene, offensive or pure hate speech. | https://www.themaneater.com/stories/opinion/column-the-fight-for-equality-isnt-over |
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Mechanostat
The Mechanostat is a model describing bone growth and bone loss. It was promoted by Harold Frost and described extensively in the Utah Paradigm of Skeletal Physiology in the 1960s. The Mechanostat is a refinement of Wolff's law described by Julius Wolff (1836–1902).
According to the Mechanostat, bone growth and bone loss is stimulated by the local mechanical elastic deformation of bone. The reason for the elastic deformation of bone is the peak forces caused by muscles (e.g. measurable using mechanography). The Adaptation (feed-back control loop) of bone according to the maximum forces is considered to be a lifelong process. Hence bone adapts its mechanical properties according to the needed mechanical function – bone mass, bone geometry and hence bone strength (see also Stress-strain index, SSI) is adapted according to the everyday usage / needs.
Due to this control loop, there is a linear relationship in the healthy body between muscle cross sectional area (as a surrogate for typical maximum forces the muscle is able to produce under physiological conditions) and the bone cross sectional area (as a surrogate for bone strength).
These relations are of immense importance especially for bone loss situations like in osteoporosis, since an adapted training utilizing the needed maximum forces on the bone can be used to stimulate bone growth and hence prevent or help to minimize bone loss. An example for such an efficient training is vibration training or whole body vibration.
Modeling and remodeling
Frost defined four regions of elastic bone deformation which result in different consequences on the control loop:
- Disuse:
Strain < circa 800μStrain: Remodeling (bone adaptation and bone repair) Bone mass and bone strength is reduced.
- Adapted State:
strain between ca. 800μStrain and ca. 1500μStrain: Remodeling (bone repair) Bone mass and bone strength stays constant (homeostasis: bone resorption=bone formation)
- Overload:
Strain > circa 1500μStrain: Modeling (bone growth) bone mass and bone strength is increased
- Fracture:
Strain > circa 15000μStrain: maximum elastically deformation exceeded - bone fracture.
According to this a typical bone, e.g. the tibia has a security margin of about 5 to 7 between typical load (2000 to 3000 μStrain) and fracture load (about 15000μStrain). | https://ayurwiki.org/Ayurwiki/Mechanostat |
Looking back on this year’s harvest produces gratefulness in us for the farmers with whom we have worked and the many new people who have joined the Libellula community.
Those of you who joined our virtual olive oil tasting, adopted a grove, or purchased a bottle of extra virgin olive oil for yourself or a friend have enabled us to invest ever more in the land and our farmers who care for it. Every new order fills us with joy, and we could not be more thankful for each and every one of you!
However as we reflect on this harvest season, we wanted to candidly share with you the challenges we have faced. It has been tough; the toughest season we’ve ever experienced.
Spring had arrived in Sabina and our olive trees had blossomed! The trees flower for about a week, and these blossoms are essential for the growth of olives in the summer and fall. This means that this week is a critical time for the trees.
Any extreme changes in temperature or wind or rain can cause the blossoms to fall, meaning no olives will grow later that summer. While olive trees can withstand gradual changes in temperature, any sudden shifts can be catastrophic.
On the night of April 5th, the air was crisp and chilly. By midnight it had gotten slightly colder, but it was still above freezing. The night breeze rustled the leaves of the trees.
As the clock struck 2am, it started. The temperature went from 34 degrees F to 19 degrees F within the hour.
And then the wind began.
Buran winds blow from Siberia, carrying brutal temperatures and icy force. These winds are sometimes seen in the northernmost parts of Italy where the olive tree varietals can withstand their brute force. But they never come as far south as us.
The Buran blew from just after 2am until 10am that morning. By mid-day the wind was gone – and so were the trees’ blossoms.
We walked through our groves that day and took in the devastation. In a single night our season’s harvest was almost entirely destroyed. And we were not the only ones: about 70% of the farmers in Sabina lost their blossoms too. Those that survived were on trees lucky enough to have been shielded from the wind by hills.
We knew that the Giardinetto and La Tenuta groves would be severely affected, but we had hope that the San Lorenzo grove would be spared. This is because trees that grow 500-800 meters above sea level, like in the San Lorenzo grove, tend to be protected from deep cold as the humidity is less and the temperatures are warmer. When we arrived at the San Lorenzo grove we found our hopes dashed, as even here the trees had been ravished by the wind.
April the 5th was devastating not only for us, but for all of the olive farmers in the area.
As spring turned into summer, the lack of rainfall quickly became apparent. The trees whose blossoms did survive had to endure one of the driest summers in decades. For four months we had next to no rain, with temperatures shooting higher than normal, scorching the soil.
We are grateful that we could use our wells to provide some irrigation to the groves, but others were not so lucky. The groves of many farmers in the area were dry and sickly by fall.
We know many regions around the world are facing extreme weather patterns due to climate change, and this season we experienced this firsthand. In total, we lost 90% of our harvest this year. It was the worst harvest Sabina has seen in over two decades.
Experiencing this kind of loss is heartbreaking. We pour so much time, care and love into creating the best environment possible for our trees to thrive. Yet no matter how much we might prepare and strategize, we cannot control the weather.
Having said all of this, we want to be very clear: we stick with our farmers and their groves no matter what. We continued to pay for the upkeep of the groves all year and then their harvest, regardless of how little olive oil we were able to glean.
Our goal is to support Sabina’s family farmers and their groves, no matter what happens. Our relationships with our farmers and our relationship with the land come first, regardless of what unforeseen challenges may be lurking around the corner.
First: a hot, dry growing season makes for an even better-tasting olive oil.
The more it rains, the more the trees soak up water and, consequently, the olives can become rather watery. So while an extremely dry season creates much less olive oil, that olive oil is of incredible quality and packed with even more polyphenols.
Second, because we had so few olives this year, we created a new partnership with another local farmer: Adolfo.
When we first moved to Sabina, Adolfo would stop by from time to time to show us around the area. He’d give us little tips like which bakery made the best loaf of sourdough or which fruit stand had the juiciest figs.
Adolfo is from a very old family that has been in Sabina for generations and is a shy, gentle, and knowledgeable man by nature. He makes the most delicious jam every season from his garden's bountiful fruit. Both he and his wife, Roberta, have warmly welcomed us into the region.
While Adolfo was also greatly affected by the Buran and the dry summer, he was still able to harvest about 30% of his olives. Our partnership with him, combined with the small amount we were able to harvest from our groves, means that we will have enough olive oil for the coming year!
Through the difficulty of such a brutal harvest, we are delighted to create both one more partnership with a local farmer as well and press some of the finest olive oil the region has produced in years. Yes, the freezing wind and burning heat created challenges, but they have encouraged us to innovate and strategize on how best to combat future weather events like this. Already we are looking to plant northern varietals of olive trees alongside ours, diversifying our crop to prevent such widespread future devastation.
It is our hope that by reading the above, you will find yourself more connected, more knowledgeable and more invested in the success of Sabina’s olive trees and their farmers.
Ecco il raccolto 2022! (Here’s to the 2022 harvest!)
Warmly,
Julia & Camillo
P.S. We're working as quickly as we can to keep up with your holiday orders! Thank you for your patience as we package and send off each one.
If you have any questions about which extra virgin olive oil is the right gift for your loved one, just send us an email at [email protected]. We'd love to help! | https://libelluladopt.com/blogs/kitchen-and-land/harvest-2021-update-from-the-land |
Charles Darwin wouldn't have foreseen that one day his theory of natural selection would be borrowed to solve a puzzle that bothers quantum physicists for decades.
Since its birth in the early 20th century, quantum mechanics has been fascinating because, for the first time, scientists have formulated a sound hypothesis to describes the world at the atomic and subatomic scale. However, the theory that's built upon uncertainty and probability was anything but instinctual and has many quirky properties.
For example, physicists had trouble explaining the transition from the quantum-dominated microscopic world to the macroscopic universe that's governed by classical physics—a process also known as the collapse of wave function. To put this Sheldonian concept in a Penny-style language, once an observer measures the properties (such as position and speed) of a particle, suddenly all the possibilities of the properties become reduced to one.
In the 1970s, the late German physicist Heinz-Dieter Zeh first identified this phenomenon and called it decoherence, which describes the disappearance of “quantumness” into the observer's environment. Wojciech Zurek, a theoretical physicist at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, followed Zeh's footstep and worked further on this idea. He compared his reasoning to Darwin's theory of natural selection, hypothesizing that during decoherence definite properties of objects are selected from a large pool of possibilities. The properties that are considered "fittest" will always make it into the observer's environment.
Like every scientific theory in the world, no matter how convincing it is, it requires the verification of objective and vigorous experiments. In the past year, three independent studies put Zurek's theory to tests and achieved positive results.
Take one of them, conducted by a group of Chinese physicists at the University of Science and Technology of China, for example. In this study, the researchers constructed a so-called quantum Darwinism simulator, within which a single photon acts as the quantum system and a handful of others serve as the environment (observers).
Their simulation study verified the existence of "the redundancy of the system's classical information": as long as the system-environment interaction is strong enough, one single environment photon would be sufficient to cause decoherence. Because the information on other environment photons is simply replicas imprinted by the system.
It appears that quantum Darwinism has found its footing and the first steps to test the theory were successful. More experiments are expected to further investigate quantum Darwinism with more complex quantum environments. | https://www.labroots.com/trending/chemistry-and-physics/15480/quantum-darwinism-quirky-marriage-distant-theories |
One of my classes in Seminary this semester is an Apologitics class. This week, one of my assignments included answering the following worldview questions from my point of view, and then from the average American’s point of view: How do we find happiness? How do we find wholeness? What goals are really worth pursuing? What is life “for”?
I chose to include my answers on my blog this week in hopes that it would get anyone who reads it thinking as it did for me. I hope you will take the time to read my answers, and then, perhaps, you will answer them (all of them or one of them) for yourself. I would love to see the thoughts of others on these very important questions. I would urge all Christians to at least take some time and think through these questions, as they are some of the very questions that we will be asked by non-Christians. We need to have a ready answer for them. So, here goes…
My Worldview:
a) How do we find happiness?
As a Christian, I must first have a good understanding of happiness. First, I must realize that happiness is fleeting. This emotion is definitely not constant; it is not abiding, so to speak. As Christians, we are so often taught that joy is the emotion for which we should strive, because of these attributes of happiness. We must understand that the Christian life may not always be a ‘happy life,’ but we can always have the joy that is given by the Holy Spirit even in the deepest storms of life. We must not make happiness our chief pursuit. As much as I do concur with this, I do also hold to the idea that happiness is real and can be experienced by anyone, and especially a Christian.
In dealing with happiness, we must first recognize that “every good and perfect gift comes from above” (James 1:17), or in other words, all of the gifts in life that give happiness is a gift from God alone. It is in these gifts that we will find happiness. I, myself, seek to find happiness in the gift of my relationships with my family and friends. I seek to find happiness in the gift of my talents and abilities. I seek to find happiness in the leisure activities in which I love to participate. I seek to find happiness in laughter and enjoying life, in general. This happiness is greatly enhanced (along with joy) when I have the perspective that these are all gifts from my Heavenly Father. It is enhanced as my gratitude towards Him for these gifts grow as well.
b) How do we find wholeness?
Genesis tells me that I was made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26). I was created as a relational being to have a relationship with my Creator. If this is true, and I believe with my whole heart that it is, then the only way that I can ever find wholeness is to be in that relationship for which I was created. I can, therefore, only be whole in Jesus Christ. It is only through Him, and His work on the cross and in the Resurrection, that I can be restored to this relationship with God. So, I can only be made complete and whole when I discover my identity in the one who created me, through the reconciliation of Jesus.
c) What goals are really worthy of pursuing?
The only goals that are really worthy of pursuing are those that are abiding, or lasting. Hebrews 13:14 reminds me that “here we have no lasting city…” This means that any and all succeeded goals dealing with advancement in this world will not be abiding, as this world is not abiding. Therefore, the only goals worthy of pursuing are those that are eternal. As clear as God’s Word is in advancing the temporal nature of this world, it is just as clear about the eternal nature of the Kingdom of God. Hebrews 12:27-28 speaks of the inevitable “removal of things that can be shaken—that is, things that have been made (the world and all of creation)—in order that the things that cannot be shaken (God’s Kingdom) may remain.”
This is why the Bible is also clear that we should “lay up for [ourselves] treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in a steal” (Matt. 6:29). This encouragement is advancing the idea that any treasure that is stored here on earth, and for earthly accomplishments, is not abiding, and will one day fade away. On the contrary, however, any treasure stored in the Kingdom of God, or heaven, will indeed be abiding, or eternal. Therefore, any goal that qualifies as an eternal goal is one that is worthy of pouring all of my ability and strength into pursuing; for God’s purpose and for the advancement of His Kingdom.
d) What is life “for”?
Only my Creator is able to answer this question of why I have been created and have been given the gift of life. He has blessed us by giving us this answer in His Word; and, the answer is simply to bring Him glory. As I am restored to a relationship with God through Jesus, my task then becomes the mirroring of God’s glory to the nations. I am to grow in my relationship with the Lord, and at the same time, carry out this mirroring of God’s glory by loving with His love and showing His grace and mercy (only with the help of the Holy Spirit, of course); and, as I am going, I am to spread God’s glory by advancing the Gospel and making disciples. This is what my life is “for”.
The Average American’s Worldview (in my opinion):
a) How do we find happiness?
It is important for us to understand that most Americans today view this idea of happiness as life’s chief pursuit. “Whatever will bring me happiness” is a popular answer to all questions of worldview today, and the areas in which this happiness is sought are numerous, to say the least. I believe the answer that most Americans would advance would be simply “wherever I must look.”
I would say that most Americans seek happiness, first and foremost, in success. Whether this is academic or career success, most Americans seem willing to let so many other aspects of their lives fall into waste in the pursuits of success. Americans also seem to look for happiness through financial gain, buying into the belief that money can indeed “buy happiness.” Americans also seem to attempt to find happiness through love, fulfillment and relationships. Most of the time, however, this self-centered approach only leads to disappointment and brokenness. Another area in which Americans seek happiness is in the accumulation of stuff. Billions of dollars are spent each year on toys of various types in order to achieve happiness.
So, the answer to this question is simply wherever Americans think that they can find it, because happiness will lead to fulfillment, and ultimately wholeness, or so they think.
b) How do we find wholeness?
The answer to this question for most Americans parallels very will with the answer to the previous one. I think most in our land would agree that happiness is definitely a prerequisite to being whole.
I think in answering this question, again there would be varying answers. I have heard experts advance the idea that wholeness can only be found through truly discovering yourself, whatever that means. Many people seek to do this through various activities, such as Yoga or meditation. Others seek this through attempting to achieve balance, using nutrition and exercise. I also am aware of people striving to do this by attempting to mold themselves into the image of what they wish they were; that by doing this, they would finally be made whole. Others attempt to do this by achieving some sort of enlightenment.
Many people do ultimately choose the path of spirituality, recognizing that there is some force that is bigger than themselves. But, this kind of pursuit without a relationship with the one true God only leaves them with a life-long search for what truth really is.
At the end of the day, I think this is an element of worldview that is one of the more confusing for the average American. This is definitely harder for them to answer than the question dealing with happiness.
c) What goals are really worthy of pursuing?
Again, this answer parallels very well with the answer to the happiness question. This is due to the fact that most people would answer this question in light of the fact that for them, happiness is life’s chief pursuit. Only goals that will bring them personal happiness are the ones that are worthy of pursuing. Many times, these goals include career and personal advancement. If these goals are met, the other goals in life will somehow fit into place and be met as well.
I truly believe that most Americans would answer this question with answers of family and morality. At the end of the day, however, most people’s actions simply do not back up that sentiment. Only the goals that will bring personal advancement are the ones that are pursued the hardest.
d) What is life “for”?
I would answer this question in light of what seems to be important in this life to the average American. These reasons seem to all revolve around the idea that we should all strive to be an outstanding humanitarian. We are here to somehow help our fellow man. This is attempted, especially recently, in various ways. I see people attempting to do this through trying to take care of the environment. I see this through trying to meet the needs of the poor and oppressed by partnering with various humanitarian charities and endeavors. We can see this, in one trivial way at least, through the wild popularity of reality shows, such as Extreme Makeover: Home Edition that airs on the ABC Television Network. People truly feel an extreme urge to be a humanitarian. Because of this urge, along with the conscience that God has given us, Americans have come to the conclusion that this is what life is truly “for”—being the best person I can possibly be, and helping as many people that I can in order to make this world a better place to live.
So, what say you to these extremely important questions? | https://jasonengle.net/2008/02/11/your-worldview/ |
The invention discloses a video-based position detection method for moving vehicles. The detection method comprises two parts: delineating closed electronic fences A and B in positions of a primary conveyor belt and a secondary conveyor belt in a video image respectively, counting the non-zero pixel sum in areas of the electronic fences A and B in real time, forming a 'time-pixel sum' function diagram with time as an abscissa and the pixel sum as an ordinate, detecting the rising edge of the vehicle front entering the electronic fence A and the falling edge of the vehicle rear leaving the electronic fence B according to the function diagram, and controlling start and stop of X-ray emission according to the rising edge and the falling edge. The method has the advantages that the electronicfences are more flexible to set. With adoption of a camera-based video processing manner, the system can intelligently detect positions of the vehicles and ensure better robustness while achieving theequivalent effect of infrared detection. Camera devices are more convenient in equipment maintenance, disassembly, replacement and the like, and the cost is controllable. | |
Approaching Jerusalem in the final days of His life, Jesus stopped at Bethany. There, He was in the home of a man recorded as Simon the leper (Matthew 26:6; Mark 14:3). While at Simon’s house, a woman, identified as Mary (John 12:3) came in with a sizeable amount of fragrant oil, broke open the flask, and proceeded to anoint Jesus with the oil. Some, most notably Judas Iscariot (John 12:4) spoke out against such a “waste” of this oil, reasoning that it could have been sold and used to care for the poor. Jesus rebuked His disciples, defending the woman, as she had “…kept this for the day of My burial” (John 12:7). Their concern for the poor was noted, but the Lord stated, “…the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always” (John 12:8). So great was this deed, Jesus said, “…wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her” (Mark 14:9).
A deed which was considered to be wasteful and worthy of rebuke by the Lord’s disciples, He exalted to the ageless memory of God’s people. Where the gospel goes, so does the testimony of this woman’s work! Where God’s people are, this woman’s memory is to be.
Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick (John 11:1-2).
Prior to writing about the anointing (chapter 12), John writes in a manner which assumes that the reader is already familiar with Mary’s deed. And indeed, they were.
For lo! What he said is come to pass, and to whatever part of the earth thou mayest go, thou wilt see her celebrated.
Let us consider briefly some of the things we ought to remember about Mary as exemplified in this simple act of service to the Lord.
Now she [Martha] had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister had left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.’ And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled above many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.
Too often, the Lord’s people might be guilty of hearing, but not listening. That is, sometimes we are prone to be hearers of the word, but not believers in what we hear. The disciples had heard the Lord speak of His forthcoming death, but they didn’t believe it would come to pass. Mary seems to have heard and believed. She listened to the Lord, and acted upon the knowledge she received.
The anointing oil used was not an unwanted, worthless oil. We are told that the value was more than 300 denarii. A denarius was the value of a day’s labour (Matthew 20:2). The oil Mary used was worth approximately a year’s wages! It represented a large sacrifice on her part. She may have had the flask in her possession for some time, or perhaps she purchased it specifically for this occasion. Regardless, Mary willingly parted with a great amount of money to anoint the Lord before His death.
How much will we give to the Lord? Or maybe a better question is, what are we not willing to give to the Lord? Are we like Mary, people who see the joy and value of using our resources to serve the Lord, or are we like those who surrounded her, scolding her for being wasteful? If our time, energy, wealth, goods, etc. are used to serve the Lord, it is not a waste, it is to His glory.
Understand, Mary’s sacrifice was not a matter of anonymously dropping a cheque into a collection plate as it passes by. Mary came to the Lord in Simon’s house, broke open the flask of oil and poured it on His head. Likewise, she anointed His feet, “…and wiped His feet with her hair” (John 12:3). She humbled herself before the Lord.
So often, we are mindful of the honourable tasks. The works which set us in the limelight and exhibit our greatness. Such was the case among the apostles also. Mark records an occasion when the Lord’s disciples had disputed along a road concerning who would be the greatest. Jesus called them to Himself and said, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35). This was exemplified in the life of the Christ, as he came to serve, not to be served (Mark 10:45; Philippians 2:5f). Mary also became an example, as she stooped before the Lord and washed His feet with the hair of her head.
Finally, it is accurate to say Mary was a devoted servant of the Lord. It was her devotion to Jesus that caused her to sit at His feet, that she might hear and learn. It was her loyalty to the Lord that provoked her to spend freely of her own means that the Lord might be glorified in her actions. It was her affection for the Saviour that brought her to her knees before Him, washing His feet.
How about us? Will we be careful hearers of the Lord’s word, not doubting what we hear but believing and acting upon every word? Will we gladly spend and be spent as the Lord’s instruments in this world, that His glory might be revealed among men? Will we humble ourselves as His servants, giving our all to every task which is set before us, seeking to do the menial and lesser works as gladly as the great and weighty matters?
This entry was posted in Discipleship, Faith, Gifts, Women, Worship. Bookmark the permalink. | http://lookinguntojesus.net/the-alabaster-flask/ |
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1,2
Occured when analyzing A056753 to construct a recurrence.
R. Zumkeller, Table of n, a(n) for n = 1..10000
a(n) = f(n,1,1) with f(x,y,z) = if x=1 then z else if y=1 then f(x-1,2*z*z,2*z) else f(x-1,y-1,z).
(Haskell)
a164632 n = a164632_list !! (n-1)
a164632_list = 1 : concatMap (\x -> replicate (2^(2*x-1)) (2^x)) [1..]
-- Reinhard Zumkeller, Feb 24 2012, Oct 17 2010
Cf. A000079, A004171, A081294, A053644. | http://oeis.org/A164632 |
As business leaders cope with the economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, the need to ensure business continuity in the short term while being more resilient in the future in order to thrive in the post-pandemic era is top of mind. The key to these efforts will be decisive, data-driven leadership. More than ever, decision-making needs to involve a fact-based, data-driven approach to have a clear and accurate view of how decisions impact staff, customers, sales, and operations.
A recent survey, State of BI & Analytics Report 2020: Special COVID-19 Edition, indicates an increased importance and central role of examining data to enable organizations to understand changes and business opportunities during and following the COVID-19 economic turmoil. In fact, 49% of companies surveyed use data analytics more or much more than before the COVID-19 crisis. Furthermore, companies have refocused their data usage to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities they face today. For example:
55% started utilizing data to improve efficiency and rely on it to predict changes and outcomes
47% look to their data as indicators of how they can better support customers
45% count on data to predict business outcomes
Collaboration Is Key to Understanding Data
According to McKinsey, in times of crisis, leaders should reject traditional hierarchical models and “involve many more stakeholders and encourage different views and debate. This approach can lead to smarter decisions without sacrificing speed.” Business leaders require data-backed evidence to inform decision-making; however, it’s critical to understand any nuances, biases, or limitations of data. The pandemic is showing businesses, in real-time, that not all raw data is equally valid and not all forecasting models will show an accurate result.
To avoid this, bring in all key stakeholders, including finance, operations, technology, and others, to share relevant perspectives on the data. Some companies have implemented daily operations committee meetings to address pandemic “hot spots” and evaluate metrics dashboards to determine which areas of the business and technology need to be addressed.
In fact, according to McKinsey’s research, “prior to the crisis, our findings showed that those realizing higher returns from AI and scaling it more broadly were much more likely than others to assemble cross-functional teams to solve business problems (62% vs. 23%). However, during the crisis, we observed many organizations, regardless of analytics maturity, automatically assembling cross-functional crisis-response teams with all relevant stakeholders to develop analytics solutions for faster response.”
Communication is key across teams to collaborate and weigh in on metrics and data visuals, giving real-time feedback about the organization’s immediate and long-term needs. Collaboration tools can allow for point-to-point communication and tracking the flow of operations. For example, technical leaders are capable of pinpointing the answers, but may not understand the larger problem or the data. When business leaders frame the objective, other stakeholders may be better at understanding the real meaning of the data and uncover potential areas of bias that could ultimately lead to poor decisions.
Staying Customer-Focused
Organizations must keep customer safety, customer needs, and the customer experience as top priorities during the pandemic. Many businesses are experiencing higher demand for customer service, putting a strain on customer and contact centers that may be operating with fewer staff. Using data analytics can provide business leaders with insight into key customer issues and questions, giving them the ability to respond proactively, decrease call volumes, and limit strain on the staff.
In addition, data scientists can exploit your business data, such as customer contact history, customer care logs, or social media data to understand changing customer behaviors. This action can help businesses improve their responses and focus on proactive communications to customers.
For businesses hindered in building revenue due to COVID-19, this is an opportunity to implement new channels of communication and data collection. With considerate communication, businesses can build customer respect for their resilience while generating useful data. Track which messages resonate with customers or what services or products they still consider essential. Also, as a case study, analyze sales data from 2008 and 2009 for insights into how customer behavior changes during times of economic adversity.
Meeting the Needs of the Organization
Data analytics have been fundamental in the response to COVID-19 and the impact on business and the workforce. Data has informed several immediate tasks facing organizations, such as identifying potential supply-chain breakdowns, driving support services to at-risk employees, forecasting demand, and uncovering the effectiveness of crisis-intervention approaches.
The key, according to McKinsey, is to align data analytics to the broader business strategy. In fact, their research finds that only 30% of organizations align their analytics strategy with their broader corporate strategy. Companies that have scaled AI effectively are nearly four times more likely than others to align these strategies.
Once aligned, businesses can mobilize analytics to educate and address business-critical issues to guide near-term decisions. For example, using workforce sentiment analytics, staff projections, and remote workforce optimization can guide support and operational decisions regarding employees. Digital and social media analytics can provide a macro understanding of the concerns of workers in different locations and demographics, including their behavior patterns and responses to the evolving crisis.
Lastly, some businesses are using epidemiological forecast data and combining that with their own data from HR and operations to deliver critical insights into staff worriers, working patterns, sick leave, return to work schedules, management, and support models.
The Pandemic Has Pushed Data Analytic Adoption
There is little question that the COVID-19 pandemic will have a lasting impact on businesses. It has already forced many companies to reevaluate their data analytics and take a more focused approach to data gathering and data-driven decision-making. The pandemic has also increased the need for data, as business leaders require it to gain clarity for informed decisions and for strategic planning. The instability caused by COVID-19 may well have derailed companies’ thought-out plans for 2020. However, despite uncertainty and unpredictability, business leaders will be better equipped to plan for the future through effective use of integrated data, measurement, and by allowing data to drive decisions.
We believe the future belongs to innovators and problem-solvers. It’s our job to create connections that inspire success. That’s why we’ve spent 20+ years building strong relationships and bringing together top tech talent and forward-thinking companies. Signature Consultants joined forces with DISYS to offer a more diversified portfolio of services. Through our company's IT staffing, consulting, managed solutions and direct placement services, we deploy thousands of consultants each year to support client’s tech needs across the U.S. Signature Consultants is also parent company to Hunter Hollis. Learn more at sigconsult.com. | https://www.sigconsult.com/blog/2020/10/using-your-data-to-drive-business-decisions |
MS Dhoni's Appreciation Post For PM Modi's Letter Is The Most Retweeted Tweet Of 2020
Dhoni announced his exit from the global stage on August 15 and wishes for the 2011-World Cup-winning captain started to pour in from all over the world.
Former Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni announcing his retirement from international cricket earlier this year was easily one of the most heartbreaking things to happen in 2020. Dhoni announced his exit from the global stage on August 15 and wishes for the 2011-World Cup-winning captain started to pour in from all over the world. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the Indian cricketer for the immense contributions he made through his international career spanning more than 15 years and impacting billions of lives worldwide.
Now, Twitter has announced that Dhoni's post expressing appreciation for PM Modi's letter was the most retweeted post of 2020 in India across the sports category. The post shared on August 20, garnered more than 73,000 retweets and over 4,800 quote tweets and hence became the most retweeted post by an Indian athlete in 2020.
An Artist,Soldier and Sportsperson what they crave for is appreciation, that their hard work and sacrifice is getting noticed and appreciated by everyone.thanks PM @narendramodi for your appreciation and good wishes. pic.twitter.com/T0naCT7mO7
Other trending posts, hashtags
Meanwhile, another cricketer that grabbed a place in Twitter's list of most popular tweets in 2020 is the current Indian skipper Virat Kohli. The Delhi-born cricketer's post announcing his wife Anushka Sharma's pregnancy became the most liked tweet in India this year as it garnered more than 6,43,000 likes. Anushka Sharma's post celebrating the same news was also in the top 5 most Liked Tweets of the year.
Tamil actor Vijay's selfie with his fans from February 2020 is the most retweeted post across all categories this year. Other posts that featured in Twitter's list of most popular tweets of 2020 are Amitabh Bachchan's COVID-19 diagnosis announcement, which became the most quoted tweet this year. Some of the most tweeted hashtags of 2020 were #IPL2020, #TeamIndia, #DilBechara, #SooraraiPottru, and #Binod. | |
The utility model provides a pull ring lamp, scalability and energy -conserving has, moreover, the steam generator is simple in structure, and lower cost, it includes annular lamp (1) and base, the base is rectangle casing (2), the upper surface of rectangle casing (2) is equipped with a plurality of jacks district along length direction according to the preface, every jack district is used for holding one annular lamp (1), every jack district is equipped with the jack of the plug grafting of the annular lamp of confession (1), be equipped with elastic wafer in the jack, the lower surface of rectangle casing (2) is equipped with the cylinder timer, the cylinder timer divide into the upper and lower two parts that can rotate relatively in order to carry out the timing, top (3) are connected with the lower surface of rectangle casing (2), part (4) is connected with the inlet wire down, and inlet wire, cylinder timer, elastic wafer, annular lamp (1) are connected according to the preface electricity. | |
COVID-19 Has Closed Stores But Not Your Books
One of the challenges facing organizations during this pandemic is the completion of standard close procedures and audit preparation with a fragmented team. In general, it is not uncommon for teams to experience an increase in the amount of time and effort needed to close the books (especially if the work must be completed in a remote environment), while also maintaining standards for period close, as well as staying on schedule.
Here are some of the areas management should focus on to ensure a smooth close process while experiencing disruptions (including working remotely) to operational accounting:
Identify Key Personnel, Processes, and Controls
To mitigate the impacts, executives should consider the following:
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- Identify key close activities typically carried out by missing team members and determine the appropriate member to reassign. Give consideration to each person’s level of experience, knowledge, and capacity. Determine if close calendar deadlines need to be adjusted.
- Start planning for contingencies. Identify tasks that are reliant on one key staff member and use this close period to diversify the knowledge base of the finance team in case future absences arise. As time allows, take the opportunity to include additional team members in final review meetings and encourage team members to cross-train each other on their processes. Gather any vital process documentation, job aids, and training documents in one location that are easily accessible by all team members.
- Identify any new risk areas resulting from the current situation (e.g. impacts to cash flow or changes to inventory levels). Determine if existing controls are sufficient to address any new risks or if additional control procedures need to be put in place.
- Identify resources for ad-hoc requirements such as potential additional SEC reporting requirements or a refresh of estimates, accruals, and forecasts. These resources may also be responsible for monitoring any ongoing developments from the regulators and standard setters related to COVID-19.
- Test system access for all team members and confirm if offshore locations are still functioning effectively.
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Establish a Standard Process to Finalize Close Activities
The challenge of closing books remotely is a hurdle to overcome for many organizations. Ensuring teams stay aligned on priorities and deadlines will be key to success during the pandemic. The best way to achieve this is to ensure that all team members are consistent in their work output.
To mitigate the impacts, executives should consider the following:
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- If not already in place, establish daily team status meetings to ensure close activities are on track. This will allow management to get an overall status of tasks and re-prioritize as needed.
- Identify and address any potential roadblocks at the earliest stage and encourage team members to escalate any issues as soon as they arise.
- Develop standardized templates for common tasks to be used by all team members, (e.g. accruals, journal entries, account reconciliations).
- Set out clear instructions on preferred methods of communications and when to use each (e.g. instant message, email, phone, video meeting).
- Because physical sign-off will no longer be available, establish a review process. Digital signatures or email approvals should be used as a proxy.
- Due to remote working, the completion of review procedures may be more fragmented. Rather than emailing questions and responses, consider maintaining a centralized file where all questions and responses are entered. This file can then be shared with the auditors as evidence of management review of close procedures.
- During virtual meetings, ensure all participants are in agreement on what action items need to be addressed and any key decisions/ conclusions that were made during the call. One team member should send a follow up email to participants and key stakeholders that outlines action items and key decisions to ensure accountability.
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Ensure Audit Documentation is Top of Mind
Auditors will view this period of economic uncertainty as a time of increased risk and uncertainty for organizations. As teams change and roles are reassigned, auditors will examine whether any changes to standard close procedures are reasonable and risks are appropriately addressed.
To mitigate the impacts, executives should consider the following:
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- Meet (virtually if necessary) with the auditors to ensure both parties are clear on their understanding of materiality, key risk areas, and the key controls in place to mitigate such risks. Discuss any new risk areas and proposed control design with the auditors.
- Ensure the team maintains appropriate segregation of duties in any task reassignments.
- Consider whether tasks have been appropriately reassigned. Ensure team members taking on any new/ additional close responsibilities have the necessary level of experience/ knowledge to be able to perform the tasks appropriately.
- Ensure all key decisions and judgements are fully documented. Any deviations from the historic approach should also be documented with appropriate levels of review and approval from within the organization. Remember, evidence of review is not a signature or sign-off.
- Consider how the finance team will provide information to the auditors. Many of the larger accounting firms will have their own internal document storage site to upload files. Remind team members to password protect any attachments sent outside of the firm.
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Our latest guidebook provides leaders with a roadmap to enhance resiliency plans, simplify operations, address new financial requirements, and more. To download, please click the link below. | https://www.crosscountry-consulting.com/emerge-stronger/covid-19-has-closed-stores-but-not-your-books/ |
- Abstract:
The increase of anthropogenic inputs of reactive nitrogen caused by fossil fuel combustion is a recent stress for both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems all over the world. The Chronic N Amendment Study at Harvard Forest was designed to study the effects of nitrogen fertilization in oak dominated hardwood forests of North America. Oaks produce large seed crops in an intermittent fashion that is called mast seeding. A recent study by Callahan et al. (2008) conducted at Harvard Forest showed that nitrogen saturation can increase seed production in red oaks, especially in non-mast years. This can have wide ecological consequences that can alter ecosystem functioning in several ways. One of effects of mast seeding is predator control. Scarce seed production in non-mast years can keep predator numbers low and then large seed crop in mast year satiate predators and allows seeds to escape predation. However, sustained seed production in non-mast years caused by N fertilization may allow predators to persist in higher numbers and this can interfere with predator satiation.
In October 2013 we collected mature red oak acorns from the ground under the canopy of 12 red oak trees from 16-fold N increase (high N) plot (152 acorns in total), 20 oak trees from 8-fold N increase (low N) plot (305 acorns), 9 oak trees from theadjacent control plot that did not received fertilizer and 11 trees from another Prospect Hill red oak stand that was also historically nitrogen limited (455 acorns). For each acorn we measured mass, dimensions, basal scar width, basal scar thickness, number of weevil larvae in the top and bottom half of an acorn and number of Dipteran larvae.
We found strong differences in weevil abundance (number of weevils larvae per acorn) and prevalence (percent of infested acorns) between treatments. Weevils numbers were highest in acorns from high N plot (0.35 ± 0.15 SD) intermediate in low N plot (0.23 ± 0.16) and lowest in control acorns (0.10 ± 0.04). The same pattern was found in prevalence as 70 % (± 0.16 SD) of high N acorns, 59 % (± 0.26) of low N acorns and 41% (± 0.2) of control acorns were infested. Again, differences between all treatments were significant (p<0.05). On the other hand, we found no differences in mass and size between acorns from different plots.
Our results indicate that N saturation leads to increased weevil infestation of red oak acorns. This increase can be caused by increased production of seeds by N fertilized oaks that leads to increased weevil numbers (lack of bottom-up predator control like in an ordinary masting system). As an alternative (but not mutually exclusive) hypothesis, nitrogen deposition could alter chemical composition of acorns, increasing their food quality for weevils. We will test these possibilities in our future work. This investigation is a part of a broader study on masting and plant-animal interactions conducted as a collaboration between Harvard Forest and Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland. | https://harvardforest2.fas.harvard.edu/asp/hf/php/symposium/symposium_abstract_view.php?id=2858 |
A new Smithsonian Channel series celebrates the artifacts that led to Apollo 11's triumphant moon landing 50 years ago this July, and shares behind-the-scenes stories from the mission.
"Apollo's Moon Shot," which premieres Sunday (June 16), tells the story of the NASA moon-shot program through archival footage, interviews and artifacts from the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. The series will air weekly on Sundays at 8 p.m. EDT (same time in PDT).
"This six-part series tells the entire story of America's moon program through newly restored archival film, and unique access to the artifacts of Apollo," the Smithsonian Channel said in a statement.
Related: Apollo 11 at 50: A Complete Guide to the Historic Moon Landing Mission
Some of the artifacts shown on screen include the camera used by John Glenn, who was the first American astronaut to achieve orbit in 1963, during the Mercury program; the command module of Apollo 11, which is currently on tour at the The Museum of Flight in Seattle for the anniversary; and space boots worn during Apollo 17, the last crewed mission to land on the moon, in 1972.
"The series reveals the stories of the men and women who made the mission possible," Smithsonian added. "Stunning, rarely seen footage of each mission is combined with NASA's oral histories taken directly from the astronauts' debriefings upon their return to the Earth."
The series will also include a forthcoming Apollo moon shot augmented-reality app that displays the full timeline of the Apollo program in relation to key moments portrayed in the series.
The premiere episode on Sunday, "Rocket Fever," will take viewers back to the dawn of the space race in 1957, when the Soviet Union launched its first satellite, Sputnik. This event spurred the United States to move quickly into spaceflight and led to President John F. Kennedy's 1961 call to land American astronauts to the surface of the moon by the end of the decade.
"The early days of the space race were full of urgency, uncertainty, huge risks and even bigger rewards," Smithsonian said in another statement. "Witness NASA's first team of astronauts endure a crash course in space travel, presented through rare archival footage, interviews and objects on display and in the vaults of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum."
- Catch These Events Celebrating Apollo 11 Moon Landing’s 50th Anniversary
- Reading Apollo 11: The Best New Books About the US Moon Landings
- Lego's Epic Apollo 11 Lunar Lander Set in Photos!
Follow Elizabeth Howell on Twitter @howellspace. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook. | https://www.space.com/apollos-moon-shot-smithsonian-channel-series.html |
In this book, five young friends -- Nick, Yulee, Pedro, Sally and Martin -- spend the day traveling around their neighborhood and participating in activities designed to raise money for their local library. Along the way, they learn about the people and places that make up their community and what it means to be a part of one.
2) Federica
Author
Language
English
"Federica's busy family can't keep their house clean! To get away from the buzzy, buggy mess, she escapes to the peaceful park where she can spend time with her animal friends--which gives her an idea."-- Little Federica spends time in the park to get away from her buggy, messy house, until her and her animals come up with a clever solution.
Author
Language
English
"An introduction to mindfulness and how kids can make it part of their everyday lives."--
Author
Language
English
"It's a busy morning in the park. All along the boulevard, families are picnicking and people are napping, playing checkers and reading on the grass. But Owen and his dad are hard at work, raking and mowing the grass. And today, Owen gets to do the best job all on his own. With his dad's encouragement, Owen gathers his courage and goes around to everyone in the park. He tells the families, the checkers players and the readers what he has to do, and...
Author
Series
Exploring our community volume 6
Language
English
"A gentle and engaging look at honeybees and how they live in urban spaces. In this sixth book in the Exploring Our Community series, the five friends help their neighbor look after his backyard beehive. Along the way, they learn about how bees feed and pollinate; how bees build their hive; what happens inside a bee colony; how and why some bee populations are currently at risk; and much, much more. The book concludes with fun ideas for how to attract...
Author
Language
English
Everybody in the pool! It's time to get moving! Pedro, Yulee, Nick, Sally and Martin are excited! Tomorrow their swim team, the Flying Sharks, will be competing in the school meet. Readers follow along as the team has one last practice with their coach at the community pool. Then it's off to the races on the big day! While the friends work hard to get ready for the meet, they learn about the benefits of physical fitness and what it takes to stay active...
Author
Language
English
Follow That Map! is a mind-expanding adventure for the young and a unique way to introduce mapping concepts at the primary level and get kids started on the road to mastering this essential skill.
Author
Language
English
An engaging introduction to buildings, with a deft mix of nonfiction and fiction elements.
Author
Language
English
A perfect, kid-friendly introduction to family heritage. Today is a big day for the five friends. Their class is hosting a Heritage Festival to celebrate the customs and traditions of people from all over the world. Martin, Sally, Pedro, Nick and Yulee each have their own heritage, and they have so much to share! They learn about various traditions involving music, food, language, stories, crafts, clothing and games. They also learn that exploring...
Author
Language
English
From award-winning author and illustrator Scot Ritchie comes this lively look at the journey of a West Coast tugboat towing a log boom, as seen through the eyes of a young boy. "I'm helping Dad on the tugboat. We're going to tow a log boom to the sawmill on the river… I look out for ferries and other boats in the harbor… Then I see it - a deadhead!" Follow a child and his father through their workday on a tugboat on the West Coast as they...
Author
Language
English
It's the day of the first salmon ceremony, and P'ésk'a is excited to celebrate. His community, the Sts'ailes people, give thanks to the river and the salmon it brings by commemorating the first salmon of the season.Framed as an exploration of what life was like one thousand years ago, P'ésk'a and the First Salmon Ceremony describes the customs of the Sts'ailes people, an indigenous group who have lived on the Harrison River in British Columbia for...
Author
Language
English
Learn about the problem of single-use plastic - and what to do about it. On his birthday, Nick challenges his friends to spend the day without using any single-use plastic. This means they bring their own cloth bags, say no thanks to plastic straws and decorate with paper streamers instead of balloons. Along the way, the kids learn what plastic is made of, how much of it surrounds us and how it's polluting our oceans and affecting the food chain....
Author
Language
English
Learn where fresh food comes from and why healthy eating matters. Yulee and her four friends are taking a trip to her aunt's farm to pick apples and make an apple crisp for a potluck harvest dinner. Yum! But first, Aunt Sara gives them a tour of the farm, where each stop introduces a different food group. Along the way, they learn about what it means to eat balanced meals, why eating local food matters and all that goes into getting food from farm...
Author
Physical Desc
40 unnumbered pages : color illustrations ; 24 cm.
Language
English
What's that noise? Explore the strange sounds houses make - especially when it's dark outside! Introduces readers to basic scientific concepts involving energy, structures, and matter that explain all those things that go bump, bang, and creak in the night.
Author
Physical Desc
32 p. : col. ill., col. maps ; 23 x 26 cm.
Language
English
Introduces mapping concepts to children and assists them in mastering this essential skill.
16) Slowpoke
Author
Physical Desc
39 p. : ill. ; 22 cm.
Language
English
After pokey Fiona attends Speed School, where she learns to wash dishes, brush her teeth, and clean her room at the same time, she decides to demonstrate to her family the value of sometimes doing things more slowly.
Author
Language
English
"Milly Zantow wanted to solve the problem of her towns full landfill and ended up creating a global recycling standard the system of numbers you see inside the little triangle on plastics. This is the inspiring story of how she mobilized her community, creating sweeping change to help the environment."--Amazon.com. | https://catalog.santafelibrary.org/Author/Home?author=%22Ritchie%2C%20Scot%22 |
From the work of Edmund Burke Feldman, During the late 1960’s and early 70’s 1. Description- List the visual qualities of the work that are obvious and immediate. “What do you see in the artwork”? Include content and subject matter in representational works- Include abstract elements in nonrepresentational pieces. 2. Analysis- Focus on the formal aspects of elements of art, principles of design. “How does the artist create a center of interest? How does the use of color impact the painting?” 3. Interpretation- Propose ideas for possible meaning based on evidence. “What was the artist trying to communicate”? 4. Judgment- Discuss the overall strengths/success/merit of the work. How and why has this work achieved cultural value?
4
Jackson Pollock Number 5, 1948,
Abstract Expressionism, 96” by 48”, “painting” New York, NY
5
1.DESCRIPTION a. painting on fiber – paint dripping b. paint
c. Size: 96” by 48” d. line, color, texture, space – the work is created by dripping lines across a canvas. e. horizontal, asymmetrical f. jagged, thick, thin, variable, irregular, intermittent, planar g. the lines in the work are spread out in a way that creates very small organic shapes throughout the work h. Large, flat i. warm, cool, random, dark j. simulated texture of lines stacked on top of each other, and real texture of lines of paint k. This work was originally created in 1948 in New York when artists had extraneous emotion from the end of WWII.
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2.ANALYSIS a. The end of WWII, and the victory in the war by the U.S.
b. The painting emphasizes line, color and negative organic shapes c. repetitious, varied, chaotic, horizontal oriented, random d. movement, lack of balance, color, line, natural shapes e. illogical, symbolic, f. shallow, naturalistic, random, g. dynamic composition because the lines create a chaotic movement across the piece without leaving the area of the piece. h. paint dripping as influenced by the artists use of paint and his imagination i. The artist used this chaotic movement and non-complementary colors to create a feeling of comfort and confusion at the same time. He made the piece so that it looks different every time the viewer looks at it illustrating the changing emotions of this time period.
7
3. Interpretation a. The artists statement was to show “the artists’ emotion in his very own unconventional painting technique and feel what it brought to them” as said in the article on Totally History. b. This work is created to give everyone an opinion about it and to show the viewer a different emotion every time. c. The piece forced everyone to have an opinion on it; even Congress had an opinion on this odd piece.
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4. Judgment What sets this work apart and makes
it worth studying? Totally History b. How does this work fit into the context of what came before and after it? Khan Academy c. How have critics, historians, and the public reacted to this work? New York Times Article. d. How has this work changed the way art is viewed? Pollock Critique e. Link to AP Exam Q&A
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Pollock's Painting Technique
Compare and Contrast Pollock's Painting Technique Pollock Slide Show Khan Academy Pollock Biography
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Abstract Expressionism Smarthistory
Metmuseum Summary 1940’s-50’s Abstract Expressionism was a movement that began in the years following WWII. The works created in this time were characterized by non-objective imagery and strong emotions. Abstract Expressionists believed their works were made out of a primal instinct of pure emotion instead of the premeditated works of other movements.
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Interesting Facts About Artist
He was born in 1912 in the American West He was the youngest child in his family Socially dysfunctional, he dropped out of high school to peruse art He was nicknamed “Jack the Dripper” because of his style of dripping paint on a canvas. He killed himself in a car accident while he was intoxicated. Pollock painted Orange Head (right) out of the emotions he felt after leaving a alcoholism asylum.
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1. (Pollock- Quizlet Notes-definition)
References 1. (Pollock- Quizlet Notes-definition)
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What is insert molding?
Insert molding refers to a molding process in which an integrated product is made by inserting a pre-prepared metal material insert into a mould and then injecting the plastic resin, and the molten material is bonded to the insert, cooled and solidified.
Insert molding features are as follows:
The moldability and flexibility of plastic resins, as well as the rigidity, strength and heat resistance of metal parts, create complex and sophisticated metal-plastic integrated products.
In particular, the insert molding electronics, together with the insulation of the resin and the electrical conductivity of the metal, can meet the basic functions of electrical products.
The pre-formed combination of multiple inserts makes the subsequent product unit combination engineering more rational.
Inserts are not limited to metal, but also cloth, paper, wire, plastic, glass, wood, wire, electrical parts and so on.
For the rigid molded product and the curved elastic molded product on the rubber gasket plate, the parts by insert molding can eliminate the complicated operation of installing the sealing ring, and help the subsequent process automation.
Compare to the press-in molding, the metal insert gap can be designed to be narrower, and the reliability of the composite product molding is higher as the plastic resin is molten to wrapped with the metal insert.
Selecting the appropriate plastic resin and injection molding conditions, even for products that are easily deformed or broken (such as glass, coils, electrical parts, etc.), can be sealed and fixed by insert molding with plastic resin.
Designed the appropriate mould construction, the insert can also be completely enclosed in the plastic resin.
By the combination of a vertical injection molding machine and a robot, insert arranging mechanism, most of the insert molding projects can be automated.
The product with a hollow groove also can be made by insert molding after the core hold treatment.
Automatic insert molding system design points:
The shrinkage rate of metal insert plastic moldingis not uniform, and the limit test of the shape and dimensional accuracy of the important areas should be done in advance.
The metal insert has the possibility of deformation and displacement during the injection process, and the designer should be fully considered about mould construction to help stabilize the metal insert. For products whose insert shape cannot be changed, prior testing is indispensable.
Where the arrangement of the metal inserts is separated and the conveyor is used, the contact between the metal inserts and the plastic and the vibrating balls may cause slight damage to the surface of the insert, which may affect the quality of the product, the quality tolerance limit should be confirmed in advance.
The zigzag shape, the amount of warpage, the difference in material thickness, the difference in diameter, and the difference in thickness due to metal plating processing of the metal insert due to the press working should be determined in advance. Carried out the design of the automation device and the design of the mould structure on this basis.
Mould gate position, molding cycle time, etc., which are the key points of the mould structure, are solved as much as possible or have corresponding improvement solutions.
It should be confirmed whether the metal insert needs to be preheated or dried. The aim is to ensure the quality and stability of the molding.
The various testing devices installed in the mold are used to prevent the molding action from being affected by environmental conditions such as heat, force, vibration, etc., and it should be confirmed whether it is used or not.
Hanking Mould is a responsibleChina plastic injection mold makerand has experience in manufacturing and supplying custom plastic injection molding service for many years. Our production sites have been accredited the certification of TS16949, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001, etc. We provide diverse insert molding solutions for you. You can fully trust our production sites, products and place your orders. | https://kitairu.net/cn/general-mechanical-components/mechanical-components/moulds/871716.html |
One of the biggest challenges that the average English learner can face is not being able to interpret or understand the difference between direct and indirect speech. In order to really understand how they are formed and used, we first need to define these two terms and what they are supposed to represent.
Let us start first with what ‘direct speech’ is. Direct speech simply repeats or quotes the exact words that were spoken word for word without any hesitation. If you need to use direct speech in writing, in English, we use quotation marks (““) to highlight the words that the person spoke so as to not to give false representation. Direct speech in writing always goes within the two quotation marks so that there is no confusion as to who said what words. For direct speech, you can highlight what was said in the present but also what was said in the past. I have listed a few examples below that could be used both in the spoken and written contexts.
It is important to keep in mind that direct speech can refer to both the past and the present which is a key difference from indirect speech as I will go on to discuss further.
Indirect speech, also known as reported speech, often discusses what was said or what was written about in the past and may not always be 100% in its accuracy so that is important to keep in mind. The words are often used in the past tense and there are different verbs used for indirect speech such as ‘say, tell, ask, hear, see.’ The word ‘that’ also comes in handy in sentences that use indirect speech and commas are not used as frequently as they are when it comes to direct speech.
As you can see from a few of these examples, the word ‘that’ is a key part of differentiating indirect speech from direct speech. It is also common to see indirect speech or reported speech not using commas as well. If you weren’t actually there with the person who said those words or had heard it from someone else afterwards, you need to use indirect speech because it wouldn’t be right to quote someone when you weren’t actually there to hear them.
You don’t always have to use ‘that’ to make it indirect speech. However, you never really want to use commas in sentences with reported speech. Lastly, as mentioned before, indirect speech always refers to the past tense whereas direct speech can reflect the present as well since you can quote people’s words in real time as you’re there listening to them speak. That distinction is key to understanding one of the differences between direct and indirect speech because there are a few of them to be aware of.
There are certain verbs for the act of speaking in English that are going to come up in direct and especially indirect speech. You’ll want to use the verb ‘to say’ in a sentence where there is no indirect object. You can use the verb ‘to tell’ when you know who it is the person is talking to in the sentence and can verify who they are. When it comes to communicating with other people, the verbs ‘to speak’ and ‘to talk’ come in handy for both direct and indirect speech.
It’s important to note that the future tense cannot be used for direct speech since you would be basing those quotes or words on your own speculation rather than what you are hearing the person say or would have heard what the person said. Direct speech is for present and past tense while indirect speech is used for the past tense only.
While the tenses are either present or past tense when it comes to the direct speech or indirect speech verbs of ‘talk, speak, say, tell’, etc., it is important to keep in mind that the quoted parts of the sentence referencing the speaker can refer to the past, present, and the future. The direct and indirect speech verbs maintain their present or past tense format while the rest of the verbs can be past, present, or future tense depending upon the context. I have listed a few examples below to make this bit of information more easily digestible.
Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to indirect or reported speech are that modal verbs such as could, might, must, should, etc. do not change their actual form at all.
1.) They explained to us that this tax bill could have negative consequences for the middle class.
2.) We were told earlier that there might be consequences if we don’t finish all of the assigned homework by the end of the semester.
While there are many small differences between direct and indirect speech in English, the main thing to take away from this blog post is that how to phrase and quote speech is really important and must involve practice and effort. Being able to write stories or quote dialogue correctly are integral skills in the English language that can only come from being able to understand and use both direct and indirect speech. If you have any questions or comments, please let me know and best of luck in using this article to further your English language goals! | https://www.englishfromatoz.com/blog/direct-and-indirect-speech |
Last few remaining tickets available for Stevenage clash
There is a small quantity of tickets left in the Main Stand for Saturday’s game with Stevenage at Kenilworth Road.
These are now on sale from the Ticket Office, and once these are sold the game will be a sell out with Stevenage having sold their full allocation.
There will be no cash turnstiles on the day of the game, and in the event of any returned tickets these will be sold to supporters currently on our ticketing database only.
With over 10,000 supporters expected at the game all supporters are reminded to make sure they bring their valid match day ticket or CURRENT SEASON TICKET to the game on Saturday. Any supporter arriving without these may be required to wait while whilst checks are made in the stadium after kick-off to ascertain that their seat is empty before a duplicate ticket will be issued. | https://www.lutontown.co.uk/news/2015/april/important-ticket-news-for-saturday/ |
A Technology Review is an exploration of the technology landscape as it relates to the innovation on two key points: if the innovation is technologically feasible and if the technology will infringe upon the Intellectual Property of other innovations. By becoming fluent in the technologies that are being used to solve the same and similar problems, the innovator is better prepared to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions. Identify those current or nascent technologies that could be adapted or developed as part of the solution, or that inspire potential technology solutions. Document the technologies utilized in competitive and related products.
Commercialization Process: Technology Review
Description
How this Milestone Reduces Project Risk
Technology Review allows the innovator to identify potential risks by evaluating alternative technologies that may more efficiently and effectively solve the identified needs. Awareness and objective evaluation of related technologies and applications early-on allows the innovator to focus efforts on those that are novel.
What to consider at this time
How have others approached this or similar problems? Is there room for innovation in this space? What is the competitive advantage of my technology solution?
Ready to start?
In this module you will:
- Generate a broad understanding of the technology landscape.
- Identify current or nascent technologies that could be a part of a potential solution.
- Do an objective evaluation of competing technologies and document results.
By familiarizing yourself with the technologies being used to solve the same or similar problems, you will be better prepared to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of solutions. Learn how in this guide.
This slide deck from an NIH-sponsored presentation given by Patent Examiner Ram Shukla, PhD is a great primer on intellectual property and includes a list of helpful resources.
Use this worksheet alongside the Technology Review worksheet alongside the module guide.
How does Technology Review fit into your commercialization pathway? Take a deeper dive with this supplemental reading. | https://www.treatcenter.org/edu/commercialization-process/technology-review/ |
* Any adjustments made to the serving values will only update the ingredients of that recipe and not change the directions.
0.1g
Protein
0g
Fat
0.1g
Fiber
144.5calHow to Calculate Atkins Net Carbs
Calories
How to Calculate Atkins Net Carbs
Atkins Net Carbs = Total Carbohydrates – Fiber – Sugar Alcohols/Glycerin (if applicable)×
INGREDIENTS
-
6 Mulled Wine
-
3 fl oz (no ice) Vodka
-
1 serving Sugar Free Cranberry Drink Mix
DIRECTIONS
Please see the Atkins recipe for Mulled Wine to make this cocktail. You will need 1 recipe or 6 servings of just the Mulled Wine recipe (do not add the other drink mixture described in the optional section of the recipe for the Mulled Wine). Please allow to cool in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before using. Alternatively - this recipe can be warmed and served from a crockpot.
- Combine the mulled wine with 3 cups of the cranberry drink mixture and vodka.
- To make cranberry drink from the packaged mix: Combine 1 packet of drink mix with 8 cups water. Serve over ice garnished with a slice of orange or fresh cranberries (optional) in a cocktail glass. Makes six 1 cup servings.
Cooking Tip
Why not have friends over to enjoy this drink! Update the serving settings above to reveal the required amount of ingredients you’ll need. | https://atkins.ca/recipes/mulled-wine-cocktail/2213 |
Q:
Problem with "underfull vbox" warning
I've a problem with the following piece of code:
%%%PREAMBOLO%%%
%Classe Documento
\documentclass[10pt, a5paper]{article}
%Pacchetti per Layout Pagina
\usepackage{geometry} %Controllare il manuale del pacchetto "geometry" per le opzioni di layout. Sono moltissime.
\geometry{
top=1cm,
bottom=2cm,
left=1cm,
right=1cm,
heightrounded
}
%Pacchetti per le Codifiche Font
\usepackage[T1]{fontenc}
\usepackage[utf8]{inputenc}
\usepackage[italian]{babel}
\usepackage{lmodern}
%Pacchetti per Formule
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\usepackage{mathrsfs} %Per l'alfabeto corsivo (cfr. Fourier).
\usepackage{amsmath} %Per poter inserire del testo nelle formule Display.
\usepackage{amsthm} %Per usare ambienti specifici, ad esempio "proof".
\usepackage{amssymb} %Per poter usare 'Uguale per Definizione".
\usepackage{mathtools} %Per poter usare l'Ambiente "dcases" e per poter usare la Dichiarazione "\DeclarePairedDelimiter{a}{b}{c}".
\allowdisplaybreaks[1] %Per consentire la divisione automatica degli ambienti "align". [Opzione] è la permissività della divisione. [1] significa: "dividi ma solo se strettamente necessario".
\numberwithin{equation}{subsection} %Imposta la numerazione delle formule al livello delle "subsections"
%Pacchetti per le Tabelle
\usepackage{booktabs}
\usepackage{pdflscape} %Consente di disporre le tabelle in orientamento "landscape".
\usepackage{longtable} %Aggiunge un "environment" che permette alle tabelle di disporsi su più pagine.
%Pacchetti per i Link
\usepackage{hyperref}
\hypersetup{
colorlinks=true, %Consente la colorazione dei link.
linkcolor=blue, %Colora i link dell'indice e dei riferimenti di blu.
urlcolor=red, %Colora gli U.R.L. di rosso.
linktoc=all %Imposta la quantità di link nell'indice. "all" significa: "crea link per ogni divisione".
}
%Nuovi Comandi
\DeclareMathOperator{\mcm}{mcm}
\DeclareMathOperator{\mcd}{MCD}
\DeclareMathOperator{\Log}{Log}
\DeclareMathOperator{\sgn}{sgn}
\DeclareMathOperator{\arctantwo}{arctan_2}
\DeclareMathOperator{\arccot}{arccot}
\DeclareMathOperator{\arcsec}{arcsec}
\DeclareMathOperator{\arccsc}{arccsc}
\DeclareMathOperator{\sech}{sech}
\DeclareMathOperator{\csch}{csch}
\DeclareMathOperator{\arsinh}{arsinh}
\DeclareMathOperator{\arcosh}{arcosh}
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\DeclareMathOperator{\arcsch}{arcsch}
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\DeclareMathOperator{\settcosh}{settcosh}
\DeclarePairedDelimiter{\abs}{\lvert}{\rvert} %Crea il Simbolo di "Valore Assoluto"
\DeclarePairedDelimiter{\norma}{\lVert}{\rVert} %Crea il Simbolo di "Norma"
%%%INIZIO DOCUMENTO%%%
\begin{document}
\begin{landscape}
\paragraph{Sviluppi di Maclaurin delle Funzioni Principali} \mbox{} \\
Gli Sviluppi di Maclaurin possono essere usati SOLO SE $x=0$.\\
Nel caso di Funzioni Composte, per la funzione interna deve valere $f(x) = 0$.
\vspace{-3mm}
\begin{center}
\begin{longtable}{ l l l }
\toprule %È questa "toprule" che da problemi di "underfull \vbox".
\text{Funzione} &\text{Primi Termini dello Sviluppo} &\text{Termine Generale}\\
\midrule
$e^x$ &$1 + x + \dfrac{x^2}{2!} + \dfrac{x^3}{3!} + \cdots$ &$\sum \limits_0^\infty \dfrac{1}{n!}x^n$\\ [2ex]
$\ln(1+x)$ &$x - \dfrac{x^2}{2} + \dfrac{x^3}{3} - \dfrac{x^4}{4} + \cdots$ &$\sum \limits_1^\infty (-1)^{n-1}\dfrac{1}{n}x^n$\\
\midrule
$\sin x$ &$x - \dfrac{x^3}{3!} + \dfrac{x^5}{5!} - \dfrac{x^7}{7!} + \cdots$ &$\sum \limits_0^\infty (-1)^n\dfrac{1}{(2n+1)!}x^{2n+1}$\\ [2ex]
$\cos x$ &$1 - \dfrac{x^2}{2!} + \dfrac{x^4}{4!} - \dfrac{x^6}{6!} + \cdots$ &$\sum \limits_0^\infty (-1)^n\dfrac{1}{(2n)!}x^{2n}$\\ [2ex]
$\tan x$ &??? &$\sum \limits_1^\infty (-4)^n\dfrac{B_{2n} \cdot (1-4^n)}{(2n)!}x^{2n-1}$\\ [2ex]
$\sec x$ &??? &$\sum \limits_0^\infty (-1)^n\dfrac{E_{2n}}{(2n)!}x^{2n}$\\
\midrule
$\arcsin x$ &??? &$\sum \limits_0^\infty \dfrac{(2n)!}{4^n \cdot (n!)^2 \cdot (2n+1)}x^{2n+1}$\\ [2ex]
$\arccos x$ &??? &???\\
$\arctan x$ &$x - \dfrac{x^3}{3} + \dfrac{x^5}{5} - \dfrac{x^7}{7} + \cdots$ &$\sum \limits_0^\infty (-1)^n\dfrac{1}{2n + 1}x^{2n+1}$\\
\midrule
$\sinh x$ &$x + \dfrac{x^3}{3!} + \dfrac{x^5}{5!} + \dfrac{x^7}{7!} + \cdots$ &$\sum \limits_0^\infty \dfrac{1}{(2n+1)!}x^{2n+1}$\\ [2ex]
$\cosh x$ &$1 + \dfrac{x^2}{2!} + \dfrac{x^4}{4!} + \dfrac{x^6}{6!} + \cdots$ &$\sum \limits_0^\infty \dfrac{1}{(2n)!}x^{2n}$\\ [2ex]
$\tanh x$ &??? &$\sum \limits_1^\infty \dfrac{B_{2n} \cdot 4^n \cdot (4^n -1)}{(2n)!} x^{2n-1}$\\
\midrule
$\arsinh x$ &??? &$\sum \limits_0^\infty (-1)^n\dfrac{(2n)!}{4^n \cdot (n!)^2 \cdot (2n+1)}x^{2n+1}$\\ [2ex]
$\arcosh x$ &??? &???\\
$\artanh x$ &??? &$\sum \limits_0^\infty \dfrac{1}{2n + 1}x^{2n+1}$\\
\midrule
$(1 + x)^\alpha$ &$1 + \alpha x + \dfrac{\alpha(\alpha - 1)}{2!}x^2 + \dfrac{\alpha(\alpha - 1)(\alpha - 2)}{3!}x^3 + \cdots$ &$\sum \limits_0^\infty \dbinom{\alpha}{n}x^n$\\ [2ex]
$\dfrac{1}{1+x}$ &$1 - x + x^2 - x^3 + \cdots$ &$\sum \limits_0^\infty (-1)^n x^n$\\ [2ex]
$\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{1+x}}$ &$1 - \dfrac{1}{2}x + \dfrac{3}{8}x^2 - \dfrac{5}{16}x^3 + \cdots$ &$1 + \sum \limits_0^\infty (-1)^n\dfrac{(2n-1)!!}{(2n)!!}x^{n+1}$\\ [2ex]
$\sqrt{1+x}$ &$1 + \dfrac{1}{2}x - \dfrac{1}{8}x^2 + \dfrac{1}{16}x^3 + \cdots$ &$1 + \sum \limits_0^\infty (-1)^{n+1}\dfrac{(2n-3)!!}{(2n)!!}x^{n+1}$\\
\bottomrule
\end{longtable}
\end{center}
\end{landscape}
\end{document}
When I compile the code I get the following badbox message:
Underfull \vbox (badness 10000) detected at line 107
Line 107 is the line of the bottomrule.
I tried to comment every line, looking for the line that cause the badbox, and it turned out that it is caused by the toprule at the beginning of the table.
Do you have any suggestion about why this happens?
Thanks in advance.
P.S.: if you have any suggestion to make the code more elegant, please let me know. Please consider that I need both the "center" and the "ladscape" environments.
P.P.S.: Sorry for the poor indentation but I have no idea about what happened. In my editor it is fine.
A:
In this case I wouldn't worry about it too much even though TeX is telling you the badness is 10000 (infinitely bad) it is essentially spurious just booktabs rules not fully playing with longtable, it isn't affecting the output.
But don't put longtable in a center environment, it has no effect on the horizontal alignment, just adds spurious vertical space that you were trying to correct with a negative skip before the table.
If I remove that, and add a heading that is copied on to page 2, then the warning goes but that is more luck than anything else.
}
}
\endhead
\end{landscape}
\end{document}
| |
Washington County Parks welcomes campground hosts in the campgrounds at Lake Elmo Park Reserve and St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. Campground hosts are volunteers who live in the campground, in their own camping unit, for a portion of the summer. In exchange for a free campsite, they are responsible for providing information to campers, registering campers in the spring and fall, cleaning restrooms as necessary (between staff cleanings), and other related tasks. These positions fill quickly and may not always be available. If you are interested in learning more about these positions, contact the Parks Division at 651-430-8370 or email.
Washington County can accommodate large volunteer groups. This is great for scout troops, company volunteer days, volunteer organizations and more.
If your company or organization is interested in a private group volunteer event for ~10+ people for seed collecting in September, October, please complete this form and email it to our Natural Resources Coordinator.
Volunteer to help us collect information from park visitors at various places around the County. During specific 2-hour periods, volunteers count visitors and hand out visitor surveys. This data helps staff determine park use and visitor preferences. Volunteers are needed at nearly all parks, including the Hardwood Creek Trail in Hugo / Forest Lake. If you are interested in being a random survey volunteer, please contact the Parks Division at 651-430-8370 or email.
Come volunteer in Lake Elmo Park Reserve by helping land stewardship efforts within the park such as cleaning up the trails, planting trees shrubs and wildflowers, weeding and controlling invasive plants. You will also learn about plants, animals, pollinators and the work we do to improve the parks natural resources. The event will be led by either a lead volunteer steward and or Washington County Seasonal employee.
Lake Elmo Park Reserve will be hosting volunteer events in October, November, and December following coronavirus safety guidelines. These events will be capped at 10 people, masks are recommended, and tools will be sanitized prior to events.
Sign up at this link
https://washingtoncounty.maxgalaxy.net/BrowseActivities.aspx
Volunteer activities in October involve collecting and cleaning prairie seed and in November and December buckthorn removal with cut and treat. No prior experience, knowledge or age requirements, all are welcome.
October: Thursday the 8th, 4 pm-5:30 pm, Meet at Nordic Center picnic tables
Saturday the 10th, 10:30 am-12 pm, Meet at Nordic Center picnic tables
November: Thursday the 12th, 3 pm-4:30 pm, Meet at Nordic Center picnic tables
Saturday the 14th, 10:30 am-12 pm, Meet at Nordic Center picnic tables
December: Thursday the 10th, 3 pm- 4:30 pm, Meet at Nordic Center picnic tables
Saturday the 12th, 10:30 am- 12 pm, Meet at Nordic Center picnic tables
For these dates, please wear weather appropriate clothes and hiking shoes.
Washington County Parks regularly receives requests for Eagle Scout/Silver Award volunteer projects, where a scout has identified a project to solve a problem/need in the parks. Below is a list of current potential projects, we also encourage scouts to present their own ideas:
- Construct wooden benches in the parks
- Scouts must show existing bench locations on a map, and include locations for the proposed bench installation as part of the project submittal.
- Natural resource activities (growing high value prairie plants from seed, buckthorn removal).
Please spend time in a county park or facility and think about the project, discuss the project with troop leaders and parents prior to submitting the Eagle Scout Project Description form. Once you have submitted the form, a response will be given within 30 business days. Please email the general parks email with the completed proposal form as a scanned PDF. | https://www.co.washington.mn.us/2355/Volunteer |
TECHNICAL FIELD
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed toward a method and apparatus for capacitively applying a test signal to a semiconductor die.
Semiconductor dies form the core of semiconductor modules and other devices which are used extensively throughout the computer industry, telecommunication industry, and myriad related industries. The dies are typically tested during the manufacturing process to ensure that the dies conform to operational specifications. The resulting dies are then installed in the semiconductor module or device.
Semiconductor dies are typically tested by placing conductive test leads in contact with respective bond pads of the die, applying a test signal to the bond pads via the test leads, and determining whether the die responds with the proper output signals. To ensure proper transmission of the test signals to the die, the test leads may be placed in physical contact with the bond pads of the die using a variety of methods. One method is to solder the leads to the bond pads. Another method is to couple the leads to terminals and then force the terminals into engagement with the bond pad, deforming both the terminals and the bond pad. One drawback of the foregoing methods is that they include at least temporarily connecting the leads or terminals to the bond pads prior to testing and then disconnecting the leads or terminals subsequent to testing. Connecting and disconnecting the leads is time consuming and may damage the bond pads, making it difficult to permanently install the die in a semiconductor module when testing has been completed.
One approach to solving the foregoing problem has been to replace the test leads with test pads, which are capacitively coupled to corresponding bond pads of the die. The capacitive coupling is formed by a dielectric layer positioned between an electrically conductive portion of the test pad and the corresponding conductive portion of the bond pad. No direct physical contact is required between the conductive portions of the test pads and the corresponding bond pads. As a result, the likelihood that the bond pads will become damaged by the test pads is reduced. This method may also be less expensive than conductive testing methods because capacitively coupling and decoupling the bond pads and test pads may require less time and effort than conductively connecting and disconnecting the bond pads and test leads.
Conventional methods for capacitively testing a semiconductor die suffer from several drawbacks. The capacitive test pads of a device used to test the die may be large compared to bond pads and may not be aligned with the bond pads. As a result, an interlayer must be placed between the bond pads of the die and the capacitive test pads. Contacts on the surface of the interlayer are aligned with the capacitive test pads of the test device and are connected through the interlayer to the bond pads of the die. Forming the interlayer requires an additional manufacturing step and it may be necessary to remove the interlayer before the die may be permanently installed, requiring yet another manufacturing step.
Another drawback with a conventional method and device used to capacitively test semiconductor dies is that the device has a thermal expansion coefficient which is different than the thermal expansion coefficient of the die material. As a result, when the die is tested at high temperatures, the die and the test device expand at different rates and capacitive coupling may not be maintained between the die and the test apparatus.
Yet another draw back with conventional testing devices is that the capacitive test pads may be flush with the surface of the test device. When the test device is placed adjacent the die for testing, dust particles or other contaminants may become trapped between the test device and the die, damaging the die. Still another drawback of conventional testing methods is that they may require that a liquid or gel dielectric material be placed on the bond pads of the die prior to testing. The liquid or gel dielectric material may be difficult to remove after testing, contaminating the die and inhibiting good connections between the bond pads of the die and lead wires which are connected to the bond pads when the die is permanently installed.
The present invention is a method and apparatus for capacitively testing a semiconductor die or wafer having first and second die terminals. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a substrate positionable proximate the die and having a coefficient of thermal expansion approximately equal to a thermal expansion coefficient of the die. The apparatus further comprises first and second test terminals positioned on a surface of the substrate. The first test terminal has a conductive portion aligned with and spaced apart from a conductive portion of the first die terminal. The first test terminal may accordingly be capacitively coupled to the first test terminal when the substrate is positioned proximate to the die. The second test terminal is aligned with the second die terminal when the conductive portion of the first test terminal is aligned with the first die terminal.
In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a dielectric material positioned intermediate the conductive portion of the first test terminal and the conductive portion of the first die terminal. The dielectric material is attached to the conductive portion of the first test terminal in one embodiment and is attached to the first die terminal in another embodiment. In yet another embodiment, the die is one of a plurality of dies comprising a silicon wafer and the substrate is sized and shaped to be positioned adjacent the silicon wafer.
The invention is also directed toward a method for manufacturing an apparatus for capacitively testing a semiconductor die having first and second die terminals, each connector having a conductive surface. The method comprises forming a first test terminal on a substrate such that the first test terminal has a conductive surface aligned with and spaced apart from the conductive surface of the first die terminal. The method further comprises forming a second test terminal on the substrate having a conductive portion aligned with the second die terminal while the first test terminal is aligned with the first die terminal. The method further comprises positioning a dielectric material intermediate at least the conductive portion of the first test terminal and the conductive surface of the first die terminal when the first test terminal is aligned with the first die terminal.
In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing an apparatus in accordance with the invention further comprises applying a layer of photoresist material to a surface of the substrate, exposing a first region of the photoresist material to a selected radiation to form an exposed region of photoresist material, and shielding a second region of the photoresist material from exposure to the selected radiation to form a shielded region of photoresist material. The method further comprises removing one of the exposed and shielded regions, and removing substrate material previously covered by the other of the exposed and shielded regions to form a projection which is aligned with the first die terminal when the substrate is positioned proximate the die.
In yet another embodiment of a method in accordance with the invention, the first test terminal is formed by applying an insulating layer to a surface of the substrate and forming a first portion of conductive material on the insulating layer, the first portion of conductive material being aligned with the first die terminal when the substrate is positioned proximate to the die. The method further comprises forming a second portion of conductive material on the insulating layer aligned with the second die terminal when the first portion of conductive material is aligned with the first die terminal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a cross-sectional side view of a test apparatus and die in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2
is an exploded isometric view of a die and a substrate of a test apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3
2
is an exploded, enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the substrate and die shown in FIG. .
FIGS. 4A-4G
are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a method of forming a test apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 5
is an exploded, cross-sectional view of a portion of a test apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention and a die having a dielectric layer overlaying the bond pads thereof.
FIG. 6
is an exploded isometric view of a substrate of a test apparatus in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention and a semiconductor wafer.
FIG. 7
is an exploded, cross-sectional view of a portion of a test apparatus in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention and a flip chip.
FIG. 8
is a top plan view of a portion of a test apparatus and die in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 9
is an exploded, cross-sectional view of a portion of a test apparatus in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention and a flip chip.
FIG. 10A
is an exploded, cross-sectional view of a portion of a test apparatus in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention having compressible test terminals in a noncompressed state.
FIG. 10B
FIG. 10A
is an exploded cross-sectional view of the portion of the test apparatus shown in having compressible test terminals in a compressed state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIGS. 1-10B
The present invention is directed toward a method and apparatus for capacitively coupling bond pads or terminals of a semiconductor die directly to the corresponding test terminals of a test apparatus. An aspect of one embodiment of the invention is that the test terminals of the apparatus are aligned with the corresponding die terminals of the die. Accordingly, the die need not be modified in any way to align the terminals thereof with the test terminals of the test apparatus. Another aspect of an embodiment of the invention is that a substrate of the apparatus may comprise material having the same coefficient of thermal expansion as that of the die. Accordingly, when the die is tested with the test apparatus at elevated temperatures, the die terminals remain aligned with the test terminals. illustrate various embodiments of the apparatus and methods in accordance with the invention, and like reference numbers refer to like parts throughout the various figures.
FIG. 1
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is a cross-sectional view of a test apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention engaging a bare semiconductor die . The test apparatus comprises a substrate having test terminals projecting upwardly therefrom. The test terminals are coupled to die terminals of the die to transmit test signals to the die and receive response signals from the die. The response signals are compared with desired response signals to determine whether or not the die conforms with operational specifications.
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The test apparatus includes a bridge clamp which urges the die toward the substrate . The bridge clamp is removably attached to the substrate by passing mounting tabs of the bridge clamp through slots of the substrate and engaging the mounting tabs with a lower surface of the substrate. The bridge clamp includes internal tabs which engage a spring . The spring is bowed downwardly toward the substrate and engages a pressure plate which in turn engages the die . The pressure plate uniformly distributes the force supplied by the spring over the surface of the die . When the bridge clamp is attached to the substrate , the spring urges the pressure plate and die toward the substrate so that the bond pads of the die firmly engage the test terminals projecting upwardly from the substrate. The bridge clamp further includes flanges , preferably formed by bending edges of the bridge clamp downwardly. The flanges substantially prevent the bridge clamp from bowing upwardly under the force of the spring .
FIG. 2
FIG. 1
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is an exploded isometric view of the die and the substrate shown in FIG. . The die terminals are positioned on a lower surface of the die and may comprise bond pads as shown in , or other structures as discussed below with reference to FIG. . The die terminals include constant signal die terminals and variable signal die terminals . Both the constant signal die terminals and variable signal die terminals comprise conductive materials. The terms constant signal die terminal and variable signal die terminal are used herein to distinguish die terminals which transmit or receive a constant signal, such as Vterminals and certain enable terminals, among others, from die terminals which may transmit or receive a variable signal.
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The test terminals of the substrate comprise constant signal test terminals and variable signal test terminals . The constant signal test terminals are aligned with constant signal die terminals of the die and the variable signal test terminals are aligned with corresponding variable signal die terminals . Accordingly, the constant signal test terminals of the test apparatus may be coupled to a source of constant power (not shown) and may engage the constant signal die terminals ro form a conductive electrical connection therebetween and transmit a constant signal to the constant signal die terminals. The variable signal test terminals may be coupled to a source of variable power (not shown) and may be capacitively coupled to the variable signal die terminals to transmit a variable signal to the variable signal dig terminals.
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The test terminals are preferably positioned in a recessed well of the substrate to provide for proper alignment between the test terminals on the substrate and the die terminals on the die . The substrate and/or the die may further include visual alignment markings or indentations to further ensure proper alignment between the test terminals and the die terminals .
FIG. 3
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is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the substrate and die . The substrate includes projections which extend upwardly toward the die and form the cores of the test terminals . The projections have a pyramidal shape in a preferred embodiment and may have other shapes in other embodiments. The projections have a center-to-center spacing D which is approximately 0.005 inch to 0.006 inch, corresponding to the spacing between the die terminals of the die . In other embodiments, the spacing D may be less than or greater than 0.005 inch to align the projections with bond pads having a correspondingly smaller or larger spacing, respectively.
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FIGS. 4A-4G
In a preferred embodiment, the substrate and the projections comprise silicon and the substrate and projections are formed integrally, as will be discussed in greater detail below with respect to . Silicon is a preferred material for the substrate because it has the same coefficient of thermal expansion as the silicon comprising the die . Accordingly, when the die is tested at varying temperatures, the die and the substrate expand and contract at substantially identical rates so that the die terminals of the die remain aligned with the test terminals of the substrate.
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In other embodiments, the substrate may comprise other materials having coefficients of thermal expansion similar to or identical with the thermal expansion coefficient of silicon. Other materials include ceramics, such as Mullite, which is available from Coors Technical Ceramics Co., Oak Ridge, Tenn. In still another embodiment, the substrate may have a thermal expansion coefficient different than that of the die . An apparatus in accordance with this embodiment may still be effective when used to test the die at varying temperatures if the die is relatively small, and/or if the die terminals are relatively large so that the test terminals maintain alignment with the die terminals despite the fact that the die and substrate may expand and contract at different rates at the varying temperatures.
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FIG. 3
FIG. 3
In a preferred embodiment, the substrate , including the projections , is covered with an insulating layer comprising an electrically insulative material. Conductive layers are selectively positioned over the insulating layer to cover each projection . The conductive layers are separated from each other as shown in so that electrical signals may be separately transmitted to or received from each test terminal . Bond wires , some of which are omitted from for purposes of clarity, are accordingly connected to each conductive layer to transmit test signals to or from the corresponding test terminals .
FIG. 3
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As shown in , the conductive layers completely cover each projection , including an upper surface and side surfaces thereof. In an alternate embodiment, the conductive layers cover the upper surfaces and only one side surface of each projection . Accordingly, electromagnetic coupling or “cross talk” between adjacent conductive layers is reduced, reducing the likelihood that electrical signals transmitted to one test terminal will affect signals transmitted to a neighboring test terminal.
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The variable signal test terminals each include a dielectric layer covering the conductive layers which prevents direct contact between the conductive layer and the corresponding variable signal die terminals when the die is engaged with the test apparatus . The dielectric layer may comprise any number of dielectric materials which include but are not limited to nitrides, barium strontium titanate, or oxides, such as tantalum pentoxide. The composition and thickness of the dielectric layer is selected to provide a desired capacitance between the variable signal test terminals and the variable signal die terminals . The dielectric layer defines a contact surface at an upper end of the variable signal test terminal which is sized to engage a contact surface of the corresponding variable signal die terminal . Where the die includes a passivation layer , which may extend partially over the die terminals , the contact surface of each variable signal test terminal is preferably sized to engage the contact surface of the corresponding variable signal die terminal without resting on the passivation layer, substantially eliminating any gap between the contact surfaces and . Accordingly, the dielectric constant between each variable signal test terminal and corresponding variable signal die terminal is determined by the composition and thickness of the dielectric layer and not by a gap which might otherwise be formed between the variable signal test terminal and the variable signal die terminal.
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In a preferred embodiment, the contact surface is elevated above the substrate by a distance that is greater than the thickness of the passivation layer to ensure that the contact surface of the test terminal engages the contact surface of the variable signal die terminal . In a further preferred embodiment, the contact surface is elevated a sufficient distance above the substrate that small particles , which may comprise dust or other contaminates and which may be present between the test terminals , do not engage and potentially damage the die .
FIG. 3
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As shown in , each constant signal test terminal includes an insulating layer and conductive layer but does not include a dielectric layer. Accordingly, the conductive layers of the constant signal test terminals firmly engage with the corresponding constant signal die terminals to provide electrical connections therebetween. To further ensure proper engagement between the constant signal test terminals and the constant signal die terminals , the constant signal test terminals are provided with serrations positioned to engage the constant signal die terminals. The serrations releasably penetrate the contact surface of the constant signal die terminals and are separated by stop surfaces to prevent the serrations from penetrating too deeply into the constant signal die terminals.
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In a preferred embodiment, the stop surfaces are positioned such that the serrations penetrate one-half the thickness of the constant signal die terminals . In a further preferred aspect of this embodiment, the stop surfaces are aligned with the contact surfaces of the variable signal test terminals . Accordingly, when the stop surfaces prevent further penetration by the serrations into the constant signal die terminals , the contact surfaces of the variable signal test terminals engage the contact surfaces of the corresponding variable signal die terminals . By aligning the contact surfaces with the stop surfaces , the die will rest solidly on the test terminals to more reliably transmit electrical signals between the die and the test apparatus .
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FIGS. 2 and 3
In operation, the test apparatus is used to test the die by placing the die in the recessed well of the substrate as shown in FIG. . The user then aligns the variable signal test terminals of the test apparatus with the corresponding variable signal die terminals of the die , and aligns the constant signal test terminals with the corresponding constant signal die terminals as shown in . The die is firmly engaged with the test apparatus by first placing the pressure plate on the die and then clamping the pressure plate and the die against the substrate by inserting the mounting tabs of the bridge clamp through the slots of the substrate, as shown in FIG. .
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Constant signals are then applied to the bond lines connected to the constant signal test terminals and variable signals are applied to the bond lines connected to the variable signal test terminals . When a varying signal is applied to the variable signal test terminals , the signal is capacitively coupled to the corresponding variable signal die terminal . The varying current may take the form of a single pulse, an alternating current signal, or any other variable current signal. The response signals received from the die may then be used to determine whether or not the die complies with operational specifications and accordingly qualifies as a good die. It will be understood that any one variable signal test terminal may transmit or receive test signals, depending on the characteristics of the particular die terminal with which it is engaged, and upon the particular phase of the test process.
FIGS. 1-3
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One advantage of the method and apparatus shown in is that the test apparatus may be used to test the die by capacitively coupling test terminals of the apparatus to variable signal die terminals of the die , and by supplying a variable current signal to the capacitive bond pads to test the performance of the die. Conductive connections between the test apparatus and die are used only where the die requires a constant signal. Accordingly, the number of conductive connections between the test apparatus and die, which may physically damage the die terminals, is reduced.
FIGS. 1-3
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A further advantage of the test apparatus and method shown in is that the variable signal test terminals of the test apparatus are aligned with the corresponding variable signal die terminals of of the bare die when the die is engaged with the test apparatus. The alignment is maintained even where the center-to-center spacing between the die terminals is on the order of 0.005 inch to 0.006 inch, or less. Accordingly, a user need not manipulate the die in any way to align the variable signal die terminals of the die with the variable signal test terminals of the test apparatus . Unlike conventional methods, the user need not add to the die a layer which includes intermediate terminals which are electrically connected to the die terminals , but spaced to correspond to the locations of the variable signal test pads of a test device. As a result, testing of the bare die is considerably simplified.
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FIGS. 1-3
Yet a further advantage is that the substrate shown in may comprise a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to or identical with the thermal expansion coefficient of the die . Accordingly, the test apparatus may be used to test the die at varying temperatures while maintaining alignment between the die terminals of the die and the test terminals of the test apparatus.
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Still a further advantage of an embodiment of a test apparatus is that the nature of the capacitive coupling between the test apparatus and the die may be controlled by controlling the thickness and/or composition of the dielectric layer . The user accordingly has greater control over the capacitance between the test apparatus and the die by manipulating two variables. Furthermore, unlike conventional methods, controlling the dielectric constant between the die and the test apparatus requires only manipulating the test apparatus and not the die itself. Unlike conventional methods, which may require that a dielectric liquid or gel be placed on the variable signal die terminals, the test apparatus requires no contamination of the variable signal die terminals, which may be difficult to remove after testing has been completed.
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FIGS. 4A-4G
FIG. 4A
FIG. 4B
A method for fabricating an apparatus having variable signal test terminals in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in . As shown in , the method includes providing a substrate having a substantially flat upper surface . In a preferred embodiment, the substrate may comprise silicon, and may comprise other materials in other embodiments, as discussed below. The upper surface of the substrate is coated with a layer of positive or negative photoresist material . As shown in , a mask is then placed upon the photoresist material . The mask may preferably be an exact or nearly exact mirror image of a mask used to form the die terminals on the die . Accordingly, the test terminals formed by the mask will have locations corresponding exactly or nearly exactly with the locations of the die terminals when the die is placed face down on the substrate .
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FIGS. 4A-4G
Where the photoresist material is a positive photoresist material, the mask has apertures which correspond to the locations of the die terminals of the die . Where the photoresist material is a negative photoresist material, the apertures correspond to the regions between the die terminals . For purposes of illustration, the photoresist material is shown as being positive in .
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The substrate with photoresist material and mask in place, is exposed to a selected radiation which hardens the photoresist material located beneath the apertures while leaving the photoresist material beneath the mask in a nonhardened state. It will be understood that where a negative photoresist material is used, the photo resist material is hardened while the photoresist material remains in a non-hardened state. After exposure to the selected radiation , the mask is removed and the photoresist material rinsed in a chemical bath, which washes away the unhardened photoresist material while leaving the hardened photoresist material in place, as shown in FIG. C.
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The substrate , with the hardened photoresist material in place, is then exposed to an etching solution which anisotropically etches away portions of the substrate not covered by the photoresist material and creates the projections as shown in FIG. D. The hardened photoresist material is then removed. Alternatively, the substrate may be exposed to an oxidizing agent which oxidizes the surface of the substrate not covered by the photoresist material . The oxidized portion may then be stripped leaving the projections in place.
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In an alternate method of manufacture, the projections may be formed by depositing material on the upper surface of the substrate . In one such embodiment, the photoresist layer is eliminated and the mask is placed directly on the substrate . Material comprising the projections is then deposited using an overhead ion deposition apparatus or similar device to build the projections up from the upper surface of the substrate . Such an alternate method may be used where the substrate comprises a ceramic or other material which may not be as conducive as silicon to etching. The resulting projections may be planarized using chemical-mechanical planarization to flatten the upper surfaces of the projections . The flattened upper surfaces accordingly provide the foundation for test terminals having flat contact surfaces which mate well with the corresponding flat contact surfaces of the variable signal die terminals (FIG. ).
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Ridges may be formed on the projects which will form constant signal test terminals . The ridges may be formed using photoresist and etching techniques similar to those discussed above and described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,741 to Akram et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,428 to Farnworth et al., both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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The insulating layer is formed on the projections , as shown in FIG. E. In one method of manufacture, in which the substrate comprises silicon, the substrate is exposed to an oxidizing atmosphere to form a layer of silicon dioxide (SiO), an electrically insulative compound. In alternate embodiments, SiOor SiNmay be deposited on the surface of the substrate by chemical vapor deposition. In yet another alternate embodiment, tetraethylorthosilane (TEOS) is injected at high temperature into a chamber surrounding the substrate to grow an insulating layer of SiOon the substrate . In still another alternate embodiment, the insulating layer is deposited on the substrate by chemical vapor deposition or similar deposition techniques. Such an alternate embodiment may be used where the substrate comprises a ceramic material which does not oxidize as readily as does silicon.
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The conductive layers comprising a conductive material are formed atop the insulating layer , as shown in FIG. F. In one embodiment, an initially continuous conductive layer may be deposited on the insulating layer using chemical vapor deposition. A photoresist and masking process, similar to that discussed above with reference to , may then be used to etch away portions of the conductive layer located between the projections to form individual conductive paths to each projection. As discussed previously with reference to , the conductive layers may be etched to cover the entirety of each projection , or may be etched to cover the upper surface of each projection and enough of a side surface to form a conductive path to the projection.
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The conductive layer and insulating layer conform to the ridges of the constant signal test terminal , forming the serrations . The serrations may be further roughened by using an electroplating process and controlling the composition of the electrolyte solution used in the process to form a textured or roughened surface which amplifies the serrated surface created by the etching process. The formation of roughened electroplated surfaces is further discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,999 to Farnworth, incorporated herein by reference.
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The dielectric layers are formed on the conductive layers of the variable signal test terminals , as shown in FIG. G. In one embodiment, an initially continuous dielectric layer is deposited on the conductive layer by chemical vapor deposition. In another embodiment, the initially continuous dielectric layer may be deposited using an electrophoretic process to form an even layer of dielectric over the projections . An electrophoretic process is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,818 to Akram et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. The electrophoretic process includes charging the conductive layer , either positively or negatively, and imparting the opposite charge to the dielectric material. The dielectric material is accordingly attracted to the conductive layer and gradually builds up the dielectric layer thereon. An advantage of the electrophoretic process is that it results in an even coating of dielectric material over the conductive layer notwithstanding the non-uniform topography created by the projections . Another advantage is that the electrophoretic process is self-limiting because as the conductive layer becomes coated with dielectric material, it tends to have less affinity for additional dielectric material. Accordingly, the amount of dielectric material electrophoretically deposited on the conductive layer may be controlled by controlling the charge applied to the conductive layer. Furthermore, the dielectric layer tends to be thicker at higher temperatures than at lower temperatures. Accordingly, the temperature at which the electrophoretic process is carried out may be used to further control the dielectric characteristics of the dielectric layer .
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Once a continuous dielectric layer has been formed, portions of the dielectric layer may then be etched away using a photoresist and masking process similar to the process discussed above with reference to . Dielectric material located between the projections may be removed as shown in to isolate the variable signal test terminals from each other. In addition, any dielectric material covering the constant signal test terminals may be removed to ensure proper electrical contact between the constant signal test terminals and the corresponding constant signal die terminals .
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An advantage of the process discussed above with reference to is that the process uses a mask layer which is a mirror image of the mask layer used to create the die terminals on the bare die . Accordingly, the projections which form the test terminals of the test apparatus may be precisely aligned with the corresponding die terminals of the bare die . As a result, the need to form an interlayer between the die and the test apparatus is eliminated, as discussed above with reference to . A further advantage of the process shown in is that the dielectric layer is formed on the test apparatus , eliminating the need to removably apply liquid or gel dielectric substances to the die , as was also discussed above with reference to .
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is an exploded, cross-sectional view of a test apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, and a die having dielectric layers attached to the variable signal die terminals thereof. In one embodiment, the dielectric layers may comprise oxide coatings which form naturally on the metallic die terminals . In other embodiments, the dielectric layers may comprise other organic dielectric materials which may be deliberately formed on the variable signal die terminals .
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In the embodiment shown in , the dielectric layers are eliminated from the variable signal test terminals of the test apparatus because their function is performed by the dielectric layers on the variable signal die terminals . Accordingly, the contact surfaces of the variable signal test terminals comprise a portion of the conductive layer as shown in , rather than a portion of the dielectric layer as shown in FIG. .
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In one embodiment, the serrations of the constant signal test terminals are capable of penetrating the dielectric layer formed on the constant signal die terminal . The serrations accordingly form a conductive connection with the constant signal die terminal notwithstanding the presence of the dielectric material. In another embodiment, the dielectric layers may be prevented from forming on the constant signal die terminals so that the constant signal test terminals form solid conductive contacts with the constant signal die terminals. In still another embodiment, the dielectric layers may be removed from the constant signal die terminals by using masking and etching process, as discussed previously with reference to .
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An advantage of an embodiment of the test apparatus shown in is that the test apparatus requires no dielectric layer . Accordingly, at least one process step required to form the test apparatus may be eliminated. Conversely, an advantage of an embodiment of the test apparatus shown in is that the die need not be manipulated to either form or remove the dielectric layer.
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As discussed above, the dielectric oxide layers may form naturally on the dies . The oxide layers may form after the dies have been electrically partitioned from each other on a silicon wafer but remain in a wafer form. To take advantage of the naturally occulting dielectric layers, a test apparatus in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention is sized to accommodate and test an entire wafer comprising a plurality of partitioned dies , as shown in FIG. . The test apparatus comprises a substrate having slots to accommodate a bridge clamp (not shown). The bridge clamp is used to releasably couple the wafer to the substrate , as discussed previously with reference to FIG. . The substrate comprises test terminals , which are aligned with corresponding die terminals at the wafer . Accordingly, variable signal test terminals are aligned with variable signal die terminals and constant signal test terminals are aligned with constant signal die terminals , as discussed previously with reference to .
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An advantage of the test apparatus shown in is that it permits a user to engage the test apparatus with an entire wafer of dies in one operation. Accordingly, the user need not individually engage each die with the test apparatus before testing and then remove each die after testing. A further advantage is that the test apparatus shown in may use the oxide layer naturally forming on the dies of the wafer to act as dielectric layers between the die terminals of the dies and the test terminals of the test apparatus, reducing the number of processing steps required to produce the test apparatus , as discussed above with reference to FIG. .
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is an exploded, cross-sectional view of a test apparatus in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention positioned adjacent a flip chip in FIG. . As shown in , the die terminals of the flip chip include variable signal die terminals and constant signal die terminals . The die terminals may comprise solder balls formed from lead or a similar soft, conductive material. Each die terminal has an end surface spaced apart from the lower surface of the flip chip and side surfaces intermediate the end surface and the lower surface of the flip chip. The die terminals may have an oxide coating which covers the bond pads and deforms when the flip chip is engaged with the substrate . The oxide coating generally deforms sufficiently to create a conductive electrical connection between the die terminals and the test terminals against which they press. Accordingly, the oxide coating is not relied upon to form a dielectric layer between the variable signal die terminals and the variable signal test terminals as was discussed above with reference to FIG. . Instead, the dielectric layer , positioned on the variable signal test terminals , provides the capacitive coupling between the test apparatus and the flip chip , substantially as discussed above with reference to . Furthermore, because the oxide layer deforms when the flip chip is pressed into engagement with the substrate , the contact between the constant signal test terminal and the constant signal die terminal is sufficient to create a constant signal connection therebetween, as discussed above. The need for serrations on the conductive test terminal is accordingly eliminated.
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is a top plan view of a portion of a test apparatus in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention shown engaging a portion of a flip chip . The test apparatus shown in is similar to the apparatus shown in except that the contact surfaces of the test terminals are positioned parallel to the side surfaces rather than the upper surfaces of the projections (FIG. ). Accordingly, the side surfaces of the die terminals slide along the contact surfaces of the test terminals as the flip chip is pressed into engagement with the substrate .
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As shown in , pairs of test terminals having diagonally opposed contact surfaces may be oriented in an alternating pattern to substantially prevent lateral motion of the flip chip relative to the substrate once the die terminals have been engaged with the test terminals . The test terminals accordingly aid the user in orienting the flip chip relative to the substrate and maintain the orientation until the die is deliberately disengaged from the test apparatus .
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is an exploded, cross-sectional view of a portion of a test apparatus in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention. The test apparatus comprises a substrate without large projections . Instead, the insulating layer , conductive layers , and dielectric layers are consecutively formed directly on the upper surface of the substrate to form variable signal test terminals and constant signal test terminals . In the embodiment shown in , the projections are not necessary to provide an offset between the substrate and the flip chip . Instead, the solder balls of the flip chip provide a sufficient offset between the substrate and the flip chip to prevent dust particles or other contaminants from becoming clamped therebetween. An advantage of an embodiment of the test apparatus shown in is that the process steps required to form raised projections may be eliminated, simplifying the manufacture of the test apparatus .
FIG. 10A
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is an exploded, cross-sectional view of a portion of a test apparatus in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention having compressible test terminals . The substrate includes an insulating layer and conductive layers formed directly thereon. The projections are formed atop the conductive layers in a subsequent step. The projections comprise a conductive material which may be sputtered or spun on the conductive layers or may be deposited on the conductive layers using chemical vapor deposition. The resulting continuous layer may then be etched using the photoresist and masking techniques discussed previously with reference to to form individual projections
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In one embodiment, the projection may be formed from an incompressible conduction material. In another embodiment, the projections may be formed from a compressible, conductive material such as a z-axis elastomer. Such elastomers are available from Zymet of East Hannover, N.J. The elastomer contains conductive particles which are dispersed therethrough and are shown schematically in FIG. A. When the elastomer is compressed in a direction normal to the upper surface of the substrate , the particles come into contact with each other and create a conductive path through the elastomer.
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Dielectric layers are then applied atop the conductive layers of the variable signal test terminals . The dielectric layers preferably comprise a flexible material, such as a polyamide, which will flex as the projections compress. The polyamide may be applied using a spray process or an electrophoretic process, such as was discussed previously with reference to FIG. G. As discussed previously with reference to , no dielectric layer is applied to the constant signal test terminals , so as to provide conductive connections between the constant signal test terminals and the constant signal die terminals .
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In operation, the die is compressed against the substrate so as to compress the projections , creating conductive paths from the conductive layers through the projections, as shown in . The variable signal test terminals form capacitive connections with the variable signal die terminals and the constant signal test terminals form conductive connections with the constant signal die terminals , as discussed previously with respect to .
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An advantage of the test apparatus shown in is that the compressible test terminals flex in a vertical direction when the die is engaged with the substrate . The test terminals accordingly maintain an electrical coupling with the die terminals of the die even if the lower surface of the die is not parallel with the upper surface of the substrate. A further advantage is that the compressible constant signal test terminals are biased toward the corresponding constant signal die terminals , increasing the likelihood of a good conductive connection therebetween and eliminating the need for serrations on the constant signal test terminals.
From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims. | |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
0001 1) Field of the Invention
0002 The present invention relates to a direct conversion receiver for use in mobile radio equipment or the like, a mobile radio equipment using this direct conversion receiver, and a method of receiving an RF signal.
0003 2) Description of the Related Art
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0004FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit arrangement of a conventional typical direct conversion receiver. In this illustration, a quadrature demodulator is made to receive, as one input, an RF (Radio Frequency) signal obtained by the quadrature modulation of carriers in phase and amplitude and to receive a local signal Lo as another input for outputting signals i, ix (i and ix denote a differential signal) and q, qx (q and qx signify a differential signal) pertaining to a baseband, which have quadrature relation to each other. A receive baseband unit is connected to output terminals of the quadrature demodulator for the baseband signals i and ix, and a receive baseband unit is connected to output terminals thereof for the baseband signals q and qx. These receive baseband units and have the same arrangement, and a detailed description will be given of only the arrangement of the receive baseband unit for the purpose of the simplicity of the illustration and explanation. The receive baseband unit is illustrated as a single block.
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0005 The receive baseband unit is made up of a low pass filter (LPF) for deriving low-frequency components of the baseband signals i and ix, a gain control amplifier for amplifying an output signal of the low-pass filter , an amplifier for amplifying an output signal of the gain control amplifier at a constant gain to output baseband signals I and Ix (I and Ix represent a differential signal), and an offset compensating circuit for removing a DC offset occurring in the receive baseband unit . This offset compensating circuit is composed of a low pass filter (LPF) for receiving the baseband signals I and Ix outputted from the amplifier to derive low-frequency components therefrom, and an offset compensating section for receiving signals outputted from the low-pass filter , that is, signals corresponding to offset voltages, to convert them into voltages or currents for feedbacking the voltages or the currents to an input of the amplifier . Thus, the baseband signals I and Ix, subjected to the removal of the DC offset, are fed to a control unit .
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0006 In addition, DC offset removed baseband signals Q and Ox (Q and Ox depict a differential signal) are supplied from the receive baseband unit , having the same arrangement as that of the receive baseband unit , to the same control unit .
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0007 The control section calculates a received signal level on the basis of the given baseband signals I, Ix and Q, Qx to apply a gain control signal Vgc to the gain control amplifier forming a component of each of the receive base band units and and further to a clock signal (which will be referred to hereinafter as a CLOCK), a data signal (referred to hereinafter as a DATA) and a strobe signal (referred to hereinafter as a STROBE). A frequency synthesizer produces a local signal Lo from a reference signal of a reference signal source on the basis of data set by the CLOCK, the DATA and the STROBE and supplies the local signal Lo to the quadrature demodulator . Since this frequency synthesizer requires high stability and high signal purity, a PLL (Phase Locked Loop) is constructed with a voltage control oscillator and a frequency control section .
0008 Secondly, a description will be given hereinbelow of an operation of the conventional direct conversion receiver shown in FIG. 5.
0009 In a case in which a direct conversion receiver is employed for a mobile radio equipment based on a W-CDMA (Wideband-Code Division Multiple Access) system, since there is a need to receive a transmitted signal linearly irrespective of the strength of the received signal, a receive baseband unit is required to have performances, such as a cascade gain of several tens dB and a gain control range of several tens dB.
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0010 Now, when an RF signal obtained by the quadrature modulation of the phases and amplitudes of carriers and an output signal Lo of a frequency synthesizer are inputted to the quadrature demodulator , the quadrature demodulator outputs baseband signals i, ix and q, qx. Of these signals, the signals i and ix are inputted to the receive baseband unit while the signals q and qx are put in the receive baseband unit . A description will be given of only the receive baseband unit , for that the receive baseband units and have the same arrangement.
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0011 At this time, the signals i and ix undergo the band restriction in the low pass filter and are amplified in the gain control amplifier and further amplified at a constant gain in the amplifier to be inputted as signals I and Ix to the control unit . The control unit calculates a received signal level on the basis of the signals I and Ix to output a gain control signal Vgc for controlling the gain of the gain control amplifier so that the values of the signals I and Ix become constant.
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0012 Also in the receive baseband unit , as well as the receive baseband unit , the signals q and qx are amplified so that the constant-level signals Q and Qx are inputted to the control unit .
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0013 At this time, the control unit sets and outputs a CLOCK, a DATA and a STROBE, and the frequency synthesizer produces a local signal Lo from an output signal of the reference signal source on the basis of these set data, and sends it to the quadrature demodulator .
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0014 When the quadrature demodulator mixes the local signal Lo into an RF signal, offset voltages occur between the signals i and ix and between the signals q and qx. Even if these offset voltages are several mV, each of the receive baseband units and has a cascade gain of several tens dB, which can make difficult the normal reception because of the occurrence of circuit saturation in the control unit .
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0015 The offset compensating circuit resides therein for the purpose of avoiding this problem. This offset compensating circuit inputs the output signals I and Ix of the amplifier to the low pass filter to extract a DC voltage through the low pass filter . In addition, the offset compensating section feedbacks voltages or currents corresponding to the inputted difference voltages (offset voltages) to an input section of the amplifier . This feedback loop operates to eliminate the DC voltage offsets between the signals I and Ix.
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0016 When the low pass filter is included in this feedback loop, the closed loop thereof provides a high pass filter characteristic, with the cutoff frequency of the high pass filter lowering with an increase in the time constant of the low pass filter . Accordingly, in the output signal of the receive baseband unit , a signal component in the vicinity of the DC is cut off due to the effects of the high pass filter. That is, the receive error rate becomes high. The time constant of the low pass filter is set in consideration of the high pass filter characteristic.
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0017FIG. 6 is a time chart corresponding to the above-described operations. In the illustration, CLOCK, DATA and STROBE signify a clock signal, a data signal and a strobe signal, respectively, with desired frequency data being set in the frequency synthesizer on the basis of these signals, and Lo depicts a local signal outputted from the frequency synthesizer and represents a state of variation in frequency of the output signal of the voltage control oscillator . The frequency of this local signal Lo stably becomes a desired frequency at THE time elapsed to some extent with respect to the STROBE, that is, at the time instructed by a lock signal (LOCK). Moreover, Vgc denotes a gain control signal outputted from the control unit which controls the gain of the gain control amplifier in accordance with a change of its level so that the output signals of the receive baseband units and reach predetermined levels, respectively. In this arrangement, assuming that the gain of the gain control amplifier is increased in a state where the gain control signal Vgc is at a high voltage level, FIG. 6 shows a state in which the gain is stepwise increased when the received level is low.
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0018 In addition, in FIG. 6, I signifies a variation in DC level of a signal I with the passage of time. Properly, although an AC signal should be illustrated additionally therein, only the DC level is boldly shown for the purpose of the simplicity of explanation. A signal Ix has a waveform obtained by inverting the signal I upside down, and signals Q and Qx have waveforms similar to the signals I and Ix, respectively. When the gain control signal Vgc varies, the gain of the gain control amplifier varies, so the DC level of the signal I varies instantaneously. Following this, the DC level of the signal I develops into one value at a response speed depending upon the time constant of the low pass filter .
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0019 In the above-described direct conversion receiver, when the signals I, Ix, Q and Ox vary in DC at the gain control of the gain control amplifier , a problem arises in that demodulation accuracy deteriorates. For this reason, the calculation of the received signal level is required to be done after the settlement of the DC variation, and the response time (the time taken until a gain control signal Vgc is set on the basis of the signal level calculated from the signals I, Ix, Q and Ox so that the variation in level of the signals I, Ix, Q and Qx comes to an end) of the automatic gain control (AGC) is limited by the response time of the offset compensating circuit . Accordingly, immediately after the frequency switching operation, an extremely long time is needed until the signals I, Ix, Q and Qx reach a predetermined AC level with the gain control being implemented by the automatic gain control.
0020 In addition, in the case of the gain control for each receive slot during calls or the like, difficulty is encountered in avoiding the deterioration of the demodulation accuracy due to the DC variation.
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0021 Still additionally, since the increase in number of control signals to be outputted from the control unit can be inhibited depending upon mobile radio equipment using this direct conversion receiver, there is a need to simplify the control section and the interface as much as possible.
0022 Moreover, in a case in which this direct conversion receiver is employed for a mobile radio equipment such as a portable telephone, since the settlement of the automatic gain control during a queue operation takes time, there occurs a problem of prolonging the operation time of the receiver during the wait operation and shortening the wait time.
0023 Still moreover, the call quality degrades due to the DC variation at the gain control in a call.
0024 The present invention has been developed with a view to eliminating the above-mentioned problems, and it is therefore an object of the invention to provide a direct conversion receiver capable of shortening the time for the settlement of the automatic gain control at the wait operation and of preventing the degradation of the demodulation accuracy in a call, a mobile radio equipment using this direct conversion receiver, and an RF signal receiving method.
0025 For this purpose, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a direct conversion receiver comprising a quadrature demodulator for receiving an RF signal, obtained by quadrature modulation, to produce differential signals in a baseband by using a local signal from a frequency-switching type frequency synthesizer, a first low pass filter for conducting the band restriction on the differential signals, a gain control amplifier for amplifying or attenuating the differential signals, a second low pass filter for extracting a direct current component between the differential signals, obtained by amplification in another amplifier, an offset compensating unit for superimposing an offset voltage lowering signal on an input signal of the amplifier, and a control unit for outputting a gain control signal to the gain control amplifier to maintain constant a level of the amplified differential signal and for outputting data on a frequency of a local signal to be produced by the frequency synthesizer, wherein the second low pass filter includes a time constant circuit having one or more resistors and a capacitor for determining a time constant by a resistance of the resistor and a capacitance of the capacitor and a time constant changing means for changing the time constant of the time constant circuit to at least two values different in magnitude from each other, and the control unit includes a time constant control unit for controlling the time constant changing means so that the time constant of the time constant circuit assumes the smaller one for only a predetermined period of time after the control unit outputs data to change the frequency of the local signal.
0026 With this arrangement, the gain control interval can be shortened by decreasing the time constant of the second low pass filter, thereby accomplishing fast settlement of the automatic gain control. Moreover, since the time constant of the second low pass filter is increased after the settlement of the automatic gain control, it is possible to lower the cutoff frequency of the high-pass characteristic of the received baseband unit, which results in reducing the receive error rate.
0027 In this case, the time constant control unit is composed of a switch set to an off state for a period of time that the time constant of the second low pass filter is decreased and set to an on state for a period of time that the time constant of the second low pass filter is increased and having one end to which the gain control signal is applied from the control unit and a capacitor connected between the other end of the switch and the ground.
0028 With this arrangement, since the variation of the gain control signal becomes gentle and the gain control can be implemented to permit the follow-up of the offset compensating unit, the DC level variation does not develop in a signal outputted from the receive baseband unit, thereby enhancing the demodulation accuracy.
0029 In addition, preferably, the time constant control unit includes a counter activated at the input of data from the control unit to the frequency synthesizer for outputting a control signal for the control of the time constant of the second low pass filter and a control signal for the on/off control of the switch.
0030 With this arrangement, since a system using a frequency synthesizer always employs the signals including the CLOCK, the DATA and the STROBE, there is no need to employ special control signals.
0031 As another preferred arrangement, the time constant control unit includes a counter activated at the input of a sleep cancellation signal to the quadrature demodulator and the receive baseband unit for outputting a control signal for the control of the time constant of the second low pass filter and a control signal for the on/off control of the switch.
0032 This arrangement enables coping with control units having various types of specifications.
0033 Moreover, it is also appropriate that the frequency synthesizer includes a lock detecting circuit for making a decision on a locked condition, and a counter is provided which is activated when this lock detecting circuit detects the locked condition, for outputting a control signal for the control of the time constant of the second low pass filter and a control signal for the on/off control of the switch.
0034 Since the time of the sleep cancellation to the quadrature demodulator or the receive baseband unit is a timing at which the output frequency of the frequency synthesizer becomes stable and a smaller pulse width of the signal for the control of the switch is employable, the reduction of the circuit scale of the counter is feasible.
0035 In addition, there is provided a counter which is activated at the input of a sleep cancellation signal from the control unit to the frequency synthesizer or at the input of data to the frequency synthesizer for outputting the signals for the control of the time constant of the second low pass filter and the on/off control of the switch.
0036 With this arrangement, while the frequency synthesizer conducts the frequency switching operation, the quadrature demodulator or the receive baseband unit is in the sleep condition, and this can shorten the operating time of the receiver which is in the wait operation.
0037 Still additionally, this direct conversion receiver is provided in a mobile radio equipment.
0038 Since this arrangement can shorten the time needed for the settlement of the automatic gain control during the wait operation, which shortening the operating time of the receiver which is in the wait operation and shortening the wait time. Moreover, because of no DC variation at the gain control during call, no deterioration of the call quality occurs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
0039 These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
0040FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a direct conversion receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention;
0041FIG. 2 is an illustration of a concrete circuit arrangement of a low pass filter in the embodiment of the invention;
0042FIG. 3 is an illustration of a circuit arrangement of a time constant control unit in the embodiment of the invention;
0043FIG. 4 is a time chart showing an operation of the direct conversion receiver according to the embodiment of the invention;
0044FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit arrangement of a conventional direct conversion receiver; and
0045FIG. 6 is a time chart showing an operation of the conventional direct conversion receiver.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
0046 Referring to the drawings, a detailed description will be given hereinbelow of an embodiment of the present invention. Incidentally, the same parts as those of the conventional direct conversion receiver shown in FIG. 5 are marked with the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted for brevity.
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0047FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a direct conversion receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention. As a feature of this direct conversion receiver different from the conventional direct conversion receiver shown in FIG. 5, a clock signal (CLOCK), a data signal (DATA), a strobe signal (STROBE) and a gain control signal Vgc are outputted from a control unit to a time constant control unit and a reference signal is outputted from a reference signal source to the time constant control unit while a signal Vsw is fed from the time constant control unit to a low pass filter constituting each of receive baseband units and .
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0048FIG. 2 is an illustration of a concrete circuit arrangement of the low pass filter . This low pass filter is made up of a resistor R whose one end is connected to an input terminal for a signal I, a resistor R whose one end is connected to the other end of the resistor R and whose other end is connected to a signal output terminal to an offset compensating section , a resistor R whose one end is connected to an input terminal for a signal Ix, a resistor R whose one end is connected to the other end of the resistor R and whose other end is connected to a signal output terminal to the offset compensating section , a capacitor C connected between the other ends of the resistors R and R, a switch SW connected in parallel with the resistor R, and a switch SW connected in parallel with the resistor R, with the on/off control of each of the switches SW and SW being implemented in accordance with a signal Vsw. In this case, the resistors R and R have the same resistance value and the resistors R and R have the same resistance value, while the switches SW and SW are set to an on state when the signal Vsw is in an H (high) level and are set to an off state when it is in an L (low) level.
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0049 In this arrangement, when the signal Vsw assumes the H level, the switches SW and SW are operated to take the on state, which decreases the time constant of the low-pass filter , and when the signal Vsw assumes the L level, the switches SW and SW are operated to take the off state, thus increasing the time constant of the low pass filter .
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0050FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit arrangement of the time constant control unit . This time constant control unit is made to receive the CLOCK, DATA and STROBE, and is composed of a trigger signal producing section for outputting a trigger signal, a counter for counting reference signals as clocks in accordance with the trigger signal to output signal Vsw, an inverter for receiving the signal Vsw to output it after inverting its level, a switch con/off-controlled by the output of the inverter and connected to an input terminal for the signal Vgc at its one end, and a capacitor C connected between the other end of the switch SW and the ground.
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0051 An operation of this time constant control unit is as follows. When receiving CLOCK, DATA and STROBE as new frequency data, the trigger signal producing section outputs a trigger signal for activating the counter . The counter counts the reference signals until reaching a predetermined number, while outputting a signal Vsw with an H level during the counting operation. It outputs a signal Vsw with an L level at other times. The switch SW is set to an on state when the signal Vsw is in the H level while it is set to an off state in the L level condition. Accordingly, when the signal Vsw is in the L level, the capacitor is coupled to the gain control signal Vgc and, hence, the gain control signal Vgc varies for a small time constant.
0052 Secondly, referring to the timing chart of FIG. 4, a description will be given hereinbelow of the overall operation of the direct conversion receiver according to the present invention, particularly, the arrangements thereof different from those of the conventional apparatus.
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0053 First of all, the control unit outputs CLOCK, DATA and STROBE to the frequency synthesizer for setting desired frequency data. At this time, the trigger producing section outputs a trigger signal to the counter so that a signal Vsw assumes an H level. As a result, the switches SW and SW in the low pass filter switch into the on state, thereby establishing a small time constant of the low pass filter .
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0054 Since the time constant of the low pass filter is made small at the variation of the gain control signal Vgc, it is possible to quickly settle the DC variation appearing in the signals I, Ix, Q and Qx. Although the receive error rate increases when the time constant of the low pass filter decreases, since only the calculation of the received signal level is made until the automatic gain control reaches the settlement, the extra reduction of low-frequency signal components of the receive baseband units and does not create a problem.
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0055 In this case, the control unit shortens the gain control intervals (this will be referred to hereinafter as a fast AGC mode) and settles the output signals of the receive baseband units and to a predetermined level.
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0056 When the counter counts the reference signals by the predetermined number, the signal Vsw falls into the L level, thereby increasing the time constant of the low pass filter . The count value of the counter sets the sum of the rise time (the time needed until settling at a desired frequency) plus the time for the fast AGC.
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0057 When the signal Vsw switches into the L level (this will be referred to hereinafter as a slow AGC mode), the time constant of the low pass filter becomes high, thereby lowering the cutoff frequency of the above-mentioned high pass filter. That is, the receive error rate characteristic becomes improvable. Moreover, since the capacitor C operates with respect to the gain control signal Vgc, the gain control signal Vgc varies gently. If the time constant determined by the capacitor C is set to be longer than the response time of the offset compensating circuit , the offset is removable in accordance with the gentle variation of the gain control signal Vgc. That is, the DC level fluctuation does not occur in the signals I, Ix, Q and Qx.
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0058 In this connection, although in this embodiment each of the receive baseband units and is composed of the low pass filter , the gain control amplifier , the amplifier and the offset compensating circuit , the present invention is not limited to this. Moreover, although the arrangement for switching the time constant is shown in FIG. 2, another arrangement is also acceptable if it can similarly change the time constant.
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0059 In this embodiment, the trigger signal is made to be produced from the CLOCK, DATA and STROBE inputted to the frequency synthesizer . This is because the CLOCK, DATA and STROBE are always used in a system employing a frequency synthesizer. That is, it is possible to eliminate the need for the employment of special control signals.
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0060 In addition, it is also appropriate that a trigger signal is produced using a sleep cancellation signal for the quadrature demodulator , the receive baseband units and or others. In this case, the timing of the sleep cancellation of the quadrature demodulator or the receive baseband units and is a timing at which the output frequency of the frequency synthesizer comes to a stable condition, and the pulse width of the signal Vsw can be made smaller so that the circuit scale of the aforesaid counter is reducible. Still additionally, since the quadrature demodulator or the receive baseband units and are in the sleep condition during the frequency switching operation of the frequency synthesizer , it is possible to shorten the operating time of the receiver in the wait operation.
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0061 Furthermore, usually, the frequency synthesizer is equipped with a lock detecting circuit (not shown) which makes a decision as to whether in a locked condition or not and outputs a decision signal. Thus, it is also appropriate that a trigger signal is produced using a clock detection signal the lock detecting circuit outputs when making a decision to the locked condition. Also in this case, there is no need to add special signals to the control unit.
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0062 Still furthermore, in a case in which the frequency synthesizer is independently equipped with an input terminal for a sleep cancellation signal, a trigger signal can also be produced from any one of the sleep cancellation signal, CLOCK, DATA and STROBE.
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0063 As described above, in the direct conversion receiver according to the present invention, the automatic gain control is divided into the fast AGC mode and the slow AGC mode, and in the fast AGC mode the automatic gain control interval can be shortened in order to decrease the time constant of the low pass filter so that the automatic gain control quickly reaches the settlement.
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0064 On the other hand, in the slow AGC mode, the time constant of the low pass filter is increased to lower the cutoff frequency of the high pass characteristic of the receive baseband units and , thereby reducing the receive error rate.
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0065 In addition, in the slow AGC mode, the variation of the gain control signal Vgc is made gentle to control the gain while permitting the follow-up of the offset compensating section , so the DC level variation does not occur in a signal outputted from the receive baseband section.
0066 Still additionally, in a case in which this direct conversion receiver is put in a mobile radio equipment such as portable telephone, it is possible to shorten the time needed for the settlement of the automatic gain control during the waiting operation, which prolongs the operating time of the receiver during the waiting operation and lengthens the wait time. Yet additionally, because of no DC variation at the gain control during a call, no deterioration of the call quality occurs.
0067 As obvious from the above description, according to the present invention, in a direct conversion receiver for use in a mobile radio equipment or the like, the automatic gain control is divided into a fast AGC mode and a slow AGC mode, and in the fast AGC mode, the automatic gain control interval can be shortened for the decrease of the time constant of the second low pass filter so that fast automatic gain control settlement is feasible.
0068 On the other hand, in the slow AGC mode, the cutoff frequency of the high pass characteristic of the receive baseband section to increase the time constant of the second low pass filter for the reduction of the receive error rate, and the variation of the automatic gain control signal is made gentle to accomplish the gain control while permitting the follow-up of the offset compensating section, which prevents the variation of the DC level from appearing in a signal outputted from the receive baseband section.
0069 It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and that it is intended to cover all changes and modifications of the embodiment of the invention herein which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention. | |
Today we are going to share an easy tutorial to learn how to make a basket without sewing. We are going to show this step by step that allows you to use a simple technique to make a basket using recycled fabric.
Making a basket with no sewing
In previous posts we have seen a variety of models of fabric baskets made with different techniques that don’t require that you know how to sew, if you want to check it out just visit How to make T-shirt yarn baskets without sewing
Now, we are going to see the step by step with pictures to let you know how to make this kind of basket. First of all, you need to grab a rope that you are going to line with recycled fabric; depending of the thickness of the cord you will need more or less amount of it, for example in this tutorial we used 6 meters of cord.
Put at the beginning of the rope a drop of glue and line 10 cm of the rope with fabric, then start lining the rope rolling the fabric in spiral.
Every 5 cm you must wrap the fabric passing it through the previous row, in this way:
You have to take the wrapped rope a little higher to give shape to the basket. A simple way is to make a few turns keeping the rope wrapped against the desk and when you have achieved the desired size base, assemble the rope above the last lap.
For this basket we made a base with a diameter of 20 cm.
When you have reached the desired size for the basket you have to cut the rope in a diagonal way, wrap it with fabric and glue it to the basket.
This way you can make a basket without sewing, an advantage is you can combine different colors of fabric because you only have to cut a new fabric strip and glue it above the rope to continue lining it.
If you find this article interesting help us by sharing it or click the Like button.
Source: spoonful
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Blog
Introduction
Lighting is probably the last item on the list when architects and home builders plan their project. How else could it be when looking at the poor light plans even the most modern homes offer. Such a pity when you consider how dramatic is the impact of lighting on the atmosphere and wellbeing, not to mention the value it adds.
When we moved with my family in our new house last year we were extremely happy to have found a nice modern city house with all the convenience of a modern home in terms of insulation, heating, efficient layout, brightness. With regards to lighting though, there was no exception and the layout was pretty much the same as a 1910 built home. Doomed to install chandeliers?
For every room we needed to rethink the lighting installation, dealing with the old-school electrical network. For this post, we will look specifically into our living room upgrade and how we built with my father, a professional installer, a 6 meter long cove. Adding architectural lighting in a home is not impossible. Let's go through this project together and find out how complex is the installation, the cost breakdown and of course the outcome in terms of lighting effect.
Room setup
With three connection points for the whole 40 m2 living area, each positioned in the middle of distinct zones (lounge, dining table, music corner - see red numbers on the layout), it couldn't be much worse, from my perspective. I much prefer multiple connection points close to the walls vs a single central connection. On top of that our floor is very dark which literally sucks the light out.
Floor layout of the Living room - Visual Philippe Regnier
We started by using two of the three ceiling connections, one with a double spot fixture that the previous owners left (no 3 on the layout) and the other with a Muuto Unfold hanging light we already owned above our dining table (no 1 on the layout). Sadly, the position of the connection was not ideally centered with the table but this was good enough to get started. Beyond that, we only used our free standing luminaires (see yellow numbers on the layout) and took it from there.
No 7 - Philips Hue Go, positioned on top of the upright piano (250 lumens)
With this initial setup we have different light sources spread out in the room but each are either directional or contained into a small area. The conclusion is that for cosy atmosphere it's ok but we are missing on the overall light level when bright light is needed. A first upgrade was implemented last fall with the installation of the new Philips Lightstrip Plus as a backlight on the sideboard (see Philips Lightstrip Plus Review - No 8 in the layout). The indirect light helped a bit bringing the light level up with the extra 1500 lumens, but not enough to be sufficient.
Backlight upgrade on the sideboard with the Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus.
Photograph Philippe Regnier
The requirement for this upgrade was then to further lift up the light level in the room while maintaining a compatibility with our Philips Hue system in order to be controlled from the smart light switches (see Philips Hue Dimmer Switch review) and included in our light scenes.
Upgrade solution
To fulfil the requirements we decided to make 2 modifications:
Build a cove from the level of the kitchen false ceiling to the garden wall (for a total of 6 meters) in order to install a lightstrip. The natural choice of course is the Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus. It allows to connect directly to the Hue system and can extend up to 10 meters thanks to the 1 meter extension sets. The light output is however limited to 1650 lumens beyond 3 meters so in order to really boost the light level in the room we decided to double the strip to bring a total of 3300 lumens.
Add a second hanging lamp above the table. Our previous table had a square shape so one was enough but now that we have a rectangular table it is quite a natural upgrade to simply double the light points. Same luminaire, same lamp. To manage the problem of the wrongly positioned electrical connection point, an electrical line will be brought through the cove and a discrete aluminium track will be installed in the ceiling at the exact middle of the table to allow a central alignment of the hanging lights with the table.
Modifications on the light plan with repositioning and addition of one hanging light on the table and installation of a cove - Visual Philippe Regnier
Those upgrades combined more than doubled the light output in the room which should make up for the limited light level. The fact that all sources are controlled via the Hue system allows for individual and scene control possibilities.
The project
Description
There are different ways to build a cove and different light effects can be achieved. Looking at our setup and the existing constraints of the house helped us narrowing down the options.
Building a cove is basically integrating light in the architecture of your building and hiding the light source away. The cove structure should therefore blend in the walls in a natural way. Since our Kitchen has a false ceiling we decided to level the cove with the false ceiling to give an impression of continuity in the ceiling. The second step was to decide whether the light should go down the wall or onto the ceiling. Since it's a single light line and not a square or oval cove, I decided for a wall effect instead. Ceiling coves work better when the lights loop around the room or an area. Our room being asymmetrical, the wall effect seemed a more natural choice.
Kitchen ceiling view
The cove will be the same height as the false ceiling of the kitchen. Here a section of the cove is represented.
Visual Philippe Regnier
Cove structure
A cross-sectional view of the cove structure. The yellow blocs represents the wooden strips onto which the planks are attached and fixed to the ceiling. There is a gap of 7 cm between the bottom plank and the wall to let the light out. The brown marks are the 3 positions we tested for the Lightstrips. Starting from position 1 and ending with position 3 being the best.
From the visuals above you can see that we tested 3 different positions for the lightstrips in order to get the best light effect.
Material
The dimension of the cove were defined based on the height of the false ceiling and quite specific. We initially decided to build the cove out of MDF which is the best option. Finding a shop to cut MDF to our exact dimensions was not easy and we did not want to buy the equipment necessary to do the work ourselves. We got lucky to find wood planks pre-painted in white at the exact height required so we went ahead and bought this as an alternative to MDF. For the rest we used basic wooden strips.
Installation
Wooden strips were glued with adhesive mastic and fixed to the concrete ceiling with screws. The distance from the wall was calculated in order to let a gap of 7 cm between the Cove structure and the wall to let the light out. The L-shaped Cove modules were pre-mounted and then fixed to the wooden strip on the ceiling with screws (see pictures for more details). Although we were happy to have found the wooden planks at the perfect dimensions we did lose time during the installation due to the fact that the planks were not perfectly flat and aligned. MDF would surely give a cleaner result and therefore less "fixing" efforts. Note that we painted the inside of the cove in white to maximise light reflections. The final step was obviously to mud the screws and junctions, sand the complete structure and then apply 2 layers of paint with sanding in between for perfect finish.
Ceiling wooden Strips
A wooden strip line was first attached to the ceiling as a support for the Cove the structure.
Photograph Philippe Regnier
Cove structure assembly
The L shaped cove structure was assembled on a table in 3 sections. The planks were screwed onto a wooden strip.
Photograph Philippe Regnier
Cove ceiling installation
Once each sections were ready, they were assembled on the ceiling screwed onto the ceiling wooden strip. Observe the electrical line coming out of the cove for the Hanging lights over the table. The line exits at the exact middle of the table and will be channelled on ceiling through a compact aluminium track.
Photograph Philippe Regnier
With regards to the installation of the lightstrip, and the 3 positions tested, we experienced different results and faced a tradeoff. Position one, facing the wall, offered the advantage of perfectly hiding the strip within the cove structure but the light was casting a shadow due to the bottom part of the cove (see picture below). The shadow was not offering a satisfying light effect and the fact that the planks weren't perfectly flat even worsen the situation creating a "wave" in the shadow.
Light effect position 1
Position 1 casted a shadow line on the wall which was not satisfying and even not regular due to the uneven shapes of the wooden planks.
Photograph Philippe Regnier
Light effect position 3
The light effect in position 3 is much smoother with a natural glow. You can also observe a slightly higher light output vs position 1.
Photograph Philippe Regnier
Lightstrip position 3: Visible LEDs
Lightstrip position 3 makes the LEDs visible when getting closer to the wall
Photograph Philippe Regnier
By installing the strips on the ceiling with the light going down the wall we improved the effect removing the shadow and increasing the light output. Best position ended up being the mark 3 with smoothest light effect and maximum light output (see picture above). Those benefits came at the cost of visible light strips when you get closer to the wall but this is a small downside and in most situations LEDs are invisible.
When planning the construction of a cove, keep in mind potential shadow effects.
Electrical Network
Let me first start by saying that electrical work can be dangerous and you should not do any DIY electrical installations unless you are qualified for it. You should use the help of a professional when necessary.
The electrical aspects of this project are pretty simple in fact. The Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus is a consumer product which do not require any specific electrical knowledge as they simply need a power socket to operate. With regards to our hanging lights, however, we pulled a line which we also ended with a power plug to simply connect to a wall socket. All, of these connections were made at the bottom corner of the garden wall and wires were channeled through a plastic duct (see pictures below).
Power connections
The 3 lines are channelled in a discrete wire duct on the corner of the wall. The 2 lightstrip connectors will be plugged on their respective power supply bloc and the electrical line for the table hanging light will be fitted with a power plug.
Photograph Philippe Regnier
Ceiling connections
The radio modules of the 2 Philips Hue Lightstrips are taped at the ceiling at the end of the cove structure. The Strips connect to their radio module thanks to a special connector.
Photograph Philippe Regnier
Project cost breakdown
Here are rounded numbers of the costs involved in the project. Bear in mind, I did not have to buy all materials as I already had some of the supplies like screws, plugs and tools.
The total cost of the installation was slightly over 500 euros for a 6 meter long cove. Of course the double strip impacts the overall cost by 180 euros so if you plan a similar project and you don't need that much light, you can make some savings there. Keep also in mind that the Light output of the strip is constant over 3 meters. Doubling the strip allowed to maintain 500 lumens per meter of light output. If you only need 3 meters then a single strip will give you exactly 500 lumens per meter and therefore offer the same performance as this setup. If you intend to use the strip for general lighting purposes I suggest to target a minimum of 500 lm/m. For more decorative purposes, level can go as low as 150 lumens per meter as an indication and that's equivalent to the minimum light output of the Lightstrip Plus for an 10 meters length.
Final result
We found the final result very satisfying and fulfilled the objectives we set. The cove is very discrete and blends perfectly in the wall while the second hanging light boosted the light level on the dining area and created a more balanced integration with the rectangular table. Finally, we added the new lights to our Hue light scenes (bright, dimmed and movie) for seamless operations. See the pictures below to check out the light effects.
At full power the glow effect really brighten up the room - Photograph Philippe Regnier
The discrete aluminium track blends in the ceiling perfectly while allowing a perfect positioning of the hanging lights - Photograph Philippe Regnier
Of course, the Philips Hue system allows for very interesting and creative atmospheres. The lightstrips are the perfect solution to add a touch of colour to light scenes.
Photograph - Philippe Regnier
Photograph - Philippe Regnier
Photograph - Philippe Regnier
Photograph - Philippe Regnier
Conclusion
Building the cove has proven to be a bit more complicated than we anticipated but mainly due to the fact that we went for wood instead of MDF. It took us 3 to 4 days to complete the project but we weren't working full time and took it quite easy. With proper planning and guidelines I believe this project can be done much quicker although mudding and painting will always require drying breaks.
Other than that, the construction is rather straight forward and not so complicated after all. The average DIYer should be able to conduct a similar project without too much troubles.
Although quite subjective, we found the outcome to be very gratifying and bringing a lot more value to the house than the relative cost of the installation. I hope this project can inspire some readers in building similar cove and lighting upgrades. Obviously, if you have any questions related to this project and the installation, please, feel free to comment below and I will make sure to answer your questions.
Audio-video freak for more than 20 years, Philippe worked for more than 10 years with the most advanced professional lighting solution. Ended his corporate career at Philips Hue in the booming Smart Home playground. Crazy of Danish design and beautiful products in general. Believes technology should enhance our life not spoil it.
The Dandy Domain
Technology can be overwhelming both in user experience and interior integration. How to enjoy the best of smart home, IoT and entertainment technologies while keeping your living space functional and design?
Our goal is to inspire and showcase readers with the best solutions and practices that will help them fulfil their dreams.
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If you have astigmatism, you’d notice your vision is slightly blurry or distorted at all distances, especially from far.
It is a condition when the front part of our eyes (cornea) has lost the regular dome-shape, as a result, light rays cannot be uniformly focused onto the back of our eyes (retina).
Symptoms of Astigmatism:
- Images appear smudgy or distorted, especially objects at a distant
- Blurry vision from far as well as close up
- Getting headache or eye strain, especially when reading.
Our optometrist can assess your vision, helping you see clearly and comfortably by prescribing glasses or contact lenses. In some cases, shape of the cornea becomes very irregular due to a special eye disorder called “Keratoconus”. Our optometrist can provide more advanced management e.g. custom made hard contact lens to provide you a clear vision and stabilize your eyesight from getting worse. | https://www.brighteroptical.com/astigmatism/ |
Draw an angle of measure 147° and construct its bisector.
The below given steps will be followed to construct an angle of 147º measure and its bisector.
(1) Draw a line l and mark a point O on it. Place the centre of the protractor at point O and the zero edge along line l.
(2) Mark a point A at 147º. Join OA. OA is the required ray making 147º with line l.
(3) Draw an arc of convenient radius, while taking point O as centre. Let it intersect both rays of angle 147º at point A and B.
(4) Taking A and B as centres, draw arcs of radius more than AB in the interior of angle of 147º. Let those intersect each other at C. Join OC.
OC is the required bisector of 147º angle. | https://aakashdigitalsrv1.meritnation.com/ask-answer/question/draw-an-angle-of-measure-147-and-construct-its-bisector/practical-geometry/6296351 |
Hiker's Path: Revisiting History at Mounds State Park
This past month, I got to visit yet another one of our beautiful State Parks: "Mounds State Park" in Anderson, Indiana.
Mounds State park was established as a state park in 1930 and it's listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The park contains and preserves some of the finest examples of earthwork and mound building in Indiana.
Built by the Adena culture around 160 B.C., the 10 mounds and earthworks within the park boundaries range in size from a few inches to several feet high. The mounds were used primarily for ceremonies, celebrations, and observation of solstices, equinoxes, and stellar events. The mounds were also thought to be used for burial sites. The mounds were used centuries later by the Hopewell culture inhabitants. The largest and best-preserved mound in the park is the "Great Mound," and is easily accessed from Trail 1. Upon my arrival, I parked my car near the trailhead and acquired a map of the trails. I decided that I would hike several trails so I took off on trail 1 first to see the Great Mound. There was definitely a feel of fall in the air with the cooler temperatures but the trees around me still held a lot of green in their leaves and many were still attached to the branches. Still, with the “sweater weather” kind of day that I was enjoying, it was okay by me.
It wasn't long until the Mound came into my view along the right side of the trail. The mound is technically referred to as a "circular enclosure," and is the largest of its kind in the state. It's nearly a quarter of a mile in circumference. I was in awe of the work and time that it must have taken to build this mound. I tried to imagine what life was like in the lives of these ancient mound builders. The Adena were notable for their agricultural practices, pottery, artistic works, and their extensive trading network. It was educational to say the least.
After I finished hiking trail 1, I decided to hike trail 5 which is 2.5 miles in length and loops around part of the boundaries of the park. It also provides a scenic view as it follows the banks of the White River that flows along the west side of the park. This trail is the longest and most popular trail in this 252-acre park. White River was unusually beautiful with the sunlight reflecting off the water. But the water level was down quite a bit due to the recent lack of rain in our state.
The forest around me was quiet. I took in the earthy scent of dried leaves and the dampness from the river. It always gives me a feeling of nostalgia, walking through a forest in the fall. I just love the scent of Autumn in Indiana.
It was a nice river walk and very scenic. I came to trail 2 which intersects with trail 5 and decided to follow it. It’s only 0.5 miles in length and leads to a view behind the Great Mound. After following a series of steps ascending upward and onward, I came to a boardwalk that edges around a small creek.I soon found myself back where I had started. There is so much history embedded into this park. It is worth the visit and the drive. It was a good hike and a day well spent.
To get to this place, take I-69 North from Indianapolis toward Fort Wayne. Drive 26.3 miles to exit 226 onto IN-109 S towards Anderson. Drive 0.3 miles and turn left onto South Scatterfield Rd towards Anderson. In 2.8 miles turn right onto Mounds Road. In 1.5 miles turn left and continue on Mounds Road. In 0.5 miles you will see the park entrance on your left. | https://www.spencereveningworld.com/story/sports/2022/10/12/hikers-path-mounds-state-park/69547180007/ |
Do you live in one of the most dangerous cities in Michigan?
We all see our news feeds with reports of crimes happening all around us. From your couch, it’s easy to speculate on where you think the places are in your area to avoid. And you’re probably a little jaded as well; you might think your hometown is quite bad, but in fact, you might be relatively safe.
However, statistics never lie. In order to keep residents – and future residents – of this fine state in the know, we’ve crunched the numbers from the annual FBI report to determine, once and for all, where the danger hot spots are in Michigan. Some are surprising, and some are not.
Just where are the danger hot spots in Michigan? After analyzing all 322 cities, the data has determined that the 10 most dangerous places to live in Michigan are:
- Benton Harbor
- Muskegon Heights
- Detroit
- Benton Charter Township
- Harper Woods
- Flint
- Highland Park
- Flint Township
- Jackson
- Muskegon
Read on below to see how we crunched the numbers, or scroll to the bottom for a complete chart to check how your city ranked. Coastal communities near Lake Michigan are a lot more dangerous than you might think.
Additionally, we needed to put this list into context. While these are hard numbers on crimes that occur in a city, these numbers don’t reflect the fact that sometimes, crimes in a city are committed by tourists or people from outside the city. Tourist towns with lots of visitors might have higher numbers due to this fact.
How we determined the most dangerous cities in Michigan
While there are surveys and public polls on what cities in a state are the most dangerous, we didn’t want to rely on speculation and opinion. Instead, we looked at the hard numbers from the FBI’s last three years of reporting. Specifically, we analyzed the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report which summarizes the number of property crimes and violent crimes in each city per year.
Violent crimes are defined as rapes, murders, robberies and aggravated assaults.
We crunched the numbers on every city in Michigan where a report was available. This left us with more than 300 cities in Michigan to rank.
Additionally, we made 2013 factor more heavily than 2012, since more recent crimes are a bigger determining factor in how dangerous a place is.
We must note that this report is not an analysis of the effectiveness of local police departments. It simply states where crimes occurred most frequently.
1. Benton Harbor
Population: 10,039
Violent crime ranking: 2
Property crime ranking: 4
Benton Harbor is, statistically the most violent place to live in Michigan. Last year, there were 225 violent crimes there, meaning residents have a 1 in 45 chance of being raped, attacked or outright killed.
To put this into perspective, since the average person has 300 Facebook friends, if every single one of them lived in Benton Harbor, 6 of them would have faced death last year.
2. Muskegon Heights
Population: 10,768
Violent crime ranking: 6
Property crime ranking: 8
The top three cities on this list are all on the coast of Lake Michigan. Muskegon Heights, a smaller town with almost 11,000 residents, is, according to the FBI, a very dangerous place.
There were more than 200 violent crimes here in 2013, meaning that 1 in 50 residents was the victim of a serious attack. Crime seems to be ticking up here as well, as violent crimes have gone up 10% since 2011.
3. Detroit
Population: 699,889
Violent crime ranking: 5
Property crime ranking: 11
This isn’t the place to jump on and bash Detroit, though, if you were to do a poll of people, they’d most likely guess that Detroit would top this list. However, per capita, it does not. In fact, perhaps due to the population decrease of Detroit, the number of crimes has gone down since 2011.
Obviously, Detroit is a very dangerous place. Two years ago, there were more than 14,000 residents attacked, murdered or raped.
4. Benton Charter Township
Population: 14,578
Violent crime ranking: 14
Property crime ranking: 3
We only had 2013 data to go by, meaning Benton Township didn’t report its data before that. But when you have a city with a total of 1,200 property crimes, this is definitely a place to watch your back. Nearly 1 in 12 Benton Township residents were robbed two years ago.
That means, if you live there, odds are at least a couple people on your street were victims of a crime.
5. Harper Woods
Population: 13,922
Violent crime ranking: 13
Property crime ranking: 6
Harper Woods, a Detroit suburb, has seen its crime increase overall for the last few years. According to the FBI, violent crimes have nearly doubled here, and residents have a 1 in 15 chance of being robbed.
Additionally, there were 169 attacks in a city of only 14,000 residents.
6. Flint
Population: 99,941
Violent crime ranking: 3
Property crime ranking: 20
Statistically, 1 in 52 people in Flint was the victim of a rape, attack or outright killed in 2013. That’s a really large number – even much higher than Detroit.
Crime in Flint has actually gone down; just four years ago, that number was 1 in 40. And that’s just residents who actually reported a crime. Chances are it was even higher than that.
7. Highland Park
Population: 11,591
Violent crime ranking: 7
Property crime ranking: 17
Another Detroit suburb, Highland Park is, overall, slightly more dangerous than surrounding communities. However, between 2012 and 2013, the number of crimes dropped. Hopefully, that trend continues into the near future.
A resident of Highland Park had a 1 in 61 chance of being involved in a violent attack two years ago.
8. Flint Township
Population: 31,182
Violent crime ranking: 16
Property crime ranking: 9
Flint Township is slightly less dangerous than Flint, but it is still a very uncomfortable place to live if you cherish safety. While the number of robberies here has gone down lately, violent crimes have gone up. Statistically, 1 out of 92 people was attacked just two years ago here.
9. Jackson
Population: 33,378
Violent crime ranking: 10
Property crime ranking: 16
Jackson is a bit of an outlier here. It’s one of the only cities not on the Lake Michigan coast or a Detroit suburb to make the top 10 for most dangerous places to live.
Jackson, a half hour drive west of Ann Arbor, saw almost 400 of its residents report violent attacks two years ago.
10. Muskegon
Population: 36,658
Violent crime ranking: 18
Property crime ranking: 14
Muskegon only recently reported its data to the FBI, but according to their reporting, there were 325 violent crimes and 1,970 property crimes in 2013.
There You Have It
This list may have been surprising to some who had expected to see more cities in the Detroit metro area rank highly. Additionally, it brings to light the level of danger in your community. Scroll down for a complete list.
Again, this list isn’t an indication of the effectiveness of police departments. It’s merely stating where crimes occurred and how often. | https://www.homesnacks.net/these-are-the-10-most-dangerous-places-in-michigan-121292/ |
Area-level socioeconomic disparities have long been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Crime is an important element of the neighborhood environment inadequately investigated in the reproductive and public health literature. When crime has been used in research, it has been variably defined, resulting in non-comparable associations across studies.
Using geocoded linked birth record, crime and census data in multilevel models, this paper explored the relevance of four spatial violent crime exposures: two proximal violent crime categorizations (count of violent crime within a one-half mile radius of maternal residence and distance from maternal residence to nearest violent crime) and two area-level crime categorizations (count of violent crimes within a block group and block group rate of violent crimes) for adverse birth events among women in living in the city of Raleigh NC crime report area in 1999–2001. Models were adjusted for maternal age and education and area-level deprivation.
In black and white non-Hispanic race-stratified models, crime characterized as a proximal exposure was not able to distinguish between women experiencing adverse and women experiencing normal birth outcomes. Violent crime characterized as a neighborhood attribute was positively associated with preterm birth and low birth weight among non-Hispanic white and black women. No statistically significant interaction between area-deprivation and violent crime category was observed.
Crime is variably categorized in the literature, with little rationale provided for crime type or categorization employed. This research represents the first time multiple crime categorizations have been directly compared in association with health outcomes. Finding an effect of area-level violent crime suggests crime may best be characterized as a neighborhood attribute with important implication for adverse birth outcomes.
The literature related to area-level effects, particularly socioeconomic disadvantage, on public health outcomes has grown substantially in recent years [1–18]. Research in perinatal health has demonstrated modest but consistent effects of neighborhood-level socioeconomic disparities in key pregnancy outcomes using census variables [4, 5, 19, 20]. Low birth weights (LBW) have been associated with a variety of neighborhood level socioeconomic variables including poverty [8, 11, 12], unemployment , education and income [7, 8, 11] and median rent , as well as socio-demographic indices of economic disadvantage [15, 17]. Area-level research has a long-standing tradition in the United Kingdom (U.K.) [21–24]. Established area-level indices such as the Townsend Material Deprivation Score and the Carstairs Deprivation Index have been widely utilized in the U.K., which have allowed for the comparison of deprivation effects across a variety of geographic regions. While the last decade has seen advancements in the field of neighborhood research in the United States (U.S.), including innovative data collection approaches [25–28] and increased access to relevant methodology such as multilevel modeling and geographic information systems (GIS) applications, the range of exposures used to represent relevant area-level effects has been largely limited to socio-demographic variables available from the census.
Census data, critical for identifying important associations between socioeconomic disadvantage and a variety of adverse health outcomes, are limited in their utility for public health research several reasons. First, census data are available only at decennial intervals in the US, whereas neighborhood condition and its subsequent effect can change within the span of a few years. Second, the exclusive use of census variables, which are produced by aggregating individual responses to census questions, implies that the important features of 'neighborhoods' can be captured by aggregating individual measures, ignoring the important role of other neighborhood features, such as the presence neighborhood of parks, the quality of area resources or the quantity of local disamenities such as land fills or strip clubs [29, 30]. Third, census variables are limited to socio-demographic features. Economic and demographic features, while clearly important, are not the only neighborhood characteristics likely to affect health intermediates and outcomes. Fourth, census data are restricted to census geography, such as block groups and tracts, which may bear no resemblance to the salient features of 'neighborhoods' for most individuals. Therefore, while census variables continue to function as crude surrogates for neighborhood attributes, other aspects of the neighborhood must be assessed to elucidate more clearly the pathways through which neighborhoods might influence health.
Crime is a potentially important neighborhood characteristic inadequately examined in public health research despite documented relevance to birth outcomes, asthma and health behaviors, such as physical activity. Crime, and fear of crime, are both considered in the literature. Fear of crime is thought to contribute to an underlying mechanism explaining area differences in health [31–33] and has been directly associated with poor health outcomes in several studies [34–36], even after adjusting for health behaviors and a number of individual and household level socioeconomic factors . Neighborhood-level crime is inversely associated with physical activity , especially among adolescent females , with important implications for youth overweight. Exposure to violence, including neighborhood violence, also predicts higher numbers of asthma symptom days and more nights of lost sleep for caretakers, after adjustment for socioeconomic status, housing deterioration and negative life events .
Four previous studies have reported an association between crime and poor pregnancy outcomes. In Santiago, Chile, Zapata and colleagues assigned ratings for sociopolitical violence and found exposure to violent environments associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, adjusting for individual-level risk factors . In their research on impoverished women in Chicago (those living in census tracts with family median incomes <$10,000), Collins and David (1997) found more small-for-gestational-age and LBW deliveries among women living in high (16% LBW), compared with low crime rate neighborhoods (12% LBW). These relationships remained significant after controlling for individual risk factors . Similarly, using the violent crime rate in Chicago, Morenoff (2003) found violent crime to be a robust neighborhood predictor of LBW after controlling for individual covariates . Most recently, we found living in block groups in the highest and second highest quartiles of violent crime rate, compared with the lowest quartile of violent crime rate, was associated with increased odds of preterm birth among black non-Hispanic women (OR = 1.5, 95%CI: 0.9, 2.6, OR = 1.4, 95%CI: 1.0, 2.1, respectively) in adjusted models . The relationship between neighborhood violence and birth outcomes appears suggestive and may help explain the disparity in birth outcomes between white and black women.
Crime exposure has been variably categorized in the literature and have included episodes of political violence [40, 43, 44], one-half mile violent crime density , violent crime incidents , and area crime rates [18, 41, 42, 46]. Increased accessibility to geocoded data has enabled more sophisticated crime modeling techniques [47, 48]. Crime is often reported as a rate or count for a specific geographic space, such as city, county or state. Geocoding, and the creation of distance-based measures to area resources or disamenities, has been an important innovation in health-related research [49–51]. Geocoding allows one to observe the spatial distribution of crime over multiple geographies to more clearly see the areas within a given locality (city, census tract) where crimes are most likely to be reported. It further allows the creation of different crime exposures, like distance to nearest crimes or count of crimes within a certain spatial area. The utility of different crime modeling techniques and the most relevant exposure for health outcomes has not been previously explored, despite probable implications for health.
Using the health example of adverse birth outcomes, this paper will explore the relevance of various violent crime categorizations by assessing their respective associations with two adverse birth outcomes, preterm birth and low birth weight. A priori, we hypothesized that proximal crime measures would be more predictive of adverse birth outcomes than area-level measures. Because no diagnostic criteria are available to formally compare the different exposure models, the predictive utility of each crime categorization, or that crime exposure categorization that proves most useful in differentiating women who experience an adverse birth outcome, will be considered most relevant. Previous published work on Wake County NC indicates black non-Hispanic and white non-Hispanic women live in different socioeconomic and demographic environments. Because of these known heterogeneities in neighborhood structures, which are associated with crime exposure, separate analyses were conducted for black non-Hispanic and white non-Hispanic women using multilevel logistic regression models.
Exposure data from 1999–2001 City of Raleigh NC crime reports contain event locations, of which 99% were geocoded to latitude and longitude using Geographic Data Technology, Inc. (GDT) and assigned a crime category based on methods described in the literature . These analyses are limited to violent crimes, including homicides, assaults, sexual assaults and kidnappings, of which 21,037 (22.5% of total crimes) occurred during the study period in Raleigh. Violent crime events were assigned to 2000 U.S. Census block groups to produce violent crime counts.
The birth outcome and maternal characteristics data are from 1999–2001 Wake County NC birth records (N = 30,481). Each maternal address identified on the birth certificate was geocoded to latitude and longitude and assigned to year 2000 U.S. census block groups. Of the 98.6% of birth records with complete addresses sent to GDT for geocoding, 93.2% achieved an exact census tract match using GDT's methods. The North Carolina birth records contain birth outcome, personal characteristics and health behavior information on each woman.
The third data source is year 2000 U.S. census data, from which the deprivation score, a neighborhood control variable, was derived. The deprivation score is a single summary representing four socioeconomic domains including poverty, housing, employment and education .
Neighborhood is a term loosely used to refer to a person's immediate residential environment, which is hypothesized to have both material and social characteristics related to health [54, 55]. Census block groups were used to approximate the neighborhood environment. This level of aggregation is large enough to contain women who delivered during the study years, but small enough to approximate the immediate physical neighborhood for study subjects. Previous research has advocated using the smallest possible level of aggregation due to the considerable crime variability within larger ecological units [25, 56].
The study was limited to women who resided in the Raleigh crime reporting area and were therefore subject to influence by reported area-level crimes (N = 13,960). Wake County comprises 263 block groups of which 114 represent the Raleigh crime report area. Crime exposure was conceptualized in two distinct ways: as an attribute of the neighborhood and as an attribute of the individual.
At the neighborhood level, block group measures include a) block group violent crime count and b) block group violent crime rate per thousand population ([block group violent crime count / block group population] × 1000). Neighborhood crime tertiles were created based on block group violent crime distributions with 38 block groups per tertile, then merged with maternal data, resulting in common neighborhood categories for black non-Hispanic (hereafter referred to as "black") and white non-Hispanic (hereafter referred to as "white") women.
Two variables conceptualize violent exposure to crime as an individual-level attribute, subject to the geographic distribution of the women in the sample. Proximal violent crime exposure was defined as: a) the count of violent crimes within a one-half mile radius of each woman's address and b) the distance in feet from maternal residence to the nearest violent crime. Previous work and preliminary analyses indicated white and black women were exposed to different quantities of violent crime. Creating proximal crime cutpoints based on the combined distribution of black and white women resulted in the majority of white women falling in the lowest crime categories and the majority of black women falling in the highest crime categories, with virtually no representation of the other racial group in the extremes of the violent crime distribution. Using race-specific cutpoints allowed for a more equal distribution of women of both races across the continuum of individually defined crime. For these reasons, race-specific tertiles were created for the two variables that defined violent crime as an individual attribute. Furthermore, the geographic area represented by these proximal crime exposures differed substantially from the block group-level crime variables. Raleigh NC block groups are quite large, with a mean size of 1.26 square miles (range: 0.10, 15.64). These proximal crime variables represented a much smaller unit of geographic space around the study women.
This research explored the association between crime and two adverse birth outcomes, preterm birth and low birth weight (LBW). Preterm birth is defined as birth at gestational age <37 weeks and weighing less than 3,888 grams . Clinically estimated gestational age was obtained from the birth record. Comparisons between clinically estimated gestational age and last menstrual period calculated gestational age found that for Wake County births, the clinical estimate better approximated the expected preterm, term and post-term proportions that were obtained from a clinical sample with ultrasound dated gestational age. For this reason, the clinical estimate of gestational age, combined with the weight restriction for preterm births, was used to calculate preterm birth. Less than one percent of the records were missing gestational age information. Low birth weight is defined as birth at less than 2500 grams. The vital records were missing no birth weight data. The birth cohort for this analysis was limited to singleton births.
Individual covariates considered include maternal age, education and marital status. These individual-level variables are established risk factors for preterm birth and possible confounders to the neighborhood crime-preterm birth relationship. The neighborhood-level covariate considered for this analysis was neighborhood deprivation and was controlled using a neighborhood deprivation score. The deprivation score is the weighted sum of nine standardized census variables including block group percents of households below 1999 poverty level, female headed households with dependent children, earning < $30,000 per year, on public assistance, with no car, selected owner and renter costs in excess of 50% of income, unemployment, individuals over age 25 with less than a high school education and median household value. The deprivation index has a median value of -0.4, a mean of 0.3 and standard deviation of 2.3 and a range of -2.3 to +12.5. The low end of the deprivation score indicates lack of deprivation (i.e., affluence) whereas a high end of the range suggests a large amount of deprivation. Continuous and categorical forms of the covariates were considered and the categorical forms used in the models. Location of police substation, while associated with crime reporting, is not associated with birth outcomes and was not included as a neighborhood covariate in these analyses.
Distributions and prevalence ratios of each exposure variable and individual and neighborhood-level covariates were examined. Analyses of variance (ANOVA) tested if mean neighborhood-level characteristics differed by block-group violent crime rate tertile. Race-specific multilevel logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the contribution of the neighborhood environment (second level variables) over that of the individual-level predictors and to account for any clustering of the birth outcomes. The authors estimated random effects logistic models with a fixed slope value for each predictor variable but with block group-specific intercepts, adjusting the models for individual and neighborhood covariates. Adjustment for confounders was made when the crude odds ratio differed from the adjusted odds ratio by 10% or more . Terms for the interaction between neighborhood deprivation and crime were introduced to assess if these terms improved the model fit. Analyses were conducted in Stata 8.2.
Of the 11,256 non-Hispanic women delivering singleton live births in Raleigh NC during the study years, 471 (6.7% of 7036) white and 539 (12.8% of 4220) black women delivered preterm and 308 (4.4%) white and 485 (11.5%) black women delivered a LBW infant (Table 1). White women in this sample were generally older with more years of education than black women. Black women were exposed on average to four times as many violent crimes within a half-mile radius: mean number = 106.9 (standard deviation = 139.1) and lived closer to the nearest violent crime: mean = 377.8 (745.9) feet compared with white women: who were exposed to, on average, 24.7 (43.2) crimes and lived on average 1173 (1414) feet from the nearest violent crime (Table 2).
Levels of neighborhood deprivation also differed by race (Table 3), with 54.2% of white women living in the block groups in the lowest tertile of deprivation (most affluent) compared with a roughly equal proportion of black women, 52.1%, living in the most deprived neighborhoods, or those block groups in the highest tertile of deprivation. Consistent with this pattern of exposure to neighborhood deprivation, black women lived in block groups with more violent crimes (68.6 [53.1]) and a higher violent crime rate (31.4 [37.2]) than white women (27.4 [36.1] and 8.5 [16.5], respectively) in this study.
Neighborhood-level features were associated with block group crime tertiles in Raleigh NC (Table 4). Block groups with low rates of violent crime (tertile 1) generally had less poverty (6.1%) and unemployment (2.3%) and fewer households with the following characteristics: female headed with dependent children (7.1%), earning < $30,000/year (19.5%), on public assistance (1.2%), with no car (1.4%) and with low education (6.4%) compared with block groups characterized by high rates of violent crime (tertile 3). Block group level median home value decreased as block groups experienced more violent crimes from approximately $22,000 to $12,000. Interestingly, one neighborhood feature that did not differ across crime tertiles was high housing costs; housing costs appear generally high across Raleigh block groups, regardless of crime rate. The correlation between the neighborhood deprivation index and the continuous violent crime rate was 0.55.
* Percent of block group characteristics and F-statistic P-value comparing mean values for block group crime rate tertiles in Raleigh crime report area, 1999–2001.
White women's odds of adverse birth outcomes appear modestly associated with violent crime in this sample. The proximal exposure categorizations of violent crime, such as the count of violent crimes within a half-mile and distance to nearest violent crimes (Table 5), do not distinguish women at increased odds of delivering preterm; the odds ratios in adjusted models remain close to the null. Exposure to high counts of violent crimes within a half-mile radius of maternal residence suggests a small association with both preterm birth and LBW in unadjusted models, but following adjustment, the association is attenuated. White women living in neighborhoods with high, compared with low rates of violent crime (Table 6) appear to be at increased odds of preterm birth (OR= 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.9) and LBW (OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2, 2.4). The relationship between living in a block group with a high violent crime rate (between 17 and 205 crimes per 1000 population) and adverse birth outcomes is attenuated following adjustment for individual and neighborhood covariates, though still suggestive of increased odds for LBW (OR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.0, 2.3) but less so for preterm birth (OR = 1.3; 95% CI: 0.9, 1.9).
* Unadjusted, individual (maternal age, education), neighborhood (area-level deprivation), and fully-adjusted (individual and area-level covarites) odds ratios [OR] (95% Confidence Intervals [95% CI]) of preterm birth and low birth weight for 1/2 mile violent crime count and distance to nearest violent crime among non-Hispanic white women living in Raleigh NC.
* Unadjusted, individual (maternal age, education), neighborhood (area-level deprivation), and fully-adjusted (individual and area-level covarites) odds ratios [OR] (95% Confidence Intervals [95% CI]) of preterm birth and low birth weight for area-level violent crime count and violent crime rate among non-Hispanic white women living in Raleigh NC.
Similar to the results observed for white women, crime categorized as a proximal exposure shows little association with adverse birth outcomes for black women. In unadjusted models (Table 7), living far from the nearest violent crime suggests protection against LBW (OR = 0.8, 95% CI: 0.6, 1.0), which is the direction of the relationship one might anticipate, but this association is attenuated following adjustment for individual covariates (OR = 0.9, 95% CI: 0.7, 1.1). Violent crime defined as a neighborhood attribute, however, appears to be modestly associated with adverse birth outcomes among black women. In unadjusted models (Table 8), living in a block group with medium and high counts of violent crime confers 80% and 60% increased odds of preterm birth (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.3, 2.5, and OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.3, respectively). Following adjustment, odds of preterm birth are reduced for the highest tertile (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 0.9, 1.8), but remain associated for the middle tertile (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.4). A similar pattern is apparent for LBW; medium levels of violent crime count are associated with LBW after adjustment for individual covariates (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.4) while high levels of violent crime count appear to confer reduced odds of low birth following adjustment (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 0.8, 1.7). In the models employing violent crime rates, odds for adverse birth outcomes show a similar pattern. Unadjusted results suggest living in block groups characterized by medium (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2, 2.0) or high (OR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.9) rates of violent crime are associated with increased odds of preterm birth, compared with living in low violent crime rate block groups. Following adjustment for covariates, the associations are attenuated (OR = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.0, 1.8 and OR = 1.1; 95% CI: 0.8, 1.6) but remain modestly associated for medium violent crime rate block groups. Similarly, the odds of LBW are associated with medium (OR = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.0, 1.8) and high rates of violent crime (OR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2, 2.0) in unadjusted models, but these relationships are reduced following adjustment (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 0.9, 1.7 and OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 0.8, 1.7, respectively).
** Unadjusted, individual (maternal age, education), neighborhood (area-level deprivation), and fully-adjusted (individual and area-level covarites) odds ratios [OR] (95% Confidence Intervals [95% CI]) of preterm birth and low birth weight for 1/2 mile violent crime count and distance to nearest violent crime among non-Hispanic black women living in Raleigh NC.
* Unadjusted, individual (maternal age, education), neighborhood (area-level deprivation), and fully-adjusted (individual and area-level covarites) odds ratios [OR] (95% Confidence Intervals [95% CI]) of preterm birth and low birth weight for area-level violent crime count and violent crime rate among non-Hispanic black women living in Raleigh NC.
To examine if the interaction between neighborhood deprivation and crime influenced birth outcomes, we developed 8 models interacting the dichotomized deprivation index with each category of violent crime. Based on likelihood ratio tests, none of the interaction models was an improvement over the main effect models (p-values ranging from 0.3 – 0.8). In each interaction model, the adjusted odds ratios were consistent with the main effect models.
The measurement of neighborhood effects on health has generally been imprecise, in part due to conceptual and methodological limitations . Researchers often have to make use of administrative or other types of data not explicitly collected for research on health outcomes that offer few options for variable creation and exposure categorization. Using geocoded crime report data, this research sought to contribute to the neighborhood effects literature by testing various spatial and area-level violent crime exposure categorizations and assessing their association with adverse birth outcomes.
Crime was grouped into two main categories: attributes of individuals, or proximal measures, and attributes of neighborhoods. Crimes characterized as proximal, including the count of violent crimes within a half mile of maternal address and distance from maternal address to nearest violent crime were less predictive than those estimating the neighborhood environment in associations with adverse birth outcomes.
Among white women, the rate of neighborhood violent crime showed the strongest association with low birth weight, and a modest association with preterm birth. Several possible explanations exist for this modest effect. First, it is possible that violent crime has little effect on birth outcomes. This potential explanation is somewhat refuted by the violent crime effect observed in other studies. And while possible, this explanation seems unlikely given the research showing that women, and particularly white women, are more fearful of crime than others, despite their decreased risk of victimization compared with other racial and gender groups . The second explanation for the modest violent crime effect is that the white women in this area are minimally exposed. The research reported here supports this explanation. Well over half the white women in this study had low counts of violent crimes within a one-half mile, lived in the farthest tertile from the nearest violent crime, and in block groups with the lowest counts and rate of violent crimes. A related explanation is that the relatively crime free and affluent neighborhoods in which the majority of white women in Raleigh reside offer some protection against, or buffer against, the possibly harmful effects of crime exposure. This explanation is at least partially supported by the study findings, as well. Observing an effect of neighborhood crime rate for white women living in block groups characterized by the highest tertile of violent crime is suggestive and supports the need for further investigation of crime as a neighborhood phenomenon.
Finding the strongest violent crime effect among black women living in the middle, compared with the lowest tertile of violent crime count was unanticipated. One possible explanation for this finding lies in the fact these middle tertile block groups are more racially heterogeneous than the neighborhoods characterized by the upper tertiles of violent crime and previous research has found racial homogeneity to be of some health benefit [6, 61]. Neighborhoods in the middle tertile of violent crime house more white women; black women living in these more heterogeneous neighborhoods may be exposed to other, unmeasured stressors that women at the extremes do not face. One candidate stressor is interpersonal or institutional racism, which may affect birth outcomes. Additionally, black women living in the highest tertile of violent crime are simultaneously exposed to multiple economic stressors. While one might anticipate economic deprivation would lead to increased odds of adverse birth outcomes, as multiple studies have found, these women may have psychologically and physiologically accommodated this increased level of environmental stress and become relatively inured to its effects. In the absence of better individual-level exposure assessment and information regarding women's coping with and perceptions of crime, it is difficult to know what unmeasured individual or neighborhood confounders may influence the association between crime and birth outcomes and put the black women in this middle crime tertile at a relative disadvantage.
Finding an effect of neighborhood-level violent crime is consistent with previous research. In their research on impoverished women in Chicago (those living in census tracts with family median incomes <$10,000), Collins and David (1997) found more small-for-gestational-age and LBW deliveries among women living in high, compared with low crime rate neighborhoods. Similarly, using the violent crime rate in Chicago, Morenoff found violent crime to be a robust neighborhood predictor of LBW after controlling for individual covariates . The research reported here confirms previous low birth weight studies and expands birth outcomes consideration to the etiologically significant outcome of preterm birth. This work builds on earlier findings, which focus largely on violent crime rates, by categorizing crime exposure in multiple ways. It was interesting to note that for white women, relative quantities of violent crime, or the violent crime rate, appeared associated with adverse birth outcomes whereas for black women, absolute violent crime (the violent crime count) appeared more influential.
Finding no effect on birth outcomes for living in close proximity to violent crime was unexpected. We anticipated living farther from violent crime would be protective against preterm birth while living within a half mile of a large number of violent crime episodes would increase a woman's risk of preterm birth. These expectations were not borne out. It is possible that the measurement error associated with geocoded crime events and maternal addresses is sufficiently large to preclude capturing salient distances or densities of violent crime or that systematic crime reporting errors may result in crime misclassification. Additionally, crime report data does not represent actual crime experiences and in the absence of daily diaries or other individual data collection techniques, it is impossible to assess actual crime exposure.
The mechanisms through which crime may influence health, and birth outcomes in particular, are uncertain. Exposure to violent environments has been associated with mental health in children and sleep disturbances, nightmares and other anxiety manifestations among adults . Another possible mechanism by which crime can influence health is through chronic stress. Research in this area is new, but some work has found violence exposure to be an important constituent of chronic environmental stress, suggested to play a role in developing essential hypertension through elevated sympathetic nervous system activity . Other work finds evidence for an association between maternal stress or stressful life events and adverse pregnancy outcomes [64–68], including PTB [67–69], while other research does not [70, 71]. Crime environments may influence health outcomes through behavior. Crime has been previously associated with health risk behaviors in young men and women . Health behaviors, especially those used to reduce stress such as cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption, can be particularly harmful during pregnancy.
This research is limited in several ways. The choice of control variables was limited to those reliably collected on the birth record. Other covariates, including tobacco and alcohol use, may partially explain the study results, but because of data quality issues were not explored in these analyses. Further, recognizing the presence of a crime event may differentially impact pregnancy health depending on perceptions of overall neighborhood quality, threat, pre-existing anxieties and a host of other psychosocial factors not assessed in this research. This study is further limited by its reliance on administratively defined boundaries to approximate the 'neighborhood'. The census block group is a relatively small unit of aggregation, but may bear no resemblance to the salient neighborhood-level exposure. Further, each woman's definition of neighborhood may differ, adding another level of complexity to determining relevant exposure types and levels. Despite the potential misattribution of "neighborhood" influence to an administrative unit, other authors have found using the census block group as the unit of analysis useful in studies of birth outcomes . The study relied on birth certificate data for all individual-level data; the quality of birth record data is variable. Among North Carolina birth certificates, research indicates reporting is very accurate for birth weight and fair to good for most other variables, but poor for medical history and alcohol use . The greatest concern with using birth record data in this research involves the construction of gestational age, from which one outcome measure is obtained. This limitation has been addressed through use of the clinical gestational age estimate, as discussed in the methods section.
One issue that frequently perplexes epidemiologic research is that of the modifiable areal unit problem [MAUP]. The MAUP arises from the imposition of artificial units of spatial reporting on continuous geographical phenomenon resulting in the generation of artificial spatial patterns . The MAUP describes two effects that influence statistical and epidemiological results: scale and aggregation effects. The scale effect produces different statistical results by altering the denominator within the same dataset . The aggregation or zoning effect arises from variability in the way units can be grouped at a given scale . By assessing both census tract (data not shown) and census block group data, and finding similar effects at both levels of aggregation, this research can be considered robust to the scale effects of the MAUP. While this research did not address zoning effects directly, its use of different spatial categorizations of crime was an attempt to forward the field of area-level effects on health outcomes.
This research represents an important step in refining neighborhood exposures for health outcomes. The use of geocoded data allowed for multiple violent crime categorization forms. To our knowledge, this paper is the first to employ multiple categorizations of crime exposure and assess the relationship of each to a health outcome. Additionally, this paper considered two adverse birth outcomes, thereby providing a broader array of information. The study benefited from a large number of women, births and crime events; these numbers enabled the investigators to observe modest effects on relatively rare outcomes.
Living in close proximity to crime, estimated by the count of violent crimes within a half-mile radius of residence and the distance from residence to nearest violent crime, was not associated with adverse birth outcomes in this research. Area-level crime, whether measured as the count of violent crimes within a given block group or the block group rate of violent crime, was more useful for differentiating areas where women would and would not be at increased odds of an adverse birth outcome, even after adjusting for neighborhood-level deprivation. This is the first work to consider multiple categorizations of crime exposure in association with health outcomes. The results from this paper suggest that, at least for birth outcomes, crime appears best considered as part of the general neighborhood environment, rather than as a proximal exposure.
Preterm birth and LBW are important public health outcomes, but pregnancy is a resilient time for many women. Most pregnancies can endure a variety of 'insults' and still result in healthy, normal weight, term infants. Other health outcomes may prove more sensitive to the 'individual exposures' approach to crime characterization and this possibility should be considered in further research.
Jay S Kaufman, Nancy Dole, Amy Herring and Barbara A Laraia contributed equally to this work.
Many thanks to David A Savitz, who read and commented on earlier versions of this manuscript. This research was partially supported by the NHEERL / DESE Cooperative Training in Environmental Sciences Research, EPA CT829471. Although the research described in this article has been supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the cooperative training agreement identified above, it has not been subjected to Agency review and therefore does not necessarily reflect the views of the Agency and no official endorsement should be inferred. Further financial and technical support for this study was provided by The Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services.
LCM conceived of and drafted the manuscript and conducted the study analyses. JSK co-conceived of the manuscript and participated in the study design and analysis plan. NDR participated in the study conception, design and coordination. AH contributed to the statistical analyses and modifications of the manuscript. BAL helped conceived of the study, and participated in its design and coordination. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. | https://ij-healthgeographics.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1476-072X-5-22 |
Death in America:
Selections from the Zadig & Voltaire Collection
LOT 35 B , SALE 14187
Untitled (After Sam)
PRICE REALIZED
USD 10,551,500
LOT 45 B , SALE 14187
Untitled
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USD 6,743,500
LOT 79 B , SALE 3740
Untitled
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USD 4,757,000
LOT 36 , SALE 15473
Untitled
PRICE REALIZED
GBP 2,648,750
LOT 15 , SALE 13267
RUDOLF STINGEL (ITALY, B. 1956)
Untitled
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HKD 22,860,000
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Join the team at The Equity Project (TEP) Charter School, featured in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and on 60 minutes for its revolutionary teacher salaries and its outstanding results.
Position Overview: The Equity Project Charter School is seeking a motivated, experienced and dependable individual to join TEP’s new Middle School campus: a newly constructed 60,000 square foot, state-of-the-art building scheduled to open in 2019, and home to 480 (5th grade through 8th grade) students. The Handyperson will be responsible for building maintenance and repairs in the areas of light plumbing, HVAC, electrical, carpentry, and appliances.
Position Responsibilities:
- Regularly inspect classrooms, bathrooms, offices and shared spaces for maintenance issues.
- Conduct regular preventative maintenance on basic plumbing system and building systems.
- Efficiently complete all daily work orders in a specified amount of time and report completed work orders electronically.
- Work with operations and facilities team to ensure all repairs and services are completed on a timely basis.
- Troubleshoot and repair maintenance issues involving basic electrical, plumbing, A/C, HVAC, appliances, and carpentry.
- Perform custodial duties for the TEP School Facility as needed.
- Responds to after hour on-call emergencies.
- Stays current on all applicable building codes and safety standards.
- Maintains waste and recycling rooms.
- Upkeep school exterior, including sweeping and snow removal.
- Maintains the proper storage and upkeep of power tools and equipment.
- Conducts inventory of tools and supplies needed to perform handyperson duties and inform supervisor of supply needs.
- Advises immediate supervisor on the condition of buildings and facilities by conducting regular inspections and develop a plan of action to remedy maintenance issues.
Qualifications:
- Strong experience and knowledge of painting and plastering, basic plumbing, electrical, HVAC, carpentry, and appliance repair.
- Knowledge and experience in the safe use of power tools.
- Previous school maintenance experience, preferred.
- A positive attitude and dependable work ethic.
- Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
- Basic computer skills or experience using a computer based work order tracking system.
- Ability to stand for long periods of time and lift and carry objects weighing up to 40 pounds.
Accountability: The Handyperson will report directly to the Facilities Supervisor.
Compensation and benefits: Hourly rate of $22 per hour with weekly hours varying between 35 to 40 hours per week along with occasional weekends and overtime work. The Handyperson has approximately 3 weeks of vacation in addition to 10 federal holidays. Paid sick and holiday time may be used after 120 days of employment. Medical, vision and dental plans are available. TEP also offers a retirement plan, life insurance, Dependent Care FSA and other benefits.
To apply, you must submit an application that consists of two components: 1 – Resume and 2 - Cover Letter. The requirements for each of the two components are specified in detail below.
- RESUME: Please submit an up-to-date resume.
- COVER LETTER: Please submit a well-written cover letter. | https://www.themuse.com/jobs/theequityprojectcharterschool/handyperson |
Note: the texts under all the headings, with the exception of 'Results achieved', describe the situation before the start of the project.
Modernisation and addition to Senior Home, Bilovec
The project aims at providing a dignified environment for seniors in the “Home for senior citizens” in Bilovec by reconstructing 9 rooms, 3 common spaces and 12 sanitary facilities and by establishing 16 additional rooms. While qualified social workers will introduce modern methods of individualized work with residents, a new service (respite care) for 3 clients will be offered. Hence, social services of high quality will be provided to elderly people in need of assistance.
|Country/region||Topic||Period||Budget|
|
Czech Republic
||
Improving social security
|
Social services for specific target groups
|
01.04.2012
- 30.04.2017
||
CHF 1'102'845
|
- Seniors
- Social workers
- Families of the clients
- Through reconstruction, extending the facility and new equipement, the services have been humanised with reduced number of beds per room, reduced number of users per one sanitary facility (number of users per facility reduced from 15 to 2.75), and new interior rooms and revitalized garden for recreactiv and therapeutic activities.
- Premises for respite services are operational and resulted in extension of social services.
- All 33 residents have barrier-free access to their rooms and other common space.
- 4 new methods of social work with seniors such as alternative communication, basal stimulation, relaxation therapy, and group activation (art, music and dance therapies) are available for all users of the facility and contributed to strengthening the quality of care.
- 12 employees have been trained to apply the new methods of social care.
- 1 job as social work methodologist was created and greatly support the training and continous training related to new care methods.
- The Executing Agency was active in sharing good practice and experience with other similar partners as well as with other institutions in the area of care for elderly people.
- National State Institute North
-
Aid Type Enlargement contribution
Project number
7F07996
|Background||
|
While the demographic trends indicate that the number of senior citizens will continue to grow rapidly, most institutions offering services for elderly people are characterized by inappropriate facilities, outdated equipment and work methods which do not correspond to the contemporary knowledge and best practices. This applies in particular to the disadvantaged regions in eastern Czech Republic, constituting the focus regions of the Swiss contribution. As a result, the social services delivered often do not respect appropriate standards and, thus, affect the quality of life of the residents of these institutions. The Home for Senior Citizens in Bilovec is characterized by an outdated infrastructure which does not permit to provide social services of high quality to its residents.
|Objectives||
|
The goal of the project is to provide a dignified environment for seniors by setting up a comprehensive system of high quality social care services. This shall be achieved by the modernization and extension of the senior home as well as by introducing modern work methods which will improve the care services delivered to individual residents.
|Target groups||
|
|Activities||
|
The project will finance the modernization and extension of the existing building through the construction of 16 new rooms and the renovation of 9 existing rooms, including the construction of en-suite bathrooms. Furthermore, 3 common rooms, a therapeutic room as well as barrier-free entrances and a garden will be constructed. The building will be thermally insulated (incl. new windows), and a new local waste water treatment plant will be installed. Finally, 12 employees of the Executing Agency will be trained in 4 new work methods (financed from the applicant’s own sources).
|Results||
|
Achieved results: | https://www.erweiterungsbeitrag.admin.ch/erweiterungsbeitrag/en/home/countries/tschechische-republik/projekte-in-tschechien.par_projectfilter_page2.html/content/dezaprojects/SDC/en/2012/7F07996/phase1?oldPagePath=/content/erweiterungsbeitrag/en/home/laender/tschechische-republik/projekte-in-tschechien.html |
Our melt-in-your-mouth version of the popular chilled Italian-style dessert, Tiramisu, is made with ladyfinger cookies that are flavored with instant coffee granules and liqueur, layered in creamy filling and topped off with a dusting of cocoa.
In a small bowl, combine the water, coffee granules, liqueur, and vanilla; stir to dissolve the coffee then set aside. In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, egg substitute, and sugar until smooth; set aside.
In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold half of the whipped cream into the cheese mixture until thoroughly combined.
Line the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish with one package of ladyfingers, slightly overlapping to fit. Spoon half of the coffee mixture over the ladyfingers. Spoon half of the cheese mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
Layer with the remaining package of ladyfingers and repeat with the coffee mixture and cheese mixture. Spoon the whipped topping over the top and sprinkle with the cocoa. Cover and chill for at least 3 hours before serving.
Mascarpone cheese is a fresh Italian double cream cheese that is buttery smooth in texture and can often be found in supermarket deli departments. If it's not available, you can substitute cream cheese beaten with a little milk until creamy and smooth.
If you prefer not to use egg substitute, you may alternatively use 2 eggs (just mix with a whisk before adding).
If you liked this Italian dessert recipe, be sure to check out our Cassata Cake or our Italian Cream Cake: An Easy Italian Cream Cake Recipe.
If you don't want too use egg substitute, you can get pasteurized eggs in some stores. That way, you don't have to worry about them being raw. I can't wait to make this for myself and my friend, who's favorite dessert is Tiramisu. Thank you!
Can I use gelatine powder mix with 60 ml of warm water instead of eggs or egg substitute?
Can I use the Italian, crispy ladyfingers in this recipe? Please let me know.
Use the crisp one, the soft ones will become soggy. I like Balocco Savoiardi brand. Available in an Italian deli or online.
Hi! What if I can't get any egg substitute, what can I use instead? Thanks. Pls reply I really like to make this for my daughter's bday party.
You can use 2 eggs beaten. Just remember this recipe is not cooked.
Is there egg substitue or not ? In the recipe above it states i/2 egg substitute. Can you please let us know which is correct. Looks good and would like to try.
Can this be made ahead and frozen for a week or two?
Do not believe we've tasted any better @ any high end restaurants! Wonderful, easy, quick. Have always wanted to make @ home....glad I tried Mr. Food's version. I used 2 whole beaten eggs for the sub.......I guess he used the sub for people who are afraid of the raw egg thing....not I. This looked absolutely beautiful when cut, just like Mr. Food's. Will be impressive for company as well. My hubby is ga-ga over it! Thanks!
Thanks all, for catching the error in this recipe. We've corrected the recipe ingredients and instructions. Enjoy!
I'm a little confused. Egg substitute IS included in the ingredients and instruction 1. Are these questions about a different recipe?
There is no egg substitute noted in the recipe but stated in the video. Please clarify -- is an egg substitute to be included or not???????
There is no egg substitute ingredient noted in the recipe, but it is mentioned in the video- Clarification? | https://www.mrfood.com/Misc-Desserts/Melt-in-Your-Mouth-Tiramisu |
Shouldn’t We Have Been Able To See This Huge Meteor Coming?
Space rocks are typically tiny and dark. Even if we could spot them, it wouldn't be until they were already upon us, and by then it's too late.
Friday morning’s meteor, the largest object to strike Earth in more than a century, took the whole planet by surprise. But maybe it didn’t have to.
There’s a chance the space rock that careened into Earth’s atmosphere over Russia could have been spotted if the right telescope happened to be looking in the right place. That’s happened exactly once before. But it’s highly unlikely it could have been spotted in enough time to sound an alarm–at least not with our planet’s existing warning systems.
International scientists say it’s unrelated to the asteroid 2012 DA14, which flew past Earth today. That rock was found in a ground-based sky survey, but at roughly half a football stadium in width, it is much larger than the meteorite.
2012 DA14 was hard enough to find, but the chances of spotting something like this morning’s meteorite are really dismal, said Laurie Leshin, dean of science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and former research director of the Center for Meteorite Studies at Arizona State University.
“The rocks themselves tend to be very dark. Most meteorites reflect only a couple percent of the light that hits them,” she said. “A lot of them are filled with carbonaceous materials, like coal, basically, so they can be very black.”
The unnamed rock packed a gigantic 300-500 kiloton punch when it exploded in the air, blowing out windows, damaging hundreds of buildings and injuring at least 1,200 people. That’s a good 20 times the power of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. The rock was probably about 50 feet in diameter, an estimate derived from two infrasound stations near the impact, according to Peter Jenniskens, a SETI Institute scientist and principal investigator of the Cameras for Allsky Meteor Surveillance at NASA’s Ames Research Center. He said that although small, this space rock could have been seen, at least in principle.
“This asteroid could have been detected if we would have been searching for it,” he said. “It was not, as far as I know, seen coming in, and there was no prediction that this could happen. But that could have a lot to do with the fact that a survey, at any given time, only covers a small area of sky.”
There is one example in the scientific record of an incoming meteorite being discovered before impacting Earth. In the middle of the night between Oct. 5 and Oct. 6, 2008, Richard Kowalski was manning a 1.5-meter telescope belonging to the Catalina Sky Survey near Tucson, Ariz., when he spotted an object ultimately named 2008 TC3. This space rock was only 7 to 16 feet in diameter, much smaller than the one that hit Russia today, and incredibly faint–a magnitude 19 object. His observation came 20 hours before the rock exploded an estimated 23 miles above Sudan’s Nubian Desert. The explosion created a 1.2 kiloton shock wave, Jenniskens said.
“(Friday’s explosion) was 300 times bigger,” he noted. “We could have seen it. It is quite possible that it did go through someone’s survey field, or maybe an amateur’s telescope.” Astronomers will no doubt be combing their records from the past couple of days–probably the earliest it would have been seen–to check if anything crops up.
Randy Korotev, a meteorite expert at Washington University in St. Louis, said many meteorites are agglomerations of non-reflective material that are too tiny to reflect much light. This helps explain why they disintegrate when they enter Earth’s atmosphere–they’re crumbly.
“When these things hit the atmosphere, from the point of view of the meteorite, it’s like hitting concrete. It compresses the air so fast,” he said. “Most meteorites can’t stand the internal shock themselves. That’s why, toward the end, they typically fall apart.”
The overwhelming majority of the time, that’s how meteors become visible–by turning into a literal fireball, in Leshin’s words. “They are glowing from fire, because they are going so fast when they come through our atmosphere,” said Leshin. That’s true right at their surfaces, she added–inside, meteorites are still ice cold.
Philipp Heck, assistant curator of Meteoritics and Polar Studies at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, said a denser network of small ground-based telescopes and sensitive cameras could theoretically detect a small asteroid like the one that became today’s meteor. Or an infrared telescope, which can detect very small items, might be able to spot them.
“A combination of both makes sense. Now, after today, I think people will be more aware of the threats that exist,” he said. | https://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-02/shouldnt-we-have-been-able-see-huge-meteor-coming-actually-no/ |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST
This application is the National Stage of PCT/EP2014/067490 filed on Aug. 15, 2014, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of German Application No. 10 2013 109 606.9 filed on Sep. 3, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. The international application under PCT article 21(2) was not published in English.
The invention relates to a method for detection of a fill level in a collection container.
Specific physical, chemical properties or material compositions of an environment can be detected with a sensor device, so that it is possible to also measure a fill level in a collection container, for example the fill level in a waste container. In this measurement method for detection of the fill level in the collection container, an ultrasound transducer disposed in the sensor device emits signals that are reflected as echo signals by the content or by the bottom of the collection container. The distance between the ultrasound transducer and the content or the distance between the ultrasound transducer and the bottom of the collection container is determined by way of the echo signals. Thus, distance values are obtained from these echo signals, from which values the fill level in the collection container can be determined.
Such a method for fill level detection is described, for example, in EP 2 148 219 B1.
In DE 4308373 A1, a method for detection and for separation of useful echoes and interference echoes in the reception signal of distance sensors is described. These distance sensors work according to the pulse/echo principle. In this regard, a single echo is assigned to a maximum detected in a reception signal, wherein characteristic echo features are determined for the individual echo, in terms of value, from the reception signal. In a subsequent evaluation, these echo characteristics are linked with one another in such a manner that a multiple echo probability is assigned to each individual echo.
In DE 4308373 A1, however, the intensity of the signals emitted as well as the transmission power remain constant in the measurements, and this can lead to significant losses in the near range.
A sensor for measuring a liquid level in a container by means of ultrasound is known from US 2007/0261487 A1. In this regard, the transmission power is defined using echo signals. In addition, the attenuation is established as a function of the distance. Influence variables such as relative humidity or temperature, for example, are not taken into consideration in control of the transmission power.
It is therefore the task of the present invention to make available a method for the detection of a fill level in a collection container, with which method distance measurements can be carried out both in the near range and in the far range, and undesirable interference signals can be suppressed.
This task is accomplished according to the characteristics of the invention.
The invention therefore relates to a method for detection of a fill level in a collection container by means of a sensor device, wherein the sensor device is configured as an ultrasound sensor. In this method, the different regions (detection regions) of the collection container, which regions are to be measured, are measured by means of ultrasound. For this purpose, the method provides a measurement sequence that comprises at least one measurement cycle. A detection region is measured with each measurement cycle. If, therefore, m detection regions are to be measured, then m measurement cycles are accordingly required. Each of these m measurement cycles consists of n individual measurements (with n=1, 2, 3 . . . ), wherein a specific detection region of an interior of the collection container is measured with each measurement cycle. In that the transmission power and/or the reception gain and/or the transmission burst is adapted in the n individual measurements, it is possible to mask out undesirable interference signals. The individual measurements therefore differ from one another by at least one of the three variables (transmission power or reception gain or transmission burst).
A further advantage of the method consists in that fewer detection regions have to be measured by means of varying the transmission power and/or the reception gain and/or the transmission burst, and thereby fewer measurement cycles and therefore fewer individual measurements are required to determine the fill level of the collection container. In this regard, initialization takes place before the beginning of a measurement sequence. By means of this initialization, the sensor device is calibrated with reference to a specific collection container type that corresponds to the type of collection container that is to be measured. For this purpose, a previously produced profile for a specific collection container type is uploaded from the data memory module, which profile was created as a function of the respective collection container type as well as its container dimensions. During the creation of this profile, the limit values for the fill level of the collection container type are defined, wherein the minimal fill level (=collection container is empty) is entered as the lower limit value, and the maximal fill level (=collection container is full) is entered as the upper limit value. Other general conditions also flow into the profile, such as, for example, the relative humidity or the outdoor temperature. Furthermore, different transmission powers, receptions gains, as well as detection limits, i.e. the sensitivity of the ultrasound transducer, are included in the profile. This initialization takes place only once for a specific collection container type. After the initialization was performed, the actual measurement sequence can be started.
It is furthermore advantageous that a plausibility check is performed for each of the m measurement cycles (with m=1, 2, 3, . . . ). In this regard, a check takes place to determine whether the individual measurements of the different measurement cycles have led to measurement results that can be evaluated. In other words, a check takes place to determine whether the measurement values obtained by means of the measurement cycles are valid and therefore can be evaluated. Measurement values that cannot be evaluated are filtered out with this plausibility check, so that only the measurement values that can be evaluated are used for the further evaluation. In this way, incorrect measurements can be recognized right from the start, so that measurement values obtained from incorrect measurements are not used for a determination of the distance of the ultrasound transducer from the content of the collection container or for a determination of the distance of the ultrasound transducer from the bottom of the container. As a result, the distance values can be determined very precisely, and therefore the fill level can also be determined very precisely.
It is furthermore advantageous that the measurement values that can be evaluated are averaged by means of adaptive filtering, and the distance values obtained by averaging are checked with regard to their stability. As a result of the stability check, only distance values that can be evaluated are used for the calculation of the fill level. In contrast, distance values that cannot be evaluated are not included in the calculation of the fill level. In this way, it is possible to determine the fill level of the collection container with very little computation effort, and furthermore very precisely.
It is advantageous if the distance values determined are transmitted to an external higher-level controller by way of a bidirectional serial interface, wherein the higher-level controller calculates the fill level of the collection container from the distance values obtained by averaging of the measurement values. A diagnosis is performed in the external higher-level controller for the invalid distance values. This diagnosis helps to optimize the method for fill level determination.
FIG. 1
FIG. 1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
2
5
16
15
5
2
16
2
2
16
In , a sensor device for fill level detection in a collection container is shown. This collection container —as shown in —can be an underfloor container . This underfloor container is housed in a chamber , which can be part of a building (not shown). The chamber , in which the underfloor container is housed, lies underneath a bottom . A filling shaft having a filling cover projects out of the bottom . It is possible to charge the underfloor container by way of the filling shaft . If the underfloor container is a waste container, for example, this underfloor container can be charged with waste by way of the filling shaft .
1
2
2
2
The sensor device comprises an ultrasound transducer (not shown), with which the distance between the ultrasound transducer and the content of the collection container (collection container is filled) or the distance between the ultrasound transducer and a bottom of the collection container (collection container is empty in this region) can be determined. Using the ultrasound transducer, different regions (called detection regions) of an interior of the collection container are measured one after the other, in terms of time.
15
16
15
16
Preferably, the ultrasound transducer is configured in such a manner that this ultrasound transducer can switch between an active operating state and a power-saving mode. If the filling cover of the filling shaft is closed, the ultrasound transducer is in the power-saving mode. In this power-saving mode, the ultrasound transducer uses less energy than in the operating state. If the filling cover of the filling shaft is opened, the ultrasound transducer is switched to the active operating state, and the ultrasound transducer begins with the measurement method in the form of a measurement sequence. In this regard, the ultrasound transducer carries out a measurement cycle for a defined number of regions (detection regions) to be measured, in each instance. Each measurement cycle consists of multiple individual measurements. In order for the ultrasound transducer to start with the measurement sequence, this ultrasound transducer must first be switched from the idle state to the active operating state. For this purpose, an activation device (not shown) is provided, which switches the ultrasound transducer to the active operating state—as a result of external environmental influences, for example. For this purpose, the activation device can have a sensor, for example a light sensor, a movement sensor, a temperature sensor, an electrical contact or a vibration measurement device, which perceives such external environmental influences.
15
15
16
15
In this regard, activation of the activation device takes place by way of a triggering apparatus, for example the filling cover . If, for example, the filling cover is opened, light falls into the interior of the filling shaft , and the incident light can be registered by the light sensor. Also, it is possible that the vibration measurement device is excited when the filling cover is opened. It is also possible, however, that the activation device has a time-recording system, thereby causing the ultrasound transducer to perform the measurement sequences at previously defined time intervals.
1
1
If the activation device was activated, the activation device transmits a signal to the sensor device , thereby causing the sensor device and thereby also the ultrasound transducer to be switched to the active operating state and to perform a measurement sequence.
1
1
4
4
2
4
2
4
2
FIG. 1
FIG. 2
A schematic structure of the sensor device shown in is shown in . The sensor device has an ultrasound transducer , with which the distance between the ultrasound transducer and the content of the collection container or the distance between the ultrasound transducer and a bottom of the collection container can be measured. Using the ultrasound transducer , different regions (detection regions) of an interior of the collection container are measured one after the other, in terms of time.
1
6
7
8
9
7
8
9
6
6
FIG. 1
The sensor device furthermore comprises a control module , a transmission/reception module , a bidirectional serial interface , and a data memory module . Although not shown in , the transmission/reception module , the bidirectional serial interface , and the data memory module can also be a component of the control module . The control module preferably has a microcontroller with integrated analog functions as the control element, as well as a power source by way of which the transmission power is controlled, as well as a programmable amplifier, by way of which the reception gain is controlled.
10
1
2
10
1
10
10
8
10
An external higher-level controller is provided outside of the sensor device , which controller can have a local fill level display. This local fill level display can be a monitor. The fill level of the collection container that is determined can be monitored using the external controller . Furthermore, a diagnosis of the sensor device can be carried out using the external controller , for example if distance values were determined that cannot be used for the determination of the fill level, for example because they are incorrect. The external controller receives the diagnosis values required for carrying out the diagnosis from the bidirectional serial interface . In this regard, the external controller can be a local signaling apparatus or a remote-action module.
10
8
1
8
6
The external controller stands in connection with the bidirectional serial interface of the sensor device . This bidirectional serial interface in turn is connected with the control module .
2
1
9
8
6
1
4
9
7
6
4
If the fill level of the collection container is supposed to be determined, initialization, by means of which the sensor device is calibrated with reference to a specific collection container type, takes place in a first step. For this purpose, a specific profile that is stored in the data memory module is uploaded by the bidirectional serial interface and placed into the control module . These profiles serve for calibration of the sensor device , wherein the profiles are assigned to a specific collection container type. Because the profiles are assigned to a specific collection container type, the calibration therefore takes place as a function of the container dimensions of a specific collection container type. In this way, it is also possible to define a reference variable for the fill level. For this purpose, limit values for the fill level of a specific collection container type are defined before the start of the measurement sequence, wherein the minimal fill level (=the collection container is empty) is input as the lower limit value, and the maximal fill level the collection container is full) is input as the upper limit value. Furthermore, different transmission powers, reception gains, as well as detection limits, i.e. the sensitivity of the ultrasound transducer , are stored in the data memory module , so that when a profile is compiled for a specific collection container type, these parameters are also taken into consideration. It is advantageous if other general conditions are also included for the initialization, such as, for example, relative humidity or temperature. The transmission power, the reception gain, and also the transmission burst can be configured using the transmission/reception module , which is disposed between the control module and the ultrasound transducer .
4
2
4
2
After the initialization, the actual measurement sequence, which consists of multiple measurement cycles, takes place. Each of these measurement cycles in turn consists of multiple individual measurements. In each individual measurement, the distance between the ultrasound transducer and the content of the collection container or the distance between the ultrasound transducer and the bottom of the collection container is measured. The number of measurement cycles in the measurement sequence depends, for example, on the size or on the structure of the collection container to be measured. The larger the collection container and the more complex the structure of the collection container, the more measurement cycles are required.
FIG. 3
FIG. 2
FIG. 2
11
6
1
9
11
shows a schematic representation of a measurement sequence in the form of a flow chart. Before the fill level of a collection container of a specific collection container type is determined, an initialization of the sensor device with reference to this collection container type takes place in a first step. In this regard, this initialization is carried out in the control module (see ). By means of this initialization, the sensor device is configured with reference to this specific collection container type. For this purpose, a previously produced profile is uploaded from the data memory module (see ), which profile was created as a function of the collection container type and therefore also as a function of its container dimensions. In the creation of this profile, the limit values for the fill level of a specific collection container type are defined, wherein the minimal fill level (=the collection container is empty) is input as the lower limit value, and the maximal fill level (=the collection container is full) is input as the upper limit value. Other general conditions also flow into the creation of the profile, such as, for example, the relative humidity or the outdoor temperature. Furthermore, different transmission powers, reception gains, as well as detection limits, i.e. the sensitivity of the ultrasound transducer, are stored in the profile. This initialization takes place only once for the collection container, the fill level of which is to be determined. After the initialization, the actual measurement sequence begins.
11
12
14
12
14
11
12
14
12
14
4
6
7
FIG. 3
FIG. 3
FIG. 2
Each measurement sequence contains m measurement cycles, wherein a region of a content of the collection container (=detection region) is measured during each measurement cycle. If, therefore, m detection regions are supposed to be measured (with m=1, 2, 3, . . . ), m measurement cycles are also required for this. Each measurement cycle consists of multiple individual measurements, wherein the distance between the ultrasound transducer and the content of the collection container or the distance between the ultrasound transducer and the bottom of the collection container is detected with each individual measurement, for a specific detection region, in the form of measurement values. In each of the n individual measurements, the transmission power and/or the reception gain and/or the transmission burst are varied, in this regard. The measurement sequence according to consists of three measurement cycles to , wherein each measurement cycle to comprises n individual measurements (with n=1, 2, 3, . . . ). Although the measurement sequence shown in contains only three measurement cycles to , it is clear that a measurement sequence can also have more than three measurement cycles, but must have at least one measurement cycle. In each of these m individual measurements of each measurement cycle to , the ultrasound transducer emits an ultrasound signal that is reflected in an interior of the collection container, wherein the reflected signal is received by the ultrasound transducer once again as an echo signal. The echo signal is converted to an electrical signal by the ultrasound transducer , and passed on to the control module by way of the transmission/reception module (see also in this regard).
6
FIG. 2
The electrical signal contains data about the amplitude as well as the running time of the echo signal. This electrical signal correlates with the distance between the ultrasound transducer and the content of the collection container or the distance between the ultrasound transducer and a bottom of the collection container, and is stored in the control module as a measurement value (see ). In each of the n individual measurements, a transmission power and/or a reception gain and/or a transmission burst are varied. As a result of varying the transmission power and/or the reception gain and/or the transmission burst, fewer detection regions have to be measured, and therefore fewer measurement cycles and thereby also fewer individual measurements are required to determine the fill level of the collection container.
12
12
12
12
12
With the first measurement cycle , the distance between the ultrasound transducer and the content of the collection container or the distance between the ultrasound transducer and the bottom of the collection container is determined for a first detection region. This measurement cycle consists of multiple individual measurements, wherein the transmission power and/or the reception gain and/or the transmission burst are varied in each individual measurement. The individual measurements therefore differ from one another in at least one of the three variables (transmission power or reception gain or transmission burst). Thus, a measurement value that corresponds to a distance between the ultrasound transducer and the content of the collection container or the distance between the ultrasound transducer and the bottom of the collection container is obtained from each of the individual measurements. If the measurement cycle therefore comprises n individual measurements (with n= 1, 2, 3, . . . ), m measurement values are also obtained. These n individual measurements of the first measurement cycle are carried out at a weak transmission power as well as at a weak reception gain, so that the first measurement cycle is optimized for short measurement distances and strong interference reflections.
13
13
13
13
13
13
With the second measurement cycle , a second detection region is measured. In this regard, the second measurement cycle once again comprises n individual measurements (with n=1, 2, 3, . . . ), wherein the transmission power and/or the reception gain and/or the transmission burst is varied in each individual measurement. In this measurement cycle , as well, the individual measurements therefore differ from one another in at least one of the three variables (transmission power or reception gain or transmission burst). The individual measurements of the second measurement cycle are carried out at a medium transmission power as well as at medium interference reflections, so that the second measurement cycle is optimized for medium measurement distances and medium interference reflections. Once the measurement cycle has been concluded, a measurement value is obtained for each of the n individual measurements, in total, therefore, once again, n measurement values.
14
14
14
14
The third measurement cycle is optimized for large measurement distances and slight interference reflections. This third measurement cycle also consists of n individual measurements (n=1, 2, 3, . . . ), with which a third detection region is measured. In each of the n individual measurements, the transmission power and/or the reception gain and/or the transmission burst are varied, so that the individual measurements differ from one another in at least one of the three variables (transmission power and/or reception gain and/or transmission burst) in this measurement cycle , as well. Once the third measurement cycle is concluded, n measurement values that are to be evaluated have been obtained.
12
14
All of the measurement values determined by means of the three measurement cycles to are transmitted to the control module. A plausibility check takes place in the control module for all the measurement values determined. In this plausibility check, a check takes place to determine whether the individual measurements of the different measurement cycles have led to results that can be evaluated. In other words, a check takes place to determine whether the measurement values obtained from the measurement cycles are valid and therefore can be evaluated. Measurement values that cannot be evaluated are filtered out with this plausibility check, so that only the measurement values that can be evaluated are used for the further evaluation.
The plausibility check therefore has the advantage that incorrect measurements are recognized right from the start, so that the measurement values obtained from these incorrect measurements are not used for a determination of the distance of the ultrasound transducer from the content of the collection container or of the distance of the ultrasound transducer from the bottom of the collection container. In this way, it is possible to determine the distance very precisely.
12
14
12
14
12
14
12
14
Subsequently, adaptive filtering of the measurement values for the distance between the ultrasound transducer and the content of the collection container or the distance between the ultrasound transducer and the bottom of the collection container takes plaice in the control module, for all three measurement cycles to . In this regard, the measurement values are averaged for each measurement cycle to , in the adaptive filtering, and checked with regard to their stability. Thereby, three distance values are obtained by averaging of the measurement values for each of the three measurement cycles to . By means of checking the stability of these three distance values for the three measurement cycles to obtained by means of averaging, a check takes place to determine whether these average measurement values are valid distance values, which can therefore be evaluated, and on the basis of which the fill level of the collection container can be determined. If an invalid distance value is obtained, on the basis of which the fill level cannot be determined, then this invalid distance value is transmitted to the sensor device by way of the serial interface, as a diagnosis value. The sensor device will thereupon ignore this invalid value and pass the subsequent echo on to the external controller as a valid echo. The invalid echo, particularly a distance value that cannot be evaluated, is transmitted to the controller by way of the serial interface as diagnosis data, to which the controller reacts with an adaptation of the transmission power or of the reception gain, i.e. the external controller accordingly performs a diagnosis, wherein this diagnosis serves to optimize the method for fill level determination.
The fill level is calculated in the external controller on the basis of the distance values that can be evaluated. This fill level value can then be displayed to the user by way of a display, if necessary. It is therefore possible to determine the fill level of the collection container with very slight computation effort and furthermore very precisely, by means of the adaptive filtering of the measurement values obtained by means of the individual measurements.
1
sensor device
2
collection container
3
chamber
4
ultrasound transducer
5
bottom
6
control module
7
transmission/reception module
8
bidirectional serial interface
9
data memory module
10
controller
11
measurement sequence
12
measurement cycle
13
measurement cycle
14
measurement cycle
15
filling cover
16
filling shaft
In the following, an exemplary embodiment will be shown using figures and explained in greater detail. The figures show:
FIG. 1
a sensor device for fill level detection in a collection container;
FIG. 2
FIG. 1
a schematic structure of the sensor device shown in , and
FIG. 3
a schematic representation of a measurement sequence. | |
The present invention relates to a plastic molded type semiconductor device, and more particularly, to a multichip plastic molded type semiconductor device.
A multichip plastic molded type semiconductor device wherein a plurality of semiconductor chips are sealed in a package is conventionally known.
As conventional multichip plastic molded type semiconductor devices, there are a semiconductor device wherein a plurality of logic element chips each having low current consumption are sealed and a semiconductor device wherein a plurality of high-power element chips each having high current consumption are sealed. However, in the conventional semiconductor device, semiconductor chips of different types such as a logic element chip and a high-power element chip cannot be sealed in the same package.
In a conventional multichip semiconductor device, semiconductor devices to be sealed are classified by current consumption, and chips of the same type are sealed in one package due to the following reason.
A high-power element chip having high current consumption must have a heat radiating fin for radiating heat generated from the chip, and the fin is used as a common mounting region (bed portion) for semiconductor chips. For this reason, in order to uniform chip potentials of a plurality of chips, chips of the same type must be mounted. If a logic element chip having low current consumption is mounted on the heat radiating fin serving as the bed portion, the logic element chip is influenced by heat generated from a high-power element chip to cause degradation of electric characteristics of the logic element chip or a change in its characteristics.
In addition, the heat radiating fin serving as the bed portion is normally made of a conductive material such as a metal. Therefore, when a plurality of semiconductor chips are mounted on the heat radiating fin, these chips are difficult to be electrically isolated from each other. As a countermeasure to this, the semiconductor chips may be fixed on the heat radiating fin using an insulating substrate or an insulating paste. For example, in a multichip plastic molded type semiconductor device constituted by only a plurality of high-power element chips, the former method, i.e., the method using an insulating substrate, can be employed to a multichip plastic molded type semiconductor device constituted by only a plurality of high-power element chips. However, since the insulating substrate is used, production cost is increased. Thus, this method avoids to provide low-price products. On the other hand, in the latter method, since the insulating paste is used, an electrode cannot be extracted from the lower surface of the semiconductor chip.
Since the high-power element chip generates a large amount of heat and an electrode must be extracted from the lower surface of the semiconductor chip, a fixing method by soldering or a eutectic die bonding method which has excellent ohmic characteristics and thermal conductive characteristics is used as a means for fixing a semiconductor chip on a bed portion. Contrast to this, in a logic element chip which generates a small amount of heat, in order to obtain an inexpensive product, bonding using a conductive adhesive is used. For this reason, if a multichip plastic molded type semiconductor device in which a high-power element chip and a logic element chip are hybridized is formed, an assembling process is complicated due to different die bonding methods for different types of chip, thereby increasing production cost. In addition, a conductive adhesive has poor thermal resistance to cause degradation of the adhesive and a change in properties of the adhesive.
Even if one die bonding method is used, characteristics of the chips are degraded, and the production cost is increased.
As described above, conventionally, a multichip plastic molded type semiconductor device in which a plurality of semicondutor chips of different types such as a high-power element chip and a logic element chip are sealed in a single package is difficult to be realized.
In addition, in a multichip plastic molded type semiconductor device in which a plurality of high-power element chips are sealed, an insulating substrate must be used, and the product is expensive. High-power element chips of different types are difficult to be mounted in a single package.
From FR-A-2 618 944 a resin molded semiconductor device is known, having a plate-like metal heat radiating fin whose upper surface serves as a first semiconductor chip mounting surface, a first semiconductor chip mounted to one portion of said upper surface of the fin, a lead frame comprising a plurality of thin terminal leads which are arranged with at least their inner ends generally parallel to and above the fin; one of the terminal leads having a plate-like inner end so as to provide a second semiconductor chip mounting surface at a second portion of said upper surface of the fin, said second semiconductor chip mounting surface being parallel to the fin; a second semiconductor chip bonded to the second semiconductor chip mounting surface using an electrically conductive adhesive; and electrically insulating member provided between the lowest surface of the bent portion of said one terminal lead and said upper surface to thermally bond said second semiconductor chip to said fin.
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and has as its object to provide a low-cost (low production cost) multichip plastic molded type semiconductor device wherein a plurality of high-power element chips of different types or a combination of a plurality of high-power element chips and at least one logic element chip can be mounted in a single package.
Fig. 1 is a sectional view showing an element structure of a plastic molded type semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of the plastic molded type semiconductor device of the above embodiment.
According to the present invention, this object is solved by a plastic molded type semiconductor comprising:
a plate-like metal heat radiating fin whose upper surface serves as a first semiconductor chip mounting surface;
a first semiconductor chip mounted to one portion of said upper surface of the fin;
a lead-frame comprising a plurality of thin terminal leads which are arranged with at least their inner ends generally parallel to and above the fin;
one of the terminal leads having its inner end providing a second semiconductor chip mounting surface at a second portion of said upper surface of the fin, said second semiconductor chip mounting surface being parallel to the fin;
a second semiconductor chip bonded to the second semiconductor chip mounting surface using an electrically conducting adhesive;
an electrically insulating member which is provided between the lower surface of the inner end of said one terminal lead and said upper surface to thermally bond said second semiconductor chip to said fin,
characterized in that said one terminal lead has its said inner end bent to come close to the fin.
A plastic molded type semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
As shown in Fig. 1, a first high-power element chip 13 having high current consumption is mounted and fixed on a first bed portion 12 of a heat radiating fin 11 for mounting a semiconductor chip by, e.g., soldering. A solder material used for soldering the first high-power element chip 13 is represented by reference numeral 14 in Fig. 1.
A part of one end of a lead frame 15 formed by, e.g., punching out a metal thin plate is bent, and a second high-power element chip 17 is mounted and fixed on a second bed portion 16 bent to come close to the heat radiating fin 11 by, e.g., high-temperature die bonding. For example, an Au-Si eutectic material used for the high-temperature die bonding is represented by reference numeral 18 in Fig. 1. For example,
an insulating paste 19 is filled between the lower surface of the second bed portion 16 and the upper surface of the first bed portion (the heat radiating fin 11). For this reason, the second bed portion 16 and the first bed portion electrically insulated from each other.
In addition, a third bed portion 21 is set in a predetermined region on one end of another lead frame 20 which is different from the above lead frame 15 and made of a metal thin plate. On the third bed portion 21, a logic element chip 22 having low current consumption is mounted and fixed by a conductive adhesive 23 such as a silver paste. Note that although only two lead frames are shown in Fig. 1, a required number of other lead frames (not shown) adjacent to the lead frames 15 and 20 are arranged.
Wires (not shown) are connected to upper electrodes (not shown) of the semiconductor chips 13, 17, and 22. The chips are electrically connected to each other by these wires, and other lead frames different from the lead frames 15 and 20 are electrically connected to the chips by these wires. The resultant structure is entirely sealed by an insulating synthetic resin material (insulating plastic) to form a package 24.
A plurality of lead frames 25 such as the lead frames 15 and 20 are led out from two side surfaces of the package 24 to oppose each other, as shown in Fig. 2. The semiconductor device according to this embodiment is a DIP (Dual In Line) type semiconductor device.
In the plastic molded type semiconductor device with the above structure, the first high-power element chip 13 mounted on the first bed portion 12 of the heat radiating fin 11 and the second high-power element chip 17 mounted on the second bed portion 16 formed by denting the lead frame 15 can be electrically insulated from each other without using an insulating substrate. Heat radiating paths of the high-power element chips 13 and 17 are described as follows. Heat generated from the first power element 13 is radiated through the heat radiating fin 11, and heat generated from the second high-power element chip 17 is radiated through the heat radiating fin 11 and the lead frame 15. In this case, when the insulating paste 19 has excellent heat resistance and heat conductive characteristics, the present invention is further effective.
In addition, since the high-power element chips 13 and 17 are mounted on the bed portions 12 and 16 electrically insulated from each other, different types of chips can be used as both the high-power element chips 13 and 17. Since the high-power element chips 13 and 17 are fixed by soldering or high-temperature die bonding using a eutectic material, electrodes and the like can be extracted from the lower surfaces of the high-power element chips 13 and 17. Thus, a multichip plastic molded type semiconductor device in which high-power element chips of plural types are sealed can be provided at a low production cost.
In the above embodiment, the logic element chip 22 having low current consumption is sealed in addition to the high-power element chips 13 and 17. The logic element chip 22 can be sealed with the high-power element chips 13 and 17 by using the third bed portion 21 set on the lead frame 20. Conventionally, since adhesive properties of a conductive adhesive serving as a means for fixing a logic element chip are degraded due to a temperature and characteristics of the logic element chip are changed and degraded, the logic element chip is difficult to be mounted with a high-power element chip in a single package. As described above, according to the present invention, since the lead frame 20 is used as a bed portion, the logic element chip 22 is thermally and electrically insulated from the first and second bed portions 12 and 16 for mounting the high-power element chips 13 and 17. Thus, since the first and second bed portions for mounting the high-power element chips are thermally and electrically insulated from the third bed portion for mounting the logic element chip, both the logic element chip having low current consumption and the high-power element chip can be mounted in a single package.
When high-power element chips of different types and a logic element chip are mounted in a single package, semiconductor devices ranging from a plastic molded type semiconductor device having a function of driving an electric driving part such as an electric motor to a high-performance plastic molded type semiconductor device such as a CPU having an arithmetic function can be provided. According to the present invention, even such a high-performance plastic molded type semiconductor device can be provided at a low production cost, i.e., a low price.
Note that, in the above embodiment, the present invention is employed to a DIP plastic molded type semiconductor device but is not limited to the DIP type. For example, the present invention may be employed to an SIL (Single In Line) type semiconductor device. In addition, the present invention can be employed to semiconductor devices in which lead frames are extracted from three side surfaces of a package and in which lead frames are extracted from four side surfaces of a package, i.e., a QFP (Quad Flat Package) type, or the present invention can also be applied to other types of semiconductor devices than the above-described types.
As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a low-cost (low production cost) multichip plastic molded type semiconductor device wherein a plurality of different types of high-power element chips or a combination of a plurality of high-power element chips and at least one logic element chip can be mounted in a single package.
Reference signs in the claims are intended for better understanding and shall not limit the scope. | |
System Specs (change to actual specs of system):
- MB: Using Intel 845GL Chipset, 400Mhz FSB as baseline; Intel D865GLC motherboard
- EIDE: Not fussy
- LAN: 10/100 Ethernet
- VGA: Not fussy
- IO: Serial, USB 2.0, PS/2-KB&Mouse
- Management: Not fussy (but serial-console redirect would be nice)
- PCI Expansion: not fussy; 1 slot minimum (has 3, plus AGP slot, all unused)
- Processor: Intel Celeron 2.4 GHz
- Memory: 256MB (266Mhz non-ecc unbuffered DIMM — see http://developer.intel.com/design/motherbd/lc/lc_mem.htm)
- Drives: 2xIDE 40GB 7200RPM
- CD/FD: Floppy
- Power supply: as appropriate; quiet and reliable
- OS: FreeBSD 6.1 Stable
- Case: Something relatively storable; mini-tower or the like
- Backups: internal Sony DVD RW DW-U14A/1.0D Read speeds: DVD-ROM 8x, CD-ROM 32x, Write speeds: DVD-R 4x, DVD-RW 2x, DVD+R 4x, DVD+RW 4x, CD-R 24x, CD-RW 16x. CD-R write confirmed, DVD functions not tested yet.
Compare to: http://www.ironsystems.com/ A120
Part Numbers:
- Board Revision AA C28906-406
- Intel Celeron 2.4Ghz 128KB cache, 400 Mhz system bus, 266 Mhz memory bus / AB0856-003 / N 3911D G1 / F0BG-12B251 06AC1 / DC 12V 0.28A
- BIOS Version BF86510A.86A.0046.P10
- 2006/2/14 300gb Seagate 7200rpm ATA disk added to 2nd IDE controller (ad3)
- 2006/6/11 temporarily relocated to Carl's for FreeBSD 6.1 upgrade
- 2006/6/14 upgraded to FreeBSD 6.1
- 2007 memory upgraded to 2 GB
Disk Partitioning
NewToybox has two 40gb ATA disks (ad0 and ad1) on one controller, with the DVD/CD burner on the other controller. DVD capacity is 4.7 gb (not tested).
2006/2/14 A 300gb Seagate 7200rpm ATA disk (ad3) was added on the other controller.
FreeBSD lets you divide a disk into 1-4 slices, each with up to 8 partitions (although Carl would rather not use a-c except for their usual use of /, swap and whole (slice)).
For a server Carl likes having /, /usr, /tmp, /var, /var/tmp, and /var/mail be separate partitions, so users filling up one thing don't fill up the others. An entire gigabyte is pretty big for some
of those, but with disk around $1/gb… 256 MB is already 4x what / needs. Memory has been upgraded from 256 MB to 2 GB so swap should now have 2 GB on each disk for a total of 2xMem.
ad1 will be a warm spare of ad0 with files copied via rsync weekly or monthly and its version of /etc/fstab modified to refer to itself.
In /etc/fstab:
- nodev on everything but / and /jail.
- nosuid on everything but /, /usr, /usr/local, and possible /jail
- noexec on /tmp /var/tmp and /var
The 280 GB disk /var/backup is for media files, PC backups, a subversion repository, plus general scratch purposes.
* ad0s1a / 256 MB * ad0s1b swap 2 GB * ad0s1d /usr 4 * ad0s1e /tmp 1 * ad0s1f /var 8.2 (now includes /var/toybox and /var/cd) * ad0s1g /var/mail 1 * ad0s1h /var/tmp 1 * ad0s2d /usr/local 4 * ad0s2e /jail 4 * ad0s2f /home 4 (for easy backup to DVD) * ad0s2g unused 4 (reserved for future deployment) * ad0s2h unused 4 (reserved for future deployment) * ad1s1b swap 2 GB (and everything else a clone of above) * ad3s1d /var/backup 280 GB
—-
Notes
".snap" at the top of each filesystem is used by the -L flag to dump to take a snapshot when doing a dump off a live filesystem. ".snap" should be owned by root, group operator, mode 770. (Dump isn't being used currently, though.)
~cdr/bin/newbackup is run to rsync disk0 to disk1.
- Where do you want the subversion repository to go; should it get its own filesystem or can it live in userland or what? Can I get a lesson on burning cds?
- /var/cd/Makefile has an example off how to burn a CD once you have an .iso file. DVD burning is documented at http://www.freebsd.org/doc/en_US.ISO8859-1/books/handbook/creating-dvds.html .
To burn a CD on 5.2 (5.1 uses /dev/acd0c instead): burncd -v -f /dev/acd0 -s max data 5.2-i386-disc1.iso fixate The handbook describes how to mount a CD image file (.iso) as a virtual filesystem. I haven't tested this on 6.1.
Once subversion is set up Gretchen should test backing up her PC using that instead of unison. | http://carlr.wikidot.com/toyboxconfig |
A Ukrainian climber has reached the top of Everest for the first time on the night of May 20, informed Kharkiv alpinist club.
The 28-year old mountain climber Iryna Galai is from Mukachevo, west Ukraine, but currently lives in Kyiv.
‘I’ve become interested in alpinism three years ago. I had a bet with my co-worker, I lost it and was sent to climb Kazbek (Caucasus). I was the first to reach the top. Since then, I’ve become obsessed with mountain climbing. I work only to be able to afford travelling’, - Galai said. | https://112.international/ukraine-top-news/ukrainian-climber-reaches-top-of-mount-everest-5049.html |
Q:
How to print lines between two keywords while keywords in file will repeat and each line-range needs to be stored into separate variable?
I have a file named "animals" which contains following two sections:
$ cat animals
cat 7
dog 83
tiger 2
lion 23
elephant 1
giraffe 23
hippo 2312
#
cat 23
dog 8
tiger 99
lion 299
elephant 2323
giraffe 4
hippo 5
$
I would like to print out the lines from "dog" to "elephant" from both sections separately and save the first output to first variable and second output to second variable, i.e. the desired output of first command is:
..and desired output of second command is:
I can't use line numbers as sometimes there are additional lines between "dog" line and "elephant" line. I could easily use sed like this:
gsed -n '/dog/,/elephant/p' animals
or
gsed '/dog/,/elephant/!d' animals
..but this stores output from both sections. Any suggestions, how to print lines between two keywords while keywords repeat in file and each line-range should be stored into separate variable?
A:
You can capture all the output, then split it using parameter expansion:
all=$( sed -n '/dog/,/elephant/p' animals )
first=${all%
dog*}
shopt -s extglob
second=${all#*elephant +([0-9])
}
echo first
echo "$first"
echo second
echo "$second"
| |
Click here to obtain the winzip file. Extract all files to any suitable folder. To run, execute KeyPlayer.exe file.
KeyPlayer is free and may be freely distributed. For more information about the program, contact its author, Steve Borgatti, at [email protected] or +1 978 456 7372. In addition, latest versions of the program may be found at www.analytictech.com.
KeyPlayer is a program for identifying an optimal set of nodes in a network for one of two basic purposes: (a) crippling the network by removing key nodes, and (b) selecting which nodes to either keep under surveillance or to try to influence via some kind of intervention. The two purposes are different and require different procedures. KeyPlayer 1.4 provides two approaches for the first goal, and one approach for the second.
The program is distributed with two other free programs, namely Pajek (written by Vladimir Batagelj and Andrej Mrvar) and Mage (written by Richardson and Richardson). Pajek has nice 2-D graphics and a host of analytical tools, while Mage provides 3-D graphics. Information on Pajek, along with the latest updates, is available at http://vlado.fmf.uni-lj.si/pub/networks/pajek/. Information on Mage is found at http://kinemage.biochem.duke.edu/kinemage/kinemage.php.
A sample dataset called methodscamp comes with the program so that you can try it out. The data were collected in 1992 at an NSF summer institute for research methods. Participants were asked to rank order each other participant with respect to how much time they spent with them in the previous week. In this file, only the first three choices for each person are recorded. The file is in UCINET format.
There are two basic reasons for trying to find an optimal set of key nodes. One is to identify targets for deletion, with the hope of crippling the network (or just understanding how vulnerable it is), and the other is to identify well-connected nodes who are likely to possess a great deal of information, and who, because of their connections are in a position to influence others. These are nodes that bear watching, or would be useful to turn (in a war scenario) or to run a special intervention with (in a health care scenario). In the KeyPlayer menu, this basic distinction is reflected in the two menu choices under Analyze, namely Remove and Observe, which are discussed below.
The output of all of these procedures is a list of nodes that belong in the optimal set, along with a measure of fit – the extent to which they satisfy the objective. The program does not actually delete nodes, just identify which ones are key.
There are two criteria for crippling a network that you might use to decide which nodes to remove. One is fragmenting the network into disconnected pieces (known as components in graph theory). The other is lengthening distances between all pairs of nodes. The distance from one node to another is defined as the length (in links) of the shortest path that joins them. If a network is dense enough (i.e., has a lot of links), then it may be difficult to truly fragment, so it may make more sense to just try to make the path lengths much longer. Networks with long paths transmit information more slowly and less securely, and when the information eventually arrives, it may be distorted.
Fragment. When you choose this procedure, the program will ask you how many nodes you would like to remove, how many "starts" you want, and the maximum number of iterations. A start is one run of the combinatorial optimization algorithm. The more starts you pick, the greater the likelihood of finding the absolute best combination of nodes that divides the network into the most fragments, but the more time it takes to finish. The measure of fragmentation optimized by the program is based on the heterogeneity coefficient used in statistics. Basically, the program counts up the number of separate components in the network after deleting the key nodes, and counts the proportion of all nodes that are contained in each component. The sum of the squares of these proportions gives a measure of the extent that people are bunched into just a few components, and one minus this sum gives the degree of fragmentation, where a value toward 1 is good (lots of small clusters) and a value toward 0 is bad (most people still connected).
Distance. Here the objective is to lengthen the average distance between pairs of nodes by judiciously deleting key nodes. Often, deleting a node will not only increase distance between some pairs of nodes, it will completely disconnect them. The distance between pairs of nodes that are completely disconnected is technically undefined, although you could think of it as infinite. The practical issue is how to treat these infinite distances when computing the average distance among all pairs. An obvious approach is to assign a value that is greater than any possible distance. The smallest such value is n, the number of nodes in the network. However, because disconnecting nodes seems considerably more valuable than increasing their distance by one, we might want to consider larger values, such as 2n or 5n. By default, the program uses 2n, but you can enter any multiplier of n that you like for this parameter (called Weight in the program). IMPORTANT NOTE: This procedure is much slower than the other two.
Version 1 of KeyPlayer only has one option under Observe, which is called Reach. The idea of reach is to find a set of nodes who are linked to as many distinct others as possible. Note the word "distinct". If you just took the 10 people with the most ties as your set of key players, you might find that they don’t reach very many different people because they are all tied to each other. Thus, this program is designed to find nodes are well-connected but also non-redundant.
The key option in this program is the number of steps to allow. If the number of steps is 1, the measure of reach is the number of distinct persons (including the key players) that have a direct link (a tie) with any member of the set of key players. Thus, the 1 indicates a distance of 1. If the number of steps is set to 2, the measure of reach becomes the number of distinct persons who are within two links (i.e., separated by one intermediary) of any member of the set of key players.
Feel free to contact me ([email protected]; +1 978 456 7372) for help or to report bugs or to make suggestions for improvements. | http://www.analytictech.com/keyplayer/keyplayer.htm |
New Jersey formally joined the national conversation regarding food waste earlier this summer, but the specifics of how food waste will be regulated in New Jersey are not yet clear. In 2015, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) announced an initiative to cut domestic food waste in half by 2030 and many states across the country have their own initiatives to reduce food waste. On July 21, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed legislation adopting the EPA’s goal of cutting the amount of food waste in New Jersey in half by 2030. In passing the law, the Legislature detailed the societal and environmental burdens of excessive food waste in New Jersey and identified the reduction of food waste as a “moral imperative.” The legislation, however, does not explain how the State should accomplish this goal.
Instead, the legislation requires the New Jersey Departments of Environmental Protection and Agriculture (the “Agencies”) to develop and commence implementation of a plan to accomplish this goal within one year. In developing this plan, the Agencies are required to hold three public meetings and are encouraged to consult with appropriate stakeholders. Interestingly, the legislation does not explicitly delegate authority to the Agencies to enact rules regarding food waste reduction, but it does require the Agencies to develop recommendations for further administrative or legislative action necessary to achieve the goal. Consequently, it will be interesting to observe how the Agencies interpret the scope of their authorities to “implement” the plan within one year.
The State of New Jersey also recently overhauled its electronic waste program. This overhaul was designed to put the onus on electronic manufacturers to bear the cost and obligation of recycling electronic waste. It seems likely that New Jersey also will place the primary burden of food waste reduction on the commercial sector. In fact, separate legislation already has been proposed to require large food waste generators to recycle their waste. Under this other legislation, a large food waste generator currently includes any commercial food wholesaler, supermarket, resort, conference center, banquet hall, restaurant, educational or religious institution, military installation, prison, hospital, medical facility, or casino. If the Agencies consider such a recycling mandate, they should also consider the practical consequences, including the need for enhanced recycling and collection infrastructure and appropriate guidance regarding best practices.
There are many possible approaches that the New Jersey Departments of Environmental Protection and Agriculture may suggest to reduce food waste. The ongoing national dialogue regarding food waste reduction may serve as a guide for New Jersey in other ways as well. For instance, many states, including New Jersey, have already initiated other programs to reduce food waste. These programs include proliferation of residential food waste collection programs, composting facilities, food labelling programs, and non-profit education programs. It is important that interested stakeholders participate and comment in the public meetings that will be held over the next year to shape the future of food waste reduction programs in New Jersey.
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NJDEP Offers Guidance on Remedial Action Report Submittal Deadlines
Recently, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”) issued guidance regarding the regulatory and mandatory time frames for the submission of a remedial action report pursuant to the Technical Requirements for Site Remediation and the Administrative Requirements of the Remediation of Contaminated Sites. The guidance is meant to assist persons responsible for conducting the remediation (“PRCR”) in determining when remedial action reports are due, when to request an extension of the regulatory and mandatory deadlines for submission of such reports and in what situations the NJDEP will consider such an extension.
The remedial action report documents either: 1) the achievement of all applicable standards and the subsequent issuance of an unrestricted Response Action Outcome or 2) in the case of contamination remaining at a site, that the remedial action is operating as designed under engineering and/or institutional controls resulting in the submission of a remedial action permit (“RAP”) application. For cases involving only soil contamination, the regulatory timeframe for the submittal of the remedial action report is within three years of the due date of the remedial investigation report (the “RIR Due Date”), and the mandatory timeframe is within five years of the RIR Due Date. For cases involving the remediation of all other contamination, the regulatory time frame is within five years of the RIR Due Date, and the mandatory time frame is within seven years of the RIR Due Date.
It is important to note that the PRCR also must complete the remedial action within the same timeframes as the submittal of the remedial action report. In order to complete a remedial action, a PRCR must: 1) implement all remedial actions required to address the contamination at the site; 2) submit a remedial action report; and 3) submit a final remediation document to the NJDEP.
A PRCR may request an extension of both the regulatory and mandatory deadlines for the submission of the remedial action report and completion of the remedial action, and, in fact, a request for a regulatory time frame extension is automatically approved unless the NJDEP specifically advises the PRCR that the request is denied. Requests for a mandatory time frame extension, however, are reviewed by the NJDEP and either approved or denied in writing.
In cases where a remedial action involves an institutional or engineering control, a RAP is needed to complete the remedial action. According to NJDEP’s guidance, PRCRs that fail to submit administratively and technically complete RAP applications to the NJDEP prior to the remedial action report submission due date will not receive an extension. A PRCR also must be cognizant of the fact that the NJDEP is currently taking 150 – 200 days to review applications and issue a RAP. Therefore, when considering the deadline for submission of the remedial action report and completion of the remedial action, a PRCR must consider the time it is currently taking NJDEP to review and issue RAPs.
Furthermore, NJDEP will not grant an extension in cases where the PRCR failed to select and implement a remedial action that meets the remedial objectives of the report. Nor will the NJDEP grant an extension when a PRCR waits until after the due date for the submission of the remedial action report to determine that the selected remedial action is not working. In cases where the remedial action is not working, the PRCR is required to submit a revised remedial action work plan and demonstrate that the PRCR has taken aggressive action to modify the remedial action within the applicable timeframes.
If the PRCR cannot submit a remedial action report within the regulatory and mandatory timeframes, including any approved extension, the site will be subject to the NJDEP’s direct oversight requirements and may be subject to penalties of up to $20,000/day. Moreover, the Licensed Site Remediation Professional (“LSRP”) for the site is required to advise the PRCR in writing when it will miss a regulatory time frame and must advise both the PRCR and the NJDEP when a mandatory time frame will be missed.
The NJDEP believes that five to seven years from the RIR Due Date is sufficient to complete the remedial action and submit the remedial action report. Therefore, PRCRs, and their LSRPs, must determine the applicable due date to ensure that they conduct all work necessary to meet the deadline, including obtaining a RAP, if required, or request a timely extension. If they fail to do so, PRCRs face direct oversight by the NJDEP and possible penalties.
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CERCLA Arranger Liability Requires Knowledge Waste Is Hazardous, New York District Court Says
In Town of Islip v. Datre, --- F. Supp. 3d ----, 2017 WL 1157188 (E.D.N.Y. Mar. 28, 2017), the Eastern District of New York held that a defendant alleged to have “arranged for disposal or treatment … of a hazardous substance” must have had actual or constructive knowledge that the substance was hazardous in order to be liable under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”). 42 U.S.C. § 9607(a)(3). While the Supreme Court’s seminal case on arranger liability, Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway v. U.S., carved out an exception to liability based on the defendant’s intent in entering the transaction (i.e., to sell a useful product vs. to dispose of a waste), Datre expands the exception to CERCLA liability based on the defendant’s knowledge of the nature of the waste. Datre holds that there can be no intent to dispose under Burlington Northern unless the alleged arranger knew, or should have known, that the substance was hazardous. Critics of this decision have noted that Datre’s inquiry into the defendant’s knowledge sits uneasily with CERCLA’s strict liability structure and could be vulnerable if appealed. Nevertheless, Datre and a few similar cases may offer relief to defendants who can plausibly claim that they did not know that the waste was hazardous.
Datre arose from a project to improve a park in the Long Island town of Islip. The Town of Islip alleged that during site development, various unauthorized actors disposed of construction and demolition debris containing hazardous substances in the park, which Islip then had to remove at a cost of $4 million. The arranger defendants are the waste brokers who procured the debris for the trucking firms that dumped it in the park.
The arranger defendants argued that they lacked Burlington Northern’s requisite intent, contending that they could not be held liable because Islip did not allege that they (1) knew that the material would be deposited in the park, or (2) knew that the material was hazardous. Islip countered that the arranger defendants intended that the material be disposed as waste, rather than sold as a useful product, and that this intent to dispose was sufficient for arranger liability.
The Court disagreed with the arranger defendants’ first argument, holding that whether the arranger defendants knew that the waste would be disposed in Islip’s park is irrelevant. The Court, however, agreed with the arranger defendants’ second argument and dismissed the complaint because Islip failed to allege that the arranger defendants knew, or should have known, that the construction and demolition debris contained hazardous substances.
The Court found support for its conclusion from a Wisconsin case, Appleton Papers Inc. v. George A. Whiting Paper Co., 2012 WL 270490 (E.D. Wis. July 3, 2012), aff’d sub nom., NCR Corp. v. George A. Whiting Paper Co., 768 F.3d 682 (7th Cir. 2014). The Wisconsin District Court wrote that “it seems doubtful that a defendant can ever be found to be an arranger if he did not know the substance in question is hazardous.” Notably, Appleton Papers’ discussion of knowledge was not essential to that court’s decision and, therefore, can be considered non-binding dicta. Nonetheless, the Court in Datre was persuaded and found that knowledge that a substance was hazardous is a required element of the intent to dispose under Burlington Northern.
As noted above, initial commentary has been critical of Datre. Courts long have interpreted CERCLA to impose strict liability; that is, a party that disposed of a hazardous substance must pay to clean it up regardless of fault. Datre, however, seems to engraft principles of fault onto the determination of arranger liability, particularly with its invitation to inquire whether a defendant should have known that a substance was hazardous. Datre also focuses on culpability. The Court notes that a defendant that did not know it was disposing of a hazardous substance is less culpable than a defendant selling a useful but hazardous product with knowledge that it would be spilled. Burlington Northern holds that the defendant in the latter scenario would not be liable, so the Court reasoned that the less culpable defendant that did not even know it was dealing with a hazardous substance should not be liable either. Typically, courts address these questions of fault and relative culpability when allocating CERCLA cleanup costs among multiple liable parties, not, as in Datre, when deciding whether a party is liable at all. In the typical case, a party that did not know the substance was hazardous might be required to pay less than another party that knew of the hazards, but the ignorant party still would have to pay something.
Although Datre contradicts the usual interpretations of CERCLA, a few other courts have been similarly lenient toward alleged arrangers that disposed of substances that an ordinary person might not expect to be hazardous. In Appleton Papers, the Wisconsin case relied on in Datre, Appleton Papers sold its unwanted PCB-containing paper scraps to other nearby paper mills before 1970. These recycling mills turned the scraps into marketable paper and in the process discharged PCB-laden effluent into the Fox River, which was subject to a multi-million dollar environmental cleanup of PCBs decades later. Although the Appleton Papers Court did not require that the defendant must have known of the exact hazard that eventually arises for liability to attach, selling apparently innocuous bales of paper containing PCBs before PCBs were known to be dangerous is quite different from the typical CERCLA case involving drums of flammable waste chemicals that self-evidently are hazardous. Appleton Papers Inc., 2012 WL 270490, at *11. In a New Jersey case, a developer that spread soils contaminated by pesticides from the land’s prior use as an orchard throughout its new residential development did not intend to dispose of a hazardous substance because the developer “was unaware of the contamination of the soils at the time it developed the Residential Lots.” Bonnieview Homeowners Ass’n v. Woodmont Builders, LLC, 655 F. Supp. 2d 473, 493 (D.N.J. 2009).
Although drawing a distinction between typical CERCLA waste—drums of discarded chemicals—and other unexpectedly hazardous waste generally is helpful to defendants, a narrow interpretation of Datre could provide cold comfort. For example, arguably both the arranger defendants in Datre and the developer in Bonnieview should have known that the substances disposed of could be hazardous, as urban construction and demolition debris often is contaminated and certain pesticides historically applied at farms and orchards now are regulated as hazardous substances. Nonetheless, Datre and other cases discussed herein indicate that some courts are inclined to relieve “unknowing” arrangers from liability, at least in cases where the hazardousness of the waste is not readily apparent.
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NJDEP Offers Relief From Strict Compliance With Direct Oversight Requirements for Those Willing to Enter Into Administrative Consent Orders
The Site Remediation Reform Act (“SRRA”) authorizes Licensed Site Remediation Professionals (“LSRPs”) to oversee the remediation of contaminated sites, including selecting and implementing appropriate remedial actions based upon their own professional judgment. However, if the party responsible for conducting remediation fails to complete the cleanup within mandatory timeframes, and in other limited circumstances, the SRRA authorizes the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (the “NJDEP” or “Department”) to undertake “Direct Oversight” of the work. Although the Direct Oversight program imposes onerous requirements on remediating parties, it is our understanding that the Department may exercise discretion to provide relief for parties that come forward and demonstrate a willingness to come into compliance and move forward with remediation.
Representatives of the Department have said since the beginning of the LSRP Program that “being in Direct Oversight is not a place you want to be.” Those remediating parties that find themselves in Direct Oversight are subject to additional regulatory requirements, financial obligations and potentially significant penalties. Furthermore, parties in Direct Oversight lose the ability to choose their own remedies as the NJDEP has the ultimate right to select the remedial action for the site, which could result in a more costly and involved remediation. During Riker Danzig’s annual Site Remediation Seminar earlier this year, Assistant Commissioner Mark Pedersen encouraged those parties that find themselves subject to Direct Oversight to proactively contact the Department to initiate discussions regarding how the subject site will be managed. He noted that remediating parties may “earn” adjustments to the Direct Oversight requirements through demonstrating the willingness and ability to comply with the Department’s requirements. Assistant Commissioner Pedersen also noted the Department’s willingness to enter into “pre-purchase Administrative Consent Orders (“ACOs”)” with potential purchasers of contaminated sites subject to Direct Oversight to reduce the requirements for these parties that agree to remediate the site. This poses a win-win situation in that the potential purchaser receives leniency from the rather draconian Direct Oversight rules and the NJDEP obtains compliance and comfort that the contaminated site will be remediated appropriately.
More recently, we have learned that the Department may enter into ACOs with qualifying responsible parties, wherein the responsible party will agree to remediate under relaxed Direct Oversight requirements. Prior to entering into the ACO, the responsible party must prepare and submit to the Department a public participation plan, establish a remediation funding source (“RFS”) in the form of a Remediation Trust Fund and agree to pay a penalty. If the responsible party meets particular timeframes set forth in the ACO, the Department then adjusts the Direct Oversight requirements. These adjustments may include 1) the ability to use any form of RFS except for a self-guarantee, 2) no requirement to perform a remedial action feasibility study, and 3) the ability for an LSRP, as opposed to NJDEP, to select the remedy for the site. These adjustments could significantly reduce the costs associated with Direct Oversight and put the decision-making back into the hands of the responsible party through its LSRP. As such, responsible parties subject to Direct Oversight should consider a proactive approach to compliance and seeking a favorable ACO with the Department.
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Putting Substance Over Legal Form, Court Finds Property Owner Eligible for Innocent Party Grant
In September, the Appellate Division determined that the current corporate owner of property qualified for an innocent party grant, which provides remediation funding to pre-1983 purchasers of contaminated property who did not cause the contamination, even though that entity did not obtain title to the property until 2006. Cedar Knolls 2006, LLC v. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Docket No. A-1405-15T3 (Sept. 20, 2017).
Longtime owners of contaminated property in New Jersey who did not cause the pollution may be eligible for an “innocent party” grant under the Brownfields and Contaminated Site Remediation Act (the “Brownfield Act”). In addition to being an innocent party, in order to qualify for the grant, the owner must have purchased the property prior to December 31, 1983, and must continue to own the property until such time as the grant is approved. The NJDEP had denied the grant application of Cedar Knolls 2006, LLC (“Cedar Knolls”), which became the title owner of property in Hanover, New Jersey in 2006 as a result of a series of intra-family trust transfers. The original owner of the property, John Higginson, had purchased the contaminated parcel in 1977 and then bequeathed it to his wife, who in turn through various trust vehicles transferred her interest in the property to her son, William, who ultimately in 2006 transferred his interests to a limited liability company, Cedar Knolls, which was solely owned by William.
NJDEP denied Cedar Knolls’ grant application on the basis that the entity was not a person who acquired the property prior to December 31, 1983. Cedar Knolls sought reconsideration arguing that the intra-family transfers were not a “change in ownership” under New Jersey environmental laws, specifically the Industrial Site Recovery Act (“ISRA”). Based upon ISRA’s definition of “change in ownership” that specifically excludes intra-family transfers, Cedar Knolls argued there had been no change in ownership of the property since John’s 1977 acquisition.
Agreeing with Cedar Knolls, the Appellate Division found that the Brownfields Act and ISRA are “part of a unified legislative strategy to address the remediation of contaminated sites.” Accordingly, the Court found that it was appropriate to look to the definitions in ISRA to determine what constitutes a “change in ownership” for purposes of the innocent party grant. In addition, the Court said it was required to liberally construe remedial statutes like the Brownfield Act and ISRA to effectuate the Legislature’s important social goals, which include helping innocent owners defray the cost of remediating contamination. Thus, the Court found that the Legislature was “more concerned with the substance of ownership and continuity than the technicalities of legal form” and found that because ownership transferred through family members, Cedar Knolls qualifies for the innocent party grant. Interestingly, the Court did not make a distinction between Cedar Knolls, a limited liability business entity, and a family member, which would be a natural person.
Based upon this decision, an applicant for an innocent party grant does not have to be the same person, or entity, that purchased the property, when the transfer that vests title in the current owner is not considered a “change in ownership” under ISRA. Here, the transfers were among family members. ISRA, however, also excludes other transfers, for example, certain corporate mergers and inter-corporate transfers, from the definition of “change in ownership.” As a result of this ruling, entities that become the owner of contaminated property as a result of these types of transfers also may be eligible for innocent party grants notwithstanding that their ownership begins after 1983.
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Environmental Group Ranked in Band One in Chambers USA 2017 Rankings
Riker Danzig’s Environmental Practice has again been honored with a Band 1 ranking in the Chambers USA Guide this year. Our group has been consistently ranked in the top tiers of Chambers USA since the publication’s inception and in “Band 1” since 2010. Many of our environmental attorneys are also recognized individually in the Guide. Chambers continues to be one of the most well-respected attorney ranking guides, due to its in-depth research and the unbiased and independent nature of its reporting.
Following are highlights from the editorial commentary, as published in Chambers USA.
Riker Danzig’s Environmental Practice (Band 1):
“Superb environmental group.” “Offers expertise across multiple industries, including banking, real estate, gaming and energy.”
“They’re all great lawyers and great writers, and they have a deep bench!”
Chambers‘ sources note our “collaborative approach,” “depth of resources,” and “cross-border capabilities.”
Dennis Krumholz (Band 1) “Well-respected” and has an outstanding reputation in the market. He is valued by clients for his “highly knowledgeable and professional” approach to matters. He leads the firm’s environmental practice and is an excellent choice of counsel for cost recovery disputes. He also excels in regulatory compliance matters, including ISRA issues.
Samuel Moulthrop (Band 2) A highly regarded and experienced trial lawyer noted for his substantial expertise in complex environmental disputes and government enforcement actions, including significant CERCLA and site remediation cases.
Steve Senior (Band 2) A leading name in his field and draws praise from clients for “his understanding of complex legal issues and ability to communicate those issues in layman’s terms.” He is well versed in handling regulatory and transactional matters, including brownfield redevelopment, site remediation and ISRA issues.
Jeff Wagenbach (Band 3) A sophisticated environmental practitioner who has a wealth of experience in CERCLA and Spill Act cost recovery cases and CAA claims. One appreciative client notes his “timeliness, judgment, experience, and practical advice and counsel.”
Marilynn Greenberg (Band 3) Has a broad-ranging practice, with an emphasis on transactional and permitting matters, and has notable expertise in brownfield redevelopment issues. A satisfied client enthuses: “She is one of the best lawyers I’ve worked with - she’s a great writer and a tireless advocate.”
Alexa Richman-La Londe (Band 3) “Great” lawyer noted for her litigation strengths and maintains a fine track record in Spill Act cost recovery and CERCLA disputes. Sources reserve particular praise for her responsiveness and ability to deal with difficult complications that arise during complex cases.
Jaan Haus (Associates to watch) “Excellent environmental lawyer” particularly recognized for his adept counsel on site remediation matters, and is a noted authority on the Site Remediation Reform Act. He is also highlighted for his representation of clients in Spill Act and CERCLA disputes.
Many of Riker Danzig’s other practice areas and attorneys have also been ranked in the prestigious guide. Full rankings, commentary, and methodology are available at Chambers.
See www.riker.com/awards-and-honors-methodology. Above quotes from Chambers USA 2017. No aspect of this communication has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
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Regulatory Update
New Jersey Department of Protection
New Jersey’s Site Remediation Program Is Making Real Progress
Recently, the 10,000th Response Action Outcome (“RAO”) was issued under the New Jersey Licensed Site Remediation Professionals (“LSRP”) Program. As a result, NJDEP Commissioner Bob Martin lauded the LSRP Program for this significant milestone and for its “real progress in addressing contamination” in the state.
Prior to the enactment of the LSRP Program, site remediation in New Jersey faced significant delays because of administrative backlog. In 2009, the site remediation process in New Jersey was overhauled by the Site Remediation Reform Act (“SRRA”) with the goal of increasing the pace of remediation in order to decrease the threat of contamination to the public and to quickly restore underutilized properties to productive use. The LSRP program set mandatory timeframes for completing certain investigatory and remedial tasks and placed a priority on addressing immediate environmental concerns and imposed stricter requirements for remediating sensitive sites like schools, child-care facilities and residential housing.
Mark Pedersen, NJDEP’s Assistant Commissioner, commented that the LSRP Program has enabled the Department to devote resources to cases with potentially greater impact. In fact, of the 14,075 current cases, 9,045 are assigned to an LSRP.
For more information please visit www.nj.gov/dep/srp.
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United States Environmental Protection Agency
USEPA Establishes Guidance for Delegating Coal Combustion Residual Permit Programs to the States
On August 10, 2017, the EPA issued guidelines for states on how to establish permit programs for the management and disposal of coal combustion residuals (“CCR”). While states are not required to identically mirror the federal program, state programs do have to be “at least as protective” as the federal CCR requirements. According to the EPA, the purpose of the guidance is to make the approval process clear and to assist the states with obtaining authority over CCR regulation.
The flexibility granted to the states includes the ability for the states to determine 1) the timing of remedial actions, 2)whetherremedial action of a spill is necessary and, 3) whether to suspend groundwater monitoring requirements once certain conditions are met. If the EPA approves the state’s program, the state will be granted authority to enforce the CCR rules through its permitting program.
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New Jersey Legislative Update
Recently Enacted Environmental Laws
P.L.2017, c.112 (S2914) Precludes NJDEP from imposing certain certification requirements on installers of individual subsurface sewage disposal systems.
P.L.2017, c.136 (S3027) Establishes state food waste reduction goal of 50 percent by 2030.
P.L.2017, c.142 (S3240) Authorizes New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust to expend certain sums to make loans for environmental infrastructure projects for FY2018.
P.L.2017, c.143 (S3241) Appropriates funds for NJDEP for environmental infrastructure projects for FY2018.
P.L.2017, c.144 (S3242) Clarifies procedures for approval of environmental and transportation infrastructure projects.
P.L.2017, c.199 (S2884) Declares that deed restrictions or agreements that prevent raising or constructing of a structure to certain flood elevation standards are unenforceable.
Recently Introduced Environmental Bills
A693 / A540: Requires State compensation of property owners for certain property devalued due to certain environmental laws; and requires State agencies to evaluate proposed administrative rules for potential to constitute taking of real property. Status: Pending in Assembly State Government Committee.
A960 / S1030: Imposes criminal penalties for discharge of untreated sewage from containment devices installed on watercraft. Status: Pending in Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
A1352: Concerns regulation of solid waste, hazardous waste, and recycling industries - implementing recommendations concerning the circumvention of oversight in the solid waste and recycling industries. Status: Reported from Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee with Amendments, second reading in Senate.
A1353 / S575: Concerns combined sewer overflows; establishes Combined Sewer Overflow Solutions Fund; exempts improvements thereto from 2% property tax cap; and appropriates $5 million. Status: Pending in Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
A1356: Requires owner or operator of industrial establishment applying for de minimus exemption from “Industrial Site Recovery Act” to certify as to no actual knowledge of contamination exceeding remediation standards. Status: Introduced; pending in Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee.
A2076: Establishes de minimis levels for regulation of air contaminants and hazardous air pollutants, and directs NJDEP to establish de minimis levels for regulation of hazardous substances. Status: Introduced; pending in Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee.
A4880 / S3351: Amends law to limit NJDEP’s direct oversight of remediation of portion of contaminated site under certain circumstances. Status: Introduced; pending in Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
S1237 / A1954: Makes changes to funding provisions for financial assistance grants from Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund. Status: Passed by the Assembly; pending in Senate Environment and Energy.
S1368 / A3039: Requires NJDEP to obtain legislative approval and authorization before increasing a fee or imposing a new fee, but retains NJDEP authority to use ordinary administrative procedure when decreasing a fee. Status: Introduced; pending in Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Reform and Federal Relations Committee.
S2306 / A1352: Concerns regulation of solid waste, hazardous waste, and soil and debris recycling industries. Status: Introduced; pending in Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee.
S3351 / A4880: Amends law to limit NJDEP’s direct oversight of remediation of portion of contaminated site under certain circumstances. Status: Passed by the Assembly; pending in Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
Updated Status of Previously Reported Environmental Bills
A2463 / S806: Requires owner or operator of certain trains to have discharge response, cleanup, and contingency plans to transport certain hazardous materials by rail; requires NJDOT to request bridge inspection reports from USDOT. Status: Passed both Houses; S806 Substituted for A2463. Conditional veto; received in Senate.
A4306: Requires NJDEP to adopt statewide plan to reduce lead exposure from contaminated soils and drinking water. Status: Pending in Assembly Appropriations Committee; pending in Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
AR175 / SR80: Opposes construction of hazardous waste incinerator in Falls Township, Pennsylvania due to the high probability of pollution from both permitted and accidental discharges that would affect air quality in the region and the water quality of the Delaware River, the Delaware Bay, the Chesapeake Bay, and other bodies of water. Status: Out of Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee with Amendments, second reading in Assembly; pending in Senate Environment and Energy Committee. Passed by the Assembly; filed with the Secretary of State.
AR219 / SR107: Urges relevant federal and State authorities to investigate actions taken by Argentinian state oil company to discharge Superfund obligations through bankruptcy proceedings. Status: Pending in Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee; pending in Senate Environment and Energy Committee. Filed with Secretary of State.
S2712: Prohibits dumping dredge spoils on and around certain islands without municipal approval. Status: Pending in Senate Environment and Energy Committee. Pending in Environment and Solid Waste Committee; pending in Senate Environment and Energy Committee. | http://riker.com/publications/riker-danzig-environmental-update-october-2017 |
That sensation eluded most of his colleagues back then, and it still does. They study Einstein’s greatest insight without fully grasping how he achieved it, or what it meant to him; they typically don’t “feel relativity in their bones,” in the words of Columbia University theoretical physicist Brian Greene. The lack of understanding comes from a sticky misconception of what general relativity is, even among those who spend their careers making use of it. It is broadly described as a theory of gravity, but it is not just a theory. It is written out as a series of equations describing how objects move, but it is not just equations.
General relativity is best thought of as a landscape, both literally and figuratively. It is an expanse of concepts that describes all the possible configurations of space and time, and all the ways they change in the presence of matter. It is a system in which every part of reality is connected. Einstein’s first forays into that landscape were what so exhilarated and drained him. Whenever other researchers manage to follow his lead, they discover whole new regions. That is why, a century after it was first published, general relativity is yielding its most astonishing discoveries yet.
II.
There is no better way to take in the idea of relativity-as-landscape than by looking at the biggest landscape of all: the universe. Einstein realized that space is not a fixed background (a kind of invisible ruler that you can measure motion against), but rather a flexible, dynamic thing that bends and distorts in response to mass. That bending is what we experience as a gravitational pull: It holds your feet to the ground and Earth in its orbit. Lee Smolin—a theorist at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Ontario, and one of Einstein’s most vocal disciples—praises general relativity’s ability to provide a single, unified description of all space, as determined by all mass. “It’s the first theory that can be applied to the universe as a whole in a closed system,” he says.
“It’s the first theory that can be applied to the universe as a whole in a closed system.”
You’ve surely heard scientists say that the universe is expanding, but what does that really mean? In 1929, Edwin Hubble observed that galaxies appear to be moving away from ours in all directions. It is tempting to picture those galaxies flying through space, driven apart by a tremendous initial explosion. In fact, in the 1930s, British astronomer E.A. Milne attempted to describe Hubble’s discovery in just those terms. His analysis was a dismal failure. The only way to make sense of the astronomical observations, Einstein showed, is to think of space as a dynamic thing. Galaxies are not flying through space; space itself is expanding between them.
That is a profoundly weird notion, but once you make peace with it, all kinds of other ideas fall into place. First and foremost, there is the Big Bang, which was not an explosion in space but an explosion of space. All of space was crammed into a single dot at the moment of the Big Bang, and all of space expanded out from there in the 13.7 billion years since. Because space is expanding in all directions, any spot can be considered the center of the universe. You, right there, right now, are at the center of the universe. (How’s that for an ego boost?) Relativity is what allowed cosmologists to model the origin of the elements, the formation of galaxies, the direct evolutionary path from the Big Bang to modern Earth.
And still they are exploring new corners of relativity’s landscape. Because space is dynamic, it can deform in all kinds of complicated ways. The pull of gravity works to compress it; that compression is what you experience as your weight. Einstein’s equations also allow for antigravity, an energy that pushes space apart. For decades, that possibility was regarded as little more than a theoretical curiosity. Then in 1998, two teams of astronomers observed that the expansion of the universe is accelerating. This makes sense only in the context of relativity. The antigravity element driving the acceleration is now called “dark energy,” and it is so well-accepted that the 2011 Nobel Prize in physics was awarded for its discovery.
The true nature of dark energy, however, remains an enigma. To figure it out, an international team of astronomers launched the Dark Energy Survey, currently underway at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile. Over the course of five years, they will be photographing 300 million galaxies and recording their distribution. Gravity tends to make galaxies clump together over time, whereas dark energy tends to scatter them. The pattern captured by the survey will begin to reveal whether dark energy works the same in all locations and whether its intensity has changed over the course of cosmic history. Dark energy outweighs all the visible galaxies by about 15-to-1, and so its influence might determine the fate of the universe.
You, right there, right now, are at the center of the universe. How’s that for an ego boost?
Just as space can expand, so it can ripple when disturbed by the gravity of a moving object, like the surface of a pond stirred by a skipping stone. This is another wilderness of relativity that scientists are only now exploring. As gravitational waves wiggle past Earth at the speed of light, they subtly squish and stretch everything they encounter—including you. The effect is exceedingly subtle. To discern these waves, researchers are upgrading a pair of 2.5-mile-long detectors—one in Washington state, one in Louisiana—called the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), along with a complementary experiment called Virgo, located in Italy. By the end of the decade, they hope to observe gravitational signals emanating from spectacular but otherwise invisible cosmic events such as colliding black holes.
Ah, yes, black holes—perhaps the most famous of all the bizarre features that have emerged from the landscape of Einstein’s equations. Black holes are places where space curves in on itself; nowhere is relativity’s topography more tortured and intriguing. At the event horizon—the boundary of the hole—time comes to a halt and the atom-scale phenomena described by quantum mechanics are stretched out to the size of cities…or so it seems. General relativity also states that all parts of the universe should be continuous, meaning there should be no physical interruption between the inside and outside of a black hole. That apparent contradiction is inspiring a storm of new theories that go beyond scientists’ current understanding of the laws of physics.
Even in the twisted case of black holes, concepts that seem to reside in the impossibly remote fringes of the relativity landscape might be approachable to hard observation. A globe-spanning instrument called the Event Horizon Telescope, which consists of nine radio observatories scattered around the world, is gathering information right now to create the first direct images of the supermassive black hole at our galaxy’s center. The black hole itself won’t look like anything (it’s, um, black), but measurements of its size and surrounding structure could reveal the ways that mass distorts the structure of space. Any deviation from Einsteinian expectations would point the way to totally new physics concepts. The first meaningful images from the Event Horizon Telescope could come soon, perhaps within a decade.
III.
All of these ideas about the expanding universe, gravitational waves, and black holes took an excruciatingly long time to develop because they were hidden deep within the relativity landscape. Einstein himself was slow to accept the first two and never made peace with black holes, sniffing that the arguments for their existence were “not convincing,” and assuming that natural processes prohibited them from forming. Many writers, including famed physicist George Gamow, have presented Einstein’s resistance to these ideas as “blunders”—places where his great mind went off track. In reality, Einstein had opened up a landscape so vast that even he needed much more than a single lifetime to explore it.
Even as modern physicists press on far beyond where Einstein managed to go, their common assumption is that general relativity is not the final word. Relativity clashes with quantum mechanics—the set of rules describing the atomic-scale world—in its description of gravity and extreme objects like black holes. Forced to choose, most of today’s theorists pick quantum mechanics as the more fundamental description of reality, regarding relativity as a large-scale phenomenon built from small-scale quantum effects. Physicists have done very well working from the bottom up (think of light interpreted as collections of photons, or matter as clusters of atoms), yet a century of experience suggests it is unwise to underestimate the power of Einstein’s top-down perspective. As Lee Smolin puts it, quantum mechanics is a theory of “subsystems”—that is, it makes sense only in the context of its surroundings—in contrast to relativity’s inherently cosmic scope.
Einstein’s holistic approach is what makes general relativity unique in its potential for explanation and exploration. Surely there will be future physicists who venture even further into reality than he did. They may very well adopt many of the tools and techniques of quantum theory. But just as surely, those geniuses will have to act like Einstein—stepping back from equations to see the larger landscape—if they want to attain true enlightenment. They will have to feel relativity in their bones. | https://www.popsci.com/einsteins-theory-general-relativity-turns-100-and-is-still-full-surprises/ |
The purpose of this activity is to help students understand the difference between when it is and when it is not appropriate to verbalize specific thoughts/comments.
1.Review the differences between what thought/comments are meant to stay in our “thought bubbles” and what thought/comments are able to be “speech bubbles” (refer to the next page). Color and create the thought bubble and speech bubble ice cream sundaes (Lesson #1). Explain that the sundaes can be used to refer back to when sorting ice cream cone scoops (Lesson #2).
2.Color the ice cream cone scoops/cones. Sort the scoops and create one “thought bubble” ice cream cone and one “speech bubble” ice cream cone. | https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thought-Bubble-Speech-Bubble-Ice-Cream-Cones-Sundaes-4509129 |
Extract of sample "Response to Kant and Singer"
Download file to see previous pages Unlike other non-human animals that readily adopt to their surroundings, humans often change their surrounding in order to make it more comfortable. As such, humans have sophisticated social and intellectual setup and therefore steers the relationship with other animals. The two scholars thus explain that humans must appreciate the role and position of the other animals thus developing a natural ecosystem for the other animals to prosper on their own.
Kent explains the need for the liberation of animals as a fundamental social feature that he likens to the many other liberal movements throughout the history of humans. By likening the need for animal liberation to the liberation of blacks in the United States, the renowned philosopher strives to develop a mental image of the issue and its importance. Animal rights are specific entitlements that humans accord animals in order to foster their lives and place in the society. The scholar explains that the current society experiences intense animal-human conflicts most of which result in the loss of ether human or animal lives (Kant 54). He explains that the case should not remain this way since the ecosystem can accommodate both the animals and the humans. He therefore calls for responsive relationship between animals and humans thus ensuring that each group enjoys its life to the fullest.
Response to Kant and Singer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 Words. https://studentshare.org/environmental-studies/1653826-response-to-kant-and-singer.
“Response to Kant and Singer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 Words”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/environmental-studies/1653826-response-to-kant-and-singer.
Let us write or edit the essay on your topic "Response to Kant and Singer" with a personal 20% discount.
Let us find you another Essay on topic Response to Kant and Singer for FREE! | https://studentshare.org/environmental-studies/1653826-response-to-kant-and-singer |
- This item is missing tags, which means that while it is not a stub, it still lacks certain data or information.
- Please see Category:Incomplete Tags for more items that need updating.
|carved silverwood cobbler's case with a sturdy black leather strap|
|Look:||A variety of shoes have been carved in bas-relief onto the side of the heavy wooden case. Broad and tall, the container easily fits several pairs of shoes, pieces of leather, shears, patterns, and other tools of the shoemaker's trade. The hefty shoulder strap has been padded for comfort.|
|Weight:||61 stones|
|Appraised Cost:|| 2500 Kronars|
2,000 Lirums
1,804 Dokoras
2.5 LTBpoints
2.5 Tickets
2.5 Scrips
|Special Properties:||
|
|Dimensions:||15 length x 10 width x 5 height|
|Sources:||Source is Jakuv's All-Trades Outlet (3), Jakuv's All-Trades Outlet (2), Jakuv's All-Trades Outlet (1)|
VERBS
TAP: You drum your fingers on your cobbler's case, creating an oddly musical effect.
POKE: You sort through the contents of your cobbler's case, making sure everything is where it should be.
RUB: You rub your cobbler's case, gently polishing the warmly glowing wood. | https://elanthipedia.play.net/Item:Carved_silverwood_cobbler%27s_case_with_a_sturdy_black_leather_strap |
Can I Wear Boots In 60 Degree Weather?
It’s still too cold for flip flops and too warm for heavy boots, such as those from Uggs, at 60 degrees. You can choose from loafer shoes, oxfords, mules, Chelsea boots, closed heels, ballet flats, or sneakers.
Table of contents
Can You Wear Over The Knee Boots In 60 Degree Weather?
If you want to stay warm, you can wear ankle boots or knee-length boots. Then it’s up to you to accessorize: wear a leather jacket, a denim jacket, or even a flannel shirt if the weather is nice.
Is 60 Degree Weather Hot Or Cold?
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Temperature °C
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What might be at this temperature
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How it feels
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50
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Extremely hot
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60
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Washing machine setting for hot wash
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Too hot to live in
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90
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Washing machine setting for hottest wash
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Too hot to live in
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100
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Water boils in the kettle
What Should I Wear For Walking In 60 Degree Weather?
If you plan to hike in 60 degree weather, you should wear a lightweight shirt or long-sleeved shirt, a light jacket or fleece pullover, and long pants. In spite of the cold weather, you should still wear waterproof hiking boots or shoes, as well as moisture-wicking socks.
What Should I Wear In The Low 60s?
If you’re in the low 60s, wear boots and a dress in a heavier material, like the look above; however, if you’re in the upper 65s, wear sandals and open-toed mules. Transition from one outfit to another is made easy with dresses. You can wear this look all day long by grabbing a clutch and some high heels.
Is 60 Degrees Considered Cold?
There is a difference in temperature between winter and summer. If it’s the middle of winter, then 60 degrees will feel like a heatwave. If it’s the middle of summer, then it will feel like a cold snap.
What Do You Wear In 64 Degrees?
What Kind Of Shoes Should I Wear In 50 Degree Weather?
Should You Wear In 60 Degree Weather?
It’s best to dress in layers when the temperature is above 60 degrees, keeping in mind the high and low temperatures of the day. Wear trouser shorts with a fitted, long-sleeved bodysuit or a sultry slip dress with an oversized blazer draped over your shoulders just in case you get caught in the wind.
Should I Wear Pants Or Shorts In 60 Degree Weather?
Is it okay to wear shorts in 60 degree weather? In the 60 degree weather, shorts are a good choice if you are comfortable and have a high body temperature. Cold legs can be made comfortable by adding tights.
What Should I Pack For 60 Degree Weather?
Cotton, rayon, silk, or merino wool are light to medium weight fabrics. Tank tops and tee tops are a good place to start. You can wear a light weight sweater, denim jacket, blazer, sweatshirt, wind breaker, or trench coat. If you want to wear bottoms, wear leggings, long pants, or capris.
What Temperature Is Too Cold Hiking?
Unless you’ve hiked in cold weather before, hiking below 40 degrees is not recommended for the average hiker. A hiker who hikes below 40 degrees must have a special knowledge of wilderness survival, including how to stay warm and avoid hypothermia.
Is The Low 60s Cold?
The Low 60’s Attire (50-60 Degree Weather) 50 – 60 Degree Weather is a bit more chilly, so dressing up is definitely the way to go. A bright colored pair of pants by Cycle with a long sleeve sweater and a heavy cardi is the perfect way to wear casual yet chic.
What Should I Wear In The 60’s Temperature? | https://venuszine.com/can-i-wear-boots-in-60-degree-weather/ |
Solved Example 1:
The pressure applied from all directions on a cube is P. How much its temperature should be raised to maintain the original volume ? The volume elasticity of the cube is b and the coefficient of volume expansion is a
Solution:
(A) If coefficient of volume expansion is a and rise in temperature is then V = => V/V ; Volume elasticity = P/V/V = P/ = > = P/.
Solved Example 2:
What is the density of ocean water at a depth, where the pressure is 80.0 atm, given that its density at the surface is 1.03 × 103 kg m–3 ?
Solution:
Here, compressibility of water, 1/K = 45.8 × 10–1 Pa–1 ;
Then, K = pV/V or V = pV/K
Since the mass of water remains the same, | https://www.transtutors.com/physics-homework-help/elasticity/bulk-modulus.aspx |
>>> New web page format problems? suggestions?
813 · 21179185 + 1
At this site we maintain a list of the 5000 Largest Known Primes which is updated hourly. This list is the most important PrimePages database: a collection of research, records and results all about prime numbers. This page summarizes our information about one of these primes.
|Description:||813 · 21179185 + 1|
|Verification status (*):||Proven|
|Official Comment (*):||[none]|
|Unofficial Comments:||This prime has 1 user comment below.|
|Proof-code(s): (*):||L2085 : Dodson1, PSieve, Srsieve, PrimeGrid, LLR|
|Decimal Digits:||354973 (log10 is 354972.96552758)|
|Rank (*):||12929 (digit rank is 1)|
|Entrance Rank (*):||498|
|Currently on list? (*):||no|
|Submitted:||10/13/2011 08:59:42 CDT|
|Last modified:||10/18/2011 18:48:31 CDT|
|Removed (*):||9/23/2014 14:19:56 CDT|
|Database id:||102432|
|Status Flags:||none|
|Score (*):||43.4525 (normalized score 0.474)|
User comments about this prime (disclaimer):
User comments are allowed to convey mathematical information about this number, how it was proven prime.... See our guidelines and restrictions.
Verification data:
The Top 5000 Primes is a list for proven primes only. In order to maintain the integrity of this list, we seek to verify the primality of all submissions. We are currently unable to check all proofs (ECPP, KP, ...), but we will at least trial divide and PRP check every entry before it is included in the list.
field value prime_id 102432 person_id 9 machine Ditto P4 P4 what trial_divided notes Command: /home/ditto/client/TrialDiv/TrialDiv -q 813 2 1179185 1 2>&1 [Elapsed time: 10.842 seconds] modified 2020-07-07 17:30:30 created 2011-10-13 09:06:24 id 134450
field value prime_id 102432 person_id 9 machine RedHat P4 P4 what prime notes Command: /home/caldwell/client/pfgw -t -q"813*2^1179185+1" 2>&1 PFGW Version 3.4.5.32BIT.20110215.x86_Dev [GWNUM 26.5] Primality testing 813*2^1179185+1 [N-1, Brillhart-Lehmer-Selfridge] Running N-1 test using base 5 Calling Brillhart-Lehmer-Selfridge with factored part 100.00% 813*2^1179185+1 is prime! (3209.2253s+0.0010s) [Elapsed time: 53.50 minutes] modified 2020-07-07 17:30:30 created 2011-10-13 10:06:19 id 134459
Query times: 0.0004 seconds to select prime, 0.0007 seconds to seek comments.
Printed from the PrimePages <primes.utm.edu> © Chris Caldwell. | https://primes.utm.edu/primes/page.php?id=102432 |
In a galaxy far, far away, two supermassive black holes trapped in an intricate -- and ultimately fatal -- dance are about to collide and merge in an event that is expected to warp the fabric of space-time itself. However, as is always the case with cosmic events of such mind-boggling magnitude, the smashup is still an impossibly long time away when measured in a human timescale -- approximately 100,000 years from now.
According to a study published Wednesday in the journal Nature, the black hole duo -- called PG 1302-102 -- is located 3.5 billion light-years away, in the Virgo constellation. The system is the tightest orbiting pair detected so far, with the black holes separated by a mere light-week.
“This is the closest we’ve come to observing two black holes on their way to a massive collision,” the study’s senior author, Zoltan Haiman, an astronomer at Columbia University, said in a statement released Wednesday.
Black holes have always raised a raft of questions that have boggled astrophysicists and cosmologists. These bodies -- formed when a massive star collapses upon itself -- have occasionally been described as the “vacuum cleaners” of the universe and are notorious for their tendency to wreak havoc on the usual laws of physics that govern the rest of the cosmos.
It is in this context that the latest discovery, detailed in the journal Nature, assumes significance. According to the astronomers from Columbia University, who made the discovery using data from NASA’s Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) and the Hubble Space Telescope, the discovery might not only help understand how galaxies merge, it can also provide the first observational evidence of the so-called gravitational waves.
“Watching this process reach its culmination can tell us whether black holes and galaxies grow at the same rate, and ultimately test a fundamental property of space-time -- its ability to carry vibrations called gravitational waves, produced in the last, most violent, stage of the merger,” Haiman explained, in the statement.
According to the general theory of relativity, gravity is a product of the curvature of space-time. And, it is hypothesized that gravitational waves are responsible for transporting energy in the form of gravitational radiation -- much like electromagnetic waves carry electromagnetic radiation. If these waves are detected, it would strengthen the case for physics beyond the Standard Model and refine our current understanding of the theory of relativity.
Additionally, the discovery also provides a new technique for detecting black holes mergers -- an event that, despite being quite common, is hard to spot and confirm.
The latest pair was discovered after scientists tracked the system’s changing light patterns. The researchers looked for evidence of a Doppler boost -- similar to one observed when a ambulance siren grows louder and more high-pitched as it approaches -- in ultraviolet wavelengths. Their model predicted that the variation in intensity, caused by the swinging motion of the black holes and their accretion disks, should be two or three times greater in ultraviolet light than visible light -- a prediction that was borne out by observations made using GALEX and Hubble.
“We can start to put numbers on the rates that black holes come together and build up into larger black holes, and use what we're learning to search for more black holes pairs,” co-author David Schiminovich from Columbia, said, in the statement. | https://www.ibtimes.com/supermassive-black-holes-will-collide-about-100k-years-2103537 |
Learn how to apply your artistic vision to the widest spectrum of digital experience for web, mobile, and tablet platforms, from gaming to broadcast mediums. Your focus is on creating big ideas, executing successful projects that consider current trends, technology, and consumer mindshare. You'll collaborate with thought leaders, work directly with clients, and partner with industry mentors to envision new design directions, emulating a digital agency experience.
Creating a Design Core – Terms 1-3 (6 months)
In the first half of the year, we provide you with a strong foundation in the ABCs of Digital Design. You learn why it is important to understand the core motivations of your audience, and to create desirable products that meet both their current and future needs. You learn to navigate and manage the technical constraints of a project while considering business and brands. You also learn the latest design tools, techniques and approaches that increase your capacity for design and your ability to execute larger, more complex, projects.
Term 1 Course Descriptions
As students enter the program, they discover that they are already part of a broader design world and that engaging with that community now provides a basis for a strong professional network at graduation. The course is both topic- and event-driven, with students learning fundamental presentation techniques and networking principles.
This course provides students with tools to work as effective members of project teams. The course focuses on three key areas: team building, effective professional communication skills, and time management.
This course provides students with the methodology to envision, plan, and communicate complex information structures in a manner that is highly creative and fully professional. The course is based on a workshop/lecture model and helps students define the user experience for a specified brief.
Creative direction and art direction are strategic approaches to developing the concept, messaging and visual language of design and media projects. They provide the framework from which design decisions can be made to ensure that all elements of the project are focused and consistent with the overall message. This course will enable you to explore design principles while trying out different approaches to develop the creative direction and art direction of a project. It will not attempt to be definitive or encyclopedic, but rather exploratory and experimental. In some cases, you’ll be expected to generate ideas rather than conclusions, and to consider many different approaches to developing the guiding concept for a project.
This course introduces you to the principles and practices for production of digital illustration and design, and covers the fundamental tools and techniques of bitmap software such as photo-retouching, color correction, blending and combining images, using masks, applying filters and adding text to an image. Concepts such as resolution, bit depth, color modes, layers, blending modes, masks, channels, paths and non-destructive editing will be covered as well. The software creates a powerful basis for production of digital illustration and design.
Interface principles teaches the concepts of way-finding and affordances. You will learn how to use visual hierarchy and positioning to create successful interfaces, and will develop a strong knowledge of the icon design process. You will also gain the ability to use form and context to bring meaning to the user about the function of the interface and its components. Ultimately, you will learn how to make appropriate design decisions with respect to the specific business needs and target audience needs.
Motion design marries the technical skills of graphics art with those of video production. A good motion designer has extensive knowledge of both mediums and the tricks and tools of each. Common examples of motion graphic work are title sequences, advertising, infographics, and music videos. In the video components of the course, students will be taught the fundamental industry standard techniques of: pre-production, post-production, cameras and lighting. You’ll start capturing and organizing video files that they will edit and use to create a short stop-motion narrative using Adobe Premiere. After you have a basic understanding of stop-motion video production, you’ll begin a more technical approach with Adobe After Effects. You will then discover how to integrate material between Adobe Premiere and Photoshop, while gaining a basic understanding of animation, masks, effects, and proper workflow techniques.
This course serves as a designer’s introduction to two fundamental building blocks of the web. You will learn how to articulate content and concepts using the HyperText Markup Language (HTML), and how to describe that content’s visual representation using Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). You will learn the Document Object Model (DOM) and understand how browsers visualize the DOM according to the CSS Box Model, and what sort of visual language the Box Model imposes.
Term 2 Course Descriptions
This course provides students with a deep understanding of brands and their impact on our lives. It serves as a launching pad for students to consider their own brand and how to market themselves after graduation. Students have the opportunity to research, plan, and create a new brand and are challenged to consider its relevance to a specific target audience.
Written language has existed for thousands of years. Typography is the practice of reproducing the written word by mechanical/digital means. From Gutenberg’s press to Adobe’s PostScript language to the explosion of on-line information, the mass reproduction of texts has had an enormous effect on our world’s history and culture. By embarking on this course of study, you will quickly find yourself immersed in an exciting world of inventors, kings, rebels and revolutionaries. You will also focus on learning typographic rules and applications.
As part of the Adobe Creative Cloud of programs, the Illustrator and InDesign course will expose you to the powerful vector manipulation tool used by leading designers within the industry. You will take skills learned in the Illustrator course, translate your designs, and apply them in a variety of publishing media including new InDesign, Interactive ePub, and mixed media work. To learn these tools, you will create compelling Infographics by understanding and representing Big Data.
Motion Broadcast Design focuses on creating high production value motion design and the development in audio and video mediums through pre-production, production and post-production and discipline. Content includes pitching a media project, producing pre-visualization documentation, camera operations, lighting instruments, lighting techniques, and blue/green screen production, lower third typography, and animation. You will advance your knowledge in keying techniques, and apply dynamic range and EQ processing techniques.
Emerging Ideas focuses on creating high production value Motion Design and the development of heavy After Effects techniques. The course will cover character design, rigging, and animation utilizing techniques in After Effects. You will gain advanced knowledge in animation techniques, tracking movement, and understanding depth and 2.5D depth and compositing various assets into one final product.
This course will cover the core fundamentals of 3D workflows, primarily focusing on modeling, texturing, lighting, animation, and rendering using a professional 3D software solution. Introductory tools and techniques of 3D animation will be demonstrated in workshops where students will construct various animation projects. As hands-on training, you will be required to create a series of in-class exercises and assignments culminating in the creation of several still images and short animated videos. Technical practices and concepts of dynamics keyframes and procedural animation will be included in this course.
This course provides practical approaches to key sub-disciplines of interactive design including Competitive Analysis, Information Design, Interaction Design, and Visual Interface Design. Each lesson will take one of these topics and discuss various practical ways of applying them to cross-screen/responsive projects.
In this course, you will learn the core principles of IA — the process of developing the structure and content organization of interactive applications via wireframing. You will learn classification techniques, such as schemes and schemas, be exposed to organizational exercises such as card sorting, and learn various interaction methods.
Term 3 Course Descriptions
Digital Design, like most professional disciplines, operates within both a creative and a business context. In order to successfully navigate the industry aspect of the profession, designers need to have the ability to form professional relationships, present their work and their ideas, understand the impact of their career choices on themselves and others, and become part of a broader design community. During the term, you research career paths, meet prospective employers through studio tours, and liaise with a visiting recruiter who will talk about what digital design agencies are looking for in entry-level candidates.
The Project Management course provides you with the framework required to successfully manage projects and become knowledgeable members of project teams. The five major process groups that form the project lifecycle (initiation, planning, executing, controlling, and closing) are covered in depth, and students will also learn specific techniques from the nine knowledge areas of project management including Scope, Time, Cost, Quality, Risk, Communication, Human Resources, Procurement, and Integration.
The web, video games, movies, TV – today’s world is an increasingly visual one. The imagery we create has an immense impact on our culture and personal development. As a professional visual communicator, it’s crucial to understand the history, purpose, and mechanisms of visual media. In this course, we explore questions such as, should communication design be a marketing tool or should it serve the public it reaches? Should designers focus just on solving a problem or also on defining the problem itself? Are the problems we are helping to solve creating new, even larger problems? Is the current visual pollution a sign of too much design or just of its misuse? Once you have been guided through a number of philosophical and ethical questions, you develop a guiding design manifesto that assists them in researching and defining initial grad project ideas.
This course goes beyond the concepts of branding and strategic design. This is a project-based course where students will work in teams to develop a multi-channel campaign for a real, non-profit client. You learn how the application of marketing techniques and information design transforms into stimulating narratives and compelling campaigns – campaigns that have a big idea at their core, but are executed using tools and techniques learned from your first four months in the Digital Design program. The end result will be a cross-channel campaign that will educate and engage audiences to take action for a positive cause.
Building on the principles acquired in Branding Strategy, this course functions more like a seminar and workshop. It’s less formal and structured than the strategy course as the focus shifts from the strategic aspects of branding to the art direction and brand management necessary to create full brand identities and graphic standards. You focus on creating beautiful, encyclopedic identities for one of three proposed clients.
This course focuses on information architecture for mobiles and tablets. You create the information architecture and wireframes for a mobile project, create a functional prototype, and conduct a series of user testing scenarios.
This course will give you the ability to analyze the world around you and turn that analysis into practical techniques. The course will cover abstract design, Trapcode Particular, character animation, animated typefaces, transitions, and featuring products with commercials. You also dissect a successful motion piece and recreate with provided graphics. Each lesson includes the analysis of a motion concept, demonstration of related techniques and lab time.
Specializations in Design – Terms 4-6 (6 months)
In the second half of the year, you are in the driver’s seat and get amplify what you love. Digital Design provides the opportunity to specialize in either Interactive Design (problem-solving and design thinking) or Motion Design (digital storytelling), and you create portfolio pieces in areas which you are most passionate.
You tackle more sophisticated and technically complex projects, while defining and executing your Graduate Project. We round out the year with a five-week employment boot camp, where you are exposed to a number of influential industry members, as you focus on preparing and networking your way into your dream job.
Term 4 Course Descriptions
The Graduate Project is the single largest portfolio asset generated within the Digital Design curriculum. It represents not only a larger scope than most other projects you will have worked on in this program, but also an opportunity to set a career direction and pursue an individual passion within Digital Design. Because of its size and scope, the Graduate Project requires a high degree of skill and precision in its conception and planning. Graduate Project Strategy will assist you in the initial development of their final projects by providing one-on-one project management assistance, lectures on key techniques in project management, workshop time for developing the project pitch and associated materials, and peer review through class presentations.
One of the most fundamental principles in Art and Design is experimentation. It is a tool that allows us to be constantly inspired and constantly learning. It is through the process of experimentation that the most creative and innovative ideas are born. Maintaining a personal practice of experimental projects helps develop visual skills and helps students stand out to a potential employer. This course allows for an open forum for you to create new innovative and inspiring work. It does not contain a definitive method, rather suggests a starting point that is constantly changing and evolving while helping progress the quality of one’s work. You will learn new techniques to aid in experimental 2D work with the hopes of them finding your own experimental style.
The Advanced Communication design course will be an elective and tailored to those students who are naturally drawn to excellent visual communication and have previously excelled in the Brand Strategy and Brands & Identities courses. This course will further challenge the student’s ability to create strong brand communication design, brand identity and brand strategy and messaging, and will also introduce an advertising campaign component to further challenge students and inspire written as well as visual communication practice.
Interactive Specialization
Understanding how to think like a designer involves understanding how to think like a user, and is a fundamental part of becoming a strong designer in the industry today. This course provides students with methods and tools to employ design thinking to their projects, particularly to their Graduate Project. Students will learn to examine the complexity found within the context of a design opportunity.
This two-day boot camp is dedicated to helping interactive students understand how their projects can be evaluated through different lenses in order to create more sustainable, and viable projects. The entrepreneurial design world has increasing demands for designers to have a breadth of knowledge that extends beyond production. This course provides you with the opportunity to understand the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate start environment and the steps necessary to launch their own IP. The course focuses on marketing, lean UX, and lean start up models so students can validate projects early in the conceptual cycle.
This course will provide you with the methodology to envision, design and prototype rewarding experience. You will learn a “digital design” approach to game design. This course will provide an introduction to gamer types (Bartle Player Types: MUDs,) and provide an overview of the MDA (Mechanics, Dynamics, Aesthetics) game design model. In addition, you will be introduced to fundamental topics around meta game strategies, and utilizing social mediums and sporadic game mechanics.
Interactive Specialization + Development
Motion Specialization
This two-day boot camp is dedicated to helping motion designers ideate and finalize their graduate projects. You will explore characters, worlds, and metaphors, while ensuring you have a clear understanding on how your concepts translate into compelling stories. You will have a clear understanding of how their technical choices affect the story arc, message and emotional connection with the audience. You will leave the boot camp with a refined concept (rough script, story) and art direction (style frames) for your Graduate Project.
A good motion graphics title sequence is a display of design, typography, branding, animation, photography and conceptual skill, all within a limited time frame. It’s a combination of skills and limitations that few other types of projects call for. They are a brilliant showcase for proficiency and creativity. Motion Title Sequence provides you with the opportunity to create a title sequence all while gaining an understanding of pitching, approval, production and post-production processes, as well as conceptual and narrative techniques. Through a series of lectures and workshops, students will explore the history of title design, analyzing film for theme and composition, understanding storytelling, semiotics, film/TV branding.
Motion graphics, whether for a TV commercial, title sequence, or interactive story, are hugely reliant on 3D graphics to bring life to concepts. In this course, we will take the skills learned in the previous course and put them to use crafting motion graphics spots that emulate real world, professional work. You will source short pieces matching weekly themes like sports, children’s programming, new, etc.. You will then break down what makes the shots work, produce storyboards of your own interpretation, build your animations in Cinema 4D, and then enhance your renders in Adobe After Effects. The focus of the class will be on effective use of the Cinema 4D toolset, and quality of final product (taking into account pacing, tone, look and feel, etc.).
Term 5 Course Descriptions
This is a course dedicated to ensuring the quality, thinking and execution of the Graduate Project is being completed at an industry level. With the assistance and feedback of the HOD, external examiner, and industry mentors, students deliver a Graduate Project that aligns with their career objectives and fills any portfolio gaps.
The goal for this course is the fulfillment of a final assembled package design in relation to a merchandised retail space. Students learn how to work in a three-dimensional space, make a product stand out on a shelf, and make the packaging layout fit to the die. They also develop an understanding of the hierarchy of information in a branding and packaging context.
Interactive Specialization
Understanding how to prototype, test, and iterate while working in a studio-type environment is a key part of succeeding in the design industry. Building on the T4 Design Thinking course, this T5 Studio Accelerator course is dedicated to helping students ideate and finalize their Graduate Projects. Students also explore alternative interaction techniques such as Designing for Thumbs and Minimal Attention User Interfaces. We use Agile project management methodology production techniques.
Interactive Specialization + Development
This course builds upon students' understanding of basic coding and introduces advanced scripting techniques and development environments/platforms. Students come to understand how to create prototypes using the latest tools and emerging technologies and apply this to testing and developing Graduate Projects.
Motion Specialization
This course builds upon earlier terms' 3D techniques and dives into the world of visual effects and compositing. With instruction and in-class demonstrations of industry standard techniques such as image based lighting, match moving, and rotoscoping, students are given a generalist’s overview of the visual effects pipeline and toolset.
Term 6 Course Descriptions
Term 6 begins to narrow students' focus to the traditional professional expression of their path through a cover letter and résumé. Students have the opportunity to create both, moving towards employment preparation (e.g. job interviews). Topics in this area include the structure of an employment meeting, effectively responding to difficult questions, building a team with an interviewer in 20 minutes or less, and presenting oneself with confidence in the face of a panel.
Current ethical issues affecting the design industry are the focus in this course, offering students an opportunity to learn the basic legal areas relevant to designers – from copyright law to contract law. They consider different models of dealing with the business of design including freelancing versus studio environment, managing clients, subcontracting work, and defining a professional set of practices and ethics.
Students are exposed to the skills, advice, and resources to build a completed portfolio and personal identity. By the end of the term, they maximize the persuasive value of their experience and creative vision. Each student works with an advisor to define a creative vision for their portfolio and a format that best supports it, after which they determine the previous projects that should be incorporated. Using skills developed in previous project management courses, students develop a plan for refining selected works, designing, and building their completed portfolios. | https://vfs.edu/programs/digital-design/curriculum |
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