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Published: June 14, 2011, 7 a.m., Last updated: June 14, 2011, 7:28 a.m.
Environmental watchdog groups are concerned by increasing rates of rhino poaching. In this article, Catherine Tomlinson discusses the quackery behind rhino poaching and how it is putting the future of these magnificent animals at risk.
The most common traditional medicine use of rhino horn is to treat fever.
Over the past few years environmental watchdog groups have raised alarm over the increasing rates of rhino poaching. This month the release of a documentary entitled Horn of Africa and a cover story in the popular Time magazine further exposed the brutalities of the rhino poaching crisis that is driven by the demand for horns in traditional Asian medicines.
South Africa and Zimbabwe have been the hardest hit by the crisis. Between 2000 and 2007, only about a dozen rhinos were poached each year in South Africa.1 But in 2010 and 2011, South Africa has been losing almost a rhino a day to poaching. 333 rhinos were illegally killed in 2010 and 181 have already been killed this year.2 Their deaths are violent and images difficult to view. In the clip below, a rhino in the Eastern Cape is severely injured after having its horn hacked off by poachers. Despite efforts by vets and rangers, this rhino’s life could not be saved.
In the week that I spent researching this article, six rhinos were reported killed. And in the few days from submitting this article for editing to publication a further seven were reported. Black rhinos are critically endangered and white rhinos are near threatened according to the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
Rangers and farmers have expressed despair at the sophistication of poachers, making it very difficult to contain the crisis. Groups carrying out poaching are referred to as illegal crime syndicates. They often involve ex-military men, skilled hunters, veterinarians and rangers that use expensive equipment such as helicopters, night vision goggles, and tranquilizers. A syndicate of 10 people involving professional hunters and two veterinarians is facing trial in Limpopo for mass poaching during 2010.
Environmental watchdog group The Wildlife Trade and Monitoring Network (TRAFFIC) investigated trade routes, revealing that most horns were destined for China and Vietnam to be ground and used in traditional Asian medicines.3
This is consistent with trade data from earlier years. East African export data shows that between 1949 and 1976, the horns of 16,500 rhinos were exported, of which 40% were sent to Hong Kong.4
Traditional Asian medicines commonly use animal parts in the composition of remedies. Rhino horns have been used in traditional Chinese medicines since 200BC.5 Current remedies recommend using rhino horn to treat a range of diseases – most commonly dispelling heat (fevers). It is a myth that rhino horns are commonly used in Asia as aphrodisiacs.
The horns of a rhino are composed almost entirely of keratin (a protein found in human skin, hair and nails) with deposits of calcium and melanin in the center.6
The belief that rhino horns are able to dispel heat is explained by scientists at the Department of Biology and Chinese Medicinal Material Research Centre at the Chinese University of Hong Kong:
A very fundamental approach in Chinese medicine in analysing the syndromes of an ailment is to differentiate them according to the ‘eight cardinals’: yin, yang, outside, inside, empty, full, coldsel and hot... in Chinese medicine, the term ‘fever’ covers not only a rise in body temperature but also a patient’s subjective feeling of heat within his body... herbal materials are noted to have such properties as four essences, five flavors and four directions of action. The four essences are cold, hot, cool and warm. A cold drug alleviates yang diseases, inflammation or hyperemia, and various fevers... Accordingly, rhinoceros horn, classified as a cold drug, is indicated for hot diseases. However, it is applied only when heat is trapped deep in the body in the areas of ying and XUQ, to help clean and detoxify the blood... Obviously, the conceptual function of rhinoceros horn in Chinese medicine is more far-reaching than just subsiding fever.7
These scientists at the Chinese University of Hong Kong carried out a study on the antiphyretic (fever-reducing) effects of rhino horn on rats. They found that horn is able to reduce fevers in rats, but only at doses far higher than prescribed in traditional medicine.8To curb the killing of rhinos for traditional medicine, other scientists have rebutted claims that rhino horns have any medicinal properties. In 1983, a study was undertaken by Hoffman-LaRoche at the request of the World Wildlife Federation and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. The study ‘found no evidence that rhino horn has any medicinal effect.’9Dr Raj Amin of the Zoological Society of London, who demonstrated that the species and origin of the rhino could be identified from analysing their horn, further stated that ‘there is no evidence that any constituents of rhino horn have any medical property’. 10
In 1993 trade sanctions were put in place prohibiting commercial trading of rhino horns in an effort to end the killing of endangered rhinos for traditional medicine. At this time China also banned the use of the horns for medicinal purposes and removed them from the country’s official pharmacopoeia. Yet demand for rhino horns remains unabated with new consumer markets opening. As a group of researchers have explained, “These legislative or administrative actions are meaningful, but they take little action to modify the beliefs already deeply ingrained in the cultures of traditional medicines. Practitioners and consumers of herbal medicines using rhinoceros horn swear by it.”11
The recent surge in poaching has been linked to a new myth widely spread in Vietnam that rhino horn is able to cure cancer12 as well as sanctions preventing the legal trade of horns.
The investigation by Time magazine revealed alarming plans within China to start farming rhinos for their horns. Between 2006 and 2009, 121 rhinos were imported into China from South Africa. The investigation revealed that one company initially promoted as a future tourism destination was actually set up ‘to provide our pharmaceutical industry raw materials, the company had built an endangered animals breeding station.’ The investigation also unveiled a patent application for a device called a 'self-suction living rhinocerous-horn scraping tool'.13
Rhinos are not the only animal threatened by belief in the mystical healing properties of certain animal parts. Traditional Asian medicine demand for animal body parts has also fuelled illegal poaching of endangered tigers14 and bears15.
An IOL article in January reported that rhino horns are worth more than their weight in gold, 'The price of rhino horns, which weigh 7kg on average, has increased to R400 000 a kilogram, outpacing gold for the first time in a decade. In London yesterday gold fixed at $1 345.50 an ounce, or R305 824 a kilogram.'16
An internet search for 'anti-rhino poaching campaign' reveals numerous campaigns targeted at the western audience, but very little targeted at endangered animal consumer countries.17 Wide-scale education campaigns should be launched by conservation groups in Asia to combats the belief that rhino horns contain medicinal properties and highlight the devastation of poaching.
You can donate to rhino conservation efforts by going to the following sites:
http://www.stoprhinopoaching.com/donate.aspx
http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/rhinoceros/donate/#
References
1 H Beech and A Perry. “Killing Fields: How Asia’s growing appetite for traditional medicine is threatening Africa’s rhinos” Time Vol. 177, No. 24 (June 2011)
2 http://www.stoprhinopoaching.com/
3 T Milliken et al. “African and Asian Rhinoceroses – Status Conservation and Trade. A report from the IUCN Species Survival Commission (IUCN/SSC) African and Asian Rhino Specialist Groups and TRAFFIC to the CITES Secretariat pursuant to Resolution Conf. 9.14 (Rev CoP14) and Decision 14.89.” (20 November 2009)
4 S Mainka and J Mills. “Wildlife and Traditional Chinese Medicine: Supply and Demand” Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine Vol 26 No 2. (June 1995)
5 P But et al. “Ethnopharmacology of Rhinoceros Horn. I: Antipyretic Effects of Rhinocerous Horn and Other Animal Horns” Journal of Ethnopharmacology (1990)
6 Ohio University.“Scientists Crack Rhino Horn Riddle” ScienceDaily (11 November 2006).
7 Ibid.
8 Ibid.
9 The Environmentalist. “Yemen acts to halt rhino horn daggers: scientific tests fail to show rhino horn effective as medicine” Vol 3 No 2 (1983).
10 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxZJ1nN8nLc&feature=youtu.be
11 P But et al. “Ethnopharmacology of Rhinoceros Horn. I: Antipyretic Effects of Rhinocerous Horn and Other Animal Horns” Journal of Ethnopharmacology (1990).
12 TRAFFIC –The Wildlife Trade and Monitoring Network. “Lid lifted on Vietnamese Rhino horn trade” (May 2011).
13 H Beech and A Perry. “Killing Fields: How Asia’s growing appetite for traditional medicine is threatening Africa’s rhinos” Time Vol. 177, No. 24. (June 2011)
14 TRAFFIC. “Tigers – an iconic species in danger of extinction” Available at http://www.traffic.org/tigers
15 TRAFFIC. “Illegal bear bile rampant in Asia” Available at http://www.traffic.org/home/2011/5/11/illegal-bear-bile-trade-rampant-in-asia.html
16 See http://www.iol.co.za/business/business-news/rhino-horn-more-valuable-than-gold-1.1014932
17 This search is limited by the author's own language barriers.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. | https://www.quackdown.info/article/traditional-medicine-odds-conservation/ |
MARWAN ASMAR, Chief Editor in the ATHENA Project (JORDAN)
Dr Marwan Asmar is a media and PR consultant who have worked in the field of journalism since 1993. Currently living in Jordan, he worked in different media outlets in Amman, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia writing and editing articles that spanned from politics, economics, society, culture and internet technology and telecommunications.
He worked in an English weekly in Amman, an English daily in Dubai and edited a whole host of periodicals and magazines in Riyadh that specialized from travel and tourism to diplomacy and corporate culture.
Dr Marwan Asmar has been involved in the drawing up of media campaigns that included promoting tourism in Aqaba, supporting intellectual property rights in Jordan for the National Library and making people more aware of the importance of ancient theaters as it is the case with his latest position as Chief Editor in the ATHENA Project for the Ancient Theaters Enhancement for New Actualities in the Department of Antiquities in Jordan.
Part of his duties is to produce content for the “ATHENA Project Newsletter” which is published on a regular basis of news, views and developments in the ATHENA Project countries, update the website with fresh content and is involved in writing reports, research papers and general editing.
He has worked as Head of Research in Writelabs, a local consultancy in Amman, did a stint as media advisor to the Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association and worked with one of the leading tour operator companies in Jordan on PR issues and posting content on websites and blogs.
For further information: | https://www.digitalmeetsculture.net/people-1234/marwan-asmar/ |
Global average temperature in March this year has exceeded the average for 20th century by 1.07 deg C as against 1.04 C rise that February recorded. The figures from Japan Meteorological Agency also show that the last 11 months have been the hottest ever recorded for the corresponding months since 1891.
Meanwhile, Nasa data recorded March as 1.28 C above the average from 1951-1980, continuing the relentless 1 deg rise in average temperatures seen in six months now.
Based on the temperatures of the first three months of this year and the rising carbon levels, 2016 is set to beat 2015 as the hottest year on record.
Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has reached 409.44 parts per million on April 9 at measuring station at Hawaii's Mauna Loa, a rise of almost ten ppm in a year. The last time such an increase was seen was in 1998 when a 3.7 ppm rise was recorded, writes the Scientific American.
The year 2015 began with a breaching of the 400 ppm level of carbon.
"Where you assign the peak will depend on whether the focus is on daily, weekly or monthly averages. The monthly peak is certainly still ahead of us," says Ralph Keeling, a geochemist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in California who measures atmospheric CO2 every day at Mauna Loa and other stations. "The recent daily values were extraordinarily high, however, so perhaps [they] won't be overtaken."
While it is natural that CO2 concentrations typically peak just before summer when plants begin to draw in CO2, Keeling suspects that won't be able to bring down 400 ppm ever again.
Atmospheric CO2 has risen by nearly 100 ppm since the first measurements began at Mauna Lao in March 1958. This has been enough to drive temperatures up by a degree. The Earth has in its distant past seen much higher levels of carbon dioxide but that was much before human species appeared.
The last decade alone saw a jump by nearly 30 ppm propelled by feverish economic growth.
"The atmospheric and oceanic CO2 increase is being driven by the burning of fossil fuels," says Pieter Tans, a senior scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Earth System Research Laboratory, who leads the U.S. government effort to monitor global greenhouse gas levels. "When the burn rate is high, the CO2 increase rate is also high."
Global emissions
The global emissions of carbon dioxide from energy sector have leveled off since a couple of years now at around 32 billion tones, with renewable energy making a big impact, according to the IEA. However, current emissions cannot avert a temperature increase of 2.7 °C by 2100, the agency cautioned unless a major course correction is applied. Energy accounts for two thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Total global emissions from human activities stand at roughly 40 billion metric tones but dry periods have seen increased incidents of forest fires as well as deliberate clearing of land by burning, all of which throw up more carbon into the air.
The El Niño—a warming of tropical Pacific Ocean waters that changes weather patterns across the globe—last year was also responsible for shifting rainfall patterns and drying forests and contributing to a CO2 spike. In 1998, the El Nino led to a record CO2 jump of nearly four ppm.
However, the temperature rise and resulting heat wave which has already killed many in India this year, is yet another evidence of climate change and its impact. Greenland's ice sheet has melted three months earlier this year, with 1.7 million square kilometers showing signs of melting last week.
This kind of melt is normally seen around May, said Peter Langen, a climate scientist at the Danish Meteorological Institute. | https://www.ibtimes.sg/worse-come-march-beats-record-hottest-weather-125-years-1024 |
Chesapeake Bay’s underwater grasses decline in 2012
A 21 percent loss in underwater grasses in the Bay and its tidal rivers reflects lows last reported in 1986.
Close to 15,000 acres of underwater grasses have disappeared from the Chesapeake Bay.
While robust grass beds on the Susquehanna Flats and expanding beds in the James River offer two examples of the Bay’s resilience, an aerial survey conducted by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) showed a 21 percent decline in the Bay’s grasses in 2012. This so-called “alarming” loss—from just over 63,000 acres in 2011 to just over 48,000 in 2012—approaches lows last reported in 1986.
In a report released this week, Chesapeake Bay Program scientists attributed last year's decline in grass beds to warmer-than-normal water temperatures seen in 2010 and strong storms seen in the fall of 2011. The former "cooked" grasses in the Lower Bay, while the latter pushed excess sediment into rivers and streams, clouding the water and creating unfavorable growing conditions for aquatic plants in the Upper and Middle Bay.
These strong storms and episodes of heat stress have occurred alongside a widespread decline in water clarity, said Bob Orth, coordinator of the VIMS Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Survey. While Orth remains "concerned" over the decline in bay grasses, he noted that favorable growing conditions in the future could lead to quick signs of recovery in a species that is fast to respond to water quality changes—both good and bad.
"The best thing we can do [for bay grasses] is to improve water quality," said Lee Karrh, a biologist with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and chair of the Bay Program's Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Workgroup. "If you improve water quality and reduce chronic problems, then the Bay should be able to deal with episodic events easier than it has been able to in the past."
Underwater grasses—also known as submerged aquatic vegetation or SAV—are critical to the Bay ecosystem, offering food and habitat to countless critters while absorbing nutrients, trapping sediment and reducing shoreline erosion. The Bay Program uses underwater grass abundance as an indicator of Bay health, and has this week released a data visualization tool that allows users to track changes in grass abundance over time, as dominant species ebb and flow and grass beds shrink and expand.
Read more about the 2012 Distribution of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation in the Chesapeake Bay. | https://www.chesapeakebay.net:443/news/blog/chesapeake-bays-underwater-grasses-decline-in-2012 |
Is HTML a programming language? I could express a bit of shock, even dismay, at the question, but instead, I’ll try a more polished approach.
Thinking that programming is about programmers is the worst mistake you can make. The single most important aspect of programming is the user. Keep this
With tales of Crispr babies in the news, I’ve been pondering the implications of programming human beings. This may or may not have been spurred
This is hard to write, or rather, it’s a hard decision to make. After investing many years on Leaf — a programming language, a major
The web has been part of my career since the beginning. I’ve created several sites, including apps and games, hell, I’ve even created web development
In a distant memory I typed some text, pressed “Submit”, and had a blog post. Though simple, it lacked finesse; the articles lacked polish.
I made it to the top Legendary League in a bot programming contest. This is the first such competition I’ve done, with a language, Rust, | https://mortoray.com/tag/programming/ |
This is Behind the Insights, a vodcast series from MetrixLab. In this series, we talk to experts from all over the world to go beyond the data and see what’s really driving today’s hottest topics in insights.
In this episode, join MetrixLab Global Brand Consultant Hilary Gaines and Head of Effectiveness at adam&eveDDB Les Binet as they talk about how to succeed in building brands and winning customers.
Check it out and stay tuned for new episodes every month.
Or if you prefer, read the full transcript below.
Episode transcript:
Hilary: I’m Hilary Gaines. I’m one of MetrixLab’s global brand consultants and I’m the chief architect of our brand equity philosophy and brand tracking approach. I started in research some scary 30+ years ago, actually as a part time market research interviewer, and in those days it was telephone and pen and paper surveys. And for me what’s been so exciting is to see how market research has evolved and developed over the years, with huge leaps in technology and data science and advanced analytics. And over the last decade or so, those real advances that we’ve seen in neuroscience, cognitive and behavioral sciences have helped us to really understand the human brain better, how it works. And for us brand and communication researchers, it really advanced our appreciation of the myriad influences on consumer choice decisions.
Les: And I’m Les Binet, Head of Effectiveness at adam&eveDDB, which is a creative agency in London, part of the DDB network. And as head of effectiveness, my job is to measure the effectiveness of advertising and marketing, to understand what makes advertising and marketing effective, and to make it work better, to increase effectiveness. So I’m all about effectiveness, all about selling stuff, making stuff that works. And for the last 15 years or so, I’ve been working with the IPA, that’s the body that represents the advertising industry in London, doing some sort of general research into how advertising works with my colleague Peter Field. Together we’ve published several books on advertising effectiveness, including The Long and the Short of It, which looks at how advertising works over the short- and the long-term. And I think the reason that Hilary and I are talking together today is that a lot of the stuff that Peter and I have found in the data gels with the way that MetrixLab thinks about how marketing communications work and how to make them effective.
When it comes to brand growth, does penetration or loyalty matter more?
Hilary: So you know one of the key things of course is that the landscape of buyers today is so different to even a few years ago, and it’s ever-evolving. So when we talk about the importance of growing a brand through penetration, as you know that underpins our philosophy, it does make sense because in today’s world where there’s so much choice and brands are really much less if at all differentiated in some cases, loyalty doesn’t deliver the sales growth that it historically once did.
And so that new buying landscape has clearly posed challenges for brands to move away from often a very targeted marketing strategy – we’ve all seen brands with those target pen profiles, Lucy and Ben etc. – towards addressing a broad audience to drive brand penetration, getting more new buyers as a priority and thus sales and growth.
Les in your effectiveness work, do you find penetration is always the main driver of growth?
Les: Well, by and large, yes. So, it’s interesting you talked about how the buying landscape has changed so much, and you sort of like hinted at the idea that there was a kind of golden age of loyalty. And actually, I’d flip that on its head and say actually, it’s surprising how little has changed in that aspect of marketing. So, I mean, you know the original work on what drives buying behavior and what drives market share and brand growth was done by Andrew Ehrenberg. His first work was done in the late 1950s. And you know he found in the late 50s and through the 60s and the 70s and the 80s and right up until now, the same patterns again and again and again in market after market, category after category, brand after brand, the main driver of growth is penetration, with a little bit of extra help from loyalty. And that was true in 1959 and it’s still true now. Nothing has changed. There was no golden age of loyalty marketing. Loyalty rates haven’t declined, they just were never a main driver of growth. So Ehrenberg’s work shows that, Byron Sharp’s work and the work of Ehrenberg Bass Institute shows that, and Peter and I have found exactly the same patterns in the IPA data.
Hilary: That’s really interesting, and we’ve seen the same. You know, there’s ever-increasing consumer choice, multiple options, and you know really our loyalty isn’t guaranteed and so perhaps it’s more about redefining what loyalty means. Is it just about choosing my brand more often over others? You know buyers are polygamously loyal, aren’t they?
Les: Yeah promiscuously loyal, consumers don’t tend to be strongly loyal to brands, they’re weakly loyal to brands. They have brands they prefer, but they switch around between multiple brands. As I say, the main driver of growth is the size of the customer base, and the main driver of the size of the customer base is the rate at which you acquire customers. But loyalty and retention play a sort of supporting role. You need to put your main focus on growth through acquisition, but you also need a secondary focus on loyalty.
“Light buyers” are more important than you think
Hilary: But at the end of the day you know it’s the light buyers that really matter, isn’t it?
Les: Yes, yes.
Hilary: I think pretty much all brands have light or occasional buyers, users, consumers. But there’s so many of them that actually they significantly contribute to sales volume, that’s where the kind of head room for growth is.
Les: Yeah this is a thing that many people get wrong, isn’t it? They think that the most valuable customers are the frequent buyers, the heavy buyers, the ones who are loyal. But they’re the ones you’re going to get anyway. The ones you win or lose are the ones at the periphery. So, when a brand first launches yeah, the easy win, the low hanging fruit will be the people who buy the category a lot, the people who are heavy buyers of the category. But pretty soon you then need to migrate on to recruiting light buyers and non-buyers and the people on the periphery. That’s where the growth comes from.
And that’s the thing that marketers get completely wrong regularly.
The secret to targeting and segmentation
Hilary: So we need to reach all buyers, that’s vital. Especially those light-occasional. But is there a role for blending that with some clever targeting?
Les: You need to think about both targeting and reach. There’s a way in which you can do both targeting and reach at the same time, which is by segmenting the category by media usage, and then using that media segmentation to make sure you reach all the segments. So what marketers tend to think is that you should be segmenting the market in order to decide which segments you’re going to own. And that’s nearly always wrong. You segment the market in order to understand how you can reach all the segments. What do you need to do to get old people AND young people, rich people AND poor people, men AND women and so forth.
You may want to reach both youngsters and old farts like me, you know. And therefore you need a different mix of media to reach the two different groups. So you might want, you know, TV to reach older people and online video to reach younger people, or you might want you know, some different mix within that, you know.
Hilary: Yeah and this sophisticated kind of mass marketing, it doesn’t mean targeting everyone, it means – it doesn’t mean treating everyone the same, does it?
Les: Not necessarily. You might under certain circumstances want to go, ok right, we will talk to young people in a slightly different way from older people. You might want to do that, but there are dangers in that. Because brands are partly built as shared meanings, if you like. A shared set of associations and memory structures. Now, suppose for example you said we were going to target old people with TV and young people with online video. And to the old people we would appear to be a conservative, right-wing brand, and to young people we would be a progressive left-wing brand. What you end up with is two groups of people who have no shared understanding of what the brand means. And if they ever talk to one another, they will not have any kind of shared reference points for the brand.
I can’t say who this is, but a company was doing some sports-related marketing where they were targeting supporters of different football teams. And you know, like if you’re an Arsenal fan, you’d see great things about, you know, we’re associated with Arsenal. And if you were a Chelsea fan it would, you know, they’d appear to be associated with Chelsea. But when they measured the effectiveness of this approach to doing things they found it was ineffective. Because it’s basically being duplicitous and trying to be all things to all people.
The keys to unlocking consumer decisions
Les: It’s about inserting your brand into people’s heads so that whenever your brand is relevant, whenever your brand could solve a problem, meet a need, whenever your brand is relevant, your brand comes quickly and easily to mind, and ideally, you know, before anyone else’s does. If someone thinks fast food, they think McDonald’s. If they think burgers, they think McDonald’s. But you also want to make sure that they remember McDonald’s if it’s breakfast, or a coffee, or a snack in the middle of the afternoon, or a place to sit down when you’re in the middle of, you know, a shopping trip, or a treat for the kids, or, you know, a late night snack, and so on.
Hilary: Mental availability is key, absolutely, but actually, so is emotional resonance, so is physical availability. And in some categories like for the travel industry, you know, that ease of booking your holiday online is actually pretty critical and it’s the biggest contributor to equity in that category.
Les: If I was running a business, the first thing I’d think about is physical availability. You’ve got to make sure that people can get your product easily and quickly and with, you know, minimal hassle. But the thing is of course that physical availability is one of those things that you can max out quite quickly, you know. Once you get to the point where, you know, you’re in all the bricks and mortar shops and you know, you are, um… You were going to disagree with me, aren’t you?
Hilary: Yes slightly! Because it actually isn’t just about that physical distribution. Yes that’s important. But it’s about the ease of the transaction, the effort, the consumer effort.
Les: You’re right.
Hilary: We’ll talk more about this, but you know, in a CPG situation it’s even, you know, stand out on shelf.
Les: Yes, yeah. And you know, like even if you’re buying online, you know, there’s things like, you know, am I going to get it today, tomorrow, next week, whatever you know, so yeah.
Hilary: And if we think about that ever-evolving landscape of choice for buyers, in terms of mental availability we also must recognize that consumers don’t just have one consideration set. We’ve got many situational or context-specific evoke sets. So different choices, you know, they may depend on mood, on occasion, needs, and that’s really where mental availability comes in.
Les: And I think again, going back to targeting, we tend to sort of spend too much time trying to target particular sort of pen portrait shoppers, and not enough targeting particular kind of mindsets and situations and decision states. So, you know, me and a 19-year-old are probably quite similar in a sense when we’re choosing a coffee or something like that. But you know, the differences between me and a 19-year-old are not so important. It’s understanding the state of mind of somebody who wants a coffee, somebody who wants breakfast, and so forth.
At the end of the day, we’re all just human
Hilary: And I think, as we said at the outset, today’s marketers are really dealing with a very complex ecosystem of brand influences. So the human psychology maybe hasn’t change, but that complexity of the ecosystem has. And I think, you know, the advances in data science have helped us to make huge in-roads into making sense of all of the complexities of these influences on today’s very busy consumers.
Les: Yeah and I think you’ve got a very good framework for thinking about these issues. As you say, you need to tailor the precise balance of the metrics for different brands in different categories and also at different stages of their development. But the fundamentals I think are pretty much the same as they ever were, for most brands in most categories. And interestingly, like Peter and I recently we’ve been doing work on B2B, which you’d think would be so different from B2C. And yet, when we start to look at the data, you know what, the coefficients of the models and things are not statistically different between B2B and B2C.
Hilary: At the end of the day they’re still humans, whether they’re working in B2B or B2C.
Les: Business people are human beings just as ordinary people are, and we all have the same underlying biology and psychology. So it’s human nature that is at the root of marketing, and that doesn’t change.
Hilary: So thanks Les, so much, it’s been an absolute delight talking to you today.
Les: Thank you! It’s been a real pleasure.
Hilary: Thank you.
Les: Bye.
Hilary: Bye! | https://www.metrixlab.com/portfolio/behind-the-insights-episode-3-the-complex-landscape-of-brands-and-consumer-decisions/ |
Morality in the modern age is shifting and most Americans see cause for concern. In a recent LifeWay Research survey, eight out of ten people said America is in a state of moral decline.
However, there is also a division about what it means to be moral on a personal level.
When asked what helps them personally decide between right and wrong, about 52% say there is an objective standard, a right and wrong never change. 32% say morality is mostly about “whether or not someone gets hurt,” while 24% of people say it’s most important whether an action is legal or not. About 20% look to whether the benefits outweigh the costs when thinking about morality. (LifeWay Research data)
In the midst of these varied definitions of morality, apologist Alex McFarland says the most important question is often unasked: What does God say about right and wrong?
“Willingness to accept God’s take on truth matters for time and eternity. Our survival as a country, and the state of our soul in the afterlife, depends on trusting what God says.”
McFarland says there are two levels at which morality matters: to individuals, and to whole cultures. Each of us is first accountable for the state of our own personal morality.
“To everyone reading this: God loves you. To go to heaven, you must be born again; then we’re forgiven of our sin and we’re given a fresh start, where we’re spiritually born by putting our faith in Jesus…and the Bible promises Christ will accept you. So on a personal level, we need to be saved, and we can only do that if we accept what God has said about truth and sin and salvation.”
The collective effect of individuals in tune with God, and looking to His definition of right and wrong to guide them, shapes the character of whole nations. McFarland says it’s the absence of this understanding that is leading Americans into an uncertain future.
“I’m a Christian first, I’m a patriot second. I love America! I travel all around the world, but I love to get home.”
“Still, as a culture, our very survival as a country, the preservation of the Constitution, the perpetuation of this great nation, hangs in the balance. The tipping point is going to be whether or not we return to belief in morality. Otherwise, we’ll continue down this path of relativism and rejecting natural law. We need to pray for this country; if you’re a believer, we really need to pray for a revival of morality because the future of the country depends on it.”
With so many Americans recognizing and concerned that the society is in moral decline, what can we do to begin righting the ship? McFarland urges Americans to get back to basics:
“First, pray. Be a part of a church, be a disciple. Champion the family. But (most importantly) role model good, godly behavior. Remember, not only are we to defend the faith, our lives are to be part of the evidence.”
Thankfully, we’re not left alone in the world to stumble into right and wrong decisions by accident or chance. God loves us enough to teach us, preserving an ultimate guide in His word. And when we get it wrong, which we all do, He stands ready to forgive. | https://myfaithradio.com/2017/morality-matters/ |
Conflicting interests amongst different stakeholder groups regarding land use challenge the protection of natural values in socio-ecological systems (SES). In this paper we show, based on a case study of Israel’s Makhteshim Country National Park, how mapping the different interests and analyzing the data with a GIS system allows us to locate significant conflict points between groups. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 60 individuals from three major stakeholder groups in the region: semi-nomadic Bedouins, nature reserve rangers, and tourist operators. The qualitative findings were then mapped by a GIS platform. The mapping indicated that the stakeholder groups’ land-use is distributed in a manner that makes conflict unavoidable, but relatively limited to only certain specific areas. Moreover, in some areas, the three groups share similar or complementary values, reaping mutual benefits from shared use. We conclude that GIS mapping can serve as a powerful tool for conflict management in complex SES. | https://www.adssc.org/en/spatial-modeling-of-landscape-values-discovering-the-boundaries-of-conflicts-and-identifying-mutual-benefits-as-a-basis-for-land-management/ |
Astronomers have just announced the discovery of Earth’s nearest known black hole, and it’s visible with the naked eye. The black hole—located in the HR 6819 star system—has two companion stars, which means despite its invisibility, it can be tracked. Although this newly discovered black hole is still 1,000 light-years away, so there is no need to panic!
Science News picked up the discovery, which was outlined in a recent paper published in the journal, Astronomy & Astrophysics. The team of authors behind the paper, including Petr Hadrava at the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic in Prague, European Southern Observatory scientist Thomas Rivinius, et al. did not expect to find this relatively nearby blackhole. In fact, the team’s original aim was to study HR 6819 as a part of a research project on binary star systems.
“We were totally surprised when we realised that this is the first stellar system with a black hole that can be seen with the unaided eye,” Hadrava said in an ESO press release. The blackhole in HR 6819—which itself is located the Telescopium constellation—is only one of very few that do not interact violently with nearby matter, and therefore appears to be “truly black.”
The unnamed black hole is four times the mass of the Sun, and forms a “massive hierarchical triple system” with its two companion stars. The dynamic that has developed between the black hole and its companion star duo is visualized in the video up top. Note that the inner greenish-blue line indicates the movement of the system’s inner star, and the red line indicates the movement of the black hole; beyond those two, entering in toward the end of the video, is the system’s second star.
The authors of the paper note that there is a discrepancy between the number of black holes that are hypothesized to exist, and the number that have been observed. They also think that many other black holes like this one may be discovered in other, similar star systems.
“There must be hundreds of millions of black holes out there, but we know about only very few,” Rivinius says in the ESO press release. Baade added that discovering a black hole in a triple system so close by likely means we are seeing “the tip of an exciting iceberg.”
What do you think about our newly discovered black hole neighbor? Is this going to be the closest black hole to Earth we’ll ever find, or do you think there are ones lurking much closer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! | https://nerdist.com/article/earth-nearest-known-black-hole/ |
Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the tendons, muscles, or ligaments that are responsible for holding the toes in their normal position. This condition may be caused by poor footwear, foot structure, trauma, and disease. The most common solution for hammertoe is to relieve the pain by changing your footwear and wearing orthotics. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
The shoes that are most likely to cause hammertoe are high heeled shoes or shoes that are too tight in the toe box. Tight shoes will force your toes to crowd together in a curled position. This position will likely continue when you take your shoes off. Another cause is trauma. When you stub your toe, you are increasing the chance that you will develop hammertoe.
There are risk factors that may make you more likely to develop this condition. Women are more likely to have the condition compared to men, and it is also more likely to appear in those who are older in age.
Many different foot problems can be avoided by wearing shoes that have adjustability, adequate toe room, and low heels. Furthermore, if you want to buy new shoes, you should look to purchase them at the end of the day and make sure you know your correct size. The importance of buying shoes at the end of the day is that your feet swell as the day progresses. You should also ensure that you are wearing your correct size because your shoe size may change as you grow older.
To diagnose someone with hammertoe, your podiatrist will need to conduct a thorough examination of your foot. Your doctor may even order an x-ray to evaluate the bones and joints of your feet and toes.
If you have hammertoe, your podiatrist may recommend that you wear shoes that fit you better along with inserts to place inside them. Additionally, he or she may suggest special exercises for you to perform to stretch your toes. One helpful exercise it to pick up marbles with your feet or crumple a towel with your toes.
Prior to meeting with your podiatrist, it will be helpful to make a list of all the symptoms you are experiencing. You should also make a note of medications you are taking and important personal information about your medical history.
Fungal infection of the toenail, or onychomycosis, typically appears as a gradual change in a toenail’s texture and color that involves brittleness and darkening. The fungal infection itself occurs beneath the surface of the nail. Aside from discoloration, other symptoms include the collection of debris beneath the nail plate, white marks on the nail plate, and a foul odor emanating from the nail. If ignored, the infection can spread into other nails and the skin; in severe cases, it can hinder one’s ability to work or walk.
The toenails are particularly vulnerable to contracting infection in moist environments where people are likely to be walking barefoot, such as around swimming pools, public showers, and locker rooms. Fungal infection may also be more likely to occur in nail beds that have been injured, and sufferers of chronic diseases such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or immunodeficiency conditions are particularly prone to developing fungal nails.
Fungal nails can be primarily prevented by practicing proper hygiene and regularly examining the feet and toes. Carefully washing the feet with soap and water and thoroughly drying the feet afterwards are essential. Other tips include wearing shower shoes in public areas, changing shoes and socks daily, keeping toenails clipped at a short length, wearing breathable shoes that fit properly, wearing moisture-wicking socks, and disinfecting home pedicure tools and instruments used to cut nails.
Fungal nail treatment may vary between patients and the severity of the condition. Your podiatrist may suggest a daily routine of cleansing that spans over a period of time to ease mild infections. Over-the-counter or prescription antifungal agents may also be prescribed, including topical and/or oral medications. Debridement, or the removal of diseased nail matter and debris, may also be performed. In more severe cases, surgical treatment may be needed. In some instances, the temporary removal of the fungal nail allows for the direct application of a topical antifungal to the nail bed. In other cases, a chronically painful fungal nail that has not responded to other treatments may be permanently removed; this allows the infection to be cured and avoids the growth of a deformed nail.
Pain experienced in the ankle can be caused by a multitude of conditions. While the most common cause is an ankle sprain, other possible problems can include arthritis, gout, ankle instability, ankle fracture, nerve compression, or tendinitis. In more serious cases, ankle pain can be a sign of improper alignment of the foot or an infection.
Ankle pain can often be accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, stiffness and warm in the affected area. Pain can be described differently depending on the condition; short, stabbing pain and a dull ache are some examples. If such symptoms are persistent and do not improve after time, be sure to schedule an appointment with your local podiatrist.
Depending on the condition behind your ankle pain, different treatments may be prescribed by your podiatrist. For ankle sprains, the first step in treatment involves rest, ice, elevation, and compression. Be sure to avoid placing pressure on the ankle, use an ice pack several times a day, and use a compression bandage and elevation to reduce swelling. Other more serious conditions may require the assistance of certain drugs and medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, or even cortisone injections.
Consult with your foot and ankle doctor to best determine the cause of your ankle pain and the appropriate treatment. Depending on the severity of your ankle pain and the condition behind it, recovery from ankle pain may take some time.
Have you ever gotten up from a chair or out of bed in the morning, and upon taking that first step, feel like your heel has stepped on a tack? Many people experience a feeling of sharp pain which radiates into their arch from their heel and which does not allow them to put their heel on the floor. Sometimes they need to sit back down, stand only on their toes and use the wall for balance. If you can take a few steps, it seems to go away and lessen, allowing you to then resume your activity. Later, throughout your day and after a period of rest, it can happen again. If this sounds familiar you may be suffering from your first attack of heel pain.
Heel pain is a debilitating condition that affects day to day activities. Running and walking both causes stress on the heel because the heel is the part of the foot that hits the ground first. This means that the heel is taking on your entire weight. Diagnosis and treatments for heel pain can be easily found through your podiatrist.
Plantar Fasciitis
One of the main causes of heel pain is a condition known as plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that extends along the bottom of the foot, from the toe to the bottom of the heel. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of these tissues, resulting in heel pain. People who do not wear proper fitting shoes are often at risk of developing problems such as plantar fasciitis. Unnecessary stress from ill-fitting shoes, weight change, excessive running, and wearing non-supportive shoes on hard surfaces are all causes of plantar fasciitis.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Similar to plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause heel pain due to stress fractures and muscle tearing. A lack of flexibility of the ankle and heel is an indicator of Achilles tendonitis. If left untreated, this condition can lead to plantar fasciitis and cause even more pain on your heel.
Heel Spur
A third cause of heel pain is a heel spur. A heel spur occurs when the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, leading to a separation of the ligament from the heel bone entirely. This results in a pointed fragment of bone on the ball of the foot, known as a heel spur.
Although ankle sprains may not be as serious as a broken ankle, they should be given immediate attention and care. An ankle sprain can lead to a significant amount of pain, as well as limited mobility. They are often characterized by the swelling and discoloration of the skin. This occurs when the ligaments are stretched beyond their limits.
The simple act of walking can sometimes cause a sprain, which makes ankle sprains a very common injury that can happen to anyone. They occur when the ankle twists in an awkward way or rolls over itself, causing a pop or snap in the tendons around the ankle. Some people are more at risk than others. These include athletes who continually push their bodies to the limits and also people who have previously suffered accidents to the feet, ankles, or lower legs.
Most of the time, an ankle sprain is not severe enough for hospital attention. There are many at-home treatment options available, including propping the leg up above your head to reduce blood flow and inflammation, applying ice packs to the affected area as needed, taking over the counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication, using an ACE bandage to wrap and support the injured ankle, and most importantly, remaining off your feet until the ankle has fully healed.
Despite this, an ankle sprain can turn into a severe injury that might require hospitalization. If the ankle ligaments or muscles are damaged from a tear or rip, that is one sign that the sprain is severe enough for hospital attention and possibly for surgery. Even after the surgery, the recovery process can be long. You may need to have rehabilitation sessions administered by your podiatrist to get your ankle back to full health.
The severity of your sprain might become apparent if you are unable to stand or walk, consistent pain is occurring over a prolonged period of time, swelling is much more severe than initially present, or if you start to experience tingling or numbness. These signs may indicate that your ankle sprain might actually be a broken ankle, an injury that requires immediate medical attention.
Although they are not completely avoidable, ankle sprains can be curbed with some preventative treatment measures. These include wearing appropriate fitting shoes that not only provide a comfortable fit, but also ankle support. It is also recommended to stretch before doing any kind of physical activity, as this will help lower your body’s chance for an injury.
The forefoot is composed of five metatarsal bones and fourteen phalanges. Each toe has three phalanges except for the big toe which only has two. Our toes play an essential role to the walking process, which is why a broken toe could seriously disrupt one’s ability to move around. Toe fractures are common and can be very painful. Fortunately, these injuries rarely require surgery and usually heal with rest and a change in activity.
Broken toes typically result from a traumatic event such as falling, stubbing the toe, or dropping something on the toe. Traumatic toe fractures may be categorized as either minor or severe fractures. At times, one may hear a “pop” or “crack” sound when the bone breaks. Common symptoms of a traumatic toe fracture include pain, throbbing, bruising, swelling, and redness.
Another type of toe fractures is a stress fracture. These injuries usually appear in the form of small hairline breaks on the bone. Stress fractures develop after repetitive activity instead of a single injury. Stress fractures occur when the muscles in the bone become too weak to absorb impact. Consequently, the toe bone becomes vulnerable to any pressure and impact it endures. Symptoms for a stress fracture in the toe include swelling without bruising, tenderness to the touch, pain that goes away with rest, and pain after walking or running.
If you suspect that you have a broken toe, you should make an appointment with your podiatrist. He or she will likely diagnose you by performing a physical exam and an X-ray. Treatment for a broken toe may include the R.I.C.E. method, buddy taping, surgery, or antibiotics. The R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is a common treatment method for many injuries because it decreases pain. Buddy tapping involves wrapping the injured toe next to an adjacent toe to keep it supported and protected. These two methods have proven to be effective in the healing process for toe fractures. The estimated healing time for a broken toe is approximately four to six weeks. If the injury becomes infected or requires surgery, the estimated healing time may take eight weeks or more.
Gout is a form of arthritis that is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. This considered to be one of the most frequently recorded medical illnesses throughout history. Gout occurrences in the US have risen within the past twenty years and the condition now affects 8.3 million people which is 4% of all Americans. Researchers have found that gout affects men more than women and African-American men more than white men.
Symptoms of gout are warmth, swelling, discoloration, and tenderness in the affected joint area. The small joint on the big toe is the most common place for a gout attack to occur.
People who are obese, gain weight excessively, drink alcohol heavily, have high blood pressure, or have abnormal kidney function are more likely to develop gout. Furthermore, certain drugs and diseases are likely to increase levels of uric acid in the joints which eventually leads to gout. You are also more likely to develop gout if you eat a lot of meat and fish.
Many who experience gout attacks will experience repeated attacks over the years. Some people who have gout symptoms, may never have them again, but others may experience them several times a year. If you have gout symptoms throughout the year, you may have recurrent gout. Those who have gout should also be careful about their urate crystals collecting in their urinary tract, because this may lead to kidney stones.
Diagnosis for gout is done by checking the level of uric acid in the joints and blood. Your podiatrist may also prescribe medicine to reduce uric acid buildup in the blood, which will help prevent any gout attacks.
To treat gout, your podiatrist may also prescribe you Anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) which will relieve the pain and swelling of a gout episode and it can also shorten a gout attack. Maintaining a healthy diet is also a proven method to prevent gout attacks.
The human foot has 26 different bones, and the foot is divided into three parts: the hindfoot, the midfoot, and the forefoot. Each section of the foot is composed of a different amount of bones. For instance, the forefoot is made up of 19 bones. The midfoot is composed of five smaller bones called the navicular, cuboid, and three cuneiform bones. Lastly, the hindfoot is made up of only the talus and the calcaneus. The feet tend to be vulnerable to slipping and twisting; consequently, fractured bones within the foot are common. When a bone gets crushed, bent, twisted, or stretched it may become broken.
Many foot fractures occur through an accident or trauma. More specifically, common causes for broken feet are car accidents, falls, missteps, or overuse. If you have a broken ankle or foot, you may have one or more of the following symptoms: throbbing pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, deformities, and difficulty walking.
There are some factors that may put you at a higher risk of developing a broken foot. People who participate in high-impact sports are more likely to develop foot fractures because of the stresses, direct blows, and twisting injuries involved in gameplay. Additionally, those who suddenly increase their activity level are more likely to suffer a stress fracture.
Unfortunately, there are different complications that may arise because of a foot fracture. For instance, arthritis may be caused by fractures that extend into the joints. Bone infections are also possible in open fractures due to the bone being exposed to bacteria. However, there are ways you can help prevent yourself from breaking your foot. One way to avoid fractures is to wear proper footwear. If you plan on going on a run, you should wear running shoes. You should also replace your shoes if you notice that they are becoming worn out. For runners, it is best to replace shoes every 300 to 400 miles.
Treatment for foot fractures usually consists of rest, ice, elevation, and compression (RICE). If you plan on wrapping your foot, try not to wrap it too tightly because doing so may cut off blood supply in the foot. You should also avoid walking on the fractured foot.
If you suspect you have a broken foot, you should see your podiatrist right away. It is important that you have someone bring you to your doctor, since driving with a broken foot can be dangerous. You should especially seek urgent care if you are experiencing numbness, pain, or deformities in your foot.
Biomechanics and its related study deal with the forces that act against the body and affect things like our movement. In podiatry, biomechanics are studied to determine the movement of the ankle, toes, and the foot, as well as the forces that impact them. Podiatrists who train in this specialty are able to effectively diagnose and treat conditions that affect people’s everyday movement.
Regardless of your lifestyle, age, or any other factors, many people experience foot problems throughout their lives. Twists and turns, improper balance, and added weight are just a few of the things that can add stress to the feet. These issues can also limit our bodies’ mobility that we often take for granted. Pain in the feet and ankles can also trickle up towards the lower legs, knees, hip, and even back area. This affects the way you move around on a daily basis.
Biomechanics and its related study deal with forces that act against the body and affect things like our movement. In podiatry, biomechanics are studied to determine the movement of the ankle, toes, and the foot, as well as the forces that impact them. Podiatrists who train in this specialty are able to effectively diagnose and treat conditions that affect people’s everyday movement.
Regardless of your lifestyle, age, or any other factors, many people experience foot problems throughout their lives. Twists and turns, improper balance, and added weight are just a few of the things that can add stress to the feet. These issues can also limit our bodies’ mobility that we often take for granted. Pain in the feet and ankles can also trickle up towards the lower legs, knees, hip, and even back area. This affects the way you move around on a daily basis.
The history of studying biomechanics dates back to ancient Egypt at around 3000 B.C., where evidence of professional foot care has been recorded. Throughout the centuries, advances in technology, science, and an understanding of the human body led to more accurate diagnosis of conditions such as corns for example. In 1974, biomechanics garnered a large audience when Merton Root founded Root Lab to make custom orthotics. He proposed that corrections of certain conditions could be implemented to gain strength and coordination in the area. Due to his research, we still use his basic principle of foot orthotics to this day.
As technology has improved, so have the therapeutic processes that allow us to correct deficiencies in our natural biomechanics. Computers can now provide accurate readings of the forces, movements, and patterns of the foot and lower leg. Critical treatment options can be provided to patients now who suffer from problems that cause their biomechanics to not function naturally. The best results are now possible thanks to 3D modeling and computing technologies that can take readings and also map out what treatment will do to the affected areas.
These advanced corrective methods were able to come to light thanks to an increase in both the technologies surrounding biomechanics and also the knowledge of how they work naturally. For example, shoe orthotics are able to treat walking inabilities by realigning the posture deviations in patients caused by hip or back problems. Understanding foot biomechanics can help improve movement and eliminate pain, stopping further stress to the foot. Speak with your podiatrist if you have any of these problems.
Neuropathy is the weakness, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet due to damage to the peripheral nerves. The peripheral nerves are responsible for sending information from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body. Causes of Neuropathy include: traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, exposure to toxins, and diabetes.
Diabetes is the most common cause, with more than half of the diabetic population developing some type of neuropathy. There are several types of neuropathy and they vary based on the damage of the nerves. Mononeuropathy is classified as only one nerve being damaged. When multiple nerves are affected, it is referred as polyneuropathy. One of the types of polyneuropathy is distal symmetric polyneuropathy. It is the most common for people with diabetes and starts when the nerves furthest away from the central nervous begin to malfunction. The symptoms begin with pain and numbness in the feet and then they travel up to the legs. A rarer form of polyneuropathy is acute symmetrical peripheral neuropathy, which is a severe type that affects nerves throughout the body and is highly associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that attacks the peripheral nervous system and can be fatal. Although there are many types of neuropathy, most of them share the same symptoms such as pain, extreme sensitivity to touch, lack of coordination, muscle weakness, dizziness, and digestive problems. Since neuropathy affects the nerves, those affected should be careful of burns, infection and falling, as depleted sensations disguise such ailments.
The best way to prevent neuropathy is to manage any medical conditions such as diabetes, alcoholism, or rheumatoid arthritis. Creating and managing a healthy lifestyle can also go a long way. Having a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein can keep the nerves healthy. These types of food have the nutrients to prevent neuropathy. Regularly exercising can help as well, but it is best to consult with a doctor about the right amount. In addition to diet and exercise, avoiding risk factors will also prevent neuropathy. This includes repetitive motions, cramped positions, exposure to toxic chemicals, smoking and overindulging on alcohol. | https://www.limonsfoot.com/featured-articles/itemlist/category/8-featured.html |
Writing takes time, and so does doing the work of submitting — reading publications to get a sense of their preferences, formatting documents to the publication’s specifications, writing cover letters, and so on. The usual result of this hard work is an email message explaining, in one way or another, that the writing will not be published. Whether they’re short, blunt, long, or kind, these rejection letters are a regular part of the process of submitting, and they shouldn’t be taken too personally or stand in the way of any writer’s efforts to continue creating things and trying to share them.
But many rejection letters are written as if this weren’t the case, as if the rejection will be too much for the weak, fragile writer to handle. Other letters try to make the publication’s decision to reject a work appear as anything other than a subjective choice. The result is that some rejection letters have become ugly and patronizing, and they’re doing a disservice to writers.
Of course, thanks to the internet, you don’t have to submit any writing to read a publication’s stock rejection letters. The Rejection Wiki collects rejections from many publications (so that readers can see what ‘tier’ their rejection falls into). They’re worth browsing (not so that you can see which tier your latest rejection belongs to, but to get a broader sense of how literary publications are communicating with the writers who help sustain their existence).
One concerning trend in these letters is a refusal take responsibility for the publication’s choice. These kinds of letters seek to make the refusal to publish a writer’s work the result of anything other than reading and conscious deliberation. These letters tell writers the piece they submitted is “not right for us at this time,” implying that the same work might have been right had it been submitted a little sooner or a little later. If these letters aren’t blaming sheer coincidence or serendipity, they can frame the decision as a straightforward matter of necessity; in these cases, the writer’s story “does not meet the needs” of the editorial staff. Presumably, what the editorial staff “needs” is writing that they like and want to publish, so wouldn’t it be more genuine and helpful to avoid the eerie, euphemistic language of supply and demand and simply tell the writer the truth?
Another kind of rejection, working under the assumption that the writer will be crushed by the news, patronizes the writer by trying to soften the blow. These letters say things like “Unfortunately, we’re passing on your work,” or “Unfortunately, we’re unable to use the fiction you’ve submitted.” The ability to reject a work (and so to be able accept other works) is certainly not unfortunate for the literary publication or its readership. It’s obvious that the “unfortunately” is intended, through some weird shift of perspective, to appeal to the position of the writer (not the literary journal from whose perspective the letter is actually written). Sometimes the letters are so cloying and presumptuous they’re almost unbearable. This was recently shared by a friend online: “We really enjoyed reading you work, but we don’t feel it’s quite what we’re looking for. We’re certain you will go on to find a better home for your work, where your flavor of greatness is given shelter.” Letters like these seem to want to do almost anything other than tell the writer “no.”
It’s great that there are readers, editors, and publications dedicated to finding and putting out writing they like. And maybe these letters are just trying to be nice. But because they refuse to take a firm, confident position, they seem afraid to admit that their decisions (which are by nature subjective and trivial) are worth defending. In refusing to make clear cut distinctions and stand behind them, they send a message to all writers that their work, however amazing or awful, isn’t worth much.
Writing in a recent issue of One Story (which has published some real stinkers lately), managing editor Adina Talve Goodman recalls a conversation with a girlhood friend and then explains that “Perhaps it was the memory of that conversation that drew me to pull ‘Between Ship and Ice’ by Chelsey Johnson from our submissions.” And while she goes on to justify her decision by referencing the story’s “quiet nature” and “skillful shifting of points-of-view,” her anecdote makes clear just how subjective the selection of stories can be. People like what they like because they like it, and there isn’t anything wrong with that. This might make rejections less disheartening or frustrating, but it should also make acceptances less rewarding.
Letters that avoid the reality that subjective taste must become an objective decision also avoid giving writers the honest, straightforward responses they deserve. There should be no need for softening or for apology or for anything other than a statement of the decision. The best rejection letter I’ve ever received said this: “We appreciate the opportunity to read your work, but we will not be publishing your submission.” Yes. Thank you. That’s all I needed to know. | http://www.full-stop.net/2014/01/07/blog/eric-van-hoose/message-to-lit-mags-just-say-no/ |
UK Secretary of Defense Ben Wallace The EU has warned this Sunday that the camp’s reputation could be severely tarnished if it is determined., As advised by the President of the European Commission Ursula van der Leyen, Cancel vaccine exports The British government continues to prevent AstraZeneca injection from being manufactured in factories on the island from reaching the EU.
“I think this is the situation,” Wallace told Sky News. “It will have a huge impact on a business camp that prides itself on flying the flag of the law.. You are exposing yourself to damage to your reputation, “he added.
“Violation of these agreements Damaging relationships European union WorldwideWallace explained that its country has vaccinated half of its adult population, while less than one in 10 people in the EU has received at least one vaccine.
“It’s the opposite,” the minister continued The only thing we know about vaccine production and production is cooperation. How the vaccine is manufactured is not only in Europe, but also in places like India and abroad. ”
“If we start removing it, if the commission starts doing that, I think They will not only undermine the opportunities for adequate vaccination program for their citizens, but also undermine many countries A world that is damaging the reputation of the European Union. I think it’s very difficult for them to change in the short term, “he concluded.
Opposition Labor Minister Lisa Nandi has also called on the EU to reduce its verbal fighting. “I urge the European Commission to work together to calm the language, cool the rhetoric and work together to tackle this crisis,” he told the BBC’s Andrew Marr program. | https://www.mediarunsearch.co.uk/the-uk-warns-that-its-reputation-could-be-jeopardized-if-vaccine-exports-are-blocked/ |
Lewis declared that Ali ‘should be considered the greatest sportsman of all time because what he achieved’. The American was the first three-time lineal world heavyweight champion and he was involved in several historic fights that helped put boxing on a global platform.
“All the other athletes in the world may not admit it, but they wouldn’t have the earning power they enjoy today without the things Ali did,” Lewis told The Telegraph.
“He paved the way for the successful careers of other athletes. For example, we wouldn’t have been the great symbols in sports if it had not been for him. He was a great pathfinder. He stood up against the Vietnam War he created a legacy outside the ring. He stood up for those things, and never feared in doing so. He showed that you do not have to be a puppet, that you can be yourself and stand up tall and proud for your beliefs."
Lewis, who is the most recent undisputed world heavyweight champion, also revealed how the man nicknamed ‘The Greatest’ drove his boxing ambition: | https://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/lewis-hails-ali-inspiration?quicktabs_nodesblock=2 |
Q. Which of the following committee/committees comes under the Standing Committees to enquire of Rajya Sabha? :
1. Committee on Petitions.
2. Committee of Privileges.
3. Rules Committee.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Answer: B
Notes:
- The Committees may be classified as Ad-hoc Committees and Standing Committees. Standing Committees may be divided in terms of their functions:
Committees to enquire:
- Committee on Petitions
- Committee on Privileges
- Ethics Committee
- Committees to scrutinise and control:
- Committee on Government Assurances
- Committee on Subordinate Legislation and
- Committee on Papers Laid on the Table
- Committees relating to day-to-day business of the House:
- Business advisory committee
- Rules Committee
House Keeping Committees: | https://blog.forumias.com/question/which-of-the-following-committee-committees-comes-under-the-standing-committees-to-enquire-of-rajya-sabha-1-committee-on-petitions-2-committee-of-privileges-3-rules-committee-select-the-correc/ |
by Dan Drake, LMFT, LCPP, CCPS-S, CSAT-S
Here’s a powerful, yet disturbing video about the impact of addictive behaviors on partners:
Though not easy to watch, this video dramatically shows how our addictive / compulsive behaviors are never done in isolation – there is always an impact on our loved ones. Often times, that impact is traumatic and destructive. Let me know what you think about this video. | https://www.banyantherapy.com/addicts-behaviors-affects-partner/ |
Communication is crucial when testing software. How the tester explains the testing results can be more important than what those results actually are. But having all kinds of communication tools at hand means you have to select and practice the ones that are most effective for your project. Read on to learn some methods of and opportunities for communication.
Have you ever wondered why “communication” is listed on quality assurance job ads among the other required skills? “Knowledge of testing tools, testing principles, processes, scripting”─these are all plain and reasonable skills to include, but why mention communication? Is this something a software tester really should focus on?
I have seen communication (and its absence) make or break multiple projects. A great deal depends on requirements changes and schedule changes, but also in how those are communicated. How the tester explains the testing results can be more important than what those results actually are. A lot of testers see these challenges, yet the testing books hardly contain any chapters about how to communicate during testing a project.
It’d like to contribute something to the discussion based on my own experience.
General Communication Opportunities
Icebreaker: Before the team members start work, they should probably actually be a team. Some icebreaker or nonofficial activity can help get the group beyond the basic tribalism of their previous roles (developers, graphic designers, etc.) and start thinking as a team.
My advice on this is simple: have one. There are a host of icebreaker ideas available on the Internet. Some of them seem silly, but remember the goal is to get familiar with each other, start bonding, and build personal relationship with each other. Try to find out what’s important for the other team members─a lot depends on people’s motivation.
If it is possible and you have the budget for it, take your stakeholders and your team to a nonwork environment: play pool, go bowling, or organize paintball. Spend an hour doing something not work-related. This can help bonding and makes the communication throughout the project easier.
Chitchat: This is not as common in Europe as it is in the US. Still, if it is not overused, a few minutes of chitchat at the beginning of meetings can help establish a common sense of the working environment and boost the team spirit. Talking for even a minute or two about small conversation topics like sports games or weather changes can positively impact a team’s relationship and how people will work together.
Project Communication Opportunities
Project kickoff: Aside from defining goals, you also can use the kickoff to define project values, priorities, and team member roles, to avoid confusion and conflicts later.
Assertive communication: In cases when there are open bugs or critical issues, it’s really not important who caused them but rather how to fix them. The point is to get your software product ready, and you have to communicate how to do that. It’s very important not to hurt anyone’s feelings during this process. Make sure you practice assertive communication methods carefully and regularly.
Chat: By this I mean chatting electronically, such as through instant messages. A great deal of technical details can be shared on chat clients easily and in real time. It really helps if the chat client is set to save the conversation so you can search for particular details later from the chat history. Still, if you find yourself messaging someone when the person is less than ten feet away, consider standing up and having a conversation face to face.
Email: In my experience, email can be themost ineffective way to communicate. Emails tend to create a blame-shifting attitude, enabling people to give “I’m waiting for a response from Joe” as their status. While email may be helpful for reports or technical documentation, they are not really effective for status updates or to discuss important schedules or changes.
Furthermore, the higher you send the email into the management hierarchy, the less the chance of it being read will become. The reason for this is the cone of authority: As you go up the organization chain, managers have more responsibility and more people reporting to them. Senior managers triage work; they simple have to select things to skim or even ignore in order to go home at night.
Shared documents: If email is where documents go to disappear, then a network share or cloud folder is a place where they are at least discoverable, and to more people than just those on the email. Functions like change history and regular backups can be a huge help dealing with the huge set of documents.
Video conference: Organizing a video conference is a very easy yet effective method for meetings, and the tools (such as Google Hangouts and Skype) keep getting better with every release. Of course, you will have to prepare for them in advance to make sure your message is getting through. Here are some tips:
- Check the calendars of the invitees so you can make sure they are available for the whole time of the conference.
- Confirm that the microphone, camera, and connection work properly. Technical equipment can always go wrong, and even a service pack can ruin your settings. Put a placeholder for preparation in your calendar before important meetings.
- Make notes for the meeting on a medium you prefer—paper, simple text file, or note client using a cloud service. Having the agenda jotted up beforehand can help you stick to the point and keep the conversation on topic.
Meeting minutes: If there have been problems with people forgetting the outcome of a meeting or arguing about it, considering taking down and posting minutes and action items.
Follow-up: Setting up a meeting a few days after major meetings can help motivate the action items being processed. Team members also can check the decisions made previously on these meetings and change them, if necessary.
Choose Your Weapon
Communication is crucial when testing software. Having all kinds of communication tools at hand means you have to select and practice the ones that are most effective for your project. Nevertheless, they can change project by project or year by year.
Choose your communication channels carefully and wisely. Even with all the bug-tracking systems and messaging systems available, personal meetings and walkthroughs are still the most effective ways to communicate your testing results. So if you want to make sure your message is getting through, organize a meeting and present your assessment there. | https://www.stickyminds.com/article/communication-tips-software-testing |
I first noticed the way interior design affects me when i was in secondary school. Mr. Gall’s Geography room was nauseatingly chaotic. Display work created by fellow students, maps of the world, volcano diagrams, flag charts and other educational posters all but covered every inch of magnolia painted wall space from floor to ceiling. It gave me a peculiar kind of headache. But it was the 1990s and dialogue about neurodivergence was scant. Where it existed, so too existed huge stigma around the subject.
At the time I didn’t have the words to describe what was going on in my brain so I survived by misbehaving to the point of getting sent out of the lesson - backchat was usually my weapon of choice. Ironically, I’d often be sent to the ‘reading workshop’ - a space for students with special educational needs that was decorated with low lighting, clear walls, and a blissful silence. in hindsight, all the signs of a cognitive issue were there, but it would be more than two decades before I was formally diagnosed with sensory processing disorder (SPD).
SPD relates to sensory reactivity and is categorised as processing stimuli in a way that is different from what is considered typical in the general population. The condition is heavily associated with autism - many people with SPD are also autistic. But even though it is listed only in the diagnostic criteria for autism, studies show it is very common across a spectrum of neurodevelopmental conditions - including ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia.
For me the effect of SPD is not just peculiar headaches, my sensory system is profoundly sensitive: I can hear a dripping tap from 30 feet away; and, forever confused - for example, I hear what I see and I physically feel what I hear. It’s incredibly exhausting to have no control over what your brain decides to process.
Dr Teresa Tavassoli, Assiciate Professor of Psychology at the University of Reading conceptualises sensory reactivity in line with the DSM-5, which lists three categories: hyper-reactivity is a strong or aversive reaction to sensory stimuli in an environment that many people would find unremarkable. hypo-reactivity is the opposite - a person with a sensory profile where this is dominant will tend to have a slower response - or no response at all. meanwhile sensory seeking is a fascination with sensory stimuli. somebody with a dominant sensory seeking profile may really enjoy watching the washing machine go round, or have a fascination with lights.
Having SPD is easier to navigate as an adult because I have a much better understanding of how the condition presents itself and also what steps I can take to effectively manage it. I can usually choose to leave offending spaces and situations, but one of the things I’ve noticed over the recent lockdown period is that some of the offending spaces are in my home.
Dr Tavassoli’s research finds that a key starting point when it comes to creating a relaxing interior is to look for beautiful lighting ideas - it’s important to be able to modulate it. "Dimmers are a must," says designer Linda Boronkay. "Always opt for a warm lightbulb and check that they’re compatible with dimming - if they’re not, they’ll flicker." She also says layering light is super important. "You can do this by combining wall lights, table lamps and floor lamps in the space. Whatever you do, avoid overhead lighting - it creates a stressful environment." For walls, Linda says colors that come from nature, such as sage green or sky blue have a very soothing effect - they’re also very versatile. Terracotta and lighter shades of yellow are also good because bring a sense of low-intensity brightness to a room. Think carefully about the paint or paper finish; a slight sheen will change the way the light is reflected around a room.
Whether or not you have been formally diagnosed as neurodivergent, a thing to be mindful of when decorating is that everybody has a set of sensory likes and dislikes that is unique to them. Dr Katie Gaudion has developed a tool to help people figure out these preferences. The set of cards depict visual representations of sensory experiences in the home that are used to create a mood board which helps shape the interior design of the space.
Official statistics tell us that just 15 percent of the population is neurodivergent, but there’s some evidence to suggest the real figure is much higher due to a combination of the lack of dialogue, and how difficult it is to get a formal diagnosis. In short, many people who are neurodivergent have no idea. The great thing about the advice that came from my conversations with designers Linda Boronkay and Dr. Gaudion is that it’s universal; it doesn’t focus on SPD but rather on how to use interior design to create a relaxing environment in the home - a thing we all want - that’s tailored to individual need.
JN Benjamin is a London based journalist who contributes to The Times, The Telegraph and Livingetc. She often writes about the arts and theatre, as well as reporting on trends and ideas. Her piece for Livingetc, about how design can affect people with learning difficulties and different needs, is a fascinating study into the importance of inclusivity in decor.
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How can I make a KALLAX unit look more expensive? 6 simple tricks to get this IKEA favorite to feel more luxurious
These easy alterations will turn your IKEA KALLAX from listless to luxe, even if you're a DIY novice
By Lilith Hudson • Published
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Natural gas grill vs propane: is there any difference between the two types of gas grill? | https://www.livingetc.com/advice/how-to-make-your-home-more-soothing |
Once you begin studying Media you'll quickly become familiar with essential terminology. So let's start: any media text is made up of GRANITE. Confused?
Every media text belongs to a Genre or type (a horror film, dance track, teen magazine)
Within that text, a person, place or object is being Represented in some way, shape or form.
There will be an intentional Audience for that media text, and they will make sense of it using personal and shared experiences.
Every media text contains a Narrative, a story that is structured and read by audiences in a preferred way.
The text didn't evolve from bacteria, however, it was constructed by a media Institution from a particular Industry for financial purposes, and it has elements of their Ideology (values system) embedded within the text.
It was produced using some Technology (hardware) and most likely edited using software (DTP) which is itself a type of mediation.
This is Evidenced through the use of Media Language, the tools used by producers to create the actual text itself. And everything else not covered by key concepts can be addressed here.
So let's look at each concept in a bit more detail. The 'Guide to Theorists' elaborates on a lot more detail, and you can download and save the pack.
GENRE
Is a concept defined by producers, it is a boundary which helps us categorize a text by identifying common visual and aural codes and conventions which, over a period of time, are understood by audiences. There are several theorists who talk about genre, especially in the context of film, however, each industry has its own library of genres that are recognisable and can be chosen by audiences.
REPRESENTATION THEORY
Stuart Hall states that producers use a series of repeated codes and stereotypes that are used to aid an audiences' understanding of the text. In particular, he talks about the process of encoding and decoding, stating that audience experiences determine how a media text is read, as well as examining the context and expectations of the media text in question. Search 'audience reception theory' and 'dominant, negotiated and oppositional readings' to know more or see our guide to theorists.
A producer constructs a media text for consumption. Within the text are a bundle of ideas, codes, messages and meanings waiting to be decoded. The way in which the messages are decoded depends on several factors and beliefs held by the audience. Meaning is negotiated by the audience in a process of mediation.
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ENCODING AND DECODING THEORY
The producer will have a particular hope for how the text will be received by audiences. This is known as the dominant or preferred reading of a text. Put simply, the audience will look at the text without interference and totally accept the meaning created.
There are other factors, however, to consider; this can be best described as noise. If we consider noise as personal beliefs/ideals, language and visual/audio noise then this can affect an audience's reading of a text. Imagine, you're watching a sitcom and all of a sudden, as the one liner is delivered, your signal experiences interference and you miss the line - this can lead to you not understanding the full message or joke, so your interpretation of the text is altered (but this is not the only way meaning is lost). The canned laughter may cause you to smile and laugh because you accept that it a comedy and a convention of your experience, but meaning has been altered; imagine that you heard the joke clearly but didn't find it funny because of your religion or own personal ideology, or the joke is delivered by someone that you really can't stand (for all you Russel Brand fans), then part of the meaning is lost.
Really, the list could go on, but the intended meaning is not going to be fully accepted, therefore there is a process of negotiation by the audience with some ideas cleanly extracted, and others dismissed. This negotiated reading is probably the most common, especially in such an information-rich age where people have multiple perceptions of reality and personal experiences.
Now go one step further and imagine that the audience totally rejects the idea/message, perhaps the text is shown in a foreign country or to a culture with completely conflicting beliefs. Imagine that the joke accidentally incites hatred and creates disgust amongst viewers. Not possible, you're thinking, but this kind of thing happens all the time. One of the best examples is the cartoons of a Dutch artist about the prophet Mohammad. Culturally, within Holland, many who held patriotic beliefs and subscribed to the ideology of the newspaper they appeared in may have accepted the cartoon as amusing satire. However, those of the Islamic faith were outraged and protests occurred across the globe. Whilst the producer of the text must have known that his views might offend, the context of comic strip in a newspaper had the opposite affect - we can call this an oppositional reading.
The other meaning, less popular but nonetheless very likely in terms of cultural ideology, is known as aberrant reading, where the audience decodes a completely different view or idea that was originally intended. You can debate whether the prophet comic strip incident is an example of this, but is probably best seen in auditioning on reality TV shows where the judges and audiences are laughing at a contestant who clearly believes that their singing/act conforms to a shared ideology.
Audience
All media texts are directed towards an audience, so understanding audience theory is essential before beginning any Media Studies tasks. There are many ways to categorize an audience, but before we look at phrases like demographics and social class, let's consider the main theories about audience reception. see Critical concepts. There are several audience theories, including the effects theory*, uses and gratification, the two-step flow model and hypodermic syringe model.
Narrative
If the word Todorov and Propp don't ring any bells, then don't worry. Through studying folklore and narratives, theorists came up with many ways to interpret texts and explain their functions, including Barthes and Levi-Strauss. Essentially, the narrative is examining the story and organisation of a media text. You will become familiar with Barthes' enigma codes, be an expert at highlighting binary opposition in films like Blade Runner and The Terminator, quote Vladimir Propp whilst watching Star Wars and cursing Syd Field after watching a really unoriginal Hollywood blockbuster.
Ideology
Refers to the set of values, beliefs, and ideas held by an Institution, organisation or audience. The way that a text is produced and interpreted is therefore heavily influenced by the producer of the text and can affect the way in which it is read (see Hall in representation above). Therefore, remember that most media texts are produced for profit and entertainment. Consider ideology and hegemony when you examine news programmes and think about how Institutions care more about branding and recognition rather than audience pleasures and satisfaction. This is explored in more detail on the theorists page.
Technology
The proliferation of items such as smartphones, tablets, HD TVs and digital radios and convergent gaming devices has changed the way that we consume traditional media products. Mainstream media texts are pushing the boundaries with how technology is used, and social media has become integral to the success of many products. Audiences also drive demand for new technologies (demand pull) but institutions like Apple (iPad) and Samsung (VR GEAR and wearable tech) are also good at proliferating their technology so it is desirable (technology push), and this illustrates the reliance upon audience and producer co-working together to satisfy demands. Eventually, this results in a cultural shift, whereby society is changed by our daily interaction with the media through these new mediums and devices (technological determinism).
Want to know more? Check out the media theory page.
MEDIA LANGUAGE
It is essential you understand the key terms: denotation and connotation; signs, symbols, and icons; camera shots, movement and angles; mise-en-scene; editing (sound and video); codes and conventions. Why not check out the textual analysis toolkit? | https://www.alevelmedia.co.uk/key-concepts-theory |
Lauren Pong, suited up in the photograph above is a first-generation American teenager whose parents are from China. During childhood, Lauren attended school in the U.S., Shanghai, China and Singapore. She graduated this June 2019 from Singapore American School, an independent, private, not-for-profit international school with an American curriculum; the school with which I am affiliated. Lauren opted to take rigorous science courses including advanced biology and chemistry in preparation for college. However, her schedule did not allow her to select the advanced topic environmental science and field research (ATES) course that I taught. Applying her love of both nature and service-learning led to Lauren’s involvement in urban farming while in grade 10 on Interim Semester in Singapore. Subsequently, Lauren officially applied to the Executive Service Council to create Edible Garden City service club at school. Lauren’s senior Catalyst project centered on our science department eco garden soil for planting vegetables.
In way of illustration, I will describe the most recent experience we have had together on Operation Wallacea Expedition last month. Lauren’s story will be used to highlight the value of experiential education on Lauren’s education.
Operation Wallacea Expedition one of Lauren’s many experiential learning endeavors.
Less than two weeks after her high school graduation, Lauren was among 12 students a friend, Tom and I sponsored on a two-week marine Operation Wallacea Expedition. In the coral triangle we were based on two marine stations on the islands of Buton and Hoga in southeast (SE) Sulawesi, Indonesia. Bau Bau on Buton and Hoga in the Wakatobi Marine Protected Area of the coral triangle are some of the most exciting places on the planet. More than two hundred academics from fifteen countries have engaged in hundreds of field research projects. Studies on fisheries, social science, seagrass, mangroves, fiddler crabs, coral ecology, fish ecology and invertebrate ecology are ongoing. Scientific results have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Thirty new vertebrate species have been scientifically discovered. Large temporal and spatial data obtained from tuition free funded model run by Operation Wallacea. Data are used to assess the performance of conservation management problems.
Lauren participated as an assistant in research easy to escalate to conservation strategies. Long-term assessment of ecosystem diversity and function is necessary to track changes over time according to temperature data. Monitoring ecosystem change while observing and learning about socio-economic change by Lauren and her peers was followed by establishment and monitoring of the effectiveness of conservation management programs. Conservation measures include the provision of alternative livelihoods for local fishermen, ecotourism, coral restoration work and seaweed farming.
Coral Reef Monitoring Protocols
Lauren learned new monitoring protocols including Coral Reef Atlas (partnership between National Geographic and Queensland). No global map of coral reefs currently exists. GPS, nano-satellites and real-time photographic evidence are being used to capture data for access to the public. Volunteers contribute to georeferenced photo quadrat data for map development.
On land and while scuba diving Lauren and her peers also engaged in the coral nursery research project, funded by Mars (the philanthropic candy bar family), called Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System (MAARS) by helping to deploy half-meter wide, coated metal “spider reefs” on which to attach 15 coral fragments each and then arranged in a viable pattern on the benthic surface according to wave shock and local topography. Benthic data for the monitoring program gathered by the kid citizen scientists included rugosity, coral coverage, fish surveys and invertebrate abundance and distribution along 50 meter transects.
As for service-learning, Lauren engaged in two beach clean ups one in Hoga and another on another deserted island out from Bau Bau which was strewn with plastic debris. She and her peers learned a standardized micro-plastics sampling technique for collecting and identifying marine microplastics.
Social contact with locals to have one-on-one discussions at the Bau Bau Station, and then pile into trucks, drive to the nearby beach, unload and then collaborate on the beach clean-up. Needless to say, everyone enjoyed taking selfies together. On the adjacent island to Hoga, Sempela, we took a boat over to meet the Bajo people. Lauren interacted with local Bajo children in the UNESCO World Heritage sea gypsy village.
What is next for Lauren?
Lauren researched her university choices as did her peers. As a result of Lauren’s love for the environment and passion for science, Lauren chose to apply to the College of Natural Resources at UC Berkeley. This spring she was accepted into the Conservation and Resource Studies major. Lauren is off to follow her dreams to study the environment in all its complexity. What motivates people to choose environmental careers? I have a hunch folks like Lauren are motivated by educational experiences in their teenage years to enter an environmental career (whether it be in coral reef management, renewable energy, environmental policy, conservation of ecosystems and endangered species, or waste minimization, and so forth). I worry that not enough teenagers like Lauren have the opportunity to engage in experiential learning, or fieldwork to learn and practice ecosystem monitoring techniques; or are being asked to engage in environmental service-learning in their communities. I wonder: Are enough young people today born after 2000, so called, generation Z challenged to learn by doing outdoors? Are they challenged to understand the intersectionality of economics, environmental science and society (human geography, health, technology, engineering, culture)? Are educational institutions preparing all students to understand the interdisciplinary nature of sustainable development, let alone participate in it?
Part II. Path to Develop Many Laurens
Education for Sustainability
Education for sustainability (EfS) is a blend of environmental science, community action and service leadership. The aim is to nurture and mobilize students to become global citizens grounded in science to build an equitable and sustainable world. Social science research has shown that one’s worldview forms in childhood due to a host of influences including family, cultural traditions, personal experiences and one’s primary and secondary education. If there is any chance for educational systems to have a positive influence on the development eco-centric worldviews needed to create sustainable development policies, then it is worth trying, now.
I believe it is crucial to target Generation Z (Gen Z) now with education for sustainability (EfS). The aim is to develop through experiential learning, and environmental fieldwork adults like Lauren who are poised and willing to engage in international discourse to address complex global issues using systems thinking. The question then becomes do particular educational institutes now provide adequate or any EfS? What might motivate an educational institution to place EfS in the core curriculum?
If educational leaders observe master education for sustainability educators at work, then, leaders will see the power of EfS pedagogy and that it may then be leveraged to empower students and build agency in them. But. . . what makes a master? Master EfS educators well-trained, caring adults to facilitate inquiry-based learning, oversee the acquisition of transferable skills, build cultural competence, develop character, nurture empathy, prompt students to care, spark creativity, deepen academic content knowledge and improve curriculum, instruction and change education all for the sake preparing young people to carry the sustainability torch? If there are not enough trained, caring teachers then we must do something concrete about that to assist in recruiting and retaining them.
Model Master Educators for Sustainability – A Reference Point
Veteran educators focused on their students’ learning about and taking action in the environment share in common “movement consciousness” (Stanton, Giles & Cruz, 1999, p. 243). Being active in the service of something they believe in, is morally compelling, joyful and politically exciting. Movement conscious educators believe students can be actively involved in contributing to the common good as a complement to their intellectual work. The focal point of educators is student learning; environmental science and EfS educators facilitate learning about sustainable development concepts, social justice and environmental science through environmental field and service activities connected to academic work. John Dewey wrote back in 1893:
If I were asked to name the most needed of all reforms in the spirit of education, I should say, cease conceiving of education as mere preparation for later life, and make it the full meaning of the present life.
Environmental science and interdisciplinary educators seem to live by Dewey’s sentiment. Creating experiential learning opportunities in communities while contributing to the common good is learning about the present life, in the present life, for the present life. Educational systems are transforming with Dewey’s ideal in mind, some faster than others. Education for sustainability is means of student development and a route to social change.
Through my doctoral research into the characteristics and practices of master service-learning educators, I have found effective educators are using design thinking, systems thinking and a personalized learning inquiry approach to prompt learners to question, investigate, prototype, create, reflect and demonstrate in order to develop their own agency, self-authorship, curiosity, and transferable skills. Effective educators contextualize knowledge, so it is coherent and non-disjointed, isolated or taught in a vacuum, as they help students acquire understanding of content knowledge. Environmental educators grounded in service and experiential learning pedagogy intentionally connect learning to real problems, global issues and experiences to make learning meaningful and tangible for students. Extending learning beyond the school, master teachers provide their students with access to experts and mentors, give opportunities for place-based insights into degraded and pristine marginalized populations and threatened species to conduct authentic needs analyses. Place-based learning avenues open pathways for young people to contribute to their communities and extend networks of civic support and learning.
Summary
Creating and providing opportunities for global educators and education will require thoughtful and purposeful leadership, the kind pioneered by top innovative educators worldwide today. We need to find our way. No. Learn our way towards creating integrated and intersectional environmental science curricula including cultural humility, community action and service-learning under the EfS umbrella. We need to continue to dialogue with community partners to advocate for EfS to foster elements of “Niswarth” (Not for Self, Andover, 2018), Gratitude, Empathy and Humility.
Empowering students like Lauren Pong to personalize and customize their own environmental service-learning experiences (such as tree-planting, nursery work, recycling, composting, urban farming, and so forth) allows them to weave connections between concepts learned about natural resource conservation, policy, worldviews, social change, and activism. Experiential education such as Lauren’s Operational Wallacea Expedition integrated with her rigorous academic learning leads ultimately to self-authorship. Self-authorship is evidence of adult-like maturity in young people; EfS will hone the ability to follow one’s own path and decide for one’s self. Excellent traits for the democratic process and civil engagement. Crucially, I have found the establishment of strong relationships with young people like Lauren via coaching, but never controlling is the most effective means of facilitating her and her peers to pursue their own learning and unleash their energy and intelligence for good. | https://www.opwall.com/article/education-for-sustainability/ |
Editor’s note: Climate for Health and Blessed Tomorrow invited two leaders to share their thoughts on the intersections of faith and health in addressing climate change.
- Rev. Dr. Leah D. Schade is the Assistant Professor of Preaching and Worship at Lexington Theological Seminary and author Creation-Crisis Preaching: Ecology, Theology, and the Pulpit (Chalice Press, 2015).
- Dr. Natasha DeJarnett is the Research Coordinator at National Environmental Health Association, where she leads research as well as children’s environmental health activities, and a Professorial Lecturer at The George Washington University. She has a background as a policy analyst at the American Public Health Association, where she led the Natural Environment portfolio, including air and water exposures along with climate change.
Leah and Natasha share a conversation on the commonalities across faith and health in climate action. You can read more in their respective chapters in the book Rooted and Rising: Voices of Courage in a Time of Climate Crisis, co-edited by Leah and Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas (Rowman & Littlefield, 2019).
Natasha: I’ve often heard it said that we are the first generation to experience the impacts of climate change and the last that can do something about it. For mypart, I’m seeing those impacts from climate change in the form of severe threats to public health that worsen pre-existing health conditions and exacerbate health inequities. Leah, do you think pastors and faith leaders are aware of the ways in which climate change is impacting the health of their congregants?
Leah: I think this is a strong point that pastors can emphasize in their congregations, and it’s one that hasn’t received much attention. Health and healing arecommon themes in nearly all religious traditions. Helping parishioners make the connection between God’s desire for healing in their own bodies as well as healing for Earth’s body can be a good framework for raising awareness about the need to address climate change. As a health policy expert who is also a Christian, Natasha, what scripture passages speak to you about this health and healing connection for our planet and our communities?
Natasha: The Bible teaches us that God created the Earth, formed us, and called us to cultivate and guard the land (Genesis Chapters 1 and 2). We also learn through Scripture that our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit (Corinthians 6:19), and we therefore have a responsibility to protect our health. Safeguarding the Earth and our health are not mutually exclusive, because protecting the Earth promotes our health. These are not small responsibilities, but God has also given us power – as shown in Philippians 4:13 – that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. This is why I am confident that we can and will make a difference. My role in addressing climate change and health has largely been to inform policy. This means that I educate. To leaders in public and environmental health and policy, I provide educational tools that equip them to make informed decisions on policies to protect health as the climate changes. I also provide education for the general public that I hope will build a groundswell of advocates who will call on their policymakers to act on climate to safeguard health. I’d like to see more faith leaders partner with health policy experts in their own communities – I think this could make a difference for the health of their parishioners and the health of the climate.
Leah: Educating around climate change is something we have in common. In my work as a seminary professor, I teach courses on how to create sermons that address climate change and other environmental issues. I also encourage students to think about the ecological aspects of worship – from protecting the water in which we baptize to the soil that produces the grains and grapes for the bread and wine for communion. In this way, I see religion and science co-informing each other, because we can draw on our observations of the natural world for designing liturgy, preaching sermons, and educating our congregations. In turn, science can draw from the ethical and moral grounding provided by the faith community.
Natasha: I agree that we need to build bridges between the realms of science and faith. For me, it’s exciting to take the latest scientific information and put it in terms that the general public can understand, explaining the problem of climate-harming pollution and what we can do to defend public health. I also apply a lens of equity to my climate-related work, examining how climate change worsens disparities for certain groups and assessing policies to ensure that they don’t have unintended consequences on vulnerable populations.
Leah: Yes, that’s another point of resonance between your work and mine – the need to focus on justice and equity among vulnerable populations. Holy scriptures from many different traditions emphasize the need to care for “the least of these,” to use Jesus’s words. Clergy have a moral obligation to be ambitious advocates for those who are suffering and will suffer the most from climate disruption – impoverished individuals, people of color, the elderly, children, and those living in areas where drought, wildfires, hurricanes, typhoons, and floods destroy lives and communities.
Natasha: Many of us don’t intend to destroy this beautiful gift that God has given us, but that is what we’re doing. Undoing God’s great work runs counter to the will of God. The undoing is also a deep disservice to future generations. I feel a keen responsibility to act on climate because failure to take action is a form of neglect for the health and well-being of future generations. One verse has echoed throughout my life that I think applies to clergy and faith leaders as well: “To whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48).
Leah: Indeed, much is expected of those of us who have been entrusted with the care of souls and congregations. I’ll look forward to continuing our joint work within these two areas of faith and health to develop stronger partnerships and join our voices to advocate for climate solutions together. | https://climateforhealth.org/faith-health-and-climate-finding-connections-and-building-bridges/ |
Tip: Much like the previous question about motivation, employers might ask what you are passionate about to better understand what drives you and what you care most deeply about. This can both help them understand whether you are a good fit for the role and if it fits into your larger goals. To answer, select something you are genuinely passionate about, explain why you’re passionate about it, give examples of how you’ve pursued this passion and relate it back to the job.
Construction design is in my blood—both my dad and my grandad were home builders who owned their own construction firm. From the time I entered college, I knew that I wanted my architecture career to be focused on sustainable, green design practices, so I earned my certification as a LEED Accredited Professional. Greenways Construction is the most respected sustainable design firm in Texas. I’ve been following reports of your LEED Certified projects in Journal of Green Engineering, and I wrote my capstone project on the energy modeling you pioneered for the ACME Business Park and the ABC Tech campus. Working here really would be my dream job, since your mission aligns perfectly with my goals as a sustainability specialist.
“I’ve been actively searching for jobs since graduating with my Nursing degree. I’m interested in intensive care and emergency medicine and I’ve seen your hospital mentioned as having one of the best ER’s in the region. I thought the job description matched up well with my background, and saw some of my personal strengths mentioned, like multitasking and being able to thrive in a fast paced environment, so I’d love to begin my career here.”
Even so, if you're asked, provide a sharp, on-point answer. Be clear and precise. If you're a great problem solver, don't just say that: Provide a few examples, pertinent to the opening, that prove you're a great problem solver. If you're an emotionally intelligent leader, don't just say that: Provide a few examples that prove you know how to answer the unasked question.
Tip: Often hiring managers ask about your future goals to determine whether or not you’re looking to stay with the company long-term. Additionally, this question is used to gauge your ambition, expectations for your career and your ability to plan ahead. The best way to handle this question is to determine your current career trajectory and how this role plays into helping you reach your ultimate goals.
The #1 rule of answering this question is doing your research on what you should be paid by using sites like Payscale and Glassdoor. You’ll likely come up with a range, and we recommend stating the highest number in that range that applies, based on your experience, education, and skills. Then, make sure the hiring manager knows that you're flexible. You're communicating that you know your skills are valuable, but that you want the job and are willing to negotiate.
Interview Questions How to Handle Conflict?
“In my last job, we were facing a tough deadline and my boss was out for the day. Our client was expecting a project to be delivered by 5PM, but we were far behind schedule. I took the lead on the project, delegated tasks to the four other team members in a way that I thought would utilize everyone’s strengths best. And then I re-organized my own personal tasks so I could dedicate my entire day to contributing to this project as well. The project was a success and we delivered the work on-time. I went on to lead more projects after that, and used what I learned to be a better project manager.”
Good Questions to Ask in a Job Interview
Example: “It was the first day of my boss’s two-week vacation and our agency’s highest-paying client threatened to leave because he didn’t feel he was getting the personalized service he was promised. I spent my lunch hour on the phone with him, talking through his concerns. We even brainstormed ideas for his next campaign. He was so grateful for the personal attention that he signed another six-month contract before my boss even returned from her trip.”
As an ER nurse, I find that the best way for me to de-stress when I’m not working is to relax outdoors, rain or shine. I’ve always been an avid hiker, nature photographer and trout fisher, and one of my favorite things to do is to volunteer with the U.S. Forest Service and with local salmon habitat restoration groups. I also lead group hikes on some of Mt. Baker’s more challenging trails. This is where the skills I developed during my initial training as a military nurse sometimes come in handy. My current personal goal is to climb Mt. Rainier next summer. Being outdoors never fails to renew my spirit so that I’m able to be the best ER nurse I can be.
Here are the 50 most frequently-asked questions that are posed in interviews. Be prepared to go into some detail about your work history; you may also be asked behavioral or situational questions which require you to provide an anecdote about how you have handled a work challenge in the past or, alternatively, how you would approach a situation in the future. | https://generalinterviewquestions.com/job-interview-questions-strengths-and-weaknesses-answers-what-interview-questions-does-kohls-ask.html |
The term Clickjacking describes a malicious technique where a user is fooled into clicking what appears to be a harmless button or link on a page, while they are actually triggering some other action (see the Wikipedia article for details).
A simple J2EE servlet filter that sends anti-framing headers to the browser.
I have been railing against adware and download installer monetization companies that continuously cross the line too often without fear of reprisal. This is because people only think about the nuisance of popups and advertisements when it comes to adware, but in reality adware installers also install a variety of other unwanted and downright malicious programs. | http://popupremove.help/how-to-block-pop-ups-on-asus-zenfone.html |
Examines the impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on the United States. Direct impact on trade; Effect of North American integration on the U.S.; Disadvantages of economic integration.
- Uncertain climate for trade. Bonney, Joseph // Journal of Commerce (1542-3867);5/16/2005, Vol. 6 Issue 20, p6
Focuses on the issue concerning the need for free trade agreements to be established as a tool for the growth and development of international trade. Efforts of the U.S. Senate to impose a percent surcharge on U.S. imports of Chinese-made goods; Free trade agreement being criticized by labor...
- Prospect of an Asia-wide FTA: Is CEPEA an Answer? ARAKI, Ichiro // Economy, Culture & History Japan Spotlight Bimonthly;Nov/Dec2008, Vol. 27 Issue 6, p16
The article examines whether Japan's proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership in Asia (CEPEA) can deepen economic integration among East Asian countries. It relates the status of free trade agreements among countries in Asia. It outlines the recommendations of a report on CEPEA, including the...
- Washington proposes comprehensive Pacific FTA. Sanders, Sol W. // East-Asia-Intel Reports;11/8/2006, p10
The article examines the proposed free trade area (FTA) within the Pacific Region. The U.S. government is pushing the idea of a regional FTA from Hawaii to Hokkaido to Melbourne, a sort of Pacific version of the European Union's free trade arrangement. Free trade with South Korea is snagged on...
- The European Union and the Integration of Southeast Asia. Robles Jr., Alfredo C. // Journal of Political Science & Sociology;2010, Issue 11, p1
Although promoting regional integration in other regions is a constant in EU external policy, the EU identified in 1995 free trade agreements with the EU as instruments for achieving this goal. It is therefore legitimate to ask whether the FTA that the EU is negotiating with ASEAN may contribute...
- The Commonwealth of Independent States: A Decade and a Half of Futile Efforts. SHISHKOV, IU. // Problems of Economic Transition;Nov2007, Vol. 50 Issue 7, p7
The article describes the effort made by Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to achieve international economic cooperation. It stated that the main goal of CIS is to create a common economic space by making a free zone in the 12 member countries. In relevance, the Eurasian Economic...
- 4. MACRO-ACCESSIBILITY IN ARGENTINA: 4.2. MERCOSUR TRADE PACT. // Orthopedic & Orthotic Equipment in Argentina: A Strategic Refere;2003, p148
The article provides information on the customs union MERCOSUR trade pact. Several countries joined the pact including Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uraguay that remains the cornerstone of the international trade policy in Argentina. The key to the integration process of MERCOSUR is the close...
- TOWARD A NEW ORDER IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE. Kasdan, Alan Richard // Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists;Dec1964, Vol. 20 Issue 10, p40
The article discusses the effort of developed countries to provide potential breeding grounds for threats to global peace and security. Developed countries consider their ability to earn more through international trade. They are devoted to the preparation of principles governing international...
- JAPAN'S REGIONAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION STRATEGY: A NASCENT AND COMPETITIVE FTA DIPLOMACY. Vio, Jose Guerra // Asian Journal of Public Affairs;2010, Vol. 3 Issue 2, p20
In the last decade Japan has changed its restricted focus on multilateral trade for a recent pursuit of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), which reflects a change in its policy towards economic integration. This paper offers an analysis of Japan's regional economic integration strategy, with... | http://pdc-connection.ebscohost.com/c/reference-entries/33058369/cockfield-white-paper |
We cover a simple idea that's a basic investing 101 strategy beginners can use about why you should buy in May and walk away. We've done the research and we know that most people have it all wrong when they are approaching investing as a beginner. There is a very basic rule you can follow that we discuss in the video that will no doubt help you with your investing strategy starting out.
Understanding the stock market as a beginner can be a daunting task. One of the fundamental principles you need to learn first is knowing what are market makers. Market markers is usually a foreign terms to most beginners who want to trade in the stock market. So in this video you'll learn more about this topic. | http://finedirectory.info/author/UC1jnL57b0Kx1957mRrvy0dg/Smart+Investing+Trends |
7 STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR DOG’S ALONE TIME
We wish our dogs to accompany us everywhere we go. Unfortunately, it's an impossible task. Helping your puppy or new dog adjust to being alone is vital teaching they need to learn in the very early stages of their life. If they never learn how to do this, you are bound to end up with a dog who acts out by barking, digging, or chewing excessively – or one who is certain to get a severe case of separation anxiety.
Canines are pack-loving creatures, so being alone can be distressing for them. When you live in an apartment, having a dog who barks and cries while you're gone can be a problem. Neighbours aren't always concerned with whether or not your dog is stressed; they are concerned with whether or not your dog is noisy. Now that you've returned to your routine, focus on assisting your dog in adjusting. It'll be beneficial for both her and your mental health. Fortunately, you can teach your dog to enjoy his alone time or at the very least accept it.
Dogs who were already part of the family before the lockdown has become much more accustomed to our presence. Post the pandemic, the offices are resuming and this will affect dogs. They are sociable creatures, and it's typical of them to be concerned when left alone. As a result, you must teach your dog how to spend time alone and guarantee that they learn to feel at ease in their own company.
Training can be an effective way to assure your pet that it's ok to be alone and that even if you are leaving, you'll return. Slowly and gradually increase the duration of time you leave your dog alone. Associate a nice experience with the instruction (for example, treats, toys or praise). Keep in mind that each dog is unique. You must progress at a rate that is appropriate for your dog's reaction, and you must never overextend the training to the point that it becomes stressful for your dog. The following steps will be able to properly explain to you how you can improve your dog’s alone time:
Step 1: Before you go, tire them out:
Make sure your dog has had a long walk before you leave them alone. This will allow them to expend some energy, tire themselves out, and go to the bathroom. That way, they'll be ready to relax and sleep while you're gone.
Step 2: Mental Stimulation is just as necessary:
Getting enough exercise for your dog is critical for a variety of behavioural disorders, and it isn't just about physical activity. Mental stimulation is just as vital for your dog, and just like going for a long walk, using their brain can tire them out. When you leave them home alone, they'll be more inclined to sleep if they've had enough physical and mental activity. You'll save your dog from undue stress or anxiety later in life if you take the time to teach him that being alone is nothing to be afraid of. It's recommended to consult with a trained dog trainer if your dog is already demonstrating signs of separation anxiety or other undesirable behaviours while left alone.
Step 3: Gradually increase the distance and time spent.
Carry on with your routine, moving further away and for longer lengths each time. The distance and duration you increase will be determined by your dog. Don't reward or reprimand your dog if he or she reacts or moves. You should have no problems leaving your dog for extended times once you've gotten to the point where they are fine to be left for up to an hour.
Step 4: Crate Training:
Making the crate the most lovely location on earth is the secret to crate training your puppy. You can do this by making the box a fun place to be! While your puppy is in the crate, provide him with some chew toys. When your puppy is in the crate, make sure you lavish him with care and praise, and never use the box to discipline him. Allow your puppy to go in and out of the crate as it pleases at first, so it doesn't feel trapped. You can start closing the door for 10 – 15 minutes at a time once your dog is familiar with his crate and receives affection and goodies every time it goes inside.
Step 5: Make staying alone an entertaining experience for your pup:
Make sure your dog has something to do when you leave them alone. Of course, something enjoyable! You can get some dog puzzle toys to keep them occupied and stimulated. When these toys are rolled around or a hatch is lifted, they release treats. Pawsindia’s Treat Tumbler is one such exciting toy built specifically for this purpose.
In the wild, dogs spend the majority of their time looking for food. Simulate this for your puppy by putting treats in and around the house for them to sniff out while you are gone. You can even get him new chew toys such as the Croc Dental Toy or the Ultimate Chew Stick from Pawsindia. These toys will ensure your dog has company in your absence and also clean their teeth in the process. The important thing is to give it to your dog right before you leave the house. As a result, he will link your departure with a pleasant experience. This way you tell him that when you leave, good things happen.
Step 6: Make your exits and arrivals calm and composed:
Encourage your dog to go to their bed and stay there for a short time. Reward your dog for staying in their bed quietly. When you depart, don't make a scene. If you show your dog that you care about him and continue making the situation sad, he will take upon it. Simply maintain a pleasant attitude, provide your dog with a chew toy, and say, "See you later, buddy!" "Do your best!"
Also, don't make a scene when you return. Your dog is already excited to see you; if you exaggerate the joy by making a big deal out of it, you risk teaching your puppy negative habits. When their owners arrive home, some puppies may urinate, jump up excessively, or produce loud howling and barking sounds, which may eventually drive you, your guests, or neighbours insane. No matter how delighted you are to meet your dog, welcome him calmly. The remainder of the evening is yours to show him how delighted you are to be back at home and spend some much-needed quality time with him.
Step 7: Make your presence felt:
This remark may appear perplexing, but there is a method to being with your puppy while at work. Knowing that you are present, even if you are not physically present, makes a significant impact on your dog. One way you can ensure that is to place one of your old t-shirts or sneakers on your puppy's bed so he can smell you. This has shown to be a source of comfort for several dogs.
Alone time can prove to be a major problem for your dogs. If not trained properly or neglected, may result in severe mental issues such as separation anxiety, stress and depression. It takes a lot of time, patience, and positive reinforcement to teach dogs with separation anxiety to be alone, but it is not possible. Together you both can overcome this difficult task and continue to lead a happy life harmoniously.
PawsIndia is a one-stop-shop pet portal for all your pet product needs. We are a leading product development and design company for pets. Our strive for innovation reflects in all our products. We are the forerunners of e-com platforms that provide content, serve local businesses with handcrafted products, and are the ultimate platform for your pet’s well-being.
What makes us different? Pet parents want us!
Our mission is to make their life easy and their pet happy. And a parent's immense happiness is in seeing their child's wagging tails.
With PawsIndia – You Parent, We Pamper. | https://pawsindia.com/blogs/news/7-steps-to-improve-your-dog-s-alone-time-1 |
After receiving an engineering degree in Material Science from California State University at San Jose in 1967, Stephen Peterson joined the Battelle Memorial Institute as a research metallurgist. His field of research was the mechanical properties of irradiated ferrous metals, powder metallurgy and explosive forming. He is the author of several technical papers in the area of testing of radioactive nuclear reactor materials.
In 1969, Mr. Peterson enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as a private and served in a reserve infantry company until 1975. From 1970 to 1974, he worked as a patent agent in the patent and legal department of Battelle Columbus Laboratories and attended law school in the evenings. In 1974, he joined the marketing section of the Battelle Development Corporation and, along with conventional market research, he dealt with many small technology-based businesses in connection with an innovative type of research program. He received his J.D. from Capital University Law School in 1974 and joined Finnegan Henderson Farabow and Garrett (now Finnegan Henderson, LLP) in 1975.
In addition to practicing conventional Intellectual Property law, Mr. Peterson specialized in litigation of patent and trade secret cases for small technology-based organizations. He was made an equity partner in 1981 and retired in 2013.
Formerly the group practice leader for the Chemical/Metallurgical Practice Group at Finnegan, he was involved in patent litigation in U.S. District Courts before the International Trade Commission (ITC) and litigated trade secret cases in various state courts. He has extensive expertise in alternate dispute resolution, early neutral evaluation and has acted as a special master. He has litigated a number of design patent cases and supervised attorneys at Finnegan in that area of the law. He represented the successful Australian syndicate in patent and trade secret matters in the 1983 America's Cup challenge and successfully protected the famous "winged keel." He has done extensive patent work in the area of high performance materials, magnetic recording, ceramics, powder metallurgy, advance materials fabrication, reactive and passive armor, welding, and advanced weapons and projectiles. He has managed the creation and prosecution of patents for large and small clients. He developed much of the infrastructure and many of the procedures Finnegan uses for supporting patent prosecution with a support staff of non-attorneys. He has lectured at Georgetown University School of Business, and before various technical societies regarding intellectual property, design patent law, technology transfer, and the use of intellectual property as the basis for starting a technology-based company.
He is the past chairman of the Patent, Trademark and Copyright section of the Bar Association of the District of Columbia, and the past president of the Federal Circuit Bar Association.
The practice is supported by experts in all aspects of intellectual property and its use in business. Whether it is in finance, monetization of intellectual property, litigation, transactional work, or issues of compliance with government laws and regulations, Peterson IPC has the expert resources prepared to support its work.
American Industrial Partners buys companies. We support and enhance the purchased company with our operating expertise, engineering and technical skills and innovative financial structuring techniques to add to its value. We recently purchased a company and shortly after the purchase, it was sued by its major competitor for patent infringement. Our acquisition also had patents in the same technical area and we counter sued its competitor, also alleging patent infringement. We attempted to resolve the litigation with a cross-license, but our efforts were rejected. Our efforts to sell the company were significantly impacted because of the expense and uncertainty associated with the outcome of the on-going patent litigation.
We contacted Mr. Peterson to determine if he could devise a way to extricate the company from the litigation. We met and he suggested using a major customer common to both our competitor and our company to induce a settlement. Because the customer did not want a single source of supply, it urged the competitor to settle the litigation with a cross-license. The tactic worked and a cross-license resolved the litigation. With a license to the competitor’s intellectual property and the litigation resolved, the company was sold for several multiples of its purchase price. The value Mr. Peterson added to the company can be measured in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
We value his expertise and services. We will use him again when our investment companies have problems associated with intellectual property or need strategic planning relating to intellectual property.Joseph Benini, PresidentSinterFire Inc.
SinterFire started as an idea for a new product. The company progressed from a start-up to one that captured ninety percent of the market for a specialty product. While Mr. Peterson created the intellectual property that protected our developments, that was not his only contribution. During the life of the company his strategic advice with respect to the business aspects of owning and creating intellectual property added significant value to the company. That value was recognized in a recent sale of the company to an investment group. His expertise and ability to solve difficult intellectual property problems has significantly impacted the value of SinterFire. | https://petersonipc.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2&Itemid=103 |
Vertical Angles Theorem
Theorem:Vertical angles are always congruent.
In the figure, and .
Proof:
form a linear pair, so by the Supplement Postulate, they are supplementary. That is,
.
form a linear pair also, so
.
Subtracting from both sides of both equations, we get
.
Therefore,
.
You can use a similar argument to prove that . | https://www.varsitytutors.com/hotmath/hotmath_help/topics/vertical-angles-theorem.html |
Sandra Ro, the CEO of the Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) joins the Steering Committee of The Open Initiative
Zug, Switzerland. – August 27, 2020 – The Open Initiative announces the appointment of a new member for the steering committee, Sandra Ro.
The Open Initiative is a platform that aims to enhance the current financial system by providing businesses and governments with new innovative tools and services. The Open Initiative funds and nurtures innovative solutions by awarding four grants, each worth of 50’000 CHF, in four key areas: a digital vouchers platform; supply chain solutions; a real-time and economic information system; and research initiatives.
“Sandra Ro combines the experience of traditional financial markets with a clear view of what needs to be done to trigger the blockchain transformation of society. Just thrilled to have Sandra join our steering committee, she belongs to the select group of people, who are the real movers and shakers in the space.” said Richard Olsen, the CEO and founder of Lykke.
Sandra was appointed CEO of the Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) in March 2018, a Swiss non-profit focusing on education, advocacy & partnership across over 50 countries. She was appointed and serves on the NYS Digital Currency Task Force, the US Department of State Speakers’ Bureau for blockchain/security, the Blockchain for Public Funds, EU and Member States Recovery Plans & European Green Deal, the Post Trade Distributed Ledger (PTDL) Group Organising Committee, the Astana International Financial Centre’s (AIFC) Fintech Advisory Council of Kazakhstan, the Global Blockchain Policy Council (GBPC), founded by bipartisan South Korean Congress, and the World Economic Forum (WEF) Digital Currency Governance Working Group.
Previously, she served as a former Treasurer and founding board director of the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance (EEA) and founding member of the Post Trade Distributed Ledger Group (PTDL), founding member of Linux Foundation’s Hyperledger. Sandra was also founder and former Executive Director, Digitization Head, CME Group, where she was responsible for the company’s digital asset and blockchain/distributed ledger technology (DLT) initiatives, including CME CF Bitcoin futures & index pricing products and post trade solutions. Previously, she served as Head of Foreign Exchange (FX) & Metals Research and Product Development.
Ro holds an M.B.A. in Finance from London Business School, studied Computer Science at Columbia University, School of Continuing Studies, and earned a double B.A. degree in History and Studies in the Environment from Yale University.
The Open Initiative is a web-platform that aims to enhance the financial system by equipping businesses and governments with new tools and services to unlock resources at the service of the people and their governments. Learn more about initiatives by visiting the website.
Lykke is a Swiss-based global fintech firm that utilizes blockchain and emerging technologies to provide solutions for consumers, investors, and corporations. By leveraging the power of a broader ecosystem, Lykke’s platforms eliminate barriers to market entry, solve inefficiencies within current economic systems, and democratize access to digital asset marketplaces. Learn more about Lykke’s work including The Open Initiative – to fund and incubate solutions for the global supply chain, and following the Lykke on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
How decentralized is the Bitcoin network nowadays?
Do you like Bitcoin because of its decentralized authority structure? Or perhaps you are interested in conspiracy theories? Well, in any case, take a big breath while we dive into one of the most interesting topics surrounding the Bitcoin network where we try to answer how decentralized is the network nowadays and what led us to this point.
The Value of Bitcoin
Unless you took the self-isolation to the extreme and you ended up practicing social media abstinence, you are assumedly aware of some of the recent events that allegedly led Bitcoin to the all-time highs we are all currently enjoying. So take a big breath while we break down the recent events of the crypto world and what they mean.
FCA - New Regulations Explained
The FCA created a Temporary Registration Regime to concede existing crypto-asset firms, which have applied to be registered with the FCA, to continue trading. It is important to note that this Temporary Registration Regime is only available to existing crypto-asset firms which have applied for registration before December 15th, 2020. New firms will need to obtain full registration with the FCA before conducting business.
What is a crypto-fiat gateway?
A fiat gateway is a combination of words that you will frequently hear if you decide to enter the cryptocurrency world and buy Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies in a crypto app. To understand its meaning and function, you have to understand what fiat means. Fiat means simply conventional money, it refers to national currencies the government’s issue not backed by any commodity. It derives from the Latin word fiat (from “facere” - make/do, present passive subjunctive “let it be done”) and we can assume that it implies a deal - let it be done!
What is a Coin Burn?
As new tokens are mined and enter circulation every day, cryptocurrencies need to ensure that the market is not oversaturated with supply. After all, prices in the digital currency market are almost entirely dictated by the economic principle of supply and demand. | https://lykke.com/about/news/sandra-ro-joins-the-open-initiative/ |
Emnes Events is happy to announce its 2nd annual Future Food Summit APAC from 8 to 9 March 2023 to be held in-person in Kuala Lumpur + Online (Hybrid).
This 2-day summit will gather over 150+ experts from food tech, agritech and nutrition space, relevant for investors, start-ups and industry players alike. Two days of insights and discussions focused on critical topics including AgriFood Ecosystem, scaling new proteins, gut health and the microbiome, Breakout session on AgriTech, FoodTech & Alt Protein, Super food, partnership models and investment trends for 2023.
SHARE WITH FRIENDS: | https://asiafoodbeverages.com/WebEvents/details/46 |
of the Estate of Wanda Maurine Holder, Deceased,
Plaintiff-Appellant,
v.
PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA, and Andy Mathis,
Defendants-Appellees.
Joe Frank HOLDER, Individually, and as Independent Executor
of the Estate of Wanda Maurine Holder, Deceased,
Plaintiff-Appellee,
v.
The PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA and Andy Mathis,
Defendants-Appellants.
Nos. 91-8071, 91-8184
Summary Calendars.
United States Court of Appeals,
Fifth Circuit.
Jan. 21, 1992.
William Vance Dunnam, Jr., Dunnam, Dunnam, Horner & Meyer, Waco, Tex., for plaintiff-appellant.
David G. Tekell, Beverly W. Bracken, Naman, Howell, Smith & Lee, Waco, Tex., for defendants-appellees.
Appeals from the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas.
Before JONES, DUHE, and WIENER, Circuit Judges.
EDITH H. JONES, Circuit Judge:
Plaintiff-appellant Joe Frank Holder sued defendants-appellees Prudential Insurance Company of America and its agent, Andy Mathis for coverage of a medical procedure performed on his now-deceased wife. The district judge found that the treatment was "experimental in nature" and had not yet been "commonly and customarily" recognized throughout the medical profession, as a result of which was excluded from coverage under the terms of the policy. Plaintiff appeals. We affirm.I.
In 1987, Wanda Maurine Holder was diagnosed with breast cancer. The tumor and surrounding tissue were removed from her breast and she underwent standard chemotherapy. In October 1987, a recurrence of the cancer was discovered and diagnosed, and Mrs. Holder was referred by her treating physician to M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas for further treatment. There she underwent additional chemotherapy.
Mrs. Holder was approached by her doctors at M.D. Anderson Hospital to accept a treatment of high-dose chemotherapy coupled with an autologous bone marrow transplantation ("HDC-ABMT"). Mrs. Holder signed a consent form for the treatment which noted that the procedure was an "experimental study;"1 she participated in the treatment and died of complications.
Mrs. Holder was a beneficiary under a health insurance plan provided by her husband's employer and purchased from Prudential Health Insurance Company of America ("Prudential"). Mr. Holder submitted a claim to Prudential for hospital and physician expenses associated with the HDC-ABMT treatment. Prudential partially denied coverage based on the policy exclusion for experimental treatment.
II.
Plaintiff's contention on appeal is that the district court erred in finding the HDC-ABMT treatment experimental and therefore excluded from policy coverage. The parties do not here dispute that this court reviews a district court's factual findings under the clearly erroneous standard of review. F.R.Civ.P. 52(a).2
The policy provided that it did not cover treatment not reasonably necessary for medical care. To be "reasonably necessary," a treatment must be ordered by a doctor and customarily recognized as appropriate, and it could not be experimental in nature.3 The trial court was presented with two live expert witnesses and the deposition testimony of two others. The court found the testimony of Dr. Fehir, a M.D. and a Ph.D. in immunology and transplantation biology offered by Prudential, to be "most compelling."
The opinions of the experts were conflicting on the experimental nature of the treatment extended to Mrs. Holder. Although HDC-ABMT was not considered "experimental" in the treatment of other cancers (leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, and lymphoma), the issue was whether it was experimental in the treatment of Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Clinical studies were referred to which showed that this procedure for the treatment of this disease was still being investigated at the time of Mrs. Holder's treatment. Further, the protocol used on her was only given to twenty or thirty women nationwide and was regulated by the FDA.
The trial court was in the best position to view the evidence and weigh the testimony of the expert witnesses, among whom Dr. Fehir's testimony was found to be most credible. The court also relied on the signed consent form describing the treatment as an "experimental study." Upon reviewing the record and evidence presented, we cannot say that the trial court was clearly erroneous in its findings.
III.
Plaintiff alternatively appears to argue that as a matter of law HDC-ABMT treatment for Stage IV metastatic breast cancer is not experimental. This contention must also fail. The various district court decisions that found coverage despite such exclusionary provisions are readily distinguishable from the case at hand.4 Of course, it is the nature of medical research that what may one day be experimental may the next be state of the art treatment. Had Mrs. Holder undergone a similar treatment more recently under an accepted protocol, this case may have turned out differently.5
IV.
Prudential and Mathis, through a separate appeal, assert that the district court erred in not awarding attorney fees in this ERISA action. Under ERISA the court has discretion to award attorney fees to either party. 29 U.S.C. 1132(g)(1). This court uses a five factor test to determine whether a party is entitled to attorney fees. See Ironworkers Local No. 272 v. Bowen, 624 F.2d 1255, 1266 (5th Cir.1980). Prudential argues that this five factor test is suspect when the defendant is the prevailing party because the test appears to be geared toward the plaintiff.
Prudential argues that this court should apply a Seventh Circuit test announced in Bittner v. Sadoff & Rudoy Industries, 728 F.2d 820, 829 (7th Cir.1984). The Seventh Circuit analogized to the Equal Access to Justice Act in stating, "These words create a modest presumption ... in favor of awarding reasonable attorney's fees to the winning party, plaintiff or defendant, unless the loser's position, while rejected by the court, had a solid basis--more than merely not frivolous, but less than meritorious ... This standard is consistent with previous articulations of the test under Section 1132(g)(1) but is simpler and more definite." Bittner, 728 F.2d at 830.
The decision to award attorney's fees is committed to the discretion of the district court. We need not decide whether to embrace the Seventh Circuit's test because even if that test were to be applied, we cannot say that the district court abused its discretion here. The experimental nature of Mrs. Holder's treatment raised an undecided issue of fact. Holder's experts stated that the treatment was not experimental in nature, while the case law has split. To impose attorneys' fees upon Holder under these circumstances would have added insult to injury.
V.
For the foregoing reasons, the judgment of the district court is AFFIRMED.
The consent form, signed by Mrs. Holder, provided:
PURPOSE OF STUDY: This is an experimental study which uses high doses of mitoxantrone, etoposide (VP-16) and thiotepa (MVT) in the treatment, combined with bone marrow transplantation. The use of higher-than-normal doses of chemotherapy carries with it a greater risk of complications to both the blood-forming cells of the body (the marrow) and other organs. Therefore, the purposes of this study are: 1) to find if such a combination is associated with acceptable toxicity to organs other than the bone marrow when used with the infusion of autologous marrow; and 2) to determine if, at these high doses, there is a significant response rate [shrinkage of the tumor]
Emphasis added.
In the lower court, Prudential contended that its officials exercised administrative discretion over the benefit determinations, entitling their decisions to judicial review under the deferential arbitrary and capricious standard. Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. v. Bruch, 489 U.S. 101, 109 S.Ct. 948, 103 L.Ed.2d 80 (1989). The district court disagreed. Prudential has not taken issue with this ruling on appeal
The policy provides that it does NOT cover:
Non-essentials, check-ups--Anything not ordered by a doctor or not reasonably necessary for medical care of sickness or injury. To be "reasonably necessary," a service or supply must be ordered by a doctor and be commonly and customarily recognized throughout the doctor's profession as appropriate in the treatment of the diagnosed sickness or injury. It must neither be educational or experimental in nature, nor provided.
Emphasis added. | https://m.openjurist.org/951/f2d/89 |
While regulatory T cells (Tregs) are important for preventing autoimmune responses against healthy tissues, they can also suppress immune responses against cancer cells and, as a result, allow tumors to thrive. To address the potentially pro-cancer activity of Tregs, Dr. Alexander Rudensky is evaluating a Treg-depleting drug called KW-0761, and through an early phase clinical trial his team seeks to determine the appropriate dose and potential effectiveness of KW-0761. Ideally, these studies will lead to a better understanding of the role Tregs play in promoting cancer progression and help assess how well this Treg-depletion strategy works as a novel cancer immunotherapy.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | All Cancers | 2014
*Immunotherapy results may vary from patient to patient.
Contact Us
Cancer Research Institute | National Headquarters
29 Broadway, Floor 4 | New York, NY 10006-3111
800-992-2623212-832-9376Staff Directory
CRI Lloyd J. Old STAR Tal Danino is exploring how to engineer bacteria to help our bodies better fight cancer.
Meet three promising young scientists changing the face of immuno-oncology: Ryan K. Alexander, Ph.D., of Boston Children’s Hospital; Nelson M. LaMarche, Ph.D., of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; and Christopher B. Medina, Ph.D., of Emory University. | https://www.cancerresearch.org/en-us/scientists/cri-funding-directory/alexander-y-rudensky-phd |
To support the EU’s transition to sustainable food systems and the reduction of the use of chemical pesticides as part of the Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission is adopting new rules to increase the availability and access to organic plant protection products for use in Member States’ fields. The new rules will apply from November 2022
The new rules adopted by the European Commission will facilitate the authorization of micro-organisms for use as active substances in plant protection products and offer EU farmers additional options to replace chemical plant protection products with more sustainable alternatives.
“The transition to more sustainable food systems means finding alternatives to chemical pesticides that respect our planet and our health,” says Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety. “The Commission is committed to facilitating this process by increasing the number of biological and low-risk alternatives on the market. We have already approved 20 low-risk alternatives since the beginning of our mandate. Thanks to these new rules, we will ensure that organic alternatives can reach our farmers even faster. The more we collectively invest resources in the assessment of plant protection products, the more safe alternatives we will have to deliver on our commitment to reduce the use of chemical pesticides by 50 % by 2030.”
The new rules will place the biological and ecological properties of each micro-organism at the heart of the scientific risk assessment process, which must demonstrate safety before micro-organisms can be approved as active substances in plant protection products. They should speed up the authorization of biological micro-organisms and plant protection products containing them. Already approved by Member States in February 2022, the new rules will apply from November 2022. | https://farmersofeurope.eu/en/2022/08/31/new-rules-for-organic-plant-protection-products/ |
Under most construction contracts, the contractor takes on the ground conditions risk.
The most regularly used standard form construction contracts reflect this; for example, the unamended Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) Design and Build Contract 2016 does not name adverse ground conditions as something that entitles a contractor to extra money or extra time. Well-drafted Schedules of Amendments specifically name the contractor as the party that takes the risk.
However, a recent case¹ has demonstrated that technical documents appended to a contract, such as a scope of works, can tip the risk back over to the employer.
In the case, E.ON had engaged Clancy Docwra Limited (CDL) to install some pipework. The scope of works, which was contained within the tender documents and appended to the contract², showed a clear pathway on the site through which the pipes could be installed. It later transpired that some underground brick rubble blocked the pathway.
CDL argued that the scope of works did require them to remove the rubble and that it was entitled to extra money to complete this task. E.ON argued that the contract (as amended by a Schedule of Amendments) contained clauses that specifically put the ground conditions risk on to CDL. E.ON also pointed to a priorities clause within the contract which stated that, in the event of inconsistencies between the Schedule of Amendments and other appended documents (including the scope of works), the Schedule of Amendments would prevail.
The Court decided that the ground conditions clauses in the contract only applied to CDL’s agreed scope of works but were not worded to extend the scope of works. As the scope document had expressly displayed a clear pathway for the pipework, the Court held that removing rubble from the pathway fell outside the scope and that CDL were entitled to extra money as a consequence.
The case highlights the importance of ensuring that all contract documents are consistent in terms of how they allocate the ground conditions risk.
Employer’s Requirements should be carefully drafted to ensure as far as possible that the scope of works includes dealing with adverse site conditions and that nothing negates or weakens the contractor’s obligation to do so without extra money or time.
For more information
If you would like to discuss this briefing further, please contact Carl Latham.
Citations
1. Clancy Docwra Limited v E.ON Energy Solutions Limited
2. JCT Standard Building Sub-contract with sub-contractor’s design, 2011
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PODCAST: Harpur holiday pay – judgment published
In this podcast, you will listen to Libby Hubbard and Anna Dabek providing a brief summary of the impact of the judgment in the case of Harpur Trust v Brazel.
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PODCAST: Episode 4 – Hidden disability awareness: Mental health – A colleague’s experience with counselling
In this podcast, Puja Desai interviews Kimberley Foster and discusses her experience with counselling. This is a really helpful podcast for anyone who has thought about counselling. | https://www.anthonycollins.com/insights/ebriefings/adverse-ground-conditions-who-bears-the-risk/ |
A preliminary analysis of the vulnerability of the Sefton coast to coastal flooding was carried out using a high-resolution DEM and census data from 2011. Results indicate that up to 12,500 people live within areas below the significant dune erosion level. Low-lying areas are clustered in two main locations, the South Formby / Hightown and Southport. High dunes from 15 to 35 m high are common in the central part of the Sefton Coast, including Formby Point and Ainsdale. This highlights the significance of the Sefton dune field system as a potential defence mechanism against coastal erosion and flooding, and the need to consider management schemes that would allow the dunes to adapt to sea level rise and climate change.
|Original language||English|
|Pages (from-to)||1-8|
|Journal||North West Geography|
|Volume||15|
|Issue number||1|
|Publication status||E-pub ahead of print - 30 Jun 2015|
Fingerprint Dive into the research topics of 'Sefton Coast’s vulnerability to coastal flooding using DEM data'. Together they form a unique fingerprint. | https://research.edgehill.ac.uk/en/publications/sefton-coasts-vulnerability-to-coastal-flooding-using-dem-data-2 |
Global Sea Levels Could Rise by Much More Than Previously Predicted, According to New Study
Global sea levels could rise by over 6 feet by 2100––twice as much as had previously been predicted––threatening major cities and potentially flooding hundreds of millions of people, a study published Monday warned.
The implications for coastal populations around the world could be severe if the predictions in the study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences prove accurate. In the worst-case scenario, where global emissions are not curtailed and the climate warms by 5°C (9° Fahrenheit), the report authors predict sea levels could rise by as much as 7.8 feet.
Large parts of low-lying countries like Bangladesh would become uninhabitable, while critical areas for food production would be lost. Major cities, including New York and London, would also be threatened, according to the study.
“There are roughly 240 million people in the world who would be flooded if we had 7.8 feet of sea level rise,” says Bob Kopp, a climate and sea level scientist with Rutgers University in New Jersey and a co-author of the study.
“Most of them are in Asia, but also broadly around the world. That would also have fairly significant implications for coastal cities in the U.S. like New Orleans and Miami where a large chunk of economic activity is exposed to flooding, as well as other cities like New York and Boston.”
But new research suggests this estimate is too conservative. There have been reports of the rate of glacier melt in Greenland and Antarctica is accelerating at a faster than expected rate. According to the authors of the new study, there have been advances in modeling of ice sheets since the IPCC report was released. The world is facing a risk of sea level rise “substantially higher than were in the 2013 assessment report of the IPCC,” Kopp says.
The study took into account “new observational evidence” in Greenland and Antarctica, which Kopp says helps “play an important role what the worst-case scenario might be.”
If the global carbon emissions are curtailed within the limits which were agreed under the Paris Agreement on climate change and temperature rise are kept below 2°C (3.6° Fahrenheit), the best case scenario in terms of sea level rise would be a 2.3-foot rise by 2100, according to the report. If emissions are not curbed, the minimum sea level rise the world can expect is 4.1 feet.
“One of the things I take away from that, there is a substantial benefit to being on the low emissions future rather than the high emissions future,” he says. The outcomes of emissions growing at an unchecked level could have some “very high end outcomes that would be quite dramatic.” | |
Below you can find a complete list of Bangladeshi animals. We currently track 178 animals in Bangladesh and are adding more every day!
Many different animals live in Bangladesh, but sadly that number is diminishing. There are 138 species of threatened mammals, 566 bird species, 167 reptile species, 49 amphibian species, 253 freshwater fish species, 141 crustaceans, and 305 butterfly species in the country. Overexploitation and habitat degradation are the two main reasons why 390 species are critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable. In the last 15 years, officials have documented 31 species as being regionally extinct in this fauna.
The Official National Animal of Bangladesh
In 1971, the royal Bengal tiger became the national animal of Bangladesh. It replaced the lion. Experts believe that about 440 royal Bengal tigers live in the forests of the Sundarbans and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. These animals live a solitary lifestyle, and they often walk miles in search of prey. Officials made it the national animal because of the way it royally carries its body, its fearlessness, and its wrath.
Where To Find The Top Wildlife in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is home to 17 national parks, 20 wildlife sanctuaries, and one special biodiversity conservation area, so there are many places to go to see mammals in their natural fauna. While you have many choices, three rises to the top as being offering some of the best fauna and for being accessible.
If you want to see wildlife in Bangladesh, consider going to Lawacherri National Park. There you can see Northern pig-tailed macaques, Phayre’s leaf monkeys, and capped langurs. The forest is also home to Western Hoolock gibbons, which is the only ape that lives in the country. Additionally, you may see many bird species, including Oriental pied hornbills and Kalij pheasants, along with several flowerpeckers species, which is the smallest bird in the country.
Satchari National Park is also a great place to go if you want to see wildlife. You are likely to see Northern pig-tailed macaques, Pharyre’s leaf monkeys, capped langurs, and Western Hoolock gibbons. One reason people come to this location is to see the breeding pairs of cuckoos and hooded pittas, but if you want to see them, then come during the early monsoon season, which usually lasts from March to May.
Rema-Kalenga Reserved Forest is another great place to see wild animals in Bangladesh. Visiting this location may allow you to see endangered fishing cats and nationally rare black giant squirrels, along with several species of monkeys. This reserved forest is also a great place to see breeding pairs of critically endangered white-rumped vultures.
The Most Dangerous Animals In Bangladesh Today
While many Bangladesh animals are non-threatening, there are some that you will want to watch for as they can be deadly. These include:
- Royal Bengal tigers – Tigers in the Sundarbans region seem to be more aggressive than in other parts of the world.
- Russel vipers – One of the fastest biters globally, this snake lives on land and in the water.
- King cobras – The king cobra is the longest poisonous snake globally, and it lives in the Sundarbans region of Bangladesh.
Endangered Animals In Bangladesh
While some animals have gone extinct in Bangladesh, there is still time to protect many others. The mugger or marsh crocodile is the sole reptile to become extinct. Many animals listed on the extinct list were actually combined with other listed animals during the 1800s. Bangladesh is home to many endangered animals, including:
- Capped monkey
- Slow loris
- Pearson’s horseshoe bat
- Thickened bat
- Fishing cat
- Oriental small-clawed otter
- Wild water buffalo
- Asian Dowitcher
- Indian spotted eagle
- Black spotted pond turtle
- Giant snakehead
- Six-legged tortoise
- Javan rhinoceros
- Mainland serows
- Pig-tailed macaques
- Common langurs
- Assamese macaques
- Capped langurs
- Barking deer
- Asiatic wild dogs
- Indian hares
- Particolored flying squirrels
Bangladeshi Animals
Bangladeshi Animals List
- Ant
- Antelope
- Armyworm
- Asian Elephant
- Asian Palm Civet
- Aurochs
- Banana Spider
- Barb
- Barn Owl
- Barn Swallow
- Bat
- Bear
- Beetle
- Bengal Tiger
- Bird
- Black Widow Spider
- Bumblebee
- Burmese Python
- Butterfly
- Camel Cricket
- Carpenter Ant
- Cashmere Goat
- Cat
- Caterpillar
- Catfish
- Centipede
- Chicken
- Cicada
- Clouded Leopard
- Cockroach
- Common Buzzard
- Common House Spider
- Common Raven
- Cow
- Crab
- Crab Spider
- Crane
- Crocodile
- Deer
- Desert Locust
- Dhole
- Dog
- Donkey
- Dormouse
- Draco volans
- Dragonfly
- Duck
- Dung Beetle
- Eagle
- Earthworm
- Earwig
- Eel
- Elephant
- Falcon
- False Widow Spider
- Fiddler Crab
- Fire-Bellied Toad
- Fishing Cat
- Fly
- Flying Squirrel
- Fox
- Frog
- Fruit Bat
- Gecko
- Gerbil
- Gibbon
- Glass Lizard
- Glow Worm
- Goat
- Golden Oriole
- Goose
- Grasshopper
- Green Bee-Eater
- Hamster
- Hare
- Hedgehog
- Heron
- Honey Bee
- Hoopoe
- Horse
- Horsefly
- Horseshoe Crab
- Human
- Huntsman Spider
- Ibis
- Indian Elephant
- Insects
- Jackal
- Jerboa
- King Cobra
- Kingfisher
- Ladybug
- Leopard
- Leopard Cat
- Liger
- Lizard
- Locust
- Long-Eared Owl
- Magpie
- Masked Palm Civet
- Mayfly
- Mealybug
- Millipede
- Mole
- Mole Cricket
- Mongoose
- Mongrel
- Monitor Lizard
- Monkey
- Moorhen
- Moth
- Mouse
- Mule
- Muntjac
- Myna Bird
- Neanderthal
- Newt
- Nightingale
- No See Ums
- Orb Weaver
- Otter
- Pangolin
- Parakeet
- Parrot
- Peregrine Falcon
- Pheasant
- Pig
- Pigeon
- Pika
- Pond Skater
- Porcupine
- Quail
- Rabbit
- Rat
- Rhinoceros
- River Turtle
- Robin
- Rodents
- Salamander
- Scorpion
- Sea Eagle
- Seahorse
- Sheep
- Shrimp
- Skink Lizard
- Slow Worm
- Slug
- Snail
- Snake
- Sparrow
- Spider Wasp
- Squirrel
- Stick Insect
- Stoat
- Swan
- Tarantula Hawk
- Termite
- Thrush
- Tiger
- Tiger Beetle
- Tortoise
- Tree Frog
- Turtles
- Vinegaroon
- Vulture
- Walking Catfish
- Wasp
- Water Buffalo
- Water Dragon
- Weasel
- White Tiger
- Wild Boar
- Wolf
- Wolf Spider
- Woodlouse
- Woodlouse Spider
- Woodpecker
- Zebu
Animals in Bangladesh FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What kind of animals are in Bangladesh?
There are many different species of unique animals in Bangladesh. Scientists are discovering new ones all the time. Recently discovered unique animals include common pipistrelle bats, Indian round leaf bats, wrinkle-lipped free-tailed bats, least leaf-nosed bats, dawn bats, lesser false vampire bats, cook’s mice, Edward’s rats, Himalayan rats, white-toothed rats, red climbing mice, yellow-throated martens, particolored flying squirrels, Himalayan striped squirrels, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, pan-tropical spotted dolphins, rough-toothed dolphins, false killer whales, sperm whales, and Bryde’s whales.
How many animals are there in Bangladesh?
There are over 22 species of unique amphibians, 708 species of fish, 126 -species of reptiles, 628 species of birds, and 113 species of mammals 1,720 species of animals in Bangladesh.
What is the most dangerous animal in Bangladesh?
One of the most dangerous animals in Bangladesh is the royal Bengal tiger. These animals tend to be more aggressive in this country than in any place else in the world. Yet, most people still want them protected.
Are there any lions in Bangladesh?
No, lions do not live in Bangladesh. You can find other big cats, including tigers, clouded leopards, fishing cats, marbled cats, Asiatic golden cats, leopard cats and jungle cats. | https://a-z-animals.com/animals/location/asia/bangladesh/ |
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|November 25, 2013 09:00 AM EST||
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To reduce the risk of business interruption in today's interconnected systems, organizations need to test across a complex set of applications, such as SAP, mainframes, third-party services, etc.. However, such systems are extraordinarily difficult to access for the purpose of testing. Service Virtualization provides simulated test environments that eliminate these constraints- enabling organizations to test earlier, faster, and more completely. Here are 10 specific reasons to be thankful for service virtualization...
10. Dev.QA control over the test environment inclusive of dependencies
Development and QA often need to jump through hoops in order to get access to the test environments required to complete their development and testing tasks. Even worse, when the test environment is finally available, it typically lacks applications that lie beyond the organization's control. Service virtualization, with its test environment simulation technology, gives development and QA access to all the relevant application dependencies-including third-party applications-to create complete test environments on demand.
9. Scenario based testing from the outside-in
With today's highly-distributed systems, developers and testers need to invest a significant amount of effort to properly manipulate the environment that the application under test interacts with. As crunch time hits, the amount of work required often becomes prohibitive, resulting in incomplete testing. With service virtualization, it's fast and easy to immediately alter dependent system behavior so that tests can address a broad array of scenarios.
8. Reduce the risks of project failure
It's well known that delaying quality efforts until the end of the project places the entire project at risk-not only for missed deadlines and go-to-market dates, but also significant business risks. Using simulated test environments allows for continuous testing much earlier in the SDLC, which significantly reduces the organization's exposure to risk.
7. Release from large complex data management scenarios
Managing and resetting data from the database perspective requires considerable setup and teardown time. Service virtualization gives you granular control of test data at the component level. This allows the team to start testing earlier, and frees up resources previously required for test data management.
6. Performance testing under variable load from dependent systems
There's no doubt that server virtualization technology has enabled broader access for performance testing. However, the instability of this environment does not allow for consistent testing. Moreover, server virtualization is not applicable for applications that lie beyond the organization's control. Service virtualization's simulated test environments not only allow for discrete independent control over each endpoint, but also enable any permutation of endpoints to be orchestrated in the various ways needed to mimic realistic variable load from dependent systems.
5. Freedom to test early, getting the big showstoppers out of the way
When the team has early dev/test access to a simulated test environment, critical security, performance, and reliability issues will surface earlier-when they are exponentially faster, easier and cheaper to fix. This early identification and resolution of defects allows for more complete testing later in the lifecycle and increases the prospects of meeting schedule and budget targets.
4. Simulate the performance of mobile applications
The biggest concern around mobile applications is variable performance of mobile apps across different provider networks. Service virtualization can simulate network performance (e.g., latency, error conditions, sporadic connection), allowing for the broad testing needed to test under a realistic spectrum of real-world conditions.
3. Make Agile teams truly agile
It's widely-accepted that testing has become a casualty of iterative development processes. Incomplete and evolving systems seem to limit the depth and breadth of tests that dev and QA are able to execute. Additionally, the challenge of accessing a realistic test environment typically delays testing until late in each iteration. Service virtualization's test environment simulation eliminates these barriers by providing a realistic, complete test environment on demand-allowing Agile or Agile-ish teams to get to "done."
2. Test from the perspective of an environment, not just the app
The migration to cloud/SaaS applications, as well as SOA/composite applications, has distributed dependencies to a previously unfathomable extent. Service virtualization technologies give developers and testers visibility into-and control over-these "dependencies gone wild." They 1) paint a complete picture of the many dependencies associated with a test environment; 2) provide flexible access to a complete test environment (including the behavior of dependencies such as APIs and third-party applications); and 3) help the team identify evolving environment conditions that impact their test and service virtualization assets-and automatically refactor those assets for fast, intelligent updating.
1. Significantly reduce CapEx and OpEx associated with test infrastructure
Although server virtualization can assist to reduce the CapEx associated with test environments, it applies only to applications that are under your organization's control. Extending staged environments is extraordinarily costly and the OpEx associated with staged environments is a significant deterrence given the total cost of ownership. Using service virtualization and its test environment simulation technologies delivers control to the end users (dev/QA) and eliminates the need for superfluous hardware.
- Verifying Web Site Accessibility
- Top 13 Service Virtualization Resources of 2013
- Top 13 API Integrity / Cloud Testing Resources of 2013
- How Buggy Are Today's APIs? [Infographic]
- Is Service Virtualization’s “Shift Left” a Burden to Developers?
- How Service Virtualization Helped Comcast Release Tested Software Faster
- Top 10 Service Virtualization Questions from Gartner AADI
- What's the Business Value of Service Virtualization? | http://cynthiadunlop.ulitzer.com/node/2877571 |
This paper draws on design-based research to develop a real-world classroom Augmented Reality (AR) scenario which was accompanied by tasks used to mediate intercultural telecollaboration. It investigates the role of these tasks and AR scenario in enacting affordances to enrich students’ learning experiences, to establish a connection between classroom management techniques, their local context and future teaching practices and to promote insightful reflections on such practices. The trajectories upon which these tasks were designed were practice-oriented inviting students to explore three options in dealing with classroom misbehavior and reserved students. Using their mobile devices, students could view in AR a classroom setting, a student’s disruptive behavior and three possible approaches in dealing with such behavior. Upon exploring the three options in handling classroom misbehavior, students across the two participating academic institutions in Europe could post their comments on a newly created platform, ReDesign.
AuthorHadjistassou, Stella
EditorPanda, Santosh
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MetadataShow full item record
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What is TAB?
Technical Assistance to Brownfield (TAB) Communities is a program, funded by a grant from the USEPA, which is intended to serve as an independent resource to communities and nonprofits attempting to cleanup and reclaim brownfields. New Jersey Institute of Technology’s (NJIT) TAB program covers communities in EPA Regions 1 and 3.
Who Provides TAB Services?
The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), New Jersey's science and technology university, has been providing brownfield services to Northeast US communities for over 20 years. NJIT’s multi-disciplinary TAB Team consists of professionals with academic research, government, industry and consulting experience available to assist communities with their brownfield projects.
Who Can Receive TAB Assistance?
Free NJIT TAB services are provided to state, regional, county, tribal and local government entities in EPA Regions 1 and 3 who are interested in learning about, identifying, assessing, cleaning up and/or redeveloping brownfields.
What Services Can TAB Provide?
NJIT’s TAB program provides assistance in every step of the brownfield redevelopment process from:
getting you started by
- explaining environmental laws, liabilities and regulatory program requirements,
- providing general guidance in pursuing EPA brownfield grants
- assisting in preparing requests for proposals and in consultant selections
- providing guidance in development of strategic planning and integrating approaches to expedite brownfields cleanup and redevelopment projects
to staying on track by
- providing guidance on how to manage brownfield grant projects
- deciphering regulatory requirements
- identifying site characterization methods and tools
- explaining the science and technology related to site assessment, remediation and site preparation activities
to getting the job done by
- advising on remediation methods
- assisting in the development of financing strategies
- helping to gain community acceptance and involvement with brownfield projects
How does NJIT provide TAB services?
- Collective Community Workshops on brownfields basics or on specific issues
- this Website which contains “How To” sections, answers to questions, examples of what other communities have achieved, and links to important resources
- Direct Technical Mentoring through meetings, phone/email conversations
NJIT’s Core TAB Team includes:
- Colette Santasieri, Director
- Sean Vroom, Project Manager
- Elizabeth Limbrick, Project Manager
How Do I Contact NJIT TAB? | http://www5.njit.edu/tab/ |
Your testers likely cover most of the expected application functionality and workflows during a regression testing cycle. Granted, they probably don’t test absolutely every function, but they thoroughly cover the happy path — what the user sees and the application uses to perform. When QA teams are pressed for time, regression testing can boil down to only testing the main functionality within a specified workflow sequence. If you only test the main user workflows, you’ll undoubtedly leave many defects undiscovered prior to release.
Edge case testing, or fringe testing, assesses how the application works when you go off script. Fringe testing can include testing out of sequence, twisting the expected workflow, or discovering functions the application performs that it was not designed for. When you test edge cases, you’re using creativity to get the application to perform functions it’s not intended to do, and figuring out the results.
The idea here is simple: human beings, as a whole, rarely follow the rules. This is why you need edge case testing to validate beyond the planned path. Because, rest assured, people will certainly stray from that path.
Edge test case scenarios are those that are possible, but unknown or accidental features of the requirements. Boundary testing, in which testers validate between the extreme ends of a range of inputs, is a great way to find edge cases when testers are dealing with specific and calculated value fields. However, testers find edge case defects most often when creatively testing the application and its integrated components in an end-to-end or system test method. It’s like exploratory testing the system end to end, including all of its integrated parts, like the API connections, database, and messaging systems.
But there’s a downside to testing for edge cases. Edge case testing is not easy, and it does take time. Let’s discuss how to find, prioritize and test edge cases in an application to expand coverage beyond the happy path.
How to find edge cases
How does a QA tester identify edge test cases, or find edge case defects? The best advice is you find edge cases by looking for them. Basically, testers use creativity and critical thinking to find edge case defects during any test cycle — regression, functional, or at any point in the development cycle. Testers try to find edge cases all the time, or as much as they can spend the time on — that’s the reality. Once the application system is connected and developed enough to do an end-to-end test, testers should plan some time to find those hidden, often obscure edge test cases.
An experienced QA tester can instinctively find where the application tends to fail, especially the longer they test a system. Additionally, the more they understand the customer workflow, the better equipped they are to find edge cases.
Testers often find common edge cases in familiar places. Think integration points where the application saves to the database or processes incoming data from messages. How else can they find edge cases? Think about what the customer uses the application to do, then consider how to perform the functions without following the expected path. Better yet, how can they use that function to have the application execute an entirely different, or unexpected scenario?
For example, let’s say your application processes income tax forms for residents in the U.S., France, China, and the U.K. There are then four distinct sets of tax rules and calculations, one per country, and additional rules per state or area. Now, say you go in and edit the tax rules for the U.S. and manage to create a totally new country with a new set of rules, but using the existing dataset of customer accounts. You set all user accounts on the system to pay their dividends to your offshore bank account. While this is an extreme example, if the test proves successful, you just found a significant security edge test case.
Many edge test cases are smaller or less significant. Sticking with our security-based example, say you’re testing the login workflow for a user to access their tax account. Think of yourself as the U.S. customer whose work involves keeping the tax rules updated with the latest changes. You are authorized to only view the U.S. account. You log in with a valid username, but enter an incorrect password. The system displays an invalid login error. Here are some questions that might explain how to find edge case defects for this example:
Can you double-click on the frame of the window and circumvent the login?
If you click quickly several times outside the login window, or on the edge of the screen, can you gain access without logging in?
Once you login, do you have access as a system admin or super user?
If you’re logged in as an admin, do you now have access to all accounts?
How to prioritize edge cases
Once testers find edge case defects, they must prioritize them for triage. Typically, the organization prioritizes edge case defects slightly differently than defects reported during a regression testing cycle. In the previous examples, we are testing security and authentication — any possible way I can attempt to get around it directly within the UI. You might find and test edge case defects anywhere in the application workflow. To effectively prioritize edge case tests and defects, consider how often the issue is found, as well as the potential business outcome for your company and your customer.
Think about our previous examples. If I can circumvent the login process using the UI and gain access to all accounts, that’s a significant defect that the organization would have to address immediately. But less-severe edge test case defects might not get fixed in the code right away, especially if the product or development team does not believe someone would actually follow that path. This is why prioritization is so important — severe edge case defects must be fixed immediately, but minor defects might be put on hold.
Edge test cases are difficult to defend because they are uncommon or unexpected. However, the organization should review and prioritize edge cases not as if they are an uncommon occurrence, but as a defect that will occur at some point, depending on the craftiness of the user. Maybe they don’t click around and go outside the workflow. But what if they do? Hackers spend a great deal of time testing edge cases and exploiting defects. They test all aspects of a system that no one considers important. If you want to keep customers’ trust in an application, edge case testing is a high priority.
Remember, too, that you can find edge cases at the device level. There are many Android variations, so edge case defects will exist on one version, but not another. When it comes to prioritizing edge cases, consider which devices your users own to make a decision on whether it’s worth the effort to fix that bug. There are simply too many device/OS combinations to address all defects at once, so a prioritized approach is necessary.
In short, don’t ignore edge case defects. Work fringe testing into your overall QA plan.
How to test edge cases
Developing tests for edge cases fits naturally with other forms of test development. The difference is that you must allow time for QA testers to use their creativity and imagination to test off the happy path. Prioritize edge case test execution and mix it in with your regression tests, or, if time does not allow, you can assign part of the QA team to execute the tests post-regression. Wherever you test edge cases, they are a critical aspect to include in an overall QA testing plan.
Edge case testing is difficult to do. The fringe testing process requires time, thought, creativity and exploration. However, keep in mind that edge test cases represent what users do to manipulate your application — intentionally or not — which might gain them unauthorized access to data and systems. It’s not only about security; consider an edge case defect where it’s very difficult to scroll without accidentally pressing a button. That’s not about malicious intent, but it’s a poor experience that will drag down customer satisfaction and loyalty. Think like a customer or a hacker; that’s how to test edge cases and uncover defects. Fringe testing requires patience, but it’s critical to an application’s success and your business to ensure edge case tests are developed and executed.
If you can’t test edge cases internally, you can choose a software testing partner you trust to efficiently and securely handle this task. Applause provides software testing services and solutions all throughout the software testing life cycle to ensure organizations provide exceptional digital experiences. As it pertains to edge case testing, Applause’s global community of digital experts can track down defects within the scope you define, on the devices you prioritize, and validate that apps deliver a secure, consistent experience for users.
Ultimately, organizations test an application to provide high-quality experiences for customers. To retain trust, testers must validate that an application can perform both the standard workflow and all possible edge test cases that otherwise harm the application or expose customer data and systems. Testing edge cases is worth the time spent for the business and its customers. | https://www.applause.com/blog/how-to-find-test-edge-cases |
You have boundaries at home:
- You’ve taught the kids to knock before opening the bathroom door.
- Cell phones get turned in before sitting down to the dinner table.
- You’ve finally trained your spouse to get his dirty socks into the clothes hamper.
So why is it so difficult to establish and maintain boundaries in your business?
I think we’re so focused on success and people-pleasing that when something pushes our boundaries just a bit we’re not as likely to push back. Until the boundary lines are violated completely.
But productivity depends on boundaries. And when those boundaries start to bend and flow, productivity suffers.When boundaries start to bend and flow, productivity suffers.Click To Tweet
To establish your boundaries, know what your mission, vision and values are. Those are the guiding forces in your business every day, most importantly your values.
If raising your family and being present is one of your values, then you need to block off time for that in your calendar. I left corporate America to be a better mom and wife and showing up for my family was a huge priority for me. I block out from 3 to 9 p.m. every day so I can get my kids from school and drive them to their various sporting events.
This won’t be as big a priority as my kids grow and begin to drive themselves, so I can change this boundary when needed. But my clients are aware of this.
Communicating Boundaries to Clients
Open communication with your clients is always essential, but even more so when you’re laying out your boundaries. It’s not fair to them to feel resentment for blurring the lines if they don’t know where those lines are.Don’t resent clients for pushing your boundaries if you haven’t communicated the boundaries to them.Click To Tweet
It’s up to you how you communicate boundaries to your clients, but it needs to be part of your onboarding process. It can be as formal as spelling them out in your contract, which requires clients to sign off on them, or including them in your client welcome packet. Either way, you need to set those working expectations.
Another way to ease into a conversation about boundaries is to have your clients do my mission, vision and values exercise. If you’re working one-to-one with clients, you’ll want a better sense of their values anyway. This is a good way to get to know one another better and know what’s important in each other’s businesses.
Communicating Boundaries to Loved Ones
When I left corporate, my husband and I sat down to talk about what this would look like for our family. I wanted to go into business for myself so I could be there for my kids and family, but I also knew that I’d be working a lot of hours as my business got up and running. I told my husband that I was going to have to put in some crazy hours in the next few years and after talking we knew we could get on the same page.
Because we were able to have an open conversation about time and boundaries, I’m able to do the business traveling I need. He picks up the slack when I’m gone and there’s nothing that takes me away from my family and loved ones when I’m in town.
At the same time, my friends and extended family also respect my boundaries because they are firmly in place and I don’t sway from them.
Open conversations with family members and friends helps to solidify your business as a professional endeavor, rather than a hobby you do when you have time. (Because, let’s face it, you won’t ever make the time if everyone thinks it’s a hobby.) If you’ve had push-back from anyone, I urge you to put up boundaries that establish work hours and goals that are non-negotiable for you.
The more seriously you take your business and the better you communicate this to your clients and family members, the more secure you’ll feel in what you’re doing. You’ll gain time back in your business that you’d normally be fielding calls or having conversations that don’t help your bottom line. And you’ll be happier in the quality, structured time you have in business and in life. | https://theopsauthority.com/communicate-boundaries-business/ |
The invention discloses a timing synchronization method based on a novel synchronization sequence. The method comprises the steps of constructing a basic sequence; Forming a synchronization start sequence and a synchronization end sequence; A synchronization start sequence and a synchronization end sequence are splice to obtain a timing synchronization sequence, and that timing synchronization sequence is sent to a receiving end; The receiving end receives the timing synchronization sequence and calculates the correlation function and the normalized energy term. Calculating decision function;The relation between decision function and synchronous search starting condition and synchronous search ending condition is judged. The timing synchronization is completed by outputting an estimated value of the synchronization timing position. By repeating and scrambling the basic sequence, the invention reduces the probability of false synchronization and missed synchronization when the receiving end detects while retaining good correlation among the repetitive segments. Maximizing the difference between the calculated terms before and after the correlation function, eliminating the peak platform area and sub-peak, can effectively resist the interference of bad channel environment to the system synchronization position determination while outputting the high-precision estimation result of synchronization timing position. | |
The invention discloses a fault location method based on a residual current switch of a reclosing direct-current circuit breaker. The method comprises the steps of obtaining a residual voltage up of 20ms after reclosing an RCB; decoupling the residual voltage up to obtain a line mode voltage; solving an energy spectrum of the line mode voltage by using a MUSIC algorithm; obtaining an inherent frequency f1 corresponding to the first peak of the energy spectrum, and calculating reflection angles theta1 and theta2 under the frequency and the propagation speed v of the traveling wave according tothe inherent frequency f1 corresponding to the first peak value obtained by the energy spectrum; estimating a fault distance value d'; estimating the natural frequency f2' by using the fault distanceestimated value d', and searching a spectral peak frequency f2 closest to the natural frequency estimated value f2' in the energy spectrum; calculating reflection angles theta1 and theta2 under the natural frequency f2 and the propagation speed of the traveling wave, and calculating a fault distance d; and carrying out checking until a final distance measurement calculation value is obtained. Compared with the prior art, the method has the advantages that the fault distance measurement precision can be remarkably improved, and the distance measurement deviation problem caused by the false spectral peak phenomenon of the MUSIC algorithm is eliminated. | |
The broad goal of this project is to initiate a genome-wide study of gene expression of schizophrenia (SZ), targeting over 25,000 annotated genes, in a repository sample with available genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. The basic hypothesis of this proposal is that gene regulation mechanisms are involved in the etiology of SZ, and that gene expression data will be instrumental to the interpretation of SZ GWAS results and for guiding laboratory efforts, including large re-sequencing initiatives. The specific aims are: AIM 1 - Determine genome-wide gene expression levels utilizing the Illumina HT-12 array in a well-powered sample comprised of Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) transformed B lymphocytes (lymphoblastoid cell lines, LCLs) from 1,011 severely affected cases and 1,011 psychiatrically screened controls from the Molecular Genetics of SZ (MGS) sample. The experiment will proceed with full attention to quality control (QC) and the experimental design will allow for the systematic analysis of genetic and non-genetic variance. AIM 2 - Search for eQTLs that regulate the expression of genes associated with SZ. First, expressed sequences that show case-control differences will be sought, and for these gene transcripts, association between the expression levels and SNPs in cis in the gene expression sample (1,011 cases and 1,011 controls) will be tested. Next association between these identified SNPs and SZ will be tested in the rest of the MGS EA sample (1,671 cases and 1,643 controls). A genome-wide search for trans eQTLs will also be performed, however, with decreased statistical power compared to cis eQTLs. While the field of gene expression in human disease is growing at an accelerated pace, this proposal addresses the dearth of well-powered microarray expression studies in SZ (and psychiatric) genetics. This proposal only asks for support for the measurements of DNA transcription, and statistical and bioinformatic analyses thereof. The proposed GWES will greatly augment the value of this public sample, which has been the most accessed clinical sample for NIMH in dbGAP, greatly amplifying the overall impact of the proposed experiments. An already established LCL NIMH resource at the Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository (RUCDR) will be accessed, and the gene expression results will be rapidly shared with the scientific community through an NIMH sponsored mechanism. Future plans include extending our study of gene expression to the full transcriptome with the aim of integrating genome variation, DNA transcription, and proteomic data relevant to the study of SZ genetics (and biomedical sciences in general), and participating in meta-analyses of gene expression in SZ. SZ is a devastating and costly psychiatric disorder exhibiting complex genetics. The joint analysis of expression and GWAS data is expected to lead to discoveries of mechanisms of SZ susceptibility otherwise obscured to either method in isolation, and create new research opportunities by motivating mechanistically based experiments, e.g., models where pharmacology can be tested hopefully rapidly leading to new treatment strategies. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: This study aims to uncover information about differences in gene expression between individuals with schizophrenia versus controls, their relationship to previously studied genetic variation, and the joint analysis thereof. Besides informing important areas of biology, the study especially aims to better understand genetic contributions to schizophrenia, as a means to better understand how disease develops. This knowledge should assist in efforts to prevent and treat this devastating and costly illness.
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A method of managing resources of a vehicle of a network in automated vehicle and highway systems comprises: a step of monitoring whether an entry event of the vehicle occurs on a road monitored by the network; a step of receiving driving information of the vehicle if the entry event occurs; and a step of setting a role value for object detection to the vehicle based on road information previously stored in the network and the driving information. Accordingly, the vehicle can efficiently manage resources for object detection. One or more among an autonomous vehicle, a user terminal, and a server in accordance with the present invention can be linked to an artificial intelligence module, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) robot, an augmented reality (AR) device, a virtual reality (VR) device, and devices related to 5G services.
COPYRIGHT KIPO 2020 | |
Vertigo is a sensation of spinning while stationary. It is commonly associated with vomiting or nausea, unsteadiness, and excessive perspiration. Recurrent episodes in those with vertigo is common and they frequently impair the quality of life.
Pranic Healing can bring relief to this sometimes debilitating disorder. Most often, within three treatments the vertigo is gone.
BALANCE THE CHAKRAS OF YOUR ENERGY BODY WITH A PRANIC HEALING SESSION. CALL ANGELA TODAY
Pranic Healing is not intended to replace modern medicine. This ancient healing methodology is intended to complement conventional medical practices as well as other alternative healing methods. | https://www.angelapaterson.com/treatments/vertigo/ |
Remotely located in Maputaland, the north-eastern province of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, contiguous to the Mozambique border, Tembe Elephant Park is one of the largest and most popular national elephant reserves in South Africa. The park was established in 1983 to guard the last remaining herds of free-ranging elephants in South Africa which used to migrate between Maputaland and southern Mozambique. These elephants were traumatized by poaching during the civil war in Mozambique so the park was only opened to the public in 1991.
Spanning over an area of 300 sq km, Tembe Elephant Park is noted for its profusion of wildlife including the Big Five (250 elephants, 65 rhinos, buffalos, leopard, serval, hippo, and antelope species); diverse topography plus a rich flora. The Park is an ideal spot for wildlife expedition, nature safari, and adventure tourism. It attracts a large number of tourists and wildlife enthusiasts through out the entire world with its significant elephant population
Vegetation
Because of its differing terrains, Tembe Park supports a diverse mix of tropical and sub-tropical vegetation as it falls in a transitional area. Vegetation ranges from a dense sand forest, woodlands, grasslands, and swamplands, all of which combine to provide an ideal habitat that enables game-drive vehicles with perfect visibility to spot the elephants as well as the other animals, bird and insect species sheltered here.
Wildlife
Elephants, rhinos, buffalos are the main wildlife attraction of the Park. Hippos, wildebeests, elands, zebras, giraffes, jackals, hyenas, waterbucks, reedbucks, nyalas, servals, kudus, warthogs, red duikers and other small mammals also thrive in abundance. Safari visitors to the Park cannot miss a glimpse of the rare and elusive Suni antelope, one of the smallest and shyest species of buck in southern Africa. Other endemic groups include 14 mammals, 23 reptiles, 3 frog species and 8 water fishes.
Birdlife
Tembe Park is another highlight amongst birding enthusiasts in South Africa. Its assorted scrub, thornveld and sand forest offers perfect shelters a rich abundance of unique bird species. Over 340 bird varieties, many of which are endemic to South Africa or tropical zones have been recorded here including the rare Plain-backed Sunbird, Natal Nightjar, African Broadbill, also rare Rudd’s Apalis, Rufous-bellied Heron, and Woodward’s batis. Other common sightings are Woolly-necked Stork, Little Bittern, Sharp-billed Honeyguide, Hamerkop, Saddlebilled Stork, White Stork, Woodpecker, Bearded Woodpecker, African Broadbill, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Yellow-billed Stork, etc.
Getting There
From Durban, take the N2 north towards Mkuze, about 350km away. Continue north on the N2, and join Jozini road after about 14km, and drive another 20km to Jozini. You will come across the dam wall but drive on for a further 72km – until you see the signpost of the Park entrance from where you’ll be picked up by a safari guide in a 4WD upon clearing the entrance fee.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is from April to September. This is when the weather relatively very pleasant. Game safaris are best during the hot midday times as the elephants congregate around the waterholes.
Activities
There are two prominent ways exploring the Tembe Elephant Park. The most preferred way to enjoy the jungle beauty and wildlife attractions of Tembe is;
- Guided Game Drives; Daytime and evening game drives are conducted by an experienced guide and are included at no extra cost. Elephant safaris are another option although not so popular.
- Bird watching – Tembe offers excellent birding opportunities particularly at Ndumo Game Reserve
- Snorkeling & Scuba diving for instance nearby Tongoland reefs.
- Turtle watching along the coast from Kosi to Ponte de Oro.
- Guided boat Excursions across the Kosi Lake system
Tembe Safari Accommodation
Tembe Safari Camp
Tembe safari camp is nestled in the tangled forests of the Park, on the border with Mozambique, and astride ancient elephant migration routes. It comprises six luxury en-suite and four semi-luxury safari tents that blend unobtrusively with their natural surrounds and are tucked away in secluded areas around the camp. The tents are furnished and built on wooden platforms; each has both a queen size and a single bed.
The Camp is privately managed and offers guided safaris in luxury open safari vehicles. There is an open-air braai area that lends itself to a rustic setting where guests can enjoy campfire meals under bright stars. It also has a Matriarch Suite, elevated on a wooden platform for special safari holidays. | https://q2travel.co.za/category/south-africa/ |
Neo Lithium Corp. has submitted the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for its wholly owned Tres Quebradas lithium brine project (3Q project) in Catamarca province, Argentina.
The 3Q project achieves a major milestone by submitting the project EIA to the Catamarca Mining and Environmental Authority, after more than two years of preparation.
Final construction permitting process has now begun and approval is expected to be obtained in 2019.
The company has started formalizing its social responsibility practices following e3 Plus and sustainable mining standards.
The EIA presented to Catamarca Environmental and Mining Authorities was prepared by GT Ingenieria SA (Argentina), a company specialized in environmental studies with deep experience in the mining and industrial sectors. The EIA included work with local professionals from the University of Catamarca, the University of Tucuman and the University of Mendoza, as well as the IHLLA research centre in Buenos Aires, specialized in hydrogeology. The EIA includes a hydrological model that allows the authorities to understand the impact of exploitation in brine water table in the salar and surrounding lithium brine lakes. The EIA was prepared following the lineaments of the prefeasibility report announced on March 21, 2019, which outlined the production of 20,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate per year.
The company obtained its initial environmental permit (DIA in Spanish) in 2016, which was subsequently renewed in 2018 and approved in 2019 for exploration, geophysics, drilling, pond and camp construction. That renewal allowed the development of further infill drilling for the final feasibility study, production wells, monitoring wells and further drilling in the high-grade zone (currently continuing). The company is also running a fully operational lithium carbonate pilot plant in Fiambala.
In October, 2018, the company completed and presented to the environmental authorities the environmental baseline study (EBS), with two years of data for flora, fauna, social studies, water studies, air studies, soil studies, archeology, limnology and complete overview of the environmental issues of the region. The EBS included an analysis of the Ramsar site (wetlands environmental awareness zone) and the measures taken to assure that there will be no adverse impact on flora or fauna in the area. The EBS confirms that significant nesting grounds are only found well outside of the proposed mining and operations area of influence. The hydrological models also demonstrate that the proposed mining operations would have no influence on areas to the south, where limited nesting grounds are found. The EBS showed that the 3Q project can be developed with minimal impact in the ecosystems and identified areas outside the tenements that are environmentally sensitive, proposing to the authorities a special treatment of those sectors.
"This is a very important milestone that derisks the 3Q project and demonstrate our commitment to the environment and the people of the Catamarca province," said Waldo Perez, president and chief executive officer of Neo Lithium. "We expect prompt treatment of or our EIA submission since we are now in the final stages of making the 3Q project a reality to the province and our shareholders as we continue or pathway and progress towards our development and production objectives."
Strong support on the project based on local survey in town.
Neo Lithium continues to adhere to international standards of social responsibility practices. As the 3Q project is in the final stages of exploration and development, the company expects to reach the construction and production stage in the foreseeable future, with its approach containing elements of both "e3 Plus -- a Framework for Responsible Exploration" of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) and of "Towards Sustainable Mining" of the Mining Association of Canada. In addition, it includes a sociology component based on the doctor of philosophy studies of Dr. Jan Boon.
Dr. Boon was a member of the CSR (corporate social responsibility) committee of the PDAC and was involved in the development of e3 Plus. His sociology doctor of philosophy thesis dealt with social responsibility in mineral exploration. Dr. Boon is providing guidance together with Lic. Pablo Lumerman, an expert in dialogue and a member of the Plataforma de Dialogo de la Republica Argentina and of the Grupo de Dialogo Latinoamericano. Employees are participating in capacity building exercises and have taken part in a survey aimed at establishing a sociological baseline.
Neo Lithium has quickly become a prominent new name in lithium brine exploration by virtue of its high-quality 3Q project and experienced team. Already well capitalized, Neo Lithium is rapidly advancing its recently discovered 3Q project, a unique high-grade lithium brine lake and salar complex in Latin America's Lithium Triangle.
The 3Q project is located in the province of Catamarca, the largest lithium producing area in Argentina. The project covers approximately 35,000 hectares and the salar complex within this area is approximately 16,000 hectares. | https://www.stockwatch.com/News/Item.aspx?bid=Z-C:NLC-2743985&symbol=NLC®ion=C |
Project Jaldhar involves Integrated Watershed, Waste Water Management and Cleaning of water for drinking purposes to ensure holistic development of the farmers. It includes turnkey project towards creation and maintenance of water resources, rainwater harvesting systems and waste water management. Under this programme, CFM also creates micro irrigation design systems for agriculture productivity.
We help mitigate heavy metals like Fluoride and Arsenic in ground water to provide clean drinking water to the villagers. CFM has already installed Fluoride removal units at various locations in Jhabua (Madhya Pradesh). We also design and implement waste water systems for non-potable purposes. | http://cfmglobal.org/jaldhar/ |
Publishing this late Friday when Kara told me it was ready on Wednesday …. about sums up the week. Came back from a mini-Fall break on Tuesday, with a sick kid in tow. So 5 days of work, crammed into 3 days, with a sick 3yo home for two of those days and let me tell you: new levels of exhaustion – achieved! I am trying not to let it all get to me, and just take it one day at a time but MAN am I overwhelmed with work, life, and other things lately.
At least Fall weather returns to DC on Sunday. Have a great weekend Romancers!
We got engaged in the middle of the pandemic and agreed that the safety and health of our family and friends was our top priority. We wanted to plan within our control and not have to face the uncertainties and possible postponements of a larger wedding, so we decided to have an intimate ceremony with our immediate families and livestream it to our loved ones, followed by a reception at a later (and safer) time. The DC War Memorial was the perfect setting for an intimate ceremony, with the beautiful greenery and natural light, white marble columns and architecture, and covered roof (no rain plan needed made my planner self very happy!). We had our families color coordinate their outfits, with the moms in champagne-colored dresses, and the dads and brothers in dark navy suits with champagne ties. It fit my vision perfectly with the balance of an indoor/outdoor setting complemented by the classy, tasteful, and “simple yet elegant” style.
Even though our wedding was virtual, due to unprecedented circumstances, we were still very happy that our family and friends could watch our livestream and be there with us virtually. Seeing everyone’s comments, screenshots and messages, and being showered with so much love was a wonderful feeling. It was also so helpful to have a great vendor team, including our videographer who was our childhood friend, to help make everything go smoothly and relieve us from a lot of potential stress.
The most special part was to see our families come together and to celebrate this special moment in-person with the ones we love most. We had all been involved, in one way or another, in the planning stages, and to see the built up stress all float away in this moment was an incredible feeling. It was also special to see everyone get emotional in their own way.
Our advice to engaged couples is to plan your wedding for you and only you. Both families will naturally want to be involved in the planning stages and share their opinions, but at the end of the day, remind yourself that this day is for you and your partner to be happy and celebrate your love for one another. Your opinions will matter most and you and your partner should be the ones making the decisions, and having the final say. Don’t let others pressure you into anything you are uncomfortable with and most importantly, have fun! It is a special time leading up to a very special day, after all.
Vendors: | https://www.capitolromance.com/2021/10/15/nicole-johns-intimate-wedding-at-the-dc-war-memorial-in-washington-dc/ |
2. If it's okay to divide a number by zero, write "J" in spaces 13 and 22. If not, write "N" in spaces 13 and 22.
3.If you are the oldest person in this room, write the letter "X" in spaces 2, 7, and 23. If not, write "E" in these spaces.
4.If you like Christmas time better than being punished, indicate this with an "O" in 11 and 16. If not, leave these spaces empty.
5.Put your hands behind your back and, by counting on your fingers, find the seventh letter of the alphabet. Write it in space 6.
6. If water freezes at 64 o F, write a "P" in space 12. If not, write a "W" in that space.
7. If George Washington became president after Abe Lincoln, write nothing in space 8. If not, write a "T" in spaces 3, 8, and 15.
8. If 5 feet equals one mile, draw a hose in space 1. Otherwise, write an "L" in space 1.
9. If you're a Webelos Scout, put the letter "D" in space 10, the letter "U" in space 19, and the letter "I" in space 21.
10. If you like this kind of paper game, write the second letter of the alphabet in space 18. If you don't, write a "B" in space 18. | http://www.retiredscouter.com/retired_scouters_files/wb41565.html |
Alex Steffen, executive editor of the excellent future conscious blog WorldChanging, recently informed us that their new book WorldChanging: A Users Guide for the 21st Century has been published.
Worldchanging: A Users Guide for the 21st Century is a groundbreaking compendium of the most innovative solutions, ideas and inventions emerging today for building a sustainable, livable, prosperous future.
From consumer consciousness to a new vision for industry; non-toxic homes to refugee shelters; microfinance to effective philanthropy; socially responsible investing to starting a green business; citizen media to human rights; ecological economics to climate change, this is the most comprehensive, cutting-edge overview to date of what’s possible in the near future — if we decide to make it so. | https://laughingsquid.com/worldchanging-a-users-guide-for-the-21st-century/ |
To study the impact and effectiveness of a treatment upon a disease or medical problem, researchers must follow a defined approach to get the most accurate results. If a researcher takes an incomplete approach to the design in his or her research, the results will be inaccurate and can even be biased. This is the very problem with the vast majority of the anti-spanking research. Let’s take a look at an example to illustrate.
Example: If you are researching the effectiveness of an antibiotic against ear infections in children, here are the steps you would take.
Problem: Ear infection is the problem to be studied. This seems obvious, but if not defined then the results will be very fuzzy.
Tendency: Take a look at each child’s tendency to get ear infections based upon his or her unique characteristics. Some children are more prone to infection due to their family history, (parents or siblings had numerous infections and/or need ear tubes), allergies, or immunity problems. Children in daycare, compared to those who are kept at home, are more likely to have ear infections due to exposure to other children with “colds.” These factors will affect the success of the antibiotic.
Dose & Delivery: Define the dose of the antibiotic and how it is given: by mouth, by injection, or by infusion.
Measure of Result: At the end of the study, you would then examine the ears of each child in the study to judge how effective the antibiotic was in treating the infection. A less accurate measure would be to interview the patients to see how their ear feels after treatment, without actually looking at the ear.
Comparison: Compare the effectiveness of this antibiotic to other antibiotics used to treat ear infections. This will determine whether the results are unique to the antibiotic being studied.
Now, let’s apply this same design to a study seeking to answer the question: How effective is spanking in correcting a specific misbehavior?
Problem: Define the particular problem behavior being studied, rather than looking at general child behavior.
Tendency: Determine how non-compliant (disobedient) each child is at the start of the study. Those who are more compliant will respond more quickly, with fewer spankings, and with a greater chance of success. The children who are more disobedient at the start of the study are more likely to be more disobedient by comparison at the end of the study, even if the spanking was judged to be effective. A child’s tendency to obey is in part determined by that child’s general temperament. For example: compliant vs. rebellious, patient vs. impatient, impulsive vs. thoughtful. Without this measure of tendency before and after the spanking, it could appear that those who are spanked more often (more rebellious at the beginning) become more rebellious after spanking when compared to those with more compliant temperaments that required fewer spankings.
Dose & Delivery: Define the spanking technique and when it is used.
Measure of Results: Establish how the results will be gathered: from direct observation or from interview results of the child or parent? Are the results prospective longitudinal (data from direct observation as the study is conducted) or retrospective (data from interviews which depend upon the memory of the participants about events of the past).
Comparison: The results of spanking must be compared with other measures (time out, privilege removal, grounding) to be sure that the results are unique to the use of spanking.
Spanking research that most closely follow the standards previously outlined have shown spanking by parents to have neutral to positive effects upon children. Almost all of the research claiming negative effects of spanking upon children have not followed these standards and do not hold up to rigorous evaluation.
Problem: The problem behavior to be measured is rarely identified, but when it is defined the results have been positive for spanking.
Tendency: Each child’s tendency to be aggressive or disobedient is not measured in any of the condemning studies. Therefore, child aggressiveness appears to increase in proportion to the frequency of spanking.
Dose & Delivery: This is the most glaring deficit of the anti-spanking studies. How, when and where spanking is administered is never specified. The parents are never taught how to use the measure. Its use is left to each parent’s whim and therefore is not uniform within the study. This approach allows for inappropriate usage to be included in the study group, thereby negatively affecting the results.
Measure of Results: The highest quality spanking studies, which are longitudinal, revealed the most positive results with spanking. The retrospective studies are vulnerable to interviewer bias and poor recall.
Comparison: Although spanking is rarely compared with other measures in anti-spanking studies, when it is, the negative findings against of spanking disappear. | https://goodparent.org/bad-design-yields-poor-results/ |
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Since the publication of the pioneering work by Hart and Risley (1975, 1978), naturalistic-based interventions, focusing on the acquisition and generalization of social communication, have been increasingly incorporated into Applied Behavior Analytic programs for children with autism. In the past two decades, several researchers have drawn from this literature to develop and divulge comprehensive early intervention models that are said to focus specifically on early social behavior (e.g., Dawson et al., 2009; Rogers & Dawson, 2010). Given the syndrome specific and primary deficits of autism, intervention that aims to address impairments in social responding early on may result in clinically significant outcomes for this population. Because language is typically acquired in the context of and maintained by social interaction, early focus on establishing people as a source of reinforcement may enable children to acquire verbal behavior under more environmentally valid sources of control. The current presentation will firstly briefly review the sparse literature on naturalistic interventions and the extent to which, as a scientific community, we have developed both an analysis and subsequent techniques to address and alter the social deficits in autism. The presentation will particularly focus on operationally defining and illustrating strategies to establish early social responding by referring to current behavioral interpretations of joint attention and eye contact as a conditioned reinforcer and derived evidence-based applications to establish language in the context of, to contact and maintain social interaction. Credits: Act 48, SW, Psych, PT, OT, BACB, INFANT, ASHA
Speakers
Francesca degli Espinosa
Francesca began her career in behaviour analysis working as a tutor for a child with autism, in the UK in 1996. During that time she became interested in interventions that could both define and establish generalised learning: the ability to demonstrate novel responses within and...
Read More →
6. Presentation
pdf
Monday August 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA
Credits
Act 48
,
SW
,
Psych
,
PT
,
OT
,
BACB
,
INFANT
,
ASHA
Level
Beginner
Need help? | https://autismconference2019.sched.com/event/MM87/06-early-social-responding-and-verbal-behavior-an-analysis-of-current-applications-deans-hall-1-2 |
At The Salvation Army, sports are about more than scoring touchdowns or getting a ball through a hoop. Youth athletic programs teach boys and girls valuable lessons about life.
Participants in organized athletic programs learn the meaning of integrity and fair play. They learn that there are rules to live by and consequences for breaking them. They learn how to win graciously, and how to lose without being defeated. They also learn that there are adults who care for them and who are willing to spend their time helping them to be better athletes and better people.
Young people can take these "lessons of the locker room" into their everyday lives and on into adulthood. | https://www.salvationarmydfw.org/p/services/children-and-youth/250 |
What is adjusted EBITDA?
Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) is a measure calculated for a business that takes profits and adds interest expense, taxes and depreciation charges, as well as other adjustments to the measure.
Adjusted EBITDA is used to measure and compare related companies for valuation analysis and other purposes. Adjusted EBITDA differs from the standard EBITDA measure in that a company’s adjusted EBITDA is used to normalize its revenues and expenses, since different companies may have different types of expense items that are specific to them.
Normalizing EBITDA by removing anomalies means that the resulting adjusted or normalized EBITDA is more precisely and easily compared to the EBITDA of other companies and to the EBITDA of the industry as a whole. .
Key points to remember
- Measuring adjusted EBITDA removes non-recurring, irregular and punctual items that can distort EBITDA.
- Adjusted EBITDA provides valuation analysts with a standardized measure to make comparisons more meaningful between various companies in the same industry.
- Public companies report standard EBITDA in the financial statements since Adjusted EBITDA is not required in GAAP financial statements.
The adjusted EBITDA formula is
The
TheNOTI+IT+reA=EBITreAEBITreA+/–A=adjusted EBITreAor:NOTI = Net revenueIT = Interest and taxesreA = Depreciation and amortizationTheThe
How to calculate adjusted EBITDA
Start by calculating EBITDA, which starts with the net income of a business. To this figure add interest expense, income taxes and all non-cash costs, including depreciation and amortization.
Then either add non-recurring expenses, such as excessive compensation to the owner, or deduct any typical additional expenses that would be present in peer companies, but may not be present in the analyzed company. This could include salaries for the necessary staff in a company that is understaffed, for example.
What does adjusted EBITDA tell you?
Adjusted EBITDA, as opposed to the unadjusted version, will attempt to normalize revenues, normalize cash flows and eliminate anomalies or peculiarities (such as redundant assets, bonuses paid to owners, higher rents or less than fair market value, etc.), which makes it easier to compare multiple business units or businesses in a given industry.
For small businesses, owners’ personal expenses are often managed by the business and need to be adjusted. The adjustment for reasonable compensation to owners is defined by Treasury Board Regulations 1.162-7 (b) (3) as “the amount that would normally be paid for similar services by similar organizations in similar circumstances”.
Other times, one-time expenses must be added, such as legal fees, real estate expenses such as repairs or maintenance, or insurance claims. Non-recurring income and expenses such as one-time start-up costs that generally reduce EBITDA must also be added when calculating adjusted EBITDA.
Adjusted EBITDA should not be used in isolation and makes more sense as part of a suite of analytical tools used to assess one or more companies. Ratios based on adjusted EBITDA can also be used to compare companies of different sizes and in different industries, such as the adjusted enterprise value / adjusted EBITDA ratio.
Example of use of adjusted EBITDA
The measure of adjusted EBITDA is very useful when used to determine the value of a business for transactions such as mergers, acquisitions or raising capital. For example, if a business is valued using a multiple of EBITDA, the value can change significantly after the buyouts.
Suppose a company is evaluated for a sales transaction, using an EBITDA multiple of 6x to arrive at the estimate of the purchase price. If the company has only $ 1 million of non-recurring or unusual expenses to add as EBITDA adjustments, this adds $ 6 million ($ 1 million multiplied by the multiple of 6) to its price of purchase. For this reason, EBITDA adjustments are subject to close scrutiny by stock analysts and investment bankers in these types of transactions.
Adjustments to a company’s EBITDA can vary considerably from one company to another, but the objective is the same. The adjustment to the EBITDA measure aims to “normalize” the figure so that it is somewhat generic, which means that it contains essentially the same item expenses as any other similar company in its industry would contain.
The bulk of the adjustments are often different types of expenses that are added to EBITDA. The resulting adjusted EBITDA often reflects a higher level of profit due to the reduction in expenses.
Current EBITDA adjustments include:
- Unrealized gains or losses
- Non-monetary expenses (depreciation, amortization)
- Litigation costs
- Owner compensation above market average (in private companies)
- Exchange gains or losses
- Goodwill impairment
- Non-operating revenue
- Stock-based compensation
This measure is typically calculated on an annual basis for valuation analysis, but many companies will review adjusted EBITDA on a quarterly or even monthly basis, although it may be for internal use only.
Analysts often use an average adjusted EBITDA over three or five years to smooth the data. The higher the adjusted EBITDA margin, the better. Different companies or analysts may arrive at a slightly different adjusted EBITDA due to differences in their methodology and assumptions when adjusting.
These figures are often not made available to the public, while non-standardized EBITDA is generally public information. It is important to note that adjusted EBITDA is not a standard element of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in a company’s income statement. | http://likendislike.com/adjusted-ebitda-definition/ |
Now that the initial phase of President Bush’s smallpox vaccination plan is scheduled to be under way, public health officials are scrambling to make sure they have enough supply of vaccinia immune globulin (VIG), the primary product available to treat complications of the smallpox vaccinia vaccination. Here are some important facts to know about VIG:
Facts about VIG
VIG is an isotonic sterile solution of the immunoglobulin fraction of plasma from people vaccinated with vaccinia vaccine. It is available only from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under Investigational New Drug protocols.
VIG is effective for the treatment of eczema vaccinatum and some cases of progressive vaccinia. This information is the result of using historic controls and not a randomized controlled trial, says Inger Damon, MD, PhD, chief of the poxvirus section of the CDC in Atlanta. VIG also may be useful in the treatment of ocular vaccinia resulting from inadvertent implantation and for severe generalized vaccinia if the patient has a toxic condition or a serious underlying disease, according to the CDC. VIG is contraindicated for vaccinial keratitis because increased scarring can occur. VIG also is not recommended for mild instances of accidental implantation, mild or limited generalized vaccinia, erythema multiforme, or encephalitis post-vaccination.
In some instances, VIG has been given concomitantly with the vaccine to "prevent" complications in a susceptible person. VIG, however, cannot prevent a side effect, says Marguerite Neill, MD, associate professor of medicine at Brown University and chair of the bioterrorism work group at the Infectious Diseases Society of America. "You can’t give it to a person with eczema before the person gets vaccinated," Neill explains. Instead, VIG halts the progression of the adverse event, unless the individual has an underlying immunodeficiency. The CDC says not enough is known about the efficacy of concomitant administration to recommend its use. Furthermore, there is currently an insufficient amount of intramuscular VIG (IM-VIG) to use prophylactically when the benefits are uncertain.
The plasma used for VIG in the past contained a high titer of anti-vaccinia neutralizing antibody. Because it contained a high proportion of aggregated protein, it was administered intramuscularly as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms in an initial dose of 0.6 mL/kg of body weight, the CDC says. As much as 1-10 mL/kg were used in severe cases of eczema vaccinatum and progressive vaccinia. Because the therapeutic doses of VIG could be large, the product was given in divided doses over a 24- to 36-hour period. Doses could be repeated, usually at intervals of every two to three days, until recovery began. Data from a CDC survey indicate that VIG has been administered at a rate of 47 uses per one million primary vaccinees and two uses per million revaccinees.
The main adverse events have been local pain and tenderness, and swelling and erythema because of the IM injection. "There have been a few allergic or anaphylactic-type reactions following administration of IM or IV human IG preparations," Damon says. "Those are the significant adverse events — which are seen with certain immune globulin injections — that you need to watch for."
Now new lots of intravenous VIG (IV-VIG) are being produced that conform to intravenous standards. The CDC expects that IV-VIG most likely will be administered at a lower dose than the intramuscular preparation. In preliminary studies, IV-VIG appears to be five to 10 times as potent as IM-VIG when tested in animal models. In addition, IV-VIG has a low level of aggregated protein, allowing it to be used by either the IM or IV route.
The new formulation will be a significant improvement, Neill says. "By having an IV preparation available, we can give more. So not only is more available to give, but when it needs to be given, particularly for the conditions that take a lot, we can provide it."
The CDC says IV-VIG will require new recommendations for both dosage and preferred method of administration. Not knowing specifics about IV-VIG is a concern to some health care professionals. Of bigger concern, however, is the uncertainty of how people with weak immune systems will react to VIG. People whose immune systems have been weakened by cancer, AIDS, or other diseases are at risk for having complications from the smallpox vaccine and are supposed to be disqualified from the vaccination process.
"There are some good reasons to think that by extensively, systematically, and incredibly carefully screening people, you will weed out [the people with weakened immune systems]," Neill says. But is there a chance a totally healthy-looking person who is immunized might have a condition such as asymptomatic, undiagnosed Hodgkin’s disease? "The possibility is there, but the probability is low."
If some of these people do end up being vaccinated and experiencing complications, no one knows for sure how they will react to VIG. This concerns Jared N. Schwartz, MD, PhD, FCAP, chair of the College of American Pathologists ad hoc committee on national preparedness. He also is director of pathology and laboratory medicine at Presbyterian Health Care in Charlotte, NC. "[The reaction] would probably depend upon the dose of drugs they were on. We don’t know how effective the vaccinia immune globulin would be for these individuals. There are a lot of unknowns."
When routine smallpox vaccination among the American public stopped in 1972, not as many people were being treated with strong immunosuppressive drugs for diseases. The first AIDS cases in the United States had yet to be reported.
Schwartz says that is why a lot of health care experts are anxious about the ramifications of immunizing the general population for smallpox too quickly without a real threat. "There is no specific data for many of these questions," he notes.
The varying VIG stock
Another concern some health care professionals have, including Schwartz, is whether the CDC has a large enough stock of VIG to handle adverse effects of the smallpox vaccination. The CDC says it has sufficient IM-VIG to counter approximately 600-800 adverse events if appropriate recommendations are followed. This is enough VIG to treat the adverse reactions that would be expected to result from the vaccination of four to six million people.
"One of the real concerns relating to VIG right now is that historically, if individuals had reactions to the smallpox vaccinia vaccine, the only treatment at the time [from the 1950s through the 1970s] was to give them vaccinia immune globulin," Schwartz says. "There was a good supply then because the vast majority of the population had been vaccinated. You were able to get blood from individuals and then harvest the immune globulin."
The harvesting stopped, though, when smallpox vaccinations were discontinued. "As a result, the great concern is that if someone had a reaction right now to the vaccine, there are few doses that would be available to help decrease the symptoms," he says.
The CDC has ordered many more doses of IV-VIG and says the future supply should be more than sufficient to meet the need. Canadian drug manufacturer Cangene, for example, has contracted with the CDC to supply 100,000 doses of VIG.
"The VIG available now is adequate for the limited vaccination program presented by the president, which is a stage type of program," explains John A. Becher, RPh, chief of the CDC Drug Service. "The contract that we have with Cangene has adequate supplies of the VIG to cover any of the reactions that we statistically have put together and thought might be enough. The contract will be completed by the third quarter of 2003. Half should be done by the second quarter."
The United States may have enough supply for Americans, but what about other countries requesting our help? The Washington Post has reported that the Kuwaiti government asked the United States for the smallpox vaccine last summer "in readiness for any eventuality."
"The feeling is that if the United States is concerned enough to begin to immunize its own health care workers and military and within a year possibly make it available to the general population, maybe the threat is more real than some people believe," Schwartz says. "Of course, [other countries] want to have access for their own population in case there truly is an outbreak."
One benefit of the new smallpox immunization plan is that public health officials will now have a significant pool of individuals from which to harvest immune globulin. Schwartz continues, "It could then be used when the vaccine might need to be given to a wider portion of the general population."
Reserve your smallpox vaccination handbook today
American Health Consultants now offers the Hospital Handbook on Smallpox Vaccination, a facilitywide resource containing all the information you need about smallpox vaccination in most heath care facilities and environments.
Learn about possible side effects and adverse reactions and how to protect your staff, your patients, and family members against this most controversial vaccine. Read about the challenges of implementing a smallpox care team and critical staffing and screening issues that will affect your entire facility, as well as crucial questions about liability and other legal concerns.
This handbook will confront the implications that departments face throughout the hospital, including infection control, the ED, critical care, employee health, and risk management. Reserve your copy today of this comprehensive resource guaranteed to provide you with the knowledge you need to manage this unprecedented response to a bioterrorism threat.
The cost is just $99 for AHC subscribers, who receive a $50 discount off of the original price of $149. To order, call our customer service department at (800) 688-2421. When ordering, please refer to the effort code: 76991. | https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/27497-attention-turns-to-vig-as-smallpox-immunization-plan-is-announced |
Wilton Park reflects upon the legacy of Magna Carta in an international context on its 800th anniversary.
Today marks the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta, also known as “the Great Charter” and perhaps the most important constitutional document of the United Kingdom. Internationally, this document has profound significance with influence in jurisdictions beyond the sovereign territory of the United Kingdom. So, what makes it so important?
Magna Carta’s blood-splattered history following its inception has been dwarfed by the continuing importance of the rights and freedoms it has enshrined. The first documents were drafted to protect church rights, illegal imprisonment of barons, access to swift justice, and limitations on feudal payments to the crown. Since then, Magna Carta has become a fundamental text as society applied the principles of freedom under the law beyond just one denomination or social class. Magna Carta famously undermined the divine right of kings and in our modern society it guarantees the rights of ordinary Britons.
It is significant because of its internationalist character. As a result, it maintains profound soft power importance for the image of the United Kingdom in the world. In a sense, it is a legacy of the United Kingdom within the lifeblood of other countries, especially in the Commonwealth and the United States of America.
Over the entirety of this year, the British Government have been arranging a series of events in celebration of Magna Carta. British Embassies across the world have hosted events to reflect upon its significance and relation to the international rule of law. Concurrently, a schedule of events has been taking place across the UK from the start of this year, and will continue until the end of 2015. This includes a host of academic lectures, citizenship ceremonies, concerts, and exhibitions. Of particular note are the nation-wide events spearheaded from the ground-up, such as ‘LiberTeas’: a quintessentially British occasion to talk about the liberties of Magna Carta over a cup of tea.
The lessons of Magna Carta typify some our most fundamental problems today: right to due process (Habeas Corpus), redistribution of wealth, corruption of power, illegal detainment and religious intolerance. Wilton Park chooses, today, not only to commemorate Magna Carta but to recognise its constitutional values within our work. Our motto reads: “harnessing the power of dialogue” – a phrase that our constitutional forefathers at Runnymede would empathise strongly with. The thread of rights-based language and legal philosophy in Magna Carta reverberates in our commitment, as an agency within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, unto human rights efforts worldwide.
Looking ahead, Magna Carta looks set to continue to play a crucial role in protecting rights and liberties both at home and abroad. Tim Berners-Lee has recently called for a “digital Magna Carta”, echoing the worries of many that our internet freedoms are under threat. In addition to this, the UK House of Commons established a political and constitutional reform committee which reported a variety of plausible steps forward for Magna Carta. One thing is clear moving on from this anniversary: Magna Carta will continue to hold a prominent position on the world stage – the question we must now address is, how do we safeguard its premise for another 800 years? | https://www.wiltonpark.org.uk/magna-carta-800-years-on/ |
This is the “Distributed Collaborative Laboratory” at the IDRC, on Level 2 at 205 Richmond. From across the street (240 Richmond in particular), its three windows are clearly visible: the three leftmost windows on the third row, counting from the bottom.
For students in Inclusive Design (INCD)—a little known program at OCAD—, this is their classroom and meeting room. Outside of classes and office hours, however, this space is inaccessible to students, even though it would also be their studio space if they needed any.
Braille, bits, and blinds
Although window blinds are not meant to convey information, by manipulating them in various ways, information can be conveyed. This can be thought of as a “covert channel.”
One way to convey information is by distinguishing between the “open” and “closed” states of the blinds, which can be thought to represent a binary digit, or bit. By successively manipulating the blinds into perceptible states of open and closed (representing 0 and 1, for example), one can theoretically transmit any message that can be represented by bits.
Computer encodings are not the only codes that are binary based: Braille, for example, can also be thought of as a binary code, consisting normally of 6 bits (called dots) in a Braille cell. The dots are read from the top-left corner, the left three dots top-to-bottom (1, 2, 3) then the right three dots top-to-bottom (4, 5, 6), and the knowledge of this numbered sequence of dots (as opposed to just the visual pattern) is what allows one to write in Braille using a stylus and slate.
In practice, an endless stream of ones and zeros is incapable of being separated into the correct cells. “Stop bits,” as they are called, need to be present between each cell for cells to be made out. In a real computer encoding, there will be an extra layer of encoding so that stop bits (which carry meta-information) can be distinguished from the real bits that carry information. However, in the case of window blinds, we can introduce a third state of “half open” to serve as the stop bit. Thus our encoding is no longer truly binary, but a ternary system.
Of course, the manipulation of blinds is ultimately constrained by physics: we cannot pull the blinds up or down too quickly, so there is a lower bound to how long it takes to convey one bit of information. Assuming, for example, that we need 10 seconds to pull the blinds up or down and another 5 seconds for a person to register whether the blinds are open or closed, then if we are using Braille as the internal encoding, and if we are using one window to transmit, and one non-bit pattern between encodings of Braille cells, it will take approximately 15 minutes to transmit just a 10-letter word. | http://32pigeons.gniw.ca/blind_reading_idea.php |
Where there are no limits on the integral sign, the integral is called indefinite, meaning there is no specific value. Rather, the result is a family of functions. The integration is performed in the same way but we must remember to add an arbitrary constant known as the constant of integration. For example,
∫x2 dx = x3/3 + C
Why is this? If we take our answer x3/3 and differentiate with respect to x, we obtain x2. We would also obtain the same answer for x3/3 + 5 or x3/3 – 2 or x3/3 + any constant. Therefore, when we integrate, we have to add a constant because differentiation of a constant is zero.The value of the constant has to be determined by additional information about the equation, for example where it intercepts the y-axis.
Common Integrals
∫k f(u) du = k ∫f(u)du
∫[f(u)±g(u)] du = ∫f(u) du ± ∫g(u) du
∫du=u + C
∫un du = un+1/(n+1) + C, (n ≠ -1)
∫du/u = ln|u| + C
∫eu du = eu + C
∫sin(u) du = – cos(u) + C
∫cos(u) du = sin(u) + C
∫tan(u) du = – ln|cos(u)| + C
∫cot(u) du = ln|sin(u)| + C
∫sec(u) du = ln|sec(u) + tan(u)| + C
∫cosec(u) du = ln|cosec(u) + cot(u)| + C
∫sec2(u) du = tan(u) + C
∫cosec2(u) du = -cot(u) + C
∫sec(u) tan(u) du =sec(u) + C
∫cosec(u) cot(u) du = – cosec(u) + C
∫(a2 – u2)-1/2du = – arcsin(u/a) + C
∫(a2 + u2)-1/2du = (1/a) arctan(u/a) + C
∫(a2 – u2)-1/2du = – arcsin(u/a) + C
d/dx[∫xaf(t)dt] = f(x)
Table 1. Common integrals.
Integration by Substitution
The substitution of a function, may simplify the integral allowing it to be calculated easily.
Examples
∫215x2 cos(x3) dx
Try u = x3, therefore, du = 3x2dx.
x2dx = (1/3) du
We must change the limits of integration, the new values come from u = x3, therefore when x= 1, u = 1 and when x= 2, u = 8. The integral becomes,
∫81(5/3) cos(u) du
(5/3) sin(u)|81 = (5/3)[sin(8) - sin(1)]
Integration by Parts
Let U and V be functions of x. From the product rule:
d(UV)/dx = V (dU/dx) + U (dV/dx)
Integrating both sides with respect to x and rearranging,
∫ U(dV/dx).dx = UV – ∫ V (dU/dx) dx
Given some product to integrate, we arrange for U and dV to make the integral on the right-hand side, V(dU/dx) more simple than the integral U (dV/dx) we started with.
Example
∫x exp(-x) dx
Let u =x, dv = exp(-x), therefore du = dx, v = -exp(-x)
∫x exp(-x) = -x exp(-x) + ∫-exp(-x) dx =
-x exp(-x) – exp(-x) + C
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
Integration is the inverse process of differentiation.
∫baf(x)dx = F(b)- F(a)
dF(x)/dx = f(x)
Therefore if we recognise that the function to be integrated as a derivative, then we can say the integral is the function that gaves that derivative. For this reason we sometime call the integral the anti-derivative.
Graphs
When performing experimental work, we test the hypothesis and measure observable quantities. Often, we also plot graphs to demonstrate a relationship between the results and our theory.
A graph plots the relationship of one quantity against another on two axes at right-angles to each other. Usually, we have control over one of the quantities and this is known as the independent variable, the other quantity is determined by the outcome of the experiment or some mathematical relationship. We call this the dependent variable because it depends on the independent variable. We usually plot the independent variable on the x-axis and the dependent variable on the y-axis. | https://student2.ru/tekhnologii/1776697-indefinite-integral/ |
Sosinet.net prides itself in providing the highest quality, most reliable Internet services available.
Sosinet.net uses all digital modem connections, which provide superior data speed and reliability as compared to the typical 56k analog connections used by most Internet providers. This means fewer disconnects, faster transfers, and a better Internet experience for you, wherever you travel throughout the country.
All of our dial-up accounts include at no additional cost: | http://sosinet.net/dialup.php |
How do I get Internet speeds over 1 Gbps?
Answer: If you have "Gigabit Internet" service, you should be able to download data at over 1 Gbps (one gigabit per second). However, several bottlenecks may prevent you from reaching gigabit+ download speeds.
First, you need to connect to a server that supports data transmissions over 1 Gbps. If you are downloading a file from a server that only supports 250 Mbps per client, it will throttle your download speed at 250 megabits per second. When testing your Internet speed, it's best to use a speed test site like speedtest.net or speedtest.xfinity.com.
To achieve download speeds over 1 Gbps, you need three things:
Assuming you have Gigabit Internet service, the next thing to check is your modem. If your modem and router are combined into one unit (which is now common with modems supplied by ISPs, you only need to check a single device. The modem must be DOCSIS 3.1 or later to support speeds over 1 Gbps. A DOCSIS 3.0 modem has a top data transfer rate or 1,000 Mbps, which means the max speed will likely be around 930 Mbps.
The router must also support speeds over 1 Gbps. For wireless connections, you'll need a Wi-Fi standard that supports 1 Gbps+ data transfers, such as 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 6. For wired connections, you'll need a high-speed Ethernet port that supports 2.5, 5.0, or 10 Gbps connections.
Comcast XB7 Modem/Router
Important: If you are using a Comcast XB7 router with a wired device, you will need to connect the Ethernet cable to port 4 (see below). Port 4 supports 2.5 Gbps Ethernet connections, while ports 1-3 only support 1 Gbps.
Finally, your computer or mobile device needs to support network speeds over 1 Gbps. Modern smartphones with Wi-Fi 6 may achieve 1 Gbps+ speeds, but only with a strong wireless signal. Computers with a wired connection must have a NIC that supports Ethernet speeds faster than 1 Gbps, such as a 2.5, 5.0, or 10 Gbps Ethernet adapter. If you have a Gigabit Ethernet card, your max speed will be less than 1 Gbps.
Remember — your Internet connection is only as fast as the slowest link. If you can eliminate all the bottlenecks, you'll make the most of your Gigabit Internet service with download speeds over one gigabit per second. | https://pc.net/helpcenter/answers/internet_speeds_over_1_gbps |
At Greenside, our approach to PSHE consists of a comprehensive and developmental programme of teaching and learning, which is delivered in the context of a Healthy School where the health and wellbeing of pupils and of the whole school community are actively promoted. Our PSHE programme has a positive influence on the ethos, learning and relationships throughout the school. It is central to our values and to achieving our school’s stated aims and objectives.
Implement
Our PSHE programme helps pupils to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes they need to live confident, healthy, independent lives now and in the future, as individuals, parents/carers, workers and members of society. It is embedded within the wider learning offered by the school to ensure that pupils experience positive relationships with adults and with each other and feel valued, and that those who are most vulnerable are identified and supported. Pupils are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities and experiences across and beyond the curriculum, contributing fully to the life of our school and community.
The overarching aim for PSHE education is to provide pupils with:
- Accurate and relevant knowledge
- Opportunities to turn that knowledge into personal understanding
- Opportunities to explore, clarify and if necessary challenge, their own and others’ values, attitudes, beliefs, rights and responsibilities
- The skills, language and strategies they need in order to live healthy, safe, fulfilling, responsible and balanced lives
Within this, the school aims to develop pupils’ understanding of:
- Identity; including personal qualities, attitudes, skills, attributes and achievements and what influences these.
- Relationships; including different types and in different settings.
- A healthy lifestyle; including physically, emotionally and socially.
- A balanced lifestyle; including within relationships, work-life, exercise and rest, spending and saving and diet.
- Risk; including identification, assessment and how to manage risk rather than simply the avoidance of risk for self and others.
- Safety; including behaviour and strategies to employ in different settings.
- Diversity and equality, in all its forms.
- Rights; including the notion of universal human rights, responsibilities including fairness and justice and consent in different contexts.
- Change and resilience; the skills, strategies and ‘inner resources’ we can draw on when faced with challenging change or circumstance.
- Power, in a variety of contexts including; persuasion, bullying and negotiation.
- Career; including enterprise, employability and economic understanding.
From September 2020, the Government has made Relationships Education compulsory in all primary schools. At Greenside we teach RSE lessons through the Yasmine and Tom scheme of work. You can find more information on RSE at Greenside here:
https://www.greenside-sch.org/rse/
Impact
The school’s PSHE and RSE curriculum has been carefully woven through and embedded in both the curriculum and ethos for many years. The impact of this is apparent through both the behaviour and attitudes of the children and pupil voice. PSHE lessons give regular opportunities for children to feedback. When responding to real life scenarios, crunch moments, children are able to demonstrate their understanding of keeping themselves and their bodies safe. Pupils are able to talk articulately and clearly about their PSHE lessons and the impact these have on their wider school experiences and how these skills prepare them to become active citizens in the community later in life. | https://www.greenside-sch.org/intent-implement-impact-statements/ |
The core of the research conducted at Luomus is focused on the analysis of biodiversity and its evolution. Ornithologists have used the long-term monitoring data of bird populations in their research. In 2017 and 2018, research has further corroborated the findings that our nesting birds are rapidly moving north, driven by climate change. At the same time, some bird species have become much rarer while suffering from both changes in the climate and in agricultural and forestry practices. Our geologists tackled the split of the ancient giant continent Pangea, and the Laboratory of Chronology reconstructed ancient climates.
NEW SPECIES
Of the approximately 9 million species living in the world, less than 2 million are known to science. However, most new species are not uncovered deep in a tropical rainforest, but in the collection archives of museums. This means that new species are not strictly undiscovered. More commonly, new discoveries are made when two groups previously thought to be one species are found to be two separate species. In 2017–2018 Luomus researchers created more than 80 new species descriptions (Table 11) and determined the evolutionary history of several species groups. Additionally, many researchers from outside Luomus made new species descriptions using the Luomus collections.
NEW RESEARCH PROJECTS
Luomus houses a research and education group tasked with the long-term development of research from the standpoint of the whole institute. In 2017–2018, Luomus had several ongoing new research projects, a few of which are listed below.
The Zoology Unit launched a research project funded by the Academy of Finland and led by Senior Curator Lauri Kaila, studying the evolutionary background of the explosive speciation of butterflies. Another new research project is a three-year study funded by the Kone Foundation and led by Researcher Caroline Fukushima and Curator Pedro Cardoso, focusing on the environmental impact of the illegal animal trade. A particular emphasis is on the illegal trafficking of tarantulas and scorpions. The METSO bird of prey project (more in Finnish), led by Curator Jari Valkama and coordinated by Heidi Björklund, studied large birds of prey as indicators of biodiversity in forest environments and offered tools to forest owners and forestry professionals. The project was funded by the Ministry of the Environment and ended in 2018.
The Natural Sciences Unit launched the VALVE (Volatiles and Large Volcanic Eruptions) project, funded by the Academy of Finland and led by Senior Curator Arto Luttinen and Academy Researcher Jussi Heinonen. It studies the geochemistry of flood basalts in the Karoo region. The Natural Resources Institute Finland project QUANOMAL led by Pekka Nöjd of the Institute received funding from the Academy of Finland for an extended term. In the project, Luomus analysed tree-ring series collected from Lapland over the course of thousands of years to discover anomalies that indicate periods during which the growth of the trees has slowed down due to, for example, volcanic eruptions or meteorites. The Life Histories in Teeth project led by Curator Laura Arppe and funded by the Kone Foundation, which aims to find new methods and data archives for use in Finnish isotope archaeology, also received funding for a further term.
The Botany Unit launched a project, led by Professor Jaakko Hyvönen and Curator Xiaolan He and funded by the Academy of Finland, to study genome-level changes associated with acclimatising to a terrestrial environment. A project led by Curator Otto Miettinen, studying the taxonomy and evolution of Basidiomycota in the class Dacrymycetes, continued. A research project led by Professor Jouko Rikkinen, examining the biodiversity of lichen in tropical mountain ecosystems as well as the impact of environmental changes on these symbiotic organisms, also continued. The project is funded by the EU Horizon 2020 programme. | https://yearbook-2017-2018.luomus.fi/research-now/ |
Acunetix Vulnerability Testing Report 2017
Note: this is a reprint of June 6, 2017, Axiomatics report. The original report can be found here.
Each year the Acunetix Team compiles a report based on data from Acunetix Online. This third Vulnerability Testing Report contains data and analysis of vulnerabilities detected by Acunetix throughout the period of March 2016 to March 2017, illustrating the state of security of web applications and network perimeters.
With Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities found on 50% of sampled targets, this year's findings continue to reaffirm the widely held understanding that the web application vector is a major, viable and low-barrier-to-entry vector for attackers.
For the purpose of this analysis, a random sample of 11,600 subscribers who have successfully scanned one or more Scan Targets were randomly selected out of a possible 43,200 subscribers.
This dataset focuses predominantly on high and medium-severity vulnerabilities found in web applications as well as perimeter network vulnerability data.
Vulnerabilities at a Glance Web
Vulnerabilities by Type
Vulnerabilities by Paradigm and Severity
Vulnerability Testing Results
SQL Injection – High Severity
File Inclusion and Directory Traversal – Severity HighFile inclusion and directory traversal vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to access restricted files and directories outside of a web server's root directory. Things go even further with file inclusion, where an attacker can potentially not only read the contents of files, but also execute its contents causing code execution vulnerabilities.
Network Perimeter Vulnerabilities – Severity High
Network perimeter vulnerabilities residing in network perimeter resources, are typically results of configuration issues or vulnerabilities in devices such as routers, firewalls and other network appliances, or even services like web servers, mail servers and VPN gateways to name a few. Misconfigured network devices or services, and the presence of vulnerabilities in services on a network infrastructure can cause havoc.
An attacker can often escalate an attack and move laterally through a network after an initial compromise. This is especially the case if the network is not properly segmented and lacks controls to detect intruders.
Directory Listing – Medium Severity
TLS/SSL related vulnerabilities – Medium Severity
Takeaways
The results in this report clearly outline that web applications are a major, and growing attack vector that organizations of all shapes and sizes, the world over, are facing—whether they know it or not.
Unfortunately, with most web application vulnerabilities such as SQL injection (SQLi), Cross-site Scripting (XSS) and Code execution (RCE), the typical mitigation approach of installing a patch is often not valid. This is largely because web application vulnerabilities generally arise from poor design choices or oversights made during the development or deployment process.
The most worrying of these results is the rise in Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities. While the bar is rising for attackers to exploit reflected XSS, partly due to the protections browsers are building in, skilled and determined attackers do bypass XSS filters. What's more, stored XSS and DOM-based XSS still remain major attack vectors for attackers with very little to no browser defences in their way.
However, all is not bleak—the times they are a changin' for SQL injection. The venerable vulnerability that has plagued web application security for so long has seen a year-after-year decline, dropping 3% this year alone. This tells us that things are things are slowly moving in the right direction, however, we're pretty confident that SQL injection will still be dominating the headlines for the foreseeable future.
The ever growing shift to web technologies, while positive and exciting, is the perfect target for malicious attacks. Unfortunately, Development Teams are frequently up against tight deadlines, caught-up in complex engineering problems, and many are poorly equipped to assess the implications of insecure code within their applications, especially at the speed at which new code is being pushed to production.
Development and DevOps Teams however, are very good at leveraging automation to make their work more efficient; and there is no reason web vulnerability testing cannot be an automated process—especially when it forms part of Continuous Integration (CI) or Continuous Delivery (CD) pipelines. Naturally, automated vulnerability testing, like any other security testing methodology, should not be viewed as a 'silver-bullet' solution, but rather, it should be seen as a highly cost-effective approach to establishing a baseline security posture.
By leveraging automated vulnerability testing to uncover entire classes of grievous security bugs automatically, manual security testing (be that through a traditional penetration test, or through crowdsourced security testing platforms) is immediately more cost effective because penetration testers' focus is on finding bugs that require human logic, hunches and intuition to discover.
Automated security testing provides a highly-scalable, cost-effective, ongoing security baseline all the way from the initial stages of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) to Staging and Production environments.
With web application vulnerabilities increasingly posing serious threats to organizations' overall security posture, if you're not prioritizing web security, now is the time to start.
Register for the New Updated Acunetix Online
In The News is brought to you by WinMill Software, the premier resource for systems development and integration, expert consulting, quality assurance, technology infrastructure, and software resale. For more information, contact a WinMill Account Manager at [email protected] or 1-888-711-MILL (6455). | https://www.winmill.com/News/Security-News/Acunetix-Vulnerability-Testing-Report-2017.aspx |
Our technology is built on three whales: computer ontology (CA),
analytic hierarchy process
(AHP) and artificial intelligence (AI).
An ontology is a formal description of knowledge as a set of concepts within a domain and the relationships that hold between them. To enable such a description, we need to formally specify components such as individuals (instances of objects), classes, attributes and relations as well as restrictions, rules and axioms. As a result, ontologies do not only introduce a sharable and reusable knowledge representation but can also add new knowledge about the domain [
link
]. A computer ontology (CA) is an ontology readable by a computer.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a wide-ranging branch of computer science concerned with building smart machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. AI is an interdisciplinary science with multiple approaches, but advancements in machine learning and deep learning are creating a paradigm shift in virtually every sector of the tech industry [
link
].
The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a general theory of measurement. It is used to derive
ratio scales from both discrete and continuous paired comparisons. These comparisons may be
taken from actual measurements or from a fundamental scale which reflects the relative strength of preferences and feelings. The AHP has a special concern with departure from consistency, its measurement and on dependence within and between the groups of elements of its structure. It has found its widest applications in multicriteria decision making, planning and resource allocation and in conflict resolution [
link
].
CA brings a conceptualization of the skills and lets us use meaning instead of words. It means that our AI “know” how is similar (or different) skills each to other, for example:
Hiring candidates and Candidates onboarding;
Woodturner skill and Metalturner skill.
Thinking more globally, it gives the answer to the question of how is similar apple and orange.
Naomi uses ontologies to find a more relevant employee for occupation based on skills and skill requirements and evaluate the skill gap of a particular employee for the occupation.
AHP helps Naomi to build correct goal functions for selecting the right employees for occupations to minimize total skill gap of a company/
Deep learning as a part of AI helps to find hidden correlations and, as a result, hidden skills. The machine learning approaches as a part of Nami gives an understanding of performance managers biases, learning curves for every employee and hidden vector of employee development.
This joining of technologies helps us to:
forget about job titles and be focused on skills;
evaluate momentum inner price of a particular skill inside a company;
analyze trends of the inner price of sills, inner skill demand and skill supply;
represent a skillset as a capital where every skill has momentum inner price;
evaluate the indicative inner price for the set of skill requirements;
find a skill learning curve for every employee;
estimate return of investment of employee development in a particular skill.
get a precise analysis of employee, department, project or company by more 30 metrics
Naomi helps you to think about your workforce as about human capital in the same way as a financier thinks about financial capital.
Meet a true deep tech with Naomi! | http://naomitalent.com/2020/02/technology/ |
The report examines working time flexible arrangements implemented in five companies of the retail and automotive sector in Hungary and Belgium and the Netherlands using the case study methodology. The main aim of this research was to explore and show whether and under what conditions working time flexible arrangements in companies are implemented and can increase productivity and at the same time preserve or improve quality of work in general and especially with regard to work–life balance.
Flexibility and working conditions: a European bibliographical review
26 August 2012
Literature review on flexibility and working conditions.
Good practice guide to internal flexibility policies in companies
08 July 2009
This report sets out to contribute to the present debate on the need for European companies and their workers to become more flexible and adaptable in the face of ongoing economic change and business restructuring. The guide should therefore provide useful and practical tips for company-level actors concerning the potential benefits of developing more flexible internal workplace policies. Equally, it has been developed to assist practitioners and social partners wishing to review and/or learn more about developing such initiatives. An executive summary is available.
Flexible employment policies and working conditions (Netherlands)
15 February 2009
The European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions has commissioned a research project to analyse the impact of flexible employment policies and human resources management on working conditions at the corporate level. Research institutes of seven countries participate in this project. For each country two or three cases are studied of organisations applying different flexible employment solutions. The seven countries are: Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands and The United Kingdom.
Functional flexibility good for skills development
25 February 2004
The idea that functional flexibility is positive for skills development is an assumption based on qualitative case study research, as is shown in a Foundation report on the impact of flexibility on working conditions (Goudswaard & Nanteuil , 2000). Now a large-scale quantitative study has been carried out by TNO Work & Employment, using a representative sample of around 3,600 Dutch companies, involving over 11,000 employees in all sectors, with the exception of the civil service and education (Goudswaard , 2003). www.eurofound.europa.eu/ef/publications/ef0007/2014/undefined/flexibility-and-working-conditions-a-qualitative-and-comparative-study-in-seven-eu-member-states http://www.arbeid.tno.nl/en/publications/20040129.html
Employment status and working conditions: summary
13 August 2002
This working paper uses data from the third European Survey on Working Conditions to look at changes in employment relations between 1996 and 2000. It analyses the relationship between employment status and working conditions. The concept of employment status is two-dimensional. The research distinguishes between two types of employment contracts: permanent or open-ended contracts versus non-permanent contracts (fixed term, temporary, seasonal contracts). It distinguishes between full-time (>35 hours) and part-time employees (10-35 hours). These two dimensions are linked together, with a higher proportion of part-time jobs with non-permanent contracts. It examines the effect this has on working conditions.
Employment status and working conditions
14 June 2002
This report compares the work situation of permanent workers and those in 'non-standard' employment: part-time jobs, non-permanent employment and self-employment. It covers aspects such as working time, task flexibility, skills development,...
Flexibility and working conditions: a qualitative and comparative study in seven EU Member States
13 October 2000
Flexibility raises many new risks and challenges. and its widespread take-up underlines the growing importance of working conditions issues. This report explores the impact of flexibility on working conditions and the resultant health and social effects on workers engaged in this kind of work. The report examines potential tools for improving the overall health of workers and recommends that social partners at national and European level adopt a holistic approach in the negotiation and implementation of improvements to working conditions.
Flexibility and working conditions: a qualitative and comparative study in seven EU Member States (Summary)
12 October 2000
This summary stems from a research project that aims to define working conditions in a broad sense and to examine the reliance on various forms of flexibility, both external and internal. The research is based on national case studies that set out to analyse the impact of employment policies and human resources management on working conditions at corporate level. | https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/author/goudswaard-anneke |
For the first time, a pan-European study offers a comprehensive picture of reading literacy and identifies some of the key factors impacting on the acquisition of reading skills for 3-15 year olds. It addresses four key topics: teaching approaches, tackling reading difficulties, teacher education and the promotion of reading outside school. It investigates each key topic in the light of the results of academic research, the latest results of international surveys and an in-depth review of national policies, programmes and best practices. The study was produced for the Commission by the... Eurydice network and covers 31 countries (all EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Turkey). The study reveals that while most European countries now have appropriate policies for promoting literacy, there is often a lack of focus on the groups most at risk for reading difficulties, such as boys, children from disadvantaged households and migrant children. The report also says that only in a few countries there are reading specialists at schools to support teachers and pupils. In 2009, approximately one out of five 15-year olds in the European Union had reading difficulties. EU countries have therefore agreed to reduce the share of poor readers to less than 15 % by 2020. In only Belgium (Flemish Community), Denmark, Estonia, Poland, Finland and Norway was the number of low achievers 15 % or less.
- Published: | https://publications.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/816adc3b-ca0f-41e0-9c7c-6892993b3f11 |
Creating a New Model for Organizational Improvement.
Written by Caroline Lavigne on February 22, 2020.
The famous American architect and systems theorist Buckminster Fuller said that “you never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” When it comes to organizational change initiatives, centering your people makes this insight even more relevant. This gets us here: “engage and inspire people to co-create a new model that makes the existing model requiring change obsolete”.
Acknowledging the clichéd but true insight that “change is the only constant,” organizations need to develop a workforce that is willing and able to evolve toward new and better models. In a change-driven reality, the goal should not be to push change onto people and encourage them to adopt it, but rather the goal should be to shape an engaging and collaborative culture, where the people initiate and own constant improvement.
Our change-driven reality does mean that organizations must constantly maneuver multi-level changes. Here, I offer a navigational metaphor for implementing different types of change, including consistent, constant, evolving, and transformational change. This can be used to guide organizational leaders in first identifying the type of change required, and then inspiring their workforces to co-create responses to change.
- Consistent change is persistent change for betterment; it’s the combined efforts of people invested in ongoing improvement, often made possible with a resilient workplace culture.
This change is the needle in the compass that is constantly micro-shifting to point due north toward the destination (i.e., the desired future state).
- HOW: Provide an environment (structured as required) that encourages employees to identify, then test consistent improvements to the model. This will surface efficiencies while helping to shape an engaged and motivated workforce that feels empowered.
- Constant change is the continuous adjustments and course corrections required to effortlessly adapt and pivot when faced with opportunities and risks.
This change is the action of steering the wheel (i.e., making decisions) to adapt to the curves and signals on the change journey.
- HOW: Ensure a psychologically safe environment where employees feel comfortable raising instances where adjustments are required, as much with their peers as with their leaders.
- Evolving change is the change that is required to adapt to the evolving external conditions of the journey.
This change is the GPS recalculating, maybe due to a missed turn or an unforeseen construction zone, to ensure realignment on the journey towards the destination.
- HOW: Engage people in co-creating the journey towards the destination, resulting in shared awareness, buy-in and ownership in the future state.
- Transformational change is the organizational learning that occurs within the organizations’ practices, processes and culture, as a result of the other active changes.
Transformational change is like the Artificial Intelligence (AI) that enables a GPS to be more responsive and adaptive based on learnings from user behaviours.
- HOW: Beyond the continuous learning and evolution of the workforce gained through the other change levels, investing in the learning and development of the people, especially in softer skills that bolster abilities to effectively communicate and collaborate, to ensure a sustainable resilient culture and workforce.
To quote Thomas Edison: “There is always a better way!” So, the key question is: What can your organization do to create an environment and a culture where people desire and seek constant improvement? Studies do show that desire is created through engagement, and employee engagement is much higher in psychologically safe and inclusive environments.
Organizations must consider their current state, current workplace environment, and current culture before embarking on an initiative to transform their change culture. Working with organizations, we meet leadership and people where they are, to support them on their journey to where they want to go. If aspects of this evolving state concept are of interest to you, please reach out. It would be my pleasure to have a discussion with you and help you figure out where you are and what you will need to move forward on your journey. | http://newleafperformance.ca/category/uncategorized/ |
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A senior official at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recommended that the pupil transportation industry be on the lookout for significant new proposed rules that are planned for next year.
Larry Minor, the associate administrator at the FMCSA, discussed upcoming proposed the upcoming rulemaking during the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services conference on Friday. This is the association’s first in-person conference since before the pandemic, in 2019.
One of the proposed rules includes revising the commercial driver safety fitness procedures that were published in 2016. Minor noted that the agency plans to start from scratch and seek information on how it might use resources more effectively to identify and remove unfit motor carriers from the nation’s roadways. He added that the agency is seeking public comment about the use of available safety data, including inspection data, in determining carrier fitness to operate commercial vehicles.
Minor added that rulemaking would also include a review of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) that the agency uses to rate driver fitness.
Another upcoming proposal is on Automatic Emergency Braking Systems, which is a joint rulemaking of the FMCSA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Whether or not this would include school buses remained undetermined at this writing.
Rulemaking is also pending on Speed Limiters. School Transportation News reported on similar proposed rulemaking in 2016, when the U.S. Department of Transportation sought comment on a proposal to require speed limiters on heavy-duty commercial vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 pounds GVWR, including school buses.
Minor explained that the agency is now taking a carrier-based approach rather than the OEM approach used by NHTSA and FMVSA in the previous proposals. The agency is drafting a supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which it anticipates being released in 2023.
Related: Hutcheson Named Acting Administrator of FMCSA
Related: FMCSA Seeks Comments on Proposed School Bus Digital Camera Monitor System
Related: Are You Ready?
Related: EPA Announces Recipients of Clean School Bus Program Rebate Awards
Related: 2nd Round of Applications for California VW Grants to Open
Another proposed rulemaking is the Unique Electronic Identification of Commercial Motor Vehicles. Minor added that the FMCSA will request public comment on potential amendments to the FMCSR to require every commercial motor vehicle operating in interstate commerce to be equipped with an electronic device capable of communicating a unique identification number when quired by a roadside system.
He explained that this would apply to school buses and help enhance safety and help with identifying vehicles on the road and if they should be pulled over for a destination inspection.
Other proposed rulemakings include Safe Integration of Automated Driver Systems and Electronic Logging Devices. | https://stnonline.com/news/pending-fmcsa-notices-of-proposed-rulemaking-include-driver-fitness-speed-limiters/ |
Pensoft is an independent academic publishing company, well known worldwide for its innovations in the field of semantic publishing and for its cutting-edge publishing tools and workflows. Founded in 1992 "by scientists, for the scientists" and initially focusing on book publishing, it has grown to become a leading publisher of innovative open access journals, such as: Research Ideas and Outcomes (RIO), ZooKeys, Biodiversity Data Journal, PhytoKeys, MycoKeys, Nature Conservation, NeoBiota, Comparative Cytogenetics, and others. Pensoft has published more than 1,000 books and over 4,000 open access articles, mostly in the field of natural history.
Pensoft is a member or partner of several professional publishing organisations and data publishing platforms, including CrossRef, OASPA, PubMedCentral, CLOCKSS, Research Data Alliance (RDA), OpenAIRE, LifeWatch, DataONE, Dryad Data Repository, Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), Encyclopedia of Life (EoL), and others.
Pensoft journal content is indexed by: ISI Web of Science, Scopus, BIOSIS, Google Scholar, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Zoological Record, CAB Abstracts, Vifabio, BHL Citebank, Globalnames, JournalMap and others, and is archived in PubMedCentral, CLOCKSS and ZENODO.
In 2010, Pensoft was the first publisher to implement semantic tagging and enrichment of published articles as a routine editorial practice. The company is actively developing novel tools, workflows and methods for text and data publication and dissemination of scientific information, as well as technologies for semantic enrichment of content. In 2013, Pensoft launched the first ever, end-to-end, XML-based, authoring, reviewing and publishing workflow, as demonstrated by the Biodiversity Data Journal (BDJ) and the Pensoft Writing Tool (PWT), now upgraded to the ARPHA Publishing Platform. The company has also developed a number of tools for semantic publishing: Pensoft Markup Tool (PMT), Pensoft Taxon Profile (PTP), Pensoft Wiki Converter (PWC), the literature and data discovery tool Refindit.org, and others.
Innovations have always been at the core of Pensoft’s business to better serve our clients, partners and research communities.
ARPHA Publishing Platform
We have been seeking a way to scrap the notion of academic publishing being a time-consuming and exhausting venture for any author ready to present a research. In the end, we came up with the first of its kind publishing platform to combine Authoring, Reviewing, Publishing, Hosting and Archiving all in one place. Bearing the name ARPHA, it is implemented to all Pensoft journals and offers a wide range of services also to other journals and publishers. ARPHA represents the first ever end-to-end, entirely XML-based commodity in the journal publishing industry.
Arpha Writing Tool (AWT)
Being passionate advocates for open science, at Pensoft we have always made sure to not only provide freely accessible digital content, but also encourage collaboration in the peer-review, publication and dissemination process. Thus, we developed the ARPHA Writing Tool (AWT) to allow authors, co-authors, external contributors, pre-submission reviewers, linguistic and copy editors to gather in the intuitive and user-friendly online authoring environment and work together on a manuscript.
Pensoft Markup Tool (PMT)
Another quite tiresome and painstaking task an author needs to complete, while submitting a manuscript, is a sweeping amount of importing, referencing, cross-linking, interlinking, mapping, and so on. Implementing our extensive experience in semantic technology and innovations, Pensoft has developed the Pensoft Markup Tool (PMT), which makes the following operations possible:
Pensoft Taxon Profile (PTP)
The web-based harvester Pensoft Taxon Profile (PTP) was developed to automatically harvest information about any biological taxon name mentioned within a publication and link it to external resources, for example CrossRef, PubMedCentral, PubMed, Biodiversity Heritage Library, NCBI/GenBank, ZooBank, International Plant Name Index (IPNI), Index Fungorum, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Wikipedia, Encyclopedia of Life, Plazi.org and others. As a result, a dynamic web-page for that taxon name is being created in real time, which saves our readers a great amount of time and efforts.
Pensoft Wiki Converter (PWC)
While the Wiki environment is a fine example of a huge open access online space with immense potential in science, we have always known that we need to make use of it, in order to provide a best-quality experience to our users. This is how we came up with the Pensoft Wiki Converter (PWC), which turns the XML versions of our papers into Media-Wiki-based pages, such as Species-ID.net.
ReFindit
Led by our desire to provide our users with user-friendly and accessible knowledge, we created a handy literature and data discovery tool, called ReFindit. In order to access a publication, all you need to do is enter any relevant information, such as a Digital Object Identifier (DOI), author, title, or simply a bit of free text and click a ‘Search’ button. ReFindit searches and gathers information for you from metadata stored on CrossRef, DataCite, PubMed, Mendeley, RefBank, and the Global Names Usage Bank (GNUB).
General
The publishing ethics and malpractice policies follow the Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing (joint statement by COPE, DOAJ, WAME, and OASPA), the NISO Recommended Practices for the Presentation and Identification of E-Journals (PIE-J), and, where relevant, the Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals from ICMJE.
Privacy statement
The personal information used on this website is to be used exclusively for the stated purposes of each particular journal. It will not be made available for any other purpose or to any other party.
Open access
Pensoft and ARPHA-hosted journals adhere strictly to gold open access to accelerate the barrier-free dissemination of scientific knowledge. All published articles are made freely available to read, download, and distribute immediately upon publication, given that the original source and authors are cited (Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0)).
Open data publishing and sharing
Pensoft and ARPHA encourage open data publication and sharing, in accordance with Panton’s Principles and FAIR Data Principles. For the domain of biodiversity-related publications Pensoft has specially developed extended Data Publishing Policies and Guidelines for Biodiversity Data. Specific data publishing guidelines are available on the journal website.
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1. Introduction {#sec1-sensors-19-02727}
===============
Electro-hydraulic servo systems (EHSSs) have been widely used in the industry due to their advantages of high response, fast response, good stiffness, and high force \[[@B1-sensors-19-02727]\]. With the development of digital technology, control theory, pattern recognition technology, and electronic technology, EHSSs have become one of the most popular topics in the fields of both scientific research and industrial engineering \[[@B2-sensors-19-02727],[@B3-sensors-19-02727]\]. EHSSs including a position servo control system and a force servo control system are a typical closed-loop torque control system \[[@B4-sensors-19-02727],[@B5-sensors-19-02727]\].
Position servo control systems play a major role in marine operating systems, industrial automation systems, and crane systems \[[@B6-sensors-19-02727]\]. Due to the complexity of such control systems, it is considered urgent to develop control technology. Various control methods have been presented, such as the feedback control method \[[@B7-sensors-19-02727]\], tracking control method \[[@B8-sensors-19-02727]\], and adaptive control method \[[@B9-sensors-19-02727]\]. Among these, the PID control system is the most popular control method. Due to its easy control structure, high robustness, and high accuracy, the conventional PID control system is the most widely used in industrial processes \[[@B10-sensors-19-02727],[@B11-sensors-19-02727],[@B12-sensors-19-02727]\].
The chief function of PID controllers is to regulate feedback signals to be as similar to input signals as possible. The control performance of PID controllers is mainly determined by a proportional parameter, an integral parameter, and a differential parameter \[[@B13-sensors-19-02727],[@B14-sensors-19-02727]\]. It has been shown that rapid response and high accuracy of velocity can be obtained by selecting appropriate PID parameters in the control system. Therefore, the method of tuning PID parameters has become a popular research topic, and some significant achievements have been made in recent years \[[@B15-sensors-19-02727],[@B16-sensors-19-02727]\].
Over the past few decades, several methods which can enhance the capacity of obtaining reasonable PID parameters have been announced. One of the most popular methods is the Z-N tuning method \[[@B17-sensors-19-02727]\], proposed by Ziegler and Nichols in 1942. This method is widely used in industry to solve the traditional PID parameter tuning problem \[[@B18-sensors-19-02727]\]. However, the mechanism of the controlled object is complex in actual industrial circumstances; many factors need to be considered, such as high-order duplication, time variation, and non-linearity. Consequently, it is difficult to achieve a perfect control result by using the Z-N tuning method. However, since the method's publication, it has been extensively developed for tuning PID parameters.
With the development of artificial intelligence science, artificial intelligence algorithms have been widely used in PID controllers to select reasonable PID parameters, for example the Genetic Algorithm (GA) \[[@B19-sensors-19-02727],[@B20-sensors-19-02727]\], Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm (PSO) \[[@B21-sensors-19-02727],[@B22-sensors-19-02727]\], Firefly Algorithm (FA) \[[@B23-sensors-19-02727],[@B24-sensors-19-02727]\], Cuckoo Search Optimization Algorithm (CS) \[[@B25-sensors-19-02727]\], Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm (GWO) \[[@B26-sensors-19-02727]\], Ant Colony Algorithm (ACA) \[[@B27-sensors-19-02727]\], and Bacterial Foraging Optimization Algorithm (BFO) \[[@B28-sensors-19-02727]\]. The Beetle Antennae Search Algorithm (BAS) is an efficient and intelligent search algorithm proposed by Xiangyuan Jiang and Shuai Li in 2017 \[[@B29-sensors-19-02727]\]. It is an evolutionary computation derived from the flocking and swarming behavior, foraging behavior and courtship behavior of beetles. The algorithm not only has the ability of individual recognition and environmental recognition, but also does not need to know the gradient information of the function. Furthermore, its program code is simple to implement, and it has an especially strong ability to obtain the best solution within a stable convergence property. BAS is used in neural network optimization \[[@B30-sensors-19-02727]\], multi-objective energy management \[[@B31-sensors-19-02727]\], investment portfolio problems \[[@B32-sensors-19-02727]\], the prediction of the content of dissolved gases in power transformer oil \[[@B33-sensors-19-02727]\], the determination of Young's modulus in jet grouted coalcretes \[[@B34-sensors-19-02727]\], prediction of permeability and unconfined compressive strength of pervious concrete \[[@B35-sensors-19-02727]\], multi-objective optimization based BAS-WPT \[[@B36-sensors-19-02727]\], and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sensing and avoidance \[[@B37-sensors-19-02727]\].
To improve the PID controllability of an electro-hydraulic position servo control system, this paper proposes a BAS-PID controller whose parameters are tuned by BAS. To verify the performance of the BAS-PID controller in the electro-hydraulic position servo control system, the controllability of the BAS-PID controller was compared to the controllability of PID controllers using other algorithms under different interference signals. Experimental results showed the superiority of the BAS-PID controller.
2. Related Works {#sec2-sensors-19-02727}
================
BAS is extremely efficient in solving different optimization problems, and the original BAS, as well as BAS variants, have been successfully applied in various scientific and engineering fields.
Yuantian Sun et al. \[[@B30-sensors-19-02727]\] proposed combination of the back-propagation neural network (BPNN) and BAS, termed the BPNN-BAS model. The BPNN-BAS model was shown to be more effective than multiple regression and logistic regression. Additionally, in another study \[[@B34-sensors-19-02727]\], support vector machine (SVM) was combined with BAS to produce the SVM-BAS model for the determination of Young's modulus in jet grouted coalcretes. Zongyao Zhu et al. \[[@B31-sensors-19-02727]\] applied BAS in microgrids to reduce environmental pollution and minimize pollutant treatment cost. Tingting Chen et al. \[[@B32-sensors-19-02727]\] proposed the Beetle Swarm Optimization Algorithm (BSO), which combines BAS and PSO. Shengwei Fei et al. \[[@B33-sensors-19-02727]\] developed the BAS based mixed kernel relevance vector regression (BAS-MkRVR) model to calculate the gas content of power systems. Junbo Sun et al. \[[@B35-sensors-19-02727]\] introduced an ESVR-BAS model to predict the PC and UCS in pervious concrete. Xiangyuan Jiang and Shuai Li \[[@B36-sensors-19-02727]\], who are designers of BAS, advanced the research on BAS by releasing tuning parameters to deal with multi-objective optimization. Qing Wu et al. \[[@B37-sensors-19-02727]\] invented a new path algorithm called the Obstacle Avoidance Beetle Antennae Search Algorithm (OABAS), which is used for global path planning for UAVs. Meijin Lin et al. \[[@B38-sensors-19-02727]\] proposed a hybrid PSO-BAS algorithm, while the same lead author together with Qinghao Li \[[@B39-sensors-19-02727]\] used PSO-BAS to distribute economic loads in power systems. Qinhao Li \[[@B40-sensors-19-02727]\] used BAS to solve optimal scheduling problems of a wind--PV--hydro--storage power complementary system. Chen Wang et al. \[[@B41-sensors-19-02727]\] employed BAS to enhance the precision of the evaluation of straightness error. [Table 1](#sensors-19-02727-t001){ref-type="table"} provides a brief comparison among BAS variants.
In \[[@B42-sensors-19-02727]\] Yinyan Zhang, Shuai Li, and Bin Xu summarized and analyzed the convergence of BAS and its applications, which provided further theoretical proof of its extreme convergence ability.
For a complex optimization problem with multiple parameters, the complexities of the solution space increase with increasing dimensionality, which may cause low convergence speed. For potential extensions and future work, in order to obtain a more accurate solution, the structure of BAS should be improved. Further research may consider an encoding scheme to introduce better diversity into the solution search space of BAS to raise the convergence of the algorithm. In this study, we will apply advanced BAS to solve more practical questions about electro-hydraulic systems. [Table 2](#sensors-19-02727-t002){ref-type="table"} shows the uniqueness of BAS among algorithms including PSO \[[@B32-sensors-19-02727],[@B37-sensors-19-02727],[@B38-sensors-19-02727],[@B39-sensors-19-02727]\], GA \[[@B39-sensors-19-02727]\], FA, BA \[[@B42-sensors-19-02727]\], and the Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm (ABC) \[[@B37-sensors-19-02727]\].
From [Table 2](#sensors-19-02727-t002){ref-type="table"}, it can be determined that BAS not only has abilities of individual recognition and environmental recognition but also allows the balance in exploratory stages, which shows that it is necessary to use BAS to develop better sensing systems.
3. Electro-Hydraulic Position Servo Control System {#sec3-sensors-19-02727}
==================================================
3.1. Working Principles of the System {#sec3dot1-sensors-19-02727}
-------------------------------------
The electro-hydraulic position servo system studied in this paper is chiefly composed of a hydraulic cylinder, an electro-hydraulic servo valve, a servo amplifier, a position sensor, and some other parts. A schematic diagram of the system is displayed in [Figure 1](#sensors-19-02727-f001){ref-type="fig"}.
The working principle of the position servo system is characterized as follows. Firstly, the voltage signal is transformed into an electric current signal by the servo amplifier and then input to the servo valve, and the slide valve of the main valve will be moved depending on the signal of the servo valve. Then, the flow rate of the hydraulic cylinder is influenced by the movement of the slide valve. The piston rod is linked to the position sensor. Finally, depending on analogue--digital conversion, the signal will be fed back to the controller of the control system. Overall, the error between the actual signal and the target signal will be constantly decreased by the position servo control system.
In practical engineering problems, due to complexities of the structure, manufacturing errors, large delay time, inaccurate measurement, and other factors, it is difficult to accurately describe the whole working process by building a precise mathematical model. There is not a determined mathematical model, and therefore the chief aim of this paper is to make the electro-hydraulic servo system model as similar to the really original model as possible.
3.2. Model of the Electro-Hydraulic Position Servo Control System {#sec3dot2-sensors-19-02727}
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The electro-hydraulic position servo system studied in this paper is an electro-hydraulic flow servo valve which controls cylinder structure. The electro-hydraulic servo valve is used as an electro-hydraulic transfer apparatus, and is put into a lower input signal to obtain effective hydraulic pressure energy and to achieve the aim of control for hydraulic systems. $$K_{v} = \frac{x_{v}(s)}{I(s)}$$ where *I* is the output current, *x~v~* is the spool displacement of the main valve, and *K~v~* is the flow gain of the electro-hydraulic servo valve.
The input voltage signal in the system is transformed into an electric current signal by the servo amplifier. Then the electric current signal is passed into the pilot valve. Therefore, the output current of the servo amplifier can be seen as proportional to the input voltage, which can be regarded as a purely proportional stage and its mathematical model can be expressed as $$K_{a} = \frac{I(s)}{U(s)}$$ where *I* is the output current, *U* is the input voltage, and *K~a~* is the amplification coefficient of the amplifier.
A position sensor which has the advantages of small size, low weight and fast response is used in the feedback stage. The sensor acquires the position signal by calculating and converting it into a feedback signal. The response frequency of the position sensor is much higher than the response frequency of the whole system. Hence, the process can be seen as a purely proportional stage, and the transfer function can be expressed as $$U_{f} = K_{m}x_{P}$$ where *U~f~* is the output voltage, *x~P~* is the piston displacement, and *K~m~* is the magnification coefficient of the position sensor.
The linearized load flow equation, hydraulic cylinder flow continuity equation, and the force-balance equation of the hydraulic cylinder need to be calculated to illustrate the model of the asymmetrical hydraulic cylinder. The linearized load flow equation from the servo valve to the hydraulic actuator can be written as $$q_{L} = K_{q}x_{v} - K_{c}p_{L}$$ where *q~L~* is the load flow of the servo valve (m^3^/s), *K~q~* is the flow gain coefficient (m^2^/s), *x~v~* is the open amount of valve spool (m), *K~c~* is the flow pressure coefficient (m^5^ /(N·s)), and *p~L~* is the loading pressure of the cylinder (Pa).
The flow continuity equation of the hydraulic cylinder can be expressed as $$q_{L} = A\frac{dy}{dt} + C_{tc}p_{L} + \frac{V_{t}}{4\beta e}\frac{dp_{L}}{dt}$$ where *A* is the effective area of cylinder piston (m^2^), *C~tp~* is the total leakage coefficient (m^5^ /(N·s)), *V~t~* is the total volume of the cavity (m^3^), *β~e~* is the effective bulk modulus (Pa).
The force balance equation of the hydraulic cylinder without considering the friction and quality of the oil can be expressed as $$Ap_{L} = m\frac{d^{2}y}{dt^{2}} + \beta_{c}\frac{dy}{dt} + Ky$$ where *m* is the colligation quality of the cylinder piston discreteness (kg), *β~c~* is the viscous damping coefficient of the piston and load (N/(m/s)), *K* is the spring stiffness (N/mm), and *y* is the displacement of the piston (m).
Equations (4) to (6) represent dynamic models of the hydraulic cylinder. Their Laplace transforms can be written as $$Q_{L} = K_{q}X_{v} - K_{c}P_{L}$$ $$Q_{L} = A_{1}Ys + C_{tc}P_{L} + \frac{V_{t}}{4\beta e}P_{L}s$$ $$AP_{L} = ms^{2}Y + B_{c}sY + KY$$
The transfer function of the position servo control system can be deduced by Equations (1) to (9) $$G(s) = \frac{\frac{K_{q}}{A_{}}X_{v} - \frac{(K_{c} + C_{tp})}{Av}(1 + \frac{V_{t}}{4\beta_{e}(K_{c} + C_{tp})}s)P_{L}}{\frac{mV_{t}}{4\beta_{e}A_{}^{2}}s^{3} + (\frac{m(K_{c} + C_{tp})}{A_{}^{2}} + \frac{V_{t}}{4\beta_{e}A_{}^{2}})s^{2} + (1 + \frac{B_{c}(K_{c} + C_{tp})}{A_{}^{2}} + \frac{KV_{t}}{4\beta_{e}A_{}^{2}})s + \frac{K(K_{c} + C_{tp})}{A_{}^{2}}}$$
4. BAS-PID Control System {#sec4-sensors-19-02727}
=========================
4.1. Beetle Antennae Search Algorithm {#sec4dot1-sensors-19-02727}
-------------------------------------
BAS is a meta-heuristic intelligent optimization algorithm based on group optimization. The position of each beetle represents an achievable optimized solution. Beetles use antennae on two sides of their body to find food resources. When the antenna on one side is closer to food, the food odor received by the antenna is stronger, and the individual will move to that side. This new meta-heuristic algorithm BAS taking inspiration from detecting and searching behavior of longhorn beetles.
We denote the strength of the food odor at position *x* to be the value at point of the optimized function.
To explore the initial unknown environment, the initial beetle searching is supposed to move randomly in any direction. A vector with a random direction can be built to be representative and normalize in spaces of any dimension. A random searching direction can be normalized as $$\overset{\rightarrow}{b} = \frac{rnd(dim,1)}{\left\| {rnd(dim,1)} \right\|}$$ where *rnd(.)* denotes a random function and dim represent the dimensions of the position.
Beetles do not know the precise location of food when foraging. They use both antennae to detect the food odor and move in the direction of the odor. The positions of the right and left antenna can be obtained as $$x_{r} = x^{t} + d^{t} \cdot \overset{\rightarrow}{b}$$ $$x_{l} = x^{t} - d^{t} \cdot \overset{\rightarrow}{b}$$ where *t* is the iteration number, *x~r~* denotes the position of the right antenna, *x~l~* denotes the position of the left-antenna, *x^t^* is the position of the beetle, and *d^t^* is the sensing length of the antennae.
The beetle will move to the left if the left antenna receives a stronger scent than the right antenna; otherwise, it will move to the right.
The beetle chooses its search behavior based on the direction of the detected odor. Thus, we can determine the next position of a beetle by judging the strength of the odor.
The next position of the beetle can be determined by $$x^{t} = x^{t - 1} + c \cdot \delta^{t} \cdot \overset{\rightarrow}{b} \cdot sign(f(x_{r}) - f(x_{l}))$$ where *δ^t^* is the step size of searching, *sign(.)* represents a sign function, *f(.)* is an optimized function, and *c* is the direction of beetle movement. If the aim is to find the maximum value, *c* = −1. If the problem is to find the minimum value, *c* = +1.
The sensing length of the antennae *d^t^* and the step size of searching *δ^t^* can be updated as $$d^{t} = 0.95d^{t - 1} + 0.01$$ $$\delta^{t} = 0.95\delta^{t - 1}$$
The iterative process of the beetle antennae search algorithm can be presented as follows:
Step 1: Set the maximum number of iterations *t~max~*. Randomly initialize N beetle positions *X~i~*(*I* = 1, 2, ..., N). Define all beetle antennae search algorithm parameters, including the initial step size of searching *δ* and the initial sensing length of the antennae *d*. Define the optimized function. Set direction of the beetle movement *c* according to the optimization purpose of the optimized function.
Step 2: Generate random searching directions using Equation (11).
Step 3: Update the positions of the right antennae of beetles using Equation (12). Update positions of the left antennae of beetles using Equation (13).
Step 4: Modify beetle positions according to Equation (14).
Step 5: Calculate all feasible solutions and compare their fitness values to determine the optimal solution in the current generation. After comparing the current minimum fitness value with the previous minimum fitness value, update the global optimum solution if there is a better solution.
Step 6: Update the sensing length of antennae using Equation (15). Update the step size of beetles using Equation (16).
Step 7: Update the number of iterations *t* = *t* + 1 and return to Step 2. Repeat until *t* = *t~max~*.
Step 8: Output the global optimum solution.
In order to explain the BAS more clearly, we have detailed the steps of the BAS in Algorithm 1.
Algorithm 1: BAS
Input:
Set the maximum number of iterations
t
max
. Define the evaluation function
f(.).
Randomly set
N
beetle positions
x
t
i
(
i
= 1, 2, ...,
N
). Set
t
= 0. Set the value of c according to the optimization purpose. Record the initial sensing length of antennae
d
0
, the initial step size
δ
0
.
Record the initial optimum solution,
x
best
, and the initial optimum value,
g
best
.
Output:
x
best
,
g
best
.
1:
while
(
t
\<
T
max
)
2:
For
i
= 1: N
3: Update the searching direction
b
i
using Equation (11)
4: Update the right antenna position
x
ri
using Equation (12)
5: Update the left antenna position
x
li
using Equation (13)
6: Update the next position
x
i
t+1
of the beetle
x
i
t
using Equation (14).
7:
End for
8:
For
i
= 1: N
9: Calculate the function value
f
(
x
i
t+
1
) of
i
th beetle.
10:
If
(
)is better than
g
best
11:
x
best
=
12:
g
best
=
(
)
13:
End if
14:
End for
15: Update the sensing length of the antennae
d
t
using Equation (15).
16: Update the step size of searching
δ
t
using Equation (16).
17:
t
=
t
\+ 1
18:
End while
4.2. PID Control System {#sec4dot2-sensors-19-02727}
-----------------------
PID controllers which have high efficiency and robust performances, are linear controllers. Thanks to their easy control structure, high robustness, and high accuracy, PID controllers are commonly used in engineering to enhance both transient and steady-state behaviors. It has been shown that rapid response speed and high controllability can be obtained by determining appropriate PID parameters. PID controllers are widely used in different control systems. There are three parameters in a PID controller, namely the proportional parameter *K~p~*, the differential parameter *K~d~*, and the integral parameter *K~i~*. These three parameters have dramatic effects on the performance of control systems: *K~p~* affects the response speed of the system, *K~d~* affects dynamic performance, and *K~i~* affects the steady state error. The current PID controller can be divided into two main modes: the continuous form and the discrete form.
The continuous form of the PID controller is described as $$u(t) = K_{p}e(t) + K_{i}{\int_{0}^{t}{e(t)dt +}}K_{d}\frac{de(t)}{dt}$$ where *K~p~* is the proportional parameter, *K~d~* is the derivative parameter, *K~i~* is the integral parameter, *u*(*t*) is the output of the PID control signal, and *e(t)* is the system error signal.
Let the sampling instant replace continuous time. Let the integral item and differentiation item be discretized, and the discrete form of PID controller is written as $$u(k) = K_{p}e(k) + K_{i}T{\sum\limits_{k = 0}^{m}{e(k)}} + \frac{K_{d}}{T}\lbrack e(k) - e(k - 1)\rbrack$$ where *T* is the sampling period, *k* is the sampling number, and *m* is the total number of sampling times.
4.3. System Evaluation Function {#sec4dot3-sensors-19-02727}
-------------------------------
The value of the evaluation function is used to measure the speed of the response of the control system. It is necessary to select an evaluation function before the optimization.
The evaluation function of the control system includes the integration of the absolute value of error (IAE), the integral of time multiplied by the absolute value of error (ITAE), the integral of the square value of error (ISE), the mean of the square of the error (MSE). For the PID control system, the objective function based on a single measurement value only evaluates a part of the system.
The IAE, which give importance to the absolute error, only takes single factors into account. The IAE is often used in the digital simulation of systems, since it is somewhat difficult to obtain the absolute value of the error in analytic form. So, in order to comprehensively evaluate the performance of electro-hydraulic servo system, this paper do not select the IAE as the evaluation function.
The ISE is the square of the error. Large errors are penalized more than smaller ones as the square of a large error is much bigger. Systems designated to minimize ISE tend to weaken large errors rapidly; however, they will have to tolerate small errors continuing for long periods. The gradual accumulation of small errors leads to low control accuracy in the later stage of ISE error calculation.
The MSE improves the shortcomings of the ISE by calculating the mean of the ISE. However, the system needs to run for a long period of time in order to reduce the square of a large error calculated by the ISE. Therefore, the MSE is only applied in long-running systems.
The ITAE, which is the absolute error multiplied by time, penalizes errors which exist after a long time, and is considered as a measure of system performance. The ITAE weights errors which exist after a long time and has an additional time multiplication in the error function, which emphasizes long duration errors and allows a faster response compared to the ISE and IAE. Thus, ITAE can solve problems more efficiently than other evaluation functions \[[@B43-sensors-19-02727],[@B44-sensors-19-02727],[@B45-sensors-19-02727],[@B46-sensors-19-02727],[@B47-sensors-19-02727]\]. It has been shown that ITAE is a better evaluation function in the PID control system.
In this paper, double measurement value ITAE is selected as the evaluation function of a PID control system. The ITAE can be written as $$ITAE = {\int\limits_{0}^{\infty}{t\left| {e(t)} \right|}}dt$$
Furthermore, the discrete ITAE is written as $$ITAE = {\sum\limits_{k = o}^{m}{kT\left| {e(k)} \right|T}}$$ where *T* is the sampling period, *k* is the sampling number, and *m* is the total number of sampling times.
4.4. BAS-PID Control System {#sec4dot4-sensors-19-02727}
---------------------------
The working principle of the BAS-PID controller is shown in [Figure 2](#sensors-19-02727-f002){ref-type="fig"}, where *u(t)* is the output signal of the BAS-PID controller, *y(t)* is the output signal from the control system, *r(t)* is the input signal to the control system, and *e(t)* is the error. PID parameters will be tuned automatically by BAS, after three PID parameter adjustment ranges are selected. BAS will tune three parameters according to the ITAE value of the control system in real time.
The control quality of the PID controller depends on three parameters. To obtain the optimal PID controller, in this paper, the PID parameter-tuning problem is converted into a class of three-dimensional parameter optimization questions. The three parameters are seen as the beetle's position in three-dimensional space. The ITAE is regarded as the evaluation function. Beetle positions are randomly generated, BAS is run, and then the beetle positions are input into the PID controller as three parameters to calculate the evaluation function ITAE. The beetle position which minimizes the ITAE is considered to have the optimum PID parameters. The position of the beetle which minimizes the ITAE is used to update the optimum PID parameters in the current iteration. If the controllability of the PID control system meets the requirements of the engineering application or the searching procedure reaches the maximum number of iterations, the optimal position of the beetle will be chosen as the final PID parameters.
The parameter-tuning steps of the BAS-PID controller are as follows:
Step 1: Initialize all parameters and ranges.
Randomly generate N beetle positions, $X_{n}^{T}$ ~(*n*\ =\ 1,\ 2,\ ...,\ N)~ = \[*K*~p~, *K*~i~, *K*~d~\], where each parameter uses the real number coding. The discrete ITAE is regarded as the evaluation function. Set the maximum number of iterations, *T~MAX~*. Set c = −1 and T = 0. Set the initial sensing length, *d*^0^, and the initial step size, *δ*^0^.
Step 2: Normalize searching directions.
To expand the exploration environment, the searching directions of beetles can be normalized in random dimensional space using Equation (11). A random searching direction can be calculated as: $\overset{\rightarrow}{b} = \frac{rnd(3,1)}{\left\| {rnd(3,1)} \right\|}$~.~
Step 3: Update the positions of the right and left antennae of one beetle.
Beetles do not know the precise location of food when foraging. They use their antennae to determine their next direction. When the antenna on one side is closer to food, the food odor received by the antenna is stronger, and the beetle will move to that side. The positions of the beetle's right and left antennae are determined using Equations (12) and (13). The position of the right antenna can be obtained as $X_{nr}^{T}$ = $X_{n}^{T}$ + *d^T^*·$\overset{\rightarrow}{b}$, and the position of the left antenna can be obtained as $X_{nl}^{T}$ = $X_{n}^{T}$ *− d^T^*·$\overset{\rightarrow}{b}$.
Step 4: Update the next position of one beetle.
Operate the control system. The positions of the beetle's right and left antennae, which can be seen as PID parameters, are carried over to the PID controller. Calculate the ITAE values of the evaluation function of the position of the right antenna, *f~ITAE~* ($X_{nr}^{T}$). Calculate evaluation function ITAE values of left antenna position: *f~ITAE~* ($X_{nl}^{T}$). Equation (14) is used to determine the next position of a beetle to obtain a new set of beetle positions.
Step 5: Calculate the ITAE of the evaluation function.
Operate the control system. Then, new beetle positions are input into the PID controller as three parameters to calculate the ITAE of evaluation function. By comparing all fitness values, the beetle position which minimizes the ITAE is used to determine the current optimum PID parameters in the current generation. Record the current optimum PID parameters and current minimum ITAE and use in the next step.
Step 6: Update the global optimum beetle position.
After comparing the current minimum ITAE with the previous minimum ITAE, the global optimum beetle position is updated, and the global optimum beetle position is chosen to be the optimal PID parameters.
Step 7: Update the sensing length of the antennae and the next step size.
The sensing length of the antennae can be updated using Equation (15): $d_{n}^{T}$ = 0.95·$d_{n}^{T - 1}$ + 0.01. The step size of searching can be updated using Equation (16): $\delta_{n}^{T}$ = 0.95·$\delta_{n}^{T - 1}$. By updating, the sensing length of the antennae and the step size of searching will be carried over to the next generation.
Step 8: Judge iterations.
Calculate and judge whether iterations achieve terminating conditions. Calculate the number of iterations: *T* = *T +* 1. Judge whether iterations achieve the terminating condition *T* = *T~MAX~*. If *T* meets the terminating condition, the global optimum beetle position is chosen to be the optimal PID parameters. If *T* does not meet the terminating condition, return to Step 2 and start the next loop iteration.
Step 9: Stop.
Output the global optimum position of the beetle as the final three PID parameters.
The parameter-tuning flowchart of the BAS-PID controller is shown in [Figure 3](#sensors-19-02727-f003){ref-type="fig"}.
5. Simulation and Analysis {#sec5-sensors-19-02727}
==========================
5.1. Simulation Environment {#sec5dot1-sensors-19-02727}
---------------------------
The electro-hydraulic servo valve is an FF102-30 (AVIC Nanjing Servo Control System Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China)., with a Ps of 21 MPa, a rated current of 50 mA, a *ξ~sv~* of 0.5, a *K~sv~* of 0.006 m^3^/(sA), and a no-load flow of 2.315 × 10^−4^ (m^3^/s). The saturation value of the servo amplifier control voltage is ±10V, the length of the piston displacement is 35 mm, the piston rod area is 0.001 m^2^, the position sensor gain is 50 V/m, the position sensor range is 7100 mm, the stroke of the cylinder is 200 mm, the rated flow of the cylinder is 30 L/min, and the oil supply pressure is 4.5 MPa.
All the model parameters of the electro-hydraulic position servo control system were obtained by identifying system parameters. The identification techniques include the product look, numerical derivation, experimental testing, and engineering experience \[[@B48-sensors-19-02727],[@B49-sensors-19-02727],[@B50-sensors-19-02727],[@B51-sensors-19-02727]\]. The natural parameters of the electro-hydraulic servo valve in the model are obtained from the servo valve product book. The natural frequency, damping, and conversion factor of the servo valve were obtained from dynamic characteristic test curves by numerical derivations. Natural parameters of the servo amplifier and the position sensor were obtained from the product book. Moreover, structural parameters, including the effective piston area of the servo cylinder, the total piston stroke of the servo cylinder, and the volume of the oil pipe were obtained from the factory data of the cylinder. The working parameters---including system supply oil pressure, system return oil pressure, and sensor gain---were obtained from the experimental testing. Other parameters were selected based on engineering experience.
The viscous damping coefficient can be ignored. Therefore, the model of the controlled object obtained by identification is as $$G(s) = \frac{4.63}{4.528 \times 10^{- 12}s^{5} + 4.1988 \times 10^{- 9}s^{4} + 5.1725 \times 10^{- 6}s^{3} + 0.002s^{2} + s}$$
To verify the performance of BAS, this paper also compared the result of the proposed BAS-PID controller with those of PID controllers based other popular artificial intelligence algorithms, including PSO, GA, and FA.
For PSO, parameters were set as: learning factors *c*~1~ = *c*~2~ = 1, inertial weight *w* = 1.
For GA, roulette wheel selection with an elitism mechanism was used, and parameters were set as: crossover probability P~cross~ = 0.7, mutation probability P~m~ = 0.02.
For FA, parameters were set as: initial attractiveness *β~0~* = 1.
For BAS, parameters were fixed as: initial sensing length of the antennae *d^0^* = 2, the initial step size δ^0^ = 1.
For all algorithms, the population size was set as 50 and the maximum number of evaluations was set as 200.
All of the initial population positions of the different algorithms were generated from a uniform distribution. The lower and upper bounds of the search space of three parameters were given by (0, 100). Each optimization method was implemented over 10 independent runs in the MATLAB software (MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA).
The input and disturbance signals were step signals. Through the iteration of the ITAE, the process of PID parameter-tuning can be seen as finding the solution which minimizes the ITAE value. The total sampling time was 100 and the sampling period was 0.01 s.
5.2. Simulation Results and Analysis {#sec5dot2-sensors-19-02727}
------------------------------------
[Table 3](#sensors-19-02727-t003){ref-type="table"} shows the results of the ITAE, overshoots M~p~, the rise time *t~r~*, the settling time *t~d~* and their corresponding PID controller parameters. The overshoot M~p~ reflects the stability of the system, the rise time *t~r~* reflects the response capability of the system, and the settling time *t~d~* reflects the adaptability of the system. As seen from [Table 3](#sensors-19-02727-t003){ref-type="table"}, the BAS parameter-tuning method has the lowest overshoot, the fastest rise time and settling time, and the smallest value of ITAE of all algorithms.
Response curves derived from the step input are shown in [Figure 4](#sensors-19-02727-f004){ref-type="fig"}. From the figure, it can be seen that, compared with PIDs using other algorithms, BAS-PID shows the best performance. The step response curve of the BAS -PID controller converges to the desired set value with the minimum overshoot and least steady time. Using the BAS-PID controller, the system can maintain high dynamic characteristics and stability precision, and the performance of the system is unaffected by outside interference signals, showing perfect robustness.
[Figure 5](#sensors-19-02727-f005){ref-type="fig"} illustrate the average convergence curves of all algorithms disposing ITAE functions over 10 independent runs. As can be observed in the [Figure 5](#sensors-19-02727-f005){ref-type="fig"}, BAS has the fastest convergence speed in all algorithms, showing better performance when optimizing PID controller parameters. Additionally, BAS achieved the highest iteration speed of the four algorithms. The BAS convergence curve tends to accelerate as the number of iterations increases, and quickly converges towards the optimal value after completing almost half of the iterations. BAS demonstrates outstanding convergence stability and competence in jumping out from limited optimum.
The box plot is shown in [Figure 6](#sensors-19-02727-f006){ref-type="fig"} displays a set of scattered data. The stability of the control system can be shown by examining the position of the median, upper quartile, and lower quartile in the boxplot. The boxplot measures the dispersion of the ITAE value by graphical means. We note that the value of ITAE calculated by BAS has fewer outliers and a lower degree of dispersion than other algorithms, indicating that the proposed BAS has excellent stability. The median, upper quartile, and lower quartile of the ITAE calculated by BAS are lower than for other algorithms, which proves that BAS has excellent optimization capability.
To further prove the reliability of the BAS-PID controller, response results of PID controllers based on different algorithms are presented in [Figure 7](#sensors-19-02727-f007){ref-type="fig"} and [Figure 8](#sensors-19-02727-f008){ref-type="fig"}, when disturbance signals are the triangular wave signal and the sawtooth signal, respectively. [Figure 7](#sensors-19-02727-f007){ref-type="fig"}a shows the response curves of the triangular wave signal, and [Figure 7](#sensors-19-02727-f007){ref-type="fig"}b shows the local amplification of the response curves. Under the control of the BAS-PID controller, the amplitude error is the smallest and the smoothing speed is the highest. [Figure 8](#sensors-19-02727-f008){ref-type="fig"}a shows the response curve of the sawtooth wave signal, and [Figure 8](#sensors-19-02727-f008){ref-type="fig"}b shows the local amplification of the response curve. [Figure 7](#sensors-19-02727-f007){ref-type="fig"} shows that the BAS-PID controller can not only restrain the disturbance signal but also enhance the dynamic characteristics and the steadiness of the robustness. For the two different interference signals, the system has a remarkable capability to maintain the stability and reduce the shaking and concussion when the BAS-PID controller is selected, and the performance of the system is unaffected by external interference.
6. Experimental Analysis {#sec6-sensors-19-02727}
========================
To certify the effectiveness of the proposed BAS-PID controller in an actual working environment, the designed controller was used in a comprehensive experiment of the operation of the electro-hydraulic position servo control system. The electro-hydraulic semi-physical experimental platform is illustrated in [Figure 9](#sensors-19-02727-f009){ref-type="fig"}.
Under the experimental conditions, the power of the hydraulic source was 5.5 k, the rated flow rate was 30 L/min, the rated pressure was 5 MPa, an ADVAN-TECH PCL1710HG multi-function board was selected, the sampling time was 0.01 s, and the rated current was 40 mA.
A sinusoidal signal is usually chosen as the performance testing signal. The frequency response characteristic of the system under a sinusoidal signal can be implemented to test the system performance. The frequency response, i.e., the response of the system under a sinusoidal signal, can be used to determine the resonance frequency, impedance, dynamic stiffness, and vibration stability of the system. The amplitude frequency characteristic, *A~ω~*, which is defined as the amplitude ratio of the input signal to the ideal signal, is invoked as the index in the frequency response. If *A~ω~* is closer to 1, the system is more stable. In the experiment, five sinusoidal signals with different amplitudes were used as disturbance signals. For the five sinusoidal signals, the angular velocity was 4π, the initial phase was zero, and the amplitudes were 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10, respectively. The PID controllers based on different algorithms, including FA, GA, and PSO, were selected for experiments in the same experimental environment. The ranges of PID parameters for all algorithms and iterations were the same as in [Section 5](#sec5-sensors-19-02727){ref-type="sec"}. The experimental results were contrasted and analyzed. The response results are shown in [Figure 10](#sensors-19-02727-f010){ref-type="fig"}, [Figure 11](#sensors-19-02727-f011){ref-type="fig"}, [Figure 12](#sensors-19-02727-f012){ref-type="fig"}, [Figure 13](#sensors-19-02727-f013){ref-type="fig"} and [Figure 14](#sensors-19-02727-f014){ref-type="fig"}.
[Figure 10](#sensors-19-02727-f010){ref-type="fig"}b, [Figure 11](#sensors-19-02727-f011){ref-type="fig"}b, [Figure 12](#sensors-19-02727-f012){ref-type="fig"}b, [Figure 13](#sensors-19-02727-f013){ref-type="fig"}b, and [Figure 14](#sensors-19-02727-f014){ref-type="fig"}b show the local amplification curves for the five sinusoidal signals. It can be seen from [Figure 10](#sensors-19-02727-f010){ref-type="fig"}, [Figure 11](#sensors-19-02727-f011){ref-type="fig"}, [Figure 12](#sensors-19-02727-f012){ref-type="fig"}, [Figure 13](#sensors-19-02727-f013){ref-type="fig"} and [Figure 14](#sensors-19-02727-f014){ref-type="fig"} that the response curves for the BAS-PID controller have the smallest distance between the ideal amplitude and the actual amplitude. Therefore, we can infer that the BAS-PID controller has outstanding performance including vibrational stability, strong dynamic stiffness, and high mechanical impedance.
Frequency response indices for different PID controllers are listed in [Table 4](#sensors-19-02727-t004){ref-type="table"}, where *∆Aω* = \|1 -- *Aω*\|. From [Table 4](#sensors-19-02727-t004){ref-type="table"}, it can be seen that the frequency response of the system controlled by the BAS-PID controller still is clearly superior to the other PID controllers. The amplitude frequency characteristic Aω of the system controlled by the BAS-PID controller is the closest to 1. This shows that the BAS-PID controller can asymptotically maintain system stability when the interference signal is altered dramatically.
To further display the performance of the BAS-PID controller, the response results of the system under different PID controllers when interference signals were random signals are presented in [Figure 15](#sensors-19-02727-f015){ref-type="fig"} and [Figure 16](#sensors-19-02727-f016){ref-type="fig"}.
Local enlarged drawings clearly show that the BAS-PID controller can not only rapidly suppress interference signals but also prevent excessive overshoot. For the unusual interference signals, the BAS-PID controller has a remarkable capability to maintain the system stability and reduce the shaking, and the performance of the system is unaffected by external interference. In other words, the BAS-PID controller has anti-interference ability and provides remarkable balance, which can enhance the anti-seismic properties of the electro-hydraulic position servo control system in an unknown environment.
7. Conclusions {#sec7-sensors-19-02727}
==============
In order to enhance the control accuracy and ability of an electro-hydraulic position servo control system, the paper addressed the problem of determining three parameters of PID controllers. A PID parameter tuning method based on the beetle antennae search algorithm was applied to an electro-hydraulic position servo control system. A transfer function model was obtained by system parameter identification. A basic mathematical model of the electro-hydraulic position servo control system was established through theoretical analysis. The PID tuning problem was converted into a three-dimensional optimization question. The performance of the BAS tuning method was tested by ITAE and compared with that of the PSO, GA, and FA algorithms. An analysis of the performance of the BAS-PID controller with the electro-hydraulic position servo control system showed that the BAS algorithm can effectively adjust three parameters of the PID controller. The BAS-PID controller can bring many advantages, such as restraining system interference and meeting the requirement that the control system can maintain the robustness when there are the different external signals, which can better maintain the control needs of the electro-hydraulic position servo control system.
Conceptualization, Y.F., J.S. and G.S; Investigation, Y.F., J.S. and G.S; Resources, J.S.; Project administration J.S.; Supervision, J.S. and G.S.; Writing---review & editing, Y.F., J.S. and G.S.
This research was funded by the International Cooperation Project (grant no. 2012DFR70840).
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
{#sensors-19-02727-f001}
{#sensors-19-02727-f002}
{#sensors-19-02727-f003}
{#sensors-19-02727-f004}
{#sensors-19-02727-f005}
{#sensors-19-02727-f006}
{#sensors-19-02727-f007}
{#sensors-19-02727-f008}
{#sensors-19-02727-f009}
{#sensors-19-02727-f010}
{#sensors-19-02727-f011}
{#sensors-19-02727-f012}
{#sensors-19-02727-f013}
{#sensors-19-02727-f014}
{#sensors-19-02727-f015}
{#sensors-19-02727-f016}
sensors-19-02727-t001_Table 1
######
Variant ways and advantages of BAS variants.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BAS Variants Variant Way Advantages
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
BPNN-BAS \[[@B30-sensors-19-02727]\] • BAS was used to train back propagation neural network (BPNN) • High BPNN training speed\
• Make weights optimal
PSO-BAS \[[@B32-sensors-19-02727],[@B38-sensors-19-02727],[@B39-sensors-19-02727]\] • BAS was combined with PSO • Greater global search ability\
• Better searching capacity than that of standard PSO
BAS-MkRVR \[[@B33-sensors-19-02727]\] • BAS was used to select the appropriate kernel parameters and controlled parameters of the mixed kernel relevance vector regression (MkRVR) • Stronger prediction capacity than RBFRVR and Sigmoid RVR.
SVM-BAS \[[@B34-sensors-19-02727]\] • The hyper-parameters of the support vector machine (SVM) were firstly tuned by BAS • Less time-consuming\
• Low-cost\
• Non-destructive
ESVR-BAS \[[@B35-sensors-19-02727]\] • The hyper-parameters of the evolved support vector regression was tuned by BAS • More efficient than random hyper-parameter selection\
• High predictive capability
BAS-WPT \[[@B36-sensors-19-02727]\] • Normalization method and penalty function method were used to extend BAS • Not require prior parameter tuning\
• Simple to design, implement, and has less complexity
OABAS \[[@B37-sensors-19-02727]\] • OABAS was designed on the basic of BAS to improve the path planning • Wider search range and the breakneck search speed\
• Shorter path length
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
sensors-19-02727-t002_Table 2
######
Uniqueness of BAS among algorithms.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contrastive\ Advantages of BAS Relevant Recent\
Algorithms References
-------------- ---------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PSO Faster iteration speed\ \[[@B32-sensors-19-02727],[@B37-sensors-19-02727],[@B38-sensors-19-02727],[@B39-sensors-19-02727]\]
Stronger ability to jump local optimal solution
GA Does not need binary to represent decimal numbers\ \[[@B39-sensors-19-02727]\]
The BAS program runs faster
FA Does not need more initial parameters\ This paper
BAS program code simple
BA Simple to implement, and has less complexity \[[@B42-sensors-19-02727]\]
ABC Higher efficiency\ \[[@B37-sensors-19-02727]\]
Lower time complexity
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
sensors-19-02727-t003_Table 3
######
PID parameters and performances of the control system.
BAS FA GA PSO
------ -------- -------- -------- --------
K~p~ 7.9927 9.5773 8.0156 8.2923
K~i~ 0.1412 6.9449 0 0.0225
K~d~ 0.0532 0.0714 0.0978 0
ITAE 0.0275 0.0384 0.0294 0.0358
M~p~ 0.0067 0.1439 0.1015 0.1503
t~r~ 0.022 0.051 0.056 0.029
t~d~ 0.023 0.026 0.029 0.036
sensors-19-02727-t004_Table 4
######
Frequency response characteristics.
Amplitude Index BAS PSO GA FA
----------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
2 *A~ω~* 0.9870 1.0270 0.9695 1.0165
*∆A~ω~* 0.0130 0.0270 0.0305 0.0165
4 *A~ω~* 0.9878 1.0267 0.9693 1.0175
*∆A~ω~* 0.0122 0.0267 0.0307 0.0175
6 *A~ω~* 0.9878 1.0271 0.9186 1.0177
*∆A~ω~* 0.0122 0.0271 0.0814 0.0177
8 *A~ω~* 0.9879 1.0267 0.9878 1.0174
*∆A~ω~* 0.0121 0.0267 0.0122 0.0174
10 *A~ω~* 0.9878 1.0191 0.9696 1.0190
*∆A~ω~* 0.0122 0.0191 0.0304 0.0190
| |
This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on how programs use behavior change strategies to reduce energy use.
This paper explores ways in which program administrators are using social norms to spur behavior change and, as a result, curb energy use. In recent years, home energy reports (HER) programs have applied the concept of social norms to the energy efficiency context. These feedback programs inform customers of how their energy consumption compares to their neighbors' and provide other information about their usage, with the goal of enticing customers to change their energy use behavior to improve their relative neighborhood ranking.
Shared Value in Utility and Efficiency Partnerships - Lessons in Perseverance, Flexibility and Mutual Respect
Technology Solutions and Programmatic Approaches: Driving Innovation in Residential Energy Efficiency Strategies
Connecticut's Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge uses dashboards that display key project data for administrators and contractors to monitor progress over time. The program has evaluated performance at different steps in the process and identified strategies to improve performance where needed, such as sales training for contractors, energy advisors, monthly contractor scorecards, and multiple customer "touches." These improvements increased the close rate from 26 to 60 percent in one year. | https://rpsc.energy.gov/common-topics/search?amp%3Bamp%3Bf%5B1%5D=field_organization_or_program%3A2988&%3Bf%5B1%5D=field_organization_or_program%3A2985&f%5B0%5D=%3A1&f%5B1%5D=%3A736&f%5B2%5D=%3A755&f%5B3%5D=%3A757&f%5B4%5D=%3A760&f%5B5%5D=%3A764&f%5B6%5D=%3A766&f%5B7%5D=%3A776&f%5B8%5D=%3A789&f%5B9%5D=%3A1079&f%5B10%5D=organization_or_program%3A734&f%5B11%5D=organization_or_program%3A934&f%5B12%5D=program_component%3A2 |
31 October 2012, Bogota, Colombia – 21 countries begin meetings here today intended to help slow the rate of global warming over the next few decades, and deliver earlier and more effective protection from the damage to health and crops caused by air pollution across the Latin American and Caribbean region.
Meeting on “short-lived climate pollutants” at the regional level for the first time, government officials aim to identify concrete measures that can be taken quickly across the region to reduce emissions of SLCPs and build relevant and effective action on SLCPs into national economic development and environmental strategies.
The meeting will also contribute to the development of the regional action plan on air pollution commissioned by the Regional Forum of Latin American Environment Ministers, and enable engagement with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants, a new global initiative of 20 countries and 13 international organizations and NGOs (as of October 2012) the Secretariat of which is hosted by the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP).
SLCPs include gases like methane, ozone and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and black carbon particles in the atmosphere. Collectively they contribute a substantial fraction of both the warming experienced to date, smaller in influence only than CO2, and cause massive damage to human health and food security.
A UNEP study in 2011 found that aggressive action to reduce SLCPs could avoid over 2 million premature deaths and annual crop losses of over 30 million tonnes each year. Such action could also significantly reduce the costs of achieving long-term goals in both climate and air pollution – and achieve earlier benefits on regional and global climate. Cost-effective technologies to deliver the necessary emission reductions are now available internationally.
‘More than most regions, Latin America and the Caribbean are showing the early impacts of climate change, and in our cities air pollution continues to exact an appalling toll on human health.
‘We are already committed to firm action on CO2. This is essential. And in cities across the region imaginative and radical efforts are being made to get to grips with the damaging impacts of air pollution. But these efforts will still leave us short of what we need to achieve.
‘It is important therefore that, working together, the countries of the region absorb the lessons of the recent UNEP Global Assessment of SLCPs. This shows clearly that action on these pollutants could have an early impact on climate change and contribute in a substantial way to cleaner air and food security.
Recognizing that the short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP) issue and potential are not fully acknowledged, a number of countries and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) formed the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (CCAC), the first global efforts to treat these pollutants in an integrated and collective challenge.
The CCAC is a voluntary, collaborative global partnership uniting governments, intergovernmental organizations, representatives of the private sector, the environmental community, and other members of civil society committed to taking action on SLCPs.
The CCAC is focusing high-level attention to support fast action on SLCPs and make a difference on several fronts at once: public health, food and energy security and climate. The CCAC aims at catalyzing new, accelerated and scaled-up action to address SLCPs, including by highlighting and bolstering existing efforts focused on these pollutants.
Launched by six countries and UNEP last February, the CCAC is growing rapidly. As of October 2012, it has now has close to 36 Partners including 19 nation states from around the world (plus the European Commission), along with non-state partners that include (among others) the World Bank, United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Environment Programme, and the Stockholm Environment Institute.
All Partners of the CCAC recognize that the Coalition’s work is entirely complementary to efforts to reduceCO2, in particular efforts under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean decided to establish a Regional Inter-Governmental Network on Air Pollution, endorsed further work to define the role and programme of the Network and invited it to begin developing an Action Plan.
The proposal of a regional framework, prepared by the 2010 meeting of the Network, points at the full range of policy areas that may potentially be relevant to a comprehensive Action Plan on air pollution.
At the previous meetings of the Network there was a clear consensus that it would be essential, in any action plan, to link air pollution and climate change related activities, as the two are inextricably linked in sources, impacts and mitigation measures. To a significant extent, ‘co-benefits’ should be a key theme of the air pollution strategy and the action plan should be effectively linked to national and regional climate programmes. This will ensure that the regional air pollution action plan and the elaboration of a regional strategy on SLCFs develop in close association. The overlap of the two issues will also allow policy to be developed in the most cost-effective way.
Short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) are agents that have relatively short lifetime in the atmosphere - a few days to fifteen years - and a warming influence on climate. The main short-lived climate pollutants are black carbon, methane and tropospheric ozone, which are the most important contributors to the human enhancement of the global greenhouse effect after CO2. These short-lived climate pollutants are also dangerous air pollutants, with various detrimental impacts on human health, agriculture and ecosystems. | http://ccacoalition.unep.ecedi.typhon.net/en/news/colombia-and-unep-host-conference-tackle-climate-change-and-air-pollution |
Download the FY 2017 Donor Report here
Amazing! That’s the word that comes to mind when I look back on 2017 and reflect on all that has been accomplished as we’ve worked together. You have volunteered tirelessly and supported generously, allowing us to move closer to our collective goal of better treatments and ultimately a cure for FSHD. As we close the book on 2017, we have much to celebrate.
Together, we have:
- raised more money than any year in our history (approximately $3.1 million);
- invested nearly $1.4 million in trailblazing FSHD research projects;
- leveraged our influence through advocacy, boosting NIH funding of FSHD research to nearly $15 million;
- propelled more pharmaceutical investments in drug discovery with potential new therapies;
- won approval of an ICD-10 code for FSHD, which for the first time will enable our field to track public health data on FSHD diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes;
- continued to advocate on behalf of our global patient community through focused efforts leading to treatments and a cure.
Add to the list a team of dedicated staff members focused on expanding patient education and activating community engagement, and we have had quite a year! I am proud to share with you our FY2017 Donor Impact Report, which further highlights the results of our collective efforts. All of the accomplishments listed (and more) were made possible because of you.
With 2018 underway, we are beginning to implement the strategic initiatives which were developed this past year. To serve you and our expanding community better, we have 1) refocused our mission; 2) repositioned our philosophy; and 3) reorganized our infrastructure.
Refocusing our mission—For more than two decades, we have worked to “seed” the field, building awareness and interest with the stakeholders necessary to accomplish our goal—stakeholders including families, researchers, clinicians, government agencies, and the pharmaceutical industry. The results above reflect the overwhelming success of our endeavors, and the FSH Society has become the global convener, collaborator, and catalyst for FSH muscular dystrophy research.
While we will still be investing in this area through strengthening our advocacy work and encouraging new and innovative research ideas for funding, we are refocusing our resources on preclinical and early clinical development—moving promising compounds through the therapeutics pipeline—to expedite treatments for our community. We understand the elements necessary, recognize our strategic placement within the research community, and are preparing to play a central and pivotal role in developing therapeutics.
Repositioning our philosophy—Over the years, we have called on people like you to come and join us in our efforts. Wonderfully, you are among those who answered the call—giving of your time, talent, and treasure—which has allowed us to come as far as we have. Your faithfulness and commitment to support and propel our mission is unparalleled.
Going forward, our aim is not only to seek your support, but for us to support you in becoming a powerful leader and advocate for the FSHD community. Recognizing your unique talents, spheres of influence, and journeys, we seek to create tools and programs that will equip and empower you to become a member of our army of activists. Why? Because we know that your commitment and activism are invaluable assets and essential tools. The determination of a community of patients is the only thing that has ever made a difference in the outcome of drug discovery and development. Margaret Mead was right when she said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has!”
Reorganizing our infrastructure—Refocusing and repositioning requires reengineering the way we do business. As such, we are investing in two new initiatives. First, we are locating our resources closer to the communities we serve. Through a regionalization approach, we want to operate close to where you live and work, to facilitate your advocacy efforts. Experience teaches us that the most successful patient advocacy groups have a “volunteer-led, staff-empowered” model, which allows everybody to participate in the success of the organization and accomplishment of the mission.
Additionally, we are preparing to launch a major FSHD therapeutics initiative designed to accelerate the pace and volume of drug development, getting disease-modifying treatments to our families faster. While space and time prohibit me from a more detailed explanation, suffice it to say that, in combination, these two initiatives are game-changers. We expect 2018 to be a very exciting year for the FSHD community.
Thank you again for continuing the journey with us, and for allowing us to join you on yours. Thank you for signing up, showing up, and supporting our collective efforts. You are making a world of difference, and for that, I thank you.
Serving together,
Mark Stone
President & CEO
FSH Society
Download the FY2017 Donor Report here
Photo credit: Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. | https://www.fshdsociety.org/2018/02/22/fy2017-donor-report-documents-year-change-growth/ |
U.S. Soldiers, assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment, scan sectors of fire during the AH-64 Apache helicopter gunnery training in Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, July 15, 2020. The gunnery training concluded with the squadron's table VIII and IX live-fire certifications. LaShic Patterson) For future battlefield operations, speed is the name of the game. The side that can make decisions faster has the advantage.A new, AI-enabled effort by the U.S. Army can give operators the ability to detect, identify, process and engage targets quicker than ever and at longer ranges than before. The Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node, or TITAN, offers frontline forces, as well as headquarter commanders, a resilient tactical ground station capable of rapidly sifting through massive amounts of incoming sensor data to find and track potential threats.
With the addition of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the aim is to make every soldier, regardless of job specialty, capable of identifying and knocking down threatening drones. While much of that mission used to reside mostly in the air defense community, those attacks can strike any infantry squad or tank battalion. The goal is to reduce cognitive burden and operator stress when dealing with an array of aerial threats that now plague units of any size, in any theater. "Everyone is counter-UAS," said Col. Marc Pelini, division chief for capabilities and requirements at the Joint Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office, or JCO. Army units aren't ready to defeat aerial drones, the study shows.
Last month, an artificial intelligence agent defeated human F-16 pilots in a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency challenge, reigniting discussions about lethal AI and whether it can be trusted. Allies, non-government organizations, and even the U.S. Defense Department have weighed in on whether AI systems can be trusted. But why is the U.S. military worried about trusting algorithms when it does not even trust its AI developers? Any organization's adoption of AI and machine learning requires three technical tools: usable digital data that machine learning algorithms learn from, computational capabilities to power the learning process, and the development environment that engineers use to code. However, the military's precious few uniformed data scientists, machine learning engineers, and data engineers who create AI-enabled applications are currently hamstrung by a lack of access to these tools.
The US Army is looking to build an autonomous charging system that can support hundreds of drones. It has funded a four-year research project with the ultimate aim of kitting out ground-based vehicles with charging stations that swarms of drones can fly to by themselves. The University of Illinois Chicago landed an $8 million contract from the Combat Capabilities Development Command's Army Research Laboratory. Researchers will work on a system that will enable small drones to determine the location of the closest charging station, travel there and juice up before returning to their mission. The university is working on algorithms to help the drones determine the best route to a charging port.
In 1997, The Simpsons prophesized that for future wars, "most of the actual fighting will be done by small robots" with soldiers only responsible to "build and maintain those robots." Though the cartoon's track record with predictions is debatable, few will argue that robots have played a critical role in combat over the past decade. Whether it is a Predator drone patrolling a No-Fly zone or a Packbot diffusing a bomb, robots have made their presence known on the battlefield. The U.S. military and coalition forces use the base, located in an undisclosed location, to launch airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq and Syria, as well as to distribute cargo and transport troops supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. The Predators at the base are operated and maintained by the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, currently attached to the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing.
Fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here. Check out what's clicking today in entertainment. The U.S. military recently conducted a live-fire full combat replication with unmanned-to-unmanned teaming guiding attacks, small reconnaissance drones, satellites sending target coordinates to ground artillery and high-speed, AI-enabled "networked" warfare. This exercise was a part of the Army's Project Convergence 2020, a weapons and platform combat experiment which, service leaders say, represents a massive transformation helping the service pivot its weapons use, tactics and maneuver strategies into a new era. Taking place at Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona, Project Convergence involved live-fire war experiments aligned in three distinct phases, intended to help the Army cultivate its emerging modern Combined Arms Maneuver strategy.
After weeks of work in the oppressive Arizona desert heat, the U.S. Army carried out a series of live fire engagements Sept. 23 at Yuma Proving Ground to show how artificial intelligence systems can work together to automatically detect threats, deliver targeting data and recommend weapons responses at blazing speeds. Set in the year 2035, the engagements were the culmination of Project Convergence 2020, the first in a series of annual demonstrations utilizing next generation AI, network and software capabilities to show how the Army wants to fight in the future. The Army was able to use a chain of artificial intelligence, software platforms and autonomous systems to take sensor data from all domains, transform it into targeting information, and select the best weapon system to respond to any given threat in just seconds. Army officials claimed that these AI and autonomous capabilities have shorted the sensor to shooter timeline -- the time it takes from when sensor data is collected to when a weapon system is ordered to engaged -- from 20 minutes to 20 seconds, depending on the quality of the network and the number of hops between where it's collected and its destination. "We use artificial intelligence and machine learning in several ways out here," Brigadier General Ross Coffman, director of the Army Futures Command's Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross-Functional Team, told visiting media.
Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Imagine this land-war scenario: An enemy fighter is several hundred yards away, another is attacking from one mile while a third fires from a nearby room in a close-quarters urban warfare circumstance, when U.S. Army soldiers apprehend, integrate, and quickly map the locations of multiple targets at once in 3D, all while knowing the range and distance of the enemy forces. How could something like this be possible, one might wonder, given the nuances in perspective, range, navigational circumstances and the limitations of a human eye? These complexities form the conceptual basis upon which the Army is fast-tracking its Integrated Visual Augmentation System, or IVAS, which is a soldier-worn combat goggle engineered with advanced sensors that are able to overcome some of the limitations of human vision and quickly organize target data.
An insect-like machine with six individually powered legs that was intended for the battlefield received millions in US government funding during the 1980s. The project to create a fleet of real-life AT-AT walkers from Star Wars started in 1981 at Ohio State University, as the military searched for ways to traverse rough terrain that wheeled vehicles couldn't manage. Called the Adaptive Suspension Vehicle (ASV), the bizarre vehicle was part of a decade-long project which was eventually scrapped after receiving a reported $1million a year from Darpa between 1981 and 1990. The fate of the ASV is a mystery, with nobody knowing whether it is in storage somewhere or was scrapped decades ago. Professors Robert McGhee and Kenneth Waldron at Ohio State University wrote a scientific paper explaining their project in 1986.
It used to be that super soldiers were just the stuff of science fiction but now it seems they are coming to life. Indeed, engineers are coming up with all kinds of innovations to upgrade soldiers from robotic exoskeletons that give super strength to jet packs that will allow soldiers to fly into battle. One such super cool invention is an implantable device that can fight off jetlag. The device, manufactured by DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, would allow soldiers to travel as far as they wish without ever needing to take time to adjust to their new environment. This would mean that as soon as they landed in their new location, they would be ready for their mission. | https://aitopics.org/search?filters=taxnodes%3ACountry%7CNorth+America%7CUnited+States%40%40taxnodes%3ATechnology%7CInformation+Technology%7CArtificial+Intelligence%40%40taxnodes%3AIndustry%7CGovernment%7CRegional+Government%7CNorth+America+Government%7CUS+Government%40%40taxnodes%3AIndustry%7CGovernment%7CMilitary%7CArmy%40%40modified%3A%5B*+TO+NOW%5D |
This page offers information and resources related to safety, recovery, and assistance during times of severe weather in Iowa.
Storm Debris and Power Outages
Storm Debris
To report downed trees in streets and other public areas, call the Streets Division at 319-356-5181 or use ICgovXpress to let us know about the issue. Please be able to provide detailed location information if you call and be prepared to leave a voicemail.
- Debris Cleanup Safety
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has cleanup safety information for natural disasters and severe weather.
- Department of Natural Resources provides suggestions on cleaning up yard debris and damaged trees.
- Occupational Safety & Health Administration offers Tree Trimming safety information.
Power Outages
To report a power outage, contact MidAmerican Energy at 888-427-5632, or visit their website. You can also check their outage map online.
Severe Weather Awareness
More information will be added soon.
News and Updates
How to Stay Updated
- Sign up for City updates and news releases sent directly to your email at www.icgov.org/subscribe.
- Sign up for Johnson County Emergency Management alerts and updates at their website.
- Tune into local radio stations for updated news. When power is out, make sure you follow local radio KCJJ, and have extra batteries available for radio, flashlights, and other essentials during power outages.
Assistance
Emotional Health Support
- CommUnity, formally the Crisis Center, has support resources by phone (Crisis Call/Text: 1-855-325-4296) and Online Chat.
- Crisis Text Line 24/7: Text "HOME" to 741741 to connect to a counselor for support.
- Iowa Disaster Behavioral Health Response Team provides mental health services across the state after a disaster.
- Iowa Refugee Counseling Center offers virtual counseling sessions for refugees and immigrants.
- Your Life Iowa Statewide Crisis Line is available for those experiencing emotional distress in a crisis and can be reached at 855-581-8111.
Farming and Agriculture Resources
- USDA offers assistance to farmers and ranchers:
Financial or Grant Assistance
- Iowa Individual Disaster Assistance Grant Program (IIAGP) offers grants to families whose household’s annual income is at 200% or less of the federal poverty level. Each qualifying household may receive up to $5,000.00. Apply at the website.
- Applications can be turned in to a local Community Action Agency, go to www.iowacommunityaction.org to find your local agency. For the Iowa Individual Disaster Assistance Grant program information call toll-free 1-877-347-5678.
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans to non-profit organizations and businesses impacted by disasters.
Food Resources
- CommUnity Crisis Center and Food Bank
- Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Inc. (HACAP), the community action agency serving Johnson County, offers mobile food pantries and other nutrition services.
- USDA Tips for Handling Food Following a Disaster
Legal Resources
- Iowa Legal Aid
- Legal Advice Hotline: 1-800-332-0419; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday
Other Emergency Resources
- American Red Cross offers emergency housing or shelter for those in need by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767).
- Iowa Department of Human Services has a variety of disaster relief resources available on their website.
- Iowa Disaster Case Management: This program connects households impacted by severe weather with case managers that assist households with recovery plans post-disaster.
- Johnson County
- Social Security Administration Information Flyers
- State of Iowa Disaster Recovery offers news, funding and community support opportunities, and resources.
- 211 Iowa: Toll-Free is available to connect Iowans with the social services (food, funding, housing, etc.) they need for their particular circumstance. Call 866-469-2211; Alternative: 319-739-4211. | https://www.icgov.org/city-government/departments-and-divisions/public-works/streets/severe-weather-and-recovery |
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‘This is far bigger than our dreams right now. Now more than ever is a time to think bigger than yourself. Protect yourself, your families and your communities’.
Melissa Bishop-Nriagu (Canadian 800 m record holder).
The current coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic presents an extraordinary public health challenge. The WHO defines a pandemic as the global spread of a new disease for which there is little or no pre-existing immunity in the human population. Worldwide, we have seen ambitious public health measures implemented by governments, non-governmental organisations and individuals alike. Yet, there is still more to be done to ‘flatten the curve’ and mitigate the impact of this pandemic.
Sporting ‘mega-events’ are international, out of the ordinary and generally large in composition.1 These include the Olympic Games, which provide mass-spectacle for the public2 while producing significant health and socioeconomic impacts for host nation(s),3 including an increased risk for transmission of infectious diseases.4 Therefore, pandemics like covid-19 bring added urgency to examine the impacts of hosting sporting mega-events.
As sporting mega-events have been cancelled and postponed in response to covid-19, the rhetoric emerging from international sporting organisations, such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has emphasised the importance of protecting athlete health. While this messaging around the decision to postpone Tokyo 2020 aligns with the Olympic Charter, and complements the IOC’s investment in athlete health protection,5 it is necessary to interrogate what the unintended impacts are for athletes and others in relation to the cancellation, postponement or continuation of staging sporting mega-events in the moment, and aftermath, of a communicable pandemic. The current covid-19 crisis spotlights the need to create and codify a rigorous system of checks and balances that ensures greater accountability on the part of mega-event organisers, while ensuring that the athletes’ voice is heard.
Tensions: athlete as commodity versus athlete as community
In observing early decision-making processes during the current pandemic that proposed that mega-sporting events continue as planned, a tension emerged between maintaining ‘athlete as commodity’ within a lucrative commercial industry, while recognising and promoting ‘athlete as community’ in a world that requires social cooperation to mitigate the impact of covid-19. In the case of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, an upsurge in athletes speaking out, such as Melissa Bishop-Nriagu, and action taken by athlete associations and National Olympic Committees, instigated by Canada, clearly prompted the IOC’s decision to postpone.6
Complex social systems: recognising athletes as community
The cancellation or postponement of sporting mega-events comprise a clear effort to safeguard athlete health. Given the current situation, any other course of action would be contrary to public health measures. Yet, the disproportionate focus on the health protection of individual athletes has sidelined a larger and more pressing conversation: that of athletes as being situated in wider communities. In sports injury prevention it has become common to reference biopsychosocial models and complex systems in athlete health protection work, yet the underpinning frame of reference still seems to be on individuals, rather than communities. Given the current moment—a worldwide pandemic—it has never been more important to recognise, hold space for and negotiate the complex social systems of which athletes are a part. This lens is particularly important to consider.
Public health centres on the recognition that individual athletes are situated in—and are integral parts of—wider communities that include other athletes, their multidisciplinary support teams, families and local/national/international societies. Flattening the curve of a pandemic depends on recognising that a single athlete can be a vector for this communicable disease (and preventing that), but also that their role within their own complex social systems matters. Prevention here is bigger than individual athletes alone. Recognising, holding space for and negotiating athletes as community—as human beings who are part of this world rather than simply being commodities—has never been more important.
Returning to sport: ensuring equity
By its very nature, elite sport is not equitable. Every athlete has a career trajectory that requires navigating several barriers to and facilitators of performance, with only one athlete (or team) standing on top of the Olympic podium at the end of each quadrennial cycle. However, in the aftermath of a communicable pandemic, these inequalities will become more apparent and dependent on different public health responses—representative of an international postcode lottery.7 Given that elite athletes will periodise their training programmes towards sporting mega-events, which thus requires access to specialist facilities and multidisciplinary support teams, how can these different approaches be taken into consideration for postponed events? Simply moving the timeline may not be enough. Indeed, a recent editorial advocated that ‘maximal caution’ should be taken in resuming sporting activity.8 These considerations matter, and returning to sport will thus be about more than the resumption of training schedules and a revamped sports calendar.
Reflection: athlete-centred approaches
Sporting mega-events can provide hope and unity. Amid an extraordinary public health challenge, optimism and solidarity matter more than ever. We don’t know what a return to sport will look like after this pandemic; however, we do already know that the community matters more than ever. Athletes are demonstrating that ‘social distancing’ is a misnomer: in their insistence to physically distance, and encourage others to do so, they show remarkable social interconnection. Taking this physically isolating moment to reflect on athletes as whole human beings, situated in communities that they care about, enables us to adopt more of an athlete-centred approach to athlete health protection when we return to sporting mega-events in the future. The fierce urgency of this task has never been clearer.
Footnotes
Twitter @Robert_Mann_, @@BryanCClift, @@JulesBoykoff, @@shereebekker
Contributors RM, SB and BC were responsible for the initial concept. RM wrote the first draft of the manuscript, with SB and BC making initial revisions. All other revisions by RM were circulated and commented on by SB, BC and JB. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent for publication Not required.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; internally peer reviewed. | https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/54/18/1071?ijkey=14724486664a411e7f6e4741cd668a5cf17466cb&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha |
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most costly and second most common hospital-acquired infection (HAI), accounting for over 86% of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). Some 300,000 HAP patients are treated annually in the U.S., at an estimated annual hospital cost of more than $1.5 billion. The current paradigm for preventing VAP has been to implement patient care bundle practices and to use endotracheal tube (ETT) technologies that reduce bacterial access to and colonization on the tube surfaces. However, these strategies do not offer sustained inhibition of bacterial biofilm that is associated with VAP;their limited duration of efficacy hampers their value-particularly for late-onset VAP, which is more often associated with drug-resistant microbial species. Additionally, use of antimicrobial agents leads to resistance patterns that make infections more difficult to treat. By coating the tube surface, the risk of infection is reduced;however, this strategy at best only delays the infection onset. There are currently no definitive methods to prevent late-onset VAP associated with multi-drug-resistant pathogens. Sharklet Technologies therefore proposes to develop a novel ETT design capable of sustained biofilm inhibition that does not rely on traditional antibiotic coatings. Preliminary studies have shown that micro-patterns on polymer surfaces can be designed to inhibit bacterial biofilm-with the Sharklet"""""""" micro-pattern being the most effective. Therefore, the overall goal of this multi-phase SBIR project is to develop, validate, and commercialize the use of the biomimetic Sharklet microscopic pattern to inhibit bacterial biofilm formation on the ETT lumen, cuff, and outer surfaces without the use of antimicrobial agents.
The Specific Aims for Phase I are to 1) optimize performance of the Sharklet micro-pattern, and 2) test the most effective Sharklet micro-patterns for inhibition of biofilm formation with clinical isolates of the most common VAP causative pathogens in a mucin-modified growth media over the course of 14 days. (Previous projects have already proven the feasibility of manufacturing tubes with the Sharklet pattern on the inner or outer surfaces.) A follow-on Phase II project will be designed to develop scaled-up manufacturing methods for ETTs with Sharklet-patterned inner, outer, and cuff surfaces and to further demonstrate efficacy with an in vivo animal model. Additionally, Phase II will offer an opportunity to investigate a possible added benefit of a Sharklet-patterned ETT-reduced occlusion due to enhanced surface energy, which will be studied in an in vitro mucus occlusion model. The Phase I and Phase II SBIR data will be essential in attracting and fully engaging the types of """"""""Phase III"""""""" private-sector investors and/or strategic partners with whom we are already discussing this technology. Phase III commercialization efforts will therefore be focused on establishing partnerships with medical device partners and distributors-particularly those in the ETT markets.
Every patient who receives mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube (ETT) is at risk for developing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)-the second most common hospital-acquired infection, which has a high mortality rate and results in medical costs of some $1.5 billion annually in the U.S. alone. Given that an effective solution to this problem has not been developed, particularly for late-onset VAP, Sharklet Technologies, Inc., proposes to pursue the needed advance in the state-of-the-art by incorporating its Sharklet"""""""" microscopic pattern onto the ETT components to inhibit biofilm formation that leads to bacterial infections and to ultimately reduce the incidence of VAP. This multi-phase SBIR research effort is focused on developing/commercializing a Sharklet-patterned ETT that significantly augments current ETT designs with the goal of increasing patient welfare and safety while greatly reducing medical costs. | https://grantome.com/grant/NIH/R43-HL110444-01 |
I make games.
Spell Sorter: A Wizard's Duty
You control the fate of the world as you sort spells for wizards around the world.
314owen
Simulation
Play in browser
The Last Sorcerer
Take on the role of a great wizard who is the last sorcerer in the world.
314owen
Role Playing
Spell Sorter
A game about being a wizard, whose job is to choose spells to publish. | https://314owen.itch.io/ |
What is memoization?
Yeah, that's right, memo, not memor. I asked my self this when I first saw it. Simply put, memoization can be described as the caching of the results of a sub-step within an algorithm.
That makes it perfect for recursive functions, as they waste plenty of time recomputing everything, so that's what I tried it on, a recursive function.
And what recursive function is better known than a function to calculate the Fibonacci sequence?
I then laughed at the speed differences.
I calculated 1000 iterations of the Fibonacci sequence in 1 second. Without it, it took forever. You can try any number less than 200,000 without choosing to loop, and you'll receive an answer within 10 seconds, guaranteed or I'll refund you.
Try it out yourself!
https://MemoizedFibonacci.studentfires.repl.run
Some links I looked at:
https://dictionary.babylon-software.com/dynamic%20optimization
@finlay44111 Also, as I told Mr. Economical, this doesn't need to be used on recursive functions, it can be used on any function. It's best to be used on functions that are called often and are very expensive to compute or inefficient at computing. | https://repl.it/talk/learn/finlay44111-Also-as-I-told-Mr-Economi/31937/130957 |
It is a documented fact that women have huge experiences as early adopters of many new agricultural techniques and they are usually first responders in time of crises with residual knowledge and skills for entrepreneurship relevant for green energy and decision-makers at the domestic front.
Over the years, women have developed considerable positive and impactful adaptation and mitigation strategies at addressing climate change. They offer valuable insights, experiences and solutions relevant for effective management of climate change-related risks and challenges.
However, a lot of the innovative climate solutions that have been developed by women over time have not been properly explored, harnessed and deployed into bankable projects to mobilize climate finance from multiple sources.
To this end, Centre for 21st Century Issues with support from BOTHENDS is working to change this ugly narrative, to ensure that women not only have access to climate finance but also that climate finance benefit women at the grassroots.
The women-led local climate solutions initiative is therefore aimed at identifying and documenting women experiences as well as resources towards engaging climate change concerns for optimal inclusion into Nigeria’s climate finance strategy.
This call is open to women-led climate solutions start-ups or existing projects or ideas across all states in Nigeria that seek to promote the following objectives:
- Identification and mapping of women-led climate solutions for inclusion in the women climate finance strategy.
- Developing a pool of bankable climate projects to attract climate finance for women-led climate solutions
- Showcasing women-led climate actions for inclusion in Nigeria’s climate finance strategy
- Publication of a robust document of women-led local climate solutions for Nigeria
This call focuses on capturing solutions addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation which aligned with the priority sectors of Nigeria’s National Determined contributions (NDCs) namely:
- Agriculture
- Transport
- Energy
- Waste Management and
- Water and sanitation
Criteria for selection
Project proposal must meet the following criteria:
- The project must be a women-led organization/ideas/initiatives and or startups
- The project objectives should be well articulated and aligns with Nigeria’s NDC and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Women-led climate solutions envisioned or targeted must be locally driven and with prospects for addressing adaptation and or mitigation.
- Project activities must be facilitated by Nigerian and implemented in Nigeria.
- Project deliverables must be specific, impactful and assessable.
- The project should be relevant enough to complement and consolidate efforts by women and men aimed at adapting and mitigating impacts of climate change as well as contributing to reducing gender inequality.
- Anticipated outcomes and outputs of project must demonstrate significant prospects for sustainability.
Framework of implementation
Implementation of this initiative which is expected to reach large audience of women is made up of two components:
- Online call for proposals using different social media platforms to promote the call to communities online and
- Focused Group Discussions conducted at the grassroots to capture solutions from local women with no ready access to social media platforms across the 6 geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
The call process
A flier containing detailed information will be disseminated on social media platforms for three weeks from the date of publication. The selected focal persons across the 6 geopolitical zones are expected to conduct FGDs in their respective communities within the time frame of two-weeks (2 weeks from the date of mobilization).
Each focal person will be required to submit detailed activity reports with pictures and identified local solutions (minimum of 20) within their communities.
This call is open for submissions of project from the date of publication till October 4, 2021. The entire exercise is expected to last a period of one month within which all documents relating to implementation of activities submitted.
The initiative is facilitated by the Centre for 21st Century Issues (C21st) with support from BothEnds, Netherlands. | https://csrreporters.com/call-for-project-proposal-on-women-led-climate-solutions-initiative/ |
The declaration of the need to ‘achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls’ (Sustainable Development Goal No. 5) is no surprise for the hospitality and tourism industry (H&T), which sees tourism and development as inseparable. Much has been done to popularise the status of women as H&T workers and women in the tourism workforce. A joint report by the UNWTO and the ILO reveals that women make up 60-70 per cent of the H&T work force as at 2013, yet are more likely to suffer from inequality of opportunity and treatment. A recent OECD study reports that men are generally more likely to start a social venture than females, but in comparison with traditional, commercial entrepreneurial activity females are relatively more prevalent in social entrepreneurial activity.
There is an ever growing demand for more responsibility in the H&T industry in both the tourist generating and tourist receiving regions, many of which are located in developing countries and rely heavily on tourism for their development. However, there is limited research on the sustainable development impacts on women as entrepreneurs and owner-managers of micro and small tourism firms (STFs). Together with Dr Michael Ngoasong, I recently completed a British Academy / Leverhulme funded research project, which set out to unpack the nature, motivations and extent to which women owner-managers of STFs in H&T use their STFs as platforms for engaging in various forms of social entrepreneurship leading to societal transformation, economic and community development in Cameroon.
Although there is ample evidence of how women workers in tourist-generating and tourist-receiving regions in developing economies contribute to development, there is limited research on their impact as entrepreneurs and owner-managers of micro- and small-tourism firms (STFs). Social entrepreneurship scholars suggest that the role of women-owner managers of STFs should be judged on the social transformation that they seek to make in society and the associated impacts on the specific communities they serve. Consequently, through analysis of survey questionnaires, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with representative stakeholders drawn from across the H&T industry our research provides evidence of how women integrate social transformational and commercial goals in their business strategies and the actions they undertake to identify and served defined communities around H&T. As the research argues, it is by examining the operationalization of these goals and community needs that the wider development impacts of women owner-managers of STFs can be understood and this in turn provides opportunities for promoting and encouraging women social entrepreneurship in developing countries.
Recently, we hosted an exciting practitioner workshop in Cameroon to share the findings from the research with participants, as direct beneficiaries of the research. The workshop was also attended by public authorities and NGOs dealing with issues of equality, gender empowerment, small enterprise development and equality. The participants committed to sharing contacts and to supporting each other through a dedicated WhatsApp group – a remarkable achievement particularly when so few of the women had any previous experience of professional networking through social media. We also hosted an academic workshop at Surrey University, attended by academics and NGOs involved in gender and equality issues within the H&T industry.
These workshops served as a platform for the creation of an education and knowledge exchange forum/network between the attendees and the researchers which it was planned would eventually grow to include women social entrepreneurs from other sectors. If you would like to hear more about any aspect of the research project please contact me ([email protected]).
Albert Kimbu is Lecturer in Hospitality and Tourism Management University of Surrey. This project was funded by the British Academy, under the small research grants program. | https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/blog/women-vectors-social-entrepreneurship-hospitality-and-tourism/ |
In one sense, an oxidizing agent is a chemical species that undergoes a chemical reaction that removes one or more electrons from another atom.
It can be explained in simple terms: Oxidation describes the loss of electrons by a molecule, atom or ion, reduction describes the gain of electrons by a molecule, atom or ion.
Oxidation is a gain of oxygen.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, jump to: navigation, search, a redox titration is a type of titration based on a redox reaction between the analyte and titrant.From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, jump to: navigation, search, iron oxidized, forming rust.Sometimes other halogens (or haloalkanes) than iodine are used in the intermediate reactions because they are available in better measurable standard solutions and/or react more readily with the solute.Iodine (I2) can be reduced to iodide (I).g.In oxidation reduction reaction the anion gives an electron to the cation, so both the ions will have a different charges to attract each other.These are known as disproportionation reactions, with the following general equation: 2A rightarrow An A-n Where n is the number of electrons transferred.Examples of organic reactions that can take place in an electrochemical cell are the Kolbe electrolysis.The California State University Affordable Learning Solutions and Merlot are the project's primary partners.The gain of hydrogen atoms and the loss of oxygen atoms is known as reduction.Retrieved from " p?titleRedox oldid6018396 ".
According to Rule #6, the oxidation state of oxygen is usually -2.3 By this definition some materials that are classified as oxidising agents by analytical chemists are not classified as oxidising agents in a dangerous materials sense.Thiosulfate (S2O32 and when all iodine is spent the blue colour disappears.1, the loss of hydrogen atoms and the gain of oxygen atoms is known as oxidation.Therefore, the oxidation state of H in HO must.A reduction-reaction always comes together with an oxidation-reaction.Contents Organic oxidations edit Main article: Catalytic oxidation Most code promo fnac iphone oxidations are conducted with air or oxygen.Hydrogen generally has an oxidation state of 1 in compounds.That means the half-reactions for this redox reaction are actually: 2 Fe 2 2 Fe 3 2 e H 2 O 2 2 e 2 OH 2 Fe 2 H 2 O 2 2 OH 2 Fe 3 displaystyle beginaligned2hboxFe2 to 2hboxOH-hline 2hboxFe2hboxH_2hboxO_2 to 2hboxOH-2hboxFe3endaligned.The reducing reagent gives an electron to have a net negative charge. | http://eyeblogproject.eu/oxidation-reduction-reactions-wikipedia.html |
It’s All About the Rabbit’s Foot: Watching Mission: Impossible in Reverse
Consider the world of the Impossible Missions Force (IMF)—tracing its history in reverse order. Imagine that Rogue Nation is (for now) the beginning of Ethan Hunt’s career and he is eventually replaced by Jim Phelps.
Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise):
Agent Hunt’s physical talents and capacity for tolerating what almost anyone else might consider punishing abuse certainly qualify him for taking on many of the impossible missions assigned to him. It is undeniable that Ethan is able to accomplish things “no human could possibly do,” but he exhibits some significant disadvantages that set a countdown on his time with the IMF.
Firstly, while no one would question his skill as a tactician, Hunt is not an adept strategist, nor is detective work a strong suit. Luck and, at times, absurd daring amount to a rather large x-factor during any missions he may choose to accept.
It is worth noting that the so-called “Ghost Protocol” is always in effect throughout the IMF scenarios, whether viewed in chronological order or in reverse.
“As always, should you or any of your IM force be caught or killed, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions. Good luck.”
Ethan Hunt accepts this, but not he is not as resigned to it as Jim Phelps. In Hunt’s perfect world, although he enjoys the latitude of assembling his own team and engaging in tremendous gambles, would probably prefer more official support.
There is also the matter of Ethan’s desire to live a normal life. His marriage to Julia Meade distracts him from his missions and represents a significant threat to Julia and many civilians.
The loose network of single agents and their temporary recruits has devolved to a liability. A more cohesive group is required, and although Ethan Hunt may be capable of accomplishing physical feats that others would find impossible—or inconceivable—he has difficulty keeping his personal life separate from his comportment as an agent.
In addition, the real conflict in Hunt’s last two missions stems from the leadership of the IMF itself. First with Commander Swanbeck, and then Director Kittridge—the “higher ups” are vague and adversarial. Eventually he “goes on vacation,” permanently extending it into retirement.
James Phelps (Peter Graves):
And then there’s Jim Phelps. At the end of the 1996 film (I’d warn of a spoiler, but come on—it was 1996 and you’re reading an article about MI), he dies. We have to overlook that here. Rather than losing his life, let’s say he’s lost his way.
Outside the often cutthroat world of the IMF, Jim Phelps’s actions would be entirely unforgivable. There’s more than a hint of Machiavellianism in the agency responsible for the Missions: Impossible. In our reverse order, and particularly in the IMF reality, his ambiguous morality and skill at deception are significant assets.
While Phelps is married to Claire, this may be a deception as part of a cover story. Jim Phelps does have potentially compromising relationships, but this may be part of his missions. The IMF tactics during his tenure are about exploitation of weakness—regardless of what that may entail.
His service during this period also serves as redemption. (Peter Graves, who portrayed Mr. Phelps in the original series, declined the opportunity to reprise the role in the 1996 film. He disliked the premise of his character being revealed as a traitor. This retrospeculation is offered, in part, in his memory and in support of his objection.)
It is in the 4th film—or second in this structure—that our first hint at the Rabbit’s Foot appears. This is never resolved, even though it is presumably an important part of the 3rd film. The Rabbit’s Foot comes into play, albeit indirectly, on Phelps’s watch. He employs the tactics of psychological warfare, which we saw in his “first” outing—Hunt’s “last”.
The Rabbit’s Foot is now the metaphoric basis for the approach to missions in general: psychological warfare and pitting each opponent against their greatest mental foibles and superstitions, turning their own minds against them.
Rather than accomplishing the physically impossible, the definition of impossible is broadened and used as the central strategy. Forcing opponents to accept new realities or imposing situations from which it is literally impossible to recover is part of Phelps’s new approach. The IMF seeks to cause their foes and/or any associates to doubt their sanity or competency.
Where Hunt took the fight to his opponents as directly and quickly as he was able, Phelps is indirect and much less obvious. Infiltration becomes a hallmark of the IMF in this era.
Hunt relied mainly on endurance; outlasting the enemy made his approach somewhat comparable to a schoolyard hand-slap game—the bruises and collateral damage were obvious and often severe. With Phelps, the game is truly one of chess. His is a more subtle IMF, with an immeasurable improvement in plausible deniability.
Daniel Briggs (Steven Hill):
Why Phelps left the IMF (if that’s really what happened) is not revealed. His replacement, Dan Briggs, is a calculating coordinator by comparison. Though a capable operative, this new agent leaves himself out of the field about 25% of the time. Perhaps, this is a personal choice following Swanbeck and Kittridge, or the IMF itself has addressed the problems they represent. In essence, Briggs replaces the Director when able.
Briggs is an enigma and a contradiction. He’s more willing to kill in the line of duty than either Hunt or Phelps—including innocents. In contrast, he’s very much an avuncular figure to the members of his team.
The successes of Phelps’s missions require no change in tactics or strategy. Enemies are still confronted with no-win situations and ultimatums of circumstance. Agent Briggs does not rely on paranormal hoaxes or simulation of MKUltra mental abilities as Phelps did. But the superstitions and ideologies of enemies remain the fulcrum used for leverage.
After a year of genius, however, Dan Briggs leaves active service with the IMF and joins the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Corps.
The first self-destructing tape in the original series ends with, “I hope it's 'welcome back,' Dan. It's been a while.”
We may never know who replaced Agent Briggs in reverse-order Impossible.
“Your mission, should you choose to accept it…”
Thom Truelove is the co-founder of Psych Wing (a group developing short films set primarily in the sci fi genre) and a collaborating partner on future sci fi/fantasy novels with gothic Victorian fantasy author Leanna Renee Hieber (Tor Books).
As an essayist, his work has been picked up by such anthologies as the forthcoming “The Book of Starry Wisdom: Apocrypha of Lovecraft's Cthulhu” (edited and produced by Simon Berman). You are invited to visit Thom's blog, “Surfing the Zeitgeist” at thomtruelove.com.
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This article originally appeared on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/partner-employment-military-civilian-transition-amanda-mccue-cf/
Employment is a key feature of military transition programs. Here in Australia we have job search preparation workshops, coaching, supportive employer programs and even an employment awards program at the highest level of government. There is broad understanding that employment is an essential part of veteran wellbeing. According to the Psychology of Working Theory decent work fulfills the human need for survival and power, social connection and self-determination. It’s not just being employed that is good for you but the quality of the work matters.
What continues to surprise me is that despite the fact that many ADF members transition out of the ADF with a family, and that families are becoming a bigger focus of transition efforts, that we don’t seem to make the connection between ADF partner employment and transition.
In 2018 I made a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Transition from the ADF on the importance of partner employment to successful transition from the ADF. My recommendations were that we increase efforts to focus on the whole ADF family and engage families in transition preparation as early as possible and maintain engagement; and to increase employment and career support for civilian spouses of ADF personnel. More effort should be directed toward creating and sustaining healthy families throughout their ADF life, thus preparing them for transition. This includes the employment of both ADF member/veteran, and their partner.
Consider two families. In Family A the ADF member is the primary breadwinner and the family is almost entirely reliant on the ADF salary. The civilian partner works, but their career pattern has been marked by periods in and out of employment due to Defence relocations and heavy caregiving responsibilities (including during members work-related absences). The family has little in the way of savings because they have been for the most part a single-income family. Depending on career priorities and preferences the civilian partner may be suffering from known ill-effects of unemployment and underemployment. The civilian partner may be excited about the opportunities that transition (and associated geographical stability) may have for their own career options. However, years of working outside their preferred career field and multiple gaps in employment continue to present some systemic barriers to meaningful, gainful employment. Being the primary breadwinner is placing additional stress on the transitioning member at a time when they may already be experiencing heightened emotions and anxiety at the prospect of leaving the ADF. From a financial standpoint they are considering what they need in salary to continue to survive, especially in light of the benefits they will lose including member healthcare and subsidised housing. If the member is transitioning on medical grounds they may have diminished earning capacity which adds to the financial and emotional stress. The priority for the family is to get the transitioning ADF member a job – any job – to pay the bills. Considerations such as whether this job will fulfill the member and families other needs (including personal fulfillment) are secondary, as is consideration of whether this path will support the veteran’s longer term employability and wellbeing.
Now consider Family B. The ADF member and the partner have both been employed in jobs that provide good income, accommodate paid and non-paid work life roles, and provide a good quality of life. Whether by choice or not when the time comes for the ADF member to transition from the ADF the family is in a good financial and emotional position. They have enough income, and enough savings, to tide them over while the ADF member finds decent work (or a path toward it) that will fulfill their requirement for survival, social connection, and self-determination; and thus a successful post-ADF life. The ADF member/veteran has the time and space to consider career options and to find work that aligns with their strengths, skills, experience, interests and values (which we know is important to career satisfaction). The civilian partner is able to share their knowledge of the civilian world of work and help the ADF member/veteran build their civilian workplace cultural and social capital by sharing this knowledge and making connections within their own professional network, whilst maintaining their own employment.
I am quite certain that the transition experience of Family B will be far superior to that of Family A. And that Veteran B will have longer term employment success. And that the health and wellbeing of Veteran B will be far superior than that of Veteran A. Which begs the question why, when there is an emphasis on veteran employment, health and wellbeing are we not addressing it more holistically? We’ve made great strides in recent years in treating the transition from the ADF as a process rather than an event. However, all we’ve really done is stretch it out a couple of years rather than viewing it as a process that begins at the time the member joins. As a result we are missing the opportunities that the years in between recruitment and discharge offer for preparing members and families for life after the ADF. This includes providing an environment where ADF partner careers (and dual income ADF families) can thrive, and where ADF members gain valuable career development life skills as a matter of course rather than a crash course when leaving the ADF is imminent.
The 2017 Forces in Mind Trust transition mapping study reports that “the leavers who had ended up with the most choice about their post-Service life had working spouses who were willing to give them time to identify what they wanted to do post-transition“. It also reports that “The vast majority of leavers are of working age. Some are in the fortunate position of not needing to work (because they have a tax-free lump sum and a pension, and working spouses/partners), but most have no choice but to enter the job market, and for a significant number of these leavers the initial employment prospects are uncertain. The route to the right kind of work is often uneven“.
Researcher in the US this year found that longer period of unemployment insurance increased the quality of employer-employee matches, decreased mismatches between the educational attainments of workers, and the educational requirements of the job, and resulted in higher earnings.
So in news that won’t shock anyone interested in career development – people who have more time to consider their options as a result of decreased financial pressure to meet their basic needs find better jobs and have more satisfying and rewarding employment.
You can read detailed accounts of my recommendations in my Churchill Fellowship Report on partner employment, my submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Transition, and on my website. But briefly:
- Bring partner employment support out from underneath mobility in Defence Family Support Policy. It’s far more than a mobility issue.
- Address the systemic employment barriers ADF partners face such as heavy unpaid domestic and caring work, geographical instability and employer bias. Individual support is great, but we have to fix the system, not just the individual.
- Provide ADF members with career development support as part of their career progression. Don’t lump it under “transition” support – it’s much more than that. Career development skills are important professional and life skills that everyone needs to learn and develop over their lifetime from a young age. Providing them under the transition umbrella diminishes them and sends the wrong message to members.
- Improve the work life balance of ADF members with greater flexibility. This not only supports partner employment (by reducing partner unpaid work loads) it will have benefits for ADF members as well in terms of health and wellbeing, social connections, and building social capital. I ask all my clients what community engagement activities they take part in and I’ve lost count of the amount of Other Ranks Army members who’ve told me they don’t have time. Work is an important part of life but it shouldn’t be everything. And if it is, you can imagine the challenges that arise when that work ends.
Notes:
- Unpaid work including caregiving work is work. It is absolutely a viable and valuable career option. But it remains undervalued in society and as a result we cannot ignore the impact that engaging in domestic and caring work has on individual and family wealth and financial security.
- Partner employment is an issue of concern in and of itself for the same reasons it is important to support the employment of veterans – a moral obligation to offset the negative impact of military life, and the importance of good work to health and wellbeing. But as I’ve outlined here it is also a facilitator of veteran employment. That doesn’t meet we should promote the narrative of partners as props and supports but it does argue for taking a holistic, systems approach to member/veteran and family wellbeing.
Further Reading: | https://careerswag.com/2021/03/09/partner-employment-and-military-to-civilian-transition/ |
WASHINGTON, DC – Global Financial Integrity (GFI) applauds the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations’ exploration into the role of offshore banks in U.S. tax evasion. The Subcommittee will be holding a hearing on “Tax Haven Banks and U.S. Tax Compliance,” Thursday, July 17th to investigate if and how financial institutions located in offshore jurisdictions, including Liechtenstein and Switzerland, facilitate illicit financial practices such as tax evasion.
“Tax evasion deprives the U.S. of tens of millions of dollars in uncollected revenue every year,” said GFI director Raymond Baker. “Money that is needed to pay for things like healthcare, education, and infrastructure is flowing abroad to offshore secrecy jurisdictions. It is time to tackle this illegal and detrimental practice.”
The hearing will also examine how US domestic and international tax enforcement efforts could be strengthened.
“The robust interest and support for anti-tax evasion legislation is part of a coming sea change in how the world deals with illicit financial flows,” said Baker. “Moving money surreptitiously across borders and into secret bank accounts fosters all kinds of illegal and dangerous activities. Curtailing tax evasion has the potential to recover huge sums of national revenue while hindering illicit commerce around the world.”
Thursday’s hearing comes at a time when both the U.S. and Europe are ratcheting-up pressure on secrecy jurisdictions like Switzerland and Liechtenstein to increase transparency and cooperate with enforcement officials to curtail illicit financial practices such as tax evasion and money laundering.
Anti-Illicit Financial Practice Legislation to Watch:
- S. 681, the Stop Tax Haven Abuse Act, would establish legal presumptions against the validity of transactions involving offshore secrecy jurisdictions, including foreign tax havens identified in the act, and by the Treasury Department. The bill would also allow U.S. tax and securities law enforcement to presume that non-publicly traded offshore corporations and trusts are controlled by the U.S. taxpayers who formed them or sent them assets, unless the taxpayer proves otherwise.
- S. 2956, the Incorporation Transparency and Law Enforcement Assistance Act would require all U.S. companies to provide state authorities with the names of the entity’s beneficial owners in order to assist law enforcement efforts to track sources of illicit cash.
- S. 396, introduced by Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., would prevent American companies from deferring the imposition of a second layer of tax on their foreign-source income if they operate in selected low-tax nations. It would amend the Internal Revenue Code to treat certain controlled foreign corporations created or organized under the laws of a tax-haven country as domestic corporations for tax purposes.
“Thursday’s hearing builds upon the momentum established with the Subcommittee’s report released in 2006 “Tax Haven Abuses: The Enablers, Tools, and Secrecy,” said Baker. “With Europe doing a full court press against banking secrecy and U.S. Presidential candidate Barack Obama stating his intent to close corporate tax loopholes and end tax haven abuse, the time for legislative action on the issue of tax haven abuse and tax evasion is now.”
“We are at a critical juncture with illicit financial practices,” said Baker. “For the first time in memory this is emerging as a global political issue. With billions of dollars and the integrity of the international financial system hanging in the balance, we cannot afford failure in combating this problem.”
Footnotes:
- Witnesses expected to testify include:
Panel 1
THE HONORABLE DOUGLAS H. SHULMAN , Commissioner , Internal Revenue Service , Washington, D.C.
THE HONORABLE KEVIN O’CONNOR , Associate Attorney General , U. S. Department of Justice , Washington, D.C. | https://gfintegrity.org/press-release/tax-havens-evasion-target-senate-hearings-investigation/ |
Kufri, famous for its trekking and hiking trails, is a tiny picturesque hill station located near Shimla and was once a part of the Kingdom of Nepal. The place is famous for winter sports and also known for exquisite nature parks and picnic spots. It also has a Potato Research Station. Due to its proximity to the hill station of Shimla makes it an important place to visit. The tourists can see the majestic panoramic views of the verdant valley and the snow clad foothills of Himalayas. A horseback ride to explore the awesome hilly regions will be an experience in Kufri. Hiking and trekking through lusting green dense forests surrounding Kufri are really challenging.
The region around Shimla including Kufri was once a part of the Kingdom of Nepal. This region remained obscure from the rest of the world until the British 'discovered' it in 1819. The British made Shimla their summer capital in 1864 and it remained so until 1939. As Shimla gained importance, Kufri also began to be recognized as an important place to visit near Shimla.
Air: The nearest airport to Kufri is Jubbarbhatti Airport at Shimla at a distance of about 19 km. Regular flight is available from this airport to Delhi. Taxi services are available at the airport and taxi charge from airport to Kufri is about Rs. 300. International travelers can avail connecting flights at Delhi.
Rail: The nearest railhead is at Shimla in narrow gauge rail route and Broad Gauge railway station is at Kalka.
Road: Kufri is linked with Shimla, Narkanda, and Rampur by road. Travelers can Also Hire Taxis from Shimla to reach Kufri.
Sports Festival
It is a unique and exciting festival celebrated in the month of February. It is organized by the Himachal Tourism where many courses for beginners are organised. However, the skiing competition is the main highlight of the festival. Highly skilled skiers flock to this place to participate in the event.
Horse and Yak Safari
Tourist can explore the natural beauty of Kufri on a horse or Yak safari. It is truly an interesting and adventurous way to explore any place.
Skiing: Skiing in Kufri is a highly entertaining adventurous sports tempting the adventurous tourists to participate. In winter, thousands of travelers flock to Kufri to engage in Skiing in the snow capped slopes of mountainous regions of Kufri. Skiers from all over the world visit this place.
A winter sports festival is held every year in Kufri in the month of February. Adventurous tourists, specifically skiing enthusiasts participate in this festival. All facilities for undertaking skiing are available in Kufri. Tourists can get basic training for Skiing from various providers in Kufri. | https://www.indiaunveiled.in/location/kufri |
I saw something yesterday I had never seen before. I saw a huge black raven chasing and attacking a grey squirrel. It would try to seize the squirrel in its talons and lift it off the ground as it swooped by. A couple of times, it barely caught the squirrel, and lifted it up for a … Continue reading Squirrel vs Raven
Category: War!
Warriors!
Most people envision the idea of a warrior as someone who trains and engages in physical combat. Even the word warrior invokes images of physical combat. Yet, being a warrior for Jesus is not about the physical aspects of warfare even though at times it might feel like you have been in a physical battle. … Continue reading Warriors!
Marching Orders
"To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.” ~ General George Washington Matthew 10:7-8 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. This verse of … Continue reading Marching Orders
Marring the Temple of God
Marring the Temple of God. So, many will not receive this revelation, but the Lord is not the author of confusion. He is the author of life! This is not given in a spirit of meanness or I told you so, or anything malicious in any way. It's just a revelation from God about tattoos … Continue reading Marring the Temple of God
Press Release
Tucson, Arizona, April 6, 2012 The Warrior Anointing, destiny awaits, Volume 1 - Awakening Laymen has just been published on CreateSpace.com and is available for immediate purchase at https://www.createspace.com/3750493 How does one become a Spiritual Warrior for the Lord Jesus Christ? What is a spiritual warrior anyway? If you are tired of always being on … Continue reading Press Release
Arise Men of Valor!
In the Spirit, there is a battle that continually rages over each one of us. Forces of good and evil collide with great fury and contend for the souls of men. This is the battle of the ages! We are not called to be bystanders in this raging battle, but we are called to pick … Continue reading Arise Men of Valor! | https://thewarrioranointing.com/category/war/page/2/ |
Labour Ministry on August 26 launched the National Database for Unorganised Workers or the E-Shram portal.
It is a platform for registering an estimated 38 crore informal and unorganised workers including construction workers, gig and platform workers, street vendors, domestic, agriculture and migrant workers, and other similar sub-groups of unorganised workers.
"For the first time in the History of India, a system is being made to register 38 crore Unorganised Workers. It will not only register them but would also be helpful in delivering of various social security schemes being implemented by the central and state governments," Labour Minister Bhupendra Yadav said.
All informal workers will be allotted an E- Shram card containing a 12-digit UAN for availing the benefits of various social security schemes announced by the government. The 12-digit UAN will be valid throughout the country.
An estimated four lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs) across the country will facilitate in the registration of unorganised workers.
The database will serve as a reference point for the authorities to track and reach out to workers in the informal sector and offer them relief in times of crisis.
It will help in better monitoring and supervision of government policies and ensure that benefits reach the targeted group of unorganised workers at the grassroots level.
Every unorganised worker registering on the portal will get an accident cover of Rs 2 lakh in case of death or permanent disability and Rs 1 lakh in case of partial disability.
The finance ministry approved the creation of the database in November 2020. The task of creating the database was entrusted upon labour and employment ministry, which in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre to developed the portal.
The National Database for Unorganised Workers has been launched more than a year after unorganised and migrant workers returned to their villages following the nationwide lockdown imposed on March 25 to contain the spread of Covid-19.The pandemic exposed and intensified the vulnerabilities of migrant workers who take up low-paid and low-skilled, temporary jobs and have limited access to social protection, making them prone to layoffs. With a database of informal workers in place, they are expected to benefit from several welfare schemes. | https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/labour-ministry-launches-national-database-for-unorganised-workers-7394711.html |
American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire Political Director Jeanne Hruska speaks in opposition to a proposed constitutional amendment to ban flag-burning in New Hampshire, Jan 16, 2020.
CONCORD — New Hampshire senators are weighing whether the burning of the American flag should be made illegal and whether that ban should be enshrined in the state Constitution.
On Thursday, a panel of senators on the Senate Election Law Committee heard testimony on a constitutional amendment that would explicitly prohibit the activity. It was a proposal that proved divisive, drawing clashing appeals based on patriotism and freedom of speech.
The amendment would add a new clause to Part I of the state’s founding document: “No person shall burn an American flag except as a respectful means of disposing of a worn or damaged flag.”
The committee rose as one to say the Pledge of Allegiance. Then, passions in the hearing room flared.
Supporters said the amendment would protect a sacred piece of American life.
“The unity that that flag brings to us is very symbolic and is very meaningful to every single American,” said Sen. Harold French, R-Franklin, the lead sponsor for the bill.
But a representative from the American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire said the proposed ban flew in the face of the values the flag represents, and warned that it wouldn’t hold up in court.
In 1989, the U.S. Supreme Court held in Texas v. Johnson that a Texas anti-flag burning law was illegal. The law had been used to sentence a protester to a year in jail after he burned an American flag in front of the Dallas City Hall.
But in a close, 5-4 decision, the high court determined that the protester’s actions fell under protected speech under the First Amendment.
“If it were to pass in the ballot box in November, it would exist on the books for exactly as long as it would take someone to file a lawsuit,” said Jeanne Hruska, the New Hampshire ACLU’s political director.
Advocates of the New Hampshire ban said they were aware of that landmark case. But they said their proposal was submitted as a state constitutional amendment and not a regular bill in order to skirt the Supreme Court decision and gird it against any conflicts with the U.S. Constitution.
For French, the decision to sponsor the bill represents a personal transformation.
French originally agreed with the Supreme Court decision. “People did have the right to express themselves,” he said.
But as the years passed, his thinking shifted. “I realized that’s not just a flag,” he said. “That’s a symbol of unity. Something we too often lack in this country.”
And he said that the voters of the state should get the chance to decide.
“There are other instances where we prohibit things that could be considered freedom of speech,” he added.
Sen. Regina Birdsell, a co-sponsor of the bill, said her belief in prohibiting the activity was rooted in her respect for the military.
“We’ve had numerous people come serve under our flag in this state,” she said. “We’ve had numerous people come home under the flag. And it’s for these veterans or these military that died under the flag. It’s a desecration to them that they’re allowed to burn the flag.”
But Hruska argued the proposal flouted the essence of the First Amendment and the flag: that America stands to protect all speech.
“The First Amendment exists specifically to prevent those in power from prohibiting speech with which they disagree,” she said. “I think burning the flag could be hurtful. it could be outrageous. It could be all of those things. But if you feel that way, advocate against it. Use the First Amendment. Our country has said forever that the way you counter bad speech is not with silence, it’s with more speech.”
Hruska said that passing a state constitutional amendment, if upheld by the courts, could be the first crack in the protection of unsavory speech, leading to potential bans on the desecration of state flags and religious texts like the Bible.
Flag burning has been a focal point of the national First Amendment debate since the Vietnam War, when flags were burned in the U.S. in protest of the military conflict.
On that point, one member of the public invoked personal experience.
“I lived through that volatile and confusing time of the Vietnam War, when most of the flag burnings occur,” said Nancy Brennan, of Weare. Her husband, she noted, served in the war.
At that time, the act of flag burning represented a feeling of misrepresentation and marginalization, she said.
“I did not participate in any flag burnings during the time of the Vietnam War,” she said. “But you know, I understand why some people did.”
She added: “We aren’t all ever going to agree, certainly,” she said. “But my pride in this country has to do with what I know it can be, and my right to speak up to those things, by coming here, by standing on the corner with a protest sign, and yes, by burning the flag if I see fit, are all protected under the First Amendment.”
The New Hampshire’s constitution has been periodically amended in recent decades – most recently in 2018, when voters opted to establish a right to privacy in New Hampshire’s governing document.
But the threshold to do it is high, requiring a three-fifths vote in the Senate and the House before it can be put to voters through a referendum on Election Day.
The proposed flag-burning amendment is largely partisan – six Republican Senators have signed on and one representative, including Sens. Regina Birdsell, Jeb Bradley, Harold French, Bob Giuda, Chuck Morse, and John Reagan, and Rep. Al Baldasaro.
But one Democrat, Sen. Jon Morgan, of Brentwood, has also signed on.
“I will go to extraordinary lengths to protect the freedom of speech of groups that I vehemently disagree with,” he said in an interview. “In this one particular case, in these incredibly divisive times especially, I feel as though one of the very few things that holds us all together right now is the fact that we’re all Americans. That flag is the symbol of that.”
CONCORD — Concord Coach Lines will no longer allow federal immigration agents to conduct warrantless searches of its buses, the company announced...
LEBANON — Twin State health officials are reporting an uptick in flu cases this season.At Dartmouth-Hitchcock, the number of cases is “certainly...
MONTPELIER — The Vermont House voted overwhelmingly on Thursday against allowing police officers to conduct warrantless roadside saliva tests on...
HANOVER — A few years back, Matthew Delmont felt his teaching about African American history had gotten a little stale, so he starting casting... | https://www.vnews.com/New-Hampshire-constitutional-amendment-anti-flag-burning-32055268 |
Can an electrical breaker panel be inserted on an exterior wall, inside the house, or is it required that it is on an interior wall, inside the house?
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2In the US, breaker panels are most commonly located on an exterior wall, often closest to the access point of the power line feeding the property. – bib Nov 22 '15 at 3:29
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1FWIW, I've lived in three homes in Southern California built in the 1950s, and all of them had the service panel inside the house. On one home we upgraded the service panel and did some other electrical work and they put it on the outside of house (same spot, but on the exterior part of the wall). Also, it's not uncommon for condos to have the service panel inside the unit, for obvious reasons. – Scott Mitchell Nov 22 '15 at 4:37
They are almost always on an exterior wall. In some areas they are on the outside of the exterior wall - outside your house. Most inspectors would tell you that a garage (interior or exterior wall) or in the basement exterior (right where the line comes in) are the two best locations.
If you are having questions on where your panel should be your local city building inspector will surely give you a couple minutes.
The National Electric Code only requires the fist disconnecting means to be either on the outside of the building or within the closeset point of entrance. In Chattanooga our inspectors have adopted the requirement that the service disconnecting means that is inside that it cannot be over 5ft from the entrance of said cable or wires. If your service entrance wires are buried and come in the building in the middle of of the structure it shall be no further than 5ft to disconnecting means.
Here in Canada (Ontario and Manitoba) I have never seen a service panel mounted on the outside of a house. I would think this is self-evidently undesirable, as any random person walking by outside could wreak havoc, from merely switching off some circuits to stealing breakers or even opening the panel and disturbing the wiring. Also, needing to go outside in -40˚C weather to diagnose a tripped breaker is no picnic.
It is, however, common, to have the meter base on the outside of the house, feeding a service panel on the inside of the house. The service panel must be close to the meter base in many municipalities, although some allow longer runs of suitably-sized conduit to carry load-side service conductors from the meter base to a service panel inside the house, which is done if the meter base is located on the outside wall of a garage, for example. | https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/78464/can-an-electrical-breaker-panel-be-mounted-on-an-exterior-wall |
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A pediatrician assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort examines a young boy (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Morgan K. Nall)
Many things we need can wait. The child cannot. Now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made, his mind is being developed. To him we cannot say tomorrow, his name is today.-Gabriela Mistral
Children make up one in four people in the United States. There is increasing recognition in policy, research, and clinical practice communities that early and middle childhood provide the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional foundation for lifelong health, learning, and well-being. Early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence represent the 3 stages of child development. Each stage is organized around the primary tasks of development for that period.
Healthy People 2010 addressed the earliest stages of childhood through goals for Maternal, Infant, and Child Health, but the early and middle childhood stages of development were not highlighted in this initiative. To address this gap, the Early and Middle Childhood topic area was included in Healthy People 2020. Evidence shows that experiences in early and middle childhood are extremely important for a child’s healthy development and lifelong learning. How a child develops during this time affects future cognitive, social, emotional, language, and physical development, which in turn influences school readiness and later success in life. Research on a number of adult health and medical conditions points to pre-disease pathways that have their beginnings in early and middle During early childhood, the human brain grows to 90 percent of its adult size by age. Early childhood represents the period when young children reach developmental milestones that include:
All of these milestones can be significantly delayed when young children experience inadequate caregiving, environmental stressors, and other negative risk factors. These stressors and factors can affect the brain and may seriously compromise a child’s physical, social-emotional, and cognitive growth and development.
More than any other developmental periods, early and middle childhood sets the stage for:
While typically nonfatal, these conditions affect children, their education, their relationships with others, and the health and well-being of the adolescents and adults they will become.The keys to understanding early and middle childhood health are recognizing the important roles these periods play in adult health and well-being and focusing on conditions and illnesses that can seriously limit children’s abilities to learn, grow, play, and become healthy adults.
Prevention efforts in early and middle childhood can have lasting benefits. Emerging issues in early and middle childhood include implementing and evaluating multidisciplinary public health interventions that address social determinants of health by:
Module 1 consists of chapters 1-4 that deal with common communicable diseases, chronic diseases and conditions in children, children’s growth and development , and children’s mental health
Source: Reproduced from Healthy People 2020.
HLT 111 - Health and the Young Child, created by Asrat G. Amnie, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. | https://guides.hostos.cuny.edu/hlt111/module1 |
Purpose: to assess the following Learning Outcomes:
a. Explain key management theories that inform contemporary practices
b. Examine contemporary issues faced by managers in different levels of an organization
c. Research, summarize and critically analyse the major elements of organizational culture and discuss how these impact on business management and justify recommendations based on new knowledge of management theories
d. Identify and how the global economy creates opportunities and threats for managers working in multinational, domestic, global and transnational organization.
e. Work effectively and collaboratively with others in diverse management contexts
Students will also be assessed on their ability to work in a team.
Your task: Students are to form groups of two members. Each group must do a case study on Zappos as mentioned in the detailed description. Each group must identify the general management issues covered by the assigned case study, research management theories (especially those contained in the textbook), expert opinions and current management practice regarding the identified issues, and prepare for the presentation. Students must ensure that they apply the relevant management theories covered in this unit when analyzing and recommending actions in their report.
Report structure:
• • Title page: name of the case, members of the group, date of submission
• • Executive Summary: key findings of the group
• • Table of Contents: with section numbers and headings
• • Introduction: Summarize the case and point out the important case facts
• • Key Management Challenge: identify the symptoms and problems
• • Case Analysis: identify and apply relevant management theories and address root causes of identified issues
• • Recommendations
• • Full ‘in-text’ referencing: citing at least four academic sources
• • Reference list: using the A.P.A. referencing style
Do not focus on a problem that has already been solved also do not focus on many problems at the same time.
Assessment Details and Submission Guidelines
MGT101 – Fundamentals of Management
School
Business
Course Name
Bachelor of Business
Unit Code
MGT101
Unit Title
Fundamentals of Management
Trimester
Trimester 1, 2019
Assessment Author
Ms. Tanmaya
Assessment Type
Group
Assessment Title
Report
Weight
25%
Total Marks
25
Section to be included in the report
Detailed Description of the Criteria
Marks
Criteria 1
Executive Summary
10
Criteria 2
Introduction: A brief outline of the background to Zappos and Holacracy structure.
10
Criteria 3
Provide discussions on how it has worked for the organization or not working for the organization. Give proper reasons and support your theories using the textbook
35
Criteria 4
Provide recommendations for the future directions/opportunities/options for the other companies (The company can be Facebook as they tried to introduce the Holacracy in their company but failed)
Conclusion
20
Criteria 5
Provide at least 10 academic sources of information, and five non-peer review articles
Your case study analysis must be fully referenced using the APA style of referencing.
15
Criteria 6
Meetings and journal documentations and contribution provided in appendix OR Matrix Schedule of Group Members work at meetings and documented discussions of cooperation.
10
Total
100
Marking Rubric Criteria/ Grades
High Distinction (HD) [Excellent]
= or >80%
Distinction (D) [Very Good]
70%-79%
Credits
(C) [Good]
60%-69%
Pass (P) [Satisfactory]
50%-59%
Fail (N) [Unsatisfactory]
<50%
Criteria 1
Concise and specific to the project
Topics are relevant and soundly analyzed.
Generally relevant and analyzed.
Some relevance and briefly presented.
This is not relevant to the assignment topic.
Criteria 2
Demonstrated excellent ability to think critically and sourced reference material appropriately
Demonstrated excellent ability to think critically but did not source reference material appropriately
Demonstrated ability to think critically and sourced reference material appropriately
Demonstrated ability to think critically and did not source reference material appropriately
Did not demonstrate ability to think critically and did not source reference material appropriately
Criteria 3
All elements are present and very well integrated.
Components present with good cohesive
Components present and mostly well integrated
Most components present
Proposal lacks structure.
Criteria 4
Logic is clear and easy to follow with strong arguments
Consistency logical and convincing
Mostly consistent logical and convincing
Adequate cohesion and conviction
Argument is confused and disjointed
Criteria 5
Clear styles with excellent source of references. | https://proprojecthelp.com/analyse-the-major-elements-of-organizational-culture/ |
Our mission is
- Bringing people together around technology.
- Creating an environment where people learn and work together benefiting and inspired by technology and collaboration, and match making them for the mutual empowerment.
- Mentoring the youth and empowering professionals to share their best practices and grow as mentors.
Why?
We've been observing the lack of experienced tech workforce in Hudson Valley. We also see growing geek economy. Inspired by vision and opportunity to build a solid tech and startup ecosystem in Hudson Valley, NY we want to bring high quality intensive education and co-learning in technology and entrepreneurship. We create and design modern curriculum to learn modern tech skills, we deliver real life skills workshops and bootcamps with hands on technology and modern tools, we provide guidance and navigation leveraging existing open sourced educational resources, we collaborate in co-learning to bring the best practices in online and real time education to local audience. We believe we can do more together through collaboration and coordination, sharing resources, knowledge and projects. | https://openhubproject.com/mission |
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Amtmann, J., Amtmann, K., & Spath, W. (2008). Lactate and rate of perceived exertion responses of athletes training for and competing in a mixed martial arts event. J Strength Cond Res, 22(2), 645-647.
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Buse, G. (2006). No holds barred sport fighting: a 10 year review of mixed martial arts competition. Br J Sports Med, 40(2), 169-172.
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Fabre, N., Balestreri, F., Pellegrini, B., & Schena, F. (2010). The modified Dmax method is reliable to predict the second ventilatory threshold in elite cross-country skiers. J Strength Cond Res., 24(6), 1546-1552.
Franchini, E., Del Vecchio, F., Matsushigue, K., & Artioli G. (2011a). Physiological profiles of elite judo athletes. Sports Med., 41(2), 147-166.
Franchini, E., Sterkowicz, S., Szmatlan-Gabrys, U., Gabrys, T., & Garnys M. (2011b). Energy system contributions to the special judo fitness test. Int J Sports Physiol Perform., 6(3), 334-43.
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Kim, J., Lee, N., & Trilk, J. (2011). Effects of sprint interval training on elite Judoists. Int J Sports Med., 32(12), 929-934.
Lachlan, J., Kelly, V., & Beckman, E. (2013). Periodization for Mixed Martial Arts. Strength & Conditioning Journal, 35(6), 34-45.
Lenetsky, S., & Harris, N. (2012). The Mixed Martial Arts Athlete: A Physiological Profile. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 34(1), 32-47.
Liparova, S., & Broďani J. (2016). The influence of the running preparation on the aerobic and anaerobic threshold in a year´s training cycle at the cross triathlete Physical Activity Review, 4,139-146.
Lundberg, M., Hughson, R, Weisiger, K., Jones, R., & Swanson. G. (1986). Computerized estimation of lactate threshold. Comput Biomed Res., 19(5), 481-486.
McGehee, J., Tanner, C., & Houmard, J. (2005). A comparison of methods for estimating the lactate threshold. J Strength Cond Res., 19(3), 553-558.
Miarka, B., Panissa, V., Julio, U., Del Vecchio, F., Calmet, M., & Franchini E. (2012). A comparison of time-motion performance between age groups in judo matches. J Sports Sci., 30(9), 899-905.
Sousa, N., Magosso, R., & Pereira, G. (2012). Acute cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses during resistance exercise in the lactate threshold intensity. Int J Sports Med., 33(2), 108-113.
Stanula,. A., Gabrys, T., Szmatlan-Gabrys, U., Roczniok, R., Maszczyk, A., & Pietraszewski, P. (2013). Calculating lactate anaerobic thresholds in sports involving different endurance preparation. Journal of Exercise Science and Fitness, 11(1), 12–18.
Sterkowicz, S., Gabrys, T., Szmatlan-Gabrys, U., Stanula, A., & Garnys M. (2016). The interdependence of the main indicators of five methods applied to determine the lactate anaerobic threshold judo athletes. Archives of Budo, 12, 35–41.
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17770/sie2018vol1.3183
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There are approximately 50 million surgeries performed in the United States each year. Denver readers might find a recent study of medical malpractice claims rather interesting in that researchers discovered that there were about 10,000 cases of what are commonly referred to as “never events” over a ten year period. Never events include instruments or sponges being left in the patient, wrong site surgery and even surgery done on the wrong patient.
Using data from previous studies, it was estimated that nearly 90 percent of the patients involved in cases of surgery mistakes receive no settlement. Therefore, the number used to calculate the annual number of never events is just over 4,000, which averaged about 79 events a week.
The most common never event by far is leaving surgical sponges, needles or surgical instruments inside a patient after surgery. The wrong surgical procedure is second, followed closely by operating on the wrong site of the body. Surgery being performed on the wrong patient is last and an extremely rare event. It was estimated that settlements in the study cost $1.3 billion over a 10-year period with the average payment being just over $133,000.
It is probably fair to ask what is being done to cut down or eliminate never events. There is a three-step universal protocol that is used to make sure the correct patient is getting surgery on the correct site. It involves marking the surgical site, checking the identification bracelet on the patient’s arm and time outs to make sure everyone is up to speed with what’s going on in the operating room.
Surgical mistakes do happen and when they do it is important that patients understand their rights regarding possible compensation for an incident that could be life altering. In fact, one third of the never event cases studied resulted in a permanent injury to the patient. A medical malpractice attorney may be able to offer advice on structuring a possible settlement or, if it becomes necessary, preparing for a jury trial should you or a loved one be the victim of a surgical mistake. | https://www.mahoneylaw.com/blog/2013/01/medical-malpractice-never-events-occur-too-often/ |
If you are interested in this sample,
we will happily email it to you.
We will occasionally send you account related emails.
The Puzzle of Bosola: A Reading of The Duchess of Malfi
In John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi, the audience’s opinion on the anti-hero Bosola and his moral integrity changes throughout the play due to his sudden catharsis and change in behavior after he realizes the consequences of his working for the Cardinal and Ferdinand. Bosola’s main goal at the start of the play, is to gain social status and climb the hierarchy; this striving mentality can be seen when he initially attempts to ‘return the money’ he is offered by Ferdinand, but then agrees to work for him for a higher role in the court. Although we are told initially that Bosola is reformed after spending time in ‘the gallows’, this clearly isn’t true, as he accepts corruption for what is essentially a promotion. Bosola’s almost instant accepting of Ferdinand’s corrupt offer of work leads audiences to believe initially that he is himself a morally corrupt character.
Critic Rupert Brooke described Webster’s world as filled with ‘people, driven like animals’ by their ‘instincts’; this interpretations of the characters in The Duchess of Malfi would posit that Bosola’s working for the brothers is driven purely by greed. Bosola’s want to gain social power is mirrored in Milton’s character of Satan in Paradise Lost, as he aims to gain control over earth and take God’s role. It could be said that Bosola’s morals are only corrupted when offered a reward, much like Eve when she eats the fruit in Paradise Lost. The fact that elements of Bosola’s personality can be compared to both Satan and Eve, reflects how dynamic of a character he is, with many different sides to his person which are open to interpretation. The description of Bosola as a ‘puzzle’ in this statement itself mirrors the description of Satan as a ‘maze’ when he is in the form of a snake. Both of these descriptions depict a complex character who is hard to understand, and is open to interpretation for the audience, therefore the innocence or guilt of both characters could be argued as justified.
By the end of the play it could be argued that we now sympathise with Bosola, due to him sacrificing himself in order to get justice for the Duchess. The 2014 Globe theatre production of the play depicted Bosola as someone for the audience to sympathise with by omitting the scenes in which Bosola ridicules an old woman, therefore we are not exposed as an audience to crueler sides of his personality. In a similar way, Milton writes Satan as a complex character who the reader is positioned to root for in Paradise Lost, whereas God is shown as a ‘mighty oppressor’. This controversial idea is supported by William Blake’s claim that ‘Milton is of the Devil’s party without knowing it’. At the time of writing, Milton’s sympathetic depiction of Satan was received negatively, as most readers were strict Protestants who considered his writing to be blasphemous. Further comparisons could be made between Bosola and Satan in that they both had pasts of uncorrupt morals and opportunity; we know this as Satan was initially an angel and Bosola was educated as a ‘scholar’ ‘in Padua’, which was a highly acclaimed university contemporary to the writing of the play, before he was put in prison for working with the Cardinal. As from this we know Bosola is an intelligent man, we could argue that he was fully aware of how wrong his actions were, and therefore must be a morally corrupt man to commit them.
By the end of the narrative it is clear that Bosola seeks redemption, and to an extent could be argued that Ferdinand and the Cardinal purely manipulated him the entire time. This can be seen when he claims he is ‘angry’ with himself now that he ‘wakes’, suggesting that he was in a form of sleep whilst acting against the Duchess, and was unaware of his actions, which were out of his control. Critic Muriel Bradbrook says calls Bosola ‘the chief instrument in the Duchess’ betrayal and subjection’; by calling him an ‘instrument’ she infers that he was being played or controlled by someone else, rather than acting of his own accord. This interpretation supports the idea of Bosola being out of control of his actions and therefore the audience cannot hold them against him, this would be a more sympathetic interpretation of Bosola. The theory of Bosola being entirely controlled by the brothers is further supported by the power they had above him in society, and what this would have meant in the context of the play’s setting; during this period, religious figures like the Cardinal or other’s related to the court like Ferdinand had a very strong influence over the actions of those below them in social hierarchy. One revealing instance occurs when Antonio says that ‘twas thought the cardinal suborned’ a murder at the start of the play, suggesting that there is a general awareness of the brother’s corruption in the court, but those lower than them in society can do nothing about it.
We can thus infer that Bosola would have had no choice but to accept the brother’s orders, as due to his low ranks in society, they would have had the power to destroy any status and wealth Bosola had, or even kill him. The brother’s immense power over Bosola however, proves the value of social hierarchy in this setting and validates Bosola’s motivation and determination to climb the social ladder, even if it means sacrificing the Duchess. | https://literatureessaysamples.com/the-puzzle-of-bosola-a-reading-of-the-duchess-of/ |
Canadian Forest Service Publications
Risk assessment strategies for early detection and prediction of infectious disease outbreaks associated with climate change. 2019. Rees, E.E.; Ng, V.; Gachon, P.; Mawudeku, A.; McKenney, D.W.; Pedlar, J.; Yemshanov, D.; Parmely, J.; Knox, J. The Public Health Agency of Canada 45(5):119–26.
Year: 2019
Issued by: Great Lakes Forestry Centre
Catalog ID: 39816
Language: English
Availability: PDF (download)
Available from the Journal's Web site. †
DOI: 10.14745/ccdr.v45i05a02
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Plain Language Summary
A new generation of surveillance strategies is being developed to help detect emerging infections and to identify the increased risks of infectious disease outbreaks that are expected to occur with climate change. These surveillance strategies include event-based surveillance (EBS) systems and risk modelling. The EBS systems use open-source internet data, such as media reports, official reports, and social media (such as Twitter) to detect evidence of an emerging threat, and can be used in conjunction with conventional surveillance systems to enhance early warning of public health threats. More recently, EBS systems include artificial intelligence applications such machine learning and natural language processing to increase the speed, capacity and accuracy of filtering, classifying and analysing health-related internet data. Risk modelling uses statistical and mathematical methods to assess the severity of disease emergence and spread given factors about the host (e.g. number of reported cases), pathogen (e.g. pathogenicity) and environment (e.g. climate suitability for reservoir populations). The types of data in these models are expanding to include health-related information from open-source internet data and information on mobility patterns of humans and goods. This information is helping to identify susceptible populations and predict the pathways from which infections might spread into new areas and new countries. | https://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/publications?id=39816 |
After reading the Labor Market chapter from the background page, please address the following questions in an essay or short answer form: What economic principle justifies the high salaries of some professional athletes? Suppose the manager of a baseball team wants to hire a new pitcher for $4 million per year. Under what circumstances would it make sense for the team to do so? Assume that the government of the state of New Jersey has determined that a large number of injuries and deaths have occurred as a result of accidents involving the installation and repairs of electrical equipment at private residences. In reaction to this problem, the state assembly decides to pass a law which requires that all certified electricians pass a tougher state licensing examination. Analyze the impact that this law is likely to have on the market for electricians and explain why safety may not necessarily improve. If the market price of the good or service that a firm produces increases, what happen to the demand of labor?
Explain. Several cities across the United States have passed legislation to raise the living wage. How would this policy affect firms? Make an argument for or against living wages in your city. Be sure to cite your references. (Note: the living wage calculator is a useful tool to determine the cost of living where you live). Assignment Expectations Use concepts from the modular background readings as well as any good quality resources you can find. Be sure to cite all sources within the text and provide a reference list at the end of the paper. Length: 4–5 pages double-spaced and typed. The following items will be assessed in particular: Your ability to examine the labor market in a particular firm. Some in-text references to the modular background material (APA formatting not required). The essay should address each element of the assignment. Remember to support your answers with solid references including the case readings. References Boaz, D. (2009). Reporting the minimum wage. Cato Institute. | https://www.calltutors.com/Assignments/after-reading-the-labor-market-chapter-from-the-background-page-please-address-the-following-questions-in-an-essay-or-short-answer-form-what-economic-principle-justifies-the-high-salaries-of-some-professional-athletes-suppose-the-mana |
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