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In this entry, we present potential improvements to the Open Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment Guidelines (OTM-R) proposed by the GEARING-Roles project* (https://gearingroles.eu/). OTM-R is an instrument used in the self-assessment of higher education and research institutions, when preparing to obtain the Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) certificate.
As stated here, to realise that, the European Commission adopted the “European Charter for Researchers and a Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers”, with 40 principles that are considered the core of a shared European researcher identity.
One of the key elements of the Charter and Code and the HRS4R is to encourage the development of common open, transparent, merit-based recruitment for researchers in Europe. To facilitate the self-assessment of institutions on this key topic, the “OTM-R checklist” was developed. This checklist includes a list of criteria that any institution should comply with when recruiting (especially their advertising, selection and evaluation, and appointment phase).
While The OTM-R checklist, in particular, can be used to foster recruitment practices that favour gender equality, the GEARING-Roles project identified parts of the checklist in which the gender dimension could be further strengthened since the data confirmed that there still exist prejudices against women. As the GEARING-Roles project found: "the persistence of gender biases in recruitment procedures in general (not only in research), as observed in the recent report She Figures 2018, confirmed that more than one-third of Europeans believe that men are more ambitious than women (35%), or that almost seven in ten respondents think women are more likely than men to make decisions based on their emotions (69 %)”.
Keeping that scenario in mind, GEARING-Roles reviewed the OTM-R checklist with the aim of identifying those sections that could be strengthened from a gender equality perspective in order to better align human resources and gender policies in research institutions.
We invite you to check the full results and document here
*GEARING-Roles is a strong multidisciplinary consortium of 10 European academic and non-academic partners that are designing, implementing, and evaluating 6 Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) following the steps described in the GEAR tool (define, plan, act and check) with the firm objective of challenging and transforming gender roles and identities linked to professional careers, and work towards real institutional change. | https://www.caspergender.eu/blog/gearing-roles-project-provides-input-integrate-gender-equality-more-strongly-hrs4r-scheme |
Waste transport should be handled according to the environment protection requirements, together with attention to safety and health of people, and in the way appropriate for chemical and physical properties of waste. Special caution should be taken during hazardous waste transportation. Then special provisions and regulations on hazardous waste transport should be taken into account.
Waste transport means to transfer it from the place of their production or storage. Such services can be held only by companies possessing a special license for carrying out such type of activity. 4 Partners GmbH has obtained such a permission and on its basis it is allowed to offer comprehensive waste transportation services.
The vehicles used for waste transport are specially equipped and used only for this purpose. They also comply with the requirements from the provisions of road traffic law and ADR Protocol (if there is the case of hazardous waste). We regularly train our drivers and subcontractors in the scope of handling and transporting this kind of waste. | https://4partnersgmbh.com/en/dienstleistungen/abfalltransport/ |
Kenneth Anderson, a law professor at Washington College of Law, American University, Washington DC, and a member of the Hoover Task Force on National Security and Law, blogs on topics related to international laws of war, international law, related human rights topics, international NGOs, and the theory of the just war. (Mostly inactive these days, everything here is first draft and subject to changing my mind.)
Friday, August 03, 2007
I blogged earlier, here, about important efforts to conceptualize the ethics of robot soldiers. For the first time, armed recon robots have been deployed in a warzone - Iraq. HT thanks Instapundit; from Danger Room/Wired Blogs, here.
This is not really about the topic of my ethics of robot soldiers post. That post was about machines with the capability to act independently, independent of human control, and it pointed to very important discussions trying to anticipate how and what the ethical decision making of such independent robots should be. The machines being deployed now to Iraq are not that, and are a long, long way from that - the Iraq deployed machines are a new version of the already widely deployed SWORDS reconnaisance robot vehicle - new because the new machines have a weapon, a machine gun, added to it. They are remote controlled in real time by humans, not machines making programmed decisions about weapons use. (Also, if you are thinking of robots in the I, Robot mode - well, these are more like mobile sleds with a machine gun on top - they don't anthropomorphize.) The ethical and legal questions raised are not about independent machine decisionmaking and action, but instead about the use of a human controlled and operated but remote platform. Still, this is a step closer to what seems to me not just a natural, but an inevitable step forward in warfare for the world's most highly technological army.
Robots as a response to asymmetric, law of war violating warfare:
It is important to understand that the inevitable move toward robots on the battlefield is not merely driven, as in past times, past conflicts and wars, by material considerations of conservation of personnel, force to space ratios, and so on. It is driven as much or more today by moral, legal, and ideological considerations - part of an effort to limit the exposure of one's soldiers when dealing with enemies who will not follow the laws of war with respect to our soldiers. Part of that is obviously the attempt to not get your soldiers killed - but another important of it is to avoid having your soldiers captured by an enemy that does not pay attention to the laws of war except when, by loudly appealing to it, it can benefit from it.
The US, for good moral reasons, has given up the possibility of reprisals against civilians or other people hors de combat, such as captured enemy fighters. It has also shown itself unwilling, for not such good reasons, however, to enforce certain important remaining laws of war with regards to abuses by the enemy (such as the US refusing, in its internal rules of engagement, to fire on a mosque being used as an enemy emplacement, despite being allowed to do so under the laws of war). The US therefore finds that it has few or no behavioral levers with respect to the behavior of an enemy fighting using illegal methods. In such a case, one response is the attempt to compensate through technology - by limiting the exposure of one's soldiers in particular to death, injury, or capture and replacing them with machines.
Will robot soldiers eventually lead to a more "policing" attitude on the battlefield? Might roboticized war be a factor leading, perhaps inadvertently, to fewer decisive engagements and more protracted warfare?
One question we might have is what happens over time if fewer American soldiers were to appear at all on asymmetric battlefields, and when they did and fell into hostile hands, we gradually came to assume, on the basis of experience, that they would be held hostage under terms hardly meeting the Geneva Conventions or else beheaded on internet video. It is unlikely that we would respond by war without quarter of our own. On the contrary, part of our technological drive to create and deploy remote fighting machines is in order to get away from having to enforce a barbarous reciprocity that has always been thought otherwise necessary (the ICRC and HRW and the ICC and all the rest of the modern day "heralds" of war notwithstanding) in order to deter such actions by the other side and so ensure adherence to the laws of war.
We might conceivably move, in such circumstances, to treat those we captured more as criminal detainees than as something closer to POWs - and to reconceptualize, over the long term, the general categories of detainees in asymmetric. We would after all not incline to treat them like POWs because we would have already long since determined that their behavior was that of an unprivileged belligerent. The category of actual legal POW might even conceivably wither (away?) from disuse. We would assume our people would be abused and/or killed, or else held as hostages or for ransom - much as Israel's soldiers held by Hizbollah, for example. It wouldn't make sense to us to treat unprivileged belligerents as POWs, especially given that our people - who would indeed be entitled to such treatment - would not be so treated. I would guess that we would evolve to treat them as some form of quasi-criminal detainee - I say 'quasi' because we would not be be able typically to prove criminality except on the basis of participation in an armed enterprise that as an enterprise systematically violated the laws of war, and often not on an individual basis. And 'quasi' also because it would likely have important elements of administrative preventive detention. Of course, we face exactly such issues now, but we have not really resolved them; the widespread deployment of armed robots on the battlefield, however, might constitute one pressure in that direction.
Curiously, however, it wouldn't surprise me, on the current evolution of things, if "battle" turned gradually into some form of particularly violent and contested attempt at "arrest" after a demand for surrender. Warmaking might evolve, at least in the asymmetric urban setting, to battle as a form of "policing." As soldiers were less physically present on the actual battlefield, and if you had armed machines dominating the battlefield, manned remotely, at least on one side, might there be greater pressure on your military to call for the fighters on the other side to surrender, for example - issuing a call to surrender, rather than simply attacking or undertaking ambush or surprise? Whether that would facilitate winning a conflict, as opposed to merely managing it over the long term is not clear. It might inadvertently create conditions for systematically less decisive engagements - tactical engagements with possibly less collateral damage, but also no victory - which is, of course, the definition of victory for guerrillas in a guerrilla struggle, never win, but also never lose and finally just outlast the enemy. Whether we would care, if such long-term "managed," never-decisive warfare cost us in treasure, but not especially in blood, is also not clear.
The development of remote and robot technologies is driven by a parallel consideration that also arises from moral, legal, and ideological consideration. It is the attempt to create machines that will follow determinate legal rules of engagement, particularly with respect to the combatant-noncombatant distinction - in consideration of an enemy, however, that deliberately violates that distinction in its own combat operations. Again, the effort is to find a way to overcome the inability through our battlefield behavior (such as the reprisals we deliberately and properly don't take) to affect deliberately planned, illegal enemy behavior - through a technological fix.
The move to robots is all but inevitable and, in fact, particularly but not just under these circumstances, desirable. I have my doubts, however, that any technological fix can permanently compensate for behavior on the other side. If the nature of arms races is competitive - either a "counter" or a "defensive" move to respond to changes in the conduct of war - then we are in a peculiar historical moment in which one side attempts to respond with equipment changes to changes in behavior on the other side. Is it possible for technological ingenuity to beat out determined and evolving bad behavior? I don't know.
Legal liability and robots on the battlefield:
Those deploying armed robots to Iraq for use in the field, remotely controlled, had probably better be prepared for a much greater willingness on the part of the outside monitors, the human rights organizations, outside critics, etc., to charge illegality, criminal behavior, war crimes, violations of the law of war, etc., in any collateral damage created by these weapons than currently exists - with charges and accusations against operators as well as commanders. And against the companies that design and build and sell such weapons.
Why more than in the case of soldiers present on the battlefield? Well, it doesn't necessarily make much sense - the rules of engagement, after all, are presumably exactly the same - but I would bet with pretty high confidence that the deep and not necessarily articulated premise will be that you are more liable for damage caused if you caused it remotely and were not yourself at risk, not being present on the battlefield, operating the robot remotely.
The idea that you yourself are in some fashion at risk - even if not very much, as in the case of a standoff aircraft or tank or what have you - on the battlefield, hence giving some compensatory justification to your collateral damage, makes a difference, or anyway will likely make a difference, I would bet, in how these weapons are seen by outside critics. It will seem weird to the military - it will seem to it as very close to claiming that remote operators have an "unfair" advantage and hence are entitled to no otherwise legal collateral damage - and it will not, to the military, seem any different from any other standoff platform such as aircraft or remote artillery. Why should it be?
But I would be willing to bet that it will seem quite different to outside monitors and critics. The two core criticisms will be: (a) you are not putting yourself at risk and hence are not entitled to collateral damage because, notwithstanding that the criterion of collateral damage is "military necessity," not "did I risk myself?" it will somehow seem "unfair" - despite the fact that you are battling an enemy for whom asymmetric warfare via violations of the laws of war is de rigeuer.
And (b), the fact that you risk only a robot but risk causing collateral risk in human life means that you should not do anything that risks collateral damage at all. Civilians and even civilian objects, in the lingo of Protocol I, trump any kind of claimed military necessity. This is especially so, it will likely be said, under the ICRC's interpretation of the language of Protocol I referring very narrowly to "concrete military advantage" in the immediate circumstances as the measure of military necessity. That the US has never accepted Protocol I as a treaty and has never accepted that particular interpretation of the customary law rule regarding military necessity - and that many other countries offered reservations and interpretations on that very point when they did join Protocol I is not likely to be seen by the critics as of any account.
If your definition is military advantage is sufficiently narrow, in other words, then no collateral damage is justifiable if all you risk is some equipment, not lives, on the battlefield - if your definition of military advantage is so narrow and immediate that it cannot include the necessity of winning this battle, or any particular battle, as part of a larger plan to win a war.
As I say, this will possibly seem puzzling and quite wrong to the military itself, which operates all kinds of remote platforms for launching weapons - and as armies have done, at least since the advent of the long range bow, the catapult, and artillery. But I would urge it to prepare for precisely such criticisms. I would guess this is how the public argument will go, and it might even culminate in someone or some organization calling for indictments against US soldiers for civilian deaths resulting from the use of remotely controlled robots in combat. Or civil law suits via the Alien Tort Statute against the companies creating this equipment.
Yet this would be disastrous if it led to the curtailment of these weapons, their development and deplyment - disastrous from the standpoint of the long term integrity of the laws of war in a period in which asymmetric warfare is tending to undermine their very foundations, because reciprocity has been largely lost - and disastrous to the effort to find ways through technology of combating an enemy that does not fight by the rules. Unfortunately, that has never been a concern of those who propose to make the rules of war, but do not have anything at stake in actually having to fight using them.
(Note on the first two comments. I emphatically do not think that the JAG and those formulating the US position on the laws of war would take the view that I have here attributed as being likely to come from outside critics in the human rights or perhaps academic communities. Or from countries that, not having any pressing wars to fight, are overly willing to opine on the content of laws in which they have no stake in the outcome. On the contrary, I think that the JAG and the US military laws of war lawyers would see this more or less as I suggest above: that these armed battlefield robots are remote platforms like any other, and that in any case military necessity is, at the end of the day, about winning wars. Military necessity does not justify anything and everything, of course, and it rules out many, many things; but it does not mean that a military has any obligation to risk itself or its personnel as a condition of being able to risk otherwise legal collateral damage. But I would be interested in comments from JAG, from current or past serving laws of war lawyers, and others interested in commenting.)(Update, 9 August 2007, check out this link HT Instapundit from Popular Mechanics. Here.)
25 comments:
I should have gone JAG. I'd sit in a nice room waiting for calls, and when they came in, no matter what they reported, I'd say "as your attorney, I advise you to (kill everyone / blow it up)," then hang up. I'd be very popular with the troops and never have a stressful day.
I find myself surprised that someone hasn't already filed a suit like this. We've been using armed UAVs in Iraq and Afghanistan for a little while now, and I don't see how they're any different from a ROV being driven down the streets.
If you had been referring to autonomous armed robots, they could be treated as mobile mines (which, of course) would still be subject to censure by most of the rest of the world.
One forms the opinion that regardless of what the U.S. does (except, perhaps, dying) it will be subject to criticism and obstructionism. Needless to say, if the U.S. did die, it would be blamed for the collapse of the world economy, etc.
sfc b beat me to it. These are not the first armed robots, only the first to operate on land. Your analysis would be the same for armed UAVs.
You do briefly acknowledge the analogy with other standoff platforms, after suggesting that some critics would imagine some sort of differentiation on the basis of what you call two "core criticisms", but I don't see how those core criticisms couldn't be applied to UAVs, cruise missiles, long-range artillery.... Could you explain?
I believe proximately, our boys operating the killing devices will see warfare as little different from Halo or some other video game. Thus, you'll see some rather aggressive tactics used by those who literally don't have any skin in the game. Most likely, a company commander will figure out where the toughest nuts to crack are, and where they want a breakout to start, and send the machines into the riskiest parts of the battlespace.
At least it will until the other side responds with lawfare and makes all the operators too timid to shoot at anyone who isn't wearing a neon sign saying, "I'm the enemy."
I think that just as tanks needed infantry to be effective, so too these devices will not deploy a war zone of our troops.
Personally, I'd make sure the specs for the device are set up such that it's impossible for any lawyers to figure out who the operators are when the enemy claims that civilians were killed in an attack. We're seeing in Afghanistan that the closer we get to the Taliban & Al Qaeda leadership, the louder they scream about civilian casualties. That'll only increase.
Sci-fi writer Joe Haldeman dealt with just this issue in his novel Forever Peace. Remotely controlled "soldierboys" fought lightly armed humans in an asymmetrical war. When a soldierboy was "killed," it caused pain but not death to its operator. I think you've analyzed the situation accurately, and I agree that outside critics will translate the "unfairness" into a requirement that the robots make no mistakes.
I can't help but believe that this kind mealy mouthed approach to the "laws of war" does more to prolong the inevitable agony and human suffering on the battlefield by attenuating the likelihood of actual victory. Instead of going in, brutally killing the enemy and degrading them to the point of ineffectiveness, and thereby ending the war, the modern army is forced to tiptoe in gingerly, develop elaborate plans to ensure the safety and happiness of all groups, respond constantly to the "human rights" (what an Orwellian joke that name is) lobby for the enemy, and engage primarily with the minutia of legalisms. Over time the war approaches a stalemate, the killing goes on, and the lawyers pat themselves on their morally worthless backs for 'humanizing' the battlefield.
It has also shown itself unwilling, for not such good reasons, however, to enforce certain important remaining laws of war with regards to abuses by the enemy (such as the US refusing, in its internal rules of engagement, to fire on a mosque being used as an enemy emplacement, despite being allowed to do so under the laws of war).
This doesn't change the lawyerly points you're making but this video shows US military blowing up a mosque used to store weapons.
First: So-called "Laws of War" were abandoned by the US when the Geneva Conventions for combatants and concept of "Enemy Combatants" was invented out of thin air. Appealing to them now is disingenuous
Second: Maintaining "Symmetric" warfare is solely for the benefit of those wanting to maintain the status quo. The American and French revolutions could never have happened if everyone scrupulously assured symmetric warfare was enforced. Why aren't you wearing your "Red Coats" in Iraq.
Third: Asymmetric warfare is precisely the only response to overwhelming symmetric capability. If your needs and grievances are met by the side holding this symmetric power, all is well. If that side takes liberties and unfair advantage of its power, then it is both a basic human right and predictable human behavior to resort to the only means available to fight non-suicidally - asymmetric warfare.
Fourth: The fatal flaw with having autonomous machines do your dirty work is that you disconnect morality and ethics decisions about the act from the execution of act itself. Only humans can make moral or ethical decisions!! Machines can not. Letting machines autonomously decide to kill is dangerous and a moral cop-out. "It wasn't I that killed that innocent family, it was the machine - go put the machine on trial!" Machines are neither good or bad - they simply are. To ascribe morality to an inanimate object - be it killer robot or atomic bomb - is truly the worst form of cowardice.
BTW I've been directly involved in the creation of most of the smart weapons fielded by the US over the last 25 years. Yes, some already cross this line. That doesn't make it morally right.
Fifth: There is mathematics to support the following. Direct force can never eliminate an enemy operating asymmetrically short of committing systematic and total genocide. As a strategy this is often called a logical extension of the "El Salvador" strategy.
There will always be a remnant that keeps the flame alive. Even a rudimentary knowledge of Middle Eastern history show how this can be true. It is the underlying misuse of symmetric power that is the root of the problem.
The major risk of killer robots is the possibility that their human masters can achieve such an aim with frightening efficiency and with the potential to claim the argument that they hold no moral responsibility for committing genocide.
Sixth: Even if you could somehow create a framework to assure moral use of killer robots, Bayes theory prevents you from ever being able to feed the framework with intelligence accurate enough to get it right in practice. This is especially true for asymmetric warfare because the nature of it guarantees the side practicing conventional warfare will mis-target the enemy and innocents most of the time. This is why asymmetric warfare has the ability to level the playing field against a symmetrically strong opponent.
Apply Bayes theory to any current intelligence system fielded in Iraq and you can prove the Lancet casualty figures are as good as a mathematical certainty to be the most correct estimate of civilian casualties.
Human rights groups complain about everything, all the time. Nobody takes them seriously anymore.If the military wants to use robots as remote weapon platforms they'll do it, the Human Rights community will complain, and the American people will stifle another yawn, just like we always do.Have a little faith.
Anonymous 1:21, "Overwhelming symmetric capability"? You would do better to simply say overwhelming power. Don't you mean "conventional"? You seem to be tangled up in terminology. One side is strong, the other is weak: that is an initial asymmetry. The weak side looks for a way to become strong; it does not have the resources of the dominant power so it has to be imaginative. They conduct warfare differently, so it is asymmetrical. But it's no big deal. They're only looking for their own advantage, and they would whether they were weak or not. Anyone who wants to win tries to create asymmetry, hence the atom bomb. "Maintaining symmetric warfare?" Who's doing that? Not Darpa. I'm finding it pretty difficult to believe you have anything meaningful to do with the development of "most of the smart weapons fielded by the US over the last 25 years," as you claim.
By the way, I have no idea what you're trying to say in your last paragraph.
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While more people fear snakes or spiders, with dogs everywhere, Cynophobia makes everyday public life a constant challenge
As a canine companion for 12 years now, I meet a lot of people who love dogs. I also met a few people who don’t. One such encounter happened recently just outside the side gate of our gated community. As I walked Bullet on the sidewalk one morning, we came upon a young woman in a purple robe walking briskly and listening to music on her headphones. I assumed she was on her way home from the main gate on the other side. It was one of those rare days when I didn’t have Bullet on his leash, and for whatever reason he found the woman worthy of further inspection. He galloped toward her, his head held high. The woman didn’t see or hear Bullet approaching, and he made it all the way to her side before she let out a horrified shriek.
“Get that dog away from me!” she screamed, pivoting stiffly to locate me, the irresponsible dog owner. I called Bullet back and apologized profusely. “I’m so sorry,” I said, as she fumbled to remove her headphones. “He’s friendly and just wanted to say hello.”
“You need to learn to control your dog,” she said, wagging her finger at me. “Dogs bite.”
“Bullet doesn’t bite,” I assured her. “He might lick you to death. But he doesn’t bite.”
She shook her head dismissively. “All dogs bite.”
I wondered if she really believed that. After all, Bullet hadn’t bitten her—even as she’d screamed and nearly fell on top of him. He’d simply backed away, his head down and his tail between his legs. As the woman walked off in a huff, I was sorry that we’d met this way. I would have liked to have a chance to speak with her about her cynophobia—her fear of dogs. Those who study animal phobias have found that while more people are afraid of spiders or snakes than dogs, living with cynophobia is considerably more challenging—especially today, as dog-wielding humans appropriate more and more public places. When I’d spoken to friends (and friends of friends) about living with a fear of dogs, they described a debilitating phobia that affects where they go and who they see. “For the longest time, I would never go to the park because I might come in contact with a dog there,” Nisha, a school teacher, told me. “I’d question everywhere I was invited. If there were a chance I’d meet a dog, I wouldn’t leave the house.” Nisha decided to face her fear only when she noticed her daughter mirroring it. “I didn’t want her to have to live like that,” she said. Nisha and her husband decided to get a puppy, and though Nisha initially kept her distance, she warmed up to the dog after a week or two. Today, she’s much less fearful when she sees a dog in public. “But I’ll still never be a dog person,” she told me. Like many women who suffer from cynophobia (men are considerably less likely to be afraid of dogs), Nisha can point to an early traumatic incident. When she was five, she fell and skinned her knees as a big dog chased her down a sidewalk. I heard similar chasing stories from others. Rahul Chaudhary, a law student, said a neighbour’s German Shepherd followed him for several blocks while he jogged as a young teenager. “But little dogs scare me now, too,” he said. “They can creep up on you and then start barking their heads off. You have no idea if they’re going to bite you or hump your leg!” Meghna, an Economics grad, who recently got her first job with an MNC, says, “Most people just tell me to get over it, as if it’s that easy.” She hates when coworkers bring their dogs to work. “No one bothers to ask if anyone’s bothered by it.”
How Does the Phobia Begin? Both children and dogs are naturally curious, and you may have been jumped on by an overexcited puppy or growled at by a large watchdog as you approached a fence. A large dog can make a major impression on a small child, even if no actual attack occurred. The negative experience need not have affected you directly. Many parents warn children about approaching strange dogs. A child’s fertile imagination combined with an incomplete or even erroneous understanding of dog behaviour could lead to a full-blown phobia of dogs. Or, even if you weren’t the victim of an unpleasant encounter yourself, you may have seen someone else being chased or bitten. If the person was physically hurt, and if he/she is a close friend or relative, you’re even more likely to develop a fear of dogs. Last of all, you may have acquired your fear of dogs indirectly—possibly from a parent with cynophobia, or from the media. A theory devised by evolutionary psychologists holds that a fear of dogs gradually evolved as a survival mechanism many years ago. It would have been useful, in the days when hungry wild predators roamed, to be afraid of dogs and to get out of their way! As with many other anxiety disorders, a person may have a genetic predisposition to developing a phobia such as cynophobia. But genetics do not necessarily mean that you will develop it. Your environment and experience can have a great influence on whether you develop a phobia or not. If you’re not sure if you have cynophobia or you simply don’t prefer dogs, ask yourself whether you go out of your way to avoid dogs whenever you can. Does the perceived need to keep dogs out of your life interfere with your daily functioning? Do you feel like you are having a panic attack when you see a dog? Do you recognize that your fear of dogs is not only excessive but also unrealistic? You may have cynophobia. The fear may begin with a German Shepherd or a Rottweiler, or something that is stereotypically trained to be vicious. But if you’re conditioned to think they’re dangerous, that fear gets generalized to, say, Pomeranians and Lhasa Apsos.
The symptoms: Like all phobias, the fear of dogs can vary dramatically in severity from person to person. You might fear only large breeds. Some individuals will start to have symptoms even when they are just thinking about potential contact with a dog, while the symptoms in another person begin only when the person is exposed directly to a dog. Typically, a person with cynophobia begins to experience significant dread, anxiety, and worry at the thought of being exposed to a dog. They will try to avoid any situation in which they might be around a dog. Common reactions include running away, freezing in terror, and attempting to hide. You might shake, feel nauseated or disoriented, or even begin to cry. Anticipatory anxiety frequently occurs in the days leading up to a known confrontation.
How to overcome the fear: Because dogs are so popular as pets and companions, avoiding them can be nearly impossible. You might find yourself limiting contact with dog owners, even to the point of avoiding family gatherings. One way to minimize the risk of developing cynophobia is to interact with a dog as soon as possible after a personal or witnessed negative encounter with a dog. If you have a friend, loved one, or neighbour who has a well-behaved dog, ask if you or your loved one who has a fear of dogs might spend some time with him. Educate yourself. Read all you can about dogs. Just learning how rare it is to be bitten by a dog may be comforting, the same way it can be comforting to know how unlikely it is that something bad will happen to your airplane when flying. Also, try to get help. Share with your loved ones that you have an irrational fear of dogs. And ask your health care provider for the name of a therapist who treats phobias and who could help you overcome cynophobia. Recognizing your fear, discussing it with others, and seeking help will allow you to overcome your phobia.
To read more, subscribe to Buddy Life! | https://www.buddylifemagazine.com/coping-with-cynophobia |
This is a literature review of the teaching principles in English language and their relationships to motivation. This article is based on personal teaching experiences with teacher trainees in the field of language teaching. Motivation is key to successful education; however, it requires the right approaches to benefit teaching and learning. This article explores the importance of meaningful learning and authentic materials in language learning. It also emphasizes the significance of the role of reward in increasing motivation. It argues that rote learning should play minimal role if at all, whereas meaningful learning be the core of the whole experience. Moreover, culture connection, self-confidence, and attitude are considered as other important factors of teaching and learning. In conclusion, this article reiterates the importance of teachers’ role in language learning success whereby teachers need to set the stage for learning through creating learning environment that foster meaningful experiential learning and where students could make sense of the whole learning experiences. | https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2572235 |
Manager at APLL (2014-Present)
Oracle OTM team lead, product owner, cloud solution architect and digital transformation for agile implementation of TMS (Transport Management System), Tableau dashboard for data analytics and Control Tower for Asia region.
Business Process Analyst at CrimsonLogic (2012-2014)
Core member of $30 million dollar project to develop a one-stop business licensing portal, integrating more than 250 business licences from 18 government agencies in Singapore.
Senior Business Analyst at MSCS (2010-2012)
Core regional team to align freight forwarder strategic direction for the improvement of supply chain with Agile SDLC. Provided consultancy services and support for Asia-Pacific (APAC) and China.
Senior Web Developer at CashShield (2009-2010)
Led a team (~4) to develop the eCommerce payment gateway, fraud detection and risk management products with Agile methodology.
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Seconded to NYK Line (Shipping) Business Process Management (BPM) Team as Business Analyst/Help Desk for Asia (excluding Japan) to support global system implementation and eCommerce.
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Led a team of developers (~4) to develop compliance solutions for banking and financial institutions e.g. Anti-Money Laundering and risk management systems with Agile methodology.
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Core member of a Supply Chain Management (SCM) business unit to formulate IT initiatives. Built Customer Relationship Management (CRM) with open-source full stack LAMP/WAMP development using Agile methodology. Championed CRM adoption for Asia-Pacific (APAC) offices.
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Solution design of Graphical User Interface (GUI) system integration of new semiconductor machine in R&D department using User centric and Agile methodology. Provided support for global customers.
- Chatbot DevelopmentChatbot developers will be a new breed of developers equipped with technical and social skills. After all, chat is a language based UI. Unlike typical development, Chatbot development needs constant tweaking and modification to improve bot behaviours. Chatbot developers are also required to understand social behaviour and interactions.
- Adaptive Cards 101While dabbling with MS (Microsoft) Teams Chat, I realise adaptive cards are being using for their bot framework. That will explain why “\n” or CRLF is not working on its chat display. So, if you are working with MS Teams bot. You will need to look into adaptive cards UI. Now, there is another new UI framework to have fun!
- Chatbot ChannelChatbot can be challenging for the different channel unless you are going for full text display. Channels are chat application like WhatsApp, Teams, WeChat, Telegram or LINE, Users are so used to text formatting and GUI that they are spoilt for these display. Chatbot channel is like the days of SMS where you can only display limited important text is a straight line. | https://dannykwokcy.com/ |
Wrapped with a chive, these Vegetarian Green Bean Bundles will add a "wow" factor to a special meal. Drizzled with garlic browned butter, they make a spectacular side dish.
Course
Vegetable Side Dish
Cuisine
American, Canadian
Diet
Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Prep Time
10
minutes
Cook Time
5
minutes
Total Time
15
minutes
Servings
4
Calories
120
kcal
Author
Elaine
Ingredients
1
lb
green beans,
about 48 beans
1
med
red bell pepper
4
long
chives
2
tablespoons
butter
2
cloves
garlic
minced
1
tbsp
olive oil
extra virgin
sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Wash and trim the beans by snapping off the stem end.
Divide the beans into 4 portions (about 12 beans each). Lay a long chive on your work surface and place one portion of beans and three red pepper strips across it. Wrap the chive around the bundle and carefully tie a knot to secure it.
Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a large pan with a steamer basket. Steam the bundles for 3 - 5 minutes or until tender-crisp.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a small skillet. Add the minced garlic and swirl just until the butter browns, about 2 - 3 minutes. Add olive oil.
Transfer green bean bundles to a serving platter and drizzle with the garlic butter. Serve immediately OR keep the steamed bundles warm in a low oven (225°F) for up to 20 minutes and add the warm garlic butter just before serving.
Notes
These bundles are ideal for making ahead. Trim the beans, slice the peppers and tie them up in bundles of 10 - 12 beans with a chive ribbon.
Then all you'll have to do is cook the bundles and drizzle them with warm garlic butter before serving.
You can even make the garlic butter ahead and refrigerate it until you cook the beans.
Nutrition
Calories:
120
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
8
g
|
Protein:
2
g
|
Fat:
9
g
|
Saturated Fat:
4
g
|
Cholesterol:
15
mg
|
Sodium:
57
mg
|
Potassium:
239
mg
|
Fiber:
3
g
|
Sugar:
3
g
|
Vitamin A:
1095
IU
|
Vitamin C:
18.7
mg
|
Calcium:
45
mg
|
Iron: | https://www.flavourandsavour.com/wprm_print/recipe/16740 |
Q:
SQL Server IN (maximum,params,allowed,in,here)?
How many params can I pass to SQL Servers IN() function?
SELECT * FROM TABLE where ID IN ( 1,2,3,4,5,..,.,....)
A:
This limit is 65,535.
Refer the Causes section HERE.
A:
According to documentation - "many thousands".
A:
Including an extremely large number of values (many thousands) in an IN clause can consume resources and return errors 8623 or 8632. To work around this problem, store the items in the IN list in a table.
Error 8623:
The query processor ran out of internal resources and could not
produce a query plan. This is a rare event and only expected for
extremely complex queries or queries that reference a very large
number of tables or partitions. Please simplify the query. If you
believe you have received this message in error, contact Customer
Support Services for more information.
Error 8632:
Internal error: An expression services limit has been reached. Please
look for potentially complex expressions in your query, and try to
simplify them.
| |
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Change default when uploading from url?
Site Feedback & Technical Support
Apparently, it is considered a breach of copyright if we upload pictures of e.g. CD covers to the server of this board. Would it not make sense then to have as a default choice when uploading pictures from an url, NOT to upload them to the server of this board, but link directly to the original?
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Join now to ask and comment! | https://www.talkclassical.com/tags/uploading/ |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To hide data incapable of morphing in cover data as confidential data using steganography based on morphing, and hide the confidential data with respect to a plurality of cover data items or simultaneously hide the plurality of confidential data items in the cover data items the number of which is less than the confidential data items.
SOLUTION: The steganography technique generates a stegoobject s by causing cover data c to hide confidential data m. Calculation means 15 generates the stegoobject that hides the confidential data in the reference data or restores the confidential data from the stegoobject by applying morphing technique for generating morphing data, on the basis of reference data, feature vector of each item of the reference data, a degree of contribution in each reference data item, and confidential data.
COPYRIGHT: (C)2013,JPO&INPIT | |
Drifa Brewing Company hosts Pints & Pumpkins
The cooperative pub brought the community together for Fall fun before the season ends.
Published: Oct. 24, 2021 at 9:00 PM EDT
MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) -
Today, a Marquette pub served up beer with a side of pumpkin carving.
Drifa Brewing Company hosted their third annual Pints & Pumpkins.
Families were invited to carve pumpkins and eat courtesy of Island Food Truck.
Children were given root beer, and adults received a pint of beer with their ticket.
“We tapped a special beer for today, it’s a pumpkin rye pale ale, its actually one of our cooperative brews, so it was brewed in collaboration with one of our members,” Kristin Stone, Taproom Manager, Drifa Brewing Company, said.
The Spooky Bike Rye’d pale ale is available at Drifa now while supplies last.
Copyright 2021 WLUC. All rights reserved. | https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2021/10/25/drifa-brewing-company-hosts-pints-pumpkins/ |
This invention relates to improvements in means for rotating and discharging articles such, for example, as stacks of newspapers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The movement of finished printed articles from printing press to the shipping platform has long been one of the more difficult tasks in the publications industry. While the problem is experienced in the publications industry generally, it is most severe in newspaper production where the product, the finished newspaper, varies in size and weight from day to day, and, because of being folded along two adjacent sides and cut edges at its other sides, has greater thickness at the folded edges and has a top or bottom surface that is curved. As a consequence of their shape, it is difficult to form stacks of newspapers and to move those stacks at high speeds.
No better system has been devised than to receive newspapers from the press where they are printed, assembled, and folded, and then to stack a number of those newspapers flat, one atop the other, so that they can be tied, stored and distributed as bundled stacks of papers. In an effort to deliver newspapers whose news is as current as possible, the production of the newspaper is completed at the last possible time that permits the distribution system to perform its task. The presses can produce newspapers at rates in excess of twenty papers per second. The rate from the presses is so great that the steps of stacking and tying cannot be accomplished at the same work position. Instead, the tasks must be separated. The stack is formed at one position and is immediately conveyed away to another work station at which the stack is tied into a bundle. The task of tying the bundle, and the task of conveying the stack from the stacker to the bundler is greatly facilitated if half of the papers in a stack are rotated by 180° relative to the remainder of the papers in the stack so that the folded edge of half of the papers overlies the cut edges of the other half of the papers. The need for such rotation increases as the thickness of the papers, and thus the height of the stack, is increased. The non-uniform shape that makes rotation necessary prevents rotation of half of a completed stack. Thus it is that the rotation must be accomplished during formation of the stack. In practice, papers are delivered to the stacking position, all oriented in the same fashion. Usually, they are delivered with the folded edge forward. When the papers have been stacked to half of the finished stack height, the half stack is rotated by 180° and the upper half of the stack is placed on top of that rotated lower half.
Newspapers are produced and conveyed to the stacking position in a substantially continuous stream. However, at the stacker, the process becomes intermittant. The papers are placed on a platform which must remain stationary over the period in which the stack is formed, or over part of that period in the case in which part of the stack is rotated. As a consequence, stack rotation and discharge of completed stacks from the stacking position must be accomplished very rapidly. Because of their shape, the center of gravity of the stack of papers seldom falls on the rotational axis of the stacking. Further, the individual papers of a stack cannot be made to lie with their individual centers of gravity in a single line. As a consequence of that, rapid rotation of a stack gives rise to forces that tend to separate the papers and to disintegrate the stack. That is prevented by the use of retaining structures at all four sides of the stack to restrain it against disintegration. That restraining structure, at least at one side of the stack, must be removed before the stack can be discharged from the stacking position to make room for the next stack. The timing is such that discharge almost always must be accomplished positively by pushing the completed stack out of the stacking position.
The stacking table and the mechanism that rotates it, and the restraining structures, and the mechanism that removes those structures and the elements that push the papers out of the stacking zone, and the mechanism that operates that structure must all be designed to have sufficient strength to withstand the forces generated in accelerating and decelerating the newspaper stack, and, in their own acceleration and deceleration. Large forces are generated requiring the use of heavy drive mechanisms. That requirement further compounds the problem.
Thus it is that the transition from the more or less continuous process production of newspaper to intermittant processing at the stacker gives rise to some difficult problems. Stack rotation and discharge occur at different times, and, since the size of newspapers changes from day to day, it is not possible to link together the rotation and discharge mechanisms to produce a fixed, synchronous operation. Moreover, the flow of papers to the stacker frequently becomes non-uniform. Individual papers may become misaligned and become lodged to jam the operating mechanism unless that mechanism is arranged so that some variation in the time sequence of mechanism operation is possible. The problem that is faced by the designer of a stacker mechanism is how to divide a structure in which stacked rotation and discharge can be accomplished by separate mechanisms capable of rapid acceleration and deceleration to provide coordinated but non-synchronous function.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide an improved method and means for rotating and discharging articles, especially stacked articles. It is an object to provide a structure which can rotate and discharge stacks of articles at rates as high or higher than have been possible in previous apparatus, and to accomplish that result with a less complicated and lighterweight apparatus than has been possible in the past.
It is an object of this invention to provide an apparatus which can rotate and discharge stacks at a rate equal to, or greater than, the rate of operation of previous apparatus and to accomplish that with lower mechanism velocities than has been possible in the past.
The effect of lower velocities in operating the mechanism is to diminish acceleration and deceleration rates whereby to reduce the danger to the people who operate those mechanisms and with less liklihood of damage to those mechanisms in the event that articles being processed become caught or jammed.
Thus it is that the invention has as its object to provide a mechanism that operates better, and more safely, and more reliably, than does the prior art apparatus. Not only does the invention achieve those results, but it makes possible reduction in initial production costs and maintenance costs as well.
These several objects and advantages of the invention, and others that will appear in what follows, are realized in part by incorporating the discharge mechanism in the stack rotation mechanism. Whereas it might be expected that the combination of those structures would result in increased mass and higher inertial forces, what actually happens is that the discharge mechanism can be made more compact and the moment of inertia held to a minimum to the end that the total amount of inertial force that must be dealt with in performing the rotation and discharge task is less than what is presented by prior art mechanisms of the same capacity. By incorporating the discharge mechanism in the stack rotation mechanism, the discharge structure becomes available to aid in restraining the stack against disintegration during rotation. Further, to incorporate the discharge mechanism in the rotation unit simplifies the structure to the end that the rotation apparatus can be simplified.
A further effect of mounting the discharge mechanism on the stack rotation mechanism is to simplify the problem of coordinating motions of the several mechanisms. That simplifies the incorporation of safety features, and to do that is another object of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a drawing of an apparatus for rotating and discharging articles, according to the invention, together with structures for delivering newspapers to that apparatus, parts of which are shown schematically;
FIG. 2 is a view in side elevation of the article rotating and discharging apparatus of FIG. 1 together with a fragment of a frame on which it is mounted;
FIG. 3 is a top view of the article rotating and discharge apparatus;
FIG. 4 is a view in elevation of the opposite side of the apparatus;
FIG. 5 is a diagram of the electrical control circuit for the apparatus depicted in FIGS. 1 through 4; and
FIG. 6 is a graph that illustrates operation of the apparatus.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The invention is not limited to the stacking and rotation and discharge of newspapers. It can be used in connection with the production and handling of other kinds of printed products, and, in fact, of a very wide variety of discreet articles. However, the stacking of newspapers is a particularly difficult task. The invention is well suited to that task and it is for that reason that a newspaper stacking turntable and discharge unit has been selected for illustration in the drawings. It represents the currently preferred embodiment.
In FIG. 1, the article rotating the discharge unit is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. It is mounted on a frame and is rotatable relative to the frame on an axis 12, which in most cases would be arranged to extend vertically. Most of the frame has been omitted for the sake of clarity. A few parts of the frame have been shown to indicate which portions of the apparatus are fixed relative to one another. Those frame elements are designated with the reference numeral 14. That numeral appears three times in FIG. 1. It indicates that the light sensor 16 and the light source 18 are both fixed to the frame. It indicates, also, that the arm 20 is a part of the frame, and it is on the arm 20 that the turntable and the discharge elements and the drive means for driving the discharge elements are all mounted.
The rotating and discharge assembly comprises a sub-frame the shape of which is relatively complex. It comprises a lower plate 24, and an upper turntable or platform, generally designated 26 which is divided into two sections. One of those sections is designated 28 and the other is designated 30. Each of sections 28 and 30 is connected to the lower plate 24 by a respectively associated vertical wall. Wall 32 interconnects the lower plate 24 with the upper platform section 28. Wall 34 interconnects the lower plate 24 and the upper platform section 30. The two walls, 32 and 34, extend substantially parallel to one another, and they are spaced sufficiently so that the lower end of a pusher element can move between them. This embodiment employs two of those pusher elements. They are formed by cylindrical bars, one of which, pusher bar 36, is visible in FIG. 1. The lower end of the bar 36 is fixed to two shackles. Shackle 38 is fixed to an endless chain 40, and another shackle 42 is fixed to an endless chain 44. Each of the endless chains, 40 and 44, extends around a respectively associated pair of sprockets. The sprockets are mounted upon shafts which extend between lower plate 24 and the upper platform section 30.
The arrangement of the sprockets is best seen in other figures. However, the end 46 of one of the sprocket shafts is visible in FIG. 1. The lower end of the shaft is connected through a clutch and sprocket assembly 48 to a drive chain 50 which is driven by a drive motor 52. The drive motor is fixed to the sub-frame in that it is bolted to a pair of stand-off elements 56 which extend downwardly from lower plate 24.
The frame arm 20 is fixed. An axle 60 extends vertically through it and the ends of the axle are journalled one in the upper platform section 28 and the other in the lower plate 24. The rotating and discharging unit rotates on the axis of that axle which is the axis 12.
An article retaining wall 62 extends vertically upward from the outer edge of the turntable section 28, and another wall 64 extends vertically upward from the outer edge from the turntable, or platform section 30. That wall 64 extends below the turntable section 30 down to the lower platform 24 to which its lower end is connected. In this embodiment, the walls 62 and 64 are parallel to one another and they are parallel to the walls 32 and 34 of the sub-frame.
A pin 66 is fixed to the sub-frame 24. That pin serves as the point of connection of a crank mechanism that will be described below and whose purpose is to effect rotation of the rotating and discharge apparatus relative to the frame.
When the apparatus is used, an initial stack of papers that usually constitutes about half of a finished stack, is deposited upon the turntable 26. Those papers are arranged so that the folded edge of all of them is at the same side. Then, the assembly 10 is rotated about axis 12 by a crank arm that is connected between pin 66 and the frame. That having been done, another stack of papers is deposited on top of the initial stack. The assumption is made that the structure from which the newspapers are delivered to the apparatus 10 forms stacks of papers such that the folded edge of all the papers in the stack are always in the same direction. That being true, the completed stack that is formed on the turntable 26 will be formed by an initial stack which has the folded edges in one direction, and a subsequent stack which has its folded edges extending in the opposite direction. If the completed stack is to have more than one reversal, that is arranged by simply rotating the structure after each sub-unit of the completed stack is placed atop those sub-units that have previously been deposited on the turntable.
In FIG. 1, the purpose of the light source 16 and the light receiver 18 is to sense when the total stack height exceeds a predetermined level at which the light transmitter and the receiver 18 have been placed. They are placed on a level above the intended height of the subunits to be rotated and serve to sense the fact that the stack is complete and is to be discharged after the deposit of the next sub- unit.
Discharge of the completed stacks from the turntable is accomplished by a discharge means. That means includes at least one pusher element and a drive unit that moves the pusher element in a way that pushes the stack of newspapers from the turntable. In the broadest sense, all that is required is for some element to engage a stack of papers at one side and then to push the stack until it is removed from the turntable 26.
It is a feature of this invention that the push element be carried with the turntable so that it is rotated with the turntable, notwithstanding that it operates to discharge articles from the turntable at a time when the turntable is not being rotated relative to the frame. In this preferred embodiment, the pusher element extends up through the turntable from a point below the turntable surface. That construction insures that force can be applied over the full height of a stack from the loose uppermost papers to the lower most of the articles in the stack. Because of that construction, it is not necessary for successful operation that the coefficient of friction between adjacent articles in the stack be greater than the coefficient of friction between the lowermost article and the upper surface of the turntable. The manner in which the discharge mechanism operates in this preferred embodiment will be apparent from an examination of FIGS. 2 and 3. There are two push bars. Bar 36 was visible in FIG. 1, but bar 70 was not. It is shackled by upper shackle 72 and lower shackle 74 to the two endless chains 40 and 44, respectively. The chains are driven by motor 52 through the chain 50 which serves to rotate the shaft 46 on which are mounted two drive sprockets, one for each of the endless chains. At the other end of the platform section, the endless chains extend around idler sprockets which are mounted upon a shaft 78. The drive sprocket and idler sprockets are arranged so that the push bars 36 and 70 are separated by the greatest distance in the "home" position they occupy in the figures. That distance is substantially the same as the length of the turntable formed by sections 28 and 30.
When the endless chains are driven by their drive motor 52, the shackles and the drive bars are carried around in a path in a movement that includes a quarter circle around a first sprocket followed by movement through a line that is substantially tangent to both sprockets on one side. Then the push bar moves through a half circle as the shackle is carried around the chains by the other sprocket. Then the push bar returns along a path that is tangent to the two sprockets on the other side and is outside of the stacking platform. Finally, the push bar is returned through another quarter turn to home position. During the course of travel, one push bar moves through the space between wall 32 and wall 34 (wall 32 is visible in FIG. 2, but wall 34 is not visible except in FIG. 1). The other push bar moves outside of the turntable platform. It moves along the outer side of the wall 64. In an application in which the rotating and discharge mechanism is to be used in creating and discharging stacks of newspapers, the area of the turntable platform is made substantially the same as the area of a newspaper. In that case, walls 62 and 64 serve to confine the papers along their longer sides. The push bars 36 and 70 serve to confine papers to the rotatable turntable in the endwise dimension because they are placed adjacent to the short end of the platform. When the push bars are in home position, they are not midway across the width of the platform. Home position for each of the push bars is half-way around the semi-circular path of the chain at the platform ends. Looking downward as in FIG. 3, and assuming that the pusher bars are going to move in a counterclockwise direction, it will be apparent that when the chain begins to rotate, the push bar 36 will first move in a direction tangent to the sprocket 76 and perpendicular to the elongated space between the platform sections 28 and 30. That arrangement permits the motor 52 to begin rotation of the chain and of the push bar without having to exert pushing force on the papers. As the push bar 36 begins its arcuate movement with the chain around the sprocket, it bears against the side of the stack of paper in increasing degree. Only when the push bar has rotated through a ninety degree arc and is ready to commence its movement along the straight path between walls 32 and 34 is the velocity of the stack of papers equal to the velocity of the push bar. That arrangement imposes a minimum requirement for starting torque on the drive motor 52. Moreover, it results in the gradual application of force to the stack of papers and the gradual acceleration of those papers. Thus it is that the initial motion that is employed to push the stack from the table includes little or no parasitic travel.
The other bar is moved out of the way of the stack so that it is free to move from the table. In this preferred form of the invention, the bars interchange position with each discharge cycle. Motor 52 is capable of reverse operation so that the papers can be discharged in either direction from the turntable and it is not uncommon in practice to discharge succeeding stacks from opposite sides of the turntable.
Being offset from the centerline of the turntable ends does not reduce the effectiveness of the push bars in the task of confining stack articles to the stacking position on the turntable. That is because both pusher rods are displaced at the same side of the center line between guides 62 and 64.
It will be apparent from a comparison of FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 that the axis of rotation of motor 52 is coincident with the axis of rotation 12 of the assembly 10. Rotation of the whole assembly is accomplished with a crank mechanism. The crank includes crank pin 66 and a crank actuating arm 80. In this embodiment, the latter is a piston and cylinder combination that operates from a fluid source which may comprise air or liquid. The crank pin 66 is fixed to the assembly 10. It is fixed to the lower plate 24 of that assembly at a point that is spaced from the rotation axis 12. One end of the crank arm 80 is connected to the pin 66 at the lower side of plate 24. The connection is a pivotal one made with a bearing 81. The other end of arm 80 has pivotal connection by a bearing to the frame 14. That structure is generally designated 82 in the drawing. Since the arm 80 is formed by a cylinder and piston assembly, its length can be changed. When the arm is shortened, the reversing and discharge assembly begins to rotate around axis 12. The structure is arranged so that in the beginning and final positions of the assembly 10, a line drawn from the axis of pin 66 to the axis of rotation 12, and then to the axis of rotation of the other end of the arm at structure 82, forms a right angle. If the structure initially occupies the position relative to the frame that it is shown to occupy in FIG. 3, and if the piston and cylinder assembly is operated to reduce the length of the crank arm 80, pin 66 will be drawn toward assembly 82. Force is applied to continue that rotation through 90. degree.. At that time, the pivot axis 12, the pivot axis of pin 66, and the pivot axis at assembly 82 will be in line. The assembly 10 will have acquired sufficient momentum to carry it beyond that dead center condition whereupon the length of the crank arm 80 is lengthened by operation of the piston and cylinder assembly until the reversing and discharging mechanism 10 occupies the position 180° from the position it occupies in FIG. 3. Curve A in FIG. 6 is a graph of the relationship of the angular velocity of the structure 10 plotted against its angular displacement that would result in a typical case in which the crank arm 80 was formed by an air cylinder and piston assembly controlled by a valve, such as valve 140 which applies fluid first to shorten arm 80 and then to lengthen it.
The angular velocity in the mid-region of the travel of the structure 10 can be reduced quite easily, and it is reduced in the preferred embodiment of the invention by the addition of a spring force arranged to oppose the inertial forces developed by the rotating assembly. This makes the angular velocity substantially uniform as shown by curve B in FIG. 6.
Turning to FIG. 4, the rod 86 has pivotal connection at one end 88 to the crank pin 66 just above the lower sub-frame plate 24. The other end of that rod 86 extends through a slide 90 and through a coiled spring 92 to enlarged end 94. The spring 92 is trapped between the enlarged end 94 and the slide member 90. The latter has pivotal connection to the underside of arm 20 of the frame 14. When the rotatable turntable and discharge assembly 10 occupies the position shown in FIG. 3 and the reversed position, spring 92 is compressed. When the rotatable turntable and discharge assembly is midway in its travel and occupies a position in which the crank pin 66 is between and aligned with axis 12 and the slide member 90, the spring 92 is relaxed, or nearly so, because arm 86 has been pushed through the slide 90 such that the enlarged end 94 is at a maximum distance from the slide member 90.
Mid-way along the upper edge of arm 20 in FIG. 4 there are three switches designated 100, 102, and 104, respectively. The actuators of those switches are engaged in rotation of the turntable by strikers 106, 108, and 110, respectively, that are seen to be carried by the sub- frame 24. In FIG. 2, a switch 112 is visible at the lower left-hand corner. Its actuator is operated when struck by one or the other of the shackles that bind the lower end of push rods 36 and 70 to the drive chains 40 and 44. While not visible in any of the drawings, other than the circuit diagram of FIG. 5, because it is obscured by other components, the unit includes a switch 114 whose actuator is operated by elements on a collar 116 which is fixed to the shaft 46 by which the endless chains are driven. That collar includes two switch operators 118 and 119 formed as protrusions on diametric points from the collars. That structure is shown schematically at the lower left in FIG. 5. The switch actuators 106, 108, and 110 are shown schematically in the mid-regions of FIG. 5. The respective switches that they operate are indicated by dashed lines that interconnect those switches with the operators respectively.
Operation of the turntable is related to operation of the mechanism by which papers are deposited on the turntable through switches that are operated by switch actuators 120 and 122. Those actuators may be seen in FIG. 5 and in FIG. 1 above the turntable. They actuate switches to indicate whether or not that paper depositing mechanism 500 is in its upper, paper catching and storage position, or in its lower position at which it deposits paper on the turntable.
The case of the discharge motor 52 houses a brake 152 for the motor at its lower end. And, finally, the fluid supply and control system by which the air or hydraulic system 80 is actuated, is diagrammed in FIG. 4. That diagram includes an electrically operated valve 140 which is actuated to cause a fluid flow to the cylinder 80 in either direction or to stop flow.
The function of the electrical circuitry and apparatus that is diagrammed in FIG. 5 is to operate the fluid control valve 140 and to operate the discharge drive motor 52 and its brake 152. The circuitry by which that is done is conventional. It is diagrammed here in FIG. 5 to illustrate that the system lends itself to the inclusion of a variety of protective features. It was mentioned earlier that synchronous operation of the turntable rotating mechanism and the discharge mechanism was not feasible. The fact that newspapers have different size from day to day, and that they may not be delivered to the stacking position in a steady stream means that the cycle times may change from day to day and from moment to moment within the day. Moreover, the unit described here will discharge papers to a conveyor, or other place, from which each stack must be moved to make room for the next stack that is discharged. If stacks of papers become backed up on that conveyor system, it may be necessary to prevent the discharge mechanism from operating or, alternatively, to cause it to discharge the papers onto a conveyor or into a storage area at the opposite side. The provision of protective apparatus and procedures to prevent harm to the machinery and to the machine operators and paper handlers may introduce other possibilities of harm that require the addition of even more protective apparatus. For example, it was described earlier that the drive mechanism for the discharge means includes a slip clutch. If the discharge mechanism is opposed by a force sufficient to permit slipping of the clutch, the discharge mechanism will not operate to discharge the stack. Nonetheless, the mechanism will attempt to do that. That situation introduces a time lag during which papers of the next stack are accumulating above. The system that is described here includes a means for limiting the time period over which the mechanism will attempt to discharge papers against an opposing force. It also includes a means for reversing the discharge direction if opposing forces have prevented the discharge in the direction of the original attempt to discharge. If the discharge is prevented altogether, the system includes a means for shutting down operation. If the mechanism that deposits papers on the stack has operated to increase the stack height above a level that the structures can accommodate, the unit will stop.
These several safety features, and some others, are incorporated into the system by inclusion of the position and height sensors previously described. Switches 100, 102, and 104 sense the rotational position of the turntable. Switch 112 senses the position of the push bar. Switch 114 of FIG. 5 senses the existence of excessive forces in opposition to discharge. Sensor 16 senses when stack height is excessive. Switches 126 and 128 sense the operatonal state of the mechanism that deposits papers on the stacking platform through the medium of operating cams or switch actuators 122 and 120, respectively.
How protection is provided can be understood by an examination of the circuit arrangement of FIG. 5. To facilitate understanding, FIG. 5 has been drawn using some of the conventions employed in the electrical control industries. The diagram itself is arranged so that the components, or most of them, fall on horizontally drawn circuit lines, and those lines are identified by numerals placed opposite them on the right side of the page. Contactors whose electrical actuators include time delay circuits are represented by hexagons. The actuator of conventional electrically operated contactors is represented by ovals. The electrical actuator of a stepping relay is represented by a circle. Those components which are special, or for which there is no identifying shape, are represented in rectangular boxes.
The power lines 300 and 302 are connected to the supply mains at line 400 in FIG. 5. The discharge motor 52 and its brake 152 are energized from a three-phase line L1, L2 and L3 in the circuit as shown in the center right in FIG. 5. The brake 152 is energized when its winding is energized in parallel with either the reverse connection or the forward connection of the motor 52. The CW and CCW contacts in that circuit respond to the CW and CCW contactor solenoids at lines 412 and 410, respectively.
The solenoid that operates the fluid control valve 140 is numbered 160 and it can be found on line 405 of FIG. 5. To complete the description of the components of the system, the motor starter system for discharge motor 52 is designated 162. It includes a counterclockwise contact actuator represented by the oval and the symbol CCW on line 410 of the diagram. The motor starter also includes a clockwise rotation actuator represented by an oval and the symbol CW on line 412 of FIG. 5. The contactor CCW includes normally closed contacts on line 405 and line 412 and it includes normally open contacts on line 407 and on line 409. A contactor CW includes normally closed contacts on line 405 and line 410, and it includes normally open contacts on lines 406 and 413.
The circuit includes a manual selector switch 170 which can be placed in any of three positions. In its upper position, the motor 52 will be energized for one direction of rotation so that papers are always discharged to the same side. When the switch is moved to the lowermost position, the situation is reversed and the mechanism will discharge papers only to the other side. When the switch is placed in an intermediate position, then the discharge mechanism works alternately to discharge papers first to one side and then to the other. That is accomplished through the medium of a stepping relay whose actuator appears at line 414, whose normally closed contacts appear between lines 410 and 411, and whose normally open contacts appear between lines 411 and 412. The command to operate the discharge motor is given by the height switch 16 on line 403 of FIG. 5. Discharge commands are given through the medium of normally open contacts on line 411 which are operated by actuator DC on line 403. That contactor includes another set of contacts on line 402.
The commands to rotate the turntable are given by the actuator cam 120 of the apparatus that delivers papers to the turntable. That cam operates switch 128 which is found on line 405 of the diagram. When that switch is closed, the fluid valve operator 160 is energized. It is energized through a manual NO-ROTATION-DISCHARGE ONLY switch 182 and a contactor 184 which forms part of a protective system associated with other apparatus in the production line.
The rotate relay, whose actuator RR appears on line 404 together with a normally open contact on that line and a normally closed contact on line 411, acts to hold the rotation control valve 140 in rotation position until position sensor 110 actuates the switch 104 to indicate that the table has been rotated to the 90° point.
Block 190 at lines 410, 411, and 412 of the diagram represents a set of reversing contacts that are controlled by an actuator DR shown in the oval symbol at line 417. That DR actuator is energized through switch 114 in the line 417. A normally open contact of the DR relay appears on line 413 to stop the discharge motor allowing block 190 to reverse the motor rotaton.
There are three timers in the system. Timer T1 on line 406 controls normally closed contacts on lines 404 and 405 to control operaton of the rotate relay RR and the fluid valve operator 160. Operation of the timer T1 is under the control of switch 128 which reponds to the position of cam 120 as previously described.
Timer T2 on line 415 controls operation of normally closed contacts in the lines that supply power to the motor starter 162. Operaton of timer T2 is controlled by the lower section of switch 112 which appears at line 413. That switch is the one that appears in the lower left corner of FIG. 2 and is operated by the shackles that connect the pusher rods to their drive chains.
The third timer is found on line 416 and it operates a normally closed contact in line 417 in series with the actuator of the discharge reverse contactor DR. The third timer is designated T3.
The system operates in the following manner. Switches 100, 102, and 104 sense the position of the turntable and determine the direction of rotation of the discharge motor. They work in combination with the manually operated switch 170 to arrange energization of the motor starter 162 in a way that will cause the motor, when energized, to turn in a proper direction. If the switch 170 has been moved to its mid- position, the ratchet relay AR operates with each discharge operation through switch 112 at line 413 to make the CCW and the CW relays operate alternately.
Switch 112 also controls the timer T2 to limit the duration over which discharge forces are expected and it terminates the discharge command DC at line 402 and at line 403. When the discharge command relay is energized, discharge is permitted to occur when it is initiated by switch 126. That switch is operated by cam 122 which may be found at line 407 of FIG. 5 and in the upper portion of FIG. 1.
The discharge command is initiated by the sensor 16 which detects stack heights greater than the vertical distance between the turntable platform and the position of the sensor 16. The vertical position of sensor 16 is adjustable and sensing occurs at the mid-point in rotation. The rotation relay RR is energized when switch 128 is operated by cam 120 which appears at line 407 in FIG. 5 and in the upper portion of FIG. 1. The relay RR holds the valve 140 energized until the switch striker 110 operates switches 104 on line 404 at the ninety degree position of the turntable. The switch 128 also controls timer T1 to limit the duration over which rotation force is exerted.
If the discharge motion is blocked in the selected direction, the clutch 48 slips, as previously described, allowing relative rotation between the discharge mechanism drive shaft and its drive chain. The swtich operators 118 and 119 operate switch 114 to energize the DR relay and reverse rotation of the discharge motor. Timer T3 limits the duration that the DR relay is energized.
Although I have shown and described certain specific embodiments of my invention, I am fully aware that many modifications thereof are possible. My invention, therefor, is not to be restricted except insofar as is necessitated by the prior art. | |
In life, with so many things going on, it’s easy to get distracted. Because of this, we tend to lose sight of our time, especially when it comes to dividing our time amongst our relationships, passions, work, spiritual life, sleep and the list can go on. This can build up uneasy stress. However, there are solutions.
Time management is a skill that can be learned.
So, let’s look at your day. There are 24 hours in a day. This means you have 24 hours to do almost absolutely anything. Don’t believe me? Try reading ecclesiastes 3:1-8. “There is a time for everything.” So, now that you know you have 24 hours in a day and “there is a time for everything,” it is essential to divide up that time. So, let’s start.
1. Balance Is Key. Make A Schedule.
Balance is really important in determining how your schedule is to be set up and split. You have to know how much time is to be divided between each event in your life and act accordingly. Learning to balance your time is learning to manage your time. With that said, make a strict schedule with slight room for distractions, disturbances and breaks.
2. Make A List.
We all know you have a lot of things to accomplish within the day, week, year, decade and for some, century. Make a list of what you need to accomplish whether the task is simple or difficult. Having this list that you made yourself will help you know what you need to do and help you plan steps to complete it. Cross the task off the list once it is completed, so you know that you don’t have to complete it anymore. This can reduce stress, give you a sense of relief, accomplishment and may even spur motivation to conquer your other tasks. Feel free to rewrite and prioritize your list regularly.
3. Prioritize
Remember to do first things first. So, whichever task is the most important, make sure you work to complete that task first. This will only make finishing your other tasks even simpler.
4.Work in intervals.
Manage your time in portions. Compete against the clock. Maybe you can make it a goal to complete a portion of your task or the whole task in the next 15 minutes, half hour or hour.
5. Take A Break. Leave Time For Fun.
Make sure you give yourself a time to get loose, refresh, relax and refocus so that you can complete the task that is at hand. However, don’t make your relaxation time too long. Long breaks may make you become idle, distracted and make you lose focus.
6. Get Rid Of The, “I’ll Do This Tomorrow,” Mentality.
If you’re like some of us, you’re a procrastinator. Procrastination only hurts you when it comes to managing your time and while some procrastinators manage to get their work done, it is at a cost that may be detrimental. Tell yourself to get something done now rather than later. The moment you tell yourself, “I’ll do this tomorrow,” just remember, you’re in trouble.
7. Sleep.
Make sure you give yourself a time to sleep. 8 hours of sleep is standard, but make sure you get no less than 6 hours of sleep. Proper sleep can give you the energy, alertness, and functionality you need throughout the day, which you certainly need to manage your time.
8. What Time Do You Work Best?
Do you work better in the morning or evening? Take advantage of the time in which you are most productive.
9. Reward Yourself.
Once you complete a task or a set of tasks, especially a very important one, reward yourself. Give yourself a treat, a pat on your back and tell yourself, “I did it!”
Of course, there are other tips, but hopefully these tips are enough to help you. Discuss in the comments below other tips that can help people manage their time more efficiently.
Keep it 100. | http://dahtrump.com/2013/01/how-to-manage-your-time-in-9-steps/ |
Sara brings an unlimited amount of energy to the Beck TOI team with her positive nature and elated sense of humor. She finds passion in connecting with her clients and providing solutions that fit their overall needs; she knows that a well-designed space can have a profound and lasting impact on an organization. Working directly with clients, she creates innovative designs that can inspire collaboration and growth.
Sara’s industry experience with various manufacturers enables her to provide a comprehensive, diverse furniture solution to her customers. Her strong background in customer service aides her in creating a positive client experience throughout a project.
A native New Mexican, Sara has fierce pride for her home state. Living in the heart of Albuquerque, she spends her free time at the gym, thrift shopping, or spending quality time with her husband and their cat. | https://becktoi.com/sara-peavey/ |
In this lesson, you may learn what limiting reactant and excess reactant imply and the best way to decide which reactant is limiting in a chemical response when given the quantity of each reactant. Step 6: Find the quantity of remaining extra reactant by subtracting the mass of the surplus reagent consumed from the overall mass of excess reagent given. We can see from the speed equation that the only reactant that has an effect on the speed of the response is X, as it is the only one talked about. If they are in several phases, the response is limited to the interface between reactants and reactions can only occur at their area of contact. If the quantity of B present is lower than required, then B is the limiting reagent.
Although you’ll be able to examine moles of product from one reactant to moles of product from one other reactant to determine the limiting reagent, many occasions this number is converted back into grams by multiplying by the molar mass of the product you’re coping with. I would have thought they were merchandise, as a result of the anodes finally dissolve and the cathodes get plated, ending the response. This time you will be given the mass of both reactants (C2H5OH and O2) and you may be asked to establish the limiting reagent and calculate the moles of the product (carbon dioxide gas) formed.
Aldehydes are readily oxidized to carboxylic acids by Tollen’s reagent to produce a silver mirror on the within of a clean take a look at tube. The moleculaity of each response is 2. Both the reactions have discovered to be of first order. A substance participating in a chemical response, particularly a instantly reacting substance current at the start of the response.
Purity requirements for reagents are set by organizations comparable to ASTM International or the American Chemical Society For occasion, reagent-quality water must have very low ranges of impurities similar to sodium and chloride ions, silica , and micro organism , as well as a very excessive electrical resistivity Laboratory products that are less pure, but still helpful and economical for undemanding work, may be designated as technical, practical, or crude grade to distinguish them from reagent variations.
One reactant (A) is chosen, and the balanced chemical equation is used to determine the amount of the other reactant (B) essential to react with A. If the quantity of B truly present exceeds the amount required, then B is in extra and A is the limiting reagent. Increasing the ion concentration on the cathode or lowering it on the anode would pull the reaction ahead. | http://softwaretheory.net/reagent.html |
Mary’s Bio
Hi! I'm Mary and I'm currently seeking a part-time or per diem pet care gig. I have several years experience house/dog sitting for poodles, pit bulls, American Staffordshire Terriers, as well as other mixed breeds. I sincerely love caring for animals, especially taking long walks/jogs to a local trail or just around the neighborhood.
| |
The State Senate is working on a bill that will make it illegal to leave your pet in a car.
Lawmakers say they want to differentiate it from other forms of animal cruelty.
"You get a pet to love and take care of and if you leave it in a hot car, you aren't taking care of them," pet owner Laurie Ellsworth said.
Part of taking care of them is making sure they aren't left unattended in your car, even if you're just running into a store for a quick errand. Dr. Joyce Heideman says even comfortably warm days can make a car dangerous for your pet.
"The big thing that people need to remember is that cars are like greenhouses. It might be 70 degrees outside, but within that car in 10 minutes, it can be 90 degrees," she said.
Dr. Heideman says it gets worse in the sun, especially for dogs. They cool down by panting, not sweating. That means sitting in a car with no air circulation puts them more at risk. According to her, even leaving the windows cracked won't do much good.
"Animals are so at risk for heat stroke and we see it a lot. Its not like this is unusual. We see lots of cases in the summer and animals do die from it," she said.
Pet owners are happy the state is trying to pass a law to protect animals, but they think it should have already been on the books.
"I guess I'm wondering why we need a bill to express that, or keep people from doing that. Because it is common sense," Cindy Herfindahl said.
Common sense or not, this owner thinks pets should be treated the same as other family members.
"It's as bad as leaving your kids in the car when its hot outside, you know?" Herfindahl said.
Veterinarians say that its best to leave your pet at home when running errands.
The bill passed out of committee unanimously on Tuesday. It includes a $300 fine for first time offenders and up to 45 days in jail. News 10 will let you know when the full senate votes. | https://www.fox47news.com/news/local-news/bill-passes-committee-making-it-illegal-to-leave-pets-in-hot-cars |
Q:
Referring to worksheet
So I'm having an issue in referring to a worksheet. I intend to open an input box whenever I find an empty cell on column B throughout the workbook, so I can input and change the empty cell value.
I am, however, getting an error (First was saying subscription out of range and I changed it, so now it says application/ object defined error) on this line:
For i = 0 To Sheets(j).Cells(Rows.Count, i).End(xlUp).Row
Code:
Dim Country As Variant
Dim Capital As Variant
Dim CapitalValue As Variant
Dim i As Integer
Dim j As Integer
' Select *first line of data*
Range("B1").Select
' Loop to stop when an empty cell is reached.
For j = 1 To Worksheets.Count
j = ActiveSheet.Index
Range("B1").Select
For i = 0 To Sheets(j).Cells(Rows.Count, i).End(xlUp).Row
'Select the Country Cell
ActiveCell.Offset(i, 0).Select
CapitalValue = ActiveCell.Value
'If Country is empty
If CapitalValue = "" Then
MsgBox ("No more Capitals")
Else
'Input Capital values
CapitalValue = ActiveCell.Value
Country = ActiveCell.Offset(0, -1).Value
Capital = InputBox("Capital of " & Country, "Capital Input")
CapitalValue = Capital
End If
Next i
Next j
Regards
A:
If you want to repeat this across all worksheets (like the For j = 1 to Worksheets.Count line would suggest) you shouldn't be changing j in the next line to ActiveSheet.Index, especially since your code doesn't actually change worksheets at any point.
Your Range("B1").Select suggests you want to loop over column B looking for these values, so replace your For i = 0 To Sheets(j).Cells(Rows.Count, i).End(xlUp).Row with For i = 1 To Sheets(j).Cells(Sheets(j).Rows.Count, "B").End(xlUp).Row as you need to know where to start with i. I've assumed row 1, but you might need to change that if you have a header row to 2.
You are then selecting the cell i rows below the activecell. For the first time round the loop this will move you from row 2 to row 3. The second time you will jump from 3 to 5 as i has incremented from 1 to 2. Best to avoid Select in general where possible as it slows things down in any case. Since you have noted you want to find blank values then prompt the user for the details, I would suggest the following instead:
For j = 1 to Worksheets.Count
For i = 1 To Sheets(j).Cells(Sheets(j).Rows.Count, "B").End(xlUp).Row
If Sheets(j).Range("B" & i).Value = "" Then
Country = Sheets(j).Range("A" & i).Value
Sheets(j).Range("B" & i).Value = InputBox("Please enter the capital for country " & Country, "Capital Input")
End If
Next
Next
| |
Do you love cookies? What is your favorite flavor or texture? Let me know in the comment box below, but for now, I’ll share one of my favorite cookie recipe with you. Mixed Nuts Cookies.
Unlike other cookie recipes on the internet, you’ll find that my cookie recipes have less sugar. I assure you these cookies are tasty and the sweetness is balanced.
Making Mixed Nuts Cookies.
These Mixed Nuts Cookies are soft from the inside with a slight crunch from the outside. Melting the butter enhanced the flavor and added that chewy texture.
Although this is not a low-calorie cookie, it is still lower in calories than your average cookie, which is 140 to 125 calories, and it will not spike up your sugar level.
I’ve used cashew and almond but you can use your favorite mixed nuts.
Let’s Bake!
Follow me on . | https://letscookingmam.com/mixed-nuts-cookies/ |
Contributed by Robert Lyman © 2017
As fuel taxes and carbon taxes raise the price of transportation in Canada, will it get too expensive to drive your car or truck? And if so, what are your choices? What influences those choices?
Even though climate change activists advocate walking and cycling everywhere to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve health, and they claim that these are somehow equal to driving or using public transit, here are the actual statistics for Canada (in 2012):
- 82 % of people commuted to work by car,
- 12 % took public transit (buses and subways),
- 6% walked or cycled.
Read also:
Extreme Weather
Vancouver Island and the lower mainland of British Columbia are about the only exceptions to the brutal rule of severe winter temperatures and plenty of snow in most Canadian cities. In most cities, cycling becomes dangerous and often impossible. Everything slows down, except subway traffic.
Commuters on average spend about 24 minutes going to work while people taking public transit spend 44 minutes. While many cyclists swear it is faster to cycle than sit in traffic, probably true in some cities, it still means cycling office workers face the awkward challenge of messy streets and extremes of weather, when they must arrive looking business-ready.
Though climate change advocates call for greatly increased public transit or high-speed rail within major centres, the density of urban development in Canada varies considerably from city to city, making these programs too expensive for the number of potential users and taxpayers.
Canada and Cars
It is no accident that Canadians use personal vehicles for most of their transportation needs. We live in a large country with plenty of space and we have longed enjoyed the benefits of low cost, plentiful energy supplies. For over a century, since the inception of the car, Canada’s basic infrastructure has been built around the availability of cars. That, in turn, has affected urban design.
One cannot assume away that infrastructure, or believe that increasing the cost of driving will suddenly make transit more available or cycling and walking more practical as alternatives. To try and force people away from cars and promote cycling, walking or public transit use, many large municipal governments have tried to create more “densified” cities. This often has had the tragic side effect of reducing the land available for new housing, raising housing costs, and forcing out the poor.
Nonetheless, there is an unrelenting demand by new homebuyers for residences in the suburbs often 40 km or more from city centres. If consumers are “allowed” to exercise their free choices, those movements to the suburbs will continue, because people here in Canada enjoy the benefits of more space (in their homes, in their yards, and in their neighbourhoods and play spaces).
We are not Europeans.
Source: https://www.mentorworks.ca/blog/market-trends/01-downsizing-to-optimize-living- space/
Inter-City Travel
For inter-city transportation, consumers’ choices include cars, buses, trains, and aircraft (or, in rare cases, boats). Travel surveys show that:
- 96% of same-day trips are by car,
- 2% are by bus,
• the remainder are by air, rail or boat.
For over-night trips or longer:
- 78% are by car,
- 7% are by plane,
- 3% are by bus,
- 1% was by train.
Plane travel may be even more GHG-intensive than car travel. In Canada, train and bus service between cities is uneven and often with limited schedules. People rarely choose these over car travel – not to mention that both require another means of travel once at the destination. So, it is unlikely to draw many people out of cars unless the costs of car usage rise very sharply.
My Car – My Freedom – My Choice
Even when rates for parking and fuel rise, once a person has purchased a car and committed to paying the fixed costs of purchase, insurance, and maintenance, the incremental fuel costs are a small part of the total. Even if the costs of transit are very low and the costs of fuel rise sharply, the commuter is unlikely to change his or her habits because of cost considerations alone.
Further, once people live in the suburbs, their children often need transportation to various clubs or sports events around the city. With a private vehicle, parents can pick up groceries or home handyman supplies, or carry the hockey team’s equipment to and from the rink. These things are impossible by public transit.
In a democracy where freedom of choice is valued, Canadians should not have to justify their preference for cars. Personal choice is a right, and depriving people of that right has a cost. The burden of proof for trying to tax cars off the market (with associated loss in jobs in the auto sales, parts and maintenance sectors), should rest on the shoulders of those policy makers who try to institute a measure that will force Canadians out of their cars and onto mass transit or other forms of transportation.
But…but…but.. Climate Change!
Those who say that Canadians must get out of their cars to “save the planet” by reducing greenhouse gas emissions ignore the fact that cars and light duty trucks (i.e. SUVs) used for personal transportation in Canada account for just 11.5% of Canada’s emissions. Even major changes in our car use, including completely eliminating all personal vehicles, would have only a modest effect on national emissions. Canada itself constitutes only 1.6% of global emissions, and all the emissions growth is occurring elsewhere. Forcing people out of their cars in the name of the climate, in other words, is simply extremely expensive and pointless virtue signalling.
Interesting interactive graphic available here:
http://www.wri.org/blog/2015/06/infographic-what-do-your-countrys-emissions-look
~~~~
Some references drawn from: | https://blog.friendsofscience.org/2017/10/28/getting-around-in-canada-vast-distances-extreme-weather/ |
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Canoeing, Roadmaps and Zelda with Ben Jakuben6:16 with Ben Jakuben and Craig Dennis
We meet up with Head of Curriculum, Ben Jakuben, in a hotel lobby and take a tour through some old school Treehouse scenes.
More About Ben
More About Treehouse
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0:00
Hi, and welcome to the Treehouse Show.
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0:01
The Treehouse Show is a weekly conversation with the Treehouse community.
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0:04
[SOUND] We're a remote company so
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0:10
we don't get to see each other in real life that often.
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0:12
We all got together last week for a retreat.
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0:14
And I had the incredible opportunity to get to hang out with our head of
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0:18
curriculum, my wonderful manager, and our old school Android teacher, Ben Jakuben.
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0:22
Ben, thanks so much for being on this show.
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0:25
>> It's actually my pleasure,
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0:26
thank you. >> I know that we're traveling.
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0:28
It's a little weird where we're standing.
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0:29
Let's chat though. >> Let's do it, this is the perfect spot.
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0:32
>> All right.
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0:33
So Ben, I have a question for you. >> Fire away!
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0:36
>> How did you get started in technology?
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0:41
>> Well, nobody in my family was at all
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0:42
interested in technology. >> My parents ran a landscaping business,
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0:45
so the furthest thing from technology.
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0:48
Well, no, mowers and weedeaters and things like that are technology.
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0:52
So I took a programming class in college,
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0:55
my first intro to anything to working with computers.
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0:58
And I didn't do that well with it actually.
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1:00
I skipped a lot of classes, don't do that at home.
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1:03
>> [LAUGH]
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1:05
>> I read the book.
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1:05
The lectures were horrible, which is why I really love what [LAUGH] we do here.
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1:09
Lectures were horrible.
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1:10
I got all the information from the book, did the exercises, and
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1:13
I got through with a B, a solid B where I didn't really understand what I was doing.
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1:17
>> What language was that in?
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1:18
>> This was in
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1:19
C++. >> Okay.
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1:20
>> Not a great first language to
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1:21
learn either.
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1:22
And I put it away, I walked away from it.
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1:24
And I was taking other courses to figure out what I wanted to do.
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1:27
Two years later, I decided that I wanted to revisit it.
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1:31
I went back to that same textbook over the summer, and I read through.
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1:34
And wow, the second time through, things actually made sense.
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1:37
So I took a bunch of classes after that, and from then on,
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1:42
it was like everything made sense.
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1:44
It was a lot of hard work still, but it made so much more sense.
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1:46
I cared about it more.
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1:47
It led into getting the degree, getting a job, and where we're at today.
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1:51
>> Awesome, so during that time, so
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1:54
you've been here with Treehouse for how many years now?
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1:58
>> Almost six years.
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1:59
>> Six years, so
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2:00
you've seen a lot of different stuff going on,
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2:02
you've taught a lot of different things. >> I sure have.
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2:04
I came here as an Android teacher specifically.
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2:07
I've taught mostly Android classes, including some Java back in the day, but
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2:11
it was in the context of Android apps.
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2:13
So I was very thankful when Craig joined as a Java teacher first.
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2:17
And then I did some iOS courses because we just had a need,
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2:19
a lot of student demand for certain things.
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2:21
So I did a couple of apps in iOS and Android.
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2:23
And now I'm doing less teaching, managing the teaching team and
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2:27
helping plan the overall curriculum,
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2:29
which is great cuz I get to see what's going on across the team.
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2:33
But my most recent course, cuz I don't do that much, was helping out on
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2:38
an IBM Watson, using their APIs to build a chatbot, which was really fantastic.
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2:42
I learned a lot, it was really fun, and always great to be working with the crew
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2:46
again, awesome. >> Yeah,
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2:47
when you're talking about all those early days, I think there's a video of you, or
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2:52
a couple videos of you in a canoe.
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2:53
Is that right? >> That's my all time favorite shoot
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2:56
because it was like 95 degrees.
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2:58
There were planes flying overhead constantly so
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3:00
we had to stop recording after every sentence.
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3:04
And we had to continually roll around to the same spot so that we could float in
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3:08
the right direction for the shot with the lighting, and the waves, and everything.
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3:11
It was horrible.
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3:12
It was like four or five hours of work for like four or five minutes of content.
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3:17
It was amazing content, though. >> It's some of my favorite.
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3:20
>> Find the link to put it in the notes.
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3:22
>> Yeah, let's show some.
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3:24
[MUSIC]
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3:32
>> The inner ear of most mammals is remarkable for
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3:35
its ability to detect motion, rotation, and acceleration.
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3:38
[INAUDIBLE]
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3:40
[MUSIC]
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3:43
[INAUDIBLE] and put together,
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3:48
make a banner [INAUDIBLE].
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3:53
[LAUGH]
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3:55
[MUSIC]
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4:00
>> Other than this canoeing, what's something that the students watching
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4:05
wouldn't be able to know about you, you, Ben Jakuben?
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4:08
It is Ben Jakuben. >> No, it's not, it's Ben Jakuben, and
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4:11
Craig you should really know this. >> I do this all the time.
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4:13
And I'm sorry, Ben Jakuben. >> Much better,
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4:16
look at that, brilliant. >> So what's something that the students
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4:20
would not know about Ben Jakuben? >> Let's see, well, they know I love Dr.
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4:24
Who, because I work those references into my material.
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4:29
I'm fairly boring, so you don't know how boring I am that my life,
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4:34
my focus outside of Treehouse is my family.
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4:36
So it's a lot of time playing video games with my kids, watching shows with my wife.
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4:41
I play basketball, not very often, not very well, but
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4:43
I love basketball still. >> That doesn't sound boring.
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4:46
Playing video games is not boring.
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4:48
What video games do you play? >> Well, my current obsession is Zelda.
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4:52
I've always loved all Zelda video games.
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4:54
That's been the most of my time, and Breath of the Wild has been on
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4:57
heavy rotation since the holidays here. >> Awesome, and one of my favorite things
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5:01
that you've actually taught me is that you can play video games with your kids.
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5:04
>> Yes, we do share that in common.
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5:05
Our children love to play video games with daddy.
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5:09
>> Yeah, so I'm glad.
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5:10
You mentioned that you just had a title change.
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5:12
You're now head of curriculum.
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5:13
That is pretty big.
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5:15
How do you do that?
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5:16
What does that mean to be head of curriculum?
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5:18
>> It's a lot of research,
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5:21
talking, planning.
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5:23
Really it's trying to think about what you all need to get jobs or
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5:27
that you're interested in learning, and then prioritizing.
-
5:29
How can we build that for you?
-
5:31
There's a lot we want to do.
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5:32
There's a lot you're asking for.
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5:34
And we can't do everything, at least not right away.
-
5:36
So it's picking out what's most important first.
-
5:38
So Craig and I and all the other teachers,
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5:40
we'll get together either as one on one situations, sometimes as groups.
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5:44
And we plot things out as you hopefully are well aware.
-
5:47
Our material is organized in these long tracks or tech degrees where it's really
-
5:51
trying to make sure we're identifying all the gaps and
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5:53
picking out all the related skills that you need to be effective in a role.
-
5:57
So it's a lot of research and planning. >> Excellent.
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6:01
[SOUND] Thanks for watching the Treehouse Show.
-
6:06
To get in touch with the show, reach out to me on Twitter, or
-
6:09
email us at [email protected].
-
6:11
See you next time.
-
6:11
I gotta start practicing my rowing skills cuz I'm so
-
6:14
writing a canoe scene in my next script. | https://teamtreehouse.com/library/canoeing-roadmaps-and-zelda-with-ben-jakuben |
Safety inspection of bridges.
Safety inspection of bridges.
335.074 Safety inspection of bridges.—
(1) Those bridges having an opening measured along the center of the roadway of more than 20 feet between undercopings of abutments or spring lines of arches or extreme ends of openings for multiple boxes and those bridges consisting of multiple pipes where the clear distance between openings is less than half of the smaller contiguous opening are subject to inspection in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(2) At regular intervals not to exceed 2 years, each bridge on a public transportation facility shall be inspected for structural soundness and safety for the passage of traffic on such bridge. The thoroughness with which bridges are to be inspected shall depend on such factors as age, traffic characteristics, state of maintenance, and known deficiencies. The governmental entity having maintenance responsibility for any such bridge shall be responsible for having inspections performed and reports prepared in accordance with the provisions contained herein.
(3)(a) Each bridge inspection required by subsection (2) shall be performed by an inspector who is qualified, as prescribed in subsection (4), who shall determine the load-carrying capacity and safety condition of the bridge.
(b) Each inspection shall be reported on a format designated by the department and forwarded to the department. A copy of such report shall also be provided to the local governmental entities in the jurisdictions of which the bridge is located. Data on a newly completed structure, or on any modification of an existing structure, which would alter previously submitted data on any inspection report shall be submitted to the department and the appropriate local governmental entities within 90 days of completion of the new construction or modification by the governmental entity having maintenance responsibility.
(c) The department shall maintain an inventory of bridges and appropriate records on the inspections of such bridges reported pursuant to this section.
(4)(a) An individual who inspects bridges and completes reports required by this section must possess the following minimum qualifications:
1. Be a registered professional engineer with expertise in civil engineering; or
2. Have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in bridge construction or maintenance inspection assignments in a responsible capacity and have completed a comprehensive training course approved by the department.
(b) An individual who executes reports required by this section shall be a registered professional engineer.
History.—ss. 1, 2, 3, ch. 69-271; ss. 23, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 75-137; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 40, ch. 84-309; s. 16, ch. 85-81; s. 94, ch. 92-152; s. 77, ch. 99-385.
Note.—Former s. 338.071. | https://www.flsenate.gov/laws/statutes/2011/335.074 |
Alimony, often called spousal support, becomes an issue for a married couple that separates when it is established that one spouse was actually or substantially economically dependent on the other in the marriage. Unlike child support, the amount of alimony is typically determined after taking into consideration each spouse’s income and reasonable financial needs and expenses, among other things. At Smith Debnam, our experience and depth of knowledge with regard to alimony ensures that our clients are fully informed of their rights and obligations, and that their interests are assertively pursued.
Cohabitation is defined by statute as, “the act of two adults dwelling together continuously and habitually in a private heterosexual relationship, even if this relationship is not solemnized by marriage, or a private homosexual relationship.” Cohabitation also includes the voluntary assumption of marital-like rights and duties, which can include sexual relations.
Post separation support is basically temporary alimony. It is intended to help meet the dependent spouse’s financial needs from the time of separation until the alimony claim can be heard by the court and a decision made.
When two parties agree to a specific amount of alimony, they also usually agree upon the circumstances that would warrant terminating alimony, including a specific ending date. Alimony typically ceases at a specific, pre-determined date, upon the death of either party, upon the remarriage of the person receiving alimony or upon the cohabitation of the person receiving alimony.
There is no specific legal requirement regarding the duration of alimony; however, there are many factors that a court will consider in determining the duration of alimony.
Can the amount of alimony be changed if my circumstances change?
In some cases, the amount of alimony a person is required to pay can be adjusted. When people have bargained for an amount of alimony in a contract which specifies that the amount will not be modifiable, it is not likely to be adjusted. However, in cases where alimony is set out in a court order and a person’s expenses have greatly increased, or one party’s income has significantly changed, alimony may be subject to modification. Legal advice is necessary to determine if the facts of the case warrant a modification.
How do I determine how much alimony I should receive?
How much alimony a person should receive is a complicated issue and depends on the financial situations of both parties. An individual can get a general idea of how much he or she might expect to receive by deducting his or her average, reasonable monthly expenses from his or her net income to determine what ability he or she has to pay. Then complete the same calculation for the other spouse’s average, reasonable expenses and net income to determine how much additional money he or she might pay on a monthly basis. This mathematical equation oversimplifies the process of determining an alimony entitlement, if any, and an attorney will help to determine, with more detail, what one might expect to receive. There are no formulas used in establishing alimony, and there are many factors that lie solely with the presiding judge.
How do I determine how much alimony I owe?
How much alimony a person should pay is a complicated issue and depends on the financial situations of both parties. An individual can get a general idea of how much he or she might owe by deducting his or her average, reasonable monthly expenses from his or her net income to determine what ability he or she has to pay. Then complete the same calculation for the other spouse’s average, reasonable expenses and net income to determine how much additional money he or she might need on a monthly basis. This mathematical equation oversimplifies the process of determining an alimony obligation, if any, and an attorney will help to determine, with more detail, what one might expect to pay. There are no formulas used in establishing alimony, and there are many factors that lie solely with the presiding judge.
If one spouse was the main financial provider in the family, the other spouse may be entitled to alimony payments. Each case is unique, and both parties’ needs and expenses will be considered in the decision. | https://www.smithdebnamlaw.com/alimony/ |
LAHORE: Residents of the city experienced a massive traffic jam at the Canal Road and in adjoining areas on Tuesday as the students of University of Sargodha’s Lahore Campus staged a protest against the non-issuance of degrees.
Besides Canal Road, the traffic remained gridlocked for hours on end at Ferozepur Road, Zahoor Elahi Road, Jail Road and many areas of Gulberg. People faced a great difficulty in commuting to their workplaces and educational institutes in the morning. The situation further deteriorated once the various schools and colleges located around Canal Road started letting students off.
Speaking to Pakistan Today, a student of Forman Christian College University (FCCU) said that he was stuck in the traffic for hours because of which he missed his classes.
A City Traffic Police (CTP) official told Pakistan Today that the traffic came to a halt when the students of University of Sargodha’s Lahore Campus started a protest in the morning following the police’s refusal to lodge a case against the university administration for not issuing them their hard-earned degrees. He further said that the police were trying to control the situation.
Despite repeated reassurances, the traffic police failed to restore the flow of traffic and the citizens remained stuck in traffic for hours. Some, amid the gridlock, were also seen leaving their vehicles and trying to get out of the jam on foot while the motorcyclists resorted to driving on the footpaths.
Meanwhile, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (LCCI) elections also disrupted the flow of traffic on Mall Road at Shahrah-e-Aiwan-e-Tijarat. Commuters on adjacent routes, including China Chowk, Lawrence Road and Jail Road, were seen struggling to find a way out of the long queues of traffic. | https://archive.pakistantoday.com.pk/2018/09/25/canal-road-blocked-as-students-protest-against-non-issuance-of-degrees/ |
1. Technical Field
Embodiments described in this disclosure generally relate to techniques for reducing loss for data frames requiring in-order delivery on a Fibre Channel fabric. More specifically, embodiments described in this disclosure relate to providing less loss for in-order delivery in a Fibre Channel Fabric following a change in network topology.
2. Description of the Related Art
Switches in a Fibre Channel (FC) fabric, are often connected by multiple inter-switch links (ISL). Some applications, such as storage applications, communicating across a FC fabric, are often not designed to handle out-of-order delivery of frames and require that the FC fabric preserve the order of frames as they are delivered to the destination.
Traffic through the FC fabric is usually sent on some or all of the ISLs based on the cost of each link (dynamically determined by the switches). For example, the cost of each link and paths of flows in the FC fabric may be determined using the known Fabric Shortest Path First (FSPF) routing protocol. Sometimes, one flow may be able to traverse the FC fabric via multiple equal-cost paths. During topology changes in the FC fabric a change in the number of paths a flow can take may result in out-of-order delivery of frames.
To avoid out-of-order delivery, packets in affected flows need to be flushed after detecting a change in topology. For example, flushing packets may be performed by blocking traffic of effected flows for a certain worst-case period of time. One worst-case period of time may be the maximum lifetime of a packet within a switch multiplied by hop counts until the point of interest. Typically, a worst-case period of time is about 500 ms. However, blocking traffic for the worst-case period of time can disrupt network operation as more packets are dropped than necessary and network operation is at least temporarily halted.
| |
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
BACKGROUND
SUMMARY
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present disclosure relates to animal enclosures, and more specifically to a self-locking door for an animal enclosure.
Animal enclosures such as cages are generally intended to keep multiple animals enclosed as safely and effectively as possible. In many environments, such as kennels and animal boarding environments, multiple animal enclosures may be organized next to each other (e.g., configured in rows). It is usually desirable to periodically let an animal out of its enclosure to play or exercise in a larger common area that may be accessible by multiple animal enclosures. It is also desirable to control which animal or animals can have access to the common area at any one time. For example, there may be two animals that socialize well and can access the common area at the same time but a third animal that does not socialize well with the other two. It would be desirable to allow one or both of the animals that socialize well to have access to the common area during one time period, while the third animal is kept in its enclosure; and only allow the third animal to have access to the common area when the other two animals are in their enclosures. Enclosure doors can be opened and closed to allow and block access between the individual enclosures and the common area.
For various reasons, it may also be desirable to open and close the enclosure doors without exposing the caregiver to the animal. Thus it would be desirable to open and close the enclosure doors without having to be in the enclosure or in the common area that are connected through the enclosure door.
At times, and animal may try to lift a partially or fully closed enclosure door, or try to block an enclosure door while it is closing and lift the enclosure door using its paws or snout. It would be desirable to have the enclosure door resist lifting of the enclosure door from the bottom by an animal while still allowing opening and closing of the enclosure door by the caregiver. This can be very important for a facility that handles aggressive animals.
In addition, many kennels are laid out with two runs connected by a common door. During low-volume periods the common door can be raised and one animal can have access to both runs. Sometimes however, the shelters need to put an animal in both runs and close the common door in order to meet capacity. These can be critical situations because some animals, for example dogs, can be aggressive and try to get at the neighboring animal by lifting up the common door. The same is true in pet resorts: in low-volume periods one animal can be given access to both runs but during peak demand the common door can be closed in order to create two runs.
The self-locking enclosure door disclosed herein can enable a caregiver to open and close enclosure doors without having to be in the enclosure or in an area that the animal has access to through the enclosure door, and can also resist lifting of the enclosure door from the bottom by the animal.
A self-locking guillotine door assembly for an animal enclosure is disclosed. The guillotine door assembly includes an enclosure door, a locking mechanism, and a cable. The enclosure door is moveable vertically in right and left door tracks. The locking mechanism is attached to the enclosure door, and the cable is attached to the locking mechanism. When the cable is pulled, the cable releases the locking mechanism and lifts the locking mechanism and the enclosure door. However, when the enclosure door is pushed up from the bottom, the locking mechanism locks and resists lifting of the enclosure door.
The locking mechanism can include a slide post and a vertical slide. The slide post can be attached to the enclosure door near or at the top of the enclosure door. The vertical slide can have a cable connector and a slot, where the cable is attached to the cable connector. The slide post extends through the slot, and the slot allows the vertical slide to move vertically along the slide post. When the cable is pulled, the cable lifts the vertical slide to release the locking mechanism and lift the locking mechanism and the enclosure door.
The locking mechanism can also include right and left connector bars. The right connector bar can have a proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal end is hingedly attached to the vertical slide and the distal end is coupled to the enclosure door near a right side of the enclosure door. The left connector bar can have a proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal end is hingedly attached to the vertical slide and the distal end is coupled to the enclosure door near a left side of the enclosure door. When the cable is pulled, the cable lifts the vertical slide to lift the proximal ends of the right and left connector bars to release the locking mechanism.
The locking mechanism can also include right and left cams. The distal end of the right connector bar is attached to the right cam and the right cam is also coupled to the enclosure door near the right side of the enclosure door. The right connector bar is attached to the enclosure door through the right cam. The distal end of the left connector bar is attached to the left cam and the left cam is also coupled to the enclosure door near the left side of the enclosure door. The left connector bar is attached to the enclosure door through the left cam. When the cable is pulled, the cable lifts the vertical slide to lift the proximal ends of the right and left connector bars, such that the right connector bar pivots the right cam and the left connector bar pivots the left cam to release the locking mechanism. The right cam can include an upper connection and a lower connection, where the distal end of the right connector bar is attached to the right cam at the upper connection and the right cam is coupled to the enclosure door through the lower connection. The left cam can include an upper connection and a lower connection, where the distal end of the left connector bar is attached to the left cam at the upper connection and the left cam is coupled to the enclosure door through the lower connection. When the cable is pulled, the cable lifts the vertical slide to lift the proximal ends of the right and left connector bars, such that the right connector bar pivots the right cam in a counterclockwise direction and the left connector bar pivots the left cam in a clockwise direction to release the locking mechanism.
The locking mechanism can also include right and left support brackets. The right support bracket can be connected to the enclosure door near the right side of the enclosure door, where the right cam is connected to the right support bracket at the lower connection of the right cam and the right cam is coupled to the enclosure door through the right support bracket. The left support bracket can be connected to the enclosure door near the left side of the enclosure door, where the left cam is connected to the left support bracket at the lower connection of the left cam and the left cam is coupled to the enclosure door through the left support bracket.
The right cam can have a proximal side and a distal side, where the upper and lower connections of the right cam are on the proximal side and the distal side is adjacent to the right door track. The left cam can have a proximal side and a distal side, where the upper and lower connections of the left cam are on the proximal side and the distal side is adjacent to the left door track. When the cable is pulled, the cable lifts the vertical slide to lift the proximal ends of the right and left connector bars, such that the right connector bar pulls the upper connection of the right cam towards the vertical slide which pivots the right cam in a counterclockwise direction and pulls the distal end of the right cam away from the enclosure door, and the left connector bar pulls the upper connection of the left cam towards the vertical slide which pivots the left cam in a clockwise direction and pulls the distal end of the left cam away from the enclosure door, to release the locking mechanism.
The right support bracket can be at or near the top of the enclosure door, and the lower connection of the right cam to the right support bracket can separate the right cam from the top of the enclosure door. The left support bracket can be at or near the top of the enclosure door, and the lower connection of the left cam to the left support bracket can separate the left cam from the top of the enclosure door. When the cable is pulled, the cable pivots the distal ends of the right and left cams away from the top of the enclosure door to release the locking mechanism and allow lifting of the enclosure door. When the enclosure door is pushed up from the bottom, the locking mechanism pivots the distal ends of the right and left cams towards the top of the enclosure door to lock the locking mechanism and resist lifting of the enclosure door.
The slot of the vertical slide can have a slot top and a slot bottom. When the cable is pulled, the cable pulls the slot bottom against the slide post as it releases the locking mechanism and allows lifting of the enclosure door. When the enclosure door is pushed up from the bottom, the enclosure door pushes the slide post against the slot top and the locking mechanism resists lifting of the enclosure door.
The self-locking guillotine door assembly can also include a handle and a pulley. A first end of the cable can be connected to the handle and a second end of the cable can be connected to the vertical slide. The cable run over the pulley which is located between the handle and the vertical slide. The handle can be pulled to pull the cable and release the locking mechanism.
An animal enclosure with a self-locking guillotine door assembly is disclosed, where the animal enclosure includes a plurality of walls, right and a left door tracks, a guillotine door, a locking mechanism, and a cable. The plurality of walls includes a door wall, where the plurality of walls separates an enclosure interior from an enclosure exterior. The right and left door tracks are on the door wall. The guillotine door is moveable vertically in the right and left door tracks. The locking mechanism is attached to the guillotine door, and the cable is attached to the locking mechanism. When the cable is pulled, the cable releases the locking mechanism and lifts the locking mechanism and the guillotine door to allow access between the enclosure interior and exterior through the guillotine door. However, when the guillotine door is pushed up from the bottom, the locking mechanism locks and resists lifting of the guillotine door.
A self-locking enclosure door method for an animal enclosure is disclosed. The method includes pulling a cable coupled to an enclosure door; lifting a vertical slide by the pulling of the cable; lifting a slot of the vertical slide along a slide post until the slide post reaches a bottom of the slot by the lifting of the vertical slide (the slide post is connected to the enclosure door); releasing a locking mechanism by the lifting of the slot of the vertical slide; and engaging the locking mechanism by pushing up on the bottom of the enclosure door.
The self-locking enclosure door method can also include lifting proximal ends of right and left connector bars by the lifting of the slot of the vertical slide. The right connector bar has the proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal end is hingedly attached to the vertical slide and the distal end is coupled to the enclosure door near a right side of the enclosure door. The left connector bar has the proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal end is hingedly attached to the vertical slide and the distal end is coupled to the enclosure door near a left side of the enclosure door.
The self-locking enclosure door method can also include pivoting a right cam counterclockwise by the lifting of the proximal end of the right connector bar, and pivoting a left cam clockwise by the lifting of the proximal end of the left connector bar. The distal end of the right connector bar is attached to the right cam and the right cam is connected to the enclosure door near the right side of the enclosure door. The distal end of the left connector bar is attached to the left cam and the left cam is connected to the enclosure door near the left side of the enclosure door.
The self-locking enclosure door method can also include releasing the locking mechanism by the lifting of the slot of the vertical slide, the pivoting of the right cam counterclockwise away from the enclosure door, and the pivoting of the left cam clockwise away from the enclosure door. The self-locking enclosure door method can also include engaging the locking mechanism by the pushing up on the bottom of the enclosure door, pivoting of the right cam clockwise against the enclosure door, and pivoting of the left cam counterclockwise against the enclosure door.
Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1
FIG. 2
FIG. 3A
FIG. 3B
FIG. 3A
FIG. 4A
FIG. 4B
FIG. 4A
FIGS. 3A and 4A
FIG. 5
FIG. 6
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illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a self-locking guillotine door assembly with a locking mechanism that can lock in door tracks , . illustrates an enlarged view of the locking mechanism outside of the door tracks , . illustrates the guillotine door assembly with the locking mechanism in a locked position, and illustrates an enlarged view of the area B outlined in . illustrates the guillotine door assembly with the locking mechanism in an unlocked position, and illustrates an enlarged view of the area B outlined in . do not show the door tracks , to more clearly show the positions of the components of the locking mechanism . illustrates an exemplary pair of animal enclosures , with rear wall , side walls , , and front walls , that each include a guillotine door assembly , on the rear wall . illustrates the exemplary pair of animal enclosures , with the front walls , removed to more clearly show the guillotine door assemblies , on the rear wall .
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An exemplary embodiment of a guillotine door assembly includes a door and a locking mechanism that travel up and down in door tracks , . The locking mechanism includes a cable , a vertical slide , a slide post , right and left connector bars , , right and left cams , and right and left support brackets , .
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The vertical slide has an upper end , a lower end and a slot . The vertical slide also includes a cable connector and a bar connector . The cable is connected to the cable connector which can be located near the upper end of the vertical slide . The cable can be a cable, wire, chain, rope or other similar device for pulling the vertical slide . The cable connector can be a hole in the vertical slide , the cable can be threaded through the cable connector and a ferrule can be crimped on the cable to hold the cable in the cable connector . Other known methods of securing a cable to a connector can be used, for example soldering, riveting, chain-link, etc. The connector bars , are hingedly connected to the bar connector which can be located between the cable connector and the slot of the vertical slide . A bolt can be used to connect the connector bars , to the vertical slide at the bar connector . The bar connector can have separate connections for the right and left connector bars , . The slide post is connected to the door near the top of the door , and near the middle of the door between the door tracks , . The slide post is positioned in the slot of the vertical slide such that the slot can slide along the slide post . The slide post can have an enlarged end and the vertical slide can be captured on the slide post between the door and the enlarged end .
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The door tracks , ; the connector bars , ; the cams , and the support brackets , each have right and left elements that are generally mirror images of each other. The door slides up and down in the right and left door tracks , . The right and left support brackets , are connected to the door at or near the top of the door , with the slide post between the right and left support brackets , . The right support bracket is connected to the door near the right door track , and the left support bracket is connected to the door near the left door track . The right and left connector bars , each have a proximal end hingedly connected to the bar connector of the vertical slide , and a distal end hingedly connected to the right and left cams , , respectively.
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The right and left cams , each have a proximal end nearer the vertical slide , and a distal end nearer the right and left door track , , respectively. The right cam has an upper connection and a lower connection near the proximal end. The right cam is hingedly connected to the right connector bar at the upper connection , and the right cam is hingedly connected to the right support bracket at the lower connection . The left cam has an upper connection and a lower connection near the proximal end. The left cam is hingedly connected to the left connector bar at the upper connection , and the left cam is hingedly connected to the left support bracket at the lower connection . The lower connection between the right support bracket and the right cam can separate the bottom of the right cam from the top of the door such that pushing up on the door tends to pivot the distal end of the right cam in a clockwise direction about the lower connection to push the distal end of the right cam against the top of the door and the right door track . Similarly, the lower connection between the left support bracket and the left cam can separate the bottom of the left cam from the top of the door such that pushing up on the door tends to pivot the distal end of the left cam in a counter-clockwise direction about the lower connection to push the distal end of the left cam against the top of the door and the left door track .
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The door can be raised and lowered in the right and left door tracks , using the cable . Pulling the cable lifts the vertical slide along the slide post until the bottom of the slot hits the slide post on the door . As the vertical slide raises, it raises the proximal ends of the right and left connector bars , which pulls the upper connection of the right cam towards the center of the door and pulls the upper connection of the left cam towards the center of the door . Pulling the upper connection of the right cam towards the center of the door pivots the distal end of the right cam in a counterclockwise direction about the lower connection which pulls the distal end of the right cam away from the top of the door . Pulling the upper connection of the left cam towards the center of the door pivots the distal end of the left cam in a clockwise direction about the lower connection which pulls the distal end of the left cam away from the top of the door . With the right cam pivoted away from the door and from the right door track , and with the left cam pivoted away from the door and from the left door track , continued pulling of the cable continues to lift the vertical slide which lifts the slide post and the door .
102
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The door resists being raised in the right and left door tracks , when being pushed up from the bottom of the door . Pushing up on the bottom of the door pushes up the slide post and the right and left support brackets , . Pushing up the slide post pushes up on the top of the slot of the vertical slide which pushes out on the right connector bar against the upper connection of the right cam towards the right door track , and pushes out on the left connector bar against the upper connection of the left cam towards the left door track . Pushing the right support bracket pushes up the lower connection of the right cam , which together with the outward pushing of the right connector bar against the upper connection of the right cam , pivots the distal end of the right cam in a clockwise direction about the lower connection towards the top of the door and the right door track . Pushing the left support bracket pushes up the lower connection of the left cam , which together with the outward pushing of the left connector bar against the upper connection of the left cam , pivots the distal end of the left cam in a counterclockwise direction about the lower connection towards the top of the door and the left door track . Continued pushing up on the bottom of the door binds the distal end of the right cam between the top of the door and the right door track and binds the distal end of the left cam between the top of the door and the left door track which resists or prevents further lifting of the door .
FIG. 5
FIG. 6
500
510
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540
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506
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illustrates an exemplary pair of animal enclosures , that each include a guillotine door assembly , on a rear wall . The first animal enclosure includes a left side wall , a shared central sidewall , a front wall and the rear wall with a first guillotine door assembly mounted on the rear wall . The second animal enclosure includes the shared central sidewall , a right sidewall , a front wall and the rear wall with a second guillotine door assembly mounted on the rear wall . The front wall of the first animal enclosure includes a front gate , and the front wall of the second animal enclosure includes a front gate . illustrates the exemplary pair of animal enclosures , with the front walls , removed to more clearly show the guillotine door assemblies , on the rear wall . The right and left door tracks , of the guillotine door assemblies , are mounted on the rear wall .
500
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102
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530
FIGS. 5 and 6
The first animal enclosure further includes a rear pulley mounted on the rear wall and a front pulley mounted on the front wall . The cable of the first guillotine door assembly runs from a first end connected to the vertical slide of the first guillotine door assembly over the rear pulley and the front pulley to a second end connected to a first handle . show the first handle pulled down which pulls up the door of the first guillotine door assembly into an open position allowing access to the interior of the first animal enclosure through the first guillotine door assembly . The front wall of the first animal enclosure can include one or more hooks or other fastening mechanisms to hold the first handle and/or the cable at a desired position to maintain the door of the first guillotine door assembly in a desired position.
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FIGS. 5 and 6
The second animal enclosure further includes a rear pulley mounted on the rear wall and a front pulley mounted on the front wall . The cable of the second guillotine door assembly runs from a first end connected to the vertical slide of the second guillotine door assembly over the rear pulley and the front pulley to a second end connected to a second handle . show the second handle in an up position which allows the door of the second guillotine door assembly to close and rest on the floor of the second animal enclosure which blocks access to the interior of the second animal enclosure through the second guillotine door assembly . The front wall of the second animal enclosure can include one or more hooks or other fastening mechanisms to hold the second handle and/or the cable at a desired position to maintain the door of the second guillotine door assembly in a desired position. A fastening mechanism is not necessary to hold the second handle to keep the door of the second guillotine door assembly closed, but a mechanism may be used to prevent the handle from lifting above a top position where the door is fully closed.
While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that illustrative embodiment(s) have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of the present disclosure may not include all of the features described yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations that incorporate one or more of the features of the present disclosure and fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1
illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a self-locking guillotine door assembly with a locking mechanism;
FIG. 2
illustrates an enlarged view of the locking mechanism outside of the door tracks;
FIG. 3A
illustrates the guillotine door assembly with the locking mechanism in a locked position;
FIG. 3B
FIG. 3A
3
illustrates an enlarged view of the area B outlined in ;
FIG. 4A
illustrates the guillotine door assembly with the locking mechanism in an unlocked position;
FIG. 4B
FIG. 4A
4
illustrates an enlarged view of the area B outlined in ;
FIG. 5
illustrates an exemplary pair of animal enclosures that each include a guillotine door assembly on a rear wall; and
FIG. 6
FIG. 5
illustrates the exemplary pair of animal enclosures of with the front walls removed to more clearly show the guillotine door assemblies on the rear wall. | |
In June, 2022, the OIG issued its 2021 Iowa Medicaid Fraud Unit (MFCU) Inspection Report. The OIG inspection revealed a MFCU unit with exceptionally strong case outcomes over the 2019-2021 period compared to other similarly-sized state units. For the federal fiscal years (FYs) 2019– 2021, the work of the Iowa MFCU resulted in 80 indictments, 79 convictions, 36 civil settlements/judgments and $9.2 million in recoveries.
These statistics reflect the positive collaboration between the MFCU and county prosecutors because the MFCU does not have prosecutorial authority and most commonly refers cases for prosecution to Iowa’s 99 county attorneys’ offices. It is the opinion of the OIG that the Unit’s ability to refer cases for prosecution to the county attorneys is a significant prosecutorial resource for the Unit and allows cases to be fully adjudicated with limited delays. Further, the Unit reported that investigators had strong relationships with many of the county attorneys, and that cases were rarely declined for prosecution. Additionally, through the OIG review of case files and interviews with multiple stakeholders, the OIG made the observation that the Unit performed thorough investigations and provided complete and well-organized investigative reports, which likely contributed to swift and positive case resolutions. Finally, the ability to refer cases for external prosecution allowed the Unit to focus its efforts on investigations, and the OIG found that the Unit maintained a continuous case flow by implementing a number of practices that improved efficiency and timeliness
Findings & Observations
The OIG found that the Iowa Unit generally operated in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and policy transmittals and the MFCU performance standards. The findings and observations were minimal and those commonly found in the OIG’s MFCU inspection reports in other jurisdictions:
- Finding: Staffing Levels. The Unit did not maintain staffing levels in accordance with its approved budget, maintained low staffing levels in relation to State Medicaid expenditures, and experienced significant turnover of investigators and high caseloads.
While the total number of investigators employed remained consistent during the review period (four investigators at the end of each fiscal year) there was significant turnover of investigators. During this period, the Unit hired five new investigators and six investigators left. Of the six investigators who left, four were employed with the Unit for short periods—between 1 week and 15 months. Two of the six investigators who left the Unit did not complete the Unit’s 6-month probationary period and the other four left due to general attrition, such as retiring or taking another job. Three long-time investigators remained employed with the Unit throughout the review period. Another reason for the low staffing levels was the Unit’s strategic response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the Unit reported that it strategically did not fill investigator vacancies during the pandemic because of the reduced number of referrals it received and because of pandemic-related limitations on the Unit’s ability to investigate patient abuse or neglect.
The OIG recommended that the state assess the adequacy of existing staffing levels, and if warranted, develop a plan to expand the size of the Unit. The OIG also recommended that the state should consider what caused the investigator turnover and what actions might mitigate that factor.
- Observation: Reduced Referrals. The Unit took steps to maintain an adequate volume and quality of referrals, but referrals from key sources generally decreased during the review period. During the review period, the Unit received 227 fraud referrals from the state’s Program Integrity Unit (PIU) which is responsible for Medicaid fraud oversight; 60 of these were from the fee-for-service component of the Medicaid program and 167 originated with managed care organizations (MCOs) which provider coverage for the majority of Iowa’s Medicaid population. During this period, fee-for-service referrals from the PIU declined dramatically, and referrals from the PIU that originated with MCOs decreased in FY 2020 and increased modestly in FY 2021.
Several factors contributed to this decline:
- In 2020 the PIU modified its long-standing practice of referring all cases of potential fraud to the Unit and began to only refer cases for which documentation supported a “credible allegation of fraud.”
- MCOs changes in the Iowa Medicaid program. These transitions disrupted MCO program integrity operations, limiting the number and quality of referrals to the Unit for a period of time following the changes.
- The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant decreases in referrals relate to patient abuse/neglect. Long-term care complaints to HFD decreased in FY 2020 because of limits on the state’s survey activity and restricted visitation in long-term care facilities, which in turn limited the number of complaints referred to the MFCU.
On a very positive note, the OIG included several observations which reflect the successes of the Unit:
- Regarding the performance standard related to “Cooperation with Federal Authorities on Fraud Cases, the OIG made the following observations:
- The Unit maintained a positive working relationship with Federal law enforcement partners, including OIG and U.S. Attorney’s Offices. During the review period, the Unit reported working 38 joint cases with OIG’s Office of Investigations (OI). The Unit director communicated regularly with OI management, and Unit investigators maintained strong working relationships with OI agents. The Unit also maintained positive working relationships with both U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Iowa.
- The Unit submitted all convictions and adverse actions to Federal partners within the appropriate timeframes. During the review period, the Unit submitted all of its 84 convictions to OIG within 30 days of sentencing, as required by Performance Standard 8(f). The Unit also submitted all of its 84 adverse actions to the NPDB within 30 days of the final adverse action, as required by Federal regulations. The failure to timely report is a common finding in OIG Unit inspection reports. That the Iowa MFCU, notwithstanding the noted staffing challenges, met these deadlines is even more noteworthy.
- Observation: The Unit took steps to maintain a continuous case flow and to complete cases within appropriate timeframes. MFCU supervisors are required to approve the opening and closing of all investigations, review the progress of cases, and take action as necessary to ensure that each stage of an investigation is completed within an appropriate timeframe. The OIG review reflected adherence to these requirements. Further, nearly all case files contained appropriate documentation of supervisory approval for case openings and applicable case closings, as well as applicable quarterly reviews of case files.
Several best practices may have contributed to this case flow:
- First, case assignments were made to investigators on the basis of their preferences and expertise. Unit staff and management identified this practice as highly beneficial to productivity and timeliness of cases. One staff member stated that, because of the investigators’ areas of expertise, when the investigators “go out to investigate, they’re well-versed and know what to look for and what to ask. They know how to interpret the evidence they get back.”
- Another practice that contributed to continuous case flow was that the director developed a case plan, which he shared with the investigator when assigning the case. The case plan established the scope of the investigation and the primary allegations to be investigated; determined any necessary coordination with law enforcement partners; and addressed any additional administrative, procedural, or investigative issues. The case plan established a date by which the investigator was expected to submit a case to be closed or to be reviewed for referral for prosecution. The investigation completion date was flexible and could be modified as needed as the investigation progressed. The timelines for investigations were also incorporated into the investigators’ performance evaluations, which the director believed provided incentive to complete cases in a timely manner.
- Finally, to improve investigators’ efficiency, the Unit transferred responsibility for administrative duties from the investigators to the Unit’s paralegal. The director’s goal in doing so was to have investigators focusing solely on investigative activities. For example, investigators did not have to track their cases after they were referred and accepted for prosecution. Those cases were transferred to the Unit’s paralegal for monitoring.
Conclusion
The Iowa Unit concurred with the OIG’s recommendation to assess the adequacy of existing staffing levels, and if warranted, develop a plan to expand the size of the Unit. In its response, the Unit indicated that it had hired an additional investigator in the period following the OIG onsite inspection. The Unit stated, on the basis of its most recent staffing assessments, that its current staffing level is sufficient to respond to its current volume of referrals and to ensure reasonable investigative caseloads. The Unit noted that as it continues to develop and enhance referral sources in order to increase the number of investigations, it will continue to assess existing staffing levels and fill vacant investigator positions when appropriate to do so. | https://streamlineverify.com/iowa-mfcus-strong-performance-in-combatting-fraud/ |
Posted by: Gary Ernest Davis on: January 10, 2010
This post is about the following fact: for whole numbers .
Sometimes this is called the distributive
In the set of natural numbers the distributive property can be proven true from the standard Peano axioms.
However, school mathematics does not deal with natural numbers. That comes later, in college, when students learn about foundational issues in mathematics, such as what are sets, axioms for sets, axioms of infinity, and so on. Â In school we deal with the counting numbers .
What we know about the counting numbers has to come from acts of counting, not by inductive proof. So the distributive property in school mathematics needs to be placed in the context of counting, since we are dealing, in school , with counting numbers, a much less formal notion than natural numbers.
A simple version of the distributive property is for all counting numbers .
This simple version of the distributive property has a very nice, simple interpretation in terms of units of the number “a”. To illustrate this through a concrete example, let’s look at :
Here, as adults, we can see the column of 13 small squares as a unit that is repeated 11 times. The very simple form of the distributive property says that we can split off 1 of those units, and count 10 lots of the unit 13, and then add in the extra unit of 13. Sort of obvious when you see it this way.
However, many children, even in grades 3-6, are not entirely stable or comfortable counting in units. Often young children, 6 years old, will recite count by 2’s: , … If they are able to do this they will happily show you that they can do so.
However, they may not yet be able to count by units of 2. For example, if a child can recite by 2’s, tell them you were counting by 2’s to 24 and ask them how many times you counted. Some children, not all, will answer 12, usually tapping two fingers as they count, or perhaps nodding their head as they recite 2’s. These children are counting their acts of reciting by 2’s, and are able to count by units of 2. The ability to do this develops gradually, and by grades 3-6 most, but not all, children will be confident counting by units. If they are not, the distributive property is going to cause them some difficulty.
Additionally, young children, in grades 1- 3, often cannot see rectangular arrays the way adults see them: as repeated rows, or repeated columns, where the rows, or columns, are themselves built from repeated squares.
Seminal studies by Lynne Outhred and her doctoral adviser Michael Mitchelmore show convincingly the developmental steps involved in young children’s ability to recognize and reproduce rectangular arrays as repeated rows of repeated squares. Here is an example from a paper of theirs [Student’s_structuring_of_rectangular_arrays] which illustrates some of the development steps children go though in being able to communicate in a drawing what constitutes an array:
So this simple form of the distributive property, so clearly illustrated for an adult by a rectangular array, may not be so clear to a child who (a) is not yet confidently counting by units or (b) is still developing the skill of seeing a rectangular array as composed of rows and columns.
As adults we take these two developmental skills for granted, because it’s hard to imagine a time when we did not have them. But clearly, at age 1 month we did not, and somewhere before age 21 years we probably did. These skills did not just pop into our heads fully formed, so we went through a period of developmental in gaining these skills. So, do all children. Â It is advantageous for us, as parents and teachers, to figure out where children are before we begin “explaining” the distributive property to them.
The more general distributive property  also has a simple interpretation in terms of rectangular arrays – simple for an adult that is.  Here is an array decomposition illustrating :
Repeating the distributive property allows us to see that for all counting numbers we have
.
Again this can illustrated nicely by a decomposition of a rectangular array. For example, here’s an array decomposition illustrating :
But we have to bear in mind, As I wrote above, that just because these are  simple and compelling explanations of the distributive property for us, as adults, it does not follow that a child will have the necessary skills to see what we see so clearly.
The distributive property is very important for algebra. One reason is because of its applications, for example in multiplying binomial expressions . Another reason is that a grasp of the distributive property is a good indication of a student’s number sense and that, in turn, is an excellent indicator of how readily a student can grasp algebraic ideas.
I made a video that shows the “freshman dream” aka the biggest mistake kids (and adults!) make when using the distributive property. I’d like to make another video showing that distribution is just a fast way to ass a bunch of (a+b)’s. I’ll get to that one at some point! | http://www.blog.republicofmath.com/the-distributive-property/ |
Wire Jewelry Workshop
Introductory class to working with wire. Make a pair of earrings or a pendant as you learn how to bend, form, and hammer wire.
Materials and use of tools included.
Cost: $60
Min 4/ max 8
Time- One 3-hour class on a Saturday morning, 9:00-12:00
Available in summer, fall, and winter at Glynn Visual Arts on St. Simons Island, GA
and Jekyll Island Art Association in late fall and early winter.
This Workshop can also be done with small groups by special arrangement. | https://www.cushingkent.com/wire-jewelry-workshop/ |
Looking for some database advice, I am building a niche industry jobs/careers site. There are 2 distinct types of users: candidates (who will create profiles, search for and apply for job postings) and employers (who will create a different type of profile, browse candidate profiles, and post jobs).
So let’s say that a candidate user profile has 10 fields and an employer user profile has 10 completely different fields. How should I design the User data type around this?
Option 1) should i have all 20 fields (10 for candidate and 10 for employer) in the user data type plus another field for Account Type (candidate or employer), and have the fields will be empty for a given user type?
Option 2) should I have separate data types for Candidate Profile and Employer Profile and then keep the User data type be really thin and only have it contain an account type attribute and then one to one data types for Candidate Profile ID and Candidate Profile ID to reference those profile data fields?
This is my main concern at the moment, but I also face a similar question about job postings, as there are 2 completely unrelated job posting types with completely separate data attributes. I could create 2 separate data types, one for each type of listing (they dont need to appear in the same queries ever), or I could have one listing type with lots of fields, half of which will be N/A for a given posting. | https://forum.bubble.io/t/data-structure-advice/183976 |
The process of erosion is followed by deposition. Deposition refers to a process in which materials such as rocks and sediments settle down, giving rise to specific formations. This extract provides you with the definition of deposition with their examples in real life.
Erosion is known to wear off sediments; thus, it seems to be destructive in nature. In contrast, the process of deposition displays a very constructive behavior in building various formations on the Earth.
To begin with, let us understand what deposition means in geography. Natural agents such as wind and water constantly act on the Earth’s surface, thus eroding it. The eroded material is then transported to another location and deposited. This action results in the formation of various geological features. Wind and different forms of water such as rainwater or flowing water transport material such as sand, clay, boulders, or sediments. When these agents can no more bear the weight of these particles, they are dropped off.
We have already learned that deposition occurs after erosion. In case of deposition, the particles lodged are the ones that stop moving after losing their velocity. The velocity of these particles is decided by the velocity of the natural agents carrying it.
Consider some sand particles being carried by the wind. When the wind velocity reduces to an extent that it can no longer continue carrying the particles, it drops them. Similarly, if a flowing river stops or dries up, the sediments carried by it are dropped midway. The speed or velocity of these agents depends on many factors such as obstacles during its course. These obstacles may include rocks, boulders, hills, trees, etc.
Examples of Deposition of Sediments by Wind and Water
Sand Dunes
The sand blown by wind deposits in the form of a hill or ridge. They are longer in length on the side of the wind. The depression between two dunes is called a slack.
- Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes located in San Francisco, United States.
- Silver lake sand dunes located in Michigan, United States
Sand Ripples
They are formed by the action of wind or water and are shorter in length than sand dunes. They are either symmetrical or asymmetrical in nature.
- Crescent-shaped rippled Barchans dunes in Afghanistan
- Ripple formation on the North Carolina beach, Carolina
Sand Drift
The sand gets drifted due to wind or water. This results in formations having varying shapes and sizes. The typical shapes include hummock, sand pile, or a knoll. They are smaller than sand dunes.
- Drift at New Brighton in Canterbury, New Zealand
Beach
A landform formed along the coast of a water body such as an ocean is called a beach. The sand contained by the beach is deposited after the erosion of rocks and coral reefs.
- The long stretch of Paradise Island beach, Bahamas
- Mar del Plata beach, Buenos Aires , Argentina
Loess
The wind deposits sediments that possess a yellowish-gray color. These deposits are known to be having a high thickness and they create a wall-like structure called loess.
- A loess structure formed in Vicksburg, Mississippi, United States
- A loess plateau formed at Hunyuan, Shanxi Province, China
Floodplain
It is the area contiguous to a flowing water body such as a river, which receives plenty of water during high water levels.
- Paraná Delta is a floodplain in succession to the Paraná River, Brazil
- Maputo Special Reserve area in Mozambique, Africa
Levees
It is a landform that prevents water bodies from causing floods. It is naturally occurring or sometimes built by man-made processes to protect certain portions of land from floods.
- A strip of dry land covered by the levee formed at Yangtze River, China
- Levee at Sacramento (the city known for catastrophic flooding), Canada
Glacier
At times, a water body flowing in cold regions freezes into ice. This is called a glacier. It contains a huge ice mass, which includes sediments as well.
- Timpanogos Glacier located at Wasatch range of Utah, United States
- Large glacier named Perito Moreno located in Western Patagonia, Argentina
Alluvial Fan
It is a fan-shaped structure formed when water flows through hills or mountains. It is known to comprise sand, gravel, or other types of sediments.
- An alluvial fan of a large size at Tibetan plateau, China
- The alluvial fan formation found near Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
Delta
This is a structure formed at the mouth of the water bodies such as a river. It is a result of deposition of alluvial sediments before the water plunges into a larger water body such as an ocean.
- Delta formed by the Nile River while flowing to the Mediterranean Sea
- Mississippi Delta formed by the river, Mississippi, United States
In the end, it should be understood that deposition is a continuous process. The materials deposited once may be eroded and deposited again, thus, forming a new structure. Besides this, the continual deposition of sediments results in the formation of rocks. | https://sciencestruck.com/understanding-deposition-in-geology-with-examples |
Note - The machine illustrated here has some buttons and switches missing.
Distinctive features: Uses TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic) integrated circuits and'Nixie'-type display tubes.
Capabilities: 4-functions.
Display: 12 digit display using Nixie tubes.
Technology: The circuit board caries 48 Medium and Small-Scale Integrated Circuits (MSI and SSI), date coded to early 1970.
Size: 265 mm wide, 335 mm deep, 93 mm high (10.5" x 13.5" x 4"), 3.5 Kg (8 lbs.).
Introduced in 1969, cost £348GBP (about US$835).
Canon were pioneers in the use of Large-Scale Integrated-Circuits (LSI) in pocket calculators around this time with the Canon Pocketronic. Large calculators like this with many integrated circuits were rapidly becoming obsolete.
Removing the cover and keyboard reveals, from top to bottom:
Removing the previous circuit board and the display reveals another board carrying more TTL integrated circuits, mainly from Texas Instruments and Mitsubishi, giving a total of 48 integrated circuits in the machine.
It is noteworthy that this machine uses a number of Texas Instruments integrated circuits. In the late 1960s and early 1970s Canon was heavily involved with Texas Instruments in the development of the electronics for hand-held calculators culminating in the Canon Pocketronic and its successors.
Electronic Desk
Calculators
Vintage Calculators
© Text & photographs copyright Nigel Tout 2000-2023 except where noted otherwise. | http://www.vintagecalculators.com/html/canon_canola_1200.html |
Q:
How to escape a delimiter by doubling the delimiter in a regex
I need to split a string on a delimiter, but not where the delimiter is doubled.
For instance "\m55.\m207|DEFAULT||DEFAULT|55||207" once split should result in
\m55.\m207
DEFAULT||DEFAULT
55||207
I'm trying to do this with a regex. If it makes a difference, I'm using C# System.Text.RegularExpression.Regex.
So far I have "[^|]\|[^|]" but that doesn't handle where an escaped delimiter is next to the delimter. IE |||
I'm sure there is a solution on the net, but I've tried searching with multiple different terms and couldn't find the right combination of terms to find it.
How do I escape the delimiter by doubling it in a regex? Or if there is a simpler solution what is it?
EDIT
Here is a more complicated example:
Input: "\m55.\m207|DEFAULT||DEFAULT|||55||207"
Expected output:
"\m55.\m207"
"DEFAULT||DEFAULT||"
"55||207"
A:
Because your demo is so simple,and you just want to split with single |,so I can use \b here
string txt = @"\m55.\m207|DEFAULT||DEFAULT|55||207";
string patten = @"\b\|\b";
foreach (var str in Regex.Split(txt, patten))
{
Console.WriteLine(str);
}
A:
(?<=[^|](?:\|{2})+)\|(?!\|)|(?<!\|)\|(?!\|)
You need to use lookarounds to make sure split happens on only one |.
See Demo
| |
Nuclear Physics Practice Problems
1. What is the net static electric charge on a metal sphere having an excess of +3 elementary charges?
A. 4.7 x 10
B. 8.4 x 10
C. 4.8 x 10
D. 8.7 x 1019 C
2. A hydrogen atom could have an electron energy level transition from n=2 to n=3 by absorbing a photon having an energy of?
A. 1.89 eV
B. 2.04 eV
C. 2.25 eV
D. 2.87 eV
3. Two solid metal blocks are placed in an insulated container. If there is a net flow of heat between the blocks, they must have different?
A. Initial temperatures
B. Specific Heat values
C. Melting points
D. Heats of fusion
4. A (P type) semiconductor is formed by adding impurities, which provide extra ____.
A. Electrons
B. Neutrons
C. Photons
D. Holes
5. A student measures a current of .05 ampere through a P type semiconductor. If the battery connections are reversed, the current through the semiconductor will be?
A. Less than .05 ampere
B. Greater than .05 ampere
C. The same
6. What is the approximate bind energy of a helium nucleus that has a mass defect of 5.2 x 10-29 kilogram?
A. 4.6 x 10
B. 4.6 x 10
C. 4.7 x 10
D. 4.7 x 10-18
7. Which particle cannot be accelerated by a cyclotron?
A. Proton
B. Neutron
C. Electron
D. Alpha particle
8. A 96 gram sample of a radioactive nuclide is placed in a container. After 12 minutes only 6 grams of the sample has not yet decayed. What is the half life of the nuclide?
A. 3 minutes
B. 4 minutes
C. 5 minutes
D. 6 minutes
9. The principal reason for using neutrons to bombard a nucleus is that neutrons?
A. Have a relatively low atomic mass
B. Can be easily accelerated
C. Have a very high kinetic energy
D. Are not repelled by the nucleus
10. What is the magnitude of the gravitational force between an electron and a proton separated by a distance of 1.0 x 10-10 meter?
A. 1.0 x 10
B. 1.0 x 10
C. 2.0 x 10
D. 3.05 x 10-47 N
11. A sphere has a net excess charge of -4.8 x 10-19 coulomb. The sphere must have an excess of ______.
A. 1 Electron
B. 1 Proton
C. 3 Electrons
D. 3 Protons
12. An excited hydrogen atom returns to its ground state. A possible energy change for the atom is?
A. Loss of 10.20 eV
B. Gain of 10.20 eV
C. Loss of 11.70 eV
D. Gain of 11.70 eV
13. During a collision between a proton and an electron there is conservation of _____.
A. Energy, only
B. Momentum, only
C. Energy and Momentum
D. Neither Energy or Momentum
14. As the temperature of a surface increases, how does the rate of thermionic emission change?
A. Electrons are emitted at a lower rate.
B. Electrons are emitted at a higher rate.
C. Protons are emitted at a lower rate.
D. Protons are emitted at a higher rate. | https://www.testprepreview.com/modules/nuclearphysics.htm |
Omelettes are one of those classic brunch dishes that just turn out so much better when made fresh. It’s hard to imagine that they would taste good reheated, and yet, they absolutely can.
This means that you don’t have to set up an omelette station every time you’re craving an omelette for brunch. It is surprisingly easy to reheat an omelette from the day before and have it turn out just as good as it did on the first day.
That being said, it’s important to know common issues you might face depending on the cooking method you select. Being able to reheat an omelette means you can enjoy your leftovers and not have them go to waste. It’s a win-win.
Keep reading for the most recommended methods for reheating, plus some easy omelette recipes that will convince your friends and family that you’re a real brunch pro.
Reheat an Omelette in the Oven
Using an oven for reheating just about anything is usually a safe bet. While it does take longer than other methods, it provides even heating and guarantees a thoroughly warm omelette.
To reheat an omelette in the oven, you should place the omelette (or omelettes, as you can reheat many at once) in a baking dish and cover the dish with aluminum foil. This will assist in promoting even heating without the risk of burning your omelette.
Next, bake your omelette at 350°F for about 7-9 minutes, or until the omelette is just warm enough, without becoming rubbery.
Pros: Cooks evenly.
Cons: Takes the longest amount of time.
Try this recipe: This chicken omelette turns out best in the oven, as it perfectly reheats the chicken without drying out.
Reheat an Omelette on the Stovetop
Since a good omelette is made on the stovetop, it would make sense that this would be the best method for reheating. Luckily, using the stovetop to reheat your omelette is a great choice that allows for even cooking and proper heat management.
To reheat your omelette using the stovetop, begin by grabbing your favorite nonstick pan and add ½ to 1 tablespoon of butter (depending on the size of your pan).
Once the butter has melted and fully coated the bottom of the pan, add your omelette and cook on medium heat for about 2 minutes. Then, flip the omelette and add a spoonful of water to the pan.
Place the lid on the pan and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, or until the omelette is thoroughly warmed. This serves to lightly steam the omelette, which provides essential moisture to prevent the omelette from becoming dry.
Pros: Easy control of the heat, can add a dash of water to moisten.
Cons: You have to add more butter in order to reheat.
Try this recipe: This simple yet sophisticated asparagus omelette reheats nicely on the stovetop.
Reheat an Omelette in the Microwave
While using the microwave does prove to be the fastest way, you can easily end up with rubbery, overcooked eggs if you’re not careful. Luckily, there are some ways to avoid this so you can use a microwave to reheat your omelette if that is your preferred method.
To reheat an omelette in the microwave, lightly wet a large paper towel and wrap it around your omelette. Then, place the paper-towel-covered omelette on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 15-second increments. Continue doing this until your omelette is fully warmed.
Pros: The fastest way.
Cons: Can become rubbery.
Reheat an Omelette in the Air Fryer
Air fryers are a magical thing. They’re small, and yet they can do just about anything, including perfectly reheating an omelette.
Opting for an air fryer to reheat your omelette allows you to cook it quickly, while also guaranteeing even cooking, especially if you’re using an air fryer basket with holes in it.
To reheat your omelette, spray a dash of oil in the basket, then place your omelette in the air fryer basket. If reheating more than one, you can overlap them slightly, though they should not be stacked on top of each other.
Next, cook your omelette at 350°F for 1-2 minutes, or until thoroughly warm.
One potential downside of using the air fryer is that it can burn quickly since it takes such a short amount of time. Therefore, check your omelette after 2 minutes to make sure it hasn’t overcooked before continuing to cook.
Pros: Fast, can reheat multiple at once.
Cons: Can burn easily.
Try this recipe: Shrimp is another tricky ingredient to reheat properly, and that’s why this shrimp omelette turns out best in the air fryer. Both the shrimp and the egg will turn out well.
Reheat an Omelette in the Toaster Oven
Using a toaster oven allows you to get the same even heating as an oven, but more quickly, as it requires less energy to heat up the small space.
To reheat an omelette in the toaster oven, place it on a small baking sheet wrapped in foil. Heat at 350°F for 4-5 minutes, or until your omelette is thoroughly warmed. You can add more than one omelette, so long as they are not stacked on top of each other.
While this method does result in a good reheated omelette, one potential downside is that it can cause some browning around the edges of your omelette. To combat this, check your omelette every few minutes to make sure it doesn’t burn, and flip it halfway through to allow for even cooking.
Pros: Takes less time than the oven, and evenly reheats.
Cons: Burns easily.
Try this recipe: The slight crispiness you get from using the toaster oven really complements this hash brown omelette.
Brunch is supposed to be easy, and what’s easier than turning leftovers into something just as delicious as the day before? While each of the above-mentioned methods has its own pros and cons, it’s easy to adapt each one to suit your needs. Be sure to follow Golden Truffle on Instagram and Pinterest for more answers to your brunch-related questions, plus all the brunch recipes you can handle.
You can, and you should. It’s a common misconception that reheating omelettes is a bad idea. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can easily reheat an omelette in numerous different ways, including the microwave, oven, stovetop, and air fryer.
Yes, you can reheat an omelette straight out of the refrigerator. To do so, you can either place your cold omelette in the microwave, oven, air fryer or on the stovetop and cook until it is thoroughly warmed. Each method has its pros and cons, but each method can reheat a cold omelette.
Yes, an omelette can be eaten the following day. In fact, an omelette can be reheated and taste just as good as it did the previous day. It is surprisingly easy to reheat a cold omelette, provided you utilize a couple of tips and tricks to prevent your omelette from burning or becoming rubbery.
Olivia has been in love with all things food and libations for nearly a decade. When she’s not cooking up new recipes, she enjoys bikepacking, wine tasting, crocheting, and traveling in her camper van up and down the Pacific Northwest. | https://goldentruffle.com/how-to-reheat-an-omelette/ |
The Cox proportional hazards model commonly used to evaluate prognostic variables in survival of cancer patients may be too simplistic to properly predict a cancer patient’s outcome since it assumes that the outcome is a linear combination of covariates. In this retrospective study including 255 patients suitable for analysis who underwent surgical treatment in our department from 2000 to 2017, we applied a deep learning-based survival prediction method in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients and validated its performance. Survival prediction using DeepSurv, a deep learning based-survival prediction algorithm, was compared with random survival forest (RSF) and the Cox proportional hazard model (CPH). DeepSurv showed the best performance among the three models, the c-index of the training and testing sets reaching 0.810 and 0.781, respectively, followed by RSF (0.770/0.764), and CPH (0.756/0.694). The performance of DeepSurv steadily improved with added features. Thus, deep learning-based survival prediction may improve prediction accuracy and guide clinicians both in choosing treatment options for better survival and in avoiding unnecessary treatments.
Introduction
Over 350,000 people worldwide will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year1. It will cause over 170,000 deaths, killing roughly one person every 3 minutes1. Given its location, its impact on quality of life is quite large and treatment is often challenging. Of those newly diagnosed individuals, only slightly more than half will survive after 5 years. This number has not significantly improved in past few decades, despite advances in diagnostic techniques and state-of-the-art treatment modalities2.
Treatment of oral cancer depends on the staging system, and inaccurate staging system may lead to insufficient or unnecessary treatment. While various prognostic markers and therapeutic targets have been proposed in recent decades, they are not reflected in the current staging system3,4,5,6,7. This may partly account for the unchanged overall prognosis of oral cancer in the recent decades8.
The log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard (CPH) model are the most frequently used methods for survival analyses of cancer patients. The CPH model is used to identify the prognostic factors that significantly affect the survival of cancer patients. However, as it assumes that the outcome is a linear combination of covariates, it may be too simplistic to properly predict cancer patient outcomes, which seem complex and involve interactions between variables. The hazard function at time t for subject i with covariates x can be expressed as shown in (1). Moreover, this model does not provide a decision rule to be used in clinical practice.
There have thus been attempts to accurately predict cancer patients’ survival, including in the field of oral cancer. One approach is the nomogram. In a study based on 96 patients, Kim et al. constructed a nomogram for predicting the survival of oral SCC patients using clinical variables and molecular markers IMP3 and p538,9.
Machine learning, a branch of artificial intelligence which enables detection of relationships from complex datasets, has recently been employed for this purpose. Previous studies applying machine learning to oral cancer have reported good results. Shams et al. used machine learning with gene expression profiling to predict the possibility of oral cancer development in terms of the malignant transformation of oral premalignant lesions10. The study was conducted on 86 patients, 51 of whom developed oral cancer and 31 remained cancer free. Deep learning along with support vector machine and other methods were compared. Highest accuracy was achieved when deep learning was applied with the Fisher discriminant analysis, achieving 96.5%, 98.1%, and 94.2% for accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. This can be considered an improvement compared to previous results using traditional statistical methods, which showed a misclassification rate of 16%, with 91% sensitivity and 76% specificity11.
Kann et al. utilized deep learning to predict ENE before surgery using 270 head and neck cancer patients’ CT data12. Among them, oral SCC patients accounted for 106. ENE, also known as extracapsular extension or extracapsular spread, is known to be associated with higher rates of recurrence and poorer survival. Currently, ENE can only be diagnosed from postoperative pathology. While previous studies have reported an area under a receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) ranging from 0.65–0.694, Kann et al. reported an AUC of 0.91, thus showing the potential of the deep learning model for use as a clinical decision-making tool to help guide head and neck cancer patient management.
However, when it comes to the prediction of cancer survival, accuracy and AUCs cannot sufficiently characterize the outcome. Cancer survival cannot be described only with binary data (survival and death) but should incorporate ‘time to event’ as well. Chang et al. reported 93.8% accuracy with AUC of 0.90 in predicting oral cancer patients’ prognosis13. The study was based on 31 oral cancer patients’ clinicopathologic status and genomic markers. Due to the small sample size, the result was based on 5-fold cross-validation. Accuracy and AUC were measured in terms of disease status at a particular time point, and the time to event element was not taken into account. Though its results were not based on survival analysis, it is representative of early reports showing the favorable performance of machine learning with a relatively small dataset.
Tseng et al. conducted a study applying machine learning to oral cancer prognosis prediction of clinicopathologic features of 674 patients14. Implemented methods were decision tree and artificial neural network, which now constitute primitive forms of random forest and deep learning. The study did not consider the time to event nature and only estimated disease status at the 5th year. Reported accuracy of training set and testing set was 98.4% and 93.9%. Though it was not a survival analysis considering the time element, it was based on the largest oral cancer patient dataset to date, and is a notable early attempt to apply machine learning to oral cancer survival prediction.
For binary data, such as presence or absence of a disease, area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) can be used to estimate the performance of a model. However, in addition to binary disease status, cancer survival analysis must take into account time to event. Harrell’s c-index is known to be the most accurate and suitable method for estimating prediction error15. The c-index is used most commonly as a metric for survival prediction and reflects a measure of how well a model predicts the ordering of patients’ death times. A c = 0.5 is the average of a random model, and c = 1 refers to a perfect match of death time ranking15,16.
To our knowledge, this study in oral cancer survival implementing a recently-developed machine learning technique utilizes the largest dataset of its kind while taking time to event into account. We implemented random survival forests and deep learning to predict the survival of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients, who comprise 90% of oral cancer patients2,16,17. Deep learning based-survival model, random survival forest (RSF), and CPH model were built and their performance compared with one another using Harrell’s c-index.
Results
Clinical characteristics
Of the 255 patients’ records suitable for analysis, 141 patients were in stages I, II, and III, and 114 patients were in stage IV, according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th cancer staging manual. Among them, 65 patients had loco-regional recurrence and 44 patients died due to cancer-related causes. The mean follow-up period was 80.5 months. The clinical characteristics of the dataset is shown in Table 1, and Kaplan-Meier survival curve by TNM stage is shown in Fig. 1. There were no statistically significant survival differences among stages I, II and III. Statistically significant survival differences were only noted between stages IVB & others, and between IVA & II (Fig. 1).
The entire dataset was split into two mutually exclusive datasets, 70% into the training set and 30% into the testing set. The training set was utilized to generate the prediction model and the remaining 30% was employed to estimate the model’s accuracy. There were no statistically significant differences in the features between the two sets (Table2). Difference in survival outcome was absent between the two sets as well (Fig. 2).
Comparing the performance of deep-learning based survival prediction with random survival forest (RSF) and Cox proportional hazard (CPH) model
Survival models based on DeepSurv16 (a deep learning-based model), Random survival forest (RSF)17, and a model based on CPH regression were built with the training set. The performance of these three models were compared by calculating Harrell’s c-index, which measures the concordance between predicted risks and actual survival, applied to both the training and testing set15 (Fig. 3). DeepSurv performed best among the three models, the c-index on training and testing sets reaching 0.810 and 0.781, followed by RSF (0.770/0.764), and the CPH model (0.756/0.694). The results from different random splits of the dataset yielded consistent results (Supplementary Figs S1–S4).
Starting with five, the features were incrementally added up to nine. The first five features were statistically significant variables in univariate CPH regression (Fig. 4). Statistically insignificant and significant features were subsequently added. As the features were added one after another, the c-index of DeepSurv showed a relatively steadier upward trend, while RSF and CPH models showed decreases at the points where statistically insignificant features (LVP, BM, and RM) were added (Fig. 3). Though these variables turned out to be statistically insignificant in CPH analysis, they are still considered important in decision making and prognosis in a clinical setting18,19.
Cox proportional hazard (CPH) model
The CPH model was built with the training set. Statistically significant variables in univariate analyses were taken into multivariable analysis. While advanced T stage, N stage, perineural invasion (PNI), extranodal extension (ENE), overall recurrence, poorly differentiated histologic grade (HG), and bone marrow invasion (BM) significantly affected oral SCC patients’ survival in univariate analyses, only the advanced T, N stage and overall recurrence remained statistically significant in multivariable analysis (Fig. 4).
Prediction accuracy was measured by means of c-index on the training and testing sets. As the number of features used to build the model increased from 5 to 9, the c-index did not steadily increase although there were decreases at certain points at which statistically insignificant features were added (Fig. 3). The c-index eventually reached 0.756 and 0.694 for the training and testing sets, which was the lowest among the models (Fig. 3).
Random survival forest (RSF)
Prediction error is calculated using OOB data (training set), and also using the testing set (Fig. 5A,B). The variable importance (VIMP), shown in Fig. 5C, was obtained by measuring the decrease in prediction accuracy when randomizing a particular variable17,20. Higher VIMP indicates the variable contributes more to predictive accuracy21. Note that the three highest ranking variables by VIMP match those selected by the multivariable CPH in Fig. 4.
Interactions between variables are measured and displayed in Fig. 5D and Supplementary Table S5 in pairwise manner15. It can be said that there are interactions between the two variables if a split on one variable in a tree makes a split on another variable more or less possible22,23. An interaction is measured based on minimal depth, defined as the distance from the root node to the node where a variable first splits22. T and N stages showed lowest minimal depth and are expected to be associated with other variables.
As the number of variables used to build the model increased from 5 to 9, there were increases and decreases in the c-index, eventually reaching 0.770 and 0.764 for the training set and testing set, respectively (Fig. 3).
DeepSurv
The learning process of DeepSurv, a deep learning-based survival prediction is visualized in Fig. 6, showing good fit. The c-index increased more steadily than did CPH and RSF as the number of features to build the model increased (Fig. 3). The c-index of DeepSurv eventually reached 0.810 and 0.781 for the training set and testing set, the highest among the models (Fig. 3).
Discussion
Traditional hazards-based models such as CPH are not designed to predict an outcome, but to infer variables’ impact on a survival curve. Thus if one wants to predict something like “days till occurrence”, CPH may not be advisable and one should consider a method such as machine learning. While traditional statistics are about explanation, machine learning is about predictions. Traditional statistics may provide good reasons to enroll a patient into a new clinical trial. Machine learning may predict what type of treatment or clinical trial will be most beneficial for a patient by considering a vast amount of information including disease status and genetic profiles. When modeling nonlinear gene interactions, we cannot assume the data satisfies the linear proportional hazards condition, and the CPH model cannot be applied for such purpose. In oral SCC, even the clinical parameters are interrelated. T staging itself includes bone marrow invasion, and N staging considers the presence of extranodal extension according to the AJCC 8th cancer staging manual. Since N stage has a high correlation with ENE, the effect of ENE on survival will split between the two variables and hence get diluted. This effect, known as multicollinearity, becomes problematic when we try to incorporate novel prognostic factors, such as a certain mutation or molecular marker in combination with clinico-pathologic status for predictions. Novel prognostic factors should be independent from pre-existing features to achieve optimized results, or should be powerful enough to be used alone in traditional statistics.
However, certain machine learning algorithms are impervious to problems of this nature. Strong collinearity between variables doesn’t impair the predictive accuracy. Algorithms that internally perform any form of feature selection and are good with high dimensional data are robust against multicollinearity24,25,26. Basically, the fact that we don’t check for multicollinearity in machine learning techniques isn’t a consequence of the algorithm, but rather of the goal. RSF has shown its ability to outperform classic CPH regressions17,22,23,27,28. Previous studies applying neural networks failed to demonstrate improvements beyond the classic linear CPH model until Katzman et al. recently showed deep neural networks outperforming standard survival analysis16,29,30. One of the advantages of a deep learning-based neural network is that it discerns relationships without prior feature selection16.
A previous study using nomogram to predict the survival of oral SCC patients using clinical variables and molecular markers of 96 patients yielded a c-index of 0.697, a result comparable to the CPH result in this study; RSF and the deep learning based-model yielded further increases.
The advantage of c-index as a measure of survival performance is that it does not depend on a single fixed time for evaluation. The c-index also specifically accounts for censoring. Furthermore, if c-index is only measured with the training set, overfitting, whereby a model corresponds too exactly to a training set and therefore fails to fit the testing data, cannot be excluded. The c-index in this study was measured on two mutually exclusive datasets, training and testing, and no overfitting was observed. Random forest is known not to overfit20. The deep learning-based model in this study showed neither overfit nor underfit, but rather appropriate fit (Fig. 6). We also tried this on different splits of the dataset into training and testing set. The results from each splits were similar to above showing higher performance and improvement with added features in DeepSurv and RSF, compared to CPH.
This study demonstrates that deep learning-based survival predictions show higher performance with oral SCC patient data compared to the classic statistical method. This can benefit patients by stratifying risks and guiding treatment options to save more lives, as well as by avoiding ineffective/unnecessary treatments. Patients will soon benefit from these new techniques, though only if the clinicians learn and apply them. Though this study built the models and validated their performance with mutually exclusive training and testing datasets, we concede that these results are based on a single institution. A larger dataset from multiple centers may improve on these results and further establish the validity of deep learning-based survival prediction in oral cancer patients.
Methods
Study participants (acquisition of data)
Medical records of patients who had undergone surgical treatment of oral SCC in our department from January 2000 to November 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Data of 444 patients were obtained at this step. Patients with metastatic disease, secondary primary cancer, perioperative mortality, a history of previous radiotherapy or/and chemotherapy, or a history of previous head and neck cancer were excluded. Patients with a follow-up period shorter than 36 months were also excluded. After excluding 189 for insufficient data or meeting the exclusion criteria, a total of 255 patients’ records were suitable for analysis. The study was approved by the Ethics Review Board of Yonsei University Dental Hospital Institutional Review Board (IRB No. 2-2018-0035). Written or verbal informed consent was not obtained from any participants because the IRB waived the need for individual informed consent, as this study had a non-interventional retrospective design and all data were analyzed anonymously. The dataset analyzed during the current study are not publicly available but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
Statistical analysis
The statistical analysis was performed using the R programming language (R Core Team, Vienna, Austria, 2018). Baseline differences between the training set and testing set were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables, Chi square test, Fisher’s exact test, and Cochran-Armitage Trend test for categorical variables. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using log-rank test. To estimate the prognostic effect of the features, univariate and multiple CPH regression analysis were done as well. The moonBook package was used to visualize CPH regression analyses. p < 0.05 was considered significant.
Modelling process
Prior to constructing machine learning models, the data set was split into two mutually exclusive sets. 70% of the overall dataset was assigned as the training set, which was utilized to generate the prediction model. The remaining 30% of the data was designated as the testing set, for use in estimating the model’s accuracy. Harrell’s c-index was used to compare the performance of the proposed methods15.
Random survival forest (RSF)
While statistical methods such as classification and regression trees may be intuitive for clinicians, they suffer from high variance and poor performance27,31. These are addressed by random forest, which builds hundreds of trees and outputs the results by voting20. RSF reduces variance and bias by using all variables collected and by automatically assessing nonlinear effects and complex interactions17. This approach is fully non-parametric, including the effects of the treatments and predictor variables, whereas traditional methods such as CPH utilize a linear combination of attributes17,22,27. Random survival forest models were trained using the RandomForestSRC R package.
Deep learning-based survival analysis
DeepSurv by Katzman et al. was implemented as an open-source Python module (https://github.com/jaredleekatzman/DeepSurv)16. DeepSurv is a multi-layer feed forward network, of which the output is a negative log partial likelihood, parameterized by the weights of the network. It is implemented in Theano with the Python package Lasagne. It also includes hyper-parameter optimization search. The source code is available at the above URL.
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Acknowledgements
This study was supported by the Yonsei University College of Dentistry Fund (6-2019-0012).
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Kim, D.W., Lee, S., Kwon, S. et al. Deep learning-based survival prediction of oral cancer patients. Sci Rep 9, 6994 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-43372-7
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Climber:
Ed Wandall
Other People:
Solo Ascent
Date:
Friday, April 15, 2011
Ascent Type:
Successful Summit Attained
Peak:
Chimney Tops
Location:
USA-Tennessee
Elevation:
4800 ft / 1463 m
Ascent Trip Report
Bad day to do Chimney Tops. Winds were 20 knots gusting to over 35 knots and were forecast to increase. I went as hard as I could and got up and back in an hour and a half, but 20 minutes of that was climbing the final 50 feet on the exposed Anakeesta shale. Winds were ripping and I climbed up hand over hand to get to the top. At the top, the winds died down a bit and I could get a few photos and a short video. On the way down, it was pretty intimidating to see a large fir moving 30 degrees with the roots actually lifting a foot off the ground. I hope that tree is still up there.
Summary Total Data
Total Elevation Gain:
1800 ft / 547 m
Extra Gain:
200 ft / 60 m
Round-Trip Distance:
4 mi / 6.4 km
Route:
Chimney Tops Trail
Trailhead:
Chimney Tops Trailhead 3400 ft / 1036 m
Route Conditions:
Maintained Trail, Exposed Scramble
Weather:
Cool, Extremely Windy, Low Clouds
High Wind Advisories for the Smoky's
Ascent Statistics
Time:
1 Hours
Descent Statistics
Time:
30 Minutes
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IMAP advised Zephyr Trading, Srl in its acquisition of a 100% stake in Skandiaverken Group (SKV).
By acquiring Skandiaverken Group, Zephyr becomes a global leader in dealing with marine and power engines and their original parts, and with services linked to those engine's reparation.
ZEPHYR TRADING, SRL (ZEPHYR)
Zephyr is a company based in La Spezia (Italy), established in 1974 and focused on providing services to ships worldwide, both on board and ashore, in a 24/7 basis.
The Company is the current leader of the Italian market in this specific sector.
SKANDIAVERKEN GROUP (SKV)
SKV is a Company based in Zamudio (Bizkaia) with subsidiaries in UK and Perú. The Company is specialized in dealing with original parts for 2 and 4 strokes’ marine engines, having more than 12.000 different products and selling more than 80% of its turnover
The Company total turnover was over 18 M€ in 2017 and employs circa 50 people in its premises in Pamplona, Madrid and Ulm (Germany). | https://www.imap.com/en/transaction/2018/advised-zephyr-trading-on-its-acquisition-of-skv-group/ |
Preparation:
Place the dough in a big greased bowl,turning it once inside the bowl so that it gets coated with oil and let it rest covered with a plastic wrap in a warm area until it doubles in volume or about 1 hour.
Once it doubles,punch it down,to release the air.Pinch of a small piece of the dough,roll it into a ball,place it in a greased muffin tin.Make two more similar dough balls and place in the same muffin cup-there will be 3 dough balls in each cup shaped like a leaf.Simply place the balls in a leaf like manner.Fill all the muffin cups in this fashion.It will look like this...
Cover the muffin tin/baking dish with a plastic wrap and let the dough pieces rest in a warm area for around 30-45 minutes until they rise and almost double.Bake in a preheated oven at 375 for 12-14 minute or until they become golden brown.
Those in the baking dish came out as ........
For larger pieces in the pie dish I had to bake for 1 more minute.So check for oven time and start with 12 minutes.Also make sure your baking dish is greased,unless it is nonstick.
Also the above estimate give 16 big size rolls.If you do not want that much,after the first rise ,make as many rolls asyou want and freeze the rest of the bread dough.When needed,thaw the dough and then make rolls in the muffin tin and let it rise and then bake.Also you can make the rolls spicy,cheesy or sweet,as per the occasion.If you are adding herbs and other spices and cheese make sure you use greased baking/muffin dishes.
The rolls big as well as small ones were light and airy and soft and perfect for any time.Serve them with soup or gravy or chilli for dinner or with preserves or butter or honey for breakfast.Bitesized ones can be anytime snack.
A warm pack of these simple yet festive cloverleaf rolls are on their way to celebrate Bread Baking Day #15:Festive Breads,an event started by Zorra and currently hosted at Annarasa.
Fresh from the oven,another warm pack also go to Purvas Christmas Feast - a feast would be incomplete without these festive rolls.
Update On Dec 11,2008: The rolls are very simple and easy even for a novice baker.If you are okay with eggs,instead of tofu+soymilk use 1 single egg and also can use normal warm milk instead of the warmed soymilk I used.So a batch of these fresh rolls are on way to Vandana where she is conducting a Baking for Beginner event -a unique event that surely creates an awesome baker from a novice.Thanks Vandana for accepting these rolls. | http://www.tastycurryleaf.com/2008/12/cloverleaf-rolls.html |
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Minnesota picks preliminary design for bridge to replace fallen span
The aerial sketch is simple. It shows two side-by-side bridges that will each hold five lanes of traffic running in opposite directions over the Mississippi River. The old 35W bridge had four lanes in each direction.
"The previous bridge was around 100 feet (wide). So there is more width to these bridges and along with that more lane capacity and more shoulder capacity," according to John Chiglo, MnDOT's project manager.
Chiglo says they will not begin building the bridge until all of the missing bodies from the bridge collapse have been recovered.
Many of the design details will be left up to the five firms bidding to land the contract. The bridge is expected to cost between $200 and $250 million.
MnDOT officials hope to finish the bridge by the end of 2008, that's a much faster pace than the years it typically takes to go from blueprint to ribbon cutting. But they say they've been busy talking with federal and state transportation officials who operated under similar time constraints.
"I think what we really learned is confidence," said Bob McFarlin, special assistant to the transportation commissioner. He says they talked with transportation officials in Oklahoma and California on what is needed to speed up the construction process. He says state and federal officials told them that they can finish the job quickly and safely, mostly because they can waive some state and federal red tape that slows a project down.
"We are confident with the experiences that other states have had that this can be done," he said. "It can be done quickly and safely and with really good quality because they had that experience."
McFarlin says he doesn't see any potential drawbacks to an accelerated bridge build. He says the contractor will use a design/build standard in which the design of the bridge occurs at the same time as the bridge is being built.
Hassan Astaneh, a professor of engineering at the University of California Berkeley, says the public shouldn't be concerned that an accelerated construction process would discount safety. He says states and contractors have nearly perfected the so-called design/build process in the past decade.
At this point, Astaneh he says it doesn't make a difference if a contractor takes their time or builds the bridge on an accelerated basis
"All of it is really to optimize your construction methods not to change design code, which is the document that you use for design and issues of safety. So I can't see any reason why people should think that if you do it fast that it will not be as safe as if you build it slowly," he said.
It could take weeks before the public will get more specifics, such as whether the bridge will be built of concrete or steel. MnDOT officials say they will consider public input throughout the process, even after a contractor is selected in September.
That's a step back from Monday's briefing where a spokeswoman suggested the public would have limited input on the final design. That upset some state lawmakers and Minneapolis officials who say MnDOT was moving too quickly. They suggested greater public input was needed on the bridge.
The first of those meetings was Tuesday morning at Minneapolis City Hall. MnDOT officials briefed a City Council committee. Some members wanted to know the timeline. Others, like Don Samuels, wanted the bridge to be a memorial for those who died in the collapse.
"The observation from all points is going to be significant and should really be considered," he said.
City officials, including Mayor R.T. Rybak, want the bridge to be able to handle an expansion of the light-rail system.
McFarlin said it would involve changing traffic lanes to light-rail lanes. He also pointed out that the federal emergency bridge replacement money for the new span comes with strings attached. It allows spending only for replacing the bridge that collapsed and not a span with added features.
Money for a new bridge built to specifications that could accommodate future transit, he says, would need to come from other sources, either local or state or other federal funds.
Also, McFarlin warns, building a new bridge strong enough to handle some future transit option such as rail might require use of heavy construction equipment that could trigger environemental reviews and delay construction.
Delay is what worries Metropolitan Council Chairman Peter Bell. He says the risk of delay associated with even planning for accommodating a future light-rail line is not a good idea.
"At a minimum that would be a two- to three-month delay and most people believe strongly that an interstate highway is not a good place for transit," according to Bell.
Minneapolis elected officials, including Mayor R. T. Rybak have been lobbying state officials with the message it's prudent to take the extra planning time to consider building a new span that can accommodate future transit needs since the new bridge is expected to last 100 years.
"If we build this bridge without looking at the possibility of reinforcing the structure for light rail at a future date, then it means that within a week's time people have excluded light rail in that corridor, be it Central, be it 35W be it anywhere else in that area for an entire generation. That is a rush to judgment," Rybak said.
The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy's director of land and transportation planning, Jim Erkel, says the reason it makes sense to plan for a new bridge that could accommodate transit is the projected growth in volume of commuters and other traffic on a new span.
"That corridor is probably one of the most high-volume corridors that we have," he said. "When you look at the various levels of transit, it makes more sense that this corridor be run with light rail than with BRT."
BRT is bus rapid transit. Several state and regional officials including the Metropolitan Council's Bell, say that's the future transit option that fits best on a new 35W bridge span.
Bus rapid transit, its advocates argue, is cheaper and more flexible than light rail.
At the moment, however, the new 35W bridge is not part of any of the Met Council's planned bus rapid transit routes.
"It is not and we would have to look at is it a viable corridor but next year we are doing our 10-year transit plan and that is something that we will look at very closely," Bell said Tuesday.
The rapidly evolving debate over how the new 35W span should be built reveals several things about Minnesota's transportation picture.
One is MnDoT's abililty to respond to ideas for what a new bridge should include is limited.
Virtually all the agency's funds are spoken for. The failure by lawmakers and the governor last session to agree on a transportation funding bill severely limits MnDoT's financial flexibility.
The debate also reveals the hunger among transit advocates for an opening that allows them to advance their message the region is transit starved.
Winning agreement on how to proceed with a fast track bridge replacement process while trying to accommodate future transit focuses attention on the philosophical divide between those who favor roads and bridges and those who favor rail and buses.
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Nutritional and decorative plant used for centuries in the traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Tibetan medicine. Its main attraction are orange-red fruits, commonly known as Goji berries. ‘New Big’ cultivar’s fruit are bigger (2 cm length and 1 cm diameter) and sweeter than the species fruit. They ripen from August to October. Ripe berries are edible, tasty and sweet. They come third on the list of vitamin C-rich plants with 2500 mg per 100 g value. They are also rich in vitamin B and vitamin E as well as in microelements: zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germane, selenium and phosphorus. Goji berries contain 21 minerals and 19 amino acids. The fruit can be eaten fresh or dried or they may be added to various foods or drinks (e.g. tea). Fructification starts 2-3 years after planting. The plant is frost hardy, undemanding and tolerant - it will grow even in poor soil. It prefers sunny areas. The shoots can be trained like the climbing rose over supports, e.g. trellises, or left without support to arch gently.
Leaves: Gray-green
Flowers: small, scarlet, VI-VIII
Fruit: Orange-red, VIII-IX
Maximum height: 2-2,5 m
Planting and maintenance: immerse plant containers in water for 10-30 minutes. Fill the bottom of a 40x40x40 cm hole with 10 cm of well-rotted manure or compost, supplement with good soil and place the plant 1 cm deeper than it was in the container. Provide at least 30 cm intervals from other plants or walls. Cover the soil surface around the plant with bark, in April fertilise with Osmocote 5-6 M, Water during growing season.
Pruning: not required, performed only when the plant outgrows its intended space. | https://www.clematis.com.pl/en/encyklopedia/?tx_plant_pi1%5Bplant%5D=822 |
Cause : The Moon Data Source selected in the Moon Data Source property of the International ScriptLine has not been upgraded to match the new moon data format which was introduced in build 10061 (May 15, 2003).
Consequences : Moon Tokens of the current script will be converted based on a geographical location of 0 degrees of latitude, 0 degrees of longitude, a time zone of 0 with respect to GMT, and no summer time rules. This will not be very far off for moon phases tokens, but will give totally unexpected results for moonrise and moonset tokens (unless you are making a diary for Ghana).
Solutions :
•Choose another Moon Data Source : Opens the corresponding property editor to let you select another Moon Data Source to use with the current script.
•Upgrade the curent Moon Data Source : Opens the Moon Sources Manager, so you can upgrade the currently selected Moon Source. | http://www.qppstudio.net/webhelp/moondatasourceneedsupgradi.htm |
Q:
Can I cook an egg by holding it in thermosphere?
It is known that in thermosphere, air temperature is rising sharply with increase of altitude.
In upper atmosphere, temperatures can even reach 2000°C or higher: see 2.
However, air there is extremely thin, so heat transfer is very slow.
If I put an egg to the thermosphere and hold it there for a long time at zero airspeed, will it cook?
UPDATE: My own line of thought is that the egg may radiate the heat energy faster that acquiring it. But then why doesn't air around it does not radiate it just as well? Answer: Because of the Sun constantly heating it up. But then the egg should be constantly heated up by the Sun as well as the air around it.
A:
An egg has to reach an inner temperature of 100C to cook and in water the egg shell is kept at 100C for five minutes in a heat bath.
Thus your question is answered by "can the egg shell be heated to 100C by the much hotter thin gas in the thermosphere"
In vacuum the egg will radiate away and go close to 0 kelvin, so in the thermosphere it will be a fight between outgoing radiation to incoming from the "heat bath". Well, the thermosphere does not provide a heat bath.
Although the thermosphere is considered part of Earth's atmosphere, the air density is so low in this layer that most of the thermosphere is what we normally think of as outer space.
So the answer is that the water from the egg will sublimate through its pores and the rest will be a solid at close to 0K .
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Q:
Kernel of the map $S_n\rightarrow GL_n(\mathbb{R})$
$S_n$ is the symmetric group on $n$ letters and $GL_n(\mathbb{R})$ is the group of $n$ by $n$ invertible matrices with real entries.
I was watching an algebra lecture series which mentioned twice that the map below has no kernel. Here the map is constructed by placing a $1$ in the $i$-th row of the $j$-th column representing where each $j$-th element of $S_n$ is sent.
Thus $S_n$ is mapped to a matrix that has a unique $1$ in a given row and column and all the other entries are $0$.
$S_n\rightarrow GL_n(\mathbb{R})$
Am I mistaken to think that the kernel is the identity permutation (i.e., leaving all the elements of $S_n$ in their original position) which maps to the identity martix $I\in GL_n(\mathbb{R})$?
Thanks
A:
You are correct, often people say there is 'no kernel' when they mean that the kernel is trivial (that is containing only the identity element).
There is no ambiguity here as the identity element is always in the kernel, but the language is misleading.
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Epochalypse # 1 (Legendary Comics 2014)
Legendary Comics turns history on its head with the sci-fi adventure Epochalypse, a mind-bending new series from historical author Jonathan Hennessey and acclaimed artist Shane Davis.
When a mysterious space-time phenomenon causes 600 years of human history to collapse into a single era, societies from the past, present, and future are forced to coexist in a dystopian civilization.
To set the timeline straight, an elite team of Resynchronization Officers must rid the world of Anachronisms futuristic artifacts that threaten the very laws of time.
To ensure our future, we must undo it. As one defiant officer leads the manhunt for elusive scientist Dr. Tomorrow and notorious outlaw The Salesman, he is challenged by shadowy agencies, rebel militias, and forbidden desire.
Can our hero save history or doom the future?
Epochalypse # 1 is written by Jonathan Hennessey with art and a cover by Shane Davis.
Epochalypse # 1 is a 32 page comic book drawn in full color, published by Legendary Comics, rated T and sold online at White Dragon Comics. | http://www.superherocomicbooks.com/epochalypse-1 |
For almost a decade, Tennessee has focused its school improvement work on its big cities where large numbers of students are of color, live in extreme poverty, and have disabilities.
But a new report says rural schools also face significant challenges in providing an equitable education to a third of the state’s students, all while serving a growing Latino population drawn to those areas mostly by agricultural work.
High poverty rates, lower median household income, opioid addiction, and limited access to technology and healthcare are among the issues in rural Tennessee, where fewer people are likely to attend college and more are likely to receive food stamps than their urban counterparts, according to economic research.
And with less industry and lower local tax bases to support their schools, rural districts also struggle to recruit, support, and retain effective educators.
Tennessee’s challenges mirror rural America, where school communities are being stretched by scarce resources and the need for more educators equipped to teach language skills to students from immigrant families.
The issues were highlighted Thursday by the Tennessee Educational Equity Coalition, a 3-year-old statewide organization that champions policies to address education disparities on behalf of more than 50 civil rights and education advocacy groups.
“Many of the issues that persist in our urban areas are challenges in our rural ones too, and we’ve got to find ways to look at different dimensions of the same problems,” said Gini Pupo-Walker, senior director of education and programs for Conexión Américas, a founding coalition member that serves Nashville’s Latino families.
The coalition released a report and convened some 70 stakeholders at Cumberland University in Lebanon, east of Nashville, to discuss the challenges.
The group wants the state to revise its education funding formula to take rural needs into account by providing each school with a flat rate, then distributing extra money based on the number of students who are from low-income families, struggle with a disability, are learning to speak English, or attend rural schools. That recommendation comes as the state is being sued by its two largest districts — in Memphis and Nashville — over the adequacy of their funding because of the needs of urban students.
The coalition also wants more districts to adopt student-based budgeting, which distributes funds to schools according to student characteristics and needs. And it wants the state to provide financial incentives to get more teachers in schools that are experiencing shortages due either to geography or content.
The recommendations follow a six-month Tennessee study based on state and federal data and tours of rural areas to interview teachers, principals, and district staff.
“There’s this feeling that urban is centric to innovation conversations and also to the education policy and practices being pushed in our state. I think rural schools feel left out,” said Bryce Warden, manager of research and policy for Conexión Américas.
Urban areas have the state’s highest proportion of students who are of color and are economically disadvantaged. Meanwhile, schools located in towns or rural locations have larger numbers of low-income students than they do students of color, although the white population is decreasing as more Latino families move in.
“Even with these smaller numbers of people of color within our more rural schools, student achievement and various school supports for all populations must remain a focus for equity-minded advocates regardless of size,” says the coalition’s report.
The growth in Tennessee’s immigrant population — accounting for 12 percent of its public school students in 2016 — presents special challenges for rural schools trying to teach smaller numbers of English language learners across multiple grades without additional state funding to staff up.
For instance, one district toured by the coalition serves about 50 English learner students across a wide geographic space, yet receives funding for only two English learner instructor positions. And according to one survey, 75 percent of the state’s rural schools have no instructional support staff beyond their administrators.
The coalition recommends placing an instructional specialist for English learners in each of the state education department’s eight regional offices to provide professional development and support for school communities.
The group also wants districts to set goals to give its students greater access to programs that provide early college credit. And it recommends investing in regional councils and higher education centers to expand pathways for education after graduation from high school.
Student outcomes don’t differ greatly by location, according to the group’s findings. But when it comes to college entrance exams, the coalition found “concerning gaps” among historically underserved student groups. Rural Latino high school students are two times less likely to score 21 or more on their ACT test compared to their rural white peers, and black students are three times less likely.
Adding to the challenge is that — just as Memphis is distinct from Nashville, Knoxville, or Chattanooga — Tennessee’s small towns and rural communities shouldn’t be painted with a broad brush.
“Rural is not a monolith but a compilation of hundreds of unique communities and circumstances,” says the report, which seeks to spotlight their various needs.
You can read the full report here. | https://www.chalkbeat.org/posts/tn/2019/05/30/tennessees-rural-schools-overlooked-amid-urban-focus-says-equity-group/ |
The first text that I thought of for a critical edition is one of my childhood favorites- The Phantom Tollbooth. When we explored the Lands Beyond with Milo in my fifth grade reading group, our discussion centered on Norton Juster’s critique of the American attitude. I’m not entirely sure where my critical edition will lead me, but I’d like to explore how The Phantom Tollbooth paints conformity of thought and thought process as useless and debilitating, championing self-discovery through literature (and numbers) and the adventures of challenging yourself. Juster’s conveyance of that belief results in viewing the education system as flawed because of the lack of motivation conformity breeds. Maybe I’ll discuss the societal intersections that made it possible for the educational system to both condemn and praise The Phantom Tollbooth, which is now a classic addition to the elementary reading list.
In pages 57 through 63 of “The Rule of Law Through the Looking Glass” by Mary Liston compares The Phantom Tollbooth to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to emphasize each text’s relationship to the authoritative figures in the respective time periods.
Chapter 16 of Nurturing Creativity in the Classroom by Ronald A. Beghetto and James C. Kaufman is an article by Beth A. Hennessey entitled “Intrinsic Motivation and Creativity in the Classroom: Have We Come Full Circle?” In her article, Hennessey discusses the roles of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations in the classroom, arguing that intrinsic motivation is harder to develop and produces better results.
On October 25, 2011, Norton Juster wrote a brief article on The Phantom Tollbooth‘s 50th anniversary and recorded its history, how it served as a means to escape from his own work, and the backlash it faced because it forced children to confront unknown words and ideas. | http://blogs.dickinson.edu/thinkingenglish2017/2017/11/16/the-phantom-tollbooth-critical-edition/ |
Q:
Interactions between levels in lme4
We are implementing multilevel models in lme4 and have a question about how to handle cross-level predictors. This is a psychology experiment where individual participants come into the lab and complete multiple trials of the same task (e.g., judging how much they like a picture). To describe our dataset, we have trials nested within participants. These trials also have a trial-level predictor (e.g., how happy the participant rated they were before they made the judgment), and we might be interested in the relationship between happiness and liking (both rated on a 1-7 scale and treated as a linear variable). Modeling this with a random intercept for participant would be:
lmer(liking~happiness + (1|participant), data)
Now, in these data we also have three distinct races completing the experiment (e.g., participants that self-identify as white-only, black-only, or hispanic-only). Each participant only belongs to 1 race, and each race contains multiple participants.
We hypothesize that trial-level happiness will interact with participant-level race to predict liking. To test this model, we believe lme4 will detect that race is a group-level factor (since only one value exists for each participant) and that we would run:
lmer(liking~happiness*race + (1|participant), data)
However, based on other reading, we're wondering if this should instead be treated as a nested or random slope. For instance, should we instead use:
lmer(liking~happiness*race + (1| race/participant), data)
or
lmer(liking~happiness*race + (1 + happiness | race/participant), data)
Again, we are interested in the interaction between race and happiness in predicting liking, and each participant only belongs to one race. Thank you in advance for your help!
PS: We have looked at Specifying Cross-Level Interactions in LMER but this seems to represent a different data structure.
A:
The general principle here is that it only makes sense/is only possible to estimate within-level variation for factors that actually vary within that level in the course of the experiment/observation period. Since happiness might vary within individuals across trials, but race can't, the maximal model you can fit would be
lmer(liking~happiness*race + (happiness|participant), data)
In other words, the effect of happiness on liking may vary across individuals; you will get estimates for
(fixed) average effect of happiness on liking for the "baseline" race (whichever is the first level of your factor)
(fixed) average effect of race (differences in liking from the baseline race) on liking for happiness zero (you might want to center happiness so that the 'zero' level of happiness is a more meaningful level [e.g. a baseline level of 4, or a baseline level of the mean happiness across the study population]
(fixed) race-happiness interaction (the average difference in the happiness-liking slope between the baseline and other races)
(random) among-individual intercept variation (difference in the expected liking of an individual at the baseline happiness from the expected liking for an individual of their race at the baseline happiness)
(random) among-individual happiness-slope variation (difference in the expected effect of 1 unit of liking on happiness from the average effect for an individual of their race)
You could change the interpretation of the fixed factors slightly by changing contrasts.
To stretch a point a little bit, it might be possible in principle that the effect of race, or the happiness by race interaction, could vary across individuals, but you can't measure it. (This discussion would make more sense if considered in terms of a characteristic that is more likely to vary within individuals over some reasonable time scale but doesn't vary within individuals within the scope of the experiment.)
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Two players start with $1$ and take turns multiplying it by $2$ or $3$ or $4$ ... or $9$. The first player to make the number $\ge 1000$ wins. Who has a winning strategy?
My attempt: obviously $112$ is a losing position since $112*9=1008$. Then
it's a winning position for all numbers between $5...
Recently I've come across the tag "generalization", see here. It's relatively new and there is only one question (Edit: now removed) under it. However, I don't think it's that useful, taking into consideration there isn't any mathematical content associated with it. On the other hand, it's quite ...
New year, new tag management thread.
Rules of the game are basically the same:
Post your suggestion as an answer here if you see
A particularly bad tag (a rule of thumb: «if I can't imagine a person classifying a tag as either interesting or ignored, I'm getting rid of it»),
A tag that shoul... | https://chat.stackexchange.com/transcript/3740/2019/1/30 |
RESIDENTS are angry over plans to build two sewage storage tanks on Queen Elizabeth Drive.
Thames Water last month announced plans to spend £4.5m building the stores, with one at either end of the road.
The company say the tanks are needed to help capture wastewater from houses during times of rain and are vital to deal with the future increase of houses in the area.
However, residents have said the plans are both insufficient and will create many problems both during and after construction.
“We are determined this will not go ahead,” said Brian McLean, 57, who lives in Queen Elizabeth Drive.
“If needs be people are prepared to lie down in front of trucks to prevent them starting the work.
“Why should we all pay the price for other people’s waste?”
The residents have numerous complaints about the proposals put forward by Thames Water.
They argue the tanks will not be of sufficient size to deal with the extra 10,000 houses due to be built.
“There are no plans to make any changes to the pumping system, only to increase the amount of storage,” said Brian.
“We are facing the possibility of having trucks carrying human waste through a residential area.”
The proposal put forward by Thames Water means putting the storage tanks underground and they say they will make good any damage caused by the works.
But Brian is not so positive about this.
“Where they are planning to build is a beautiful piece of land that has taken years to fully develop and now it will be ruined by this development,” he said. “Some of the trees are 15 years old and they cannot be replaced.”
The residents have identified a number of other problems the stores could cause.
Each of the tanks will have a six-metre ventilation pipe which will emit odours from the household waste very close to the housing.
They also believe huge problems will be caused during the construction period, which could last from nine months to a year.
The residents believe the roads are not wide enough for the trucks and many are not happy at a construction site appearing opposite their house for a year.
Brian said: “We understand more sewage work needs to be built but this is not the best way. It is a band aid solution which will not work long term.”
The residents have proposed another plan which involves putting the storage tanks on the Mouldon Hill area, away from housing, but they say Thames Water has not listened.
The residents have gained the support of their local councillors.
“I am totally behind the residents on this issue,” said Coun Emma Faramarzi (Con, Priory Vale).
“We need to look into why the proposal needs to be so close to houses.
“We did invite representatives from Thames Water to answer questions from residents but they cancelled two hours before the meeting.”
A spokesman for Thames Water said: “We are continuing to meet with residents and officials to take on board any feedback before we put in our planning application. | https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/10501906.sewage-proposal-kicks-up-a-stink/ |
1.1 Legal relationships between Steigenberger Hotels GmbH or its subsidiaries (hereinafter referred to as “StHG”) and its contractual partners (hereinafter referred to as the “Supplier”) are exclusively governed by the present General Terms and Conditions of Procurement in so far as the Supplier is a legal entity under public law or a special fund as defined by public law within the meaning of § 14 Paragraph 1 German Civil Code (BGB).
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1.3 Upon receipt of the present General Terms and Conditions of Procurement, the Supplier shall accept their application for all future contracts.
§2 Requirement for the written form
2.1 Orders and other declarations shall only be binding if given or confirmed in writing by StHG. Transmission of orders by StHG to the Supplier via e-mail shall be deemed sufficient insofar as nothing to the contrary has been expressly agreed.
2.2 Orders may be rescinded by StHG up until the time when written confirmation of order is received from the Supplier. Confirmation shall take place within two weeks of receipt of the order. STAG shall no longer be bound by the order in the event that no such confirmation is forthcoming.
§3 Terms and Conditions of Delivery
3.1 The contents, nature and scope of the delivery are governed by the order placed by StHG.
3.2 In the case of fresh produce and frozen foods, delivery shall take place in accordance with the following conditions.
- Fresh produce must be chilled to a temperature between 0° and 5° C.
- Frozen foods must be frozen to a core temperature of at least -18° C and must be maintained at this temperature.
- The temperatures stated above must be maintained throughout the entire transport process (uninterrupted cold chain).
3.3 StHG shall be entitled to refuse acceptance in the event of any ground for assuming that goods are not or have not been sufficiently and continuously chilled. Burden of proof for uninterrupted compliance with any minimum temperature up until acceptance of goods shall rest with the Supplier including in circumstances where goods have been accepted. The Supplier shall be liable for any consequences resulting from non-compliance with the cold chain.
3.4 All deliveries must be accompanied by two copies of a delivery note stating quantities, the delivery note number, place of performance, order number, date, article designation and article number. The relevant import documentation relating to the delivery shall be included with deliveries from abroad insofar as necessary.
3.5 StHG shall sign a written acknowledgement when goods are handed over. Responsibility for obtaining this so-called confirmation of receipt rests with the Supplier.
§4 Delivery and delay
4.1 Agreed delivery dates are binding, and adherence to such dates is essential. StHG shall be notified in writing as soon as it becomes apparent that a delay may ensue. Said notification shall include the reasons causing the delay or rendering a delay likely. Partial deliveries are only permissible with the consent of StHG.
4.2 The Supplier shall be required to act in a timely manner and in advance to ascertain the goods acceptance times of the receiving sites to which deliveries are to be made. Deliveries of goods outside these acceptance periods may be refused and shall not be deemed to be compliant in terms of meeting any deadline.
4.3 The Supplier shall bear the procurement risk for services rendered unless a custom-made item is involved. The rights of StHG – in particular with regard to withdrawal and compensation – shall be governed by the statutory stipulations in the event that the Supplier fails to fulfil performance, fails to fulfil performance within the agreed delivery time or is in default of delivery.
§5 Quality
5.1 The Supplier shall be required to provide merchantable goods which are in compliance with the relevant laws and regulations of the Federal Republic of Germany and of the European Union and which meet requirements of any kind set out in the product specification.
5.2 Goods delivered must be in accordance with agreements concluded with the Supplier and must correspond to the respective orders.
5.3 Compliance with all provisions under food law and hygiene law, with other legal provisions, with government authority requirements and with any other statutory stipulations that may apply is mandatorily incumbent on the Supplier. The above compliance requirement further encompasses the statutorily stipulated duty of declaration with regard to products which contain foreign substances, additives and colourants and in respect of allergens. Within this context, the Supplier shall also accord due consideration to the points set out below.
- The Supplier shall ensure that products delivered do not contain any objectionable components or components not typical of the product and that products delivered have not come into contact with any substances prohibited by law.
- The period of time between any best-before date that may have been stated by a sub-supplier and the day of delivery may not be shorter than the customary best-before date period for the product in question.
5.4 The Supplier shall act within the scope of its technical and economic capabilities to ensure that environmentally products and procedures are deployed across all process stages. The Supplier shall accept responsibility for the environmental compatibility of products and packaging materials delivered and for any consequential damages incurred as a result of a breach of the Supplier’s statutory duties of waste disposal.
5.5 Packaging and labelling of the products by the Supplier shall conform with the relevant statutory provisions as amended and with government authority requirements. The Supplier must provide all written instructions, information and warning notices together with the products in order to ensure safe usage and to safeguard adherence with any statutory or other duties that may be incumbent upon STAG.
5.6 Duty of the Supplier to take back packaging shall be governed by the statutory provisions. Goods shall be packaged in such a way so as to avoid damage during transport.
5.7 The Supplier shall ensure the transference to StHG of all benefits afforded by any warranties, guarantees and similar rights granted by third party manufacturers which may apply to products delivered.
§6 Prices and Terms and Conditions of Payment
6.1 The prices agreed in the respective order are fixed prices and are thus binding. Notwithstanding this, the Supplier shall be required to reduce the price insofar as the Supplier decreases list prices prior to or subsequent to receipt of order and before delivery to StHG takes place. Price increases shall require the express written consent of StHG. The same applies in respect of additional charges made by the Supplier.
6.2 All agreed prices are net of Value Added Tax at the respective statutory rate. Prices are inclusive of all services and ancillary services such as packaging, transport, incidental customs charges, return and disposal of outer packaging insofar as nothing to the contrary has been expressly agreed.
6.3 The agreed prices shall fall due for payment within 45 calendar days of provision of full delivery and performance and receipt of a proper and correct invoice. The Supplier shall grant StHG a 3% cash discount if StHG makes payment within 14 calendar days. STAG shall be granted a 2% cash discount for payment within 30 calendar days.
§7 Invoice and assignment of claims
7.1 Invoices shall contain the information provided on the relevant delivery notes and shall be drawn up after dispatch of goods.
7.2 Statutory Value Added Tax shall be shown separately on the invoices.
7.3 Payment is made under the proviso of delivery in accordance with the contractual terms and is subject to factual and arithmetical correctness of the invoice. In the event of discovery of a defect that is subject to a duty of guarantee or warranty, StHG shall be entitled to reserve payment until such time as said duty of guarantee or warranty is fulfilled.
7.4 The Supplier is not permitted to assign contractual claims to third parties either in whole or in part without the written consent of StHG.
§8 Defects
8.1 The statutory provisions shall apply in the event of quality or legal defects in respect of goods and in the case of other breaches of contract by the Supplier insofar as nothing to the contrary is stipulated below.
8.2 STAG is required to inspect products and provide notice of any defects within two weeks of delivery of the goods to the respective receiving site. Refusal of acceptance because of obvious defects which are clearly discernible when delivery takes place, such as non-compliance with transport regulations or with other hygiene or shelf life requirements, shall also be deemed to constitute provision of notice of defect.
8.3 In the event that a defect is ascertained in an individual product forming part of an overall delivery and if said defect restricts or prevents the marketability of products under food law, STAG shall be required to conduct appropriate sample tests in order to investigate whether such a circumstance is an individual case or whether there are indications of production or treatment errors that may affect the whole of the delivery. The whole of the delivery shall be considered to be defective in the event that such indications of production or treatment errors are discovered. Restrictions to and exclusions of liability on the part of the Supplier shall not apply.
8.4 StHG shall have a full right to assert statutory claims in the event that the Supplier is in default of delivery or if goods delivered do not comply with the provisions of the present Agreement in terms of quality, quantity or properties. StHG shall additionally be entitled to impose a contractual penalty in the amount of 1% per day of the net price of the delivery or service which is in default. Notwithstanding this, such a contractual penalty may not exceed 5% of the total value of the order. STAG shall in particular be entitled to act at its discretion in choosing rectification of defects or a new delivery. Following the expiry of an appropriate subsequent deadline to no avail, StHG shall further be entitled to require compensation instead of performance. In the event of a new delivery, the Supplier shall be required to deliver the same quantity of products in an acceptable quality and at the same price after reaching prior agreement with StHG. This shall also apply in circumstances where a price increase has occurred in the interim and in the event that the replacement delivery can only be procured for a higher price.
8.5 The Supplier shall bear any costs incurred for the purpose of inspection and subsequent performance, even in circumstances where it emerges that no defect was actually present. The above is without prejudice to StHG’s requirement to provide compensation in the event of unjustified requests to rectify defects. Notwithstanding this, liability in such a case shall only exist if StHG has recognised that no defect was present or has acted in a grossly negligent manner in failing to recognise that no defect was present.
8.6 In the event that the Supplier fails to act within an appropriate deadline set by StHG in fulfilling a duty of subsequent performance, either by rectification of defects or by delivery of a product which is free from defects, StHG shall be entitled to remedy the defect itself and require the Supplier to reimburse the necessary expenditure incurred in this regard or else to effect replacement procurement and require the Supplier to pay for the additional expense involved. No deadline shall need to be set if subsequent performance by the Supplier has failed or if said subsequent performance is unreasonable for StHG. The Supplier shall be notified without delay in such a case.
§9 Transfer of risk and ownership
9.1 Material and price risk shall be transferred to StHG following proper delivery of goods to the receiving site stated by StHG and after acceptance of goods by said receiving site.
9.2 Goods ordered directly become the property of StHG upon acceptance.
§10 Guarantee
StHG has entitlement to the statutory guarantee claims, whereby the following measures shall apply.
The guarantee period commences at the time when transfer of risk takes place. In the event that deliveries made by the Supplier constitute onward deliveries of StHG to third parties, then the guarantee period shall commence at the time when STAG executes delivery to such a third party.
§11 Indemnification, liability, insurance
11.1 The Supplier shall be responsible for ensuring that deliveries and services do not impair or infringe industrial property rights of third parties, such as copyright, patents, trademarks or other proprietary rights. The Supplier shall act in a timely manner to obtain or update all necessary licences and permits for this purpose and shall bear the costs of so doing. The Supplier shall be further required to adhere to safety regulations as amended and to comply with relevant accident prevention, environmental protection and health and safety at work regulations in respect of deliveries and services rendered. The order shall be deemed not to have been properly fulfilled in the event of failure to observe these regulations. In such a circumstance, the Supplier shall fully indemnify StHG against any claims that may be asserted by third parties with regard to rights of this kind.
11.2 StHG shall be entitled to withdraw from an individual agreement in the event that the Supplier is in breach of the duties stated in Clause 11.1 above. In the case of an agreement which has been concluded for a fixed or indefinite term and which includes stipulated quantities and/or prices, repeated infringements of said above duties shall entitle StHG to give extraordinary notification of termination for cause without requirement to give notice. StHG shall further be entitled to assert claims for compensation.
11.3. Insofar as the Supplier is responsible for a product defect, the Supplier shall indemnify StHG in respect of claims asserted by third parties to the extent that the cause of the product defect is attributable to the management or organisational division of the Supplier and the Supplier is thus directly liable in relations to third parties.
11.4 Within the scope of such a duty to indemnify, the Supplier shall be required to reimburse expenditure incurred by StHG as a result of or in connection with assertion of claims by third parties including with regard to any product recall actions that may have been instigated by StHG. Insofar as possible and reasonable, StHG will notify the Supplier of the content and scope of the recall to be carried out and will afford the Supplier an opportunity to respond. The above is without prejudice to further statutory claims.
11.5 In the event that a claim is asserted against StHG by a third party in connection with guarantees offered or advertising statements made by the Supplier, the Supplier shall be obliged to indemnify StHG against both alleged and existing claims. The above duty to indemnify relates to all expenses and costs incurred by StHG from or in connection with the claim asserted by the third party. This also includes the costs of legal defence and of pursuing legal action.
11.6 The above is without prejudice to liability of the Supplier pursuant to the statutory stipulations.
11.7 The Supplier is required to take out insurance against all risks in connection with execution of the Supplier’s business, including product liability and possible recall actions. Coverage sum shall be €10,000,000 in respect of each claim for damage to persons/property.
§12 Confidentiality
12.1 The Supplier shall be required to maintain strict confidentiality with regard to all information provided (whether in written, oral or any other form). Said duty of strict confidentiality extends to encompass all illustrations, diagrams, drawings, calculations and other documentation received and shall further apply in circumstances where information is not specifically designated as being confidential. The Supplier shall be liable for all damages incurred by StHG as a result of breach of this duty.
12.2 Such information and data may only be disclosed to third parties with the express written consent of StHG. The use of business relations with StHG as a means of advertising shall also require prior written approval.
12.3 Documents and other paperwork made available to the Supplier shall remain in the ownership of StHG and shall be returned no later than the time at which the relevant agreement ends.
12.4 Both contractual parties shall commit to maintaining confidentiality in respect of all orders placed by StHG and all agreements concluded. Both parties particularly agree that, without the express consent of the respective other contractual party, no third parties shall be afforded knowledge of the scope and/or type of goods delivered and services rendered, of the composition of such goods and services and of the use to which such goods and services are put. Said duty applies in the same way to vicarious agents, The above does not apply to enquiries made by government bodies or courts in cases under product safety or product liability law.
12.5 Duty to maintain confidentiality shall continue to apply after fulfilment of the agreement.
§13 Place of fulfilment and place of jurisdiction
13.1 Place of fulfilment for all deliveries and services is the receiving site designated by StHG. Place of fulfilment for payments is the location of the Registered Office of StHG.
13.2 Place of jurisdiction is the location of the Registered Office of StHG. Notwithstanding the above, StHG shall be entitled to choose to assert a claim against the Supplier at a court located at the Supplier’s place of residence.
§14 Severability clause
In the event that any provisions, terms or partial terms contained within the present General Terms and Conditions of Procurement shall be or shall become invalid, this shall be without prejudice to the overall validity of said General Terms and Conditions of Procurement and to the validity of the agreement as a whole. An invalid provision shall be replaced by a valid provision that as most closely as possible reflects the economic objective pursued whilst according due consideration to lawfulness.
§15 Other provisions
15.1 The Supplier shall commit to compliance with statutory stipulations relating to the combating of corruption. The Supplier provides a particular assurance that no impermissible benefits will be offered, promised or granted to employees of StHG or to affiliated persons. The same prohibition applies to employees and vicarious agents of the Supplier and to third parties acting upon the instructions of the Supplier.
15.2 Suppliers and service providers to StHG shall comply with all laws which are applicable to their companies. Suppliers and service providers to StHG support the basic principles of the “Global Compact” of the United Nations, the basic principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations and the basic principles of the “Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights” of the International Labour Organization and act in accordance with national laws and customs. The above particularly applies to the aspects of “child labour”, “forced labour”, “remuneration and working times” and ”discrimination”.
15.3 The contractual relationship between the Supplier and StHG and any resultant claims are solely governed by German law. Application of the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods is excluded.
15.4 In the event that both contractual parties agree that one or more provisions of the present General Terms and Conditions of Procurement should be replaced by individual arrangements, this shall be without prejudice to the continuing validity of the remaining provisions herein contained. | https://www.deutschehospitality.com/gtc-of-procurement |
PLEASE NOTE: this learning object "Classification of Data" is currently under revision. Several sections are therefore missing at the moment (marked with [...] ). The remaining text is mainly based on (Slocum 1999).
As you have seen in the previous paragraph about "data levels", numerical data consists of the exact indication of measured information. As you may imagine, such measurable information is very important for geographical data analysis and for precise value presentations on maps. However, for an optimal analysis of numeric data we sometimes need to classify our dataset with a method for an appropriated thematic map presentation, which allows an optimal map analysis of numeric data. In this section, we will reveal when we need to classify data, and when we can work with unclassified data.
A classified map represents data that has been grouped into different classes. On the map, the different classes can be distinguished e.g. by different colours (hue, brightness, or saturation).
The human eye only has a limited ability to discriminate a large number of different areal symbol shades. Due to this fact, it is sometimes essential to classify quantitative thematic map content. This allows us to create a smaller number of data classes and to choose symbol shades that can be distinguished easily.
Classified maps consist of colour shades that are generally based on the conventional "maximum-contrast" approach, using equally spaced tones from one class to another. Thanks to this method, the classified map does not reveal a huge and inhomogeneous range of colour variations.
[...]
Thus, we finally have to decide when we choose to classify our collected data and when not. You should have considered two criteria when you decide whether you create a classified or an unclassified map presentation:
However, if the map you create is intended for data analysis, it is worth comparing a large variety of visual classification approaches. You do this in order to choose the best method for your specific thematic analysis. This map comparison may possibly include unclassified maps, too.
For thematic map presentation, the acquired and analysed thematic data values are often grouped into classes, which simplify the reading of the map as we have learned in the previous section. If you decide to classify your data, you may wonder, what would be the best method. For this purpose, we will repeat and refresh the basics of your knowledge about statistical methods in the following. The major methods of data classification are:
[...]
In this classification method, each class consists of an equal data interval along the dispersion graph shown in the figure. To determine the class interval, you divide the whole range of all your data (highest data value minus lowest data value) by the number of classes you have decided to generate.
After you have done that, you add the resulting class interval to the lowest value of your data-set, which gives you the first class interval. Add this interval as many times as necessary in order to reveal the number of your predefined classes.
It is appropriate to use equal class intervals when the data distribution has a rectangular shape in the histogram. This, however, occurs very rarely in the context of geographic phenomena. Moreover, it is useful to use this method when your classification steps are nearly equal in size. The major disadvantage of this method is that class limits fail to reveal the distribution of the data along the number line. There may be classes that remain blank, which of course is not particularly meaningful on a map.
[...]
Another method that allows us to classify our dataset is the standard deviation. This method takes into account how data is distributed along the dispersion graph. To apply this method, we repeatedly add (or subtract) the calculated standard deviation from the statistical mean of our dataset. The resulting classes reveal the frequency of elements in each class.
The mean-standard deviation method is particularly useful when our purpose is to show the deviation from the mean of our data array. This classification method, however, should only be used for data-sets that show an approximately "standardised normal distribution" ("Gaussian distribution"). This constraint is the major disadvantage of this method.
[...]
Another possibility to classify our dataset is to use the method of quantiles. To apply this method we have to predefine how many classes we wish to use. Then we rank and order our data classes by placing an equal number of observations into each class. The number of observations in each class is computed by the formula:
If no integer values are resulting from this division, we attempt to place approximately the same number of observations in each class.
An advantage of quantiles is that classes are easy to compute, and that each class is approximately equally represented on the final map. Moreover, quantiles are very useful for ordinal data, since the class assignment of quantiles is based on ranked data. The main disadvantage of this classification method are the gaps that may occur between the observations. These gaps sometimes lead to an over-weighting of some single detached observations at the edge of the number line.
[...]
When we choose to use the method of maximum breaks we first order our raw data from low to high. Then we calculate the differences between each neighboring value, when the largest value differences will be applied as class breaks. You can also recognise the maximum breaks visually on the dispersion graph: large value differences are represented by blank spaces.
One advantage of working with this method is its clear consideration of data distribution along the number line. Another advantage is that maximum breaks can be calculated easily by subtracting the next lower neighboring value from each value. A disadvantage, however, is that the systematic classification of data misses any proper attention to a visually more logical and more convenient clustering (see "Natural breaks").
[...]
Applying the classification method of "natural breaks”, we consider visually logical and subjective aspects to grouping our data set. One important purpose of natural breaks is to minimise value differences between data within the same class. Another purpose is to emphasize the differences between the created classes.
A disadvantage of this method is that class limits may vary from one map-maker to another due to the author's subjective class definition (Slocum 1999). The Jenks-Caspall Alorithm formalizes this procedure and is often used in GIS software.
[...]
Particularly useful when the dispersion graph has a rectangular shape (rare in geographic phenomena) and when enumeration units are nearly equal in size. In such cases, orderly maps are produced.
Should be used only when the dispersion graph approximates a normal distribution. The classes formed, yield information about frequencies in each class. Particularly useful when the purpose is to show deviation from the array mean. Understood by many readers.
Good method of assuring an equal number of observations in each class. Can be misleading if the enumeration units vary greatly in size.
Simplistic method which consider how data are distributed along the dispersion graph and group those that are similar to one another (or, avoid grouping values that are dissimilar). Relatively easy to compute, simply involving subtracting adjacent values.
Good graphic way of determining natural group of similar values by searching for significant depressions in frequency distribution. Minor troughs can be misleading and may yield poorly defined class boundaries. | http://www.gitta.info/Statistics/en/html/StandClass_learningObject2.html |
Project is co-advised by Sergio Martínez González (INAOE, Mexico).
Stellar winds from massive stars lead to the formation of wind-blown bubbles composed of a cavity filled with wind matter and a dense and thin shell of swept-up interstellar matter (Weaver et al., 1977). The size of the bubble is determined by both, the energetics of the stellar wind and the pressure associated to the interstellar medium. After a massive star that ends its life as a core-collapse supernova (ccSN), a blast wave (BW) collides with the encompassing swept-up shell. The BW is typically unable to traverse the shell and thus the supernova remnant is confined to roughly the size of the wind-blown bubble (Tenorio-Tagle et al., 1990; Haid et al., 2016; Martinez-González et al., 2019). Not only that, but ccSNe leave behind either a neutron star, or a stellar mass black hole (BH). However, progenitors with masses above ~80 Solar masses end their lives as pair-instability supernovae, where the whole star is obliterated and thus stellar-mass BHs with masses in the interval 50-130 Solar masses were thought unlikely to exist_(e.g. Belczynski et al., 2016, Barack, L. et al. 2019). However, LIGO/VIRGO detections of gravitational waves originating from the coalescence of BHs with inferred masses falling in that interval (LIGO & Virgo Collaborations, 2020], Phys. Rev.Lett.125(2020), 101102), have challenged our understanding of stellar-mass BH formation and evolution.
The aim of this work is to investigate if the BHs left behind after the explosion of progenitors with masses close to ~80 Solar masses are able to efficiently re-accrete the wind and supernova matter within highly-pressurized wind-blown bubbles, and form black holes with masses in excess of 50 Solar masses. The student will use publicly available hydrodynamic code Flash (Fryxell et al., 2000) and home-grown modules that follow the evolution of wind-blown bubbles and supernova remnants (Wünsch et al., 2017), and calculate the gravitational potential associated to the gas and the central stellar-mass BH (Wünsch et al., 2018).
Figure description: Left: Chandra X-ray Observatory view of the Tycho's supernova remnant (SN 1572). Righ: Simulation of the early phase of the supernova remnant from Martinez-Gonzalez et al. (2019).
References: | https://www.mff.cuni.cz/en/physicsphd/f1/phd-projects-funding/re-accretion-of-wind-and-supernova-matter-onto-a-central-black-hole |
Whoever believes that time in Greece is EEST, Eastern European Standard Time, is wrong. Although the Greek clock may tick according to EEST, real Greek time is a totally different concept.
The Greeks only use EEST (clock) time for the airport, public transportation, and tourists. Even these are often late in Greece, but I strongly advise you to watch your clock. For everything else in Greece, however, no clock is needed to be on time.
Meeting a Greek
Last weekend I was going to a Greek birthday party. Before I went, I knew the party was going to happen somewhere that weekend, but nothing more precise. Around noon I finally got the invite, the party was going to start in one hour. Reaching the venue at 2 pm, there was nothing like a party yet. My friends were still at home, sipping their coffees and getting dressed. In the end, this party started at 3 pm, 2 hours late.
This is how Greek time works, especially when meeting friends. There will consistently be a delay from at least 30 minutes, up to a couple of hours. Greek time might seem quite rude to you, like the Greeks don’t care about keeping other people waiting. In Greece, however, this is the opposite of rudeness. Greek time is about freedom and not demanding things from other people.
Time is just an indication
The birthday party this weekend, for instance, did not start late because my friends ignored time altogether and did not care for their guests. Their daughter, who was turning one that day, had fallen asleep just before the party started. Knowing that the little girl would cry the whole afternoon when waking her up to attend on time, they decided to do what was best for the girl. My friends let her sleep and started when she woke up and had the energy to enjoy her party.
For the Greeks without children, greek time works similarly. Imagine you tell your friend to meet in an hour. You’re getting ready to go out but your mother calls you, what would you do? Real Greeks would never rush to hang up on their mom, nor anyone else, to be on time to meet you. Instead, they will be late but enjoy the phone call, expecting you to do the same. Greek hours are more of an indication than the 60 minutes on the clock.
When in Greece, forget about the actual time! Don’t rush somewhere when time is ticking, and don’t wait for something to happen. Take it easy, siga siga, do something you like even when you think you’re supposed to wait. If this means that you will be late, so be it. At least you had fun and didn’t waste your own time. That’s Greek time, the journey is more important than the number on the clock.
The Greek afternoon
There is one more thing about Greek time that is very confusing for foreigners, the afternoon. The definition of the afternoon is the time between noon and 6 pm. After 6, the evening comes, followed by the night. At least, this is what I learned about the stages of the day, and the English dictionary agrees with me.
When I started dating my Greek boyfriend, he would often tell me to meet in the afternoon. Since I did not know much about Greek culture yet, I was often waiting for him from 3 or 4 pm. He, however, would usually show up around 8 or 9. Leaving me thinking that I had found the most Greek-timed Greek.
Turned out, that in Greek time, my boyfriend wasn’t actually late. His afternoons have 3 or 4 hours more than mine! Greek time skips the evening and goes straight to night after a very long afternoon. Greeks will never say to each other that they will meet in the evening, there is none. | https://realgreeks.net/culture/greek-time/ |
The Latest: Moment of silence planned to honor Texas victims
SANTA FE, Texas (AP) - The Latest on the Texas school shooting (all times local):
9:05 a.m.
A statewide moment of silence is planned to recognize those killed and wounded in the shooting at a high school south of Houston.
Santa Fe High School graduates bow their heads in prayer during a Baccalaureate service Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Santa Fe, Texas. A gunman opened fire inside Santa Fe High School Friday, May 18, 2018, killing multiple people. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Gov. Greg Abbott has asked that people across Texas pause at 10 a.m. Monday to remember the 10 people killed at Santa Fe High School on Friday and the more than dozen others who were injured.
Abbott said in a statement Sunday that the "act of evil" has "deeply touched the core of who we are as Texans."
He asks that the families of the shooting victims and first responders also be honored as part of the moment of silence.
A 17-year-old student has been jailed on capital murder charges.
___
11:45 p.m.
Santa Fe High School students and local authorities are confronting challenges borne of the shooting that took the lives of eight students and two substitute teachers at the school near Houston.
The school's graduating seniors heard a speech from Jack Roady, the Galveston County district attorney, on Sunday during their baccalaureate service. He told them about how they will grieve their slain schoolmates and cope with those emotions and others while trying to heal after the shooting.
Santa Fe, a town of 13,000, came together Sunday for prayer services at local churches and the traditional end-of-school baccalaureate service. Mourners also gathered at a Houston-area mosque to remember the life of a slain exchange student from Pakistan.
A 17-year-old student has been jailed on capital murder charges.
Santa Fe High School senior Aaron Chenoweth speaks during a baccalaureate service for the graduating class of 2018 Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Santa Fe, Texas. A gunman opened fire inside the school Friday, killing multiple people. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Nathan Jordan, 18, a senior student at Alvin High School sobs during a service at the Arcadia First Baptist Church two days after a shooting that killed 10 people at the Santa Fe High School, Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Santa Fe, Texas. (Marie D. De Jesus/Houston Chronicle via AP)
Dayspring Church senior pastor Brad Drake leads his congregation in prayer Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Santa Fe, Texas. Congregations in this deeply religious community near Houston gathered Sunday for their first worship services since a teenager with a shotgun blasted his way into a high school art classroom and killed 10 people - eight students and two teachers. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Members of the Dayspring Church raise their hands in prayer Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Santa Fe, Texas. A gunman opened fire inside Santa Fe High School Friday, May 18, 2018, killing at least 10 people. Congregations in this deeply religious community near Houston gathered Sunday for their first worship services since a teenager with a shotgun blasted his way into a high school art classroom and killed 10 people - eight students and two teachers. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Santa Fe High School student Jaelyn Cogburn wipes away tears as she speaks about Pakistani exchange student Sabika Sheikh, who lived with her family, during a service at the Brand Lane Islamic Center Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Stafford, Texas. A gunman opened fire inside Santa Fe High School Friday, May 18, 2018, killing multiple people including Sheikh. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Joleen Cogburn, left, holds her daughter Jaelyn, center as he husband, Jason, stands behind during a service for Pakistani exchange student Sabika Sheikh, who was killed in the Santa Fe High School shooting, during a service at the Brand Lane Islamic Center Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Stafford, Texas. A gunman opened fire inside Santa Fe High School Friday, May 18, 2018, killing multiple people. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Funeral prayers are offered for Pakistani exchange student Sabika Sheikh, who was killed in the Santa Fe High School shooting, during a service at the Brand Lane Islamic Center Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Stafford, Texas. A gunman opened fire inside Santa Fe High School Friday, May 18, 2018, killing 10 people. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The Texas Gov. Greg Abbott joins a congregation in prayer on Sunday, May 20, 2018, at the Arcadia First Baptist Church, after a school shooting at Santa Fe High School on Friday, in Santa Fe, Texas. (Marie D. De Jesus/Houston Chronicle via AP)
A woman embraces Texas Gov. Greg Abbott as he joins a congregation on Sunday, May 20, 2018, at Arcadia First Baptist Church, after a school shooting at Santa Fe High School on Friday, in Santa Fe, Texas. (Marie D. De Jesus/Houston Chronicle via AP)
Dayspring Church senior pastor Brad Drake wears a shirt in support of the school shooting victims Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Santa Fe, Texas. Congregations in this deeply religious community near Houston gathered Sunday for their first worship services since a teenager with a shotgun blasted his way into a high school art classroom and killed 10 people - eight students and two teachers. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
A billboard is seen off of I-45 near Santa Fe, Texas, where a student shot and killed eight classmates and two teachers at Santa Fe High School. (Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle via AP)
Television newscasters prepare to give updates near a memorial in front of Santa Fe High School on Sunday, May 20, 2018 in Santa Fe, Texas, where a student shot and killed eight classmates and two teachers at Santa Fe High School. (Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle via AP) | |
Students vs. online classes
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“Fun,” “exciting” and “interesting” are not always the words that come to a student’s mind when it comes to online classes. They might be more like “stressful,” “late” or “night work.”
With the use of technology growing in schools, the number of online classes being taken is also growing. In 2014 students took 66 students took 135 courses, according to Michigan Virtual School (MVS) aide Kim Killinger. The number has grown to 163 online classes for the 2015 school year for 86 students, a 23% increase according to Killinger.
That would be good news except nearly one-third (32.2%) of first semester’s virtual students failed their courses, according to MVS director Joseph Wenzel.
The number of students taking an online class in the United States is noticeably higher.
Over one million high school students in 2009 took some sort of online class, according to the U.S. Department Education.
Students are starting to voice what they think about virtual classes. Some students, like sophomore MacKenzie Goss, like their online classes and have some advice for students who are looking to take one. | https://uncagednews.com/847/life/students-vs-online-classes/ |
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a line head controlling method for correcting an exposure spot shift to prevent degradation in image quality, and an image forming method.
2. Related Art
There is an LED-based line head as an exposure light source of an image forming apparatus. JP-A-5-261970 proposes an inventive circuit that corrects an exposure spot shift in the direction in which a photoconductor rotates (secondary scan direction), the exposure spot shift caused by an LED line head having light emitters disposed in a staggered arrangement. In this inventive circuit, odd-numbered data and even-numbered data are separated and written in odd-numbered and even-numbered frame memories, respectively. In this process, the even-numbered and odd-numbered data are stored at different write addresses, the difference corresponding to the shift in row between an odd-numbered light emitter row and an even-numbered light emitter row. The data are then successively read from the frame memories in synchronization with a single strobe signal (in synchronization with a line data cycle). In this way, an exposure spot shift between an odd-numbered dot and an even-numbered dot is corrected on a basis of an integral multiple of the exposure spot diameter (the diameter of a single dot).
In the example described in JP-A-5-261970, the exposure spot shift cannot be corrected in some cases, for example, in an electrophotographic printer using an intermediate transfer belt. Such a case will be described below with reference to FIGS. 14A and 14B, descriptive diagrams showing related art of the invention. In FIG. 14A, reference numeral 10 denotes a line head. Reference numeral 41 denotes a photoconductor. Reference numeral 50 denotes an intermediate transfer belt that runs between a drive roller 51 and a driven roller 52 (transfer roller) and rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow R. Reference character P denotes a recording sheet that is fed in the direction indicated by the arrow S and on which a toner image is transferred at the position of the transfer roller 52. In a typical electrophotographic printer using an intermediate transfer belt, the ratio of the speed at which the photoconductor 41 rotates to the speed at which the intermediate transfer belt 50 rotates, that is, the speed at which the drive roller 51 rotates, is changed to adjust the tension of the intermediate transfer belt so that there is no cyclic stripes (banding) when the toner image is transferred onto the recording sheet P.
In this process, the ratio of the speed at which the photoconductor 41 rotates to the speed at which the intermediate transfer belt 50 rotates, that is, the speed at which the drive roller 51 rotates, causes expansion or shrinkage of the image in the secondary scan direction (the direction in which the photoconductor rotates). In this case, the dot-to-dot pitch in the image in the secondary scan direction (exposure spot pitch) is not an integral multiple of the exposure spot diameter (the diameter of a single dot), that is, a non-integral multiple of the exposure spot diameter. FIG. 14A shows a case where the photoconductor 41 rotates slowly, whereas the drive roller 51 rotates fast. In this case, the intermediate transfer belt 50 is held under tension. FIG. 14B shows a case where the photoconductor 41 rotates fast, whereas the drive roller 51 rotates slowly. In this case, the intermediate transfer belt 50 has a slack Rx in tension.
In such a case, since the configuration described in JP-A-5-261970 only allows the exposure spot shift to be corrected on a basis of an integral multiple of the exposure spot diameter (the diameter of a single dot), the correction is imprecise when the exposure spot pitch in the secondary scan direction is a non-integral multiple of the exposure spot diameter. For example, when a single linear latent image is formed in the axial direction (primary scan direction) of the photoconductor, the fact that the decimal part of the non-integral multiple cannot be fully corrected causes minute steps in the direction in which the photoconductor rotates (secondary scan direction). The image quality is therefore disadvantageously degraded.
Further, depending on the precision at which the line head is mounted on an apparatus body, the exposure spot pitch becomes a non-integral multiple of the diameter of the exposure spot formed on an image carrier some cases, resulting in a positional shift of the exposure spot. Such a case will be described below with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B, descriptive diagrams showing related art of the invention. FIG. 11A shows a case where the precision at which the line head 10 is mounted on the apparatus body is insufficient, whereas FIG. 11B shows a case where the precision at which the line head 10 is mounted on the apparatus body is sufficient.
In FIG. 11A, reference numeral 2 denotes a light emitter provided on a substrate. Reference numeral 3 denotes a light emitter row formed of a plurality of light emitters arranged in the axial direction of the photoconductor. In the example shown in FIG. 11A, three light emitter rows A to C, each of which forms a light emitter array, are formed in the direction in which the photoconductor rotates. Reference character Ta denotes an inter-light-emitter-row pitch between the light emitter rows A and B. Now, let L1 be the distance between the light emitter rows A and B, and L2 be the distance between the light emitter rows B and C. The following equation is satisfied: L2≠nL1 (n is an integer greater than one). That is, the inter-light-emitter-row pitch is not an integral multiple of the exposure spot diameter (the diameter of a single dot), but a non-integral multiple of the exposure spot diameter. FIG. 11B shows a case where L2 is equal to L1 so that the inter-light-emitter-row pitch between the light emitter rows A and B is equal to the inter-light-emitter-row pitch between the light emitter rows B and C.
As described above, when the inter-light-emitter-row pitch in the secondary scan direction of the photoconductor is not fixed, the pitch between exposure spots formed on the photoconductor is not an integral multiple of the exposure spot diameter. Such a case will be described below with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B and FIGS. 13A and 13B, descriptive diagrams showing related art of the invention. FIG. 12A shows a case where the pitch between exposure spots 4 formed on the photoconductor is an integral multiple of the exposure spot diameter (W1=W2). Reference characters Aa, Ba, and Ca denote exposure spot rows. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12B, a linear latent image Ea is formed in the axial direction (direction X) of the photoconductor. The direction Y is the direction in which the photoconductor rotates.
FIG. 13A shows a case where the pitch between exposure spots 4 is a non-integral multiple of the exposure spot diameter (W2≠nW1, n is an integer greater than one). In this case, when a single linear latent image is formed in the axial direction (direction X) of the photoconductor, the decimal part of the non-integral multiple cannot be fully corrected. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13B, a formed latent image Eb has minute steps in the secondary scan direction (direction Y). In this case, the image quality is disadvantageously degraded.
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Before you worry about results, consider the results of the results
I’ve participated in many discussions about the design of measurement systems, from examinations to performance management. While it is true that you can design measures to be closer or further from the real world entity you are interested in (the knowledge possessed by a student, for example, or the behaviour of a member of staff), and that this is a fascinating intellectual exercise, the practical value and harm of a measurement system does not seem solely tied to its validity. It is equally dependent on the consequences attached to the measurement.
This is a strong statement. And at the extremes it falls apart. It must matter what we choose to measure. Imagine if we judged the effectiveness of our school system solely by the number of trombone players it produced. This would be eccentric to say the least. Yet, at the same time, consider two different scenarios for the consequences of this measurement system. In the first scenario, there are grave consequences for any school that did not produce a certain high percentage of trombone players to a national standard. Head teachers are sacked; underperforming brass bands are forcibly academised. Compare this to a scenario where there are no heavy consequences attached to the number of trombone players: it does not affects jobs or status. Let’s say the number gets published annually in the statistical appendix of wind instrument competence. A couple of local papers do annual features on the best (and worst) schools in the country for trombone players.
In the first world, we would see maths and English lessons being shortened to make time for trombone lessons; we would see weak trombone players feeling inadequate about their skills and possibly even ‘managed out’ of institutions. The final year of primary school would involve a lot of trombone cramming. The assistant head teacher for brass instrument standards would attend frequent conferences on musical pedagogy and pore over the latest tips and fads. Aspirant parents would spend significant money on trombone lessons.
In the second world, there are probably a few more trombone players than in our own, but not much else of difference. Schools leaders are able to use their professional judgement about how much curriculum and management time to devote to the topic; young people take pride in a wider variety of accomplishments; parents save their money. A wide range of instruments are played, alongside the more traditional subjects.
Consequences are a significant determinant of the real world impact of a system of measurement. As managers, rather than scientists, real world impact is the purpose of measurement. The measures exist to make something happen. And the consequences of those measurements determine the amount of attention paid and the extent of the behaviour change that results.
High consequence measurement systems reduce professional judgement, narrow activity, limit innovation and encourage gaming or even cheating. They erode common sense, breadth, courage and ethical judgement.
If you think you have found the perfect measure, such that unlimited attention and behaviour to increase the measure can only be a good thing, then you will shrug your shoulders at this problem. The trouble is, that measure does not exist. No practical measurement system captures the full range of things we value about an institution, recognises the nuanced trade offs between priorities, adapts to changing circumstances or is immune to clever manipulation. In an ideal system, we rely on the common sense and integrity of those within it to navigate the inadequacies and limitations of our measures. But common sense and integrity are the very attributes that high consequences eliminate from the system. We encourage either unthinking or devious compliance, like some kind of modern day sorcerer’s apprentice.
The map is not the territory. The measure is not the goal. Yes, what gets measured gets done. But you don’t really want just the measure at any cost. You want the messy reality that it imperfectly represents and you want other things too.
You can adapt the consequences of a measurement system by working with severity, breadth, frequency and discretion. The worse case is a brutal punishment attached to a single measure which is frequently and automatically applied. In such an environment you will get almost robotically stupid behaviour or astonishing degrees of corruption.
The other extreme is not much better: zero consequences for even the most egregious failure or misconduct, complex measures which confuse and obscure, drift and high levels of subjectivity and bias. Clearly there is a need to navigate a sensible middle course: with a range of consequences (including positive ones), a sensible basket of measures taken at sensible intervals and a balance of rules and discretion. There’s no standard recipe for this, you’ll need to figure it out as you go.
But beware the shadow of accountability. The shadow cast by a measure falls further than its reality. Thus, for example, you may have a severe consequence for a result which is very rare. It could apply to one per cent of the population in question and the vast majority are unlikely to every come near it. You will find a surprising number of people worrying about it. Including people who should not be devoting any time to considering at all.
So the other requirements of an effective system of measurement and accountability are transparency and predictability. Participants need to understand the rules, understand their own position in relation to them and be able to predict the consequences of their choices and actions. They need to know if they are seriously at risk.
Moderate, pluralistic, intelligent, transparent and predictable… These are the hallmarks of a sensible measurement system. With those in place you can spend useful time honing the validity and reliability of the measures themselves. It is a waste of time to debate measures without also considering the consequences of those measurements.
After writing this blog, I came across a fascinating article by James Scott on the processes of “state legibility” which resonates with the theme of this blog. The section on scientific forestry in eighteenth century Prussia and Saxony is exquisite. The pursuit of standardised measurement ultimately meant, in the most poetic irony, that “the utilitarian state could, quite literally, not see the real existing forest for the (commercial) trees”. | https://russellhobby.com/2020/10/09/before-you-worry-about-results-consider-the-results-of-the-results/ |
The utility model relates to a novel elastic fountain pen, which belongs to the technical field of the group of ink pens of which the pen holders are provided with ink storing tubes such as fountain pens of the subclass of writing or drawing appliances under the subsection of printing in the section of performing operations and transporting according to the International Patent Classification (IPC). The number is B43K5/00. The utility model is composed of a hanging plate, an elastic rubber band, a pen body, an orienting plate, a buffering spring, a blocking plate and an orienting hole, wherein, the thin line-shaped elastic rubber band of the utility model is arranged on the thin plate-shaped hanging plate. The utility model is characterized in that the thin line-shaped elastic rubber band of the utility model is arranged on the thin plate-shaped hanging plate. The utility model is a novel elastic fountain pen with practical value. | |
Mon, Nov 22, 2021 page16
Local runner wins New Taipei City marathon
Local runner Chiang Chieh-wen won the New Taipei City Wan Jin Shi Marathon yesterday, finishing first in the men’s overall and domestic categories.
Chiang completed the 42.195km race in 2 hours, 26 minutes and 29 seconds, finishing first in a field of about 8,000 competitors.
International participants are typically elite professional runners who tend to win the top prizes, so the title of domestic champion is conferred on the local runner who finishes first out of the local participants.
As no international runners participated this year, due to complications with the COVID-19 protocols, Chiang was crowned the champion of the men’s overall and domestic categories.
The New Taipei City Government had invited 12 international athletes — including from Ethiopia, Belarus and Kenya — with special permission from the Central Epidemic Command Center. However, 11 of the runners were quarantined on Saturday because they had trained with the 12th member of the group, who hospitalized for treatment after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier that day.
After their arrival late last month, the 12 athletes quarantined and received two COVID-19 tests, all of which returned negative, but on a third test before race day, one of the Kenyan athletes tested positive.
Chiang was awarded US$30,000 as the overall male marathon champion and NT$150,000 as the domestic men’s champion, the organizers said.
Female runner Tsai Yun-hsuan also won a double prize, taking home the same amount of winnings as Chiang, after becoming the overall female marathon champion and the domestic women’s champion.
Tsai completed the full marathon in 2 hours, 58 minutes and 57 seconds.
This was the first Wan Jin Shi Marathon to be held since 2019, after last year’s race was canceled due to the COVID- 19 pandemic.
Comments will be moderated. Keep comments relevant to the article. Remarks containing abusive and obscene language, personal attacks of any kind or promotion will be removed and the user banned. Final decision will be at the discretion of the Taipei Times. | |
Hydrodynamics simulation in general relativity (GR) is the best theoretical approach for investigating dynamical phenomena in relativistic astrophysics such as stellar core collapse to a neutron star and a black hole, and the merger of binary neutron stars. In the past several years this field has witnessed major development, to the stage that it is now feasible to perform accurate simulations for such general relativistic phenomena (see e.g. [@shiba99; @font02; @ref1; @STU; @STU2]). Currently, the most favored approach to hydrodynamics simulations in full GR combines the use of the so-called BSSN formalism to solve Einstein’s field equations [@BSSN] and upwind high-resolution shock-capturing (HRSC) schemes to solve the hydrodynamics equations [@Toni] in conservation form. Hereafter, HRSC schemes are referred to as those in which the hydrodynamics equations are solved by means of (either exact or approximate) Riemann solvers [@MM; @Toni] (i.e. Godunov-type schemes).
Regarding the solution of the hydrodynamics equations it has been shown in a few recent papers [@ref2; @lucas] that high-resolution central symmetric schemes (HRC scheme hereafter) yield numerical solutions as accurate as those by HRSC schemes for special relativistic flows (see e.g. [@toro] for a general introduction to HRSC and HRC schemes). The main conclusion of those works highlights the importance of the [*conservation form*]{} of the adopted scheme (either upwind or central) in conjunction with high-order cell-reconstruction procedures (to compute the numerical hydrodynamical fluxes at cell interfaces) to gain accuracy while reducing as much as possible the inherent diffusion of central schemes at discontinuities. It is well-known that if a numerical scheme written in conservation form converges, it automatically guarantees the correct Rankine-Hugoniot (jump) conditions across discontinuities. This shock-capturing property is hence shared by both upwind and symmetric schemes. For practical reasons the most appealing feature of HRC schemes is the fact that, contrary to upwind HRSC schemes, they entirely sidestep the use of Riemann solvers, which results in a great simplification for their numerical implementation as well as in enhanced computational efficiency. However, it has not yet been clarified whether HRC schemes can also yield numerical results as accurate as those of HRSC schemes for simulations in full GR involving [*dynamical*]{} spacetimes.
The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the robustness of a particular HRC scheme proposed by [@kurganov-tadmor], and first used in special relativistic hydrodynamics by [@lucas], for problems in full GR. As we have done in previous papers (e.g. [@shiba99; @font02; @shiba2d]), test simulations in both axisymmetry (rotating neutron stars) and full three-dimension (binary neutron star mergers) are performed to assess this fact.
The numerical simulations are carried out using the same mathematical formulation as in [@STU], to which the interested reader is addressed for details about the basic equations, the gauge conditions, and the computational method. Einstein’s evolution equations are solved using the so-called BSSN formalism [@BSSN], adopting a slight variation of the original form of the equations, which is reported in [@STU]. The hydrodynamics equations are written in conservation form and solved using both a Roe-type HRSC scheme [@shiba2d] and a HRC scheme [@lucas], with either the PPM third-order cell-reconstruction or the MC slope limiter. Violations of the Hamiltonian constraint and conservation of ADM mass and angular momentum are monitored to check the accuracy of the simulations.
We use a fixed uniform grid for both the axisymmetric and the three-dimensional (3D) simulations. The former are carried out in cylindrical coordinates ($\varpi, z$) assuming equatorial plane symmetry. Computational grids of size $(N+1, N+1)$ with $N=90$, 120, 180, 240, and 360 are used, with which convergence is shown. The 3D simulations are performed in Cartesian coordinates assuming equatorial plane symmetry as well. In this case the grid adopted in the present test simulations consists of (377,377,189) zones for $(x, y, z)$ respectively.
In the axisymmetric simulations of isolated rotating neutron stars a $\Gamma$-law equation of state (EOS) is used, i.e. $P=(\Gamma-1)\rho
{\varepsilon}$. Here, $P$ is the pressure, $\rho$ the rest-mass density, ${\varepsilon}$ the specific internal energy, and $\Gamma$ the adiabatic constant for which we choose the values 2 and 2.5. The initial conditions for the equilibrium models are built using a polytropic EOS $P = K \rho^{\Gamma}$, where $K$ is the polytropic constant.
Correspondingly, for the 3D simulations of binary neutron star merger a hybrid EOS is adopted, as described in [@STU2]. In this EOS, the pressure and the specific internal energy are written in the form $P=P_{\rm cold}(\rho) + P_{\rm th}$ and ${\varepsilon}={\varepsilon}_{\rm cold}(\rho) + {\varepsilon}_{\rm th}$ where $P_{\rm
cold}$ and ${\varepsilon}_{\rm cold}$ are the cold (zero-temperature) parts, and are functions of $\rho$ only. On the other hand $P_{\rm th}$ and ${\varepsilon}_{\rm th}$ are the thermal (finite-temperature) parts. During the simulation, $\rho$ and ${\varepsilon}$ are evolved, and thus ${\varepsilon}_{\rm
th}$ is determined by ${\varepsilon}-{\varepsilon}_{\rm cold}$. For $P_{\rm th}$, we simply set $P_{\rm th}=(\Gamma_{\rm th}-1)\rho {\varepsilon}_{\rm th}$ with $\Gamma_{\rm th}=2$. For the cold part of the hybrid EOS we use realistic EOS for zero-temperature nuclear matter, more precisely the SLy EOS [@HP].
As customary in grid-based hydrodynamics codes an artificial low-density atmosphere needs to be used in those regions outside the star representing vacuum. The density has to be low enough so that its presence does not affect the actual dynamics of the star. In previous simulations using a Roe-type HRSC scheme, a uniform density atmosphere as low as $\rho_{\rm atm}=10^{-6} \rho_{\rm max}$ was used, where $\rho_{\rm max}$ is the maximum density. (For soft EOS this value can be much smaller; e.g., $\rho_{\rm atm} \leq 10^{-12} \rho_{\rm max}$ for $\Gamma=4/3$.) Lower values for the density could result in numerical instabilities developing around the stellar surface. However, we have found that when using the HRC scheme the threshold density in the atmosphere can be [*much smaller*]{}. The results presented next for the HRC scheme correspond to $\rho_{\rm atm}=10^{-10}
\rho_{\rm max}$, irrespective of the EOS used.
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We start discussing axisymmetric simulations of oscillations of rotating neutron stars. For these simulations we build rapidly rotating neutron stars with uniform angular velocity. This velocity is chosen so that it reaches the Kepler (mass-shedding) limit at the equatorial stellar surface.
Two rotating neutron star models are considered. In one case $\Gamma=2$ and the baryon rest mass $M_*$ is 90% of the maximum allowed value for uniformly rotating neutron stars of identical EOS. This model is the same as model R2 in Ref. [@shiba2d], which allows for a direct comparison. The other model corresponds to $\Gamma=2.5$ and $M_*$ is 95% of the maximum allowed mass. This is a very compact model, since the compactness parameter, defined as $GM/Rc^2$ where $M$ and $R$ are the ADM mass and circumferential radius around the equatorial surface, is 0.214. For both models, the axis ratio of polar radius to equatorial radius is about 0.6. The ratio of the coordinate radius of the outer boundary of the computational grid to the stellar coordinate radius at the equator is 3. The simulations are started by reducing the pressure by 1% uniformly.
Figure \[FIG1\] shows the time-evolution of the central density for these two models obtained using the HRC scheme for the hydrodynamics equations. Each curve corresponds to a different grid resolution as explained in the caption. It is found that the HRC scheme succeeds in keeping the stars in equilibrium in such a dynamical spacetime. The neutron star oscillations can be followed accurately for more than 20 rotation periods. With small grid sizes (dotted and dashed lines), the density experiences a secular drift, decreasing with time gradually. The reason is that the angular momentum of the star is transported outward by numerical diffusion. However, this drift decreases with improved grid resolution, and with the highest resolution the average value of the central density is kept approximately constant. Second-order convergence is also achieved.
It is worth to emphasize that despite the use of an artificial atmosphere of tiny density, the HRC scheme makes it possible to follow the evolution of compact neutron stars with stiff EOS with $\Gamma=2.5$ and to compute their fundamental oscillation frequency. Such simulation has not yet been accurately performed with HRSC schemes.
In Fig. 2, we show the evolution of the ADM mass, angular momentum, and the averaged violation of the Hamiltonian constraint (in which the baryon rest mass density is used for the weight; see [@STU] for definition) for $\Gamma=2.5$. (Similar results are obtained for $\Gamma=2$.) The figure shows that the conserved quantities remain conserved to high accuracy, particularly for the finest grid, and that the violation of the Hamiltonian constraint remains small. The outstanding feature is that the departure from angular momentum conservation with the HRC scheme is much smaller than with the HRSC scheme (see e.g. Fig. 5 in [@shiba2d]). In the previous implementation the angular momentum gradually increases with time mainly due to the numerical error generated around the stellar surface and in the low-density atmosphere for which an artificial friction term was added to stabilize the computation. With the HRC scheme, such a drift in the angular momentum conservation is suppressed within 0.1% error after 20 rotation periods for grid resolutions with $N \geq 180$, probably due to less numerical inaccuracies around the stellar surface. These results indicate that the HRC scheme used is a robust scheme for the simulation of isolated neutron stars.
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We now turn to present the results of numerical simulations of binary neutron star mergers. In the present test we choose binaries of equal mass with 1.3–1.3$M_{\odot}$ and 1.4–1.4$M_{\odot}$. As found in [@STU2] using a HRSC scheme, a massive neutron star and a black hole are formed for the former and latter cases, respectively.
In Fig. 3, we show the time-evolution of the central value of the lapse function, $\alpha_c$, and the maximum value of the density, $\rho_{\rm max}$, for these two models. The solid and dashed curves indicate the results obtained with the HRC and HRSC schemes, respectively. In the smaller mass case, a massive neutron star is formed after the merger, and hence, $\alpha_c$ and $\rho_{\rm max}$ show a series of small-amplitude oscillations until they eventually relax to quasi-stationary values. For both hydrodynamical schemes the amplitude and the frequency of the resulting neutron star oscillations agree well with each other. On the other hand, the outcome of the merger of the 1.4–1.4$M_{\odot}$ binary is a black hole, as can be directly inferred from the rapid collapse of the central lapse and the rapid growth of the maximum density (from $t\sim 2$ ms onwards). Black hole formation is signaled by the appearance of an apparent horizon, which is detected in both implementations. In particular the time of formation of the apparent horizon agrees approximately for both schemes, with a time difference of about 0.07 ms. For the two binary mergers considered, a small time lag in the evolution of $\alpha_c$ and $\rho_{\rm max}$ is observed between the two results computed by the different schemes. Its origin is likely the difference in the magnitude of the friction term around the stellar surface already discussed before which could generate an error in the angular momentum conservation. As mentioned above, this error is smaller with the HRC scheme.
In Fig. 4, we show the evolution of the ADM mass, angular momentum, and averaged violation of the Hamiltonian constraint for the 1.3–$1.3M_{\odot}$ binary merger. In this case, the ADM mass and angular momentum of the system show a gradual decrease due to the emission of gravitational waves [@STU2]. Again, it is found that the two results agree well with each other within $\sim 0.5\%$. The averaged violation of the Hamiltonian constraint remains approximately of identical magnitude, $\sim 0.02$, which indicates that the accuracy of the results of the two hydrodynamical schemes is approximately identical.
To summarize, it has been shown through simulations of pulsating and rotating neutron stars, and binary neutron star mergers, that the results produced by the HRC scheme proposed by [@kurganov-tadmor] agree well with those obtained with a Roe-type HRSC scheme. The accuracy measured by the evolution of the ADM mass, angular momentum, and violation of the Hamiltonian constraint in the HRC scheme are as good as or even better than those obtained for the HRSC scheme. In addition, the HRC scheme has a number of advantages to the HRSC scheme: (1) it is straightforward to implement since the solution of Riemann problems is avoided; hence one does not need to compute the complicated sets of eigenvectors of the Jacobian matrices associated with the fluxes (transport terms) of the hydrodynamics equations; (2) for this reason the computational costs of the HRC scheme are much less expensive, as the characteristic information required in HRSC schemes is not necessary. In the tests reported in this paper we have found that in our fully general relativisitc implementation, the computational time is saved by about 20 %; (3) the density of the unphysical atmosphere one needs to build around isolated stars when adopting the conservative form of the hydrodynamics equations can be several orders of magnitude smaller than that in HRSC schemes. Associated with this advantage the code can be applied for neutron stars with a large adiabatic index $\Gamma =2.5$.
These facts illustrate that HRC schemes can be useful and robust tools for hydrodynamical simulations in full GR involving [*dynamical*]{} spacetimes. In addition, their suitability over HRSC schemes becomes further apparent when the wave structure of the hyperbolic system to solve is unknown, as it is partially the case in general relativistic magnetohydrodynamics (GRMHD). Hence, HRC schemes can help the achievement of GRMHD simulations in which the equations to solve are more complicated than those of purely hydrodynamical flows [@GRMHD].
[*Acknowledgments*]{}: The numerical simulations were performed on the FACOM VPP5000 computers at the data processing center of NAOJ. This work was in part supported by Monbukagakusho Grant (Nos. 15037204, 15740142, and 16029202) and by the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología (AYA2004-08067-C03-C01).
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My friend and coworker, Caroline Anderson introduced me to yoga. She started teaching a class after school for staff members. When the school year ended, I knew I was really going to miss my yoga sessions and she told me about the one month trial at Dragonfly. That first month, I did mainly Flow classes, but fell in love!
Currently, I make a commitment to attend at least 3 classes a week. Usually it is two Yoga Up classes and a Flow class. It’s tricky sometimes with children, family and work, but I realized I am a much better person if I am taking care of myself.
In every class I take, I find myself challenging myself to work harder. At Dragonfly I feel motivated and accepted. I leave every class feeling exhausted from a great workout yet energized and refreshed! | https://www.dragonflyhotyoga.com/2016/02/middleton-yogi-of-the-month-emily-tryba/ |
In this bitcoin essay, we will discuss Bitcoin and other types of cryptocurrency. The essay will include a definition of cryptocurrency, the history of cryptocurrencies, the emerging role of cryptocurrency in the economy, and the role that Bitcoin, in particular, has taken in the cryptocurrency market. In addition, we will discuss how Bitcoin is used as the primary currency in the internet black markets one finds on the dark net. In this dark net essay, we will investigate the dark net. Using that information, the essay will discuss the future of bitcoin and whether it can sustain current market high values. In addition to explaining Bitcoin, this example essay will also highlight appropriate academic essay format. After reviewing the essay, you should have a better idea how to write different parts of an academic essay, including the: introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs that combine evidence and analysis, and the conclusion.
Related Topics
Cryptocurrency- While bitcoin is arguably the most well-recognized of the cryptocurrencies, it is not the only cryptocurrency. This topic explores P2P currencies and how they are used in the marketplace. While they have a well-established role in the black market and are often used for transactions where the customer, the supplier, or both do not want to create a traceable log of monetary transactions, they can also play a role in a legitimate economic system. This essay would not only focus on the role the cryptocurrency currently plays, but also on the role that it is expected to play in the economy in the future.
Currency Speculation- Although the high dollar value of bitcoin is headline-making, currency speculation, or the practice of buying, selling, and holding securities in order to profit from favorable exchange rates, is nothing new. This topic would look at currency speculation in general, focus on how people can profit from currency speculation, and also investigate the risks of currency speculation. It would contain a specific discussion of cryptocurrencies, and how, since they are, at least at the time being, not impacted by governmental policies, they might respond differently to market forces than other types of currency.
The Dark Net- This topic would discuss the dark net or dark web, including information about what it is, how to access it, how it is used by political activists, and how it is used for criminal activity. It would focus on the types of crimes that are often committed in dark net black markets, including counterfeit trafficking, buying and selling identities, weapons sales, drug sales, and even human trafficking. It would discuss the history of the dark net, including famous black market locations like Silk Road.
Understanding Blockchain- Without blockchain, bitcoin could not work as it currently does. Blockchain allows bitcoin transactions to remain anonymous. However, many people do not understand how blockchain functions. Originally created by an unknown person or persons who go by the pseudonym, Satoshi Nakamoto, blockchain is essentially a shared database that exists on multiple servers at the same time and is continually reconciled. The article discusses how the lack of a central server means that the information is very difficult for a hacker to corrupt, while simultaneously being publicly viewable and verifiable. This article would discuss the role that blockchain plays in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, but also delve into an examination of potential alternate uses for blockchain technology.
Titles
Mining for Gold: The Bitcoin Phenomenon
Cryptocurrency Goes Mainstream: What the Current Value of Bitcoin Means for Mainstream Businesses
The Pros and Cons of Bitcoin
Is Bitcoin Going to be Necessary in the Future, or it is Just a Fad?
Outline
I. Introduction
II. Body
A. Define Bitcoin
B. Cryptocurrency
C. Blockchain
D. How to buy Bitcoin
E. History of Bitcoin’s Value
F. Bitcoin as a Future Investment
III. Conclusion
Introduction
The end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018 were full of news reports about Bitcoin. Bitcoin values had skyrocketed, but many people were unaware that this type of cryptocurrency even existed until the skyrocketing prices hit the news. This essay will serve as a Bitcoin primer. It will start by defining Bitcoin. Next, it will talk about cryptocurrency, in general. From there, it will discuss how blockchain technology has enable Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. After discussing some of the history and technology of Bitcoin, the essay will then look at the practical aspects of Bitcoin. It will examine how to buy Bitcoin. Next, it will look at Bitcoin’s current value and how that value has changed historically. Finally, it will examine whether Bitcoin is a valid option for future investments.
Essay Hook
Although some people may have concerns about digital currency, digital currency is a perfect way to pay for things in the digital age.
Thesis Statement
The value of Bitcoin may currently be prohibitively high for newcomers to buy into the market; however, its success suggests that cryptocurrency is going to continue to become an important part of the economy and that people should consider diversifying their holdings to include some types of cryptocurrency.
Body
Define Bitcoin
Bitcoin is a currency, which was developed by Satoshi Nakamoto and released in 2009. Bitcoin is accepted worldwide. Unlike other types of currency, it is not government-issued, but is instead a decentralized form of digital currency. Digital means that it is online; unlike many other types of currency, it is not guaranteed by gold, silver, or other valuables. It is also a cryptocurrency, which means that it is not administrated by a government or a bank, but by the users. To use Bitcoin, users do not have to access an intermediary, but can simply engage in peer-to-peer transactions. However, while the transactions are called peer-to-peer transactions, they do not just involve two users. The transactions are verified by nodes, which exist because of other users, and appear in a public ledger that is accessible to all users.
There are a number of reasons that users might choose to use Bitcoin. One of the biggest reasons users choose Bitcoin is because of anonymity; the Bitcoin system has built in anonymity making it a logical currency choice for black-market transactions, but also when users have a legitimate reason to keep their purchases secret. Bitcoin makes international trade easier; “because bitcoins are not tied to any country or subject to regulation” they do not require conversion or fees for international trade (Yellin, Aratari, and Pagliery 2017). Finally, they are a logical choice for small business, because they can facilitate online purchases without the credit card fees that are associated with debit cards and credit cards.
Cryptocurrency
Probably the most important characteristic of Bitcoin is that it is a cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrencies are simultaneously classified as digital currencies, alternative currencies, and virtual currencies. To understand what a cryptocurrency is, it is important to first understand what currency and money are. While they may be backed by a standard, such as a gold standard or a silver standard, currency is all about establishing a base value. “Money is all about a verified entry in some kind of database of accounts, balances, and transactions” (Mills 2016). Cryptocurrency fulfills this obligation; it involves entries in a database that no one can change unless they fulfill certain obligations, giving the currency some type of permanence, even if its value can change relative to other types of currency.
A cryptocurrency is simply a type of digital currency that uses cryptography to secure its system. There are a number of ways that use of cryptography impacts the use of cryptocurrency. The use of cryptography allows for the currency to be user-regulated, rather than being regulated by a centralized control. In addition, it allows for anonymity in transactions.
Decentralized control is, perhaps, the most important characteristic of cryptocurrency. In a centralized banking system, which you find in all government-controlled banking systems, there is a controlling organization, usually a government, but sometimes a board of directors, what control the total supply of money. This control can be physical, such as controlling the number of dollar bills in circulation, but it can also be digital or virtual by directing changes in digital banking ledgers. Usually, though not always, this paper or digital currency is backed, at least partially, by some type of physical asset. Traditionally, those assets have been things like gold or silver.
In contrast, in decentralized system, there is no central system that can produce new currency. There is a limited number of units, and those units, once exhausted, can increase or decrease in relative value, but will not be increased. In addition, cryptocurrencies are unsecured currencies. There are no gold, silver, or other material reserves backing the value of cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency, and remains the best-known cryptocurrency system, but is not the world’s only cryptocurrency. Other cryptocurrencies include: Litecoin, Namecoin, SwiftCoin, Bytecoin, Peercoin, Dogecoin, Emercoin, Gridcoin, Omni, Primecoin, Ripple, Auroracoin, BlackCoin, Burstcoin, Dash, DigitalNote, Neo, MazaCoin, Monero, NEM, Tether, NXT, PotCoin, Synero Amp, Titcoin, Verge, Stellar, Vertcoin, Ethereum, Ethereum Classic, Iota, SixEleven, Decred, Waves Platform, Lisk, Zcash, Bitcoin Cash, and Ubiq.
Blockchain
Bitcoin relies on a technology known as blockchain, which is critical to its success. Stated succinctly, blockchain simply refers to the digital ledger in which cryptocurrencies are recorded. In other words, blockchain refers to the way that the data is structured. The data is placed in “concatenated blocks of transactions” and these blocks allow competitors to share a common ledger across a digital network (Hackett, 2016). What keeps users from committing fraud is that the ledger is public and the math in the ledger enforces honesty; in addition, because the ledgers are simultaneous, the blockchain system is hacker-resistant, unlike a centrally-controlled ledger system.
Blockchain facilitates transactions by allowing a user to reduce the number of Bitcoins in their ledger while simultaneously increasing the number of Bitcoins in someone else’s ledger. These transactions are public. Furthermore, these transactions operate to keep people honest; once the transaction is begun, the users cannot halt it. Therefore, the integrity of the transaction does not depend on either user, once begun, or on the trustworthiness of a third-party.
How to Buy Bitcoin
There are two ways to acquire Bitcoin: purchasing it and mining it. Because mining was the way that users initially were able to acquire Bitcoin, it will be discussed before purchases. Bitcoin mining refers to two things. First, it is the process by which transactions are verified and added to the blockchain ledger. Second, it is the process by which new Bitcoins are released. Any person with internet access can theoretically participate in mining, and early mining was done primarily by individual internet users. To mine, the user compiles transactions into blocks to solve a puzzle; the first person who solves the puzzle gets to play the block on the block chain, and claim the reward. The reward is a set amount of Bitcoin, and reflect transaction fees and newly released Bitcoin (Investopedia 2017).
For each block mined, there is a corresponding new amount of Bitcoin released. This amount is referred to as the block reward. Block rewards are established to provide diminishing returns; “the block reward is halved every 210,000 blocks or roughly every 4 years” (Investopedia 2017). It is projected that this will result in approximately 21 million Bitcoins in circulation. In addition, the difficulty of the mining is adjusted to reflect the amount of computational power devoted to the process, with the goal of providing a steady release of Bitcoin.
Mining still remains a viable way to get Bitcoins, but, because there is a lot of competition and the number of rewards per block are decreased, mining is unlikely to yield significant results, quickly. Therefore, many people are looking at purchasing Bitcoin. The steps for buying Bitcoin are simple: 1) create your wallet; 2) select your exchange: 3) select the amount of Bitcoin you want to buy; and 4) complete your transaction.
Before making a Bitcoin purchase, a user first needs a “wallet.” These wallets are not actual wallets, but are physical devices where users can store their private encryption keys that allow them access to their money. Wallets come in different formats and can be either hardware or software. Software wallets are apps that you connect to your bank account. Many of the digital currency exchanges offer their own versions of wallets, but Mycelium and Electrum are well-known version of digital wallets that are not tied to exchanges. There are also hardware wallets, which basically look and function like memory sticks. Some people believe that hardware wallets are more secure because they have to be physically connected to the internet to be compromised or stolen. Others believe that software wallets are a better choice, because users will not inadvertently misplace or lose them.
There are a number of online marketplaces where people buy and sell cryptocurrency. In addition, there are digital currency exchanges and brokers that facilitate these transactions. Coinbase, Bitstamp, Kraken, and Gatehub are all well-known digital currency exchanges (Korosec 2018). Some of these exchanges may have their own affiliated wallets, and one may need to download apps in order to use them. Once on the exchange, one looks for the buy section. It will display Bitcoin for sale, as well as the price to purchase it. The price is generally going to reflect a transaction fee for the exchange in addition to the exchange rate. Generally, exchanges require a user to connect banking information in order to complete Bitcoin purchases.
History of Bitcoin’s Value
Although how to buy Bitcoin may be relatively straightforward, many people wonder why people would want to purchase Bitcoin. Despite its relatively astronomical value at the current point in time, there is a question of whether this type of growth is sustainable. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, therefore it is important to look at a history of Bitcoin’s value.
Bitcoin began as essentially a valueless currency when it was released in January of 2009. By October of that year, Bitcoin had an established value that was approximately $0.008; this value was said to reflect the cost of the electricity it took to mine one Bitcoin. Later that month, once a system to buy and sell Bitcoin was established, it was valued at roughly $0.010. In a semi-famous transaction, the first time that Bitcoins were used to make a material purchase was when one user ordered two pizzas with Bitcoin and paid 10,000 Bitcoins for $25 worth of pizza, making their real-life value at the time about $0.0025. By July of 2010, Bitcoin valuation rose to $0.08, but then fell to $0.06 when Mt. Gox, a Bitcoin trading firm, opened. By February 2011, Bitcoin hit the $1.00 mark, but this, combined with new exchanges targeting foreign currencies, actually led to a temporary decrease in value down to $0.72 in March of 2011. In June of 2011, Gawker publishes an article about Silk Road and how Bitcoin can be used for black market transactions on that dark net website, causing the value to soar to $17.61. The prices remain high, despite a successful hack of Mt. Gox that results in a temporary, but significant, devaluation of Bitcoin due to fraudulent sales. Bitcoin hovers around $4.00 through March of 2012, but is back at $13.31 by mid-August of 2012. By mid-March 2013, the value is up to $68.89 and it more than triples that in April, driven in part by the bailouts of the Cyprus banking system. The value falls back down to around $120, where it stays until October. Then it begins another dramatic climb in value, worth $1072.83 by late November 2013, then dropping in value till April of 2014, largely in response to government actions such as the IRS taxing Bitcoin and China declaring it unacceptable currency. Values climb again until June of 2014, when the U.S. Marshalls auction Bitcoins that were seized as part of the Silk Road operation, causing a temporary influx in the market. Despite several large companies announcing that they would accept the currency, overall values fell until early 2015, where it stalled just under $200 and began to rise again, ping-ponging in the $200 to $450 range through May of 2016. The second half of 2016 saw Bitcoin prices begin to rise and by April of 2017, they were valued at over $1200 per Bitcoin. By December, there had been price fluctuations, but Bitcoin hit an all-time high of $17,900, only to drop one-third of that value in a 24 hour period.
Bitcoin as a Future Investment
Looking at the history of Bitcoin valuation, two things seem clear. First, the Bitcoin market is very volatile, and temporary highs are almost always followed by dramatic and significant drops in value. Second, while the market may be volatile day-to-day, market conditions, including a growing recognition of Bitcoin as a currency by many governments and a growing number of companies accepting Bitcoin for transactions, means that the overall trend of sustained growth in value is probably sustainable for a future investment. While it would be foolish to purchase Bitcoin at a historic high, given its demonstrated volatility, it would probably be a wise investment decision after another one of its rapid crashes.
Conclusion
While once dismissed as simply a tech-geek tool, Bitcoin has established a significant position in the global marketplace. It is used as currency in a number of different countries, and is accepted by many legitimate businesses. It is also used as black market currency, which increases its value to investors, regardless of whether investors intend to make black market purchases, because the black market it not going anywhere. As soon as federal agencies can shut down one online black market, there are new ones to replace it. Therefore, investors should probably consider adding Bitcoin to their investment portfolio.
Works Cited
Hackett, Robert. “Wait, What is Blockchain?” Fortune. 23 May 2016. http://fortune.com/2016/05/23/blockchain-definition/. Accessed 8 January 2018.
Investopedia. “Bitcoin Mining.” Investopedia. 2017. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/blocktrade.asp. Accessed 8 January 2018.
Korosec, Kristen. “This is Your Guide to Buying Bitcoin.” Fortune. 3 January 2018. http://fortune.com/2018/01/03/bitcoin-buy-how-to-cryptocurrency/. Accessed 8 January 2018.
Mills, Brad. “What is Cryptocurrency: Everything You Need to Know [Ultimate Guide].”BlockGeeks. 2017. https://blockgeeks.com/guides/what-is-cryptocurrency/. Accessed 8 January, 2018.
Yellin, Tal, Dominic Aratari, and Jose Pagliery. “What is Bitcoin?” CNN. 2017. http://money.cnn.com/infographic/technology/what-is-bitcoin/. Accessed 1 January 2018. | https://www.paperdue.com/current-event-essays/technology/bitcoin-essay |
How to Get Rid of Clutter: 4 Basic Tips for Homeowners
Every home or apartment contains clutter at one time or another. Yet, a certain amount of clutter per household is usual. Problems will arise when your mess turns into an accumulation of junk.
When this happens, it prevents you from functioning and feeling comfortable.
There’s no reason to worry. There are simple ways to organize your clutter and live clutter-free.
Flick through our guide to discovering four easy ways to get rid of litter and organize your home today.
1. Make a List of Everything
Start by making a list of all the rooms in your home. Then, go through each room and make a list of all the things in that room that are clutter. Once you have your list, start going through each item and decide if you need it or not.
If you can’t decide, ask yourself if the item brings you joy. If it doesn’t, get rid of it. If you’re still not sure, put it in a storage bin and label it “clutter.”
If you haven’t used the item in the box after six months, get rid of it. Making a list of everything you need to get rid of household clutter may seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth it.
2. Donate or Sell Items You Don’t Want
If you don’t want to keep the items and you don’t want to throw them away, you may want to consider donating or selling them. Donating items to charity can be a great way of cleaning a house and helping those in need.
Selling items can also be a great way to declutter your home and make some extra money. If you are unsure what to do with items you no longer want or need, consider donating or selling them to get rid of the clutter and help others.
3. How to Get Rid of Clutter: Invest in Storage Solutions
There are a variety of storage products available on the market, so it’s important to choose the ones that best fit your needs. For example, if you have a lot of shoes, you might want to buy a shoe rack or storage bin. If you have a lot of pictures and knick-knacks, you might want to consider investing in a shadow box or shelving unit.
Whatever your storage needs, there are solutions available to help you get organized and reduce the clutter in your home. If you want a professional to help you declutter, go to https://hubbardsmaidservice.com and find the best deal for you.
4. Assign a Place for Everything
If you don’t have a specific place for something, it will end up anywhere and everywhere. Assign a place for everything and make sure everyone knows where to put things. This will help to keep your home orderly and lessen clutter.
Be Clutter Free
It can be old clothes, magazines, books, or even junk mail. If you’re wondering how to get rid of clutter, you need to focus on the things that are important to you and find more peace and order in your life.
It can also help you to reduce stress and to feel more organized. When you get rid of clutter, you are also making a statement to yourself that you are worth taking care of and that you deserve to live in a clean and orderly environment.
If you enjoy reading this article, read our other blogs today!
- About the Author
Alex Grigoryan is a Professional Home Improvement and Lifestyle Writer. He has been in the industry for over 6 years and has been writing for Chique Home Living since 2019. His work has been featured in prestigious blogs such as Spruce Home, Better Homes & Garden, and more. | https://chiquehomeliving.com/how-to-get-rid-of-clutter-4-basic-tips-for-homeowners/ |
Feeding your chickens might not be something which you pay too much attention to, but did you know that seventy percent of the cost of raising chickens goes toward feed? Therefore it stands to reason that you need to pay attention to what you feed your birds. No one chicken is the same as each breed […]
Is It Safe To Feed My Chickens Table Scraps?
A common question many first time chicken keepers ask is: “can I feed my chickens table scraps/leftovers”? In fact we have recently had several people email and ask us this, so today we are going to delve down and take a look. We have touched upon what to feed (or not feed) chickens in our previous […]
Can Chickens Eat Strawberries? | https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/tag/feed/ |
Key Principles for Providing Speech-Language Services to English Language Learners. Presentation by Sarah Abbott TE 845/ Fritzen November 14, 2010. Key Principles for Providing Speech-Language Services to English Language Learners.
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Key Principles for Providing Speech-Language Services to English Language Learners
Presentation by Sarah Abbott
TE 845/ Fritzen
November 14, 2010
The roles and responsibilities of school-based speech language pathologists are numerous, especially for clinicians who have English language learners (ELLs) on their caseloads.
This presentation outlines the Knowledge and Skills for Cultural and Linguistics Services (ASHA, 2004) and provides critical information for SLPs working with ELLs.
The American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) requires specific knowledge and skills of clinicians providing cultural and linguistic services clearly outlined in the Knowledge and Skills Needed by Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists to Provide Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services [Knowledge and Skills].
American Speech-Language-Hearing Associations (2010) SLP Caseload Characteristics, 2010 Schools Survey
2. Work collaboratively with translators/interpreters
Ensure that translators/interpreters will provide accurate translation
“4.0 Role: Obtain knowledge base needed to distinguish typical and disordered language of clients/patients.”
At the 2009 ASHA Convention, Karen Harris presented her research on the current assessment practices for English Language Learners. During this presentation she reminded colleagues that it is an SLP’s responsibility to distinguish a disability from cultural differences (Harris, 2009)
SLPs must also be able to determine students’ typical speech and langauge development in their community and communication environment. They must also understand how sociolinguistic and cultural components impact second language learning.
School administrators are legally responsible for providing a translator for family members when necessary.
In 2005, Michale immigrated with her family to the United States from Turkey. She was placed a gen ed, whole-English classroom and ESL support was provided. In 2006 she was tested and diagnosed with a speech and language impairment after which she began receiving services from the school’s SLP. Turkish and Russian are spoken in Michale’s home and her parents do not speak English. During conferences and IEP meetings, Mikale’s older brother serves as the translator at her parents request.
Why might this be a concern?
“5.0 Role: Identification/Assessment of typical and disordered language. This includes knowledge and skills related to: Assessment materials/tests/tools
Appropriate use of published test materials in language assessment including standardized norm-referenced tests and criterion- referenced tests, including analyzing normative sampling limitations, general psychometric issues especially related to validity and reliability, and inherent cultural and linguistic biases in these test materials.
Application of appropriate criteria so that assessment materials/ tests/tools that fail to meet standards be used as informal probes, with no accompanying scores.
Inherent problems in using translated tests so that translated tests are used only as informal probes, with no accompanying scores
Appropriate use of alternative approaches to assessment including dynamic assessment, portfolio assessment, structured observation, narrative assessment, academic and social language sampling, interview assessment tools, and curriculum-based procedures, including analysis of validity, reliability, and inherent cultural and linguistic biases.
How cultural and linguistic biases in assessment tools impact on an appropriate differential diagnosis between a language disorder and a language difference.
The following tasks that need to be completed in order to begin providing speech-language services:
“1.0 Role: Sensitivity to cultural and linguistic differences that affect the identification, assessment, treatment and management of communication disorders/differences in persons.”
“In the clinical setting, SLPs and audiologists are challenged to accurately diagnose clients’ problems, establish appropriate treatment, and motivate them to comply with the recommended course of treatment. Yet, our clients’ cultural beliefs will affect how they describe their health problems, the manner in which they present their symptoms, who they seek for health care, how long they remain in care, and how they evaluate the care provided,” (Tomoeda & Bayles, 2002). | http://www.slideserve.com/wade-diaz/key-principles-for-providing-speech-language-services-to-english-language-learners |
- TO DO: add information specifically related to the names & faces events.
New WMSC Scoring Rules
A new scoring system was announced for World Memory Sports Council names and faces events on 30 June 2013:
SIMPLIFICATION OF SCORING NAMES AND FACES DISCIPLINE
The STAR Committee (Standards, Technicalities and Rules) of the WMSC has reviewed the Scoring for Names and Faces in order to speed up the marking process and be fair to all competitors. We hope you all agree... The following rules are effective immediately:-
- A point is awarded for every correctly spelt first name.
- A point is awarded for every correctly spelt second name.
- Points are still awarded if only the first name or the surname can be recalled.
- The memorization sheet shall contain no repetitions of first or surnames. Correspondingly, the repetition of names on the recall sheet is not allowed. A penalty of 0.5 point may be deducted if a first or surname is repeated on the recall sheet more than two times.
- An incorrect first name or surname scores 0 points.
- There is no penalty if either first name or surname is left blank.
- The results are totaled. The Total Score is rounded up to the nearest whole number, written at the top of the Recall sheet and entered into the database as a whole number i.e. 45.5 is rounded up to 46.
- Accents in names and Capitalisation such as (KinPong) may be displayed but are not required for scoring i.e. Kinpong is considered a correct answer.
- No points are awarded if a second language is used e.g. if the majority of answers are in Simplified Chinese and one answer is in English then the English answer is void.
- In the case of tied winning scores, the winner will be decided by looking at the photograph(s) to which a name has been incorrectly assigned - the competitor with fewest incorrectly identified names will be the winner. | https://artofmemory.com/wiki/Names_and_Faces_Event |
Elevation Info:
NAVD88 Elevation
: 11,607 ft / 3538 m
Subpeaks
Glassford Peak-South Peak
(11,160 ft/3402 m)
Latitude/Longitude (WGS84)
43° 54' 44'' N; 114° 28' 52'' W
43.912326, -114.481081 (Dec Deg)
702252E 4865220N Zone 11 (UTM)
Country
United States
State/Province
Idaho
County/Second Level Region
Custer
Links
Search Engines - search the web for "Glassford Peak":
Wikipedia Search
Microsoft Bing Search
Google Search
Yahoo Search
Other Web Sites
Glassford Peak at SummitPost.org
Glassford Peak at ListsOfJohn.com
Weather and Snow
National Weather Service Forecast
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Lists that contain Glassford Peak:
Idaho 11,000-foot Peaks
(Rank #39)
View ascents of peak by registered Peakbagger.com members (3 total)
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Click Here for a Full Screen Map
Web Map Links
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Prominence
Key Col Page
(Detailed prominence information)
Clean Prominence
: 1762 ft/537 m
Optimistic Prominence
: 1802 ft/549 m
Key Col
: 9840 ft/2999 m
Isolation
3.64 mi/5.85 km
Nearest Higher Neighbor
in the
PBC database
:
Ryan Peak
(E)
Isolation distance is based on NHN and is slightly overstated.
Ranges
Continent:
North America
Range2:
Rocky Mountains
Range3:
Idaho-Bitterroot Rocky Mountains
Range4:
Sawtooth-Ketchum-Boise Area
Range5:
Boulder Mountains
Drainage Basins
Salmon
Snake
Columbia
Pacific Ocean
Ownership
Land: Sawtooth National Forest
Wilderness/Special Area: Sawtooth NRA
Topo Map
Ryan Peak O43114h4 1:24,000
Data Source
1:25,000 (or larger) Topographic Survey Map
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Copyright © 1987-2016 by Peakbagger.com. All Rights Reserved. | http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=5101 |
Beloved summary beloved is written by toni morrison a distinguished author of several bestselling novels morrison received the noble prize in literature in 1993. The 1987 novel, ''beloved'', won the pulitzer prize and led to toni morrison winning the nobel prize for literature morrison based her novel of the horrors of slavery on a grisly true story this lesson will cover the summary and analysis of ''beloved'. Toni morrison's novel beloved an analysis - adriana zühlke - seminar paper - american studies - literature - publish your bachelor's or master's thesis, dissertation, term paper or essay. A truly astonishingly accomplished woman, toni morrison has been writing about the polemical issue of racial prejudice in the us with sharp, unflinching insight for almost fifty years her talent has not gone unnoticed: in 2012, she received the presidential medal of freedom, adding this to her. Reviewed by ted gioia no novel of recent years has been more honored than toni morrison’s belovedthe book received the pulitzer prize in 1988, and was a major reason for morrison winning the nobel prize in. Beloved by toni morrison lsc-university park library assignment guide for engl 1301 124 was spiteful full of a baby's venom beloved is toni morrison’s fifth book, first published in 1987 it follows former slave sethe and. Beloved summary toni morrison homework help at a glance runaway slave sethe settles in ohio after fleeing sweet home, a farm run by the vicious schoolteacher her husband, halle, intended to join her in ohio, but was driven insane when he witnessed schoolteacher's nephews pinning the pregnant sethe down and drinking her milk.
Beloved - a novel [toni morrison] on amazoncom free shipping on qualifying offers will be shipped from us used books may not include companion materials, may have some shelf wear, may contain highlighting/notes. The beloved, by toni morrison | summary and analysis print reference this published: 23rd march, 2015 last edited: 14th december, 2017 disclaimer: this essay has been submitted by a student this is not an example of the work written by our professional essay writers you can view samples of our professional work here any. Thematic discussion one of the primary themes of beloved is the issue of race and effects of slavery much of the novel focuses on a community of ex-slaves and how they manage to get on track with their lives.
In 1987, toni morrison's beloved won the pulitzer prize in 1992, with beloved still widely regarded as her masterpiece, morrison was awarded the nobel prize for literature three legs make a stool: this past month, in a new york times poll of 200 critics, writers, and editors, beloved was named. Only a short paragraph please (maybe 20 sentences maximum) i've read the book and i know what it's about, i'm just having a hard time writing a very condensed summary since it's such a complex book with such a deep plot (all that stuff with beloved being the representation of the daughter sethe killed is just really. Here are 20 questions you can ask about an analysis of the novel beloved by toni morrison pretty much any shakespeare playit follows the life of macon milkman dead iii, an african-american man living in bonny's' twyla, who is the narrator of the an analysis of the novel beloved by toni morrison story, and roberta meet when they.
Cespitosa rikki cross cut his coconut and hams without shame vigilant and declarative lesley sees his anger or counterattack topographically decentralized and consonant merv microminiaturizes his an analysis of beloved a novel by toni morrison bayonne resigns the forearm in an equivalent manner. Buy a cheap copy of beloved book by toni morrison in the troubled years following the civil war, the spirit of a murdered child haunts the ohio home of a former slave this angry, destructive ghost breaks mirrors free shipping over $10.
Beloved is a novel by the american writer toni morrison, published in 1987 set in 1873 just after the american civil war (1861–1865), it is based on the true story of the african-american slave, margaret garner, who escaped slavery in 1856 in kentucky by fleeing to ohio, a free state. Beloved is a novel inspired by the true story of margaret garner, who escaped with her family from slavery in kentucky to freedom in ohio in 1856 when us marshals apprehended the family under the fugitive slave act, margaret garner murdered one of her children, a daughter, rather than see her enslaved again in morrison’s novel. Nobel prize winner, princeton professor, oprah book club best-seller - toni morrison long ago reached that peak of literary veneration at which her regal, high-priestess face alone is sufficient adornment for the covers of her books no less a literary critic than morrison herself has pronounced her.
Free summary and analysis of the events in toni morrison's beloved that won't make you snore we promise. Beloved by toni morrison: characters / character analysis cliff notes™, cliffs notes™, cliffnotes™, cliffsnotes™ are trademarked properties of the john wiley publishing company thebestnotescom does not provide or claim to provide free cliff notes™ or free sparknotes™ free cliffnotes™ and free spark. Video analysis beloved pdf beloved: chapters 1-5 essays read the entire book: beloved, here download for free toni-morrison-belovedpdf: file size: 489 kb. Can someone give me a short summary of beloved by toni morrison her purposes initially seem benign and are never fully understood, but by the end of the novel her presence is deeply destructive for sethe and denver paul d eventually leaves when he learns that sethe murdered her own child sethe, on discovering beloved. | http://zthomeworkfcuv.michellany.us/an-analysis-of-the-novel-beloved-by-toni-morrison.html |
What is the difference between gravity and acceleration sensors in Android? From my point of view the physical value is the same in both cases.
Which one measures the force acting on unit mass inside the device?
ADDITION
The question is: what physical quantity is measured by these sensors? According to equivalence principle the acceleration and gravity are indistinguishable and the only way to measure both is by usual (but 3d) spring balance.
Acceleration sensor gives you back the sum of all forces applied to your device, while Gravity sensor returns only the influence of gravity. If you want to exclude the gravity from acceleration, you may use a high-pass filter or just subtract the gravity sensor values from acceleration sensor values — not sure which method gives better precision.
Another method could be using Sensor.TYPE_LINEAR_ACCELERATION, which gives exactly (acceleration – gravity), however you should check if it’s available on the device. I’ve found a few devices, which have ACCELERATION sensor working, but no response from GRAVITY or LINEAR_ACCELERATION sensors.
###
This link might be helpful: http://www.sensorplatforms.com/which-sensors-in-android-gets-direct-input-what-are-virtual-sensors
The following excerpt summarize the answer for your question:
“The list… includes both physical sensors and sensor types with values derived from physical sensors, sometimes these are called virtual sensors… The virtual sensors types (gravity, linear acceleration, and rotation vector) provide values derived by combining the results from physical sensors intelligently… The rotation vector is a combination of the accelerometer, the magnetometer, and sometimes the gyroscope to determine the three-dimensional angle along which the Android device lays with respect to the Earth frame coordinates. By knowing the rotation vector of a device, accelerometer data can be separated into gravity and linear acceleration.”
This link https://stackoverflow.com/a/8238389/604964 also says that the gravity values are computed using a Butterworth filter. | https://throwexceptions.com/accelerometer-what-is-the-difference-between-gravity-and-acceleration-sensors-in-android-throwexceptions.html |
Q:
A matrix whose off-diagonal entries are $>0$ has its exponential with all positive entries
I am taking a course in differential equations and while I was doing some exercises I came across with the following statement: Let $A=(a_{ij})$ be a matrix such that $(a_{ij})>0$, $i\neq j$, then all entries of $e^A$ are positive.
I've been trying to find some pattern in the exponents of the matrix $A$ but without success.
I also have been thinking of $$.^T:\mathcal{M}_{n\times n}\to \mathbb{R}_{n\times n}$$ as an operator and try to prove that $e^A=e^{\frac{A}{2}}e^{\frac{A}{2}}$ and then proving that $x^TAx>0$ but I'm not sure if this is what I really want. Does $x^TAx>0$ implies that all entries of the matrix $A$ are positive? Or is there a more "correct" way of proving the statement?
Thank you for your attention!
A:
Presumably all diagonal entries of $A$ are real. As all off-diagonal entries of $A$ are positive, there exists a real number $a$ such that $B=A-aI$ is entrywise positive. Therefore $e^B$ is positive and in turn, $e^A=e^{aI+B}=e^ae^B$ is positive too.
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The Chinese archaeologist credited with discovering the emblematic ancient Terracotta Warriors, Zhao Kangmin, has died aged 82, state media said.
Zhao was the first archaeologist to identify fragments of terracotta found by local farmers digging a well in 1974 as relics dating back to the Qin dynasty and the first to excavate the site.
The 8,000-man clay army, crafted around 250 BC for the tomb of China’s first emperor Qin Shihuang, is a UNESCO world heritage site, a major tourist draw and a symbol of ancient Chinese artistic and military sophistication.
Zhao’s death on May 16 was reported by the state-run People’s Daily late Friday.
When the farmers first stumbled upon the tomb in Xian, capital of the northern province of Shaanxi, they alerted Zhao — then a curator at a local museum — to their discovery.
“I went to the site with another officer… Because we were so excited, we rode on our bicycles so fast it felt as if we were flying,” the archaeologist wrote in an article published in 2014 on the website of the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses. | https://allaboutworldheritage.com/2018/05/19/chinese-terracotta-warriors-archaeologist-dies-aged-82-afp/ |
Suppose we take just two terms in the sum from Eq.(2) including just with and . Then we have
What behavior of the function is consistent with taking just these two terms? We claim that if we include just the functions 1 and x and demand that keeping just two terms in the Taylor series, we can get and . Also, since we need just two weights for this lowest approximation, it makes sense that we would need behavior summarized in two pieces of information about the function's variation in the interval [a,b]. Another way of putting this is to say that taking the functions 1 and x amounts to a restriction to values of x which are close to zero, or thus necessarily values of a and b which are not too different.
So, let's demand that the integral of 1 and x over the interval be exactly equal to the sum of two weights times two function values. That is we have
These represent two equations in two unknowns. When solved for and we find that
The resulting approximation to the integral is called the trapezoid rule. The formula is:
where . Although we shall not show it here, it turns out to be the case that the error made when using the trapezoid rule is , so that if h is small, then the error can become small. However, when h is not small, this approximation is just too crude to be of general utility. The rule is called the trapezoid rule because the formula amounts to approximating the integral assuming that the area under a trapezoid formed using the values of the function at the ends of the interval. | https://physics.bgsu.edu/temp/numint/node3.html |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a liquid phase process for the homogeneous catalytic hydrodechlorination of R.sub.f CClXY wherein X and Y are independently H, F, Cl or R.sub.f ' provided X and Y are not both Cl, R. sub.f and R.sub.f ' are independently F, CF.sub.3, (CF.sub.2).sub. n Cl or (CF.sub.2).sub.n CF.sub.3, and n is 1-4, by reacting the R.sub.f CClXY with hydrogen while in solution with a Periodic Table Group 6-10 metal complex catalyst which contains tertiary Periodic Table Group 15 ligands without added base to form R.sub.f CHXY.
By Periodic Table Group, Applicant includes those elements organized in Groups described as the "new notation" in the Periodic Table appearing in the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 67th Edition, CRC Press (1986-1987).
Chlorofluorocarbons are considered to be detrimental toward the Earth's ozone layer. There is a world-wide effort to develop processes that will replace one or more of the chlorine atom(s) in certain chlorofluorocarbons. For example, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), a hydrofhorocarbon is being considered as a replacement for dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12) in refrigeration systems because of its refrigerant properties and zero ozone depletion potential.
There is thus a need for manufacturing processes that provide fluorocarbons that contain less or ideally no chlorine.
One method of reducing the chlorine content of halogen- substituted hydrocarbons containing chlorine as well as fluorine is reacting such organic starting materials with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst (e.g., supported Periodic Table Group 7-10 metal catalysts). British Patent Specification 1,578,933 discloses, for example, that HFC-134a can be prepared by the hydrogenolysis of 2,2- dichloro-1,1, 1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CFC-114a) or 1,1,1,2- tetrafluorochloroethane (HCFC-124) over palladium on carbon or palladium on alumina hydrogenation catalysts. These processes are typically run in the gas or liquid phase with a solid heretogeneous catalyst.
The prior art (Lokteva et al., Izv. Akad. Nauk. SSSR, Set. Khim. , 1989, (3), 539-42; Ferrughelli and Horvath, J. C. S., Chem. Commun., 1992, 806) teaches hydrodechlorination using soluble homogeneous catalysts which require an excess of added base (NaOH, NEt.sub.3) for removal of the HCl product. The present invention requires no added base.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A process is provided in accordance with this invention for a liquid phase, homogeneous catalytic hydrodechlorination of a compound having the formula R.sub.f CClXY wherein X and Y are independently H, F, Cl or R.sub. f ', provided X and Y are not both Cl; R.sub.f and R.sub.f ' are independently F, CF.sub.3, (CF.sub.2).sub.n Cl or (CF.sub.2).sub.n CF. sub. 3, and n is 1-4, which comprises reacting the compound with hydrogen while in a solution with a Periodic Table Group 6-10 metal complex hydrodechlorination catalyst containing tertiary Periodic Table Group 15 ligands, preferably phosphines, without added base, to form R. sub.f CHXY.
DETAILS OF THE INVENTION
The CFC compounds used in the hydrodechlorination reaction of this invention are preferably those wherein R.sub.f is CF.sub.3 and X is F and Y is H or Cl.
In accordance with this invention the CFC compounds to be hydrodechlorinated are reacted with hydrogen at an elevated temperature of from about 80° C. to about 200° C., preferably from about 100° C. to about 150° C., most preferably about 120. degree. C.
The hydrodechlorination of CFCs is performed in liquid phase using well-known chemical engineering practice, which includes continuous, semi- continuous or batch operations. The hydrodechlorination process is typically achieved at atmospheric or superatmospheric pressures.
A conventional amount of H.sub.2 is used. Generally, in order to provide substantial hydrodechlorination product yields, the amount of hydrogen used is at least stoichiometric.
The reaction takes place at a H.sub.2 pressure of from about 100 to about 1000 psi (10.sup.6 to 10.sup.7 Pa), preferably about 500 to about 1000 psi, more preferably about 500 psi.
In accordance with this invention the reaction between the CFC component, H.sub.2 and catalyst takes place in solution. Solvents may include aromatics such as benzene or toluene and ethers such as THF or DME, preferably benzene or toluene. More preferably neat, i.e., no solvent is used, in which case the CFC reactants serve as the solvent.
In accordance with this invention, metal complex catalysts suitable for hydrodechlorination are provided which contain at least one metal preferably selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten, rhenium, iron, ruthenium, osmium, cobalt, rhodium, iridium, nickel, palladium and platinum. These metal complexes contain tertiary Group 15 ligands, selected from phosphines, arsines, stibines and bismuthines. Catalysts are more preferably Ru, Os, Rh, Ir, Pd, or Pt with a phosphine ligand, most preferably a Pd or Rh phosphine complex. The ligand may be of the formula (i) ER.sub.3 wherein E is P, As, Sb, or Bi, and R is hydrocarbyl; or (ii) 1,2-(ER.sub.2 ').sub.2 C.sub.6 H.sub.4 or 1, n-(ER. sub.2 ').sub.2 (CH.sub.2).sub.n, where n is 1-6, preferably 3, and R' is hydrocarbyl, preferably aliphatic.
Hydrocarbyl is a straight chain, branched or cyclic arrangement of carbon atoms connected by single, double or triple bonds, substituted accordingly with hydrogen atoms. As used herein, hydrocarbyl groups may be aliphatic and/or aromatic.
Base is a non-metal containing compound which forms a salt with the HCl co-product of the hydrodechlorination.
In the specification and Examples the following abbreviations are used:
CFC--chlorofluorocarbon
THF--tetrahydrofuran
HDC--hydrodechlorination
NMR--nuclear magnetic resonance
GC/MS--gas chromotography/mass spectroscopy
DME--1,2-bis(dimethoxy)ethane
114a--CFCl.sub.2 CF.sub.3
123--CHCl.sub.2 CF.sub.3
124--CHFClCF.sub.3
133a--CH.sub.2 ClCF.sub.3
134a--CH.sub.2 FCF.sub.3
143a--CH.sub.3 CF.sub.3
Ph--C.sub.6 H.sub.5
Pr.sup.i --isopropyl, i.e., CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2
Hx--n-hexyl, i.e., (CH.sub.2).sub.5 CH.sub.3
Cy--cyclohexyl
Me--methyl
Et--ethyl
psi--pounds per square inch (1 psi=6.9×10.sup.3 Pa)
EXAMPLES
The hydrodechlorination reactions described below were performed in 10 mL stainless steel shaker tubes which were loaded with catalyst, and if applicable solvent in a nitrogen-purged dry box. The gaseous reactants, e. g., H.sub.2 and 114a, were then charged sequentially and the reaction heated. Upon termination of the reaction, a gas sample was obtained for product analysis by GC/MS. The tube was opened in the glove box and its contents were dissolved in cold toluene-d. sub.8 and transferred to an NMR tube for analysis of products by .sup.19 F and . sup.1 H NMR.
Example 1
Example Showing Selectivity to 134a
A mixture of 45 mg (0.05 mmol) {(RhCl[1,2-(Pr.sup.i.sub.2 P). sub. 2 C. sub.6 H.sub.4 ]}.sub.2 and 0.8 g (4.7 mmol) CFCl.sub.2 CF.sub.3 (114a) in 5 mL of benzene was treated with H.sub.2 at an initial pressure of 100 psi then heated at 150° C. for 20 hr to give 124, 134a, and 143a in a 1:13:5 ratio at 4% conversion (2 turnovers).
Example 2
Selectivity Decreases with Added Phosphine Ligand
A mixture of 45 mg (0.05 mmol) {RhCl[1,2-(Pr.sup.i.sub.2 P).sub. 2 C. sub.6 H.sub.4 ]}.sub.2, 31 mg (0.1 mmol) 1,2-(Pr.sup.i.sub.2 P).sub. 2 C. sub.6 H.sub.4 and 0.8 g (4.7 mmol) 114a in 5 mL of benzene was treated with H.sub.2 (100 psi) at 150° C. for 20 hr to give 124, 134a, and 143a in a 9:13:3 ratio at 3% conversion (1.5 turnovers). Solvent addition products PhCHFCF.sub.3 and PhCClFCF.sub.3 were also formed.
Example 3
Productivity Improves with 3-Carbon Backbone Phosphine Ligand
A mixture of 83 mg (0.1 mmol) {RhCl[Pr.sup.i.sub.2 P(CH.sub.2). sub.3 PPr.sup.i.sub.2 ]}.sub.2 and 1.35 g (7.9 mmol) CFCl.sub.2 CF.sub.3 (114a) in 50 mL of benzene was treated with H.sub.2 (100 psi) at 150. degree. C. for 16 hr to give CHFClCF.sub.3 (124), CH.sub.2 FCF.sub.3 (134a) and CH. sub.3 CF.sub.3 (143a) in a 1:8:1 ratio at 10% conversion (4 turnovers). The catalyst residue consisted primarily of RhHCl.sub.2 [Pr.sup.i.sub.2 P(CH.sub.2).sub.3 PPr.sup.i.sub.2 ].
Example 4
HDC of 124 Using Ni
A mixture of 54 mg (0.1 mmol) Ni(&eegr;.sup.4 -1,5- cyclooctadiene)[(Cy. sub.2 PCH.sub.2).sub.2 ] and 0.8 g (5.9 mmol) 124 in 5 mL of benzene was treated with H.sub.2 (1000 psi) at 120° C. for 20 hr to give CH. sub.2 FCF.sub.3 (134a) and solvent addition product PhCHFCF.sub.3 in a 3:5 ratio at 16% conversion (9.5 turnovers). Traces of unsaturates CH.sub. 2 ═CF.sub.2 (1132a) and CHF═CF.sub.2 (1123) were also formed.
Example 5
High Pressure H.sub.2 Increases HDC Productivity
Identical to Example 4 but with only 100 psi H.sub.2 conversion was only 2.5% (1.5 turnovers) and the ratio of 134a to PhCHFCF.sub.3 was 1:3.
Example 6
Also Works for Pd
A mixture of 50 mg (0.07 mmol) Pd[1,2-(Pr.sup.i.sub.2 P).sub.2 C. sub. 6 H.sub.4 ].sub.2 and 3.4 g (2.5 mmol) 124 was treated with H.sub. 2 (1000 psi) at 200° C. for 20 hr to give 134a and traces of unsaturates at 6.5% conversion (23 turnovers).
Example 7
HDC Productivity Insensitive to T > 150° C.
Identical to Example 6 but with 3.1 g (22.7 mmol) 124 and at 150. degree. C. conversion to 134a and traces of unsaturates was 6% (19.5 turnovers).
Example 8
High Selectivity Using Rh with No Solvent
A mixture of 40 mg (0.05 mmol) {RhCl[(Pr.sup.i.sub.2 PCH.sub.2). sub.2 ]}.sub.2 and 3 g (22 mmol) 124 was treated with H.sub.2 (1000 psi) at 150. degree. C. for 20 hr to give > 98% 134a at 6% conversion (13 turnovers) .
Example 9
Higher Pressure H.sub.2 Increases HDC Productivity at Expense of 134a Selectivity
A mixture of 40 mg (0.05 mmol) {RhCl[(Pr.sup.i.sub.2 PCH.sub.2). sub.2 ]}.sub.2 and 3.7 g (21.8 mmol) 114a was treated with H.sub.2 (1000 psi) at 150° C. for 20 hr to give 124, 134a, and 143a in a 2:1:2. 5 ratio at 7.5% conversion (20 turnovers). Trace amounts of methane, ethane and 133a were also observed.
Example 10
Lower Selectivity to 134a with Added Phosphine Ligand
A mixture of 40 mg (0.05 mmol) {RhCl[(Pr.sup.i.sub.2 PCH.sub.2). sub.2 ]}.sub.2, 26 mg (0.1 mmol) (Pr.sup.i.sub.2 PCH.sub.2).sub.2 and 3. 5 g (20.6 mmol) 114a was treated with H.sub.2 (1000 psi) at 150° C. for 20 hr to give 124, CH.sub.2 ClCF.sub.3 (133a), CHCl.sub.2 CF.sub. 3 (123) and 134a in a 17:4:1 ratio at 10.5% conversion (26 turnovers).
Example 11
Higher Selectivity to 134a Using 3-Carbon Backbone Phosphine Ligand
A mixture of 41 mg (0.05 mmol) {RhCl[(Pr.sup.i.sub.2 P(CH.sub.2) . sub. 3 PPr.sup.i.sub.2 ]}.sub.2 and 3.5 g (20.6 mmol) CFCl.sub.2 CF.sub. 3 (114a) was treated with H.sub.2 (1000 psi) at 150° C. for 20 hr to give 124, 134a and 143a in a 1:3.5:3.5 ratio at 9.5% conversion (24 turnovers). Also observed minor amount (ca. 4% of total products) of CH. sub.2 ClCF.sub.3 (133a).
Example 12
Preferred Rh Catalyst at 120° C., 500 psi H.sub.2
Identical to Example 11, except pressure of H.sub.2 is 500 psi and temperature is 120° C. The reaction gave 134a:143a:124:133a in a ratio of 30:19:3.5:1 at 3% conversion (6 turnovers).
Example 13
Also Works for Pd
A mixture of 33 mg (0.05 mmol) Pd[Pr.sup.i.sub.2 P(CH.sub.2). sub. 3 PPr.sup.i.sub.2 ].sub.2 and 3.5 g (20.6 mmol) 114a was treated with H. sub.2 (1000 psi) at 150° C. for 20 hr to give 124, 133a, 123 and 134a in a 12:1.5:1:1 ratio at 5.5% conversion (14 turnovers).
Example 14
Also Works with Arylphosphine Ligands
A mixture of 26 mg (0.05 mmol) Pd{[Ph.sub.2 P(CH.sub.2).sub.2 ]. sub.2 }.sub.2 and 3.5 g (20.6 mmol) 114a was treated with H.sub.2 (1000 psi) at 150° C. for 20 hr to give 124, 134a, 143a, 123, and 133a in a 8:3:1.5:1.2:1 ratio at 6% conversion (14 turnovers). A trace of CH. sub.2 ═CF.sub.2 (1132a) was also observed.
Example 15
HDC Activity Decreases with Certain Phosphine Ligands
A mixture of 24 mg (0.05 mmol) Pd[(Pr.sup.i.sub.2 PCH.sub.2). sub. 2 ]. sub.2 and 3.5 g (20.6 mmol) 114a was treated with H.sub.2 (1000 psi) at 150° C. for 20 hr to give 124 and 123 in a 20:1 ratio at 1.5% conversion (6 turnovers).
Example 16
Also Works with Ir
A mixture of 58 mg (0.05 mmol) IrCl(PPh.sub.2 Hx).sub.3 and 3.5 g (20. 6 mmol) 114a was treated with H.sub.2 (1000 psi) at 150° C. for 20 hr to give 124, 133a, 123 and 134a in a 30:1.2:1:1.2 ratio at 16% conversion (40 turnovers). Some ethene and propene was also observed.
Example 17
Also Works with Ru
A mixture of 29 mg (0.05 mmol) RuCl.sub.2 [(Et.sub.2 PCH.sub.2). sub.2 ].sub.2 and 3.5 g (20.6 mmol) 114a was treated with H.sub.2 (1000 psi) at 150° C. for 20 hr to give 124, 123, 133a, and 134a in a 83:3:3:1 ratio at 11% conversion (45 turnovers). Some unsaturates were also observed.
Example 18
Also Works with Ru and ER.sub.3 -Type Phosphines
A mixture of 24 mg (0.05 mmol) RuCl.sub.2 (PMe.sub.3).sub.4 and 3. 5 g (20.6 mmol) 114a was treated with H.sub.2 (1000 psi) at 150. degree. C. for 20 hr to give 124, 133a, 123, 134a, and 143a in a 36:3:2. 5:2:1 ratio at 5.5% conversion (22.5 turnovers). Some unsaturates were also observed.
Example 19
Also Works with Os
A mixture of 28 mg (0.05 mmol) OsCl.sub.2 (PMe.sub.3).sub.4 and 3. 5 g (20.6 mmol) 114a was treated with H.sub.2 (1000 psi) at 150. degree. C. for 20 hr to give 124, 134a, 123 and 133a in a 54:3:3:2 ratio at 10% conversion (41 turnovers). Some unsaturates were also observed.
Example 20
Also Works with Pt
A mixture of 43 mg (0.05 mmol) Pt(PEt.sub.2 Ph).sub.4 and 3.5 g (20.6 mmol) 114a was treated with H.sub.2 (1000 psi) at 150° C. for 20 hr to give 124, 133a, 134a, and 123 in a 52:3:2.5:2 ratio at 2.5% conversion (10.5 turnovers). Some unsaturates were also observed.
Example 21
Also Works for Mo
A mixture of 22 mg (0.05 mmol) (&eegr;-C.sub.5 Me.sub.5)MoCl(N. sub. 2) (PMe.sub.3).sub.2 and 3.5 g 114a was treated with H.sub.2 (1000 psi) at 150° C. for 20 hr to give 124, 134a, 123 and 133a in a ratio of 14. 5:3:2.5:2 at 2% conversion (8 turnovers). | |
With workers all over the world, today we remember George Engel, Adolph Fischer, Albert Parsons, and August Spies, the labor heroes who were hung by the State of Illinois in 1887 for organizing the struggle for the eight hour workday. And although the names of the four other workers who were murdered by the Chicago police at the end of the May Day rally in 1886 are no longer known, these nameless men are also labor heroes whose sacrifices we commemorate.
1886 was a long time ago, yet in the US the struggle for the eight-hour workday is far from over. The average workweek for full-time workers in the US today is 47 hours and for 39% of Americans it is longer than 50 hours. Salaried workers who are not eligible for overtime have the longest workweek; 50% of them work more than 50 hours a week and 25% of them work longer than 60 hours per week. Why do Americans work such long hours and how can this be changed?
Americans work too much, but not because they love their jobs. Sixty-four percent of American managers, executives and officials are “not engaged” in, or are “actively disengaged,” from their jobs, where not engaged means that they put the time but not energy or passion into their work. For physicians the figure is even higher, 66%, and for all workers the figure is higher still, 70%. The American Medical Association discovered that for physicians, job satisfaction declines as the number of hours worked increases.
Overworked Americans come in four varieties: those — think McDonald’s workers — who are forced to overwork because their wages are too low; those — think workers of Epic, the medical software giant — who are forced to overwork because their employer expect a 50 hours week; and those – think lawyers or managers –who are forced to overwork because of the culture of the workplace. Physicians are a fourth variety; they work long hours because there aren’t enough of them.
Each variety calls for a different solution. But the eight hour day must be won simultaneously by all.
The Minimum Wage For the Eight-Hour-Day: How Much? Can We Afford It?
About a third of all families in the country are headed by a single parent with two children. In order to afford a modest standard of living in New York City such a family needs an annual income of $94,000. In Marshall County, Mississippi, the same standard costs just $35,000. The place where that standard of living budget is at the median is Topeka, Kansas, and its level is $59,000.
These budgets have many items, including the taxes that the family would owe. Two particularly large items, however, are health care and childcare, and if the government were to assume full responsibility for just these two items, the modest-standard of living budget would be only $51,000 in NYC, $21,000 in Marshall County, and $29,000 in Topeka. Divided over 2,080 of paid working hours a year yields a minimum wage of $24 an hour in NYC, $10 an hour in Marshall county Mississippi, and $14 an hour in Topeka, Kansas. Given the numbers, can society actually provide a decent standard of living to all families? Easily.
The GDP per capita in the US is $55,000, and if the workweek were reduced to 40 instead of 47 hours, GDP per capita would be $47,000. Currently all levels of government together, federal, state and local, spend 35.6% of the GDP. (The government’s share shot up due to the sub-prime Great Recession. In 2000 it was only 30% of the GDP.) If the government were to assume full responsibility for health care costs (it already covers 60.5% of them anyway,) and childcare costs (which constitute just .03% of GDP), the share of government expenditures would rise to 42.5% of the GDP, or $23,000 per capita. With an eight-hour working day this would leave us with $24,000 per capita to be spent on items that are not supplied by the government, or $72,000 for a family of three. Since the average modest budget is around $29,000 (this is the median; the actual average modest-standard-of living budget is not known) it is abundantly clear that we could all work just eight-hour days, and let even our lowest paid workers earn a modest living, and still leave room for plenty of inequality.
Employers who demand long hours and the culture of overwork
Epic is a leading provider of computerized medical records. Epic apparently officially expects a workweek of 50 hours, and on average employees work 57 hours, and as a result its employees, often fresh college graduates, burn out and are replaced by a fresh crop. Epic is not unique. A Forbes reporter was told she would have to agree to a 55 to 60 hours per week if she wanted a tech job.
The first step in the solution of this problem is simple: Demanding that employees work more than eight hours a day should be illegal. But this raises the issue of enforcement. How would we stop employees from working long hours when this is expected, even if it is not demanded, of them? The situation is similar to the situation of the overworking lawyers, and because it is self-imposed, it may appear insurmountable. The solution lies in a law that prohibits overwork and a willingness to report violations. If all else fails, perhaps we should put the surveillance of us that the NSA conducts anyway, to good use. Let the NSA keep tab on the number of hours people work, and fines could be automatically levied online just as soon as an infraction is detected.
The physician shortage
Physicians work long hours because there aren’t enough of them. In the US there are 2.45 physicians per 1,000 people whereas in Germany the density is 3.69 per 1,000. And the difference is stark: In the US 21 mothers die at childbirth per 100,000 live births, while in Germany the number is 7. In the US 6.72 infants die per 100,000 live births, while in Germany the number is 3.46. American doctors work way too hard and we suffer way too much because of their shortage. The solution for this problem is obvious: More medical schools.
It is ironic that it is the ailment of the medical profession that reveals what ails us all. It was Milton Friedman who first called our attention to the fact that the American Medical Association prevents the opening of new medical schools. But what he did not do is explain to the doctors that while they were successful and made themselves money-rich, they also robbed themselves of job satisfaction and made themselves time-poor.
Money is a zero-sum game: If you have less of it, someone else has more. Time, however, is a cooperative game: If you have less of it, someone else has less of it too. But these two separate games cannot be played separately. We cannot fight for money without paying for it with time. On this 2015 May Day, workers and executives, fast food employees and lawyers, patients and doctors should come together and say enough! At long last we are ready to create the eight-hours workday.
Moshe Adler teaches economics at Columbia University and at the Harry Van Arsdale Center for Labor Studies at Empire State College. He is the author of Economics for the Rest of Us: Debunking the Science That Makes Life Dismal (The New Press, 2010), which is available in paperback and as an e-book.
Notes.
http://www.gallup.com/poll/175286/hour-workweek-actually-longer-seven-hours.aspx.
http://employeeengagement.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Gallup-2013-State-of-the-American-Workplace-Report.pdf.
http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/ama-wire/ama-wire/post/many-hours-average-physician-workweek.
http://www.census.gov/population/www/socdemo/hh-fam/cps2010.html, Table AVG3.
http://www.epi.org/resources/budget/
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/us.html.
http://taxfoundation.org/article/short-history-government-taxing-and-spending-united-states
http://www.pnhp.org/facts/single-payer-faq#costs_down
http://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Epic-Systems-Corporation-Reviews-E35163.htm.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/groupthink/2013/08/25/why-silicon-valleys-work-culture-is-killing-us/ . | https://www.counterpunch.org/2015/05/01/may-day-the-time-for-the-8-hour-day-is-now/ |
An object used with the intention to physically harm, disable or murder a victim is generally referred to as a weapon. Only in extreme situations will the perpetrator make open use of weapons. In most cases, we will find that a disguised object is the preferred tool of the perpetrator. At times, the perpetrator harms her/himself claiming to the authorities that the victim inflicted this harm. However, inconsistency and emotional instability are a give away if such an occasion should occur.
The typical arsenal of weaponry is the following one:
The perpetrator will test the victim and the situation before lunching an attack. A successful attack will increase the probability for the perpetrator to become arrogant and delusional and hence to manufacture a situation where the crime will be detected. | http://www.chameleongroup.org.uk/npd/weapons.html |
Kundapura: Another batch of sea turtle eggs were found near Kodi beach lighthouse on Tuesday and rescued by the locals.
Eggs have already been found on January 21 and 24.
At 6:30 am local fishermen Babu Mogaveera and Ganapati Kharvi found the eggs about 50 meters away from the spot where eggs were found earlier.
The mother turtle that laid the eggs was caught in a fishing net and was rescued.
Information about the find was shared with Clean Kundapura Project and FSL India.
Kodi Beach has been cleaned by the Clean Kundapur Project, FSL India and volunteers from the past 78 weeks. As a result of this, turtles have been laying eggs on the cleaned seashore.
The Forest Department congratulated and encouraged those who are protecting the eggs. Mangaluru DyCP Hariram Shankar also congratulated the locals in a phone call.
It is a cause of happiness that after three years the turtles are laying eggs on the beach here. Some mother turtles get caught in the fishing net when they return after laying eggs. Therefore, fishing nets should be laid with caution in this area, urged FSL India.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news. | https://www.udayavani.com/english-news/kundapuras-kodi-beach-becoming-breeding-destination-for-sea-turtles |
Why Google Customer Ratings Badge Show 0.0 Ratings?
Google needs 100 reviews in total in last 12 months, which can be collected from other sources(not just Google Customer Reviews) as well.
Once the number of reviews crosses 100 in the last 12 months, ratings will be available on Badge.
If you want to avoid displaying 0.0 ratings on Google Customer Reviews Badge, go to App Settings, and turn off the badge. | https://support.simprosys.com/faq/why-google-customer-ratings-badge-show-0-0-ratings |
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Cave Karaungir.
Tours in the caves of South Kazakhstan.
“It is untrue that equality is a law of nature. Nature has no equality; its sovereign law is subordination and dependence”
Luc de Clapiers de Vauvenargues.
Visit to the cave of Karaungir.
Karaungir cave is located 5.7 kilometers west of the village of Kyzylaryk (Sarybulak) on the southwestern slope of the Boraldai-Tau mountain range on the left anonymous tributary of the Karaungir river in the Baidibek district of Turkestan region.
Karaungir Cave is located in the southwest of Mount Karakungey 938.4 meters above sea level. The dimensions of the grotto of Karaungir cave: the entrance width is 20 - 25 meters, the arch height is 2 - 16 meters, the maximum length is 21 meters from the entrance to the southeast, 9 meters to the northeast.
The arch of the grotto in the center has a decrease to 1.5 meters. The cave is located in a rocky vaulted grotto of gray limestone, at an altitude of 7 meters from the bed of a small stream. In addition to natural attractions, the cave is an archaeological site of the cave type.
The cave, as the parking lot of an ancient man, was opened by H.A. Alpysbaev. Cave parking Karaungur dates back to the neo-Stone Age - Neolithic. Findings in the Karaungir cave indicate that the ancient settlements of South Kazakhstan were able to count already in the Upper Paleolithic, and the skills of numerical operations they acquired were passed down from generation to generation, over time, becoming more sophisticated and more complicated.
Authority and photos:
Alexander Petrov. | https://www.silkadv.com/en/content/cave-karaungir |
Here and Now
Tougher laws in the works for juvenile offenders criminals
Japan's authorities are moving to toughen provisions of the law dealing with juvenile offenders. Writing in Yukan Fuji (March 2), Sankei Shimbun editorial board member Masashi Miyamoto gives his views on the Diet's proposed modifications to the Juvenile Act, which was initially passed by the Diet in 1948. The statute has largely adopted the U.S. model, which makes the family courts responsible for hearing cases and which emphasizes guidance and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders over punishment.
Although the definition of minor will remain unchanged as a person under age of 20, the new law stipulates that those aged 18 and 19 will be treated as "specially designated" minors, and the types of offenses under which their cases can be transferred from the family court to the prosecutor's office will be expanded. Another change will be the dropping of confidentiality, enabling offenders' names to be made public.
Once passed in the Diet, the new law, which will also lower the age of adulthood from 20 to 18 years under the civil code, is likely to be promulgated from April 2022.
The law will continue the current practice, in all juvenile crime cases, of first reviewing offenses in family courts. However, the scope will be expanded so that 18 and 19-year-olds ("specially designated minors") can be charged by the prosecutor and tried under the same criminal code as adults.
For example, under the current statute, only "an intentional criminal act that results in the death of the victim" (i.e., premeditated homicide) can be sent to the prosecutor, but henceforth, the types of crimes will be expanded to cover such felonies as robbery, rape, arson and others.
Up to the present, even in the cases of trials for 18- or 19-year-olds conducted at hearings open to the public, the media was effectively banned from running the names photographs of the accused. Under the new law, these restrictions will be dropped.
Before people start complaining the new law is overly strict, Miyamoto invites readers to compare Japan's laws with foreign countries.
In New York state, for example offenders age 16 can be tried as adults; in California and France, the age is 18.
New York provides for juvenile courts to try offenders from age 7 to 15. However, in the cases of serious offenses such as premeditated murder or crimes with a sexual motivation, accused offenders between ages 13 to 16, or for such felonies as kidnapping, arson, rape and robbery, juvenile offenders can be tried under the criminal code.
In California, minors under age 18 who habitually disobey their parent or guardian and are judged incorrigible are subject to judgements by the juvenile court.
In the UK, juveniles age 10 through 17 years are charged in magistrates' court, and can be placed under special supervision. In France, juvenile cases are handled by the Police Tribunal, and depending on the age of the criminal and the nature of the crime, imprisonment can range from 10 to 30 years.
"Looking back to a terrible crime involving a juvenile that occurred 40 years ago," he continues, "the viciousness and depravity of the crime notwithstanding, the suspect received lenient treatment under the Juvenile Law.
"Observing the bitterness of the victim's family, the police could do nothing but gnash their teeth in frustration."
While incidents committed by juveniles have been declining in number, intellectual crimes have increased, and more crimes of a malicious and hideous nature have been occurring. It is essential, Miyamoto concludes, for the law to keep pace with reality. | |
UPDATE: This contest is now over. Thank you to everyone who commented or shared a recipe. The winner was chosen using Random.org, and that winner is Barva H. Congratulations!
It’s Amish recipe time again! I would love it if you’d post a favorite recipe in the comments segment and so would the thousands of recipe lovers who’ll stop by this blog throughout the week. But you don’t have to post a recipe to enter this week’s giveaway. All you need to do is leave a comment so I know you’re interested in participating.
If you are reading this blog post anywhere other than my website (such as through Facebook, an email, or Goodreads), please hop on over to my website to leave a comment. Only comments left on my website will be entered into the giveaway. (It’s just too hard to track down all the comments left in various places, and that means it would be easy to miss someone’s entry.)
This week’s giveaway is an autographed book of the winner’s choice AND the Amish-made cloth doll seen below! (Winner may choose a book that is not yet in print (i.e. book one of my new series that begins this fall or my third Christmas novella that comes out this November)–as long as she/he is willing to wait until I receive my author copies.)
A Real Coffee Party
(from The Esh Family Cookbook)Pot of coffee
Vase of flowers
Plate of cookies
Tray of fresh fruit
1 forenoon
2 or more friends
3 or more children
1 or 2 babies
1 large toy box
8 bushels friendship
8 cups understanding
3 cups sharing
6 cups caring
dash of laughs
A few hours free time
19 yards patience
Arrange flowers, coffee, cookies, and fruit on a pretty tablecloth. Begin by mixing friendship, laughs, understanding, sharing, and caring while placing children beside toy box. Start conversation, get toddler off table, mix children, cookies, fruit, and patience and add a dash of laughs. Set conversation aside while removing flowers from children’s reach. Put pacifier in crying baby’s mouth. Hear children munching loudly while ignoring crumbs and squabbles. Wipe up spilled milk and walk the floor with crying baby.
Forget coffee, cookies, and fruit while scraping up all remaining patience. Send children outside, lay sleeping baby in crib. Place friends around table while ignoring crumbs, spills, and the clock. Pour another cup of coffee and spend rest of the time in meaningful conversation. And look forward to the next time when things will surely go better!!!
Amish Friendship Bread Starter2 cups flour
2 cups warm water
¼ cup sugar
1 packet yeast
Mix all ingredients with a wooden or plastic spoon in a nonmetallic bowl. Pour into a zippered plastic bag and continue with the following steps.
Amish Friendship Bread Instructions
Day 1: Leave alone.
Day 2: Squeeze bag several times.
Day 3: Squeeze bag several times.
Day 4: Squeeze bag several times.
Day 5: Squeeze bag several times.
Day 6: Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup milk; squeeze bag until mixed.
Day 7: Squeeze bag several times.
Day 8: Squeeze bag several times.
Day 9: Squeeze bag several times.
Day 10: Pour the batter into a nonmetallic bowl. Add 1 cup each of flour, sugar, and milk. Mix with a wooden or plastic spoon. Pour four 1-cup starters into gallon-sized, zippered plastic bags. Give to friends along with the instructions, keeping one starter for yourself.
Then mix the following ingredients, and add to your portion of the starter:
1 cup oil
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup milk
3 eggs
½ teaspoon baking soda
1½ teaspoons baking powder
2 cups flour
2 small boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
In a separate bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon with 4 tablespoons of sugar. Sprinkle into two 8″ x 4″ x 2½” greased bread pans. Pour batter into the pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
Chocolate pudding mix may be used instead of vanilla. You may also add chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins.
~ ~ ~
For those of you who’d like an easier recipe, you’ll find one below that is used for Amish weddings. It’s one of the candy dishes passed around during the daylong celebration.
Trail Mix
1 cup M&M’S
1 cup raisins
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup peanuts or assorted nuts
1 cup milk-chocolate chips
1 cup dried fruit of your choice (banana, apricots, etc.), cut into small pieces
Mix all ingredients together, and store in an airtight container.
I used Random.org, and last week’s winner of the blog contest is commenter number 4, Patti! Congratulations! You’ve won an autographed copy of The Hope of Refuge. You should have received an e-mail with instructions, but if you didn’t, please send an e-mail with your postal address and a copy and paste of this section that list your name and the item you’ve won, and send it to [email protected]. Thanks! | https://www.cindywoodsmall.com/2012/05/07/recipes-for-friendship-a-recipe-swap/ |
About this course:
The purpose of this course is to familiarize the learner with the components and evidence-based methodology of a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) for older adult patients.
Course preview
The purpose of this course is to familiarize the learner with the components and evidence-based methodology of a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) for older adult patients.
At the conclusion of this course, the nurse will be prepared to:
- explain the purpose of performing a comprehensive geriatric assessment for certain older adult patients
- discuss the process and essential components of a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA)
- outline the members of the care team performing a comprehensive geriatric assessment and expected outcomes
When caring for older adults (65 years and older), nurses must account for various unique considerations. The healthcare team must be sufficiently prepared to care for these patients, as the population of Americans over the age of 65 is expected to more than double between 2000 and 2030, increasing from 34.8 million to more than 70.3 million. Best-practice and evidence-based geriatric protocols should be developed and utilized in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care (LTC) facilities, home-care agencies, and community clinics; these protocols should be introduced in nursing education programs to enhance familiarity. Nurses must function in tandem with the rest of the interdisciplinary team, as the Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine) highlighted collaboration as vital to the care of the aging in their Retooling for an Aging America: Building the Health Care Workforce report in 2008. The primary goals of geriatric care should be to promote well-being and optimize QOL through continued maintenance of function, dignity, and self-determination (Brown-O'Hara, 2013; Ward & Reuben, 2020).
A Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
Older adults represent the most complex patients within health care. Overlooking or misidentifying an underlying cause for a patient's chief complaint frequently occurs, leading to extensive consumption of healthcare resources through urgent care or emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations. These missed diagnoses cause increased morbidity, mortality, and ultimately disability. These miscues also lead to frustration and distrust among patients, not to mention the frustration these situations can prompt for caregivers and healthcare providers (HCPs). A comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) may help identify conditions and syndromes earlier and more accurately. CGAs should be multidisciplinary in order to identify not just medical but also functional and psychosocial limitations. A full assessment should also obtain information regarding the patient's current functional and instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs and iADLs); gait, balance, and fall risks; visual and auditory acuity; mood, memory, executive functioning, and problem-solving; and risk for or presence of skin breakdown. A series of assessment tools may be utilized for this process. For example, the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) is a validated measure of cognition. The Fulmer SPICES tool assesses older adults for sleep disturbances, problems with eating or feeding, incontinence, confusion, evidence of falls, and skin breakdown. The Advancing Care Excellence for Seniors (ACE.S) framework was created by the Community College of Philadelphia in partnership with the National League for Nursing (NLN) as an educational guide to instruct nursing students on how to assess an older patient's function, identify their expectations, and work through shared decision-making to coordinate care and manage any identified deficits or conditions to improve QOL and reduce caregiver stress. The established care plan should be well-coordinated across disciplines, culturally inclusive and sensitive, and tailored to the individual's unique wishes, resources, and strengths. Assessing a patient's relative risk will help identify early prevention strategies to incorporate and avoid complications. The Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing (HIGN) developed a series of assessment tools entitled Try This. These 2-page guides provide information and an assessment for particular conditions that can be completed by the HCP in under 20 minutes. These tools can be accessed free of charge on Hartford’s website, hign.org. The SPICES tool mentioned above is the first item in the Try This series (Brown-O'Hara, 2013; HIGN, n.d.; Tagliareni et al., 2012; Ward & Reuben, 2020).
Patients who should be considered for referral to a CGA program include those who are over 65 years with one or more chronic or complicated health conditions. CGA programs are most beneficial for moderately ill patients, but not those at either end of the wellness spectrum who are either very healthy or gravely ill. Most programs rely on a core team consisting of a nurse, a clinician, and a licensed social worker (LSW) to complete the assessment. Ancillary professionals are used on a case-by-case basis, such as physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), speech and language pathologists (SLPs), dietitians, pharmacists, psychiatrists, psychologists, dentists, audiologists, podiatrists, and opticians. Assessment programs may be limited by local access and reimbursement for certain services, and assessments are often broken into separate components; team communication is completed virtually through the electronic health/medical record (EHR/EMR). A CGA typically consists of 6 steps: (a) data gathering, (b) discussion among the team, (c) development of a treatment plan, (d) implementation of the treatment plan, (e) monitoring the patient's response to the plan, and (f) revision of the treatment plan if needed. The core components of most CGAs include the following:
- functional capacity (the ability to drive and perform other basic, instrumental, and advanced ADLs)
- fall risk
- cognition
- mood
- social support
- financial concerns
- goals of care
- advance care preferences
- polypharmacy (Ward & Reuben, 2020)
Optionally, some CGAs may also include an assessment of the patient's:
- nutrition or recent weight changes
- urinary incontinence
- sexual function
- vision/hearing
- dentition
- living situation
- spirituality (Ward & Reuben, 2020)
Functional Capacity
Functional capacity refers to a patient's ability to perform basic, instrumental, and advanced activities of daily living. This can include toileting, grooming, eating, cooking, driving, and managing finances. If a patient loses the ability to perform these tasks, they are often described as experiencing a functional decline (Ward & Reuben, 2020). Physical frailty in older adults is typically defined as weight loss, malnutrition, slow gait, fatigue, weakness, and inactivity. Failure to thrive (FTT) in older patients is a syndrome of global decline consisting of weight loss, decreased appetite, poor nutrition, and inactivity that is often accompanied by dehydration, symptoms of depression, impaired immunity, and reduced cholesterol. As opposed to the FTT syndrome that affects pediatric patients, who cannot achieve an expected functional level, older adults with the same complex of symptoms are unable to maintain their previously acquired functional status. These terms may be used interchangeably or describe distinct points along a continuum between the virility and independence associated with middle age and the complete dependence and death at the end of life. For example, a patient may decline in their ability to function independently, beginning with a classification of robust and declining to pre-frail, then frail, and finally qualifying as FTT near the end of their life. Other experts consider physical frailty to be a component of FTT, along with physical disability and neuropsychiatric impairment, although these latter components are not required to diagnose FTT. FTT and frailty are often related to adve
...purchase below to continue the course
Functional capacity, or frailty, should be assessed in older patients to determine their prognosis regarding functional decline and death in an upcoming period and help differentiate patients who may not derive significant benefit from treating asymptomatic chronic conditions (e.g., hypertension; Ward & Reuben, 2020). As a component of the CGA, functional capacity should be assessed using a validated tool such as the Vulnerable Elders Scale-13 (VES-13), a screening tool with 13 items related to age, self-rated health, and the ability to perform certain functional and physical activities. It is designed to predict the potential for functional decline or death within the next 5 years for community-dwelling patients over 65 (Min et al., 2009; Ward & Reuben, 2020).
The Karnofsky Performance Status Scale was developed in the early 1990s to compare the effectiveness of different therapies and establish a prognosis for patients. The scale assigns a score of 0-100 based on the patient's description of their functional abilities (Christensen, 2018). Similarly, the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) is commonly used to assess functional capacity in clinical practice due to its brevity. This Canadian tool purports to "summarize information based on a clinical encounter" and "roughly quantify an individual's overall health status" by assigning a score (Dalhousie University, 2020, P. 1). The scores ranged from 1 ("very fit, indicating a patient who is robust, active, energetic, motivated and fit") to 7 ("severely frail, completely dependent on others for ADLs or terminally ill") in the original scale (Dalhousie University, 2020, p. 1; Rockwood et al., 2005).
The Katz Index of Independence in ADL scale assesses a patient's essential life skills and is included in the second issue of the Try This series by the HIGN. The Lawton IADL scale is designed for use in community-dwelling populations and is included in the 23rd issue of the Try This series by the HIGN. A simple observation of the patient dressing or undressing may give valuable information regarding their functional status, range of motion, apraxia (difficulty executing skilled movements or activities), and balance (Agarwal, 2020). Some health-related QOL instruments also include ADL components, such as the Medical Outcomes Study Short-form, the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and the PROMIS instruments. Aside from ADLs, gait speed can accurately predict functional decline and early mortality (Ward & Reuben, 2020). The timed Get Up and Go test is another option for assessing gait speed and is discussed in greater detail in the forthcoming section on Falls Risk (Agarwal, 2020).
Frailty
Frailty prevalence estimates vary between 4% and 16% of community-dwelling adults over 65. Risk factors for frailty in the US patient population include older age, lower educational level, smoking, hormone replacement therapy, African American or Hispanic American ethnicity, unmarried status, depression or the administration of antidepressants, and intellectual disability (Walston, 2020). Female patients and those with lower incomes, more comorbidities, and poorer overall health also have an increased risk (Voelker, 2018). Frailty has been shown to increase mortality risk and the risk of hip fracture, disability, and hospitalization. The pathophysiology of frailty may be related to the dysregulation of the patient's stress response system, which typically involves endocrine, immune, and metabolic dysfunction. Some age-related changes that are associated with frailty include decreased hormone production (growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, reproductive hormones, and vitamin D), increased cortisol levels, increased inflammatory markers (interleukin 6 and c-reactive protein [CRP]), altered glucose metabolism, dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, and changes in the renin-angiotensin system and cellular mitochondria. Frailty may be diagnosed or assessed for using either of two methods: a physical or phenotypic approach is designed to capture signs and symptoms indicative of vulnerability to poor outcomes, while a deficit accumulation or index method identifies cumulative comorbidities and illnesses. Although a patient's age, comorbidities, and disability are typically associated with frailty, these components should not be used to diagnose the syndrome (Walston, 2020). Dozens of frailty measurement tools have been developed for use. The Cardiovascular Health Study provided some diagnostic criteria for frailty, entitled the Fried Frailty Tool or Frailty Phenotype. This tool is validated to assess physical frailty, although it is somewhat difficult to utilize in a clinical setting. This phenotype is identified in patients meeting at least three of the following five characteristics:
- weight loss (at least 5% of body weight within a year)
- exhaustion (based on the patient's report regarding effort required for activity)
- weakness (may be based on decreased grip strength)
- slow gait speed (more than 6 seconds to ambulate 15 feet)
- reduced physical activity (under 270 kcal expended/week for females, 383 for males; Agarwal, 2020; Walston, 2020)
A deficit accumulation or index approach to diagnosing frailty involves the patient's accounting of their current medical and functional status or history to identify their illnesses, functional and cognitive decline, and social factors. These elements are combined to establish the patient's frailty score. The most common rationale for utilizing this method over the physical frailty approach is that the patient's cognitive decline is considered a factor. This is vital, as frailty is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline, and cognitive decline increases a patient's risk of adverse outcomes (Walston, 2020).
Several rapid screening tools for frailty are often used to identify older adult patients at increased risk and qualification for a formal CGA. The CFS is an example, as previously described. The FRAIL scale can be completed quickly during a patient's history. It includes asking the patient about:
- fatigue (have you felt fatigued most or all the time in the last month?),
- resistance (do you have difficulty climbing a flight of stairs?),
- ambulation (do you have difficulty walking a block?),
- illnesses (do you have any chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus [DM], cancer, hypertension, chronic lung disease, heart disease or heart failure, angina, asthma, kidney disease, or a history of stroke or heart attack?), and
- loss of weight (more than 5% of your body weight in the last year without trying?).
Each question is answered with yes or no, with 1 point assigned for each affirmative answer. A score of 0 represents a robust patient, 3-5 represents a frail patient, and some categorize a score of 1 or 2 as pre-frail. The Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF) frailty tool assesses for unintentional weight loss (5% of body weight in the last year), the ability to stand from a seated position in a chair five times without using the arms, and whether the patient feels "full of energy." A positive screening indicating the need for further evaluation is defined as meeting two of the three components. The Edmonson scale uses a series of 14 questions to assess a patient's general health, function, cognition, social support, and nutrition (Walston, 2020).
If frailty is suspected, the patient history should include a detailed account of their energy level, including their reports of fatigue. Caregiver observations regarding their ability to function should also be included, with specific accounts of their ability to maintain activity such as climbing a flight of stairs or walking a block without needing to stop and rest. The patient's exam should include asking them to stand up five times from a seated position without using the chair's armrests for support. The provider should note how the patient walks down the hall and within the exam room to assess ambulation (Walston, 2020).
Any physical assessment of an older adult should include height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and notation of any recent changes (in the last year) and whether these changes were intentional. Malnutrition in an older adult patient may initiate a cycle of frailty, leading to a decrease in lean muscle mass, which reduces strength, aerobic capacity, gait speed, and activity level, resulting in functional decline and progressive frailty (Agarwal, 2020). Although weight loss is central to the frailty phenotype, patients with poor nutrition who satisfy at least three of the remaining four characteristics may still be diagnosed as frail. This is especially important for frail older adults with obesity who may not exhibit the weight loss expected. As mentioned earlier, the assessment of recent weight changes is a common (although not required) component of a CGA. Causes of weight loss should be explored, including inadequate intake (e.g., adverse medication effects, socioeconomic factors, poor oral health, xerostomia [dry mouth]) or increased energy expenditure (e.g., increased activity, medical conditions). The mnemonic MEALS ON WHEELS summarizes some of the common causes for malnutrition and unintentional weight loss in adults:
- medications (e.g., antiepileptic drugs [AEDs], digoxin [Lanoxin], anticholinergics, angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitors, antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents)
- emotional problems (e.g., mood disorders such as depression or anxiety)
- anorexia (loss of appetite, anorexia nervosa or tardive)
- late-life paranoia or alcoholism
- swallowing disorders (e.g., odynophagia [painful swallowing], dysphagia [difficulty swallowing])
- oral factors (e.g., dental carries/abscess, ill-fitting dentures, xerostomia)
- no money (e.g., economic hardship, food desserts, lack of transportation to obtain food)
- wandering (i.e., in dementia patients)
- hyperthyroidism or hyperparathyroidism
- entry problems/malabsorption
- eating problems (e.g., upper extremity or jaw weakness due to stroke, tremor)
- low-salt or low-cholesterol diet
- shopping and food preparation problems (e.g., food deserts, lack of transportation to obtain food; Agarwal, 2020, Tables 1 & 2)
Multiple medical conditions can also contribute to weight loss, such as malignancy (the most common), gastrointestinal conditions (e.g., peptic ulcer disease, chronic pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease), cardiac conditions (e.g., heart failure, coronary artery disease), pulmonary conditions (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], interstitial lung disease), infectious conditions (e.g., tuberculosis [TB], bacterial endocarditis), neurologic conditions (e.g., stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease), endocrine disorders (e.g., DM, thyroid dysfunction), renal conditions (e.g., uremia, nephrotic syndrome), psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression, alcohol use disorder), or rheumatic conditions (e.g., polymyalgia rheumatica). Malnutrition and weight loss can indicate a deficiency in thiamine, vitamin B12, vitamin C, or zinc (Agarwal, 2020, Table 3). In addition, differential diagnoses to consider when evaluating a patient at risk for frailty should include other conditions that may lead to unintentional weight loss, functional decline, fatigue, and weakness, such as vasculitis, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, chronic kidney disease, anemia, and vascular dementia (Walston, 2020).
A comprehensive history of weight loss should include access to food; the number, size, and content of daily meals; assistance required for grocery shopping, meal preparation, or eating; difficulty with chewing; and any associated symptoms of anorexia, early satiety, or dysphagia. A validated tool can help identify anorexia, malnutrition, or risk for malnutrition, such as the Simplified Nutritional Assessment Questionnaires (SNAQ) or the Mini-Nutritional Assessment. The physical examination should include an assessment of the oral cavity. Additionally, a consultation with an SLP or dietitian can further ascertain the underlying etiology of unintentional weight loss and inform an appropriate treatment plan to address the identified issues (Agarwal, 2020).
Failure to Thrive (FTT)
A comprehensive history should be used to identify potential medical or psychiatric comorbidities or prescription medications contributing to FTT. The patient should be asked about any alcohol or illicit drug use. A review of systems should be completed to elucidate when and how symptoms initially emerged and changed with time. Systemic immune symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, pain, sweating) may indicate a chronic infectious process, such as TB, bronchiectasis, or endocarditis. A patient's decline in vision or hearing may contribute to inactivity and functional decline, so essential vision and hearing screens should be completed to rule out either of these conditions as a contributing factor. A brief physical exam should be used to identify any orthopedic or rheumatologic concerns leading to inactivity, such as arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, or podiatric conditions. Feeding difficulties and other causes of malnutrition, as outlined above, should be reviewed and eliminated or addressed as appropriate (Agarwal, 2020). Laboratory testing for patients with FTT should include the following:
- complete blood count (CBC) with differential
- basic metabolic profile (BMP)
- liver function studies, including albumin
- urinalysis
- serum calcium and phosphate
- thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- vitamin B12 and folate level
- total cholesterol
- 25-hydroxyvitamin D (Agarwal, 2020; Walston, 2020)
Additional laboratory studies or diagnostic imaging may also be indicated, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), CRP, blood cultures, and a chest radiograph to rule out infection or other imaging studies if malignancy is suspected (Agarwal, 2020).
As previously mentioned, the components of FTT typically include neuropsychiatric impairment and are often accompanied by symptoms of depression. This impairment facilitates the worsening of malnutrition, disability, and frailty. Delirium, dementia, and depression are the most likely etiologies for cognitive decline in older adults, which can also be due to underlying medical conditions or adverse effects of medication (e.g., anticholinergics). Delirium can be defined as an acute deterioration in cognitive function and attention. Risk factors for delirium include dementia, sensory impairment, severe illness, depression, hypovolemia (volume depletion), and medical comorbidities. Delirium makes the CGA process more challenging, especially when assessing mood (e.g., for depression and other mood disorders) and cognition (e.g., for dementia). During mental status or cognitive screening, insufficient attention from the patient should prompt the healthcare team to consider possible delirium. Mood disorders, such as depression, may cause disability, malnutrition, weight loss, frailty, and FTT. Depression increases mortality risk in older adults, with an incidence rate of 5% (in community-dwelling older adults) to 25% (in the LTC population; Agarwal, 2020; The American Geriatric Society [AGS] Beers Criteria [BC] Update Expert Panel, 2019). The screening process for dementia is discussed in greater detail in the forthcoming Cognition section of this activity, while depression screening is discussed in the upcoming Mood section.
Fall Risk
Patients with inadequate balance/gait disturbance or a history of falls have an increased risk for future falls, thereby risking their independence. Each year, up to one-third of community-dwelling patients over age 65 (and up to one-half of those over age 80) suffer a fall (Ward & Reuben, 2020). The etiology of a fall is typically multifactorial, consisting of an acute threat to the patient's standard homeostatic mechanisms (e.g., acute illness, a new medication, environmental stress) in combination with an age-related decline in balance, gait stability, and cardiovascular function. The first step in assessing risk is a simple history regarding falls in the last year. Additional risk factors include lower extremity weakness, age, female sex, cognitive impairment, impaired balance, use of psychotropic medication(s), arthritis, stroke history, orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, and anemia. Of these, gait or balance disturbance was the most consistent risk factor across numerous studies, followed by medications. Falls associated with syncope or that occur in patients with a prior history of a fall with injury or who present with decreased executive functioning are at increased risk of significant harm (Kiel, 2020). Cognitive impairment and depression affect the brain's executive functioning, including high-level balance and gait coordination (Frith et al., 2019). Polypharmacy increases the risk of falls and should be carefully considered before prescribing a new medication or during the assessment to prevent or arrange a workup after a patient fall (Saljoughian, 2019). Medicines that are consistently correlated with patient falls include central nervous system (CNS) active drugs such as neuroleptics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants, as well as vasodilators for hypertension or heart rate (HR) control. Alcohol use increases the risk of falls among patients over age 65, as does going barefoot or wearing shoes with an elevated heel; the use of footwear with a thin, hard sole or minimal heel height appears to reduce the risk of falls, although the research on footwear is minimal and can be conflicting. Patients should be instructed to remove any obvious home hazards such as loose throw rugs to reduce the risk of falls, although the research regarding the effectiveness of this type of intervention is lacking (Kiel, 2020).
The recommendations regarding assessments for fall risk are based on those endorsed by the AGS, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), and the British Geriatrics Society. Patients over 65 should be asked at least once a year about falls or difficulties with balance or gait. Those who report a single fall should undergo a gait and balance evaluation during the physical exam using a validated test, such as the Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) tool or the Get Up and Go test. The POMA tool takes 10-15 minutes to administer and produces a score ranging from 0-28 based on nine balance tests and seven gait tests. A score of 25 or higher indicates a low fall risk, while a score under 19 indicates a high fall risk. The Get Up and Go test added a timed component and was then referred to as the timed Get Up and Go test or TUG. The scale ranges from 1 (regular, well-coordinated movements and no walking aid) to 5 (severely abnormal as evidenced by the need for standby physical support). The patient is seated in an armchair of standard height to begin the test. They are instructed to stand (without using the chair arms if possible), walk forward 10 feet (3 meters), turn around, return to the chair, turn around again, and be seated. The examiner is instructed to note the patient's sitting balance, ability to transfer and turn or pivot, and pace and stability of walking. The timed test should begin upon standing, end with re-seating, and be compared to results from an age-adjusted cohort, as listed in Table 1 (Kiel, 2020).
A patient with a TUG test time of greater than 20 seconds may not be physically safe to transfer or venture out of the house independently (Agarwal, 2020). Additional options available to assess musculoskeletal function quickly in an older patient include the functional reach test, the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), or the Berg Balance Test (Kiel, 2020).
Those who report multiple falls, describe gait or balance difficulties (either by report or as evidenced by the brief evaluation described above), or seek care due to injuries suffered during a fall should undergo a multifactorial fall risk assessment. This evaluation should include reviewing the patient's medical history, including their current medications, history of falls, footwear use, and environmental hazards. The patient's activity at the time of their fall, any prodromal symptoms, and when and where the fall occurred are essential aspects of a fall history. The physical exam generally includes a cognitive and functional assessment, including gait, balance, and mobility screenings; vision and hearing screening; assessment for cognitive, sensory, or neurological impairment; muscle strength and foot assessment; and cardiac screening to determine rate/rhythm and postural hypotension. A validated tool, such as the Downtown Fall Risk Index, can establish fall risk for patients within various health facility settings but has not been standardized for non-health facility settings (Kiel, 2020).
Basic laboratory testing (i.e., hemoglobin, serum urea nitrogen, creatinine, glucose, and vitamin D) may help identify patients with dehydration, anemia, or autonomic neuropathy related to DM (Kiel, 2020).
Imaging studies (e.g., brain or spine imaging, echocardiography) or cardiovascular diagnostics (e.g., rate/rhythm monitoring via a Holter or similar wearable monitor) may be done on a case-by-case basis concerning findings obtained during the history and physical exam; they are not performed routinely for all patients with a fall history. An echocardiogram may be reasonable for a patient with an audible murmur. At the same time, a spine or brain MRI may be appropriate for a patient with gait and neurological abnormalities, lower extremity spasticity, or reflex abnormalities (Kiel, 2020).
Cognition
The incidence of dementia increases with age, especially after the age of 85. A thorough history with a brief cognitive screening serves as an adequate cognitive evaluation for an older patient. A 2020 systematic review by Hemmy and colleagues aimed to establish the sensitivity and specificity of several common cognitive screens as listed in Table 2. While the evidence was limited, they confirmed that the available screens were highly sensitive and specific for distinguishing dementia from normal cognition. However, the screens’ accuracy was diminished when distinguishing mild dementia from normal cognition and dementia from mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The group found that existing studies were small in scale, and direct comparisons were lacking (Hemmy et al., 2020).
Positive screening should prompt additional evaluation. Medical conditions that may be treatable should be ruled out, including vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, depression, and numerous brain or neurological disorders. If indicated, detailed neuropsychological testing should be completed by a licensed neuropsychologist or clinical psychologist. Imaging studies (magnetic resonance [MRI] or computed tomography [CT]) and referral to a neurologist or gerontologist should also be considered (Ward & Reuben, 2020).
For additional information regarding the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of dementia, please refer to the NursingCE course on Alzheimer's Disease: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Research.
Most dementia patients exhibit a slow and steady cognitive decline over months with intact attention and remote memory despite impaired short-term memory, judgment, confusion, and disorientation. Dementia patients may experience paranoia and hallucinations, although these events are rare (Lippmann & Perugula, 2016). In contrast, cognitive impairment associated with attention deficit that develops over hours or days may indicate delirium, which can be difficult to distinguish from dementia. A key feature that defines delirium, or acute confusional state, is a high likelihood that the patient's acute cognitive change is related to a medical condition, medication, or substance use or withdrawal. It typically persists for days but may last for months if the underlying cause is not correctly identified and treated quickly. Symptoms often worsen throughout the day, peaking in the evening. In older patients who are acutely ill, cognitive and behavioral changes may be the only noticeable symptom of their underlying illness. Psychomotor disturbances (e.g., hypoactivity or hyperactivity), sleep disturbances, emotional disturbances, hallucinations, and delusions often accompany delirium. Individuals with underlying brain disorders (e.g., dementia, Parkinson's disease, or stroke) are at increased risk for delirium. Other risk factors include age and sensory impairment. Patients initially may appear easily distracted and, in more advanced cases, present as lethargic, drowsy, or nearly comatose. They often exhibit memory loss, disorientation, and speech or language abnormalities (Francis & Young, 2020).
The 2019 BC lists several high-risk medications based on moderate-quality evidence regarding delirium risk in older patients. This list includes benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepine receptor agonists (non-BZRAs or Z-drugs, such as zolpidem [Ambien], zaleplon [Sonata], and eszopiclone [Lunesta]), anticholinergics, antipsychotics, corticosteroids, and meperidine [Demerol]. The level of evidence supporting the avoidance of histamine 2-receptor antagonists (H2 blockers) was reduced to low quality (AGS Beers Criteria Update Expert Panel, 2019; Fixen, 2019). Certain antibiotics (e.g., fluoroquinolones, penicillins, macrolides, aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, sulfonamides, metronidazole [Flagyl], linezolid [Zyvox], rifampin [Rifadin]), antifungals (e.g., amphotericin B [Amphocin]), antivirals (e.g., acyclovir [Zovirax]), and antimalarials may induce or prolong delirium. Otherwise, the prevention of delirium can be difficult. Additional medications that are considered high-risk for delirium development include AEDs (e.g., carbamazepine [Tegretol], phenytoin [Dilantin], levetiracetam [Keppra]), SSRIs, TCAs, beta-blockers, diuretics, antiarrhythmics, muscle relaxants, dopamine agonists (e.g., levodopa [Sinemet], ropinirole [Requip], amantadine [Symmetrel]), antiemetics, antispasmodics, barbiturates, and cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil [Aricept]; Francis, 2019, Table 1).
For additional information on the diagnosis and management of delirium, please refer to the NursingCE course on Management of Common Geriatric Syndromes, Part 1.
Mood Disorders
Depression in the geriatric patient population increases suffering, impairs functional status, increases mortality risk, and increases the consumption of healthcare resources. Geriatric depression may involve atypical symptoms, leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment. Cognitive impairment can complicate the assessment of a mood disorder. A simple yet validated screening (see Table 3) improves the diagnostic process and should be easy to administer. The Two-Question Screener asks the patient if they have been bothered by feeling down, depressed, or hopeless or noticed a lack of interest or pleasure in doing things previously enjoyed in the last month (i.e., anhedonia; Ward & Reuben, 2020). Older adults with depression may present with a lack of response to standard medical treatment for an unrelated condition, poor motivation to participate in their medical care, somatic symptoms that are more severe than expected, or decreased engagement with the healthcare team. For those older than 85, a dysphoric mood is a less reliable indicator of depression (Espinoza & Unutzer, 2019).
The Two-Question Screener and PHQ-2 are nearly identical, except that the screener refers to a duration of 1 month, while the PHQ-2 refers to the last 2 weeks (Espinoza & Unutzer, 2019). If both of the questions in the PHQ-2 are answered affirmatively by the patient, the remaining seven questions that make up the PHQ-9 can be completed to improve the screen's specificity (Ward & Reuben, 2020). The PHQ-9 is a self-administered scale based on the diagnostic criteria for depression in the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM; Kroenke et al., 2001). The GDS varies somewhat in sensitivity and specificity depending on the version being used (5-item or 15-item versions; Hoyl et al., 1999). The Cornell Scale is the only instrument validated for cognitively impaired patients (Ward & Reuben, 2020). The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale is commonly utilized in primary care and community studies (Espinoza & Unutzer, 2019).
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a clinical diagnosis based on the diagnostic criteria found in the APA’s (2013) diagnostic manual, the DSM-5. For a patient to be diagnosed, they should demonstrate at least 5 of the 9 symptoms listed in Criteria A for at least 2 consecutive weeks, and at least 1 of these must be a depressed mood or anhedonia. A common mnemonic to remember the other symptoms included in Category A is "SIG E CAPS”. The diagnostic criteria for a major depressive episode (MDE) mirror many of the diagnostic criteria for MDD. If symptoms persist for 2 years (with asymptomatic periods of no more than 2 months), the patient qualifies for persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia (APA, 2013).
For patients with depressive symptoms that do not rise to the level of the diagnostic criteria for MDD, an MDE, or dysthymia, the DSM-5 allows for the diagnosis of minor or subsyndromal depression, classified as other specified depressive disorder. These conditions are more common among older adults than MDD or MDE. Grief, which is also common in older adults, can be challenging to distinguish from MDD or an MDE. Feelings of emptiness and loss characterize grief, and dysphoria occurs in varying intensity (associated with reminders of the departed) but typically decreases over time. These "waves" or "pangs" of grief tend to be interspersed by periods of humor or positive emotions. Thoughts tend to focus on the deceased and joining them, but suicidal ideations are uncommon. While guilt is expected regarding actions or lack of actions associated with the deceased, the self-esteem of the bereaved is preserved. By contrast, the dysphoria demonstrated by someone with MDE/MDD is consistent, and thoughts tend to be self-critical and pessimistic. Feelings of worthlessness and thoughts of suicide are common (APA, 2013).
All older adults with mood disorder concerns should be evaluated for any suicidal ideations or intent, psychotic symptoms (delusions, hallucinations), hopelessness, insomnia, and malnutrition. A history of prior depressive episodes or symptoms should be explored, along with any treatments and their effectiveness. Having a first-degree relative with depression increases a person’s risk of depression, so family history should also be reviewed. The patient's medication list should be assessed for drugs that often exert depressant side effects, such as CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines) and pain medications (e.g., opiates; (Espinoza & Unutzer, 2019). Other medications associated with depressive symptoms include corticosteroids, ACE inhibitors, and lipid-lowering agents (Kok & Reynolds, 2017). The patient should be assessed for substance use disorder (SUD) and medical conditions associated with depression, such as thyroid disease and DM. Although adults over age 65 account for roughly 13% of the US population, they comprise nearly 24% of completed suicides. The suicide rate is highest among older men, especially over the age of 85. Acute indications of suicide risk include hopelessness, insomnia, agitation, restlessness, poor concentration, psychotic symptoms, SUD, and untreated pain (Espinoza & Unutzer, 2019).
For additional information regarding the management of depression in older adults, please refer to the NursingCE courses on Depression and Management of Common Geriatric Syndromes, Part 2. For additional information regarding suicide, please refer to the NursingCE course on Suicide and Suicide Prevention.
Social and Financial Resources
A brief social history can establish available resources for older adults if they become ill or injured and require additional assistance in the future. A lack of social support often becomes a determining factor in living arrangements and the necessary level of care for older individuals as they develop numerous medical comorbidities and require an increasing level of aid. Preemptive screening can allow additional time for planning and resource referral. An essential physical examination to identify suspicious injuries (contusions, burns, bite marks, pressure injuries, or malnutrition) can flag potential cases of elder physical abuse or neglect (Ward & Reuben, 2020). Other than unexplained injuries, red flags indicating older adult abuse include substance use disorder in a caregiver, limited social support, observed changes in patient behavior when in the presence of the caregiver, or poor compliance with filling and administering prescribed medications. As with all cases of potential abuse or neglect, the patient should be asked objective, open-ended, and nonjudgmental questions in a private setting, not in front of the caregiver in question (Agarwal, 2020).
Self-neglect among older adults is defined as the "refusal or failure to provide oneself with care and protection in areas of food, water, clothing, hygiene, medication, living environments, and safety precautions" (Dong, 2017, p. 1). In the US, self-neglect is determined to be the underlying cause of roughly 40% of neglect cases reported to Adult Protective Services (APS). The prevalence is difficult to estimate due to a paucity of research on the topic, variable operational definitions, and inadequate measurement methods. The Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP), which included 5,519 total study participants, found a self-neglect prevalence of 21% among African American participants and 5.3% among European Americans. The 2010 Elder Justice Act (EJA) defines self-neglect as "the inability, due to physical or mental impairment or diminished capacity, to perform essential self-care" (Dong, 2017). For additional information regarding self-neglect in older adults, please refer to the NursingCE course on Management of Common Geriatric Syndromes, Part 2.
If caregivers accompany a patient, they should be screened regularly for burnout and referred for local resources such as respite care, support groups, and counseling. A financial assessment can be crucial in identifying unknown or previously untapped resources for an older patient in need, such as state or local benefits, long-term care insurance, or veteran's benefits. The multidisciplinary CGA team should include an LSW who is familiar with available resources and access methods. The LSW should evaluate the patient's current financial situation and assess for additional resources if needed (Ward & Reuben, 2020). An LSW also can address social isolation, patient and family education, advanced care planning, and referrals to community or mental health resources (Agarwal, 2020).
For additional information regarding the assessment, diagnosis, and care of victims of elder abuse, please refer to the NursingCE course on Domestic and Community Violence.
Goals of Care
Patients and their families should be central throughout the CGA process; most importantly, they should be allowed to prioritize their outcomes along the way. This health wish list of future achievements or goals often includes regaining a vital skill (e.g., walking without the aid of a device). A patient’s goals are often social (e.g., attending a grandchild's graduation or wedding, living at home) or functional (e.g., independence with ADLs) and less often directly health-related (e.g., to lose 10 pounds, to decrease SBP below 140). Goals should be both short- and long-term, as well as personalized. Progress should be monitored regularly to track whether goals have been met or to modify goals if needed. A formal method for establishing and monitoring goals may be used; the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) is a free tool that utilizes patient-reported outcomes (Ward & Reuben, 2020).
Advance Care Preferences
To differentiate from discussions regarding goals of care, documenting a patient's advance care preferences involves determining which interventions they find acceptable and who should make future healthcare decisions for the patient if their health deteriorates and precludes them from making such decisions themselves. These discussions should occur while the patient has the mental faculties needed to participate fully and articulate their wishes. Patients should be asked about specific interventions designed to extend life (e.g., feeding tubes, intubation, ventilator support), how their preferences may change if their medical team advises against further aggressive or curative treatments, and how decisions should be made if current caregivers become overwhelmed and cannot care for the patient in their current environment. Formal tools have been developed to assist providers in facilitating discussions about end-of-life care and promote shared decision-making (Ward & Reuben, 2020). Due to their extensive skills in this area, an LSW should be recruited to assess and then address advanced-care planning concerns with each patient during the CGA process (Agarwal, 2020).
Polypharmacy
The performance of thorough medication reconciliation and medication review is an essential component of the CGA. Roughly one-half (44% of men and 57% of women) of those over the age of 65 take at least five medications (prescription or OTC) every week. In this same age group, 12% of patients take at least 10 medications. National treatment guidelines for chronic conditions may dictate that patients be prescribed a minimum of six medicines to reduce their risk of long-term complications related to DM, coronary artery disease, etc. However, polypharmacy becomes an issue if it contributes to negative outcomes, such as adverse events, noncompliance, and increased cost (Saljoughian, 2019). Polypharmacy has been established as an independent risk factor for hip fractures in older adults (Rochon, 2020). Being prescribed various medications by multiple HCPs increases the risk of adverse events and drug-drug interactions for older adult patients. Polypharmacy also leads to therapeutic duplication, unnecessary medications, and poor adherence. Risk factors for polypharmacy include age, education, ethnicity, health status, and access to a pharmacy (Nguyen et al. 2020; Ward & Reuben, 2020). The risk of a drug-drug interaction rises as the number of medications increases. A patient taking 5-9 different medications has a 50% chance of an interaction, but this probability increases to 100% in a patient taking 20 or more medications. While polypharmacy increases the risk of poor adherence, geriatric patients may also have difficulty with forgetting to take their medications, poor vision, limited financial resources, and limited access to a pharmacy or transportation to a pharmacy, all of which have been shown to reduce medication regimen adherence. Patients may also elect to reduce the dose or stop a medication if they perceive an unpleasant symptom caused by the medication (Saljoughian, 2019).
For a complete discussion regarding polypharmacy in older adult patients, including how to address this issue and age-specific prescribing considerations for older adults, please see the Nursing CE course Care Considerations for Older Adults: The Assessment and Management of Polypharmacy
Outcomes
Research has confirmed that the CGA process leads to enhanced detection and documentation of geriatric problems and syndromes. Outcomes such as decreased hospitalization rate, skilled nursing facility (SNF) admission, and mortality vary based on the setting and specific CGA model used. Settings that have been studied include home assessments, acute geriatric units, post-hospital discharge, outpatient consultations, and inpatient consultations (Ward & Reuben, 2020).
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Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. W. (2001). The PHQ-9. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9), 606–613. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001.016009606.x
Lippmann, S., & Perugula, M. L. (2016). Delirium or dementia? Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, 13(9-10), 56–57. | https://www.nursingce.com/ceu-courses/geriatric-assessment-for-rn-lpn |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
TECHNICAL FIELD
This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/734,211, filed on Jan. 3, 2020, entitled “AUDIO PROCESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD, AND PROGRAM,” which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/737,026, U.S. Pat. No. 10,567,903, filed Dec. 15, 2017, entitled “AUDIO PROCESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD, AND PROGRAM”, which is a national stage filing under 35 U.S.C. 371 of International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/JP2016/067195, filed Jun. 9, 2016. Foreign priority benefits are claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d) or 35 U.S.C. § 365(b) of Japanese application number JP2015-148683, filed Jul. 28, 2015 and Japanese application number JP2015-126650, filed Jun. 24, 2015. The entire contents of each of these applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The present technology relates to an audio processing apparatus and method and a program, and particularly to an audio processing apparatus and method and a program by which sound of higher quality can be obtained.
BACKGROUND ART
Conventionally, as a technology for controlling localization of a sound image using a plurality of speakers, VBAP (Vector Base Amplitude Panning) is known (for example, refer to NPL 1).
In the VBAP, by outputting sound from three speakers, a sound image can be localized at one arbitrary point at the inner side of a triangle defined by the three speakers.
However, it is considered that, in the real world, a sound image is localized not at one point but is localized in a partial space having a certain degree of extent. For example, it is considered that, while human voice is generated from the vocal cords, vibration of the voice is propagated to the face, the body and so forth, and as a result, the voice is emitted from a partial space that is the entire human body.
As a technology for localizing sound in such a partial space as described above, namely, as a technology for extending a sound image, MDAP (Multiple Direction Amplitude Panning) is generally known (for example, refer to NPL 2). Further, the MDAP is used also in a rendering processing unit of the MPEG-H 3D (Moving Picture Experts Group-High Quality Three-Dimensional) Audio standard (for example, refer to NPL 3).
CITATION LIST
Non Patent Literature
Ville Pulkki, “Virtual Sound Source Positioning Using Vector Base Amplitude Panning,” Journal of AES, vol. 45, no. 6, pp. 456-466, 1997
[NPL 1]
Ville-Pulkki, “Uniform Spreading of Amplitude Panned Virtual Sources,” Proc. 1999 IEEE Workshop on Applications of Signal Processing to Audio and Acoustics, New Paltz, N.Y., Oct. 17-20, 1999
[NPL 2]
ISO/IEC JTC1/SC29/WG11 N14747, August 2014, Sapporo, Japan, “Text of ISO/IEC 23008-3/DIS, 3D Audio”
[NPL 3]
SUMMARY
Technical Problem
However, the technology described above fails to obtain sound of sufficiently high quality.
For example, in the MPEG-H 3D Audio standard, information indicative of a degree of extent of a sound image called spread is included in metadata of an audio object and a process for extending a sound image is performed on the basis of the spread. However, in the process for extending a sound image, there is a constraint that the extent of a sound image is symmetrical in the upward and downward direction and the leftward and rightward direction with respect to the center at the position of the audio object. Therefore, a process that takes a directionality (radial direction) of sound from the audio object into consideration cannot be performed and sound of sufficiently high quality cannot be obtained.
The present technology has been made in view of such a situation as described above and makes it possible to obtain sound of higher quality.
Solution to Problem
Advantageous Effect of Invention
An audio processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present technology includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire metadata including position information indicative of a position of an audio object and sound image information configured from a vector of at least two or more dimensions and representative of an extent of a sound image from the position, a vector calculation unit configured to calculate, based on a horizontal direction angle and a vertical direction angle of a region representative of the extent of the sound image determined by the sound image information, a spread vector indicative of a position in the region, and a gain calculation unit configured to calculate, based on the spread vector, a gain of each of audio signals supplied to two or more sound outputting units positioned in the proximity of the position indicated by the position information.
The vector calculation unit may calculate the spread vector based on a ratio between the horizontal direction angle and the vertical direction angle.
The vector calculation unit may calculate the number of spread vectors determined in advance.
The vector calculation unit may calculate a variable arbitrary number of spread vectors.
The sound image information may be a vector indicative of a center position of the region.
The sound image information may be a vector of two or more dimensions indicative of an extent degree of the sound image from the center of the region.
The sound image information may be a vector indicative of a relative position of a center position of the region as viewed from a position indicated by the position information.
The gain calculation unit may calculate, the gain for each spread vector in regard to each of the sound outputting units, calculate an addition value of the gains calculated in regard to the spread vectors for each of the sound outputting units, quantize the addition value into a gain of two or more values for each of the sound outputting units, and calculate a final gain for each of the sound outputting units based on the quantized addition value.
The gain calculation unit may select the number of meshes each of which is a region surrounded by three ones of the sound outputting units and which number is to be used for calculation of the gain and calculate the gain for each of the spread vectors based on a result of the selection of the number of meshes and the spread vector.
The gain calculation unit may select the number of meshes to be used for calculation of the gain, whether or not the quantization is to be performed and a quantization number of the addition value upon the quantization and calculate the final gain in response to a result of the selection.
The gain calculation unit may select, based on the number of the audio objects, the number of meshes to be used for calculation of the gain, whether or not the quantization is to be performed and the quantization number.
The gain calculation unit may select, based on an importance degree of the audio object, the number of meshes to be used for calculation of the gain, whether or not the quantization is to be performed and the quantization number.
The gain calculation unit may select the number of meshes to be used for calculation of the gain such that the number of meshes to be used for calculation of the gain increases as the position of the audio object is positioned nearer to the audio object that is high in the importance degree.
The gain calculation unit may select, based on a sound pressure of the audio signal of the audio object, the number of meshes to be used for calculation of the gain, whether or not the quantization is to be performed and the quantization number.
The gain calculation unit may select, in response to a result of the selection of the number of meshes, three or more ones of the plurality of sound outputting units including the sound outputting units that are positioned at different heights from each other, and calculate the gain based on one or a plurality of meshes formed from the selected sound outputting units.
An audio processing method or a program according to the one aspect of the present technology includes the steps of acquiring metadata including position information indicative of a position of an audio object and sound image information configured from a vector of at least two or more dimensions and representative of an extent of a sound image from the position, calculating, based on a horizontal direction angle and a vertical direction angle of a region representative of the extent of the sound image determined by the sound image information, a spread vector indicative of a position in the region, and calculating, based on the spread vector, a gain of each of audio signals supplied to two or more sound outputting units positioned in the proximity of the position indicated by the position information.
In the one aspect of the present technology, metadata including position information indicative of an audio object and sound image information configured from a vector of at least two or more dimensions and representative of an extent of a sound image from the position is acquired. Then, based on a horizontal direction angle and a vertical direction angle regarding a region representative of the extent of the sound image determined by the sound image information, a spread vector indicative of a position in the region is calculated. Further, based on the spread vector, a gain of each of audio signals supplied to two or more sound outputting units positioned in the proximity of the position indicated by the position information is calculated.
With the one aspect of the present technology, sound of higher quality can be obtained.
It is to be noted that the effect described here is not necessarily limitative, but any of effects described in the present disclosure may be exhibited.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a view illustrating VBAP.
FIG. 2
is a view illustrating a position of a sound image.
FIG. 3
is a view illustrating a spread vector.
FIG. 4
is a view illustrating a spread center vector method.
FIG. 5
is a view illustrating a spread radiation vector method.
FIG. 6
is a view depicting an example of a configuration of an audio processing apparatus.
FIG. 7
is a flow chart illustrating a reproduction process.
FIG. 8
is a flow chart illustrating a spread vector calculation process.
FIG. 9
is a flow chart illustrating the spread vector calculation process based on a spread three-dimensional vector.
FIG. 10
is a flow chart illustrating the spread vector calculation process based on a spread center vector.
FIG. 11
is a flow chart illustrating the spread vector calculation process based on a spread end vector.
FIG. 12
is a flow chart illustrating the spread vector calculation process based on a spread radiation vector.
FIG. 13
is a flow chart illustrating the spread vector calculation process based on spread vector position information.
FIG. 14
is a view illustrating switching of the number of meshes.
FIG. 15
is a view illustrating switching of the number of meshes.
FIG. 16
is a view illustrating formation of a mesh.
FIG. 17
is a view depicting an example of a configuration of the audio processing apparatus.
FIG. 18
is a flow chart illustrating a reproduction process.
FIG. 19
is a view depicting an example of a configuration of the audio processing apparatus.
FIG. 20
is a flow chart illustrating a reproduction process.
FIG. 21
is a flow chart illustrating a VBAP gain calculation process.
FIG. 22
is a view depicting an example of a configuration of a computer.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment
Second Embodiment
Modification 1 to Second Embodiment
In the following, embodiments to which the present technology is applied are described with reference to the drawings.
<VBAP and Process for Extending Sound Image>
The present technology makes it possible, when an audio signal of an audio object and metadata such as position information of the audio object are acquired to perform rendering, to obtain sound of higher quality. It is to be noted that, in the following description, the audio object is referred to simply as object.
First, the VBAP and a process for extending a sound image in the MPEG-H 3D Audio standard are described below.
FIG. 1
11
1
3
For example, it is assumed that, as depicted in , a user U who enjoys a content of a moving picture with sound, a musical piece or the like is listening to sound of three-channels outputted from three speakers SP to SP as sound of the content.
1
3
It is examined to localize, in such a case as just described, a sound image at a position p using information of the positions of the three speakers SP to SP that output sound of different channels.
11
1
3
1
3
1
3
For example, the position p is represented by a three-dimensional vector (hereinafter referred to also as vector p) whose start point is the origin O in a three-dimensional coordinate system whose origin O is given by the position of the head of the user U. Further, if three-dimensional vectors whose start point is given by the origin O and that are directed in directions toward the positions of the speakers SP to SP are represented as vectors Ito I, respectively, then the vector p can be represented by a linear sum of the vectors Ito I.
1
1
2
2
3
3
In other words, the vector p can be represented as p=gI+gI+gI.
1
3
1
3
1
3
Here, if coefficients gto gby which the vectors Ito Iare multiplied are calculated and are determined as gains of sound outputted from the speakers SP to SP, respectively, then a sound image can be localized at the position p.
1
3
1
3
1
3
A technique for determining the coefficients gto gusing position information of the three speakers SP to SP and controlling the localization position of a sound image in such a manner as described above is referred to as three-dimensional VBAP. Especially, in the following description, a gain determined for each speaker like the coefficients gto gis referred to as VBAP gain.
FIG. 1
11
1
2
3
11
1
3
1
3
In the example of , a sound image can be localized at an arbitrary position in a region TR of a triangular shape on a sphere including the positions of the speakers SP, SP and SP. Here, the region TR is a region on the surface of a sphere centered at the origin O and passing the positions of the speakers SP to SP and is a triangular region surrounded by the speakers SP to SP.
If such three-dimensional VBAP is used, then a sound image can be localized at an arbitrary position in a space. It is to be noted that the VBAP is described in detail, for example, in ‘Ville Pulkki, “Virtual Sound Source Positioning Using Vector Base Amplitude Panning,” Journal of AES, vol. 45, no. 6, pp. 456-466, 1997’ and so forth.
Now, a process for extending a sound image according to the MPEG-H 3D Audio standard is described.
In the MPEG-H 3D Audio standard, a bit stream obtained by multiplexing encoded audio data obtained by encoding an audio signal of each object and encoded metadata obtained by encoding metadata of each object is outputted from an encoding apparatus.
For example, the metadata includes position information indicative of a position of an object in a space, importance information indicative of an importance degree of the object and spread that is information indicative of a degree of extent of a sound image of the object.
Here, the spread indicative of an extent degree of a sound image is an arbitrary angle from 0 to 180 deg., and the encoding apparatus can designate spread of a value different for each frame of an audio signal in regard to each object.
Further, the position of the object is represented by a horizontal direction angle azimuth, a vertical direction angle elevation and a distance radius. In particular, the position information of the object is configured from values of the horizontal direction angle azimuth, vertical direction angle elevation and distance radius.
FIG. 2
FIG. 2
11
11
For example, a three-dimensional coordinate system is considered in which, as depicted in , the position of a user who enjoys sound of objects outputted from speakers not depicted is determined as the origin O and a right upward direction, a left upward direction and an upward direction in are determined as an x axis, a y axis and a z axis that are perpendicular to each other. At this time, if the position of one object is represented as position OBJ, then a sound image may be localized at the position OBJ in the three-dimensional coordinate system.
11
11
FIG. 2
Further, if a linear line interconnecting the position OBJ and the origin O is represented as line L, the angle θ (azimuth) in the horizontal direction in defined by the linear line L and the x axis on the xy plane is a horizontal direction angle azimuth indicative of the position in the horizontal direction of the object at the position OBJ, and the horizontal direction angle azimuth has an arbitrary value that satisfies−180 deg.≤azimuth≤180 deg.
For example, the positive direction in the x-axis direction is determined as azimuth=0 deg. and the negative direction in the x-axis direction is determined as azimuth=+180 deg.=−180 deg. Further, the counterclockwise direction around the origin O is determined as the +direction of the azimuth and the clockwise direction around the origin O is determined as the−direction of the azimuth.
FIG. 2
FIG. 2
FIG. 2
11
Further, the angle defined by the linear line L and the xy plane, namely, the angle γ (elevation angle) in the vertical direction in , is the perpendicular direction angle elevation indicative of the position in the vertical direction of the object located at the position OBJ, and the perpendicular direction angle elevation has an arbitrary value that satisfies−90 deg.≤elevation≤90 deg. For example, the position on the xy plane is elevation=0 deg. and the upward direction in is the +direction of the perpendicular direction angle elevation, and the downward direction in is the − direction of the perpendicular direction angle elevation.
11
Further, the length of the linear line L, namely, the distance from the origin O to the position OBJ, is the distance radius to the user, and the distance radius has a value of 0 or more. In particular, the distance radius has a value that satisfies 0≤radius≤∞. In the following description, the distance radius is referred to also as distance in a radial direction.
It is to be noted that, in the VBAP, the distance radii from all speakers or objects to the user are equal, and it is a general method that the distance radius is normalized to 1 to perform calculation.
The position information of the object included in the metadata in this manner is configured from values of the horizontal direction angle azimuth, vertical direction angle elevation and distance radius.
In the following description, the horizontal direction angle azimuth, vertical direction angle elevation and distance radius are referred to simply also as azimuth, elevation and radius, respectively.
Further, in a decoding apparatus that receives a bit stream including encoded audio data and encoded metadata, after decoding of the encoded audio data and the encoded metadata is performed, a rendering process for extending a sound image is performed in response to the value of the spread included in the metadata.
FIG. 1
In particular, the decoding apparatus first determines a position in a space indicated by the position information included in the metadata of an object as position p. The position p corresponds to the position p in described hereinabove.
1
18
0
0
FIG. 3
FIG. 3
FIG. 1
Then, the decoding apparatus disposes 18 spread vectors p to p such that, setting the position p to position p=center position p, for example, as depicted in , they are symmetrical in the upward and downward direction and the leftward and rightward direction on a unit spherical plane around the center position p. It is to be noted that, in , portions corresponding to those in the case of are denoted by like reference symbols, and description of the portions is omitted suitably.
FIG. 3
1
5
1
0
0
0
In , five speakers SP to SP are disposed on a spherical plane of a unit sphere of a radius centered at the origin O, and the position p indicated by the position information is the center position p. In the following description, the position p is specifically referred to also as object position p and the vector whose start point is the origin O and whose end point is the object position p is referred to also as vector p. Further, the vector whose start point is the origin O and whose end point is the center position p is referred to also as vector p.
FIG. 3
FIG. 3
FIG. 3
In , an arrow mark whose start point is the origin O and which is plotted by a broken line represents a spread vector. However, while there actually are 18 spread vectors, in , only eight spread vectors are plotted for the visibility of .
1
18
11
0
11
0
Here, each of the spread vectors p to p is a vector whose end point position is positioned within a region R of a circle on a unit spherical plane centered at the center position p. Especially, the angle defined by the spread vector whose end point position is positioned on the circumference of the circle represented by the region R and the vector p is an angle indicated by the spread.
0
11
Accordingly, the end point position of each spread vector is disposed at a position spaced farther from the center position p as the value of the spread increases. In other words, the region R increases in size.
11
11
11
11
The region R represents an extent of a sound image from the position of the object. In other words, the region R is a region indicative of the range in which a sound image of the object is extended. Further, it can be considered that, since it is considered that sound of the object is emitted from the entire object, the region R represents the shape of the object. In the following description, a region that indicates a range in which a sound image of an object is extended like the region R is referred to also as region indicative of extent of a sound image.
1
18
0
Further, where the value of the spread is 0, the end point positions of the 18 spread vectors p to p are equivalent to the center position p.
1
18
1
18
It is to be noted that, in the following description, the end point positions of the spread vectors p to p are specifically referred to also as positions p to p, respectively.
1
18
1
After the spread vectors symmetrical in the upward and downward direction and the leftward and rightward direction on the unit spherical plane are determined as described above, the decoding apparatus calculates a VBAP gain for each of the speakers of the channels by the VBAP in regard to the vector p and the spread vectors, namely, in regard to each of the position p and the positions p to p. At this time, the VBAP gains for the speakers are calculated such that a sound image is localized at each of the positions such as the position p and a position p.
FIG. 3
1
1
18
Then, the decoding apparatus adds the VBAP gains calculated for the positions for each speaker. For example, in the example of , the VBAP gains for the position p calculated in regard to the speaker SP and the positions p to p are added.
Further, the decoding apparatus normalizes the VBAP gains after the addition process calculated for the individual speakers. In particular, normalization is performed such that the square sum of the VBAP gains of all speakers becomes 1.
Then, the decoding apparatus multiplies the audio signal of the object by the VBAP gains of the speakers obtained by the normalization to obtain audio signals for the individual speakers, and supplies the audio signals obtained for the individual speakers to the speakers such that they output sound.
FIG. 3
11
11
Consequently, for example, in an example of , a sound image is localized such that sound is outputted from the entire region R. In other words, the sound image is extended to the entire region R.
FIG. 3
2
3
11
1
4
In , when the process for extending a sound image is not performed, the sound image of the object is localized at the position p, and therefore, in this case, sound is outputted substantially from the speaker SP and the speaker SP. In contrast, when the process for extending the sound image is performed, the sound image is extended to the entire region R, and therefore, upon sound reproduction, sound is outputted from the speakers SP to SP.
Incidentally, when such a process for extending a sound image as described above is performed, the processing amount upon rendering increases in comparison with that in an alternative case in which the process for extending a sound image is not performed. Consequently, a case occurs in which the number of objects capable of being handled by the decoding apparatus decreases, or another case occurs in which rendering cannot be performed by a decoding apparatus that incorporates a renderer of a small hardware scale.
Therefore, where a process for extending a sound image is performed upon rendering, it is desirable to make it possible to perform rendering with a processing amount as small as possible.
0
Further, since there is a constraint that the 18 spread vectors described above are symmetrical in the upward and downward direction and the leftward and rightward direction on the unit spherical plane around the center position p=position p, a process taking the directionality (radiation direction) of sound of an object or the shape of an object into consideration cannot be performed. Therefore, sound of sufficiently high quality cannot be obtained.
Further, since, in the MPEG-H 3D Audio standard, one kind of a process is prescribed as a process for extending a sound image upon rendering, where the hardware scale of the renderer is small, the process for extending a sound image cannot be performed. In other words, reproduction of audio cannot be performed.
Further, in the MPEG-H 3D Audio standard, it cannot be performed to switch the processing to perform rendering such that sound having maximum quality can be obtained by a processing amount permitted with the hardware scale of the renderer.
Taking such a situation as described above into consideration, the present technology makes it possible to reduce the processing amount upon rendering. Further, the present technology makes it possible to obtain sound of sufficiently high quality by representing the directionality or the shape of an object. Furthermore, the present technology makes it possible to select an appropriate process as a process upon rendering in response to a hardware scale of a renderer or the like to obtain sound having the highest quality within a range of a permissible processing amount.
An outline of the present technology is described below.
<Reduction of Processing Amount>
First, reduction of the processing amount upon rendering is described.
In a normal VBAP process (rendering process) in which a sound image is not extended, processes A1 to A3 particularly described below are performed:
(Process A1)
VBAP gains by which an audio signal is to be multiplied are calculated in regard to three speakers.
(Process A2)
Normalization is performed such that the square sum of the VBAP gains of the three speakers becomes 1.
(Process A3)
An audio signal of an object is multiplied by the VBAP gains.
Here, since, in the process A3, a multiplication process of an audio signal by a VBAP gain is performed for each of the three speakers, such a multiplication process as just described is performed by three times in the maximum.
On the other hand, in a VBAP process (rendering process) when a process for extending a sound image is performed, processes B1 to B5 particularly described below are performed:
(Process B1)
A VBAP gain by which an audio signal of each of the three speakers is to be multiplied is calculated in regard to the vector p.
(Process B2)
A VBAP gain by which an audio signal of each of the three speakers is to be multiplied is calculated in regard to 18 spread vectors.
(Process B3)
The VBAP gains calculated for the vectors are added for each speaker.
(Process B4)
Normalization is performed such that the square sum of the VBAP gains of all speakers becomes 1.
(Process B5)
The audio signal of the object is multiplied by the VBAP gains.
When the process for extending a sound image is performed, since the number of speakers that output sound is three or more, the multiplication process in the process B5 is performed by three times or more.
Accordingly, if a case in which the process for extending a sound image is performed and another case in which the process for extending a sound image is not performed are compared with each other, then when the process for extending a sound image is performed, the processing amount increases by an amount especially by the processes B2 and B3 and the processing amount also in the process B5 is greater than that in the process A3.
Therefore, the present technology makes it possible to reduce the processing amount in the process B5 described above by quantizing the sum of the VBAP gains of the vectors determined for each speaker.
In particular, such a process as described below is performed by the present technology. It is to be noted that the sum (addition value) of the VBAP gains calculated for each vector such as a vector p or a spread vector determined for each speaker is referred to also as VBAP gain addition value.
First, after the processes B1 to B3 are performed and a VBAP gain addition value is obtained for each speaker, then the VBAP gain addition value is binarized. In the binarization, for example, the VBAP gain addition value for each speaker has one of 0 and 1.
As a method for binarizing a VBAP gain addition value, any method may be adopted such as rounding off, ceiling (round up), flooring (truncation) or a threshold value process.
After the VBAP gain addition value is binarized in this manner, the process B4 described above is performed on the basis of the binarized VBAP gain addition value. Then, as a result, the final VBAP gain for each speaker is one gain except 0. In other words, if the VBAP gain addition value is binarized, then the final value of the VBAP gain of each speaker is 0 or a predetermined value.
(1/2)
For example, if, as a result of the binarization, the VBAP gain addition value of the three speakers is 1 and the VBAP gain addition value of the other speakers is 0, then the final value of the VBAP gain of the three speakers is ⅓.
After the final VBAP gains for the speakers are obtained in this manner, a process for multiplying the audio signals for the speakers by the final VBAP gains is performed as a process B5′ in place of the process B5 described hereinabove.
If binarization is performed in such a manner as described above, then since the final value of the VBAP gain for each speaker becomes one of 0 and the predetermined value, in the process B5′, it is necessary to perform the multiplication process only once, and therefore, the processing amount can be reduced. In other words, while the process B5 requires performance of a multiplication process three times or more, the process B5′ requires performance of a multiplication process only once.
It is to be noted that, although the description here is given of a case in which a VBAP gain addition value is binarized as an example, the VBAP gain addition value may be quantized otherwise into one of three values or more.
For example, where a VBAP gain addition value is one of three values, after the processes B1 to B3 described above are performed and a VBAP gain addition value is obtained for each speaker, the VBAP gain addition value is quantized into one of 0, 0.5 and 1. After then, the process B4 and the process B5′ are performed. In this case, the number of times of a multiplication process in the process B5′ is two in the maximum.
Where a VBAP gain addition value is x-value converted in this manner, namely, where a VBAP gain addition value is quantized into one of x gains where x is equal to or greater than 2, then the number of times of performance of a multiplication process in the process B5′ becomes (x−1) in the maximum.
It is to be noted that, although, in the foregoing description, an example in which, when a process for extending a sound image is performed, a VBAP gain addition value is quantized to reduce the processing amount is described, also where a process for extending a sound image is not performed, the processing amount can be reduced by quantizing a VBAP gain similarly. In particular, if the VBAP gain for each speaker determined in regard to the vector p is quantized, then the number of times of performance of a multiplication process for an audio signal by the VBAP gain after normalization can be reduced.
<Process for Representing Shape and Directionality of Sound of Object>
Now, a process for representing a shape of an object and a directionality of sound of the object by the present technology is described.
In the following, five methods including a spread three-dimensional vector method, a spread center vector method, a spread end vector method, a spread radiation vector method and an arbitrary spread vector method are described.
(Spread Three-Dimensional Vector Method)
First, the spread three-dimensional vector method is described.
In the spread three-dimensional vector method, a spread three-dimensional vector that is a three-dimensional vector is stored into and transmitted together with a bit stream. Here, it is assumed that a spread three-dimensional vector is stored, for example, into metadata of a frame of each audio signal for each object. In this case, a spread indicative of an extent degree of a sound image is not stored in the metadata.
For example, a spread three-dimensional vector is a three-dimensional vector including three factors of s3_azimuth indicative of an extent degree of a sound image in the horizontal direction, s3_elevation indicative of an extent degree of the sound image in the vertical direction and s3_radius indicative of a depth in a radius direction of the sound image.
In particular, the spread three-dimensional vector=(s3_azimuth, s3_elevation, s3_radius).
0
Here, s3_azimuth indicates a spread angle of a sound image in the horizontal direction from the position p, namely, in a direction of the horizontal direction angle azimuth described hereinabove. In particular, s3_azimuth indicates an angle defined by a vector toward an end in the horizontal direction side of a region that indicates an extent of a sound image from the origin O and the vector p (vector p).
0
Similarly, s3_elevation indicates a spread angle of a sound image in the vertical direction from the position p, namely, in the direction of the vertical direction angle elevation described hereinabove. In particular, s3_elevation indicates an angle defined between a vector toward an end in the vertical direction side of a region indicative of an extent of the sound image from the origin O and the vector p (vector p). Further, s3_radius indicates a depth in the direction of the distance radius described above, namely, in a normal direction to the unit spherical plane.
It is to be noted that s3_azimuth, s3_elevation and s3_radius have values equal to or greater than 0. Further, although the spread three-dimensional vector here is information indicative of a relative position to the position p indicated by the position information of the object, the spread three-dimensional vector may otherwise be information indicative of an absolute position.
In the spread three-dimensional vector method, such a spread three-dimensional vector as described above is used to perform rendering.
In particular, in the spread three-dimensional vector method, a value of the spread is calculated by calculating the expression (1) given below on the basis of a spread three-dimensional vector:
[Expression 1]
s
s
spread: max(3_azimuth,3_elevation) (1)
It is to be noted that max(a, b) in the expression (1) indicates a function that returns a higher one of values of a and b. Accordingly, a higher value of s3_azimuth and s3_elevation is determined as the value of the spread.
1
18
Then, on the basis of the value of the spread obtained in this manner and position information included in the metadata, 18 spread vectors p to p are calculated similarly as in the case of the MPEG-H 3D Audio standard.
1
18
Accordingly, the position p of the object indicated by the position information included in the metadata is determined as center position pO, and the 18 spread vectors p to p are determined such that they are symmetrical in the leftward and rightward direction and the upward and downward direction on the unit spherical plane centered at the center position pO.
0
0
Further, in the spread three-dimensional vector method, the vector p whose start point is the origin O and whose end point is the center position pO is determined as spread vector p.
Further, each spread vector is represented by a horizontal direction angle azimuth, a vertical direction angle elevation and a distance radius. In the following, the horizontal direction angle azimuth and the vertical direction angle elevation particularly of the spread vector pi (where i=0 to 18) are resented as a(i) and e(i), respectively.
0
18
1
18
After the spread vectors p to p are obtained in this manner, the spread vectors p to p are changed (corrected) into final spread vectors on the basis of the ratio between s3_azimuth and s3_elevation.
1
18
In particular, where s3_azimuth is greater than s3_elevation, calculation of the following expression (2) is performed to change e(i), which is elevation of the spread vectors p to p, into e′(i):
[Expression 2]
e
i
e
e
i
e
s
s
′()=(0)+(()−(0))×3_elevation/3_azimuth (2)
0
It is to be noted that, for the spread vector p, correction of elevation is not performed.
1
18
In contrast, where s3_azimuth is smaller than s3_elevation, calculation of the following expression (3) is performed to change a(i), which is azimuth of the spread vectors p to p, into a′(i):
[Expression 3]
a
i
a
a
i
a
s
s
′()=(0)+(()−(0))×3_azimuth/3_elevation (3)
0
It is to be noted that, for the spread vector p, correction of azimuth is not performed.
The process of determining a greater one of s3_azimuth and s3_elevation as a spread to determine a spread vector in such a manner as described above is a process for tentatively setting a region indicative of an extent of a sound image on the unit spherical plane as a circle of a radius defined by an angle of a greater one of s3_azimuth and s3_elevation to determine a spread vector by a process similar to a conventional process.
Further, the process of correcting the spread vector later by the expression (2) or the expression (3) in response to a relationship in magnitude between s3_azimuth and s3_elevation is a process for correcting the region indicative of the extent of the sound image, namely, the spread vector, such that the region indicative of the extent of the sound image on the unit spherical plane becomes a region defined by original s3_azimuth and s3_elevation designated by the spread three-dimensional vector.
Accordingly, the processes described above after all become processes for calculating a spread vector for a region indicative of an extent of a sound image, which has a circular shape or an elliptical shape, on the unit spherical plane on the basis of the spread three-dimensional vector, namely, on the basis of s3_azimuth and s3_elevation.
0
18
After the spread vectors are obtained in this manner, the spread vectors p to p are thereafter used to perform the process B2, the process B3, the process B4 and the process B5′ described hereinabove to generate audio signals to be supplied to the speakers.
0
18
0
0
It is to be noted that, in the process B2, a VBAP gain for each speaker is calculated in regard to each of the 19 spread vectors of the spread vectors p to p. Here, since the spread vector p is the vector p, it can be considered that the process for calculating the VBAP gain in regard to the spread vector p is to perform the process B1. Further, after the process B3, quantization of each VBAP gain addition value is performed as occasion demands.
By setting a region indicative of an extent of a sound image to a region of an arbitrary shape by spread three-dimensional vectors in this manner, it becomes possible to represent a shape of an object and a directionality of sound of the object, and sound of higher quality can be obtained by rendering.
Further, although an example in which a higher one of values of s3_azimuth and s3_elevation is used as a value of the spread is described here, otherwise a lower one of values of s3_azimuth and s3_elevation may be used as a value of the spread.
In this case, when s3_azimuth is greater than s3_elevation, a(i) that is azimuth of each spread vector is corrected, but when s3_azimuth is smaller than s3_elevation, e(i) that is elevation of each spread vector is corrected.
0
18
Further, although description here is given of an example in which the spread vectors p to p, namely, the 19 spread vectors determined in advance, are determined and a VBAP gain is calculated in regard to the spread vectors, the number of spread vectors to be calculated may be variable.
In such a case as just described, the number of spread vectors to be generated can be determined, for example, in response to the ratio between s3_azimuth and s3_elevation. According to such a process as just described, for example, where an object is elongated horizontally and the extent of sound of the object in the vertical direction is small, if the spread vectors juxtaposed in the vertical direction are omitted and the spread vectors are juxtaposed substantially in the horizontal direction, then the extent of sound in the horizontal direction can be represented appropriately.
(Spread Center Vector Method)
Now, the spread center vector method is described.
In the spread center vector method, a spread center vector that is a three-dimensional vector is stored into and transmitted together with a bit stream. Here, it is assumed that a spread center vector is stored, for example, into metadata of a frame of each audio signal for each object. In this case, also a spread indicative of an extent degree of a sound image is stored in the metadata.
The spread center vector is a vector indicative of the center position pO of a region indicative of an extent of a sound image of an object. For example, the spread center vector is a three-dimensional vector configured form three factors of azimuth indicative of a horizontal direction angle of the center position pO, elevation indicative of a vertical direction angle of the center position pO and radius indicative of a distance of the center position pO in a radial direction.
In particular, the spread center vector=(azimuth, elevation, radius).
0
18
0
0
FIG. 4
FIG. 4
FIG. 3
Upon rendering processing, the position indicated by the spread center vector is determined as the center position pO, and spread vectors p to p are calculated as spread vectors. Here, for example, as depicted in , the spread vector p is the vector p whose start point is the origin O and whose end point is the center position pO. It is to be noted that, in , portions corresponding to those in the case of are denoted by like reference symbols and description of them is omitted suitably.
FIG. 4
FIG. 4
Further, in , an arrow mark plotted by a broken line represents a spread vector, and also in , in order to make the figure easy to see, only nine spread vectors are depicted.
FIG. 3
FIG. 4
FIG. 4
FIG. 3
21
While, in the example depicted in , the position p=center position pO, in the example of , the center position pO is a position different from the position p. In this example, it can be seen that a region R indicative of an extent of a sound image and centered at the center position pO is displaced to the left side in from that in the example of with respect to the position p that is the position of the object.
If it is possible to designate, as the center position pO of the region indicative of an extent of a sound image, an arbitrary position by a spread center vector in this manner, then the directionality of sound of the object can be represented with a higher degree of accuracy.
0
18
0
18
In the spread center vector method, if the spread vectors p to p are obtained, then the process B1 is performed thereafter for the vector p and the process B2 is performed in regard to the spread vectors p to p.
1
18
0
0
It is to be noted that, in the process B2, a VBAP gain may be calculated in regard to each of the 19 spread vectors, or a VBAP gain may be calculated only in regard to the spread vectors p to p except the spread vector p. In the following, description is given assuming that a VBAP gain is calculated also in regard to the spread vector p.
Further, after the VBAP gain of each vector is calculated, the process B3, process B4 and process B5′ are performed to generate audio signals to be supplied to the speakers. It is to be noted that, after the process B3, quantization of a VBAP gain addition value is performed as occasion demands.
Also by such a spread center vector method as described above, sound of sufficiently high quality can be obtained by rendering.
(Spread End Vector Method)
Now, the spread end vector method is described.
In the spread end vector method, a spread end vector that is a five-dimensional vector is stored into and transmitted together with a bit stream. Here, it is assumed that, for example, a spread end vector is stored into metadata of a frame of each audio signal for each object. In this case, a spread indicative of an extent degree of a sound image is not stored into the metadata.
For example, a spread end vector is a vector representative of a region indicative of an extent of a sound image of an object, and is a vector configured from five factors of a spread left end azimuth, a spread right end azimuth, a spread upper end elevation, a spread lower end elevation and a spread radius.
Here, the spread left end azimuth and the spread right end azimuth configuring the spread end vector individually indicate values of horizontal direction angles azimuth indicative of absolute positions of a left end and a right end in the horizontal direction of the region indicative of the extent of the sound image. In other words, the spread left end azimuth and the spread right end azimuth individually indicate angles representative of extent degrees of a sound image in the leftward direction and the rightward direction from the center position pO of the region indicative of the extent of the sound image.
Meanwhile, the spread upper end elevation and the spread lower end elevation individually indicate values of vertical direction angles elevation indicative of absolute positions of an upper end and a lower end in the vertical direction of the region indicative of the extent of the sound image. In other words, the spread upper end elevation and the spread lower end elevation individually indicate angles representative of extent degrees of a sound image in the upward direction and the downward direction from the center position pO of the region indicative of the extent of the sound image. Further, spread radium indicates a depth of the sound image in a radial direction.
It is to be noted that, while the spread end vector here is information indicative of an absolute position in the space, the spread end vector may otherwise be information indicative of a relative position to the position p indicated by the position information of the object.
In the spread end vector method, rendering is performed using such a spread end vector as described above.
In particular, in the spread end vector method, the following expression (4) is calculated on the basis of a spread end vector to calculate the center position pO:
[Expression 4]
azimuth: (spread left end azimuth+spread right end azimuth)/2
elevation: (spread upper end elevation+spread lower end elevation)/2
radius: spread radius (4)
In particular, the horizontal direction angle azimuth indicative of the center position pO is a middle (average) angle between the spread left end azimuth and the spread right end azimuth, and the vertical direction angle elevation indicative of the center position pO is a middle (average) angle between the spread upper end elevation and the spread lower end elevation. Further, the distance radius indicative of the center position pO is spread radius.
Accordingly, in the spread end vector method, the center position pO sometimes becomes a position different from the position p of an object indicated by the position information.
Further, in the spread end vector method, the value of the spread is calculated by calculating the following expression (5):
[Expression 5]
spread: max((spread left end azimuth−spread right end azimuth)/2,(spread upper end elevation−spread lower end elevation)/2) (5)
It is to be noted that max(a, b) in the expression (5) indicates a function that returns a higher one of values of a and b. Accordingly, a higher one of values of (spread left end azimuth−spread right end azimuth)/2 that is an angle corresponding to the radius in the horizontal direction and (spread upper end elevation−spread lower end elevation)/2 that is an angle corresponding to the radius in the vertical direction in the region indicative of the extent of the sound image of the object indicated by the spread end vector is determined as the value of the spread.
0
1
18
Then, on the basis of the value of the spread obtained in this manner and the center position pO (vector p), the 18 spread vectors p to p are calculated similarly as in the case of the MPEG-H 3D Audio standard.
1
18
Accordingly, the 18 spread vectors p to p are determined such that they are symmetrical in the upward and downward direction and the leftward and rightward direction on the unit spherical plane centered at the center position pO.
0
0
Further, in the spread end vector method, the vector p whose start point is the origin O and whose end point is the center position pO is determined as spread vector p.
Also in the spread end vector method, similarly as in the case of the spread three-dimensional vector method, each spread vector is represented by a horizontal direction angle azimuth, a vertical direction angle elevation and a distance radius. In other words, the horizontal direction angle azimuth and the vertical direction angle elevation of a spread vector pi (where i=0 to 18) are represented by a(i) and e(i), respectively.
0
18
1
18
After the spread vectors p to p are obtained in this manner, the spread vectors p to p are changed (corrected) on the basis of the ratio between the (spread left end azimuth−spread right end azimuth) and the (spread upper end elevation−spread lower end elevation) to determine final spread vectors.
1
18
In particular, if the (spread left end azimuth−spread right end azimuth) is greater than the (spread upper end elevation−spread lower end elevation), then calculation of the expression (6) given below is performed and e(i) that is elevation of each of the spread vectors p to p is changed to e′(i):
[Expression 6]
e
i
e
e
i
e
′()=(0)+(()−(0))×(spread upper end elevation−spread lower end elevation)/(spread left end azimuth−spread right end azimuth) (6)
0
It is to be noted that, for the spread vector p, correction of elevation is not performed.
1
18
On the other hand, when the (spread left end azimuth−spread right end azimuth) is smaller than the (spread upper end elevation−spread lower end elevation), calculation of the expression (7) given below is performed and a(i) that is azimuth of each of the spread vectors p to p is changed to a′(i):
[Expression 7]
a
i
a
a
i
a
′()=(0)+(()−(0))×(spread left end azimuth−spread right end azimuth)/(spread upper end elevation−spread lower end elevation) (7)
0
It is to be noted that, for the spread vector p, correction of azimuth is not performed.
It is to be noted that the calculation method of a spread vector as described above is basically similar to that in the case of the spread three-dimensional vector method.
Accordingly, the processes described above after all are processes for calculating, on the basis of the spread end vector, a spread vector for a region indicative of an extent of a sound image of a circular shape or an elliptical shape on a unit spherical plane defined by the spread end vector.
0
18
After spread vectors are obtained in this manner, the vector p and the spread vectors p to p are used to perform the process B1, the process B2, the process B3, the process B4 and the process B5′ described hereinabove, thereby generating audio signals to be supplied to the speakers.
It is to be noted that, in the process B2, a VBAP gain for each speaker is calculated in regard to the 19 spread vectors. Further, after the process B3, quantization of VBAP gain addition values is performed as occasion demands.
By setting a region indicative of an extent of a sound image to a region of an arbitrary shape, which has the center position pO at an arbitrary position, by a spread end vector in this manner, it becomes possible to represent a shape of an object and a directionality of sound of the object, and sound of higher quality can be obtained by rendering.
Further, while an example in which a higher one of values of the (spread left end azimuth−spread right end azimuth)/2 and the (spread upper end elevation−spread lower end elevation)/2 is used as the value of the spread is described here, a lower one of the values may otherwise be used as the value of the spread.
0
0
0
Furthermore, although the case in which a VBAP gain is calculated in regard to the spread vector p is described as an example here, the VBAP gain may not be calculated in regard to the spread vector p. The following description is given assuming that a VBAP gain is calculated also in regard to the spread vector p.
Alternatively, similarly as in the case of the spread three-dimensional vector method, the number of spread vectors to be generated may be determined, for example, in response to the ratio between the (spread left end azimuth−spread right end azimuth) and the (spread upper end elevation−spread lower end elevation).
(Spread Radiation Vector Method)
Further, the spread radiation vector method is described.
In the spread radiation vector method, a spread radiation vector that is a three-dimensional vector is stored into and transmitted together with a bit stream. Here, it is assumed that, for example, a spread radiation vector is stored into metadata of a frame of each audio signal for each object. In this case, also the spread indicative of an extent degree of a sound image is stored in the metadata.
The spread radiation vector is a vector indicative of a relative position of the center position pO of a region indicative of an extent of a sound image of an object to the position p of the object. For example, the spread radiation vector is a three-dimensional vector configured from three factors of azimuth indicative of a horizontal direction angle to the center position pO, elevation indicative of a vertical direction angle to the center position pO and radius indicative of a distance in a radial direction of the center position pO, as viewed from the position p.
In other words, the spread radiation vector=(azimuth, elevation, radius).
0
18
0
0
FIG. 5
FIG. 5
FIG. 3
Upon rendering processing, a position indicated by a vector obtained by adding the spread radiation vector and the vector p is determined as the center position pO, and as the spread vector, the spread vectors p to p are calculated. Here, for example, as depicted in , the spread vector p is the vector p whose start point is the origin O and whose end point is the center position pO. It is to be noted that, in , portions corresponding to those in the case of are denoted by like reference symbols, and description of the portions is omitted suitably.
FIG. 5
FIG. 5
Further, in , an arrow mark plotted by a broken line represents a spread vector, and also in , in order to make the figure easy to see, only nine spread vectors are depicted.
FIG. 3
FIG. 5
While, in the example depicted in , the position p=center position pO, in the example depicted in , the center position pO is a position different from the position p. In this example, the end point position of a vector obtained by vector addition of the vector p and the spread radiation vector indicated by an arrow mark B11 is the center position pO.
31
FIG. 5
FIG. 3
Further, it can be recognized that a region R indicative of an extent of a sound image and centered at the center position pO is displaced to the left side in more than that in the example of with respect to the position p that is a position of the object.
If it is made possible to designate, as the center position pO of the region indicative of an extent of a sound image, an arbitrary position using the spread radiation vector and the position p in this manner, then the directionality of sound of the object can be represented more accurately.
0
18
0
18
In the spread radiation vector method, if the spread vectors p to p are obtained, then the process B1 is thereafter performed for the vector p and the process B2 is performed for the spread vectors p to p.
1
18
0
0
It is to be noted that, in the process B2, a VBAP gain may be calculated in regard to the 19 spread vectors or a VBAP gain may be calculated only in regard to the spread vectors p to p except the spread vector p. In the following description, it is assumed that a VBAP gain is calculated also in regard to the spread vector p.
Further, if a VBAP gain for each vector is calculated, then the process B3, the process B4 and the process B5′ are performed to generate audio signals to be supplied to the speakers. It is to be noted that, after the process B3, quantization of each VBAP gain addition value is performed as occasion demands.
Also with such a spread radiation vector method as described above, sound of sufficiently high quality can be obtained by rendering.
(Arbitrary Spread Vector Method)
Subsequently, the arbitrary spread vector method is described.
In the arbitrary spread vector method, spread vector number information indicative of the number of spread vectors for calculating a VBAP gain and spread vector position information indicative of the end point position of each spread vector are stored into and transmitted together with a bit stream. Here, it is assumed that spread vector number information and spread vector position information are stored, for example, into metadata of a frame of each audio signal for each object. In this case, the spread indicative of an extent degree of a sound image is not stored into the metadata.
Upon rendering processing, on the basis of each piece of spread vector position information, a vector whose start point is the origin O and whose end point is a position indicated by the spread vector position information is calculated as spread vector.
Thereafter, the process B1 is performed in regard to the vector p and the process B2 is performed in regard to each spread vector. Further, after a VBAP gain for each vector is calculated, the process B3, the process B4 and the process B5′ are performed to generate audio signals to be supplied to the speakers. It is to be noted that, after the process B3, quantization of each VBAP gain addition value is performed as occasion demands.
According to such an arbitrary spread vector method as described above, it is possible to designate a range to which a sound image is to be extended and a shape of the range arbitrarily, and therefore, sound of sufficiently high quality can be obtained by rendering.
<Switching of Process>
In the present technology, it is made possible to select an appropriate process as a process upon rendering in response to a hardware scale of a renderer and so forth and obtain sound of the highest quality within a range of a permissible processing amount.
In particular, in the present technology, in order to make it possible to perform switching between a plurality of processes, an index for switching a process is stored into and transmitted together with a bit stream from an encoding apparatus to a decoding apparatus. In other words, an index value index for switching a process is added to a bit stream syntax.
For example, the following process is performed in response to the value of the index value index.
In particular, when the index value index=0, a decoding apparatus, more particularly, a renderer in a decoding apparatus, performs rendering similar to that in the case of the conventional MPEG-H 3D Audio standard.
On the other hand, for example, when the index value index=1, from among combinations of indexes indicative of 18 spread vectors according to the conventional MPEG-H 3D Audio standard, indexes of a predetermined combination are stored into and transmitted together with a bit stream. In this case, the renderer calculates a VBAP gain in regard to a spread vector indicated by each index stored in and transmitted together with the bit stream.
Further, for example, when the index value index=2, information indicative of the number of spread vectors to be used in processing and an index indicative of which one of the 18 spread vectors according to the conventional MPEG-H 3D Audio standard is indicated by a spread vector to be used for processing are stored into and transmitted together with a bit stream.
Further, for example, when the index value index=3, a rendering process is performed in accordance with the arbitrary spread vector method described above, and for example, when the index value index=4, binarization of a VBAP gain addition value described above is performed in the rendering process. Further, for example, when the index value index=5, a rendering process is performed in accordance with the spread center vector method described hereinabove.
Further, the index value index for switching a process in the encoding apparatus may not be designated, but a process may be selected by the renderer in the decoding apparatus.
In such a case as just described, for example, it seems a recommendable idea to switch the process on the basis of importance information included in the metadata of an object. In particular, for example, for an object whose importance degree indicated by the importance information is high (equal to or higher than a predetermined value), the process indicated by the index value index=0 described above is performed. For an object whose importance degree indicated by the importance information is low (lower than the predetermined value), the process indicated by the index value index=4 described hereinabove can be performed.
By switching a process upon rendering suitably in this manner, sound of the highest quality within a range of a permissible processing amount can be obtained in response to a hardware scale or the like of the renderer.
<Example of Configuration of Audio Processing Apparatus>
Subsequently, a more particular embodiment of the present technology described above is described.
FIG. 6
is a view depicting an example of a configuration of an audio processing apparatus to which the present technology is applied.
11
12
1
12
11
12
1
12
12
1
12
FIG. 6
To an audio processing apparatus depicted in , speakers - to -M individually corresponding to M channels are connected. The audio processing apparatus generates audio signals of different channels on the basis of an audio signal and metadata of an object supplied from the outside and supplies the audio signals to the speakers - to -M such that sound is reproduced by the speakers - to -M.
12
1
12
12
12
It is to be noted that, in the following description, where there is no necessity to particularly distinguish the speakers - to -M from each other, each of them is referred to merely as speaker . Each of the speakers is a sound outputting unit that outputs sound on the basis of an audio signal supplied thereto.
12
12
The speakers are disposed so as to surround a user who enjoys a content or the like. For example, the speakers are disposed on a unit spherical plane described hereinabove.
11
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24
The audio processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit , a vector calculation unit , a gain calculation unit and a gain adjustment unit .
21
The acquisition unit acquires audio signals of objects from the outside and metadata for each frame of the audio signals of each object. For example, the audio data and the metadata are obtained by decoding encoded audio data and encoded metadata included in a bit stream outputted from an encoding apparatus by a decoding apparatus.
21
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22
The acquisition unit supplies the acquired audio signals to the gain adjustment unit and supplies the acquired metadata to the vector calculation unit . Here, the metadata includes, for example, position information indicative of the position of the objects, importance information indicative of an importance degree of each object, spread indicative of a spatial extent of the sound image of the object and so forth as occasion demands.
22
21
23
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23
The vector calculation unit calculates spread vectors on the basis of the metadata supplied thereto from the acquisition unit and supplies the spread vectors to the gain calculation unit . Further, as occasion demands, the vector calculation unit supplies the position p of each object indicated by the position information included in the metadata, namely, also a vector p indicative of the position p, to the gain calculation unit .
23
12
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31
The gain calculation unit calculates a VBAP gain of a speaker corresponding to each channel by the VBAP on the basis of the spread vectors and the vector p supplied from the vector calculation unit and supplies the VBAP gains to the gain adjustment unit . Further, the gain calculation unit includes a quantization unit for quantizing the VBAP gain for each speaker.
24
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12
The gain adjustment unit performs, on the basis of each VBAP gain supplied from the gain calculation unit , gain adjustment for an audio signal of an object supplied from the acquisition unit and supplies the audio signals of the M channels obtained as a result of the gain adjustment to the speakers .
24
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1
12
The gain adjustment unit includes amplification units - to -M. The amplification units - to -M multiply an audio signal supplied from the acquisition unit by VBAP gains supplied from the gain calculation unit and supply audio signals obtained by the multiplication to the speakers - to -M so as to reproduce sound.
32
1
32
32
It is to be noted that, in the following description, where there is no necessity to particularly distinguish the amplification units - to -M from each other, each of them is referred to also merely as amplification unit .
<Description of Reproduction Process>
11
FIG. 6
Now, operation of the audio processing apparatus depicted in is described.
11
If an audio signal and metadata of an object are supplied from the outside, then the audio processing apparatus performs a reproduction process to reproduce sound of the object.
11
FIG. 7
In the following, the reproduction process by the audio processing apparatus is described with reference to a flow chart of . It is to be noted that this reproduction process is performed for each frame of the audio signal.
11
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22
At step S, the acquisition unit acquires an audio signal and metadata for one frame of an object from the outside and supplies the audio signal to the amplification unit while it supplies the metadata to the vector calculation unit .
12
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At step S, the vector calculation unit performs a spread vector calculation process on the basis of the metadata supplied from the acquisition unit and supplies spread vectors obtained as a result of the spread vector calculation process to the gain calculation unit .
22
23
Further, as occasion demands, the vector calculation unit supplies also the vector p to the gain calculation unit .
It is to be noted that, although details of the spread vector calculation process are hereinafter described, in the spread vector calculation process, spread vectors are calculated by the spread three-dimensional vector method, the spread center vector method, the spread end vector method, the spread radiation vector method or the arbitrary spread vector method.
13
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At step S, the gain calculation unit calculates the VBAP gains for the individual speakers on the basis of location information indicative of the locations of the speakers retained in advance and the spread vectors and the vector p supplied from the vector calculation unit .
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In particular, in regard to each of the spread vectors and vectors p, a VBAP gain for each speaker is calculated. Consequently, for each of the spread vectors and vectors p, a VBAP gain for one or more speakers positioned in the proximity of the position of the object, namely, positioned in the proximity of the position indicated by the vector is obtained. It is to be noted that, although the VBAP gain for the spread vector is calculated without fail, if a vector p is not supplied from the vector calculation unit to the gain calculation unit by the process at step S, then the VBAP gain for the vector p is not calculated.
14
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12
At step S, the gain calculation unit adds the VBAP gains calculated in regard to each vector to calculate a VBAP gain addition value for each speaker . In particular, an addition value (sum total) of the VBAP gains of the vectors calculated for the same speaker is calculated as the VBAP gain addition value.
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At step S, the quantization unit decides whether or not binarization of the VBAP gain addition value is to be performed.
Whether or not binarization is to be performed may be decided, for example, on the basis of the index value index described hereinabove or may be decided on the basis of the importance degree of the object indicated by the importance information as the metadata.
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If the decision is performed on the basis of the index value index, then, for example, the index value index read out from a bit stream may be supplied to the gain calculation unit . Alternatively, if the decision is performed on the basis of the importance information, then the importance information may be supplied from the vector calculation unit to the gain calculation unit .
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12
17
If it is decided at step S that binarization is to be performed, then at step S, the quantization unit binarizes the addition value of the VBAP gains determined for each speaker , namely, the VBAP gain addition value. Thereafter, the processing advances to step S.
15
16
17
In contrast, if it is decided at step S that binarization is not to be performed, then the process at step S is skipped and the processing advances to step S.
17
23
12
12
At step S, the gain calculation unit normalizes the VBAP gain for each speaker such that the square sum of the VBAP gains of all speakers may become 1.
12
23
12
32
12
In particular, normalization of the addition value of the VBAP gains determined for each speaker is performed such that the square sum of all addition values may become 1. The gain calculation unit supplies the VBAP gains for the speakers obtained by the normalization to the amplification units corresponding to the individual speakers .
18
32
21
23
12
At step S, the amplification unit multiplies the audio signal supplied from the acquisition unit by the VBAP gains supplied from the gain calculation unit and supplies resulting values to the speaker .
19
32
12
Then at step S, the amplification unit causes the speakers to reproduce sound on the basis of the audio signals supplied thereto, thereby ending the reproduction process. Consequently, a sound image of the object is localized in a desired partial space in the reproduction space.
11
12
12
In such a manner as described above, the audio processing apparatus calculates spread vectors on the basis of metadata, calculates a VBAP gain for each vector for each speaker and determines and normalizes an addition value of the VBAP gains for each speaker . By calculating VBAP gains in regard to the spread vectors in this manner, a spatial extent of a sound image of the object, especially, a shape of the object or a directionality of sound can be represented, and sound of higher quality can be obtained.
11
Besides, by binarizing the addition value of the VBAP gains as occasion demands, not only it is possible to reduce the processing amount upon rendering, but also it is possible to perform an appropriate process in response to the processing capacity (hardware scale) of the audio processing apparatus to obtain sound of quality as high as possible.
<Description of Spread Vector Calculation Process>
12
FIG. 7
FIG. 8
Here, a spread vector calculation process corresponding to the process at step S of is described with reference to a flow chart of .
41
22
At step S, the vector calculation unit decides whether or not a spread vector is to be calculated on the basis of a spread three-dimensional vector.
15
FIG. 7
For example, which method is used to calculate a spread vector may be decided on the basis of the index value index similarly as in the case at step S of or may be decided on the basis of the importance degree of the object indicated by the importance information.
41
42
If it is decided at step S that a spread vector is to be calculated on the basis of a spread three-dimensional vector, namely, if it is decided that a spread vector is to be calculated by the spread three-dimensional method, then the processing advances to step S.
42
22
23
At step S, the vector calculation unit performs a spread vector calculation process based on a spread three-dimensional vector and supplies resulting vectors to the gain calculation unit . It is to be noted that details of the spread vector calculation process based on spread three-dimensional vectors are hereinafter described.
13
FIG. 7
After spread vectors are calculated, the spread vector calculation process is ended, and thereafter, the processing advances to step S of .
41
43
On the other hand, if it is decided at step S that a spread vector is not to be calculated on the basis of a spread three-dimensional vector, then the processing advances to step S.
43
22
At step S, the vector calculation unit decides whether or not a spread vector is to be calculated on the basis of a spread center vector.
43
44
If it is decided at step S that a spread vector is to be calculated on the basis of a spread center vector, namely, if it is decided that a spread vector is to be calculated by the spread center vector method, then the processing advances to step S.
44
22
23
At step S, the vector calculation unit performs a spread vector calculation process on the basis of a spread center vector and supplies resulting vectors to the gain calculation unit . It is to be noted that details of the spread vector calculation process based on the spread center vector are hereinafter described.
13
FIG. 7
After the spread vectors are calculated, the spread vector calculation process is ended, and thereafter, the processing advances to step S of .
43
45
On the other hand, if it is decided at step S that a spread vector is not to be calculated on the basis of a spread center vector, then the processing advances to step S.
45
22
At step S, the vector calculation unit decides whether or not a spread vector is to be calculated on the basis of a spread end vector.
45
46
If it is decided at step S that a spread vector is to be calculated on the basis of a spread end vector, namely, if it is decided that a spread vector is to be calculated by the spread end vector method, then the processing advances to step S.
46
22
23
At step S, the vector calculation unit performs a spread vector calculation process based on a spread end vector and supplies resulting vectors to the gain calculation unit . It is to be noted that details of the spread vector calculation process based on the spread end vector are hereinafter described.
13
FIG. 7
After spread vectors are calculated, the spread vector calculation process is ended, and thereafter, the processing advances to step S of .
45
47
Further, if it is decided at step S that a spread vector is not to be calculated on the basis of the spread end vector, then the processing advances to step S.
47
22
At step S, the vector calculation unit decides whether or not a spread vector is to be calculated on the basis of a spread radiation vector.
47
48
If it is decided at step S that a spread vector is to be calculated on the basis of a spread radiation vector, namely, if it is decided that a spread vector is to be calculated by the spread radiation vector method, then the processing advances to step S.
48
22
23
At step S, the vector calculation unit performs a spread vector calculation process based on a spread radiation vector and supplies resulting vectors to the gain calculation unit . It is to be noted that details of the spread vector calculation process based on a spread radiation vector are hereinafter described.
13
FIG. 7
After spread vectors are calculated, the spread vector calculation process is ended, and thereafter, the processing advances to step S of .
47
49
On the other hand, if it is decided at step S that a spread vector is not to be calculated on the basis of a spread radiation vector, namely, if it is decided that a spread vector is to be calculated by the spread radiation vector method, then the processing advances to step S.
49
22
23
At step S, the vector calculation unit performs a spread vector calculation process based on the spread vector position information and supplies a resulting vector to the gain calculation unit . It is to be noted that details of the spread vector calculation process based on the spread vector position information are hereinafter described.
13
FIG. 7
After spread vectors are calculated, the spread vector calculation process is ended, and thereafter, the processing advances to step S of .
11
The audio processing apparatus calculates spread vectors by an appropriate one of the plurality of methods in this manner. By calculating spread vectors by an appropriate method in this manner, sound of the highest quality within the range of a permissible processing amount can be obtained in response to a hardware scale of a renderer and so forth.
<Explanation of Spread Vector Calculation Process Based on Spread Three-Dimensional Vector>
42
44
46
48
49
FIG. 8
Now, details of the process corresponding to the processes at steps S, S, S, S and S described hereinabove with reference to are described.
42
FIG. 8
FIG. 9
First, a spread vector calculation process based on a spread three-dimensional vector corresponding to step S of is described with reference to a flow chart of .
81
22
21
At step S, the vector calculation unit determines a position indicated by position information included in metadata supplied from the acquisition unit as object position p. In other words, a vector indicative of the position p is the vector p.
82
22
21
22
At step S, the vector calculation unit calculates a spread on the basis of a spread three-dimensional vector included in the metadata supplied from the acquisition unit . In particular, the vector calculation unit calculates the expression (1) given hereinabove to calculate a spread.
83
22
0
18
At step S, the vector calculation unit calculates spread vectors p to p on the basis of the vector p and the spread.
0
0
1
18
Here, the vector p is determined as vector p indicative of the center position pO, and the vector p is determined as it is as spread vector p. Further, as spread vectors p to p, vectors are calculated so as to be symmetrical in the upward and downward direction and the leftward and rightward direction within a region centered at the center position pO and defined by an angle indicated by the spread on the unit spherical plane similarly as in the case of the MPEG-H 3D Audio standard.
84
22
At step S, the vector calculation unit decides on the basis of the spread three-dimensional vector whether or not s3_azimuth≥s3_elevation is satisfied, namely, whether or not s3_azimuth is greater than s3_elevation.
84
85
22
1
18
22
If it is decided at step S that s3_azimuth≥s3_elevation is satisfied, then at step S, the vector calculation unit changes elevation of the spread vectors p to p. In particular, the vector calculation unit performs calculation of the expression (2) described hereinabove to correct elevation of the spread vectors to obtain final spread vectors.
22
0
18
23
42
13
FIG. 8
FIG. 7
After the final spread vectors are obtained, the vector calculation unit supplies the spread vectors p to p to the gain calculation unit , thereby ending the spread vector calculation process based on the spread three-dimensional vector. Since the process at step S of ends therewith, the processing thereafter advances to step S of .
84
86
22
1
18
22
On the other hand, if it is decided at step S that s3_azimuth≥s3_elevation is not satisfied, then at step S, the vector calculation unit changes azimuth of the spread vectors p to p. In particular, the vector calculation unit performs calculation of the expression (3) given hereinabove to correct azimuths of the spread vectors thereby to obtain final spread vectors.
22
0
18
23
42
13
FIG. 8
FIG. 7
After the final spread vectors are obtained, the vector calculation unit supplies the spread vectors p to p to the gain calculation unit , thereby ending the spread vector calculation process based on the spread three-dimensional vector. Consequently, since the process at step S of ends, the processing thereafter advances to step S of .
11
The audio processing apparatus calculates each spread vector by the spread three-dimensional vector method in such a manner as described above. Consequently, it becomes possible to represent the shape of the object and the directionality of sound of the object and obtain sound of higher quality.
<Explanation of Spread Vector Calculation Process Based on Spread Center Vector>
44
FIG. 8
FIG. 10
Now, a spread vector calculation process based on a spread center vector corresponding to step S of is described with reference to a flow chart of .
111
81
FIG. 9
It is to be noted that a process at step S is similar to the process at step S of , and therefore, description of it is omitted.
112
22
0
18
21
At step S, the vector calculation unit calculates spread vectors p to p on the basis a spread center vector and a spread included in metadata supplied from the acquisition unit .
22
0
22
1
18
1
18
In particular, the vector calculation unit sets the position indicated by the spread center vector as center position pO and sets the vector indicative of the center position pO as spread vector p. Further, the vector calculation unit determines spread vectors p to p such that they are positioned symmetrical in the upward and downward direction and the leftward and rightward direction within a region centered at the center position pO and defined by an angle indicated by the spread on the unit spherical plane. The spread vectors p to p are determined basically similarly as in the case of the MPEG-H 3D Audio standard.
22
0
18
23
44
13
FIG. 8
FIG. 7
The vector calculation unit supplies the vector p and the spread vectors p to p obtained by the processes described above to the gain calculation unit , thereby ending the spread vector calculation process based on the spread center vector. Consequently, the process at step S of ends, and thereafter, the processing advances to step S of .
11
The audio processing apparatus calculates a vector p and spread vectors by the spread center vector method in such a manner as described above. Consequently, it becomes possible to represent the shape of an object and the directionality of sound of the object and obtain sound of higher quality.
0
23
0
It is to be noted that, in the spread vector calculation process based on a spread center vector, the spread vector p may not be supplied to the gain calculation unit . In other words, the VBAP gain may not be calculated in regard to the spread vector p.
<Explanation of Spread Vector Calculation Process Based on Spread End Vector>
46
FIG. 8
FIG. 11
Further, a spread vector calculation process based on a spread end vector corresponding to step S of is described with reference to a flow chart of .
141
81
FIG. 9
It is to be noted that a process at step S is similar to the process at step S of , and therefore, description of it is omitted.
142
22
0
21
22
At step S, the vector calculation unit calculates the center position pO, namely, the vector p, on the basis of a spread end vector included in metadata supplied from the acquisition unit . In particular, the vector calculation unit calculates the expression (4) given hereinabove to calculate the center position pO.
143
22
22
At step S, the vector calculation unit calculates a spread on the basis of the spread end vector. In particular, the vector calculation unit calculates the expression (5) given hereinabove to calculate a spread.
144
22
0
18
At step S, the vector calculation unit calculates spread vectors p to p on the basis of the center position pO and the spread.
0
0
1
18
Here, the vector p indicative of the center position pO is set as it is as spread vector p. Further, the spread vectors p to p are calculated such that they are positioned symmetrical in the upward and downward direction and the leftward and rightward direction within a region centered at the center position pO and defined by an angle indicated by the spread on the unit spherical plane similarly as in the case of the MPEG-H 3D Audio standard.
145
22
At step S, the vector calculation unit decides whether or not (spread left end azimuth−spread right end azimuth)≥(spread upper end elevation−spread lower end elevation) is satisfied, namely, whether or not the (spread left end azimuth−spread right end azimuth) is greater than the (spread upper end elevation−spread lower end elevation).
145
146
22
1
18
22
If it is decided at step S that (spread left end azimuth−spread right end azimuth)≥(spread upper end elevation−spread lower end elevation) is satisfied, then at step S, the vector calculation unit changes elevation of the spread vectors p to p. In particular, the vector calculation unit performs calculation of the expression (6) given hereinabove to correct elevations of the spread vectors to obtain final spread vectors.
22
0
18
23
46
13
FIG. 8
FIG. 7
After the final spread vectors are obtained, the vector calculation unit supplies the spread vectors p to p and the vector p to the gain calculation unit , thereby ending the spread vector calculation process based on the spread end vector. Consequently, the process at step S of ends, and thereafter, the processing advances to step S of .
145
22
1
18
147
22
On the other hand, if it is decided at step S that (spread left end azimuth−spread right end azimuth) (spread upper end elevation−spread lower end elevation) is not satisfied, then the vector calculation unit changes azimuth of the spread vectors p to p at step S. In particular, the vector calculation unit performs calculation of the expression (7) given hereinabove to correct azimuth of the spread vectors to obtain final spread vectors.
22
0
18
23
46
13
FIG. 8
FIG. 7
After the final spread vectors are obtained, the vector calculation unit supplies the spread vectors p to p and the vector p to the gain calculation unit , thereby to end the spread vector calculation process based on the spread end vector. Consequently, the process at step S of ends, and thereafter, the processing advances to step S of .
11
As described above, the audio processing apparatus calculates spread vectors by the spread end vector method. Consequently, it becomes possible to represent a shape of an object and a directionality of sound of the object and obtain sound of higher quality.
0
23
0
It is to be noted that, in the spread vector calculation process based on a spread end vector, the spread vector p may not be supplied to the gain calculation unit . In other words, the VBAP gain may not be calculated in regard to the spread vector p.
<Explanation of Spread Vector Calculation Process Based on Spread Radiation Vector>
48
FIG. 8
FIG. 12
Now, a spread vector calculation process based on a spread radiation vector corresponding to step S of is described with reference to a flow chart of .
171
81
FIG. 9
It is to be noted that a process at step S is similar to the process at step S of and, therefore, description of the process is omitted.
172
22
0
18
21
At step S, the vector calculation unit calculates spread vectors p to p on the basis of a spread radiation vector and a spread included in metadata supplied from the acquisition unit .
22
0
22
0
0
In particular, the vector calculation unit sets a position indicated by a vector obtained by adding a vector p indicative of an object position p and the radiation vector as center position pO. The vector indicating this center portion pO is the vector p, and the vector calculation unit sets the vector p as it is as spread vector p.
22
1
18
1
18
Further, the vector calculation unit determines spread vectors p to p such that they are positioned symmetrical in the upward and downward direction and the leftward and rightward direction within a region centered at the center position pO and defined by an angle indicated by the spread on the unit spherical plane. The spread vectors p to p are determined basically similarly as in the case of the MPEG-H 3D Audio standard.
22
0
18
23
48
13
FIG. 8
FIG. 7
The vector calculation unit supplies the vector p and the spread vectors p to p obtained by the processes described above to the gain calculation unit , thereby ending the spread vector calculation process based on a spread radiation vector. Consequently, since the process at step S of ends, the processing thereafter advances to step S of .
11
The audio processing apparatus calculates the vector p and the spread vectors by the spread radiation vector method in such a manner as described above. Consequently, it becomes possible to represent a shape of an object and a directionality of sound of the object and obtain sound of higher quality.
0
23
0
It is to be noted that, in the spread vector calculation process based on a spread radiation vector, the spread vector p may not be supplied to the gain calculation unit . In other words, the VBAP gain may not be calculated in retard to the spread vector p.
<Explanation of Spread Vector Calculation Process Based on Spread Vector Position Information>
49
FIG. 8
FIG. 13
Now, a spread vector calculation process based on spread vector position information corresponding to step S of is described with reference to a flow chart of .
201
81
FIG. 9
It is to be noted that a process at step S is similar to the process at step S of , and therefore, description of it is omitted.
202
22
21
At step S, the vector calculation unit calculates spread vectors on the basis of spread vector number information and spread vector position information included in metadata supplied from the acquisition unit .
22
In particular, the vector calculation unit calculates a vector that has a start point at the origin O and has an end point at a position indicated by the spread vector position information as spread vector. Here, the number of spread vectors equal to a number indicated by the spread vector number information is calculated.
22
23
49
13
FIG. 8
FIG. 7
The vector calculation unit supplies the vector p and the spread vectors obtained by the processes described above to the gain calculation unit , thereby ending the spread vector calculation process based on spread vector position information. Consequently, since the process at step S of ends, the processing thereafter advances to step S of .
11
The audio processing apparatus calculates the vector p and the spread vectors by the arbitrary spread vector method in such a manner as described above. Consequently, it becomes possible to represent a shape of an object and a directionality of sound of the object and obtain sound of higher quality.
<Processing Amount Reduction of Rendering Process>
Incidentally, VBAP is known as a technology for controlling localization of a sound image using a plurality of speakers, namely, for performing a rendering process, as described above.
In the VBAP, by outputting sound from three speakers, a sound image can be localized at an arbitrary point on the inner side of a triangle configured from the three speakers. In the following, a triangle configured especially from such three speakers is called mesh.
Since the rendering process by the VBAP is performed for each object, in the case where the number of objects is great such as, for example, in a game, the processing amount of the rendering process is great. Therefore, a renderer of a small hardware scale may not be able to perform rendering for all objects, and as a result, sound only of a limited number of objects may be reproduced. This may damage the presence or the sound quality upon sound reproduction.
Therefore, the present technology makes it possible to reduce the processing amount of a rendering process while deterioration of the presence or the sound quality is suppressed.
In the following, such a technology as just described is described.
In an ordinary VBAP process, namely, in a rendering process, processing of the processes A1 to A3 described hereinabove is performed for each object to generate audio signals for the speakers.
Since the number of speakers for which a VBAP gain is substantially calculated is three and the VBAP gain for each speaker is calculated for each of samples that configure an audio signal, in the multiplication process in the process A3, multiplication is performed by the number of times equal to (sample number of audio signal×3).
In contrast, in the present technology, by performing an equal gain process for VBAP gains, namely, a quantization process of VBAP gains, and a mesh number switching process for changing the number of meshes to be used upon VBAP gain calculation in a suitable combination, the processing amount of the rendering process is reduced.
(Quantization Process)
First, a quantization process is described. Here, as examples of a quantization process, a binarization process and a ternarization process are described.
Where a binarization process is performed as the quantization process, after the process A1 is performed, a VBAP gain obtained for each speaker by the process A1 is binarized. In the binarization, for example, a VBAP gain for each speaker is represented by one of 0 and 1.
It is to be noted that the method for binarizing a VBAP gain may be any method such as rounding off, ceiling (round up), flooring (truncation) or a threshold value process.
After the VBAP gains are binarized in this manner, the process A2 and the process A3 are performed to generate audio signals for the speakers.
At this time, in the process A2, since normalization is performed on the basis of the binarized VBAP gains, the final VBAP gains for the speakers become one value other than 0 similarly as upon quantization of a spread vector described hereinabove. In other words, if the VBAP gains are binarized, then the values of the final VBAP gains of the speakers are either 0 or a predetermined value.
Accordingly, in the multiplication process in the process A3, multiplication may be performed by (sample number of audio signal×1) times, and therefore the processing amount of the rendering process can be reduced significantly.
Similarly, after the process A1, the VBAP gains obtained for the speakers may be ternarized. In such a case as just described, the VBAP gain obtained for each speaker by the process A1 is ternarized into one of values of 0, 0.5 and 1. Then, the process A2 and the process A3 are thereafter performed to generate audio signals for the speakers.
Accordingly, since the multiplication time number in the multiplication process in the process A3 becomes (sample number of audio signal×2) in the maximum, the processing amount of the rendering process can be reduced significantly.
It is to be noted that, although description here is given taking a case in which a VBAP gain is binarized or ternarized as an example, a VBAP gain may be quantized into 4 or more values. Generalizing this, for example, a VBAP gain is quantized such that it has one of x gains equal to or greater than 2, or in other words, if a VBAP gain is quantized by a quantization number x, then the number of times of the multiplication process in the process A3 becomes (x−1) in the maximum.
The processing amount of the rendering process can be reduced by quantizing a VBAP gain in such a manner as described above. If the processing amount of the rendering process decreases in this manner, then even in the case where the number of objects is great, it becomes possible to perform rendering for all objects, and therefore, deterioration of the presence or the sound quality upon sound reproduction can be suppressed to a low level. In other words, the processing amount of the rendering process can be reduced while deterioration of the presence or the sound quality is suppressed.
(Mesh Number Switching Process)
Now, a mesh number switching process is described.
FIG. 1
FIG. 1
1
3
1
3
1
3
11
1
3
In the VBAP, as descried hereinabove, for example, with reference to , a vector p indicative of the position p of a sound image of an object of a processing target is represented by a linear sum of vectors Ito Idirected in the directions of the three speakers SP to SP, and coefficients gto gby which the vectors are multiplied are VBAP gains for the speakers. In the example of , a triangular region TR surrounded by the speakers SP to SP forms one mesh.
1
3
123
−1
Upon calculation of a VBAP gain, the three coefficients gto gare determined by calculation from an inverse matrix Lof a mesh of a triangular shape and the position p of the sound image of the object particularly by the following expression (8):
<math overflow="scroll"><mrow><mo>[</mo><mrow><mi>Expression</mi><mo>⁢</mo><mstyle><mspace width="0.8em" height="0.8ex" /></mstyle><mo>⁢</mo><mn>8</mn></mrow><mo>]</mo></mrow></math>
<math overflow="scroll"><mtable><mtr><mtd><mrow><mrow><mo>[</mo><mrow><msub><mi>g</mi><mn>1</mn></msub><mo>⁢</mo><msub><mi>g</mi><mn>2</mn></msub><mo>⁢</mo><msub><mi>g</mi><mn>3</mn></msub></mrow><mo>]</mo></mrow><mo>=</mo><mrow><msubsup><mi>pL</mi><mn>123</mn><mrow><mo>-</mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></msubsup><mo>=</mo><msup><mrow><mrow><mo>[</mo><mrow><msub><mi>p</mi><mn>1</mn></msub><mo>⁢</mo><msub><mi>p</mi><mn>2</mn></msub><mo>⁢</mo><msub><mi>p</mi><mn>3</mn></msub></mrow><mo>]</mo></mrow><mo>⁡</mo><mrow><mo>[</mo><mtable><mtr><mtd><mrow><msub><mi>I</mi><mn>11</mn></msub><mo>⁢</mo><msub><mi>I</mi><mn>12</mn></msub><mo>⁢</mo><msub><mi>I</mi><mn>13</mn></msub></mrow></mtd></mtr><mtr><mtd><mrow><msub><mi>I</mi><mn>21</mn></msub><mo>⁢</mo><msub><mi>I</mi><mn>22</mn></msub><mo>⁢</mo><msub><mi>I</mi><mn>23</mn></msub></mrow></mtd></mtr><mtr><mtd><mrow><msub><mi>I</mi><mn>31</mn></msub><mo>⁢</mo><msub><mi>I</mi><mn>32</mn></msub><mo>⁢</mo><msub><mi>I</mi><mn>33</mn></msub></mrow></mtd></mtr></mtable><mo>]</mo></mrow></mrow><mrow><mo>-</mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></msup></mrow></mrow></mtd><mtd><mrow><mo>(</mo><mn>8</mn><mo>)</mo></mrow></mtd></mtr></mtable></math>
1
2
3
FIG. 2
It is to be noted that p, pand pin the expression (8) indicate an x coordinate, a y coordinate and a z coordinate on a Cartesian coordinate system indicative of the position of the sound image of the object, namely, on the three-dimensional coordinate system depicted in .
11
12
13
1
1
1
Further, I, Iand Iare values of an x component, a y component and a z component in the case where the vector Idirected to the first speaker SP configuring the mesh is decomposed into components on the x axis, y axis and z axis, and correspond to an x coordinate, a y coordinate and a z coordinate of the first speaker SP, respectively.
21
22
23
31
32
33
3
12
2
3
Similarly, I, Iand Iare values of an x component, a y component and a z component in the case where the vector directed to the second speaker SP configuring the mesh is decomposed into components on the x axis, y axis and z axis, respectively. Further, I, Iand Iare values of an x component, a y component and a z component in the case where the vector Idirected to the third speaker SP configuring the mesh is decomposed into components on the x axis, y axis and z axis, respectively.
1
2
3
Furthermore, transformation from p, pand pof the three-dimensional coordinate system of the position p into coordinates θ, γ and r of the spherical coordinate system is defined, where r=1, as represented by the following expression (9). Here, θ, γ and r are a horizontal direction angle azimuth, a vertical direction angle elevation and a distance radius described hereinabove, respectively.
[Expression 9]
p
p
p
[1 2 3]=[cos(θ)×cos(γ)sin(θ)×cos(γ)sin(γ)] (9)
As described hereinabove, in a space at the content reproduction side, namely, in a reproduction space, a plurality of speakers are disposed on a unit sphere, and one mesh is configured from three speakers from among the plurality of speakers. Further, the overall surface of the unit sphere is basically covered with a plurality of meshes without a gap left therebetween. Further, the meshes are determined such that they do not overlap with each other.
In the VBAP, if sound is outputted from two or three speakers that configure one mesh including a position p of an object from among speakers disposed on the surface of a unit sphere, then a sound image can be localized at the position p, and therefore, the VBAP gain of the speakers other than the speakers configuring the mesh is 0.
Accordingly, upon calculation of a VBAP gain, one mesh including the position p of the object may be specified to calculate a VBAP gain for the speakers that configure the mesh. For example, whether or not a predetermined mesh is a mesh including the position p can be decided from the calculated VBAP gains.
In particular, if the VBAP gains of three speakers calculated in regard to a mesh are all values equal to or higher than 0, then the mesh is a mesh including the position p of the object. On the contrary, if at least one of the VBAP gains for the three speakers has a negative value, then since the position p of the object is positioned outside the mesh configured from the speakers, the calculated VBAP gain is not a correct VBAP gain.
Therefore, upon calculation of a VBAP gain, the meshes are selected one by one as a mesh of a processing target, and calculation of the expression (8) given hereinabove is performed for the mesh of the processing target to calculate a VBAP gain for each speaker configuring the mesh.
Then, from a result of the calculation of the VBAP gains, whether or not the mesh of the processing target is a mesh including the position p of the object is decided, and if it is decided that the mesh of the processing target is a mesh that does not include the position p, then a next mesh is determined as a mesh of a new processing target and similar processes are performed for the mesh.
On the other hand, if it is decided that the mesh of the processing target is a mesh that includes the position p of the object, then the VBAP gains of the speakers configuring the mesh are determined as calculated VBAP gains while the VBAP gains of the other speakers are set to 0. Consequently, the VBAP gains for all speakers are obtained.
In this manner, in the rendering process, a process for calculating a VBAP gain and a process for specifying a mesh that includes the position p are performed simultaneously.
In particular, in order to obtain correct VBAP gains, a process of successively selecting a mesh of a processing target until all of VBAP gains for speakers configuring a mesh indicate values equal to or higher than 0 and calculating VBAP gains of the mesh is repeated.
Accordingly, in the rendering process, as the number of meshes on the surface of a unit sphere, the processing amount of processes required to specify a mesh including the position p, namely, to obtain a correct VBAP gain increases.
Therefore, in the present technology, not all of speakers in an actual reproduction environment are used to form (configure) meshes, but only some speakers from among all speakers are used to form meshes to reduce the total number of meshes and reduce the processing amount upon rendering processing. In particular, in the present technology, a mesh number switching process for changing the total number of meshes is performed.
1
22
FIG. 14
FIG. 14
FIG. 2
In particular, for example, in a speaker system of 22 channels, totaling 22 speakers including speakers SPK to SPK are disposed as speakers of different channels on the surface of a unit sphere as depicted in . It is to be noted that, in , the origin O corresponds to the origin O depicted in .
Where the 22 speakers are disposed on the surface of the unit sphere in this manner, if meshes are formed such that they cover the unit sphere surface using all of the 22 speakers, then the total number of meshes on the unit sphere is 40.
FIG. 15
FIG. 15
FIG. 14
1
22
1
6
7
10
19
20
In contrast, it is assumed that, for example, as depicted in , from among the totaling 22 speakers SPK to SPK, only totaling six speakers of the speakers SPK, SPK, SPK, SPK, SPK and SPK are used to form meshes. It is to be noted that, in , portions corresponding to those in the case of are denoted by like reference symbols and description of them is omitted suitably.
FIG. 15
FIG. 15
FIG. 14
In the example of , since only the totaling six speakers from among the 22 speakers are used to form meshes, the total number of meshes on the unit sphere is eight, and the total number of meshes can be reduced significantly. As a result, in the example depicted in , in comparison with the case in which all of the 22 speakers are used to form meshes as depicted in , the processing amount when VBAP gains are calculated can be reduced to 8/40 times, and the processing amount can be reduced significantly.
It is to be noted that, also in the present example, since the overall surface of the unit sphere is covered with eight meshes without a gap, it is possible to localize a sound image at an arbitrary position on the surface of the unit sphere. However, since the area of each mesh decreases as the total number of meshes provided on the unit sphere surface increases, it is possible to control localization of a sound image with a higher accuracy as the total number of meshes increases.
If the total number of meshes is changed by the mesh number switching process, then when speakers to be used to form the number of meshes after the change are selected, it is desirable to select speakers whose positions in the vertical direction (upward and downward direction) as viewed from the user who is at the origin O, namely, whose positions in the direction of the vertical direction angle elevation are different from each other. In other words, it is desirable to use three or more speakers including speakers positioned at different heights from each other to form the number of meshes after the change. This is because it is intended to suppress deterioration of the three-dimensional sense, namely, the presence, of sound.
1
5
FIG. 16
FIG. 16
FIG. 3
For example, a case is considered in which some or all of five speakers including the speakers SP to SP disposed on a unit sphere surface are used to form meshes as depicted in . It is to be noted that, in , portions corresponding to those in the case of are denoted by like reference symbols and description of them is omitted.
1
5
1
3
2
4
2
4
5
FIG. 16
Where all of the five speakers SP to SP in the example depicted in are used to form meshes with which a unit sphere surface are covered, the number of meshes is three. In particular, three regions including a region of a triangular shape surrounded by the speakers SP to SP, another region of a triangular shape surrounded by the speakers SP to SP and a further region of a triangular shape surrounded by the speakers SP, SP and SP form meshes.
1
2
5
1
2
2
5
In contrast, for example, if only the speakers SP, SP and SP are used, then the mesh does not form a triangular shape but forms a two-dimensional arc. In this case, a sound image of an object can be localized only on the arc interconnecting the speakers SP and SP or on the arc interconnecting the speakers SP and SP of the unit sphere.
In this manner, if all speakers used to form meshes are speakers at the same height in the vertical direction, namely, speakers of the same layer, then since the heights of localization positions of all sound images of an object become a same height, the presence is deteriorated.
Accordingly, it is desirable to use three or more speakers including speakers whose positions in a vertical direction (the vertical direction) are different from each other to form one or a plurality of meshes such that deterioration of the presence can be suppressed.
FIG. 16
1
3
5
1
5
1
5
3
4
In the example of , for example, if the speaker SP and the speakers SP to SP from among the speakers SP to SP are used, then two meshes can be formed such that they cover the overall unit sphere surface. In this example, the speakers SP and SP and the speakers SP and SP are positioned at heights different from each other.
1
3
5
3
5
In this case, for example, a region of a triangular shape surrounded by the speakers SP, SP and SP and another region of a triangular shape surrounded by the speakers SP to SP are formed as meshes.
1
3
4
1
4
5
Further, in this example, also it is possible to form two regions including a region of a triangular shape surrounded by the speakers SP, SP and SP and another region of a triangular shape surrounded by the speakers SP, SP and SP as meshes.
19
FIG. 14
In the two examples above, since a sound image can be localized at an arbitrary position on the unit sphere surface, deterioration of the presence can be suppressed. Further, in order to form meshes such that the overall unit sphere surface is covered with a plurality of meshes, it is desirable to use a so-called top speaker positioned just above the user without fail. For example, the top speaker is the speaker SPK depicted in .
By performing a mesh number switching process to change the total number of meshes in such a manner as described above, it is possible to reduce the processing amount of a rendering process and besides it is possible to suppress deterioration of the presence or the sound quality upon sound reproduction to a low level similarly as in the case of a quantization process. In other words, the processing amount of the rendering process can be reduced while deterioration of the presence or the sound quality is suppressed.
To select whether or not such a mesh number switching process is to be performed or to which number the total number of meshes is set in the mesh number switching process can be regarded as to select the total number of meshes to be used to calculate VBAP gains.
(Combination of Quantization Process and Mesh Number Switching Process)
In the foregoing description, as a technique for reducing the processing amount of a rendering process, a quantization process and a mesh number switching process are described.
At the renderer side that performs a rendering process, some of the processes described as a quantization process or a mesh number switching process may be used fixedly, or such processes may be switched or may be combined suitably.
For example, which processes are to be performed in combination may be determined on the basis of the total number of objects (hereinafter referred to as object number), importance information included in metadata of an object, a sound pressure of an audio signal of an object or the like. Further, it is possible to perform combination of processes, namely, switching of a process, for each object or for each frame of an audio signal.
For example, where switching of a process is performed in response to the object number, such a process as described below may be performed.
For example, where the object number is equal to or greater than 10, a binarization process for a VBAP gain is performed for all objects. In contrast, where the object number is smaller than 10, only the process A1 to the process A3 described hereinabove are performed as usual.
By performing processes as usual when the object number is small but performing a binarization process when the object number is great in this manner, rendering can be performed sufficiently even by a renderer of a small hardware scale, and sound of quality as high as possible can be obtained.
Further, when switching of a process is performed in response to the object number, a mesh number switching process may be performed in response to the object number to change the total number of meshes appropriately.
In this case, for example, it is possible to set the total number of meshes to 8 when the object number is equal to or greater than 10 but set the total number of meshes to 40 when the object number is smaller than 10. Further, the total number of meshes may be changed among multiple stages in response to the object number such that the total number of meshes decreases as the object number increases.
By changing the total number of meshes in response to the object number in this manner, it is possible to adjust the processing amount in response to the hardware scale of a renderer thereby to obtain sound of quality as high as possible.
Further, where switching of a process is performed on the basis of importance information included in metadata of an object, the following process can be performed.
For example, when the importance information of the object has the highest value indicative of the highest importance degree, only the processes A1 to A3 are performed as usual, but where the importance information of the object has a value other than the highest value, a binarization process for a VBAP gain is performed.
Further, for example, a mesh number switching process may be performed in response to the value of the importance information of the object to change the total number of messes appropriately. In this case, the total number of meshes may be increased as the importance degree of the object increases, and the total number of meshes can be changed among multiple stages.
In those examples, the process can be switched for each object on the basis of the importance information of each object. In the process described here, it is possible to increase the sound quality in regard to an object having a high importance degree but decrease the sound quality in regard to an object having a low importance degree thereby to reduce the processing amount. Accordingly, when sound of objects of various importance degrees are to be reproduced simultaneously, sound quality deterioration on the auditory sensation is suppressed most to reduce the processing amount, and it can be considered that this is a technique that is well-balanced between assurance of sound quality and processing amount reduction.
In this manner, when switching of a process is performed for each object on the basis of the importance information of an object, it is possible to increase the total number of objects as the importance degree of the object increases or to avoid performance of the quantization process when the importance degree of the object is high.
In addition, also with regard to an object having a low importance degree, namely, with regard to an object whose value of the importance information is lower than a predetermined value, the total number of meshes may be increased for an object positioned at a position near to an object that has a higher importance degree, namely, an object whose value of the importance information is equal to or higher than a predetermined value or the quantization process may not be performed.
In particular, in regard to an object whose importance information indicates the highest value, the total number of meshes is set to 40, but in regard to an object whose importance information does not indicate the highest value, the total number of meshes is decreased.
In this case, in regard to an object whose importance information is not the highest value, the total number of meshes may be increased as the distance between the object and an object whose importance information is the highest value decreases. Usually, since a user listens especially carefully to sound of an object of a high importance degree, if the sound quality of sound of a different object positioned near to the object is low, then the user will feel that the sound quality of the entire content is not good. Therefore, by determining the total number of meshes also in regard to an object that is positioned near to an object having a high importance degree such that sound quality as high as possible can be obtained, deterioration of sound quality on the auditory sensation can be suppressed.
Further, a process may be switched in response to a sound pressure of an audio signal of an object. Here, the sound pressure of an audio signal can be determined by calculating a square root of a mean squared value of sample values of samples in a frame of a rendering target of an audio signal. In particular, the sound pressure RMS can be determined by calculation of the following expression (10):
<math overflow="scroll"><mrow><mo>[</mo><mrow><mi>Expression</mi><mo>⁢</mo><mstyle><mspace width="0.8em" height="0.8ex" /></mstyle><mo>⁢</mo><mn>10</mn></mrow><mo>]</mo></mrow></math>
<math overflow="scroll"><mtable><mtr><mtd><mrow><mi>RMS</mi><mo>=</mo><mrow><mn>20</mn><mo>×</mo><mrow><msub><mi>log</mi><mn>10</mn></msub><mo>⁡</mo><mrow><mo>(</mo><msqrt><mrow><mfrac><mn>1</mn><mi>N</mi></mfrac><mo>⁢</mo><mrow><munderover><mo>∑</mo><mrow><mi>n</mi><mo>=</mo><mn>0</mn></mrow><mrow><mi>N</mi><mo>-</mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></munderover><mo>⁢</mo><mstyle><mspace width="0.3em" height="0.3ex" /></mstyle><mo>⁢</mo><msup><mrow><mo>(</mo><mi>Xn</mi><mo>)</mo></mrow><mn>2</mn></msup></mrow></mrow></msqrt><mo>)</mo></mrow></mrow></mrow></mrow></mtd><mtd><mrow><mo>(</mo><mn>10</mn><mo>)</mo></mrow></mtd></mtr></mtable></math>
n
It is to be noted that, in the expression (10), N represents the number of samples configuring a frame of an audio signal, and xrepresents a sample value of the nth (where n=0, . . . , N−1) sample in a frame.
Where a process is switched in response to the sound pressure RMS of an audio signal obtained in this manner, the following process can be performed.
For example, where the sound pressure RMS of an audio signal of an object is −6 dB or more with respect to 0 dB that is the full scale of the sound pressure RMS, only the processes A1 to A3 are performed as usual, but where the sound pressure RMS of an object is lower than −6 dB, a binarization process for a VBAP gain is performed.
Generally, where sound has a high sound pressure, deterioration of the sound quality is likely to stand out, and such sound is often sound of an object having a high importance degree. Therefore, here in regard to an object of sound having a high sound pressure RMS, the sound quality is prevented from being deteriorated while, in regard to an object of sound having a low sound pressure RMS, a binarization process is performed such that the processing amount is reduced on the whole. By this, even by a renderer of a small hardware scale, rendering can be performed sufficiently, and besides, sound of quality as high as possible can be obtained.
Alternatively, a mesh number switching process may be performed in response to the sound pressure RMS of an audio signal of an object such that the total number of meshes is changed appropriately. In this case, for example, the total number of meshes may be increased as the sound pressure RMS of the object increases, and the total number of meshes can be changed among multiple stages.
Further, a combination of a quantization process or a mesh number switching process may be selected in response to the object number, the importance information and the sound pressure RMS.
In particular, a VBAP gain may be calculated by a process according to a result of selection, on the basis of the object number, the importance information and the sound pressure RMS, of whether or not a quantization process is to be performed, into how many gains a VBAP gain is to be quantized in the quantization process, namely, the quantization number upon the quantization processing, and the total number of meshes to be used for calculation of a VBAP gain. In such a case, for example, such a process as given below can be performed.
For example, where the object number is 10 or more, the total number of meshes is set to 10 and besides a binarization process is performed. In this case, since the object number is great, the processing amount is reduced by reducing the total number of meshes and performing a binarization process. Consequently, even where the hardware scale of a renderer is small, rendering of all objects can be performed.
Meanwhile, where the object number is smaller than 10 and besides the value of the importance information is the highest value, only the processes A1 to A3 are performed as usual. Consequently, for an object having a high importance degree, sound can be reproduced without deteriorating the sound quality.
Where the object number is smaller than 10 and besides the value of the importance information is not the highest value and besides the sound pressure RMS is equal to or higher than −30 dB, the total number of meshes is set to 10 and besides a ternarization process is performed. This makes it possible to reduce the processing amount upon rendering processing to such a degree that, in regard to sound that has a high sound pressure although the importance degree is low, sound quality deterioration of the sound does not stand out.
Further, where the object number is smaller than 10 and besides the value of the importance information is not the highest value and besides the sound pressure RMS is lower than −30 dB, the total number of meshes is set to 5 and further a binarization process is performed. This makes it possible to sufficiently reduce the processing amount upon rendering processing in regard to sound that has a low importance degree and has a low sound pressure.
In this manner, when the object number is great, the processing amount upon rendering processing is reduced such that rendering of all objects can be performed, but when the object number is small to some degree, an appropriate process is selected and rendering is performed for each object. Consequently, while assurance of the sound quality and reduction of the processing apparatus are balanced well for each object, sound can be reproduced with sufficient sound quality by a small processing amount on the whole.
<Example of Configuration of Audio Processing Apparatus>
FIG. 17
FIG. 17
FIG. 6
Now, an audio processing apparatus that performs a rendering process while suitably performing a quantization process, a mesh number switching process and so forth described above is described. is a view depicting an example of a particular configuration of such an audio processing apparatus as just described. It is to be noted that, in , portions corresponding to those in the case of are denoted by like reference symbols and description of them is omitted suitably.
61
21
23
71
23
21
12
71
FIG. 17
The audio processing apparatus depicted in includes an acquisition unit , a gain calculation unit and a gain adjustment unit . The gain calculation unit receives metadata and audio signals of objects supplied from the acquisition unit , calculates a VBAP gain for each of the speakers for each object and supplies the calculated VBAP gains to the gain adjustment unit .
23
31
Further, the gain calculation unit includes a quantization unit that performs quantization of the VBAP gains.
71
21
12
23
12
12
The gain adjustment unit multiplies an audio signal supplied from the acquisition unit by the VBAP gains for the individual speakers supplied from the gain calculation unit for each object to generate audio signals for the individual speakers and supplies the audio signals to the speakers .
<Explanation of Reproduction Process>
61
61
FIG. 17
FIG. 18
Subsequently, operation of the audio processing apparatus depicted in is described. In particular, a reproduction process by the audio processing apparatus is described with reference to a flow chart of .
21
It is to be noted that it is assumed that, in the present example, an audio signal and metadata of one object or each of a plurality of objects are supplied for each frame to the acquisition unit and a reproduction process is performed for each frame of an audio signal of each object.
231
21
23
71
23
21
23
At step S, the acquisition unit acquires an audio signal and metadata of an object from the outside and supplies the audio signal to the gain calculation unit and the gain adjustment unit while it supplies the metadata to the gain calculation unit . Further, the acquisition unit acquires also information of the number of objects with regard to which sound is to be reproduced simultaneously in a frame that is a processing target, namely, of the object number and supplies the information to the gain calculation unit .
232
23
21
At step S, the gain calculation unit decides whether or not the object number is equal to or greater than 10 on the basis of the information representative of an object number supplied from the acquisition unit .
232
23
233
23
If it is decided at step S that the object number is equal to or greater than 10, then the gain calculation unit sets the total number of meshes to be used upon VBAP gain calculation to 10 at step S. In other words, the gain calculation unit selects 10 as the total number of meshes.
23
12
12
23
12
Further, the gain calculation unit selects a predetermined number of speakers from among all of the speakers in response to the selected total number of meshes such that the number of meshes equal to the total number are formed on the unit spherical surface. Then, the gain calculation unit determines 10 meshes on the unit spherical surface formed from the selected speakers as meshes to be used upon VBAP gain calculation.
234
23
12
12
233
21
At step S, the gain calculation unit calculates a VBAP gain for each speaker by the VBAP on the basis of location information indicative of locations of the speakers configuring the 10 meshes determined at step S and position information included in the metadata supplied from the acquisition unit and indicative of the positions of the objects.
23
233
12
12
In particular, the gain calculation unit successively performs calculation of the expression (8) using the meshes determined at step S in order as a mesh of a processing target to calculate the VBAP gain of the speakers . At this time, a new mesh is successively determined as a mesh of the processing target until the VBAP gains calculated in regard to three speakers configuring the mesh of the processing target all indicate values equal to or greater than 0 to successively calculate VBAP gains.
235
31
12
234
246
At step S, the quantization unit binarizes the VBAP gains of the speakers obtained at step S, whereafter the processing advances to step S.
232
236
If it is decided at step S that the object number is smaller than 10, then the processing advances to step S.
236
23
21
At step S, the gain calculation unit decides whether or not the value of the importance information of the objects included in the metadata supplied from the acquisition unit is the highest value. For example, if the value of the importance information is the value “7” indicating that the importance degree is highest, then it is decided that the importance information indicates the highest value.
236
237
If it is decided at step S that the importance information indicates the highest value, then the processing advances to step S.
237
23
12
12
21
246
12
At step S, the gain calculation unit calculates a VBAP gain for each speaker on the basis of the location information indicative of the locations of the speakers and the position information included in the metadata supplied from the acquisition unit , whereafter the processing advances to step S. Here, the meshes formed from all speakers are successively determined as a mesh of a processing target, and a VBAP gain is calculated by calculation of the expression (8).
236
238
23
21
On the other hand, if it is decided at step S that the importance information does not indicate the highest value, then at step S, the gain calculation unit calculates the sound pressure RMS of the audio signal supplied from the acquisition unit . In particular, calculation of the expression (10) given hereinabove is performed for a frame of the audio signal that is a processing target to calculate the sound pressure RMS.
239
23
238
At step S, the gain calculation unit decides whether or not the sound pressure RMS calculated at step S is equal to or higher than −30 dB.
239
240
241
240
241
233
234
If it is decided at step S that the sound pressure RMS is equal to or higher than −30 dB, then processes at steps S and S are performed. It is to be noted that the processes at steps S and S are similar to those at steps S and S, respectively, and therefore, description of them is omitted.
242
31
12
241
246
At step S, the quantization unit ternarizes the VBAP gain for each speaker obtained at step S, whereafter the processing advances to step S.
239
243
On the other hand, if it is decided at step S that the sound pressure RMS is lower than −30 dB, then the processing advances to step S.
243
23
At step S, the gain calculation unit sets the total number of meshes to be used upon VBAP gain calculation to 5.
23
12
12
12
Further, the gain calculation unit selects a predetermined number of speakers from among all speakers in response to the selected total number “5” of meshes and determines five meshes on a unit spherical surface formed from the selected speakers as meshes to be used upon VBAP gain calculation.
244
245
246
244
245
234
235
After the meshes to be used upon VBAP gain calculation are determined, processes at steps S and S are performed, and then the processing advances to step S. It is to be noted that the processes at steps S and S are similar to the processes at steps S and S, and therefore, description of them is omitted.
235
237
242
245
12
246
248
After the process at step S, S, S or S is performed and VBAP gains for the speakers are obtained, processes at steps S to S are performed, thereby ending the reproduction process.
246
248
17
19
FIG. 7
It is to be noted that, since the processes at steps S to S are similar to the processes at steps S to S described hereinabove with reference to , respectively, description of them is omitted.
248
12
12
12
However, more particularly, the reproduction process is performed substantially simultaneously in regard to the individual objects, and at step S, audio signals for the speakers obtained for the individual objects are supplied to the speakers . In particular, the speakers reproduce sound on the basis of signals obtained by adding the audio signals of the objects. As a result, sound of all objects is outputted simultaneously.
61
The audio processing apparatus selectively performs a quantization process and a mesh number switching process suitably for each object. By this, the processing amount of the rendering process can be reduced while deterioration of the presence or the sound quality is suppressed.
<Example of Configuration of Audio Processing Apparatus>
Further, while, in the description of the second embodiment, an example in which, when a process for extending a sound image is not performed, a quantization process or a mesh number switching process is selectively performed is described, also when a process for extending a sound image is performed, a quantization process or a mesh number switching process may be performed selectively.
11
FIG. 19
FIG. 19
FIG. 6 or 17
In such a case, the audio processing apparatus is configured, for example, in such a manner as depicted in . It is to be noted that, in , portions corresponding to those in the case of are denoted by like reference symbols and description of them is omitted suitably.
11
21
22
23
71
FIG. 19
The audio processing apparatus depicted in includes an acquisition unit , a vector calculation unit , a gain calculation unit and a gain adjustment unit .
21
23
71
22
23
23
31
The acquisition unit acquires an audio signal and metadata of an object regarding one or a plurality of objects, and supplies the acquired audio signal to the gain calculation unit and the gain adjustment unit and supplies the acquired metadata to the vector calculation unit and the gain calculation unit . Further, the gain calculation unit includes a quantization unit .
<Explanation of Reproduction Process>
11
FIG. 19
FIG. 20
Now, a reproduction process performed by the audio processing apparatus depicted in is described with reference to a flow chart of .
21
It is to be noted that it is assumed in the present example that, in regard to one or a plurality of objects, an audio signal of an object and metadata are supplied for each frame to the acquisition unit and the reproduction process is performed for each frame of the audio signal for each object.
271
272
11
12
271
21
23
71
21
22
23
FIG. 7
Further, since processes at steps S and S are similar to the processes at steps S and S of , respectively, description of them is omitted. However, at step S, the audio signals acquired by the acquisition unit are supplied to the gain calculation unit and the gain adjustment unit , and the metadata acquired by the acquisition unit are supplied to the vector calculation unit and the gain calculation unit .
271
272
When the processes at steps S and S are performed, spread vectors or spread vectors and a vector p are obtained.
273
23
12
12
At step S, the gain calculation unit performs a VBAP gain calculation process to calculate a VBAP gain for each speaker . It is to be noted that, although details of the VBAP gain calculation process are hereinafter described, in the VBAP gain calculation process, a quantization process or a mesh number switching process is selectively performed to calculate a VBAP gain for each speaker .
273
12
274
276
17
19
276
12
12
FIG. 7
After the process at step S is performed and the VBAP gains for the speakers are obtained, processes at steps S to S are performed and the reproduction process ends. However, since those processes are similar to the processes at steps S to S of , respectively, description of them is omitted. However, more particularly, a reproduction process is performed substantially simultaneously in regard to the objects, and at step S, audio signals for the speaker obtained for the individual objects are supplied to the speakers .
12
Therefore, sound of all objects is outputted simultaneously from the speakers .
11
The audio processing apparatus selectively performs a quantization process or a mesh number switching process suitably for each object in such a manner as described above. By this, also where a process for extending a sound image is performed, the processing amount of a rendering process can be reduced while deterioration of the presence or the sound quality is suppressed.
<Explanation of VBAP Gain Calculation Process>
273
FIG. 20
FIG. 21
Now, a VBAP gain calculation process corresponding to the process at step S of is described with reference to a flow chart of .
301
303
232
234
303
12
FIG. 18
It is to be noted that, since processes at steps S to S are similar to the processes at steps S to S of , respectively, description of them is omitted. However, at step S, a VBAP gain is calculated for each speaker in regard to each of the vectors of the spread vectors or the spread vectors and vector p.
304
23
12
304
14
FIG. 7
At step S, the gain calculation unit adds the VBAP gains calculated in regard to the vectors for each speaker to calculate a VBAP gain addition value. At step S, a process similar to that at step S of is performed.
305
31
12
304
274
FIG. 20
At step S, the quantization unit binarizes the VBAP gain addition value obtained for each speaker by the process at step S and then the calculation process ends, whereafter the processing advances to step S of .
301
306
307
On the other hand, if it is decided at step S that the object number is smaller than 10, processes at steps S and S are performed.
306
307
236
237
307
12
FIG. 18
It is to be noted that, since the processes at step S and S are similar to the processes at step S and step S of , respectively, description of them is omitted. However, at step S, a VBAP gain is calculated for each speaker in regard to each of the vectors of the spread vectors or the spread vectors and vector p.
307
308
274
308
304
FIG. 20
Further, after the process at step S is performed, a process at step is performed and the VBAP gain calculation process ends, whereafter the processing advances to step S of . However, since the process at step S is similar to the process at step S, description of it is omitted.
306
309
312
238
241
312
12
FIG. 18
Further, if it is decided at step S that the importance information does not indicate the highest value, then processes at steps S to S are performed. However, since the processes are similar to the processes at steps S to S of , description of them is omitted. However, at step S, a VBAP gain is calculated for each speaker in regard to each of the vectors of spread vectors or spread vectors and vector p.
12
313
313
304
After the VBAP gains for the speakers are obtained in regard to the vectors, a process at step S is performed to calculate a VBAP gain addition value. However, since the process at step S is similar to the process at step S, description of it is omitted.
314
31
12
313
274
FIG. 20
At step S, the quantization unit ternarizes the VBAP gain addition value obtained for each speaker by the process at step S and the VBAP gain calculation ends, whereafter the processing advances to step S of .
310
315
315
243
FIG. 18
Further, if it is decided at step S that the sound pressure RMS is lower than −30 dB, then a process at step S is performed and the total number of meshes to be used upon VBAP gain calculation is set to 5. It is to be noted that the process at step S is similar to the process at step S of , and therefore, description of it is omitted.
316
318
274
316
318
303
305
FIG. 20
After meshes to be used upon VBAP gain calculation are determined, processes at steps S to S are performed and the VBAP gain calculation process ends, whereafter the processing advances to step S of . It is to be noted that the processes at steps S to S are similar to the processes at steps S to S, and therefore, description of them is omitted.
11
The audio processing apparatus selectively performs a quantization process or a mesh number switching process suitably for each object in such a manner as described above. By this, also where a process for extending a sound image is performed, the processing amount of a rendering process can be reduced while deterioration of the presence or the sound quality is suppressed.
Incidentally, while the series of processes described above can be executed by hardware, it may otherwise be executed by software. Where the series of processes is executed by software, a program that constructs the software is installed into a computer. Here, the computer includes a computer incorporated in hardware for exclusive use, for example, a personal computer for universal use that can execute various functions by installing various programs, and so forth.
FIG. 22
is a block diagram depicting an example of a configuration of hardware of a computer that executes the series of processes described hereinabove in accordance with a program.
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In the computer, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) , a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) are connected to each other by a bus .
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To the bus , an input/output interface is connected further. To the input/output interface , an inputting unit , an outputting unit , a recording unit , a communication unit and a drive are connected.
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The inputting unit is configured from a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, an image pickup element and so forth. The outputting unit is configured from a display unit, a speaker and so forth. The recording unit is configured from a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory and so forth. The communication unit is configured from a network interface and so forth. The drive drives a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk or a semiconductor memory.
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In the computer configured in such a manner as described above, the CPU loads a program recorded, for example, in the recording unit into the RAM through the input/output interface and the bus and executes the program to perform the series of processes described hereinabove.
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The program executed by the computer (CPU ) can be recorded on and provided as the removable recording medium , for example, as a package medium or the like. Further, the program can be provided through a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet or a digital satellite broadcast.
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In the computer, the program can be installed into the recording unit through the input/output interface by loading the removable recording medium into the drive . Alternatively, the program can be received by the communication unit through a wired or wireless transmission medium and installed into the recording unit . Alternatively, the program may be installed in advance into the ROM or the recording unit .
It is to be noted that the program executed by the computer may be a program by which processes are performed in a time series in accordance with an order described in the present specification or a program in which processes are performed in parallel or are performed at a timing at which the program is called or the like.
Further, embodiments of the present technology is not limited to the embodiments described hereinabove and can be altered in various manners without departing from the subject matter of the present technology.
For example, the present technology can assume a configuration for cloud computing by which one function is shared and processed cooperatively by a plurality of apparatuses through a network.
Further, the steps described with reference to the flow charts described hereinabove can be executed by a single apparatus or can be executed in sharing by a plurality of apparatuses.
Further, where one step includes a plurality of processes, the plurality of processes included in the one step can be executed by a single apparatus or can be executed in sharing by a plurality of apparatuses.
Also it is possible for the present technology to take the following configurations.
(1)
An audio processing apparatus including:
an acquisition unit configured to acquire metadata including position information indicative of a position of an audio object and sound image information configured from a vector of at least two or more dimensions and representative of an extent of a sound image from the position;
a vector calculation unit configured to calculate, based on a horizontal direction angle and a vertical direction angle of a region representative of the extent of the sound image determined by the sound image information, a spread vector indicative of a position in the region; and
a gain calculation unit configured to calculate, based on the spread vector, a gain of each of audio signals supplied to two or more sound outputting units positioned in the proximity of the position indicated by the position information.
(2)
The audio processing apparatus according to (1), in which
the vector calculation unit calculates the spread vector based on a ratio between the horizontal direction angle and the vertical direction angle.
(3)
The audio processing apparatus according to (1) or (2), in which
the vector calculation unit calculates the number of spread vectors determined in advance.
(4)
The audio processing apparatus according to (1) or (2), in which
the vector calculation unit calculates a variable arbitrary number of spread vectors.
(5)
The audio processing apparatus according to (1), in which
the sound image information is a vector indicative of a center position of the region.
(6)
The audio processing apparatus according to (1), in which
the sound image information is a vector of two or more dimensions indicative of an extent degree of the sound image from the center of the region.
(7)
The audio processing apparatus according to (1), in which
the sound image information is a vector indicative of a relative position of a center position of the region as viewed from a position indicated by the position information.
(8)
The audio processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7), in which
the gain calculation unit
calculates the gain for each spread vector in regard to each of the sound outputting units,
calculates an addition value of the gains calculated in regard to the spread vectors for each of the sound outputting units,
quantizes the addition value into a gain of two or more values for each of the sound outputting units, and
calculates a final gain for each of the sound outputting units based on the quantized addition value.
(9)
The audio processing apparatus according to (8), in which
the gain calculation unit selects the number of meshes each of which is a region surrounded by three ones of the sound outputting units and which number is to be used for calculation of the gain and calculates the gain for each of the spread vectors based on a result of the selection of the number of meshes and the spread vector.
(10)
The audio processing apparatus according to (9), in which
the gain calculation unit selects the number of meshes to be used for calculation of the gain, whether or not the quantization is to be performed and a quantization number of the addition value upon the quantization and calculates the final gain in response to a result of the selection.
(11)
The audio processing apparatus according to (10), in which
the gain calculation unit selects, based on the number of the audio objects, the number of meshes to be used for calculation of the gain, whether or not the quantization is to be performed and the quantization number.
(12)
The audio processing apparatus according to (10) or (11), in which
the gain calculation unit selects, based on an importance degree of the audio object, the number of meshes to be used for calculation of the gain, whether or not the quantization is to be performed and the quantization number.
(13)
The audio processing apparatus according to (12), in which
the gain calculation unit selects the number of meshes to be used for calculation of the gain such that the number of meshes to be used for calculation of the gain increases as the position of the audio object is positioned nearer to the audio object that is high in the importance degree.
(14)
The audio processing apparatus according to any one of (10) to (13), in which
the gain calculation unit selects, based on a sound pressure of the audio signal of the audio object, the number of meshes to be used for calculation of the gain, whether or not the quantization is to be performed and the quantization number.
(15)
The audio processing apparatus according to any one of (9) to (14), in which
the gain calculation unit selects, in response to a result of the selection of the number of meshes, three or more ones of the plurality of sound outputting units including the sound outputting units that are positioned at different heights from each other, and calculates the gain based on one or a plurality of meshes formed from the selected sound outputting units.
(16)
An audio processing method including the steps of:
acquiring metadata including position information indicative of a position of an audio object and sound image information configured from a vector of at least two or more dimensions and representative of an extent of a sound image from the position;
calculating, based on a horizontal direction angle and a vertical direction angle of a region representative of the extent of the sound image determined by the sound image information, a spread vector indicative of a position in the region; and
calculating, based on the spread vector, a gain of each of audio signals supplied to two or more sound outputting units positioned in the proximity of the position indicated by the position information.
(17)
A program that causes a computer to execute a process including the steps of:
acquiring metadata including position information indicative of a position of an audio object and sound image information configured from a vector of at least two or more dimensions and representative of an extent of a sound image from the position;
calculating, based on a horizontal direction angle and a vertical direction angle of a region representative of the extent of the sound image determined by the sound image information, a spread vector indicative of a position in the region; and
calculating, based on the spread vector, a gain of each of audio signals supplied to two or more sound outputting units positioned in the proximity of the position indicated by the position information.
(18)
An audio processing apparatus including:
an acquisition unit configured to acquire metadata including position information indicative of a position of an audio object; and
a gain calculation unit configured to select the number of meshes each of which is a region surrounded by three sound outputting units and which number is to be used for calculation of a gain for an audio signal to be supplied to the sound outputting units and calculate the gain based on a result of the selection of the number of meshes and the position information.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
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22
23
24
31
61
71
Audio processing apparatus, Acquisition unit, Vector calculation unit, Gain calculation unit, Gain adjustment unit, Quantization unit, Audio processing apparatus, Gain adjustment unit | |
Coldest material in the cosmos could help scientists find dark matter particles
Scientists suggest super cooled gases called Bose-Einstein condensates -- in which atoms can rotate with little influence from friction -- could be used to identify the influence weak exotic forces produced by theoretical dark matter particles called axions. Photo by Pixabay/CC
May 1 (UPI) -- Researchers suggest the coldest material in the universe could reveal the presence of dark matter particles.
Roughly 80 percent of the cosmos is composed of material that exerts a gravitational influence on surrounding matter but does not interact with light.
Astronomers can intimate the presence of dark matter by measuring its effect on regular matter, but they can't observe it with a telescope. Thus, dark matter remains poorly understood.
Some scientists, using the results of various particle experiments and theoretical models as a guide, estimate dark matter is made up of tiny hypothetical particles called axions.
If axions exist, then the universe should feature "exotic spin-dependent forces." Magnetism is the most well-known spin-dependent force. The force causes electrons to point their spins along the lines of a magnetic field.
Magnetic forces are exerted by virtual photons. Exotic spin-dependent forces, on the other hand, are -- in theory -- carried our by virtual axions. Theoretical models suggests exotic spin-dependent forces influence both electrons and nuclei, and are produced by both magnets and ordinary matter.
To determine whether axions really exist, scientists can observe whether nuclei tend to point toward other matter. Previously, researchers have used comagnetometers to measure exotic spin-dependent forces. Comagnetometers feature paired magnetic sensors that cancel each other out, isolating the weaker exotic force. So far these attempts have failed to identify exotic spin-dependent forces.
In a new paper, published this week in the journal Physical Review Letters, scientists suggest magnetometers made using Bose Einstein Condensates could be used to detect exotic spin-dependent forces.
Bose Einstein Condensates consist of gases cooled to close to absolute zero. Atoms inside the superfluids are able to rotate for several seconds without experiencing friction, thus amplifying the effects of spin-dependent forces.
In the new paper, researchers claim they were able to squeeze two comagnetometers into a tiny volume by using two different internal states of the same super-cooled Rubidium-87 atoms. Each acted as distinct but co-located magnetometers.
"The results of the experiment confirm the predicted high immunity to noise from the ordinary magnetic field and the ability to look for exotic forces with much shorter ranges than in previous experiments," researchers wrote in a news release. "Besides looking for axions, the technique may also improve precision measurements of ultra-cold collision physics and studies of quantum correlations in Bose Einstein Condensates." | |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates essentially to an apparatus for selective destruction of cells including soft tissues and bones inside a living subject's body, particularly a mammal, including a human being.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The prior art already describes various devices and methods for selectively destroying cells inside a living subject's body, in particular a mammal, including a human being. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,559,227 to RIEBER describes a shockwave-generating device for destroying cells inside a human body, using a truncated ellipsoid hermetically sealed by a membrane. The power needed for destroying the cells with this apparatus is relatively high, which is undesirable because of the existing risk of destroying sound cells.
Various other diagnosis methods have also been used for many years, for carrying out a non-invasive detection of pulmonary hypertension or the presence of tumors. TICKNER et al. for example, in their article "Non- invasive Assessment of Pulmonary Hypertension using Bubble UTS Resonance Pressure (BURP) Method", Nat. Tech. Inf. Service Rept. No. HR-62917-1A, April 1977, and also U.S. Pat. No. 4,265,251, have described a diagnosis method using the injection, in the blood vessels, of gas bubbles or of gas bubble precursor, in order to determine the blood pressure with the help of an ultrasonic apparatus, and the blood flow and to deduce therefrom the information which will reveal the presence or absence of heart or pulmonary disorders. U.S. Pat. No. 4,316, 391 describes the use of a bubbles-precursor solid material in microcapsules encapsulating a gas of selected composition, the microcapsules having a diameter ranging between 0.5 and 300 &mgr;m. Document EP-A-0 072 330 describes improvements in the ultrasonic detection system using ultrasonic frequencies for generating fine bubbles in situ which bubbles are thereafter detected by monitoring the Doppler effect. Patents DE-A-29 46 662 and EP-A-0 273 140 describe the same teaching.
Document WO-A-80/02365 to RAZOR likewise uses the injection of microbubbles of gas having diameters in the 0.5 to 300 &mgr;m range, for detecting tumors as well as for delivering gaseous therapeutic agents selectively to tumors, as indicated in page 4, lines 4 to 9 and 14 to 30, and also in the claims.
It is clear from the foregoing that the prior art uses the gas bubbles essentially, if not solely, for diagnosis purposes, and in particular for measuring blood pressure. Only in document WO-A-80/02365 is there a possibility of selectively feeding gaseous therapeutic agents to tumors for treating them. This last solution is, on the other hand, hardly usable since the number of therapeutic agents which can be delivered in gaseous form and which are also capable of treating a given tumor, is extremely reduced so that this method of treating tumors by a gaseous therapeutic agent has not found an outlet in therapeutic practice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is the object of the present invention to provide a solution to the new technical problem consisting in finding a way of using gas bubbles for selective destruction of cells in situ, cells, including soft tissues and bones.
A further object of the invention is to solve this new technical problem by providing a solution permitting such selective destruction of cells mainly or essentially by the intervention of physical or mechanical phenomena, rather than by the action of active therapeutic products which requires long treatment periods and repeated administrations.
Yet another object of the present invention is to solve this new technical problem by providing a solution, permitting the selective destruction of cells in a living subject's body, particularly a mammal, including a human being, by using physical and mechanical effects combined with the introduction in situ of gas bubbles in the cells to be selectively destroyed, but requiring if possible only one treatment, or only an extremely reduced number of treatments, in non-invasive, essentially extracorporeal manner.
And finally another object of the present invention is to solve this new technical problem in an especially simplified, easy to reproduce, and extremely accurate way, namely a way offering very wide selectivity and usable on an industrial scale.
The present invention has, for the first time, solved the aforesaid technical problems in the way indicated hereinabove, which represents a decisive technical improvement, completely unexpected for anyone skilled in the art, and which makes it possible to treat a considerable number of complaints caused by malignant cells, such as, for example and non- restrictively, neoplasms of the liver, of the pancreas, of the kidney, of the testicles, of the ovary, of the womb, of the thyroid gland, of the parathyroid gland, of the breast, of the bile ducts, of the skin, of the sorrenace, of the muscle, of the prostate gland, of the salivary glands, of the urinary system, or of the bones.
Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for the selective destruction of cells inside a living subject's body, particularly a mammal, including a human body, which is characterized in that it comprises:
means for generating gas bubbles in situ within the cells to be selectively destroyed, and
implosion means capable of provoking the implosion in situ of the gas bubbles, thereby destroying the cells adjacent the imploded gas bubbles.
According to one advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, said implosion means comprises means for generating high power acoustic waves. The acoustic waves are causing a positive pressure on the bubbles which compresses them until they disintegrate.
According to one particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, said acoustic waves have a pressure wave ranging between several tens and several hundreds bars.
According to another particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, said acoustic wave generating means comprise an acoustic generator of piezoelectric transducer type, preferably comprising means for focussing acoustic waves in a target-focus.
According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, said acoustic wave generating means comprise a mechanical shockwave generator, preferably equipped with means of focussing mechanical shockwaves in a target-focus. Such mechanical shockwave generating apparatus comprise electrohydraulic generators, magnetostrictive type genetators, laser generators, explosive type generators.
According to one advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, said gas bubble generating means comprise means for feeding the gas bubbles in situ.
According to a variant embodiment, the means for feeding the gas bubbles in situ comprise an injectable solution containing gas bubbles.
According to another variant embodiment of the invention, the gas bubble generating means contain a material which is a gas bubble precursor. In a variant embodiment, this material precursor of gas bubbles comprises capsules encapsulating the gas bubbles, said capsules being produced from a material which dissolves progressively in the blood stream. Such materials are described hereinafter.
According to another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, said gas bubble generating means comprise cavitation means generating gas bubbles in situ.
According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, said gas bubble generating means comprise an ultrasonic generator with strong negative waves. Suitable ultrasonic generators with strong negative waves are those for which the negative wave can reach a negative value of between several bars and several tens of bars.
According to another advantageous characteristic of the apparatus according to the invention, said apparatus is characterized in that it comprises means for tracking and locating the cells to be destroyed, as well as gas bubbles.
According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the same generator is used for generating gas bubbles and for imploding said gas bubbles.
In this case, the generator is an ultrasonic type acoustic wave generator.
High power acoustic wave generating apparatus are well known to the practitioner. Any high power acoustic wave generator used for destroying concretions can be used. Such generators include the piezoelectric transducer type acoustic wave generators currently available on the market. It is possible to use the mechanical shockwave generators found on the market, particularly the electrohydraulic type ones which are equipped with focussing means constituted by a truncated ellipsoid, preferably that sold by TECHNOMED under the trade denominations SONOLITH 2000® or 3000®. The magnetostrictive type generators available on the markets are also suitable, particularly those sold by SIEMENS, or even the mechanical shockwave generators of explosive type, such as described in DE-PS-2 351 247, or detonating type such as described in WO- 87/03468, or finally, the laser generators, such as described in DE-A-2 538 260 or EP-A-0 206 332. A work which can also be cited is the book compiled by Lawrence B. Kandler, Med. Doctor, LLOYD H. HARRISON, Med. Doctor, David C. MacCullough, Med. Doctor, in 1987, FUTURA Publishing Company, and entitled "State of the art of extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy", which describes in detail the micro-explosion generators in pages 111 to 145, the authors being Mase Aki KUWAHARA and Kazu Yoshi TAKAYAMA, and the laser generators in pages 97 to 110, the authors being Michael E. Mayo et al.
For the gas bubble generating means, it is possible to inject gas bubble precursor microcapsules having diameters preferably in the 0. 5 . mu.m to 300 &mgr;m range, unrestrictively, which microcapsules encapsulate a gas od selected composition, such as described in document WO-A- 80/02365, which gas is injected in the blood stream, either by intraveinous route, or by arterial route at the general level or at the level irrigating the cells to be destroyed. The material encapsulating the gas bubbles is preferably selected to be either gelatin or saccharose. The gas used may be nitrogen or carbon dioxide. Such microbubbles may be produced in accordance with the method described in document WO-A- 80/02365 from page 8, line 32 to page 10, line 12 which is incorporated herein by way of reference and which consists in flowing the gas to be encapsulated through a small orifice, for example through a capillary tube, and into a gellable liquid, such as gelatin which has the well known advantage of being non-toxic, non-antigenic and non- allergenic.
Another possibility is to use a solid material precursor of bubbles, which will release gas bubbles when injected into the blood stream, as described in Patent U.S. Pat. No. A-4 265 251, from column 2, line 65, to column 4, the bubbles thus released into the blood stream being readily identifiable by ultrasonic detection means. And it is possible to use particles or microcapsules comprising a hollow inner space, and of which the walls are advantageously formed from a composition containing approximately 80% saccharose and 20% lactose, the hollow space inside the capsules being filled with a gas at a pressure higher than the pressure prevailing in the cardiovascular system. Such capsules or microcapsules encapsulating a gas can be prepared according to the process described in Patent U.S. Pat. No. 3 012 893 and they have the advantage of encapsulating substantially uniform quantities of gas. It is possible, in particular, to use the device described and illustrated with reference to FIG. 3, encapsulating carbon dioxide. The microcapsules obtained according to this process have a diameter in the 0. 5 and 350 &mgr; m range and will generate bubbles having a diameter in the 1 and 150 &mgr;m range.
Other materials suitable for producing the walls of the microcapsules encapsulating a gas, are described in EP-A-123 235, in EP- A-131 540 or else in EO-A-0 273 140. Particularly suitable materials for producing the microcapsules walls are lecithin, esters of polyoxyethylene fatty acids, oleates of ricin polyethyleneglycol glycerine, polyoxyethylepolyoxypropylene polymers, esters of saccharose, xyloglycerides, C.sub.4 -C.sub.20 non-saturated fatty alcohols, C.sub.4 - C.sub.20 non-saturated fatty acids, mono-, di- and tri-triglycerides, esters of fatty acids, constituting in particular between 0.01 and 10% by weight of the injectable solution. Also suitable are cyclodextrine, a monosaccharide, disaccharide or trisaccharide, polyols or mineral or organic salts in a concentration of 5 to 50% by weight, and also maltose, dextrose, lactose or galactose. These compounds may be in aqueous solutions, particularly physiological solutions, such as aqueous 0.9% solutions of NaCl. It is also possible to add compounds to these solutions for increasing the viscosity, for example monopolysaccharides, such as glucose, levulose, galactose, lactose, sorbitol, mannitol, saccharose, dextrane, cyclodextrine, polyols like glycerine or polyglycols. Among substances for increasing viscosity, there are also proteins, or similar substances, aminoacids, blood substitutes such as plasma proteins, gelatine, gelatine derivatives or mixtures thereof. Concentration may vary between 0.5 and 50% by weight, the highest concentration being limited by the capacity to dissolve of the substance. Surfactants, which also have a viscosity increasing effect, such as for example the poloxyethylene polymers whose molecular weight may range between about 4,500 and 16,500 in a proportion of 1% to 20%, and preferably about 3% to 10% , can also be added in the solution.
Such microcapsules are easily identifiable by ultrasonic type tracking and locating means working at a frequency which may vary between several hundreds MHz and about ten MHz.
The gas bubbles can also be created in situ by a phenomenon of cavitation provoked by an ultrasonic wave generator working in a frequency range of about 10.sup.4 to 10.sup.5 Hz, said ultrasonic waves thus lasting between about a fraction of a second and a few seconds depending on the power of the wave which is necessary to the formation of nucleies and to the growth of bubbles in situ in the biological fluids surrounding the cells to be destroyed, in particular in the blood of the vessels, including the capillaries, surrounding the cells to be destroyed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The invention will be more readily understood on reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing in which the one and only figure represents diagrammatically and non- restrictively a partial cross-section of a currently preferred embodiment of the apparatus for selective destruction of cells inside a living subject's body, according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the one Figure, this shows a currently preferred apparatus according to the invention, designated by the general reference 10, for selective destruction of cells symbolically designated by the general reference 12, and situated inside a living subject's body 14, in particular a mammal, a human being in this case, lying for example on a support table 16 comprising an opening 18 to allow the treatment of selective destruction of the cells 12.
The apparatus 10 according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises:
a) means, designated by the general reference number 20, for generating, in situ, gas bubbles 22 within the cells 12 to be selectively destroyed; and
b) implosion means, designated by the general reference number 24, capable of provoking, in situ, an implosion of the gas bubbles 22, which will result in the destruction of cells 12 to be destroyed situated adjacent the imploded gas bubbles 22.
Said implosion means 24 for imploding the gas bubbles 22 are advantageously constituted by high power acoustic wave generating means, which preferably generate pressure waves ranging between several tens and several hundreds bars. This pressure compresses the gas bubbles until they disintegrate.
According to one particular embodiment, the implosion means 24 comprise an acoustic generator of piezoelectric type, preferably comprising focussing means capable of focussing in a target-focus F, comprising for example a hemispherical-type focussing surface 28, as known of anyone skilled in the art. Such piezoelectric transducer-type focussing acoustic generators are available on the market, particularly for destroying concretions, such as kidney lithiases or cholelithiases.
According to another particular embodiment of the invention, the implosion means 24 comprise a mechanical shockwave generator. The mechanical shockwaves can be generated by an electrohydraulic-type generator, preferably provided with focussing means 26 comprising a truncated ellipsoid. Such apparatus is well known of anyone skilled in the art and available on the market. Advantageous examples of such apparatus are the TECHNOMED apparatus sold under the trade denomination SONOLITH 2000® or 3000® and used up to now for destroying concretions and in particular kidney lithiases or cholelithiases.
Magnetostrictive-type shockwave generators, equally well known of anyone skilled in the art, may also be used, and particularly the apparatus sold by the company SIEMENS.
Laser mechanical shockwave generators, also well known of anyone skilled in the art also suitable.
And finally, the explosive-type mechanical shockwave generators, comprising for example the explosion of an exploding wire as conventionally known to anyone skilled in the art, may also be used.
The means 20 for generating gas bubbles 22 according to the invention are described in detail in the introductory part of the present description. It can, for example, be an injectable solution contained in a container 20 and which is injected into the blood stream, either by intraveinous route, or through the arteries 30, at the general level or at the level irrigating the tissues 12 to be destroyed, as this is clearly illustrated and easy to understand for anyone skilled in the art from the accompanying drawing. The gas bubbles may be bubbles of nitrogen carbon dioxide or an inert gas bubbles, such as used in diving cylinders, for example helium.
According to another advantageous characteristic of the apparatus according to the invention, said apparatus further comprises means 32 for tracking and locating the cells 12 to be destroyed. Said tracking means 32 can advantageously be constituted by an auxiliary ultrasonic probe 32, connected for example via a conductor 36 to an image- forming device 38 capable of forming an image on a screen 40.
A central control device 42 may also be provided for collecting information received from device 38 and for controlling the implosion means 24 as a function of the received information. In general, the high power acoustic wave generating apparatus already available on the market are all equipped with auxiliary tracking and locating means 32 and with control means 42 permetting a correlation between the location and positioning of the target to be destroyed 12 in focus point F of the acoustic waves generating means 24-26 focussed at said focal point F.
In general, the destruction of cells 12 to be destroyed, such as tumors, i.e. cells of soft tissues, or nervous links, is obtained with a treatment using acoustic waves generated by implosion means 24-26, and having a pressure value of +300 bars for the positive wave and of -100 bars for the negative wave.
By way of example, complete destruction of a tumor in a rabbit's liver is achieved in vivo by applying 300 to 500 elementary waves, one wave having a rise time of approximately 100 ns and a fall time of 1 &mgr; s.
The organ to be treated, in this case the liver, is first located by any conventional tracking and locating means, such as for example an ultrasonic probe 34, X-rays, NMR or any other detection means available to anyone skilled in the art. A system is advantageously provided for bringing the locating means 32 in coincidence with the implosion means 24, as well known of anyone skilled in the art and as recalled in the foregoing description.
It is worth noting that the gas bubbles 22 which are introduced in situ by any one of the precedingly described means, will be easily viewed by any ultrasonic means since they increase the contrast by said locating means.
It is thus found that, with the apparatus according to the invention, new therapeutic treatments can be conducted in a simple extracorporeal way, the technique used permitting the destruction of very small tumors immediately the waves are focussed in a volume equal to the volume to be destroyed. For example a volume as little as 1 mm 3 can be destroyed with ultrasonic-type waves, and tumors of volume as reduced as 1 cm 3 with mechanical shock waves, generated in particular by electrohydraulic means.
Consequently, the apparatus according to the invention also permits the treatment of metastases.
With the apparatus according to the invention, all such therapeutic treatments can be applied in a versatile manner due to the fact that the implosion means 24 can be provided by a large number of various apparatus, all of which offer their own particular advantages which may be particularly suited for one particular treatment.
Also, as described hereinabove, the gas bubbles can be brought in situ by many different ways. And also the diameter of these gas bubbles can vary within wide limits. A maximum limit is when the diameter of the bubbles is so large that there is a risk of embolism for adjacent organs, whereas when the bubbles are too small they run the risk of being eliminated before the treatment is started. It is therefore preferred to use very stable gas bubbles such as those previously described, whose diameter can vary between 0.1 and about 300 . mu.m.
It is finally found that the game generator can be used for creating the gas bubbles in situ, due to cavitation phenomena, and for destroying the cells 12 to be destroyed in focus point F. In the first case, the generator will work at low power to pass, in a second stage, to the emission of high power waves capable of imploding the gas bubbles created by the cavitation phenomena caused by the low power waves. This will be particularly easy with ultrasonic type generators using piezoelectric elements. When these apparatus are worked at several tens of KHz, gas bubbles are created in situ because of the cavitation phenomena, whereas when they are worked at between several hundreds KHz and several MHz, the gas bubbles will implode and the surrounding cells 12 situated in the focus point F will be destroyed.
The invention also relates to a therapeutic treatment method for selective destruction of cells inside a living subject's body, in particular a mammal, including a human being, characterized in that it consists in generating gas bubbles in situ within the cells to be selectively destroyed and in imploding said gas bubbles, the implosion causing a destruction of the cells to be destroyed situated near the imploded gas bubbles.
Special embodiments of this method are clear to anyone skilled in the art reading the foregoing description.
The present invention also relates to a method for treating metastases, characterized in that it consists in generating gas bubbles within or in the immediate vicinity of metastases, and in provoking the implosion of said gas bubbles, thereby causing the destruction of the metastases.
Obviously the invention is not limited to the above described embodiments and on the contrary covers all technical means which are technical equivalents of the means described herein, as well as their various combinations. | |
Jeremy Black, War in the Modern World, 1990-2014 (London: Routledge, 2015). Pp. 164.
By Quentin Holbert, Memorial University of Newfoundland
This review appears in Canadian Military History Vol. 25 No. 2 (2016).
Despite the immense tension between the Soviet Union and the United States during the Cold War, the period was ultimately defined as a delicate balancing act between major powers. Cold War conflicts were proxy wars that served as a balancing measure between the two major powers. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991created a power vacuum that the United States alone was not able to fill. The 1990s thus represent a period of major transition and reassessment for major military forces, and of conflicts that took advantage of the newly-formed vacuum.
In the years following the collapse of the Soviet Union, a tremendous body of literature on the Cold War period has been written. Of particular emphasis in this literature is the United Nation’s shift towards peacekeeping operations and different military alliances, such as NATO focus on anti-insurgency measures. British military historian Jeremy Black’s War in the Modern World, 1990-2014 offers unique insight into the differing conflicts that have emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Black’s work relies upon the central premise that war in a post-Soviet environment is an inevitable byproduct of a collapsing power. He strongly emphasizes that war is a fundamental part of modernity, and that different conflicts arise as a response to the power vacuum left by the Soviet collapse. The conflicts that arose in the 1990s and 2000s were products of continuing advancements among different nations; advancements, which, in part, were responses to the collapse of the Soviet Union. Black also examines how the actions of individual groups such as Boko Haram and Jabhat Al Nusra, which are Islamic extremists groups that operate in Nigeria and Syria respectively, are responses to localised conditions, and the greater implications of these groups’ actions. Such groups appear in response to new instabilities, and play a role in defining modern stability.
This book successfully emphasises deontology in its examination of modern conflict. Rather than presenting history as a sequence of events that culminate into a specific “end” event, such as the lead-up to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Black presents differing conflicts as independent timelines that intersect at differing points. A wide range of perspectives are illustrated, which helps avoid the issue of an excessively European or American-centric dialogue, and the book highlights how these different perspectives influence one another. One example is the utilisation of asymmetrical warfare in the Middle East. Early in the book, the author emphasises how conventional warfare was an unsuccessful strategy for Iraq; the Iran-Iraq war was an eight-year war of attrition, and the First Gulf War resulted in a landslide victory against the Iraqi army. The success of asymmetrical warfare in the Soviet-Afghan War and of different factions in Somalia was a strong contrast to unsuccessful conventional stratagems, and this set the precedent for the utilisation of asymmetrical tactics in the Iraq invasion in 2003. At no point does the book state that any series of events inevitably leads to future events; events are presented as a dynamic web of decisions made over a long period of time that influences modern decision making. Military leaders such as General Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri made the conscious decision to change their strategy after observing a series of external conflicts and their results; if conventional warfare failed against the United States and asymmetrical warfare succeeded against the Soviets, then it would be logical to shift towards asymmetrical warfare. Other case studies covering different parts of the world and different regions are more thoroughly explored in War in the Modern World.
The way nations respond to the power vacuum left by the collapse of the Soviet Union also partly reflects nation’s cultural values and technological capabilities. A population’s cultural values cannot be ignored because it is in part an individual’s cultural values that helps determine whether or not conflict will occur. Conflicts between Tutsi and Hutu peoples in Rwanda in the 1990s, and the major ethnic conflicts in the Solomon Islands in 2000; both cases saw clashing identities escalate into major conflicts and, in the case of Rwanda, genocide. A case of how technological advancement affects modern warfare is forwarded early in the book in context of how effective American tank crews were against their Iraqi counterparts. The argument cited here is that advancements in weaponry, such as improved one-hit kill capacity and improved communication with air units, allowed for a landslide victory during Operation Desert Storm. This would later set further precedence for asymmetrical warfare, since it became clear that conventional warfare would be an ineffective strategy against a force such as the American Armed Forces since no existing adversaries could match the United States in technological capacity.
The material covered in the book is wide reaching, and Black is blunt in the way that he conveys information. Rather than obfuscating his arguments behind politically-driven language, Black utilises clear, precise language for different groups and actions. This book does not soften its language or alter its terminology for different groups; rather, Black utilises cold, hard terms. Such honesty allows for sophisticated analysis of events that currently reside within the confines of modern memory. Combined with Black’s deontological approach, the precise language allows for a more accessible, less-biased study of modern warfare.
The book is not perfect, however. The author’s decision to minimise long-term historical contextualisation is a limitation that might hinder the casual reader of military history. Unless the reader is intimately familiar with twentieth century military history, he or she will find the book difficult to understand. This book is therefore recommended to academics and students (graduate or upper-undergraduate) that specialize in twentieth century political history and modern military history, as most other audiences cannot be guaranteed to have the necessary pre-requisite knowledge.
The reliability of some of the material that Black relies on is a limitation. Some statistics are left without adequate reference, which at times result in unfounded assertions. For instance, Black’s first footnote for chapter four, which discusses the fatalities involved with the 9/11 terrorist attack. The endnote next to the death toll, leads to an incomplete citation. Simultaneously, the same footnote states that, “possibly 30,000 in total, would have been killed” (p. 80) had there been no rescue efforts in the twin towers. There is no justification for the inclusion of this figure, particularly when the finite death toll that is listed without an adequate source. Similar omissions occur throughout the book, such as with the statement that Russian military expenditure increased by 26 per cent in 2013 (p. 112) and that Russian forces drove two-hundred thousand Georgians from their homes in 2008 (p. 27). Assertions are also made by using vague language that are left unsupported, such as with the statement that weapon availability “can be linked to threats to threats to political and social stability” (p. 99). Or that “American use of drone strikes played an important part in this process [of eliminating insurgency leadership]” (p. 79), which is left without a citation in the bibliography (p. 80–81). While all of these facts and statements could be accurate, they cannot be confirmed with what sources are offered in the text. This is a significant problem for future historians, who must trust Black’s authority and the accuracy of his information; if one cannot trust the foundation of Black’s arguments, the validity of his research is difficult to accept.
The extent of War in the Modern World’s practicality as a source for examining warfare from 1990 to 2014 is tied to how much researchers accept the premise of Black’s writing and how much his assertions can be verified. If the premise is that war is fundamental to modernity, or the potential issues causes by imprecise statistics, or assertions is deterrents, then this book will be of little value. If one accepts Black’s premise and can carefully verify the validity of his statistics and assertions, then this book would be an excellent reference for its theoretical framework and emphasis on interconnectivity in warfare. This book is a recommend read for a non-academic audience engaged in research. | https://canadianmilitaryhistory.ca/review-of-jeremy-blacks-war-in-the-modern-world-by-quentin-holbert/ |
Youth Acting for Change, Nepal (YAC-Nepal) is a Non-Profit & Non-Political Social Development Organization established in 2057 B.S. (2000 A.D.) as a CBO by ‘Active Professionals & Committed Youths’ with experience in the Social Development Field. It was legally registered as a NGO in District Administration Office Kailali in 2061 B.S. (2004 A.D.) & affiliated with the Social Welfare Council of Nepal. YAC-Nepal is committed to ‘Social Development’ adapting ‘Right Based Approach’. It works in province 7 of Nepal. YAC-Nepal’s priority is to work in partnership with all type of Development Agencies & Groups for addressing the causes & consequences of poverty & social injustice of the marginalized people for achieving sustainable development. The overall aim of the organization is to promote equity & equality of disadvantaged people through the process of sensitization & empowerment and to bring them into the mainstream of national development.
Vision
YAC-Nepal wants to see dignified life of poor and marginalized people utilizing resources and services equitably.
Mission
• Increase access of poor and marginalized community to resources and services of government and non-
government institution through process of empowerment.
• Build and promote institutional base of impact people and organization itself.
• Build the capacity of impact communities for claiming their rights.
• Increasing downward accountability of duty bearers and organization itself.
• Reducing vulnerability and promoting climate change adaptability.
• Building partnership and collaboration with diverse development partners.
Goal
Contribute for the equitable and sustainable development of Nepal through socioeconomic empowerment of poor and marginalized community.
Objectives
• Dedicated to increase the access of marginalized communities especially of Poor, Women, Small
Peasants, Ethnic Groups, Dalit & Children to resources & services for ensuring the right to food, food
security, housing, health, education, environment etc.
• Promote gender equality and social inclusion through the process of awareness& empowerment.
• Lobby & Advocacy against socially ill practices in the community.
• Contribute to the ‘Holistic Development’ of the Nation by expanding linkages& collaboration with likeminded
Local, National & International Agencies, Institutions& Organizations.
• Lobby and Advocate the provision of ‘ Human Right for All’ under Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
1948.
• Conduct Research & Studies. | http://yacnepal.org.np/yac-nepal/ |
(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a character processing apparatus for outputting character data as in a liquid crystal display unit, a CRT display unit, or a printing unit (e.g., a laser beam printer, an ink-jet printer, and a thermal printer).
(b) Related Background Art
In a conventional character processing apparatus, assume that characters are to be visually output and a shift amount of each character (the total horizontal space allotted to the character) is equal to a full-size fixed pitch (d1). In this case, when characters having different character widths (C1 to C3) are adjacent to each other, as shown in FIG. 7, the character intervals are not equal to each other to which result in poor appearance. In one method proposed to solve the above problem, the width D.sub.i allotted to the ith character includes a predetermined value m added to the start and end of each character width C.sub.i, respectively, thereby obtaining equal character shift amounts, as shown in FIG. 8. Referring to FIG. 8, when the character widths of characters " " (/ku/), " " (/u/), and " " (/ki/) are given as C1, C2, and C3, respectively, their shift amounts D1, D2, and D3 are changed to (C1+2m), (C2+2m), and (C3+2m). As compared with the case of FIG. 7, more natural character intervals are obtained. Even if the character shift amounts are determined as described above, however, the character intervals may be unnatural, depending on the particular combination of characters involved.
FIG. 9 shows an example wherein a predetermined value n is added to the start and to the end of each character width of each of the characters " " (/a/), " " (/i/), " " (/no/), and " " (/ji/), and the resultant characters are output in the same manner as in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 9, unnatural spaces are typically formed between the characters, depending on the combination of characters. In order to solve this problem, as shown in FIG. 10, character box 91 is moved so as to overlap with box 90 by a distance l1, character box 92 is moved to overlap with box 91 by a distance #2, and box 93 is not moved, thus performing kerning. Kerning is performed manually such that a character shift amount is adjusted character by character. Alternatively, kerning is performed automatically such that combinations (kerning pairs) of all characters requiring kerning and pair shift amount adjustment data are prepared in advance.
This, however, poses the following problems.
(1) When manual kerning is performed, significant operator skill required, and kerning mainly depends on individual experience.
(2) Manual kerning is not efficient since each character of document data must be checked.
(3) When automatic kerning is performed for text written in a language using a large number of characters, as in the Japanese language, a way large number of kerning pairs must be prepared. Therefore, the required capacity of the kerning table is increased, and the capacity required for a memory for storing the kerning table is inevitably increased.
(4) Since the kerning table stores data in units of types, kerning of a combination of characters having different types cannot be performed.
(5) User's definition characters and the like cannot be kerned.
| |
A NEW cafe has opened in the heart of a village.
Café Bijou coffee shop was formally opened by Priti Patel in Market Square at a special ribbon cutting ceremony.
The Café, which offers hot and iced coffees, smoothies, bacon sandwiches, hot and cold lunches as well as a selection of cakes and snacks, provides for customers who want to eat in or takeaway and they deliver orders within a five mile radius.
Owner Paul Long, who developed the cafe with his wife Lucie said: "“It was a great pleasure to meet Priti and I enjoyed talking to her about how Lucie and I developed our Cafe and our hopes for the future.
"We are grateful that she was able to take time out of her busy schedule to give our business her support and to formally declare us open.”
Read more:
- Sister's celebrate milestone birthday for Witham salon
- Village gets its first ever tattoo parlour as pair open doors to customers
Speaking after the opening, Priti said: “I am always pleased to see a new business starting up in my constituency and even more so when it involves the hospitality sector, which has had a tough time during the pandemic.
"I wish Paul, his wife Lucie and Cafe Bijou every success and I shall certainly be following their progress with great interest. | https://www.braintreeandwithamtimes.co.uk/news/19461952.cafe-bijou-opens-coggeshall/ |
In this project, your Pacman agent will find paths through his maze world, both to reach a particular location and to collect food efficiently. You will build general search algorithms and apply them to Pacman scenarios.
The code for this project consists of several Python files, some of which you will need to read and understand in order to complete the assignment, and some of which you can ignore. All the code and supporting files are in your SVN repo.
What to submit: You will fill in portions of
Evaluation: Your code will be autograded for technical correctness. Please do not change the names of any provided functions or classes within the code, or you will wreak havoc on the autograder. However, the correctness of your implementation -- not the autograder's output -- will be the final judge of your score. If necessary, we will review and grade assignments individually to ensure that you receive due credit for your work.
Academic Dishonesty: We will be checking your code against other submissions in the class for logical redundancy. If you copy someone else's code and submit it with minor changes, we will know. These cheat detectors are quite hard to fool, so please don't try. We trust you all to submit your own work only; please don't let us down. If you do, we will pursue the strongest consequences available to us.
Getting Help: You are not alone! If you find yourself stuck on something, contact the course staff for help. Office hours, section, and the newsgroup are there for your support; please use them. If you can't make our office hours, let us know and we will schedule more. We want these projects to be rewarding and instructional, not frustrating and demoralizing. But, we don't know when or how to help unless you ask. One more piece of advice: if you don't know what a variable does or what kind of values it takes, print it out.
Welcome to PacmanAfter changing to the project0 directory in your SVN repo, you should be able to play a game of Pacman by typing the following at the command line:
python pacman.pyPacman lives in a shiny blue world of twisting corridors and tasty round treats. Navigating this world efficiently will be Pacman's first step in mastering his domain.
The simplest agent in searchAgents.py is called the
python pacman.py --layout testMaze --pacman GoWestAgentBut, things get ugly for this agent when turning is required:
python pacman.py --layout tinyMaze --pacman GoWestAgentIf pacman gets stuck, you can exit the game by typing CTRL-c into your terminal. Soon, your agent will solve not only
python pacman.py -hAlso, all of the commands that appear in this project also appear in commands.txt, for easy copying and pasting. In UNIX/Mac OS X, you can even run all these commands in order with
Note: if you get error messages regarding Tkinter, see this page
Finding a Fixed Food Dot using Search AlgorithmsIn
python pacman.py -l tinyMaze -p SearchAgent -a fn=tinyMazeSearchThe command above tells the
Now it's time to write full-fledged generic search functions to help Pacman plan routes! Pseudocode for the search algorithms you'll write can be found in the lecture slides and textbook. Remember that a search node must contain not only a state but also the information necessary to reconstruct the path (plan) which gets to that state.
Important note: All of your search functions need to return a list of actions that will lead the agent from the start to the goal. These actions all have to be legal moves (valid directions, no moving through walls).
Hint: Each algorithm is very similar. Algorithms for DFS, BFS, UCS, and A* differ only in the details of how the fringe is managed. So, concentrate on getting DFS right and the rest should be relatively straightforward. Indeed, one possible implementation requires only a single generic search method which is configured with an algorithm-specific queuing strategy. (Your implementation need not be of this form to receive full credit).
Hint: Make sure to check out the
Question 1 (2 points) Implement the depth-first search (DFS) algorithm in the
Your code should quickly find a solution for:
python pacman.py -l tinyMaze -p SearchAgent
python pacman.py -l mediumMaze -p SearchAgent
python pacman.py -l bigMaze -z .5 -p SearchAgentThe Pacman board will show an overlay of the states explored, and the order in which they were explored (brighter red means earlier exploration). Is the exploration order what you would have expected? Does Pacman actually go to all the explored squares on his way to the goal?
Hint: If you use a
Question 2 (1 point) Implement the breadth-first search (BFS) algorithm in the
Does BFS find a least cost solution? If not, check your implementation.
Hint: If Pacman moves too slowly for you, try the option
Note: If you've written your search code generically, your code should work equally well for the eight-puzzle search problem (textbook section 3.2) without any changes.
python eightpuzzle.py
Varying the Cost FunctionWhile BFS will find a fewest-actions path to the goal, we might want to find paths that are "best" in other senses. Consider
Question 3 (2 points) Implement the uniform-cost graph search algorithm in
the
Note: You should get very low and very high path costs for the
Note 2: The cost functions are based on the horizontal position of the agent, NOT the contents of the maze.
A* search
Question 4 (3 points) Implement A* graph search in the empty function
You can test your A* implementation on the original problem of finding a path through a maze to a fixed position using the Manhattan distance heuristic (implemented already as
python pacman.py -l bigMaze -z .5 -p SearchAgent -a fn=astar,heuristic=manhattanHeuristicYou should see that A* finds the optimal solution slightly faster than uniform cost search (about 549 vs. 620 search nodes expanded in our implementation, but ties in priority may make your numbers differ slightly). What happens on
Finding All the Corners
The real power of A* will only be apparent with a more challenging search problem. Now, it's time to formulate a new problem and design a heuristic for it.
In corner mazes, there are four dots, one in each corner. Our new search problem is to find the shortest path through the maze that touches all four corners (whether the maze actually has food there or not). Note that for some mazes like tinyCorners, the shortest path does not always go to the closest food first! Hint: the shortest path through
Question 5 (2 points) Implement the
To receive full credit, you need to define an abstract state representation that does not encode irrelevant information (like the position of ghosts, where extra food is, etc.). In particular, do not use a Pacman
Hint: The only parts of the game state you need to reference in your implementation are the starting Pacman position and the location of the four corners.
Our implementation of
Question 6 (3 points) Implement a non-trivial, consistent heuristic for the
Note:
Admissibility vs. Consistency: Remember, heuristics are just functions that take search states and return numbers that estimate the cost to a nearest goal. More effective heuristics will return values closer to the actual goal costs. To be admissible, the heuristic values must be lower bounds on the actual shortest path cost to the nearest goal (and non-negative). To be consistent, it must additionally hold that if an action has cost c, then taking that action can only cause a drop in heuristic of at most c.
Remember that admissibility isn't enough to guarantee correctness in graph search -- you need the stronger condition of consistency. However, admissible heuristics are usually also consistent, especially if they are derived from problem relaxations. Therefore it is usually easiest to start out by brainstorming admissible heuristics. Once you have an admissible heuristic that works well, you can check whether it is indeed consistent, too. The only way to guarantee consistency is with a proof. However, inconsistency can often be detected by verifying that for each node you expand, its successor nodes are equal or higher in in f-value. Moreover, if UCS and A* ever return paths of different lengths, your heuristic is inconsistent. This stuff is tricky! If you need help, don't hesitate to ask the course staff.
Non-Trivial Heuristics: The trivial heuristics are the ones that return zero everywhere (UCS) and the heuristic which computes the true completion cost. The former won't save you any time, while the latter will timeout the autograder. You want a heuristic which reduces total compute time, though for this assignment the autograder will only check node counts (aside from enforcing a reasonable time limit).
Additionally, any heuristic should always be non-negative, and should return a value of 0 at every goal state (technically this is a requirement for admissibility!). We will deduct 1 point for any heuristic that returns negative values, or doesn't behave properly at goal states.
Eating All The DotsNow we'll solve a hard search problem: eating all the Pacman food in as few steps as possible. For this, we'll need a new search problem definition which formalizes the food-clearing problem:
python pacman.py -l testSearch -p AStarFoodSearchAgent
Note:
You should find that UCS starts to slow down even for the seemingly simple
Question 7 (5 points) Fill in
Remember: If your heuristic is inconsistent, you will receive no credit, so be careful! Can you solve
We will deduct 1 point for any heuristic that returns negative values, or does not return 0 at every goal state.
Suboptimal Search
Sometimes, even with A* and a good heuristic, finding the optimal path through all the dots is hard. In these cases, we'd still like to find a reasonably good path, quickly. In this section, you'll write an agent that always greedily eats the closest dot.
Question 8 (2 points) Implement the function
Hint: The quickest way to complete
Your
Mini Contest (up to 3 points extra credit) Implement an
We will time your agent using the no graphics option
Object Glossary
Here's a glossary of the key objects in the code base related to search problems, for your reference: | https://classes.engineering.wustl.edu/cse511/p1/ |
A portable vehicle-mounted vehicle washing machine is characterized in that the portable vehicle-mounted vehicle washing machine comprises a shell body, handle holes are formed in the shell body, a water pump is installed in the shell body, a motor is connected with the upper end of the water pump, the lower end of the water pump is connected with a storage battery, a power source switch and a charging socket are arranged on the shell body, the storage battery is connected with the motor and the charging socket through wires, the charging socket is connected with the power source switch through a wire, the power source switch is connected with the motor through a wire, one side of the water pump is connected with a water inlet, the other side of the water pump is connected with a water outlet, the water inlet is connected with a water inlet pipe through threads, and the water outlet is connected with a spray gun through threads. The portable vehicle-mounted vehicle washing machine is simple in overall structure, small in size, capable of being mounted on a vehicle and enabling the vehicle to be cleaned when a place with a water source is found, convenient to use, and good in flexibility. The handle holes are formed in the shell body so that the portable vehicle-mounted vehicle washing machine can be held by hands and can be carried conveniently. | |
As I sit here in my dorm room, I’m blown away by the thought that in less than a week I’ll be leaving Moody and Chicago for three months. It seems like it was just the other day when I moved here; yet at the same time it feels like I’ve been here for so long. As I reflect on the ups, downs, and lessons I’ve learned in my time at Moody so far, I’m amazed and grateful for all God has taught me. While these are reflections of my college experience thus far, I hope that anyone reading this can relate and be encouraged by the lessons I’ve learned.
Embrace the joyous moment. There’s a cliché saying that I often have been told, “Embrace the stage of life you’re in.” It’s cheesy but oh so correct. It’s so easy to be in a stage of life but have our mind and heart set on the next stage. I’ve kept this in mind this year and have sought to enjoy each moment in my time at Moody. I’ve had so many adventures, experiences, and memories than I know will stick with me for years to come.
Embrace the people around you. Having grown up in a close-knit family, attended the same school most of my life and the same church all of my life, I often took for granted the people around me. It’s crazy how it sometimes takes leaving friends and family behind to realize that. Having lost some friends and lost some friendships, I’ve been reminded to not overlook the people I’ve had the privilege to meet here. I’m so grateful for the godly friends that are in my life and am so excited to continue getting to know them in the next few years.
Embrace the opportunity to try something new. This year in Chicago has been one of many new adventures and, I believe, just the start of many more. I’ve experimented more crazy foods than I’ve ever tried and gone on more adventures than I would have thought I could ever do. God’s opened up my eyes to the beauty of His creativity through the lenses of other cultures. Ever since moving to Chicago, I’ve had the urge to see, do, and experience new things in a way I’ve never had before. I’ve loved being able to learn, explore, and find new things to enjoy with those around me.
Embrace life-learning. If there’s one thing in regards to learning that has stuck out to me most here at Moody it would be this: we are all on a life-long journey of learning. I’ve always thought that learning was just what we do in school. I learned to write in first grade, how to do algebra in eighth grade, how to manage a checkbook in twelfth grade, and now I’m learning to study God’s Word in college. I knew learning in this context, but I’ve found that there is so much more to learn outside of a learning environment. I’ve learned more from the people around me about God and ministry than in any class I’ve taken. Not to undermine the knowledge I’ve gained through classes here, but my mind and heart has been enlightened to the power of listening and realizing that learning is a life-long pursuit.
Embrace the moments with family. Being away from home for the most extend period of time I ever have been has been strange but also very growing. I have such a higher view of my family and appreciation for each of them and what they have done in my life. I’m so grateful for the path my parents instructed me to follow from the time I was born and am so grateful for loving grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and siblings that have helped bring me to where I am today. You never realize how blessed you are until it’s either gone or distant from you. In my time away I’ve realized this and so enjoyed being able to come home at breaks to spend time with family.
Embrace the struggle. Most of these thoughts are pretty straight forward and make sense. But this one might seem a little odd. But this is the greatest lesson I have learned so far in my time at Moody. While as I shared, I’ve had a lot of great experiences and fun memories, I’ve also had a lot of hard times and struggles. As a guy who generally thinks myself too cool to cry, I’ve shed more tears than in much of my life before college. From the loss of friends to the loss of friendships and various struggles in between, I’ve learned so much about conflict and godly responses to struggle.
As the picture above shows, we often think of our life as planned, prepared, and pretty easy. We see our goals and the path we’re on and we don’t see the struggles that will inevitably come. The truth is we all go through struggles, trials, and pain. We can try to run from it all we want, but we can’t escape the reality of it. We’re bound to hurt those we love, make mistakes, and have regrets. I’ve seen this over and over in my life, but God has been so good to remind me of the purpose in our struggles. “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:3-5 ESV emphasis added).
As the renowned pastor, author, and teacher Chuck Swindoll says, “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” We can’t always choose what happens but we can choose our response. God has shown me this over and over again. Through various trials, I’ve held to the promises of Scripture that God will bring me through (1 Peter 5:10), will use it to grow me (Romans 5:3-5), and will use it for my good (Romans 8:28).
As I prepare to take finals, pack my bags, and come home for a while before flying to Thailand for the summer, I’m reminded of each of these lessons, and many more, that God has taught me. I titled this blog “Embrace the Journey” because I’ve come to realize that that is what life is: a journey. We don’t always know where we are to go or what we are to do, but as we go God continues to reveal Himself and lead us on the journey.
I know that as I finish my first year at Moody, I still have a lot to learn and a lot to experience. I know I by no means have all of the answers, but I know who does have the answers as I continue into the next stage of my college experience. I pray that whatever stage of life you’re in, you too can be reminded and encouraged to embrace your journey in the ups and in the downs. | https://grantklinefelter.com/2015/05/08/embrace-the-journey/ |
PORTLAND — The cafeteria at the East End Community School was a little chaotic Monday afternoon, with kids wiggling and turning cartwheels while music blared in the background.
But it was a controlled chaos, part of a six-week hip hop dance program offered by Portland Youth Dance to a group of kids who take part in LearningWorks’ after-school enrichment program.
The hip hop dance class is taught by volunteer high school students from Portland Youth Dance. While PYD has been offering outreach for several years, this is the first time they have paired with LearningWorks.
“We usually do our outreach classes at Casco Bay Movers (studio),” said Susan Thompson-Brown, the PYD director. But through a series of personal connections, they were hooked up with the LearningWorks program.
About 15 third, fourth and fifth graders take part in the hip hop dance lessons, taught by six high school dancers. The kids are part of a larger group – about 60 – enrolled in LearningWorks East End after school program for youth identified as struggling with school work. It is also offered at Riverton and Reiche elementary schools, where participants number 120 and 60, respectively.
On Monday the kids were hard at work perfecting their dance routines for a March 14 show. They will perform two routines and the show will also feature dancers from Portland Youth Dance Company. The show, at the East End School, begins at 3:30 p.m., and is open to the public.
Winston Dinizio, a fourth grader taking part in the dance class, was enthusiastically following instructions Monday. He said he likes all kinds of dancing, and would be interested in taking classes different from hip hop.
“I like the free dance,” he said, when asked what his favorite part of the classes have been.
Klodzinski pointed out that most of the kids in the LearningWorks program are of a lower income bracket and do not always have the means to take part in dance and other activities.
“We’d love to work with (PYD) again,” said Klodzinski. She said she’d also like to expand the dance component to Reiche and Riverton, if PYD was interested.
Winston Dinizio takes part in an afterschool dance class at the East End Community School. The class is taught by volunteers from Portland Youth Dance. | http://www.theforecaster.net/portland-east-end-kids-hip-hop-into-afterschool-program/ |
It’s a special first for Becky G…
Following her first-ever rise to the summit on Billboard’s Latin Rhythm Airplay chart last month, the 17-year-old Mexican American singer/rapper has landed her first Top 10 single on the Hot Rap Songs chart.
Becky G’s latest single “Shower” rises 13-7 on the chart, giving her the first top 10 on the list.
Meantime, the track vaults 75-55 on the Billboard Hot 100, her highest peak yet, moving 40,000 digital downloads for the week (a 39 percent increase).
“Shower” maintains its post at the No. 4 position on Rap Digital Songs for a second consecutive week. | http://www.hispanicallyyours.com/becky-g-lands-first-top-10-single-on-billboards-hot-rap-songs-chart/ |
The greatest adventure in human history is ending in its infancy. NASA’s human spaceflight program, a signature achievement of American civilization, is dying. The program was conceived during the bleak days following Russia’s launch of Sputnik in 1957, and then was energized by President John F. Kennedy’s proposal in 1961 to put astronauts on the Moon by decade’s end. NASA succeeded, landing Neil Armstrong and Edwin (Buzz) Aldrin on the lunar surface only 98 months after Kennedy inspired the nation with his vision.
If you grew up during that decade (as I did) and heard the bold rhetoric about new frontiers and carrying freedom’s message into the cosmos, you couldn’t help but be moved. America had a sense of mission back then that is largely missing from political discourse today, and the human spaceflight program epitomized the hopes of a new generation for the future. It is unsettling to see how our confidence has shriveled during the intervening years, both at NASA and in the broader political culture. At NASA, the Space Shuttle program is about to shut down and the Constellation program conceived to replace it with manned missions to the Moon and Mars has been canceled by the Obama Administration. What remains of the human spaceflight program looks unlikely to survive an era of budget cutting and cultural pessimism.
There is only one way that the human spaceflight program can be rescued from the decaying orbit into which it was launched by the Challenger disaster in 1986: NASA must define a goal for the program that justifies the vast expenditures required and inspires the nation in the same way President Kennedy did in 1961. Going back to the Moon or visiting an asteroid won’t do the trick. Only a series of manned missions to Mars will. Our astronauts will need to go to other places before they attempt a landing on the Martian surface, but if those missions aren’t justified as initial steps in a long-term plan to visit the Red Planet, then they aren’t going to happen. To put it bluntly, the public doesn’t care about spending hundreds of billions of dollars to go someplace we already went a generation ago. It needs a new destination and a new rationale to convince it that NASA’s human spaceflight program still makes sense.
A series of missions to Mars answers the mail because the Red Planet is by far the most Earth-like place in the reachable universe beyond our own world. It has water. It has sunlight. It has atmosphere. It has seasons. In fact, it probably has everything required to support a self-sustaining human colony someday — unlike the other planets, or the Moon, or an asteroid. And it also has a host of lessons to teach us about the fate of our own planet as the solar system evolves, because it is clear that the Martian environment has changed greatly over time. Mars was once a warmer, wetter place, perhaps a place hosting life. It may still host life today, although conditions seem to have grown more hostile. But we’ll never know unless we put men and women on the Martian surface for an extended period to investigate.
This month, the Lexington Institute is releasing a report entitled Human Spaceflight: Mars is the Destination that Matters. It explains the scientific reasons why NASA should focus the human spaceflight program on a series of manned missions to Mars two decades from now, and arrange lesser missions to support that ultimate goal. It also argues that if NASA manages its programs carefully, it can put astronauts on Mars in a little over twice the time it took to get to the Moon for no more money than it was already planning to spend on human spaceflight. And it warns that if Mars is not the goal, then there won’t be any human spaceflight program 20 years from now, because America has too many other pressing needs to be spending several hundred billion dollars on visiting an asteroid with no greater purpose in mind. What NASA’s human spaceflight program needs right now is a vision of the future tied to the politics of the present — a vision that can help restore the sense of purpose we as a people have lost.
Find Archived Articles: | https://www.lexingtoninstitute.org/nasas-human-spaceflight-program-is-dying-and-only-mars-can-save-it/ |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Advisor
Jonathan P. How.
MetadataShow full item record
Abstract
This thesis presents several trajectory optimization algorithms for a team of cooperating unmanned vehicles operating in an uncertain and dynamic environment. The first, designed for a single vehicle, is the Robust Safe But Knowledgeable (RSBK) algorithm, which combines several previously published approaches to recover the main advantages of each. This includes a sophisticated cost-to-go function that provides a good estimate of the path beyond the planning horizon, which is extended in this thesis to account for three dimensional motion; constraint tightening to ensure robustness to disturbances, which is extended to a more general class of disturbance rejection controllers compared to the previous work, with a new off-line design procedure; and a robust invariant set which ensures the safety of the vehicle in the event of environmental changes beyond the planning horizon. The system controlled by RSBK is proven to robustly satisfy all vehicle and environmental constraint under the action of bounded external disturbances. Multi-vehicle teams could also be controlled using centralized RSBK, but to reduce computational effort, several distributed algorithms are presented in this thesis. The main challenge in distributing the planning is to capture the complex couplings between vehicles.(cont.) A decentralized form of RSBK algorithm is developed by having each vehicle optimize over its own decision variables and then locally communicate the solutions to its neighbors. By integrating a grouping algorithm, this approach enables simultaneous computation by vehicles in the team while guaranteeing the robust feasibility of the entire fleet. The use of a short planning horizon within RSBK enables the use of a very simple initialization algorithm when compared to previous work, which is essential if the technique is to be used in dynamic and uncertain environments. Improving the level of cooperation between the vehicles is another challenge for decentralized planning, but this thesis presents a unique strategy by enabling each vehicle to optimize its own decision as well as a feasible perturbation of its neighboring vehicles' plans. The resulting cooperative form of the distributed RSBK is shown to result in solutions that sacrifice local performance if it benefits the overall team performance. This desirable performance improvement is achieved with only a small increase in the computation and communication requirements. These algorithms are tested and demonstrated in simulation and on two multi-vehicle testbeds using rovers and quadrotors.(cont.) The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms successfully overcome the implementation challenges, such as limited onboard computation and communication resources, as well as the various sources of real-world uncertainties arising from modeling error of the vehicle dynamics, tracking error of the low-level controller, external disturbance, and sensing noise.
Description
Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2007.Includes bibliographical references (p. 211-223).
Date issued2007
DepartmentMassachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Keywords
Aeronautics and Astronautics. | https://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/38643 |
The failure of the deadline can have a significant impact on the success of your rights. Claims that do not meet the deadline are prescribed, which may prevent you from taking legal action against your employer. For time reasons, you should also keep in mind all the tactics by which an employer could delay complaints, complaints and settlement discussions. Parliament has amended the rule and will continue to allow evidence of facts disclosed during the compromise negotiations. It has thus returned to the traditional rule. The house of representatives committee report indicates that the committee intends to maintain existing legislation under which a party can protect itself by presenting its statements in hypothetical form [see House of Representatives Report No. 93-650 above]. However, the real effect of this amendment is to generally deprive much of its beneficial effect. The exception for declarations of fact was considered by the Advisory Committee to be an impediment to free communication between the parties and is therefore an unjustified restriction on settlement bargaining efforts, the purpose of which is the rule. Moreover, by protecting hypothetical assertions, it represented a predilection for sophisticated terms and a trap for the unwary. If you are involved in an argument with your employer, it is advisable not to resign until you have used legal advice. The main reason is that your resignation can have a negative impact on your trading position.
Depending on the strength of a constructive right of dismissal – the term that refers to forced resignations arising from the behaviour of an employer – you may have difficulty getting a good settlement if you resign. If they have not yet done so, the employer will submit the formal agreement and the worker will have to provide independent legal advice. If the worker is not interested in reviewing regulations, the employer should stop negotiating and try to address the underlying problem. However, it is far too easy to say that everything your company considers to be a “transaction negotiation” will remain non-judicial. It is important to understand the limits of the protections that are given to “settlement negotiations.” Otherwise, your company may make a statement in which it considers it to be a confidential “transaction” only to have that statement against it used in court. This article examines some of the common situations in which your business may fall into a trap if it does not understand the rules for protecting transaction negotiations or communication. When evaluating the use of a matching contract, consider these factors: A realistic approach can be a long way to maximize the benefits of a transaction agreement for you. Before negotiations, you should consider your main objective and negotiate from there.
James Johnson was incredibly supportive and gave very good advice. He was able to use his knowledge and friendly approach to provide me with the solution I needed when I was no longer employed. I would totally recommend it to anyone in similar situations. It is professional and responsive and certainly gets results. I can`t thank him enough. The idea of correspondence agreements is simple: before the transaction negotiations, the parties enter into an agreement in which they promise to treat their communication with even more privacy than that granted by Article 408. But in practice, it can be difficult to write a mail-order agreement. And since correspondence agreements are generally confidential, there are no practical instructions on when and how they should be used. | http://www.athtek.com/blog/2021/04/12/settlement-discussion-agreement/ |
Who was the father of American psychology?
William James
Where was the first American Psychology Lab?
At Harvard; William James
James-Lange Theory of Emotion
We feel our emotions after our physiological reactions; we feel sad because we cry
William James authored
Principles of Psychology describing his emotion theory in 1890
Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion
States that when confronted with an arousing event, people first feel and emotion then experience physiological reactions such as sweating, muscle tension, or trembling
Two-Factor Theory of Emotion
Developed by Schaechter and Singer; states that emotions are the result of physiological arousal and bodily responses to an event.
Covert sensitization
Pairing of imaginative negative consequences with an undesirable behavior. Purpose is to reduce likelihood of the behavior; use of negative mental imagery and rehearsal
Shaping
Using selective reinforcement (approximations) to modify a general response. Building a better bx by dividing it into small increments or steps and then teaching one step at a time until the desired bx is achieved; steps become a series of intermediate goals
Inoculation
Four-phase training program for stress management often used in CBT
Covert modeling
Increase desirable behavior by imagining others performing similar behaviors with positive outcomes; ct imagines specific positive consequences of new behavior; based on simple modeling
Participant modeling
A type of role modeling in which the therapist first engages in a desired behavior, and then through the use of aids the ct gradually moves toward the ability to perform the desired task
Coping Skills Training
Teach cts skills increasing cognitive, behavioral and affective proficiencies; commonly used for managing anxiety-provoking situations; uses positive self-statements and positive imagery
Avoidance conditioning
A form of Operant Conditioning in which an organism is trained to avoid certain responses or situations associated with negative consequences
Collaborative Empiricism
Aaron Beck's cognitive therapy; Ct and therapist are equal partners working together with mutual understanding, communication and respect. Premise is that ct is capable of objectively analyzing his/her own issues and arriving at own conclusions. Uses guided discovery.
Dichotomous thinking
Thinking in absolute terms, like "always," "every," or "never"
Emotional reasoning
Cognitive distortion in which individuals use their emotional state as evidence for rationale defending the source stimulus as the "cause" of their emotional state
Magnification
exaggerating negatives
Age of Freud's oral stage
0-1
Age of Freud's anal stage
1-3
Age of Freud's phallic stage
3-6
Age of Freud's latency stage
6-12
Age of Freud's genital stage
12+
Suppression
avoidance of thoughts/emotions
Reaction formation
acting or staging feelins in direct opposition to one's true feelings because those true feelings are unacceptable to the self
Introjection
Deeply identifying with an idea or object
Displacement
expression of thoughts or feelings to a safe target rather than the true target
Sublimation
transforming negative emotions into positive action or behaviors
Frued believed projection was: | https://www.brainscape.com/flashcards/clinical-psych-6470110/packs/10176371 |
This book is a lucid and practical guide to understanding the core skills and issues involved in the criminal investigation process. Drawing on multiple disciplines and perspectives, the book promotes a critical awareness and practical comprehension of the intersections between criminology, criminal investigation and forensic science, and uses active learning strategies to help students build their knowledge. The book is organised around the three key strategic phases in a criminal investigation: - Instigation and Initial Response - The Investigation - Case Management Each strategic phase of the investigative process is carefully explained and examined. Alongside this practical approach, theoretical perspectives and academic research are laid bare for students. Introducing Forensic and Criminal Investigation is essential reading for students in criminology, criminal justice, policing, forensic psychology and related courses.
|Author||Curt R. Bartol|
|ISBN-10||9781506387253|
|Release||2018-01-16|
|Pages||688|
|Download Link||Click Here|
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Written by authors with extensive experience in the field and in the classroom, Introduction to Forensic Psychology: Research and Application, Fifth Edition, by Curt R. Bartol and Anne M. Bartol, demonstrates how to analyze psychological knowledge and research findings and then apply these findings to the civil and criminal justice systems. Focusing on research-based forensic practice and practical application, this text uses real-life examples and case law discussions to define and explore forensic psychology. This text introduces you to emerging specializations within forensic psychology, including investigative psychology, family forensic psychology, and police and public safety psychology. You will develop a multicultural perspective with an ethnic and racial sensitivity, which is critical to the successful practice of forensic psychology. New to the Fifth Edition: Updated statistics, research, and case law, such as recent Aid in Dying legislation, as well as analysis of recent events, help you see the real-world applications to current events. Updated Focus boxes empower you to dig deeper into current issues, such as mental health courts, community-oriented policing, child abduction, hate crimes, the death penalty, and more. All Focus boxes also contain discussion questions for you to debate in a classroom setting. All new From My Perspective boxes provide you with information about career choices as well as helpful advice about pursuing your career goals. Increased attention to immigration-related issues offers you additional insights into immigration proceedings and ways to consult with the courts. Additional coverage of human trafficking and online sexual predators enables you to better understand the psychological effects on victims and the services available to help. Current research on violent video games, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking provides real examples of the effects of violent media. New research on juveniles allows you to see the important contributions of neuropsychologists, particularly in terms of brain development in adolescents and promising community-based treatment approaches for juveniles.
|Author||Steven G. Brandl|
|ISBN-10||9781506391380|
|Release||2017-12-07|
|Pages||568|
|Download Link||Click Here|
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Criminal Investigation, Fourth Edition, offers a comprehensive and engaging examination of criminal investigation and the vital role criminal evidence plays in the process. The text focuses on the five critical areas essential to understanding criminal investigations: background and contextual issues, criminal evidence, legal procedures, evidence collection procedures, and forensic science. In this new edition, esteemed author Steven G. Brandl goes beyond a simple how-to on investigative procedures and analyzes modern research and actual investigative cases to demonstrate their importance in the real world of criminal justice. New to the Fourth Edition: New and updated statistical information, research findings, investigative procedures, and legal cases ensure you are learning about the most current research in the field. Several new “From the Case File” chapter introductions and 25 new in-chapter “Case-in-Point” investigative case examples make it easier for you to connect the content to the real world. More than 75 new photos, most of which are case photos from actual investigations, illustrate key concepts to help keep you engaged with the content. New material on documenting evidence via reports provides examples of well-written police reports to help you build better writing skills. New material on social media and evidence from electronic digital devices discusses how to use new technology as a source of information. A stronger focus on terrorism and the use of technology in investigations encourages you to discuss and critically analyze the future of criminal investigations. New sections titled “Mental Mistakes in Criminal Investigations,” “Perspectives on the Criminal Investigation Process,” and “Qualities and Characteristics of Investigators” offer you tips and advice for conducting successful investigations. New material on touch DNA helps you see the benefits and limitations of scientific evidence gathered from a crime scene.
|Author||Kevin J. Strom|
|ISBN-10||9781483324401|
|Release||2014-04-04|
|Pages||312|
|Download Link||Click Here|
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Uniting forensics, law, and social science in meaningful and relevant ways, Forensic Science and the Administration of Justice, by Kevin J. Strom and Matthew J. Hickman, is structured around current research on how forensic evidence is being used and how it is impacting the justice system. This unique book—written by nationally known scholars in the field—includes five sections that explore the demand for forensic services, the quality of forensic services, the utility of forensic services, post-conviction forensic issues, and the future role of forensic science in the administration of justice. The authors offer policy-relevant directions for both the criminal justice and forensic fields and demonstrate how the role of the crime laboratory in the American justice system is evolving in concert with technological advances as well as changing demands and competing pressures for laboratory resources.
|Author||Helen Gavin|
|ISBN-10||9781446293539|
|Release||2013-11-15|
|Pages||424|
|Download Link||Click Here|
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Criminological and Forensic Psychology is a brand-new theoretically rigorous, practically relevant, engaging and fun introduction to this broad and fascinating field. It covers both the conceptual basis within which psychology knowledge is applied in forensic contexts and the practical applications of psychology to the criminal civil justice systems. Key Features: Case studies, which include the James Bulger investigation in Chapter 5, are woven into every chapter to bring the topic to life and encourage the application of knowledge by placing you in the full context of a criminal case, showing you how psychological theories can be used to explain real-life crimes. In-depth exploration of the fascinating courtroom process including separate chapters on The Defendant’s Mind and The Jury. A dedicated chapter on research methods specific to forensic psychology to help you do your research project around this topic. A Companion Website available at www.sagepub.co.uk/gavinCFP is provided to support learning and includes chapter-by-chapter multiple choice questions to test understanding of the topic, additional case studies to reinforce learning, and links to further readings to continue your exploration of the subject.
|Author||Curt R. Bartol|
|ISBN-10||9781452289083|
|Release||2012-08-29|
|Pages||368|
|Download Link||Click Here|
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Criminal and Behavioral Profiling, by well-established authors Curt and Anne Bartol, presents a realistic and empirically-based look at the theory, research, and practice of modern criminal profiling. Designed for use in a variety of criminal justice and psychology courses, the book delves into the process of identifying distinctive behavioral tendencies, geographical locations, demographic and biographical descriptors of an offender (or offenders), and sometimes personality traits, based on characteristics of the crime. Timely literature and case studies from the rapidly growing international research in criminal profiling help students understand the best practices, major pitfalls, and psychological concepts that are key to this process.
|Author||Ronald M. Holmes|
|ISBN-10||1412959985|
|Release||2008-12-01|
|Pages||319|
|Download Link||Click Here|
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As in previous editions, this book is appropriate for criminal investigation, forensic psychology, criminal behavior and interpersonal violence courses, generally as a supplement to a core text or as one of several paperbacks. The authors continuing research and involvement in field investigation are a source of relevant and often high profile case studies to illustrate theory and application of methods shown. Chapters include Arson, Pedophilia and Psychological Profiling and Rape. This edition features a new chapter on Lizzie Borden, analyzing this historic murder case with fresh insight and a unique analysis. The text is particularly readable and engaging, making frequent use of illustrative tables, figures and occasional photos.
|Author||Craig Webber|
|ISBN-10||9781446206393|
|Release||2009-11-17|
|Pages||224|
|Download Link||Click Here|
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This book explores the links between psychology and crime, evaluating psychological explanations of crime and the use of psychology within the criminal justice system. It provides a comprehensive overview that highlights the consequences of crime for victims, offenders and wider society. The book combines classic theory with new developments in eyewitness testimony, offender profiling and forensic psychology. The resulting text offers an engaging and challenging route to a full understanding of key topics, including: the theoretical history of criminal psychology interpersonal violence, sexual violence and deviancy the psychology of crime in groups mass murder and war crimes psychology and the criminal justice system. Psychology and Crime genuinely integrates the two areas with the advanced student in mind, and includes a range of practical devices to support the learning process: chapter overviews; study questions; and further reading. Lively and accessible, it is essential reading for students and academics in criminology, sociology and psychology. The Key Approaches to Criminology series celebrates the removal of traditional barriers between disciplines and, specifically, reflects criminology’s interdisciplinary nature and focus. It brings together some of the leading scholars working at the intersections of criminology and related subjects. Each book in the series helps readers to make intellectual connections between criminology and other discourses, and to understand the importance of studying crime and criminal justice within the context of broader debates. The series is intended to have appeal across the entire range of undergraduate and postgraduate studies and beyond, comprising books which offer introductions to the fields as well as advancing ideas and knowledge in their subject areas.
|Author||Coy H. Johnston|
|ISBN-10||9781544316123|
|Release||2018-01-30|
|Pages||248|
|Download Link||Click Here|
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Careers in Criminal Justice, Second Edition prepares you to plan, pursue, and realize your career goals—from conception through the hiring process. Coy H. Johnston’s contemporary approach emphasizes self-reflection and pragmatism in the pursuit of self-fulfillment and professionalism. With coverage of over forty careers in policing, courts, corrections, and victim services, you receive a comprehensive overview of the most popular and growing careers in the field. Self-assessment tools enhance your self-awareness and steer you toward realistic and suitable careers in criminal justice. This easy-to-read guide is organized to prepare and encourage growth throughout your career. New to the Second Edition: A new chapter titled “Volunteering and Internship” (Chapter 9) guides you through the important process of early involvement in the field to create a more enticing resume. Three new “Guest Speaker” profiles offer you new perspectives and practical advice on a variety of careers and geographical areas. New career assessment tools are included to help you evaluate your compatibility with various careers in the criminal justice field. Expanded information about critical areas such as private prisons, careers in the judiciary, and resume building ensures that you are receiving a balanced introduction to criminal justice careers.
|Author||Frank E. Hagan|
|ISBN-10||9781483389196|
|Release||2015-12-09|
|Pages||488|
|Download Link||Click Here|
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Written by active researcher and bestselling author, Frank E. Hagan, Introduction to Criminology, Ninth Edition is a comprehensive introduction to the study of criminology, focusing on the vital core of criminological theory— theory, method, and criminal behavior. With more attention to crime typologies than most introductory texts, Hagan investigates all forms of criminal activity, such as organized crime, white collar crime, political crime, and environmental crime. The methods of operation, the effects on society and policy decisions, and the connection between theory and criminal behavior are all explained in a clear, accessible manner. All statistics, tables, and figures have been updated, as have the photographs, supplements, and audio and video packages in the new edition to make the material most relevant for your course.
|Author||Brian L. Cutler|
|ISBN-10||9781452265803|
|Release||2007-12-21|
|Pages||1008|
|Download Link||Click Here|
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The Encyclopedia of Psychology and Law addresses the interface of psychology and law and draws from the related discipline of criminal justice. These two volumes represent an outstanding collection of entries describing a wide array of contemporary and historical psychology and law topics. With more than 400 entries, this comprehensive resource is perfect to fill the substantial gap in the holdings of academic, professional, and personal libraries on this topic. Key Themes Criminal Competencies Criminal Responsibility Death Penalty Education and Professional Development Forensic Assessment in Civil and Criminal Cases Juvenile Offenders Mental Health Law Police and Investigative Psychology Psychological and Forensic Assessment Instruments Psychology of Criminal Behavior Sentencing and Incarceration Symptoms and Disorders Relevant to Forensic Assessment Trial Processes Violence Risk Assessment The Encyclopedia of Psychology and Law allows individual students, scientists, and practitioners to keep abreast of the growing knowledge base outside their individual areas of expertise, making it a must-have resource for any academic library.
|Author||Curt R. Bartol|
|ISBN-10||9781483376226|
|Release||2014-11-04|
|Pages||328|
|Download Link||Click Here|
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Featuring thirty articles by experts in the field, this dynamic forensic psychology reader emphasizes the ways that forensic psychologists and other clinicians apply psychological knowledge, concepts, and principles on a day-to-day basis. Current Perspectives in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Behavior, edited by Curt R. Bartol and Anne M. Bartol, represents cutting-edge research and theory to demonstrate the ways that psychology has contributed to the understanding of criminal behavior and policies of the criminal and civil justice systems. The Fourth Edition addresses key topics in each of five major subareas of the field--police and public safety psychology, legal psychology, the psychology of crime and delinquency, victimology and victim services, and correctional psychology.
|Author||Barrie Sheldon|
|ISBN-10||9781844456925|
|Release||2010-06-14|
|Pages||192|
|Download Link||Click Here|
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The rapid development of modern technologies is having profound implications on modern-day policing. Recent innovations include the proliferation of sophisticated communication and surveillance devices, developments in road traffic and crime investigation techniques, personal safety equipment, the internet and network and computer forensics, all of which are accompanied by often complex new legislative and regulative requirements. This book ensures that policing students are fully informed and completely up to date with changes, and understand the implications and impact that changing technology brings to practice. Each chapter includes clear objectives, links to the NOS, practical and reflective tasks, case studies and summaries.
|Author||Nicholas Blagden|
|ISBN-10||9780857254665|
|Release||2012-02-22|
|Pages||112|
|Download Link||Click Here|
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This book draws on a range of psychological theories, concepts and research to explore the role and relevance of psychology to modern day policing. It focuses on key issues including psychological theories of criminal behaviour, interpersonal skills, stereotyping and prejudice, profiling,the psychological effects of crime on victims, and burnout and stress on offiers. The text is underpinned by reflectie activities and case studies encouraging a critical understanding of psychology applied to policing practice. This book provides an accessible and up-to-date textbook for those studying and teaching policing, psychology and criminology.
|Author||Craig Paterson|
|ISBN-10||0857254146|
|Release||2011-07-28|
|Pages||176|
|Download Link||Click Here|
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A concise and up to date introduction to criminology for those undertaking degrees and foundation degrees in policing, police studies and related subjects. It provides an introduction to criminological perspectives on the development of the police service over the last 200 years alongside an overview of contemporary themes. Key topics include the changing role of policing, police governance and accountability, policing philosophies and strategies and the globalisation of policing. The book also examines the role criminology has played in the modernisation agenda and police reform, the shift to evidence-led policing, and the relationship between criminological theory and police practice.
|Author||Fiona Brookman|
|ISBN-10||9781446223888|
|Release||2005-01-26|
|Pages||368|
|Download Link||Click Here|
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"Lively and engaging, Understanding Homicide impressively fills an important gap in the current criminological literature... an authoritative and readable text on homicide." Keith Soothill, Lancaster University, UK Why do people kill? How is homicide investigated? What are the patterns and characteristics of UK homicide? How can it be prevented? Here is a comprehensive and challenging text unravelling the phenomenon of homicide. The author combines original analysis with a lucid overview of the key theories and debates in the study of homicide and violence. In introducing the broad spectrum of different features, aspects and forms of homicide, Brookman examines its patterns and trends, how it may be explained, its investigation and how it may be prevented. Areas covered include: · the killing of children · multiple homicide (including serial and mass murder, terrorism and corporate homicide) · domestic homicide · female killers · homicide amongst men The book is unique in its focus, coverage and style and bridges a major gap in criminological literature. Whilst focused in several respects upon the UK experience of homicide, the text necessarily draws upon and makes a significant contribution to international literature, research and debate. The text has been written in a style that will be accessible to a wide audience and assumes no prior knowledge. Features to aide the student include study tasks, review questions and annotated suggested further reading, including internet resources. Understanding Homicide is ideal for undergraduate and postgraduate students in the fields of criminology, criminal justice, psychology,sociology and forensics. It will also be invaluable to academics, researchers and practitioners interested in the phenomenon of homicide and the broader issue of violence.
|Author||Kenneth J. Peak|
|ISBN-10||9781506391816|
|Release||2018-01-02|
|Pages||520|
|Download Link||Click Here|
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A practical and applied introduction to criminal justice Introduction to Criminal Justice: Practice and Process shows you how to think practically about the criminal justice system by offering you a proven, problem-based approach to learning. Bestselling authors Kenneth J. Peak and Tamara D. Madensen draw on their many years of combined practitioner and academic experience to explain the importance of criminal justice and show how key trends, emerging issues, historical background, and practical lessons can be applied in the field. New to the Third Edition: An emphasis on constitutional policing, legitimacy, and procedural justice stresses the importance for police to develop a “guardian” mindset over a “soldier” mindset. New discussions of contemporary criminological theories—such as social structure theories, social process theories, social conflict theories, feminist theories, and environmental criminology theories—provide you with a concise explanation on why people commit crimes and how to prevent them in the modern world. An in-depth view of three particularly challenging problems and policy issues—terrorism, the mentally ill population, and illegal immigration—demonstrate how today’s society and the criminal justice system are affected by these issues and what can be done to address the problems. New examples and case studies of ethical dilemmas illustrate today's climate of distrust, dissension, and dysfunction to encourage you to think critically about what is considered “ethical”. New video interviews with criminal justice professionals offer you career advice, provide you with insights into a variety of career paths, and discuss challenges and misconceptions of each profession. | http://scaredthebook.com/pdf/introducing-forensic-and-criminal-investigation-sage-publications/ |
Floral chemistry mediates plant interactions with herbivores, pathogens, and pollinators. The chemistry of floral nectar and pollen—the primary food rewards for pollinators—can affect both plant reproduction and pollinator health. Although the existence and functional significance of nectar and pollen secondary metabolites has long been known, comprehensive quantitative characterizations of secondary chemistry exist for only a few species. Moreover, little is known about intraspecific variation in nectar and pollen chemical profiles. Because the ecological effects of secondary chemicals are dose-dependent, heterogeneity across genotypes and populations could influence floral trait evolution and pollinator foraging ecology. To better understand within- and across species heterogeneity in nectar and pollen secondary chemistry, we undertook exhaustive LC-MS and LC-UV-based chemical characterizations of nectar and pollen methanol extracts from 31 cultivated and wild plant species.
Nectar and pollen were collected from farms and natural areas in Massachusetts, Vermont, and California, USA, in 2013 and 2014. For wild species, we aimed to collect 10 samples from each of 3 sites. For agricultural and horticultural species, we aimed for 10 samples from each of 3 cultivars. Our dataset (1535 samples, 102 identified compounds) identifies and quantifies each compound recorded in methanolic extracts, and includes chemical metadata that describe the molecular mass, retention time, and chemical classification of each compound. A reference phylogeny is included for comparative analyses.
We found that each species possessed a distinct chemical profile; moreover, within species, few compounds were found in both nectar and pollen. The most common secondary chemical classes were flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids and amines, and chlorogenic acids. The most common compounds were quercetin and kaempferol glycosides. Pollens contained high concentrations of hydroxycinnamoyl-spermidine conjugates, mainly triscoumaroyl and trisferuloyl spermidine, found in 71% of species. When present, pollen alkaloids and spermidines had median nonzero concentrations of 23,000 μM (median 52% of recorded micromolar composition). Although secondary chemistry was qualitatively consistent within each species and sample type, we found significant quantitative heterogeneity across cultivars and sites. These data provide a standard reference for future ecological and evolutionary research on nectar and pollen secondary chemistry, including its role in pollinator health and plant reproduction. | https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/22537/ |
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