content
stringlengths 0
1.88M
| url
stringlengths 0
5.28k
|
|---|---|
COVID -19 Vaccination Policy : As a condition of employment, Sulzbacher requires all new hires to report and provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to their initial start date.
Summary
The SOAR Case Manager (outreach) will help homeless and disabled individuals apply for Social Security benefits in order to have a source of income. The primary responsibilities include engaging and developing relationships with homeless and disabled individuals and assisting candidates through the SSVSSDI application process. The SOAR Case Manager will be a key team member on the social services outreach bus.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This job has no direct supervisory responsibilities
Essential duties and responsibilities
1. Engage and develop relationships with mentally ill, disabled individuals 2. Refer all ineligible clients to other resources 3. Initiate SOAR paperwork for eligible clients 4. Gather medical reports and all other information needed for their application 5. Write medical summary report 6. Accompany clients to appointments at SSA to apply for SSVSSDI 7. Coordinate visits with medical doctors, psychiatrists and other specialists to obtain evidence for SOAR case 8. Primarily perform street and other outreach to engage hard to reach candidates 9. Enter data into the system as required. Resident, Guest and Internal Customer Focus The SOAR Case Manager is sensitive to emotional, spiritual and practical needs of resident, families, guests and staff members in all interactions. Provides positive feedback and comments about the quality of work and effort that have been offered by residents, families and coworkers. Adjusts priorities and schedules to meet specific customer needs. Reports and/or corrects problems related to safety, cleanliness and comfort of resident and work areas. Universal Precautions and Infection Control techniques are followed. Understands own role facility safety plans and procedures related to fire, weather and other disasters is demonstrated. | https://nonprofitctr.org/nw-opportunities/sulzbacher-center-soar-case-manager-outreach/ |
The fact that rural livelihood portfolios is expanding and diversifying beyond agriculture is not contested. However, very little is known on gender dimension of rural livelihoods diversification and whether gender makes any difference in rural dwellers construction of livelihood portfolios. This paper therefore presents findings of analysis of data obtained from USAID sponsored Feed The Future population baseline survey conducted in 2012 in their Northern Ghana Zone of Influence, with the view of examining gender dimension of livelihoods diversification among the 13,580 respondents who were 15 years or older. Results of the analysis revealed significant gender differentiation in number of livelihood activities engaged in by men and women. The results established that livelihoods diversification is common across gender in Northern Ghana, but men are more likely to engage in more livelihood activities than women. Significantly more men than women were found to have been engaged in paid wage labour within the last 12 months, with women dominating the non-farm self-employed livelihood enterprises. This paper therefore recommends that, measures aim at women economic empowerment, should target providing training and financial support to enable women improve their non-farm livelihood enterprises.
Keywords: Diversification, Livelihoods, non-farm and gender, on-farm
IMPACT OF FLOODS ON FOOD SECURITY AND LIVELIHOODS OF IDP TRIBAL HOUSEHOLDS: THE CASE OF KHAMMAM REGION OF INDIA (Published)
Similar to several agricultural economies, India is prone to erratic rainfall in some of its regions. Apart from scanty rainfall; heavy rains leading to unexpected floods is common in this country. These unexpected floods can create devastating impacts on food security of the people and their livelihoods. These impacts would be severe on the internally displaced people staying particularly in the tribal regions. The present paper is an attempt to study the impact of unexpected floods on food security and livelihoods of internally displaced people (IDPs) of Khammam region of Andhra Pradesh in India. A simple descriptive methodology including a binary logit model has been used to verify the impact on food security and livelihoods of IDP households in the study area, Bhadrachalam. The study reveals that the impact of floods could be seen across all the variables affecting livelihoods in all the families living in 21 settlements. Floods have caused extensive damage on the roads and bridges in the Bhadrachalam region virtually delinking the areas and rendering them impassable. The damaged infrastructure impacted negatively on the delivery of services such as health, agriculture and education in the area. The binary logit model estimated on the basis of survey data of 124 IDP households indicates that floods had a negative impact on food security by reducing the purchasing power, wage income, resulting in food shortages, increasing borrowing and altering the food habits and resulting in sickness among households. In view of these findings some policy interventions have been suggested.
Keywords: Floods, Food Insecurity, Idps, Livelihoods, Logit Model And India. | https://www.eajournals.org/keywords/livelihoods/ |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is directed toward the field of continuous-time circuit filters, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for matching the frequency characteristics of such continuous-time circuit filters having different circuit topologies.
Continuous-time integrated circuit filters generally use combinations of resistors and capacitors as tuning elements to achieve desired frequency characteristics. Such continuous-time filters are used in many applications, including cellular telephones, high fidelity audio equipment, multi-media computers, and sensors. In many of these applications it is often necessary or desirable to achieve high precision in calibration and matching between different circuits that are expected to track each other. For example, in some applications it is necessary to match the pole frequency of a tuned filter to the pole frequency of a reference tuning circuit that may have a different topology. In addition, the matched circuits might also have constituent elements that must scale with each other, but which have substantially different electrical values, as is common in a multi-pole active filter.
It is therefore desirable to select circuit components when designing a filter that provide the necessary frequency characteristics. Nonetheless, process variations during fabrication and other factors can cause significant variations from chip to chip of resistance and capacitance values often resulting in frequency responses that differ significantly from the initial design. Since the frequency characteristics of a filter are primarily dependent upon the values of the resistors and capacitors comprising the filter, the frequency characteristics of a filter at the end of fabrication will not meet the tolerance requirements for the given application if the resistance and capacitance values of the filter are not clearly defined during the design stage.
There are many parasitic elements in continuous-time filters that make it difficult to precisely calibrate and match the frequency characteristics between different circuits that are expected to track each other. For example, it has been observed that the parasitic capacitance can be a substantial fraction of the primary capacitance (10% to 20% or more), depending on the capacitor structure of a given manufacturing process. In addition, there is generally little correlation between variations in the primary capacitance per unit area and the parasitic capacitance per unit area.
A need therefore exists for a method and apparatus for matching filter capacitors that have different circuit topologies, such as matching capacitors connected in a differential configuration with capacitors connected in a single-ended configuration, in such a way that both the primary capacitance and the parasitic capacitance are optimally matched. A further need exists for a method and apparatus that provide optimal matching of both primary and parasitic capacitances for integrated circuit capacitors which may be of different sizes and connected in different circuit topologies.
Generally, a method and apparatus are provided for matching the primary and parasitic capacitances of integrated circuit capacitors. The integrated circuit capacitors to be matched in accordance with the present invention can be of different sizes and connected in different circuit topologies. In accordance with the present invention, a matching filter may be selected that is matched in a desired manner to a reference circuit. The matching filter and the reference circuit can have a different topology. For example, the matching filter can have a differential filter capacitor structure and the reference circuit can have a single-ended filter configuration.
p
g
p
g
p
g
According to one aspect of the invention, the reference circuit to be matched is initially analyzed to identify the ratio of the primary capacitance, C, to the parasitic capacitance, C. Thereafter, a matching filter is selected with the desired topology and having the same ratio of the primary capacitance, C, to the parasitic capacitance, C, as the reference circuit (or a desired offset therefrom). A general technique is disclosed for analyzing capacitance circuits to identify the ratio of the primary capacitance, C, to the parasitic capacitance, C.
The present invention provides a way to match both primary and parasitic capacitances among filter and tuning circuits that incorporate capacitors with different circuit topologies, and thus match the circuit characteristics independently of process variations. Also, the implementation is simple, and the total capacitance required is about the same with or without this technique.
A more complete understanding of the present invention, as well as further features and advantages of the present invention, will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description and drawings.
FIG. 1
illustrates an integrated circuit capacitor, C, and a corresponding equivalent structure;
FIG. 2
FIG. 1 and a
illustrates a differential filter capacitor structure having two capacitors, C, of the type shown in corresponding equivalent structure;
FIGS. 3
FIG. 1 and a
4
5
, and illustrate various implementations of a single-ended filter configuration using two capacitors, C, of the type shown in corresponding equivalent structure;
FIGS. 6A through 6C
eff
illustrate a number of differential filter capacitor structures in which the capacitors, C, are connected in series and a corresponding representation of the effective capacitance, C, for each circuit;
FIGS. 7A through 7D
eff
illustrate a number of single-ended filter capacitor structures in which the capacitors, C, are connected in series and a corresponding representation of the effective capacitance, C, for each circuit; and
FIG. 8
is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computer aided circuit design tool according to the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
eff
eff
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for optimal matching of both primary and parasitic capacitances for integrated circuit capacitors. The integrated circuit capacitors to be matched can be of different sizes and connected in different circuit topologies. As used herein, the term “matching” includes filter circuits having the same or substantially the same effective capacitance, C, as well as filter circuits having a desired offset in the effective capacitance, C, relative to one another.
FIG. 1
FIG. 1
100
150
p
g
p
g
illustrates an integrated circuit capacitor, C, . As shown in , the capacitor, C, can be represented with an equivalent structure having two components, namely, the primary capacitance, C, and the parasitic capacitance, C. It is noted that the capacitance notation used herein utilizes a curved plate on the side of the capacitor, C, that is grounded. The primary capacitance, C, is the capacitance measured between the two plates of the capacitor, C. The parasitic capacitance, C, is the capacitance measured between the bottom plate and ground.
FIG. 2
FIG. 1
FIG. 1
FIG. 2
FIG. 2
200
10
200
250
200
250
200
p
g
g
eff
shows a differential filter capacitor structure having two capacitors, C, (of the type shown in ) differentially connected in parallel across nodes N and P. As shown in , each capacitor, C, has a primary capacitance, C, and a parasitic capacitance from bottom plate to ground, C. The differential filter capacitor structure can be represented with an equivalent circuit . shows a typical configuration of a differential filter capacitor structure where it is desirable to have two equal capacitors, C, connected back-to-back, so that the parasitic capacitance, C, to ground is the same for both of nodes N and P. Using the equivalent circuit , it can be seen that the effective capacitance, C, of the differential filter capacitor structure shown in may be expressed as follows:
<PTEXT><HIL><ITALIC><PDAT>C</PDAT></ITALIC></HIL><HIL><SB><PDAT>eff</PDAT></SB></HIL><PDAT>=2</PDAT><HIL><ITALIC><PDAT>C</PDAT></ITALIC></HIL><HIL><SB><PDAT>p</PDAT></SB></HIL><PDAT>+½</PDAT><HIL><ITALIC><PDAT>C</PDAT></ITALIC></HIL><HIL><SB><PDAT>g</PDAT></SB></HIL></PTEXT>
FIGS. 3
FIGS. 3
FIGS. 3
4
5
300
400
500
300
350
400
450
500
550
300
400
500
4
5
200
2
300
400
500
4
5
p
g
, and show various implementations of a single-ended configuration , , using two capacitors, C. The single-ended configuration can be represented with an equivalent circuit , the single-ended configuration can be represented with an equivalent circuit and the single-ended configuration can be represented with an equivalent circuit . The single-ended configurations , , shown in , and have the same primary capacitance, C, as the differential filter capacitor structure shown in FIG. . Each single-ended configurations , , shown in , and have different parasitic capacitances, C.
350
300
eff
FIG. 3
Using the equivalent circuit , it can be seen that the effective capacitance, C, of the single-ended configuration shown in may be expressed as follows:
<PTEXT><HIL><ITALIC><PDAT>C</PDAT></ITALIC></HIL><HIL><SB><PDAT>eff</PDAT></SB></HIL><PDAT>=2</PDAT><HIL><ITALIC><PDAT>C</PDAT></ITALIC></HIL><HIL><SB><PDAT>p</PDAT></SB></HIL><HIL><ITALIC><PDAT>+C</PDAT></ITALIC></HIL><HIL><SB><PDAT>g</PDAT></SB></HIL></PTEXT>
450
400
eff
FIG. 4
Using the equivalent circuit , it can be seen that the effective capacitance, C, of the single-ended configuration shown in may be expressed as follows:
C
C
eff
p
 =2
550
500
eff
FIG. 5
Using the equivalent circuit , it can be seen that the effective capacitance, C, of the single-ended configuration shown in may be expressed as follows:
<PTEXT><HIL><ITALIC><PDAT>C</PDAT></ITALIC></HIL><HIL><SB><PDAT>eff</PDAT></SB></HIL><PDAT>=2</PDAT><HIL><ITALIC><PDAT>C</PDAT></ITALIC></HIL><HIL><SB><PDAT>p</PDAT></SB></HIL><PDAT>+½</PDAT><HIL><ITALIC><PDAT>C</PDAT></ITALIC></HIL><HIL><SB><PDAT>g</PDAT></SB></HIL></PTEXT>
200
500
FIG. 2 and a
FIG. 5
Thus, if it is desired to match the primary capacitance and the parasitic capacitance in the same ratio for the differential circuit of single-ended circuit, the single-ended configuration shown in may be used.
FIGS. 6 and 7
FIGS. 6A through 6C
FIGS. 7A through 7D
600
640
680
700
720
740
760
eff
eff
p
g
The methodology of the present invention may also be extended to other capacitance structures, such as those illustrated in , for example, in which capacitors are connected in series rather than parallel. Each of the differential filter capacitor structures , , shown in have the corresponding effective capacitance, C, shown in the figure. Likewise, each of the single-ended filter capacitor structures , , , shown in have the corresponding effective capacitance, C, shown in the figure. Different ratios of primary capacitance, C, and parasitic capacitance, C, may be achieved by combinations of these various structures.
g
FIGS. 6 and 7
FIG. 7A
700
<math><mrow><mrow><msub><mi>C</mi><mi>eff</mi></msub><mo>=</mo><mrow><msup><mrow><mo>(</mo><mrow><mfrac><mn>1</mn><msub><mi>C</mi><mi>p</mi></msub></mfrac><mo>+</mo><mfrac><mn>1</mn><mrow><msub><mi>C</mi><mi>p</mi></msub><mo>+</mo><msub><mi>C</mi><mi>g</mi></msub></mrow></mfrac></mrow><mo>)</mo></mrow><mrow><mo>-</mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></msup><mo>=</mo><mrow><msub><mi>C</mi><mi>p</mi></msub><mo>&it;</mo><mfrac><mrow><mo>(</mo><mrow><mn>1</mn><mo>+</mo><mi>x</mi></mrow><mo>)</mo></mrow><mrow><mo>(</mo><mrow><mn>2</mn><mo>+</mo><mi>x</mi></mrow><mo>)</mo></mrow></mfrac></mrow></mrow></mrow><mo>,</mo></mrow></math>
It is noted that the parasitic capacitance values, C, in some of the equations shown in are a first order approximation under the assumption that the parasitic capacitance is significantly smaller than the primary capacitance. The exact effective capacitance of the series combination in , for example, is given by:
g
p
where x=C/C.
p
g
Other parasitic capacitances, such as top plate to ground, are usually small by comparison to Cand C, and are therefore not explicitly included here, but the technique of the present invention may also be applied to other parasitic components. Also, equal size capacitors are used in this illustration, since equal size capacitors are often desirable for matching or balance, but capacitors of unequal sizes may also be used. Series and/or parallel combinations of capacitors may be used to achieve other ratios between parasitic and primary capacitance, as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art, based on the disclosure herein.
FIG. 8
FIG. 8
FIGS. 2 through 7
800
800
800
850
800
820
830
840
820
8
840
800
830
820
p
g
is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computer aided circuit design tool . The computer aided circuit design tool may be embodied as any commercially available computer aided circuit design tool, such as the analog circuit simulation tools commercially available from Cadence Design Systems, Inc. of San Jose, Calif., as modified herein to provide the features and functions of the present invention. Specifically, as shown in , the computer aided circuit design tool should include a tool kit of filter circuits having a variety of topologies and various ratios of said primary capacitance, C, to the parasitic capacitance, C, such as those shown in . The computer aided circuit design tool includes certain standard hardware components, such as a processor , a data storage device , and, optionally, a communications port . The processor can be linked to each of the other listed elements, either by means of a shared data bus, or dedicated connections, as shown in FIG. . The communications port connects the computer aided circuit design tool , for example, to a LAN (not shown). The data storage device is operable to store one or more instructions, which the processor is operable to retrieve, interpret and execute in accordance with the present invention.
It is to be understood that the embodiments and variations shown and described herein are merely illustrative of the principles of this invention and that various modifications may be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. | |
The surge of brazen carjackings that has roiled Minneapolis and St. Paul neighborhoods this year is spreading to the suburbs, with communities including Edina, St. Louis Park, Roseville and Woodbury all reporting cases of robbers commandeering vehicles — often at gunpoint in grocery store and retail parking lots.
Suburban police departments say they are stepping up patrols, offering rewards for information on suspects and sharing intelligence with neighboring agencies to quickly apprehend culprits.
The incidents have been frequent, and often violent. Early Thursday, two juveniles in a vehicle believed to have been stolen during an armed carjacking died after a crash in northeast Minneapolis following a police pursuit. Robbinsdale police had received a report of an armed carjacking Wednesday evening.
Also Thursday, three people were injured and one was hospitalized with serious injuries after a carjacking attempt at 5 p.m. outside the Lunds & Byerlys store on W. 50th Street in Edina. Police have released images of suspects, and the Edina Crime Prevention Fund is offering a $5,000 reward in the case.
"We share residents' concern and frustration with the increase in these types of crimes in our community," said Edina Police Chief Todd Milburn, in a written statement. "We are doing all that we can with agencies across the metro to investigate these crimes and bring those involved to justice. We are hopeful that the reward will help encourage someone out there with information to come forward and work with us."
The Edina Police Department has increased patrols and is paying officers overtime to deter more carjackings and thefts, according to a news release.
Authorities believe the same suspects attempted a carjacking around 3 p.m Thursday at the Lunds & Byerlys on Park Center Boulevard in St. Louis Park. The suspects attempted to wrestle a man out of a vehicle. He sustained minor injuries and the suspects fled.
St. Louis Park police believe the suspects could also be responsible for a robbery in the same Lunds & Byerlys parking lot on Dec. 6, and an attempted carjacking at Bridgewater Bank on Excelsior Boulevard on Nov. 29. The department is also offering a $5,000 reward for information in the cases.
The Roseville Police Department is investigating two armed carjackings this fall in parking lots at a gym and a thrift store. The suspects displayed a firearm and in one of the incidents used a firearm to strike the victim in the head before stealing their car.
"We have not previously seen the carjackings we are now seeing in the suburbs," said Roseville Police Chief Erika Scheider.
These violent encounters are happening during the afternoon and early-evening hours in busy retail parking lots. That boldness is making people uneasy, Scheider said.
Roseville police are increasing patrols and visibility and working with other agencies, because incidents are often connected.
Woodbury police investigated a carjacking in a Target parking lot in November. While it's still an unusual occurrence in the Washington County suburb of 75,000, "it really spooked people," said John Altman with the department.
Maplewood police Lt. Joe Steiner said that suburb had a rash of 13 carjackings in 2020. That number has dropped to four this year.
"We partnered with other local agencies including Ramsey County Sheriff's Office and Woodbury police. We increased our intelligence gathering and sharing amongst agencies," Steiner said. "We did identify quite a few offenders who were involved in multiple carjackings. Arrests were made and charges were filed."
Steiner said those efforts will continue in an effort to crack down on what he described as a crime of opportunity that instills fear in the community.
"Carjackings are robberies," Steiner said. "It's a crime of violence. That's what makes it so terrifying." | https://m.startribune.com/rash-of-twin-cities-carjackings-spreads-to-suburbs-edina-st-louis-park-roseville-woodbury/600125955/ |
Internet regularly seems to throw up buzzwords and ideas some of which catch on and the latest one around is social media. Social media describes the online tools, platforms and practices that people use to share opinions, insights, experiences, and perspectives with each other. Social media can take many different forms, including text, images, audio, and video. Popular social mediums include blogs, message boards, podcasts, wikis, and vlogs.There are bunch of people out here who try to portray how to utilize social media for marketing but the creative guys at creative craft have done a very good job by giving us this great video explaining Social Media in plain English using the example of Ice Creams. | http://www.ideasmarkit.com/2008/05/buzzwords-social-media-explained.html |
Not far from the beach resort of Tulum, Mexico, lies a cave system called Sac Actun — this may be the largest flooded cave in the world. The discovery was made by a team of divers who found a connection between two underwater caverns in eastern Mexico.
Previously, Sac Actun was measured at 263 km but now, researchers working with the Gran Acuifero Maya (GAM) — a project concerned with preserving subterranean waters in the Yucatan peninsula — say the cave system communicates with the 83-km-long Dos Ojos system. This would make the entire system a unitary 347-km-long (216-mile) cave.
The connection between the two cave systems was identified after speleologists spent months navigating the intricate maze of underwater channels.
Like the vast majority of the planet’s cave systems, Sac Actun lies in limestone rocks. This karst setting occurs when acidic water starts to break down the surface of bedrock, causing cracks and fissures. In time, these fissures start getting bigger and bigger, until they create sinkholes or caves. It’s amazing to think about it, but these incredible features were created by groundwater. Since in the Yucatan area, where the Sac Actun system is located, groundwater is portrayed as flowing in underground rivers, caves also tend to be quite lengthy.
GAM researchers underscore the importance of the finding in relation to the cultural heritage of the Maya civilization that dominated the area before the Spanish conquest.
Many people are aware of the famous Mayan pyramids and other cultural landmarks. It’s a lesser known fact that the Mayan cities in which these relics were built drew upon an extensive network of sinkholes linked to subterranean waters known as cenotes. Some of these cenotes are known to have acquired a religious significance to the Maya, as well as their descendants.
“It allows us to appreciate much more clearly how the rituals, the pilgrimage sites and ultimately the great pre-Hispanic settlements that we know emerged,” Guillermo de Anda, director and underwater archaeologist on the Gran Acuifero Maya team, told Reuters. | https://www.zmescience.com/science/largest-underwater-mexico-0432432/ |
When Hollywood director Ridley Scott filmed astronauts looking for aliens in his 2012 movie Prometheus, little did he know that it would one day inspire a Network Rail drone project.
But, bizarrely, that’s exactly what has happened. Network Rail, which owns and maintains most of the railway infrastructure in Britain – from vast stretches of track to thousands of bridges, tunnels and level crossings – has long sought cheaper and easier ways of surveying the many underground caves and abandoned mines dotted around its property.
Engineers must account for “shallow” subterranean voids when doing building work or moving heavy machinery, because the caverns might collapse and cause the ground above to shift. There are more than 5,000 shallow voids in Britain.
At an innovation workshop in 2018, Network Rail’s principal mining engineer Neal Rushton found himself seated at a table with electronics experts and robot researchers. He sketched a simple drawing of the sort of device he was looking for – something that could travel down a 15cm borehole, enter an underground cave and map its interior.
Existing methods of mapping these areas are slow and sometimes hazardous. Surveyors either drill multiple boreholes into the ground, through which they poke sensors at the end of long sticks in order to scan the space below; or technicians enter the mine shafts and caverns themselves to collect the data by hand. Dangerous gases, cave-ins and even explosions are all possible causes of harm to such workers.
When Simon Watson, a robotics engineer at the University of Manchester, saw Mr Rushton’s drawing, he immediately piped up: “Eh, I’ve watched a film about that,” he said. “It’s Prometheus.”
In a well-known scene in the science-fiction blockbuster, four spherical drones whizz off into a creepy, unexplored alien structure, scanning it with lasers as they go in order to build up a 3D model of the environment. It’s a tantalising moment in which the human space travellers realise the enormous scale of the outlandish place they have stumbled upon.
Mr Rushton knew the film and so instantly recognised Mr Watson’s analogy, which got everyone at the table talking. “A tool like that would be invaluable,” says Mr Rushton today. “Not just for us but for hundreds of applications around the world.”
This is how the “Prometheus” drone project got its name and, although the caverns Network Rail hopes to explore with the device will be smaller than the alien tunnels in the film, the technological principles are almost exactly the same.
More Technology of Business
There are special challenges though. For one thing, the drone has to fit through a snug 15cm (6in) borehole – a standard size used for underground surveys. Mr Watson, his PhD student Liam Brown and colleagues have come up with a folding design in which the drone’s propeller-equipped arms raise up into the “flight” position once the device has been pushed through the borehole and into the gloomy mine below.
At that point, the drone detaches and zooms off into the underground space on its mission. But no human will have control over where it goes because of the lack of light and difficulty of maintaining a wireless signal to the surface. Prometheus must instead explore the subterranean space autonomously.
To gather data about its environment and avoid slamming into cave walls or stalactites, the drone will carry a camera that uses lasers and infrared imaging to make 3D maps of its environment. The device has been miniaturised so that it can fit onto the drone. If all goes as planned, once it has acquired a map of the cave’s interior, the drone will then fly back to the borehole where it will autonomously dock with a rig and be pulled back up to the surface.
The consortium behind the project involves various organisations, including – among others – the universities of Manchester, Bristol and Royal Holloway, all working on the drone itself; and Headlight AI, a London-based tech firm tasked with designing the special camera and other components.
“The challenge with the Prometheus drone is, number one, it has to navigate when there’s no GPS,” explains Puneet Chhabra, co-founder and chief technical officer at Headlight AI, who was present when the idea for the Prometheus project arose at the innovation lab meeting in 2018. “That means you have to create a 3D map and that map has to update itself as the drone moves – you have to localise in that space, if you like.”
Not only that, but because of the drone’s diminutive size, it can carry only a small battery so will have to complete its mission in just 10 minutes, says Mr Watson: “You have to navigate quite quickly but also slow enough to gather up all the data.”
The team has already trialled some of the technology during test flights, such as the docking equipment – which uses locking pins and magnets to hold the drone in place until it is ready to drop down and fly away – and 3D mapping. Their work is described in a recently published scientific paper.
Plus, Mr Watson and his colleagues have also tested some off-the-shelf drones, which unlike the completed Prometheus, can’t fly by themselves and don’t have scanning equipment.
Nevertheless, the experiments in caves in Shropshire gave the team a sense of how the devices cope with turbulence in confined spaces. It’s important to account for this, because, should the actual Prometheus drone crash underground on one of its future expeditions, there’s more or less zero chance that engineers will be able to retrieve it.
An in-cave flight test using a prototype of Prometheus itself is scheduled for spring 2021, says Mr Chhabra.
It’s not the first time that someone has attempted to build an autonomous, cave-mapping drone. Three years ago, a team in Australia demonstrated one such device – though it was much larger than Prometheus will be.
Meanwhile, Guido de Croon, at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, and colleagues, have experimented with a swarm of small, autonomous drones designed to map an unknown environment. Their research was published in the journal Science Robotics last year.
Prof de Croon says Network Rail’s ambition is impressive.
“I think it’s very exciting. I was not aware of this problem, I must say,” he comments.
“There’s a whole world underneath that’s hardly accessible, and dangerous for humans.”
Although the project presents multiple challenges, he praises the approach chosen by the Prometheus team. And he notes how discussion of Ridley Scott’s film has also come up among his students while working on similar projects.
“Movies make people dream,” says Prof de Croon. “Researchers, they have an eye out for this kind of cool stuff that they would like to realise in reality.
“It also works the other way round. Some of the research work you do inspires movie-makers.”
All well and good, so long as Prometheus doesn’t find anything too startling on its future missions – alien spawn lurking beneath the East Coast Main Line, for instance.
“It’s when we find the cavern and it’s full of eggs and we’re like… erm, right,” says Mr Watson, with a nervous laugh. | https://insightnewsreport.com/2020/12/11/ridley-scott-inspires-network-rails-cave-exploring-drone/ |
What is prob of picking 2 u?
3/11
Calculate prob of picking 4 n when four letters picked without replacement from nnnnnnnnnn.
1
Two letters picked without replacement from {x: 2, l: 8}. What is prob of picking 1 x and 1 l?
16/45
Calculate prob of picking 2 w when two letters picked without replacement from {o: 7, w: 12}.
22/57
Two letters picked without replacement from {y: 2, j: 4, u: 3, z: 1}. What is prob of picking 1 j and 1 y?
8/45
Calculate prob of picking 1 j, 1 u, and 1 d when three letters picked without replacement from mjmcrdmrcjum.
1/110
Calculate prob of picking 2 k when two letters picked without replacement from kkkkokkkkok.
36/55
Calculate prob of picking 1 l, 1 i, and 1 p when three letters picked without replacement from hnillnphhh.
1/60
What is prob of picking 1 w and 1 k when two letters picked without replacement from {w: 1, u: 2, k: 1, s: 2, h: 1}?
1/21
What is prob of picking 3 a and 1 l when four letters picked without replacement from lllalllllllalla?
4/455
What is prob of picking 1 g and 2 d when three letters picked without replacement from {d: 2, g: 2}?
1/2
Three letters picked without replacement from vaapvpauuapa. What is prob of picking 1 p and 2 v?
3/220
What is prob of picking 3 w when three letters picked without replacement from zzwwzww?
4/35
What is prob of picking 2 m and 1 i when three letters picked without replacement from {z: 8, m: 5, i: 3}?
3/56
Two letters picked without replacement from {u: 1, b: 3, d: 1}. Give prob of picking 1 u and 1 b.
3/10
What is prob of picking 3 k when three letters picked without replacement from {k: 4, e: 3, q: 7, x: 5}?
4/969
What is prob of picking 2 r when two letters picked without replacement from qrrqrrrr?
15/28
Four letters picked without replacement from mspmpssomommmpmmsmm. Give prob of picking 3 s and 1 m.
10/969
Three letters picked without replacement from bvztwwwttzz. What is prob of picking 2 t and 1 w?
3/55
What is prob of picking 2 m, 1 n, and 1 l when four letters picked without replacement from lvnvlmlnnlvvlvm?
1/91
Three letters picked without replacement from {w: 6, m: 3, q: 2, h: 2, j: 4}. Give prob of picking 1 h and 2 q.
1/340
Calculate prob of picking 1 e and 1 p when two letters picked without replacement from {p: 2, l: 1, e: 1}.
1/3
Calculate prob of picking 1 i and 2 b when three letters picked without replacement from {i: 3, k: 5, b: 3, v: 2}.
9/286
What is prob of picking 1 b, 1 j, and 1 e when three letters picked without replacement from djkkfefjkbkdk?
1/143
Two letters picked without replacement from plhhzxm. Give prob of picking 1 x and 1 h.
2/21
What is prob of picking 3 y when three letters picked without replacement from hyyvvyvvvyyyy?
35/286
What is prob of picking 1 j, 1 g, and 1 v when three letters picked without replacement from {f: 2, g: 1, v: 2, j: 1, q: 1}?
2/35
Four letters picked without replacement from {u: 2, j: 4, g: 1, h: 5, l: 2}. What is prob of picking 4 j?
1/1001
Calculate prob of picking 2 i when two letters picked without replacement from {i: 5, n: 4, g: 10}.
10/171
Four letters picked without replacement from qqqqq. Give prob of picking 4 q.
1
Two letters picked without replacement from ggv. What is prob of picking 1 g and 1 v?
2/3
Calculate prob of picking 2 c and 1 s when three letters picked without replacement from {a: 1, s: 8, u: 9, c: 2}.
2/285
Two letters picked without replacement from zuzzzzasasczizz. What is prob of picking 1 a and 1 c?
2/105
Four letters picked without replacement from {q: 1, j: 7, z: 1}. What is prob of picking 1 q and 3 j?
5/18
What is prob of picking 2 d when two letters picked without replacement from {f: 8, x: 2, d: 5}?
2/21
Two letters picked without replacement from {k: 11, d: 3, a: 1}. What is prob of picking 2 k?
11/21
Calculate prob of picking 1 e and 1 g when two letters picked without replacement from ttetgate.
1/14
Two letters picked without replacement from bbbaabbbbqbhbh. What is prob of picking 1 h and 1 a?
4/91
What is prob of picking 1 g and 1 r when two letters picked without replacement from {o: 1, g: 1, r: 1, w: 1, d: 5}?
1/36
Four letters picked without replacement from {i: 2, x: 2, z: 3, k: 6, h: 5}. What is prob of picking 1 x and 3 z?
1/1530
Three letters picked without replacement from {l: 1, o: 5, g: 4}. What is prob of picking 3 g?
1/30
Calculate prob of picking 1 e and 3 k when four letters picked without replacement from kkekkekkkkeeek.
60/143
Four letters picked without replacement from {s: 9, y: 5}. What is prob of picking 4 y?
5/1001
Three letters picked without replacement from iiegggiegikikikiqqi. Give prob of picking 1 k and 2 q.
1/323
Two letters picked without replacement from {z: 1, q: 5, o: 3, i: 1, k: 4, t: 4}. What is prob of picking 1 k and 1 o?
4/51
Two letters picked without replacement from ssbwqqwuqdwq. What is prob of picking 1 d and 1 w?
1/22
What is prob of picking 1 x and 1 p when two letters picked without replacement from mhompxj?
1/21
Calculate prob of picking 2 e and 1 c when three letters picked without replacement from hhheechwwceehchccc.
3/68
Four letters picked without replacement from {n: 2, w: 10, z: 1, q: 1, v: 2}. Give prob of picking 1 q, 1 n, and 2 w.
9/182
What is prob of picking 2 s when two letters picked without replacement from {s: 2, r: 1, e: 2}?
1/10
Four letters picked without replacement from {y: 2, g: 1, a: 3, l: 3, m: 3, e: 2}. What is prob of picking 2 a, 1 m, and 1 e?
18/1001
What is prob of picking 1 v, 1 k, and 2 b when four letters picked without replacement from {w: 1, v: 3, k: 5, b: 4}?
18/143
What is prob of picking 1 d and 1 g when two letters picked without replacement from geegegndendggeegez?
4/51
What is prob of picking 1 l and 1 k when two letters picked without replacement from {l: 3, k: 2, p: 2, m: 8}?
2/35
Two letters picked without replacement from tsvkb. What is prob of picking 1 s and 1 v?
1/10
Calculate prob of picking 1 v, 1 s, and 1 w when three letters picked without replacement from hvhhvwhhhhhswshsvss.
10/323
Calculate prob of picking 2 w when two letters picked without replacement from lvdddlwwwknvwvldl.
3/68
Three letters picked without replacement from {q: 1, c: 5, h: 11}. Give prob of picking 3 c.
1/68
Calculate prob of picking 2 i when two letters picked without replacement from iiiiiiiiii.
1
Four letters picked without replacement from {u: 1, a: 1, x: 3, e: 1, v: 6, f: 1}. What is prob of picking 1 f and 3 v?
4/143
Four letters picked without replacement from {v: 3, l: 2, x: 3, r: 1, b: 1, i: 2}. What is prob of picking 1 v, 1 l, 1 x, and 1 r?
2/55
Three letters picked without replacement from {j: 5, p: 4, d: 2}. What is prob of picking 1 j and 2 p?
2/11
What is prob of picking 1 r and 3 s when four letters picked without replacement from {s: 3, r: 4, u: 6}?
4/715
Calculate prob of picking 1 c and 1 w when two letters picked without replacement from {w: 1, j: 1, c: 6, b: 6, p: 4}.
2/51
Calculate prob of picking 1 j and 1 w when two letters picked without replacement from jjjjjkjjjjjjjjjjjjwj.
9/95
Two letters picked without replacement from vccodvqaq. Give prob of picking 1 v and 1 d.
1/18
Two letters picked without replacement from wbwlbp. What is prob of picking 1 w and 1 b?
4/15
Two letters picked without replacement from iitah. Give prob of picking 1 a and 1 h.
1/10
Calculate prob of picking 1 v and 1 b when two letters picked without replacement from {b: 2, a: 1, o: 2, h: 1, u: 1, v: 1}.
1/14
Two letters picked without replacement from {q: 2, r: 3, d: 2, f: 5, b: 2, h: 2}. What is prob of picking 1 d and 1 b?
1/30
Calculate prob of picking 1 k and 1 a when two letters picked without replacement from jjkaakkejka.
12/55
Two letters picked without replacement from fiffnifnnfn. What is prob of picking 2 i?
1/55
Four letters picked without replacement from {e: 2, m: 17}. Give prob of picking 2 m and 2 e.
2/57
Two letters picked without replacement from {f: 2, s: 5}. Give prob of picking 1 f and 1 s.
10/21
What is prob of picking 1 m and 1 u when two letters picked without replacement from {m: 6, u: 1, c: 4, a: 7, i: 2}?
3/95
Four letters picked without replacement from {i: 5, w: 2}. Give prob of picking 2 i and 2 w.
2/7
What is prob of picking 1 h and 1 a when two letters picked w
| |
The German Craft Council has the task of stimulating debates between design, craftsmanship, industry and the public on the aesthetic and social quality of our living environment. To this end, the German Craft Council develops opinions and recommendations for political action and coordinates them with comparable institutions in other countries.
Meisterrat e.V. was first appointed in April 2019 in Berlin and arose from activities in the vicinity of the Direktorenhaus. With the Craft Council, an institution is created that advocates improving the environmental conditions for those persons and companies in Germany who pursue decelerated production and set high quality standards for products that take functional, aesthetic and social aspects into account.
The name “Meisterrat” refers to its historical predecessor, the Master Council of the Bauhaus in Weimar. The members of the German Craft Council exercise their office personally and independently. The members of the council are to represent creative, craft, philosophical, art-historical, ethical, social, economic and legal interests in a special way as well as different ethical approaches and a plural spectrum of opinions.
The German Craft Council itself determines the topics for its work, but it can also be commissioned by a third party to work on a specific topic.
Tasks
The German Craft Council sees one of its main tasks in opposing the marginalized social status of the creative crafts in Germany.
The aim of the German Craft Council is to:
- raise awareness of the social relevance of the craft sector
- to accompany the public debate on questions of good life
- to improve the economic situation of designers, craftsmen and manufacturers
- to establish the quality concept “Handmade in Germany” internationally
- to introduce young people to career paths in creative craftsmanship
- to bring forgotten or marginalized handicraft practices back into the limelight
- to secure the future viability of german manufactories.
Topics
The Craft Council deals with 7 main topics:
- Quality
- sustainability
- digital transformation
- education and youth
- foreign trade
- trade
- intangible cultural heritage
Along these themes the Craft Council works on different levels:
Exhibitions
The Craft Council would like to strengthen the visibility and economic position of German workshops through exhibitions at home and abroad.
Market development
The Craft Council works on improving market access and expansion by participating in trade fairs and creating or networking with new trading platforms.
Theory development
The Craft Council brings experts together to further develop the theory and discourse surrounding the craft of design.
Networking and exchange
The Craft Council networks actors in the creative trades with public institutions and partners and seeks exchange with politicians.
Support
The Craft Council supports ambitious activities of the actors through prizes and scholarships.
Structure
The Council is an instrument for the promotion of design and craftsmanship in Germany. It brings together scientists and representatives of public life with entrepreneurs from various sectors on an equal footing. They engage in a continuous dialogue on the central issues of non-industrial production in Germany.
The Scientific Commission of the Council has 17 members. The scientists appointed to the Craft Council should neither represent the interests of a particular subject nor those of a particular institution or organisation. They are expected to contribute professional excellence to the topics relevant to the Council.
The Artistic Commission of the Master Council has 20 members. The curators, craftsmen and designers appointed to the Craft Council decide annually on the thematic priorities.
The Economic Commission consists of 22 members, whereby the representatives of the different branches of the arts and crafts trades as well as the branches of the medium-sized manufactories are to be represented. In the working groups the drafts are compiled, which are then adopted after previous consultation.
The selection of the commission members for the period 2019–2020 will be announced. The recommendations and statements of the Council will be published and can be obtained from the office. | https://www.meisterrat.com/en/about/ |
ABSTRACT: Archaeological sites in northern Africa provide a rich record of increasing importance for the origins of modern human behaviour and for understanding human dispersal out of Africa. However, the timing and nature of Palaeolithic human behaviour and dispersal across north-western Africa (the Maghreb), and their relationship to local environmental conditions, remain poorly understood. The cave of Rhafas (northeast Morocco) provides valuable chronological information about cultural changes in the Maghreb during the Palaeolithic due to its long stratified archaeological sequence comprising Middle Stone Age (MSA), Later Stone Age (LSA) and Neolithic occupation layers. In this study, we apply optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating on sand-sized quartz grains to the cave deposits of Rhafas, as well as to a recently excavated section on the terrace in front of the cave entrance. We hereby provide a revised chronostratigraphy for the archaeological sequence at the site. We combine these results with geological and sedimentological multi-proxy investigations to gain insights into site formation processes and the palaeoenvironmental record of the region. The older sedimentological units at Rhafas were deposited between 135 ka and 57 ka (MIS 6 -MIS 3) and are associated with the MSA technocomplex. Tanged pieces start to occur in the archaeological layers around 109 ka, which is consistent with previously published chronological data from the Maghreb. A well indurated duricrust indicates favourable climatic conditions for the pedogenic cementation by carbonates of sediment layers at the site after 57 ka. Overlying deposits attributed to the LSA technocomplex yield ages of ~21 ka and ~15 ka, corresponding to the last glacial period, and fall well within the previously established occupation phase in the Maghreb. The last occupation phase at Rhafas took place during the Neolithic and is dated to ~7.8 ka. | https://www.omicsdi.org/dataset/biostudies/S-EPMC5031315 |
The mission of the UCCS School of Public Affairs is to improve the quality of life for people and their communities, here and abroad, through collaborative governance, public service innovation, community engagement, and research.
To accomplish this mission, we strive to:
- Improve the quality of public, nonprofit, criminal justice, and national security systems.
- Educate leaders to meet societal challenges with compassion, vision, analytic rigor, and practicality.
- Foster critical thinking and decision-making, effective and confident communication, creative problem-solving, knowledge management, and global citizenship.
- Create, build, and maintain connections with current, past and future students and all the communities we serve.
- Ground our decisions and actions in integrity, diversity, collaboration, and excellence.
- Support and model civil public discourse, citizenship, responsibility, and respect. | https://www.uccs.edu/spa/about/mission |
The invention provides a method and a device for optimizing advertisement putting and a storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: constructing a promotion original data table according to collected advertisement putting log data; constructing a bidding word list according to the promotion original data list; calculating the effective conversion rate Bp of the bidding words according to the bidding word list, wherein Bp = Bs/Bn; calculating the average matching frequency Bni of all the bidding words in the bidding word list and the average effective conversion rate Bpi of all the bidding words in the bidding word list; bngt is satisfied; bni is greater than Bplt; determining the bidding word of the Bpi as a low-efficiency bidding word; and filtering out the low-efficiency bidding words from the put advertisement. According to the technical scheme, effective bidding and popularization can be achieved, and the purposes of improving the popularization effect, reducing invalid investment and saving cost are achieved. | |
The upcoming release of EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule is top of mind for many in the drinking water industry. As part of its rule-making process, EPA received 80,000 public comments on its proposed rule. Using natural language processing (performing data science on textual data), BlueConduit, in collaboration with the Environmental Policy Innovation Center, explored the content and tone of those comments.
This provided an opportunity to understand what topics were important to stakeholder groups and how they communicated those messages as part of their submitted comments.
By employing the techniques of topic analysis and sentiment analysis, we were able to identify the principle themes of different types of comments and the speakers’ feeling (on a positive/negative spectrum). analyzing what different types of commenters had to say about the proposed regulations.
Findings
Machine learning found that service line replacement was a more frequent and detectable theme of public input than enhanced testing and sampling of drinking water.
Concern over children’s safety is a central theme in comments and attachments.
The analysis found little to no evidence that financial themes were central in both comments and attachments. Additionally, there was no evidence of negative sentiments related to “unrealistic” financial demands, suggesting that the federal government should not exaggerate cost considerations in its final rule, compared to the draft.
Topic analysis found detectable differences between different commenter types, but that those differences do not always correspond to differences of opinion.
The insights that this type of analysis highlights for the Proposed Lead and Copper Rule Revisions show the use of these tools for government agencies in processing large volume of comments. The full report offers a deeper exploration of those opportunities.
Get the full whitepaper delivered to your inbox when you fill out the form.
About BlueConduit
BlueConduit originated the approach of using machine learning to predict lead service line materials and have been doing it longer than anyone else.
Our team has been helping local officials and their engineering partners identify and remove lead service lines since 2016.
We’ve now created our software platform to streamline this process for our utility and engineering partners. | https://blueconduit.com/post/public-comments-whitepaper/ |
Our MProbe system measures light reflected and/or transmitted from layer structure in a specified wavelength range. Light reflected from the different interfaces can be in or out of phase, resulting in constructive(adding intensities) or destructive (subtracting intensities) interference i.e. causing intensity oscillation that are characteristic of the thin film structure.
Spectroscopic reflectance measurement, like other optical methods, is indirect: the measurement data need to be analyzed in order to determine the filmstack parameters (thickness, optical constants, surface roughness, etc.) There are two basic approaches that are being used to analyze the data:
The corollary is refractive index can be measured very accurately if refractive index of the substrate is known
Curve Fitting is a very powerful method of data analysis that allows to determine many physical properties of the layers but there are situation where it is not suitable. In many cases, films are not perfect, they have some artifacts like coloring, non-uniformity, residual absorption that are of no interest i.e. does not need to be determined. However, in order to use curve fitting all these artifacts need to be taken into account. This is especially true in cases of the thick films (films >2um). As we discussed earlier, information about film thickness is contained in the period of intensity oscillation.
FFT based method is based on determining only film thickness using intensity oscillation frequency and ignoring all the other properties. Of course, optical constants still need to be supplied in order to get correct results.
FFT based method has several other advantages:
These advantages makes it a preferred method for inline measurement in manufacturing environment. | https://www.semiconsoft.com/wp2/technology/ |
The Motacillidae family is cosmopolitan; some wagtails and pipits breed as far north as the Arctic tundra, while the South Georgia pipit (Anthus antarcticus) occurs on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. Almost all holarctic wagtails and pipits are strongly migratory, many moving south to winter in Africa and Asia.
Wagtails occur throughout most of the Old World but are of limited occurrence in Australia, where the yellow wagtail regularly reaches the north and the yellow-hooded wagtail (Motacilla citreola), the gray wagtail (M. cinerea), and the white wagtail (M. alba) are vagrants. The yellow wagtail breeds from western Europe and North Africa east to Siberia, and the race tschutschensis is the only wagtail breeding in the western hemi-sphere—in the arctic tundra of western Alaska. Most wagtails are widely distributed, but the Mekong wagtail (M. samveas-nae) has a very restricted distribution in Southeast Asia, while the Japanese wagtail (M. grandis) occurs only in Japan. Three species are endemic to Africa: the African pied wagtail (M. aguimp), the cape wagtail (M. capensis) and the mountain wagtail (M. clara). One species, M. flaviventris, is endemic to Madagascar.
The pipits are very widely distributed, breeding from the arctic tundra through Eurasia, Africa, the Americas and Australasia. The northernmost breeding Eurasian species, such as the red-throated pipit, the olive-backed pipit and the pechora pipit (Anthus gustavi) winter far to the south, in Africa and/or southern and southeastern Asia. The tawny pipit (A. campestris) and the tree pipit (A. trivialis), which breed in the western Palearctic and east into central Asia, winter in Africa and Asia south to the Indian subcontinent. The meadow pipit (A. pratensis) breeds mainly in the western Palearctic and winters in Europe, North Africa and southwest Asia. Africa boasts 13 endemic pipit species, some migratory but most resident, and several with restricted ranges.
The Australasian pipit (Anthus novaeseelandiae) is the only species occurring in Australia and New Zealand, while the alpine pipit (A. gutturalis) is endemic to New Guinea. North America has three pipits, all migratory: the endemic Sprague's pipit (A. spraguei); the American pipit (A. rubescens), which breeds in eastern Siberia, Alaska, northern Canada and south locally to New Mexico, and winters south to Central America; and the red-throated pipit, which breeds in western Alaska. South America has seven endemic pipits, including the widespread yellowish pipit (A. lutescens), the migratory cor-rendera pipit (A. correndera), which occurs south from central Peru, and the very poorly known chaco pipit (A. chacoensis), which is recorded only from southern Paraguay and northern Argentina.
The longclaws are endemic to sub-Saharan grassland regions of Africa. The yellow-throated longclaw is very wide spread, occurring through west, central and eastern Africa, its range hardly overlapping with that of the very similar Fu-elleborn's longclaw (Macronyx fuellebornii) occurring in south-central Africa. The other species are less widespread. | https://www.birdwatchingblog.us/feeding-ecology/distribution-kmj.html |
Have you heard about the popular book called French Women Don’t Get Fat? I always find that title pretty funny and scary for actual French women! I will not say I have the answer- Mireille the author probably does – but, here’s a delicious, meaty and HEALTHY dish. Because yes, this easy recipe is yummy and pretty good for your silhouette! My secret? Cooking (almost) everything “en Papillote”. This simple cooking method steams the food inside its paper package. This classic French method of cooking delivers intense flavor, elegant results and preserves the best of each ingredient. So give it a try, and I can promise you, these tasty packages will be your next dieter’s BFF!
Preparation Time: 10 min
Cooking Time: 30 min
Ingredients for 2
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast
6 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small zucchini, cut into julienne strips
½ onion, sliced thin
4-5 button or cremini mushroom slices
2 tbsp Black Olive Tapenade
2 tablespoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
2 slices of lemon
Preparation
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Have on hand two 16 inch pieces of parchment paper.
2. Place each piece of parchment paper on a work surface. Use the cut vegetables to make a bed in the center of each paper. Sprinkle olive oil, salt and pepper according to your own preferences. Top with the chicken breast, add and spread over the poultry the Black Olive Tapenade
3. Lift the wider edge of the parchment paper and fold it over the top. Crimp the edges by pleating them over, or secure with string. There should be enough space between the ingredients and edge of the parchment paper for the pouches to puff.
4. Transfer the packets to rimmed baking sheets. Bake for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. To serve, place the Papillotes on 2 plates. Using a kitchen shears or a sharp knife tip to open packets at table.
Bon Appétit!
Zoé Capdevila
She is the co-founder of Bon Appétit Box. She was born & raised in Montpellier in the South of France and then spent 5 years exploring the culinary offerings of Paris. In her free time she loves to walk on the beach watching the sea scenery in every season. When she comes back to France, her favorite thing is to sit on terrace with friends and enjoy some cheese (she’s a fan of Roquefort!) with a glass of red wine of course!
The post Mediterranean Chicken “en Papillote” appeared first on Bon Appétit Box Gourmet French Food Gift Subscription Boxes. | https://bonappetitbox.com/blogs/our-blog/mediterranean-chicken-en-papillote |
The property, Evertsbergs Lanthandel, consists of three apartments. Upstairs are two apartments, both of which have two rooms and a kitchen with dishwasher, toilet and shower room. Each apartment has a total of 6 beds. Each apartment is about 100 sqm.
Description
Two stairs up is an apartment with a hall with sofa and TV, two single rooms, a double room and toilet. In the basement there is a brand new Spa area with a sauna for up to 12 people, three showers, two toilets, a relaxation room, laundry room with washing machine and dryer and a ventilated Vallarum. WiFi is included. Mandatory cleaning fee is added to the price. Pets are not allowed.
Capacity
Square meter: 350
Number of rooms: 7
Number of beds: 16
Facilities:
Spa department with large sauna
Two fully equipped kitchens with dishwashers
Laundry room with washer and dryer
Ventilated Vallarum with waxing table and professional waxing iron.
NOTE! For safety reasons, it is not allowed to charge electric cars / charge hybrid cars at the cottage. | https://www.visitdalarna.se/en/evertsberg-501 |
In order to design a current sense transformer you need to determine the DCR of the SEC, the inductance of the SEC, the SEC wire area/gauge to use, the magnetic area of the core, the excitation current, the % error of the CT and the desired output voltage for a given input current.
Let’s start by assuming you will use a toroid as the form.
This above equation sets the path length around the toroid using the OD, ID and height, H. It is a function of the number of turns, N, the resistivity of copper, rho, and is inversely a function of the wire’s cross sectional area, Aw.
Let’s make another assumption here. Let’s set the cross sectional area equal to the current divided by 2,000,000. We do this because this sets the current density in the wire to 2A/mm^2. This is a safe assumption to use when determining the needed cross sectional area of the wire.
Here Is is the SEC current, with the PRI current being that going through the 1T of wire inserted through the ID of the toroid.
A few more formulas need to be developed…..
Let’s find one that determines the needed core area to avoid core saturation…..
In the above equation Bm is the MAX flux density of the core. You can set this to whatever you’d like below the cores actual MAX flux density.
The SEC current is a function of the turns ratio, which means it will range from 10mA to 0.1A with a 1:100 turns ratio. Since 0.1A would be the MAX current we will choose a SEC wire area/gauge that can handle this based on our formula given initially.
Let’s find the needed core area. Let’s use a frequency of 60Hz. For this frequency we can use a tape wound GOSS toroid. Let’s set the MAX flux density to say 0.6T. This core can handle more but we will just use this value.
So this is fine in this respect. Now before we move on let’s be sure it can fit 100T’s of 0.25mm wire inside of it leaving room for the PRI wire to be inserted.
Now you can spec all of this and either make the CT yourself or know better what to look for off the shelf.
NOW THIS CURRENT SENSE TRANSFORMER CAN LIKELY SENSE UP TO ABOUT 30A BECAUSE WE SET THE FLUX DENSITY TO 0.6T WHEN THE CORE CAN LIKELY HANDLE UP TO ABOUT 1.8T. THE SEC WINDING MAY GET WARM/HOT THOUGH IF CURRENTS THIS HIGH ARE SENSED FOR ANY SIGNIFICANT PERIOD OF TIME. | https://www.cettechnology.com/current-sense-transformer-design/ |
STEVENAGE, UK– Cobham Wireless, a global leader in the provision of advanced wireless coverage and mobile communication systems, has announced the launch of the TeraVM cybersecurity threat analysis solution. This enables operators to validate their security status with rigorous testing of infrastructure against the latest and most prevalent security threats.
In a world of complex cyberattacks, operators must ensure their networks are resilient and can handle the worst that cybercriminals can throw at them. Using real-world threat intelligence gathered from its extensive cybersecurity database, TeraVM accurately emulates techniques used by cyber criminals to attack the infrastructure of some of the world’s largest communications providers.
TeraVM is a market-proven solution that simulates both malicious and legitimate traffic to validate and secure the network with real-world scenario testing. Malicious traffic includes threats such as high-profile denial of service and SQL injection (SQLi) attacks. | https://tcca.info/cobham-wireless-launches-threat-emulation-to-protect-networks-against-the-industrys-most-prevalent-security-attacks/ |
Quick Links to States
Energy Department Breaks Ground on Turbine Test Facility
The Energy Department joined with Texas Tech University and the department's Sandia National Laboratories on July 17 to break ground on a new state-of-the-art wind turbine test facility in Lubbock, Texas. Supported by a $2.6 million investment from the department's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the Scaled Wind Farm Technology (SWIFT) facility will be the first public facility of its kind to use multiple wind turbines to measure how wind turbine wakes interact with one another in a wind farm. Scheduled to begin operation later this year, the facility will help wind turbine designers and manufacturers continue to drive down the cost of wind energy by reducing the aerodynamic losses of wind energy plants, enhancing energy capture, and mitigating turbine damage.
Along with the ability to monitor wind plant performance, the SWIFT facility will have additional advanced testing and monitoring capabilities, as well as space for up to ten wind turbines, allowing researchers to examine how larger wind farms can become more productive and collaborative. The facility, which will host both open-source and proprietary research, is the result of a partnership between the department's Sandia National Laboratories, the Texas Tech University Wind Science and Engineering Research Center, Group NIRE, and wind turbine manufacturer Vestas. The site will initially be equipped with two research-scale wind turbines provided by the Energy Department and a third installed by Vestas Technology R&D in Houston. See the DOE Progress Alert and the Wind Program website.
| |
Background {#Sec1}
==========
The study of eukaryote genome evolution has focused primarily on how genomes grow in size and complexity over time (e.g., via genome duplication \[[@CR1]\] and transposable element accumulation \[[@CR2]\] often due to neutral, population level processes) in model organisms such as vertebrates and land plants. In contrast, there is limited information arising from the opposite perspective (i.e., genome reduction), despite its prevalence in many lineages \[[@CR3]\]. In addition, knowledge about genome reduction, which has been studied primarily in highly specialized endosymbionts and pathogens \[[@CR4]\] has limited implications for free-living species and the maintenance of their biodiversity. Therefore, understanding the impact of genome reduction in free-living organisms, particularly in eukaryotes that have complex genomes, provides a novel avenue to understand and test the underlying principles of genome evolution.
An emerging model for elucidating the impacts of genome reduction in free-living eukaryotes is the Rhodophyta (red algae). This monophyletic algal lineage comprises an ecologically widely distributed and species-rich phylum (ca. 7000 species) \[[@CR5]\]. Analysis of genomic and transcriptomic data have shown that red algae underwent at least two phases of massive genome reduction \[[@CR6]\]. The first is in the stem lineage, where about one-quarter of the gene inventory was shed \[[@CR6]\] and the second is in the ancestor of the anciently diverged extremophiles, Cyanidiophytina, such as *Cyanidioschyzon merolae* \[[@CR7]\] and *Galdieria sulphuraria* \[[@CR8]\], that thrive in volcanic hot-spring areas \[[@CR6], [@CR9]\]. As a consequence of adaptation to their unusual environment, *G. sulphuraria* (6.5 K nuclear genes) and *C. merolae* (4.7 K nuclear genes) contain smaller gene inventories than their mesophilic red algal sisters which encode \~ 10 K nuclear genes \[[@CR10]--[@CR12]\].
Alternative splicing provides a major avenue of post-transcriptional regulation in eukaryotes \[[@CR13]\]. Here, using analysis of genomic and RNA-seq data from *G. sulphuraria*, we show: 1) selective retention of the spliceosomal machinery (SM) in *G. sulphuraria*, a toolkit that has been greatly reduced in complexity in many of its sister red algal lineages, and 2) the coincidence of high SM retention and intron enrichment in *G. sulphuraria* that has resulted in extensive alternative splicing (AS) in this species. Given these unique features in *G. sulphuraria*, we discuss the possible implications of AS in red algal evolution.
Results {#Sec2}
=======
Pattern of spliceosome machinery gene loss in red algae {#Sec3}
-------------------------------------------------------
Using a BLASTp search-based method (see Methods) with 215 non-redundant human SM-associated proteins \[[@CR14]\] as the query, we identified homologs in red algae and their putative sister lineage, the Viridiplantae (Additional file [1](#MOESM1){ref-type="media"}: Table S1). Consistent with the fundamental function of the SM, a majority of these proteins have detectable homologs in red algae and Viridiplantae (Fig. [1a](#Fig1){ref-type="fig"}), with generally more genes found in the latter phylum (Fig. [1a](#Fig1){ref-type="fig"}). Substantial variation in SM gene number was found among red algal lineages with *Galdieria* species (*G. sulphuraria* and *G. phlegrea*) containing the largest number of genes and *C. merolae* the smallest (Fig. [1a](#Fig1){ref-type="fig"}); the latter result has previously been described \[[@CR15]\]. The observed SM gene distribution among red algal species could have resulted from independent, recent gene losses in multiple lineages or from extensive gene acquisition via horizontal gene transfer (HGT; e.g., in *G. sulphuraria* \[[@CR8]\]). To distinguish between these two scenarios, we used phylogenetics to study the origin of red algal SM genes (see Methods) and estimated the timing of SM gene losses using a robust red algal tree of life \[[@CR16]\]. Most individual SM gene phylogenies suggest vertical transmission because of the shared common ancestry of red algae with a variety of other eukaryotes (e.g., Metazoa in Additional file [2](#MOESM2){ref-type="media"}: Figure S1A; see Additional file [3](#MOESM3){ref-type="media"} for all of the phylogenies). No clear evidence was found for the HGT of SM genes in *Galdieria* and other red algal species (Additional file [3](#MOESM3){ref-type="media"}). Using Dollo parsimony \[[@CR17]\], we reconstructed the evolutionary history of SM genes in red algae. A total of 155 SM associated genes was likely present in the stem lineage of red algae, most of which (150) are preserved in *Galdieria* species (Fig. [1b](#Fig1){ref-type="fig"}). In contrast, extensive SM gene losses occurred independently in other red algal lineages such as *C. merolae* (currently 53 SM genes), Bangiophyceae (*Porphyra yezoensis* + *Porphyra umbilicalis*, 91 SM genes), and *Porphyridium* species (*P. purpureum* and *P. aerugineum*, 110 SM genes) (Fig. [1a](#Fig1){ref-type="fig"}). *Rhodosorus marinus* (145) contains a SM gene number similar to that in *Galdieria* species (Fig. [1b](#Fig1){ref-type="fig"}). Using 303 highly conserved gene families in eukaryotes as reference, we assessed the completeness of each red algal protein dataset with BUSCO. Most species showed a high coverage (\< 8% missing genes), except *Chondrus crispus* (16% missing) and Bangiophyceae (19% missing) (Additional file [4](#MOESM4){ref-type="media"}: Table S2). Because *C. crispus* contains slightly more SM-genes than its sister lineage *Gracilariopsis chorda*, this result suggests that the estimate of SM-gene number in most species was robust except for the Bangiophyceae. Whereas the extensive SM gene loss in *C. merolae* is likely explained by recent genome reduction specific to this extremophilic lineage \[[@CR9]\] (arrow \#3 in Fig. [1b](#Fig1){ref-type="fig"}), the underlying reasons for SM gene loss in *Porphyridium* and other mesophilic species are unclear. In contrast, the significant retention of SM genes at the split of extremophilic and mesophilic red algae (and maintenance in *Galdieria*) in the face of genome reduction, specific to this group (arrow \#2 in Fig. [1b](#Fig1){ref-type="fig"}) is a surprising result.Fig. 1The evolution of SM genes in red algae. **a** Distribution of 215 spliceosomal (SM) protein homologs in 17 red algal (in red color) and Viridiplantae lineages (in green color). *Galdieria* species are shown in the purple color. The heatmap is based on the sequence identities between human SM proteins and their homologs in the corresponding species. **b** The putative losses of SM genes in the red algal tree of life. The extent of SM gene loss is indicated by the numbers under branches. The grey circle indicates the most recent common ancestor of red algae. The dashed branches and arrows indicate the three phases of red algal genome reduction
Spliceosome composition and conservation in red algae {#Sec4}
-----------------------------------------------------
Based on human SM protein expression data \[[@CR14]\] (Additional file [5](#MOESM5){ref-type="media"}: Table S3), we found that highly expressed SM proteins (79%) are twice as likely to be retained in red algae as those expressed at low levels (43%). Nearly all of the core proteins that directly bind small nucleolar (sn) RNAs to form small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (i.e., Sm, U1, U2, U5, U4/U6 and U5/U4/U6) are conserved in *Galdieria* species and have the lowest degree of loss in mesophilic red algae (Additional file [5](#MOESM5){ref-type="media"}: Table S3). All five snRNAs (U1-2 and U4-6) are found in *G. sulphuraria* (Additional file [6](#MOESM6){ref-type="media"}: Figure S2) and in five other red algal genomes (Additional file [7](#MOESM7){ref-type="media"}: Table S4), except for U1 snRNA that was most likely lost in *C. merolae* \[[@CR15]\] (Additional file [7](#MOESM7){ref-type="media"}: Table S4). Whereas we included *G. phlegrea* to fully capture the SM gene inventory (Fig. [1](#Fig1){ref-type="fig"}), this taxon is not included in downstream analyses because of its close phylogenetic relationship to *G. sulphuraria* and the relatively low quality of intron annotation due to a lack of transcriptome data. In contrast, the remaining auxiliary SM proteins that generally perform peripheral or modulatory functions underwent more frequent loss (Additional file [5](#MOESM5){ref-type="media"}: Table S3). These results suggest that the red algal common ancestor contained 155 SM proteins that comprised the complete core of the spliceosomal machinery that was largely maintained in some lineages (such as *Galdieria*). It is noteworthy that although *C. merolae* and *G. sulphuraria* are both extremophiles that inhabit areas surrounding volcanic hot springs, these two species differ dramatically in lifestyle and metabolic capacity \[[@CR18]\] which presumably is reflected by the additional phase of genome reduction in *C. merolae* (arrow \#3 in Fig. [1b](#Fig1){ref-type="fig"}) \[[@CR9]\]. Whereas the extremely reduced SM does perform RNA-splicing functions in *C. merolae*, it likely has a highly compromised efficiency given the minimal number of introns (only 27) present in this genome \[[@CR7]\]. A highly reduced SM has also been found in several parasitic eukaryotes \[[@CR19]\]. These species invariably show a paucity of introns including the kinetoplastid *Trypanosoma brucei* (13 introns in 8747 genes) \[[@CR20]\], the microsporidian *Encephalitozoon cuniculi* (7 introns in 1996 genes) \[[@CR21]\], and the diplomonad *Giardia lamblia* (6 introns in 7364 genes) \[[@CR22]\].
Consistent with a previous study \[[@CR15]\], we found that many red algal SM proteins are distantly related to reference sequences (i.e., human SM proteins) and have extremely long branches in phylogenies (Additional file [8](#MOESM8){ref-type="media"}: Figure S3). This pattern of evolution is common in red algal species with reduced SM gene sets such as *C. merolae*, Bangiophyceae, and *Porphyridium*, and is largely absent in *G. sulphuraria* and *R. marinus*. Using the BLASTp bit score as the metric, we found *G. sulphuraria* SM proteins to be generally more conserved than their orthologs in other red algal species (except *R. marinus*) at the primary sequence level (Additional file [8](#MOESM8){ref-type="media"}: Figure S3). Similarly, *G. sulphuraria* also shows the strongest overall sequence conservation among snRNAs, as reflected by their high alignment scores (Additional file [7](#MOESM7){ref-type="media"}: Table S4). *C. merolae* has the least conserved snRNAs (Additional file [7](#MOESM7){ref-type="media"}: Table S4). Whereas the fast evolution of SM proteins and snRNAs might reflect a genome-wide feature in *C. merolae* \[[@CR16]\], the highly derived SM proteins and snRNAs in other red algal species likely resulted from the acquisition of novel functions or relaxed functional constraints. This result suggests that some apparent cases of gene loss in SM gene-poor red algal species (e.g., *C. merolae*) might instead be explained by high divergence; i.e., beyond sequence similarity-based recognition. In summary, our results demonstrate the conservation of the *G. sulphuraria* SM with respect to both gene inventory and protein similarity.
Enrichment of introns in the *G. sulphuraria* genome {#Sec5}
----------------------------------------------------
Among the six red algal species with completed or draft genomes, intron numbers vary substantially, ranging from 27 in *C. merolae*, 245 in *P. purpureum*, to 13,245 in *G. sulphuraria* (Additional file [9](#MOESM9){ref-type="media"}: Table S5). The most highly conserved red algal SM in *G. sulphuraria* (Fig. [1](#Fig1){ref-type="fig"}) coincides with the enrichment of introns and multiple-exon genes in this species (Fig. [2a](#Fig2){ref-type="fig"}). Conversely, *C. merolae* that has the most reduced SM (Fig. [1](#Fig1){ref-type="fig"}) possesses the smallest number of introns (Fig. [2a](#Fig2){ref-type="fig"} and Additional file [9](#MOESM9){ref-type="media"}: Table S5). On average, *G. sulphuraria* genes are interrupted by two introns, whereas the corresponding numbers in other four red algal genomes are markedly smaller (0.005 -- 0.3 intron/gene, Fig. [2a](#Fig2){ref-type="fig"}). The number of genes with one or more introns in *G. sulphuraria* greatly exceeds that in the other five studied red algal species (Fig. [2a](#Fig2){ref-type="fig"}). Whereas intron number is likely underestimated in the *P. yezoensis* genome because of its highly fragmented assembly \[[@CR12]\], our conclusion does not change when the intron estimate is derived from a set of 'complete' *P. yezoensis* genes (i.e., 60% single-exon gene and 0.7 intron/gene on average \[[@CR12]\]). Although in need of validation with additional genome data, these results suggest that the extent of SM conservation is likely associated with intron density in red algal genomes (Additional file [10](#MOESM10){ref-type="media"}: Figure S4A). A high number of auxiliary SM genes in *G. sulphuraria* likely results in an efficient SM that is able to process the relatively large number of introns in this species. Notably, *G. sulphuraria* has an exceptionally low GC content among red algae (Additional file [10](#MOESM10){ref-type="media"}: Figure S4B). Additional red algal genomic data are required to test the correlation between GC content and intron density in these taxa (Additional file [10](#MOESM10){ref-type="media"}: Figure S4C).Fig. 2Evolution of red algal introns. **a** The frequencies of single-exon genes and multi-exon genes in six red algal nuclear genomes. The bars in dark grey indicate *G. sulphuraria*. Abbreviations: Gsu (*G. sulphuraria*), Cme (*C. merolae*), Ppu (*P. purpureum*), Ccr (*C. crispus*), Gch (*G. chorda*), Pye (*P. yezoensis*) and Vir (Viridiplantae). The color scheme is the same as in Fig. [1](#Fig1){ref-type="fig"}. **b** Shared intron positions across algal lineages. The frequencies of lineage-specific intron for each red algal lineage are shown. **c** Conserved intron positions in *G. sulphuraria* geranylgeranyl transferase beta-subunit gene. The residues interrupted by intron (phase 2 and 3) or flanking intron (phase 1) are shadowed. The alignment is shown only for the 11-12 residue segments spanning the conserved intron positions. The positions of amino acids refer to those in *G. sulphuraria* proteins. Introns found only in Viridiplantae are not shown. Full alignment is provided in Additional file [11](#MOESM11){ref-type="media"}: Figure S5
Origin of *G. sulphuraria* introns {#Sec6}
----------------------------------
To study the origin of *G. sulphuraria* spliceosomal introns, we compared their positions within homologous genes across six red algal species (Fig. [2b](#Fig2){ref-type="fig"}) and between them and five Viridiplantae lineages (Additional file [9](#MOESM9){ref-type="media"}: Table S5). Most of the *G. sulphuraria* intron positions (90%) appear to be lineage-specific (Fig. [2b](#Fig2){ref-type="fig"}), likely resulting from recent intron insertions. Based on a self-BLASTn search (*e*-value cutoff = 1e-5), only 3.6% (478/13,245) of introns share sequence similarity (query coverage ≥0.5) with one or more (up to 9) other introns. This result does not support the idea that the majority of *G. sulphuraria* introns resulted from recent intron duplications. Regarding intron positions that are shared with Viridiplantae, *G. sulphuraria* (1199) contains \> 4-fold more ancestral introns than do other red algal lineages, such as *C. crispus* (212) and *G. chorda* (121) (Fig. [2b](#Fig2){ref-type="fig"}). This result suggests that many anciently derived introns were retained in *G. sulphuraria* and lost in other red algal lineages. Examples include the intron-rich *G. sulphuraria* gene encoding geranylgeranyl transferase beta-subunit (NCBI GeneID: 17088310). This gene contains six introns, of which five (from the 2nd to the 6th) have conserved positions in Viridiplantae homologs (Fig. [2c](#Fig2){ref-type="fig"} and Additional file [11](#MOESM11){ref-type="media"}: Figure S5). In contrast, all of these introns underwent losses in mesophilic red algae, resulting in a 3-exon gene in *P. yezoensis*, single-exon genes in *P. purpureum*, *C. crispus*, and *G. chorda* (Fig. [2c](#Fig2){ref-type="fig"} and Additional file [11](#MOESM11){ref-type="media"}: Figure S5). When assuming a simple evolutionary scenario (i.e., Dollo parsimony \[[@CR17]\]), about 1700 introns are estimated to have been present in the red algal stem lineage, followed by significant losses in mesophilic red algae and in *C. merolae* (Additional file [12](#MOESM12){ref-type="media"}: Figure S6). These results suggest that red algal introns have a high turnover rate, that is a common feature of many eukaryotes \[[@CR23]\]. The relatively large number of introns in *G. sulphuraria* resulted from both lineage-specific intron gains and retention of ancestral introns. Notably, *G. sulphuraria* introns are much smaller in size (50 bp, on average) than in other red algal genomes (Additional file [13](#MOESM13){ref-type="media"}: Figure S7A). This is consistent with a strong size constraint that has resulted in the compact genome of *G. sulphuraria* (Additional file [13](#MOESM13){ref-type="media"}: Figure S7B) \[[@CR8]\].
Alternative mRNA splicing in *G. sulphuraria* {#Sec7}
---------------------------------------------
Why would SM genes and a relatively more complex intron-exon structure be preserved in the compact *G. sulphuraria* genome? The answer to this question may lie in the fact that intron-exon structure provides the foundation in eukaryotes for generating multiple transcripts via alternative splicing. This is true in *G. sulphuraria*, as demonstrated by previous analysis of transcriptome data derived from Sanger sequences and 454 long-reads that revealed alternatively spliced isoforms for about 500 genes \[[@CR8]\]. To test if AS in *G. sulphuraria* responds to environmental changes, we generated and analyzed extensive RNA-seq data from this alga under two arbitrary different temperature conditions: 'heat' (42 °C and 46 °C; non-stressed, because this alga normally lives at temperatures between 35 and 56 °C \[[@CR24]\]) and 'cold' (28 °C; stressed) (see Methods). A total of 1766 introns were identified as being alternatively spliced (mostly via intron retention) under one or both temperature conditions (Additional file [14](#MOESM14){ref-type="media"}: Table S6). A total of 1397 of these alternatively spliced introns were located within 1027 known *G. sulphuraria* genes, including 12 genes derived via HGT (Additional file [14](#MOESM14){ref-type="media"}: Table S6). Among these 1766 introns, 1152 are identical with the annotated *G. sulphuraria* introns, accounting for 10.2% of the latter (13,245 introns). We predicted the impact of retention of these 1152 introns in the encoded transcripts and found that 792 (68.7%) lead to frame-shifts (i.e., in lengths not divisible by 3) (Fig. [3a](#Fig3){ref-type="fig"}). When translated in the reading frame of preceding exons; i.e., 875 (75.9%) introns encode premature stop codons that lead to truncated proteins. Only 50 (4.3%) of retained introns do not cause these two types of changes in the inferred proteins. An example of intron retention is provided by the phosphoribosylformylglycinamidine cyclo-ligase gene (NCBI Gene ID: 17089374). The maintenance of its second intron introduces a stop codon (TAG) and leads to a truncated protein with a fragmented AIR synthase-like C-terminal domain (Fig. [3b](#Fig3){ref-type="fig"}). In a FDA synthase gene that contains two introns (NCBI Gene ID: 17086779), the retention of the first intron introduces a 1-bp frame-shift resulting in a \~ 150 amino acid novel peptide downstream of the protein encoded by the first exon (Fig. [3b](#Fig3){ref-type="fig"}). These two examples are supported by long reads generated by Sanger or 454 sequencing \[[@CR8]\]. The functional implication of these protein variants is not yet known.Fig. 3Intron retention in *G. sulphuraria*. **a** Predicted changes resulting from the retention of 1152 alternatively spliced introns identified in this study. **b** Examples of intron retention in two *G. sulphuraria* genes. The sequences flanking the splicing signals (GT-AG) are illustrated. Coding nucleotides are shown in uppercase and non-coding nucleotides in lower case. Gray rectangular boxes are aligned with every other codon triplet. Gene models comprise thin black boxes (exons) connected with angled lines (introns). **c** Two examples of differential intron splicing between the heat and cold conditions in *G. sulphuraria*. Gene structures are shown at the top with the black boxes indicating the exons. For each gene, the read coverage along the displayed regions is shown for a total of 8 samples, with 2 replicates for each at the 4 temperature treatments (see Methods for details). The maximum read coverage is shown for each sample. For each intron, regions that are significantly more spliced than the compared temperature group are indicated with arrows
Differential intron splicing in *G. sulphuraria* {#Sec8}
------------------------------------------------
To test if AS in *G. sulphuraria* responds to temperature fluctuations, we searched and identified 212 introns that were (statistically significantly) differentially spliced between the heat and cold conditions (Additional file [15](#MOESM15){ref-type="media"}: Table S7). One example is a novel *Galdieria*-specific gene that is comprised of three exons (Fig. [3c](#Fig3){ref-type="fig"}). The splicing of the first intron is largely restricted to the heat condition, whereas the second intron is spliced in both conditions with apparently more extensive intron retention under heat than under cold (Fig. [3c](#Fig3){ref-type="fig"}). A second example is the gene encoding the RNA polymerase primary sigma factor (NCBI Gene ID: 17087802), with the first intron being significantly retained (i.e., 1/4\~ 1/3 of total transcripts) under the heat condition. The same intron is rarely retained under the cold condition (Fig. [3c](#Fig3){ref-type="fig"}). This intron is located within a Sigma70-r3 domain (pfam04539) that is involved in the binding of core RNA polymerase. Retention of this intron leads to stop codons and a truncated Sigma70-r3 domain (Additional file [16](#MOESM16){ref-type="media"}: Figure S8). We also found many differentially spliced introns that are not located within any annotated genic region, which likely reflects splicing of non-coding RNA transcripts (Additional file [15](#MOESM15){ref-type="media"}: Table S7). Under the same conditions, 178 genes were differentially expressed (\> 2.5 fold down- or up-regulated in terms of overall expression abundance) including only two SM genes (Additional file [17](#MOESM17){ref-type="media"}: Table S8). Because of splicing variation within a group (i.e., heat) due to differences in treatment (42 °C and 46 °C), our result represents a conservative estimate of the extent of differential splicing between the overall 'heat' and 'cold' conditions. Although a comprehensive analysis of temperature-dependent gene expression and the functional consequences of differential splicing are not within the scope of this paper, our results suggest that *G. sulphuraria* is able to respond to temperature changes (and likely other stimuli) using differential mRNA-splicing. These results explain the considerable fluctuations in microenvironments where many of these species live (e.g., non-thermophilic *Galdieria soos* \[[@CR25]\]). Given the overall reduced SM in red algae, compared to humans and Viridiplantae, the prevalence of intron retention might also have resulted from compromised splicing efficiency in *G. sulphuraria*. How this possible scenario contributes to overall intron retention in *G. sulphuraria* is unknown.
Discussion {#Sec9}
==========
We show here that components of the spliceosomal machinery have undergone recent gene losses and accelerated evolution among different red algal lineages. In this context, the high conservation of the SM in *Galdieria* is counterintuitive, given its relatively more reduced gene inventory resulting from lineage-specific genome reduction (Fig. [1b](#Fig1){ref-type="fig"}, arrow \#2). In addition, *G. sulphuraria* contains a relatively large number of introns via ancient intron preservation and novel insertions, in spite of its compact genome size. This unexpected evolutionary trajectory allows alternative mRNA splicing that generates transcriptomic (and likely proteomic) diversity \[[@CR26], [@CR27]\] in this lineage for about a quarter of the alternatively spliced transcripts that do not encode premature stop codons (including 4.3% leading to insertion of amino acids and 19.7% resulting in novel peptides due to frame-shifts, e.g., Fig. [3b](#Fig3){ref-type="fig"}). The functional impact of alternative splicing on *G. sulphuraria* biology remains to be investigated.
It is noteworthy that of the 1152 well annotated, alternatively spliced introns we identified in *G. sulphuraria*, most cases (68.7%) of intron retention lead to a truncated protein (Fig. [3a](#Fig3){ref-type="fig"}). Why might this be tolerated? The most likely reason is nonsense-mediated decay (NMD), a process that is widespread in eukaryotes for regulating post-transcriptional gene expression \[[@CR28]\]. NMD allows for the targeted degradation of alternatively spliced isoforms that would result in truncated proteins due to the introduction of premature termination codons (PTCs; e.g., due to intron retention), as described previously \[[@CR29]\]. NMD is not however completely effective and PTCs persist in the transcript pools of many eukaryotes, suggesting a functional role \[[@CR30]\]. Soergel et al. \[[@CR31]\] postulated an evolutionary interaction between AS and NMD, that allows the rise of alternative, beneficial splice forms (i.e., under the umbrella of a well-established surveillance system) that can ultimately be fixed in the population. This scenario may provide an explanation for the extensive AS-derived PTCs we found in the *G. sulphuraria* RNA-seq data. Several key genes in NMD (i.e., UPF1-3) are present in *G. sulphuraria* and other red algal species (Additional file [18](#MOESM18){ref-type="media"}: Figure S9). Our findings with *G. sulphuraria* are generally in line with existing data from other systems. In *Arabidopsis thaliana*, about 13% of intron-containing genes are potentially regulated by AS/NMD \[[@CR29]\]. In the unicellular green alga, *Chlamydomonas reinhardtii*, there are 611 AS events that impact 3% of all genes with intron retention being the most common outcome leading to many PTCs \[[@CR32]\]. The AS-derived variants may enhance gene regulation in *G. sulphuraria*. This idea is consistent with the reduced intergenic regions (i.e., that could encode *cis*-regulatory elements) that has resulted from genome streamlining (Additional file [13](#MOESM13){ref-type="media"}: Figure S7B).
An additional possible explanation for our results comes from a recent study of the yeast UV stress response where genes associated with transcription are regulated by non-coding RNAs derived from alternatively spliced, short transcripts of the same gene (i.e., alternative last exons (ALEs) \[[@CR33], [@CR34]\]). In the case of the *ASCC3* gene that represses RNA polymerase II transcription after UV irradiation, transcription of the complete gene (i.e., full-length protein) is de-repressed by an ALE derived from the same gene that acts as a non-coding regulatory RNA. Therefore, it is possible that stress pathways (i.e., not UV irradiation) impacted by our heat and cold treatments of *G. sulphuraria* may lead to the generation of shorter non-coding RNAs via AS that play a role in regulating the stress response. Thermal stress is clearly a major factor in the ecology of *G. sulphuraria*, therefore AS may produce both novel protein isoforms as well as regulatory RNAs (perhaps like ALEs) that play roles in responding to this stress. More generally, our results suggest that strong constraints that exist on the growth of gene numbers (and functions) due to genome reduction can be ameliorated at the transcriptome level. This insight required the analysis of free-living organisms that have relatively complex genomes (i.e., containing introns) and a history of ancient genome reduction, together with recent lineage-specific gene losses. In this regard, our results underline the utility of free-living taxa such as red algae as models for studying eukaryote genome reduction.
Conclusions {#Sec10}
===========
Our results revealed an unexpected aspect of *Galdieria* genome evolution. Whereas the correlation between SM gene number and spliceosomal intron density within red algae remains to be validated with more genomic data, our findings lead to several hypotheses that can be tested in this unique model to understand genome reduction in free-living organisms.
Methods {#Sec11}
=======
Detection of spliceosomal proteins in red algae {#Sec12}
-----------------------------------------------
The culture of *G. sulphuraria* used in this study is the strain with the completed nuclear genome sequence (i.e., 074 W) and was isolated from a site near Reykjavik Island \[[@CR8]\]. Using the 215 non-redundant human SM proteins as queries (Additional file [19](#MOESM19){ref-type="media"}: Supplementary Methods), we searched the proteomes from eight red algal species and nine Viridiplantae (Fig. [1a](#Fig1){ref-type="fig"} and Additional file [1](#MOESM1){ref-type="media"}: Table S1) using BLASTp (*e*-value cutoff = 1e-5). Significant hits that led to a reasonable alignment length (query coverage \> 30%) and had the highest hit-query identities were recorded for each query versus each search species. The resulting data were clustered and visualized with the heatmap function in the R language. Genes and taxa were clustered using Euclidean distances between all gene (or taxon) pairs and the complete-linkage clustering method.
To search red algal SM with higher stringencies and examine their origins, we adopted a phylogenetic-based method \[[@CR6]\]. We generated a proteome data comprising SM proteins derived from homology-based gene predictions (using human proteins as reference; Additional file [19](#MOESM19){ref-type="media"}: Supplementary Methods) and protein models annotated in existing studies (Table S1). To identify *G. sulphuraria* SM proteins, we searched the *G. sulphuraria* proteome data with BLASTp (*e*-value cutoff = 1e-3) using human SM proteins as queries. The top three *G. sulphuraria* hits according to bit-score (by default) and the top three hits according to query-hit alignment identity were recorded for further validation. To differentiate between orthologous and paralogous relationships between human SM queries and their *G. sulphuraria* homologs, these proteins were used as queries to search (BLASTp *e*-value cutoff = 1e-5) against a comprehensive local protein database \[[@CR6]\]. The significant hits were recorded for each SM query and the representative sequences were selected with up to 8 sequences for each phylum in the default order sorted by bit-score. A second set of representative sequences was selected after re-sorting the BLASTp hits according to the query-hit sequence identity. The two sets of representative sequences (by bit-score and alignment identity) for all the SM queries (human and *G. sulphuraria* homologs potentially corresponding to the same SM gene) were then combined, aligned using MUSCLE (v3.8.31) \[[@CR35]\] and trimmed using TrimAl (version 1.2) \[[@CR36]\] in automated mode (−automated1). The phylogenetic tree was constructed using FastTree (version 2.1.7) \[[@CR37]\] under the 'WAG+CAT' model with 4 rounds of minimum evolution SPR moves (−psr 4) and exhaustive ML nearest-neighbor interchanges (−mlacc 2, −slownni). Branch support was derived from the Shimodaira-Hasegawa test \[[@CR38]\]. We examine the resulting phylogenies manually. A SM gene was regarded to exist in *G. sulphuraria*, if at least one of the *G. sulphuraria* gene candidates appeared in the same orthologous group as the human SM gene (see Additional file [2](#MOESM2){ref-type="media"}: Figure S1A for an example of this approach). The SM gene was considered to be absent if no *G. sulphuraria* candidates were found in the orthologous group with the human SM gene (see Additional file [2](#MOESM2){ref-type="media"}: Figure S1B for an example of this approach). HGT was inferred when the candidate red algal sequences were nested within multiple sequences from prokaryotic and/or fungal taxa. Following the same procedure as described above, the presence and absence of SM genes were determined in other red algal lineages that are shown in Fig. [1b](#Fig1){ref-type="fig"}.
In addition, we used *Galdieria* SM proteins as references for homology-based gene prediction in genome or transcriptome data from the remaining six red algal species (Fig. [2](#Fig2){ref-type="fig"}) (Additional file [19](#MOESM19){ref-type="media"}: Supplementary Methods). The resulting SM proteins were incorporated into our comprehensive local protein database described above. Using the *G. sulphuraria* SM proteins (or *G. phlegrea* when the *G. sulphuraria* gene was missing) as queries, we carried out a BLASTp search, sorted the significant hits, selected representative sequences, and aligned and built phylogenetic trees following the procedures described above. The resulting trees were manually inspected to identify additional red algal SM sequences that were monophyletic with the *Galdieria* queries.
Assessing completeness of the protein data {#Sec13}
------------------------------------------
We used BUSCO (version 3) under the default settings to estimate the overall completeness of protein data (equivalent to genomic coverage) for each red algal species \[[@CR39]\]. The 'Eukaryota sets' that contained 303 conserved gene families in eukaryotes were used as the reference for this analysis.
Detection of snRNAs {#Sec14}
-------------------
We downloaded snRNA alignments for U1 (RF00003), U2 (RF00004), U4 (RF00015), U5 (RF00020) and U6 (RF00026) from the Rfam database \[[@CR40]\]. The alignments were calibrated (using cmcalibrate) and then used for snRNA searches in red algal genomes (using cmsearch) using Infernal (v1.1.2) with the default settings \[[@CR41]\].
Intron analysis {#Sec15}
---------------
We downloaded the genome and coding DNA sequences (CDSs) from six red algal species that have high-quality whole genome sequences: *G. sulphuraria* \[[@CR8]\], *C. merolae* \[[@CR7]\], *P. purpureum* \[[@CR10]\], *C. crispus* \[[@CR11]\], *P, yezoensis* \[[@CR12]\] and *G. chorda* (unpublished data), and from five Viridiplantae species (Table S4). The CDSs were mapped to the corresponding genome sequences using BLAT \[[@CR42]\] under the default settings. The non-specific alignments were removed and the positions of introns (in genomes) and exon junctions (in CDSs) were then subtracted from the BLAT output using custom scripts. Most of the introns (94-99%) were flanked by the canonical splicing signal (GT-AG) (Table S4).
To identify *G. sulphuraria* intron positions that are shared with *C. crispus*, we searched *G. sulphuraria* proteins against the *C. crispus* proteome using BLASTp (*e*-value cutoff = 1e-10) and retrieved information about the top 10 BLASTp hits. Because the original intron positions along the protein primary sequences are not comparable across sequences due to variable lengths of N′-terminal domains, insertions, and deletions, we built alignments for each query protein and its corresponding *C. crispus* hit(s) using MUSCLE (v3.8.31) \[[@CR35]\]. With gaps being introduced during the alignment procedure, the intron positions in the original sequences (without gaps) were converted into column numbers for each sequence in their respective alignments. A *G. sulphuraria* intron position was considered as being conserved if it was located at the same column position in an alignment with one or more introns of the same phase in *C. crispus*. The same method was used to identify intron positions that were shared between any two of the species included in this study (Fig. [2b](#Fig2){ref-type="fig"}).
*Galdieria sulphuraria* cell cultures {#Sec16}
-------------------------------------
Biological replicate cultures of *G. sulphuraria* 074W were grown separately at 42 °C, constant illumination (90 μE), and constant shaking (160 rpm) in photoautotrophic conditions using 2xGS Medium \[[@CR43]\]. The experimental design followed a temperature shift timeline: after two weeks of cultivation at stated conditions the first sampling took place (H-42) and the cultures were swiftly moved to 28 °C. After cold treatment at 28 °C for 48 h, a second sampling was performed (C-28.1). The *G. sulphuraria* was then switched to 46 °C for 48 h, at the end of which a third sample was retrieved (H-46). It again was followed by a cold treatment at 28 °C for 48 h when a fourth sample was retrieved (C-28.2). Altogether, two time-points from high temperatures (42 °C and 46 °C) and two time-points from cold temperatures (28 °C) were targeted for sampling.
Sequencing of the *Galdieria sulphuraria* transcriptome {#Sec17}
-------------------------------------------------------
RNA was extracted using Roboklon's Universal RNA Purification Kit by following the "plant tissue samples" protocol (Roboklon, Berlin - Germany). RNA quality and concentration was assessed using a Nanodrop photospectrometer ND-1000 (Peqlab Biotechnologie GmbH, Erlangen -Germany). The samples were synthesized to be compatible with Illumina HiSeq2000 RNA-seq libraries strictly following the \"Illumina TruSeq RNA Sample Prep v2 LS Protocol\" (Illumina, San Diego - USA). All reagents were scaled by 2/3 to the volume proposed in the protocol. The quality of all libraries was assessed using the Bioanalyzer (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara - USA). The libraries were sequenced in paired-end mode (2x100bp) on two lanes with an Illumina HiSeq2000 sequencer at the BMFZ (Biologisch-Medizinisches Forschungszentrum, Düsseldorf, Germany). The resulting RNA-seq data were deposited in the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database ([https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo)) under accession number GSE89169.
Detection of differentially spliced introns {#Sec18}
-------------------------------------------
The *G. sulphuraria* RNA-seq data were cleaned in paired-end mode using Trimmomatic (v0.36) \[[@CR44]\] to remove contaminated adaptor sequences and low quality regions (SLIDINGWINDOW:6:13). Short reads (\< 75 bp) were discarded. The cleaned sequence data were then mapped to *G. sulphuraria* genome sequences using STAR (v2.5.2a) \[[@CR45]\]. The genome index was generated taking into account the small size of *G. sulphuraria* genome (−-genomeSAindexNbases 11). The reads were mapped to the genome assembly with an allowed maximum intron size (1000 bp) and maximum mate-pair distance (500 bp). Reads that mapped to more than one region were removed and broken pairs were discarded. The mapping results (in SAM format) were then used as input to search for alternatively spliced modules \[[@CR46]\] that were differentially expressed across samples using DiffSplice \[[@CR46]\] under the default setting, with the following modifications. We required a splice junction to be considered if the mean coverage across all samples was \> 10× and RNA-splicing at the junction was found in at least four out of the eight different samples. The expression thresholds for exons and introns were specified to be 16× and 8× coverage, respectively. For the test of differential splicing, the minimal value for square root of JSD \[[@CR46]\] was set to be 0.25 with false discovery rate threshold (=0.01). The minimum fold change (2.5) was required to call gene differential expression (down- or up-regulation). Because we aimed to test the existence of differential intron splicing in response to temperature changes (instead of global gene expression change across samples), we regarded the two samples (H-42 and H-46) as biological replicates from high temperature, and the other two samples (C-28.1 and C-28.2) as biological replicates from low temperature. This practice maximized statistical power to detect splicing events that were shared within groups (e.g., high temperature samples including H-42 and H-46) and differed between the groups (high versus low temperature samples). The examples of alternatively spliced modules that showed statistically significant difference between high and low temperatures (Fig. [3c](#Fig3){ref-type="fig"}) were visualized using CLC workbench (v8) (<http://www.clcbio.com/products/clc-main-workbench/>).
Additional files
================
{#Sec19}
Additional file 1:**Table S1.** Algal genome and transcriptome data used in this study. (PDF 96 kb) Additional file 2:**Figure S1.** Two examples of spliceosomal single-gene phylogeny that show different ancestries of red algal spliceosomal genes. (PDF 137 kb) Additional file 3:Phylogenies of red algal SM-genes. (TXT 5414 kb) Additional file 4:**Table S2.** Completeness of proteomic data estimated using 303 BUSCO gene families that are evolutionarily conserved among eukaryotes. (PDF 119 kb) Additional file 5:**Table S3.** Presence and absence of human spliceosomal machinery-associated proteins in red algae. (PDF 134 kb) Additional file 6:**Figure S2.** The search results for snRNA component of the spliceosome in *Galdieria sulphuraria*. (PDF 91 kb) Additional file 7:**Table S4.** INFERNAL scores and e-values for red algal snRNA genes. (PDF 64 kb) Additional file 8:**Figure S3.** Sequence conservation in *Galdieria sulphuraria* genes. (PDF 181 kb) Additional file 9:**Table S5.** The intron statistics in red algal and Viridiplantae genomes. (PDF 71 kb) Additional file 10:**Figure S4.** GC content and intron density in red algae. (PDF 92 kb) Additional file 11:**Figure S5.** Conservation of intron positions in the *Galdieria sulphuraria* geranylgeranyl transferase beta-subunit gene. (PDF 97 kb) Additional file 12:**Figure S6.** Estimation of gains and losses of conserved introns in red algal phylogeny. (PDF 92 kb) Additional file 13:**Figure S7.** The distributions of intron lengths in five red algal species. (PDF 82 kb) Additional file 14:**Table S6.** *Galdieria sulphuraria* introns that underwent alternative splicing in our studied samples. (PDF 981 kb) Additional file 15:**Table S7.** *Galdieria sulphuraria* introns that were differentially spliced under the heat and cold conditions. (PDF 226 kb) Additional file 16:**Figure S8.** Intron retention in a *Galdieria sulphuraria* gene. (PDF 74 kb) Additional file 17:**Table S8.** *Galdieria sulphuraria* genes that were differentially expressed under the heat and cold conditions. (PDF 186 kb) Additional file 18:**Figure S9.** Phylogenetic trees of UPF1, UPF2, and UPF3. (PDF 97 kb) Additional file 19:Supplementary Methods. (PDF 109 kb)
ALE
: Alternative last exons
AS
: Alternative splicing
CAZyme
: Carbohydrate-active enzyme
NMD
: Nonsense-mediated decay
PTC
: Premature termination codons
SM
: Spliceosomal machinery
**Electronic supplementary material**
The online version of this article (10.1186/s12862-018-1161-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Not applicable.
Funding {#FPar1}
=======
HQ is partially supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation of the United States (EF1416785). HSY and DB acknowledge the support from the Collaborative Genome Program for Fostering New Post-Genome Industry (20140428) funded by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea. We gratefully acknowledge the BMFZ (Biologisch-Medizinisches Forschungszentrum, Düsseldorf, Germany) for conducting the RNA sequencing reported here. The funders had no role in study design, data collection, analysis and interpretation, or preparation of the manuscript.
Availability of data and materials {#FPar2}
==================================
The datasets generated and analysed during the current study are available in the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/>) under accession number GSE89169.
HQ and DB designed the study. HSY contributed novel red algal genome data. APW conceived and designed the RNA-seq analysis of *G. sulphuraria* under temperature stress. AR extracted RNA from *G. sulphuraria*, prepared RNA-seq libraries, and contributed transcriptome data. HQ and AR performed data analyses. HQ and AR drafted the manuscript. APW, HSY, and DB revised the manuscript with each author making important intellectual contributions. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Ethics approval and consent to participate {#FPar3}
==========================================
Not applicable.
Consent for publication {#FPar4}
=======================
Not applicable.
Competing interests {#FPar5}
===================
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Publisher's Note {#FPar6}
================
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
| |
North Smithfield, R I. Facility To Reduce
Since not all brief non-coding RNAs have been identified, it's likely that RNAs play a bigger function in splice site choice than previously thought. A single RNA transcript is spliced such that the intron is eliminated and the two exons are seamlessly spliced together. RNA splicing by group I introns is extremely widespread and occurs within the generation of mature mRNAs, rRNAs, and tRNAs.
Such introns have been present in mitochondrial, chloroplast and nuclear genomes of various eukaryotes, and so they have also been present in prokaryotic and eubacterial genomes. For example, some species of Tetrahymena have group I introns, whereas carefully associated species do not.
At this stage the U1 and U4 snRNPs are launched and the three’ splice web site is cleaved. Once the intron has been totally cleaved, the two exons are hooked up to one another. The intron within the form of a lariat is launched together with U2, U5 and U6 snRNPs. recombinant DNA.) Gene splicing is usually used in trade to permit single-celled organisms to supply useful merchandise, corresponding to human insulin. DNA injury impacts splicing factors by altering their publish-translational modification, localization, expression and activity.
In few cases, different isoforms have a dominant unfavorable impact on the energetic isoform, which is achieved by the formation of heterodimers . Most of the studies investigating the intracellular localization of splice variants analyze used tagged cDNA, largely GFP, myc and Flag tags. In distinction to pre-mRNAs, these cDNA constructs do not bear nonsense-mediated decay. It is therefore crucial to check that the endogenous mRNAs are literally expressed as a protein. E. The binding of transcriptional cofactors is regulated by alternative splicing.
Therefore tumors have a lower requirement of oxygen and a unique expression profile than glycolytic enzymes. Almost all genome-broad research of alternative splicing are based on assays that detect adjustments in mRNA expression. As protein expression from RNA is regulated by all kinds of mechanisms, such as miRNA motion, nonsense-mediated decay and translational efficiency, you will need to check whether or not the proteome displays the adjustments in different splicing. | https://www.tumtecchina.com/h1-north-smithfield-r-i-facility-to-reduce |
Is Big Bend National Park Safe? (2023)
The Big Bend region of South Texas is a popular tourist destination boasting many activities and sights. Known for its mountainous terrain, Big Bend National Park draws in riders, hikers, campers, and nature lovers from all across the United States.
However, if you’ve been planning a visit to Big Bend, I’m sure you’ve been wondering – is Big Bend National Park safe?
The answer is a resounding yes! While the park does have its fair share of dangers and crime, it is no more dangerous than any other national park in the country.
Quick Links
What Are the Biggest Dangers at Big Bend National Park?
The most common dangers in Big Bend National Park are the same dangers that exist in any remote, mountainous area – dehydration, heat exhaustion, hypothermia, and getting lost.
Additionally, some animals in the park could pose a threat to humans, such as mountain lions, bears, bobcats, and rattlesnakes.
Lastly, as with any major tourist attraction, the most common crimes in Big Bend National Park are thefts from vehicles and campsites and burglaries from lodging facilities.
We’ll cover each part in more detail below.
How Do You Stay Safe in Big Bend National Park?
Big Bend National Park is a very remote place. There are no hospitals, no police stations, and no medical facilities once you get deep into the backwoods. If you get hurt or sick, you will have to deal with it yourself until help arrives. To stay safe in this environment, follow these tips:
Stay on designated trails. Trails are marked with signs that show the length and trail rules. Here’s what to look out for:
Make sure to stay hydrated. The desert heat will have you sweating buckets, and it’s easy to become dehydrated.
If you’re hiking, bring plenty of water. If you’re going on a longer trail, you may want to consider bringing a water purifier so that you can refill your bottle with water from the springs along the way.
Wear sunscreen and a hat. The park can be very hot during the summer months (May through September), with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit each day. This high temperature can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke in those who are not accustomed to the climate. Even on cloudy days, the desert sun can be brutal.
My personal recommendation is to visit Big Bend National Park during cooler months when temperatures are more comfortable. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Wear proper clothing: Hiking boots or shoes are recommended over sneakers because they provide better traction on rocks, which is what hikers will encounter most often in this national park. You also want to make sure that you’re wearing long pants so that no parts of your body are exposed when walking through tall grasses or bushes. As far as material, I would recommend something lightweight and breathable. I typically go with polyester over cotton in most cases.
Stay out of closed areas. These may be marked by yellow tape or red flags along the trail and on campgrounds. Closed areas include caves and mines, private property, endangered species habitats, and wildfire burn areas that need time to recover before humans can safely visit them. In these areas, it’s always best to play it safe by staying out altogether. You can check out the park’s website for more information on what’s closed at any given time during your trip to Big Bend National Park.
Don’t feed wildlife! It’s illegal to feed animals like deer, wild pigs, javelinas, skunks, raccoons, and bears. When animals become used to being fed by humans, they lose their natural fear of us. They may start begging for food or becoming aggressive when they don’t get what they want. Plus, some human foods can be dangerous for animals. So please, don’t feed the wildlife!
Be prepared for emergencies. Bring a first-aid kit, plenty of water, and food on all hikes. It’s also a good idea to carry a flashlight, whistle, and map with you. Let someone know where you’re going before you set out, and check-in with them when you return.
Don’t travel alone if you don’t have to. It can take hours to hike even a short distance in Big Bend; if you become lost or injured while hiking alone, it could take days before anyone finds you and helps you out of trouble. Besides, Big Bend has some of the best hiking trails in Texas, why not share it with a friend, or two?
Don’t go into caves or mines without an experienced guide or tour group leader. Many caves are unmapped and not well-explored; staying out of them will help ensure your safety (and prevent damage to these fragile areas).
The Wildlife of Big Bend National Park
There are over 75 species of mammals, 450 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles, and 11 species of amphibians that live in Big Bend National Park.
The most common animals you’ll see in the park are deer, javelinas, coyotes, and raccoons. You might also see some more unique animals like desert bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and black bears.
While most of the animals in the park are harmless, there are a few that could pose a threat to humans. These include black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, javelinas, and rattlesnakes.
If you do encounter an animal while in the park, it’s important to stay calm and not make any sudden movements. Also, make sure to clean up after yourself so that you don’t attract wildlife to your campsite.
Are there bears in Big Bend National Park?
Yes, but they’re not common. It’s possible to see a bear or two during your visit to the park, but it’s unlikely. Most visitors don’t see any. According to the National Park Service, there are between 30-40 black bears living in Big Bend as of 2020.
Black bears were once common in this area, but development and hunting pressure have reduced their numbers significantly. Today, black bears are seldom seen outside of remote areas. However, they can still be found in the Chisos Mountains and along some of the river corridors.
Black bears are omnivorous and will eat almost anything they find. Their diet includes acorns and other nuts, insects, small animals (such as squirrels), fruit such as prickly pear cactus or desert palm berries, and sometimes even carrion (dead animals). The exception to this diet is during spring when black bears dig for roots or bulbs underground because they are hungry enough to risk being caught by an angry prairie rattlesnake or copperhead snake!
In springtime, when food is plentiful, black bears may become more aggressive than usual because they’re protecting their food supply from other animals – including humans!
Typically, Black bears aren’t aggressive toward humans unless they feel threatened by them or their cubs are nearby. Don’t run away if you see a bear while hiking on a trail, as this could trigger an attack. Instead, stand still until the bear gets out of sight; then back away slowly without turning your back or showing fear.
Does Big Bend National Park have scorpions?
There are many different species of scorpions in Big Bend National Park. The most common one is the bark scorpion, which has a dark brown body with a wide tail and a narrow stinger.
These scorpions are large enough to cause quite a bit of damage to humans if they sting them, but they are not considered deadly. Although deadly to insects, to humans, the most common complaint of a scorpion sting is usually just a bit of discomfort.
As of 2021, a type of scorpion called the vinegaroon has made its way into the park. Dubbed the “acid-shooting land lobsters,” these scorpions are around three inches long and have long whip-like tails that shoot a spray of 85% acetic acid, which is the central part of vinegar. Hence, the name vinegaroon. And although they may seem a bit unsightly, they are considered harmless.
Are there rattlesnakes in Big Bend National Park?
Yes, there are rattlesnakes in Big Bend National Park. The park is home to four species of rattlesnakes: the Western Diamondback, the Black-tailed Rattlesnake, the Mojave Rattlesnake, and the Massasauga Rattlesnake. All four are venomous and can be dangerous if you come into contact with one.
Besides rattlesnakes, there are over 30 species of snakes found in Big Bend National Park.
The best way to avoid a snakebite is to stay on well-used trails, don’t hike alone, investigate your surroundings with a stick before sitting or leaning against something, and always keep an eye out for snakes when climbing over rocks or logs.
Rattlesnakes prefer dry, rocky areas and spend a lot of time hiding under rocks or logs. You should always wear hiking boots when exploring Big Bend’s backcountry for extra protection.
Crime Rate of Big Bend National Park
The people in Big Bend National Park are amiable and helpful. The rangers are knowledgeable, the camp hosts are friendly, and the other visitors are always willing to share their park knowledge with you.
However, in the last few years, Big Bend (along with many other parks) has seen an influx of visitors. According to a recent census, it has become the most visited national park in Texas. With its increased popularity comes increased safety concerns. Some people worry that a rising number of tourists will mean an increase in crime and other dangers.
The good news is that the crime rate in Big Bend National Park is lower compared to other parks around the country. While there are occasional reports of thefts from vehicles, violent crimes are rare.
The park rangers can’t prevent all crime in Big Bend National Park, but they do work hard to prevent significant incidents by using patrols and other techniques to deter criminals and catch them if they do commit a crime.
Conclusion
The most important thing you can do to stay safe in Big Bend National Park is to plan ahead. Ensure you know what areas are open to visitors, when they’re open, and how much water you’ll need to bring. If possible, let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
If you’re new to backpacking or camping in general, start small by using the campgrounds at Chisos Basin or Rio Grande Village as a basecamp for exploring the rest of the park. You’ll have access to water, bathrooms, and other amenities while still being able to enjoy parts of the park without having to carry heavy packs on long hikes down isolated trails or roads.
Big Bend National Park is a beautiful and remote place. By following these safety tips, you can help ensure that your visit is enjoyable and safe for everyone involved. | https://hikersdaily.com/is-big-bend-national-park-safe/ |
Home > Food Articles > Articles by Katharine Branham > The Manager Did What?
The third week of November, a Sunday to be exact, was very busy for me with new restaurants to review and articles to write. Just needing a break from the computer screen, I hurried out to one of my favorite stops for a quick food pick up. I phoned in my order before leaving the house so no time would be wasted. It was cold and wet outside, and because Houston had a major overcast, it was somewhat dark for only being 4:30 pm. When I pulled up, the rain had started pouring harder so I left my purse in the car and carried in just my wallet. The place was somewhat vacant; I suppose the weather kept everyone inside their homes.
The girl at the To-Go counter chatted with me for a bit. A manager on duty noticed my arrival and came over to say hello. He was not a manager I had spent any time visiting with while there in past. In fact, he was fairly new to the establishment. I knew this because I had become friends with many employees after dining here for ten years. He asked how my evening was going and puts his hand out to shake.
Being in a hurry I wanted to cut this chat short but he noticed my wallet under my arm. He pulled out his Blackberry. Then as I turn to go he says, “I have a bag to match that wallet that is a fraction of the real deal”. I am shocked by this and simply said, “I am not interested”. He starts his sales spiel with “they look just like the real purses everyone pays big bucks for”. That was not enough for him, so he comes out from behind the counter. I have my bag of food in one hand and push for the door with the other. He says “come out to my car” trying to coax me out. I again said “I am not interested” but with a much firmer tone this time. He said, “well okay but you better come see me if you want any handbags”.
This was the worst behaved manager I have ever witnessed. It was dark outside and he is trying to get me to his car. That is scary enough. Then the fact he was trying to sell illegal handbags, check his Blackberry on the company dollar, and tried to push his illegal items on a customer. I thought about this incident all night. Being a food and restaurant critic, I was shocked that this man is jeopardizing his job. Since I had a fairly longstanding relationship with the restaurant, I made a call Monday morning and talked to a public relations manager. He seemed happy to look into the problem. Later that day, the PR manager called me back and said it had been handled. The following week I went in the restaurant with some friends and there was the purse selling manager still there. The other manager on duty comes up and says, “The district manager had a talk with him and he promises to stop trying to sell his purses in the restaurant”.
I visited the restaurant again, and when I walked in one of the managers approached me and said “the purse selling manager is gone”. I was shocked, of course, since he was still there last I checked. It seems they had been watching him when this happened and money came up missing one night so he was let go.
The moral of the story is…well… I am not quite sure. There are so many morals to this one like ‘did I really need food to-go that evening?’ ‘never talk to a manager while he checks his Blackberry?’ or ‘call the restaurant when something has happened that they should be aware of?’ I think the last one is the best choice. | http://www.foodreference.com/html/a-manager-what108.html |
Fslsfonts lists the fonts that match the given pattern.
The wildcard character "*" may be used to match any
sequence of characters (including none), and "?" to match
any single character. If no pattern is given, "*" is
assumed.
The "*" and
"?" characters must be quoted to prevent them
from being expanded by the shell.
OPTIONS
-server host:port
This option specifies the X font server to con-
tact.
-l Lists some attributes of the
font on one line in
addition to its name.
-ll Lists font properties in addition to -l output.
-lll Supported for compatibility
with xlsfonts, but
output is the same as for -ll.
-m This option indicates that
long listings should
also print the minimum and maximum bounds of each
font.
-C This option indicates that
listings should use
multiple columns. This is the same as -n 0.
-1 This option indicates that
listings should use a
single column. This is the same as -n 1.
-w width
This option specifies the width in characters that
should be used in figuring out how many columns to
print. The default is 79.
-n columns
This option specifies the number of columns to use
in displaying the output. The default is 0, which
will attempt to fit as many columns of font names
into the number of character specified by -w
width.
-u This option indicates that
the output should be
left unsorted.
SEE ALSO
xfs(1), showfont(1), xlsfonts(1)
ENVIRONMENT
FONTSERVER
to get the default host and port to use.
BUGS
Doing ‘‘fslsfonts -l’’ can tie up your server for a very
long time. This is really a bug with single-threaded non-
preemptable servers, not with this program. | http://man.rqsall.com/MachTen-414/mann/fslsfonts.0.html |
"Sword Snow Stride", a martial arts cdrama, is an epic of the growth of a man's spirit and strength.
The series is based on the growth of Xu Feng Nian (徐凤年), the unconventional, free-spirited son of King of Northern Liang.
It combines various elements of martial arts, fantasy, and power, and conspiracy to show the hero's unbridled blood and vitality in pursuit of freedom, responsibility, and love, as well as the resulting spiritual growth and change.
In the end, Xu Fengnian grows up to be the qualified successor of the King of Northern Liang.
A Wonderful Adaptation of the Original
This drama is based on the novel of the same name by the writer Feng Huo Xi Zhu Hou (烽火戏诸侯), with an original of more than 4.5 million words and a large number of original fans.
Because of the novel's many characters, complex clues, and peculiar scenes and plots, original fans all consider it an extremely difficult novel to be adapted.
"Sword Snow Stride" has drawn the attention of countless fans of the original novel since it started airing. Even if the level of adaptation of the drama is high, it is difficult to meet the imagination of all the original fans. The imagination brought by the abstract words always exceeds the figurative images in the drama.
But when you watch the whole drama, you will be conquered by the screenwriter Wang Juan's (王倦) superb adaptation. (P.S. Joy of Life is also adapted by Wang Juan)
The drama not only retains the core and charm of the novel, but also makes some adaptations in the plot and characters, which make the story more compact and the characters' image and fate more distinct.
It is the full-figured characters that show us a fastidious Jianghu, and these characters are intertwined with the games and power plots of the temple of the Northern Liang to advance each other, with a succession of perils and conflicts, and a condensed restoration of the essence of the original novel.
From the episode, we can see that Wang Juan has cleverly amplified the emotional relationships of some characters in the original, such as the relationship between Xu Fengnian and Lao Huang, and the relationship between Xu Fengnian and his two sisters and brother, all of which are portrayed with great authenticity and a strong sense of immersion.
In particular, the relationship between Xu Fengnian and Lao Huang, which makes a big deal in the beginning and is presented in a big way at the end, opens up a map of inner emotions and experiences for us to understand the spiritual world of the main character, allowing the audience to better immerse themselves in the plot and grow up together with the main character.
The drama simultaneously has a clear framework of the chivalrous saga, allowing the main character to experience the journey of adventure, growth and return, allowing us to appreciate that human freedom and independence are the roots of the beauty of history and legend.
Only by knowing how to appreciate the beauty of character and the insight it brings can we truly appreciate the essence of the chivalrous world. As the episodes evolve, it is easy to be captivated by the chivalrous hearts and deep feelings of the human world presented in the drama.
The director, Song Xiaofei (宋晓飞), is a cinematographer and has directed the movie "The Grandmaster", so we can see the cinematic camera, art, costumes and makeup in "Sword Snow Stride"all look beautiful.
The design of some martial arts shots is also innovative, blending martial arts and metaphysical filming, with both deadly precision and metaphysical fairy and ethereal, all presenting the director's unique aesthetic pursuit of camera.
For example, in 36 episodes, Li Chun Gang and Wang Xianzhi's ultimate battle at sea, the sword and the water seemed to merge into one, and eventually pierced a heavenly gate in the dark cloudy sky. These techniques are rarely seen in past martial arts dramas.
The "Sword Snow Stride" shows a group of veteran actors and actresses, also unforgettable. These old actors are like a group of "old urchins", such as Qiu Xinzhi's Li Chun Gang, who sits with Jiang Ni on a carriage and asks him to be his disciple, which is funny and cute.
Yang Haoyu's Lao Huang has a great sense of humor in his lines and body language, and his dialogue with Xu Feng Nian is very funny. Unexpectedly, he is actually a master, which conveys the legendary nature of the character perfectly.
Hu Jun portrayed the multi-faceted nature of Xu Xiao to the fullest, he is good at calculating, but in front of the children, is funny and obsequious.
He is a scheming politician, a hard-headed soldier, and a father who loves his children. Of course, he also has his far-sightedness and seems to have multiple personalities present in his body. Hu Jun very subtly portrays the complex emotional relationship with his two sons, reflecting the complexity of human nature.
The Cultural Fusion of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism
The presentation of the martial arts spirit in "Sword Snow Stride" has its own unique features.
The core of the martial arts spirit is righteousness and faith, which is in fact the essence of Confucianism. It is an imaginary space abstracted from society, where the most vivid and romantic spirit of traditional culture can grow freely.
Every brilliant martial arts drama will inject some unique discoveries into this space, and this is also the case with "Sword Snow Stride".
Different characters in the drama have different endings, but behind them all is a free personality with dignity and individuality. This martial arts spirit, looking forward to everyone in their own hearts, open up a self-contained and self-sufficient world, reducing some external competition and struggle.
"Sword Snow Stride" also has fights, but different from the physical combat, rather like a battle between two spirits, and presents a culture of peace. Because those who really understand the spirit of martial arts have a completely self-sufficient heart.
Some of the martial arts scenes in "Sword Snow Stride" are also imaginative, such as the 14 episode where Li Chun Gang takes on the Fu Jiang Hong Jia Ren, condensing rainwater into a weapon.
From the drama, we find that these knights-errant not only see martial arts as an art, but also see it as an emotional experience of both reverence and yearning for something sacred, as trust and care for the ultimate existence.
"In the eyes of a knight-errant, martial arts has a religious sentiment, a reverence for the "Mandate of Heaven (天命)" and the "Way of Heaven (天道)", which is the true place for life.
For Li Chun Gang, swordplay represents a sacred power that never ends, and this power is the "Mandate of Heaven".
When a swordsman thinks about the way of martial arts, he takes everything in heaven and earth as a reference. The way of martial arts, in the eyes of a swordsman, not only transcends the human world, but even transcends everything in the universe, and has a sense of ultimate care. Only when one feels this ultimate concern can one gain a sense of mission for the art one is practicing.
Traditional Chinese culture believes that the highest value of life is to constantly demonstrate this divine power that transcends life and heaven and earth. In the eyes of the knight-errant, it is the martial path that can be nurtured with the participation of heaven and earth.
The way of martial arts they uphold is inseparable from the spirit of humanity, and it does not have an "other shore" far away from the human world.
From the actions of the various knight-errant in the drama, we see that to achieve the transcendence of martial arts and the completion of one's life, one must use the same sentiment to look at all things in heaven and earth and become one with them.
Wang Xianzhi was a well-deserved martial arts genius who could boast of the best of the best, but claimed to be the second-best in the world, in that he understood that supreme state of martial arts to be completely at one with the philosophy of benevolence and righteousness in traditional Chinese culture. In his case, he embodies human values and shows that there is a divine finality in the testimony of heavenly destiny in the human world.
When the knight-errant carries out self-cultivation and moral cultivation in this spirit of reverence, it expands not only the inner world of man, but also enables him to transcend the outer mountains and rivers of nature and reach the ultimate realm of symbiosis with all things.
And Xu Feng Nian's growth journey is a Jinxing (尽性) and Zhiming (知命) process.
Jinxing is to give full play to one's natural goodness and let it go through the trials and tribulations of growing up and the teachings of the saints in order to restore one's natural goodness and nature. At the same time, it is necessary to know the external, that is, the mission is given by nature, history, the times, and the martial way.
Chinese martial arts adhere to the Jinxing and Zhiming view of traditional culture, which sees life and the pursuit of the martial way as a dynamic process of development.
On the one hand, it believes that human nature has endless possibilities, but on the other hand, it also recognizes the specific limitations imposed on human beings by nature and history, which, on the contrary, become the value of our lives.
Zhiming here is also a kind of spiritual comfort for the losers, because it also affirms the value of human beings. Therefore, the defeated in the duel by force, like Lao Huang and Lao Kui at the bottom of the lake, will still be regarded as heroes, because they embody the power of humanity and life.
From the play, we can see that there is Confucianism, which "takes the world as one's duty", and there is also Buddhism and Taoism, which aspire to spiritual freedom and spirituality.
And Xu Feng Nian's growth encounter becomes the best story carrier to show this thought perception, depicting the traditional Chinese cultural picture of the fusion of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. This is where the uniqueness of "Sword Snow Stride" as a wuxia drama lies.
The Released Date of Sword Snow Stride Season 2
The first season of Sword Snow Stride has come to an end, and there will be a total of three seasons of this martial arts cdrama based on the full-length novel "Xue Zhong Han Dao Xing."
The main actor, Zhang Ruoyun, revealed the date of the second season of Sword Snow Stride when he posted a farewell to the first season on his social media platform.
He said in a long text that "the story is not over, the family still needs to reunite, I would like the next year when the snow, burning a small red clay fireplace, and then drink newly brewed wine with all of you," from which we can probably know the Sword Snow Stride season 2 will have to meet with everyone next winter.
In addition to the approximate air time, the cast also announced some information about the leading actors of Sword Snow Stride Season 2.
As one of the most important characters, Zhang Ruoyun will not be replaced, and he will do the filming of Joy of Life Season 2 in the first half of the year.
It is said that Chen Zhi Bao's role was changed from Gao Wei Guang to Luo Yun Xi, and the female lead Jiang Ni's role will be changed from Teresa Li to Wang Chu Ran, other roles are basically the original cast. The specific actors, need to wait for the launch of the second season of Sword Snow Stride Season to know the final list of actors.
Let's look forward to it together!
The article is the author original, udner (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) Copyright License
Share & Quote this post or content, please Add Link to this Post URL in your page:
https://www.newhanfu.com/25673.html
Respect the original work is the best support for the creator, thank you! | https://www.newhanfu.com/25673.html |
Abstract: In Childhood Under Siege, Joel Bakan throws light on the ruthless manipulation of children by big business - and on society's failure to protect them. Children, he argues, are now perceived as a resource to be mined for profit. He takes us on a dystopian journey through a world of cynical exploitation, callous neglect, ill-informed parents and governments that look the other way. He tells the chilling - and sometimes darkly humorous - story of how children are being transformed into obsessive and narcissistic mini-consumers, media addicts, cheap and pliable workers, and pharmaceutical industry guinea pigs.We are witnessing a winner-takes-all battle for children's hearts, minds and bodies - a hostile takeover of childhood itself. Large corporations are spending vast sums in order to render parents and governments powerless to protect children from calculated and unrelenting commercial assault. Joel Bakan makes it clear that society is betraying what it purports to cherish most. As the world reels from economic turmoil, ecological devastation, terrorism and war, it is these societal failings that may turn out to be the most destructive of all. | http://www.connexions.org/CxLibrary/CX15988.htm |
The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty—a public interest law firm that defends the religious liberty of people of all faiths—is looking for an administrative assistant/editor.
Responsibilities:
• Edit and format legal briefs, including creating tables of contents and tables of cited authorities;
• Assist attorneys in preparing and formatting correspondence;
• Maintain electronic and paper files for attorneys;
• Provide general administrative assistance, including maintaining attorney calendars, making travel arrangements, preparing document binders, managing information, and handling basic operational matters;
• Paralegal training will be useful but is not required and can be provided on the job to the right candidate;
• Attorney resumes will not be considered for this position
• Demonstrated interest in the Becket Fund’s mission;
• Superb writing and editing skills;
• Strong command of Office 2013 and Google Docs with willingness to master new software programs;
• Ability to multitask efficiently in a dynamic litigation environment;
• Organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Demonstrated ability to learn new tasks quickly;
• Ability to work closely with attorneys to finalize legal documents for filing; and
• A minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA upon graduation.
By December 22nd, 2014, please send a cover letter and resume (in one complete PDF document) to Marie Peralta at [email protected]. | https://www.dcadclub.com/resources/job-bank/becket-fund-religious-liberty-1/ |
With the rapid advent of digitalization in the world, including developing economies, the onus is on organizations to leverage technologies that enable the management of timely, consistent and contextual interactions with customers across various digital channels on a range of devices at their disposal.
Our customer intelligence implementation experience spans multiple domains and geographies.
Our Capabilities
Our Consulting & Implementation services helps organizations reimagine & improve customer engagement and experience.
Customer 360
Customer Data platform that forms the heart of customer engagement , customer experience management, customer lifecycle and value management
Hybrid Marketing & Communication Management
Leverage either online or both online & batch modes for customer interaction on digital channels for an improved customer experience
Real Time Decisioning
Decide & arbitrate offers in real-time based on customer context related to time, place or event
Why Datacurate? | https://www.datacurate.ai/services/customer-intelligence/ |
We describe an adaptive optical system for use as a tunable focusing element. The system provides adaptive beam shaping via controlled thermal lensing in the optical elements. The system is agile, remotely controllable, touch free, and vacuum compatible; it offers a wide dynamic range, aberration-free focal length tuning, and can provide both positive and negative lensing effects. Focusing is obtained through dynamic heating of an optical element by an external pump beam. The system is especially suitable for use in interferometric gravitational wave interferometers employing high laser power, allowing for in situ control of the laser modal properties and compensation for thermal lensing of the primary laser. Using laser heating of fused-silica substrates, we demonstrate a focal length variable from infinity to , with a slope of 0.082 diopter∕W of absorbed heat. For on-axis operation, no higher-order modes are introduced by the adaptive optical element. Theoretical modeling of the induced optical path change and predicted thermal lens agrees well with measurement. | http://proxy.osapublishing.org/ao/abstract.cfm?uri=ao-46-12-2153 |
The aborigine people of Australia are under siege by mass incarceration.
Twenty seven percent of Australia’s prison population is Aborigine. However, the Aboriginal people of Australia are only three percent of the population. The astonishing numerical rate of aboriginal people incarcerated in Australia right now almost feels like a mini holocaust. A hundred plus years after Australian colonization, these numbers make you feel as if colonization is still alive and well in Australia.
Only three percent of Australia’s population is Aborigine. That is roughly 669,900 Aborigines in the country. Of the total amount of the Aborigine population: 180,873 Aborigines are incarcerated. That is twenty seven percent of 669,900. Furthermore, that does not account for the oppressed minorities that are arrested. These numbers are derived from the United Nations. Some of the reported amongst the incarcerated Aborigine in Australia have been as young as 12 years old.
The cause of this issue seems to be a lack of government funding for these indigenous communities.
With the probability of job prospects next to zero and a lack of education, poverty and imprisonment seems to be the unfortunate destiny of the Aborigine population of Australia.
You can almost liken the Aborigine to the African American in the United States of America. African Americans are only 12% of the population and are also an astronomical percentage of the American prison population.
In America, an African American is more likely to be locked up or have their kid taken by child protective services as opposed to someone who is a Caucasian American; the United Nations reports that it is also the same for the Aborigine. Any minority in America will effortlessly tell you that they have family or know someone who has been arrested, at least. With a total population of 669,900 Aborigines and 180,873 of that total being imprisoned, the social ramifications on this minority group are agonizing. Considering an African American population in the millions, and an Aborigine population in the thousands, you can imagine, one Aborigine family has at least two family members in jail or have someone in their life that is locked up. This is true misery. The feeling a family has, in addition to the effect it has on the children are some of the many dilemmas caused by someone who is in jail. The whole family suffers as the bread winner is arrested. Whether someone is guilty or innocent is a different conversation, but when 27 percent of a prison population derives from a minority group that makes up 3 percent of the mass population of one country is oppressive policy if not neglectful policy.
The numbers point to a social slaughter of a people who were given the spiritual right of a land that was colonized from them. Only time will tell what will happen to an embattled people deprived of help, pounded by a policy that works against them. Let’s hope for the best.
Don’t forget to check this site regularly to read the new content we post. We will most likely post something new in a month or possibly before. Make sure you click the word issue jab on the top left corner of this website to be navigated to our home page so you can read our latest article and read what you may have missed.
Sources: | http://issuejab.com/aborigineinaustralia/ |
Subway tile has been a staple since 1904 when designers La Farge and Heins used it in the New York City subway in an effort to create pristine, bright stations. It originally gained popularity because subway tile is easy to clean and stain-resistant. It became popular in public bathrooms and commercial kitchens. Before long, the utility of subway tile was recognized by homeowners and began appearing in homes as well. Over the years, subway tile backsplash has become a style standard. | https://tfandrew.com/product/tgt-ceramica-subway-tile-sand-beige-bright-3x6/ |
If we tap the alley, then as he moves, he should end up behind the box.
Or if we tap the bottom of the screen, then as he comes towards us, he should end up in front of the box.
His size and y-position is correct, but because he has a higher z-position, he appears in front of the crate.
A z-position is simple way of telling SpriteKit how sprites are layered in a scene. They determine which sprite will be drawn on top—higher numbers get drawn over lower numbers.
If our man could only walk in front of the box, then this would be easy: background gets 1, box gets 2, our man gets 3. We can set this on the sprite and not think about it again.
The problem is that we want him to be able to go behind the box as well, which means his z-positioning needs to change based on his position within the scene.
I have a struct called a WalkableArea that stores the rectangle that represents the walkable area.
In order to keep things simple, the walkable area is divided into three sections (in addition to the foreground section for scene items that I might want to appear in front of everything and a background section for things that are truly in the background).
If the z-position is different, then update the sprite property ready for the next frame.
It’s important to remember that, as far as the computer is concerned, when a sprite moves the only thing that changes is its x- and y-position. The effect of depth is entirely created by making it smaller or larger.
The range of possible sizes of the player will be different for every scene.
For example, with this scene from Indiana Jones, if Indy was to walk the length of the stage, he could end up being as little as one fifth his current size.
An example of deep perspective. If Indy walked the length of the stage, you’d want him to move slower the further into the scene he walked.
Whereas with this one, we could probably get away with not scaling the sprites at all.
There’s almost no depth here.
So as well as a walkable area, each scene needs to have a maxScale and minScale property to tell us what scale the sprite should be at the upper and lower limits of the walkable area.
With that, can easily work out what scale it should be at any given point.
First, we make sure there actually is a difference. If not, then we can return either the minScale or the maxScale and it makes no difference.
Then we normalise the position of the sprite by dividing it by the total height of the walkable area (taking into account that the bottom of the walkable area might not be at 0).
Then we multiply the difference by the normalisedPosition and add this to the minimum scale to get the new scale.
I also added some additional error checking to make sure that we are, in fact, within the acceptable range. If we’re not, then we might be trying to calculate the scale for an invalid point and it means that something has gone wrong somewhere.
In the final part on movement, we’ll add pathfinding to get the player character to intelligently move around obstacles. | http://simonfairbairn.com/handling-movement-part-2-scaling-z-positions/ |
VADODARA: Tea Board Chairman MGVK Bhanu has said the board will unveil a 'sustainability code' for the industry on July 11, and redefine the way it operates.
Addressing the 24th annual general meeting of the Federation of All-India Tea Traders Associations at Anand, about 40 kilometres from Vadodara, Bhanu said yesterday: "The board will introduce a set of parameters which will redefine the way tea industry works, right from production to certification to labour welfare to maintenance of global safety standards."
Stating that the code will be viable for all the stakeholders, Bhanu added, "the sustainability code is a broad-based package aimed at all-round development of the tea sector."
Being developed by the board in collaboration with four reputed agencies associated with the industry, the code encompasses all aspects of tea production.
"The aim of the initiative is to sustain the tea industry by following the set of codes developed keeping Indian realities and globally accepted sustainability principles in mind to improve the social and economic conditions of the plantations," Tea Board adviser and former Director G Boriah said.
The code will also include parameters to be adopted to boost productivity, introduce labour welfare measures, maintain safety standards in factories and limit use of pesticides in the plantations.
He said the board had evolved a draft code that would be launched on a pilot basis and tested for the next six to nine months.
"The idea is to improve quality compliance, mitigate effects of climate change, ensure ethical sourcing and inclusion of small farmers in the mainstream," he said.
He further said the sustainability code is aimed at ensuring that consumers get a healthy cup of tea, keeping in mind the food safety standards, importance for which is growing globally. | https://www.msmemart.com/newslist/sustainability-code-for-tea-industry-from-july-11/1474 |
The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened the day unchange. With a variation of 0.16% to 32,990.09 points at the start of the opening session. Comparing this figure with those of previous days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has now been in the red for four consecutive sessions.
If we consider the data of the last seven days, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 3.51%. In year-on-year terms it is still down 5.82%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is 3.83% below its high for the year (34,302.61 points) and 0.18% above its low for the year (32,930.08 points).
Wall Street’s main gauge opens on 20 January
Stock market indices… What for?
A stock market index is an indicator that shows how the value of a given set of assets evolves. So it needs to have data from different companies or sectors of a part of the market.
These indicators are mainly used by the stock exchanges of different nations. Each one of them made up of companies with specific characteristics such as having a similar market capitalisation or belonging to the same industry. In addition, there are some indices that only consider. A handful of shares to determine their value or others that consider hundreds of shares.
Wall Street’s main gauge opens on 20 January
Stock indices serve as an indicator of confidence in the stock market. Business confidence, the health of the national and global economy. The performance of a company’s stock and equity investments. If investors lack confidence, stock values would tend to fall.
They also function to measure the performance of an asset manager and allow. A comparison between profitability and risk. Measure the opportunities of a financial asset or to create portfolios.
These types of indicators began to be used at the end of the 19th century after the journalist Charles H. Dow carefully analysed how company shares tended to rise and fall together in price, so he created two indices: one containing the 20 most important railway companies (as it was the most important industry at the time), as well as 12 shares of other types of business.
For example, the US Nasdaq index is composed of the 100 largest technology-related companies such as Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), Amazon (AMZN), Facebook (FB), Alphabet (GOOG), Tesla (TSLA), Nvidia (NVDA), PayPal (PYPL), Comcast (CMCSA), Adobe (ADBE).
How to read an index?
Each stock index has its own way of being calculated, but the main component is the market capitalisation of each constituent company. This is obtained by multiplying the day’s value of the stock on the relevant exchange by the total number of shares held by investors.
Listed firms are obliged to present a balance sheet of their composition. Such a report must be made public every three or six months, as the case may be.
Reading a stock index also requires observing its variations over time. Current indices always start with a fixed value based on the share prices at their inception date, but not all of them follow this method. As a result, it can appear misleading.
If one index rises 500 points in a day, while another only gains 20 points, it might appear that the former outperformed the latter. However, if the former started the day at 30,000 points and the latter at 300, it can be assumed that, in percentage terms, the gains for the latter were more significant. | https://mediazone24.com/wall-streets-main-gauge-opens-on-20-january/ |
Albania Adopts in Principle a Bill on Climate Change
Share this post?
A new draft-law on Climate Change’ that has been pending for over a year, was finally scrutinized and adopted in principle by the Parliamentary Committee for Producing Activities, Trade, and the Environment. Action against climate change has been an issue of major concern for Albania and its path towards European Union membership. The 2020 country report for Albania pointed out that even though the country made some limited progress for tackling climate change, specific administrative structures and available staff for handling climate change issues are a matter of serious concern. The same report also pointed out that legislation on strategic investment raises concerns for the protection of biodiversity, as it may allow large tourism and industrial investments in protected areas, e.g. the proposed airport in the Vjosa-Narta area. This conflicts with other national laws and with international biodiversity protection conventions that Albania has ratified.
The new draft-law will help to tackle CO2 emissions, accelerate adaption to reduce the impacts of climate change, create a national strategy on climate action, and to join global efforts regarding this burning issue.
Invest-in-Albania.org
Invest-in-albania.org is an independent, non-governmental publication with news on business, entrepreneurship, investments, tourism.
We promote and connect Albanian industries, companies, and entrepreneurs with the world. | |
About the Series
This season, we’re bringing together leading engineers, conservationists, and academics to explore the future of technology in movement ecology and ask where exactly investment is needed to catapult this field forward. Join us to discuss emerging tools for movement data collection, analysis, and sharing, and to imagine future tech innovations that could answer questions we haven’t yet thought to ask.
Fueled by the recent explosion of cheaper, lighter, and more powerful animal‐borne biologging technologies, movement ecology sits at the precipice of major breakthroughs that could revolutionize our understanding of wildlife and the ecosystems they navigate. However, we don’t yet have clear priorities for investment that consider a longer-term horizon for innovation and impact.
To address this gap, we are proud to introduce Tracking Progress, a new WILDLABS research project supported by the Moore Foundation’s Science Program and an advisory committee of movement ecology experts. In this project, we aim to harness the collective expertise of the WILDLABS community through facilitated virtual meetups and focus group discussions to conduct the first global horizon scan of tech in movement ecology.
We know that when we create spaces for our passionate and innovative community to collectively define priorities, the resulting discussions lead to big steps forward for all of us. By joining us at Virtual Meetups this season, your ideas and questions will do more than just drive the conversations you’ve come to know and love - they’ll be actively laying the foundation for a research project that can have real significance to the future directions and investments in this field. We hope to see you there!
Meetup 2: Data Analysis in Movement Ecology
Date & Time
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
4:00-5:30pm BST / 11:00am-12:30pm EDT
Recordings of the individual talks, open discussion, and full meetup are available on the event page.
About the Session
As discussed in our first event about Data Collection, advancements in technologies for collecting and transmitting biologging data are opening up paradigm-shifting opportunities for ecological research and management. However, these advancements have brought with them typical big-data challenges, including computational load, intensive data management and processing, and difficult statistical analyses, which require innovative and collaborative approaches to overcome (Nathan et al. 2022).
In this event, we are bringing together leading experts in the realms of AI for conservation, computational movement analytics, big data analysis, and even neuroscience to discuss the latest advances and what’s on the horizon in movement data analysis. Some of the key topics to be discussed include analysis workflows and methodological considerations, overcoming the challenges associated with the spatiotemporal mismatch in data sources, and improving the integration and synthesis of existing analysis solutions.
Agenda
- Welcome and introductions
- Sara Beery, NSF Graduate Research Fellow at Caltech
- Somayeh Dodge, Assistant Professor of Spatial Data Science at UC Santa Barbara
- Christen Fleming, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
- Mackenzie Mathis, Bertarelli Foundation Chair of Integrative Neuroscience; Assistant Professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne
- Open discussion and community exchange
- Takeaways and wrap up
Full session recording
We also have the recording available here on Zoom if you'd like to view the chat.
Learn more about upcoming Meetups
Visit our Tracking Progress season overview to learn more about the WILDLABS Virtual Meetup Series and other events. | https://www.wildlabs.net/event/wildlabs-virtual-meetup-data-analysis-movement-ecology |
The invention relates to a heat exchanger (1), in particular a charge air cooler comprising: two bases (2) which respectively comprises passages (3) for receiving, on the longitudinal end sides, fluid-conducting tubes (4); at least one collecting chamber (5) which is arranged on one of the bases (2); at least one lateral part (6) which is received, with the longitudinal end area (7), at least partially in an end side of the passage (8) of the associated base (2). The invention is characterized in that the longitudinal end area (7) of the lateral part (6) is formed in the shape of a beam and comprises at least one recess (9) such that a cross-sectional surface of the longitudinal end area (7) is smaller than a cross-sectional surface of the associated end of the passage (8). A maximum material thickness (s) of the longitudinal end area (7) is smaller in the direction of the longitudinal extension (10) of the base (2) than the height (h) of the end of the passage (8). | |
What are the challenges facing democracies, and the liberal international order?
Fulbright Anne Wexler Scholar Helen Zhang’s Fulbright Mission is to find out, by way of the Harvard Kennedy School. What’s your Fulbright Mission?
For many people the idea of wine does not conjure serious thoughts of science!
Australia and America share a complex and multidisciplinary history of making modern wine. Just ask Fulbright Scholar and leading historian of wine science, Dr Julie McIntyre:
How does chronic pain affect sleep?
Fulbright Future Scholar and Neuroimmunologist Dr David Klyne’s Fulbright Mission is to improve our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie chronic pain. What’s your Fulbright Mission?
This is Fulbright.
The Fulbright Program is the flagship foreign exchange scholarship program of the United States of America, aimed at increasing binational research collaboration, cultural understanding, and the exchange of ideas.
Born in the aftermath of WWII, the program was established by Senator J. William Fulbright in 1946 with the ethos of turning ‘swords into ploughshares’, whereby credits from the sale of surplus U.S. war materials were used to fund academic exchanges between host countries and the U.S.
Since its establishment, the Fulbright Program has grown to become the largest educational exchange scholarship program in the world, operating in over 160 countries. In its seventy-year history, more than 370,000 students, academics, and professionals have received Fulbright Scholarships to study, teach, or conduct research, and promote bilateral collaboration and cultural empathy.
Educational & Cultural Exchange.
Lasting Connections.
Mutual Understanding. | https://www.fulbright.org.au/ |
Tea Circle is now accepting submissions for a new forum on Myanmar’s Waterways.
Since its founding in November 2015, Tea Circle has been covering various subjects (politics, development, culture) related to Myanmar. In seeking to become a platform for debate and dialogue, we try to make space for many different opinions on diverse issues, expressed by our contributing authors inside and outside of the country. With that in mind, we are issuing a call for submissions to our next special forum, Myanmar’s Waterways: Rivers, Lakes and Coastal Bodies.
The rivers of Myanmar have always been considered both commercial and cultural arteries. Rivers are strategic connectivity corridors (linking people with places and with each other) and possess associated histories, folklore and meanings. Many people are dependent on the country’s rivers and lakes for daily livelihoods even as increases in river and lake tourism add to ecological pressures. The beauty and romanticism associated with bodies of water are accompanied by increasing challenges of modernisation, industrial pollution, excessive fishing, mining and construction of big dams. Riparian and wetland dependent communities are facing the brunt of this damage, with its effects on flora and fauna. Moreover river politics is connected to regional politics, as bodies of water become areas of contestation between countries and between state authorities and local communities. Rivers such as the Irrawaddy, Chindwin and Salween, lakes such as the Inle and Indawgyi, all have stories to tell, providing compelling learning narratives.
Uncontrolled development in Myanmar is also damaging coastal ecosystems, particularly mangroves and coral reefs which protect against rising sea levels triggered by climate change. Resilience of coastal areas is a critical issue, as the construction of deep sea ports, gas pipelines, special economic zones (SEZs) and infrastructural projects will interfere with the sustainability of the coastal belt. The fast-paced development brought by Dawei, Kyauk Phyu and Thilawa is also leading to equally fast-paced change in the ecological landscape.
What do Myanmar’s waterways mean for its people? Are they essential components of heritage and culture? What narratives and nostalgia do they weave around them? What do they think of their transformation? What can be done to revive and restore them? How relevant is the debate between ecology and economics in the country? Do Myanmar’s waterways have the capacity to transcend conflicts and bring people together across borders on common concerns? What local innovations are being initiated to preserve lakes and create robust coastal management?
We aim to explore some of these questions at the Tea Circle – an online forum for new research on Burma/Myanmar at the University of Oxford. Tea Circle is open to not only academic analysis but to anyone who wishes to share his/her views on this very important subject of “Reviving our Waterways”.
Submissions should be sent by email to [email protected] with the subject line “Myanmar’s Waterways”. The text of the submission should be attached in a word document with minimal formatting. A short biography (under 100 words) and byline should be included in the document, as well as a proposed title for the piece and a related image, if possible. We will make every effort to provide prompt feedback on submissions.
Picture: Pwe Kauk, all rights reserved. | https://teacircleoxford.com/2016/11/28/call-for-submissions-tea-circles-forum-on-myanmars-waterways/ |
By: Kayla Matthews on April 29th, 2019
Modern technology is changing the world in so many ways, it’s become difficult to quantify all the different transformations that are happening, especially considering a lot of them are occurring simultaneously. From new and various forms of technology including AI, machine learning, big data, and IoT to new applications of it, big things are happening.
One area that is seeing a lot of change yet doesn’t get as much coverage is the long-term care industry, effectively described as the nursing home field. Residential and elderly care programs are being upgraded for modern times.
It makes a lot of sense why, especially when one understands the benefits afforded by going digital. In general, a digital transformation can offer cost savings, higher efficiency ratings, more eco-friendly processes, better customer or care experiences and much more.
Benefits aside, the real question is how these data-oriented technologies are changing the field? What new opportunities do they provide and how are they improving or restructuring legacy operations?
In any medical or health-related field, patient care is a concept that is constantly evolving or adapting over time. This is because there are two timelines essentially playing out in parallel. The first is the application of certain treatments and care programs, which health professionals are using to enrich the lives of their patients. The second is the research and development application where scientists are constantly pushing the envelope to discover new treatments and solutions.
As some of the newly discovered solutions are rolled into the mainstream field, there’s a merger between old and new mirroring what’s happening thanks to the introduction of new technologies.
Data-oriented systems and programs can help even out this entire scenario, providing seamless integration of the new treatment plans and solutions. A multitude of data about active patients, past experiences and future solutions can be digested by data analytics tools to discover potential uses. Many of the newer systems — machine learning provides the power — can discover new opportunities faster, better and oft-overlooked by their human counterparts.
The result is a more successful and efficient industry where long-term patients are getting exactly the kind of personalized care they need.
As organizations and teams make the conversion to digital platforms, all existing resources and documentation must make the leap, as well. This is an incredible challenge in healthcare simply because of how much documentation it involves. Even just a single patient’s records and history can include a massive collection of data points and documents.
This presents something called data overload, where there is just too much digital information and content for the average professional to process. Even with incredibly skilled and devoted teams of analysts, databases can be just way too big to deal with.
The solution is to implement credible and trustworthy platforms that can help ingest, organize, process and spit out useful insights. Machine learning and AI will be the drivers behind such technologies, but there are other solutions that will be necessary to make it work including cloud computing, big data and advanced analytics.
As these systems come online, they will need to be both vetted and secured in order to keep up with the stringent healthcare policies and regulations — HIPAA compliance is a great example. But at the same time, technology will help transform the use of data and digital content in the field. It goes well beyond simple data entry and allows for remarkable applications. Real-time insights about a patient, for example, can help ensure they are being provided the right care.
Even something that seems unrelated, like legal documentation, would benefit from data solutions in the industry. Most long-term care facilities need legal representation to deal with potential problems, the least of which requires extensive documentation collection and storage. That information when stored, processed and handled in digital form suddenly becomes much more manageable, and trackable.
In a hospital or medical facility, there are often varying professionals that either provide care or support patients. It’s not always the case where a patient is assigned a single doctor or nurse. This creates some challenges in terms of logistics, as each professional must first weigh what the previous caregivers were doing, how that might have affected the patient, or even how that might influence potential future treatments.
The same thing happens in long-term care and nursing home situations. You can’t have nurses manning a single patient all day every day, there are always going to be shift changes. There’s also a point to be made for turnover rates, where one professional might leave the industry entirely taking a lot of their patient familiarity and expertise with them.
But data-based solutions can help prevent issues that occur with these trade-offs. One nurse can pass the torch, so to speak, in a much faster, more efficient and more reliable way simply by sharing access to patient data with those who need it.
Everything from existing and prior treatments to patient reactions and even recommended solutions can all be recorded and factored into a data system. This allows subsequent caregivers to view and assess the full brevity of a patient’s care.
It’s true that healthcare data and related systems, as a whole, are in their adolescent phase, which means regulatory bodies are still trying to iron out how and what to do with them. That doesn’t mean the technology doesn’t have its uses. More importantly, it’s not necessarily a reason to avoid implementing such solutions, especially when there are a lot of advantages they can provide.
In long-term and elderly care especially, documentation plays a huge role in the care and treatment of certain patients. It’s about more than just their medication or daily schedules, it also includes their entire medical history, genetics, current health, and much more.
Data solutions can help provide the necessary automation, efficiency improvements, clinical and financial support and even a reduction in manual or clinical errors.
Kayla Matthews writes about data centers and big data for several industry publications, including The Data Center Journal, Data Center Frontier and insideBIGDATA. To read more posts from Kayla, you can follower her personal tech blog at ProductivityBytes.com. | https://www.vxchnge.com/blog/data-access-in-the-nursing-home-industry |
Scout Mindset vs Soldier Mindset
Soldier mindset thinks of their ideas as the land to defend - and attacks other external ideas or evidence that threaten their idea.
Scout mindset is to go out, explore other ideas to get to the most accurate representation of reality as possible. There is just understanding - no attacking or defending. This can help you to recognize when you are wrong, to seek out your blind spots, to test your assumptions and change course. (Source)
This mindset will be...
- Curious
- Open
- Grounded: Self worth is not tied to something they believe to be true.
Scout mindset encourages you to cover territory and update your maps.
Benefits of Soldier mindset...
- Social
- Belonging / Maintaining a community
- Emotional
- Comforting: Lets you ignore uncomfortable negative realities / being wrong.
You should see that being wrong is an important element in the journey to finding out the truth. | https://notes.binnyva.com/scout-mindset-vs-soldier-mindset/ |
County executive Frank White calls for statues of Jackson to be moved
Friday
After protesters Thursday afternoon spray painted the statue of Andrew Jackson in front of the Jackson County Courthouse in downtown Kansas City, County Executive Frank White Jr. called for both county statues of Jackson to be removed.
The other statue is in front of Historic Truman Courthouse on the Independence Square.
In a statement released Thursday evening, White said he planned to call on the County Legislature to start the process of removing the statues during Monday’s meeting. That would begin with a special committee to hold public hearings. Ultimately, White said in part, he hopes to work with elected officials "to find a better home for these statues where their history can be put into the appropriate context for us to learn from, but I am convinced that home is not in front of our courthouses."
Kansas City Police said they arrested two men after some officers witnessed a crowd spray-painting the downtown statue. Among the words painted was "slave owner."
In December 2019, the County Legislature voted to place plaques at both statues that described the seventh president’s complicated and painful legacy, including his owning slaves and as president signing Indian Removal Act that forced thousands of Native Americans out of the southeast United States in the 1830s. County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker had said her office would pay for the plaques.
The county was named Jackson County in 1826 in honor of Gen. Jackson, two years before he was elected the country’s seventh president. He is astride a horse in both statues at the Downtown Courthouse and the Truman Courthouse.
The two statues currently have little written information. The downtown statue just says "Andrew Jackson," and the Independence statue notes that it was presented to the county by President Truman in 1949.
In his statement, White said in part that in the month since George Floyd’s killing at the hands of Minneapolis police, what had been "a small minority pleading for change, has grown into a broad and diverse chorus of voices no longer pleading, but now demanding equality and making clear they will settle for nothing less."
White acknowledged that his request will be unpopular with some people but said it speaks toward ensuring "everyone feels safe, feels welcome, and ultimately, is treated equally in Jackson County.
"Countless men, women and children come through the doors of our courthouses every day," his statement continued, in part. "And every day, racism and discrimination are staring them in the face. Statues of Andrew Jackson … stand outside two of our courthouses, public buildings where we want and need people to feel welcome. Yet, they are greeted by a man who owned hundreds of slaves, opposed the abolitionist movement and caused thousands of Native Americans to die when he forced them out of their homeland for white settlement. As long as these statues remain, our words about fairness, justice and equality will continue to ring hollow for many we serve.
"Let me be clear – we can never erase history. It is already written. But we don’t need symbols to remind us of the decades of oppression endured by people of color when that is the very thing we are desperately trying to dismantle and heal from today. Like all great counties, this is an opportunity for us to change and evolve together, for the better."
This is language for the planned Jackson statue plaques that had been approved by legislators six months ago:
"In 1826, the Missouri State Legislature named this county after the hero of the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812 – Andrew Jackson – nearly three years before he became the nation’s seventh President. Almost two centuries later, we hold a broader, more inclusive view of our nation. Jackson’s ownership of slaves and his support for the Indian Removal Act are part of his history. The act forced Native Americans from their home territories so that white settlers could live there and triggered the Trail of Tears, a 1,000-mile march resulting in the death of thousands, including an estimated one-quarter of the entire Cherokee nation."
"This statue of Jackson reminds us we are on a path that in the immortal works of Martin Luther King, Jr., bends toward justice. In turn, we must acknowledge past injustices to help us create a greater nation built upon humane policies to light our way and the way of humanity everywhere."
"You may be entering this revered building today in a pursuit of truth or justice. Welcome. Your own history is still being written."
Information from Examiner editor Jeff Fox was used in this report.
Never miss a story
Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery. | |
Foundation Stones is a twelve hour introductory course to Catholicism. Participants learn about the key Catholic beliefs and practices. The course is structured to allow participants to discuss and gain insights into the Catholic faith.
Starting in September 2019, there will be a number of new courses being led by members of the Diocese of Westminster Education Service. The courses will be hosted in hub schools across the Diocese and participants will be welcomed from the hub school and other nearby schools. There needs to be a minimum of 10 participants for each course to run.
The cost of Foundation Stones is £200 per staff member or £300 per school for two or more staff members. (There is a discount of £100 for the hosting school, so £100 for one staff member or £200 for two or more staff members). | https://courses.rcdow.org.uk/event/foundation-stones-individual-ticket/ |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
0001 1. Field of the Invention
0002 The present invention relates to hot stone therapy. More specifically, the invention relates to an apparatus for self-applied hot stone therapy.
0003 2. Description of the Related Art
0004 Thermal treatment is sometimes used to help relax and alleviate muscle stress and thereby reduce muscle pain. Therapeutic devices such as pads that can be heated and applied to a muscle area are known. The use of stones to massage areas of the human body is also known. Such pads and stones are used in a static mode. For example, a person is obliged to remain still after applying a heated therapeutic device, such as a heated pad, to the muscles in the back of their neck. If the person gets up and walks about the heated pad may fall off unless held in place by the person. Thus, there is a need for a hot therapy apparatus that can be used without severely restricting the movements of the user.
0005 Stone kits for treating body surface tissue are known. For example, TH.STONE supply stone facial products that include various sized individual stones that can be heated or chilled and applied to the body surface (see, e.g., URL: http://www.thstone.com/products_facial.html). A person intent on using such stones must apply a considerable amount of dedicated hand and finger movements. For example, a person desiring to massage the muscles of their neck using a stone would use one or both of their hands to contact the stone with their neck muscles to achieve the desired effect. Thus, there is a need for a therapy apparatus that can be used without requiring substantial use of the person's hands.
0006 Flexible containers with fillings that can store heat are known. For example, German Pat. No. DE19639312 issued to Kirschke describes a cushion having a filling that stores heat. The filling can comprise natural materials such as cherry stones, millet seeds and/or millet husks. The Kirschke device can be attached to the body of a patient using a cushion holder device comprising shoulder straps. While the filling material may not be suitable to make direct contact with a person's skin, direct contact with heated stones with varying textures and degrees of smoothness or roughness can be beneficial and comforting to a person requiring or desiring such contact. Thus, there is a need for an apparatus that directly applies heated stones to a person's body.
0007 Japanese Pat. No. JP2000202037 issued to A. Norio describes a navel pad having permanent magnets and natural stones mounted on a belt that is wound around the belly of the user. The Norio apparatus is not used to treat muscle groups around other parts of the body. Thus, there is a need for an apparatus that directly applies heated stones to various parts of the human body.
0008 None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus, an apparatus for self-applied hot stone therapy solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
0009 The invention is directed to a hot stone therapy apparatus for self-applied hot stone therapy. The apparatus comprises at least one elongated flexible member, and a plurality of stones connected to each other by means of the at least one elongated flexible member. The stones are capable of storing heat energy from, for example, a bowl of hot water. The distribution of the plurality of stones permit self-application of the stones about a desired area of a person's body such as the shoulders, neck, or hips of a person.
0010 Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide an apparatus for hot stone therapy.
0011 It is another object of the invention to provide a hot stone therapy apparatus that can be used without severely restricting the movements of the user.
0012 Still another object of the invention is to provide a hot stone therapy apparatus that does not require excessive use of a user's hands.
0013 It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.
0014 These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
0015FIG. 1 is a front environmental perspective view of a hot stone therapy apparatus adapted to apply hot stone therapy to a person's shoulders according to a first embodiment of the invention.
0016FIG. 2 is a rear view of the hot stone therapy apparatus of FIG. 1.
0017FIG. 3 is a side view of the hot stone therapy apparatus of FIG. 1.
0018FIG. 4 is a front environmental perspective view of a hot stone therapy apparatus adapted to apply hot stone therapy to a person's neck according to a second embodiment of the invention.
0019FIG. 5 is a rear view of the hot stone therapy apparatus of FIG. 4.
0020FIG. 6 is a side view of the hot stone therapy apparatus of FIG. 4.
0021FIG. 7 shows a hot stone therapy apparatus adapted to apply hot stone therapy to a person's hip according to a third embodiment of the invention.
0022FIG. 8 shows a hot stone therapy apparatus adapted to apply hot stone therapy to a person's spine according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
0023FIG. 9A shows an elongated flexible member screwed into a stone according to the invention.
0024FIG. 9B shows an elongated flexible member glued into a stone according to the invention.
0025FIG. 9C shows a stone pressure fitted into a stone according to the invention.
0026FIG. 9D shows a stone fitted through a stone according to the invention.
0027FIG. 10 shows a hot stone therapy apparatus with a plurality of stones disposed along a single continuous elongated flexible member according to the invention.
0028FIG. 11 shows a hot stone therapy apparatus with a plurality of artificial stones disposed along a single continuous elongated flexible member according to the invention.
0029FIG. 12 shows a hot stone therapy apparatus with a plurality of artificial stones disposed along two substantially parallel and continuous elongated flexible members according to the invention.
0030FIG. 13 shows a hot stone therapy apparatus with a plurality of artificial stones disposed along two substantially parallel and continuous elongated flexible members according to the invention.
0031FIG. 14 shows a hot stone therapy apparatus with a plurality of artificial stones disposed along a single continuous elongated flexible member according to the invention.
0032 Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
0033 The present invention present invention relates to hot stone therapy. More specifically, the invention relates to an apparatus for self-applied hot stone therapy.
100
100
120
140
120
0034 Referring to the figures in general, the hot stone therapy apparatus is denoted by the reference numeral as a whole. The hot stone therapy apparatus comprises at least one elongated flexible member , and a plurality of stones connected in series to each other by means of the at least one elongated flexible member .
140
140
140
140
140
100
180
180
a
0035 The stones are denoted generally by the reference numeral , individual stones are denoted by the reference numeral followed by a letter, e.g., . The stones are capable of storing heat energy from, for example, hot water. The stones are distributed in such a manner to enable the hot stone therapy device to be mounted on a person's body to provide heat at desired points on the person's body .
140
140
145
140
145
0036 The stones are preferably natural river stones. Alternatively, the stones may be artificial. The surface of each stone can be varied to provide a range of surface textures to suit different users. For example, the surface of a natural or artificial stone may be artificially roughed or smoothed to achieve a desired degree of smoothness or roughness.
3
100
100
100
200
140
100
200
180
180
100
200
180
140
200
200
a
a
a
a
0037FIGS. 1, 2 and are environmental perspective views of a first embodiment of the invention in which the hot stone therapy apparatus takes the form of a shoulder hot stone therapy apparatus . The shoulder hot stone therapy apparatus is configured to apply hot stone therapy to a person's shoulders . In this embodiment of the present invention, the stones are distributed in such a manner as to enable the hot stone therapy device to be mounted on a person's (i.e. wearer's) shoulders without substantially affecting the mobility of the wearer . For example, the wearer is free to walk about or sit upright while the hot stone apparatus is on the person's shoulders . When the wearer walks about the stones can rub against the shoulders and thereby knead the person's shoulder area without requiring undue use of the wearer's hands. The terms wearer, user, and person are hereinafter regarded as equivalent terms.
120
140
180
140
180
120
120
a
0038 The at least one elongated flexible member is preferably sufficiently stiff to keep the stones in place and sufficiently flexible to enable a person to juxtaposition the stones to suit the wearer's body and thereby make contact at desired points on the wearer's body . The at least one elongated flexible member may form a duplex arrangement as shown in FIG. 2.
140
100
140
100
220
6
180
180
0039 The stones are preferably heated by placing the device in hot water. The stones absorb heat energy from the hot water and after absorbing a sufficient amount of heat energy the device may be fitted, for example, to a person's neck (FIGS. 4, 5, and ). With regard to the term sufficient amount of heat energy the inventor means an amount of heat energy sufficient to heat the stones to a temperature that would not cause a burn or discomfort to a wearer ; the prospective wearer can determine a preferred stone temperature from experience or by using, for example, a thermometer to measure water temperature.
6
100
100
100
220
100
140
220
140
140
220
b
b
b
i
g
h
0040FIGS. 4, 5, and are environmental perspective views of a second embodiment of the invention in which the hot stone therapy apparatus takes the form of a neck hot stone therapy apparatus . The neck hot stone therapy apparatus is configured to apply hot stone therapy to a person's neck area . The device comprises a center stone that abuts against the rear part of the neck . The end flanking stones and abut against the opposite sides of the neck .
100
100
100
120
140
140
c
c
b
g
h.
0041FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of the present invention in which the device takes the form of a hip hot stone therapy apparatus . The hip embodiment comprises a single elongated flexible member with opposite ends embedded in end stones and
100
100
100
120
140
140
140
d
d
i
g
h.
0042FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention in which the device takes the form of a spine hot stone therapy apparatus . The spine embodiment comprises an at least one elongated flexible member each with opposite ends embedded in a middle or one of the end stones or
9
9
9
240
120
140
140
260
260
240
120
260
120
140
c
c
c
0043FIGS. 9A, 9B, C, D and E show various mechanisms of attachment between the end of an elongated flexible member and a stone . FIG. 9A shows a stone with a blind hole therein; the blind hole has a threaded interior. The end of the elongated flexible member comprises a complementary thread that is screwed into the blind hole thereby attaching the elongated flexible member to the stone . This form of attachment may be summarized as a drill and screw mechanism of attachment.
140
260
260
120
260
120
140
d
d
0044FIG. 9B shows a stone with a blind hole therein; the blind hole lacks a threaded interior. The end of the elongated flexible member is glued into the blind hole thereby attaching the elongated flexible member to the stone . This form of attachment may be summarized as a drill and glue mechanism of attachment.
140
260
260
120
260
120
140
e
e
0045FIG. 9C shows a stone with a blind hole therein; the blind hole also lacks a threaded interior. The end of the elongated flexible member is pressure fitted into the blind hole thereby attaching the elongated flexible member to the stone . This form of attachment may be summarized as a drill and pressure fit mechanism of attachment.
140
280
120
280
300
120
140
120
140
f
f
0046FIG. 9D shows a stone with a hollow through bore . The end of the elongated flexible member passes through the through bore and defines an anchor to keep the member attached to the stone . This form of attachment may be summarized as a drill and anchor mechanism of attachment. Thus, the at least one elongated flexible member can be attached to the stones in a variety of ways.
0047 The invention is also directed to a process for producing a hot stone therapy apparatus adapted to provide hot stone therapy to a person. The process comprises the steps: (1) providing at least one elongated flexible member; (2) providing a plurality of molds at predetermined positions along the at least one elongated flexible member such that the at least one elongated flexible member travels through at least one of the molds; (3) filling the molds with a stone mix capable of hardening to form artificial stones, wherein the artificial stones are capable of storing heat energy; and (4) hardening the stone mix in the molds to provide hardened artificial stones at predetermined positions along the at least one elongated flexible member to provide the hot stone therapy apparatus for applying hot stone therapy to a person.
0048 It should be understood that a mold may be provided at each opposite end of the at least one elongated flexible member such that the ends of the at least one elongated flexible member terminate inside the end molds as shown, for example, in FIG. 10.
0049 In an alternative embodiment of the process for producing a hot stone therapy apparatus, the step of providing at least one elongated flexible member further comprises providing two substantially parallel-elongated flexible members.
100
100
120
120
140
140
120
140
100
e
e
d
d
g
h
d
i
e
0050FIG. 10 shows a hot stone therapy apparatus produced by the above process, wherein the hot stone therapy apparatus comprises a plurality of artificially molded stones disposed along a single continuous elongated flexible member , the opposite ends of the elongated flexible member are shown buried in molded end stones and . The single continuous flexible member travels completely through the middle molded stone . The apparatus is suitable for use as a collar or neck hot stone therapy apparatus.
10
10
120
120
140
140
120
140
100
f
f
e
e
g
h
e
i
f
0051FIG. 11 shows a hot stone therapy apparatus produced by the above process, wherein the hot stone therapy apparatus comprises a plurality of artificially molded stones disposed along a single continuous elongated flexible member , the opposite ends of the elongated flexible member are shown buried in artificial end stones and . The single continuous flexible member travels completely through the middle stones . The apparatus is suitable for use as a shoulder hot stone therapy apparatus.
100
120
120
100
g
f
g
g
0052FIG. 12 shows a hot stone therapy apparatus produced by the above process, wherein the hot stone therapy apparatus comprises a plurality of artificially molded stones disposed along two substantially parallel and continuous elongated flexible members and . The apparatus is suitable for use as a collar or neck hot stone therapy apparatus.
100
120
120
100
h
h
i
h
0053FIG. 13 shows a hot stone therapy apparatus produced by the above process, wherein the hot stone therapy apparatus comprises a plurality of stones disposed along two substantially parallel and continuous elongated flexible members and . The apparatus is suitable for use as a shoulder hot stone therapy apparatus.
10
120
100
i
d
i
0054FIG. 14 shows a hot stone therapy apparatus produced by the above process, wherein the hot stone therapy apparatus comprises a plurality of artificially molded stones disposed along a single continuous elongated flexible member in the form of a strip having a generally rectangular cross-section; thus, the flexible elongated member may take various forms. The apparatus is suitable for use as a collar or neck hot stone therapy apparatus.
0055 It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS | |
With time, as we grew to love each other, we grew to love each other’s vision of what our future would hold.
Although we had already purchased and renovated a home, we always knew it was not our forever home. We would live on a farm and raise our children on that farm. We were married in 2013 and became a family of 3 in 2018 when we welcomed our precious son Deacon into the world.
Hunting for a property proved to be challenging, for reasons. 1. Location: We needed land close to his family, since we all work together to keep the farms running and sharing equipment. 2. Price: We were not willing to go into debt to the point that our future finances would be restricted for the rest of our lives. However, there are so many established farmers in the area, land gets expensive fast and we were getting outbid at every auction. 3. Acreage: We needed enough acreage to meet our crop, livestock, and lifestyle needs. We will farm the ground with corn, soy beans, and wheat. Our bees will love the crops and wild flowers that grow around Honey Bell Farm. From the bees we are able to make various products and home remedies, using their wax.
We plan to section off a pasture area for cattle, but are still deciding what all livestock we would like to pursue. I would love horses to ride on the trails and maybe we’ll add goats or chickens… we’re open to where life takes us!
Much of our ambition is to provide food for our family and an income to help support our livelihood. You can read more about finding the farm here! | https://honeybellfarm.com/about-us/ |
The Instructional Technology Department’s primary mission is to provide concrete guidance, best practices, and training for the implementation of technology in the classroom to both students and staff.
-
VISION
Our vision is to create a culture of technology integration which enhances the learning environment by fostering collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication in each classroom. Thus, preparing every student for the rigorous demands of 21st century institutions of higher education and globally oriented workplaces.
Our Beliefs
-
-
Our student body are digital natives.
-
Technology can assist and appeal to digital natives when learning.
-
Digital citizenship and online safety is a must and should be a priority in every classroom in order to responsibly integrate technology.
-
Technology is a tool which should be seamlessly integrated into classroom use.
-
How technology integration takes place is contextually based.
-
Learning drives the use of technology. Technology should not dictate what is learned in the classroom.
-
Continuously development of technology skills is a norm and expectation of today's educator.
-
A foundation of the 4cs (communication, collaboration, creativity, and communication skills) are part of the essential skills to preparing students for the 21st century.
-
Instructional Technology Announcements
-
itslearning has arrived at Everman ISD!
itslearning is an exciting new Learning Management System (LMS) that will allow for students to access assignments at home on any device. When fully implemented it will allow parents to monitor their student progress in each of their classes while teachers will be able to send student grades directly to Skyward! | https://www.eisd.org/domain/89 |
Filey coastline 'among worst hit by erosion' but councillor says newly-released figures are 'a load of rubbish'
Filey is the sixth most high risk area in the country for coastline erosion, a new research has shown, and unless action is taken, 131ft of land will crumble into the sea over the next 20 years.
The worrying findings are the result of analysis from home insurance provider Confused.com which used data collected by the UK Environmental Agency’s National Coastal Erosion Risk Mapping project to create a map predicting the speed of erosion on England’s coastline. You can see the map HERE.
According to the Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership, Filey is the third worst affected area in Yorkshire and the Humber, where 56% of the coastline is at risk. Hornsea is first, followed by Withernsea.
Scarborough Borough Councillor Mike Cockerill, who lives in Filey, said the figures are “a load of rubbish”.
“There is no doubt that natural forces are causing the advancement of the sea, whether that’s erosion or cliff slumping or both, but not to the extent they are suggesting. I see no justification whatsoever.
“When you look back in my lifetime there has been partly slumping of the cliffs but less than a foot a year.
“I don’t know what information they have gleaned but to me their conclusion is totally incorrect.”
A scheme to protect 40 properties at Flat Cliffs was completed earlier this year. The work saw the drainage of the cliff, which has a tendency to get waterlogged, and the use of sandbags to prevent it from slumping. | https://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/news/filey-coastline-among-worst-hit-erosion-councillor-says-newly-released-figures-are-load-rubbish-1318815 |
Benchmark network coverage against the top carriers in the world for several network metrics. Crowdsourced insights deliver stronger and more contextual insights than traditional drive testing.
Look years into the future, at a street-level and in-building granularity, for intelligent capacity planning, and to select new site locations.
Analyze signal strength & quality based on time of day, day of week, special events, locations, and more.
See which apps are consuming the most mobile data on specific carrier networks.
Be alerted of app updates that consume excessive mobile data, drain device battery, and take up excessive background resources.
Receive daily automated alerts on the most critical app resource-consumption issues, that are having the most negative impact on the network and your users’ experiences. | http://hebergementweb.pro/network-insights.html |
Q:
Trying to map my physics experiment onto an optimisation problem
I'm running an experiment consists in setting voltages on a set of 4 gates in an electronic device, and performing a measurement that will return a probability of success. My goal is to set the gates to a specific value that maximises the probability of success.
I can make a good initial estimate of the gate voltages I need, but I would then like to optimise over a bounded range of gate space, to maximise the probability of success.
The main issue that even though the 4D parameter space is not so large (average step in parameters is 1/10 of the bounded range), the measurement is very slow (~5 seconds), so going through the entire space by brute force will take too long.
So I am looking for an optimisation algorithm to do a more efficient walk through my gate voltage space and find the maximum success probability from my experiment.
A:
Crude possible answer. Your "$1/10$ of the range" for step size for each parameter means a brute force search would require $10^4$ experiments. You could consider a local search algorithm that evaluates at the $3^4 = 81$ points that divide each parameter interval in quarters. Then look near the single point that offers the maximum so far. That might reduce the number of measurements from ten thousand to some hundreds.
Whether a strategy like this is likely to find a value at (or near) the maximum depends on how regular/convex the objective function is. If it actually has a single maximum at the top of a single hill you will be close. If it oscillates a lot as a function of parameter values you are out of luck.
Edit. Actually, brute force would call for $11^4$ evaluations since you want to check at the boundary points too. That makes this a fence post problem. But the essence of my suggestion is unchanged.
| |
Descartes therefore argued, as a result of his method, that reason alone determined knowledge, and that this could be done independently of the senses.
As with the other theses covered under the umbrella of rationalism, the more types and greater number of concepts a philosopher claims to be innate, the more controversial and radical their position; "the more a concept seems removed from experience and the mental operations we can perform on experience the more plausibly it may be claimed to be innate.
To the rationalists he argued, broadly, that pure reason is flawed when it goes beyond its limits and claims to know those things that are necessarily beyond the realm of all possible experience: Some recent commentators tend to adhere to the Hegelian view, namely that civil society is a sphere of individual association which may be contrasted with the domain of state power.
Much of these positions entailed a validation of the American democratic system. Analyses of these groups have been a key part of E.
If speculation, intuition, imagination, or moral sentiment were to have a place in IR after the triumph of Realism, it would be as subordinate elements in, and correctives to, a distinctly positivist system of thought.
For example, a study of the United States Congress might include a consideration of how members of Congress behave in their positions. American social scientists, on the other hand, were keen on demonstrating the relevance of their fields of study for practical social problems.
Western civilization, modern civilization, industrial civilization, scientific and technological civilization. He also argued that although dreams appear as real as sense experiencethese dreams cannot provide persons with knowledge.
More technically, capital is one of four factors of production. Like balance-of-power, collective security works on the assumption that any potential aggressor would be deterred by the prospect of joint retaliation, but it goes beyond the military realm to include a wider array of security problems.
It is symbolic because it reflects the idea that behavioralism was an American intellectual project whose assumptions and objectives remained incomprehensible beyond the circle of its American practitioners, as Bull himself keenly noted.
There was a critical moment when civilization was used in the plural. The answer to the discipline's crisis was delineated in Easton's Philosophical usage[ edit ] Rationalism is often contrasted with empiricism.
Carr and Hans Morgenthau, both of whom expressed profound doubts about the naturalism of the utopians Carr ; Morgenthau ; Morgenthau It is to Hegel that we owe the modern meaning of the concept of civil society.
The sociological theory of the autonomy of technology suggests that if neuroscientific techniques come to be seen as reliable for this purpose, other objections will soon be abandoned. These disconcerting tendencies add grist to the post-modernist mill and its critique of academic positivism.
David Berger is more useful in a Jewish context. Some rationalists understand warranted beliefs to be beyond even the slightest doubt; others are more conservative and understand the warrant to be belief beyond a reasonable doubt. The contrast made by Coleridge and others was between civilization and culture or cultivation.
Virtually everyone now acknowledges that IR is in a state of turmoil, but how and why it came about, and its implications for the study of international relations, are matters of intense dispute.
C capital Concept from economics, referring most obviously and intuitively to the machines, plant and buildings used in the industrial manufacturing process. As the name, and the rationale, suggests, the Innate Knowledge thesis claims knowledge is simply part of our rational nature.
There was a sense of the capitalist as the useless but controlling intermediary between producers, or as the employer of labor, or, finally, as the owner of the means of production.
The distinction between authority and power is questioned more subtly by certain accounts of ideology. Precisely because nearly all social activities must proceed through stages that are pre-determined by bureaucracies, and given that those bureaucratic structures are themselves inflexible and possibly unresponsive to change, innovative activity, or activity that does not make sense within the narrow parameters of the bureaucracy, is inhibited.
The steady growth in size and importance of this bourgeois class in the centuries of expanding trade had major consequences in political thought, which in turn had complicating effects on the word.
Lastly, innate ideas, such as our ideas of perfectionare those ideas we have as a result of mental processes that are beyond what experience can directly or indirectly provide.
IR itself became open to specialists from other disciplines, such as economist Kenneth Boulding, physicist Herman Kahn,or mathematician Anatol Rapoport The focus on quantitativism should, however, not preclude an appreciation of the important developments behavioralism introduced into IR.
Somit and Tanenhaus The article also provides many concrete examples of specific teaching techniques that professors could adopt in their own class immediately.
This perspective holds that ideological, as well as material, factors may constitute 'power' e. By the late 18th century and then very markedly in the 19th century it became common.
Consensus is neither a necessary nor desirable ingredient for intellectual progress, nor do disagreements about which substantive aspects of international politics to study, or why we should study them, preclude talking about IR as a coherent subject.
The Study of Politics: Logic, Approaches and Methods. 17 Pages. The Study of Politics: Logic, Approaches and Methods. Uploaded by. Nkwachukwu Orji. Download with Google Download with Facebook or download with email.
The Study of Politics: Logic, Approaches and Methods Logic of Political Inquiry Research Paradigms Positivism vs. International relations theory is the study of international relations (IR) from a theoretical perspective. It attempts to provide a conceptual framework upon which international relations can be analyzed.
Ole Holsti describes international relations theories as acting like pairs of coloured sunglasses that allow the wearer to see only salient events. Empiricism v. rationalism THE EMPIRICISTS: Empiricists share the view that there is no such thing as innate knowledge, and that instead knowledge is derived from experience (either sensed via the five senses or reasoned via the brain or mind).
In contrast to LP, Popper is considered to be a realist, and is often referred to as a critical rationalist (Thornton, ). Others such as Laudan () have pointed out the overlap between Popper’s thought and LE.
Rationalist vs.
Behavioralist Paradigms Rationalist vs. Behavioralist Paradigm Problems 11 A Model of Ethics in Decision Making 14 Ethics Problems 16 The Local Context: The Houston Economy 18 The Global and National Competitive Contexts Behavior Paradigms Words | 8 Pages. Rationalist vs. | https://pasejyzyzory.douglasishere.com/rationalist-vs-behavioralist-paradigms-1509fw.html |
Abstract:The aim of this research is to understand how the emerging power bloc BRICS employs infrastructure development narratives to construct a new world order. BRICS is an international body consisting of five emerging countries that collaborate on economic and political issues: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This study explores the projection of infrastructure development narratives through an analysis of BRICS’ attention to infrastructure investment and financing, its support of the New Partnership on African Development and the establishment of the New Development Bank in Shanghai. The theory of Strategic Narratives is used to explore BRICS’ commitment to infrastructure development and to distinguish three layers: system narratives (BRICS as a global actor to propose development reform), identity narratives (BRICS as a collective identity joining efforts to act upon development aspirations) and issue narratives (BRICS committed to a range of issues of which infrastructure development is prominent). The methodology that is employed is a narrative analysis of BRICS’ official documents, media statements, and website imagery. A comparison of these narratives illuminates tensions at the three layers and among the five member states. Identifying tensions among development infrastructure narratives provides an indication of how policymaking for infrastructure development could be improved. Subsequently, it advances BRICS’ ability to act as a global actor to construct a new world order.
Keywords: BRICS, emerging powers, infrastructure development, strategic narrativesProcedia PDF Downloads 214
13049 Protection of the Object of the Critical Infrastructure in the Czech Republic
Authors: Michaela Vašková
Abstract:With the increasing dependence of countries on the critical infrastructure, it increases their vulnerability. Big threat is primarily in the human factor (personnel of the critical infrastructure) and in terrorist attacks. It emphasizes the development of methodology for searching of weak points and their subsequent elimination. This article discusses methods for the analysis of safety in the objects of critical infrastructure. It also contains proposal for methodology for training employees of security services in the objects of the critical infrastructure and developing scenarios of attacks on selected objects of the critical infrastructure.
Keywords: critical infrastructure, object of critical infrastructure, protection, safety, security, security auditProcedia PDF Downloads 252
13048 Strategic Investment in Infrastructure Development to Facilitate Economic Growth in the United States
Authors: Arkaprabha Bhattacharyya, Makarand Hastak
Abstract:The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented in terms of its global reach and economic impacts. Historically, investment in infrastructure development projects has been touted to boost the economic growth of a nation. The State and Local governments responsible for delivering infrastructure assets work under tight budgets. Therefore, it is important to understand which infrastructure projects have the highest potential of boosting economic growth in the post-pandemic era. This paper presents relationships between infrastructure projects and economic growth. Statistical relationships between investment in different types of infrastructure projects (transit, water and wastewater, highways, power, manufacturing etc.) and indicators of economic growth are presented using historic data between 2002 and 2020 from the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). The outcome of the paper is the comparison of statistical correlations between investment in different types of infrastructure projects and indicators of economic growth. The comparison of the statistical correlations is useful in ranking the types of infrastructure projects based on their ability to influence economic prosperity. Therefore, investment in the infrastructures with the higher rank will have a better chance of boosting the economic growth. Once, the ranks are derived, they can be used by the decision-makers in infrastructure investment related decision-making process.
Keywords: economic growth, infrastructure development, infrastructure projects, strategic investmentProcedia PDF Downloads 57
13047 Policies and Politics of Infrastructure Provisioning in Nigeria
Authors: Olufemi Adedamola Oyedele
Abstract:Infrastructure provision in Nigeria is now at its lowest ebb in spite of its being critical to the socio-economic and political development of any nation. This is partly because the policy that will ensure its adequate provisioning is missing and partly because politics is affecting its provision. Policy is the basic principles by which a government is guided. Infrastructural development is the basis for measuring the performance of governments and it is the foundation of good governance. Demand for infrastructural development is higher and resources used in its provision are limited. Ethnic-interest agitation and lobbying for infrastructure provision are common things in multi-ethnic state like Nigeria. Most infrastructures are now decayed and need repair or replacement. Government is the system that organizes, control and sensitizes the people in a society in other for all to have an acceptable level of living. Governments have the power to put in place all measures that they deem fit will make an environment conducive for living for everybody. Infrastructure development in any environment requires needs assessment, feasibility and viability studies and carrying out physical development of the project. The challenge in Nigeria is largely carrying out development where they are not needed but where the people are loyal. There are numerous abandoned projects because they were started due to politics and not because they are feasible. Policies and politics greatly affect infrastructure provisioning in Nigeria and this is the premise of this paper.
Keywords: infrastructure challenges, infrastructure development, policy making, politics, project financeProcedia PDF Downloads 188
13046 The Influences of Green Infrastructure Develop on Urban Renewals for Real Essence and Non-Real Essence Economic Value
Authors: Chao Jen-Chih, Hsu Kuo-Wei
Abstract:Climate change and natural disasters take effect on urban development. It has been discussed urban renewals can prevent natural disasters. Integrating green infrastructure and urban renewals may have great effect on adapting the impact of climate change. To highlight the economic value of green infrastructure development on urban renewals, some strategies need to be carry on to reduce environmental impact. A number of urban renewals studies has been conducted on right transfer, financial risk, urban renewal policy, and public participation. Little research has been devoted on the subject of the economic value of green infrastructure development on urban renewals. The purpose of this study is to investigate the affecting factors on the economic value of green infrastructure development on urban renewals. This study will present the benefits of green infrastructure development and summarize the critical factors of green infrastructure develop on urban renewals for real essence and non-real essence on economic value from literature. Our results indicate that factors of housing price, land value, floor area incentive, and facilitation of the construction industry affect the outcome of real essence economic value. Factors of enhancement of urban disaster prevention, improvement of urban environment and landscape, crime reduction, climate control, pollution reduction, biological diversity, health impacts, and leisure space affects the outcome of non-real essence economic value.
Keywords: economic value, green infrastructure, urban renewals, urban developmentProcedia PDF Downloads 328
13045 Economic Assessment Methodology to Support Decisions for Transport Infrastructure Development
Authors: Dimitrios J. Dimitriou
Abstract:The decades after the end of the second War provide evidence that infrastructures investments contibute to economic development, on terms of productivity and income growth. In order to force productivity and increase competitiveness the financing of large transport infrastructure projects are on the top of the agenda in strategic planning process. Such a decision may take form some days to some decades and stakeholders as well as decision makers need tools in order to estimate the economic impact on natioanl economy of such an investment. The key question in such decisions is if the effects caused by the new infrastructure could be able to boost economic development on one hand, and create new jobs and activities on the other. This paper deals with the review of estimation of the mega transport infrastructure projects economic effects in economy.
Keywords: economic impact, transport infrastructure, strategic planning, decision makingProcedia PDF Downloads 207
13044 Sustainable Development Variables to Assess Transport Infrastructure in Remote Destinations
Authors: Dimitrios J. Dimitriou, Maria F. Sartzetaki
Abstract:The assessment variables of the accessibility and the sustainability of access infrastructure for remote regions may vary significant by location and a wide range of factors may affect the decision process. In this paper, the environmental disturbance implications of transportation system to key demand and supply variables impact the economic system in remote destination are descripted. According to a systemic approach, the key sustainability variables deals with decision making process that have to be included in strategic plan for the critical transport infrastructure development and their relationship to regional socioeconomic system are presented. The application deals with the development of railway in remote destinations, where the traditional CBA not include the external cost generated by the environmental impacts that may have a range of diverse impacts on transport infrastructure and services. The analysis output provides key messages to decision and policy makers towards sustainable development of transport infrastructure, especially for remote destinations where accessibility is a key factor of regional economic development and social stability. The key conclusion could be essential useful for relevant applications in remote regions in the same latitude.
Keywords: sustainable development in remote regions, transport infrastructure, strategic planning, sustainability variablesProcedia PDF Downloads 242
13043 Development of a Value Evaluation Model of Highway Box-Girder Bridge
Authors: Hao Hsi Tseng
Abstract:Taiwan’s infrastructure is gradually deteriorating, while resources for maintenance and replacement are increasingly limited, raising the urgent need for methods for maintaining existing infrastructure within constrained budgets. Infrastructure value evaluation is used to enhance the efficiency of infrastructure maintenance work, allowing administrators to quickly assess the maintenance needs and performance by observing variation in infrastructure value. This research establishes a value evaluation model for Taiwan’s highway box girder bridges. The operating mechanism and process of the model are illustrated in a practical case.
Keywords: box girder bridge, deterioration, infrastructure, maintenance, value evaluationProcedia PDF Downloads 112
13042 Identification of Successful Criteria for Measuring Large Infrastructure Projects Performance in Malaysia
Authors: M. A. N. Masrom, M. H. I. A. Rahim, G. K. Chen, S. Mohamed
Abstract:Large infrastructure project is one of significant category in the development of Malaysian construction industry. This type of project has been recognized as a high complexity project with numerous construction risks, large cost involvement, highly technical requirements and divers of resources. Besides, the development of large infrastructure such as highway, railway, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and airport are also needed a large investment of public and private sector. To accomplish the development successfully, several challenges has to be determined prior the project commencement. To date, a comprehensive assessment of key success criteria particularly for large infrastructure in developing country such as Malaysia, is still not systematically defined and therefore, it needs further investigation. This paper aims to explore the potential success criteria that would be useful in gauging overall performance of large infrastructure implementation particularly in developing country. Previous successful criteria studies were used to develop a conceptual framework that possibly suitable for measuring large infrastructure performance. The findings show that successful criteria of infrastructure projects implementation could be grouped according to several key elements as it seems significant to the participants in prioritizing project challenges more systematically.
Keywords: successful criteria, performance, large infrastructure, MalaysiaProcedia PDF Downloads 326
13041 Determinants of Infrastructure Provision in Ghana
Authors: Clifford Kwakwa Amoah, De-Graft Owusu-Manu, Prince Antwi-Afari
Abstract:Infrastructure is the lifeline for economic development of any country. Hence, obtaining infrastructure quality cannot be overemphasized. Nevertheless, challenges of infrastructure quality persist, and it is worse in developing countries despite the diverse study on the subject matter. Therefore, this study was formulated to identify the prevalent determinants of infrastructure quality using synthesis of extant literature (to identify key variables), and analysis of survey questionnaire of data collected by means of the inductive methodology approach, mean score ranking and descriptive statistics. The variables “partner with the private sector, growth stimulation and poverty reduction, and adherence to procurement core principles” were the most significant challenges that the government faces. Moreover, it would be of utmost concern to adopt some stringent measures to help improve and accelerate on the growth and development of the nation, thereby achieving the best quality required. This study is novel conducted to provide insight into some of the punitive measures, considered in ensuring that quality infrastructure is obtained in both developing (specifically) and developed economies. The research findings therefore provide some guidance for overcoming the accumulative challenges. Application of the stated findings will help bridge the gap of infrastructure challenges; this is because the study found strong empirical evidence that infrastructure plays a pivotal role in the productivity enhancement.
Keywords: challenges, development, economic growth, government, infrastructure qualityProcedia PDF Downloads 53
13040 A Case Study Approach to the Rate the Eco Sensitivity of Green Infrastructure Solutions
Abstract:In the area of civil infrastructure, there is an urgent need to apply technologies that deliver infrastructure sustainably in a way that is cost-effective. Civil engineering projects can have a significant impact on ecological and social systems if not correctly planned, designed and implemented. It can impact climate change by addressing the issue of flooding and sustainability. Poor design choices now can result in future generations to live in a climate with depleted resources and without green spaces. The objectives of the research study were to rate the sensitivity of various greener infrastructure technologies that can be used in township infrastructure, at the various stages of the project. This paper discusses the Green Township Infrastructure Design Toolkit, that is used to rate the sustainability of infrastructure service projects. Various case studies were undertaken on a range of infrastructure projects to test the sensitivity of various design solution against sustainability criteria. The Green reporting tools ensure efficient, economical and sustainable provision of infrastructure services.
Keywords: eco-efficiency, green infrastructure, green technology, infrastructure design, sustainable developmentProcedia PDF Downloads 294
13039 Study of the Economic Development of Border Areas Malinau District
Authors: Indri Nilam Sari, Aris Subagiyo, Nindya Sari
Abstract:Malinau Regency border area is an area which is based on the RTRWN and the development priority. But, in real border area Malinau Regency placed as backyard from Indonesian area and caused development lag that is fairly large compared by town area in Malinau Regency. This research aimed to know the condition of the gap in the Malinau Regency border and its influence on the development of the border region as well as knowing the problems related to the economy development of society in the area of the border district of Malinau. Methods of analysis are used in namely descriptive analysis that represent analysis of land use and analysis of movement activities of the population, level analysis facility and infrastructure, economy analysis that represent top commodity determination analysis (LQ and Growth Share) and accessibility. The results of the study showed that the condition of the Malinau Regency border come within the gap as seen from the contributions of infrastructure repair facilities and accessibility advocates, communities, scattered seed commodities come within the borders and human resources with the condition of the most Upstream Bahau town in the backwaters of the town more. There are a few problems that cause the condition area of the border experiencing inequality, lack of human resources, poor infrastructure, lack of accessibility and low levels of security so that it brings development recommendations was the development of the flagship commodities and infrastructure as well as supporting community economic infrastructure, as well as human resources.
Keywords: border, economy, development, MalinauProcedia PDF Downloads 321
13038 Identification of Parameters for Urban and Regional Level Infrastructure Development - A Theoretical Perspective: Case Study – Rail Based Mass Transit in Indian Cities
Authors: Chitresh Kumar, Santanu Gupta
Abstract:The research work intends to understand the process of initiation, planning and development of capital-intensive urban area level infrastructure development in East Asian Cities (specific to Indian Cities). With the onset of emphasis on sustainable urban transport, self-financed urban local bodies, it has become of utmost important to identify infrastructure and projects on a priority basis, which provide optimal utility to the urban area. Through identification of Spatial, Demographic and Socio-Economic and Political Instability Parameters and their trends for the past 60 years at the urban area and state level, the paper attempts to identify the most suitable time period when initiation of the project would become economically and demographically viable for the city.
Keywords: urban planning, regional planning, mass transit, infrastructure development, spatial planningProcedia PDF Downloads 471
13037 Application Potential of Selected Tools in Context of Critical Infrastructure Protection and Risk Analysis
Authors: Hromada Martin
Abstract:Risk analysis is considered as a fundamental aspect relevant for ensuring the level of critical infrastructure protection, where the critical infrastructure is seen as system, asset or its part which is important for maintaining the vital societal functions. Article actually discusses and analyzes the potential application of selected tools of information support for the implementation and within the framework of risk analysis and critical infrastructure protection. Use of the information in relation to their risk analysis can be viewed as a form of simplifying the analytical process. It is clear that these instruments (information support) for these purposes are countless, so they were selected representatives who have already been applied in the selected area of critical infrastructure, or they can be used. All presented fact were the basis for critical infrastructure resilience evaluation methodology development.
Keywords: critical infrastructure, protection, resilience, risk analysisProcedia PDF Downloads 539
13036 Reducing the Negative Effects of Infrastructure Deficit through Continuity in Governance
Authors: Edoghogho Ogbeifun, Charles Mbohwa, J. H. C. Pretorius
Abstract:Effective infrastructure development scheme planned and executed has positive influence on the quantity of available stock of infrastructure to meet the immediate and expansion needs of an organization, as well as contribute to the overall economic development of a nation, community or the local entity where the infrastructure is hosted. It is noteworthy, however, that infrastructure development scheme spans a long time frame, usually longer than the political life of the administration that initiates the scheme. In the majority of circumstances, execution may start and achieve different levels of completion; at best, only limited numbers are completed and put into functional use during the life of the administration that initiated the infrastructure scheme. When there is a change in leadership, many of the uncompleted projects are usually abandoned. The new administration repeats the circle of its predecessors and develops another set of infrastructure scheme which will suffer similar fate as the ones developed by their predecessors; thus doting the landscape with many uncompleted projects, which leads to infrastructure deficit. These circle will continue unless each succeeding leader sees governance as single continuum. Therefore, infrastructure projects not completed by one administration should be continued by succeeding administration, in order to increase the stock of relevant infrastructure available for the smooth operations organization and enhance the needed developments, as well as reduce the negative effects of infrastructure deficit. The single case study of qualitative research method was adopted to investigate the actions of the administration of three successive Vice-Chancellors, in a higher education institution in Nigeria, over a longitudinal period of twelve years. This is with a view to exploring the effects of each administration on the development and execution of infrastructure projects, with particular interest on abandoned projects. The findings revealed that although two of Vice-Chancellors were committed to infrastructure upgrade, they executed more new projects than completing abandoned ones, while the current leader has shown more pragmatism in completing abandoned projects alongside constructing new ones; thus demonstrating the importance of the continuity of governance. In this regard, there is a steady increase in the stock of infrastructure to accommodate the expansion of existing academic programmes, host new ones as well as reduce the negative effects of infrastructure deficit caused by abandoned projects.
Keywords: abandoned projects, continuity of governance, infrastructure development scheme, long time frameProcedia PDF Downloads 71
13035 A Review of Critical Factors in Budgetary Financing of Public Infrastructure in Nigeria
Authors: Akintayo Opawole, Godwin O. Jagboro
Abstract:Research efforts on infrastructure development in Nigeria had not provided adequate assessment of issues essential for policy response by the government to address infrastructure deficiency. One major gap existing in previous studies is the assessment of challenges facing the budgetary financing model. Based on a case study of Osun State in Southwestern Nigeria, factors affecting budgetary financing of public infrastructure were identified from literature and brainstorming. Respondents were: 6 architects, 4 quantity surveyors, 6 town planners, 5 estate surveyors, 4 builders, 21 engineers and 26 economists/accountants ranging from principal to director who have been involved in policy making process with respect to infrastructure development in the public service of Osun state. The identified variables were subjected to factor analysis. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy tests carried out (KMO, 0.785) showed that the data collected were adequate for the analysis and the Bartlett’s test of sphericity (0.000) showed the data upon which the analysis was carried out was reliable. Results showed that factors such as poor collaboration between the state and local government establishments, absence of credible database system and inadequate funding of maintenance were the most significant to infrastructure development in the State. Policy responses to address challenges of infrastructure development in the state were identified to focus on creation of legal framework for liberation policy, enforcement of ‘due process’ in the procurement and establishment of monitoring system for project delivery.
Keywords: development, infrastructure, financing, procurementProcedia PDF Downloads 354
13034 Politics of Planned Development: Focus on Urban Roads in Kaduna Metropolitan Area
Authors: Felicia Iyabode Olasehinde, Michael Maiye Olumorin
Abstract:To achieve a liveable and sustainable city, decision makers must engage in holistic approach to the planning and development of infrastructure such as roads. From observation there is great disparity in the development of roads in the northern part of the city while the south is being starved with this infrastructure. This paper attempts to make a comparison between the natures of roads in the north as against the south. The methodology to be adopted is survey research using clusters in the four local government making Kaduna Metropolis. The analysis of the road will be based on existing planning standards for roads in urban areas. This will now provide useful information for critical stakeholders at all levels of governance responsible for achieving liveable and sustainable cities.
Keywords: infrastructure, liveable, sustainable, urbanroadsProcedia PDF Downloads 320
13033 Building and Development of the Stock Market Institutional Infrastructure in Russia
Authors: Irina Bondarenko, Olga Vandina
Abstract:The theory of evolutionary economics is the basis for preparation and application of methods forming the stock market infrastructure development concept. The authors believe that the basis for the process of formation and development of the stock market model infrastructure in Russia is the theory of large systems. This theory considers the financial market infrastructure as a whole on the basis of macroeconomic approach with the further definition of its aims and objectives. Evaluation of the prospects for interaction of securities market institutions will enable identifying the problems associated with the development of this system. The interaction of elements of the stock market infrastructure allows to reduce the costs and time of transactions, thereby freeing up resources of market participants for more efficient operation. Thus, methodology of the transaction analysis allows to determine the financial infrastructure as a set of specialized institutions that form a modern quasi-stable system. The financial infrastructure, based on international standards, should include trading systems, regulatory and supervisory bodies, rating agencies, settlement, clearing and depository organizations. Distribution of financial assets, reducing the magnitude of transaction costs, increased transparency of the market are promising tasks in the solution for questions of services level and quality increase provided by institutions of the securities market financial infrastructure. In order to improve the efficiency of the regulatory system, it is necessary to provide "standards" for all market participants. The development of a clear regulation for the barrier to the stock market entry and exit, provision of conditions for the development and implementation of new laws regulating the activities of participants in the securities market, as well as formulation of proposals aimed at minimizing risks and costs, will enable the achievement of positive results. The latter will be manifested in increasing the level of market participant security and, accordingly, the attractiveness of this market for investors and issuers.
Keywords: institutional infrastructure, financial assets, regulatory system, stock market, transparency of the marketProcedia PDF Downloads 60
13032 Evaluation Framework for Investments in Rail Infrastructure Projects
Authors: Dimitrios J. Dimitriou, Maria F. Sartzetaki
Abstract:Transport infrastructures are high-cost, long-term investments that serve as vital foundations for the operation of a region or nation and are essential to a country’s or business’s economic development and prosperity, by improving well-being and generating jobs and income. The development of appropriate financing options is of key importance in the decision making process in order develop viable transport infrastructures. The development of transport infrastructure has increasingly been shifting toward alternative methods of project financing such as Public Private Partnership (PPPs) and hybrid forms. In this paper, a methodological decision-making framework based on the evaluation of the financial viability of transportation infrastructure for different financial schemes is presented. The framework leads to an assessment of the financial viability which can be achieved by performing various financing scenarios analyses. To illustrate the application of the proposed methodology, a case study of rail transport infrastructure financing scenario analysis in Greece is developed.
Keywords: rail transport infrastructure, financial viability, scenario analysis, rail project feasibilityProcedia PDF Downloads 202
13031 Delivering on Infrastructure Maintenance for Socio-Economic Growth: Exploration of South African Infrastructure for a Sustained Maintenance Strategy
Authors: Deenadayalan Govender
Abstract:In South Africa, similar to nations globally, the prevailing tangible link between people and the state is public infrastructure. Services delivered through infrastructure to the people and to the state form a critical enabler for social development in communities and economic development in the country. In this regard, infrastructure, being the backbone to a nation’s prosperity, ideally should be effectively maintained for seamless delivery of services. South African infrastructure is in a state of deterioration, which is leading to infrastructure dysfunction and collapse and is negatively affecting development of the economy. This infrastructure deterioration stems from deficiencies in maintenance practices and strategies. From the birth of South African democracy, government has pursued socio-economic transformation and the delivery of critical basic services to decrease the broadening boundaries of disparity. In this regard, the National Infrastructure Plan borne from strategies encompassed in the National Development Plan is given priority by government in delivering strategic catalytic infrastructure projects. The National Infrastructure Plan is perceived to be the key in unlocking opportunities that generate economic growth, kerb joblessness, alleviate poverty, create new entrepreneurial prospects, and mitigate population expansion and rapid urbanisation. Socio-economic transformation benefits from new infrastructure spend is not being realised as initially anticipated. In this context, South Africa is currently in a state of weakening economic growth, with further amassed levels of joblessness, unremitting poverty and inequality. Due to investor reluctance, solicitation of strategic infrastructure funding is progressively becoming a debilitating challenge in all government institutions. Exacerbating these circumstances further, is substandard functionality of existing infrastructure subsequent to inadequate maintenance practices. This in-depth multi-sectoral study into the state of infrastructure is to understand the principal reasons for infrastructure functionality regression better; furthermore, prioritised investigations into progressive maintenance strategies is focused upon. Resultant recommendations reveal enhanced maintenance strategies, with a vision to capitalize on infrastructure design life, and also give special emphasis to socio-economic development imperatives in the long-term. The research method is principally based on descriptive methods (survey, historical, content analysis, qualitative).
Keywords: infrastructure, maintenance, socio-economic, strategiesProcedia PDF Downloads 62
13030 A Strategy of Green Sukuk to Promote Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Indonesia
Authors: Amrial, Yuri Oktaviani, Ziyan Muhammad Farhan
Abstract:On the phase of shifting paradigm into sustainability, Indonesia is involved in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) project. That act is revealed by creating Medium and Long Term Roadmap for Sustainable Finance in Indonesia which collaborated design by Indonesia Financial Service Board (OJK) and Ministry of Environment and Forestry. One of alternative for that infrastructure financing is sharia-based financing, Green Sukuk (Sukuk specified on sustainable infrastructure project). Green Sukuk for infrastructure financing in Indonesia can be issued by the government in the form of Sukuk Project Financing. Moreover, banks in Indonesia can also participate for the issuance of Green Sukuk. So that the banks can create a financing for people who are concerned about environmental issues. By using qualitative methods and literature review, this paper aims to discuss potential, strategy and planning of Green Sukuk for financing sustainable infrastructure in the purpose of SDGs. This paper will benefit for government to give scientific discussion on the strategy of Green Sukuk in promoting sustainable goals infrastructure project in Indonesia.
Keywords: green sukuk, infrastructure, SDGs, sustainableProcedia PDF Downloads 249
13029 Development of Solar Energy Resources for Land along the Transportation Infrastructure: Taking the Lan-Xin Railway in the Silk Road Economic Belt as an Example
Authors: Dan Han, Yukun Zhang, Jie Zheng, Rui Zhang
Abstract:Making full use of space along transportation infrastructure to develop renewable energy sources, especially solar energy resources, has become a research focus in relevant fields. In recent years, relevant international researches can be classified into three stages of theoretical and technical exploration, exploratory practice as well as planning implementation. Compared with traditional solar energy development mode, the development of solar energy resources in places along the transportation infrastructure has special advantages, which can also bring forth new opportunities for the development of green transportation. 'Road Integrated Photovoltaic', a development model of combining transport and new energy, has been actively studied and applied in developed countries, but it was still in its infancy in China. 'New Silk Road Economic Belt' has great advantage to carry out the 'Road Integrated Photovoltaic' because of the rich solar energy resources in its path, the shortages of renewable energy, the constraints of agricultural land and other reasons. Especially the massive amount of construction of transportation infrastructure brought by Silk Road Economic Belt, large area of developable land along the transportation line will be generated. Abundant solar energy recourses along the Silk Road will provide extremely superb practical opportunities to the land development along transportation infrastructure. We take PVsyst, GIS and Google map software for simulation of its potential by taking Lan-Xin Railway as an example, so potential electrical energy generation can be quantified and further analyzed. Research of 'New Silk Road Economic Belt' combined with 'Road Integrated Photovoltaic' is a creative development for the along transport and energy infrastructure. It not only can make full use of solar radiation and land in its path, but also bring more long-term advantages and benefits.
Keywords: land use, silk road economic belt, solar energy, transportation infrastructureProcedia PDF Downloads 158
13028 Modeling a Sustainable City in the Twenty-First Century: A Case Study of Ibadan Oyo State Nigeria
Authors: K. J. Jegede, O. O. Odekunle
Abstract:The challenges facing government at all levels in the area of urban development are two folds, first is how to provide basic services for urban dwellers especially the urban poor and second, how to make cities and towns as model of good places for economic development. The key ingredients and catalysts for achieving these goals are strong and virile institutional capacity, urban infrastructure and a supportive urban policy framework. The government at all levels have been upgrading and expanding city infrastructure and services in Ibadan, the state capital to support sustainable economic development of the city, particularly in the areas of electricity, neighbourhood, solid waste management, transport, water supply, education, health facilities and markets developments to discourage street trading. This paper attempts to present Ibadan in the millennium as 'a model of a sustainable city'. A planned development strategy that had sustained the growth of the city from a war camp in the 19th century to a cosmopolitan city in the 21st century with the potential to become a megacity. The presentation examines, among others, the physical structure and population density of Ibadan city, the challenges of economic development, the development of urban infrastructure and services in Ibadan metropolitan area. The paper submitted by mapping out a strategy to achieve sustainable development of Ibadan city.
Keywords: megacity, physical structure, sustainable city, urban infrastructureProcedia PDF Downloads 226
13027 Soft Infrastructure in Tourism Development
Authors: Seetanah Boopen, Padachi Kesseven, R. Juwaheer , R. V. Sannassee, M. L. Lamport
Abstract:This study aims primarily at investigating the importance of soft infrastructure in tourism development for the case of an island economy namely Mauritius. The study in the first place assesses the level of perceived and actual satisfaction of the present state of the different types of soft tourism infrastructure and the allied services provided by tourism stakeholders in Mauritius and address the identified gaps. In order to address the study objectives, a rigorous survey analysis among 1741 international tourists at the departure lounge of the Sir Seewoosagur International Airport of Mauritius was carried out. The respondents placed significant emphasis on the different elements of the soft infrastructure dimension, where many of the elements falling under this dimension were rated with a high mean score. In particular the visitors rated communication, both internet and telephone services, and security to be most important. Significant gap has been found in the categories of ‘Health’ and ‘Security’. This indicates that the tourists ascribe high importance to the soft infrastructure dimension. The link between the respondent profile and the key variables which influence the tourist choice of the island as a destination are found to be equally important for most of the international tourists. However, these were deemed to be more critical for tourists travelling with family members. Although the survey instrument attempted to measure any gap between on the one hand, the importance of the infrastructure dimension and on the other hand, the level of satisfaction with the infrastructure dimension, overall the results do not show any statistically significant gap among the different elements of the infrastructural dimension. The study dwells into further analysis by engaging into an econometric framework related to a Probit Model, using the data collected, to gauge the effect of soft infrastructure on tourist intention to repeat or recommend the destination. The results confirm that soft infrastructure is found to be sensible to tourists, although relatively less sensitive as compared to tourism and transport and hotel infrastructure.
Keywords: tourism development, soft infrastructure, Mauritius, hotel infrastructureProcedia PDF Downloads 351
13026 The Use of Sustainability Criteria on Infrastructure Design to Encourage Sustainable Engineering Solutions on Infrastructure Projects
Authors: Shian Saroop, Dhiren Allopi
Abstract:In order to stay competitive and to meet upcoming stricter environmental regulations and customer requirements, designers have a key role in designing civil infrastructure so that it is environmentally sustainable. There is an urgent need for engineers to apply technologies and methods that deliver better and more sustainable performance of civil infrastructure as well as a need to establish a standard of measurement for greener infrastructure, rather than merely use tradition solutions. However, there are no systems in place at the design stage that assesses the environmental impact of design decisions on township infrastructure projects. This paper identifies alternative eco-efficient civil infrastructure design solutions and developed sustainability criteria and a toolkit to analyse the eco efficiency of infrastructure projects. The proposed toolkit is aimed at promoting high-performance, eco-efficient, economical and environmentally friendly design decisions on stormwater, roads, water and sanitation related to township infrastructure projects. These green solutions would bring a whole new class of eco-friendly solutions to current infrastructure problems, while at the same time adding a fresh perspective to the traditional infrastructure design process. A variety of projects were evaluated using the green infrastructure toolkit and their results are compared to each other, to assess the results of using greener infrastructure verses the traditional method of designing infrastructure. The application of ‘green technology’ would ensure a sustainable design of township infrastructure services assisting the design to consider alternative resources, the environmental impacts of design decisions, ecological sensitivity issues, innovation, maintenance and materials, at the design stage of a project.
Keywords: eco-efficiency, green infrastructure, infrastructure design, sustainable developmentProcedia PDF Downloads 139
13025 Trends of Public-Private Partnership Infrastructure in Thailand
Authors: Wasaporn Techapeeraparnich
Abstract:Bringing private investor involving in providing public infrastructure have been increasingly used worldwide, and there is no exception for developing countries like Thailand. Recently, there is a huge investment opportunity for public-private partnership (PPP) in Thailand, especially in the transportation sector. This paper analyses the development of the PPP since the early beginning of PPP in different service sectors. It also summarizes the development of PPP and its application in terms of usage, opportunities and trends particularly in the transport sector. The results are aimed to draw some lessons learned for future development.
Keywords: case study, public-private partnership, transportation, ThailandProcedia PDF Downloads 334
13024 Building Education Leader Capacity through an Integrated Information and Communication Technology Leadership Model and Tool
Authors: Sousan Arafeh
Abstract:Educational systems and schools worldwide are increasingly reliant on information and communication technology (ICT). Unfortunately, most educational leadership development programs do not offer formal curricular and/or field experiences that prepare students for managing ICT resources, personnel, and processes. The result is a steep learning curve for the leader and his/her staff and dissipated organizational energy that compromises desired outcomes. To address this gap in education leaders’ development, Arafeh’s Integrated Technology Leadership Model (AITLM) was created. It is a conceptual model and tool that educational leadership students can use to better understand the ICT ecology that exists within their schools. The AITL Model consists of six 'infrastructure types' where ICT activity takes place: technical infrastructure, communications infrastructure, core business infrastructure, context infrastructure, resources infrastructure, and human infrastructure. These six infrastructures are further divided into 16 key areas that need management attention. The AITL Model was created by critically analyzing existing technology/ICT leadership models and working to make something more authentic and comprehensive regarding school leaders’ purview and experience. The AITL Model then served as a tool when it was distributed to over 150 educational leadership students who were asked to review it and qualitatively share their reactions. Students said the model presented crucial areas of consideration that they had not been exposed to before and that the exercise of reviewing and discussing the AITL Model as a group was useful for identifying areas of growth that they could pursue in the leadership development program and in their professional settings. While development in all infrastructures and key areas was important for students’ understanding of ICT, they noted that they were least aware of the importance of the intangible area of the resources infrastructure. The AITL Model will be presented and session participants will have an opportunity to review and reflect on its impact and utility. Ultimately, the AITL Model is one that could have significant policy and practice implications. At the very least, it might help shape ICT content in educational leadership development programs through curricular and pedagogical updates.
Keywords: education leadership, information and communications technology, ICT, leadership capacity building, leadership developmentProcedia PDF Downloads 45
13023 E-Government, China Internet Plus, and the One Belt One Road Initiative: The Africa Connection
Authors: Isaac Kofi Mensah, Mi Jianing
Abstract:The lack of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) infrastructure in African countries is hampering the successful adoption, development and implementation of e-government in Africa. Electronic government is the use of ICTs to modernize government public administration processes and to provide government services to citizens with a purpose to enhance efficiency, accountability, and transparency in government’s interaction with the citizenry. ICT application in public administration has the potential to modernize and create smarter government and improvement in public service delivery. China’s Internet Plus policy and One Belt One Road strategy present a golden opportunity for countries in Africa to attract the huge financial investment through Chinese IT companies to develop and close Africa’s ICT infrastructure gap. This study recommends the establishment of One Belt One Road ICT Infrastructure Fund for Africa (OBOR ICT Fund for Africa) to enable countries in Africa to source solely for the purpose of ICT infrastructure development in the public sector/government machinery which would in turn promote the adoption and development of e-government in the public sectors of respective countries in Africa.
Keywords: e-government, public service delivery, internet plus, one belt one road initiative, China, AfricaProcedia PDF Downloads 279
13022 Tsunami Vulnerability of Critical Infrastructure: Development and Application of Functions for Infrastructure Impact Assessment
Authors: James Hilton Williams
Abstract:Recent tsunami events, including the 2011 Tohoku Tsunami, Japan, and the 2015 Illapel Tsunami, Chile, have highlighted the potential for tsunami impacts on the built environment. International research in the tsunami impacts domain has been largely focused toward impacts on buildings and casualty estimations, while only limited attention has been placed on the impacts on infrastructure which is critical for the recovery of impacted communities. New Zealand, with 75% of the population within 10 km of the coast, has a large amount of coastal infrastructure exposed to local, regional and distant tsunami sources. To effectively manage tsunami risk for New Zealand critical infrastructure, including energy, transportation, and communications, the vulnerability of infrastructure networks and components must first be determined. This research develops infrastructure asset vulnerability, functionality and repair- cost functions based on international post-event tsunami impact assessment data from technologically similar countries, including Japan and Chile, and adapts these to New Zealand. These functions are then utilized within a New Zealand based impact framework, allowing for cost benefit analyses, effective tsunami risk management strategies and mitigation options for exposed critical infrastructure to be determined, which can also be applied internationally.
Keywords: impact assessment, infrastructure, tsunami impacts, vulnerability functionsProcedia PDF Downloads 71
13021 Economic Indicators as Correlates of Inward Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria
Authors: C. F. Popoola, P. Osho, S. B. Babarinde
Abstract:This study examined economic indicators as correlates of inward FDI. An exploratory research design was used to obtained annual published data on inflation rate, market size, exchange rate, political instability, human development, and infrastructure from Central Bank of Nigeria, National Bureau of Statistics, Nigerian Capital Market, Nigeria Institute of Social and Economic Research, and UNCTAD. Data generated were analyzed using Pearson correlation, analysis of variance and regression. The findings of the study revealed that market size (r = 0.852, p < 0.001), infrastructure (r = 0.264, p < 0.001), human development (r = 0.154, p < 0.01) and exchange rate ( r= 0.178, p < 0.05) correlate positively with inward FDI, while inflation rate (r = -0.88, p < 0.001), and political instability (r= -0.102, p < 0.05) correlate negatively with inward FDI. Findings also revealed that the economic indicators significantly predicted inward FDI (R2 = 0.913; F(1,19) = 29.40; p < 0.05) for Nigeria. It was concluded that exchange rate, market size, human development, and infrastructure positively related to inward FDI while the high level of inflation and political instability negatively related to inward FDI. Therefore, it was suggested that policy makers and government agencies should readdress steps and design policies that would encourage more FDI into the country. | https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=infrastructure%20development |
citadel of Thebes), triggering the Theban-Spartan or Boeotian War (379-371).
The Spartans sent an army late in the year, but without success. In 378 King Agesilaus II led a
second invasion of Theban territory. After forcing his way past some extensive
field fortifications, he ran into a combined Theban and Athenian army three
miles from Thebes, and was unwilling to risk attacking them in their strong
position on a ridge. Agesilaus retreated back to Thespiae, where he restored
the fortifications, before leading most of his army back out of Boeotia.
|
|
Sparta at War, Scott M. Rusch. A study of the rise, dominance
and fall of Sparta, the most famous military power in the Classical Greek
world. Sparta dominated land warfare for two centuries, before suffering a
series of defeats that broke its power. The author examines the reasons for
that success, and for Sparta's failure to bounce back from defeat. | http://xenophon-mil.org/milhist/greece/thebescampaign377.htm |
This essay will critically examine the view that ‘judges have altogether too much input into the terms of legally binding contracts in English law’. In particular, it examines contracts under English Law, terms implied in law and in fact, and limits to the implication of terms. The essay will achieve this through the examination of legislation, case law, and expert academic commentary in the field. Ultimately, it finds that the view in question is accurate. Finally, it recommends points of view which may improve upon the current legal position.
Contracts under English Law
A contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties. Several requirements are needed for a contract to be formed; an agreement, consideration and intention to create legal relations.
Within the civil courts, judges seem to play the most important role in contract law. They are tasked with ruling on the most appropriate remedy, its precise terms as independent and impartial assessors of the facts.
Two distinct types of terms may appear to exist in a contract, respectively, they are expressed and implied terms. The former is a term which has been specifically stated and agreed by both parties at the time of the contract’s formation. Moreover, the latter is a term which is implied by judges, providing that the parties have not expressed all the primary obligations or do not provide for every eventuality.
Additionally, only implied terms shall be examined in detail as they seem to be the most relevant for the purposes of this essay’s aims and objectives.
Terms Implied in Law and in Fact
Traditionally, implied terms have been categorised into two groups; terms implied in fact and terms implied in law.
Terms implied in law are ones which are consistently implied into all contracts of a certain nature, without regard to the intentions of the parties. The Court in Crossley v Faithful & Gould Holdings Ltd appears to have suggested that the decision to imply a term in law relied on questions based on the reasonableness, fairness and balancing of competing policy, rather than necessity.
Poole argues that the desire to regulate contracts is apparent in the decisions of courts. Furthermore, Lord Denning MR in Shell UK Ltd v Lostock Garages Ltd argued that the process of implication encompasses that the questions to ask were not necessarily about the intention of the parties, but whether the law has already defined the obligation or its extent. Furthermore, it seems that this is done to prevent parties from taking an unfair advantage, whilst also adequately protecting all parties involved.
Lord Wilberforce in the landmark decision of Liverpool City Council v Irwin argued that the test which should be employed is one of necessity. The courts later dealt with the same issue in Tai Hing Cotton Mill Ltd v Chong Hing Bank Ltd and Scally v Southern Health and Social Services Board where Lord Scarman and Lord Bridge respectively concurred with the earlier argument of Lord Wilberforce by referring to terms as a “necessary incident” of a “definable category of” contractual relationships.
Although the language used seems to be similar, it appears that “necessary on the facts” related to terms implied in fact, whereas “definable category of contractual relationship” related to terms implied in law, thus, they seem to be distinct.
Finally, it appears that “necessary incident” holds a wider set of criteria to determine the meaning. Thus, terms implied in law on the basis of being a necessary incident of such contracts seem to be founded upon reasonable expectation.
Terms are deemed to be implied in fact when applied on the basis of an intention imputed to the parties, from the actual circumstances as a process of addition of terms to ensure that the particular contract does not lack “commercial or practical coherence”. Moreover, this seems to function to ensure that a contract is effective.
In order to identify the intentions of the parties, the courts must interpret the expressed terms contained in the contract. This will allow the courts to imply terms without interfering with the expressed meaning of a contract.
Lord Hoffman in Attorney-General of Belize v Belize Telecom Ltd (Belize) argued that by nothing happening, it results in the most usual type of interference. Furthermore, the Court in Mediterranean Salvage and Towage Ltd v Seamar Trading and Commerce Inc., The Reborn (Mediterranean Salvage) concluded that if parties had wanted to include a term, they would have done so.
Furthermore, Lord Cross in Liverpool City Council v Irwin argued against Lord Denning’s proposal to allow a term to be implied where it was simply just and reasonable to do so, this was followed by the House of Lords’ rejection of such a test.
Additionally, the Court of Appeal corrected the decision in Dear v Jackson, as it appears that it became threateningly close to changing ‘reasonableness’ under the guise of contractual construction. Ultimately, the decision stated that the implication of a term can only occur when the term is a necessary inclusion in the contract.
Prior to Belize, the conditions thought necessary to imply a term in fact were summarised by Lord Simon in BP Refinery (Westernport) Pty Ltd v Shire of Hastings. Firstly the terms must be reasonable and equitable. Secondly, it must be necessary to give business efficacy. Thirdly, it must be so obvious, that it goes without saying. Fourthly, it must be capable of clear expression. Fifthly, it must not contradict any express terms. Finally, to imply a term in fact, it was considered that the term had to satisfy either the ‘officious bystander’ test or the ‘business efficacy’ test. | https://www.thebrunellawyer.co.uk/contract-law-eaad-2nd-year |
#SHRM21 Interview with Marissa Afton: Turn Off Worry, Turn On Resilience
This article was originally published on The SHRM blog.
In this interview, Marissa Afton, Partner & Head of Global Accounts at Potential Project, discusses how to turn off worry and turn on resilience.
Hi Marissa, for those of us who are not familiar with your work, can you please introduce yourself?
Hello. I am privileged to serve as Partner & Head of Global Accounts at Potential Project. We are a global firm that creates a more human world of work, by helping leaders and teams to understand and manage their minds. We have partnered with over 500 organizations such as Cisco, IKEA, Unilever, and Bloomberg to help unlock their potential for greater resilience, performance, and innovation, and to create cultures of excellence.
I have been a mindfulness practitioner for more than 25 years, having learned about it from my father. He was a VP & General Counsel at a multinational corporation, and he used mindfulness to manage his work-life stresses long before it became mainstream. When I began, I immediately noticed the impact on my resilience, as well as my general performance. And now, I see the powerful impact it has on others, especially on our clients. These collective experiences have taught me that managing the mind is where the potential for all great things begins.
You talk a lot about reducing needless worry and enhancing resilience. For those of us at home, what are some simple, yet effective techniques to train the mind to reduce needless worry while enhancing resilience?
Fortunately, our minds can be trained to enhance resilience, and this has been verified by neuroscience, numerous research studies, and our years of experience supporting people and organizations. Here are some strategies:
First, calm the mind. This will enable you to pay attention to what is really going on around and within you. One technique is to gently rest your focus on the sensations of the breath, as you breathe naturally. Every time your attention is pulled away by a distracting thought, simply release that thought and return your attention back to the breath. This will help you better engage in the present moment and hold your focus on what you choose (e.g. “Let me see how to best support my people.”) instead of needless worry (e.g. “Oh no, I can’t believe this pandemic is not over yet.”). If you can engage in this training for 10 minutes a day, you will rewire your brain to enhance resilience in a powerful way.
Reflect instead of reacting. Often, it feels better to be doing something … anything … rather than sitting with uncomfortable emotions. This could be checking the news, stress-eating, or constantly checking emails with the hope of being productive. The mind often benefits from having space to unhook from the barrage of stimuli, activities, and inputs that fill our day. Perhaps you can go for a walk or simply pause before responding to an email, especially if you are experiencing strong emotions. Once you settle into a more stable mental state, good planning, clear decisions, and impactful leadership can emerge.
Connect with others through compassion. Compassion is the intention to be of benefit to others, and it starts in the mind. For example, before your next meeting or call, ask yourself, “How can I help this person to have a better day?” An added benefit to this practice is that when you connect with another person in service to enhance their wellbeing, you will enhance your own well-being too.
How does Potential Project internally help employees build mental resilience?
At Potential Project, we practice what we offer to our clients. As a foundation, we encourage each employee to have a daily mind training practice, using company time. We also offer our employees the same programs that we offer our clients, such as how to manage stress and anxiety, develop kindness, and cultivate greater joy in our work and personal lives. We’ve also codified into company guidelines the practical work techniques that we teach our clients, such as how to conduct effective meetings, manage emails, prioritize, and effectively communicate with each other. As a result, we’ve created a very resilient and mindful culture that has paid dividends on the investment we’ve made in our people. In addition to building resilience, these practices have simultaneously enhanced our ability to perform and innovate.
How can HR professionals begin training their minds to be present?
A simple way to begin training your mind to be more present is to develop a regular mindfulness practice, which will create lasting, neurological change. As a result, your mind will naturally become more present, which will impact everything you do, such as enhancing your own resilience, establishing stronger connections with others, being able to focus well on your work, and inspiring others naturally.
There are many other ways to cultivate presence in daily work life. For instance, you could use “presence cues” as mini training sessions. For example, whenever you’re getting up from your seat, that could be your cue to practice being present instead of letting the mind wander in that moment.
Another tip is to begin your meetings with a moment of mindfulness, where attendees just take the time to settle into the present moment and clear their minds to get ready for the agenda to come. We at Potential Project, as well as our clients, often utilize this technique. It really helps to draw everyone’s attention to a meeting and make our time abundantly more productive.
You’ve shared that unhooking from unconstructive thoughts is one way to build mental resilience. What is a simple method to unhook from unconstructive thoughts when they start to seep in?
There is a wonderful mind training technique we teach called Open Awareness, which is very helpful for unhooking from unconstructive thoughts. First, you settle into the present moment and simply become more aware of your inner experience. You’ll likely notice various thoughts (as well as feelings, memories, sounds, and bodily sensations) coming in and out of your field of awareness. You may not have noticed many of these experiences before, since we generally tend to be masters of self-distraction. Then, instead of letting your attention become captured by one of these thoughts (which often take the form of worry and rumination), you simply train the mind to let it go.
It is like catch-and-release fishing; you briefly “catch” a thought within your field of awareness, and then you gently release it and repeat the process.
Over time, you will become skillful in developing greater awareness of your thoughts, which is the first step in preventing a fleeting thought from transforming into a full-blown rumination. You will also become skillful in releasing unconstructive thoughts even after they have captured your attention. And by creating greater mental space, you will develop your capacity to focus on constructive and innovative solutions, instead of becoming stuck in problems.
For those who can’t attend your Saturday morning session in Las Vegas, what is your recommended long-term method for rewiring the brain to enhance resilience?
The mind-training methods that I’ve mentioned above are effective (though not exhaustive) long-term solutions to rewire the brain to enhance resilience. To sustain mental training over time, here are some tips when going to the “mental gym:”
- Learn from someone who is qualified, who engages in and models the training well.
- Engage in regular training sessions. Research shows that daily training sessions that last as little as 10-minutes will rewire the brain. Some people find that 10 minutes is difficult to commit to right away. If that’s the case, it’s great to start with smaller sessions and gradually work your way up.
- Relax and enjoy the sessions. These sessions can help bring the mind and body into balance in the short term, as you rewire the brain for the long term.
- Do the training with other people when possible. This will provide social support and group momentum.
Apps can be a great way to get started, and there are many good apps out there. In my experience, however, there is no substitute for live, group training to inspire and motivate people, foster community, provide nuanced guidance to ensure that the sessions are effective, answer questions, and frame this mental training within a broader, inspiring context.
Switching things up - the entrepreneur in me has to ask a question about better managing anxiety and stress in challenging times. What are some shorter-term strategies to manage high stress that may have an immediate impact on an entrepreneur?
Thanks for asking. I think many of us are looking for ways to manage anxiety and stress, especially in these extraordinary times. Some effective short-term strategies are to breathe deeply. Start by taking three-six slow, deep breaths, focusing on sensations in the body. On the in-breath, scan for physical signs of stress. On the out-breath, release and relax. Breathing deeply will interrupt your fight-or-flight response.
Build “rest” into your schedule. We often get so busy that it’s essential to put rest time into the calendars. On a daily basis, ensure you have at least 30 minutes to do something that recharges you. On a weekly basis, ensure you have at least half a day of recharging activities. Ironically, when people ensure they have time for renewal, their performance improves. It’s also important for leaders to encourage their people to take time off and to model this behavior themselves.
In the longer term, it’s amazing how well we can prevent and manage anxiety and stress if we train our minds. There are many ways to do this. In addition to the mind training practices I’ve previously mentioned, one strategy is to reframe situations.
For instance, entrepreneurship can be seen as a pressure cooker of endless work with multiple possibilities for failure, or it can be seen as an engaging experiment with the potential for constant learning and innovation that benefits many people's lives. How we frame our professional endeavors and daily tasks will greatly impact how we subjectively experience the inevitable ups and downs that come with work, and this will directly impact how much anxiety and stress we experience. It all begins in the mind.
Alright, last question (thanks for hanging in there). For anyone who won’t be able to make it to your talk about turning off worry, turning on resilience in Las Vegas, what do you want them to know?
If you’ve been experiencing a very challenging time, you are not alone.
Over 40% of us have reported a decline in mental health since the pandemic. Fortunately, resilience is a mental quality that anyone can develop with a bit of guidance and training. It’s not that some people are simply born with it, and some people aren’t.
I hope the strategies I’ve mentioned may help you and your organization on your journey towards greater resilience. | https://www.potentialproject.com/insights/interview-with-marissa-afton-turn-off-worry-turn-on-resilience |
What a revelation – Apathy Boring. I had a wonderfully inspiring conversation with a young leader amongst us. Caro Loutfi is one of the inspiring leaders and executive director at “Apathy is Boring”. The group is committed to getting youth involved in their community. One of the fundamental mandates is to get the vote out.
Voter Turn Out “the numbers”
I was struck by how apathetic we have become as Canadians when you look at the voting statistics at the federal level the past few elections. From Confedertation in 1867 at 73.1% voter turn out, to an all time high in 1958 at 79.4% to 61.1% in May of 2011. Sadly amazing is the 18-24 year old voter turn out in 2011 at 38.8%. The 25-34 age group is a little better, but still disappointing at 45.1%.
I was further informed by Caro that a disappointing reality is that if we don’t get youth to vote that “first time”, we may never see them vote again. We need to let them know that apathy is boring. We need to engage our youth in exercising their democratic right. More importantly, it is not just about the ballot box – it is about getting active, taking on making a difference, motivating their age group to get involved in shaping public policy and community.
Community Loses
Caro also pointed out to me that this voting apathy also transfers to apathy in our communities. In fact youth are volunteering less than other generations. Volunteerism is considered very active in Canada. This could be a troubling decline in community engagement for future generations, if we let this trend continue. One of the factors is that youth are not being asked to volunteer, and therefore are not engaging. Let’s help turn that around by asking more youth to get involved in community projects.
Posssible Solutions
After speaking with Caro my mind turned to possible solutions. I was left with two fundamental questions. How can we convince our Canadian youth that it is important to “vote”? How can we improve our levels of engagement and encourage more youth to volunteer in their community?
Encouraging Youth To “Get Involved”
A solution, and there are likely hundreds if not thousands, is to encourage youth to come together in a movement of involvement in the political process in Canada. If people in general, not just youth, feel that they are getting value for their participation – they will likely continue to stay involved. I truly believe that our governments have become more distant. It is harder to get a return phone call, they are swamped with email requests, politics sometimes replaces pure community needs. However, one of the most engaging ways of reaching an elected official continues to be through their constituency office. This is also the most practical and locally relevant place for youth to engage. If they want to a difference in their community, tackle an issue in their home town or neighbourhood – the local elected official’s office, whether town or city councillor, provincial member or federal member is a great place to visit. Chat with the staff or volunteer and see how there might be an opportunity to become active.
Through these local constituency offices youth will quickly find that the often perceived cold, confusing and nonsensical political environment is not the whole picture. There are warm hearted, hard working staff and volunteers at the foundation of our political system. These people have chosen to get involved and welcome new folks to the fold.
I would say that the “rule” for elected officials is to post their “constituency office” contact information. Seek out a local member or elected official and give them a call. The current Federal Members of Parliament can be found right here. Their constituency office information is easily accessed. With an upcoming federal election there will be ample opportunity to get involved.
Network
I would also challenge youth to take action on something that they feel strongly about. This could be strongly in favour of something, an issue, a cause or a belief. Similarly, this could be strongly in opposition to something. Rather than feeling like you are simply a lost voice in the gusts of a hurricane, step into the conversation. Follow someone who’s beliefs you admire. If you like what they are saying – reach out to them. They would likely cherish hearing from you. Join a group in LinkedIN on a matter of importance to you. Follow an issue or movement on Twitter and engage in that conversation. Search a topic out on Facebook and like it. If you have a leaning towards a political philosophy – pick a party and get involved…so much to learn as we head to the October election date.
Leaders of Tomorrow
Our youth are our leaders of tomorrow. We must convince them that apathy is boring so that they will step up, step in, get involved, become active and help keep our communities and activity in our political systems strong. With social networking allowing us to be socially active, and giving us the ability to have “voice” on issues – there are no excuses for anyone being apathetic in today’s society. We need to openly engaged, involve and respect our youth and their opinions. Let’s do a better job at getting them involved in all that we offer as a community. | https://www.thedevinsnetwork.ca/apathy-boring/ |
The 2016-17 Budget is an economic plan for Australia. It is a plan for a strong new economy with more jobs and growth.
As Australia successfully transitions from the mining investment boom to a stronger, more diversified economy, it is vital that our tax system drives economic growth and national prosperity.
These measures will encourage workforce participation and business investment to improve growth and create the jobs of the future.
Highlights of the Budget include:
• Small businesses – from 1 July this year, small and medium businesses with annual turnover less than $10 million will have their company tax rate cut to 27.5 per cent.
• The new Youth Employment Package – $840.3 million over four years to assist up to 120,000 vulnerable young people take advantage of job opportunities
• Monash Freeway upgrade – $1 billion
• Melbourne Metro Rail tunnel – $850 million
• Continuation of the Government’s $50 billion infrastructure program
Our tax plan backs hard-working Australians. It will also drive jobs and growth across the country, with real benefits for individuals and businesses in the electorate.
Middle income Australians are bearing a growing tax burden. The Government will increase the middle tax bracket threshold from $80,000 to $87,000 from 1 July 2016.
The Government will also introduce a Low Income Superannuation Tax Offset from 1 July 2017. This will ensure that low income earners are not paying more tax on their superannuation than they are on their take-home pay.
This means 23,943 individuals in Flinders earning $37,000 per year or less will effectively pay no tax on the money they contribute to superannuation.
Locally, residents will benefit from the Black Spot Program to improve dangerous roads and intersections.
Local councils will receive significant funding from the Roads to Recovery Program to upgrade and improve local roads. In 2016-17 councils will receive more than $9.3 million across the Flinders electorate.
Funding under the Roads to Recovery Program includes:
• Bass Coast Shire Council – $1.5 million
• Cardinia Shire Council – $2.7 million
• Casey City Council – $2.4 million
• Mornington Peninsula Shire Council – $2.6 million
• French Island – $43,700
Local governments will also receive $2.3 billion in funding under the Financial Assistance Grant program in 2016-17. These grants are untied, allowing councils to spend the grants according to local priorities.
The Turnbull Government is also investing $1 billion in the Monash Freeway upgrade and more than $850 million to the Melbourne Metro Rail tunnel as well as injecting funding into regional roads and urban congestion projects.
As we transition from the mining investment boom it is vital that we give Australian businesses every opportunity to invest, grow and employ more Australians.
To make it easier for these businesses to expand and create more jobs, the company tax rate will be cut, with small and medium businesses benefitting first.
From 1 July this year, small and medium businesses with annual turnover less than $10 million will have their company tax rate cut to 27.5 per cent. This will reduce the tax rate for around 4,851 companies in Flinders.
Since many small businesses are not companies, from 1 July 2016, the Government will also increase the unincorporated small business tax discount to 8 per cent and extend the threshold from a turnover of $2 million to $5 million.
Small businesses are the engine room of our local economy and the backbone of our local community. These tax cuts will provide a significant benefit to our local businesses and help drive jobs and growth in our local economy.
More than 90 per cent of pensioners will be either better off or have no change to their pension. Those most affected pensioners will only have to draw down a maximum of 1.8 per cent of their assets to make up for the loss of their part pension.
We’re doing this through two main changes to the assets test: increasing the assets people are able to own before it affects their pension and increasing the taper rate at which the pension reduces once their savings and assets go over the free area.
About 171, 500 Australians with modest assets will receive an extra $30 per fortnight on average, including 50,000 part pensioners who will qualify for a full pension.
The Turnbull Government’s investment in education, training and child care will increase to more than $41.8 billion in 2016-17. This includes:
• $8.6 billion for early education and care – a 9.6 per cent increase
• $17.6 billion for schools – an 8 per cent increase
• $12.3 billion for higher education – a 0.9 per cent increase
• $3.3 billion for skills – a 7.7 per cent increase
A well-educated nation will increase productivity, drive innovation and support our transition to a stronger and more diversified economy.
The Government will also invest $840.3 million over four years in a Youth Employment Package to assist up to 120,000 vulnerable young people take advantage of job opportunities as the economy diversifies and transitions to broader-based growth.
The new Youth Employment Package builds on initiatives introduced by the Government last year to help support youth employment.
In the last 18 months, 50,000 more young Australians have found jobs, but there is more work to be done.
At the core of the package is the Youth Jobs PaTH (Prepare-Trial-Hire), a $751.7 million initiative to help maximise the chances of job seekers under 25 getting a job.
Communities will also benefit from the Government’s $1 billion National Stronger Regions Fund, which promotes capital infrastructure projects in regional areas.
We are also committed to preserving our natural environment for future generations and are doing more than ever before to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
The 2016-17 Budget commits $171 million boost to protect and preserve the Reef.
Included in this is a $70 million additional injection to the Reef Trust – bringing the Government’s total investment in the Reef Trust to $210 million, along with an additional $100 million for investment into reef water quality.
The Turnbull Government understands the economic challenges that Australia faces, which is why we have a strong plan to keep spending under control while guaranteeing support for vital services such as hospitals and schools.
This is the right plan for Australia to overcome the challenges of the economic transition and to clear a path for long-term growth and jobs in a stronger, new economy. | https://www.greghunt.com.au/the-turnbull-governments-economic-plan-for-jobs-and-growth/ |
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
Context:
Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and nongovernmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
Under the overall supervision of the Head of Resource Management Officer and the direct supervision of the Resources Management Officer in Mogadishu and in cooperation with the relevant units at Headquarters (HQs), administrative Centres (Manila Administrative Centre (MAC) and Regional Resources Management Unit in Regional Office (RO), Nairobi, Kenya, the successful candidate will be responsible and accountable for supporting the management and coordination of the administrative and financial, functions of IOM Somalia. In particular, he/she will:
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
- Monitor and coordinate the financial management functions in support of all activities for the mission.
- Assist in monitoring the financial management of all activities in the mission including the oversight of financial expenditure and accountability to ensure expenditures remain within authorized levels; undertake financial analysis of projects in the sub-offices and recommend the resolution of anomalies and unusual trends.
- Assist the Resources Management Officer (RMO) in preparation of annual budget for; coordinate and review budgets for programmes, monitor budget control and analyse variances between budget and actual expenditures, evaluate monthly financial reports for all projects and recommend the resolution of variances.
- Assist in forecasting cash flows according to activities in the mission and ensuring daily control of funds disbursed; verify that funding is received in accordance with donor agreements.
- Support the preparation of donor financial reports in accordance with IOM regulations and established procedures in close coordination with the RMO as well as relevant Units or RO. Monitor compliance with general instructions of IOM and relevant mission permanent instructions in the areas of general administration and finance and bring issues of non-compliance to the attention of the supervisor.
- Train sub-offices finance staff on IOM’s policies and procedures in the relevant areas of financial management.
- Inspect payroll versus budgets, ensuring that salaries are correctly allocated to projects consistent with IOM’s projectization criteria.
- Maintain appropriate internal controls to safeguard the organization’s assets, control cash and prevent fraud; strengthen internal controls by documenting and proposing the streamlining of approval processes in the sub-offices.
- Review existing systems and procedures and, if necessary, recommend possible improvements to strengthen internal monitoring, evaluation and control systems and improve efficiency and effectiveness.
- Work closely with other internal functional units of the Mission and other institutional counterparts/stakeholders as required in the performance of the accounting function.
- Support Resource Management Unit to facilitate compliance with IOM’s policies and procedures and any donor specific requirements.
- Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Financial Management, Accounting, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or
• University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience;
• Professional certification as Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), or Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), chartered accountant (CA) or certified public accountant (CPA) will be a distinct advantage.
Experience
• Work experience in financial management, accounting, and budgeting.
• Experience in preparing clear and concise financial and management reports.
• Experience in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities as well as working in and with international institutions.
Skills
• Familiarity with financial oversight and public administration.
• Knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and SAP is highly desirable;
• Knowledge of IOM/UN accounting systems, software and procedures, Common System regulations, policies and procedures are a distinct advantage;
• Good knowledge of general human resources management is an advantage.
Languages
Fluency in English and Somali (oral and written).
Required Competencies
Values
• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2
• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2
• Leadership: provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the organization’s vision; assists others to realize and develop their potential.
• Empowering others & building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
Other
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
Only candidates residing in either the country of the duty station or from a location in a neighbouring country that is within commuting distance of the duty station will be considered. In all cases, a prerequisite for taking up the position is legal residency in the country of the duty station, or in the neighbouring country located within commuting distance, and work permit, as applicable.
How to apply
How to apply:
Interested candidates should submit CV and a cover letter indicating the Vacancy Notice Number (VN No.), Position Title and the Duty Station with three professional referees and their contacts (both email and telephone) to: [email protected]
Posting period: | https://worldngojobs.com/jobs/national-finance-officer-at/ |
Sustainable public procurement in a nutshell
Generally speaking, public procurement is the process through which public bodies buy works, goods, or services from a third supplier. Public bodies are schools, hospitals, local governments, prisons, etc. and what they buy can be for instance the food for meals at school, the cleaning service and cleaning products, buses for public transport, and so on. Within the European Union, public procurement amounts to approximately 15% of the EU gross domestic product (GDP).
The genesis – The first statutory recognition of Public Procurement from the EU can be rooted back in the ‘70s, a period in which the Community also dealt with the elimination of tariff and non-tariff barriers, among which public procurement (PP). The 70s Procurement Directives were able to promote savings and price convergence, albeit respecting the core economic principles of the EC, namely transparency, non-discrimination, objectivity and open competition, but also free movement of goods and services, right of establishment and the prohibition of discrimination. Over the years the Directives have been amended several times and new, innovative conceptions of Public Procurement have been provided by scholars. Kunzlik talked for the first time about strategic procurement, i.e., a new conceptualization that conceives PP as an occasion for achieving secondary objectives. But which secondary objectives? Here comes the core of this article. Public procurement has enormous potential for achieving environmental and social sustainability, driving the market offer of sustainable products, to promote Research&Development (R&D) and innovation.
Definitions – According to the objectives it pursues PP has been named in different ways: Green Public Procurement (GPP) Social Public Procurement (SPP) or Socially Responsible Public Procurement (SRPP) and Public Procurement of Innovative Solutions (PPI), Circular Public Procurement (CPP). The way public procurement is able to pursue secondary purposes stands in the contract design and in this regard the latest Public Procurement Directives (2014) – in particular, Directive 24/2014 – represent a decent result. Let’s think about public procurement as a series of sequential activities:
Along this cycle, public bodies have several occasions for including within the contract environmental or social criteria that the goods, service or work they want to buy must fulfill.
Analysis of the EU legislation on public procurement – Let’s now take a brief look at how contracts can lever sustainability.
While drafting the contract, for example, the public body could require in the technical specifications (Art. 42), that hospital staff uniforms must be made with recycled and organic textile, labeled with any fair-trade certification. In the case of the provision of the catering service within a university, the public body, e.g. universities, could require, within the contract performance clauses (Art. 70) of the contract, that the weekly menus include only products or recipes from the Mediterranean diet or that the staff ensure a congruent use of the canteen premises (turning off lights in the absence of people, correctly dispose of garbage, etc.). Other relevant provisions of Directive 24/2014 regarding preliminary market consultations (art. 40) “with a view to preparing the procurement and informing economic operators of their procurement plans and requirements”. The importance of this article lies in giving advance notice to third parties who intend to participate in the tender that can allow them to best adapt to the requirements. The contracting authority may want the products supplied to bear a specific label (art. 43) or to meet the criteria determined by this label, without having it. The bidder may need time to adapt the products it produces to the labeling criteria.
Another important aspect established by the directives and not immediately apparent is the scope of the mandatory principle of non-discrimination, equality and avoidance of distortion of competition (Art. 18). These principles are the basis not only of European substantive law but also of procedural law, included in the discipline of procurement. The enormous scope of the principles has an impact on the prohibition of favoring candidates on the basis of nationality or proximity, for example. In a contract for the supply of food products, for example, it is forbidden to select an agricultural company simply because it comes from the same territory in which the supply should be made. Although it may seem contradictory, one of the main purposes of the European Union is to promote the free movement of goods, preventing protectionist practices by member states. Although this implies the impossibility to select a product on the basis of a territorial criterion – let’s think about our beloved Km0 products that have a low impact on the environment also because the means of transport cover shorter distances – the directives still offer other opportunities to pursue environmental sustainability. In this regard, the Directive 24/2014 seeks to protect small and medium-sized enterprises through article 46, which allows contracting authorities to award the contract in the form of separate lots, so that if the scope of the contract, in terms of goods to be supplied, for example, is large, small manufacturers or suppliers are still taken into account. The article is in fact intended to ensure that firms producing on a small scale are not automatically excluded, but rather several small enterprises are involved in the procurement process at the same time. The Directive 2014/24 also provides for mandatory exclusion criteria (Art. 57), for example, if the prospective supplier has been accused of corruption, child labor or human trafficking, financing of terrorist activities. It is not required, but only permitted to exclude participants from the procurement process if they have violated environmental, social and labor obligations (Art. 18) – but the burden of proof is up to the contracting authority.
In addition, according to which principle do contracting authorities generally award contracts? As a rule, following the screening of all bids and their consistency with what was requested in the tender, the authorities award the contract on the basis of the lowest price. However, it is worth mentioning a consistent change made in the EU Procurement Directives (already in the 2004 amendment). The reference to the evaluation not only of the lowest price offer, but also of quality and life-cycle costing (LCC) of that offer (Art. 67/68). LCC refers to costs relating to the acquisition, the use (e.g. consumption of energy), maintenance costs, end of life costs, such as collection and recycling costs of the products and importantly “costs imputed to environmental externalities linked to the product, service or works during its life cycle”. Last, but not least, the great work carried out by the EU Commission and the experts has been that of drawing up Green (but not yet social) Criteria that can be easily incorporated into contracts by public authorities. The criteria have been drawn up for numerous categories of products and services such as construction, ICT services, canteen services, cleaning products, street lighting, road surfaces, etc. However, according to procurement experts, the directives have some gaps that in fact demonstrate the weak grip of Sustainable Public Procurement.
Limits of the SPP – One of the main weaknesses is that the GPP criteria are not compulsory. Although some member states, among which Italy, have made GPP criteria compulsory for certain categories of products, its uptake is still very low, especially considering the ambitious commitment recently undertaken with the EU Green Deal. In December 2020, the EU Commission has stressed its intention to make (part of) GPP criteria mandatory for all member states. Another loophole consists in the lack of training of public bodies about contract design and GPP criteria, in conjunction with lack of engagement with environmental issues. Some studies demonstrate that administrations are more likely to make public procurement greener if they personally want to fight climate change. Another limitation of the directives, as highlighted by Abby Semple, is the need for selection criteria, technical specifications, labels and award criteria to be linked to the subject matter of the contracts. In a few words this means that when contracting authorities evaluate different bids, their evaluation must concern just what is considered the subject matter of their contract. Let’s imagine that the City of Oslo would like to purchase renewable energy for the whole city. During the evaluation of the different offers (bids), the City administration may not opt for the company which, beyond the requested amount of renewable energy and their equal price, produces the highest amount of renewable energy as a company, for instance. Public bodies may not, then, interrogate the corporate socio-environmental responsibility, so for example choosing the ‘greenest’ company among those who were competing. Also, if a contracting authority is willing to award the contract to the tenderer which has the lower carbon footprint i.e. in the transport of the products to be supplied, a strict interpretation of the link to the subject matter of the contract may not be efficient. Indeed, the contracting authority may award the contract to a supplier located close to the point of consumption, while the tenderer may need to stock other customers that can be located very far.
So, what if the GPP criteria become mandatory? What if the link-to-the-subject-matter will be eliminated? I leave to you the cue.
For more and detailed information please visit https://ec.europa.eu/environment/gpp/index_en.htm
Directive 2004/18/EC – the ‘classical public sector directive’ – and Directive 2004/17/EC – the ‘utilities directive’
Directive 2014/24/EU on public procurement, and Directive 2014/25/EU on procurement by entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors
https://ec.europa.eu/environment/gpp/eu_gpp_criteria_en.htm
Grandia J., Implementing sustainable public procurement: An organisational change perspective. (Erasmus University Rotterdam, 2015)
Semple, A. “The Link to the Subject-Matter: A Glass Ceiling for Sustainable Public Contracts?”. In Sjåfjell, B., & Wiesbrock, A. (2016). Sustainable public procurement under EU law: new perspectives on the state as stakeholder. Cambridge University Press. | https://labgov.city/author/julianneheusch/ |
When conducting a statistical significance test, p-values are generally provided in the output of the population selected. Therefore, ANOVA, regression, and correlation majorly apply the formula during hypothesis testing to assist in understanding the data transmitted. A one-tailed test is one-sided on the critical distribution area, and it is greater than or less than a particular figure, but not both (Hick 316). However, the two-tailed tests is a technique where the critical region is two-sided and confirms if the samples are within the range of values identified in a null hypothesis.
First, alpha levels assist in providing relatively accurate results. Hence, it is the probability of arriving an incorrect decision when the null hypothesis is correct. Therefore, one-tailed uses the aggregate value, and it can only appear on either the left or right side. However, a two-tailed splits the alpha into half. The distinction between and two-tailed P-value is more straightforward in context. In the interpretation of a one-tail P value, it is possible to interpret the group that will have extensive data (Mourougan Sendi and Sethurama 37). Besides, a two-tailed selection involves a random range of benefits from the sample in case the null hypothesis is correct.
In differentiating the two tests, power must also be considered because it provides a relevant distinction. One-tailed tests subject the researcher into focusing on one side of the distribution table. Moreover, there is more power to one-tiled tests because people are always sure of the decisions made. The two-tailed test considers the probable outcomes making it difficult to rely on one provision. Therefore, it is easier to make conclusions of the sample with the one-tail null hypothesis being correct.
Work Cited
Hick, W. E. “A note on one-tailed and two-tailed tests.” (1952): 316.
Mourougan, Sendil, and K. Sethuraman. “Hypothesis Development and Testing.” J. Bus. Manag 19 (2017): 34-40. | https://www.premiumessays.net/sample-paper-on-difference-between-p-value-of-one-tailed-and-two-tailed-test/ |
Researchers producing and using data face similar but unique, challenges in data management, data sharing, reproducible research, and preservation. Researchers have a tremendous responsibility to ensure that the data they produce, and share is equitable as it impacts individuals and communities the world over. When data is collected and shared incorrectly, it can advance inequities, bias, and even violence. Researchers must be aware of methods to mitigate these and how to generate data that is free of bias, is equitable, and inclusive to avoid any miscommunication and/or ambiguity regarding their data. Data Day 2021 highlights these challenges and showcases solutions and opportunities in which we can re-examine data through an equity lens.
Data Day 2021 will be held on Friday, November 5, 2021, and will offer online panel discussions centered around the theme of bias, miscommunication, and equity in data. We have a panel of data experts and a keynote address given by Heather Krause, founder of We All Count and the Data Equity Framework. We will also host a weeklong virtual screening of the documentary film Coded Bias and an afternoon panel discussion on Good vs Bad AI.
|8:45 am||Welcome|
|9 am–10:45 am||Keynote address (Heather Krause)|
|10:45 am–11 am||Break|
|11 am–noon||Bias, Miscommunication, and Equity in Data Panel: (Ebony Ruhland, Jeff Blevins, and Margarita Boenig-Liptsin ) Moderated by Heather Krause|
|Noon–1 pm||Lunch Break|
|1 pm–2:30 pm||Good vs Bad AI Panel: (Deeptankar DeMazumder, Nirmalya Thakur, and Anissa Tanweer) Moderated by Chris Collins|
Heather Krause, Founder, We All Count, Keynote
Dr Ebony Ruhland, an assistant professor in the School of Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati.
Dr Jeffrey Layne Blevins, a Professor in the Journalism Department at the University of Cincinnati, where he also holds affiliate appointments in the Department of Political Science and The Cincinnati Project.
Dr Margarita Boenig-Liptsin, a Research Fellow at the Paris Institute of Advanced Study. Prior to the Fellowship at the Paris IAS, she was the Director of the Human Contexts and Ethics Program in the Division of Computing, Data Science, and Society at the University of California, Berkeley and Lecturer in the History Department.
Dr Anissa Tanweer, a research scientist at the University of Washington's eScience Institute, a hub for data science training and collaboration.
Dr Deeptankar DeMazumder, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Director of the Artificial Intelligence and Precision Medicine Center of Excellence, and PI of the Neurocardiology Research Lab in the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine at University of Cincinnati, and an Attending Physician in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Dr Nirmalya Thakur, affiliated with the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Cincinnati.
Dr Chris M. Collins, founder of the UCSIM | Center for Simulations & Virtual Environments Research at the University of Cincinnati and serves as the Center’s technical lead. | https://sites.libraries.uc.edu/dataday/past-data-days/2021 |
Designing scientific experiments requires a lot of thought, if you want to arrive at useful results. Most studies of bicycles fall into two categories, which I’ll call observation-based and measurement-based.
Observation-based studies starts with an observation. In our case, we ride a lot of bikes. Then it goes like this:
We begin to identify trends. For example, the bikes that perform best for us have flexible tubing.
We form a hypothesis: Flexible tubing makes the bike “plane” and thus perform better for us.
We design a test for the hypothesis. We have three bikes made, two that are flexible, one that is slightly stiffer. We ride them in a double-blind test. If we can tell the stiffer bike reliably from the others based on its inferior performance alone, then we have proven the hypothesis. Why three bikes and not two? Because we must make sure that there isn’t another factor that influences the results – frame alignment or bearing tightness. If the two flexible frames feel the same, and the stiffer one is different, it’s unlikely that these other factors are the cause.
Repeat measurements: We repeat the measurements reliably until we are certain that it wasn’t by pure chance that the riders identified the bikes.
Now we have proven that the flexible bikes perform better and thus “planing” exists. Two riders can experience it, so it’s a real phenomenon. (In fact, a single rider would suffice to prove the existence of a phenomenon.) The fact that one rider could not tell the differences between the slightly different frames indicates that different riders have different thresholds for the differences in frame stiffness they can detect.
The next question is how many riders prefer a more flexible frame, how many a stiffer frame, and for how many does it not matter at all? To determine this, we would repeat the double-blind tests with more riders. Unfortunately, such a study would require hundreds of participants, which is beyond our budget.
Measurement-based studies start with measurements. For example, we want to measure which tires are faster. When we design a way of measuring, we need to consider:
Model validation: We need a measurement that replicates real-world conditions. We could easily weigh each tire, and rank them by weight. However, we would have to prove that weight is the determining factor of tire performance on the road. We’d do that by riding the tires on the road and measuring their speed. Does speed correlate with weight? If yes, then we can use weight as a test for speed. Unfortunately, weight and speed are not always related, so we need to find a better test.
Repeatability: We need to make sure that we are measuring tire resistance, and not something else. We do this by running repeat experiments. If our test is good, then the same tires will always produce similar results.
Accuracy: The repeat experiments tell us how accurate our measurements are. If the measurements for the same tires always fall within 2%, then we know our measurements have a “margin of error” of about +/- 1%.
It’s interesting to compare two common methods of testing tires:
Drum tests use a large steel drum. The tire is pushed onto the drum with a force replicating the weight of the rider and bike. By measuring the additional power required to spin the drum, you can measure the resistance of the tire on the drum.
Drum tests are performed under carefully controlled conditions, so their repeatability is excellent. However, the underlying model has not been validated under real-world conditions. If we were to assign grades, we’d say:
Repeatability/Accuracy: A
Model Validation: F
Roll-down tests use a bike and rider on a short hill. The rider coasts down the hill. Measuring how quickly the bike slows down on the flat “rollout” section allows you to compare the resistance of different tires.
Roll-down tests on actual pavement, with a rider on board, occur in real riding conditions, so validation is not a problem. However, many other factors can influence the results: wind, rider position, temperature. We have to show that we were able to keep these other factors constant. We do this by running repeat measurements. If the same tires always score the same, but different tires are different, then we know that we are measuring tires and not the speed of crosswinds. Even so, we’ll probably never get up to the accuracy of a lab experiment. Thus, the grades are:
Repeatability/Accuracy: B-
Model Validation: A
Without real-road validation, drum tests are nearly useless. Roll-down tests can provide the validation of drum tests. If the same tires perform well on the drum and on the road, then the drum tests could be used to obtain greater accuracy in the measurements. Unfortunately, the real-road tests show that drum tests overlook a crucial component: suspension losses that occur in the rider’s body. So we use roll-down tests instead. They may require very careful testing and multiple runs, but at least they provide useful data.
When looking at studies of bicycle performance, I often am surprised that many don’t go the extra step to make their results truly useful:
All tests need repeat measurements. An insider told me once that at the Texas A&M wind tunnel, which was used for much bicycle research, changes in air temperature result in very poor repeatability. The time of day has almost as much influence on your results as the actual aerodynamic performance.
Other studies test bicycles without riders. To make those results useful, the model first must be validated by proving that the rider has no influence on the results.
Rims and other components are designed to improve laminar airflow, yet there is a lot of evidence that the vibrations of real-road riding make it impossible to achieve laminar flow. Again, the model must be validated, for example, by putting a vibrating wheel in the wind tunnel.
That makes it all the more exciting when we see tests that are done well (and there are plenty of them). After all, most of us do not have superfluous time and money to spend on “improved” bicycles and components based on testing that may be well-intentioned, but is too flawed to produce reliable results.
11 Responses to Science and Bicycles: Designing Experiments
Your first experiment resulted not in proof of “planing” but in proof that you can identify more flexible tubing in a bike and that you prefer the results from it. In your description of the test you did nothing to prove that the planing (if you accept as a given that it happens) was the cause of the preference. Nor did you prove if the planing happens and if it truly affects the performance and comfort.
I know this is a long running debate but your first example is flawed and reveals some weaknesses by jumping to conclusions.
You are right, the way I outlined our experiment in the post, we just proved that we can identify frame stiffness. Describing the entire testing procedure and results would have gone way beyond the scope of this blog. However, in the actual test, the flexible frames performed better.
In one of the tests, we did repeat sprints up a constant hill. After a few repeats, our maximum power output decreased with fatigue. However, on the stiffer frame, this decrease was more rapid than on the more flexible frame. There also was a difference in the type of exhaustion: On the stiffer frame, our legs hurt and limited out performance. On the more flexible frame, our legs did not hurt, and our cardiovascular system provided a (higher) limit to our performance.
While some may think that “maximum leg hurting” is not a very accurate measurement, recent studies have shown that “perceived exertion” in fact is quite accurate and replicable in trained athletes.
This means that “planing” is a real, measurable phenomenon and not just something we imagined (“placebo effect”).
I’m wondering: For the hill repeats, were the differences in performance for the rider who could not identify the frames in the previous test the same as for the two riders who could? Once a rider is able to identify the frames the study is no longer blinded (neither single nor double).
Another point: experiments need not only be repeatable between runs but should also be replicable by other researchers. Unfortunately, you and BQ seems to be one of the only ones doing proper experiments on the performance of bikes. Hopefully that’ll change at some point.
And a final point (rather OT for this post): can you provide a citation for the army tank seat/suspension loss study you frequently refer to? I’ve been wanting to read if for a while but haven’t been able to find it or any other articles on the topic. Thanks!
The hill repeats were done only by the two riders who could tell the frames apart. The third rider in the test, who could not tell the frames apart, was more of a touring cyclists who does not do maximum-effort sprints.
The testing still was blinded, and riders went out by themselves, so they did not have the relative performance of the other bike/rider as a comparison. I remember riding the first bike and thinking: “This is pretty good. I think it’s the superlight bike.” Then I rode the second bike, and realized that it was even better. After a few runs, it became apparent that the first bike I rode was the stiffer bike. When the test was unblinded a few weeks later, that was indeed correct.
If I were given only the stiffer bike on a given day, I don’t think I could reliably detect it. However, the difference was very noticeable back-to-back with the superlight ones. Our second tester, Mark, appears to be more sensitive. He seems to be able to tell whether a bike is what we call “superlight” or “standard” even if he doesn’t have a direct comparison.
I agree that the replicability by other researchers is important. We have published our testing methodology, so anybody can do their own testing.
Another issue to try to grok is “testing for what circumstances” – the bike that rider Alice likes best for touring or rather long day rides might be different (softer, longer, whatever) than the bike rider Bob likes for 1hr to 3hr sport rides. Likewise, cyclocross bikes and tires are better for cyclocross than road bike with road tires – but would be kind of an odd choice for a really long road ride.
Further, my personal observation is that a bike can be “set up” to favor one thing or another, and it serves the rider well to set the bike up for either (a) the thing they do the most or (b) the thing they are worst at or struggle with the most. [So I want bikes that help me climb hills as much as possible, because I am very heavy.]
Finally, sometimes the really key thing is to remind people that there are sweet spots for every attribute – tires CAN be too narrow, frames CAN be too stiff, the riding position CAN be too aggressive or too upright.
You are absolutely right – the most important part of any study are the readers, who have to apply it to their own life. The wind tunnel and the experience of racers all over clearly show that a skinsuit, aero helmet and super-low position are fastest, but if I tried to adopt those for a 1200 km brevet, I’d overheat and my back would give out after less than an hour on the road…
We need to remember that a lot of what is called scientific testing is in reality just put out by the advertising department of a manufacturer. Alas, this is even true (maybe especially true) in the field of medications. Pharmaceutical companies ’employ’ doctors with impressive credentials to sign on as the researcher for some very dubious studies proving their product’s worth. Similarly, bicycle companies will pay well-known athletes for endorsements that have little real meaning for the rest of us riders. Tire companies will publish ‘scientific studies’ that lack ‘real world’ value. Thanks for doing your part to “keep ’em honest” and for helping the rest of us to be cautious about much of what passes for ‘scientific evidence’.
Perfect or not, tests like that are more credible and beneficial than the typical useless “The bike is noticeably faster” forum / magazine nonsense when describing a new “lighter, stiffer, more efficient” frame/bike or a wheel set.
Re: Paul Glassen. While I generally agree, I also believe that not everyone is trying to rip us off and there are people who are genuinely curious about how bikes work and do an excellent job of myth busting.
E.g. even the leading bike tyre manufacturers admit although very quietly that wider tyres have lower rolling resistance, Schwalbe being the best example and they do so against their own interest as most of the cycling community is still stuck in 90s with their understanding of how tyres work.
If only the wheel manufacturers could admit that the inertia is almost irrelevant and the idea of fast(climbing) wheels is nonsense. Time for BQ to step in and bust the biggest myth in the universe🙂
The inertia discussion is interesting. Like so many things in cycling, the physics are clear: A lighter wheel “spins up” faster than a heavier one. The question is how much faster?
In our “Lightweight” issues, where we looked at bicycles and weight (Vol. 6, No. 4), we used a bicycle acceleration model to look at the effect of weight. We found that on a superlight wheelset, you’d be half a wheel length ahead after a quarter mile sprint, compared to the heaviest wheelset we could imagine. Other factors will make a bigger difference.
For climbing at constant speed, wheel weight matters as much (or as little) as the overall weight of bike and rider.
Jim Papadopoulos once told me: “Cyclists are very good at determining which factors might be important, but then, they tend to argue over meaningless differences.”
That said, when I was racing, I was convinced that my racing wheelset (which had about half as much rotational inertia as my training wheelset) accelerated faster. Was it all a placebo effect? Or is there something that makes lighter wheels feel faster?
Lighter and stiffer, whether wheels or frames, will always feel faster. Lighter and stiffer more efficiently transmit road vibration to the rider. Since road vibration is proportional to speed on a given bike, more road vibration across bikes gives the sense of more speed.
I think another factor that favors lighter components’ <b<feel is the non-linear nature of wind resistance. Going down a hill the terminal velocity of two bikes doesn’t feel very proportional to their weight. However, going up a hill, the cyclist is doing all the work to lift the extra mass and so feels it every pedal stroke. In other words, one experiences the negative difference going uphill far more than one experiences the positive difference going downhill. Uphill is a double whammy, it’s both longer duration (due to slower speed) and harder effort (pedaling instead of coasting).
A double-blind experiment could look like this: Build two identical wheelsets, and put some weights under the time tape and tube on one. The difference would be invisible. You could time the rider, measure their power output and ask about their subjective impressions of riding with each wheelset.
| |
The Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing in the Northern Territory released its final report on 27 March 2018.
The Scientific Inquiry was extensive in its engagement program, taking over 1200 submissions, holding public hearings throughout urban centres, and talking to Territorians at community meetings in urban regional and remote settings.
…it is the Panel’s opinion that, provided that all of the recommendations made in this Report are adopted and implemented in their entirety, not only should the risks associated with an onshore shale gas industry be minimised to an acceptable level, in some instances, they can be avoided altogether.
On 17 April 2018, after carefully considering the Inquiry findings, the Northern Territory Government accepted all of the Inquiry’s recommendations and lifted the moratorium on unconventional shale gas developments in the Northern Territory.
The Inquiry recommendations are considerably more wide ranging than previous reports and reviews. Full implementation of the recommendations will be transformative, establishing a new bench mark for industry regulation. The required effort to implement these reforms is significant and the Northern Territory Government is committed to implementing these recommendations.
The Northern Territory Government has now developed this Implementation Plan, which will be updated regularly to reflect progress and further refine our implementation approach. In many cases we will need to gather more information, develop policies and consult further with stakeholders and the community.
The task of implementing specific recommendations is spread across several ministerial portfolios and government departments. The government has established two additional oversight mechanisms to increase transparency and accountability outside normal government reporting systems: the appointment of an Independent Officer and the establishment of an Onshore Shale Gas Community and Business Reference Group.
Dr David Ritchie has been appointed the Independent Officer to oversee the implementation of the recommendations. Dr Ritchie was a member of the Inquiry Panel that consulted widely with the Northern Territory community to hear their views on hydraulic fracturing.
The role of the Independent Officer is to provide the Chief Minister and government with independent advice on how the implementation is progressing and being managed. The nature of this role requires the Independent Officer to remain at arms-length from day-to-day decisions and processes relating to implementation.
The Onshore Shale Gas Community and Business Reference Group has been established with representatives from the community, environmental groups, local business, the gas industry, land councils and local government. Its role is to provide a forum for government to seek advice and share information on the Implementation Plan to deliver on the recommendations and their subsequent execution.
The Hydraulic Fracturing Inquiry Implementation Taskforce has been established within the Department of the Chief Minister to coordinate the delivery of the Inquiry recommendations and articulate an approach to implementing each recommendation, mapped in the Implementation Plan.
A Steering Committee of government Chief Executives guides the work of the taskforce and assesses and manages risks to the delivery of this plan. | https://hydraulicfracturing.nt.gov.au/implementation-plan/government-accepts-all-recommendations-of-the-inquiry |
Giant Europe-based aerospace group Airbus has affirmed that aerospace technologies can play a key role in dealing with many of the socioeconomic challenges confronting Africa. It did so in a report, which it called a White Paper, that was released at the end of last month at a special event in Toulouse, France. The event brought together government officials, policy-makers, businesspeople and entrepreneurs from Africa, as well as representatives of intergovernmental agencies and multilateral development organisations.
The Airbus report argue that different segments of the aerospace industry can meet different challenges across the continent. They could do so by advancing education, training and innovation; demolishing barriers to the movement of people and goods across Africa; improving the availability of healthcare; increasing food security by boosting the competitiveness and sustainability of African agriculture; and providing innovative products and solutions to empower businesses.
Thus, with regard to agriculture, although this sector currently employs more than 60% of Africa’s population, it generates only some 15% of its gross domestic product. Yet it could be the most important foundation for the sustainable development of the continent. Aerospace technology can help. Precision farming, which is based on imagery from satellites, aircraft and remotely piloted aircraft systems (or drones) and which employs satellite navigation systems to create very accurate maps of fields, could allow African farmers to grow more crops with less inputs (such as fertiliser).
In Africa, healthcare remains a major concern for many people in rural areas. Air ambulances already exist but other aerospace technologies will “further change the dynamics of access to medical care and emergency response in terms of quantity, distance and data collection”, stated Airbus.
Then there is the direct role of aviation itself. This connects people, products and markets across the continent. The issue is to do these things in a manner that is cheaper, faster and more efficient, thereby maximising aviation’s contribution as a driver of both the African economy and increased continental integration.
Not least, there is the potential for some African countries to become involved in aerospace manufacturing, thus boosting industrialisation. “[M]any African countries are final consumers in the global aerospace value chain,” observed the group. | https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/aerospace-technology-could-help-uplift-africa-in-many-sectors-airbus-2018-11-06 |
.
Quiz
iOS
Android
More
rest
connotes a condition in which the bodyis in a decreased state of activity, with the consequent feelingof being refreshed.
factors affecting ability to rest
- job demands
- family responsibilities
- children w/numerous extracurricular activities
- environment
Sleep
a state of rest accompanied by altered consciousness and relative inactivity. A complex rhythmic state involving a progression of repeated cycles, each representing different phases of body and brain activity. (Although sensitivity to external stimuli is diminished during sleep, this sensitivity can be readily reversed.)
national sleep foundation 2005 American poll reported 60% of Americans admitted to driving while feeling drowsy. 37% admitted to falling asleep while driving. NHTSA (2005) reported driver's fatigue is responsible for:
- 100,000 police reported accidents
- 1,550 fatalities
- 71,000 injuries
- $12.5 million in monetary losses in a yr
The discomfort produced by illness and the need for hospitalization and treatment may interfere dramatically with a patient’s ability to sleep. Consequently, nurses need to be vigilant in detecting and treating sleep disturbances.
reticular activating system (RAS)
- System in brainstem (one of two) believed to work w/bulbar synchronizing region to control the cyclic nature of sleep. The RAS extends upward through the medulla, the pons, the midbrain, and into the hypothalamus.
- Facilitates reflex and voluntary movements as well as cortical activities related to a state of alertness.
- Comprises many nerve cells and fibers. The fibers have connections that relay impulses into the cerebral cortex and spinal cord. During sleep, the RAS experiences few stimuli from the cerebral cortex and the periphery of the body. Wakefulness occurs when this system is activated with stimuli from the cerebral cortex and from periphery sensory organs and cells. For example, an alarm clock awakens us from sleep to a state of consciousness, in which we realize that we must prepare for the day. Sensations such as pain, pressure, and noise produce wakefulness by means of peripheral organs and cells. (Basically controls cortical activies r/t state of alertness)
hypothalamus
has control centers for several involuntary activities of the body, one of which concerns sleeping and waking. Injury to the hypothalamus may cause a person to sleep for abnormally long periods.
NTs involved in sleep
Norepinephrine and acetylcholine, in addition to dopamine, serotonin, and histamine, are involved with excitation. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) appears to benecessary for inhibition. However, research has yet to proveexactly how biochemical changes and hormones function insleep.
Circadian rhythms
Rhythm that completes a full cycle q.24h; synonym for diurnal rhythm. (“Circa” in Latin means “approximately”and “diem” is the Latin word for “day”; circadian represents approximately 1 day.) Rhythmic biologic clocks are known to exist in plants, animals,and humans. Influenced by both internal and external factors, they regulate certain biologic and behavioral functions in humans. Some cycles are monthly, such as a woman’s menstrual cycle. Fluctuations in a person’s heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, hormone secretions, metabolism, and performance and mood depend in part on circadian rhythms.
Sleep is one of the body’s most complex biologic rhythms. Circadian synchronization exists when an individual’s sleep–wake patterns follow the inner biologic clock.When physiologic and psychological rhythms are high or most active, the person is awake; when these rhythms are low, the person is asleep. Although light and dark appear to be powerful regulators of the sleep–wake circadian rhythm,they do not exert primary control. The regulating mechanism is the person’s individual biologic clock, which is subject to numerous influences, such as occupational demands and social pressures. Problems of desynchronization occur when sleep–wake patterns are frequently altered and the person attempts to sleep during high-activity rhythms or to work when the body is physiologically prepared to rest.
name the two major stgs of sleep
1. non–rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep
2. rapid eye movement (REM) sleep
These stages have been studied and analyzed with the help of the electroencephalograph (EEG),which receives and records electrical currents from the brain;the electrooculogram (EOG), which records eye movements; and the electromyograph (EMG), which records muscle tone.
non–rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep
- (comprising about 75% of total sleep) consists of four stages.
- Stages I and II, consuming about 5% and 50% of a person’s sleep time, respectively, are light sleep. During these stages, the person can be aroused with relative ease.
- Stages III and IV, each representing about 10% of total sleep time, are deep-sleep states, termed delta sleep or slow-wave sleep. The arousal threshold (intensity of stimulus required to awaken) is usually greatest in stage IV NREM.
- Throughout the stages of NREM sleep, the parasympathetic nervous system dominates,and decreases in pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure, metabolic rate, and body temperature are observed.
rapid eyemovement (REM) sleep
- is more difficult to arouse a person during REM sleep than during NREM sleep.
- In normal adults, the REM state consumes 20% to 25% of a person’s nightly sleep time.
- People who are awakened during the REM state almost always report that they have been dreaming. They can usually vividly recall their dreams even if they were absurd or have no sensible meaning for them. Everyone dreams.
- pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure, metabolic rate, and body temperature increase, whereas general skeletal muscle tone and deep tendon reflexes are depressed.
- is believed to be essential to mental and emotional equilibrium and to play a role in learning, memory, and adaptation.
REM rebound
Phenomenon when a person who is deprived of REM sleep for several nights generally then spends more time in REM sleep on successive nights; allows the total amount of REM sleep to remain fairly constant overtime.
Characteristics of NREM sleep: Stg 1
- The person is in a transitional stage between wakefulness and sleep.
- The person is in a relaxed state but still somewhat aware of the surroundings.
- Involuntary muscle jerking may occur and waken the person.
- The stage normally lasts only minutes.
- The person can be aroused easily.
- This stage constitutes only about 5% of total sleep.
Characteristics of NREM sleep: Stg 2
- The person falls into a stage of sleep.
- The person can be aroused with relative ease.
- This stage constitutes 50% to 55% of sleep.
Characteristics of NREM sleep: Stg 3
- The depth of sleep increases, and arousal becomes increasingly difficult.
- This stage composes about 10% of sleep.
Characteristics of NREM sleep: Stg 4
- The person reaches the greatest depth of sleep, which is called delta sleep.
- Arousal from sleep is difficult.
- Physiologic changes in the body include the following:
- Slow brain waves are recorded on an EEG.
- Pulse and respiratory rates decrease.
- Blood pressure decreases.
- Muscles are relaxed. Metabolism slows and the body temperature is low. This constitutes about 10% of sleep.
Characteristics of REM Sleep
- Eyes dart back and forth quickly.
- Small muscle twitching, such as on the face
- Large muscle immobility, resembling paralysis
- Respirations irregular; sometimes interspersed with apnea.
- Rapid or irregular pulse.
- Blood pressure increases or fluctuates.
- Increase in gastric secretions.
- Metabolism increases; body temperature increases.
- Encephalogram tracings active.
- REM sleep enters from stage II of NREM sleep and reenters. NREM sleep at stage II
: arousal from sleep difficult.
- Constitutes about 20% to 25% of sleep
sleep cycle
- a person passes consecutively through the four stages of NREM sleep. This pattern is then reversed, and the person returns from stage IV to stage III to stage II. Instead of reentering stage I and awakening, the person enters into the REM stage of sleep, after which he or she reenters NREM sleep at stage II and returns to stages III and IV. If a person is awakened from sleep at any time, he or she returns to sleep again by starting at stage I of NREM sleep.
- Most people go through four or five cycles of sleep each night.
- On average, each cycle lasts about 90 to 100 minutes.
- The cycles tend to become longer as morning approaches.
- Ordinarily, more deep sleep occurs in the delta stage (in stg 4 of NREM sleep) in the first half of the night, especially if one is tired or has lost sleep.
- Variations in the sleep cycle occur according to age.
avg standard for sleep requirements for infants, children, and adults
- infants
: 14-20 hrs
- children
: 10-14 hrs
- adults
: 8 hrs has been the accepted standard, despite obvious variations seen in the general population. No rigid formula exists for the regular intervals and duration of sleep. It is important, however,that each person follows a pattern of rest that maintains well-being.
recommended hrs of sleep for adults is
7 to 9 hours
Fatigue
canbe considered a normal, protective body mechanism andnature’s warning that sleep is necessary
Chronic fatigue
is abnormal and is often a symptom of illness
Sleep patterns of older adults vary, but 23% to 40% report recurring insomnia at least a few nights a month. Older people often need more time to fall asleep, wake earlier and more frequently during the night,and are less able to cope with changes in their usual sleep patterns than are younger people. Many older individuals nap during the day, which often results in sleeping fewer hours at night. Illnesses in older adults may also affect their sleep patterns. For instance, many older men have enlargement of the prostate gland, which may cause them to awaken throughout the night to use the bathroom.
factors affecting sleep
- psychological stress
- motivation (A desire to be wakeful and alert helps overcome sleepiness and sleep. The opposite is also true
: When there is minimal motivation to be awake, sleep generally follows.)
- culture
- lifestyle and habits (Based on the circadian cycle, the body prepares for sleep at night by decreasing the body temperature and releasing melatonin. Working a night shift disrupts this natural process and can result in loss of sleep and other adverse effects, such as anxiety, personal conflicts, loneliness, depression, GI symptoms, and substance abuse. Nurses who work long hours and varying shifts have difficulty finding time to exercise and this can promote weight gain. The longer work hours have also been identified as a factor in an increase in the number of errors while at work. Sleep can be affected by watching some types of television shows, participating in stimulating outside activities, and taking part in activity or exercise. One’s abilities to relax from work-related pressures and to put aside home stresses are also important factors in the ability to fall asleep.)
- developmental considerations (variations in sleep patterns are related to age.)
- physical activity and exercise (Activity and exercise increase fatigue and, in many instances, promote relaxation that is followed by sleep. It appears that physical activity increases both REM and NREM sleep. Moderate exercise is a healthy way to promote sleep, but exercise that occurs within a 2-hour interval before normal bedtime can hinder sleep.)
- age
- physical stresses/illness/medications (Drugs that decrease REM sleep include barbiturates, amphetamines,and antidepressants. Diuretics, antiparkinsonian drugs, some antidepressants and antihypertensives, steroids, decongestants,caffeine, and asthma medications are seen as additional common causes of sleep problems. For short-term use, zaleplon (Sonata) and zolpidem tartrate (Ambien) are often prescribed to promote sleep in older adults because there is less residual sleepiness. Eszopiclone (Lunesta) is prescribed for longer-term treatment of chronic insomnia.)
- dietary habits (Protein may actually increase alertness and concentration, whereas carbohydrates appear to affect brain serotonin levels and promote calmness and relaxation. Therefore, a small protein- and carbohydrate-containing snack may be effective. Alcoholic beverages, when used in moderation, appear to induce sleep in some people. However, large quantities have been found to limit REM and delta sleep. No caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate. Nicotine has a stimulating effect, and smokers usually have a more difficult time falling asleep. Eliminating cigarette smoking after the evening meal appears to improve the smoker’s ability to fall asleep.People usually report improved sleep patterns after discontinuing nicotine use.Total withdrawal from smoking may be associated with temporary sleep disturbances.)
Developmental Patterns of Sleep for Newborns and Infants
Sleep Pattern:
• Newborn
: Sleeps an average of 16 hours/24 hours; averages about 4 hours at a time.
• Each infant’s sleep pattern is unique. On average, infants sleep 10 to 12 hours at night with possibly several naps during the day.
• Usually by 8 to 16 weeks of age, an infant sleeps through the night.
• REM sleep constitutes much of the sleep cycle of a young infant.
Nursing Implications:
• Teach parents to position infant on the back. Sleeping in the prone position increases the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Advise parents that eye movements, groaning, grimacing,and moving are normal activities at this age.
• Encourage parents to have infant sleep in a separate area rather than their bed.
• Caution parents about placing pillows, crib bumpers, quilts, stuffed animals, and so on in the crib because this may pose a suffocation risk.
Developmental Patterns of Sleep for Toddlers
Sleep Pattern:
• Need for sleep declines as this stage progresses. May initially sleep 12 hours at night with two naps during the day and end this stage sleeping 8 to 10 hours a night and napping once during the day.
• Toddlers may begin to resist naps and going to bed at night.
• They may move from crib to youth bed or regular bed around 2 years.
Nursing Implications:
• Establish a regular bedtime routine (e.g., reading a story,singing a lullaby, saying prayers).
• Advise parents of the value of a routine sleeping pattern with minimal variation.
• Encourage attention to safety once child moves from crib to bed. If child attempts to wander out of room, a folding gate may be necessary across the door of the room.
Developmental Patterns of Sleep for Preschoolers
Sleep Pattern:
• Children in this stage generally sleep 9 to 16 hours at night, with 12 hours being the average.
• The REM sleep pattern is similar to that of an adult.
• Daytime napping decreases during this period, and by the age of 5 years, most children no longer nap.
• This age group may continue to resist going to bed at night.
Nursing Implications:
• Encourage parents to continue bedtime routines.
• Advise parents that waking from nightmares or night terrors (awakening screaming about 20 minutes after falling asleep) are common during this stage. Waking the child and comforting him or her generally helps. Sometimes use of a night light is soothing.
Developmental Patterns of Sleep for School-Aged Children
Sleep Pattern:
• Younger school-aged children may require 10 to 12 hours nightly, whereas older children in this stage may average 8 to 10 hours
• Sleep needs usually increase when physical growth peaks.
Nursing Implications:
• Discuss the fact that the stress of beginning school may interrupt normal sleep patterns.
• Advise that a relaxed bedtime routine is most helpful at this stage.
• Inform parents about child’s awareness of the concept of death possibly occurring at this stage. Encourage parental presence and support to help alleviate some of the child’s concerns.
Developmental Patterns of Sleep for Adolescents
Sleep Pattern:
• Sleep needs of teenagers vary widely. The growth spurt that normally occurs at this stage may necessitate the need for more sleep; however, the stresses of school, activities, and part-time employment may cause adolescents to have a restless sleep.
• Many adolescents do not get enough sleep.
Nursing Implications:
• Advise parents that complaints of fatigue or inability to do well in school may be related to not enough sleep. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) may also make the teenager more vulnerable to accidents and behavioral problems.
Developmental Patterns of Sleep for Young Adults
Sleep Pattern:
• The average amount of sleep required is 8 hours, but in fact,many young adults require less sleep.
• Sleep is affected by many factors
: physical health, type of occupation, exercise. Lifestyle demands may interfere with sleep patterns.
• REM sleep averages about 20% of sleep.
Nursing Implications:
• Reinforce that developing good sleep habits has a positive effect on health, particularly as an individual ages.
• If loss of sleep is a problem, explore lifestyle demands and stress as possible causes.
• Suggest use of relaxation techniques and stress-reduction exercises rather than resorting to medication to induce sleep. Sleep medications decrease REM sleep, may be habit forming, and frequently lose their effectiveness over time.
Developmental Patterns of Sleep for Middle-Aged Adults
Sleep Pattern:
• Total sleep time decreases during these years with a decrease in stage IV sleep.
• The percentage of time spent awake in bed begins to increase.
• Individuals become more aware of sleep disturbances during this period.
Nursing Implications:
• Encourage adults to investigate consistent sleep difficulties to exclude pathology or anxiety and depression as causes.
• Encourage adults to avoid use of sleep-inducing medication on a regular basis.
Developmental Patterns of Sleep for Older Adult
Sleep Pattern:
• An average of 5 to 7 hours of sleep is usually adequate for this age group.
• Sleep is less sound, and stage IV sleep is absent or considerably decreased. Periods of REM sleep shorten.
• Elderly people frequently have great difficulty falling asleep and have more complaints of problems sleeping.
• Decline in physical health, psychological factors, effects of drug therapy (e.g., nocturia), or environmental factors maybe implicated as causes of inability to sleep.
Nursing Implications:
• A comprehensive nursing assessment and individualized interventions may be effective in the long-term care of this age group.
• Emphasize concern for a safe environment because it is not uncommon for older people to be temporarily confused and disoriented when they first awake.
• Use sedatives with extreme caution because of declining physiologic function and concerns about polypharmacy.
• Encourage people to discuss sleep concerns with their physicians.
melatonin
a natural chemical produced at night that decreaseswakefulness and promotes sleep
Illnesses affecting sleep
• Gastric secretions increase during REM sleep. Many people with
peptic ulcers
awaken at night with pain. They find that eating a snack or using antacids to neutralize stomach acidity often relieves discomfort and promotes sleep.
• The pain associated with
coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI)
is more likely with REM sleep.
• Epilepsy seizures are most likely to occur during NREM sleep and appear to be depressed by REM sleep.
•
Liver failure and encephalitis
tend to cause a reversal in day–night sleeping habits.
•
Hypothyroidism
tends to decrease the amount of NREM sleep, especially stages II and IV, while hyperthyroidismmay result in difficulty falling asleep.
•
End stage renal disease (ESRD)
disrupts nocturnal sleep and leads to excessive daytime sleepiness. Patients with ESRD who receive dialysis also have a higher incidence of restless leg syndrome, which possibly is related to the iron deficiency common in ESRD.
•
Epilepsy -
sleep is sluggish
Chronotherapeutics
growing field of study that involves the strategic use of time in the administration of medicine. Researchers have determined that certain treatments for disease are more effective when body rhythms are taken into account. For example, a larger mid-afternoon dose of asthma medication may be more effective in preventing attacks that commonly occur at night during sleep. The timing of antihypertensive medication administration may need to be adjusted to provide peak protection during early-morning hours, when heart attacks are more common. Cancer chemotherapy appears to be less toxic when administered at certain times of the day. Paying attention to biologic rhythms may influence drug tolerance and medication effectiveness.
four major categories of sleep disturbances
1. Dyssomnias
2. Parasomnias
3. Sleep disorders associated with medical or psychiatric disorders
4. Other proposed disorders (sleep apnea)
Dyssomnias
sleep disorders characterized by insomnia or excessive sleepiness. (insomnia, hypersomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, sleep deprivation)
Parasomnias
patterns of waking behavior that appear during sleep. (somnabulism, sleep talking, nocturnal erections, bruxism, enuresis, sleep-related eating disorder)
sleep related eating disorder
A type of parasomnia that is gaining more attention which is when the patient eats but does not remember eating in the morning. People with sleep-related eating disorder can gain weight and experience injury either from cooking in their sleep or eating potentially dangerous raw food. They also may experience sleep disruption.
sleep talking
talking in your sleep (type of parasomnia)
bruxism
grinding of teeth during sleep (type of parasomnia)
enuresis
urinating during sleep (type of parasomnia)
somnambulism
sleep walking (type of parasomnia)
night terrors
screaming upon awakening due to a perceived threat (type of parasomnia)
Insomnia
characterized by difficulty falling asleep, intermittentsleep, or early awakening from sleep. It is the mostcommon of all sleep disorders. People older than 60 years ofage, women (especially after menopause), and persons with a history of depression are more likely to experience insomnia.This sleep disorder can also occur during periods of stress, in situations involving some change in the normal environment,after traveling across time zones (jet lag), and as a result of the side effects of medications.
Usually, people reporting insomnia have been observed tofall asleep more quickly and sleep more than they report theydo. However, the condition can lead to such distress that furtherwakefulness results. A person with insomnia oftenreports feeling tired, lethargic, and irritable during the day.Difficulty concentrating is also a common manifestation.
Treatment of insomnia is usually unnecessary becausemost episodes last for only a short period. Insomnia that lastsless than 4 weeks is termed acute while chronic insomniapersists for 5 weeks to 6 months. Chronic insomnia is frequentlylisted as the motivating factor for a visit to a sleepdisorder clinic. Insomnia that lasts more than 6 months maybe termed persistent and may even continue throughout life.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) (2008), nearly 10% of the U.S. population suffersfrom chronic insomnia. Certain health conditions have beenassociated with chronic insomnia. They include obesity; type2 diabetes; psychiatric disorders, such as depression; and cardiovasculardisorders such as heart failure, stroke, hypertension,and myocardial infarction (heart attack). The misuse ofalcohol or caffeine can have an adverse effect on insomniaand stopping these behaviors may reduce or eliminate theinsomnia.
treatment of insomnia
Nonpharmacological approaches should be attempted initiallyto resolve the insomnia. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) is a safe, effective means of managing chronic insomniaand may include sleep hygiene measures, stimulus control,and sleep restriction therapy (NSF, 2008b). CBT involvesmeeting with a therapist and working through maladaptivesleep beliefs. It may also include biofeedback and relaxationtechniques. When used in conjunction with these other complementarytherapies, CBT is very successful. If, however,these measures prove ineffective, pharmacologic treatmentmay be necessary. Pharmacologic options include the use ofsedatives and hypnotics. However, only short-term use, atthe lowest dose, is recommended.
Also, Sleep hygiene
Sleep hygiene
nonpharmacologic recommendationsthat help an individual get a better night’s sleep. Theseentail reviewing and changing lifestyles and environment.
Sleep hygiene suggestions include the following:
• Restricting the intake of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol,especially later in the day.
• Avoiding activities after 5 p.m. that are stimulating.
• Avoiding naps.
• Eating a light meal before bedtime.
• Sleeping in a cool, dark room.
• Eliminating use of a bedroom clock.
• Taking a warm bath before bedtime.
• Trying to keep the sleep environment as quiet as possible
Stimulus control
using the bedroom for sex andsleep only. People with insomnia who have problems initiating sleep should stay in the bedroom for only 15 to 20 minutes.If after this time they cannot fall asleep, they should leavethe room and return only when they feel sleepy. Getting upat the same time every day, no matter what time the personfell asleep, and refraining from napping during the day arerecommended.
sleep diary
helps to determine sleep patterns. The focus of sleep restriction is to avoid naps and early bedtimes and, actually, change the way an individual sleeps.
A sleep diary or log provides more specific data on the patient’s sleep–wakefulness patterns over a long period. It summarizes information about these patterns, possibly indicating activities and behaviors that affect the quality and quantity of sleep. Generally, the diary is kept for 14 days and typically includes a graph of the total number of hours of sleep per day. Depending on the nature of the problem, graphs may be made of the number of undisturbed hours of sleep, number of awakenings, and so forth. In addition, a daily record is completed addressing the following:
• Time patient retires
• Time patient tries to fall asleep
• Approximate time patient falls asleep
• Time of any awakenings during the night and when sleep was resumed
• Time of awakening in the morning
• Presence of any stressors patient believes are affecting his or her sleep
• A record of any food, drink, or medication patient believes has positively or negatively influenced his or her sleep (include time of ingestion) -- caffeine gets in way *test question*
• Record of physical activities—type, duration, and time
• Record of mental activities—type, duration, and time
• Record of activities performed 2 to 3 hours before bedtime, bedtime rituals, changes in sleep environment
• Presence of any worries or anxieties patient believes are affecting his or her sleep
It is helpful if the patient has a bed partner who can assistwith the diary. The patient needs to understand that the diaryis simply a diagnostic tool. If keeping the diary causes toomuch stress for the patient and further interferes with his orher ability to sleep restfully, it should be discontinued.
Relaxation therapy
involves any type of relaxation, such as progressive muscle relaxation, imagery training, or meditation.Not all relaxation methods are beneficial for all patients.
Hypersomnia
a condition characterized by excessive sleep, particularly during the day. A person may fall asleep for intervals during work, while eating, or even during conversations.These naps do not usually relieve their symptoms.When they awake, they are often disoriented, irritated,restless, and have slower speech and thinking processes.Causes of hypersomnia are varied. They may include:
• Another sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Head trauma or other injury to the central nervous system
• Effect of certain medications
• Depression
• Obesity
• Other medical conditions (multiple sclerosis, epilepsy).
Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to hypersomnia. It appears most often in adolescents and young adults.
treatment for hypersomnia
treatment of hypersomnia is symptomatic in nature. Stimulant drugs may prove effective, or in some cases, antidepressants may be prescribed. Attention to diet (avoidance of alcohol and caffeine) and behavioral changes (avoidance of night work and social activities later in the evening) mayoffer some relief from such episodes. Although not usually life threatening, hypersomnia can have some serious consequences, such as motor vehicle accidents that occur because of drowsiness or falling asleep while driving. These attacks may occur indefinitely.
Narcolepsy
condition characterized by an uncontrollable desire to sleep. A person with narcolepsy can literally fall asleep standing up, while driving a car, in the middle of a conversation, or while swimming. Individuals with narcolepsy tend to fall asleep quickly, find it difficult to wake up, sleep fewer hours than others, and sleep restlessly. Narcolepsy is considered a neurologic disorder. The condition usually begins in susceptible people during adolescence or early adulthood and continues through life. Sleepiness during the day is often the first symptom of narcolepsy, which usually occurs several years before experiencing any difficulty with nighttime sleep.
common features of narcolepsy
• Sleep attacks
: irresistible urge to sleep, regardless of thetype of activity in which the patient is engaged
• Cataplexy
: sudden loss of motor tone that may cause theperson to fall asleep; usually experienced during a periodof strong emotion
• Hypnagogic hallucinations
: nightmares or vivid hallucinations
• Sleep-onset REM periods
: during a sleep attack, the personmoves directly into REM sleep
• Sleep paralysis
: skeletal paralysis that occurs during the transition from wakefulness to sleep
Presence of any two symptoms helps to confirm the diagnosis. Undiagnosed, a person with narcolepsy is potentially dangerous to himself or herself and others. In some countries, a person with a diagnosis of narcolepsy is not permitted to drive a motor vehicle. A central nervous system stimulant (e.g., methylphenidate [Ritalin]) that causes wakefulness may be used to control narcolepsy. Additional medications such as modafinil (Provigil), a wakefulness-promoting compound, and sodium oxybate (Xyrem), a sedative used for treating disturbed nocturnal sleep, have proved effective in treating narcoleptic symptoms. People using such drugs should take them faithfully because with discontinuation of use, the uncontrollable desire to sleep returns.
Sleep apnea
condition in which a person experiences theabsence of breathing (apnea) or diminished breathing efforts(hypopnea) during sleep between snoring intervals. Breathingmay cease for 10 to 20 seconds, possibly as long as 2 minutes.During long periods of apnea, the oxygen level in the blooddrops, the pulse usually becomes irregular, and the blood pressureoften increases. Many people experience sleep apneawithout symptoms, but excessive daytime sleepiness is commonlyreported. Although it occurs most commonly in middleagedmen who are obese and have short thick necks, womenand people of other ages may also experience it. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can result when the airwayis occluded because of the collapse of the hypopharynx(Fig. 34-4) or from other structural abnormalities such asenlarged tonsils and adenoids, a deviated nasal septum, andthyroid enlargement. Narrowing of nasal passagewayscaused by allergic rhinitis or nasal polyps is another factorcontributing to OSA.Some investigators have theorized that sleep apnea mayexplain certain cases of death that occur during sleep.According to recent research, individuals with OSA had“more than twice the number of cardiac deaths during sleepinghours compared to the general population” (O’Brien,2007). In healthy people, OSA may impair cardiac functionover time and lead to the development of heart failure. Ifheart failure has already been diagnosed, OSA may result inprogression of this condition. Sleep apnea and heart failureare a dangerous combination, making it even more importantto recognize and treat OSA.Clinical information and polysomnography can confirmthe diagnosis of sleep apnea. This overnight sleep study consistsof an EEG recording of the stages of sleep and anyepisodes of apnea, an electrooculogram that detects eyemovements, and an electromyographic recording of musclemovement (Shields, 2008). Cardiopulmonary monitoring ofthe arterial oxygen saturation and an electrocardiogram(ECG) to detect any cardiac arrhythmias can also assist inthe diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea.People with obstructive sleep apnea may become irritableduring the day, fall asleep during monotonous activities,have difficulty concentrating, and exhibit slower reactiontimes. They are also more likely to be involved in motor vehicleaccidents. Alcohol, tobacco, and sleeping pills increase thebreathing disruption that occurs in sleep apnea and should beavoided.
treatment of sleep apnea
Treatment of moderate obstructive sleep apnea may consistof removing the tonsils or using an oral appliance whensleeping. If this is ineffective, continuous positive airwaypressure (CPAP) may be recommended. CPAP is noninvasive and consists of a mask connected to an air pump that is wornduring sleep. This device delivers positive air pressure thatholds the airway open. Many patients discontinue use of CPAPbecause of a sensation of claustrophobia, discomfort exhalingagainst air inflow, or dryness and skin irritation. If conservativetreatment methods fail, surgery to remove soft tissue atthe back of the mouth may be an option. This surgery is notwithout risks and poses significant postoperative issues for thepatient. Individuals who opt for the procedure need continuedsupport and comprehensive teaching, including coping strategies,for the immediate postoperative period.
restless leg syndrome (RLS)
cannot lie stilland report unpleasant creeping, crawling, or tingling sensationsin the legs. Usually, these sensations are in the calf, butthey may occur anywhere from the ankle to the thigh.Patients describe an irresistible urge to move the legs whenthese sensations occur, usually during the evening and night.In some cases, symptoms may affect both sides of the body.Almost one-fourth of the individuals diagnosed with RLShave an iron deficiency but the reason for this association isunclear. RLS is also seen in patients with end-stage renaldisease (ESRD) and in pregnant women. Over the countermedications such as antihistamines can exacerbate thesymptoms of RLS. This disorder has no cure.
Although restless leg syndrome is a common sleep disorderthat affects up to 15% of the population, many healthcareworkers are unaware of its existence. The acronym URGEsummarizes the symptoms and criteria for diagnosis of RLS:
U – urge to move the legs
R – rest-induced
G – gets better with activity
E – evening symptoms more severe
treatment options for RLS
Massaging the legs, walking, doing knee bends, and movingthe legs sometimes bring relief. Research continues into additionaltreatment options, but the following may prove effective:
• Eliminating use of caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol.
• Taking a mild analgesic at bedtime (provided it iscompatible with the current medical regimen).
• Applying heat or cold to the extremity.
• Using relaxation techniques. Biofeedback and transcutaneouselectrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may alsorelieve symptoms
Ropinirole (Requip), a drug used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, has been approved by the FDA to treat restless leg syndrome. A newer drug in the same category, pramipexole dihydrochloride (Mirapex), has also proved effective for relief of the symptoms of RLS.
The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation (http://www.rls.org) is a support group available for the millions of peoplewith this disorder who experience chronic sleep loss.
Sleep deprivation
decrease in the amount, consistency,or quality of sleep. It may result from decreased REMsleep or NREM sleep. Total sleep deprivation is rarely seen,other than in experimental settings. There are many causes,and the manifestations progress from irritability and impairedmental abilities to a total disintegration of personality. In general,the effects of sleep deprivation become increasinglyapparent after 30 hours of continual wakefulness.Partial sleep deprivation may result in loss of concentration,inattention, and impaired information processing and posesserious safety risks. Excessive daytime sleepiness, a form ofpartial sleep deprivation, impairs performance at times whenindividuals need to be alert. The strange environment of thehospital, physical discomfort and pain, the effects of medications,and the need for 24-hour nursing care may also contributeto sleep deprivation in hospitalized patients. It is unclear whether irreversible damage to body tissueresults from prolonged or chronic sleep deprivation. However,sleep deprivation clearly produces changes in physicaland mental functioning, supporting the belief that sleep isessential for well-being. Even mild OSA with its accompanyingdecreased quality of sleep and constant fatigue isthought to “put stress on the body equivalent to five years ofaging” Sleep deprivation may be caused byshorter periods of sleep, which over time can cause impairment.Whether it occurs as a result of a disorder or it is voluntarysleep curtailment, sleep deprivation has wide-rangingnegative consequences for human health and well-being.
physical assessment
The findings in the physical assessment may either confirmthat the patient is getting sufficient rest to provide energy forthe day’s activities or validate the existence of a sleep disturbancethat is decreasing the quantity or quality of sleep. Keyfindings include energy level (presence of physical weakness,fatigue, lethargy, or decreased energy), facial characteristics(narrowing or glazing of eyes, swelling of eyelids,decreased animation), or behavioral characteristics (yawning,rubbing eyes, slow speech, slumped posture). Physicaldata suggestive of potential sleep problems (e.g., obesity, enlarged neck, deviated nasal septum) may also be noted.
nocturnal myoclonus
Observed in 10% to 20% of chronic insomniacs, involves marked muscle contractions thatresult in the jerking of one or both legs during sleep. Thejerking lasts about 28 seconds, on average; may arouse thesleeper; and contributes to insomnia.
snoring
caused by an obstruction to airflow through thenose and mouth. Other than disturbing others in the samebedroom, snoring is not ordinarily a sleeping disorder. However,snoring accompanied by apnea can present a problem.When snoring changes from the characteristic sawing-woodsound to a more irregular silence followed by a snort, thisindicates obstructive apnea.
Common etiologies for these nursing diagnoses may include the following:
• Physical discomfort or pain
• Emotional discomfort or pain caused by anxiety and stress
• Changes in bedtime rituals or sleep environment
• Disruption of circadian rhythm
• Exercise just before sleep
• Caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol intake after dinner
• Drug dependency and withdrawal
• Symptoms of physical illness
nursing diagnoses
Disturbed sleep pattern as the problem:
- Anxiety
- impaired gas exchange
- risk for injury
- low self esteem
- impaired social interaction
- disturbed thought process
outcome ID/planning
pt will
- maintain sleep-wake pattern that provide sufficent energy for day tasks
- demonstrate self-care behaviors that provide a healthy behavior between rest and activity
- ID stress relieving rituals that enable one to fall asleep more easily
- demonstrate decrease signs of sleep deprivation
- verbalize feelings of less fatigue, more control of life activities
nursing interventions sleep promotion
- prepare a restful environment
- promote bedtime rituals
- offer appropriate bedtime snacks and beverages (carbs)
- promote relaxation and comfort
- respect normal sleep-wake patterns
- schedule nursing care to avoid disturbances
- use meds to produce sleep
- teach about rest and sleep
evaluation
- nurse evaluates the effectiveness of the plan of care (did it work?)
- nurse checks to see whether the pt has met the individualized expected outcomes specified in the plan of care
outcome achieved if:
- pt verbalizes feelings of feeling rested/having a restful night's sleep
- pt IDs factors that interfere w/ or disrupt the normal sleep pattern
- pt uses techniques that promote sleep and a restful environment
- the pt eliminates/minimizes behaviors r/t sleep deprivation
meds for sleep
The most commonly prescribed sleep aids belong to thesedative-hypnotic class of benzodiazepines. These drugsinclude flurazepam (Dalmane) and temazepam (Restoril).When used to induce sleep, both these drugs have the potentialto produce daytime drowsiness, a morning hangovereffect, and physical and psychological dependence. Drugs ina newer class of nonbenzodiazepines are less likely to cause adverse effects and have a lower risk of abuse. These morecommonly prescribed drugs include eszopiclone (Lunesta) and zolpidem (Ambien). The most recently approved sleepmedication is ramelteon (Rozerem). This drug is classified as a melatonin receptor agonist and it normalizes sleep cycles by enabling the body’s supply of melatonin to naturally promote sleep.
Variousstudies confirm that adults and children who slept less thantheir recommended hours per night were more likely to beoverweight. This sleep–weight link is possibly related to twohormones: leptin and ghrelin. Leptin signals the brain to stopeating, whereas ghrelin promotes continued eating. Researchsuggests that sleep deprivation lowers leptin levels and elevatesghrelin levels, thus increasing one’s appetite. To compound theproblem, a drop in leptin also can be interpreted by the brain asa sign of starvation. Unfortunately, the brain then signals thebody to eat more while it simultaneously lowers the body’smetabolic rate. When this happens, people are more likely togain weight, even if food intake is decreased. This informationappears to verify that lack of sleep affects not just the brain, butalso the entire body
involuntary muscle jerking occurs in stg 1 sleep in the other stgs, the muscles proceed from a relaxed state to large muscle immobility
During REM sleep, it's difficult to wake a person up and V/S increase. Delta sleep in NREM stgs III and IV sleep.
person goes through 4/5 cycles of sleep
chronic insomnia is the most common complaint of pts visiting sleep disorder clinics
hypothyrodism can interfere w/stg II and IV of NREM sleep. Chest pain occurs more frequently during REM sleep. Epileptic seizures occur more frequently during NREM sleep. Gastric secretions increase during REM sleep.
caffeine should be avoided 4/5 hrs before bedtime
A maternity nurse is instructing new parents on the proper sleeping position for their newborn child. In what position does the nurse instruct the parents to place the infant?
supine
A patient reports that her naps after lunch often stretch to 3 hours in length and that she has great difficult rousing herself after a nap. This condition is best termed as which of the following?
Hypersomnia - a condition characterized by excessive sleep, particularly during the day.
The client is scheduled for a polysomnography to determine if the client has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The nurse instructs the client to
anticipate sleeping overnight at a healthcare center. - Polysomnography is a sleep study. The client will be scheduled for the study at a healthcare center and sleep overnight as part of the study. The client should avoid sedatives as this will aggravate OSA. Interventions for OSA include inserting an oral appliance or applying a facial mask for continuous positive airway pressure.
While instructing young adults about the need for adequate sleep, the nurse instructs the group that to improve sleep quality, individuals should
Have a consistent time for arising - A regular time of rising is one of the most effective means of improving sleep quality and synchronizing circadian rhythms with clock time.
A nurse is explaining the effect of a prescribed medication and the different phases of sleep to an insomniac client. Which of the following statements is true for non-rapid eye movement (REM) sleep?
It is called slow wave sleep. - Non-rapid eye movement sleep, which progresses through four stages, is also called slow wave sleep because during this phase, electroencephalographic (EEG) waves appear as progressively slower oscillations. The REM phase of sleep is referred to as paradoxical sleep because the EEG waves appear similar to those produced during periods of wakefulness but it is the deepest stage of sleep. NREM sleep is characterized as quiet sleep and REM sleep as active sleep.
A new mother calls the pediatric nurse to talk to the nurse about her baby who sleeps "all day long." The nurse informs the new mother that an infant requires how many hours of sleep?
14 to 20 hours of sleep each day
A patient in his 40s has asked the nurse how much sleep he should be getting in order to maximize his health and well-being. How should the nurse respond?
"Most adults need between 7 and 9 hours, but everyone is different."
The mother reports her 4-year-old child wakes frequently at night screaming. She also reports this occurs shortly after her son has fallen asleep. The nurse assesses the child takes a tub bath and the mother reads a story to her son prior to bedtime at 8 PM. The nurse intervenes by stating to the mother
• "It is common for this to occur in this age group."
• "Comforting your child when this occurs may help."
• "You may find a night light in his room is helpful."
A patient has been in the hospital for the past 10 days following the development of an infection at her surgical incision site. Each morning the patient complains of overwhelming fatigue and has told the nurse, "I just can't manage to get any sleep around here." How should the nurse first respond to this patient's statement?
Assess the factors that the patient believes contribute to the problem.
Which of the following characteristics is associated with REM sleep?
The individual's facial muscles are twitching.
Name some chronic illnesses that
can affect sleep patterns
Peptic ulcers- reflux, CAD hs
angina, epilepsy seizure act, liver failure (enceph), hypothyroid (dec energy, inc sleep), meds/interactions
Dyssomnia that is an uncontrolled desire to sleep
narcolepsy
What is somnabulism?
A parasomnia- sleep walking
What is the treatment for
obstructive sleep apnea?
CPAP @ hs to facilitate the flow of o2 forcing the airway to open by pos. pressure
Author:
lovezchoclabs
ID:
240698
Card Set:
Sleep enhancement
Updated:
2013-12-16 23:51:03
Tags:
sleep enhancement taylor nursing 1010
Folders:
Description:
sleep enhancement taylor nursing 1010
Show Answers: | https://www.freezingblue.com/flashcards/print_preview.cgi?cardsetID=240698 |
"Now, let's add a couple of happy Death Commandos"
Tactical Combat w/ Miniatures
«
on:
13 April 2014, 16:09:55 »
ATOW gives some rules for integrating "tactical" combat into game sessions.
The easiest is of course to switch to TW rules and run a TW battle.
To mesh with the 5 second combat turn in ATOW, ATOW generally gives conversion rules that basically say that whatever you can do in TW, you can only do half of it, or it takes twice as long. However, this "patch" wasn't comprehensive enough to avoid some confusion.
Thus far, I've found the following to work:
For a tactical ('mechs, tanks, etc.) scenario played on a miniatures wargame style diorama table, my players wrap theirs heads much easier around movement and range in inches, as opposed to in-game meters. So assuming 6m per inch works for you, I use the following conversions (it stems from the premise that 5" = 1 TW hex):
Movement = TW move x 2.5"
Jumping: Per turn, the distance is Jump x 2.5", but the jump takes two turns to complete. At the end of the first turn of jumping, the unit is at the apex (Max Height = Jump x 1") with LOS figured accordingly. Jumping to-hit modifiers applied both turns. Maximum altitude a unit can Jump over is Jump x 1"
Turns cost 5" of movement per 60 Degrees. Fractions count.
If using contoured terrain, 1" of elevation costs 5" of movement
Light woods, water, rough terrain and rubble costs double. Heavy woods costs triple.
Example: A 4/6/4 Panther can has a move in inches of 10"/15"/10" (Max 20"), when jumping, the Panther has a maximum altitude of 4".
Weapon Ranges are figured at Range in Hexes x 5", second number in the bracket taking precedence.
Example: A standard IS Medium Laser has a range of 0-3/4-6/7-9, in inches, it is now 0-15"/16"-30"/31" - 45"
Heat: Jumping generates 1 Heat per 5" jumped. If the amount of head generated between the turn it first jumps and the turn in lands is less than 3, additional heat is generated in the "landing" turn to get to the minimum of 3.
Heat sinks work at half efficiency. For odd heat sinks, alternate number of heat points cooled.
Movement to Hit Modifiers:
Multiply the movement in hexes by 2.5", so
0"-14" - No Mod
15" - 24" +1
25" - 34" +2
35" - 49" +3
and so on
This is sort of a work in progress. We find that the advantage of this format over the hex board is we're able to add more tactical detail to our engagements, but movement direction and distance is more generalized and thus smoother at times than straight TW.
I find this a particularly good format for smaller engagements, but not practical for anything with groups larger than lances.
It also meshes well if you have individual out of vehicle character movement during the game as well. For example, I ran a scenario in which the PCs were in 'Mechs, but data had to be retrieved from an office in the building. The PCs had the option of splitting their party between those that were disembarking their mechs and those that stayed in their mechs to protect their position.
Logged
"I can't save his life, it's too embarrassing!" - Arnold Judas Rimmer, BSC SSC
Print
Pages: [
1
]
Go Up
« previous
next »
BattleTech - The Board Game of Armored Combat
»
BattleTech Game Systems
»
A Time of War
»
Tactical Combat w/ Miniatures
SMF 2.0.15
|
SMF © 2017
, | https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=38714.0 |
The technological divide between the U.S. and countries still struggling with poverty, lack of opportunities, and poor access to quality services is rapidly disappearing, creating on the one hand a misleading sense of progress and development, and on the other hand greater possibilities of global intercultural awareness and interaction. In Puno, Perú, I have noticed the growing obsession with virtual social networks, such as Facebook, in which a large segment of the population (primarily young adults) dedicate more and more of their time online gaining “friends” and sharing opinions about any topic that arises.
Telecommunications companies are making it easier for customers to get “smart phones” which allow connection to the internet almost anywhere and anytime, and many people make sacrifices to own one, leveling the playing field in the quest to “achieve” personal and professional success and reach broader horizons.
The possibilities for virtual communities, professional networks, and instant communication across borders, cultures and economic classes are numerous, in ways never before imagined. We live in a postmodern technological reality that has the potential to create intercultural dialogue, tolerance and understanding, leading to a more peace-filled world. Yet, unfortunately, the increase of communication technology has, to some extent, decreased the person-to-person, face-to-face, heart-to-heart dialogues necessary in forming healthy families, communities and relationships conducive to nonviolent conflict resolution.
Not long ago, a teenager in the sprawling commercial center of Juliaca, near Puno, committed suicide as she wrote about it on Facebook. Though I lack formal research statistics, intuition leads me to wonder if the more we are absorbed by our virtual networks, the less intimacy we develop in our relationships. This new paradigm may be a result, or perhaps a cause, of our striving to be more self-sufficient (fooling ourselves that we don’t need others), while paradoxically seeking our security in being connected, having immediate access to a global sea of faces and names that have become our “friends” but who do not really satisfy our true needs.
Jesus, in today’s gospel, challenges our skewed sense of security. The tools of our mission discipleship—of our being sent forth—are not in the accessories we carry with us, nor in what we believe are essentials for our travels, nor in our networking capabilities. Jesus sends us with only one security: humble, simple trust. It is trust that, as Paul proclaims, reveals itself when we place our confidence in the cross of Christ and become a new creation. As we surrender the tendency to place our security in the refuge of the day (circumcision for early Christians who could then pass as Jews to avoid persecution, or, in our day, realigning our priorities to reflect the “values” and expectations of society), we encounter the freedom and peace that naked, unadorned love can bring.
The disciples of Jesus are not sent forth with fancy gadgets, nor a “Survivor” backpack, nor materials to convince others of their cause … they are “missioned” in complete vulnerability — with their need for others, in the reciprocal kindness of strangers making room in their homes, around their tables, in their hearts. Jesus’ disciples are sent with one word in their mouths – PEACE – which is both fruit of a spirit lived in trusting confidence in Christ and seed of new, nonviolent, relationships – a new creation.
This new creation is the Kingdom of God at hand, characterized by its stability and presence with others … sharing the abundance of life, even if only in the silent tenderness of compassion, with those who are weak and vulnerable … combating the demons that uproot people from their interior grounding and destroy their relationships … boldly proclaiming a creative word amid the constant babble of text messages, criticisms, and superficial comments numbing our deep hunger for the intimacy to love and be loved authentically.
Then we will be able to cry out to God with joy, rejoicing in the new creation of the Kingdom of God where we find all our needs satisfied with the love and intimacy that a mother has for the child nursing at her breast. Our mourning will be transformed into joy, when we place our confidence in the security of a peaceful, trusting spirit that Jesus has planted within. Only then, can we relate to one another as co-laborers harvesting the wheat of life, not allowing the grain to be scattered aimlessly by uncontrolled winds of virtual networking that distract and absorb our vision. Rejoice, for our names are written in heaven. | https://maryknollogc.org/resources/scripture/14th-sunday-ordinary-time |
KZN ANC to rally against inclusion of polyandry in Marriage Act
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal says it will rally its structures in the province, the traditional leadership and the people to stand up against the inclusion of polyandry in the Marriage Act.
The ANC PEC in KZN slammed the aspect allowing for polyandry (a marriage of a woman to two or more men at the same time) in the newly gazetted green paper for the Marriage Act published by the Department of Home Affairs earlier this month, saying that there was no convincing explanation for polyandry.
The party’s provincial secretary, Mdumiseni Ntuli, was earlier at pains to explain that their opposition to polyandry was not in defence of polygamy, but that polyandry was not a contribution to fighting patriarchy faced by women in South Africa.
Ntuli said this was not in any way introducing an intervention that is required in terms of addressing the plight of South African women. Ntuli was speaking during a media briefing following the meeting of the ANC provincial executive committee (PEC) over the weekend.
“There’s no convincing explanation today, we believe that there won’t be any convincing explanation in the future.
’’Our conception of our revolution, of a national liberation movement, was that women suffer from triple oppression. Have we resolved that contradiction? Standing here, I know we haven’t.
“We believe that we must not be diverted away from that. Let’s deal with the oppression of women by virtue of being African black women, let’s deal with the oppression of women as a class.
“You know, like I do, that in many workplaces in this country as elsewhere in the world women still do the same kind of work that men do but they do not get paid the same amount of money.
’’That’s the struggle we should be waging, that’s what we should be focusing on if we want to deal decisively with the oppression of women,” Ntuli said.
He said that women were not concerned about getting multiple husbands, but were concerned about being players in the country’s economy and that the patriarchy that they suffer from each day is defeated.
“There is no plausible explanation that if a woman marries more than one man we are reducing patriarchy, that if a woman marries more than one man we are addressing inequality in the context of economic emancipation for which the women of our country are actually fighting for.
“We are opposed to this (polyandry), we don’t think it is the correct way to go and we are going to engage structures of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal, the traditional leadership and the people of KwaZulu-Natal to stand up and say this is not any way introducing an intervention that is required in terms of addressing the plight of our women,” Ntuli said.
He added that the PEC believed that at the heart of this national discourse on the proposed marriage bill must be a commitment to improve our current conditions and or to redress the imbalances of the past.
“The PEC believes that new laws must be enacted with an intention to improve human conditions or to change course away from colonialism and apartheid laws.
’’It is perfectly clear that the current proposal on polyandry is without any concrete and convincing substance to be supported by the African National Congress in KwaZulu-Natal,” Ntuli said. | |
Written by Ben Cowan-Dewar
When I was on a trip to Vancouver on March 11, I didn’t realize it would be my last trip across Canada, let alone outside of my home base of Toronto for the foreseeable future. The unprecedented changes in the last 12 weeks were a surprise to me, the world and, of course, Canada’s tourism sector.
“We were hit first and we were hit hard—and this of course includes the hotel industry with the sobering fact that Canadian hotel occupancy dipped to a low of 10 per cent in April. There’s no shortage of data that helps us understand the profound and long-lasting impact COVID-19 will have on our industry.”
But despite cancelled flights, deferred hotel stays and boarded-up businesses, it’s clear the tourism sector hasn’t given up. We’re strong but, more importantly, we’re resilient. We’ve seen examples of this resiliency through the stories of connection and kindness in the news, as well as from our home offices at Destination Canada, through the questions and dialogue in our ongoing industry webinars.
To leverage this sentiment, we’re putting our resources towards helping operators during this time and determining what needs to happen as the industry prepares to return to business — whatever that may look like.
Our response to COVID-19 at Destination Canada is encapsulated in a strategy called “Navigating the New Normal.” This approach focuses on three main components — response, recovery and resilience — to help us navigate through the first global pandemic to occur in the age of the smartphone and heightened connectivity. We’re currently in the “Response” phase of this three-stage approach and though we’ve roughly charted-out the timeline, we all know the situation is changing daily. This means we’ll need to be flexible, as much of our work will be dependent on signs of recovery, but we’ve made specific projections to guide us.
Renewed Research
To help us better understand the impact of COVID-19 and make evidence-based decisions to inform our strategy and work, we’ve collated and undertaken new research. As part of our mandate at Destination Canada, we provide intelligence, tools and insights to support our tourism partners and the sector at large. Though international research has typically been our main output, we’ve now refined our focus and are working on data that explores the impact of COVID-19 on the industry internationally and at home. The goal is to help quantify the impacts of the pandemic, while also looking at aspects that are unquantifiable, such as long-lasting changes in consumer behaviour.
Along with this, we’ve leveraged a partnership with Google and other stakeholders to develop a signals framework to help us understand sentiment in the travel landscape and better inform the timeline of the latter two phases of our strategic framework.
Support for Industry
Through the sharing of research and resources, and by establishing frequent touchpoints (webinars), we’re working with industry to determine our path forward. This means we’re spending our time not only planning, but also listening. We’re listening to the differing needs of our partners and the thousands of small and medium-sized businesses across the country. Not everyone was impacted in the same way, therefore our focus is on aligning and directing industry and tourism businesses to the resources that are most needed. We’ve created a portal for information on our corporate website, are publishing a weekly industry newsletter, DC News, and have included travel guidance on our consumer-facing platforms.
We remain positive, pragmatic and empathetic to the very real challenges our sector is facing. Together, we’ve already shown how we’re able to come together and I look forward to this continued collaboration as we re-build and re-establish what normal looks like for our teams and travellers around the world. | https://www.hoteliermagazine.com/destination-canada-is-preparing-the-industry-to-navigate-the-new-normal/ |
Moorabool Gardens for Wildlife
Gardens for Wildlife - Moorabool is a network of local volunteers working with local gardeners and community groups to create gardens that are havens for our local native species.
Gardens for Wildlife is a voluntary program for anyone who is interested
creating wildlife habitats in their garden. It may be a small space like a courtyard or balcony,
a factory or school garden, a small urban or farm garden.
The program aims to bring the community together to support our local plants and animals
and increase our understanding of the region's unique wildlife.
Around 46% of Australia’s endangered wildlife can be found in towns and cities.
The design of our gardens can be an important factor in the ongoing survival of these species
Our project
We're building networks of like-minded gardeners in towns around Moorabool Shire to share ideas about wildlife friendly practices and what to plant to attract more birds, butterflies, insects and wildlife to urban gardens.
As well as helping wildlife, getting out and enjoying gardens is good for our health and well-being.
Our garden volunteers
Our specially trained Garden Guides are here to assist program participants plant wildlife friendly gardens and show ways to attract more species to their gardens.
Garden guides visit program participants in their gardens, discuss the visions of the garden and prepare a short report including the ways to make gardens even more beneficial to our native wildlife.
Gardens are important places. They offer us refuges, food, recreation and a place to connect with nature. Our team of volunteers all have a passion for gardening and the conservation of our indigenous plants and animals. Being part of this program is an opportunity to share a passion for gardens and to be part of a like-minded and inclusive community.
If you are interested in joining our community, register your interest below.
Connecting the landscape
Our gardens, no matter how small, have an important part to play in supporting our local native species.
Areas of native bushland are increasingly fragmented and species that can't fly, walk or crawl long distances become trapped in these places.
Our gardens can act as refuges or 'stepping-stones' for animals moving between larger areas of bushland; offering wildlife places to seek shelter, to rest and to take on resources before continuing to move throughout the landscape.
Therefore, what we choose to do in our gardens can either help or hinder our local species. By planting a garden and including what different types of wildlfe may require, we can make a positive difference.
We can be potential wildlife warriors in our own backyard!
Follow us on Facebook: Gardens for Wildlife - Moorabool or via Instagram
Our gardening community
Gardens for Wildlife Moorabool is a volunteer run organisation. We welcome new participants to the program and there are many ways for residents to be involved.
Gardens for Wildlife Moorabool works in partnership with: | https://www.mooraboolgardensforwildlife.org.au/ |
Shrimp Scampi is one of the most popular dishes at Red Lobster, but if you’re in the mood for seafood night at home, you can whip up this dish all on your own. With this copycat recipe, enjoy Red Lobster-inspired Shrimp Scampi is just a half hour, paired with your favorite side dishes and seafood specials. Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, pasta or rice to your scampi, as well, or a glass of wine if that’s your style. Salute!
Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
|Serves||Prep Time||Cook Time||Total Time|
|4||5 min||25min||30 min|
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 1⁄2 cups white wine
- 1⁄2 fresh lemon, juice
- A pinch of Italian seasoning
- 1⁄2 cup butter
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 1⁄2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- To prepare your ingredients, peel and devein shrimp, if you haven’t already. Juice half a lemon into a small bowl, and set aside. Soften butter in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
- Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet.
- Cook shrimp for 2 on each side, or until tender. (It should be opaque and pale pink – close to white.)
- Place shrimp on a plate and add garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes, and be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Then, add wine and lemon juice to the skillet.
- Continue cooking your sauce over medium-high heat until half of the mixture has evaporated.
- Add Italian seasoning.
- Lower heat and place softened butter into the skillet with the other ingredients.
- Add remaining ingredients – cooked shrimp, parsley, salt, and pepper – to the skillet.
- Top with parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
|Nutrition Facts|
|Servings: 4|
|Amount per serving|
|Calories||624|
|% Daily Value*|
|Total Fat 33.9g||43%|
|Saturated Fat 19.1g||95%|
|Cholesterol 290mg||97%|
|Sodium 708mg||31%|
|Total Carbohydrate 13.3g||5%|
|Dietary Fiber 0.3g||1%|
|Total Sugars 0.3g|
|Protein 33.9g|
|Vitamin D 16mcg||79%|
|Calcium 295mg||23%|
|Iron 4mg||21%|
|Potassium 39mg||1%|
|*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet.2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.|
Notes
- Shrimp Scampi pairs well with whole wheat pasta or rice.
- You can buy frozen shrimp, but I recommend using fresh, raw shrimp that is already thawed.
- Need to peel and devein your shrimp? Check out this quick guide from Simply Recipes.
- For more copycat dinner dishes you can make at home, check out our Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Recipe and Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe. | https://www.fastfoodmenuprices.com/red-lobster-shrimp-scampi-recipe/ |
According to our database1, Bart Lannoo authored at least 48 papers between 2005 and 2017.
Sub-GHz LPWAN Network Coexistence, Management and Virtualization: An Overview and Open Research Challenges.
Greening the Airwaves With Collaborating Mobile Network Operators.
Understanding and modeling the inter-play between Sustainability, Resilience, and Robustness in networks.
A Quantitative Survey of the Power Saving Potential in IP-Over-WDM Backbone Networks.
How sleep modes and traffic demands affect the energy efficiency in optical access networks.
Energy efficient dynamic bandwidth allocation for Ethernet passive optical networks: Overview, challenges, and solutions.
Energy efficiency analysis of high speed triple-play services in next-generation PON deployments.
A power consumption sensitivity analysis of circuit-switched versus packet-switched backbone networks.
Post-peak ICT: graceful degradation for communication networks in an energy constrained future.
Delay models in ethernet long-reach passive optical networks.
Fiber and wavelength open access in WDM and TWDM passive optical networks.
WiMAX-based monitoring network for a utility company: a case study.
Trends in worldwide ICT electricity consumption from 2007 to 2012.
Energy-efficiency improvements for optical access.
Toward reliable hybrid WDM/TDM passive optical networks.
Stimulating green FTTH networks using home router virtualization.
Protection strategies for Next Generation Passive Optical Networks -2.
Geometric versus geographic models for the estimation of an FTTH deployment.
Novel hybrid WDM/TDM PON architectures to manage flexibility in optical access networks.
Flexible TDMA/WDMA passive optical network: Energy efficient next-generation optical access solution.
Designing Energy-Efficient Wireless Access Networks: LTE and LTE-Advanced.
Energy aware software evolution for Wireless Sensor Networks.
Power consumption evaluation of circuit-switched versus packet-switched optical backbone networks.
Towards energy efficiency in optical access networks [Invited].
Flexible hybrid WDM/TDM PON architectures using wavelength selective switches.
The History of WiMAX: A Complete Survey of the Evolution in Certification and Standardization for IEEE 802.16 and WiMAX.
Evaluation of power rating of core network equipment in practical deployments.
Trade-off between end-to-end reliable and cost-effective TDMA/WDM Passive Optical Networks.
Research roadmap for green wireline access.
Efficient protection schemes for hybrid WDM/TDM Passive Optical Networks.
An Eco-friendly Hybrid Urban Computing Network Combining Community-Based Wireless LAN Access and Wireless Sensor Networking.
Energy efficient dynamic bandwidth allocation for Ethernet passive optical networks.
Power consumption in telecommunication networks: overview and reduction strategies.
Improved random channel access for OFDMA wireless networks.
Value-added Services for Fibre to the Home - Market Potential, Time Horizons and User Groups.
Research approach towards the profitability of future FTTH business models.
Flexibility evaluation of hybrid WDM/TDM PONs.
A Throughput Analysis at the MAC Layer of Mobile WiMAX.
Making a well-founded choice of the wireless technology for train-to-wayside data services.
Parking sensor network: Economic feasibility study of parking sensors in a city environment is well.
Municipalities as a Driver for Wireless Broadband Access.
Influence of Technical Improvements on the Business Case for a Mobile WiMAX Network.
Adoption and Pricing: The Underestimated Elements of a Realistic IPTV Business Case.
Economic benefits of a community driven Fiber to the Home rollout.
Radio-over-fiber-based solution to provide broadband internet access to train passengers [Topics in Optical Communications].
Thorough analysis of the IPACT dynamic bandwidth allocation algorithm for EPONs.
FAMOUS: A Network Architecture for Delivering Multimedia Services to FAst MOving USers. | https://www.csauthors.net/bart-lannoo/ |
At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.As a Verification IP Product Engineer your will be expected to be an expert in a specific domain of Verification IP family- protocol and product-wise.
The Product Engineer main role is to help accelerate VIP portfolio adoption at Cadence’s top tier customers by supporting pre-sales technical activities.
To ensure that, one must have strong verification expertise and understand customer design and verification flows.
As a VIP and protocol expert, the Product Engineer drives product knowledge transfer across our field engineers and customer, providing training and developing collaterals.
The Product Engineer will also need to translate high-level requirements from customers into a technical spec and drive the product definition that fits the customer needs.
The Product Engineer is expected to work independently and collaborate with other team members ( RnD, Marketing, support) to ensure all dimensions of the product are aligned.
This role requires approximately 30% travel on average.
Requirements and Qualifications:
- BSc with Electrical engineering or Computer Science
- At least 8 years of experience with Verification and Design Experience with Developing Verification environments using System Verilog Familiar with the UVM methodology
- Familiar with standard protocol preferred PCIe
- Experience with Unix / Linux environment
- Very good communication skills, capable to have fluent discussions and communicate with customers. | https://ece.graduateland.com/job/38887494/21/principal-product-engineer-verification-ip |
The remarkable speed at which microcredit has expanded around the world in the last three decades has piqued the curiosity of practitioners and theorists alike. By developing innovative ways of making credit available to the poor, the idea of microcredit has challenged many traditional assumptions about both poverty reduction strategies and financial markets. While this has encouraged new theorising about how microcredit works, the practice of microcredit has itself evolved, often in unpredictable ways, outpacing the development of theory.
The Theory and Practice of Microcredit aims to remedy this imbalance, arguing that a proper understanding of the evolution of practice is essential both for developing theories that are relevant for the real world and for adopting policies that can better realize the full potential of microcredit. By drawing upon their first-hand knowledge of the nature of this evolution in Bangladesh, the birthplace of microcredit, the authors have pushed the frontiers of current knowledge through a rich blend of theoretical and empirical analysis. The book breaks new grounds on a wide range of topics including: the habit-forming nature of credit repayment; the institutional strength and community-based role of microfinance institutions; the relationships between microcredit and informal credit markets; the pattern of long-term participation in microcredit programmes and the variety of loan use; the scaling up of microenterprises beyond subsistence; the "missing middle" in the credit market; and the prospects of linking micro-entrepreneurship with economic development.
The book will be of interest to researchers, development practitioners and university students of Development Economics, Rural Development, or Rural Finance, as well as to public intellectuals.
Table of Contents
List of figures
List of tables
Preface
1 Introduction
2 Microcredit in Bangladesh: how the credit markets work
3 Microcredit in Bangladesh: how the microcredit model works
4 Theories of microcredit: group lending and moral hazard
5 Theories of microcredit: adverse selection and repayment enforcement
6 When theory meets reality: testing the theories of microcredit
7 Economic impact of microcredit: the experience of Bangladesh
8 The patterns of loan use
9 The economics of microenterprise
10 Micro-entrepreneurship and economic development
References
Index
View More
Author(s)
Biography
Wahiduddin Mahmud was, until recently, Professor of Economics at the University of Dhaka and is currently Chairman, Economic Research Group, Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is a founder and former chairman of Palli-Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), the apex wholesale microcredit lending institution in Bangladesh. He is also a Senior Country Advisor of International Growth Centre, the Chairman of the South Asia Network of Economic Research Institutes, and is on the Governing Board of the Global Development Network. He served as a member of the UN Committee for Development Policy and has held visiting positions at the World Bank, UN Development Programme (UNDP), International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and Institute of Development Studies (IDS) at Sussex University.
S. R. Osmani is Professor of Development Economics at Ulster University, UK. He obtained a PhD in economics from the London School of Economics and worked at the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies, Dhaka, and at the World Institute for Development Economics Research, Helsinki, before joining Ulster University. He has published widely on issues related to employment and poverty, inequality, hunger, famine, nutrition, rights-based approaches to development, and development problems in general.
Reviews
'Microcredit turns out to be a much more interesting (and controversial) proposition than first imagined. Mahmud and Osmani have had front row seats to the unfolding history of microcredit in Bangladesh - and they have played key roles in that history. Their inside perspective yields a clear-eyed view of the way that microcredit has played out in practice and where it is going. Their analysis, in turn, provokes us to revisit fundamental ideas about microcredit - and about finance in general.' — Jonathan Morduch, co-author of The Economics of Microfinance and Professor at the New York University Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, USA.
'The field of microcredit has been characterized by extremely polarized views which frequently end up shedding more heat than light. So we are fortunate to have a serious and balanced analysis by two leading development economists from Bangladesh where microcredit has a long history. By offering a close reading of the evolving history of microfinance institutions in the country, by shifting the analytical focus from a narrow concern with enterprise to a broader focus on livelihoods and by factoring in an assessment of spill-over effects on the local economy, the authors offer a persuasive account of the strengths and limitations of microcredit.' — Naila Kabeer, co-author of Money with a Mission: Microfinance and Poverty Reduction and Professor of Gender and Development at the London School of Economics, UK. | https://www.routledge.com/The-Theory-and-Practice-of-Microcredit/Mahmud-Osmani/p/book/9780415686808 |
Between:
Maurice (Moe) Pommerville
Claimant
- and-
Curtis MacLean
Defendant
|
|
Adjudicator:
|
|
Eric K. Slone
|
|
Heard:
|
|
in Truro, Nova Scotia on November 18, 2019
|
|
Appearances:
|
|
For the Claimant, Jeff Lattie, counsel
For the Defendant, self-represented
BY THE COURT:
This matter has been before another Adjudicator of the Court on a previous occasion to determine a preliminary issue which, assuming he had agreed with the Defendant, would have resulted in a finding that the court lacked jurisdiction to consider the matter. After a hearing on May 13, 2019, Adjudicator O’Hara issued a lengthy considered decision dated August 8, 2019 (reported as Pomerville v. MacLean 2019 NSSM 42), determining that issue in favour of the Claimant and directing that the matter proceed to a hearing on the merits.
The matter was heard before me on November 18, 2019.
I will borrow freely from the opening paragraphs of Adjudicator O’Hara’s decision to set out the factual background.
This is a claim for the return of two motor vehicles. ....
[2 ] The Claimant is seeking the return of his two motor vehicles - a 1967 Chevelle and a 1967 Camaro. Both of these vehicles are owned by the Claimant but are presently in the possession of the Defendant. Under a written agreement dated May 11, 2014, the Defendant agreed to provide to the Claimant, a complete restoration of the 1967 Camaro in exchange for ownership of the 1967 Chevelle. The agreement has a section headed "Scope and Manner of Services" which includes many specific items of work which were to be completed on the Camaro.
Significantly, for the purposes of this matter, is the following paragraph in the written contract:
If for any reason such as physical impairment, bankruptcy, or death, Curtis Maclean and/or Curtis Customs cannot fulfill the contract as set out above, both vehicles known as (1) 1967 Chevelle, Vin #1361771113767 and (2) 1967 Camaro Vin #123377N206264 shall remain the sole property of Maurice Pommerville and returned without any cost incurred.
essentially the Defendant was to refurbish the Camaro and for his labour and parts he would get to keep the Chevelle.
According to the Claimant's Notice of Claim, the Defendant has not completed the restoration work and refuses to return his vehicles. Additionally, he has modified the 1967 Chevelle, has sold the original parts from both vehicles, and has caused damages to both vehicles.
In his written Defence, the Defendant states that the original assumed build time as six months turned out to be impossible based on the Camaro's condition and it was made clear that time was not to be a concern since the Defendant was doing this in his personal time. The Defendant states that he has spent countless hours on the restoration of both vehicles and thousands of dollars.
The issue before Adjudicator O’Hara was the value of the two vehicles. The Defendant had argued that their value exceeded $25,000.00 which, if true, would have ousted the court’s jurisdiction. The finding of Adjudicator O’Hara was that the two vehicles together were worth less than $25,000.00. That finding has not been appealed and must be treated as conclusively established.
Now, some five and a half years after the contract was entered into, the Claimant wants his vehicles returned - in whatever condition they may be in.
The evidence leaves no doubt in my mind that the Defendant did not perform his contractual obligation. His many excuses ring hollow. The Camaro is far from restored. I am not even sure whether it can be said to be in one piece.
In the meantime, the Defendant has had exclusive use of the Chevelle, a fully functional “muscle car” which he has kept in his showroom and occasionally takes out for a spin. Despite the fact that he has never had ownership of the Chevelle, he has treated it as his own. I believe him when he says that he has spent money and put in labour on improving (or modifying) it, but what he does not seem to grasp is that this vehicle would only have become his if he had fulfilled his obligation to restore the Camaro.
I listened carefully to the Defendant’s evidence to try and understand what legal basis he was raising to defeat the Claimant’s clear legal right to have the contract enforced and the vehicles returned “without any cost incurred.” The only half-credible argument I heard was this: he claims that when he started to disassemble and work on the Camaro, he found it to be more deteriorated than he had anticipated. He says that the Claimant and he made a new verbal agreement, overriding the written agreement. As for what that new verbal agreement contained, he was a bit unclear, but he seems to believe that it gave him more time to complete the Camaro and otherwise relieves him of some of his obligations.
The Claimant disputes that he ever agreed to any new contract.
Also, it rings hollow that the Camaro was in unexpectedly bad shape, as both parties knew that it had been salvaged out of a barn in Ontario.
There is a high onus on any party who seeks to prove that a written contract has been replaced with a verbal one. The Defendant is a businessman. He enters into contracts with customers, and he must understand that the way to change a written agreement is either to make a new written agreement, or to amend it in writing in some fashion that can be verified.
Here, the most that one can say is that the Claimant and Defendant likely had many conversations over the years about the vehicles and the state of the restoration, but I would not elevate any of those conversations to the level of a new verbal agreement.
I find as a fact that the written agreement is valid and that it was not replaced by any other agreement.
The Defendant has no arguable defence to this claim. He has only himself to blame for any expenditures of time or money on the Chevelle. Certainly the Claimant never directed him to spend money on the Chevelle. It was not, and has never been, the Defendant’s car.
If as it appears the Defendant did not want to go through with restoration of the Camaro, for whatever reason, he ought to have just said so and returned the two vehicles long ago.
He has had more than five years to complete the work on the Camaro. He has utterly failed in his obligation.
My order will be for the Defendant to return the two vehicles to the Claimant, as is. There will also be an award of costs in the amount of $426.35, consisting of $199.35 to issue the claim, $152.00 to serve it, and $75.00 for costs of reproducing colour photographs and documents for the benefit of the court.
One last comment. Near the end of the trial the Defendant announced that he had registered a mechanic’s lien on the Chevelle, to account for the improvements that he had made to it and perhaps for storage fees for some of the years prior to 2014. He appears to expect that the Claimant will somehow be forced to pay him for these improvements and for storage, assuming I order the Chevelle to be restored to him (as I am doing.)
I do not think that the Defendant has any real appreciation for how mechanic’s liens are enforced, within the procedures under the Builders’ Lien Act. I regard his use of the lien procedure to be a misguided attempt to defeat the order of this court.
This court makes the express finding that any work that was done by the Defendant to the Claimant’s Chevelle was done at his own risk, and not at the direction of the Claimant. The written contract between them stipulates that it is to be returned “without any cost incurred.” There was no agreement that the Defendant would be compensated for such work, indeed there was an agreement that he would not! I also find no merit in his claim that he should be compensated for storing the Chevelle. It is true that he did store the vehicle for several years, but there was no evidence that this was anything more than a favour to the Claimant who was, at the time, on friendly terms with the Defendant. Moreover, any such claim would be years out of date and unenforceable under the terms of the Limitations Act.
Should another court be called upon to consider the merits of the Defendant’s claim for lien, I would hope that such court would regard the issue as having already been conclusively determined in favour of the Claimant. | https://decisia.lexum.com/nsc/nssm/en/item/453406/index.do?q=curtis+customs&iframe=true |
and Receive Complimentary E-Books of Previous Editions
One of the objectives of this research was to study and understand the motion of the 4BL mechanism and see how it could be simulated (Manjit, 2011). The purpose of this mechanism is to transmit motion and force from one location to another. The theory of this mechanism can be understood by the 4BL (which consists of four rigid bodies each attached to two others by single joints or pivots to form a closed loop) (Wikipedia, 2011) and (Oleg, 2000). This problem was chosen because in the past it was found that some students could not visualize its concepts in engineering at UNITEN. In addition we could not find any completed 2-D model of this problem in the present literatures. Some free available simulations found on the Internet (Fig. 1 and 2) however gave wrong results and misinterpreted the data and were not interactive enough. As such these simulations were not suitable and helpful for the students to learn.
Matlab: MATLAB (matrix laboratory) is a multi-paradigm numerical computing environment and proprietary programming language developed by MathWork.
4BL: Series of rigid links with joins to form a closed chain.
Simulation: Is the imitation of the operation of a real-world process or system over time: an object oriented model represents reality.
Visualization: Is any technique for creating images, diagrams, or animations to communicate a message. Visualization through visual imagery has been an effective way to communicate both abstract and concrete ideas since the dawn of humanity. | https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/computer-aided-simulation-of-a-4bl-problem-with-mathlab/239821 |
As cancer incidence increases sharply with age, it will translate into a worldwide epidemic in the decades to come. This will affect both developed and developing countries alike. Asia Pacific is, for example, emerging as a key region witnessing the growth of an elderly population with cancer.
In light of these demographic changes, governments and other coordinated bodies must prepare for this reality. Although some countries have effective health service delivery models, most have difficulty implementing such models for the elderly living with cancer especially among developing countries. In many contexts, the problem has its roots in the lack of effective coordinating mechanisms and enabling environments related to policy, training and infrastructure, which include shortages of human resources.
“As cancer incidence increases sharply with age, it will translate into a worldwide epidemic in the decades to come. This will affect both developed and developing countries alike. Asia Pacific is, for example, emerging as a key region witnessing the growth of an elderly population with cancer.”
Najia Musolino, International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG)
While these deficiencies are well recognised by countries, the response to these challenges has clearly been insufficient. There are a few institutions, however, in various settings that have invested in dedicated personnel and dedicated units responsible for geriatric oncology services.
There is a need for the development of human resources dedicated to the area. Clearly articulated policies on cancer in ageing is lacking in many contexts. This most likely challenges countries to effectively translate research outputs and knowledge into healthcare practices, which address not only health issues of the elderly with cancer but also their access to treatment, equity and financial protection.
Meeting SDG 3
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3 – Good health and well-being for all) provide the foundations to address the societal challenges related to cancer in ageing. Mapping of the health systems addressing the quality of life and the needs of older patients living with cancer is only the first step in overcoming these challenges in an ongoing assessment process.
A stepwise approach will be required to subsequently assess the capability of health services. In other words, they will be evaluated according to the following: what their systems can and could do; their current performance compared to what they should be doing; and the effectiveness of improvement interventions to the systems. The baseline findings of such situational analysis will help develop more robust and resilient health systems that can respond to the dynamic needs and quality of life of the growing older population living with cancer.
In recognition of these challenges, the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) works with institutions around the globe to improve outcomes for the elderly with cancer. In South-East Asia, for example, SIOG’s efforts with country partners are focused on trained health workers and quality healthcare management at different levels of the health system.
You might also like
- Malaysian scientist leads cancer research in South-East Asia
- Repurposing drugs for faster cancer treatment
- Women rarely avail of cancer screening in Indonesia
- Biomarker for breast cancer relapse identified
- Is cancer control in poor countries too high-tech?
- Personalised medicine for effective cancer treatment
- Viruses modified to selectively kill cancer cells
- Cancer in poor countries: Too big to tackle?
- Focus on Disability: Support for the elderly is missing
Partnerships to improve expertiseA recently agreed collaboration between SIOG and the Philippine Red Cross, the Philippine Cancer Society and the Philippine College of Geriatric Medicine is the first of a number of regional partnerships aimed at improving access to expertise in geriatric oncology. On 15th May this year, SIOG and the SEAMEO TROPMED and Public Health Network have invited countries to discuss current policies for the strengthening of human resources for health in Geriatric Oncology in South-East Asia. SIOG is currently completing a major study to underpin success stories, challenges, funding, and new care initiatives culminating with a policy meeting taking place at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland on 14 November this year.
The chair of the initiative, Martine Extermann, senior adult oncology, Moffitt Cancer Centre, adds that the SIOG report due in 2019 will consolidate country recommendations to generate and communicate knowledge to the stakeholders of cancer in ageing, thus contributing directly or indirectly to equitable health development in country settings; adapting and applying knowledge generated elsewhere for the achievement of international health development; and contributing to the global knowledge database.
The development of elderly cancer care models must embrace and incorporate the fundamental principles of geriatric oncology, says the president of SIOG, Hans Wildiers, a medical oncologist from UZ Leuven, Belgium.
The SIOG community and its country partners will continue to push the boundaries worldwide for better patient outcomes for those in the ageing population that are afflicted by cancer—both scientifically and through policy thought leadership. By doing this, it is contributing to the vision of Kofi Annan for the promotion of solidarity between generations in combating discrimination against older patients and in building a future of security, opportunity for treatment and dignity for them.
Najia Musolino is the CEO of SIOG. She is widely recognised for synthesising evidence for policy options and integrating cross-cutting issues into analyses and flagship products. A former fellow of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research in Switzerland, she has served in various leadership roles in global health.
This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Asia & Pacific desk. | https://www.scidev.net/asia-pacific/health/opinion/a-better-deal-for-those-ageing-with-cancer.html?utm_source=link&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=/asia-pacific/asia-pacific_rss.xml |
For some veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), medication may be able to relieve symptoms. Antidepressants are often prescribed, not only to treat symptoms of sadness and worry, but to help you get more out of talk therapy. A low level of the chemical serotonin in your brain is associated with feelings of depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), in drugs such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft), can raise your serotonin levels and make you feel less depressed. Keep in mind that medication does not treat the causes of PTSD, only the symptoms.
Continue Learning about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment
Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs. | https://www.sharecare.com/health/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-treatment/can-medication-help-with-my-ptsd-stress-disorder |
Plan to Hire Military Veterans in Businesses
Signature Assignment Description/Directions: Complete the Capstone Project Report using the draft reports completed in the previous modules as a foundation. Be sure to address each section of the report in detail supporting your description of the problem/issues, literature research, problem and root cause analysis, recommendations, limitations, and methods to measure success.
The written portion of the Capstone Final report will consist of the following sections:
Save your time - order a paper!
Get your paper written from scratch within the tight deadline. Our service is a reliable solution to all your troubles. Place an order on any task and we will take care of it. You won’t have to worry about the quality and deadlinesOrder Paper Now
- Abstract – summary of the complete research effort
- Background – identifies the problem being investigated
- Literature review – summarizes the key research items.
- Findings – critical analysis of the issues and root causes associated with the problem being investigated
- Recommendations
Written Assignment Expectations
Length: 2500 words
Structure: Include a title page and reference page in APA style. These do not count towards the minimal word amount for this assignment.
References: Use the appropriate APA style in-text citations and references for all resources utilized to answer the questions. Include at least five (5) scholarly sources to support your claims.
Format: Save your assignment as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx).
File name: Name your saved file according to your first initial, last name, and the module number (for example, “RHall BUS 499 Module 8.docxâ€)
**Do not write in the first person
Presentation Assignment Expectations
The presentation portion of the Capstone Project Report must address the following points with regards to your development through the different stages of the capstone course:
- Title Slide (1 slide) – Project title, student name, Course #
- Overview of Project Topic/Problem (1-2 slides)
- Key Findings from the Literature Review (2-3 slides)
- Overview of the Findings (1-2 slides)
- What You Discovered during the Project Investigation (3-4 slides)
- Recommendations for Solving the problem you chose (1-2 slides)
- Reference Slide (1-2 slides)
Use clear headings that allow your professor to know which bullet you are addressing on the slides in your presentation. Support the content with at least five (5) citations throughout the presentation. Make sure to reference the citations using the APA writing style for the presentation. Include a reference slide at the end. Follow best practices for PowerPoint and Prezi presentations related to test size, color, images, effects, wordiness, and multimedia enhancements. | https://nursingthesishelp.com/plan-to-hire-military-veterans-in-businesses/ |
There are some key IT roles in organizations which focus on strategic and technology related aspects across their breadth and depth. Two such technical roles are of Enterprise Architect and Solutions Architect. While the former focusses more on organizational strategy, latter works within ambit of strategy as well as technology. In this article we will understand both the roles in detail and how one differs from other.
Enterprise Architect
Enterprise Architect (EA) is a technical role of an experienced resource who bridges the gap between company Business goals and its IT architecture framework. This profile considers the strategy responsible for driving the organization and building its roadmap inline to company’s vision and intent. The enterprise architect will render linkage between organizational components and the external environment.
EA oversees the overall project landscape of the enterprise rather than Solution or Technical Architect who are limited to one or two projects. EA works alongside respective domain architects to design IT roadmaps the domains, understands operational gaps and cultivates methods for enhancement. Certification like TOGAF are a great source of learning for the role. One of the most notable fact is most of EAs were once solution architects and have good understanding of components level too.
Job role of Enterprise Architect will encompass:
- Understanding current architecture trends and providing recommendations to improve the IT estate.
- Gauging applications w.r.t compliance and business standards
- Assessing architecture in relation to organizational changes
- Disseminating best practices across technology resources in standard governance and IT frameworks
Solution Architect
Contrary to Enterprise Architect role, Solutions Architect’s role is limited to a specific solution and not across the company’s IT view. A solutions architect will organize activities, and work towards realization of the solution. This responsibility focuses on the detail of each solution and must construct solutions which are inline to business vision and governance as set by enterprise architect.
Solution Architect role is circumscribed as under –
- Studies business requirements so as to provide apt business solutions.
- Are required to manage application development teams during the design and implementation phase.
- Mentoring and training of resources under project purview.
- Collaboration with developers of project
- High level understanding of relationship between strategy and technology.
Now, lets compare both the profiles. While EA (Enterprise Architect) overlooks at IT from overall enterprise perspective, SAs (Solutions Architect) scope is limited up to solution level only. In terms of qualification level, both are technical roles requiring at least bachelor’s degree as eligibility criteria to qualify. Both are technical responsibilities with EAs focus on high level solution and latter on detailed technical understanding up to each component level. Also, Enterprise Architect requires substantial emphasis on company strategy which is lesser in case of SA, who is more focused on creation of solution Blueprints and standards.
Infact, EA’s primary goal is to create guidelines in accordance to company policies which are then adhered to be the Solutions Architect. EA develops strategy for End of Life refresh, technology and IT roadmap, whereas solutions Arhcitect is more into creation of Application/Database and infrastructure designs, test designs, training, manuals and use cases related to solutions being developed. We may also consider that Enterprise Architect as an overarching role which defines which problem requires a solution and then Solutions Architect is given responsibility to translate the problem into a solution.
Comparison Table: Enterprise Architect vs Solution Architect
The above shared points have been encapsulated in a tabular form for ease of understanding –
|
|
PARAMETER
|ENTERPRISE ARCHITECT||
|
SOLUTION ARCHITECT
|Scope||Across projects of enterprise||Limited to specific solution|
|Educational qualification||Bachelor’s degree||Bachelor’s degree|
|Technology effort||High Level||Detailed|
|Strategy Focus||High||Medium|
|Interactions||Whole organizational communication||Teams engaged in specific solution|
|Blueprint or standard solution creation||No||Yes|
|Responsibility||Strategic roadmap for organization, IT principles and guidelines||Implementing a program consistent to guidelines laid by EA|
|Deliverables||·Strategy on EOL, technology refresh
|
·IT roadmap documents
|·Application/Database/Infrastrucrture design
|
·Test Design
·Training and Manuals
·Creating use case
|Problem & Solution||Defines which problem requires a solution||Translates problem to a solution|
|Life-Cycle involvement||During strategy development phase||During Business plan development for a project phase|
Download the comparison table here. | https://networkinterview.com/enterprise-architect-vs-solution-architect/ |
Virgil Hunter Doesn’t Hold Back on Amir Khan
Just the other day, Virgil Hunter didn’t mince his words and called out his fighter – Amir Khan – for essentially not doing enough in regards to training.
Anyone involved in the sport of boxing, knows that hard work and dedication (the motto of Floyd Mayweather, JR.) are absolutely essential to achieving success.
However, hard work and dedication for a number of weeks at a time doesn’t cut it – particularly at the highest level – but that hard work and dedication must be constantly applied by a fighter throughout the year.
That’s not to say that fighters can’t have a rest, or a week off every now and then, but what it does mean is that a fighter can’t vegetate and not hone their skills for a prolonged period of time and then decide to get fit and start drilling when they’ve had a fight date announced…
Hunter was critical of Khan, stating that “He never has practice in between fights. He trains hard for 10 weeks but it’s not enough.”
The well respected trainer was also suggesting that despite Khan’s natural speed and athleticism, the lack of regular practice and drilling prevents him from fully understanding his range, distance and timing.
A lot of people claim that Khan is “washed up” and that he should call it a day and in all honesty, I probably have to agree with those people now after his questionable display against Terence Crawford. However, had he committed himself to truly living the life of a professional fighter, from day one, I think he could still be a force to be reckoned with, despite the vulnerability of his chin.
In regards to Hunter and Khan’s relationship, it’s always seemed like a strange one to me. I’ve observed that maybe Hunter doesn’t particularly like Khan’s ethos or attitude, but feels like he could get the best out of Khan, providing he actually listened.
I feel that Hunter has come away from Khan’s most recent fight feeling very frustrated and embarrassed, knowing that while Khan is shooting his own career in the foot he’s also tarnishing Hunter’s reputation as a trainer.
These comments from Hunter are probably a last ditch effort to get Khan to commit more to his training and maybe have one more shot before he hangs them up, providing he gets himself in the gym now and puts in a real shift.
Either that or maybe his comments are a way of him washing his hands of “King Khan” and hinting that he’s done all he can for the Bolton raised man.
Check out Tyler “The Miracle Man” White who is part of the podcast show called “British Boxing Talk” on Apple Podcasts and Spotify | |
Please select the following:
The importance of filling your organization with the most capable leaders cannot be overstated. Effective leadership boosts internal measures like staff retention as well as external ones like financial performance, according to studies of managers and businesses.
Managers are in charge of ensuring that their staff members stay on task, collaborate effectively, and remain productive. Effective management requires a variety of abilities, including transparency, goal-setting, and communication. It's critical to assess your management effectiveness and identify any areas for improvement if you're a manager.
This blog discusses manager effectiveness at work, why it's crucial for team success and some tips to improve manager effectiveness at your company, and how to manage your people as effectively as possible.
Combining a variety of abilities and characteristics can help you manage your personnel efficiently. Employee motivation, communication with and listening to employees, rewarding outstanding performance, and other management practices are all part of effective management.
You may structure your staff and their roles to accomplish company goals by being an excellent manager. In this manner, a company's success can be influenced by a manager's effectiveness.
Since efficient management is a crucial component of a productive workplace, manager effectiveness is significant. Being a successful manager can have a variety of advantages, including raising staff morale and productivity, fostering a great work environment, and more.
It is crucial for managers to be good leaders because they set the tone for their workplaces and frequently act as examples of the traits they desire in their staff . If you are a manager you should be well-versed in management challenges and how to overcome them.
A variety of abilities and attributes must be developed in order to become a successful manager. The following tips to improve manager effectiveness at your company can help you become a more effective manager:
Communicating with your staff is a key strategy for enhancing management effectiveness. To properly manage your personnel, good communication is essential.
As a result, work on improving your communication abilities and establishing avenues for employee communication. In order to help your staff improve in their jobs, you can also provide them with feedback.
If you want to be a successful manager, it is imperative that you pay attention to your staff. Be sure to listen to your staff as well as provide feedback to them. Encourage them to offer suggestions and to express their thoughts and opinions.
By actively listening to your staff, you can both demonstrate your concern for them and gain insight into how to make your workplace better. You can put your newfound listening abilities into practice by:
Continuing to pay attention
Positive nonverbal communication techniques
Providing verbal confirmation that you're paying attention
showing compassion
posing follow-up inquiries
Setting ambitious goals for your team to achieve is another piece of management advice to help you be more productive. The SMART method can be used to create objectives for your staff members that are:
Specific: In order for your staff to easily understand the goals you establish for them, they should be clear and detailed.
Measurable: It's critical to set goals that can be measured in order to monitor how well your staff members are doing in accomplishing them.
Attainable: Set goals that are realistically attainable for your staff members to avoid overwhelming or discouraging them with excessive expectations.
Relevant: You can set goals for your staff members that are pertinent to the long-term objectives of your business.
Time-based: To assist your staff in staying on track to accomplishing their goals, try to develop time-based objectives with deadlines.
Setting excellent goals for your staff members can help them maintain focus and perform tasks that advance the objectives of your entire business.
Recognizing and rewarding your staff for their performance at work is crucial. Giving your staff praise for their efforts is essential for maintaining their motivation.
By demonstrating your appreciation and value for their work, you may help your employees feel more engaged and motivated at work. Employers can be commended for their work using methods like:
Advancing personnel to new positions
Awarding corporation prizes
Creating a monthly employee of the month
Buying lunch for workers
Leading by example is another suggestion for enhancing your manager's performance. Setting a positive example for your team is crucial as a leader. As a result, make an effort to conduct yourself as you would like your staff too.
Setting a good example for your team can improve the atmosphere at work and the caliber of the job they perform.
By making an effort to maintain open communication with your staff, you can also increase your manager's effectiveness. By being open and honest with your staff, you can win their trust and demonstrate your integrity. This can assist you in developing strong bonds with your staff, which is essential to becoming a great manager.
To be a more effective manager, it's critical to get to know each of your team members well and build solid connections with them. A manager must comprehend how each individual operates in order to inspire employees. It's crucial to establish unique relationships with each of your staff in order to do this.
Making efforts to ensure that your staff members like their work is another suggestion for enhancing management effectiveness. This could entail redesigning your office space, altering your dress code, or planning employee gatherings.
Consider your employees' requirements and how you may address them to improve the quality of their work. Employees may feel more driven and involved with their work if they appreciate what they do.
By giving your staff members tasks, you can increase your performance as a manager in another significant aspect. Knowing how to delegate effectively will help you manage your responsibilities as a leader.
Make sure to carefully assign projects to your staff who possess the necessary knowledge and enthusiasm to finish them if you want your delegation to be successful.
If you want to increase your management effectiveness, it's crucial to make decisive judgments. Making the best choices is crucial because as a manager, your choices can have an impact on the entire workplace.
By creating a decision-making process, honing your decision-making abilities, and getting input from others, you may make wise judgments for your company.
To increase your managerial performance, you can also provide possibilities for professional development for your staff. You can assist your workers in their future success and professional pursuits in this way.
Employees can perform better in their roles today and in future positions with your organization by completing professional development training or courses. Options for professional development may be provided by your business or by outside organizations.
If you want to be a great manager, you must develop detailed and permanent answers to difficulties in your workplace. This is because managers are frequently tasked with finding solutions to workplace issues.
You can achieve this by establishing a process for problem-solving and improving your problem-solving abilities. You may prevent issues from reoccurring in your workplace by developing long-lasting solutions.
Shellye is committed to helping people from diverse backgrounds to achieve their aspirations in careers and life. The content published above was made in collaboration with our members.
Shellye Archambeau is determined to help you with all possible strategies to climb the ladder of success. She values your feedback. Do mention them in the comment section below. | https://www.shellye.opengrowth.com/article/how-to-improve-manager-effectiveness-at-your-company |
This is the ninth article in my series on Russian imperial stouts.
Once primary fermentation has finished, it’s time to condition — and possibly age — the beer. For the purposes of this article, I’ll define conditioning as the process of aging the beer so it loses its green character and becomes drinkable. I’ll define aging as storing the beer beyond that point, in the hopes of developing characters that can only be acquired over time. Before I discuss conditioning and aging, however, I want to describe one important test that should be done whenever you make a big ale.
Forced Fermentation Test
Big beers typically have higher final gravities (FGs) than smaller beers. Brewers new to making big ales may wonder what their final gravity should be. The apparent attenuation listed for the yeast strain should give you an idea of the range expected. And for a really quick, rough estimate, divide your gravity points by 4. This will tell you what the FG would be if your apparent attenuation were 75% (a fairly middle-of-the-road level of attenuation). For example, if your starting gravity was OG 1.085, your FG at 75% attenuation would FG 1.021.
To find out the actual final gravity you should hit — based on both the attenuative capabilities of the yeast strain and the fermentability of your wort — you should perform a forced fermentation test. To do this, take a small sample of your chilled, aerated wort. You will need enough to float a hydrometer. Mason jars can be handy for this. Pitch a grossly excessive amount of yeast to this wort, and let it ferment at fairly high temperatures (75–80 °F/24–27 °C). (If you use a mason jar, put the lid on loosely. Don’t seal it.) The wort should ferment completely in at most a few days. The FG of the forced wort is the FG your full fermentation should eventually reach. Knowing your expected FG can help you determine if your fermentation is finished, or if it has stalled or stuck.
Conditioning
When I started homebrewing, the standard recommendation for big ales was to rack the beer to a secondary fermenter when primary fermentation finished, and then let it condition for extended periods of time. The idea behind racking was that the beer would pick up off flavors from the yeast dying and releasing their contents. The extended periods of aging — often given as many months to a year for a beer of this size — were supposed to help the beer “mellow.”
The more recent experience of many homebrewers has been that beer left in the primary fermenter for a few weeks to a couple months doesn’t pick off off flavors. In addition, my experience has been that big ales don’t need extremely long conditioning times if the fermentation was orderly.
In the “good old days” of homebrewing, many big ales likely needed the extended conditioning times because severe underpitching was very common, and these beers retained green beer flavors and aromas for extended periods of time. I still see advice given in brewing forums today to condition beers for what I consider ridiculously long periods of time. In reality, ales — even big ales — can condition quickly if the yeast have been healthy enough to do their job.
In general, with a well-run fermentation, a big ale can condition and be drinkable in several weeks. As a general rule of thumb, I condition them (in the primary fermenter, sitting on the yeast) twice as long as the primary fermentation took. (This is probably longer than most commercial Russian imperial stouts are aged before release.) Then, I rack the beer to keg and carbonate it. If it’s still green when I sample it, it can condition further in the keg (although I rarely need to). And the same applies if you bottle it.
If you can manage it, condition the beer at a temperature below your fermentation temperature. Conditioning the beer at fermentation temperatures will work, but colder is better (down to about 50°F/10 °C). I think it’s better to condition the beer on the yeast, rather than to bottle or keg it and condition in the bottle or keg. If you condition in a carboy, you’ll avoid problems with the liquid getting sucked from your fermentation lock into the beer if you cool it slowly (a few degrees a day).
After conditioning, you can serve your beer, or you can let it age. If you’ve brewed a hoppy, “Americanized” version of a Russian imperial stout, drinking it when conditioned but still comparatively young will let you enjoy the hops, which will fade over time. If you’ve brewed to beer with the intention of aging, so that it might pick up Sherry notes or other characteristics of an aged beer, you should store it so that it has the best chance of aging gracefully. And of course, many homebrewers will take a split approach — drinking some of their beer while it is young, while setting aside a portion for aging.
Aging
Once the beer is conditioned and drinkable, separate it from the yeast. Once the beer has lost its green character, further contact with the yeast isn’t required. Rack the beer to a keg or bottles for extended aging. (For now, I’ll skip barrel aging or bourbon barrel aging.) There is a lot of conflicting information on how to age big beers. There are many opinions on the matter, but few facts based on experiments. A Russian imperial stout is high in alcohol and very dark, two factors that should improve the odds of it aging better than most beers. If you intend to age a substantial portion of your Russian imperial stout, be very careful not to splash or in any other way introduce oxygen to the beer when you package it.
Common sense should tell you to age the beer where it is protected from light, to avoid skunking. Also, if your beers are crown capped, age them upright. Caps can leak over time, and it’s at least possible that you could leach compounds out of the liners of caps if you store the bottles on their sides. If a bottle is sitting upright, the only surface the beer is touching is glass. If you’ve corked your bottles, as many Belgian beers are packaged, lay the beer down for aging, and periodically check to see that the bottle isn’t leaking.
The big question is what temperature to age the beer at. Some folks say refrigerator temperature, others — based largely on the recommendations for aging wine — advocate aging the beer around 50 °F (10 °C). Compounding the problem is that some beer drinkers enjoy some of the flavors that can eventually appear in aged beers, while others feel the beer is over the hill, oxidized, or otherwise worse for wear when the signs of aging show. Knowing how long and at what temperature to age the beer depends partly on what you want the beer to taste like. The colder you store the beer, the more slowly the beer will age.
If you don’t have much experience brewing and aging big beers, this is a good opportunity to discover what you like. Try sampling the beer when it is conditioned and write down your impression of the fresh beer. Then, store some of the beer at refrigerator temperature and some at 50–55 °F (10–13 °C). Periodically sample the beers, — and take notes to see if you can taste the beer evolving. If you can, decide if you prefer the taste of aged beer to fresh beer and at which temperature the beer developed the characters you most enjoyed. This will serve as a guide on aging subsequent batches.
In the next article in the series, I’ll show you how to mimic some aspects of bourbon barrel aging without a barrel.
If you enjoy Beer & Wine Journal, please consider supporting us by purchasing my book — “Home Brew Recipe Bible,” by Chris Colby (2016, Page Street Publishing). It is available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You can also find the nearest independent bookstore that sells it on Indiebound. | https://beerandwinejournal.com/ris-condition/ |
TEHRAN, Feb. 03 (MNA) – Iran has assumed chairmanship of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) – G77, according to the head of Iranian Space Agency.
Morteza Barari, head of the Iranian Space Agency, made the announcement today at a ceremony marking the country’s national day of space technology.
“Following the interactions between the ICT Ministry and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a bid to strengthen Iran's international cooperation, and through the efforts of our experts at the Iranian Space Agency, the chairmanship of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space – G77 was handed over to Iran this week,” he said.
The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) was established in 1959, with 87 active members as of 2017. Its mission is "to review the scope of international cooperation in peaceful uses of outer space, to devise programs in this field to be undertaken under United Nations auspices, to encourage continued research and the dissemination of information on outer space matters, and to study legal problems arising from the exploration of outer space."
Elsewhere, Barari announced the establishment of a space-based technology part in Iran last week.
He also maintained that there are six multipurpose stations for receiving satellite images, located in Mahdasht, Chenaran, Bushehr, Qeshm and Salmas. He added that the Space Agency has plans to use the information received from these stations in both domestic satellites and also to render services to the satellites of other countries. | |
AbstractThis study aims at understanding how individuals in Shanghai engage in labour market competition and lifelong learning in a newly marketised and competitive context. It probes the individuals’ participation in ‘the Training Programme for Talents in Shortage’ (STTP), their perceptions of the value of lifelong learning and their experience in competing for employment. It takes the position that rather than focusing only on policy-makers’ views, an understanding of people’s perceptions and participation in this programme can provide a proper basis for the formulation and the evaluation of the policy on a learning society (Gerard and Rees, 2002). STTP is a localized education and training programme in the post-compulsory sector, providing qualifications with largely local value. It has been developed and implemented by the Shanghai Municipal Government since 1993 as a means to enhance the city’s stock of human capital and to promote the development of a ‘learning society’. On the one hand, STTP is inspired and designed by straightforward human capital development concerns and has been implemented through a decentralized, semimarketised approach, to maintain the momentum of the city’s development by targeting key skills shortages. On the other hand, significant socio-economic changes, such as the emergence of a labour market, lead individuals to take on full personal responsibility for their own social position and to compete against each other. People seek to obtain all sorts of advantages to manage and construct their employability; this study investigates the role of STTP and its qualifications in building individuals’ portfolio of skills, qualifications and other aspects of their individual human capital. The thesis draws on two sets of literature: that on lifelong learning and employability, and that on sociological theories of engagement with and participation in lifelong learning, notably rational choice theory and theories of positional competition. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of data gathering and analysis were applied. A questionnaire was administrated to 279 course participants; and interviews were conducted with 11 course participants, 4 non-participants and 4 course deliverers and policy-makers. Both instruments explored perceptions and experiences of the labour market, reasons for participating (or not) in STTP, their views on lifelong learning and the relationship between STTP, lifelong learning and the labour market. The finding suggests that a full understanding of individuals’ work and learning involves an analysis of a complex of relational interdependence between socially and culturally derived factors and personally subjective views of whom they are. In addition, the finding suggests that certain aspects of STTP, coupled with existing perceptions of formal education in Shanghai on the one hand and various interpretations of the needs of the labour market on the other, may be acting to challenge the original intentions of the programme, especially in terms of building a learning society. | https://researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/studentTheses/individuals-perceptions-of-lifelong-learning-and-the-labour-marke |
Some view eternal suffering in the lake of fire to be as reasonable as shooting a puppy for wetting the carpet. A good, loving God would never be party to such an extreme injustice. Yet Christian teaching declares that eternal hell is just, good and necessary. How can eternal punishment in torments of flames and darkness be justice?
Justice is the legal response to wrong that brings punishment in proportion with the severity of the crime committed. Contrary to justice is revenge. Revenge is the personal, illegal act of making another endure the same pain that the injured person feels. Justice is not motivated by a desire to get even but by a recognition of the true damage done by a crime. The Old Testament law of “an eye for an eye” was not a prescription for personal revenge but a description of legitimate justice which responded to wrong based upon the extent of harm done. Similar principles of justice are still seen in courts today. The accidental causing of another’s death is treated differently from negligently contributing to the death of a person which is treated differently from suddenly striking down a person which is treated differently from planning and executing the murder of another. Premeditated murder of an adult is treated differently from the intentional murder of an infant. The intent of the crime and the innocence of the victim legitimately affect the response to that crime. Along with murder treason usually brings the severest of punishments. Though treason does not always take another’s life, such a harsh response is generally recognized as just because treason offends the dignity of the ruling power and it threatens the safety of many others within the country. Treason is a repudiation of one’s former allegiances that seeks the harm of ones own country, including friends and neighbors, and thus merits stern penalties.
What does treason have to do with the justice of hell? To understand the justice of hell one must understand the true horribleness of sin. Sin is no mere accident. Sin is first and foremost a willful act of rebellion against the God of heaven. God is Creator of all things and sole Ruler over all creation. Sin is therefore an act of treason far greater than any national treachery. Sin is mutiny against the perfect Creator. Sin is a repudiation of God, self and fellow man. Disobedience against God is an act of treason that wrongs God, injures self and wounds others. Disobedience against God is worse than mere treason. Disobedience against God is the attempt to overthrow God as ruler of your life and to inaugurate your own self as lord of your own destiny. This treachery is not only treason it is attempt to seize power from the Divine.
Since sin is the rejection of God as God and rebellion against His rule sin causes uncalculable harm to the individual and others around. Sin has wreaked havoc across the world. Sin is responsible for the death of billions and for the anguish felt in every part of creation. Every person born on the planet is complicit with sin. How can such evil against one’s Creator, Sovereign and God not require the greatest of punishments? Because sin is the rebellion of creature against the infinite, eternal Creator the scope of sin is limitless. A just response is measured to be appropriate to the scope of crime committed. A limitless crime requires a limitless payment. No finite creature is able to satisfy justice through any punishment of limited duration. The only appropriate judgment for a crime of infinite severity is an infinite punishment. Hell is just. | https://everlastingtruths.com/2016/05/13/how-is-an-eternal-hell-just/ |
INTRODUCTION
============
Plurihormonality of pituitary adenomas is defined as the ability to produce more than one pituitary hormone, and the most frequently reported hormone combinations are growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and/or the α-subunit of glycoprotein hormones \[[@B1]\]. Acromegaly is one of the most common manifestations found in pituitary adenomas with plurihormonality \[[@B2]\]. However, the incidence rate and the clinical manifestations of the plurihormonal pituitary adenoma are still controversial. The anterior pituitary-specific transcription factor-1 (Pit-1), a transactivator of the GH, PRL, and TSH-β genes during anterior pituitary development, has been investigated as one of the possible candidates leading to the development of plurihormonality in these pituitary adenomas \[[@B3][@B4]\]. However, it has also been suggested that Pit-1 mRNA expression alone is not sufficient to determine plurihormonality in pituitary adenomas \[[@B5]\].
We describe a case of acromegaly caused by an invasive and plurihormonal pituitary macroadenoma. This patient also accompanied a rectal carcinoid tumor which was found not to contribute to the development of acromegaly. We also present the immunohistochemical findings of the pituitary adenoma and rectal carcinoid in order to confirm the plurihormonality of the pituitary adenoma and to investigate the presence of Pit-1 expression.
CASE REPORT
===========
A 48-year-old woman was admitted to the department of endocrinology and metabolism in Kyung Hee University Hospital, complaining of gradually increasing size of both hands and feet and coarsely changing features of her face over the past 10 years. She had also experienced amenorrhea and a gradual weight gain of 13 kg for the past 10 years, with generalized myalgia but no headache, visual disturbance or galactorrhea. Her previous medical history included type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia. There was no specific familial or personal history. Height, weight, and body mass index were 163 cm, 62 kg, and 23.3 kg/m^2^, respectively. The vital signs were noted to be stable.
The sellar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large, 7.5-cm-sized sellar mass invading the supra-, infra- and parasella areas as well as the cavernous sinus. The mass extended to the level of the brain stem and compressed the optic chiasm. Though both the carotid arteries and cavernous sinus were encased by the mass, there was no sign of vascular compression or hydrocephalus. Moreover, the visual field examination also showed no defect. A colonoscopic examination which was performed to screen colon polyps, found a 0.4-cm-sized subepithelial nodule with an intact mucosa located approximately 5 cm above the anal verge and localized within the deep mucosa and submucosa.
Laboratory examinations showed hemoglobin A1c 7.1%. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) level was 624 µg/L with a casual GH level of 16 µg/L. GH levels during a 75 g glucose loading test were all greater than 10 µg/L. TSH was 1.5 µU/mL, and PRL was 114.5 µg/L with follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) 1.8 mIU/mL, luteinizing hormone (LH) 0.2 mIU/mL and estradiol 47.7 pg/mL. TRH stimulation test demonstrated the paradoxical response of GH to TRH, and double stimulation test with insulin and GnRH to observe the remaining pituitary function revealed the blunted response of LH and FSH to GnRH (data not shown). These results confirmed the diagnosis of acromegaly with secondary amenorrhea due to hyperprolactinemia. In addition, it should be also noted that hypogonadism may be caused by the huge tumor size which resulted in compression of normal pituitary tissue.
A transsphenoidal approach (TSA) was performed for the biopsy using the ring curettage and navigation system; acute complications did not occur. Light microscopy with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of the pituitary specimens revealed highly cellular tissues composed of monomorphic polyhedral cells with acidophilic cytoplasms and without mitoses. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using an automated immunostainer (Ventana Medical systems, Tucson, AZ, USA) according to the protocol of manufacturer with minor modifications as described elsewhere \[[@B6]\]. The antibody for Pit-1 was used. Tumor cells were demonstrated to be strongly positive for GH ([Fig. 1A](#F1){ref-type="fig"}) and PRL ([Fig. 1B](#F1){ref-type="fig"}), weakly positive for TSH ([Fig. 1C](#F1){ref-type="fig"}), and negative for ACTH ([Fig. 1D](#F1){ref-type="fig"}), FSH ([Fig. 1E](#F1){ref-type="fig"}), and LH ([Fig. 1F](#F1){ref-type="fig"}). Pit-1 was densely expressed in the nuclei of adenoma cells ([Fig. 2](#F2){ref-type="fig"}). The expression of Ki-67, a cellular marker for cell proliferation, was found in less than 1% of the overall nuclear stained cells, and the tumor suppressor gene p53 were shown to be positive. Based on these findings, this pituitary adenoma case was immunohistochemically confirmed as possessing plurihormonality.
A subepithelial nodule on the rectum was completely removed with the endoscopic strip biopsy technique. Light microscopy with H&E staining of rectal specimen ([Fig. 3A](#F3){ref-type="fig"}) revealed numerous monotonous cells having acidophilic cytoplasms and round to oval nuclei with nest-forming morphology around the normal intestinal glands. These cells were positive for CD56 ([Fig. 3B](#F3){ref-type="fig"}) and synaptophysin ([Fig. 3C](#F3){ref-type="fig"}), but negative for chromogranin ([Fig. 3D](#F3){ref-type="fig"}). As a result, the subeipthelial mass obtained from the rectum was diagnosed as a carcinoid tumor, which was not accompanied by carcinoid syndrome with symptoms such as facial flushing, diarrhea or congestive heart failure.
Following TSA, the patient was started on monthly intramuscular injections of the long acting repeatable (LAR) form of octreotide 20 mg with daily bromocriptine 2.5 mg as an initial dose. However, GH levels remained higher than 10 µg/L, while IGF-I levels were measured between 350 and 400 µg/L even after increasing the dose to 30 mg of octreotide LAR. The annual follow-up MRI image demonstrated a gradual decrease in tumor size ([Fig. 4](#F4){ref-type="fig"}).
DISCUSSION
==========
According to the previous reports, the application of immunohistochemistry in diagnosing surgically removed pituitary tumors revealed that a certain number of pituitary adenomas appeared to be plurihormonal \[[@B1][@B7]\]. Though there is very little data on the exact incidence rate of such plurihormonal pituitary adenomas, the incidence rate is estimated to be about 10% to 15% of apparent pituitary adenomas \[[@B8]\]. Though the basic mechanism of plurihormonality has not yet been clearly revealed, one of the possible hypotheses is based on the role of various transcription factors such as Pit-1 \[[@B4]\]. Pit-1 gene is mapped to chromosome 3 and produces nuclear binding protein, which plays an important role as a transcriptional regulator \[[@B4]\]. *Pit-1* belongs to the pituitary octamer unc-86 (POU)-domain family containing 60 amino acids in the POU-homeodomain region and 75-amino-acids in the POU-specific domain region. These two domains are joined together by the linker region and contribute to DNA binding \[[@B4][@B9]\]. Pit-1 is first expressed from embryonic day 13.5 and plays a major role in differentiation of the somatotroph, lactotroph, and thyrotroph cell lineages \[[@B4][@B10]\]. Cell-type specific and developmental state-specific transcription factors are implicated in the organogenesis of the anterior pituitary gland and subsequently produce five distinct cell types secreting six different hormones \[[@B11]\].
In this case, Pit-1 transcription was demonstrated in surgical specimens from the pituitary adenoma using IHC staining. Pit-1 in a mature pituitary gland has been reported to attribute to the over-expression of GH, PRL, GH/PRL, and TSH-producing pituitary adenomas, possibly leading to the functional differentiation and proliferation of tumor cells \[[@B8][@B12]\]. Altogether, it is possible to infer that plurihormonality of the pituitary adenoma is associated with Pit-1 expression. However, there has been no previous report investigating the relationship between Pit-1 expression and plurihormonality of pituitary adenomas. In addition, it has been reported that pituitary adenomas consistently expressed more Pit-1 mRNA than normal pituitary tissues \[[@B3]\]. Thus, it is feasible to speculate that Pit-1 expression in the tumoral state may have caused to dedifferentiate the cells to somehow more primitive stages and, as a result, a single cell may react to multiple hypothalamic hormones. A previous study by Yamada et al. \[[@B5]\] suggested that the presence of Pit-1 alone may not be sufficient to regulate hormonal production and tumor growth, and there could be other factors which play a role in determining the hormonal activity of pituitary adenomas. Thus, additional studies must be conducted to study the link between Pit-1 and the plurihormonality of pituitary adenomas.
It is well known that a large portion of GH-producing adenomas also produce PRL \[[@B13]\] as shown in our case. These adenomas usually behave more aggressively than pure GH-producing adenomas and are classified into three subtypes: the mixed GH cell/PRL cell adenomas, the mammosomatotroph cell adenomas and the acidophilic stem cell adenomas \[[@B14][@B15][@B16][@B17][@B18]\]. The first two subtypes clinically present with acromegaly and mild hyperprolactinemia \[[@B13]\]. On the other hand, the acidophilic stem cell adenomas are characterized as demonstrating hyperprolactinemia but rarely acromegaly, and thus showing a distinct behavioral pattern of common prolactinomas \[[@B16]\]. Based on the main clinical feature of acromegaly, the huge adenoma in our case is likely to be either a mixed GH cell/PRL cell adenoma or a mommosomatotroph cell adenoma. The absence of the electron microscopy findings which is necessary to identify the exact immunohistologic subtype of mixed GH/PRL-producing adenomas is a limitation in this case.
It is well known that a large portion of GH-producing adenomas also produce PRL \[[@B13]\] as shown in our case. These adenomas usually behave more aggressively than pure GH-producing adenomas and are classified into three subtypes: the mixed GH cell/PRL cell adenomas, the mammosomatotroph cell adenomas and the acidophilic stem cell adenomas \[[@B14][@B15][@B16][@B17][@B18]\]. The first two subtypes clinically present with acromegaly and mild hyperprolactinemia \[[@B13]\]. On the other hand, the acidophilic stem cell adenomas are characterized as demonstrating hyperprolactinemia but rarely acromegaly, and thus showing a distinct behavioral pattern of common prolactinomas \[[@B16]\]. Based on the main clinical feature of acromegaly, the huge adenoma in our case is likely to be either a mixed GH cell/PRL cell adenoma or a mommosomatotroph cell adenoma. The absence of the electron microscopy findings which is necessary to identify the exact immunohistologic subtype of mixed GH/PRL-producing adenomas is a limitation in this case.
One of the interesting points in this case is the lack of neurological symptoms in spite of its invasive nature. It has been reported that invasive adenomas were observed in 31% to 52% of plurihormonal adenomas, and some of plurihormonal adenomas are known to exhibit aggressive behaviors with poor prognosis \[[@B19]\]. One of the differences found in our case when comparing previous reports, Ki-67 index was \<1%. It is very well known that invasive pituitary adenomas usually demonstrate higher Ki-67 proliferation index \[[@B20]\]. It has been not studied whether this low Ki-67 index may play a certain role in causing neurological symptoms in pituitary adenomas. The observation of no neurological symptoms in this case was unexpected considering its huge tumor size; and thus, this finding may merit further studies to clarify the factors which may influence on the occurrence of neurological symptoms.
Acromegaly caused by ectopic GH releasing hormone (GHRH) secretion or GH-producing tumors accounts for less than 1% of acromegalic patients \[[@B21][@B22]\]. One of the key methods by which to differentiate ectopic acromegaly cases is by measuring the serum GHRH level \[[@B21]\]. Because the serum GHRH level was not measured, it was difficult to reject the possibility of GHRH production from the rectal carcinoid tumor and its consequent role in excessively stimulating GH production as well as the expansion of the pituitary macroadenoma. However, acromegalic features in this case developed very slowly over the course of 10 years, with the tumor size gradually increased to about 7.5 cm. When considering the very small size of the carcinoid tumor (0.4 cm) and its location, which was limited only to the mucosa and submucosal layer of the rectum, it is highly likely that the rectal carcinoid tumor was at a stage that was too early to produce enough GHRH to create a large long-standing pituitary adenoma. This is a very rare case of double primary tumors comprising a plurihormonal pituitary macroadenoma and rectal carcinoid tumor, which has not been reported in previous literature.
In this case, a 48-year-old female patient with acromegalic features was diagnosed as having a plurihormonal pituitary adenoma with concomitant rectal carcinoid tumor. Despite its large size and invasiveness, the patient did not have any neurologic symptoms. Based on the immunohistochemical staining of the specimens from the pituitary adenoma and rectal carcinoid tumor, it was assumed that these two tumors were neither clinically nor functionally related to each other. In order to elucidate the association between plurihormonality of the pituitary macroadenoma and the mutation of the *Pit-1* gene, it would be necessary to extract DNA from both the pituitary adenoma and the rectal carcinoid tumor. Confirmation and comparison of the *Pit-1* mutation and the DNA extractions would assist in determining whether or not these two tumors share an origin. In addition, further genetic studies are needed to determine whether other family members of this patient also demonstrate possible common pathways for formation of the pituitary adenoma and carcinoid tumor.
We thank Dr. S. Rhodes (University of Indianapolis, USA) for generously providing anti-Pit-1 antibody.
**CONFLICTS OF INTEREST:** No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.
{#F1}
![Expression of lineage-specific transcription factor (pituitary-specific transcription factor-1 \[Pit-1\]) found in the pituitary adenoma; immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed using an antibody against Pit-1. Counterstaining with hematoxylin. IHC staining was positive for Pit-1 (×400).](enm-30-389-g002){#F2}
{#F3}
{#F4}
| |
High school IEP and 504 are not sufficient. Documentation guidelines specify information needed for each category of disability.
School provides evaluation at no cost to student or family.
Student must get evaluation at own expense.
Documentation focuses on determining whether student is eligible for services based on specific disability categories in IDEA.
Documentation must provide information on specific functional limitations, and demonstrate the need for specific accommodations.
Instruction
Teachers may modify curriculum and/or alter curriculum pace of assignments.
Professors are not required to modify instruction or alter assignment deadlines. Colleges provide academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids or services to accommodate the functional limitations of qualified students with disabilities, as indicated in the appropriate documentation.
You are expected to read short assignments that are then discussed and often re-taught in class.
You are assigned substantial amounts of reading and writing that may not be directly addressed in class.
You seldom need to read anything more than once; sometimes listening in class is enough.
You need to review class notes, text, and material regularly.
Grades & Tests
IEP or 504 Plan may include modifications to test format and/or grading.
Grading and test format changes (i.e. multiple choice vs. essay) are generally not available. Accommodations to HOW tests are given (extended time, distraction reduced environment) are available when supported by disability documentation.
Testing is frequent and covers small amounts of material.
Testing is usually infrequent and may be cumulative, covering large amounts of material.
Teachers often take time to remind you of assignments and due dates.
Professors expect you to read, save, and consult the course syllabus (outline); the syllabus spells out exactly what is expected of you, when it is due, and how you will be graded. | https://www.basd.net/Page/14757 |
On May 30, New York University welcomed United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to the Stern School of Business for an event entitled “Climate Action: Mobilizing the World," during which Guterres issued a global call to action to meet the international climate challenge.
The Secretary-General was introduced by New York University President Andrew Hamilton, who said the topic of conversation touched on an issue of immense importance that needs to be addressed in a global and interdisciplinary way.
“Climate change is an issue with which we as a university are very much engaged -- in the university, across the city of New York and across the world,” Hamilton said, noting that through a university-wide effort led by the NYU Sustainability Task Force, the university succeeded in reducing carbon emissions by 30 percent between 2006 and 2012, and has accepted New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s challenge to further reduce emissions by 50 percent by 2025.
NYU Stern Dean Peter Henry also offered introductory remarks and reiterated that the Stern School is committed to continuing to take steps toward climate action.
“Here at Stern we believe that business can be a force for good in the world, that in the quest to create value not only for shareholders but for all stakeholders, the impact on both business and society truly matters,” Henry said, noting the efforts by Stern’s Center for Sustainable Business and Center for Business and Human Rights, a first of its kind among business schools.
Addressing students, faculty, and business leaders among others in his first public speech on climate action, UN Secretary-General António Guterres described both the increasing risks from climate change and the opportunities provided by climate action to create jobs, generate economic growth and build the foundations for a safer and more stable world.
“Climate action is gathering momentum not just because it is a necessity but also because it presents an opportunity – to forge a peaceful and sustainable future on a healthy planet,” Guterres said.
Following the Secretary-General’s speech, a question and answer session was moderated by Professor Tensie Whelan, director of the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business. She began the session by asking what role students can play in their personal and professional lives to address climate action.
“Students can have an influence with their communities and engage with their communities in line with a green economy,” said Guterres, explaining that students can engage with civic organizations, use their power as consumers and get involved with politics among other actions.
Read Secretary-General Guterres' remarks here. | https://www.stern.nyu.edu/experience-stern/global/climate-action-mobilizing-world-with-secretary-general-united-nations-ant-nio-guterres |
nuclear power. Major topics covered includes: Special Relativity,
Schroedinger's Wave Equation, Nuclear Models, Nuclear Decay Kinetics, Binary
Nuclear Reactions, Fission and Fusion, Radiation, Nuclear Reactor Theory: Six
Factor Formula, Reactor Design, Reactor Kinetics, Neutron Transport, Light Water
Reactors, The Nuclear Fuel Cycle, Radiation Detection and Measurement, Nuclear
Materials, Radiation Doses, Nuclear Reactor Safety and Nuclear Accidents.
Author(s): Matthew J Memmott
Author(s): Matthew J Memmott
Nuclear Reactor Design and Analysis
This note will focus on the
basics of nuclear reactor design. Topics covered includes: Design, and
Licensing, Reactors and Core Concepts, Heating, Fuel, and Fuel Element Analysis,
Reactor Flow and Pump Sizing, Introductory Neutronics, Six Factor Formula,
Neutron Transport, Neutron Kinetics, Power Conversion Systems, Nuclear Safety
and Nuclear Safety Analysis.
Nuclear Reactors by Amir Zacarias Mesquita
This book presents
a comprehensive review of studies in nuclear reactors technology from authors
across the globe. Topics discussed in this compilation include: thermal
hydraulic investigation of TRIGA type research reactor, materials testing
reactor and high temperature gas-cooled reactor, decay heat in reactors and
spent-fuel pools, present status of two-phase flow studies in reactor
components, two-phase flow coolant behavior in boiling water reactors under
earthquake condition, simulation of nuclear reactors core, fuel life control in
light-water reactors, methods for monitoring and controlling power in nuclear
reactors, structural materials modeling for the next generation of nuclear
reactors, application of the results of finite group theory in reactor physics,
and the usability of vermiculite as a shield for nuclear reactor.
Author(s): Amir Zacarias Mesquita
Lecture Notes in Nuclear Structure Physics
This book covers
the following topics: Nuclear masses, Rms charge radii, Charge densities and
form factors, Overview of nuclear decays, The Fermi gas model, Overview of the
nuclear shell model, The one body potential, Woods-Saxon potential, Many Body
Wavefunctions, Two-Body Hamiltonian, Configuration mixing, One body transition
operators and the OBTD, Electromagnetic transitions and allowed beta decay.
Author(s): B. Alex Brown
Elementary introduction to nuclear reactor physics
This
book gives an elementary but coherent account of that branch of physics involved
in the study and design of nuclear reactors at a standard presentation judged to
be suitable for advanced undergraduate students.
Author(s): Liverhant, S. E.
Nuclear Physics
This book explains the properties of atomic nuclei,
their structure and interactions, and the laws governing the forces between
their constituents.
Author(s): NA
Particles Classification(pdf notes)
This note covers the
following topics: strong force, electromagnetic force, weak force, gravitational
force, elementary particle, antiparticle and Conservation Laws.
Author(s): The
University of Tennessee, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Many Body Problems Nuclear Physics Lecture Notes
Currently this section contains no detailed description for the page, will update this page soon. | http://freebookcentre.net/physics-books-download/Introductory-Nuclear-Engineering.html |
At the beginning of the last century, 70 percent of Philippines was forested, but this figure had declined rapidly to a low of about 18.3 percent in 1999. This is due both to anthropogenic and natural causes. Anthropogenic effects are primarily due to agriculture encroachment and logging activities by big companies. Natural causes, such as fires, pests and diseases, and natural calamities, especially typhoons, floods and landslides, also contribute to forest degradation. The occurrence of natural calamities has drastically increased over the last years because of climate change.
Deforestation and land degradation have had devastating consequences on biodiversity. With more than 20 000 endemic species, the Philippines is recognized as a megadiverse country: one of 17 nations that, together, hold two-thirds of earth’s biological diversity. The remaining biodiversity isolated on biodiverse islands and degraded lands cannot sustain long term food production for a growing population.
In more recent years, Philippines has made significant advances towards resolving historical trends causing net forest cover loss. This commitment is exemplified by embarking on a massive tree planting and reforestation program called the National Greening Program. In addition, the Integrated National Resources Management Program (INREMP) and the Forestland Management Program (FMP) are also involved in this initiative. From a position as one of the top ten deforestation countries contributing to 17-20 percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from global forest loss in 2000 (FAO, 2006), the country has since recovered with a modest forest cover increase of 55 000 hectares (ha) per year (FAO, 2010); the 2010 Global Forest Assessment Country Report for Philippines reported an increase in forest cover from 6.57 million ha in 1990 to 7.66 million ha in 2010.
But these efforts need to be sustained in the long term as the re-greening program’s sustainability and ability to deliver multiple benefits has been questioned. The government and the local communities engaged in this effort need support.
In order to maintain this effort and the forest contribution to Philippines’ nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement, the Forest Landscape Restoration Mechanism (FLRM) has been supporting Philippines since 2016. In addition, it has since developed “The Paris Agreement in Action” project supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Ministry of the Environment (BMU) with Philippines being among the six focus countries – Philippines, Fiji, Morocco, Lebanon, Niger and Ethiopia.
IMPACTS
Philippines are very committed to promoting forest and landscape restoration (FLR). The project will support this effort and focus on three main pillars:
- An enabling environment is created for the implementation of national FLR programs and scaling up through inter sectoral coordination and relevant policy alignment.
- Restoration approaches are implemented in the selected sites with a high potential for FLR providing both carbon and non-carbon benefits through participatory and gender-responsive planning, community driven FLR investments and sustainable economic alternatives provided at landscape level.
- Monitoring capacity is enhanced and both socio-economic and environmental benefits are monitored with a minimum set of indicators well adapted to both national and regional contexts.
For more information of FLRM activities, click here: | https://www.fao.org/in-action/forest-landscape-restoration-mechanism/our-work/countries/philippines/en/ |
03-05-2015 | Original Paper
Helicopter Parenting in Emerging Adulthood: Support or Barrier for Korean College Students’ Psychological Adjustment?
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Child and Family Studies | Uitgave 1/2016Log in om toegang te krijgen
Abstract
The purpose of the present study is to revisit and validate the current conceptualization of helicopter parenting with Korean college students by using the Helicopter Parenting Scale. Using an individuation–separation process framework from family systems theory, we also examined associations between college student’s retrospective self-report of their parents’ helicopter parenting and their own psychological adjustment. Four hundred twelve students from 13 private universities in Korea completed a questionnaire about their parent’s parenting and their own psychological adjustment measured in locus of control and emotional well-being. The finding of an one-factor solution does not support our hypothesis that there may be a difference in the conceptualization of helicopter parenting between Korea and the U.S. samples. Findings indicate perceived helicopter parenting was negatively associated with college students’ internal locus of control. Although there was no direct link from helicopter parenting to Korean college students’ emotional well-being, the association of helicopter parenting to emotional well-being was indirect through its link to students’ locus of control. | https://mijn.bsl.nl/helicopter-parenting-in-emerging-adulthood-support-or-barrier-fo/569262 |
How Does Online Health Information Impact Senior Patients’ Perception of Control in Collaborative Decision-making Process with Physicians?
Author(s): Mehraneh Shantiaei
The American population is aging. The rise of healthcare costs of the aging population in the USA is becoming a national challenge. Fortunately, patient–physician collaborative decision making (CDM) has shown to be an effective way to improve health outcomes and to lower costs. Additionally, the Internet has proven to be a rich source of health information for patients. The aim of this study was to examine senior patients’ perceptions regarding CDM and the impact of using online health information (OLHI) on their perceived control in the CDM process with physicians. The study used a mixed method approach, including quantitative and qualitative methods. Data was collected through surveys and open-ended interviews. A total of 73 senior patients and 14 physicians were surveyed. Senior patients were the main group of participants, and the physicians were recruited just to validate the collected data obtained on the patient side. Among the patients, 50 individuals were OLHI users, and 23 were not. A total of 20 patient participants volunteered to be interviewed. Interviews were face-to-face, open-ended, and semi-structured. Conducting t-tests on the quantitative data showed that the OLHI users in comparison to the non-OLHI users perceive more control in the CDM process with their physicians through higher levels of 1) patient-physician collaborative information exchange; 2) collaborative decision-making behavior of physicians; and 3) willingness to be authoritative in the clinical CDM process. Moreover, descriptive statistics as well as qualitative analysis supported the quantitative results, revealing the positive impact of using OLHI on senior patient empowerment. | https://fortuneonline.org/abstract/how-does-online-health-information-impact-senior-patientsrsquo-perception-of-control-in-collaborative-decisionmaking-process-with--1998.html |
Workshop overview:
Is it possible to evaluate training up to level 4 of the Impact Framework (and/or Kirkpatrick's model) easily and simply, and still receive effective data?
It is commonplace to evaluate activities at Level 1, i.e. the reaction to a training course, however Higher Education Institutions are increasingly concerned to capture the impact training programmes have on individuals and also in demonstrating the benefits this brings to the organisation. In the post Roberts era, developers need to find evidence of ‘adding value' to sustain their funding and to support business cases.
At Southampton we dissected the evaluation process to pilot a three stage approach. We share our evaluation model, explain the rationale behind it and report the findings from our pilot. We propose a solution which allows developers to compile impact data in, what we believe, is a simple, quick and ‘easy to manage' way. The model enables developers to validate course content, evaluate the perceived learning and application of interventions, and to assess the changes at the organisational level with just two surveys!
Workshop topics covered:
- Impact Framework and Donald Kirkpatrick's levels of evaluation
- Differences between assessing effectiveness and assessing impact
- Key aspects of evaluating workplace transfer in HEIs, including areas of concern
- Case study: Southampton Training Evaluation Matrix (TEM) - that reports on the rationale, construct and findings from pilot work.
Themes covered:
- Researcher development and researcher careers evaluation and impact studies to further our understanding and knowledge of the researcher landscape
Workshop outcomes:
- Gain a better understanding of the key aspects of evaluating learning acquisition and workplace transfer in HEIs
- Explore how to set up an automatic evaluation system that can capture large quantities of qualitative and quantitative data
- Follow through the evaluation process of examples of training interventions to Level 4 IF/Kirkpatrick
- Receive a model that will help you to set the TEM according to the strategic needs of your Institution
Format: | https://www.vitae.ac.uk/events/past-events/vitae-researcher-development-international-conference-2015/workshops/from-evaluation-to-organisational-impact |
The Senate is soon expected to consider a proposal to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 in three annual increments and then index it to inflation. The proposal — the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013 (FMWA), introduced by Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) — also would raise the subminimum wage paid to those who also receive tips, which has been frozen at $2.13 for over two decades.
The FMWA would provide low-wage workers with a much-needed boost to their paychecks: today’s minimum wage is 22 percent below its late 1960s peak, after adjusting for inflation. It also would help offset some of the unfavorable trends facing low-wage workers, including stagnant or falling real wages, too little upward mobility, and a deep deficit of bargaining power that leaves them solidly on the “have-not” side of the inequality divide.
The common claim that raising the minimum wage reduces employment for low-wage workers is one of the most extensively studied issues in empirical economics. The weight of the evidence is that such impacts are small to none, and that minimum-wage increases of the magnitude that have been enacted in the past — and that would occur under the FMWA — are a clear net benefit to low-wage workers as a group as well as a policy tool that pushes back against rising inequality.
Some opponents of raising the minimum wage also claim that it would primarily benefit teenagers working for extra money. To the contrary, the vast majority of those who would benefit are adults, most are women, and their families depend on their paychecks; the average worker who would benefit from the FMWA brings home half of the family earnings. This reflects the fact that the low-wage workforce has gotten older and more highly educated in recent decades: between 1979 and 2011, the share of low-wage workers (those earning less than $10 per hour in 2011 dollars) aged 25 to 64 grew from 48 percent to 60 percent, while the share with at least some college education grew from 25 percent to 43 percent.
In addition, though opponents often suggest that the existence of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) obviates the need for a minimum-wage increase, both a strong EITC and an adequate minimum wage are needed to ensure that work “pays” for those in low-wage jobs. The two policies are complements, not alternatives.Click here for the report. | https://www.cbpp.org/blog/the-case-for-a-stronger-minimum-wage |
Arts and Humanties Research Council
The University of Edinburgh is now part of a consortium of 10 Universities which have been awarded funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) to support postgraduate studentships and training in the Arts and Humanities in Scotland.
Applications for funding in the 2022/23 academic year are now closed.
AHRC PhD Studentships 2023/24
Online Information sessions for 2023/24 entry
The College Postgraduate Research Student Office is holding online information sessions about AHRC PhD funding, offered by the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities, for the 2023/24 academic year.
This is an opportunity to hear about the funding on offer, how to apply to the University for a funding nomination, what information is required in the funding application and an opportunity to ask us questions.
The session is repeated over the summer, so please join us for the session date which suits you best.
An introduction to SGSAH funding
Tues 26th July 2022, 10 am – 11 am (UK time)
https://eu.bbcollab.com/guest/a6969bcbe9db42dc80a8caf236ca53f7
An introduction to SGSAH funding (repeat session)
Tues 22nd August 2022, 10 am – 11 am (UK time)
https://eu.bbcollab.com/guest/d5db73ca688747f98d48439743443cae
An introduction to SGSAH funding (repeat session)
Thursday 22nd September, 10 am – 11 am (UK time)
https://eu.bbcollab.com/guest/4daf72f1853a4b48bee1c202f520b839
For 2023/24 entry, University PhD and funding application deadlines are likely to be from November to early December 2022. This page provides general information about AHRC funding for the 2023/24 academic year and guidance will be updated from early November 2022 with details about the application process and exact deadlines for 2023/24 entry.
The Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities (SGSAH) AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) is comprised of the Universities of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Highlands & Islands, St Andrews, Stirling, Strathclyde, Glasgow School of Art and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and offers PhD studentships each year.
Further details of the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities can be found here.
Award
The award will cover the PhD tuition fee and a stipend at the UKRI level for 3.5 years.
Eligibility
- Candidates will normally hold a relevant First Class Honours degree (such as BA, BMus, BSc or LLB) and preferably a similar calibre of Master’s degree.
- PhD students within the eligible subject areas who are currently in their first year of study are eligible to apply.
- Awards are available to Home fee applicants and limited awards available for International applicants. Please check the full UKRI eligibility criteria here.
- To qualify for Home status an applicant must:
- Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
- Have settled status, or
- Have pre-settled status AND meet residency requirement (3 years residency in the UK/EEA/Gibraltar/Switzerland immediately before the start of the PhD.) or
- Have indefinite leave to enter or remain
Applying
Step 1 Apply for a PhD programme at the University of Edinburgh for 2023/24. From November 2022, full details on eligible programmes, admissions procedures and deadlines can be found on the relevant School web pages. If you are currently at first year PhD student at the University, please see Step 2.
Step 2 Complete the SGSAH studentship application form and return it to the School by the relevant deadline.
Step 3 The University will select and nominate applicants to go forward to the next stage of the competition.
Step 4 Nominated applicants submit the full SGSAH application form to the online SGSAH portal by early February. SGSAH release the final funding decisions at the end of April. | https://www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/postgraduate/international/ahrc |
When asked about approaches to teaching listening, I often recommend that teachers identify an initial philosophy around which to plan their instruction. This is often more effective than trying a smorgasbord of interesting listening-based activities or simply flooding the students with listening input.
My own basic philosophy for teaching listening is “comprehension building”, which is essentially a “contructivist” ideas – that is, it is an approach that demonstrates to the students that it is the listener who must “construct meaning”.
__________________________________________________
Comprehension building
The first approach, comprehension building, focuses on ways of intervening with the listener as an active constructor of meaning, to help the listener become involved in the understanding process. Comprehension buildingrefers to a style of systematic intervention by the teacher to lead students toward deeperlevels of understanding of what they hear and read, to improve their overall literacy in both listening and reading.
Early research on reading and listening comprehension instruction centered around techniques that teachers could use to encourage students to approach a text in ways that promote more complete comprehension (see Flavell, 1979 for a review). These techniques have evolved over time into pedagogic approaches placing the listener as “agent” in a comprehension building process, and recruiting complementary forms of cognitive processing.
One early model called “experience-text-relationship (ETR) method” valued identifying text cues that triggered connections to the listener’s/reader’s personal experience and background knowledge (Au, 1979). The teacher was encouraged to use classroom discussion to guide students systematically through the cognitive processes related to understanding an extended texts — thereby increasing their engagement, understanding, and enjoyment of the experience.
A second model, called “K-W-L” (for “what you know already”, “what you want to know”, and “what you learned” from the text), focused on orienting students to the kind of active thinking required to comprehend challenging texts (Carr and Ogle, 1987). The K-W-L method was proposed as an antidote to excessive teacher-led questioning, aiming to allow students to assume more “agency” as listeners and readers (Powley, 2018; Walsh & Sattes, 2017) .
A third model, called “reciprocal teaching” encouraged comprehension building through cycles of student-led questioning. Questioning cycles focus on four comprehension strategies: predicting, questioning, clarifying, and summarizing (Palinscar & Brown, 1984). Using the RT approach, students work in a small group with a relatively lengthy text—typically a story involving an unusual problem and a solution. Toward the end of the activity, the students try to clarify any difficult words or phrases—a recognition that vocabulary knowledge underpins comprehension (Kim & Phillips, 2014; vanZeeland & Schmitt, 2013). Clarifying helps a student develop the ability to self-monitor, an essential component of independent listening or reading. The student then generates a summary that identifies and describes the main ideas of the text. Finally, the student predicts what is likely to occur next and provides evidence from the text already read to support the prediction. The role of group leader then rotates to the next student, and the process continues until the students have read and discussed all of the assigned text.
A fourth model, QAR (Question-Answer-Relationship) also placed the reader/listener as the central agent in the learning process, asking the students to consciously consider “sources of information”: what information is explicitly provided and what information the listener needs to construct. Specifically, listeners assess whether the speaker provides specific information explicitly or whether they will have to go “beyond the text” (Raphael & Pearson, 1985).
Research has established that nearly all such instructional techniques are generally effective at building comprehension, when compared with control groups who did not receive any direct comprehension instruction (Baker et al., 2015).
Current iterations of comprehension building focus on what may be termed “quality questioning”— ways of guiding students toward cognitively deeper understanding. A concurrent goal of a quality questioning approach is metacognitive:to lead students into a greater awareness of how they actively “process” texts as they listen or read. In this way, comprehension building instruction encourages more independent learning (Kaur, 2014; Vandergrift & Goh, 2012).
Most students do not come to school with these thinking skills, nor do they develop them automatically as they progress through school. Research findings do, however, seem to be clear that (1) students with these skills learn and achieve at higher levels than their peers, (2) students can learnthese thinking skills and associated behaviors and, (3) most students will require direct instructionto develop these skills (Abrami et al., 2015). | https://latcomm.com/comprehension-building/ |
Research Area: Machine Learning
Supervised learning techniques are widely employed in credit card fraud detection, as they make use of the assumption that fraudulent patterns can be learned from an analysis of past transactions. The task becomes challenging, however, when it has to take account of changes in customer behavior and fraudsters ability to invent novel fraud patterns. In this context, unsupervised learning techniques can help the fraud detection systems to find anomalies. In this paper we present a hybrid technique that combines supervised and unsupervised techniques to improve the fraud detection accuracy. Unsupervised outlier scores, computed at different levels of granularity, are compared and tested on a real, annotated, credit card fraud detection dataset. Experimental results show that the combination is efficient and does indeed improve the accuracy of the detection.
Author(s) Name: FabrizioCarcillo,Yann-AëlLe Borgne,OlivierCaelen,YacineKessaci,FrédéricOblé,GianlucaBontempi
Journal name: Information Sciences
Conferrence name: | https://slogix.in/machine-learning/combining-unsupervised-and-supervised-learning-in-credit-card-fraud-detection/ |
The Durango Planning Commission recommended Durango City Council deny a small subdivision proposed on Jameson Drive west of Florida Road during a Monday night hearing.
Residents raised concerns about inadequate parking, the number of homes that would be added to the narrow, dead-end street and snow storage.
Planning commissioners agreed with many of the issues raised by the neighbors about the subdivision, called Jameson Court, which would be built on the site formerly home to Puckett Electric.
“I think this is a real intrusion on the neighborhood,” Commissioner Joe Lewandowski said.
Commissioners asked if developer Dan Smith and his agent, Cynthia Roebuck, would like to have the project continued so they could address some of the concerns, but they declined.
The proposal will go before Durango City Council in April for a vote, Planning Manager Scott Shine said.
Smith is proposing 10 single-family homes facing a common courtyard, similar to some neighborhoods in Three Springs, according to city documents. The homes will have a unified architecture and color scheme.
All the homes could be accessed by two driveways off Jameson Drive that would allow residents to access the garages behind each home. The driveways could not accommodate additional parking outside of garages, and that concerned neighbors and commissioners.
The developer provided an additional parking space for two houses proposed at the south end of the project so that those homes could add a small rental unit at some point, according to city documents.
Under the current proposal, the developer would not be required to connect Jameson Drive to Colorado Avenue.
But Smith could have to complete the sidewalk on the north side of Jameson Drive to Colorado Avenue and build a sidewalk in front of the property.
Smith could also have to clear vegetation and regrade access on the west end of Jameson Drive to allow emergency vehicles to access the property.
Jameson Drive resident Blake Fredrickson said city snowplows pile snow at the end of Jameson Drive, on the property where emergency access is planned, and that could hinder vehicles in the winter.
Neighbors and commissioners were concerned residents would use their garages to store personal gear, such as kayaks, and park on the street.
Commissioner Jason Cross suggested adjusting the design to incorporate more storage.
“It’s just really clumsy,” he said, of the design. | https://durangoherald.com/articles/214292-planning-commission-recommends-denial-of-subdivision-near-florida-road |
Corrosion Protection of Prestressing Systems in Concrete Bridges
The use of deicing salts or the existence of a marine environment presents a potential problem of chloride-induced corrosion of prestressing steel embedded in concrete bridge members---a problem that could ultimately lead to major structural damage. This potential problem is of particular concern in segmental bridges where the prestressing steel is located in close proximity to the deck or other exposed surface.
Good quality construction minimizes the potential corrosion of prestressing steel. Unfortunately, this is not always the case under actual field conditions and construction practices. Low permeable membranes and overlays, concrete sealers, and various methods of decreasing permeability of concrete are being used, but confidence in the long-term protection of prestressing steel is lacking. Therefore, more positive steps were needed to instill confidence in the use of prestressing steel in a chloride-potential environment.
Accordingly, techniques and materials to provide enhanced corrosion protection for prestressing steel and its associated metallic hardware in pretensioned and post-tensioned concrete bridges were reviewed. In addition, a year-long, accelerated corrosion test program on epoxy-coated strand, polyethylene duct, epoxy-coated steel duct, epoxy-coated anchorage hardware, grouts modified with silica fume and with calcium nitrate, and heat-shrink tubing for sealing post-tensioning duct joints, together with traditional materials was undertaken on pretensioned and post-tensioned members.
The research project is complete, and the principal findings have been published in NCHRP Report 313, "Corrosion Protection of Prestressing Systems in Concrete Bridges." Further detail was provided in an agency report entitled Supplement to NCHRP Report 313, "Corrosion Protection of Prestressing Systems in Concrete Bridges, Appendices A,B,C,D,E,F." These appendices provided additional information on the literature search and the conduct of the various experiments. The supplemental report was distributed to NCHRP sponsors only. | https://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=844 |
Subsets and Splits
No saved queries yet
Save your SQL queries to embed, download, and access them later. Queries will appear here once saved.