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# Unconscious mind
The unconscious mind (or the unconscious) consists of the processes in the mind which occur automatically and are not available to introspection and include thought processes, memories, interests, and motivations.
Even though these processes exist well under the surface of conscious awareness, they are theorized to exert an effect on behavior. The term was coined by the 18th-century German Romantic philosopher Friedrich Schelling and later introduced into English by the poet and essayist Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
Empirical evidence suggests that unconscious phenomena include repressed feelings, automatic skills, subliminal perceptions, and automatic reactions, and possibly also complexes, hidden phobias, and desires.
The concept was popularized by the Austrian neurologist and psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. In psychoanalytic theory, unconscious processes are understood to be directly represented in dreams, as well as in slips of the tongue and jokes.
Thus the unconscious mind can be seen as the source of dreams and automatic thoughts (those that appear without any apparent cause), the repository of forgotten memories (that may still be accessible to consciousness at some later time), and the locus of implicit knowledge (the things that we have learned so well that we do them without thinking).
It has been argued that consciousness is influenced by other parts of the mind. These include unconsciousness as a personal habit, being unaware and intuition. Phenomena related to semi-consciousness include awakening, implicit memory, subliminal messages, trances, hypnagogia and hypnosis. While sleep, sleepwalking, dreaming, delirium and comas may signal the presence of unconscious processes, these processes are seen as symptoms rather than the unconscious mind itself.
Some critics have doubted the existence of the unconscious.
## Historical overview
The term "unconscious" (German: Unbewusste) was coined by the 18th-century German Romantic philosopher Friedrich Schelling (in his System of Transcendental Idealism, ch. 6, § 3) and later introduced into English by the poet and essayist Samuel Taylor Coleridge (in his Biographia Literaria). Some rare earlier instances of the term "unconsciousness" (Unbewußtseyn) can be found in the work of the 18th-century German physician and philosopher Ernst Platner.
Influences on thinking that originate from outside of an individual's consciousness were reflected in the ancient ideas of temptation, divine inspiration, and the predominant role of the gods in affecting motives and actions. The idea of internalised unconscious processes in the mind was also instigated in antiquity and has been explored across a wide variety of cultures. Unconscious aspects of mentality were referred to between 2,500 and 600 BC in the Hindu texts known as the Vedas, found today in Ayurvedic medicine.
Paracelsus is credited as the first to make mention of an unconscious aspect of cognition in his work Von den Krankheiten (translates as "About illnesses", 1567), and his clinical methodology created a cogent system that is regarded by some as the beginning of modern scientific psychology. William Shakespeare explored the role of the unconscious in many of his plays, without naming it as such. In addition, Western philosophers such as Arthur Schopenhauer, Baruch Spinoza, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, Johann Gottlieb Fichte, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, Karl Robert Eduard von Hartmann, Carl Gustav Carus, Søren Aabye Kierkegaard, and Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche used the word unconscious.
In 1880 at the Sorbonne, Edmond Colsenet defended a philosophy thesis on the unconscious. Elie Rabier and Alfred Fouillee performed syntheses of the unconscious "at a time when Freud was not interested in the concept".
## Psychology
Psychologist Jacques Van Rillaer points out that the unconscious was not discovered by Freud. In 1890, when psychoanalysis was still unheard of, William James, in his monumental treatise on psychology (The Principles of Psychology), examined the way Schopenhauer, von Hartmann, Janet, Binet and others had used the term 'unconscious' and 'subconscious.'" Historian of psychology Mark Altschule observes that "It is difficult—or perhaps impossible—to find a nineteenth-century psychologist or psychiatrist who did not recognize unconscious cerebration as not only real but of the highest importance."
Eduard von Hartmann published a book dedicated to the topic, Philosophy of the Unconscious, in 1869.
Furthermore, 19th century German psychologists, Gustav Fechner and Wilhelm Wundt, had begun to use the term in their experimental psychology, in the context of manifold, jumbled sense data that the mind organizes at an unconscious level before revealing it as a cogent totality in conscious form."
### Freud's view
Sigmund Freud and his followers developed an account of the unconscious mind. It plays an important role in psychoanalysis.
Freud divided the mind into the conscious mind (or the ego) and the unconscious mind. The latter was then further divided into the id (or instincts and drive) and the superego (or conscience). In this theory, the unconscious refers to the mental processes of which individuals make themselves unaware. Freud proposed a vertical and hierarchical architecture of human consciousness: the conscious mind, the preconscious, and the unconscious mind—each lying beneath the other. He believed that significant psychic events take place "below the surface" in the unconscious mind, like hidden messages from the unconscious. He interpreted such events as having both symbolic and actual significance.
In psychoanalytic terms, the unconscious does not include all that is not conscious, but rather what is actively repressed from conscious thought or what a person is averse to knowing consciously. Freud viewed the unconscious as a repository for socially unacceptable ideas, wishes or desires, traumatic memories, and painful emotions put out of mind by the mechanism of psychological repression. However, the contents did not necessarily have to be solely negative. In the psychoanalytic view, the unconscious is a force that can only be recognized by its effects—it expresses itself in the symptom. In a sense, this view places the conscious self as an adversary to its unconscious, warring to keep the unconscious hidden. Unconscious thoughts are not directly accessible to ordinary introspection, but are supposed to be capable of being "tapped" and "interpreted" by special methods and techniques such as meditation, free association (a method largely introduced by Freud), dream analysis, and verbal slips (commonly known as a Freudian slip), examined and conducted during psychoanalysis. Seeing as these unconscious thoughts are normally cryptic, psychoanalysts are considered experts in interpreting their messages.
Freud based his concept of the unconscious on a variety of observations. For example, he considered "slips of the tongue" to be related to the unconscious in that they often appeared to show a person's true feelings on a subject. For example, "I decided to take a summer curse ". This example shows a slip of the word "course" where the speaker accidentally used the word "curse" which would ostensibly show that they have negative feelings about having to do this. Freud noticed that also his patients' dreams expressed important feelings they were unaware of. After these observations, he concluded that psychological disturbances are largely caused by personal conflicts existing at the unconscious level. His psychoanalytic theory acts to explain personality, motivation and mental disorders by focusing on unconscious determinants of behavior.
Freud later used his notion of the unconscious in order to explain certain kinds of neurotic behavior. The theory of the unconscious was substantially transformed by later psychiatrists, among them Carl Jung and Jacques Lacan.
In his 1932/1933 conferences, Freud "proposes to abandon the concept of the unconscious, which he declares ambiguous".
### Jung's view
Carl Gustav Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist, developed the concept further. He agreed with Freud that the unconscious is a determinant of personality, but he proposed that the unconscious be divided into two layers: the personal unconscious and the collective unconscious. The personal unconscious is a reservoir of material that was once conscious but has been forgotten or suppressed, much like Freud's notion. The collective unconscious, however, is the deepest level of the psyche, containing the accumulation of inherited psychic structures and archetypal experiences. Archetypes are not memories but energy centers or psychological functions that are apparent in the culture's use of symbols. The collective unconscious is therefore said to be inherited and contain material of an entire species rather than of an individual. Every person shares the collective unconscious with the entire human species, as Jung puts it: " whole spiritual heritage of mankind's evolution, born anew in the brain structure of every individual".
In addition to the structure of the unconscious, Jung differed from Freud in that he did not believe that sexuality was at the base of all unconscious thoughts.
## Dreams
### Freud
In terms of the unconscious, the purpose of dreams, as stated by Freud, is to fulfill repressed wishes through the process of dreaming, since they cannot be fulfilled in real life. For example, if someone were to rob a store and to feel guilty about it, they might dream about a scenario in which their actions were justified and renders them blameless. Freud asserted that the wish-fulfilling aspect of the dream may be disguised due to the difficulty in distinguishing between manifest content and latent content. The manifest content consists of the plot of a dream at the surface level. The latent content refers to the hidden or disguised meaning of the events in the plot. The latent content of the dream is what supports the idea of wish fulfillment. It represents the intimate information in the dreamer's current issues and childhood conflict.
### Opposing theories
In response to Freud's theory on dreams, other psychologists have come up with theories to counter his argument. Theorist Rosalind Cartwright proposed that dreams provide people with the opportunity to act out and work through everyday problems and emotional issues in a non-real setting with no consequences. According to her cognitive problem solving view, a large amount of continuity exists between our waking thought and the thoughts that exist in dreams. Proponents of this view believe that dreams allow participation in creative thinking and alternate ways to handle situations when dealing with personal issues because dreams are not restrained by logic or realism.
In addition to this, Allan Hobson and colleagues came up with the activation-synthesis hypothesis which proposes that dreams are simply the side effects of the neural activity in the brain that produces beta brain waves during REM sleep that are associated with wakefulness. According to this hypothesis, neurons fire periodically during sleep in the lower brain levels and thus send random signals to the cortex. The cortex then synthesizes a dream in reaction to these signals in order to try to make sense of why the brain is sending them. However, the hypothesis does not state that dreams are meaningless, it just downplays the role that emotional factors play in determining dreams.
## Contemporary cognitive psychology
### Research
While, historically, the psychoanalytic research tradition was the first to focus on the phenomenon of unconscious mental activity, there is an extensive body of conclusive research and knowledge in contemporary cognitive psychology devoted to the mental activity that is not mediated by conscious awareness.
Most of that (cognitive) research on unconscious processes has been done in the mainstream, academic tradition of the information processing paradigm. As opposed to the psychoanalytic tradition, driven by the relatively speculative (in the sense of being hard to empirically verify) theoretical concepts such as the Oedipus complex or Electra complex, the cognitive tradition of research on unconscious processes is based on relatively few theoretical assumptions and is very empirically oriented (i.e., it is mostly data driven). Cognitive research has revealed that automatically, and clearly outside of conscious awareness, individuals register and acquire more information than what they can consciously remember and report. It is unclear how much, if any, of these processes can be experienced: The overflow hypothesis suggests that we experience much more than what we can subsequently report. The sparse phenomenology hypothesis forms an opposing view.
Much research has focused on the differences between conscious and unconscious perception. There is evidence that whether something is consciously perceived depends both on the incoming stimulus (bottom up strength) and on top-down mechanisms like Attention. Recent research indicates that some unconsciously perceived information can become consciously accessible if there is cumulative evidence. Similarly, content that would normally be conscious can become unconscious through inattention (e.g. in the Attentional blink) or through distracting stimuli like Visual masking.
### Unconscious processing of information about frequency
For example, an extensive line of research conducted by Hasher and Zacks has demonstrated that individuals register information about the frequency of events automatically (i.e., outside of conscious awareness and without engaging conscious information processing resources). Moreover, perceivers do this unintentionally, truly "automatically", regardless of the instructions they receive, and regardless of the information processing goals they have. The ability to unconsciously and relatively accurately tally the frequency of events appears to have little or no relation to the individual's age, education, intelligence, or personality, thus it may represent one of the fundamental building blocks of human orientation in the environment and possibly the acquisition of procedural knowledge and experience, in general.
## Controversy and criticism
The notion that the unconscious mind exists at all has been disputed.
Franz Brentano rejected the concept of the unconscious in his 1874 book Psychology from an Empirical Standpoint, although his rejection followed largely from his definitions of consciousness and unconsciousness.
Jean-Paul Sartre offers a critique of Freud's theory of the unconscious in Being and Nothingness, based on the claim that consciousness is essentially self-conscious. Sartre also argues that Freud's theory of repression is internally flawed. Philosopher Thomas Baldwin argues that Sartre's argument is based on a misunderstanding of Freud.
Erich Fromm contends that "The term 'the unconscious' is actually a mystification (even though one might use it for reasons of convenience, as I am guilty of doing in these pages). There is no such thing as the unconscious; there are only experiences of which we are aware, and others of which we are not aware, that is, of which we are unconscious. If I hate a man because I am afraid of him, and if I am aware of my hate but not of my fear, we may say that my hate is conscious and that my fear is unconscious; still my fear does not lie in that mysterious place: 'the' unconscious."
John Searle has offered a critique of the Freudian unconscious. He argues that the Freudian cases of shallow, consciously held mental states would be best characterized as 'repressed consciousness,' while the idea of more deeply unconscious mental states is more problematic. He contends that the very notion of a collection of "thoughts" that exist in a privileged region of the mind such that they are in principle never accessible to conscious awareness, is incoherent. This is not to imply that there are not "nonconscious" processes that form the basis of much of conscious life. Rather, Searle simply claims that to posit the existence of something that is like a "thought" in every way except for the fact that no one can ever be aware of it (can never, indeed, "think" it) is an incoherent concept. To speak of "something" as a "thought" either implies that it is being thought by a thinker or that it could be thought by a thinker. Processes that are not causally related to the phenomenon called thinking are more appropriately called the nonconscious processes of the brain.
Other critics of the Freudian unconscious include David Stannard, Richard Webster, Ethan Watters, Richard Ofshe, and Eric Thomas Weber.
David Holmes examined sixty years of research about the Freudian concept of "repression" and concluded that there is no positive evidence for this concept. Given the lack of evidence for many Freudian hypotheses, some scientific researchers proposed the existence of unconscious mechanisms that are very different from the Freudian ones. They speak of a "cognitive unconscious" (John Kihlstrom), an "adaptive unconscious" (Timothy Wilson), or a "dumb unconscious" (Loftus and Klinger), which executes automatic processes but lacks the complex mechanisms of repression and symbolic return of the repressed, and the "deep unconscious system" of Robert Langs.
In modern cognitive psychology, many researchers have sought to strip the notion of the unconscious from its Freudian heritage, and alternative terms such as "implicit" or "automatic" have been used. These traditions emphasize the degree to which cognitive processing happens outside the scope of cognitive awareness, and show that things we are unaware of can nonetheless influence other cognitive processes as well as behavior. Active research traditions related to the unconscious include implicit memory (see priming, implicit attitudes), and nonconscious acquisition of knowledge (see Lewicki, see also the section on contemporary cognitive psychology above). | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unconscious_mind |
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Beyond Triads
We will call these “special chords” as they don’t quite fit into the method of chord construction we have learned so far, but really they aren’t that special so don’t be scared of them. Up until now we have been constructing chords by counting up the scale form the root of the chord, and leaving out every other note. So the chord consists of the 1st, 3rd and 5th scale degrees (if it is a triad), or the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th if it is a four-note chord.
These chords are quite common in many styles, so it is worth learning how they are made up and when they can be used.
The major 6 chord.
This is a chord that we can use instead of a major 7. We learned in part 1 that (in a major key) we can use a major 7 chord as chord I or chord IV.
So in the key of C major, we have:
However if we use the 6th degree of the scale instead of the 7th note, we get this:
Why the major 6 chord?
There are a couple of reasons:
- It is possible that the melody (whether an instrument or a singer) may be the same as the root of the chord. If it is higher than the major 7 of the chord, then this means there is a semitone between the melody and the chord note. The dissonance may not sound good, even though it is chord note. It is usually fine if it is a short note, however if it is sustained then it will probably not sound so good (and make it it difficult for a singer to pitch. In this case a majr 6 is a good alternative if you want a four-note chord.
- It has a different sound to a major 7, and in the context you might prefer it.
Can you have a minor 6 chord?
Yes, the same process applies in a minor key, however it is a bit more complex in some cases so we will look at those in a more advanced course.
Can you have a 6 chord instead of a dominant 7?
Theoretically you could, but it would lose the value it has as a dominant chord. For further explanation, please refer back to part 1 (the book) chapters 3 and 4.
Sus Chords
In part 1 we mentioned suspensions as non-chord notes that are placed on a strong beat, not merely passing notes. As we know the basic chord notes of a triad are the 1, 3 and 5 and that we also can have a 7 in a four-note chord, then the notes we can use melodically as suspensions are the other notes, ie the 2, 4 and 6.
We also mentioned that of all these, the suspended 4th is the most dissonant, as it is just one semitone above the 3rd. This means that if you play a 4th as a suspension, then if you sustain it for very long it can sound too dissonant for some styles. However, it is possible for the suspension to be part of the chord, and in this case we would have the 4th actually as part of the chord instead of the 3rd.
The sus 4 chord is often just referred to as a sus chord.
Can a minor be a sus chord?
Yes, a minor chord can easily be a sus chord. Again, in the key of C here is a sus 4 chord built on chord IIm:
Can a dominant 7 be a sus chord?
Yes. Here you can see how to construct a sus chord using the dominant (V7)
This does not have the same tension as a normal dominant-type chord because there is no tritone. However it still has tension due to the suspension. Also, it will often resolve to a G7. | https://tamingthesaxophone.com/theory/beginners/special-chords |
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Areas of Emphasis
The four optional Areas of Emphasis are available to help students focus their courses on a certain area of philosophy. Courses taken to complete an Area of Emphasis are counted toward the 15 courses required for the major. Completing an Area of Emphasis requires majors to pass 5 courses from one area. Minors may complete an Area of Emphasis by taking 4 of their 7 courses from one area.
Laws, Ethics and Society
This area targets the nature and source of our moral rights and obligations, the authority of the state and law, the basis of value and goodness. Several courses in this area target ethical issues in medicine, the environment, technological change, economic inequality, and matters concerning race, gender, class, ethnicity, and nationality. In this area, students will learn how moral and legal reasoning can reshape the political debates over abortion, the death penalty, privacy on the internet, genetic testing, religious tolerance, free speech, affirmative action and other issues. This area is excellent preparation for law school as well as for postgraduate study and careers in public policy.
148. Philosophy and the Environment
152. Philosophy of Social Science
160. Ethical Theory
161. Topics in the History of Ethics
162. Contemporary Moral Issues
163. Biomedical Ethics
164. Technology and Human Values
166. Classics in Political Philosophy
167. Contemporary Political Philosophy
168. Philosophy of Law
170. Philosophy and Race
Science, Technology and Medicine
This area focuses on the insights and challenges presented by science. Modern science and technologies affect our view of ourselves and of nature, introducing novel promises and problems. For instance, how do we balance technical, economic, environmental, and ethical values in making decisions concerning which technologies or drugs to develop? Modern science has also changed our understanding of nature. Quantum physics, the genetic revolution, and neuroscience (to name a few) present problems and have important implications for human life. Finally, there are questions about science itself. What are the methods of modern science? Do they vary from one science to another? Can the sciences be value free? This area will appeal especially to those students interested in pursuing careers in philosophy, science, clinical medicine, medical research, the social sciences, science journalism and public policy.
123. Philosophy of Logic
145. Philosophy of Science
146. Philosophy of Physics
147. Philosophy of Biology
148. Philosophy and the Environment
149. Philosophy of Psychology
150. Philosophy of Cognitive Science
151. Philosophy of Neuroscience
152. Philosophy of Social Science
163. Biomedical Ethics
164. Technology and Human Values
Mind, Brain and Cognitive Science
Traditional Epistemology (the theory of how and what we know) and Philosophy of Mind (the theory of that-which-perceives-and-thinks) have recently been joined by several scientific disciplines in a collective search for illuminating theories. Psychology, cognitive neurobiology, computer science, and sociology, have all made explosive contributions to a tradition as old as Plato and Aristotle. For example, our growing understanding of the biological brain has given new life to our traditional attempts to understand the nature of the Mind. New accounts of the various mechanisms of cognition - both at the cellular and the social levels - have provided entirely new perspectives on the nature of consciousness, the self, knowledge and free will, and on the nature of science itself. This area is excellent preparation for careers in cognitive science, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, science journalism and philosophy.
132. Epistemology
134. Philosophy of Language
136. Philosophy of Mind
145. Philosophy of Science
147. Philosophy of Biology
149. Philosophy of Psychology
150. Philosophy of Cognitive Science
151. Philosophy of Neuroscience
180. Phenomenology
Historical Perspectives on Philosophy, Science and Religion
Throughout its history, philosophy has developed in a complex relationship with the natural sciences and religion. Philosophical ideas have both contributed to and challenged our understanding of nature and God, and developments in the sciences and religion have posed new challenges for philosophical thinking. The Historical Perspective emphasis focuses on the fertile interplay between philosophy, science, and religion in several key periods: Ancient Greece, the Scientific Revolution, and Enlightenment and Post-Enlightenment Europe. The aim is not simply to document the history of philosophical ideas, but to use this history as a way of better understanding contemporary debates about the basic questions of human life. This area prepares students for post-graduate work in philosophy, and for any career that requires breadth of knowledge, intellectual flexibility, as well as communicative and analytical skills. | https://philosophy.ucsd.edu/undergraduate/areas-of-emphasis.html |
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Gestalt therapy
This is a form of psychotherapy which is guided by the relational theory principle that each individual is a whole, consisting of the mind, body and spirit. This type of therapy focuses on the client’s self-awareness in the ‘here and now.’
Transactional Analysis
This type of therapy promotes personal growth and change with the intention of helping individuals reach their full potential. The focus during therapy will be on working at problem-solving in the ‘here and now,’ with the main aim of encouraging client autonomy.
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When it comes to the modern office, there is no tool more important than the ability to motivate and inspire your staff. Motivation is defined as the act of helping someone achieve a desired goal or outcome by providing them with guidance and resources.
Motivating office staff is an important part of creating an efficient and productive work environment. By creating a space where employees feel supported and encouraged, you can help them reach their goals and foster a productive and energizing work culture. Below, we will discuss some of the best strategies for motivating office staff.
Create a Supportive Work Environment
As a manager, one of the most important things you can do to help motivate office staff is to create a supportive work environment. A positive, welcoming environment encourages employees to enjoy their work and do their best.
Listening to Staff Concerns
One key way to create a supportive work environment is to make sure that you listen to and address staff concerns. Encouraging international dialogue among staff, and making sure that managers provide a safe and comfortable workplace that allows honest feedback to be shared, can go a long way in creating a supportive working environment.
Utilizing Team Building Exercises
Encouraging team building activities can also be an effective way to motivate office staff. Activities such as group discussions, team outings, and collaborative problem-solving tasks can help foster an environment of cooperation and support among staff. These activities can help build relationships within the team, resulting in higher morale and more productive workers.
- Group discussions can help build trust between colleagues.
- Team outings can help bring people together and provide an opportunity to get to know each other better.
- Collaborative problem-solving tasks can help teams work together to find solutions.
Maintaining Transparent Communication
Transparency is essential to create and foster an effective, friendly environment in the workplace - a key factor in motivating and retaining office staff. Open and honest communication nurtures trust and respect between staff and management, and is essential to any office's successful operations.
Having an Open Door Policy
An 'open door' policy sets the tone for a transparent working environment. It encourages employees to approach supervisors and management with questions, concerns and suggestions. It keeps communication lines open and accessible and promotes the sharing of ideas, thus creating a sense of participation and support.
Encouraging Effective Communication
As important as having an open door policy is effective communication - from management to staff and from staff to management. Effective communication should be constructive, clear and concise, mutual and purposeful. To ensure clear communication in the office, staff or team members should be provided with regular feedback. This can be done through one-on-one meetings, group meetings, emails, or any other means of communication. It is important to remember that feedback must be open, honest, and encouraging.
- Encourage open communication and feedback
- Maintain a transparent and collaborative environment
- Respect your staff and colleagues, and ensure they feel appreciated
- Set a good example by listening to, respecting and understanding feedback
Providing Meaningful Rewards
Motivating office staff becomes easier when managers provide rewards that are meaningful and that employees actually appreciate. Incentives can be given in different forms such as recognition, bonuses, and tangible rewards. Here are some ideas for managers to consider when motivating office staff:
Recognizing Achievements
Acknowledging an employee’s accomplishments can have a huge impact on motivation and job performance. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in reinforcing good behaviors and encouraging others to strive for greater success. Managers can also recognize achievements with informal rewards such as a gift certificate or movie tickets. Formal rewards like salary bonuses or flexible work hours for top performers are also excellent incentives.
Offering Incentive Programs
Incentive programs provide a structure for rewarding staff members for their contributions. These programs can include monetary bonuses, promotions, and extra vacation days. Managers should create a program that is tailored to their organization’s goals and quantifiable results, and ensure that all staff members are held accountable for meeting the objectives. Additionally, bonus structures should be kept fair and transparent to ensure that all staff members understand their goals and how they will be rewarded.
- Be precise and clear when setting goals.
- Give frequent feedback and recognition.
- Offer a variety of rewards.
- Provide team-based rewards.
- Make sure rewards are achievable.
Increase Autonomy for Staff
Organizations can benefit from providing their staff with autonomy to carry out their own tasks. Increased autonomy can help motivate staff, increase productivity and improve morale. There are various strategies that organizations can use to increase autonomy for their staff.
Encouraging Flexible Working Schedules
Organizations can offer flexible working schedules to their staff. These can be very beneficial if they are structured to meet the needs of both the employer and the employee. By allowing the staff to work outside of regular working hours, they can become more productive and fulfilled. Flexible working schedules can also allow staff who have other responsibilities (such as childcare) to work and still meet those obligations.
Allowing Off-site Working
Organizations can also benefit from allowing their staff to work off-site. This could involve allowing staff to work from home or from any location of their choice. Off-site working can provide staff with a greater sense of autonomy as they are allowed to manage their own time and, in some cases, the projects that they are working on. Off-site working can also have a positive effect on morale as it allows staff to work in an environment that suits them.
By increasing autonomy for staff through encouraging flexible working schedules and by allowing off-site working, organizations can effectively motivate their staff and improve productivity.
Promote Learning Opportunities
Investing in learning and development opportunities in a workplace has many benefits. Not only does it help improve employee morale and job satisfaction, but it also allows them to acquire new skills and gain access to the latest industry knowledge. This in turn can lead to increased performance, higher satisfaction and loyalty from staff, as well as providing a competitive advantage to the organization. Therefore, promoting learning opportunities can be key to motivating and engaging your office staff.
Support Staff in Professional Growth
Encouraging and supporting employee training and development is key to nurturing a culture of growth and development within the office. Managers can take an active role in helping staff members identify their individual professional goals and connecting them with any resources and learning opportunities that can help them achieve those goals. Working with staff to develop a personalized plan for learning and growth based on their individual goals can help keep them engaged and motivated in their work.
Provide Training and Development
Another way to motivate and engage staff is to provide learning and development opportunities. This could include online courses, seminars, workshops or conferences that are related to their role or the mission of the organization. Encouraging employees to learn new skills, expand their knowledge and improve their abilities can help boost their confidence and help them perform to their full potential. Additionally, it is important to provide these learning opportunities in a way that is convenient and accessible for staff.
Conclusion
Motivating office staff means creating an environment that encourages them to think creatively, set high goals, and take the initiative to become actively involved in their work. This can be accomplished by providing rewards and recognition, clear goals and a sense of accomplishment, open and honest communication, opportunities for growth and personal development, and a strong support system. By using these strategies, businesses can develop cohesive and productive teams.
Summary of Strategies for Motivating Office Staff
Motivating office staff requires a multi-faceted approach. Businesses should provide rewards and recognition, clear goals and a sense of accomplishment, open and honest communication, opportunities for growth and personal development, and a strong support system. These strategies will create an environment in which staff can thrive and be productive.
Benefits of Motivating Office Staff
Motivating office staff provides numerous benefits, including:
- Increased productivity
- Higher job satisfaction
- Improved morale among staff
- Enhanced creativity
- Reduced staff turnover
- Greater loyalty to the organization
- Better customer service
By implementing the strategies outlined above, businesses can create a thriving and productive workspace in which employees are engaged, motivated, and supported. This will create a positive atmosphere and increased productivity, which will benefit the business and its employees. | https://businessplan-templates.com/blogs/blog/strategies-motivating-office-staff |
School:
SARASWATI VIDYA MANDIR, ROURKELA
Lab facilities:
Experience Level of Teachers:
Quality of Teaching:
Discipline:
Academic Level of students:
Hostel Facilities:
Accessibility :
Transport Facilities:
Fees Structure:
Good:
Students and teachers
Bad:
Politics of the committee Members
Recommend:
Not sure
Review By:
Name:
Joydeep Dutta
Member Level:
Bronze
Review Date:
11 Aug 2019
Points for Review:
5 (Rs: 3)
Read
1 reviews by Joydeep Dutta
SARASWATI VIDYA MANDIR, ROURKELA Review
This is one of the oldest schools in Odisha, but there is a lot of politics and power play games between the members of the Harayana Nagrik Sangh committee. Their people cannot work independently. Students and teachers are very good but they are not allowed to do anything on their own. No creativity and no innovation - only politics. In the 38 years of the school's journey, 16 Principals have been changed or thrown out because of their internal politics. As of now, the school is running without a Principal for more than a month. The committee members are very eager to take only their own people, who are near to them or who can do what they say. Teachers' salary is very less, as compared to any school in Rourkela.
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- Interview with Rodrigo Levy, July 7, 2015,
- Long Term Occupational Projections, Projections Central, http://projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm
- May 2014 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Bureau of Labor Statistics, New Jersey, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nj.htm
- New Jersey Key Industry Clusters, State of New Jersey, http://www.state.nj.us/state/planning/docs/dfplan_industrysectors.pdf
- State of New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, https://lwd.state.nj.us/labor/lpa/employ/indoccpj/st_index.html
Vocational education is like career training, and typically includes programs under four years, preparing students for direct entry into a specific trade with hands-on learning. Students who are exploring New Jersey trade schools will find a number of community college and training centers that offer programs in specialized trades or vocations. In fact, the National Center for Education Statistics lists a total of 168 places of higher education in the state, and many offer vocational-type programs such as postsecondary training and non-degree options.
"In New Jersey we find that younger companies (10 years old or less) are very receptive to hiring software developers who have come out of four-month training programs or coding boot camps." Read the full interview with Rodrigo Levy from CodePlatoon.org
Trends at New Jersey Vocational Schools
When it comes to the future of employment in the state, many industries that require skilled technical workers are expected to see a larger number of job openings than average. According to the state of New Jersey, key industries in the state currently include:
- Bio/pharmaceuticals and life sciences
- Transportation
- Logistics and distribution
- Advanced manufacturing
- Health care
- Leisure and hospitality
- Green technology
The New Jersey's Department of Labor lists the following vocational and technical industries as popular, with potential for growth:
- Health Care Support - Health care vocational programs tend to be the most popular because health care is one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. Health care support careers include nursing, medical technicians and administrators, and these positions typically require an associate degree or certification.
- Construction - The field of construction includes many different trades, and construction schools in New Jersey should be able to offer specialized programs depending on what you'd like to do. Options might include carpentry, boilermaking, welding, electrical work, masonry, roofing, and much more. Since many construction workers can start with just a high school diploma, earning an additional certification or degree could improve your chances and opportunities for employment.
- Computers and IT - Computer technology is an up and coming industry that's typically right behind health care in terms of growth. And it's one of the leading industries to adapt vocational training as a strong substitute for a four-year degree. From "coding boot-camp" to free online courses, vocational education in computer technology is readily available. New Jersey vocational schools may have programs for IT and coding, but you may find better opportunities going through specialty programs like coding boot-camp, or courses and certifications offered by large companies.
Employment in New Jersey Trade School Grads
Since vocational employment is expected to surge in New Jersey, an investment in a degree program at any one of the technical schools in New Jersey could be a great way to jump-start your career. According to every indication and government source out there, industries like health care, construction, computer science, and the skilled trades are expected to surge in the coming years. The following charts illustrate some of the technical and skilled-trade jobs in New Jersey with current salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
|Career||Total Employment||Annual Mean Wage||Projected Number of New Jobs|
|Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics||14,810||48,620||N/A|
|Brickmasons and Blockmasons||1,300||71,320||N/A|
|Carpenters||15,960||63,230||N/A|
|Construction and Building Inspectors||4,600||64,920||N/A|
|Electricians||18,020||71,660||N/A|
|Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers||9,510||59,630||N/A|
|Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters||9,330||71,370||N/A|
|Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers||4,440||47,050||N/A|
Expert Advice on Vocational Education in New Jersey
With vocational education options in the state of New Jersey, we wanted to reach out to an expert in the field to get their take on short-term, vocational degrees. As a result, we contacted Rodrigo Levy from CodePlatoon.org, a coding boot camp aimed at preparing veterans for technical careers in computer coding.
|Rodrigo Levy is an Executive Director at CodePlatoon.org, a coding boot camp aimed at preparing veterans for technical careers in computer coding.|
How do employers view vocational education in New Jersey?
It depends on the employer, of course. We find that younger companies (10 years old or less) are very receptive to hiring software developers who have come out of four-month training programs or coding boot camps. Older and larger organizations are sometimes still focused on hiring developers who have a four-year degree in computer science. That said, many older and larger organizations are creating software teams within their organization that actually resemble newer technology teams, and are open to hiring coding boot camp graduates.
What are the pros and cons of trade school?
- Pros: much less expensive (Code Platoon is $1,500 for veterans, most others range from $8,000 to $18,000), much quicker (three to six months typically) and competitive placement rates, compared with four-year programs. And you learn the 'how-to' of programming.
- Cons: still some resistance from some employers to hire developers who lack a four-year degree. You learn less of the deeper 'why' of programming, and don't get a deep foundation on some computer science principles
What should students look for in a vocational program?
How can quick entry into the workforce benefit students?
Computer programming really requires continual learning, no matter what your initial training, so the sooner you start working, the sooner you are getting paid to learn, instead of paying to learn. The same can be said about any vocational or technical career.
What kind of student is your specific program geared toward?
Code Platoon is looking for candidates who are smart, deeply interested in software, and willing to work hard. All three characteristics are required. No math or science background is required, contrary to popular belief.
Financial Aid in New Jersey
There are many different types of state and federal aid. All students should start by applying to FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Most people apply for FAFSA at the beginning of the year, and they recommend applying as early as possible. After that, there are typically hundreds of different types of state grants, awards, scholarships and loans to apply for. Here are some resources for financial aid in New Jersey:
- Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESSA) - This is a great place to start finding financial aid opportunities in the state of New Jersey.
- NJCLASS - This is a student loan program by the state of New Jersey. Loans do need to be paid back over time, so be careful and make sure you can make all payments on time.
- NJ TAG - This is a state-funded grant for New Jersey residents.
- NJ STARS - This is a state-funded scholarship program
Visit the official website for the State of New Jersey to find out more information on applying for grants, scholarships and other types of financial aid. | https://www.rwm.org/new-jersey-trade-schools/ |
Q:
Circular motion, deciding what the tangential speed must be to maintain theta
A bob of mass m = 0.250kg is suspended from a fixed point with a massless string of length L = 25.0cm . You will investigate the motion in which the string traces a conical surface with half-angle θ = 21.0 deg
So what is the relationship between theta, mass and Tangential speed? An equation and an explanation would be nice as my text book is somewhat lacking when it comes to circular motion it only deals with orbit and im not sure if I can change one of those equations for this problem.
A:
The string is essentially determining the radius of the uniform circular motion. So you just use the length of the string and the angle to find the radius of rotation (i.e. distance from particle to black dot). The relationship is just from right triangle trig
$$\sin \theta = r/L$$
Then using Newtons laws with $a=v^2/r$ we get
$$F=mv^2/r=m\frac{v^2}{L\sin\theta}$$
I just noticed that @Sandeep Thilakan answered nicely (upvote from me!) the question before me :( but I will just make it explicit where he got Eq. 1 and 2 from.
Equation 1: From the x components of the force vectors (Tension of string). There is only acceleration in the x and is centripetal so it is always pointed towards the center.
$\begin{align}\sum F_{x}=&ma_{x}\\\ T\sin\theta =& mv^2/r \\\ T\sin^2\theta =& mv^2/L\end{align}$
Equation 2: No acceleration in the y direction so we get
$\begin{align}\sum F_{y} =& ma_{y} \\\ T\cos\theta -mg =& 0 \\\ T\cos\theta =&mg \longrightarrow T=mg/\cos\theta\end{align}$
Putting these together we get
$$mg\sin^2\theta / \cos\theta = mv^2/L \longrightarrow \sin^2\theta/\cos\theta = \frac{v^2}{gL}$$
And as Sandeep pointed out if we use $v=\omega r=\omega L\sin\theta$ we get a nicer answer of
$$1/\cos\theta=\frac{\omega^2 L}{g}$$
| |
This required short chapters, centred on a single subject, and an almost mathematical structure. She is represented as one of the higher society since she is adopted by a wealthy, aged woman, Miss Havisham. I came to this conclusion because the two characters I have studied Magwitch and Miss Havisham both compare with their settings. With that said, literary realism is essentially a representation of the world based on the attitudes of the composer, carefully constructed to a set of conventions. Pip now realises that Estella is the daughter of Molly and Magwitch. So at the age of. This time Miss Havisham only has one wedding shoe on which is similar to that of Cinderella.
Miss Havisham teaches Estella to despise and torment men. I think this description of the dress also parallels to a description of Miss Havisham when she was young and beautiful, and how her beauty faded during the years. He ends up in a fistfight with Joe over Mrs Gargery's taunting, and Joe easily defeats him. As a young woman, Miss Havisham was jilted by her fiancé minutes before her wedding, and now she has a vendetta against all men. In the end, the hero loses the money because it is forfeited to the Crown. That character has been excluded in many televised adaptations made since the 1946 movie by David Lean. The story set in 1812 through to 1840 traces his life from early years to adulthood.
Buckley saw it as a bildungsroman, writing a chapter on Dickens and two of his major protagonists and in his 1974 book on the Bildungsroman in Victorian writing. I misdealt, as was only natural, when I knew she was lying in wait for me to do wrong; and she denounced me for a stupid, clumsy labouring-boy. He is commissioned by Magwitch to dispense funds to Pip. Magwicth is condemned to hand but he dies before he can be executed. Back in London, Pip and Herbert exchange their romantic secrets: Pip adores Estella and Herbert is engaged to Clara.
This symmetry contributes to the impression of completion, which has often been commented on. Estella's marriage goes badly, she is mistreated by Drummle and she leaves him. He, also, is not affected by the amount of money he has. In October 1861, published the novel in three volumes. His prayers are eventually answered when an influential lawyer, Jaggers, informs him that he is able to be educated to become a gentleman in London and inherit a large fortune. He represents Pip's benefactor and Miss Havisham as well. He is married to Camilla.
The British government fearing a revolution, maintained a harsh regime. Happy resolutions remain elusive, while hate thrives. This passage is important to the story because it foreshadows all that is 1834 Words 8 Pages that future: social injustice. Pip makes a visit to Satis House, where Miss Havisham begs his forgiveness for the way she has treated him in the past, and he forgives her. Jaggers to Pip Joe, Mrs. Pip sets up house in London at with Herbert Pocket, the son of his tutor, Matthew Pocket, who is a cousin of Miss Havisham.
He tells Pip how Miss Havisham was defrauded and deserted by her fiancé. Subsequently, Pip and Herbert Pocket devise a plan for Magwitch to escape from England. John Hillis Miller wrote in 1958 that Pip is the archetype of all Dickensian heroes. I think Dickens decided to invent a character like Miss Havisham to show the effects of karma, and to change the Victorian civilisation point of view on unmarried women. Publications in Harper's Weekly were accompanied by forty illustrations by John McLenan; however, this is the only Dickens work published in All the Year Round without illustrations.
Compeyson - A criminal and the former partner of Magwitch, Compeyson is an educated, gentlemanly outlaw who contrasts sharply with the coarse and uneducated Magwitch. Aside from the dramatic plot, the Dickensian humour also appealed to readers. She does the work of the household but too often loses her temper and beats her family. Upon the reading, readers begin to catch on the intended purpose and its significance. Pip assumes his benefactor is Miss Havisham; the discovery that his true benefactor is a convict shocks him. As Great Expectations opens, Pip is hardly aware of his social and educational condition, but as he becomes exposed to Estella, his consciousness becomes more astute and he desires self-improvement. Joe and Pip accompany them as they recapture the convict who is fighting with another escaped convict.
Trabb's boy reveals that appearance has taken precedence over being, protocol on feelings, decorum on authenticity; labels reign to the point of absurdity, and human solidarity is no longer the order of the day. Dickens went through… 2765 Words 12 Pages Pip's Aspirations in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations Through Great Expectations, Dickens explores the different notions of gentility in the nineteenth century and the implications of upward mobility on the lower class. She admits to doing so, but says that her plan was to annoy her relatives. Even at pips young age hints are given that he yearns to become a gentleman by the way some formal words are used like saying Mrs Joe Gargery. As the person who first connected Pip to Miss Havisham, he claims to have been the original architect of Pip's expectations. Joe offers unconditional love while Pip, grown callous in the face of his great expectations, has to relearn the value of Joe's friendship.
He is later recaptured and transported to Australia where he prospers. Pip has at last learned that love, loyalty and morality hold more value than social class and wealth. Dickens friend and biographer, , revealed the original ending in his Life of Dickens after Dickens' death. When Pip learns that his financial fortune actually comes from the criminal, he has an internal crisis. But even more important, though not sufficient, are wealth and education.
Pip dislikes Mr Pumblechook for his pompous, unfounded claims. Pip goes to visit her on her request, and what seems like a swap of roles seems to occur. She dislikes Pip at first because of his spendthrift ways. Joe—solely out of love for Pip. Compeyson's body is found later. He is a rival for Estella's attentions and eventually marries her and is said to abuse her. Pip's moral regeneration is a true pilgrimage punctuated by suffering. | http://openchatbot.community/charles-dickens-great-expectations-characters.html |
Human nature is the psychological and social qualities that characterize humankind. Human nature separates humans from the rest of the animal kingdom. The underlining theme of human nature is evident in Great Expectation by Charles Dickens use of his characters.
A main characteristic that Dickens displays is friendship. The friendship between Pip and Herbert is strong. Herbert was significant to Pip’s growth in social class and eventual to his revelation. “Friendship was one of the human characteristics Dickens enjoyed…by associating fellowship with good characters and deeds, he made it known that he admires friendship.” (MacAndrew 168) Herbert aided Pip when he first came to London and made the transition an easy one. Herbert helped filled in the blanks for Pip when he was lost. Herbert saved Pip’s life when Orlick tried to kill him. When Pip needed someone to turn to Herbert was always there. In return of Herbert’s friendship Pip also helped him. Pip used the money he was getting from Magwitch to finance Herbert dream of becoming a business owner. This was a true friendship that did not falter throughout the novel. Friendship is one of the few good characteristics that Dickens indicates throughout the novel.
Dickens goes beyond the bond of friendship to the bond of love. Herbert was not the only person that assisted Pip. Joe was another component to Pip’s success. Joe had deeper feelings then friendship towards Pip. Joe loved Pip like they were brothers. Joe was a simple, honest, hardworking man. Joe was a model of the man everyone should try to be. Joe was there in the beginning for Pip when he was getting picked on by Tickler or being “brought up by hand” by Mrs. Joe. Although Pip turned his back against Joe he was there in the shadows. Joe as simple as he was knew that Pip was leaving him behind. “Not wishing to intrude I have departed fur you are well again dear Pip and will do better without.” (Dickens 439) Joe knew that he would only be holding Pip back he felt like he was a burden to Pip. Joe was following the notion if you love something you should set it free. Even though Joe didn’t have much he paid Pip’s debts because of his unconditional love for Pip. Joe tried his best to protect Pip and not to bother him. This unconditional love that Joe employed over Pip became essential for Pips growth.
Another good human characteristic that Dickens expresses is generosity. This came from the most unlikely person, Magwitch. Magwitch help Pip like a father type would. Magwitch is one of the characters that play a role of a parent. “Look’ee here, Pip. I’m your second father. You’re my son—more to me nor any son. I’ve put away money, only for you to spend.” (Dickens 329) Magwitch had the same love for Pip as Joe did. Magwitch did not care about his money, but instead he cared about Pip’s happiness and his dream. Magwitch was a convicted criminal that made Pip dreams come true. Although he was a convict he was morally good. He did everything he could to help Pip become the man he is at the end of the novel. “Lord strike me dead!’ I says each time—and I goes out in the open air to say it under the open heavens—‘but wot, if I gets liberty and money, I’ll make that boy a gentleman!’ And I done it.” (Dickens 351) Magwitch was the secret benefactor that was founding Pip’s journey. The generosity that Pip showed Magwitch left such impact he swore that he would repay Pips generosity. One act of random kindness change Pip’s life forever. Magwitch generosity towards Pip went far beyond the generosity that Pip showed him. Magwitch generosity did not go unnoticed by Pip though. Near the end of the novel Pip return the generosity by helping Magwitch. Dickens did not only show the positives of human nature, but also the negatives.
One of the negative characteristics that Dickens looked at was cruelty. “Dickens believed the darkest facet of human nature was cruelty. He created many characters who... | http://www.studymode.com/essays/Great-Expectations-1375332.html |
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How often have you been asked by a concerned colleague if you “have been taking care of yourself”?
You probably answered that question with an emphatic “yes”. But what if they asked a different question - one that goes something like: “How have you been caring for yourself lately?”
If you are like many in the workforce, you might struggle to answer that question. That’s because while the average worker is often an expert at talking up the importance of self-care – many fail to practise it. Self-care involves taking deliberate steps to care for our mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Many experts believe that our general lack of self-care is fuelling a burnout epidemic in our workplaces with an estimated one in four employees regularly experiencing burnout, and close to half of all workers experiencing it sometimes.
Burnout manifests itself in a variety of ways.
Take the colleague who is displaying an increasingly negative attitude at work and who regularly talks about quitting their job; the co-worker who complains of physical ailments such as headaches, stomach pains or even backaches; or even the once level-headed workmate who has become easily irritated and blames others for their own mistakes.
While many managers, leaders and supervisors continue to wonder if the burnout phenomenon is real rather than just an excuse used by workers to dodge extra work, earlier this year the World Health Organisation (WHO) homed in on the condition by describing it as a work-based syndrome caused by chronic stress – ending speculation that it imagined or dreamt up – and making it very real.
The WHO says burnout’s broad characteristics include feelings of depleted energy levels, increased disengagement from one’s job and colleagues, and declining professional effectiveness.
It is widely accepted that burnout tops the list when it comes to workplace productivity killers and as such costs businesses billions of dollars each year. And while it is also widely accepted that effective organisation must take steps to prevent burnout rates from escalating, each and every one of us must also do our bit by paying more than lip service to our own self-care.
Those who neglect self-care often do so because they claim they are too busy - having others to care for in the workplace or in their personal lives - and that restricts the time that they can spend looking after themselves.
But if you have travelled on a plane and listened intently to the pre-take off safety announcements, you will find they contain an important message about self-care for all.
Airlines will advise you, that in an emergency, you’ll need to affix your own oxygen mask before you assist others. The easily understood theory is that if you pass out while trying to help others because you have ‘sacrificed’ yourself in pursuit of prioritising the care of others, you are helping no one.
The same theory applies to everyday self-care. If you relegate the need to take care of yourself to the back of the queue, you won’t be able to serve or support others in the workplace - and in your personal lives - especially in the longer term. When it comes to self-care, knowing what refuels you is an important first step, as is developing an effective professional support network that can provide the right ‘bolstering’ when you need it. At a minimum, a self-care routine should include getting more sleep, making extra time available to prepare healthy meals, engaging in regular exercise, and taking breaks during the day.
Learning how to say no is important to prevent over-commitment, and many report that a digital detox provides them with a significant lift when it comes to their emotional wellbeing. Finally, others recommend investing in a book or two on self-care suggesting that you’ll be surprised at the changes you might introduce as a result of the read.
About Gary Martin
Professor Gary Martin is Chief Executive Officer, the Australian Institute of Management WA. Professor Gary Martin FAIM. FACE. is a thought leader on workplace trends, business management, leadership, and employee learning and development. A former academic, Gary is a highly regarded CEO, a Board Director, keynote speaker and a columnist. He is the only Western Australian to make LinkedIn Top Voices in 2018, having shared over 100 articles on workplace matters in that year, and with some 50,000 followers Australia wide. Gary is currently Chief Executive Officer of The Australian Institute of Management in WA (AIM WA) an organisation dedicated to building workplace, management and leadership capability in Australia and our region.
Learn more about making great first impressions with Elizabeth Herr, body language specialist.
Learn more about driving tips with Doctor Nicholas Mabbott.
Learn more about Building Resilience with Doctor Abby Jandro.
Learn more about long-term illness in the workplace with Karen Thompson.
Learn more about mental health and self-care with Julian Pace. | https://www.people2people.com.au/blog/2019/10/when-burnout-bites-try-self-care |
Back in school, you learned several useful skills that have greatly benefited you throughout your entire life. English, economics, and science, for example.
But what about mathematics?
It is probably one of the skills we learned at school that we use most frequently in everyday life. Shopping, paying, following a recipe, most things require a bit of math. However, unless your profession involves complex calculations, most of the math in our lives is pretty simple and easy to solve.
But the best part about math problems is that they also are fantastic brainteasers.
To keep your body sharp and healthy, we must exercise it regularly.
Going for a walk or a run daily, combined with good eating habits, will help us live a long and happy life.
However, we must not forget to exercise the most important part of our bodies as well. I’m talking about the brain.
Time for a tricky math riddle
One of the best ways to do this is to solve different kinds of puzzles. The most common ones are crossword puzzles and sudoku, as they have come in magazines and newspapers for many years.
Nevertheless, there are millions of challenges online ready to rub those brain cells of yours.
And in relation to today’s topic, the challenge we brought you involves a math riddle similar to those you used to solve in middle school back in the day.
The fun thing about these types of puzzles is that you have to think back and try to remember the correct method to solve them.
Can you find the answer?
Here comes today’s challenge.
In the picture below, we see several numbers in a row.
As quickly as you can, your task is to figure out the last number, right where the question mark is.
Here comes the math riddle.
Can you figure out the correct number?
It’s not easy, but if you concentrate, it should appear in your mind.
If you can’t, we’ll show you the answer below!
Here is the solution
If you have thought about it carefully but haven’t found the correct answer, you can see it after the next picture.
The correct answer is 3.
How do we get to that answer?
Between 18 and 10, there is a difference of 8.
Between 10 and 6, there is a difference of 4.
Between 6 and 4, there is a difference of 2.
Therefore, with the same train of thought, there is a difference of 1 between 4 and 3, making 3 the correct answer.
Did you get it right? Congratulations then!
Now press that SHARE button below, and challenge your friends to a clever math riddle! | https://www.thelaughclub.net/puzzles/tricky-test-are-you-smart-enough-to-solve-this-math-problem-from-middle-school/ |
EXCERPT FROM “EXPLORING SPLUNK: SEARCH PROCESSING LANGUAGE (SPL) PRIMER AND COOKBOOK”. Kindle/iPad/PDF available for free, and hardcopy available for purchase at Amazon.
Problem
You want to know about metrics that have dropped by 10% in the last hour. This could mean fewer customers, fewer web page views, fewer data packets, and the like.
Solution
To see a drop over the past hour, we’ll need to look at results for at least the past two hours. We’ll look at two hours of events, calculate a separate metric for each hour, and then determine how much the metric has changed between those two hours. The metric we’re looking at is the count of the number of events between two hours ago and the last hour. This search compares the count by host of the previous hour with the current hour and filters those where the count dropped by more than 10%:
earliest=-2h@h latest=@h | stats count by date_hour,host | stats first(count) as previous, last(count) as current by host | where current/previous < 0.9
The first condition (earliest=-2h@h latest=@h) retrieves two hours worth of data, snapping to hour boundaries (e.g., 2-4pm, not 2:01-4:01pm). We then get a count of the number of those events per hour and host. Because there are only two date_hour values (two hours ago and one hour ago), stats first(count) returns the count from two hours ago and last(count) returns the count from one hour ago. The where clause returns only those events where the current hour’s count is less than 90% of the previous hour’s count (which shows that the percentage dropped 10%).
As an exercise for you, think about what will go wrong with this search when the time span crosses midnight. Do you see how to correct it by adding first(_time) to the first stats command and sorting by that new value?
Variations
Instead of the number of events, use a different metric, such as the average delay or minimum bytes per second, and consider different time ranges, such as day over day.
----------------------------------------------------
Thanks! | https://www.splunk.com/en_us/blog/conf-splunklive/splunk-book-excerpt-finding-metrics-that-fell-by-10-in-an-hour.html |
Findings {#Sec1}
========
Stress responses in bacterial cells and to some extent in the yeast cells have been well studied so far \[[@CR1]--[@CR18]\]. Abrupt changes in the environmental and physicochemical stimuli including temperature, pH, sugar/salt concentrations, the redox state, toxic compounds and nutrient exhaustion have been mostly found to elicit a battery of defending response by up-regulating the genes encoding heat shock proteins (HSPs) in bacterial cells \[[@CR19]--[@CR27]\]. Like bacteria, the heat shock response in *Saccharomyes cerevisiae*, the model experimental yeast species, has been also characterized by the rapid changes in their cellular physiology including the budding manner accompanied with the increased tolerance against elevated salt and sugar concentrations, and against reactive oxygen species (ROS) \[[@CR1]--[@CR4], [@CR7], [@CR9]--[@CR11], [@CR15], [@CR18], [@CR28]--[@CR30]\]. In *S. cerevisiae*, heat-sensitivity is ordinarily prescriptive of defects in protein coding genes which are also essential for maintaining the cell viability \[[@CR10], [@CR19], [@CR24], [@CR31]--[@CR34]\]. The coupling consequence of heat stress together with the osmotic shock has been found to influence the cellular degeneration along with the retardation in cell division in yeast cells \[[@CR3], [@CR7], [@CR35]\].
Our earlier studies revealed the bacterial cellular adaptation in response to the heat shock and against the elevated amount of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) \[[@CR14], [@CR17], [@CR36]--[@CR38]\]. However, the work on stress response in yeast cells is scarce in the local perspective. These led us to broaden the research interest in the yeast cells to assess the optimal and critical growth temperatures and further to investigate intensely the growth changes at the critical temperature accompanied with the simulated stressed condition of an ascending osmotic pressure. Thus, apart from our earlier experiments on bacterial stress responses, current study was designed to observe the stress response in *S. cerevisiae* SUBSC01 towards heat shock and elevated sugar concentrations. The key observation revealed that while at 45 °C the yeast strain could grow, conversely growth inhibition was noticed upon supplementation of high concentrations of sugars.
Methods {#Sec2}
=======
On the basis of strain availability, laboratory stock cultures of *S. cerevisiae* SUBSC01 were used. Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) (Hi-Media Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., India), Sabouraud dextrose broth (SDB) (Difco Laboratories, Inc. USA) and Sucrose broth (SB) (Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, USA) were used. Pre-cultures were prepared by inoculating 5 ml SDB by a loopful of colony from the freshly prepared yeast culture plates, followed by incubation at 30, 32.5, 37 and 40 °C in static condition up to 72 h. The optical density at 600 nm (OD~600~) and the capability to form the colony forming units (CFUs) were monitored at the specific time intervals \[[@CR13]\]. To determine the critical growth temperature, growth was monitored at 44, 45 and at 46 °C. For morphological observations, an aliquot of 5 µl from each of the culture suspension was removed at 90 min intervals \[[@CR17], [@CR39], [@CR40]\]. For spot dilution tests, 1 ml of the culture suspension at same intervals was removed and serially diluted in 9 ml dextrose broth up to 10^−4^ \[[@CR17]\]. An aliquot of 5 µl from each dilution was then spotted onto SDA plates following incubation at 32.5 °C for 24 h. To observe the osmotic effect on cell growth, different concentrations of dextrose including 0.04 g/l (1X), 0.12 g/l (3X), 0.2 g/l (5X), 0.28 g/l (7X), 0.36 g/l (9X) and sucrose, i.e., 0.02 g/l (1X), 0.06 g/l (3X), 0.1 g/l (5X), 0.14 g/l (7X), and 0.18 g/l (9X) were used. All experiments were conducted in triplicates. Statistical analysis regarding yeast growth was performed by determining the P value (\~0.3) through t test. Standard deviations were also measured with the aid of statistical hypothesis testing \[[@CR17]\].
Results interpretation and analysis {#Sec3}
===================================
Optimal growth temperature of *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* (SUBSC01) {#Sec4}
------------------------------------------------------------------
The optimal growth temperature for *S. cerevisiae* SUBSC01 was assessed through the measurement of OD~600~ and by counting the CFUs up to 450 min. After 90 min of incubation at 32.5 °C the cell number was found to increase rapidly by approximately 4 logs (Fig. [1](#Fig1){ref-type="fig"}), whereas at 30 °C such tendency was a bit slower (Fig. [1](#Fig1){ref-type="fig"}). Interestingly, compared with the growth state at 32.5 and 30 °C, a relatively lengthy lag phase (\~270 min) was observed when cells were grown at 37 and 40 °C, possibly due to the requirement of longer time to cope with temperatures higher than the optimal growth condition (Fig. [1](#Fig1){ref-type="fig"}). Besides, under the light microscope, budding yeasts were observed after 90 min at 30 and 32.5 °C, whereas after 180 min such budding was observed at 37 °C. At 40 °C, the budding events were noticed after 270 min (Fig. [2](#Fig2){ref-type="fig"}). The optimal growth temperature for *S. cerevisiae* SUBSC01 was thus noted to be 32.5 °C. However, it is to be mentioned that earlier *S. cerevisiae* was found to exhibit optimal growth temperature between 25 and 35 °C as reported by the other groups \[[@CR41]--[@CR44]\].Fig. 1Assessment of the optimum temperature through the examination of growth of *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* SUBSC01in terms of **a** Optical Density at 600 nm (OD~600~) and **b** the formation of the colony forming units (CFUs). Cells were grown as stated in "[Methods](#Sec2){ref-type="sec"}", and aliquots were removed at the specific time intervals (90, 180, 270, 360 and 450 min) for the assay. A prolonged lag phase (\~270 min) was observed, when cells were grown at 30, 37, 40 °C. Consequently, the optimum growth temperature of the laboratory stain *S. cerevisiae* SUBSC01 was estimated to be 32.5 °CFig. 2Morphological study of *S. cerevisiae* SUBSC01 cells at optimal (32.5 °C) and high (40 °C) temperatures. Cells were grown as stated in "[Methods](#Sec2){ref-type="sec"}", and aliquots were removed at 90, 270 and 450 min for the assay. Active budding yeast was observed under light microscope at 32.5 °C up to 450 min of incubation. Besides, stressed cells (cells without the cytoplasmic contents) were observed at 40 °C after 450 min of incubation
Critical growth temperature of *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* (SUBSC01) {#Sec5}
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The ability of the yeast strain to grow at 40 °C led our interest further to examine the maximal growth temperature limit. While a sharp drop was observed in CFU and a relatively lower reduction in the cell turbidity was noticed at 44 and 45 °C after 180 and 450 min, respectively; notably an inclusive retardation of growth was also observed when cells were grown at 46 °C (Fig. [3](#Fig3){ref-type="fig"}). Interestingly, the budding yeasts were found to become dormant when cells were grown at 45 °C (Fig. [4](#Fig4){ref-type="fig"}d--f). In addition, all cells were found without the cytoplasmic contents at 46 °C (Fig. [4](#Fig4){ref-type="fig"}i).Fig. 3Effect of high temperatures (44--46 °C) on growth of *S. cerevisiae* SUBSC01: **a** impact on cell turbidity and **b** influence on the formation of CFUs. Cells were grown as stated in "[Methods](#Sec2){ref-type="sec"}", and aliquots were removed at the specific time intervals as indicated. A complete decline of both OD~600~ and CFUs was noticed at 46 °C. The critical temperature of *S. cerevisiae* SUBSC01 was recorded at 45 °CFig. 4Observation of the morphological changes of S. cerevisiae SUBSC01 cells at 44 °C (**a**--**c**), 45 °C (**d**--**f**) and 46 °C (**g**--**i**). Cells were grown as stated in "[Methods](#Sec2){ref-type="sec"}", and aliquots were removed at the specific time intervals (90, 270 and 450 min). Interestingly, budding cells were found to be dormant at 45 °C (**d**--**f**). Also the cells were found to lose their cytoplasmic content when grown at 46 °C (**i**)
An important physiological point is to ponder that unlike *Escherichia coli* cells, the yeast cells grown at high temperature did not exhibit the characteristics of cell lysis, possibly due to the comparatively rigid cell membrane and cell wall \[[@CR13], [@CR16]\]. However, as has been seen in the current study, the generation of the cells without the cytoplasmic contents due to the deletion of *rpoE* gene (encoding the RNA polymerase σ^E^) in the bacterium *Escherichia coli* W3110 has also been observed earlier through electron microscopy \[[@CR16]\]. In the current study, such an observation of the yeasts cells lacking the cytoplasmic contents under the stressed condition has further drawn the interest on the global impact of heat shock on microorganisms at the cellular level, and led us further to cross-check the expected loss of the cell viability at high temperature by means of the spot dilution tests \[[@CR17], [@CR38]\]. In consistent with the results from the growth assessment, all yeast cells were found to lose the culturability completely at 46 °C as observed through the spot dilution tests (results not shown). Hence the critical growth temperature of this strain was recorded at 45 °C.
Growth retardation of *S. cerevisiae* SUBSC01 at critical temperature accompanied with an ascending osmotic shock {#Sec6}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In order to achieve the complete stress response consequences of *S. cerevisiae* SUBSC01 upon critical temperature, different levels of osmotic pressure were simulated onward. A relatively lengthy lag phase (\~360 min) was observed in both OD~600~ and CFU in compliance with the extended dextrose concentrations at 32.5 °C (Fig. [5](#Fig5){ref-type="fig"}a, d). Approximately 4 log CFU/ml was found to be abolished in 7X and 9X dextrose concentrations. Besides, even capable of growing at 45 °C, cells were found to lose their culturability completely at this temperature when the culture medium was supplemented with extremely high (9X) dextrose concentration (Fig. [5](#Fig5){ref-type="fig"}c, d). Earlier investigation also showed that yeast cells may exhibit an immediate growth arrest when exposed to an increase in external osmolarity \[[@CR45]\]. The prolonged lag phase (\~360 min) in the culturable cells (Fig. [5](#Fig5){ref-type="fig"}) led us to examine the probable morphological changes and impairments in the stressed yeast cells afterward. Interestingly the budding cells were found to become quiescent at the optimal temperature with 5X dextrose concentration (Fig. [6](#Fig6){ref-type="fig"}g--i), and additionally cells were also found to be thickened (Fig. [6](#Fig6){ref-type="fig"}o) at 9X dextrose concentration (Fig. [6](#Fig6){ref-type="fig"}m--o). In cohesion to the current findings, previously, the cell volume of *S. cerevisiae* was also found to expand at 48 h of incubation periods upon osmotic stress \[[@CR46]\]. However, a huge number of cells loosing the cytoplasmic contents were observed at 45 °C with extreme high (9X) dextrose concentration (Fig. [6](#Fig6){ref-type="fig"}m′--o′). Consistently, in the absence of osmotic imbalances no stressed cells (cells without the cytoplasmic contents) were observed at 45 °C.Fig. 5Growth retardation of *S. cerevisiae* SUBSC01 at 32.5 and 45 °C with different dextrose concentrations. Cell culturability was assessed through OD~600~ and the formation of CFUs at 32.5 °C (**a**, **b**), and at 45 °C (**c**, **d**) with different dextrose concentrations, i.e., 0.04 g/l (1X), 0.12 g/l (3X), 0.2 g/l (5X), 0.28 g/l (7X), 0.36 g/l (9X). Cells were grown as stated in "[Methods](#Sec2){ref-type="sec"}", and aliquots were removed at the specific time intervals of 90, 180, 270, 360 and 450 min. A complete elimination of culturable cells were observed at 45 °C with 7X and 9X dextrose concentrations (**c**, **d**)Fig. 6Morphological study of *S. cerevisiae* SUBSC01 at 32.5 °C (**a**--**o**) and 45 °C (**a'**--**o'**) upon osmotic stresses. Cells were grown as stated in "[Methods](#Sec2){ref-type="sec"}", aliquots were removed at 90, 270 and 450 min. Budding cells became dormant at 32.5 °C with 5X (0.14 g/l) dextrose concentration (**g**--**i**), and were found to be thickened at 9X dextrose concentration (**o**). All cells lost cytoplasmic contents at 45 °C with 9X (0.18 g/l) dextrose concentrations (**m**--**o**)
As stated earlier, *S. cerevisiae* SUBSC01 exhibits approximately 360 min long lag phase at 32 °C and complete growth suppression at 45 °C due to osmotic shock. Elimination of such growth was further supported by the appearance of the stressed cells as seen under the microscope (Fig. [6](#Fig6){ref-type="fig"}m′--o′). Such results led us to further cross check the stressed physiology of the cells through spot test. At 32.5 °C in different dextrose concentrations (1X--9X), cells were found culturable through spot dilution tests (results not shown). At 45 °C under high (9X) dextrose concentration, cells were found to lose their culturability completely. Earlier research found that the activity of β-fructofuranosidase (*SUC2*) of *S. cerevisiae*, which is liable for sucrose degradation; might be repressed by the increased osmotic pressure \[[@CR28], [@CR32]\]. This is to be mentioned that when the cells were grown at 32.5 °C in different sucrose concentrations, all were found to grow after a certain incubation period (results not shown). Nevertheless, the current investigation clearly unraveled the heat stress responsive events in *S. cerevisiae* SUBSC01, which is comprehensible with the existing knowledge on yeast growth phases and stress physiology.
The revelation of the temperature tolerance of yeast cells as revealed from the current study is consistent with the recent findings \[[@CR15], [@CR21], [@CR47]\]. Indeed, deviation in temperature is a general stress encountered by yeast cells \[[@CR47]\]. *S.* *cerevisiae* is well known to generate the protective transcriptional programs in response to elevated temperatures \[[@CR15], [@CR21]\]. However, those studies mostly showed the temperature tolerance at around 37 °C while the current study clearly showed that the yeast strain studied here could withstand up to 45 °C. Besides, the findings of the critical growth temperature besides the optimal condition, sugar tolerance level, and a bit interestingly the observation of prolonged lag phase at high temperatures may be of significance in the field of yeast physiology. Presented results may provide further general information on the triggering phase of heat shock events in yeast cells. Further studies regarding the expressional analyses of the stress responsive genes would unveil the involvement of the necessary regulons and chaperons required for the stress defense mechanism in the *S. cerevisiae* SUBSC01.
This work was carried out in collaboration between all authors. MSM managed the literature searches and wrote the first draft, SH performed the experiments, and RN designed the study, analyzed the results and revised the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Authors' information {#d30e748}
====================
All the authors are from Department of Microbiology, Stamford University Bangladesh. Authors MSM and SH are the thesis students of MS program. The corresponding author RN is working as Associate Professor and Chairman.
Acknowledgements {#d30e753}
================
Authors thank Stamford University Bangladesh for the logistic supports. However, the authors received no specific funding for this work.
Compliance with ethical guidelines {#d30e758}
==================================
**Competing interests** The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
| |
Ambassadors from Kenya, Ghana, Liberia and Tanzania this week discussed how to improve climate literacy among Africa’s youth and announced the launch of a toolkit for the campaign.
The campaign aims to push for climate and environmental literacy becoming a compulsory subject from kindergarten through to university level across the continent.
Clara Makenya, the representative for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Tanzania, said the programme had five priorities, namely climatic mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, addressing waste and hazardous chemicals, resource efficiency and environmental governing.
She said the UNEP had an education for sustainable consumption programme, which looked at teaching children, educators and policymakers about building a sustainable lifestyle.
The UNEP hopes to improve climate education by supporting policymakers with tools that enhance their understanding of the importance of education for sustainable consumption. The UN agency also aims to provide guidance on how to integrate environmental education into school curriculums and provide educators with the necessary tools and resources.
Derrick Mugisha, the regional director for Africa at environmental group Earthday.org, said climate and environmental literacy, combined with civic education, would create greener consumer markets and enable citizens to work with governments in a meaningful way to mitigate climate change.
The campaign also aims to tap into the African perspective of addressing climate change.
“We have to look at the climate crisis as a crisis of our own,” said Ezekiel Nyanfor, the founder of a youth network in Liberia that is working with Earthday.orge. “We need an African approach to solve the climate crisis.”
Earthday.org is urging those interested in supporting or learning more about the campaign to visit its website, sign petitions and make donations. | https://mg.co.za/environment/2021-07-30-environmentalists-launch-tool-kit-to-teach-africas-youth-about-climate-change/ |
Education for sustainable development crucial to tackle climate change
‘Education for Sustainable Development is a key means through which education can build a global lobby for effective action, showing people that, as conscious consumers and responsible citizens, their concrete actions can contribute to lasting solutions to such challenges as climate change,' said Mark Richmond, Director for the Coordination of United Nations Priorities in Education.
Climate change is one of the most urgent challenges of sustainable development and a key theme of the UNESCO-led UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development 2005-2014 (UN DESD 2005-2014).
The DESD aims to integrate the principles, values, and practices of sustainable development into all aspects of education and learning, a goal reaffirmed at the UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development held in Bonn in April 2009.
Mr Richmond, speaking at UNESCO's International Seminar on Climate Change Education held this July in Paris, said there was a clear need for interdisciplinary and intersectoral cooperation in the field of ESD and SD and that the economic dimensions must not be forgotten.
Interviewed by UNESCO on the occasion of COP15 and also a speaker at the July conference, climate change education specialist Mr Philippe Saugier echoed Mr Richmond's views.
‘Education in the twenty-first century must forge the global consciousness and identity. Education for sustainable development (ESD) is the shaping of the global citizen; conscious of the challenges that loom over our shared future and capable of addressing them,' said Mr Saugier who is the Education Coordinator of the CarboSchools Project.
The project brings together carbon science researchers, secondary school teachers and young people to learn about local and global impacts of climate change and research on the topic and act locally to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. | http://www.semide.net/thematicdirs/news/2009/12/education-sustainable-development-crucial-tackle |
University Park, Pa. -- Repeal of birthright citizenship for the U.S.-born children of unauthorized immigrants would expand the nation's unauthorized population by at least 5 million over the next decade, according to a new report from the Migration Policy Institute.
The report's principal author is Jennifer Van Hook, professor of sociology and demographics at Penn State and non-resident fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based institute.
"While some are discussing an end to birthright citizenship as a means to reduce illegal immigration," Van Hook said, "repeal of birthright citizenship would generate a large U.S.-born unauthorized population that has the potential to grow over time, even assuming an immediate and complete halt in new illegal immigration."
The report, "The Demographic Impact of Repealing Birthright Citizenship," employs standard demographic techniques and conservative demographic assumptions to assess how the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2009 or changes to the 14th Amendment would affect the size of the unauthorized population through 2050.
The analysis reveals that the passage of the House-introduced Birthright Citizenship Act, which would deny U.S. citizenship to children born to parents who are both unauthorized immigrants, would increase the unauthorized population from its current 10.8 million to 16 million by 2050, assuming a steady-state model.
Of the estimated 4.7 million unauthorized immigrants who had been born in the United States as of 2050, 1 million would have two U.S.-born parents. The share of all U.S. children in 2050 who would be unauthorized would double, from 2 percent currently to 4 percent, under the proposed law.
Alternative scenarios that would limit citizenship beyond the proposed Birthright Citizenship Act -- for example, by denying U.S. citizenship to children who have one unauthorized immigrant parent -- would generate even higher unauthorized population estimates. The total unauthorized population would rise to 24 million in 2050 under a scenario in which citizenship is denied to U.S.-born children who have one unauthorized immigrant parent, even if the other parent were a U.S. citizen.
"What is less commonly understood in the current debate is that repeal of birthright citizenship would set in motion the creation of a self-perpetuating class of unauthorized immigrants," said the report's co-author, Michael Fix, senior vice president and director of studies at the Migration Policy Institute.
Under a scenario of denying birthright citizenship to children who have at least one authorized immigrant parent, by the third generation, 6.3 million U.S.-born people would be unauthorized despite having two U.S-born parents.
"This perpetuation of hereditary disadvantage based on the legal status of one's ancestors would be unprecedented in U.S. immigration law," Fix said.
The Migration Policy Institute is an independent, non-partisan think tank dedicated to analysis of the movement of people worldwide. Its report on birthright citizenship is available at www.migrationpolicy.org/pubs/BirthrightInsight-2010.pdf. | https://news.psu.edu/story/164995/2010/09/08/research/unauthorized-population-would-soar-if-birthright-citizenship |
Tetrahydrofuran, the abbreviation of THF, is a heterocyclic organic compound. It belongs to ethers and is the fully hydrogenated product of the aromatic compound furan. It can be used as an aprotic solvent with moderate polarity in chemical reaction and solvent extraction. Tetrahydrofuran is a colorless, low viscosity liquid with a similar smell as ether.
- Product Name:Tetrahydrofuran
- CAS:109-99-9
- MF:C4H8O
- MW:72.11
- EINECS:203-726-8
- Mol File:109-99-9.mol
-
Tetrahydrofuran Chemical Properties
- Melting point:-108°C
- Boiling point:66 °C
- Density 0.887 g/mL at 20 °C
- vapor density 2.5 (vs air)
- vapor pressure <0.01 mm Hg ( 25 °C)
- refractive index n
20/D1.465
- Flash point:>230 °F
- storage temp. 2-8°C
- solubility water: soluble
- form Liquid
- color <10(APHA)
- Specific Gravity0.89
- Relative polarity0.207
- OdorEthereal, detectable at 2 to 50 ppm
- PH7-8 (200g/l, H2O, 20℃)
- PH Range7
- explosive limit1.5-12.4%(V)
- Water Solubility miscible
- FreezingPoint -108℃
- λmaxλ: 245 nm Amax: ≤0.26
λ: 275 nm Amax: ≤0.046
λ: 315 μm Amax: ≤0.0044
- Sensitive Air Sensitive & Hygroscopic
- Merck 14,9211
- BRN 102391
- Henry's Law Constant1.54 (static headspace-GC, Welke et al., 1998)
- Exposure limitsTLV-TWA 200 ppm (590 mg/m3) (ACGIH, MSHA, and OSHA); STEL 250 ppm (ACGIH); IDLH 20,000 ppm (NIOSH).
- Stability:Stable. Incompatible with halogens, strong oxidizing agents, strong reducing agents, strong bases, oxygen. May generate explosive peroxides in storage if in contact with air. Highly flammable. Store at room temperature under nitrogen. Hazardous polymerisation may occur. Light sensitive. May contain 2,6-di-tertbutyl-4-methylphenol (BHT) as a s
- InChIKeyWYURNTSHIVDZCO-UHFFFAOYSA-N
- CAS DataBase Reference109-99-9(CAS DataBase Reference)
- IARC2B (Vol. 119) 2019
- NIST Chemistry ReferenceFuran, tetrahydro-(109-99-9)
- EPA Substance Registry SystemTetrahydrofuran (109-99-9)
- Hazard Codes Xi,F,Xn
- Risk Statements 36/37/38-36/37-19-11-40
- Safety Statements 26-36-33-29-16-46-37-13
- RIDADR UN 2924 3/PG 2
- WGK Germany 1
- RTECS MD0916000
- F 3-10-23
- Autoignition Temperature610 °F
- TSCA Yes
- HazardClass 3
- PackingGroup II
- HS Code 29321100
- Hazardous Substances Data109-99-9(Hazardous Substances Data)
- ToxicityLD50 oral (rat) 2880 mg/kg
LC50 inhal (rat) 21,000 ppm (3 h)
PEL (OSHA) 200 ppm (590 mg/m3)
TLV-TWA (ACGIH) 200 ppm (590 mg/m3)
STEL (ACGIH) 250 ppm (737 mg/m3)
- Language:EnglishProvider:1,4-Epoxybutane
- Language:EnglishProvider:SigmaAldrich
Tetrahydrofuran Usage And Synthesis
- DescriptionTetrahydrofuran (THF) is a colorless, volatile liquid with an ethereal or acetonelike smell and is miscible in water and most organic solvents.It is highly flammable and may thermally decompose to carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Prolonged storage in contact with air and in the absence of an antioxidant may cause THF to decompose into explosive peroxides.
Tetrahydrofuran is used in the manufacture of polymers as well as agricultural, pharmaceutical, and commodity chemicals. Manufacturing activities commonly occur in closed systems or under engineering controls that limit worker exposure and release to the environment. THF is also used as a solvent (e.g., pipe fitting) that may result in more significant exposures when used in confined spaces without sufficient ventilation. Although THF is naturally present in coffee aroma, floured chickpeas, and cooked chicken, natural exposures are not anticipated to pose a significant hazard.
- Chemical PropertiesTetrahydrofuran (THF) is an industrial solvent widely recognized for its unique combination of useful properties. DuPont THF is better than 99.9% pure with a small (0.025-0.040 wt % ) amount of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT, 4-methyl-2,6-di-tertbutyl phenol) added as an antioxidant. Tetrahydrofuran is a cycloaliphatic ether and is not "photochemically reactive" as defined in Section k of Los Angeles County's Rule 66 (equivalent to Rule 442 of the Southern California Air Pollution Control District). THF has an ethereal odor. The Odor Threshold is listed @ 3.8 (3M), 20-50ppm, and 31ppm. It is also a common laboratory reagent and an intermediate in chemical syntheses of consumer and industrial products such as nutritionals, pharmaceuticals, and insecticides (HSDB, 2011).
- Physical propertiesTetrahydrofuran is a clear, colourless liquid with a strong ether-like odour. Odor threshold concentration is 2 ppm (quoted, Amoore and Hautala, 1983). It is highly flammable. Contact of tetrahydrofuran with strong oxidising agents may cause explosions. Tetrahydrofuran may polymerise in the presence of cationic initiators. Contact with lithium–aluminium hydride, with other lithium–aluminium alloys, or with sodium or potassium hydroxide can be hazardous.
- UsesButylene oxide is used as a fumigant and inadmixture with other compounds. It is usedto stabilize fuel with respect to color andsludge formation.
- UsesTetrahydrofuran is used as a solvent forresins, vinyls, and high polymers; as a Grignardreaction medium for organometallic,and metal hydride reactions; and in the synthesisof succinic acid and butyrolactone.
- UsesSolvent for high polymers, especially polyvinyl chloride. As reaction medium for Grignard and metal hydride reactions. In the synthesis of butyrolactone, succinic acid, 1,4-butanediol diacetate. Solvent in histological techniques. May be used under Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act for fabrication of articles for packaging, transporting, or storing of foods if residual amount does not exceed 1.5% of the film: Fed. Regist. 27, 3919 (Apr. 25, 1962).
- UsesTetrahydrofuran is used primarily (80%) to make polytetramethylene ether glycol, the base polymer used primarily in the manufacture of elastomeric fibers (e.g., spandex) as well as polyurethane and polyester elastomers (e.g., artificial leather, skateboard wheels). The remainder (20%) is used in solvent applications (e.g., pipe cements, adhesives, printing inks, and magnetic tape) and as a reaction solvent in chemical and pharmaceutical syntheses.
- DefinitionChEBI: A cyclic ether that is butane in which one hydrogen from each methyl group is substituted by an oxygen.
- General DescriptionA clear colorless liquid with an ethereal odor. Less dense than water. Flash point 6°F. Vapors are heavier than air.
- Air & Water ReactionsHighly flammable. Oxidizes readily in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously [Bretherick, 1979 p.151-154, 164]. Soluble in water.
- Reactivity ProfileTetrahydrofuran reacts violently with oxidizing agents leading to fires and explosions [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 891]. Subject to peroxidation in the air. Peroxides or their products react exothermically with lithium aluminum hydride [MCA Guide for Safety 1973]. Thus, use as a solvent for lithium aluminum hydride has led to fires. Using potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide to dry impure Tetrahydrofuran that contains peroxides has resulted in explosions. A violent explosion occurred during the preparation of sodium aluminum hydride from sodium and aluminum in a medium of Tetrahydrofuran [Chem. Eng. News 39(40):57. 1961]. THF forms explosive products with 2-aminophenol [Lewis 3227].
- Health HazardThe toxicity of tetrahydrofuran is of loworder in animals and humans. The targetorgans are primarily the respiratory systemand central nervous system. It is an irritantto the upper respiratory tract and eyes.At high concentrations it exhibits anestheticproperties similar to those of many loweraliphatic ethers. Exposure to concentrationsabove 25,000 ppm in air can cause anesthesiain humans. Other effects noted were strongrespiratory stimulation and fall in bloodpressure (ACGIH 1986). Kidney and liverinjuries occurred in experimental animalsexposed to 3000 ppm for 8 hours/day for20 days (Lehman and Flury 1943). Inhalationof high concentrations of vapors or ingestionof the liquid also causes nausea, vomiting,and severe headache. The acute oraltoxicity is low; the LD50 value in rats is in therange of 2800 mg/kg. The inhalation LC50value in rats is 21,000 ppm/3 h.
- Flammability and ExplosibilityTHF is extremely flammable (NFPA rating = 3), and its vapor can travel a
considerable distance to an ignition source and "flash back." A 5% solution of THF
in water is flammable. THF vapor forms explosive mixtures with air at
concentrations of 2 to 12% (by volume). Carbon dioxide or dry chemical
extinguishers should be used for THF fires.
THF can form shock- and heat-sensitive peroxides, which may explode on concentration by distillation or evaporation. Always test samples of THF for the presence of peroxides before distilling or allowing to evaporate. THF should never be distilled to dryness.
- Chemical ReactivityReactivity with Water No reaction; Reactivity with Common Materials: No data; Stability During Transport: Stable; Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Not pertinent; Polymerization: May occur when the product is in contact with strong acids and bases; Inhibitor of Polymerization: No data.
- Industrial usesTetrahydrofuran (THF), the saturated derivative of furan, when used as a solvent for high molecular weight polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl chloride copolymers, and polyvinylidene chloride copolymers at ambient temperatures yields solutions of high solids content. Blends of THF and methyl ethyl ketone are often used for increased solvency in certain polymer compositions. Applications for THF polymer solutions include PVC top coatings of automotive upholstery, audio tape coatings of polyurethane/metal oxides on polyester tape, polyurethane coatings for fabric finishes, water-vapor barrier film coatings of PVC, and polyvinylidene chloride copolymers onto cellophane film. Tetrahydrofuran is an excellent solvent for many inks used for printing on PVC film and on PVC plastic articles. Polyvinyl chloride pipe welding cements are made by dissolving the resin in THF solvent. Other adhesive applications include cements for leather, plastic sheeting, and for molded plastic assemblies. Other uses of THF are as a chemical intermediate and as a complexing solvent for various inorganic, organometallic, and organic compounds. These THF complexes are important as Grignard reagents, catalysts for organic reactions, and in stereo-specific polymerizations. Tetrahydrofuran is the solvent of choice in many pharmaceutical reactions and applications. The excellent solvency of THF makes this solvent ideal for solvent cleaning of polymer manufacturing and processing equipment.
- Safety ProfileModerately toxic by ingestion and intraperitoneal routes. Mildly toxic by inhalation. Human systemic effects by inhalation: general anesthesia. Mutation data reported. Irritant to eyes and mucous membranes. Narcotic in high concentrations. Reported as causing injury to liver and kidneys. Flammable liquid. A very dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat, flames, oxidizers. Explosive in the form of vapor when exposed to heat or flame. In common with ethers, unstabilized tetrahydrofuran forms thermally explosive peroxides on exposure to air. Stored THF must always be tested for peroxide prior to distdlation. Peroxides can be removed by treatment with strong ferrous sulfate solution made slightly acidic with sodium bisulfate. Caustic alkalies deplete the inhibitor in THF and may subsequently cause an explosive reaction. Explosive reaction with KOH, NaAlH2, NaOH, sodium tetrahydroaluminate. Reacts with 2-aminophenol + potassium dioxide to form an explosive product. Reacts with lithium tetrahydroaluminate or borane to form explosive hydrogen gas. Violent reaction with metal halides (e.g., hafnium tetrachloride, titanium tetrachloride, zirconium tetrachloride). Vigorous reaction with bromine, calcium hydride + heat. Can react with oxidizing materials. To fight fire, use foam, dry chemical, COa. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See also 2TETRAHYDROFURYL HYDROPEROXIDE
- Potential ExposureThe primary use of tetrahydrofuran is as a solvent to dissolve synthetic resins, particularly polyvinyl chloride and vinylidene chloride copolymers. It is also used to cast polyvinyl chloride films, to coat substrates with vinyl and vinylidene chloride; and to solubilize adhesives based on or containing polyvinyl chloride resins. A second large market for THF is as an electrolytic solvent in the Grignard reaction-based production of tetramethyl lead. THF is used as an intermediate in the production of polytetramethylene glycol.
- CarcinogenicityTHF showed little evidence of mutagenic activity in a variety of in vitro and in vivo assays.
- SourceLeaches from PVC cement used to join tubing (Wang and Bricker, 1979)
- Environmental FatePhotolytic. The rate constants for the reaction of tetrahydrofuran and OH radicals in the atmosphere are 1.67 x 10-11 cm3/molecule?sec at 298 K (Moriarty et al., 2003) and 8.8 x 10-12 cm3/molecule?sec at 300 K (Hendry and Kenley, 1979). Atkinson et al. (1988) reported a rate constant of 4.875 x 10-15 cm3/molecule?sec for the reaction with NO3 radicals in air.
- storageTHF should be used only in areas free of ignition sources, and quantities greater than 1 liter should be stored in tightly sealed metal containers in areas separate from oxidizers. Containers of THF should be dated when opened and tested periodically for the presence of peroxides.
- ShippingUN2056 Tetrahydrofuran, Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3-Flammable liquid.
- Purification MethodsIt is obtained commercially by catalytic hydrogenation of furan from pentosan-containing agricultural residues. It was purified by refluxing with, and distilling from LiAlH4 which removes water, peroxides, inhibitors and other impurities [Jaeger et al. J Am Chem Soc 101 717 1979]. Peroxides can also be removed by passage through a column of activated alumina, or by treatment with aqueous ferrous sulfate and sodium bisulfate, followed by solid KOH. In both cases, the solvent is then dried and fractionally distilled from sodium. Lithium wire or vigorously stirred molten potassium have also been used for this purpose. CaH2 has also been used as a drying agent. Several methods are available for obtaining the solvent almost anhydrous. Ware [J Am Chem Soc 83 1296 1961] dried it vigorously with sodium-potassium alloy until a characteristic blue colour was evident in the solvent at Dry-ice/cellosolve temperatures. The solvent is kept in contact with the alloy until distilled for use. Worsfold and Bywater [J Chem Soc 5234 1960], after refluxing and distilling from P2O5 and KOH, in turn, refluxed the solvent with sodium-potassium alloy and fluorenone until the green colour of the disodium salt of fluorenone was well established. [Alternatively, instead of fluorenone, benzophenone, which forms a blue ketyl, can be used.] The tetrahydrofuran was then fractionally distilled, degassed and stored above CaH2. p-Cresol or hydroquinone inhibit peroxide formation. The method described by Coetzee and Chang [Pure Appl Chem 57 633 1985] for 1,4-dioxane also applies here. Distillations should always be done in the presence of a reducing agent, e.g. FeSO4. [Beilstein 17 H 10, 17 I 5, 17 II 15, 17 III/IV 24, 17/1 V 27.] It irritates the skin, eyes and mucous membranes, and the vapour should never be inhaled. It is HIGHLY FLAMMABLE, and the necessary precautions should be taken. Rapid purification: Purification as for diethyl ether.
- IncompatibilitiesForms thermally explosive peroxides in air on standing (in absence of inhibitors). Peroxides can be detonated by heating, friction, or impact. Reacts violently with strong oxidizers, strong bases and some metal halides. Attacks some forms of plastics, rubber and coatings.
- Waste DisposalConsult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices. Generators of waste containing this contaminant (≥100 kg/mo) must conform with EPA regulations governing storage, transportation, treatment, and waste disposal. Concentrated waste containing peroxides-perforation of a container of the waste from a safe distance followed by open burning. | https://m.chemicalbook.com/ProductChemicalPropertiesCB6852795_EN.htm |
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a widely used technique in biotechnology and molecular biology to amplify the sequence of genetic material. This amplification help in study that genetic sequence easily without losing the original copy of genetic material.
During PCR we simply makes billions to trillions of copies of particular genetic sequence. As genetic material is very small in size and a sequence of it will also delicate to Handel under complex experiments. Making numerous copies of genetic material help them handling properly while doing experiments with genetic material or doing sequencing of genetic material.
Polymerase Chain Reaction was first conducted by Kary Mullis in the 1980s. It is based on the concept of making copies of genetic material complementary to the parent strands.
PCR is based on using the ability of polymerase to synthesis DNA complimentary to the parent DNA strand. Because DNA polymerase can add new nucleotides to pre-existing 3’-OH, it needs a primer from where it can start. This makes researchers to amplify only a sequence from DNA. At the end of PCR the specific sequence will be accumulates in billions to trillions copies.
Components of PCR
DNA template: it is the sample DNA that contain the target DNA sequence. As we know DNA is a double helix, to do replication process it’s double helix must be unfolded so that enzyme DNA polymerase can act on it and can amplify it. This unfolding can be done by applying high temperature to the DNA sequence artificially. This will unfold DNA strands. Now enzymatic reaction can be started to amplify the DNA sequence.
DNA Polymerase: it is a type of enzyme that synthesize new DNA strand complementary to the original DNA strand. Now because both DNA strands are complimentary to each other DNA Polymerase can start from either to amplify DNA sequence.
The first and most commonly used of these enzymes is TaqDNA polymerase (fromThermis aquaticus), where as PfuDNA polymerase (fromPyrococcus furiosus) is used widely because of its higher fidelity when copying DNA. Although these enzymes are subtly different, they both have two capabilities that make them suitable for PCR: 1) they can generate new strands of DNA using a DNA template and primers, and 2) they are heat resistant.
Primers– short pieces of single-stranded DNA that are complementary to the target sequence. The polymerase begins synthesizing new DNA from the end of the primer. Polymerase start synthesize new strand of DNA at the end of primer.
Nucleotides (dNTPs or deoxynucleotide triphosphates)- single units of the bases A, T, G, and C, which are essentially “building blocks” for new DNA strands. RT-PCR(Reverse Transcription PCR) is PCR preceded with conversion of sample RNA into cDNA with enzyme reverse transcriptase.
Limitations of PCR And RT-PCR
Because of inhibitors of the polymerase reaction found in the sample, reagent limitation, accumulation of pyrophosphate molecules, and self-annealing of the accumulating product, the PCR reaction eventually ceases to amplify target sequence at an exponential rate and a “plateau effect” occurs, making the end point quantification of PCR products unreliable. | https://micrordt.com/polymerase-chain-reaction/ |
Dendrobium Gatton Sunray gx (Orchid)
Dendrobium Gatton Sunray gx (Orchid) is a large orchid boasting long, arching to pendulous racemes crowded with soft yellow, fragrant flowers, 2 in. across (6 cm), with a burgundy wine colored lip. Blooming in the spring, Gatton Sunray is a magnificent orchid hybrid originated by Colman in 1919. It is a cross of Dendrobium pulchellum and Dendrobium Illustre.
- Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm).
- Grows in bright indirect light with good ventilation.
- This plant should be kept moist during the growing season.
- This plant needs a dry winter rest. It must be exposed to moderately low temperatures, 55°F (13°C), to induce flowering. Maintain high light during this period and reduce watering to just enough to keep the plant from shriveling. Fertilization can be reduced to quarter strength or stopped completely. Watering must be increased when the buds on the nodes start to swell for best flowering.
- Propagate by division when the plant over-fills the pot.
- Repot immediately after flowering, when new roots begin to grow.
- Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs.
Tip for reblooming
- If a plant is healthy but does not produce flowers in a reasonable time, then increase the light, and your orchid should get back on track blooming regularly.
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Requirements
|Hardiness||11
– 12
|
|Plant Type||Orchids|
|Plant Family||Dendrobium - Orchids|
|Exposure||Partial Sun|
|Season of Interest||
Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
|
|Height||2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)|
|Water Needs||Average|
|Maintenance||High|
|Soil Drainage||Well-Drained|
|Characteristics||Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen|
|Garden Uses||Patio and Containers|
Elieser Ambrosio, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources. | https://www.gardenia.net/plant/dendrobium-gatton-sunray |
The first goal of this WP is to generate initial medical system specifications, user requirements, surgical protocols and surgical workflows for guiding the design and development of the proposed robotic technologies. In addition, it will generate a comprehensive list of risky patterns that can possibly be observed during laser phonomicrosurgeries.
The second goal of this WP is to specify mechanical and electrical interfaces, communication protocols, and software platforms (operating systems, compilers, APIs, CAD, medical image processing software) to ensure uniformity, consistency, and interoperability of the technology and knowhow created by different partners.
WP3 Medical Imaging
The first objective of this WP is to collect high-resolution images and videos of vocal fold diseases and real laser phonomicrosurgeries. These will include CAT-scans and MRI images of laryngeal tumors, with the objective of creating a comprehensive dataset useful for the medical community, for the creation of the supervisory cognitive safety system (WP10), and for the development of image processing algorithms for both the laser visual servoing system (WP8) and the augmented reality system (WP9).
The second objective of this WP is to perform experiments and collect multimedia data about cancer tissue detection and visualization using fluorescence techniques, thus supporting the research and development efforts towards a new cancer tissue imaging system (WP6).
WP4 Evaluation and Testing
The goal of this WP is to evaluate and support the development of novel laser phonomicrosurgery technologies during this research program. Experimentation will be realized to obtain reliable performance metrics related to the safety, precision, robustness and reliability of the new devices and software units.
The experiments conducted within this WP are expected to contribute to the generation of metrics and standard benchmarks for the evaluation of surgical robotic tools, specially related to safety. These will link specifications and requirements coming from the medical area to those from engineering, thus contributing to the establishment of more concrete safety concepts in surgical robotics.
WP5 Micro-Robot Design
This WP will focus on the design, develop and control a novel micromechatronic laser micromanipulator device. This device will be used as the end-effector of a new endoscopic system for laser phonomicrosurgeries, and will be capable of accurate laser aiming, featuring high resolution, high accuracy, and fast response times. Safety features will be an integral part of the design, following the specifications and recommendations coming from WP2. This device will be the enabling technology for the creation of a new laser microsurgery system, so its development is one of the main pillars of this research project. It will enable teleoperation, high-level automation and the implementation of adaptive safety algorithms for improving the quality and safety of laser phonomicrosurgeries.
WP6 Cancer Tissue Imaging System Design
The first goal of this WP is to design and develop a micro-optomechatronic device capable of detecting and visualizing cancerous laryngeal tissue in real-time. Its second goal is the development of a stereoview white light imaging system based on fiberscope to enable real-time visualization of the target tissue. This system will be used to perform both 2D and 3D reconstruction of the tissue and will assist the definition of the laser excision path by the surgeon. The third goal of the WP is the integration or cooperation of both imaging systems in order to deliver targeted images for the surgery.
WP7 Endoscopic Systems Design
The objective of this WP is to design and develop endoscopic systems for the deployment, support, positioning and orientation of the micro-optomechatronic devices developed in WP5 and WP6. The devices created in this WP will provide the appropriate degrees of freedom for effective access to the larynx and all possible phonomicrosurgery sites. In addition, a major aim in here will be the incorporation of the new micro-mechanisms and imaging systems developed throughout this research program into a single endoscope. This is expected to result in the first endoscope with additional degrees of freedom at the distal end including two different kinds of imaging systems as well as a micromanipulator for laser phonomicrosurgery, thus creating a new kind of surgical techniques.
WP8 Teleoperation and Automation Systems
The first goal of this WP is to research and develop novel user interfaces for intuitive, precise, safe and ergonomic teleoperated laser aiming control during phonomicrosurgeries. This will include the creation of experimental setups to investigate critical factors that affect each of these characteristics, generating data and guidelines for the development of an optimal teleoperation system for laser phonomicrosurgeries.
In addition, this WP will focus on the design and implement software and hardware interfaces for complete surgical system integration; the creation of systems for intraoperative surgical planning and automatic execution; and the development of safety algorithms for real-time supervision of surgical procedures.
WP9 Augmented Reality System
The goal of this WP is to create an augmented reality system for laser phonomicrosurgeries based on real-time registration of preoperative and live intraoperative data. This system will complement the user interfaces developed in WP8. It will also allow, for the first time, the simultaneous presentation of live video, highlighted cancerous areas, and preoperatively acquired images as well as planned surgical actions directly in the surgeon's field of view using endoscopic instruments for laser surgery. The best configuration of the AR system will be investigated and implemented in the course of this research in order to achieve optimal support for the surgeon in terms of objective criteria including time, completeness of tumor removal, fatigue, etc.
WP10 Cognitive Supervisory System
The first goal of this WP is to create a cognitive system capable of learning and predicting the continuous appearance changes of the surgical site observed during laser phonomicrosurgeries. Then, the second goal of this WP is to use this cognitive system to create a supervisory system able to generate safety alarms if unexpected/unforeseen situations are detected.
WP11 Integration
The major objective of this WP is to ensure the development of compatible technologies and systems during this research program, which later should seamlessly integrate into a final and complete laser phonomicrosurgery system demonstrator. This integration of the new technologies and systems is, in fact, the second goal of this WP. | https://www.microralp.eu/project/workpackages.html |
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Masters degrees in Engineering / Industrial Mathematics are concerned with the application of mathematical principles in areas of engineering, industrial systems and mechanical processes.
Related postgraduate specialisms include Electronic Engineering, Space Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Entry requirements typically include a relevant undergraduate degree in a Mathematics subject.
Also known as technomathematics, Engineering Mathematics is a broad, highly interdisciplinary field, combining methodologies and techniques from areas such as Mechanics, Electronic Engineering, Physics, Geology and Computer Science.
Algorithms and mathematical modelling are essential for understanding many computerised systems, mechanical operations, and industrial systems and processes. As such, there are a range of specialisations for you to choose from.
For example, you may specialise in the production of robotics equipment for industrial purposes such as mining, or develop human-computer interfaces for the management of control systems in automobiles.
Alternatively, you might work within fields such as medicine, aerospace, spaceflight or defence systems to create high-end optical imaging instruments like ultrasound, ground-based telescopes, long-range surveillance cameras and free-space optical communication systems.
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In today's uncertain global competition platform and economy, manufacturing and engineering are two of the most important pinnacles for a sustainable growth of any country. Read more
This one-year master's course provides training in the application of mathematics to a wide range of problems in science and technology. Read more
Our Industrial Mathematical Modelling MSc is designed to help you develop the mathematical modelling skills and techniques increasingly highly sought after within industry and commerce. Read more
This programme allows you to further enhance your knowledge, creativity and computational skills in core mathematical subjects and their applications giving you a competitive advantage in a wide range of mathematically based careers. Read more
Evaluate the ways we teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics in schools. Explore misconceptions in learning, how research affects teaching, and strategies for change management. Read more
The Master of Science in Mathematical Engineering is unique in Flanders and is supported by high quality research that has led to several spin-off companies. Read more
The focus of this course is using mathematics to solve real world problems, such as in finance, energy, engineering or scientific research. Read more
The Department of Systems Science and Industrial Engineering (SSIE) offers students the opportunity to examine complex systems in industry and manufacturing settings, healthcare environments and society in general as they study areas ranging from intelligent systems and fuzzy logic to supply chain management and human factors. Read more
The MPhil is offered by the Department of Engineering as a full-time one-year course of research, introducing students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Read more
The aim of ISMM is to equip numerate graduates with the academic skills, personal development and industrial experience to be immediately effective in their early careers in industry. Read more
This study programme aims at preparing professionals who are able to deal with complex design and managing problems by using advanced mathematical tools, yet with an engineering attitude. Read more
The MSc in Mathematics is ideal if you want to build on your BSc, extend your knowledge through a wider spread of topics, and demonstrate your literature research skills with an extended dissertation. Read more
Engineering mathematics is the art of applying mathematical and engineering principles to complex, real-world problems across areas as wide-ranging as artificial intelligence, ecology, medicine, physics, social media and sustainability. Read more
The ever-increasing importance in every engineering branch of modeling tools, i.e., virtual prototypes simulating complex physical and societal phenomena, requires a new generation of professionals able to exploit the full potential of the current simulation resources, possessing fundamentally different and innovative work proficiencies. Read more
MathMods is a. 2-year. Joint. MSc programme which can be taken in. 4 EU universities. University of L’Aquila in Italy (UAQ), Vienna University of Technology in Austria (TUW), University of Hamburg in Germany (UHH), and University of Côte d'Azur in Nice, France (UCA). Read more
Our School of Computing, Science and Engineering is home to a range of stimulating postgraduate courses and research programmes that explore engineering, acoustics, computing, and robotics.
The University of Padova offers a wide range of course units held entirely in English with fantastic opportunities.
Our postgraduate programmes are specifically designed to enhance your career prospects and research expertise. | https://www.findamasters.com/masters-degrees/engineering-industrial-mathematics/?30gmEs2 |
The invention discloses a lower-layer torque distribution control method for a four-hub motor-driven vehicle (4MIDEV), and provides a lower-layer two-stage optimal torque distribution control method compared with the prior art. After an upper control layer obtains the target control force and torque, the target control force and torque are distributed to each driving wheel in a torque instruction form through the lower two-stage optimal torque distribution controller. The first-stage distribution control is low in calculation cost and good in real-time performance, and the maximum stability margin of the vehicle can be achieved under the good road adhesion condition. The second-stage distribution control introduces a weight coefficient to consider different attachment conditions of each wheel so as to ensure the handling stability of the vehicle when the attachment condition is poor, especially when the road attachment coefficient is changed. And finally, based on the optimal solution of the tire force, a classic sliding mode control method is adopted to adjust the output torque of the electric wheel according to the slip/shift rate of each wheel, final torque distribution is completed, control over the control stability of the vehicle is achieved, and the control stability and real-time performance of the 4MIDEV facing different roads are effectively improved. | |
TraceTogether is a digital system the Government of Singapore implemented to facilitate contact tracing efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore. The main goal is quick identification of persons who may have come into close contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19. The system helps in identifying contacts such as strangers encountered in public one would not otherwise be able to identify or remember. Together with SafeEntry, it allows the identification of specific locations where a spread between close contacts may occur.
Released on 20 March 2020, the system initially consisted only of an app by the same name. However, this was later supplemented by a physical token mainly intended for elderly and children who may not own a smartphone, or those who prefer not to use the app. The app was the first main COVID-19 tracking app released in the world and its development encouraged the development of similar apps in other countries.
The app has raised significant concerns about the privacy of those who use the app, although the app states that it uses several features to protect users' privacy, especially due to a lack of decentralised report processing and access to the data by police. However, the app states it has several features to ensure users' privacy, such as regularly rotating users' IDs and storing limited data. Despite the concerns over privacy, the app was slowly adopted by the population of the Singapore, eventually reaching a 92% adoption rate in May 2021. The app is now also mandated for specific groups of people and those attempting to enter certain venues and events.
The app utilises a custom protocol, BlueTrace, which allows for a distributed approach whereby participating devices exchange proximity information whenever an app detects another device with the TraceTogether app installed. The protocol, and reference app implementations of it, were also open sourced as BlueTrace and OpenTrace respectively.
Initial versions of the app required users to register using only their mobile number. , with subsequent versions from June 2020 onwards requiring users' NRIC or passport numbers. The website states that the NRIC number is required in order to allow MOH to reach the right person when they need to give important health advice on COVID-19, and is stored in a secure server, never accessed unless needed for contact tracing, and never shared with other app users. Further iterations of the app added support for SafeEntry, a national digital check-in system that logs the national identification and mobile numbers of individuals visiting hotspots, workplaces of permitted enterprises, as well as selected public venues. The main goal of SafeEntry helps COVID-19 cases remember the places that they've visited. This helps MOH to identify potential infection clusters and perform cluster COVID-19 testing.
Following installation, the user is requested to grant relevant permissions such as Bluetooth. Android users are additionally required to grant Location permission as Bluetooth can be used to derive location information when combined with beacons in fixed locations.
To trace users the Ministry of Health (MOH) issues time sensitive anonymous temporary IDs that are used to identify the patient to all third parties. When two users of the app pass by, it uses the Bluetooth Relative Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) readings between devices across time to approximate the proximity and duration of an encounter between two users. This proximity and duration information is stored on one's phone for 25 days on a rolling basis. Once a user tests positive for infection, the MOH works with them to map out their activity for past 14 days and requests the contact log. Facilitating the conduct of contact tracing measure to prevent further outbreak of any infectious disease, under the Infectious Diseases Act (Chapter 137), user cannot withhold contact information log.
The usage of the app had been limited by the technical limitations of needing to have the application to run in the foreground on iOS devices, and battery drain, but these problems had been reportedly addressed in the 2.1 version of the app released on 3 July 2020, and version 2.1.3 of 5 Aug added informational, work pass and SafeEntry QR features.
The app was released on 20 March 2020, following 8 weeks of development by Singapore's Government Technology Agency in collaboration with Ministry of Health (MOH).
On 10 April 2020, following the lifting of the embargo on the Google-Apple Exposure Notification (GAEN) system, the developers announced that they had been working with Apple and Google on specifications which would allow for cross-border inter-operability, and had begun to incorporate these new APIs into TraceTogether. The developers envisaged this as a way to overcome the app's inability to access full background Bluetooth scanning functionality on iOS devices (which led to the app being active only when it ran in the foreground), and increase the pool of interoperable devices, both of which could have increased the contact tracing utility.
On 5 June 2020, the Minister-in-charge of the Smart Nation Initiative Vivian Balakrishnan acknowledged in Parliament the inability of the TraceTogether app to work well particularly on iOS or Apple devices, and that these had not been overcome despite discussions at the technical and policy level with Apple. He subsequently explained that the Government had decided against using the Google-Apple Exposure Notification (GAEN) system, citing its inability to "identify how, when and whom the person was infected by or passed the infection to" and "the 'graph' not being available to the contact tracers". . Instead, a new portable, wearable device, called the TraceTogether Token would be issued to all 5.7 million residents in order to increase the pool of participants.
On 7 December 2020, market research firm Gartner crowned TraceTogether as the Asia-Pacific winner for its 2020 Government Eye on Innovation award, after the firm had conducted a poll among various government organisations around the world.
During the release of the app, Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong, a co-chair of the multi-ministry Covid task force, explained that for TraceTogether to be effective, at least three-quarters – if not everyone – of the population had to install it, and had to turn on their Bluetooth function to ensure the app was running.
On 10 April 2020, approximately 3 weeks after its release, about one million people had downloaded the app, which translated to about one in six of the resident population at the time. This percentage increased to 17% of the population in May 2020.
On 5 June 2020, the Minister-in-charge of the Smart Nation Initiative announced in Parliament that the TraceTogether has been downloaded on a voluntary basis by 1.5 million users, which worked out to only 25 per cent of the population.
By 4 September 2020, about 2.4 million users had downloaded the app, with 1.4 million active users in August.
As of 14 December 2020, following the release of the token, adoption rate of the app and token combined exceeded 60% of Singapore's resident population. Despite falling short of the 70% adoption target that the Government had set loosen restrictions, the Government later announced on the same day the loosening of restrictions to start from 28 December 2020. On 23 December 2020, Balakrishnan revealed that the adoption rate had exceeded 70%.
On 11 May 2021, Balakrishnan revealed that the adoption rate had exceeded 92%, with 4,923,054 individuals aged above six.
With TraceTogether complementing manual contact tracing effort, the contact tracing teams has improved their efficiency by reducing the time taken to identify and quarantine a close contact from four days to less than two days. More than 10% of close contacts identified by TraceTogether turned positive during quarantine period, the percentage may be low due to Singapore mandating mask-wearing since 14 April 2020. It was reported on 22 April 2021 that TraceTogether system had identified at least 75 persons who had to be placed under quarantine, but would likely not have been picked up through a manual contact tracing process.
On 7 June 2020, Minister-in-Charge of the Smart Nation Initiative Vivian Balakrishnan announced that the government would be distributing a physical device, named TraceTogether Token, to augment the app. The TraceTogether Token is designed primarily to support Singapore residents who do not own a smartphone, mainly some elderly, children aged seven and above or residents with workplace restriction. The physical token helps to increase the optimal number of users required for the contact tracing system to work well, which was 75% of the population. With the issuance of the device, the government aimed to achieve at least 70% of the population using either the TraceTogether Token or app.
Upon the announcement of the physical device, there was a public backlash against the physical device initiative, with a petition launched to protest against the development of the device over concerns about potential privacy issues. The Singapore People's Party also released a statement regarding the privacy concerns and about the potential abuse of the data.
Similar to the app, the TraceTogether Token utilises BlueTooth to exchange signals with other TraceTogether Tokens or the mobile app. After encrypting the data of what devices or apps are near by, the device stores up to 25 days of information before deletion. The device is designed for those who have no smartphone, which consisted of about 5% of the population. It is designed to be waterproof and its battery life is about six months. There are no physical buttons on the device, and it has a green/red light indicator for battery life and/or to indicate a fault. The device does not have GPS functionality, and access to the data remains restricted among the civil service.
The physical device was made available for collection from 14 September 2020.
A 26 October 2020 report indicated that there was a higher than expected demand after the news of mandatory usage of TraceTogether was released. Authorities also did not expect that residents would travel to different distribution points island-wide to collect the tokens and had suspended collection for a day on 28 October 2020 to rework the distribution strategy. The collection of the token at the community centres could only be made by residents in the respective constituencies, and distribution was done on a rolling basis at the constituency level, with the last remaining community centres reopened for collection only on 23 December 2020. A Straits Times editor, Irene Tham advocated on 30 October 2020 for the tokens to be distributed first and mandate the usage later. Tham also suggested a similar queue system to that of telcos registering customers and assigning time slots could be adopted to avoid overcrowding at the collection points as it was noted that a crowd formed and lasted for a couple of hours at Marsiling Community Centre for a couple of hours even after that distribution strategy was reworked.
The distribution strategy would subsequently be changed from manned counter operations to token dispensing vending machines from 31 August 2021 onwards.
Downloading, installing and activating (registering) the app has been made mandatory for specific populations, such as migrant workers.
The usage of either the app or the token was to be made mandatory initially by December 2020 for people attending potential high risk activities or large events, together with the usage of SafeEntry system. Places where TraceTogether will be compulsory include cinemas, restaurants, workplaces, schools and shopping malls.
According to the Singapore Government, this is in part to encourage the adoption of the app or the device, and at the same time answer the question of to whom a person could have passed the virus to through close contact at the event or activity.
On 2 November 2020, Ministry of Education postponed its requirements for students to use either the app or token for entry to school from 1 December 2020 until all tokens are distributed. As with what Tham had raised in her news report on 30 October 2020 about the coordination of the timelines between the token collection and mandatory usage, the Member of Parliament for Mountbatten, Lim Biow Chuan had also questioned the timeline of the mandatory usage at public venues such as cinemas in the Parliament on 4 November 2020 as his constituency was scheduled to distribute the tokens only from 14 December 2020 onwards. On 14 December 2020, the mandatory usage of TraceTogether app or token had been pushed back to early 2021 to allow for more residents to collect the token.
On 22 April 2021, the Minister of Health and Smart Nation and Digital Governance Group (SNDGO) announced that TraceTogether will be mandatory for checking in to various venues and events from 1 June onwards. This was subsequently brought forward to 17 May 2021 in a later announcement on 4 May, in response to a recent spike in community cases. Other methods of checking in – scanning the SafeEntry QR codes with a different QR mobile app, or using the Singpass app – will be discontinued, while the use of identification cards will be allowed only until 31 May 2021.
In early May 2021, some businesses including ComfortDelGro Driving Centre, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Dream Cruises were reported to have denied entry to students and passengers whose TraceTogether app displayed "possible exposure", despite the Ministry of Health (MOH) affirming that such persons were at low risk and not restricted from continuing with their regular activities. This was effected by requiring customers to show the ‘Covid Health Status’ section of the app or the ‘history’ tab, despite the app data being originally intended only for personal reference. The Singapore Tourism Board subsequently issued a statement that "cruise lines should adhere to the guidance from the MOH and the SNDGO regarding the use of data from the TraceTogether app", while the cruise companies reversed or changed the ban to an advisory "encouraging" affected passengers to postpone their sailing dates.
The BlueTrace protocol is designed to preserve the privacy of users, but in contrast to other implementations, the TraceTogether app is not anonymous as participants have to register using their phone number and national registration number or other evidence of residency.
To safeguard participant's mutual privacy and ensuring their control over the data, TraceTogether states that it:
The main privacy concern relating to the BlueTrace protocol is due to the use of centralised report processing, in which a user must upload their entire contact log to a health authority administered server. This is in contradistinction to decentralised report processing protocols such as the Decentralized Privacy-Preserving Proximity Tracing (DP-3T) protocol.
In Parliament on 2 February 2021, it was revealed that the police could request the data after 25 days under certain unspecified exceptions.
On 4 January 2021, Minister of State for Home Affairs Desmond Tan revealed in Parliament that TraceTogether data could be accessed by the police for criminal investigations under the Criminal Procedure Code, which contradicted previous assurances by Minister Balakrishnan and others that the data would be used only for contact tracing. This disclosure followed investigations triggered by an inquiry from a member of the public in October 2020, and the filing of a parliamentary question by MP Christopher de Souza in early December 2020, with the 3-month delay attributed to deliberations over the possibility of excluding TraceTogether data from the Criminal Procedure Code.
On 5 January 2021, Minister Balakrishnan updated Parliament that the police had to the best of his knowledge by that point in time accessed contact tracing data once in the case of a murder investigation. Following questions from Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh and Non-Constituency MP Leong Mun Wai, Minister Desmond Tan explained in Parliament on 2 February 2021 that this had happened in May 2020 during the course of the Punggol Field murder investigation.
There was significant backlash to the announcement, despite Balakrishnan's explanation and acceptance of full responsibility. Some observers attributed this to the fact that the clarification was made 9 months after the data had already been used, and only in response to direct and repeated parliamentary questioning. Privacy concerns were raised by various experts with former Nominated Member of Parliament and Associate Professor of Law Eugene Tan saying that "the news came across as the Government backtracking on its earlier assurance that TraceTogether would only be used for contact tracing" and "clearly undermines their trust and credibility, and could undermine its future efforts .... to keep COVID-19 under control".
Following the announcement, some users deleted the app or left the token at home, while others disabled their phone's Bluetooth or selected the “Pause Tracking” function after checking in. In the month of the disclosure (January 2021), 350 people requested that their contact tracing data be erased from the government's servers, with the number increasing to more than 1100 by April.
The original TraceTogether privacy statement [lower-alpha 1] was updated on 4 January 2021 to include possible access by police officers for investigations.
Various officials provided reassurances. Balakrishnan explained that this situation was not unique to TraceTogether and that under the same law, other forms of sensitive data like phone or banking records could also have their privacy regulations overruled. Desmond Tan emphasised that access to TraceTogether data remained restricted without authorisation. This point was reiterated by K Shanmugam, who said that the police will restrict the use of TraceTogether to "very serious offences" like murder and terrorism, only after careful consideration and discretion. In addition, Balakrishnan said that TraceTogether programme will be stood down once the COVID-19 pandemic ends, with epidemiological data given to MOH that does not identify users.
The backlash prompted the Government to introduce the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Amendment) Bill on 2 February 2021 formalising the assurances to restrict police access to investigate for seven categories of offences. Additionally, only senior police officers with the rank of inspector and above can request for data in the TraceTogether system, similarly to existing data requests requirements for bank data from financial institutions. The Bill was debated among the Members of Parliament from People's Action Party, Workers' Party (WP), and Progress Singapore Party (PSP), with members from opposition WP preferring not to use the data but support a bill to restrict, and PSP opposing the use of data. The Bill was passed by the end of the session.
Singapore's reversal of initial promises regarding police access to TraceTogether data was cited as one of the reasons for resistance to the Hong Kong's COVID-19 contact-tracing application, LeaveHomeSafe.
The COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore is part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The first case in Singapore was confirmed on 23 January 2020. Early cases were primarily imported until local transmission began to develop in February and March. By late-March and April, COVID-19 clusters were detected at multiple sleeping quarters, for which soon contributed to an overwhelming proportion of new cases in the country.
COVID-19 apps are mobile software applications for digital contact tracing during the COVID-19 pandemic, i.e. the process of identifying persons ("contacts") who may have been in contact with an infected individual.
Coronavirus Australia is an app released by the Australian Government designed to allow users to access information about the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. The app was developed by Delv Pty Ltd for the Department of Health and released on 29 March 2020. Since release the app has been downloaded over a million times and ranked first in the Apple App Store's "Health and Fitness" category. Due to the short development period of two weeks, the app initially served primarily as an aggregate of links to official government websites. Shortly after an update was released adding a voluntary "isolation registration" form that collected the location, name, age, mobile phone number, isolation start date, and various other details about users who were self isolating.
BlueTrace is an open-source application protocol that facilitates digital contact tracing of users to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially developed by the Singaporean Government, BlueTrace powers the contact tracing for the TraceTogether app. Australia, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates have already adopted the protocol in their gov apps, and other countries were considering BlueTrace for adoption. A principle of the protocol is the preservation of privacy and health authority co-operation.
The (Google/Apple) Exposure Notification (GAEN) system, originally known as the Privacy-Preserving Contact Tracing Project, is a framework and protocol specification developed by Apple Inc. and Google to facilitate digital contact tracing during the COVID-19 pandemic. When used by health authorities, it augments more traditional contact tracing techniques by automatically logging encounters with other notification system users using their Android or iOS smartphone. Exposure Notification is a decentralized reporting based protocol built on a combination of Bluetooth Low Energy technology and privacy-preserving cryptography. It is used as an opt-in feature within COVID-19 apps developed and published by authorized health authorities. Originally unveiled on April 10, 2020, it was first made available on iOS on May 20, 2020 as part of the iOS 13.5 update and on December 14, 2020 as part of the IOS 12.5 update for older iPhones. On Android, it was added to devices via a Google Play Services update, supporting all versions since Android Marshmallow.
COVIDSafe is a digital contact tracing app announced by the Australian Government on 14 April 2020 to help combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The app is based on the BlueTrace protocol, originally developed by the Singaporean Government, and was first released on 26 April 2020. The app is intended to augment traditional contact tracing by automatically tracking encounters between users and later allowing a state or territory health authority to warn a user they have come within 1.5 metres with an infected person for 15 minutes or more.
The Temporary Contact Numbers Protocol, or TCN Protocol, is an open source, decentralized, anonymous exposure alert protocol developed by Covid Watch in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Covid Watch team, started as an independent research collaboration between Stanford University and the University of Waterloo was the first in the world to publish a white paper, develop, and open source fully anonymous Bluetooth exposure alert technology in collaboration with CoEpi after writing a blog post on the topic in early March.
Digital contact tracing is a method of contact tracing relying on tracking systems, most often based on mobile devices, to determine contact between an infected patient and a user. It came to public prominence in the form of COVID-19 apps during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the initial outbreak, many groups have developed nonstandard protocols designed to allow for wide-scale digital contact tracing, most notably BlueTrace and Exposure Notification.
Decentralized Privacy-Preserving Proximity Tracing is an open protocol developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate digital contact tracing of infected participants. The protocol, like competing protocol Pan-European Privacy-Preserving Proximity Tracing (PEPP-PT), uses Bluetooth Low Energy to track and log encounters with other users. The protocols differ in their reporting mechanism, with PEPP-PT requiring clients to upload contact logs to a central reporting server, whereas with DP-3T, the central reporting server never has access to contact logs nor is it responsible for processing and informing clients of contact. Because contact logs are never transmitted to third parties, it has major privacy benefits over the PEPP-PT approach; however, this comes at the cost of requiring more computing power on the client side to process infection reports.
NHS COVID-19 is a voluntary contact tracing app for monitoring the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in England and Wales. It has been available since 24 September 2020 for Android and iOS smartphones, and can be used by anyone aged 16 or over.
The following is a timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore in 2020.
The 2020/2021 Singapore circuit breaker measures were a stay-at-home order and cordon sanitaire implemented as a preventive measure by the Government of Singapore in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the country on 7 April 2020.
NZ COVID Tracer is a mobile software application that enables a person to record places they have visited, in order to facilitate tracing who may have been in contact with a person infected with the COVID-19 virus. The app allows users to scan official QR codes at the premises of businesses and other organisations they visit, to create a digital diary. It was launched by New Zealand's Ministry of Health on 20 May 2020, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play.
Covid Watch was an open source nonprofit founded in February 2020 with the mission of building mobile technology to fight the COVID-19 pandemic while defending digital privacy. The Covid Watch founders became concerned about emerging, mass surveillance-enabling digital contact tracing technology and started the project to help preserve civil liberties during the pandemic.
Corona-Warn-App is the official and open-source COVID-19 contact tracing app used for digital contact tracing in Germany made by SAP and Deutsche Telekom subsidiary T-Systems.
COVID Alert is the Exposure Notification service app for the country of Canada. It launched in the province of Ontario on July 31, 2020, and became available in nearly all Canadian provinces by October of that year, excluding Alberta, and British Columbia.
COVID Tracker Ireland is a digital contact tracing app released by the Irish Government and the Health Service Executive on 7 July 2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Ireland. The app uses ENS and Bluetooth technology to determine whether a user have been a close contact of someone for more than 15 minutes who tested positive for COVID-19. On 8 July, the app reached one million registered users within 36 hours after its launch, representing more than 30% of the population of Ireland and over a quarter of all smartphone users in the country. As of August 2021, over 3,030,000 people have downloaded the app.
Various kinds of software have been developed and used for mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic. These include mobile apps for contact tracing and notifications about infection risks, digital passports verifying one's vaccination status, software for enabling – or improving the effectiveness of – lockdowns and social distancing in general, Web software for the creation of related information services, and software for the research and development for COVID-19 mitigation.
SafeEntry is a national check-in system which enables the logging of visitors at various locations during the COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore, allowing health authorities to track and isolate confirmed clusters. It is being used in tandem with TraceTogether, the national contact tracing platform in Singapore.
StaySafe.ph or Stay Safe is a digital contact tracing app launched by the Philippine government as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. The mobile app was developed and published by MultiSys Technologies Corporation. | https://wikimili.com/en/TraceTogether |
Nichole is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the state of New Jersey. She graduated from Kean University with both her undergraduate degree in Psychology and a graduate degree in Clinical Social Work.
With over 2 years of clinical practice experience working in a variety of outpatient/inpatient treatment settings, Nichole has worked with diverse client populations while using an eclectic person-centered therapeutic approach, tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Incorporating elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamics, Nichole hopes to assist clients in enhancing their effectiveness in managing life stressors, while strengthening their ability to cope with personal challenges, in a therapeutic space that allows for free expression of feelings and emotions.
A foundation of Nichole's practice is to normalize the experience of receiving therapy to create maximum comfortability in the therapeutic process and reduce stigma or barriers clients may encounter while obtaining additional support for their current needs. Whether it's assistance for developing coping skills for daily stressors or broader emotional concerns, Nichole is eager to participate in the client's personal exploration and improvement of their life’s current obstacles. | https://www.sobanewjersey.com/meet-our-team/nichole-plumb/ |
Brittany Bate, Ph.D., has a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in forensic psychology and assessment. She provides therapy, psychoeducational testing, and group services to kids and families. She also specializes in assessment and therapeutic services to justice-involved individuals of any age.
Dr. Bate utilizes an integrative approach to therapy, relying on empirically-supported principles to include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy in achieving desired therapeutic outcomes. A particular area of interest includes working with gender and sexual minorities, their families, and significant others. Dr. Bate has a particular interest in working with transgender individuals and/or clients who are experiencing gender dysphoria. Moreover, Dr. Bate has experience working with behavioral disorders, substance abuse disorders, depression, anxiety, suicide issues, ADHD, school behavior difficulties, victims and perpetrators of abuse/neglect, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, prodromal psychosis, psychosexual disorders, inappropriate sexual behavior, and adjustment disorders.
Dr. Bate has experience with a wide range of testing services. She has completed evaluations of competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, and dangerousness at the state and federal level. Additionally, she has evaluated and treated individuals with significant substance-abuse issues, trauma- and stress-related disorders, sexual/paraphilic disorders, and behavioral/anger problems. Dr. Bate has worked closely with juvenile probation departments and the Courts in providing psychodiagnostic assessments and recommendations for justice-involved juveniles. Dr. Bate has worked extensively with forensic populations and is comfortable providing expert testimony in court. She also administers IQ testing, achievement testing, learning disabilities testing, and ADHD assessments.
Dr. Bate specializes in providing group therapeutic services to teens, college-age individuals, adults, families, and couples. She also leads social skills groups for kids throughout the year as well as week-long social skills day camps in the summer. These groups and camps cover many issues that help kids to develop skills needed to foster healthy relationships and to deal with the challenges of everyday life, including self-control, anger management, gossiping, bullying, shyness, communication, and self-esteem.
Dr. Bate received her degree from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. Her diverse training experiences have provided the opportunity to work with individuals of various ages, backgrounds, and presenting problems. As such, Dr. Bate works hard to consider the unique needs, backgrounds, and circumstances of every client and to tailor her treatment approach to addressing those needs.
Dr. Bate’s strategies include viewing therapy as a dynamic, two-way process. She focuses on building a strong therapeutic alliance and fostering change in every individual who walks through her door. In utilizing an empathetic, non-judgmental approach, she strives to make every client feel as comfortable as possible. This includes identifying specific and measurable goals, developing practical solutions, reinforcing positive and adaptive behaviors, decreasing harmful and negative behaviors, and increasing problem-solving abilities and overall autonomy.
In her leisure time, Dr. Bate enjoys CrossFit, hiking, playing/watching sports, cooking, and exploring as many restaurants as possible with friends and family. When she is not out and about, you can find her playing fetch with her two cats or drinking coffee with her significant other on their patio.
Dr. Bate provides psychotherapy services for children, teenagers, college students, and adults dealing with a range of social issues, emotional issues, behavior problems, developmental disorders, and other mental health concerns. She offers developmental testing, educational testing, psychoeducational assessments, and psychological testing for kids, teens, and families. She also provides a full spectrum of group therapy services, including social skills classes and social skills summer camps for preschool children through teenagers. | http://wynnsfamilypsychology.com/nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;OurDoctors/BateChildTeenPsychologistRaleighCaryNC/tabid/1491/Default.aspx |
10182 Patriot Drive features 4,100 SF (2,400 SF warehouse and 1,700 SF office) of well-maintained industrial office/warehouse. Located two minutes from Interstate 12 which allows this location to service Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Walker, Livingston, and Holden all within a thirty (30) minute drive. Forty (40) miles west of Hammond, this location also offers the ability to service Hammond areas in less than forty (40) minutes. Two (2) story building which consists of three (3) offices, conference room, restroom, reception, waiting area, and kitchenette. The second floor consists of four (4) offices and the warehouse consists of a dedicated warehouse bathroom. Landlord is willing to add HVAC to the warehouse for a slight increase in rent. The purpose of the C2 commercial zoning district is to permit retail commercial uses serving the surrounding region.
|
• Office/Warehouse For Lease
• 2,400 SF Warehouse
• 1,700 SF Office
• First Floor Includes Three (3) Offices, Conference Room, Restroom,
Reception, Waiting Area, and Kitchenette
• Second Floor Includes Four (4) Offices
• Dedicated Warehouse Bathroom
• Located In The Patriot Drive Industrial Park
• Warehouse Can Be Climate Controlled
• Front Roll Up Door: 12 Feet Wide By 14 Feet High
• Zoned Commercial (C-2)
• Eave Height: 18 Feet
• Five (5) Dedicated Parking Spaces
Attachments & Media
Expand All Available Space
|Suite: 10182||4,100 SF||$3,000 (Monthly) Modified Gross|
|Space Available:||4,100 SF|
|Lease Rate:||
$3,000 (Monthly)
|
$8.78 PSF (Annual)
|Lease Type:||Modified Gross|
|Space Subcategory:||Warehouse/Distribution, Office Showroom|
|Date Available:||4/1/2020|
|Space Type:||New|
|Conference Rooms:||1|
|Offices||7|
|Rent Escalators||Fixed Lease|
|Loading Doors||1|
|Drive In Bays||1|
|Office Space||1,700 SF|
Additional Details
|Nearest MSA:||Baton Rouge|
|County:||East Baton Rouge|
|Submarket/Township:||42|
|Tax ID/APN:||030-2478-4|
|Zoning:||C2|
|Highway Access:||I-12 & Airline Hwy|
|Tenancy:||Single Tenant|
|Total Number of Buildings:||1|
|Number of Stories:||2|
|Property Condition:||Excellent|
|Year Built:||2015|
|Total Parking Spaces:||5|
Map
Driving Directions / Aerial Imagery: | https://www.lacdb.com/listing/HfdXefMZzn4/10182-Patriot-Drive-Baton-Rouge-LA-70816 |
BACKGROUND
SUMMARY
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of computing, and more particularly to masking an object's color in hypertext markup language (HTML).
Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) is a style sheet language that uses class lists to establish style rules affecting the look and formatting of a document in a markup language, such as HTML. For example, a CSS class list may establish the font type (e.g., Times New Roman), size, and/or color, among other things, for all object within the class. A webpage may utilize multiple class lists, each with its own style. For example, within a single webpage, there may be 5 class lists, each defining a different color for objects within 5 different classes. When a web developer wants to add a new object (such as a table) to the webpage, he may apply one of the predefined class lists to the object, or he may generate a new class list for the object.
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, computer program product, and system for masking an object's color in hypertext markup language (HTML). A computer system may identify a first and second predefined color that are found in a Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) style sheet for a webpage. The computer system may receive an object to be embedded in the webpage. The object may have an object color. The computer system may calculate a color similarity score for each of the predefined colors. The color similarity scores may indicate how similar the predefined colors are to the object color. The computer system may compare the color similarity scores for the predefined color and determine, based on the comparison, which predefined color is the mask color. The mask color may be the predefined color that is most similar to the object color. The computer system may then mask the object using the mask color.
The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure.
While the embodiments described herein are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the particular embodiments described are not to be taken in a limiting sense. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of computing, and in particular to masking an object's color in hypertext markup language (HTML). While the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to such applications, various aspects of the disclosure may be appreciated through a discussion of various examples using this context.
As a web developer adds objects (e.g., tables, text, charts, etc.) to a document (e.g., a webpage or other hypertext page or electronic document), he may wish to limit the number of edits made to a Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) style sheet for the webpage. This may be done because, e.g., large CSS style sheets often cause webpages to load slowly because the entire style sheet may be loaded before the webpage can be rendered by the web browser. It may be particularly advantageous to limit the size of the CSS style sheet when the webpage is part of a large website that shares the same style sheet across many webpages because any edit done to the CSS style sheet in support of the particular webpage will affect the performance of all webpages that call on the CSS style sheet. In addition to take longer to load, larger CSS style sheets require additional data be transmitted across a network. This may be particularly important for users who access the internet with tablets and smartphones, which often require data plans that are paid for based on the amount of data consumed.
The web developer may also wish to limit the number of colors defined in the CSS style sheet for aesthetic purposes. A web developer may prefer to use a relatively small number of colors on a given page to provide a clean presentation to users. For example, the web developer may believe that a website with numerous shades of the same color, particularly in adjacent objects, looks cluttered or otherwise unacceptable. If two adjacent objects use similar shades of red, a user may be distracted by the subtle, but noticeable, differences between the two objects.
With the adoption of HTML 5, the color of an object rendered in a webpage is determined using CSS class lists, instead of using HTML tags such as the now unsupported “bgcolor” tag. When a web developer receives an object to be added to a webpage, the object may have an associated color (referred to herein as the “object color”). If the object color is found in a particular CSS class list (associated with a particular class), the web developer may assign the object to the particular class. If, however, the object color is not found in a class list, the web developer may have to choose between adding a new class list to the CSS style sheet and changing the color of the object.
In order to limit the size of, and/or the number of colors in, the CSS style sheet (for performance, aesthetic, or other reasons), and to prevent a web developer from having to compare object color to a potentially large number of other colors by eye, a computer system may analyze the object color and the colors already defined in a CSS class list (herein referred to as “predefined colors”). The computer system may then determine whether the object color is in a class list by comparing the object color to the predefined colors. If the object color matches a predefined color, the computer system may automatically assign the object to the class that uses the predefined color. If, however, the object color does not match any of the predefined colors, the computer system may determine which predefined color most closely resembles the object color according to a predefined criteria. The most similar predefined color is referred to herein as the “mask color.” After determining which predefined color is the mask color, the computer system may mask the object by assigning it to the class containing the mask color.
In some embodiments, the computer system may determine which predefined color is the mask color by generating, for each predefined color, a color similarity score. The color similarity score may be a numeric score related to a level of similarity between the predefined color and the object color. In some embodiments, the computer system may decompose each predefined color and the object color into their red, green, and blue constituent color components (for systems that use an RGB color space). The computer system may then calculate a color distance between the object color and each predefined color. In some embodiments, the color similarity score for each predefined color may be equivalent to its color distance. The computer system may then determine that the predefined color with the smallest color similarity score (and, therefore, smallest color difference) is the mask color.
In some embodiments, calculating the color similarity score may comprise weighting each constituent color component. For example, differences in the red color component may be weighted more heavily than differences in the green color component. Accordingly, a predefined color with a 10 shade difference between it and the object color in the red component (and no difference in the green and blue components) may be considered to be less similar than a predefined color with a 10 shade difference in the green component (and no difference in the red and blue components).
FIG. 1A
FIG. 1B
100
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101
Referring now to the figures, illustrates an exemplary plot of an object color OC and five predefined colors PC-PC, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The plot illustrates the value of the red (y-axis) and green (x-axis) constituent color components for the object color OC and the five predefined colors PC-PC. The plot may be used to determine which predefined color PC-PC should be used to mask an HTML object. The plot and table (shown in ) are shown for illustrative purposes only, and they need not actually be generated by the computer system in order to perform the various methods disclosed herein.
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d
Goc−Gpc
Roc−Rpc
2
2
FIG. 1B
For each predefined color PC-PC, there is an associated color distance d-d, respectively, corresponding to the distance between the predefined color and the object color OC. For example, the first predefined color PC has a first color distance d to the object color OC, the second predefined color PC has a second color distance d to the object color, and so on. A computer system may use the color distance to create a similarity score for each of the predefined colors PC-PC to determine which color should be used to mask the object. For colors with two constituent components (e.g., red and green components) like those shown in the plot , the computer system may calculate the color distance using the equation:
=√{square root over (()+())}
where d is the color distance, Goc is the value of the green component for the object color, Gpc is the value of the green component for the predefined color, Roc is the value of the red component for the object color, and Rpc is the value of the red component for the predefined color. Using the above equation, the values of the color distances d-d for each predefined color may be determined to be roughly 101 shades for d, 115 shades for d, 195 shades for d, 132 shades for d, and 132 shades for d, as shown in the table in .
100
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5
100
d
Goc−Gpc
Roc−Rpc
Boc−Bpc
2
2
2
While the plot only illustrates a red and green component, a person of ordinary skill will recognize that additional (or different) constituent colors may be included. For example, the predefined colors PC-PC and the object color OC may be generated in the standard RGB (sRGB) color space commonly used in computer monitors and TVs. Accordingly, each color may include a third constituent color component not shown in the plot that corresponds to the level (shade) of blue found in the color. The equation for calculating a color distance with a third constituent color component, in this case by adding a blue component, may be:
=√{square root over (()+()+())}
where d is the color distance, Goc is the value of the green component for the object color, Gpc is the value of the green component for the predefined color, Roc is the value of the red component for the object color, Rpc is the value of the red component for the predefined color, Boc is the value of the blue component for the object color, and Bpc is the value of the blue component for the predefined color.
Other color spaces may add additional constituent colors to the commonly used red, green, and blue. For example, the RGBY color model adds a yellow constituent color component to the red, green, and blue constituent color components. Any other color space that is otherwise consistent with this disclosure is contemplated. Additional exemplary color spaces that may be used in aspects of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, YIQ, YDbDr, YPbPr, YUV, YCbCr, xvYCC, HSV, and HSL color spaces. In some embodiments, an object with a color using a different color space (e.g., a YUV color space) may be converted into the RGB color space. After the object is masked, the new object color (e.g., the mask color) may be converted back into its original color space.
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In addition to the constituent color components, each color (e.g., the object color OC and the five predefined colors PC-PC) may also have a transparency component, sometimes referred to as an alpha component. The computer system may, in some embodiments, consider the alpha components for the object color OC and predefined colors PC-PC when calculating the color distances d-d. In other embodiments, the computer system may ignore the alpha component for the colors and instead only use the constituent color components when calculating the color distance. In these embodiments, the alpha component may still be used when generating a color similarity score for the predefined colors PC-PC if the color similarity score considers more than just the color distance. In some embodiments, the alpha component may be altogether ignored when calculating a color similarity score for the predefined colors PC-PC.
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Furthermore, while the plot is shown with axes ranging from 0 to 255, indicating a color depth of 8 bits per channel (also known as bits per color), which is representative of images displayed in “true color,” other color depths are possible and contemplated by this disclosure. For example, each constituent color component may be represented in “deep color” using 10 bits, allowing for 1024 different shades of each constituent color instead of the 256 different shades in 8 bits per channel color models. Other common color depths include, but are not limited to, 12 bit per channel and 16 bits per channel.
FIG. 2
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Referring now to , shown is a flowchart illustrating a method for masking an object in hypertext markup language (HTML), in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The method may be performed by a computer system, such as a server that hosts a webpage. In some embodiments, the method may be performed by a web browser, or text editing program used to edit HTML, running on a computer system. The method may begin at operation , where the computer system may identify one or more predefined colors in a CSS style sheet for a webpage.
In some embodiments, the one or more predefined color may be found in one or more CSS class lists defined in the CSS style sheet. CSS class lists may be used to establish style rules affecting the look and formatting of a document in a markup language. For example, a CSS class list may establish the font type (e.g., Times New Roman), size, and/or color, among other things, for all object within the class. A webpage may utilize multiple classes, each with its own class list dictating its own style. For example, within a single webpage, there may be 5 classes, and therefore 5 corresponding class lists, each defining a different color for objects within 5 different classes. When a web developer wants to add a new object (such as a table) to the webpage, he may assign the object to one of the predefined classes, or he may generate a new class for the object.
The computer system may identify all CSS classes within the webpage, whether they been found in inline CSS, an internal CSS style sheet, or in an external CSS style sheet. After identifying all of the classes, the computer system may check each class for a predefined color associated with the class. From this, the computer may generate a list of all of the predefined colors in the CSS style sheet.
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After identifying the one or more predefined colors in a CSS style sheet at operation , the computer system may receive an object to be added to a webpage using the CSS style sheet at operation . The object may be any web object that is going to be embedded into the webpage such as, e.g., a table or a text box. The object may have an associated object color. For example, if the object is a text box, the object may have a font color and/or a background color. As another example, if the object is a table, the object may have a font color, a color for the table borders, or a background color for the table cells. In some embodiments, the object may have more than one color (e.g., a table may have both a font color and a background color). In these embodiments, the method (particularly operations -) may be performed for each object color.
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After receiving the object to be added to the webpage at operation , the computer system may determine whether the object color is in the CSS style sheet at decision block . The computer system may compare the object color to each of the predefined colors to see if there is a match. If the object color is found in the CSS style sheet, the object may be assigned to the matching CSS class and embedded into the webpage and the method may end. If the object color is not found in the CSS style sheet (or in the generated list of predefined colors), the computer system may calculate a color similarity score for each predefined color at operation .
The color similarity score may be a numeric score related to a level of similarity between the predefined color and the object color. In some embodiments, the computer system may decompose each predefined color and the object color into their red, green, and blue constituent color components (for systems that use an RGB color space). The computer system may then calculate a color distance between the object color and each predefined color. In some embodiments, the color similarity score for each predefined color may be equivalent to its color distance, in which case the smaller the color similarity score, the greater the similarity. The computer system may then determine that the predefined color with the smallest color similarity score (and, therefore, smallest color difference) is the mask color.
In some embodiments, calculating the color similarity score may comprise weighting each constituent color component. For example, differences in the red color component may be weighted more heavily than differences in the green color component. Accordingly, a predefined color with a 10 shade difference between it and the object color in the red component (and no difference in the green and blue components) may be considered to be less similar than a predefined color with a 10 shade difference in the green component (and no difference in the red and blue components).
In some embodiments, the color similarity score may relate to the relative shades of the constituent color components. The similarity score may be based on, at least in part, the ratio of the constituent color components. Accordingly, two predefined colors with the same color distance to the object color may nevertheless have different color similarity scores. For example, the object color may have a red shade (e.g., value of red constituent color component) to blue shade (e.g., value of blue constituent color component) ratio of 2 to 1 (e.g., there is twice as much red as there is blue in the object color). The green shade to blue shade ratio may be 1 to 1 for the object color, meaning that the red to green to blue ratio may be 2:1:1. A first predefined color may have a color distance of 100 shades and a red to green to blue ratio of 2.5:1.5:1. A second predefined color may also have a color distance of 100 shades, but it may have a red to green to blue ratio of 2:1:1, just like the object color. Accordingly, the color similarity score for the second predefined color might differ from the color similarity score for the first predefined color, and the similarity score for the second predefined color might indicate that it more closely matches the object color.
In some embodiments, the color similarity score may not include the color distance at all. Instead, the score may be determined using other metrics, alone or in combination with each other. For example, in some embodiments the color similarity score may be based solely on the ratio of the constituent color components. The methods for calculating a color similarity score discussed herein are used for illustrative purposes only. Any other method or process for determining the similarity between colors that is otherwise consistent with the present disclosure is contemplated.
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After determining a similarity score for each predefined color at operation , the computer system may determine a mask color for the object at operation . The computer system may compare the color similarity scores for each of the predefined color and choose the predefined color that is most similar to the object color as the mask color. In some embodiments, the lower the color similarity score, the more similar the predefined color and the object color are. For example, when the color distance is used as the similarity score, the lower the number the more similar the colors. In these embodiments, the computer system may select the predefined color with the lowest color similarity score as the mask color. In some embodiments, where the higher the color similarity score the more similar the colors, the computer system may choose the predefined color with the highest color similarity score as the mask color.
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After determining the mask color at operation , the computer system may mask the object at operation . The computer system may automatically modify the HTML code for the webpage (specifically, the HTML code associated with the object) to assign the object to the class that uses the mask color. After the computer system masks the object with the mask color, the method may end.
FIG. 3
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Referring now to , shown is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining a color similarity score and mask color, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The method may be performed by a computer system, such as a server that hosts a webpage. In some embodiments, the method may be performed by a web browser, or text editing program used to edit HTML, running on a computer system. The method may begin at operation , where the computer system may decompose (or convert) the object color into its red, green, and blue constituent color components.
The computer system may decompose the object color by parsing the code for the object. For example, in some embodiments an object color may be identified by parsing an HTML tag or attribute (for HTML 4) or CSS style tag or attribute (for HTML 4 and HTML 5) related to the object color. The computer system may use a specialized dictionary or other method to recognize HTML and CSS tags associated with establishing color in order to parse the code to identify the object color. In some embodiments, the computer system may use natural language processing techniques to identify the object color. The object color may be identified as a hexadecimal value (e.g., “#FF00FF” for a shade of purple) attached to a specific attribute (e.g., the “bgcolor” tag for background color in HTML 4).
The hexadecimal value can be decomposed into constituent red, green, and blue values. The first two numbers or letters following the hash character (#), also known as the number sign, represent the hexadecimal value for the shade of the red component. The following two numbers or letters represent the hexadecimal value for the shade of the green component, and the final two numbers or letters represent the hexadecimal value for the shade of the blue component.
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FIGS. 1A and 1B
After decomposing (or converting) the object color at operation , the computer system may decompose a predefined color into its red, green, and blue constituent color components at operation . The computer system may decompose the predefined color using the same method that was described in reference to operation . After decomposing the predefined color at operation , the computer system may calculate a color distance between the predefined color and the object color at operation . The computer system may calculate the color distance as described in reference to .
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After calculating a color distance between the predefined color and the object color at operation , the computer system may determine whether there are any predefined colors that have not yet been scored (e.g., do not have a color distance calculated) at decision block . If there is an unscored predefined color remaining, the method may return to operation . If no predefined color remains, the computer system may determine a mask color for the object at operation .
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The computer system may compare the color distances for each predefined color to determine the mask color. The lower the value of the color distance, the more similar the colors. Accordingly, the computer system may select the predefined color with the lowest color distance as the mask color. After determining a mask color at operation , the method may end.
FIG. 4
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Referring now to , shown is a high-level block diagram of an example computer system (e.g. a web server) that may be used in implementing one or more of the methods, tools, and modules, and any related functions, described herein (e.g., using one or more processor circuits or computer processors of the computer), in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the major components of the computer system may comprise one or more CPUs , a memory subsystem , a terminal interface , a storage interface , an I/O (Input/Output) device interface , and a network interface , all of which may be communicatively coupled, directly or indirectly, for inter-component communication via a memory bus , an I/O bus , and an I/O bus interface unit .
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The computer system may contain one or more general-purpose programmable central processing units (CPUs) A, B, C, and D, herein generically referred to as the CPU . In some embodiments, the computer system may contain multiple processors typical of a relatively large system; however, in other embodiments the computer system may alternatively be a single CPU system. Each CPU may execute instructions stored in the memory subsystem and may include one or more levels of on-board cache.
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System memory may include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) or cache memory . Computer system may further include other removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example only, storage system can be provided for reading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media, such as a “hard drive.” Although not shown, a magnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), or an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile optical disc such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided. In addition, memory can include flash memory, e.g., a flash memory stick drive or a flash drive. Memory devices can be connected to memory bus by one or more data media interfaces. The memory may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out the functions of various embodiments.
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One or more programs/utilities , each having at least one set of program modules may be stored in memory . The programs/utilities may include a hypervisor (also referred to as a virtual machine monitor), one or more operating systems, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each of the operating systems, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data or some combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networking environment. Program modules generally perform the functions or methodologies of various embodiments.
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FIG. 2
For example, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the program modules may include an object receiving module, a color decomposition module, a similarity score generator, and a color masking module. The object receiving module may include instructions to receive, at the computer system , an object that is to be embedded into a webpage or other markup language document (e.g., perform operation as discussed in reference to ). The color decomposition module may include instructions to decompose the object color into its red, green, and blue constituent color components (e.g., perform operation ). The color decomposition module may also include instructions to determine, from a CSS style sheet, a list of predefined color (e.g., perform operation ). The color decomposition module may further include instructions to decompose each of the predefined colors into their respective red, green, and blue constituent color components (e.g., perform operation ).
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FIG. 3
The similarity score generator may include instructions to generate, for each predefined color, a color similarity score that identifies how similar the predefined color is to the object color (e.g., perform operation ). The similarity score generator may also include instructions to determine, based on the color similarity scores for the predefined color, which predefined color is most similar to the object color (e.g., which predefined color is the mask color as discussed in reference to operation of and/or operation of ). The color masking module may include instructions to edit the HTML code associated with the received object to embed the object in the webpage and to mask the object with the mask color by, e.g., assigning the object to a CSS class that uses the mask color (e.g., perform operation ).
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FIG. 4
Although the memory bus is shown in as a single bus structure providing a direct communication path among the CPUs , the memory subsystem , and the I/O bus interface , the memory bus may, in some embodiments, include multiple different buses or communication paths, which may be arranged in any of various forms, such as point-to-point links in hierarchical, star or web configurations, multiple hierarchical buses, parallel and redundant paths, or any other appropriate type of configuration. Furthermore, while the I/O bus interface and the I/O bus are shown as single respective units, the computer system may, in some embodiments, contain multiple I/O bus interface units , multiple I/O buses , or both. Further, while multiple I/O interface units are shown, which separate the I/O bus from various communications paths running to the various I/O devices, in other embodiments some or all of the I/O devices may be connected directly to one or more system I/O buses.
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In some embodiments, the computer system may be a multi-user mainframe computer system, a single-user system, or a server computer or similar device that has little or no direct user interface, but receives requests from other computer systems (clients). Further, in some embodiments, the computer system may be implemented as a desktop computer, portable computer, laptop or notebook computer, tablet computer, pocket computer, telephone, smart phone, network switches or routers, or any other appropriate type of electronic device.
FIG. 4
FIG. 4
FIG. 4
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It is noted that is intended to depict the representative major components of an exemplary computer system . In some embodiments, however, individual components may have greater or lesser complexity than as represented in , components other than or in addition to those shown in may be present, and the number, type, and configuration of such components may vary.
As discussed in more detail herein, it is contemplated that some or all of the operations of some of the embodiments of methods described herein may be performed in alternative orders or may not be performed at all; furthermore, multiple operations may occur at the same time or as an internal part of a larger process.
The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computer program product. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.
The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.
Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and/or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device.
Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.
Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.
These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the various embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes” and/or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. In the previous detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the various embodiments, reference was made to the accompanying drawings (where like numbers represent like elements), which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the various embodiments may be practiced. These embodiments were described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, but other embodiments may be used and logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments. In the previous description, numerous specific details were set forth to provide a thorough understanding the various embodiments. But, the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure embodiments.
Different instances of the word “embodiment” as used within this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but they may. Any data and data structures illustrated or described herein are examples only, and in other embodiments, different amounts of data, types of data, fields, numbers and types of fields, field names, numbers and types of rows, records, entries, or organizations of data may be used. In addition, any data may be combined with logic, so that a separate data structure may not be necessary. The previous detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.
Although the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it is anticipated that alterations and modification thereof will become apparent to the skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted as covering all such alterations and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The drawings included in the present disclosure are incorporated into, and form part of, the specification. They illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, along with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings are only illustrative of typical embodiments and do not limit the disclosure.
FIG. 1A
illustrates an exemplary plot of an object color and five predefined colors, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1B
FIG. 1A
illustrates a table of the color distances for the predefined colors of , in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2
is a flowchart illustrating a method for masking an object in hypertext markup language (HTML), in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3
is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining a color similarity score and mask color, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4
illustrates a high-level block diagram of an example computer system that may be used in implementing one or more of the methods, tools, and modules, and any related functions, described herein, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. | |
MADRID, Spain, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE) and the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge today announced a collaboration to accelerate new discoveries in the mathematical sciences. This includes partnering with Stephen Hawking’s Centre for Theoretical Cosmology (COSMOS) to understand the origins and structure of the universe. Leveraging the HPE Superdome Flex in-memory computing platform, the COSMOS group will search for clues hiding in massive data sets—spanning 14 billion years of information—that could unlock the secrets of the early universe and black holes.
The HPE Superdome Flex is the world’s most scalable and modular in-memory computing platform. Designed leveraging principles of Memory-Driven Computing, HPE Superdome Flex can scale from 4 to 32 sockets and 768GB to 48TB of shared memory in a single system, delivering unmatched compute power for the most demanding applications. | https://www.telecomtv.com/content/tracker/hpe-partners-with-stephen-hawking-s-cosmos-research-group-and-the-cambridge-faculty-of-mathematics-29453/ |
Investigation of tomato genetic resources is a crucial issue for better straight evolution and genetic studies as well as tomato breeding strategies. Traditional Vesuviano and San Marzano varieties grown in Campania region (Southern Italy) are famous for their remarkable fruit quality. Owing to their economic and social importance is crucial to understand the genetic basis of their unique traits.
Results
Here, we present the draft genome sequences of tomato Vesuviano and San Marzano genome. A 40x genome coverage was obtained from a hybrid Illumina paired-end reads assembling that combines de novo assembly with iterative mapping to the reference S. lycopersicum genome (SL2.40). Insertions, deletions and SNP variants were carefully measured. When assessed on the basis of the reference annotation, 30% of protein-coding genes are predicted to have variants in both varieties. Copy genes number and gene location were assessed by mRNA transcripts mapping, showing a closer relationship of San Marzano with reference genome. Distinctive variations in key genes and transcription/regulation factors related to fruit quality have been revealed for both cultivars.
Conclusions
The effort performed highlighted varieties relationships and important variants in fruit key processes useful to dissect the path from sequence variant to phenotype.
Keywords
- Combined assembling
- Fruit quality
- NGS sequencing
- SNPs
- Solanum lycopersicum
Background
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most economically important vegetable crops worldwide. It is a rich source of micronutrients for human diet and a model species for fruit quality. Investigation of tomato genetic resources is a crucial issue for better straight evolution and genetic studies as well as tomato breeding strategies.
Since the late 18th and throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries a huge array of crosses and selection activities has taken place in Europe giving rise to a rich collection of tomato landraces [1, 2]. In particular, an extensive selection work was performed in Italy by “Campania” farmers that developed several varieties adapted to local conditions and with quality requirements well delineated for specific uses. Among them, Vesuviano (RSV) and San Marzano (SM) varieties, grown in rich volcanic soil surrounding Vesuvius, are considered important models for fruit quality parameters. The Vesuviano has been cultivated on the Vesuvio hill, since the end of 19th century. It was selected by the local farmers because of its tolerance to the drought . The origin of the San Marzano variety is very debatable. Some people report that San Marzano was a mutant from the local varieties (Corbarino); other people report that San Marzano was a natural hybridization between the grown varieties in the Agro-Sarnese-Nocerino area. Certainly, the cultivation of the San Marzano ecotype started in the years 1903–1904 in the Agro-Sarnese-Nocerino area becoming immediately a top variety for peeling . Previous studies revealed that presently cultivated Vesuvio and San Marzano genotypes revealed peculiar sensory profiles in perception of sweetness and sourness [5, 6]. San Marzano and Vesuvio fruits can purchased by at a price that is nearly five times higher than that of other varieties .
The advent of genomics era has brought a substantial increase in generation of data, knowledge and tools that can be employed in applied research. Candidate genes for important traits can be identified, and exploring functional nucleotide polymorphisms within genes of interest can facilitate breeders in combining favourable alleles. The decoding of the Heinz 1706 tomato reference genome SL2.40 will allow a better understanding of genetic basis of agronomic traits for developing novel genotypes [8, 9]. Genome sequences and genomic tools offer exciting new perspectives and opportunities to track rates of sequence divergence over time, and provide hints about how genes evolve and generate new products by re-organization and shuffling of genomic sequences. Variant catalogues, however, will remain incomplete if forms of variation are undocumented. Good genome coverage is required to improve variant detection and accuracy and to study the polymorphism distribution across genomes. Genetic diversity studies have been improved by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) based approaches [10, 11]. However, interpreting the effect of genetic variation has typically relied on a reference genome. Indeed, alignment-consensus methods may have serious limitations in describing polymorphic regions and may also cause biases in interpreting the effect of variation on coding sequences. On the other hand de novo assembly approaches may theoretically overcome such problems, but pose a number of challenges due for example to repetitive sequences, low complexity sequences and closely related paralogs . Alternative hybrid approaches can overcome limitations of alignment-consensus methods [13, 14], allowing to capture a broader spectrum of sequence variation comparing genome with or without reference genome .
Here we describe the generation and analysis of San Marzano and Vesuviano tomato genome sequences. First, we reconstructed the genomes using a combination of iterative mapping and de novo assembly. Then, we annotated genes and documented the variation discovered, describing the typology and the distribution of variants between genotypes at chromosome level. Finally, as proof of concept we assessed the variability in fruit quality related genes, exploring the quantitative and qualitative impact of functional variants. Data produced can be helpful to investigate the genomic origins of phenotypic variation as well as to perform breeding programs.
Methods
Sequencing
A total amount of 2.5 μg of genomic DNA was sonicated with Covaris S2 instrument to obtain 400 bp fragments. DNA library preparation of SM and RSV tomato varieties (Additional file 1: Figure S1) was carried out using the TruSeq DNA Sample Prep Kit v2 (Illumina, San Diego, CA) accordingly to manufacturer instructions. RNA library preparation of SM and RSV tomato berry samples was carried out using the TruSeq RNA Sample Prep Kit v2 (Illumina, San Diego, CA) accordingly to manufacturer instructions.
Quality control of libraries was performed using High Sensitivity DNA Kit (Agilent, Wokingham, UK) and an accurate quantification was made using qPCR with KAPA Library Quantification kit (KapaBiosystems, USA). Libraries were then pooled and sequenced using Illumina Hiseq 1000 and applying standard Illumina protocols with TruSeq SBS Kit v3-HS and TruSeq PE Cluster Kit v3-cBot-HS kits (lllumina, USA). Libraries were sequenced with an Illumina Hiseq 1000 sequencer (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA, USA) and 100-bp paired-end sequences were generated.
Genome assembly and annotation transfer
Genome reconstruction and variants identification were performed with the IMR/DENOM ver. 0.3.3 pipeline using default parameters and the SL2.40 tomato genome as reference. Repeats annotation was performed with RepeatMasker (v. open-3.3.0) using a custom redundant database available from SolGenomics website (ftp://ftp.solgenomics.net/tomato_genome/repeats/). ITAG 2.3 gene annotation was translated to the tomato reconstructed genomes by taking into account variants identified by IMR/DENOM pipeline and adjusting the coordinates accordingly using a custom software (http://ddlab.sci.univr.it/downloads/translate_coordinates.exe).
Mapping of transcript sequences
We independently mapped the 34,727 coding sequences (CDSs) [16, 17] defined by the Solanum lycopersicum genome annotation to identify similarities versus RSV and SM tomato genomes using GenomeThreader , CDSs were also re-mapped versus SL2.40 to compare results between the three different genotypes. We filtered out alignments at similarity thresholds lower than 80% coverage and 90% identity. Correspondence among the loci in the three genotypes was defined on the basis of conserved loci position analyses at chromosome level and their distribution is reported using the CIRCOS program .
Variants analysis and validation
Identified variants between SL2.40 genome SM and RSV genotype were analysed using SnpEff version 2.1b (build 2012-04-20) to predict their the effect on the genes in ITAG2.3 annotation. CDS non-synonymous variants were also submitted to PROVEAN (Protein Variation Effect Analyzer algorithm) analysis, which predicts the functional impact for all classes of protein sequence variations such as single amino acid substitutions but also insertions, deletions, and multiple substitutions . To validate the identified SNPs, paired-end RNA-Seq reads (100 bp) from SM and RSV fruit samples were mapped against the reference genome SL2.40. SNPs were called using SAMtools 0.1.18 with a minimum read depth threshold of 6 and then compared with genomic reads using BEDTools 2.17.0 software .
Enrichment analysis
Our attention was focused on non-synonymous SNPs located in CDS belonging to four gene classes related to fruit quality (ascorbate biosynthesis; MEP/carotenoid pathway; ethylene-related genes; cell wall related genes); transcription factors and transcription regulators potentially involved in fruit ripening process. To evaluate if significant enrichment was present in specific metabolic pathways, an enrichment analysis based on Gene Ontology (GO) terms classification was performed. We associated a GO term to each gene containing a non-synonymous coding variation running the BLAST2GO platform . The data sets obtained were compared to the entire set of tomato genes with GO annotation (SOL Genomics. http://solgenomics.net/).
We performed a singular enrichment analysis (SEA) which allows testing annotation terms against a list of interesting genes .
We used a hypergeometric test to compare each class to the reference background of genes. Hochberg (FDR) statistical correction was applied and a significance level of 0.05 was set. The minimum number of mapping entries was set as 1 to observe any significant enrichment. Only gene classes with a least 20 protein members (transcription factors, transcription regulators and cell wall) were subject to enrichment analysis.
Data access
All next-generation sequencing data are available in the Sequence Reads Archive (SRA) [SRA:SRP027562] Variants data in Snps, Deletions and Insertions (SDI) file format are available on SOL Genomics Network (SGN) website (ftp://ftp.solgenomics.net).
Results
Genome assembly
We sequenced Vesuviano (RSV) and San Marzano (SM) tomato varieties using Illumina 100 bp paired-end reads with an insert size of about 250 bp. We obtained 155,751,012 (X2) pareid-end reads for RSV and 177,758,218 (X2) paired-end reads for SM that, considering an expected size of about 900 Mb , correspond to an average expected depth of about 34.6x and 39.5x genome equivalent, respectively (Additional file 2: Table S1). We chose to use a genome reconstruction method based on a combination of iterative read mapping against the tomato reference genome and de novo assembly that is able to describe complex loci on a single pass alignment (Additional file 3: Figure S2). A similar number of mobile elements (63%) and outstanding proportion of LTR elements (93% of occupied length) with SL2.40 genome was found (Additional file 2: Table S2).
Gene annotation
Transcript sequences mapping
Analysis of genetic variants in fruit quality related genes
Discussion
In this work the tomato RVS and SM genomes have been sequenced and assembled using a strategy based on iterative mapping and de novo assembly . This method showed to be less demanding in terms of sequencing depth and multiple libraries construction compared to a complete de novo assembly. The catalogue of tomato genetic variants produced using this valuable approach allowed enlarging the list available (http://solgenomics.net/search/markers) with a relative low investment. The magnitude of the number of variants found is not comparable with earlier catalogue, based on transcriptome sequencing or oligonucleotide arrays [28–32]. In addition, other types of variations in CDS sequences were evidenced.
The chromosome pseudomolecules obtained allowed studying with high accuracy genome colinearity useful for gene mapping and marker-assisted breeding. At 40x sequence coverage, we estimated that approximately 99% of the tomato reference genome could be genotyped. Our analysis produced approximately 200,000 SNPs and more than 130,000 indels. In accordance with the high level of homozygosis reported for tomato cultivars , a small fraction (approximately 3%) of heterozygous variants or sequence misalignments were identified in either cultivar. Variation in the level of polymorphism among chromosomes was found. Indeed, the chromosome variation could reflect selection history rather than polymorphism discovery . More than 3,000 genes in both varieties showed different similarity values at exon level when compared with reference genome. A slight higher colinearity between SM and the reference genome was found, suggesting a their closer relationship. Genome-wide structural and gene content variations are hypothesized to drive important phenotypic variation within a species . However, in most cases deletions are common to both varieties and their frequency is consistent with previous data on indel errors in the reference genome, and thus we suspect that a percentage of de novo assembled sequences corresponds to sequences missing from the reference genome.
Based on the tomato gene model set, a limited number of altered genes were detected in each variety, while 1,934 RSV and 1,707 SM transferred annotations were affected by mutations potentially causing amino acidic substitutions of unknown effect on the protein function. A subset of these SNPs was restricted to a single variety. The study of distribution of variants across the genomes of the sequenced variety is important. Number, location and predicted effects can gain insights in plant diversification. Indeed, the selective forces acting over time on diverse traits could have driven the fixation of positive mutations in each variety. Whether a polymorphic equilibrium is reached depends on the intensity of selection and the relative distances to the optimum of the homozygosis at each locus .
Analysis of genetic variants for quality related genes showed that genes were differentially affected by genetic variants depending on the functional class they belong to, suggesting different degrees of selection for genetic variants underlying biological processes. We also showed that the position of sequence variants influence the functionality of the encoded protein. Functional variants contributing to deletion in 3′UTR and exon, intron_conserved and exon, intron_conserved region were highlighted; by contrast, a limited number of other intronic/esonic variants were identified. SNPs within the gene classes assessed reflect the fruit quality genetic diversity between RSV and SM varieties. High percent of variation and deleterious substitutions has been found in genes belonging to the transcription factor and transcription regulator classes, such as acetyltrasferase, chromodomain helicase and histone linkers. Interestingly, enrichment for a chromatin remodeler like protein ligase SNF2 in RSV genotypes points out the possibility that the phenotypic differences among these three tomato genotype are mainly due to complex mechanisms of gene regulation and cross-talk. Recently it has been showed that important epigenome modifications are associated with ripening process . The ethylene-related gene class also showed a high number of variants and deleterious substitutions, probably due to the large difference in the ripening process of the two tomato varieties with respect to the reference tomato. In particular, an ACS gene showed a deleterious substitution (T82A) in both varieties and three ACS key genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis varied only in RSV. This is a long-storage tomato variety with extended shelf life. Since ethylene control fruit ripening process , polymorphisms detected in these RSV genes should be further explored to understand their involvement in delaying ripening process. Ethylene production is regulated by combinatorial interplay of the ACS polypeptides. Understand how the “ACS symphony orchestra” is coordinated will be a big challenge for the future . Finally, the result of SEA analyse indicated a significant enrichment of the cell wall genes. GO terms corresponding to hydrolase, galactosidase, beta-glucosidase and beta-galactosidase, involved in chemicals breakdown activity inside the fruits, showed significant differences in both varieties. In particular, RSV-specific non-synonymous variants were enriched in genes involved in xyloglucan biosynthesis and homogalacturonan biosynthesis. Genes related to fruit texture has been frequent targets for genetic engineering, with the goal of extending shelf life . Future investigations on these genes and ethylene related genes should be achieved. The regulation of texture and shelf life is complex and performing a deeper analysis of variants discovered could allow a better understanding of the relationship between changes in the textural and shelf life extension .
Conclusions
The genome sequences reported here and the variants catalogue obtained will be useful to identify the molecular basis of gene complex patterns. Further analysis and functional studies will serve as a basis for understanding trait differences, which will facilitate the identification of markers for genomic marker–assisted breeding. Data produced can be also useful to prioritize mutations to reveal a phenotype. Indeed, large-scale TILLING projects can be used to identify gene of interest saturated with mutations . Collectively, sequence and fine annotation analysis performed can be useful to examine the path from sequence variant to phenotype for improving the utility of the tomato as a model for fruit quality. In addition, the genes we identified that are related to ripening and texture characteristics could be used as target for tomato breeding. The local genomes genotyping is also useful for understanding the genomic features that distinguish modern from traditional varieties. Variants specific for SM and RSV might be explored through a high throughput target re-sequencing approach in other varieties in order to verify that they could represent variants characteristics for these two different tomato typologies.
Declarations
Acknowledgements
We sincerely acknowledge Dr. Giuseppe Andolfo for R programming support and Dr. Alberto Ferrarini for his valuable suggestions in improving the manuscript. We wish to dedicate our effort in memory of Dr. Tina Mancuso.
Funding
This work was supported by the Ministry of University and Research (GenoPOM-PRO Project), La Semiorto Sementi S.r.l., Sarno, Italy, and Lodato Gennaro & C. S.P.A., Castel San Giorgio Italy.
Authors’ Affiliations
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Copyright
This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly credited. | https://bmcgenomics.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2164-15-138 |
@erratumgallery, Berlin, Germany.
The starting inspiration came from “Der blaue Engel“, 1930 (The Blue Angel), Marlene Dietrich’s first film. Dietrich is one of the most famous feminine icons of the 1930s silver screen cinema, she is the embodiment of glamour, yet continues to exude mystery and define strength in femininity well into present day. Blue is the prominent color-element in my work, due to it’s presence in my personal memory and narrative, The blue thread that connects all of my artworks, is a journey through the image, which recounts the different stories of women joined in collective memory.
The social, political and cultural legacy of our various iconic feminine experiences inspire our generation and inform representations which remain inexorably tied to our various individual and collective memories. Here, the women embodying these experiences are the Blue Angels.
A DROP IN A POOL // 2015
@gamagallery, Istanbul, Turkey.
Mathilde Melek An' s work are photographic and video portrayal of movement or lack there of, focused on a specific repetition and matching patterns. Portraying the world as a window into the movement, and turning the images into drops hitting the window. This artist showcases contemporary analogy of ever-changing means. Her work is derived from archives found and based on a virtual fictionalized world. She portrays her research of the evolution of the movement in time, using elements such as fabric or tiles. These imprints, by units repeating each other, fall like drops in a metaphoric pool shaped world and become frozen, framed and sequestered artwork.
GELINCIK // 2014
@gamagallery, Istanbul, Turkey.
Intro: "She ever-changing story of eternal search"
Mathilde Melek An represents this beautiful synthesis between French and Turkish Cultures; her art, itself, is part of this mixture.
An's work is not only a tie between East and West but also a tie between generations;
She is actually bringing a new "regard", her work reflects individual and collective, traditional and modern cultural approach.
She is in a constant search to interpret different identities in an evolutionary "voyage"; she is mainly using photography and video to interpret different cultures codes and she also has her own way of photography story telling.
© 2013 by Mathilde Melek An. All rights reserved. | https://www.mathildemelekan.com/exhibitions |
The research project was carried out in Ngor Okpala L.G.A of Imo State on the problem of youth unemployment and rural crime. The research is aimed at providing vivid and extensive insight on a wide range of the fundamental aspects of youth unemployment and rural crime. In this light very decisive steps were taken to analyse as possible all manner of issues enshrined in the study and understanding of the problems of unemployment and rural crimes in the lives of Ngor Okpala youth. In carrying out this study survey research design was used. Four research questions and hypothesis were formulated. The sample of 150 males and females was selected by probability random sampling techniques. The instruments for the study where the interview method and questionnaire containing nineteen open question, which were validated by the supervisor, the mothers were the respondents. The analysis of data was by use of frequency tables, percentages and chi-square. The major findings of the study were:
Youth unemployment and armed robbery are related.
There is a relationship between youth unemployment and drug abuse.
The unemployment situation is the brain behind burglary in Ngor Okpala
Rural unemployment leads to youth gambling.
The government should provide job opportunities and also ensure an equitable distribution of resources. The gap between the rich and the poor can be narrowed by creating employment opportunities for the citizens, provision of cheap food and shelter and ensuring that education is no longer a privilege but a right in these rural areas.
2) Achieving industrialization by establishing many industries in rural areas of Ngor Okpala, this will create more employment opportunities and reduce the high rate of rural crime.
3) Social amenities should be provided to rural areas especially in this area of study (the people of Ngor Okpala) because this is also a way of creating jobs and it will make many school leavers in the area to accept to work and reside in their rural homes without thinking about committing crimes.
4) There are empty lands in Ngor Okpala, what the government needs to do is to use them to encourage labour-oriented industries, production in the industries that will be established in order to ac
THE PROBLEMS OF YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT AND RURAL CRIME
hieve industrialization in our societies should be made labour-intensive instead of total use of machines. By so doing it will create an avenue for the rural youth to get employment and the rate of crime will be reduced.
5) Restructuring our educational system, pre-vocational courses like mechanics, electronics, woodwork, metal work, etc should be taught; these will make our educational products to be job-creators instead of job-seekers.
6) The government should ensure that there is equal distribution of wealth, political participation, economic activities and resources because there is a saying that “what is good for the goose is also good for the gander”. They should ensure that development is a multifaceted thing and not a one sided phenomena, the rural areas should be recognized to avoid crimes.
7) Most rural areas especially Ngor Okpala is traditionally based on agriculture and they take agriculture as their source of economy. So, the government should make agriculture more attractive. This can be done by developing agriculture and those in it should earn more wages, salaries so that it can attract the youth and at least create rooms for more jobs and the high rate of rural crime will be a thing of the past in Ngor Okpala LGA of Imo State. | https://newprojecttopics.com.ng/problems-youth-unemployment-rural-crime/ |
Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, Save the Children has maintained an ongoing response to the U.S.-Mexico Border Crisis since 2019, reaching more than 200,000 migrants in 2021 alone.
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Marta* is a migrant mother from Honduras. She left her country with her three young children because of gender violence. The physical attacks that she and her children suffered from her partner were of such magnitude that they feared for their lives.
Marta* denounced her partner and he was arrested. However, the same day he was arrested the authorities released him. With her ex-partner free, Marta* left for the United States. In the United States, she was returned to Mexico, where she has been waiting for her immigration process for 15 months.
Thousands of children making the dangerous journey to the United States are being held in Mexican shelters that are rapidly filling up, with some lacking basic necessities.
Since 2018 Save the Children in Mexico has had a humanitarian response to support migrant children and their families. Currently they opperate 26 Child Friendly Spaces where a team of specialists provides psychological first aid, emergency education, provision of fresh and nutritious food, identification and referral of cases to families with protection needs, as well as personal hygiene, menstrual and cleaning kits.
*Name changed for protection
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After frigid temperatures and winter weather battered Texas, millions of children and families along the U.S. Southern Border are in need of urgent assistance.
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How has the winter storm affected child care centers and schools across Texas?
The harsh winter conditions have damaged child care centers and schools statewide. Many are without power or water, or both.
“In times of emergency, children can begin to cope when they are able to interact with their peers and resume a normal routine," said De Marrais. “That is why it is so important to get these children back into child care or remote learning as safely and as soon as possible. It is essential for them to stay engaged and focused on learning during this stressful time.”
How is Save the Children helping children and families living in transit shelters along the U.S. Southern Border impacted by the winter weather crisis in Texas?
Along the U.S. Southern Border, Save the Children has been supporting more than 40 shelter partners, reaching more than 135,000 children and adults.
Many of the shelters we support have been impacted by the storm. Our teams are working to deliver critical supplies to migrant shelters across the southern Texas border, from Del Rio to Brownsville, to ensure families have the essentials they need to care for their children.
How is Save the Children helping child care centers impacted by the winter weather crisis in Texas?
With classrooms and child care centers badly damaged due to broken pipes and damaged infrastructure, Save the Children is also focused on child care recovery.
Family separation is a cruel and inhumane policy.
The cruel act of separation can cause severe negative social and emotional consequences for the children and their families in the days, months and years ahead. Our global evidence shows that children living in institutions away from their families are highly vulnerable to emotional, physical and psychological abuse, which can lead to lasting developmental problems, injuries and trauma.
In response to recent news reports of court-appointed lawyers being unable to find the parents of 545 children who were separated at the U.S. southern border under a 2017 pilot program, Save the Children and Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) have urged the administration, in the strongest terms possible, to fix this man-made crisis and stop putting children at risk.
Children should not have to experience the trauma that comes from daily threats, a terrifying journey, forcefully being removed from their parents, facing danger at the border or being held indefinitely by the U.S. government.
“Children arriving at the U.S. southern border are escaping extreme violence, poverty and unrest, and our government has a responsibility to treat them humanely and with dignity,” said Mark Shriver, Senior Vice President of U.S. Programs & Advocacy. “We are working to make sure children’s rights are realized, protected and upheld, and they are healthy and safe.”
Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, Save the Children is continuing our support to girls and boys caught up in the Border Crisis, delivering much-needed aid to those whose already dangerous situation has been exacerbated by COVID-19.
Project Reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you will get an e-mail when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports via e-mail without donating.
We'll only email you new reports and updates about this project. | https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/u-s-border-crisis-childrens-relief-fund/reports/ |
I believe in one God who is the Creator of the universe and source of the vital spark that energizes life. God is conceived of, prayed to, and worshipped in diverse ways. Some believe God does not interfere with the workings of the universe (deism), others imagine a moralistic God dispensing justice. Some conceive of God as an Intelligent Designer who acted with a purpose. Some give God human, perhaps male, attributes (anthropomorphism), others worship a female Goddess (Gaia). In sacred texts of many religions God is celebrated. Such words, I believe, are to be valued for what they inspire, not as divine words subject to literal interpretation.
Alternate Concise Characterization with Wikipedia Entries:
believes in God the Father
believes in God the Mother / Mother Goddess
accepts teleology, believes in God as Intelligent Designer
feels God doesn't intervene, values Deism
summary Wikipedia article: Monotheism
Numerical Characterization with TFJD code: 1231
Numerical Characterization with Emotional Volatility VI index: 108
Related Words, Beliefs, Background -- 54 entries Songs! Discussion from The Worldview Literacy Book
playing card related: these are diamond worldview themes: individual <---> knowledge card #8 concise description
|God (from online encyclopedia)|
|Creation--theology (from online encyclopedia)|
|Teleology (from online encyclopedia)|
|Theodicy (about "the problem of evil" or why a loving, all powerful God created evil, from the online encyclopedia)|
|Deistic Evolution (from online encyclopedia)|
|The Existence of God (arguments for and proofs of, from The Catholic Encyclopedia)|
|The Origins of Biblical Monotheism (by Dennis Prager, New York University professor)|
|Worldview Watch issue #59: How Belief in Evolution can Aid Monotheists and Win Sympathy for Climate Deniers|
|Worldview Watch issue #47: Paris, France and How Big and Majestic is Your Conception of God?|
|Worldview Watch issue #31: God, Science, Faith|
|Why be Blinded by Science and Materialism?|
|God, Viewed by Christianity and Other Religions|
|Monotheism (Christian-Catholic perspective)|
|God is Love...Love is life believing in itself by Manitongquat (poem offers Native American perspective)|
|"The Marketplace of Faith," by Jackson Dykman (report on American religious affiliations, in Time 3/10/08)|
|Ethical Monotheism (Jewish perspective)|
|An Introduction to Islamic Monotheism|
|The Question of God --the voice of Viktor Frankel in Man's Search for Meaning (on PBS website, find other voices on this question there also)|
|Religious Studies Popular Programs (links to 75 UCTV programs)|
|What is Monotheism? (atheist perspective)|
|Is There a God? by Marilyn Adamson (presents six reasons to believe in God)|
|"When Americans Say They Believe in God, What Do They Mean?" (Pew Research Report April 25 2018)|
|"The Future of God" by Deepak Chopra (review by Alex Kip of this PBS publicized film on The Huffington Post August 5 2014)|
|Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Aslan (book review on The Huffington Post Sep 3 2013)|
|Christians, Muslims and Jesus by Mona Siddiqui (book review from The Economist Aug 10 2013)|
|God: A Story of Revelation by Deepak Chopra (more about this 2012 book)|
|"Americans: Undecided About God?" by Eric Weiner (opinion article in NY Times December 13 2011)|
|"Philospher Sticks Up for God" by Jennifer Schuessler (review of book by Alvin Plantinga in NY Times Dec 2011)|
|"An Open Letter to the Atheist Community" by Rabbi Adam Jacobs (Feb 2011 letter on The Huffington Post)|
|A
History of God by Karen Armstrong
(July 2009 review by
Simon Blackburn of this book about monotheism posted on The Guardian)
|
|Is There a God? by Richard Swinburne (read portions of this 1996 book at Google Books)|
|Faith, Reason, God, by Cornelia Dean, NY Times (reviews of books by scientists (some believers, some atheists))|
|"Does Science Make Belief in God Obsolete?" (from the John Templeton Foundation website)|
|Cosmic Impressions: Traces of God in the Laws of Nature, by Walter Thirring (book by scientist looks at evidence of Creator)|
|"How Pope Benedict Reconciled God and the Big Bang" by G. Koprowski (Jan 15 2011 Fox News story)|
|
|
Fingerprints of God by Barbara B. Haggerty (watch 2010 interview of the NPR affiliated author of this book, posted on You Tube)
|How God Changes Your Brain, by A. Newberg and M. Waldman (read excerpts, reviews of 2009 book)|
|Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief, by Francis S. Collins (reviews of this 2006 book)|
|There is a God: How the World's Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind, by Atony Flew (NY Times review of 2007 book)|
|"Barrow and Tipler on the Anthropic Principle vs. Divine Design," by William Lane Craig (Christian perspective)|
|Polytheism|
|Spiritual Wholeness (New Age Catholic perspective)|
|Tolerant Monotheism (indications from Islamic tradition)|
|God Against the Gods: The History of the War Between Monotheism and Polytheism, by J. Kirsch|
|Bane of Monotheism|
|Goddess Worship|
|The World Union of Deists|
|Anthropomorphism|
|Intelligent Design (from online encyclopedia)|
|Anthropic Principle (from online encyclopedia)|
|Intelligent Design Network (seeks objectivity in origins science)|
|Intelligent Design? A special report from Natural History Magazine|
|Peer Reviewed Publications Supporting Intelligent Design (from The Discovery Institute)|
|"Life's Irreducible Structure," by Alex Williams (intelligent design promoted by appealing to autopoiesis)|
|quotes related to monotheism|
back to The Reality Marketplace to shop for more WV Themes
forward to next diamond theme, WV Theme #8B
"As you shop in "The Reality Marketplace" avoid
spending your "reality cash" too early, before you have
seen
everything. "
from Coming of Age in the Global Village, by Stephen P. Cook, with Donella H. Meadows. | https://projectworldview.org/wvtheme8A.htm |
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Half of the world’s population currently lives in urban areas, and that figure is expected to increase to around 75 percent by 2050. To address such expected future challenges in cultural diversity, sustainability, urban planning and security, the Cities for Life Global Initiative is mobilizing academic institutions across the world and has selected Purdue University to coordinate efforts in the United States.
The Cities for Life Global Initiative is being spearheaded by the city of Medellín, Colombia, which hosted a global meeting earlier this month. Suresh Garimella, Purdue's executive vice president for research and partnerships and Goodson Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering, was the keynote speaker for the kickoff event, which drew 2,000 participants representing 116 cities from around the world. He spoke about Purdue as a laboratory for innovation and a catalyst for regional economic development.
In connection with the meeting, Garimella released “A Concept Paper on Networks of Excellence for Research and Education,” which proposes the development of multinational collaborations involving government, business and university representatives. These education and research networks could propose innovative solutions to regional grand challenges, including education, energy, health, urban systems, sustainable agriculture and climate change. Purdue’s Cities for Life node will be modeled after this idea.
“In Colombia and across Latin America, we have had the privilege of partnering with many universities, companies, and government ministries and non-governmental organizations. Many institutions are committed to transforming research and education systems to serve the 21st century needs of the region, including development of knowledge-based economies,” said Garimella, who co-authored the paper with Anne Slaughter Andrew, former U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica, and electrical engineering professor and global affairs fellow David Janes.
“We developed the Networks of Excellence concept in order to accelerate progress toward robust and sustainable new programs in research and education. These networks can foster public-private partnerships, leverage resources and address issues of critical regional and global importance." | https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2015/Q3/purdue-to-serve-as-u.s.-node-for-cities-for-life-global-initiative.html |
Funded PhD Opportunity Next generation analyses in B cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders: generation of multi-omics datasets in multiple myeloma to enhance understanding of the biology of the tumour cell.
This opportunity is now closed.
Subject: Biomedical Sciences
Summary
Multiple Myeloma (MM), is an incurable haematological malignancy of end stage B lineage cells, or plasma cells. It has an incidence of approximately 65 new cases per million of the population per annum, with a male:female ratio of 1.3:1 and shows differences in incidence in different ethnic groups. Overall survivals have improved recently from a median of 3–4 years to 5–7 years, although upwards of 25% of patients survive for less than 24 months. Major obstacles to improved outcomes are the disease’s heterogeneity, drug resistance and the immunosuppressive nature of the tumour in its bone marrow microenvironment. Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS), from which most cases of MM are thought to evolve, has an incidence of 3-4% in the over 50 age group, with 1% of cases progressing to MM per annum. Smouldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM) constitutes approximately 14% of all cases of myeloma and carries a 10% risk per annum of progression to MM. Factors contributing to progression of these conditions are unclear.
There is an urgent need to improve understanding of their biology and identify biomarkers to enable prediction of disease progression, and responsiveness to specific treatments. This is a longitudinal study, with serial sampling of patients at different time points. Named collaborators include NHS clinicians caring for the patients. Significant preliminary findings include identification of tumour plasma cells in peripheral blood (PB) in approximately half the patients tested to date, including some with MGUS and some MM patients considered to be in complete remission (CR) using conventional criteria. Using multicolour flow cytometry, these cells are sorted and stored for future molecular analyses. Cellular, plasma and serum markers will be analysed on all patients, at each sampling time-point, to improve understanding of the clinical immunosupression that occurs and biological processes involved in disease progression, efficacy of, or resistance to, specific therapies, and identification of biomarkers which could be applied in clinical practice to enhance outcomes.
Most previous studies have used cell lines, or single patient samples only allowing a snapshot at one time-point. Serial sampling will facilitate analyses of tumour cells from presentation/diagnosis through to the almost inevitable relapse and development of drug resistance in terminal stages. This will contribute to improved understanding of proliferation, survival and drug resistance factors involved in disease progression in individual patients, the pathways involved, and may identify novel therapeutic targets for future drug development.
Specific investigations planned involve generation of large multi-omics datasets.Techniques will include next generation cellular, proteomic and molecular analyses available at NICSM, or outsourced to specialised laboratories in Europe and N America. Project will be mainly wet-lab based, with some bioinformatics components. Thus, we are seeking a student having a strong interest in cellular, proteomic and molecular investigations in oncology, in particular haemato-oncology. Knowledge of the innate and adaptive immune systems, and statistics/bioinformatics will be an added advantage.
For any informal enquiry and/or to discuss more about the project, please contact the supervisors: Dr Priyank Shukla ([email protected]), Professor Denis Alexander ([email protected]) and Professor Tony Bjourson ([email protected]).
Essential Criteria
- Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) Degree or equivalent from a UK institution (or overseas award deemed to be equivalent via UK NARIC)
- Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
- A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
Desirable Criteria
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
- First Class Honours (1st) Degree
- Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
- Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
- Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
- Work experience relevant to the proposed project
- Publications - peer-reviewed
- Experience of presentation of research findings
Funding
Vice Chancellors Research Scholarships (VCRS)
The scholarships will cover tuition fees and a maintenance award of £15,009 per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance). Applications are invited from UK, European Union and overseas students.
DFE
The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £15,009 per annum for three years. EU applicants will only be eligible for the fees component of the studentship (no maintenance award is provided). For Non EU nationals the candidate must be "settled" in the UK.
Other information
The Doctoral College at Ulster University
Launch of the Doctoral College
Current PhD researchers and an alumnus shared their experiences, career development and the social impact of their work at the launch of the Doctoral College at Ulster University.Watch Video
Reviews
My experience has been great and the people that I have worked with have been amazing
Kieran O'Donnell - 3D printing of biological cells for tissue engineering applicationsWatch Video
Throughout my PhD I’ve been provided with continuous support and guidance by my supervisors and the staff at the University.I’ve also received many opportunities to further enhance my professional development in the form of teaching experience and presenting my work at conferences which will aid in my pursuit of a career in academia or industry. | https://www.ulster.ac.uk/doctoralcollege/find-a-phd/237793 |
Your child is invited to join our 8-week yoga and mindfulness program.
Join children's yoga teacher Teleah for a creative, fun-filled 60min yoga class that uses a variety of mediums to explore yoga and its benefits for the mind, body and breath. Cleverly weaving storytelling, games and creative movement into the practice, students have an opportunity to cultivate strength, mobility, confidence and body awareness.
Mindfulness and meditation activities are also explored to improve concentration, develop self-awareness and cultivate a calm mind. Each week we will have a different focus but foundational postures and sequences will be practiced and mastered throughout the term.
These classes run during the school term (8wks) and are open to students aged 6-10 years.
In providing a safe, nurturing, and non-competitive environment, classes are limited to 12 students only. No prior experience necessary. | https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/kids-yoga-term-2-2021-tickets-149794400083?aff=ebdssbdestsearch |
The other day, while I was offering a session to a client, an image came into my mind of all the people who would benefit from this woman’s return to health. Of how much kindness, love, and support, she would spread in the future.
I started applying that to my own sittings: feeling the connection with everyone and how my well-being was also their well-being. It made my practice so much richer.
Often, when we practice meditation or an energy healing modality, we focus on our problems, on what needs to change or improve. We hold this so tight in our awareness that releasing it becomes a Herculean (if not impossible) task. We get frustrated, and may even leave our practice aside for lack of results.
Or we may feel selfish for investing time to work on ourselves instead of helping others or doing what society labels as productive. We forget that “if we don’t have tea, we can’t offer tea.”
So, for once, let’s focus on that tiny seed of joy we all carry inside—yes, it’s there, even if it may take us some time to find it. Let’s feed its growth with the warmth of our attention, allowing it to spread throughout our whole body and overflow into our surroundings, touching the lives of our loved ones and everyone with whom we come in contact.
How would that transform your practice? What ripple effect can you envision? I would love to hear about your experience.
Love and light, | https://diveintoreiki.com/blog/tag/healing |
(In yesterday's post, Julia praised Anthony Horowitz's The House of Silk: a Sherlock Holmes novel. Today she continues the theme, offering up a few interesting Sherlock Holmes read-a-likes)
The fictional character of Sherlock Holmes has been inspiring writers for years. If you like stories in the style of Arthur Conan Doyle or mysteries using the characters of Sherlock Holmes you can try some of the following pastiches* of Sherlock Holmes adventures:
1. I am very fond of Laurie King's Mary Russell series (M). The Beekeeper's Apprentice is the first book in the series:
"Long retired, Sherlock Holmes quietly pursues his study of honeybee behavior on the Sussex Downs. He never imagines he would encounter anyone whose intellect matched his own, much less an audacious teenage girl with a penchant for detection. Miss Mary Russell becomes Holmes' pupil and quickly hones her talent for deduction, disguises and danger. But when an elusive villain enters the picture, their partnership is put to a real test". - Book cover
2. I definitely would suggest The Final Solution: a story of detection (M) by Michael Chabon. The story is fascinating, moving and with a twist ending.
"Set in sleepy southern England in 1944, the story introduces a nine-year-old refugee, clearly intelligent but mute, and his constant companion, an African Gray parrot who spouts strings of numbers in German..."- From Barnes & Noble Review.
3. A strange but serious pastiche is Mitch Cullin's A Slight Trick of the Mind (M).
"It is 1947, and the long-retired Holmes, now 93, lives in a remote Sussex farmhouse, where his memories and intellect begin to go adrift. He lives with a housekeeper and her young son, Roger, whose patient, respectful demeanor stirs paternal affection in Holmes. Holmes has settled into the routine of tending his apiary, writing in journals, and grappling with the diminishing powers of his razor-sharp mind, when Roger comes upon a case hitherto unknown. It is that of a Mrs. Keller, the long-ago object of Holmes's deep-and never acknowledged-infatuation." - Book cover.
4. A Study in Sherlock: stories inspired by the Holmes canon (M) edited by Laurie King and Leslie Klinger.
"These stories take place around the edges of the Canon and make small feints of obeisance in its direction. Holmes, Watson, and the Baker Street lodgings all make their appearance, but quite often with a twist... This is a collection of Sherlockian crime stories to savor". - Baker Street Journal Review.
5. The Improbable Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: tales of mystery and imagination detailing the adventures of the world's most famous detective Mr. Sherlock Holmes (M) by John Adams. This anthology features Sherlock Holmes stories by Stephen King, Stephen Baxter, Anne Perry, Neil Gaiman, Anthony Burgess, and many others.
Dear readers, these are some of my picks? What are yours? | http://www.thereader.ca/2012/04/sherlock-holmes-pastiches.html |
You can't save the world.
In today’s culture, we place a high value on being busy and working hard. To be sure, the bible calls us to glorify the Lord through our work by pouring our hearts into everything we do (Col. 3:23-24; 1 Corinth. 15:58). But too often, this is taken too far. As we try to “save the world” for everyone else, we disregard our own spiritual well-being in the process. You can’t save the world.
Ironically, even the savior of the world demonstrated to us that we can’t save the world. Jesus frequently went away from his work to seek God the Father in solitude and prayer. In following Jesus’ actions, we have permission to pursue the fine balance between pouring ourselves fully into good earthly endeavors and retreating into silence, rest, and solitude to reconnect with God.
Other texts in this message: Colossians 3:23-24, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Matthew 14:13, Luke 5:15-16, Mark 6:30-34
Homework
Carve out a little time to connect to God everyday.
Devotional Recommendation:
My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
Book Recommendation:
Soul Keeping by Ortberg
Join a small group
Song Recommendations: | https://www.capitalchurch.com/saving-the-world/ |
Metacognitive deficits predict future levels of negative symptoms in schizophrenia controlling for neurocognition, affect recognition, and self-expectation of goal attainment.
The recalcitrance of negative symptoms in the face of pharmacologic treatment has spurred interest in understanding the psychological factors that contribute to their formation and persistence. Accordingly, this study investigated whether deficits in metacognition, or the ability to form integrated ideas about oneself, others, and the world, prospectively predicted levels of negative symptoms independent of deficits in neurocognition, affect recognition and defeatist beliefs. Participants were 53 adults with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Prior to entry into a rehabilitation program, all participants completed concurrent assessments of metacognition with the Metacognitive Assessment Scale-Abbreviated, negative symptoms with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, neurocognition with the MATRICS battery, affect recognition with the Bell Lysaker Emotion Recognition Task, and one form of defeatist beliefs with the Recovery Assessment Scale. Negative symptoms were then reassessed one week, 9weeks, and 17weeks after entry into the program. A mixed effects regression model revealed that after controlling for baseline negative symptoms, a general index of neurocognition, defeatist beliefs and capacity for affect recognition, lower levels of metacognition predicted higher levels of negative symptoms across all subsequent time points. Poorer metacognition was able to predict later levels of elevated negative symptoms even after controlling for initial levels of negative symptoms. Results may suggest that metacognitive deficits are a risk factor for elevated levels of negative symptoms in the future. Clinical implications are also discussed.
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Community/Civic Engagement - Listening
Pauselab believes that their is a vast amount knowledge and experience that resides in every city. Whether stored in the minds of adults, officials, business owners, developers, or children, we work to understand and share this knowledge in order to make thoughtful decision that will effect local neighborhoods,
In order to unlock this information, Pauselab engages communities in dynamic ways to understand their experiences and express their voice. We accomplish this using a variety of tools to make their perspectives tangible. Whether putting a camera in the hand of a child to document what is valuable in their neighborhood or recording the oral histories of the elderly, these modes of listening provide a robust picture of what people know and value. In doing so we begin to listen to one another, but also create opportunities for building leaders that allows residents to more effectively participate in their own communities.
Definition - Community Engagement
Community Engagement refers to the process of building permanent relationships for the purpose of applying a collective vision for the benefit of a community. | http://pauselab.com/community-engagement/ |
While we would love to be those free wheeling kind of travelers who never make plans and simply go wherever the wind blows, in truth our reality doesn’t allow for that kind of spontaneity. We actually tried that method of travel during our first year, and while it worked most of the time, we quickly learned that there are some times when it pays to plan ahead. Holidays and school vacations in particular. Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, and New Year’s Eve are the big ones. Either you need to reserve a spot far in advance, or you need to find a place out in the boonies where the hordes of holiday vacationers wouldn’t dare go. We’ve gone both routes.
The second reason why we plan is because we work. I only do some casual travel writing that requires no schedule, but for the past two years Tim has had a real job, where he’s expected to work real hours (m-f 8-4). Which means in general we stay in one spot for at least a week and only travel on the weekends. We’ve found that this schedule works best if we have at least a loose plan. We make a few reservations at the popular spots that we know will fill up (or during holidays) and leave the rest of the weeks open so we can make changes as we see fit.
Over the last few weeks we’ve been busy planning our route through the spring and summer. We already had a general plan to leave the Keys near the end of February and head up the east coast with our final destination being Vermont (where we’re from) for the month of September. Along the way we have several planned meet-ups with family and friends, a day at Disney World, and a 4 day camping/music weekend at a Bluegrass Festival in Virginia. We’ve made a loose itinerary around those events and a few reservations for the places we plan to go after leaving the Keys, along with the always busy 4th of July week.
We have our route mostly planned out, but are still working on where to stay in many of the locations. Since we tend to get the best recommendations from other travelers, I thought it would be fun to share our plans and ask all of you for any advice on places to stay, things to see, foods to eat, etc. along the way. Of course, we’re also always up for meeting fellow travelers, so please let us know if we’ll be near you at any point. Thanks!
2015 January-October
1/1 – 2/26 Florida Keys
2/22 – 2/27 Lake Worth, FL (R) John Prince CP (Stopping here to see some friends from VT who are visiting family in Boca Raton)
2/28 – 3/6 Orlando, FL (R) Bill Fredrick CP (We’re going to Disney World!!!)
3/7 – 3/14 St. Augustine, FL Anastasia SP (Full for that week right now, so we’re trying to get in on a cancellation. Any other ideas in the area?)
3/15 – 3/21 Jekyll Island, GA Jekyll Island CP ***update*** A FB reader told us to book Jekyll Island early. I checked & they were already full. Reserved a week at the nearby Blythe Island Regional Park instead. | http://www.watsonswander.com/2015/future-plans/ |
Location: Corner of 7th St. & Main St.
Johnson took over as president after John F. Kennedy’s assassination. The next year he was nominated to run for the Democratic Party for the presidency with Hubert Humphrey as his vice-president. He was opposed by Barry Goldwater. Johnson refused to debate Goldwater. Johnson easily won with 61% of the popular vote and 486 of the electoral votes. Johnson escalated the war in Vietnam and eventually had to turn to peace when the U.S. was unable to achieve victory. He is also remembered for his Great Society policies where Medicare, Medicaid, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 1968 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were passed among other programs. Also during Johnson's administration, Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968. | https://www.visitrapidcity.com/things-to-do/city-presidents/lyndon-b-johnson |
Today, Yann Le Cam, Chief Executive Officer of EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe, and Durhane Wong-Rieger, Chair of the Council of Rare Diseases International and President of the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders, met with Dr Tedros, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), to discuss a shared vision for the more than 300 million people living with a rare disease across the world.
Rare Barometer Voices today launches a new global survey to better understand rare disease patients’ experience of treatments. The online survey is available in 23 languages and open to participants from around the world.
At today’s Rare Disease Day 2019 Policy Event held at the United Nations (UN), the NGO Committee for Rare Diseases is launching a call for (i) The integration of rare diseases into the upcoming landmark UN political declaration on universal health coverage (UHC), and (ii) A UN resolution on rare diseases.
The Global Commission to End the Diagnostic Odyssey for Children, co-chaired by Takeda, Microsoft and EURORDIS, today announced its actionable recommendations in a report to address the barriers to diagnosis for people living with a rare disease.
The countdown has begun to Rare Disease Day 2019 on 28 February. People around the world are joining the global movement for rare diseases by taking part in the #ShowYourRare campaign, holding events and raising awareness.
EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe celebrates the recipients of the 2019 EURORDIS Black Pearl Awards.
The European Parliament (EP) today adopted the Regulation on EU cooperation on health technology assessment (HTA) with a majority of 576 votes in favor to 56 against and 41 abstentions. EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe congratulates the EP and the Rapporteur, MEP Soledad Cabezón Ruiz, for today’s vote. However, MEPs rejected amendments supported by EURORDIS to ensure patients’ adequate participation in the EU HTA Coordination Group (as full members) and in joint HTA work.
Ahead of the upcoming European Parliamentary plenary session, EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe is calling on MEPs to support amendments to the Regulation on EU cooperation on health technology assessment (HTA) so that the legislation: (i) Guarantees adequate participation of patients in EU HTA cooperation (ii) Avoids unnecessary bureaucratic burden and provides for the creation of an efficient and quick HTA procedure at the European level.
At the 2018 Rare Diseases International (RDI) Annual Meeting that took place in Vienna this week, members of RDI voted to become incorporated as a legally independent organisation.
On the opening day of the European Conference on Rare Diseases & Orphan Products 2018 Vienna (ECRD), EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe, an alliance of nearly 800 rare disease patient groups and organiser of the conference, is calling for a new EU policy framework and strong drive from the EU institutions in the area of rare diseases.
EURORDIS-Rare Disease Europe calls on the European Commission to secure the continuous and sustained involvement of UK healthcare providers as members of the newly established European Reference Networks (ERNs) in the forthcoming Brexit negotiations with the UK government.
EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe calls on the European Parliament and Member States to adopt the European Commission’s (EC) proposal, published today, for a future European cooperation on Health Technology Assessment (HTA).
Out now - Rare Disease Day 2018 video!
The official Rare Disease Day 2018 video launches today and is already available in 24 languages, kicking off the international patient-led movement that puts rare diseases in the spotlight.
EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe announces the winners of the EURORDIS Black Pearl Awards 2018.
Rare Barometer Voices today launches a new survey to collect the experiences and views of rare disease patients, families and carers on how, with whom and for what purpose they want to share their health information. The survey is available in 23 languages and open to participants around the world.
EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe and its over 700 member patient organisations today launch a new position paper calling for urgent, radical change to ensure patients’ full and fast access to rare disease therapies in Europe. Read the paper at eurordis.org/accesspaper.
EURORDIS is leading the launch of the new network with the aim of bringing together members of the European and national parliaments to ensure strong international and local action, shape political input for current and future legislation and integrate rare diseases into all relevant policies at all levels.
Rare Barometer Voices goes global!
Rare Barometer Voices, the EURORDIS survey tool that collects the opinions of rare disease patients, families and carers, is now open to participants around the world. Formerly available to participants in Europe, Rare Barometer Voices is now available in all countries. Surveys are conducted in 23 languages.
The first Europe-wide survey on the social impact of rare diseases has revealed that rare diseases have a serious impact on everyday life for over 80% of patients and families.
EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe today publishes a new position on compassionate use, calling for the adoption of measures to revolutionise patients’ access to new medicines through Compassionate Use Programmes (CUP).
The European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) today wins the inaugural overall European Ombudsman’s Award for Good Administration for its work in promoting cross-border collaboration to improve the lives of the 30 million people living with a rare disease in Europe. The nomination for this award was made by EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe.
At today’s Conference on the Development and Access of Medicines for Rare Diseases, held by the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the EU and the Malta Medicines Authority, participants recognise the need for structured, voluntary cooperation between EU Member States to improve rare disease patients’ access to better diagnosis, care, therapies and technologies.
On this momentous day, with the rare disease community at large represented, EURORDIS launches a Declaration calling for improved mechanisms of structured cooperation across EU Member States to address the unmet needs of people living with a rare disease.
Today, on the 10th edition of Rare Disease Day, the European Commissioner for Health & Food Safety, Vytenis Andriukaitis and Chief Executive Officer of EURORDIS, Yann Le Cam, launch 24 European Reference Networks (ERNs).
Today, at its second Multi-Stakeholder Symposium, EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe initiates a collaborative process between all stakeholders involved in developing medicines that aims to improve patients’ access to rare disease medicines.
Vytenis Andriukaitis, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, this evening presents the EURORDIS Awards 2017 at a ceremony in Brussels.
Press release also available in French.
Patients around the world will mark the tenth annual Rare Disease Day on Tuesday 28 February. In the build up to Rare Disease Day 2017, the official video launches today.
The European Commission today announces the first 23 European Reference Networks for rare diseases (ERNs). This momentous step comes after years of collaboration and efforts between rare disease patients, clinical experts, and policy makers in EU Member States, at the European Commission and the European Parliament to bring the ERNs to fruition.
EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe today launches a new survey on the impact of rare diseases on daily life. The survey is the first to be launched under Rare Barometer Voices, a community of people living with or affected by a rare disease who participate in EURORDIS surveys and studies. People living with a rare disease, parents and other family members can take part in the survey (available in 23 languages) and patient organisations are also invited to encourage their members to participate.
MIT’s NEW Drug Development ParadIGmS (NEWDIGS) program announced today that EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe, the European Organisation for Rare Diseases, has joined its international effort to accelerate delivery of new, better, affordable therapeutics to patients faster. NEWDIGS brings together pharmaceutical and biotech companies, regulators, insurers, patient advocacy groups, and other healthcare stakeholders to design modern systems that connect scientific discovery to patient care.
EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe welcomes the Council of the European Union’s conclusions on strengthening the balance in the pharmaceutical system in the EU, published today, but expresses reservations about a statement that proposes the wrong solutions to problems surrounding access to medicines, which affect people living with a rare disease.
EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe and its member organisations are calling for more collaboration between all relevant national and European authorities and the pharmaceutical industry to streamline the medicine pricing process so that patients can access the medicines they need.
The 8th edition of the European Conference on Rare Diseases & Orphan Products (ECRD) kicks off today in Edinburgh. Held for the first time in the UK, ECRD 2016 brings together more than 700 participants from over 40 countries including patient representatives, healthcare professionals, researchers, industry, payers, regulators and policy makers.
EURORDIS, the European Organisation for Rare Diseases, today launches a new Rare Disease Platform in Barcelona. The Rare Disease Platform will be housed at the historic Santa Apollònia Pavilion of the Sant Pau Art Nouveau site, Barcelona and brings together the activities of local, national, European and international rare disease patient groups.
Register for Rare Barometer Voices to make your voice heard!
EURORDIS, the European Organisation for Rare Diseases, invites rare disease patients, family members and patient representatives to register for Rare Barometer Voices, a new interactive survey panel available in 23 languages that collects the experiences of people that are living with or affected by a rare disease.
A unique combination of representatives from industry, patient groups, academia, health-technology-assessment bodies, regulators and payers came together to discuss the pressing issue of how to improve patients’ access to rare disease therapies across Europe. Speakers at the EURORDIS Multi-Stakeholder Symposium on Improving Patient Access to Rare Disease Therapies include EU Commissioner for Health & Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis and Member of the European Parliament for Belgium Philippe de Backer.
On 23 February, Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium presents the 2016 EURORDIS Awards at the EURORDIS Awards and Black Pearl Evening in Brussels.
The EURORDIS Awards recognise outstanding patient advocates and organisations, volunteers, scientists, companies, media and policy makers who have contributed to reducing the impact of rare diseases on people's lives.
On the 29 February, the rarest day of the year, patients around the world marked the ninth annual Rare Disease Day. People living with or affected by a rare disease, patient organisations, politicians, carers, medical professionals, researchers and industry come together in solidarity to raise awareness of rare diseases. Rare Disease Day is a patient-led campaign and everyone can get involved!
Rare Diseases International (RDI), the European Organisation for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS) and the International Conference on Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs (ICORD) today jointly announce a significant new collaboration to boost progress on rare disease policy worldwide at ICORD 2015, the 10th ICORD Conference.
The global voice for rare disease patients launches today. Over 60 patient representatives from 30 countries are gathering in Madrid, Spain for the inauguration of Rare Diseases International and to adopt a joint declaration to advocate for rare diseases as an international public health priority.
EURORDIS and the 30 National Alliance rare disease patient organisations from around the world organised the annual awareness campaign to put rare diseases in the spotlight!
Throughout the world, hundreds of rare disease patient organisations and their partners joined forces to promote awareness for rare diseases and the millions of people affected by them. Thousands of events took place, bringing together hundreds of thousands of people in solidarity to improve the lives of people living with a rare disease and their families.
The European Organisation for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS) yesterday presented its 2015 Awards for excellence in the field of rare diseases at the EURORDIS Black Pearl Gala Dinner, held to mark Rare Disease Day 2015 which takes place on 28 February.
EU Commissioner for Health & Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis heads an exciting agenda of speakers at this year’s EURORDIS Policy Event, which takes place today in Brussels. The event, which is being held to mark the 8th Rare Disease Day, sees people living with a rare disease discuss the ‘rare but real’ game-changing influence they have had on policy with relevant decision makers. | https://www.eurordis.org/pt-pt/content/eurordis-press-releases |
Learn about the legal issues that arise when someone brings a legal claim alleging injury due to chemicals or toxins.
The phrase "toxic tort" refers to different types of personal injury cases that have one thing in common: the plaintiff alleges harm due to exposure to some kind of toxin or chemical.
These cases are complicated because injuries might not happen quite so visibly or might not occur until many years later. Additionally, proving that an illness or injury was directly caused by the toxin or chemical exposure is often very difficult.
In this section, we'll cover the various legal issues that arise in these types of cases.
Get Informed Articles & Information
Introduction & Overviewmore
Introduction & Overview
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An Introduction to Toxic Torts
Toxic torts are personal injury cases involving exposure to a chemical or toxin that causes medical injury or health problems.
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Causation & Class Action Lawsuits
Proving exposure to a chemical or toxin caused an injury is the hardest part of a toxic tort case.
Asbestos & Mesothelioma Casesmore
Asbestos & Mesothelioma Cases
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Workers Exposed to Asbestos: Laws and Legal Remedies
Workers harmed by asbestos exposure may be able to sue for damages based on negligence, or on a product liability theory.
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Asbestos Exposure and Injury Laws
See our section dedicated to asbestos related injury cases.
Exposure at Workmore
Exposure at Work
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Laws on Toxic Chemical Exposure in the Workplace
An overview of some federal and state laws that come into play when a worker is exposed to (and harmed by) toxic chemicals.
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Injury Claims for Exposure to Chemicals on the Job
The most common remedy for a worker injured by exposure to a chemical or toxin is a workers compensation claim, but in some cases a civil lawsuit may be an option.
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Options Under Workers' Compensation
Workers made ill by exposure to hazardous chemicals in the workplace are nearly always covered under their state’s workers' compensation system. Here's an overview of workers' rights and the benefits available.
Other Types of Casesmore
Other Types of Cases
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Lawsuits for Toxic Mold Exposure in Your Home
Depending on the circumstances, property owners may be able to sue the builder or contractor for allowing toxic mold to grow and spread.
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Homeowner's Insurance Claims for Toxic Mold
If you've been exposed to toxic mold in your home, your homeowner's insurance policy may cover the clean-up, and you may be able to sue the home builder.
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Lead Paint Exposure & Lead Poisoning
An overview of the dangers of lead exposure, and the legal remedies available in common situations.
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Landlord Liability for Carbon Monoxide Exposure
If a tenant suffers carbon monoxide poisoning, the landlord may be held liable in a personal injury lawsuit.
Talk to a Lawyer
Need a lawyer? Start here. | http://www.alllaw.com/resources/personal-injury/chemical-exposure-injury-cases |
Purpose – This paper aims to estimate the green premium effect of retrofitted apartments in Bucharest and draw comparisons with international examples. Design/methodology/approach – A geo-referenced transaction database including information on whether the property had been retrofitted is utilised. The paper uses two approaches to test the green premium. One is a hedonic model controlled by areas to estimate the price incentive of a green building. The second is a STAR GLS model evaluating the diffusion effect of house prices spatially by sub-market and assessment upon the pricing effect of green characteristics. Findings – The authors’ findings suggest a green premium in two Bucharest areas of between 2.2 per cent and 6.5 per cent. Spatial diffusion effects are shown to contribute positively to house prices, but the unobserved spatial component reduces this effect. Originality/value – This paper is the first to assess price impacts of green characteristics in Bucharest and one of the first analysing green premium using spatial techniques. The analysis is of significance to policymakers and real estate developers. | http://rua.ua.es/dspace/handle/10045/69252 |
"The Catholic charismatic renewal is not a single, unified world wide movement. It does not have a single founder or group of founders as many other movements do. It has no membership lists. It is a highly diverse collection of individuals, groups and activities, often quite independent of one another, in different stages and modes of development and with differing emphases, that nevertheless share the same fundamental experience and espouse the same general goals. This pattern of loose-knit relationships is found at the diocesan and national levels as well as on the international level. These relationships are very often characterised by free association, dialogue, and collaboration rather than by integration into an ordered structure. Leadership is characterised more by offering service to those who want it rather than by governance.
The central goals of Catholic charismatic renewal, or Catholic Pentecostal renewal as it is also called, include:
1. To foster mature and continuous personal conversion to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
2. To foster a decisive personal receptivity to the person, presence and the power of the Holy Spirit.
These two spiritual graces are often experienced together in what is called in different parts of the world a baptism in the Holy Spirit, or a release of the Holy Spirit, or a renewal of the Holy Spirit. They are most often understood as a personal acceptance of the graces of Christian initiation and as an empowering for personal Christian service in the Church and in the world.
3. To foster the reception and use of the spiritual gifts (charismata) not only in the charismatic renewal but also in the broader Church. These gifts, ordinary and extraordinary are abundantly found among laity, religious and clergy. Their proper understanding and use in harmony with other elements of the church life is a source of strength for Christians on their journey towards holiness and in the carrying out of their mission.
4. To foster the work of evangelization in the power of the Holy Spirit, including the evangelization of the unchurched, the re-evangelization of nominal Christians, the evangelization of culture and social structures. The renewal especially promotes sharing in the Church's mission by proclaiming the gospel in word and deed, and by bearing witness to Jesus Christ through personal testimony and through those works of faith and justice to which each one is called.
5. To foster the ongoing growth in holiness through the proper integration of these charismatic emphases with the full life of the Church. This is accomplished through participation in a rich sacramental and liturgical life, and appreciation of the tradition of Catholic prayer and spirituality, and ongoing formation in Catholic doctrine guided by the Church's magisterium, and participation in the pastoral plan of the Church.
These goals and the projects that flow from them have marked the Catholic charismatic renewal in individuals, prayer groups, communities, local, diocesan and national service teams and ministries."
This text comes from the ICCRS-statutes, seewww.iccrs.org, also in other languages.
Dutch translation of the goals: see StuCom 0072.
ICCRS in Rome is the serving the charismatic renewal in the Catholic Church world-wide. | https://stucom.nl/document/0073uk.htm |
“Imagine a world where the difference between man and machine blurs, where the line between humanity and technology fades, and where soul and silicon unite. This is not science fiction, but a very real possibility in a few short decades.”
Those words wouldn’t command much authority if their author, Raymond C. Kurzweil, hadn’t already proven himself as a high-tech visionary – an inventor who designs and makes the machines that will alter our future.
Nearly everyone would like to create something unique, but Kurzweil has developed a remarkable system for doing it. “I do all my work while I’m sleeping. Every night before I go to sleep I think about an issue and think about a solution,” he said.
“In the twilight stage, while I’m dreaming, that’s the most creative time. All the sensors in your head are relaxed. I think about the issue again in the morning and can write a whole chapter of a new book, write a speech or come up with a new invention in just a few minutes.”
That may sound far-fetched, but consider the fact that Kurzweil, a 1970 graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, invented the first commercial computer system that responds to spoken commands and the first print-to-speech machine to read to the blind.
“The thing that excites me the most is having an impact on people’s lives,” said Kurzweil, who received last year’s National Medal of Technology, the country’s highest award for technological innovation. “Our machines have helped tens of thousands of blind people.”
His father, who was a concert pianist, conductor, and composer, predicted that Kurzweil would eventually combine his interest in music and computers. “I’ve always wanted to be an inventor, since age 4,” Kurzweil said. “When I was 12 I built my own computer. I went to the used electronic parts stores on Canal Street in New York and found the parts.”
In high school, he started experimenting with pattern recognition. “I built a computer that could write melodies in the same style as a piece by Mozart,” he said. Ever since that time, he’s pursued his fascination with pattern recognition, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality.
“I wanted to model the real world inside the computer,” said Kurzweil. He eventually developed music synthesizers, and founded two speech recognition companies that he sold for over $70 million. Today, one of his inventions, the Kurzweil 1000 computer system, is used in thousands of schools around the country by blind people, who scan a book into the computer and then listen to the machine read the text out loud.
The CEO of Kurzweil Technologies, an incubator in Wellesley, Massachusetts, has enjoyed the fruits of his labor: he met President Clinton to receive the national award. “It was very gratifying to be recognized, but it’s even more satisfying when I get a letter from a blind student saying they were able to get their education because of the Kurzweil reading machine,” he said.
Kurzweil is also a prolific writer, a Carl Sagan of the computer world, committed to explaining his ideas with popular books such as The Age of Intelligent Machines and The Age of Spiritual Machines: When Computers Exceed Human Intelligence.
And he still is coming up with new ideas. One of his newer companies is applying pattern recognition to the stock market with a new program he designed. “It’s able to predict what the stock market is going to do,” Kurzweil said.
Is he going to sell the new program to the public? Fat chance. Instead of making it available to everyone, Kurzweil is organizing an investment fund around the new software program.
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Get the latest market pricing for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity. | https://www.salary.com/articles/dream-job-inventor/ |
BOSTON—As more targeted therapies for non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) become available, experts are assessing which patients’ tumors should be genotyped and when. Although genotyping—not to be confused with genetic testing—is becoming increasingly important in developing a treatment plan, professional guidelines do not yet recommend incorporating it as a routine part of care for patients with NSCLC.
Whether to test prior to initiating therapy depends on each patient’s clinical situation, according to Michele Myers, BSN, RN, OCN. “I would recommend that patients who have a lifelong history of being a never-smoker, as well as patients with a light smoking history (<10 pack-years) have their tumors genotype tested,” Myers, who is a thoracic access nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston, told The Oncology Nurse-APN/PA.
In April, the American Society of Clinical Oncology issued a provisional clinical opinion (PCO) recommending genotype testing in patients with advanced NSCLC if first-line therapy with an epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor is being considered. Studies show that EGFR inhibitors gefitinib (Iressa) and erlotinib (Tarceva) are less effective in patients with NSCLC who do not have EGFR mutations. Myers hailed the PCO as a positive step for patients. “My hope is that those patients, especially in the community setting, will now have the same access to genotyping as those patients who are seen and treated in a tertiary care setting.”
The most common mutations in NSCLC include HER2, P1K3CA, EGFR,MET, PDGFR, BRAF, ALK, and KRAS, according toLecia V. Sequist, MD, MP, with MGH’s thoracic division and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. More than one-quarter of patients have none of these, suggesting many more mutations await discovery. Although studies show erlotinib is effective in EGFR-positive NSCLC, it is not approved for the first-line setting. Sequist said the Iressa Pan-Asia Study (IPASS), which compared gefitinib with chemotherapy in NSCLC, showed that EGFR-positive patients had longer progression-free survival and better symptom control and quality of life when treated with gefitinib. Gefitinib is not readily available in the United States and not approved for general use in patients with NSCLC.
Crizotinib is another promising targeted therapy and, if approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, will be indicated for the 2% to 5% of NSCLC patients with an EML4-ALK translocation. Other targeted agents under evaluation in NSCLC include PLX4032, PF02341066, BEZ235, afatinib, and imatinib.
Nursing education does not adequately prepare nurses for the transformation under way in how lung cancer is treated. “Nurses right now in general practice are used to the typical drug treatments that are chosen based on where in the body the cancer is found,” said Myers. “Going forward, nurses will need to have a basic understanding of what genotype tumor-tissue testing entails and how this could benefit their cancer patients.” She added that providing general education on which patients with cancer should be tested, along with how and when, and how to use those results “will allow oncology nurses to advocate and participate in decisions and discussions for their cancer patients.”
Some larger institutions, such as MGH, already genotype tumors in all patients with newly diagnosed NSCLC. MGH uses its custom SNAPSHOT panel for analyzing a core biopsy sample of tumor tissue. “SNAPSHOT provides information on 110 different mutations involving 13 different genes,” Myers said. “Once we know the genetic profile of a patient’s lung cancer, we can then pair the patient with the best targeted therapy for their cancer,” she explained.
Different degrees of testing are available commercially and through tertiary care centers, yet “patients can face many different obstacles in getting the tissue genotype tested,” said Myers. Commercial testing for EGFR, KRAS, and ALK mutations is available but requires patients to follow up with the local oncologist to determine eligibility for a targeted therapy. For much broader “package” testing at tertiary care centers, it is incumbent on patients to locate centers that provide the testing.
Last fall, a 2-year lung cancer mutation consortium was launched at 14 sites around the country. Myers said these institutions are providing free testing to patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma with the genotyping protocol developed at MGH, to identify 10 genetic mutations. “Patients will then be referred to the appropriate clinical trial or therapies based on the individual molecular profile results,” she said. | http://theoncologypharmacist.com/ton-online-first/3160-ton-3160 |
Tag Archives: Information Security A Configurational Approach of the Relationship between Information Security Management and Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Kenya (European - American Journals, 2014-07)Enterprises corresponding to a backbone of a modern society recognize information security management (ISM) as one of business management factors.Companies suffer significant financial and reputational damage due to ...
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Task Based Learning as an Alternative Approach to the Teaching of Languages in Kenyan Schools: Towards Best Practices (2014)Although language syllabuses in Kenyan primary and secondary schools encourage teachers to involve learners in their own learning, actual classroom practices reveal that this is not fully implemented for various reasons. ...
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Tea and biofertilizers: A below ground biodiversity sustainable approach (2015)Tea is produced in the humid tropical and sub-tropical regions, which are home to rich biodiversity. The tea plantation environments have the potential to conserve a rich biodiversity which could serve as a source of ...
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Tea trade in Kenyan markets: Effects of marketing strategies on sustainable domestic market and return to the smallholder tea enterprise (2015)Kenya is the third largest tea producer and the leading producer of black tea in the world. It exports over 99% of her tea as black CTC of which 88% is exported in bulk form while the rest as value added tea. Kenyan tea ...
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The Teaching of English Idioms in Kenyan Secondary Schools: Difficulties and Effective Strategies (Australian International Academic Centre, 2016)
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Technological capability of the Marist International University College to support a knowledge management initiative (University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2014-12-14)This article is based on a Master’s degree study which aimed to conduct a knowledge management (KM) assessment at the Marist International University College (MIUC), Nairobi-Kenya. Adopting the technology aspect of ...
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Technological Innovation: Higher Education, Small Manufacturing Enterprises Growth and the Five (i) Technological Development Model In Kenya (International Journal of Innovative Technology and Research, 2015-07): In Less Developed Countries (LDCs), most graduates from higher institutions learning are absorbed in the informal sector and/or micro and small enterprises. Knowledge development through training, research and experiential ...
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The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and its Application to the Utilization of Mobile Learning Technologies (SCIENCEDOMAIN international, 2017-02)Researchers have argued that inclusion of technologies in the teaching-learning places must be preceded by the user accepting the technology. Without this effort, the technologies remain abandoned or heavily underutilized ...
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RSA 2048-Bit Public Key - 35CE3296A4A08FE1AA8D09650A9B3ACB2CC1DA64
Key Summary:
Type: RSA 2048-Bit Public Key
Identifier: 35:CE:32:96:A4:A0:8F:E1:AA:8D:09:65:0A:9B:3A:CB:2C:C1:DA:64
Name: www.entrust.net
Received at FYIcenter.com on: 2019-11-10
Public Key Detailed Information:
Key Details: Type: RSA Size (bits): 2048 Modulus (n): ead07cd63a23896835f7b5b4884014aa5e9f4657949acb6ce46c21cb2521f3e3 21ac7081b7df020fef122545a684a0c43996e952dd07eb273b7f1aa861ce41d8 d2c62aee462f72a29e87ed93fc3d6208444c1c4faa7c7059d1c76af59c004d6d 3315d1fd0280a4a8cc00979641d75eaecc1c80f2ac4b0e23065f5bd984a6ba18 0f16b33fa418317c0a49a589cb72220cfd9b204b71d24e4dea74912d5fc4493a cf4558c2b55dee3f249ae90f4d6cea79047e3b2705219a05ac4b873fd2bed0c8 77923dca26fb3f7ddcf0fa5b96873d3ef855849a8f694cfd6a0b696553f10c05 92408e055631ae875cbc8f5b9d2142acc67b84c64c5d0cba9d4dc8379f756ad3 Public Exponent (e): 65537 (0x010001)
Public Key in PEM Format:
-----BEGIN PUBLIC KEY----- MIIBIjANBgkqhkiG9w0BAQEFAAOCAQ8AMIIBCgKCAQEA6tB81jojiWg197W0iEAU ql6fRleUmsts5GwhyyUh8+MhrHCBt98CD+8SJUWmhKDEOZbpUt0H6yc7fxqoYc5B 2NLGKu5GL3Kinoftk/w9YghETBxPqnxwWdHHavWcAE1tMxXR/QKApKjMAJeWQdde rswcgPKsSw4jBl9b2YSmuhgPFrM/pBgxfApJpYnLciIM/ZsgS3HSTk3qdJEtX8RJ Os9FWMK1Xe4/JJrpD01s6nkEfjsnBSGaBaxLhz/SvtDId5I9yib7P33c8Ppbloc9 PvhVhJqPaUz9agtpZVPxDAWSQI4FVjGuh1y8j1udIUKsxnuExkxdDLqdTcg3n3Vq 0wIDAQAB -----END PUBLIC KEY-----
Certificates with the Same Key: We found that this key matches certificate(s) recorded previously . Please review them below. If priviate key matches someone else's certificate, stop using it!
ID Common Name (CN) Key Identifier Date Comparison 6840 www.entrust.net 35CE3296A4A08... 2019-11-10 Same Key ID
✍: FYIcetner.com
2020-12-22, 0👍, 0💬
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Certificate Summary: Subject: Entrust.net Certification Authority (2048) Issuer: Entrust.net Certifi... | http://certificate.fyicenter.com/6841_RSA_2048-Bit_Public_Key-35CE3296A4A08FE1AA8D09650A9B3ACB2CC1DA64.html |
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Aaron D. Gifford's PGP Public Key
If you are familiar with PGP, may I present my PGP public key. Actually it is a 2048-bit RSA/RSA key generated with the fully OpenPGP-compliant (RFC 2440) PGP-compatible GNU Privacy Guard ("GnuPG" or "GPG") software package, an excellent open source software package distributed under the GNU General Public License ("GPL"). | http://www.aarongifford.com/pgp.html |
Synergy CMC transforms people and organizations by developing their Extraordinary Human Potential.
Synergy CMC is a bespoke management consulting agency that specializes in Transformational Change through Values Based Leadership in mid, large and enterprise sized organizations, globally. Our core principles of Culture, Leadership and Innovation guide us in working with Executives, Entrepreneurs and Boards in developing their Extraordinary Human Potential.
Our niche is customizing Programs and Consulting Strategies for achieving Powerful Breakthroughs and Bottom-Line Results maximizing outcomes of High Performing Individuals, Teams and Leaders.
We do this is by using scientifically validated Assessment Tools and the Brain Trust of our Global Experts. Our Consultants and Facilitators are Certified in World-Class Leadership and Change Management processes. Our Experts are among some of the world’s foremost Thought Leaders, and collectively have worked with thousands of organizations, and Fortune 500 companies, in multiple languages, generating Transformational Change. | https://www.predictiveindex.com/partners/synergycmc |
The Twins:
Clangeddin – God of Bravery and Battle – son of Moradin and Hestia
Abbathor – God of Treachery in Battle – son of Moradin and Hestia
RELIGION
Religion holds a deep and meaningful place in the hearts of most dwarves, though organized religious services are rare and most individuals go to temples only on special occasions or when they need healing. Temples are places of learning and worship, where children are taught their runes and history, and dwarves go to offer thanks to Moradin, Hestia, and other dwarven deities. Regular services are rarely held, except during the festivals honoring the deities. Instead, each individual chooses his time to visit the temple and give worship, often bringing offerings for the church or volunteering for lay services such as teaching, cleaning, cooking, or other beneficial community acts.
As a dwarf child grows, he is taught all about the deities and their legends. From the moment of birth, a priest is present to offer blessings and consecrate the child to Moradin (if male) or Hestia (if female). Certain birthmarks or other unusual circumstances can reveal the child as being claimed by one of the lesser deities — a rare occurrence, but one that marks the child as having a special destiny.
On a child’s first naming day, he takes his formal name under the glow from Moradin’s sacred forge in the temple. Upon adulthood, he feasts on the sacred honey-ale for the first time from the ceremonial temple chalice. Upon being wed, he reenacts the wedding of Moradin and Hestia, complete with the earthsilk cords that bind the newlyweds’ hands at the end, symbolically indicating their union. At death, a priest sings hymns of Moradin and his Eternal Forge, which takes the raw material of their lives and reforges it into life anew. Many dwarves never set foot in a temple other than for these pivotal rites, but they are still lynchpins of dwarf society, and no dwarf would dream of setting them aside.
CREATION MYTH
Long ago, when the world lay hot upon the anvil of the gods and primordials, Moradin the All-Father, The Soul-Forger, chiseled dwarves from the bones of the earth and forged for them souls of mithral. The breath of Hestia cooled Moradin’s creation and gave them their spirit. These were the First Born, given life by Moradin and Hestia, touched by his holy hands and her sacred breath. | https://estea.obsidianportal.com/wiki_pages/dwarf-religion |
Mysticism Or Lack Of Senses?
Question: The founder of homeopathy, Hahnemann, wrote the book the The Organon of the Healing Art, and its story is very similar to what happened with The Book of Zohar. After Hahnemann’s death, the last and most updated version was kept in the attic of his home for a long time. Only years later, one of his great-grandchildren found and published it. Hahnemann added to this version the basics of the soul or of spirituality. He is the father of homeopathy, and no one has spoken about it before him. How can you define this concept, which seems to have a mystic meaning?
Answer: Homeopathy operates on us by forces that we don’t feel. Although they are transmitted by material carriers, it is impossible to discern them and to measure them. If you take a homeopathic medicine, you will not find anything in it except for the carrier, like sugar for example. So, we can understand why people regard such influences as mystic.
But there is nothing mystic about it. The point is that we don’t have the tools by which we can determine what the energy in the carrier is. If I take an ordinary chemical medicine, I can determine what it is made of in any laboratory. With a homeopathic medicine, any carrier can be the material—for example, a piece of wood. Although there is nothing “chemical” about it, if I suck it or even touch it, I will receive its inner energy, and it will influence me.
This is where the seemingly “mystic” process lies. I receive energy through the contact with its carrier. This effect can be transmitted by touch, by nerves, and the best way is through the nerve ends below the tongue.
We make up a huge system, a giant computer. Each of the organs operates on a certain frequency, and homeopathic medicine influences all these organs.
On the whole, however, when we speak about the whole body whose individual organs cooperate with one another, and each cell knows everything that happens in every other cell, then we must imagine all this as one system that is mutually connected, operating on frequencies and waves, and completely interacting within itself.From KabTV’s “The Medicine of the Future” 4/7/13
Related Material:
Can We Measure The Effect Of Thoughts? | https://laitman.com/2013/05/mysticism-or-lack-of-senses/ |
A large proportion of people are still vulnerable to the infection, says the third national serosurvey conducted between December 7 and January 8.
Over 21% of the population, aged 10 years and above, showed evidence of past exposure to COVID-19 in the ICMR's latest national serosurvey, the government said on Thursday, noting that a large proportion of people are still vulnerable to the infection.
Presenting the findings of the survey, ICMR Director General Dr Balram Bhargava said 21.4% of the 28,589 people, aged 18 years and above, surveyed during the period showed evidence of past exposure to the coronavirus infection. While 25.3% of children aged 10 to 17 years from the same number of surveyed population have had the disease, he said.
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Urban slums (31.7%) and urban non-slums (26.2%) had a higher SARS-CoV-2 prevalence than that in rural areas (19.1%), Mr. Bhargava said, adding that 23.4% of individuals above 60 years of age had suffered from COVID-19.
Blood samples of 7,171 healthcare workers were also collected during the same period and the seroprevalence was found to be 25.7%, the ICMR director general said.
The survey was conducted in the same 700 villages or wards in 70 districts in 21 States selected during the first and second rounds of the national serosurvey.
On the coronavirus situation in the country, the health ministry said India's COVID-19 cumulative positivity rate is 5.42% and declining. The weekly positivity rate (last week) was recorded at 1.82 per cent, it said.
It said that 47 districts have not reported any new case of COVID-19 and 251 districts have not registered any new deaths in the last three weeks.
So far, 49,93,427 beneficiaries have been vaccinated in the country out of which 11 states and Union Territories, including Tamil Nadu, Assam, Ladakh, Chandigarh, Meghalaya and Manipur, have covered 30% or less healthcare workers through the COVID-19 vaccination, it said. | |
On the surface, things are looking up for the Buffalo Niagara job market.
Unemployment has been hovering around 5 percent, not far from what it was before the last recession. Job growth has picked up a little.
But not all jobs are created equal, and the skills that employers are looking for today aren’t necessarily the same that they were seeking a decade ago. That’s causing an undercurrent of uncertainty in today’s job market.
About one of every six workers in the Buffalo Niagara region holds a job that they don’t feel fully taps into their skills. Underemployment across the region is about four times greater than the unemployment rate, according to a new report on the local labor market, commissioned by Invest Buffalo Niagara and compiled by researchers at the University at Buffalo Regional Institute. More than half of those workers have skills in customer service, office work or warehousing.
“How, on the one hand, can we have so many job openings, and yet have 132,000 people who feel they are underemployed?” said Thomas A. Kucharski, Invest Buffalo Niagara’s president.
The $230,000 labor market study can be a starting point in examining the state of the region’s workforce and how it matches up with the skills and hiring needs of local employers. And it could be a roadmap to help create training programs that turn out workers who have the skills needed for the nearly 138,000 jobs that will open up over the next 10 years from retirements alone, said Sharon Entress, associate research director at the UB institute.
Here’s a closer look at some of the report’s findings.
Pay lags in most sectors
If you’re looking for a job that pays better than the national average for that industry, the Buffalo Niagara region is not the place to be.
Our overall wages are 6 percent less than the national average. If you look at earnings in individual industries, the gap between what workers earn here and their counterparts across the country gets bigger as the average pay gets higher.
So managers earn about 9 percent less here. Lawyers are paid about 23 percent less and the wages for healthcare practitioners are 7 percent below the national average.
On the plus side, protective services workers, such as police officers, make about 7 percent more than the national average, and construction wages are about 6 percent higher – both reflecting the higher unionization rates in those industries.
Below-average wages help companies lower their costs. They can help attract new business from higher-cost areas, something Buffalo Niagara has done with back office financial services work. But lower wages also make it harder to convince workers to move here, even though the region’s lower cost of living offsets much of that gap.
132,000 workers are underemployed
Nearly one of every six local workers have skills they’re not using and want a better-paying, higher-skilled job.
Those workers are the underemployed, and they outnumber the unemployed by a nearly 4-to-1 margin.
Contrary to popular belief, the underemployed aren’t mostly recent college graduates forced to settle for jobs beneath their skill level. They’re mainly middle-age workers – six of every 10 underemployed workers are between the ages of 35 and 54. They earn mid-level pay at a little less than $22 an hour. But they have the experience and training to take on more demanding jobs – if they could find one.
They’re also fairly well educated. More than half of the underemployed have at least a two-year degree.
But they may not have the right skills for today’s job openings. Nearly 70 percent of the job openings in the region’s target industries, such as advanced manufacturing, clean technology and life sciences, are entry-level. And that’s where the skills gap is greatest.
Underemployed untapped skills
There’s no shortage of qualified warehouse workers in the Buffalo Niagara region. The same goes for experienced factory workers.
Nearly 60 percent of the region’s underemployed workers say they have warehousing skills. But just 30 percent say they are using those skills in their current job.
It’s the same for manufacturing, where 19 percent of the underemployed workers with factory skills say they aren’t using them.
That’s a pool of skilled labor that could be a valuable source of workers for companies in those industries. But those skills are valuable only if they’re up to date.
After all, there’s no shortage of college graduates in the Buffalo Niagara region. Local colleges produce nearly 19,000 graduates each year. But that’s about four times more than the number of jobs being created in the region that require a degree. That surplus puts downward pressure on wages and contributes to underemployment.
Wave of retirements
Over the next decade, nearly 138,000 local workers could head into retirement.
That’s about a fifth of all workers in the Buffalo Niagara region, and no industry is facing a bigger hit than manufacturing, where older workers outnumber the youngest ones by a nearly 2-to-1 margin. As those older workers retire, it will be a challenge for manufacturers to find replacements, while maintaining their operations and productivity.
That’s why local economic development officials have been putting so much effort into worker training for manufacturing, while also trying to convince the region’s students that factory work can lead to a viable career.
For other industries facing a wave of retirements, such as health services, the challenge isn’t so daunting, since the health care sector has plenty of young people coming into that sector, including the more than 3,900 local students who graduate with health-related degrees each year.
Can the labor force grow?
First the good news: The region’s overall supply of labor is growing. The 1.3 million residents age 16 and older is 2 percent more than the region had in 2009.
But now the bad news: Fewer than three of every five of those potential workers actually have a job or are actively looking for one – and the percentage of engaged workers has dropped by 7 percent since 2009, mirroring national and statewide trends.
Nearly 525,000 Western New Yorkers of working age currently are on the sidelines of the job market. Much of the decline is due to older workers retiring, but the number of young adults, between the ages of 25 and 34, who are opting out of the labor force has been rising slightly, while the overall population in the prime working ages of 35-54 also has been shrinking.
The danger is that a shrinking work force could leave employers unable to fill job openings, which ultimately could slow the region’s economic growth.
More workers are dropping out
When it comes to working, more Western New Yorkers are dropping out.
That’s nothing unusual – the same thing has been happening for more than three decades across the country, partly because more workers are retiring and dropping out of the labor pool.
But the decline in labor participation has been more pronounced locally.
Sharon Entress, associate research director at the UB institute, thinks the decline in the region’s labor participation rate – from 63 percent in 2009 to 58 percent in 2014 – is mostly due to aging workers heading into retirement. But that doesn’t explain why more than half of the local residents who have dropped out of the labor pool are younger than 65.
The challenge for the region will be to find ways to bring more disengaged workers back into the labor force as the wave of retirements continues.
Education impacts labor participation
The less educated you are, the higher the likelihood that you’ve dropped out of the Buffalo Niagara workforce.
While nearly 90 percent of all working age adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher are either working or actively seeking work, it’s an entirely different story for residents without a high school diploma. Less than half of those residents are active members of the labor force – and their participation rate has plunged by 10 percentage points since 2009 – as the greater skills employers are seeking become a higher hurdle for people who didn’t finish high school.
There’s a racial divide, too. More than three-quarters of white residents are active participants in the labor force, but the participation rate drops to around 60 percent for African Americans, Asian and Hispanic residents. Bringing non-white participation rates up to the same level as white workers would add 35,000 people to the local labor force.
Where the jobs will be
Health services are hot. So are professional and business services. Leisure and hospitality hiring is expected to be robust, too.
But don’t set your heart on a government job. Factories won’t be adding new jobs, either.
That’s how the state Labor Department sees the next five years playing out in the Buffalo Niagara region.
Technical skills are expected to be high demand, as are computer and software abilities. Engineering skills also are expected to be at a premium. Those three job skills, along with strong demand for management skills, are expected to account for nearly 45 percent of all highly skilled jobs within the region over the next five years. Another 15 percent will come from talent shortages in health and professional services.
Where worker turnover is low
Hiring and training new workers is a costly process for businesses.
It takes a while before newly hired employees are fully up to speed, reducing their productivity. Sometimes, the new hires don’t work out, sending employers back to square one to start again.
So the best scenario for businesses is to hire good workers and keep them. That’s why low turnover rates, which measure how many employees leave or are hired in a job during a given year, are so coveted by businesses.
It’s also no surprise that the industries with the lowest turnover rates – especially manufacturing, finance and the trade and utility sector – also are the ones with the highest productivity.
Likewise, high turnover can threaten a company’s production and profits. The leisure and hospitality sector – popular among young workers just starting out – is particularly susceptible to high turnover. That one industry accounts for more than a fifth of all labor turnover in the Buffalo Niagara region.
Low turnover boosts productivity
It’s one thing to have a job. It’s something entirely different to be a productive employee.
It’s an important distinction for employers, since productivity is a way to measure just how efficient workers are.
If you measure productivity by the value of the goods and services produced per employee, workers in the Buffalo Niagara region are right on par with the statewide average. Local workers produce an average of about $170,000 in goods and services each year.
But productivity varies widely, depending on the industry. Productivity among local manufacturers is more than double the local average, in large part because of the increased value of the products made by industry. Productivity also is high in the information and finance sectors. On the flip side, productivity is low in the leisure and hospitality field, where comparatively low wages lead to higher employee turnover rates. | https://buffalonews.com/2017/02/10/close-look-buffalo-niagara-job-market/ |
This photo was taken on a free day we took in Florence at the Duomo. I was so completely in awe of the intricacy of this building and the level of detail it must have taken so build such a rich piece of architecture and history for the city of Florence. I took this photograph with a macro lens of one of the many arches on the facade of the building. While standing beside this beautiful piece of art, I could picture the community it took to build it, giving it even more meaning to me. | https://repository.belmont.edu/sa_photos_2019/201/ |
Faced with a demon of enormous size, Kat is about to lose all hope when a song from the city's people reaches her ears. Syd is brought back to life through Bit's sacrifice, and his presence helps her return to the fight.
A Song without Voice is the twenty-sixth and penultimate episode of Gravity Rush 2 as well the sixth episode of the Eto chapter.
Overview
Bit witnesses the Destructive Force reveal itself to the world, but he believes there is a way to help Kat defeat it, as he is saying to a man in a pinstripe suit. When the game cuts back to Kat, she is seen getting beaten up by the Destructive Force. She sets out to destroy the harbinger of destruction, but soon realizes she is fighting an impossible battle as the Destructive Force regenerates its cores each time she breaks one. Eventually, Lisa arrives to assist, piloting the Bismalia and accompanied by an army of reformed Garrison troops to help. Despite the backup, the Bismalia is soon shot down, presumably killing Lisa. The Destructive Force then starts to sap Kat's powers bit by bit. Cecie, fearing Kat's demise, shows up and uses her Durga persona (now having full control over it) to crystallize the monster long enough for Kat to do some damage to it.
Unfortunately, the demon breaks free and swats Durga aside, and it continues to drain Kat of every last bit of power she has. Eventually, Kat is left close to death, but the Destructive Force offers Kat a chance to forget the fight while allowing the destruction to continue, to which she refuses. With Vendecentre strewn with death and destruction, Kat soon hears the townsfolk sing a reprise of "A Red Apple," encouraging Kat to finish what she started. Through the sacrifice of Bit, Syd is resurrected one final time and commands a swarm of Nevi to stall the demon long enough for Kat to regain her senses. Kat regains all of her powers, and she merges with both Dusty and Xii to transform into the whole Gryps and then summons countless panthers and phoenixes to weaken the Destructive Force severely.With the Destructive Force weakened, Kat and Syd share one last goodbye together, and Kat leaves to create and become a singularity to seal the monster away for good, now having accepted her past and her promise made as Alua now fulfilled. Afterwards, a battered and beaten Raven awakens to the sound of Kat's voice (which she hears through Xii), uncertain of what went on around her.
|“||
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My long journey has come to an end...
— Kat's final monologue
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Gameplay
This boss has regenerative powers. Attack its cores as often as you are able to, and switch to Jupiter Style when it starts unleashing gusts of wind. Don't concern yourself with actually trying to defeat it, as it will continuously regenerate health as you attack it. As the fight draws on however, it will gradually strip you of your powers; first you'll lose the special attacks as well as the Lunar and Jupiter Styles, then Stasis Field. When Cecie shows up and immobilizes the Destructive Force, attack its eye. Afterwards, Dusty is lost (and thus, all Gravity powers), and your health is reduced to base level. The boss will drain Kat one last time, leaving her on the verge of death. After a cutscene plays, just slowly inch forwards towards the boss and touch the DualShock 4 touch pad to finish it off once and for all. | https://gravityrush.fandom.com/wiki/A_Song_without_Voice?diff=16148&oldid=15111 |
Issues and evidence specific to learning to play an instrument are addressed in this chapter, including instrument choice, gender differences, reasons for dropping out, student learning styles, informal learning and learning later in life. The reading of notation, playing by ear and acquisition of technical skills are considered. Strategies for developing fluent sight-reading are discussed. Approaches to practice consider the evidence relating to time spent practising, the quality of practice and strategy use and practising in ensembles. The implications for education and community music across the life course, and the differences between the two, are discussed. | https://research.monash.edu/en/publications/learning-to-play-an-instrument |
I had an opportunity to attend an autumn choral concert in East Kentwood High school in Kentwood district, Michigan this evening. Apart from the conductor and the pianist, all the performers were the coming-of-age high school kids. As they walked on the stage with outwardly seen confidence, the reverence of clap from their parents, relatives, and friends was just on the air even before their performance. The entire program was sequenced into seven parts beginning with Women’s Ensemble followed by Chamber Choir, 9th Grade Choir separately from Men and Women, Concert Choir, Madrigal Singers, and Varsity Voices respectively.
Here, I am going to cover the whole lot of ground other than writing particularly on Women’s Ensemble and Chamber Choir. I liked and enjoyed these two above all. Nevertheless, ninety-five freshman year women singing Kyrie was also worth mentioning. They repeated the main theme and showed slight variation each time by changing the texture.
Most of the songs were translated from foreign languages. The performers sang the song in the original language first then repeated into English. All of choral compositions and ensemble were enriched with polyphonic texture. The musical form is so discernible that we can notice the musical form – repetition and contrast – along with imitation. I liked the word or text painting in the Women’s Ensemble entitled Dome Epais. There was modulation while imitation piece of the main theme. It was amazing how those little performers were so much gifted that they could sing from all ranges of their voice. I see good scope for some of those performers to grow into maturity in their understanding of music and singing and develop their skill further in the days to come. Personally, I also I enjoyed the concert more than ever before after all knowing some basic language of music. I love listening music without any basic knowledge of it but now I started appreciating it how beautiful it is. | https://nepaenglish.com/2011/01/17/reflection-on-autumn-choral-concert/ |
With a population of 10 million in 2016 expected to grow by 3.7 per cent a year, Indonesia's capital, Jakarta is facing rapid urbanisation. In response to this challenge and after the recent success in controlling traffic during the Asian Games this year, Jakarta is looking to further reform traffic and transportation in the capital. This involves plans to build safer and more efficient modes of transport such as the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT).
In support of this anticipated growth, Thales has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PT Len Indonesia to collaborate on delivering advanced signalling systems for railway projects in Indonesia.
The MoU is an extension of Thales' and PT Len's years of collaboration beyond the defence sector. Beyond the development, delivery and deployment of an integrated signalling system for potential local MRT and LRT operators in Indonesia, this joint development approach will allow Thales to continue to build local capabilities in the Indonesian workforce through transfer-of-technology and help PT Len in their ambitions to bring locally-developed, high-technology systems to the rest of the world and to become a regional player in transportation.
"Having worked closely with PT Len for several years and mindful of Indonesia's need to have better transportation networks to support a rapidly growing urban population, we are pleased to expand this partnership to the area of transportation. We are committed to partnering with the country as they work on building a transport infrastructure of the future, and are fully supporting of Indonesia's 2020 Go Digital vision to become a digital powerhouse in the region," said Erik-Jan Raatgerink, Country Director, Thales in Indonesia. | https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/indonesia/press-release/thales-and-indonesias-pt-len-sign-mou-expand-collaboration-advanced |
Ceiling panels that cool the air? Windows and shades that open automatically? A constant LCD display of energy use? These are some of the nifty features in NASA's new lunar-shaped office building that opens this spring in Moffett Field, Calif.
Dubbed NASA's "latest mission on Earth," the building showcases innovations engineered for space travel. It has, for example, a forward-osmosis system that treats greywater (from restroom sinks and showers) and reuses it to flush toilets and urinals.
"They installed that system on the space station," says Steve Zornetzer, associate center director of NASA Ames Research Center, where the building is located, just south of Palo Alto. So, he asked, "Why can't we use that on planet Earth?"
The NASA Sustainability Base, designed to produce more energy than it uses, will be one of the federal government's greenest buildings. It reflects the push by President Obama, who will have solar panels re-installed on the White House this spring, to make federal buildings more energy- and water-efficient.
"It makes sense for the bottom line," says Nancy Sutley, chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Because the federal government is the country's single largest energy consumer, she says, lowering its utility bills will save taxpayers money and help the environment. She says Obama is expanding on the Bush administration's efforts to green the federal sector.
In October 2009, Obama signed an executive order requiring new buildings and major renovations be certified by the private U.S. Green Building Council's rating system, known as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). In October, the General Services Administration upped the ante by requiring such projects meet LEED's second-highest, or gold, standard. Previously, it required a lower level of certification.
"They're really walking the talk with strict new standards," says Alex Wilson, executive editor of Environmental Building News. "We're seeing some amazing projects on the federal level."
Some of the best examples come in places people might not expect, says Michelle Moore, Obama's federal environmental executive. She cites the Department of Veterans Affairs' efforts to install solar panels at facilities nationwide, starting with ones in sunny areas that will produce up to 100% of their annual electricity. Also, she cites the Army's plans to build and rehab 2,106 homes at Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County, Va. The project has a mixed-use town center, solar panels and a salvaged playground.
NASA's new building wouldn't have been possible even five years ago, partly because the software used in its design wasn't as sophisticated then, says Jay Bhatt, senior vice president of Autodesk Inc., which provided software. He says its Revit system allows architects to model designs for maximum performance so they know the impact of every change, such as the amount of daylight available if they rotate the building 10 degrees.
Such modeling estimates that the $23 million, 50,000-square-foot NASA showpiece will use 75% less energy and 90% less potable water than regular code-built structures. And, once a solid oxide fuel cell is added to the solar panels and wind turbine, it's expected to produce an annual surplus of power. It's slated to earn the top LEED rating, platinum.
Zornetzer touts the building's geothermal system, composed of 100 wells, each 140 feet deep. "It's a very simple passive system," he says, noting how the wells connect to a pump that runs water through copper tubes in ceiling panels. The water stays at 58 degrees, so due to basic physics, the cool air falls from the panels to the workspace below.
He says computers will open the windows at night to let in a cross breeze and close them during the day. He says they'll open and close shades to regulate solar gain. Software will also monitor and adjust the building's temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide as well as light and noise levels.
Not all is high-tech. The building is oriented to maximize daylight, so artificial light will be needed only about 40 days each year. It's narrow, 54 feet, and has no interior columns, so people working in the middle will still benefit from daylight pouring in from floor-to-ceiling windows, and, on the second floor, the skylights.
"It has this incredible view," says the project's architect, Dave Johnson of William McDonough & Partners, noting the surrounding tall evergreens.
"It's like you're standing in a forest," Johnson says. "It's awesome. I'd like to work there."
Zornetzer says he'll be one of the lucky residents, and he won't hide in a corner office. To see how the building fosters collaboration, he says: "I'm going to take an open workspace."
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The importance of resilience, and the ability to adapt to shocks, for businesses in Honduras
In Honduras, compelling data shows that the resilience of a business is closely aligned with a set of resilience capacities and their willingness to adapt their business model. This has widespread implications for the evidence-based decisions that public organisations, entrepreneurs, and the government will need to take to mitigate losses and support the private sector post-recovery. The data was gathered through a survey of 1,178 Honduran enterprises from 16 out of the 18 departments in Honduras across 17 economic activities.
Key takeaway 1
Manufacturers, including agro-processors and tourism enterprises, in Honduras are more likely to be affected and less able to cope with the impacts of COVID-19 than enterprises from other sectors.
The survey found enterprises with these profiles to be less likely to have made sales and more likely to have laid off employees. They also reported shorter durations they could cope with COVID-19 (less than one month), compared to one to three months for the median enterprise response.
JJ-Agro is one Honduran enterprise that was significantly affected by COVID-19. Earlier this year, JJ-Agro inaugurated the first hydroponic strawberry production unit in Honduras through a US$200,000 investment in greenhouses. JJ-Agro is a major supplier of produce for Walmart and several Honduran supermarkets. The planting of 54,000 strawberry mother plants offered export potential and the opportunity to diversify revenue streams. However, shortly after the first harvest, the COVID-19 outbreak struck, and export channels were blocked. JJ-Agro was left with strawberries it no longer had a market to sell to and faced having to dispose of the harvest.
Key takeaway 2
Enterprises with online sales reported being better able to cope with the COVID-19 crisis than those without online sales. However, only 11 per cent of enterprises reported having online sales capabilities.
The median enterprise not conducting online sales reported US$0 in sales from March 16 to April 6. While enterprises conducting online sales experienced a decline in sales, they continued selling. Microenterprises were found to be less likely than large enterprises to have online sales capabilities, suggesting an e-commerce gap that disadvantaged microenterprises.
JJ-Agro lacked online sales capabilities prior to the crisis. To adapt, the company had to find a new market for its strawberries. By partnering with the produce delivery services Pyflor and Yojoa Trading Company, JJ-AGro sold its first harvest of strawberries. Yojoa Trading Company had recently shifted to e-commerce using an electronic payment platform offered by Sube Latinoamérica. This service allowed them to open up home delivery options for the delivery of JJ-Agro strawberries.
Key takeaway 3
The capacity of businesses to learn from the COVID-19 crisis, transform their business models, identify new business opportunities, and innovate will determine their expected likelihood of recovery.
Enterprises that expressed confidence in finding new buyers were more than five times more likely to have expressed confidence in recovery. Enterprises that identified specific learning from the COVID-19 crisis were more two and a half times as likely to express confidence in recovery. And those that expressed confidence in their ability to change their products or services were more than one and a half times more likely to express confidence in recovery.
The linkage to the online sales and home delivery services allowed JJ-Agro to find new buyers. Together with these services, JJ-Agro is seeking out broader opportunities to sell and deliver fresh produce directly to consumers, bypassing intermediaries, such as grocery stores. These new channels provide fair prices to consumers, which reduces food insecurity in the Honduras’s two largest cities.
Other businesses are taking note. Sube Latinoamérica has identified a surge in e-commerce since the crisis began. Competitors to Yojoa Trading Company, such as Pyflor, have also enrolled in new e-commerce platforms through Sube Latinoamérica. This story is more than anecdotal; it represents the profile of businesses that are statistically coping better with the negative impacts of COVID-19.
Although more than half of Honduran businesses surveyed are working to adapt their business models, they will still need financial and technical assistance to operate at this critical point in time. The degree to which global development organisations can mobilise resources to facilitate their recovery will have long-term consequences on the competitive landscape in Honduras and the long-term health and inclusivity of these economies.
- Read the full survey report - Business Resilience Analysis: COVID-19
Produced by the USAID/Honduras Transforming Market Systems Activity, which is funded by USAID and implemented by ACDI/VOCA. | https://beamexchange.org/community/blogs/2020/5/18/covid-19-honduran-enterprises/ |
In her latest report, provincial auditor Judy Ferguson slammed the premier’s office for having significant errors in its financial record keeping and sidestepping provincial law over pay for MLAs doing additional work.
One instance saw executive council — known as the cabinet office or premier’s office — not sufficiently review its financial records, which resulted in “a significant error.”
“Not detecting and correcting errors in financial records within a reasonable time may result in management making decisions based on inaccurate financial information,” read a portion of Ferguson’s report.
Although she said members of executive council “were aware” of a $760,000 federal grant, the province “missed recording it.”
The province told Ferguson executive council had personnel changes during the 2017-18 fiscal year, when the error occurred, and that it, “plans to implement new processes for reviewing periodic financial reports in 2018-19.”
In a statement, the province said the grant money, used to support and deliver French language services in the province, would be reflected in 2018-19 revenues for executive council.
“This was an oversight that resulted from staffing changes in both Executive Council and the Ministry of Finance. There was no impact on services as a result of this recording error,” the statement read. “Saskatchewan citizens should be confident that Executive Council manages its budget properly.”
The statement noted that, outside of the two issues she raised, Ferguson stated executive council has “effective rules and procedures to safeguard public resources.”
Ferguson also said executive council had a “coordination issue” when it broke provincial laws by paying legislative secretaries the wrong amount.
During the 2017-18 fiscal year, provincial cabinet, “Set remuneration rates for legislative secretaries without clear legislated authority to do so,” she wrote in her report.
Provincial law says legislative secretaries — MLAs given additional duties — should be paid $14,311.80, a number set out by a bi-partisan legislative committee; but the Sask. Party government paid a number of its legislative secretaries $3,000.
Ferguson told reporters the committee and cabinet office were almost like “two different silos, so we’re encouraging the two bodies to talk to each other and line things up.”
“We’re not troubled by the less or the more, it’s that it’s a different amount,” she added.
In her report, she wrote that, “Not operating within laws and directives increases the risk of decreasing public confidence in government.”
The province responded to the auditor by saying in a statement former premier Brad Wall decided to pay the legislative secretaries $3,000 and current Premier Scott Moe supports it.
“The current stipend for legislative secretaries is far lower than the $14,311 allowed under the directive,” read a statement. “We feel that the current remuneration provides better value for taxpayers while recognizing the additional duties legislative secretaries hold. There are no plans to provide additional compensation to legislative secretaries.”
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‘We don’t just cook, we explore,” said Chef Chris Holen of his friendship with Australian Chef Michael Brine.
From foraging mushrooms in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, to picking out a live snake in a food market in China, the pair have formed a culinary bond that spans the globe.
Holen, who is Executive Chef of Baked Alaska in Astoria, and Brine, who is Executive Chef of A Touch of Salt in Townsville, North Qeensland, Australia, are teaming up to host a Chef Outta Water Father’s Day Australian and American dinner at 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 16, at Holen’s Nekst Event space located adjacent to Baked Alaska at 175 14th St. Suite 100 in Astoria.
Food will be cooked in front of guests in an interactive long table family style setting. Advance reservations are required at bit.ly/2IAUUGG
There will also be a pay what you can Pop Up Lunch at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 13, at Nekst Event. Job Corps student will collaborate with Brine and Holen at the event. Profits made will go to United Way of Clatsop County.
Family and Food
Holen met Brine in 2016 when he was invited to present at a culinary expo in Australia.
“We just hit it off,” Holen said.
Brine cooked as a guest chef at Baked Alaska in 2017 and Holen in turn cooked at Brine’s restaurant.
Over the years, the two have noted almost eerie similarities: both chefs started their careers at the same age, their wives do bookkeeping for their respective family-run restaurants and both share similar, if not identical, philosophies on food.
“His background is very similar to mine,” Brine said. “In respect to Chris and what he’s achieved, it’s quite inspirational. He puts his heart into things and I’d like to think that I’m like that as well.”
Interactive Cooking
Both chefs are very social, from interacting with their patrons to seeking out the freshest local ingredients in local markets in whatever part of the world they visit.
“It isn’t just down to putting good food on the table,” Brine said. “You get to meet a whole bunch of people when you collaborate and travel with. Chefs can get out of the kitchen and get out of their comfort zones.”
Queensland-Astoria Fusion
The chefs will only release small clues about their final menu for the Father’s Day event but insist it will be local, fresh and somewhat unscripted.
Brine is excited to visit Astoria once again and hopes to ride the Astoria Trolley.
“I love the challenge of things that could potentially go out of control. The ledge that people lean on and the off-the-cuff collaborations and that ability to maintain calmness under pressure and getting that food out in the timeframe,” Brine said. “You’re really on stage as a chef.”
An example of a Brine-Holen spontaneous creation is what they call their “mash-ups,” which are adventurous Queensland/Oregon fusions like Oregon fiddlehead ferns marinated in “bush-tucker” indigenous-aboriginal herbs and spices that can only be found in Australia.
“I’m confident enough in ourselves as chefs. We think, let’s support each other and see how it goes. It’s a proper collaboration,” Brine said.
Food and travel
Holen, who said that after 18 years in the restaurant business, each day can start to look too much like the day before, stressed the importance of continuing to explore. Brine shared this sentiment.
In 2016, Holen, along with his business partner, Simon Millcock, founded Chef Outta Water, which has facilitated global culinary exchanges in places like Iceland, China, Mexico and South Korea.
Since then, Brine has traveled from time to time with the program as a featured chef. | https://www.discoverourcoast.com/coast-weekend/dining/cultural-cuisine-astoria-australian-chefs-team-up-for-father-s/article_65ac8e06-8b56-11e9-a798-6f787225ec34.html |
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Office:
G22, Baldwin Hall
Undergraduate student smiles in a lecture hall
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265C
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My research utilizes stable isotope analysis of human skeletal remains to reconstruct diet and dietary stress in past populations. My current research focuses on how Napoleon Bonaparte's structurally violent military strategies and policies were embodied in the skeletal biology of his soldiers.
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+36 70 223 35 52
I study the political ecology of food and agriculture in Postsocialist Europe with particular interest in policy narratives, science and technology studies, food and intellectual property law, historical ecology, and sensuous ethnography.
Zooarchaeology Lab
The Zooarchaeology Laboratory specializes in the analysis of vertebrate remains from archaeological sites, but also works with invertebrate, paleontological, and ecological samples. The comparative collection numbers over 5,000 vertebrate and invertebrate specimens with an emphasis on animals from the southeastern United States, adjacent waters, and the Caribbean.
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AnHorn Medicines is a novel drug discovery company focusing on protein degraders and small molecular inhibitors targeting cancer, neurodegeneration, and aging diseases. Our mission is to develop new class of drugs BIGPRO® under the foundation of Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD), to address a broad range of life-threatening and life-impairing diseases.
Position Summary
We are seeking a qualified, highly motivated individual for the position of Medicinal Chemistry Assistant/or Associate Investigator. The successful candidates will work in teams to develop, implement and perform organic reactions for ongoing Medicinal Chemistry team. The person should be motivated to contribute intellectually in a dynamic team environment.
Roles and Responsibilities
• Drug structure design
• Search and design of synthetic pathways of drugs
• Experimental design and execution of organic synthesis
• Lives the AnHorn Values
• Support other activities as required by the manager
• Comply with all relevant company policies, procedures and work practices
Qualifications
• MS or Ph.D. in organic or medicinal chemistry with 1~5 year relevant experience.
• Excellent synthetic skills and a solid knowledge of modern separation methods (e.g., MPLC, HPLC) and characterization techniques (e.g., NMR, MS, LC/MS, GC/MS & IR).
• Experience in the synthesis of complex organic molecules using traditional carbocyclic and heterocyclic chemistry, and modern synthetic methodologies.
• Good data presentation skills and communication skills in synthetic organic concepts.
• Self-motivation and ability to work as a collaborative team member are essential.
• Excellent communication, writing and organizational skills are a must for a Ph.D. candidate.
AnHorn is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status. | https://www.anhornmed.com/job-opening/medicinal-chemistry-assistant-or-associate-investigator-3/ |
U.S. state of Arizona files consumer fraud lawsuit against Google
FILE PHOTO: The Google logo is pictured at the entrance to the Google offices in London, Britain January 18, 2019. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo
(Reuters) - Arizona filed a consumer fraud lawsuit against Alphabet Inc’s Google on Wednesday, alleging that the company used “deceptive” and “unfair” practices to obtain the location data of users.
"Google collects detailed information about its users, including their physical locations, to target users for advertising. Often, this is done without the users' consent or knowledge," Attorney General Mark Brnovich said here in a tweet on Wednesday.
Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit, which comes as technology companies have been facing regulatory scrutiny globally over their policies and data monitoring practices.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and argues that the maker of the Android smartphone operating system had set its mobile software such that it deceived device owners about the protections afforded to their personal data.
“When consumers try to opt out of Google’s collection of location data, the company is continuing to find misleading ways to obtain information and use it for profit,” Brnovich said in an interview with the Washington Post.
In February, New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas sued Google, alleging that its educational software collects young students’ personal information without the required parental consent.
The company sells its Chromebook laptops to schools around the world alongside its free or low-cost G Suite for Education software package, which includes email and writing tools.
Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila and Sherry Jacob-Phillips | |
St. Lucia-Early Childhood Education Practices On chart paper use symbols, pictures, words to represent experiences, successes, challenges etc.
Key Learning/Objectives-The Kindergarten Child • Begin to get to know members of the group • Engage in Self-Reflection • Begin to think about values reflected in practice in a classroom • Focus on child development and the implications for practice in general and specifically individual practice • Think critically about your own practice • Through reflection and discussion determine actions Thinking it Through, ETFO
Introduction Each person in round-robin fashion speaks to these points: • Name • Current Role • School • Expectations of the workshop
Getting to Know You-Four Corners Go the corner that has a Statement with relevance for you and discuss
Image of the Child What do we value about children’s learning? Record thoughts and post ideas on chart paper
Making Connections Teaching Practices vs. Image of the child
The Hundred Languages of Childhood Reflection: What do you think?
Resource as Expert Thinkingit Through, Teaching and learning in the kindergarten Classroom Pg.8
Areas of Development using a Jigsaw Format This resource is focused on teaching the “whole child. In order to plan developmentally appropriate programs for young children, all educators must understand the areas of development. Each area has implications for practice with regard to organization, materials, learning experiences and even how groups are organized.
Areas of Development using a Jigsaw Format Number off 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Remember your number and their home group Group # 1-Social Development, pages 10-14 Group # 2-Emotional pages 14-16 Group # 3-Communication, Language and Literacy pages16-21 Group # 4- Cognitive pages 21-26 Group # 5- Physical pages 26-29
Areas of Development using a Jigsaw Format Meet in your number groups read and select five-ten key points that you find relevant to Share Possible Questions to guide thinking: What are the implications for practice? What are the planning considerations in relation to this area? How might this information help you in planning an aspect of your program? Other considerations in relation to your area... Materials; room organization; groupings; learning experiences/centres; interaction
Areas of Development using a Jigsaw Format Share Jig saw, your area of child development, with the whole group
“What is Play” Mind Map
PLAY Read ‘What is Play’ section, Playing is Learning pages 5-8
The Twelve Types of Play “Play does not stay neatly in categories, but knowing and watching for the broad types helps sensitize teachers and parents to the shifting landscapes children create. It also provides a tool for assessing whether a playful kindergarten is providing adequate opportunity and materials for all types of play.”
Assessment Homework • Read pages 13-16, Assessment that informs instruction • Divide paper into 4 quadrants and respond to reading by using the strategy ‘3 A’s plus one’ (agree, aspire, aha!, argue)
‘Say Something’ about Assessment • Key point • An interesting idea • A new connection or question • Tried this and it didn’t work for me • I like this idea • I wonder how that would work in my classroom? • I don’t understand how they did this
Assessment • Writing go round activity about assessment on 7 charts
SMART GOAL Specific: A specific goal addresses as many descriptor questions as possible (Who, What, When, Where, Why and How). It has a greater chance of being met if a specific plan is made for its completion. Measurable: This involves deciding what will measure when the goal is attained; a finish line has to be set before it can be crossed. Attainable: To properly set a goal, you must set the steps that are necessary to reach it. This scaffolding ensures that the goal actually is attainable, and therefore produces motivation as the goal’s completion has become a reality. Realistic: A goal must be set in the spirit of desiring its completion. In setting a goal, one can determine if it’s realistic by asking the following questions; am I capable of attaining this goal? Am I willing to work for this goal? Setting an unrealistic goal will often result in a decrease in motivation over time. Timely: Setting the goal within a time frame helps to motivate; without an end goal, there is no set limit to help drive the goal’s completion. | https://fr.slideserve.com/blaise/early-childhood-education |
The utility model relates to the technical field of automatic crawling ladders, and discloses an automatic crawling ladder for elevator emergency rescue, which comprises a fixed ladder, the front surface of the fixed ladder is fixedly connected with a pull rod, the inner side surface of the fixed ladder is provided with a sliding chute, the inner surface of the sliding chute is movably sleeved with a lower ladder, the outer side surface of the lower ladder is provided with a side groove, and the side groove is provided with an opening. The inner surfaces of the side grooves are fixedly connected with fixing shafts, and the outer surfaces of the fixing shafts are movably sleeved with rolling wheels. The side grooves are formed in the side faces of the lower ladder body, the fixing shafts are fixedly connected into the side grooves, the rollers are connected to the outer surfaces of the fixing shafts in a sleeved mode, the rollers are located in the sliding grooves, and when the electric air cylinder pulls the lower ladder body to move upwards, rolling friction is adopted to replace sliding friction through the rolling effect of the rollers; therefore, the friction force in the actual sliding process is greatly reduced, the situation that the sliding gap is increased due to excessive abrasion is avoided, sliding jamming is effectively avoided, the using stability of the automatic ladder stand is improved, and the using effect is good. | |
Ruby 1.9.3 approaches with RC1
The Ruby development team has issued the first release candidate for version 1.9.3 of its open source programming language. According to the developers, compared to the first preview from August, the RC1 for the next stable release doesn't include a lot of changes as it primarily focuses on fixing bugs. Provided no serious problems are found, the team say that final version of Ruby 1.9.3 should arrive within two weeks.
As previously reported, Ruby 1.9.3 will improve loading performance and will be released under a 2-clause BSD Licence and the Ruby Licence; current versions of Ruby were released under the GPLv2 and Ruby Licence. The developers note that there are still some minor known issues in the 1.9.3 RC1, adding that they will be fixed in the release version (1.9.3-p0). Use of development releases in production environments and on mission critical systems is not recommended; the most recent stable release is Ruby 1.9.2 from August 2010.
Users testing the release are encouraged to provide feedback and report any bugs that they encounter. Further information about the release candidate can be found in the official announcement, in the change log and in the NEWS file. Source code for Ruby 1.9.3 RC1 is available as a bz2, a gzipped tar archive or as a zip archive.
See also:
- Ruby 1.9.2 released, a 2010 report from The H. | http://www.h-online.com/open/news/item/Ruby-1-9-3-approaches-with-RC1-1350684.html |
In the case of completely inelastic collision of two bodies of mass m1 and m2 travelling with velocities u1 and u2 show that the energy that is imparted is proportional to the square of the relative velocity of approach.
Solution:
New search. (Also 5349 free access solutions)
Use search in keywords. | https://database-physics-solutions.com/buy.php?superlink=in_the_case_of_completely_inelastic_coll_3168 |
Targeting Listeria monocytogenes consensus sequence of internalin genes using an antisense molecule.
As an intracellular pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes can enter host cells where it can replicate and escape detection and eradication by the host immune response making the clearance of infection very challenging. Furthermore, with the advent of antimicrobial resistance, the need for alternative targets is inevitable. Internalin proteins are crucial to this bacterium as they contribute to bacterial entry to the systemic circulation. In this study, we targeted a highly conserved region of these proteins by an antisense sequence that was covalently conjugated to the cell penetrating peptides (CPP) to overcome the challenging delivery barriers. Then, we evaluated the efficiency of this construct in vitro. We also assessed the antigenicity, cytotoxicity, and probability of apoptosis induction by this construct. The studied CPP-PNA inhibited bacterial growth and suppressed the mRNA expression of internalins in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, at all studied concentrations, CPP-PNA significantly reduced the invasion rate of L. monocytogenes in the examined cell lines. Moreover, different concentrations of CPP-PNA did not have a significant antigenic, cytotoxic, and apoptotic properties compared to the control. These results suggest the effectiveness of CPP-antisense in targeting the mRNAs of internalins for various research, therapeutic and preventive purposes. However, additional research is required to evaluate the potency, safety, and pharmacokinetics of this compound for the prevention and treatment of listeriosis.
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Information provision in fertility care: a call for improvement.
Adequate information provision is a crucial dimension of high-quality fertility care. Clinical practice guidelines containing consensus-based recommendations may standardize practice between settings. This study was designed for three purposes: (i) to assess actual adherence to recommendations on information provision, (ii) to measure patient satisfaction with current practice and (iii) to analyse how variation in adherence relates to the characteristics of patients and clinics. All recommendations concerning patient information were extracted from 10 national fertility guidelines and edited into a patient questionnaire. Additional questions concerning patient satisfaction and potential determinants of information provision at patient level were included. A total of 2698 couples from 16 clinics were invited to participate. A professional's questionnaire was sent to all gynaecologists to gather potential determinants at clinic level. Multilevel regression analysis was performed to identify the determinants of information provision. A total of 1499 couples (56%) participated. The percentage of couples who reported to have received complete information varied between recommendations from 10 to 96% (mean 57%). Overall, 94% of couples were satisfied with fertility services. The use of checklists for information provision, the presence of obstetrics/gynaecology residents and specialized nursing personnel, and higher patient anxiety scores were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with higher levels of information received. Despite the possibility of recall bias in questionnaire studies and observed high patient satisfaction with fertility services, we conclude that information provision for infertile couples is currently poor and in need of improvement. This could easily be procured by, for example, the use of information checklists.
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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/8328
|Title:||Which older people decline participation in a primary care trial of physical activity and why: insights from a mixed methods approach|
|Authors:||Rogers, A|
Harris, T
Victor, CR
Woodcock, A
Limb, E
Kerry, S
Iliffe, S
Whincup, P
Ekelund, U
Beighton, C
Ussher, M
Adams, F
Cook, DG
|Keywords:||Physical activity;Non-participation;Primary care;Older people;Recruitment|
|Issue Date:||2014|
|Publisher:||BioMed Central|
|Citation:||BMC Geriatrics, 14: Article 46, Apr 2014|
|Abstract:||Background: Physical activity is of vital importance to older peoples’ health. Physical activity intervention studies with older people often have low recruitment, yet little is known about non-participants. Methods: Patients aged 60–74 years from three UK general practices were invited to participate in a nurse-supported pedometer-based walking intervention. Demographic characteristics of 298 participants and 690 non-participants were compared. Health status and physical activity of 298 participants and 183 non-participants who completed a survey were compared using age, sex adjusted odds ratios (OR) (95% confidence intervals). 15 non-participants were interviewed to explore perceived barriers to participation. Results: Recruitment was 30% (298/988). Participants were more likely than non-participants to be female (54% v 47%; p = 0.04) and to live in affluent postcodes (73% v 62% in top quintile; p < 0.001). Participants were more likely than non-participants who completed the survey to have an occupational pension OR 2.06 (1.35-3.13), a limiting longstanding illness OR 1.72 (1.05-2.79) and less likely to report being active OR 0.55 (0.33-0.93) or walking fast OR 0.56 (0.37-0.84). Interviewees supported general practice-based physical activity studies, particularly walking, but barriers to participation included: already sufficiently active, reluctance to walk alone or at night, physical symptoms, depression, time constraints, trial equipment and duration. Conclusion: Gender and deprivation differences suggest some selection bias. However, trial participants reported more health problems and lower activity than non-participants who completed the survey, suggesting appropriate trial selection in a general practice population. Non-participant interviewees indicated that shorter interventions, addressing physical symptoms and promoting confidence in pursuing physical activity, might increase trial recruitment and uptake of practice-based physical activity endeavours.|
|Description:||This article is available through the Brunel Open Access Publishing Fund. Copyright 2014 Rogers et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly credited. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated.|
|URI:||http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2318/14/46|
http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/8328
|DOI:||http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2318-14-46|
|ISSN:||1471-2318|
|Appears in Collections:||Community Health and Public Health|
Brunel OA Publishing Fund
Dept of Clinical Sciences Research Papers
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|File||Description||Size||Format|
|FullText.pdf||236.45 kB||Adobe PDF||View/Open|
Items in BURA are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated. | https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/8328 |
Finding evidence for life on Mars has been a many years-lengthy ambitions for NASA, which has spent billions of bucks to ship machines wheeling over, poking and probing the Red Planet. But as soon as the signs of life are located, how are the one’s findings verified?
In early January, NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover got here across what some researchers notion might be hint fossils on Mars. Researchers first noticed the attention-catching, tiny, stick-like features in black-and-white imagery, however, they were compelling and uncommon enough for the rover technology group to roll the robotic returned to in addition interrogate them.
The occasion underscored the diploma of difficulty in analyzing and analyzing such bizarre capabilities, in addition to the limits of routinely carried out “Curiosity technological know-how investigations” (CSI). But it additionally begs a fundamental question.
No doubt, Mars is conserving its secrets tight—but if the ongoing paintings of detecting life prove tremendous, what protocols are in place to confirm one of this verdict?
“It has been a long-term since we’ve got visited the system for extraterrestrial life announcements,” stated NASA’s Michael Meyer, program scientist for the Mars Science Laboratory and lead scientist for the space organization’s Mars Exploration Program in Washington, D.C.
Jim Green, NASA Planetary Science Division director, said to prepare to question and address the topic of direct detection of life some other place, NASA and the astrobiology community have crafted what’s tagged because of the “Ladder of Life Detection.” The ladder categorizes features that imply lifestyles, ordered from most to least indicative of lifestyles, and how they might be determined.
Green informed Space.Com that while life-detection tools have limitations, devices these days are at numerous rungs on that ladder. “Current structures deliver us symptoms that tell us what to do subsequent as we climb up that Ladder of Life,” he said.
Everett Gibson, the emeritus scientist at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, became co-leader of the crew that introduced in 1996 that it had found viable signatures of past lifestyles in ALH84001, a Martian meteorite that fell to Earth. Several years later, the group said that additional evidence in three more Martian samples bolstered its case.
The claims concerning ALH84001 had been hotly debated, with the wider medical community pointing to non-organic causes of the uncommon capabilities detected inside the meteorite. The debate over the feasible proof of lifestyles inside the Mars rock, however, is considered via many as a key occasion that helped shape the sphere of astrobiology. Gibson also determined the latest Curiosity images thrilling and is eager to learn the composition of the features imaged. “They strike a chord with me of things we have discovered all through the terrestrial geologic report of the Earth … however those capabilities are on Mars,” he instructed Space.Com.
“At least the JPL Curiosity group had sufficient interest to go returned and attain additional records on those features,” Gibson stated. “Now, if [only] they might do compositional measurements at the capabilities and the matrix from which they reside,” he said.
An evaluation by means of Curiosity’s Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) device “might additionally be exceptional to are seeking for residual biochemical-associated compounds which may live with the capabilities,” Gibson stated.
“We did not get a risk to pattern those exciting features with SAM,” said Paul Mahaffy, primary investigator for SAM at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. The Curiosity Mars crew has been doing troubleshooting work on the rover’s drill lately, he advised Space.Com, which precluded drilling for several months.
Regarding the search for life on Mars, Gibson stays confident about his crew’s ALH84001 meteorite analysis and claims, which might be now extra than 20 years vintage.
“We still stand with the aid of our 1996 record in Science mag, and none of our facts has been disproven … only interpretations of the records,” Gibson stated.
“Clearly early on Mars—in its first billion years—conditions were suitable for biogeochemical methods associated with living systems to have operated. Now we wait for similar information from Curiosity and the crew,” Gibson said.
Even if slam-dunk proof of lifestyles were to be found on Mars, how would it be introduced? And is there any method for double-checking the claims earlier than that momentous declaration? “None that I understand of,” astrobiologist John Rummel, a senior scientist with the SETI Institute and previous head of NASA’s Planetary Protection Office, advised Space.Com.
“I might anticipate that the clever factor to do would be to check the proof, in non-public, with a panel of experts who have a knowledge of the proof being tested, and then pass to an appropriate region from there,” Rummel said.
Rummel recollects that with ALH84001, multiple investigators had been able to take a look at the meteorite itself, as well as offer understanding related to the evidence gathered by way of the NASA Johnson Space Center group.
If one sees morphological proof—evidence primarily based on systems located on Mars—Rummel stated that chemical analyses must then be executed to look if the results are constant with the translation of the morphology. “Verification of the information in as many exclusive ways as viable is ideal,” he said.
That concept is shared with the aid of Bruce Jakosky, professor of geological sciences and associate director for technology at the University of Colorado’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics. He is likewise important investigator for the MAVEN undertaking now orbiting Mars.
Jakosky said that Curiosity’s latest locate is very distinctive from the ALH84001 scenario.
“In the case of ALH84001, the unique researchers did a notable quantity of evaluation before going public, to outline the characteristics of what they have been seeing and to examine them against more than one extraordinary hypotheses of the way they might shape,” Jakosky advised Space.Com. “They put forward their fine hypothesis, discussed why both biological and nonbiological mechanisms for formation is probably viable and reached their best conclusion. They identified the uncertainties of their end as well,” he stated.
In the case of Curiosity finding bizarre functions, “all we’ve got thus far is a single set of pictures, with no additional in-situ evaluation of what’s gift and no thorough assessment towards competing hypotheses,” Jakosky said.
If something is eventually determined that turns out to be organic, Jakosky suspects that such a conclusion might now not be presented in a grand press convention where the discoverers announce that lifestyles have been determined.
“The more likely state of affairs is that it’ll take more than one analyses via exclusive investigators and that a consensus could be built up over the years as non-biological eventualities are either dominated out or deemed to be much less likely,” Jakosky concluded.
A Biologist Explains: What Is Life?
How Safe is Your Vape? | https://wikibulz.com/if-we-found-life-on-mars-how-would-we-know/ |
Interview by Ong Chin Ngee, Lenon Ong and Elizaveta Shesterneva | Edited by Ong Chin Ngee
TechLaw.Fest 2020 (“TLF”) will take place online from 28 September to 2 October 2020, becoming the virtual focal point for leading thinkers, leaders and pioneers in law, business and technology. In the weeks leading up to TLF, the LawTech.Asia team will be bringing you regular interviews and shout-outs covering some of TLF’s most prominent speakers and the topics they will be speaking about.
This week, LawTech.Asia received the exclusive opportunity to interview Mark A. Cohen, Executive Chairman of the Digital Legal Exchange, CEO of Legal Mosaic, and the Singapore Academy of Law’s LIFTED “Catalyst-in-Residence.” Mark will be sharing the stage with Richard Susskind for a special session of their “Uncertain Decade” series. They will be discussing “The Future of the Legal World.”
Given how the legal industry has to pick up digital tools due to COVID-19, do you think that COVID-19 has effectively spurred legal innovation around the world? Also, could you name some examples of the digital tools being used in today’s world, especially by lawyers and law students?
At the outset, let me clarify that in my view, digital tools now apply not only to different technological applications and platforms but also to different ways of working and collaborating. The legal industry has a robust tool shed, but it is under-utilised.
Regarding the uptick of digital tools and legal innovation around the world, let me zoom in on law firms. It is important to note that law firms have thus far been primarily office-centric. However, due to COVID, they are now constrained to working remotely, which naturally means a broader and deeper use of and reliance on digital tools. This does not mean that innovation will naturally occur. This is a first step in the change process, but digital transformation starts with consumers. How can providers give them a consistently more accessible, impactful, efficient, and satisfying experience that drives measurable results? To do that requires law firms to do much more than to use technological tools. The law firm must reimagine its model, collaboration with others in the legal supply chain, its culture, and — especially — its culture. These are the elements that drive innovation. Again, it’s all about the consumer, not the provider.
You also asked about law students. Until COVID-19, digital tools were under-utilised in legal education. Much of legal education is learned outside the classroom. Education is a process, not a place. COVID-19 has highlighted that. Legal education must be more than learning legal doctrine. It is about applying legal training to help people/companies in distress. This requires a more holistic view of learning as well as a learning for life mindset. My late father used to say: if you are an astute observer, you can learn as much on the subway as in the classroom — both are important in advancing one’s education. Students must have cultural awareness and “people skills” to succeed. This is especially important as the world becomes increasingly tech-centric. Humanity counts — especially for lawyers and other legal professionals.
“Innovation” is an overused and misapplied term when applied to most things in the legal industry. Innovation positively impacts consumers and society. We need to focus on the customer, not the provider. That’s perhaps the biggest change going on in the legal industry.
Globally, should policymakers/governments and courts be more involved in the legal tech space to minimise the barriers to access to justice, and how can they do so? Do you have any examples?
Yes, they should. Courts are absolutely critical in breaking down barriers to access to justice through the adoption of legal tech. For example, in the United States, there is a huge backlog of cases and I believe some responsibility rests with the courts to recognise that they contribute to the efficiency of the justice system, too.
Just as providers of legal services must be more creative to make services/products more accessible, so too should courts begin to think and act this way. This would involve — among other things — utilising data, providing self-help dispute resolution tools, and expanding the justice system beyond courthouses. Justice — like education — is a process and not a place.
Governments also have a vital role to play in increasing access to justice via legal tech. Regulators should be outcome driven, and in this context, the purpose of regulation is a balance between protecting the public and ensuring that it has accessible, affordable legal services.
In your interview with us for TechLaw.Fest 2019, you mentioned that “limited access to justice is a global challenge that the legal industry can and must address”. Which player(s) do you think is/are the most suited to take the lead in the movement of an equal access to justice: the government, separate lawyers who specialise in immigration law, human rights law, etc., or should legal technology start-ups be more vocal about this issue? Also, what are the structural / cultural issues hindering greater access to justice, and how do you think legal technology can address such issues?
On the first question, I think all stakeholders in the legal industry should have the shared objective of delivering efficient services and fostering a culture that encourages creativity and new delivery models. This necessitates working collaboratively rather than in silos. Traditionally, lawyers tend to be indoctrinated with a zero-sum mindset: there is a winner and a loser. This is a fallacy. Law must seek to be less adversarial and more collaborative. Even in trial work — something I’m very familiar with — one can be adversarial while also being collaborative in effecting compromise. That’s why 99% of contested matters ultimately settle.
On structural issues hindering greater access to justice, we would have more public interest lawyers — especially in the United States — if legal education was not so expensive. My experience as a professor at several law schools has been that many students would like to work on expanding access to justice but cannot afford to do so because they must opt for higher-paying jobs to retire their student debt. That’s wrong.
On the last point in your question, legal tech can promote collaboration across geographical boundaries. Unlike the practice of law, which is constrained to specific jurisdictions, technology is not limited that way. For the most part, tools that can be effectively used in Asia can also be used in South/North America. The global legal industry has many common problems, and anything that encourages collaborative, cross-border/continent efforts to address them should be encouraged. Technology is one such tool in the collaborative arsenal.
Unlike the practice of law, which is constrained in specific jurisdictions, technology is not limited that way. … The global legal industry has many common problems, and anything that encourages collaborative, cross-border or continent efforts too address them should be encouraged.Mark A. Cohen, Executive Chairman of Digital Legal Exchange, CEO and Founder of Legal Mosaic, LIFTED Catalyst-in-Residence
COVID-19 has opened a lot of old wounds related to the problems such as racial discrimination, the divide between the rich and the poor and others. In your view, will more lawyers who specialise in, say, fighting racial injustice from the legal point of view play an increasing role, and how can legal technology come into play here? Also, how do you think the culture in the legal industry will change given the increasing adoption of legal technology?
Lawyers are taught to avoid risk and not to make mistakes. They look to precedent — what’s been done in the past — and not to innovation and how things can be done differently. Legal culture is also male-oriented, and focused on input and not output These are some of many legal cultural elements that impede true innovation.
Legal consumers, especially since COVID-19, are demanding more of the legal function. They are driving legal industry change, not lawyers.
The younger generation of legal professionals will also drive change. They have been exposed to technology since birth and will, hopefully, use it to construct new delivery models: education, legal service delivery, the judicial process, that better serve legal consumers and society.
I have great hope that law can and will do better.
—
This piece of content was produced by LawTech.Asia as an official media partner for TechLaw.Fest 2020. Click on the banner below to access TechLaw.Fest, and register for the event (it’s free – for limited slots only)! | https://lawtech.asia/techlaw-fest-2020-quick-chats-mark-a-cohen-executive-chairman-of-digital-legal-exchange-ceo-and-founder-of-legal-mosaic-lifted-catalyst-in-residence/ |
The convergence properties of an overlapping Schwarz decomposition algorithm for solving nonlinear optimal control problems (OCPs) are studied and it is shown that the algorithm exhibits local linear convergence and that the convergence rate improves exponentially with the overlap size.
Overlapping Schwarz Decomposition for Nonlinear Optimal Control
- Computer ScienceArXiv
- 2020
It is shown that the algorithm exhibits local convergence and that the convergence rate improves exponentially with the size of the overlap, and that this condition holds for nonlinear OCPs under a uniform second-order sufficient condition, a controllability condition, and a uniform boundedness condition.
A Fast Temporal Decomposition Procedure for Long-horizon Nonlinear Dynamic Programming
- Computer Science
- 2021
We propose a fast temporal decomposition procedure for solving long-horizon nonlinear dynamic programs. The core of the procedure is sequential quadratic programming (SQP), with a differentiable…
Diffusing-Horizon Model Predictive Control
- MathematicsIEEE Transactions on Automatic Control
- 2021
We present a new time-coarsening strategy for model predictive control (MPC) that we call diffusing-horizon MPC. This strategy seeks to overcome the computational challenges associated with optimal…
Exponential Decay of Sensitivity in Dynamic Optimization: A Graph-Theoretic Approach
- Mathematics
- 2021
We study exponential decay of sensitivity (EDS) in dynamic optimization (DO) problems, which include model predictive control (MPC) and moving horizon estimation (MHE). The property indicates that…
Superconvergence of Online Optimization for Model Predictive Control
- MathematicsArXiv
- 2020
It is proved that the one-Newton-step-per-horizon, online, lag-$L$, model predictive control algorithm for solving discrete-time, equality-constrained, nonlinear dynamic programs exhibits a behavior that is called superconvergence; that is, the tracking error with respect to the full horizon solution is not only stable for successive horizon shifts, but also decreases with increasing shift order.
GoPRONTO: a Feedback-based Framework for Nonlinear Optimal Control
- Computer ScienceArXiv
- 2021
Go-PRONTO is developed, a generalized first-order framework based on a suitable embedding of the original dynamics into a closed-loop system, able to reinterpret the optimal control problem as the minimization of a cost function, depending on a state-input curve, whose gradient can be computed by resorting to a suitable costate equation.
Turnpike Properties in Optimal Control: An Overview of Discrete-Time and Continuous-Time Results
- EconomicsArXiv
- 2020
The present chapter provides an introductory overview of discrete-time and continuous-time results in finite and infinite-dimensions and comments on dissipativity-based approaches and finite-horizon results, which enable the exploitation of turnpike properties for the numerical solution of problems with long and infinite horizons.
Exponential Decay in the Sensitivity Analysis of Nonlinear Dynamic Programming
- MathematicsSIAM J. Optim.
- 2020
Under uniform controllability and boundedness assumptions for the problem data, it is proved that the directional derivative of the optimal state and control at time k will have exponential decay in terms of $|k-i|$ with a decay rate $\rho$ independent of the temporal horizon length.
An Augmented Lagrangian Based Parallelizable Nonconvex Solver for Bilinear Model Predictive Control
- Computer Science, EngineeringArXiv
- 2022
This work proposes a novel parallel augmented Lagrangian based bilinear MPC solver via a novel horizon splitting scheme that converts the non-convex MPC control problem into a set parallelizable multi-parametric quadratic programming (mpQP) and an equality constrained QP problem.
References
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Exponentially Convergent Receding Horizon Strategy for Constrained Optimal Control
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Receding horizon control has been a widespread method in industrial control engineering as well as an extensively studied subject in control theory. In this work, we consider a lag L receding horizon…
Hierarchical MPC schemes for periodic systems using stochastic programming
- MathematicsAutom.
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Exponentially Accurate Temporal Decomposition for Long-Horizon Linear-Quadratic Dynamic Optimization
- Computer ScienceSIAM J. Optim.
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It is proved that an overlapping domains temporal decomposition, while inexact, approaches the solution of the long-horizon dynamic optimization problem exponentially fast in the size of the overlap.
On the implementation of an interior-point filter line-search algorithm for large-scale nonlinear programming
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A comprehensive description of the primal-dual interior-point algorithm with a filter line-search method for nonlinear programming is provided, including the feasibility restoration phase for the filter method, second-order corrections, and inertia correction of the KKT matrix.
An Additive Variant of the Schwarz Alternating Method for the Case of Many Subregions
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This paper presents an additive variant of the Schwarz method for elliptic problems, which shows great promise for parallel computers and is able to show that this method converges quite rapidly even when the region is divided into many subregions.
On turnpike and dissipativity properties of continuous-time optimal control problems
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Accelerated gradient methods and dual decomposition in distributed model predictive control
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Decentralized Schemes With Overlap for Solving Graph-Structured Optimization Problems
- Computer ScienceIEEE Transactions on Control of Network Systems
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The proposed approach provides a bridge between fully decentralized and centralized architectures and is flexible in that it enables the implementation of asynchronous schemes, handling of constraints, and balancing of computing, communication, and data privacy needs. | https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/A-Parallel-Decomposition-Scheme-for-Solving-Optimal-Shin-Faulwasser/eb81ead6a12b4de43c6f3040660cb743752217f6 |
This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.
This UNV assignment will contribute to achievement of results under the DCO strategic objectives on strengthened partnerships for integrated policy services to advance SDG solutions and ensure development financing, including in volatile contexts and strengthened leadership for joint action and shared results by all members of the UN development system at the country level. Specifically, the assignment will contribute to the outcome on ‘The RC system brings together global, regional and domestic assets to enable integrated, high-quality policy and programming SDG solutions’.
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the DCO-AfricaTeam Leader and Strategic Planner or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Coordination and Development Planning Specialist will:
• Support in quality review of roadmaps, common country analyses and cooperation framework to ensure alignment with the Cooperation Framework guidance • Facilitate organization of trainings on Cooperation Framework Programming Principles in consultation with DCO, Resident Coordinators’ Offices and the Africa Peer Support Group • Facilitate organization of trainings/webinars on Cooperation Frameworks/Common Country Analyses and prepare workshop reports • Follow up with Resident Coordinator Offices on implementation of the Cooperation Framework roadmaps • Support the coordination of the Africa Peer Support Group and RCO PDFO/other networks • Support quality review of annual country reports submitted by UN Country Teams
• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication
programme management, coordination or other relevant programmes; experience with the UN is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain; (if not applicable, delete) • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in coordination and stakeholder engagement, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.
Addis Ababa is the capital of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The population is estimated at about 4 million or so. Addis Ababa located in the Ethiopian highlands at an altitude of 2,500-2,700 meters. The climate is sunny and temperate, but it can be very cold at night, with freezing temperature at times. It is therefore advisable to bring warm clothing and foresee using heaters and/or log fires when necessary. Addis Ababa is the headquarters for the UN Economic Commission for Africa as well as the African Union. Thus, there is a very large community of expatriates from all over the world. There are some 80 embassies/diplomatic missions. Housing is most of the time readily available and the rents are, on average, reasonable. Most foodstuffs, beverages, household goods, furniture and clothing, mostly imported from the Middle/Far East, South Africa and Europe, or local brands, can be found, although they can be expensive. Meat, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables are cheap and abundantly available. | https://untalent.org/jobs/coordination-and-development-planning-specialist-1 |
FRIDAY, June 26, 2015 (HealthDay News) -- Nutrition experts are hailing a federal decision to drop recommended restrictions on total fat consumption in the forthcoming 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Over the past decade, research has shown that a diet rich in healthy fats can be better for people, particularly if those fats help offset consumption of foods containing high levels of salt, sugar and refined grains, Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, dean of Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy in Boston, wrote in a viewpoint article on the federal decision.
The report appears in the June 23/30 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
That research prompted independent scientists on the federally funded 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Committee to quietly abandon current recommended restrictions on dietary fat, he said.
For the first time since 1980, the committee did not propose restricting total fat consumption in its technical report, which was released earlier this year.
Low-fat diets have had unintended consequences, turning people away from healthy high-fat foods and toward foods rich in added sugars, starches and refined grains. This has helped fuel the twin epidemics of obesity and diabetes in America, Mozaffarian said.
"We really need to sing it from the rooftops that the low-fat diet concept is dead," Mozaffarian said. "There are no health benefits to it."
Current dietary guidelines hold that only up to 35 percent of daily calories should come from fat. The committee's recommendation drops the entire concept, Mozaffarian noted.
"What's really noticeable is not they came out with a dramatic statement that we should drop the limit on total fat, but that they really quietly ignored the whole thing," he said. "There's no chapter on fat. There's no statement on fats."
Based on the committee's recommendation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are expected to issue an updated set of dietary guidelines later this year that omits any limits on total fat consumption, Mozaffarian said.
Sotiria Everett, a registered dietitian at the Katz Institute for Women's Health in Lake Success, N.Y., said, "This seems to follow increasing scientific evidence that reducing total fat intake may not benefit heart health and cholesterol levels, especially since consumers' response to the initial limitations on fat led to increased consumption of refined carbohydrates and added sugar."
Dropping restrictions on healthy fats will allow Americans to adopt eating habits like the Mediterranean diet, which has been shown to improve heart health even though it includes high-fat items, Everett said.
"Many eating patterns that support heart health, such as the Mediterranean diet, consist of a fat intake that is above 35 percent fat, largely due to the emphasis of foods high in unsaturated fat such as olive oil, nuts and fatty fish," she said.
Most dietary fats still should come from plant-based unsaturated fats, which have been shown to improve blood cholesterol levels and reduce a person's risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, Everett said.
But even limited amounts of saturated fats are fine, particularly if they come from plant sources like nuts or avocados, Mozaffarian said.
Mozaffarian argued that these new guidelines should offer more clarity than confusion, because now people can choose foods based on their overall quality rather than individual nutrients they contain.
"This doesn't mean that butter is good for you or that bacon is good for you. It means we have to really think about the overall quality of our food," he said.
For example, high-fat foods like vegetable oil, nuts and whole-milk dairy products can be very healthy, while low-fat foods like bagels, white rice, crackers and low-fat potato chips are terrible, Mozaffarian said.
Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, director of Women's Heart Health at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, said, "These new guidelines are intended to bring health back to the American diet, by encouraging fruits, vegetables and healthy fats. Hopefully, this will help in reducing the obesity epidemic."
Mozaffarian hopes that other federal programs will follow suit. For example, the Nutrition Facts label on food products currently uses a 30 percent dietary limit to calculate what an average person's daily fat intake should be, and the National School Lunch Program recently banned whole milk while keeping sugar-sweetened nonfat milk on cafeteria menus, he said.
"I think the public and doctors should really push the government to cause all of its programs to get up to date with the modern science," he said.
Both Mozaffarian and his viewpoint co-author, Dr. David Ludwig, director of the New Balance Foundation Obesity Prevention Center at Boston Children's Hospital, were supported in part by grants from the U.S. National Institutes of Health. | http://www.konanaturalfoods.net/promog/ConditionCenter.asp?ConditionID=20&ArticleID=2371&StoreID=53147108A90E488D9309699250FD2CD4 |
Gross Fixed Capital Formation can help us as a leading indicator of economic growth. GFCF figures increase when growth is forecasted, be it for companies, governments, or organizations, etc. Understanding this macroeconomic indicator can help us understand the level of economic activity going on the global scale and forecast the changes in the rate of growth for different economies, as indicated by the Gross Fixed Capital Formation figures.
What is Gross Fixed Capital Formation?
Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) is a measure of gross net investment into fixed capital goods by companies, governments, and households within the economy for a specific period. It is also called investment in short, or business investment generally.
Capital Goods: These are tangible assets that are used by companies to produce consumer goods and services. In simpler words, it refers to the physical goods required by a company to run its business. For example, a transportation company will have trucks as its capital assets that enable them to run its business and generate revenue. An IT company would have computers that would be its capital assets or goods that help it run its business. Any tangible (or physically quantifiable) good required in assisting the company production is termed as Capital Goods. Hence, Capital Goods can be tools, equipment, raw materials, transportation assets, power supply, etc.
Hence, GFCF is a measure of how much a company invests in acquiring capital assets to maintain or enhance its production capacity and efficiency. Capital Formation is a necessary component for any business or government operation.
It is called “Gross” because it does not take into account the adjustments to consumption associated with the fixed capital, i.e., depreciation of the fixed capital assets that occur over time due to normal wear and tear.
GFCF is not a gauge of total investment. It only measures net addition to fixed assets, and all financial assets are excluded along with inventory stocks and other operating costs. Among all these exclusions, the essential exclusion is that of real-estate (land sales and purchases). Real estate transactions only mean that land has been only transferred in ownership from one organization to another and is only included when a new land that did not exist before was created and added into the economy.
How can the Gross Fixed Capital Formation numbers be used for analysis?
As the capital goods wear out over time and a decrease in value, companies that cannot afford new capital goods will observe a reduction in production output. Also, a company that plans on expansion would be required to acquire new capital assets to increase its production capacity.
The difference in the Capital Formation figures for different countries reflects the economic development rate and the catch-up process amongst the compared economies. Higher investment rates into capital goods in less developed economies will lead to improved living standards in the long term on account of accelerated economic growth and improved equipment for the workforce with modern technology.
GFCF is, in a way, a measure of how much of the revenue is invested back into its growth. The higher the investment into its growth, the more accelerated growth the economy undergoes in the long-run. Of course, when a portion of the revenue goes back into the business itself, it leaves lesser revenue for the shareholders or the business owners in the short run, but it pays off in the long run.
Changes in GFCF is indicative of fluctuations in business activity, business confidence, growth pattern. During economic uncertainty or a recession, business investment is reduced, as decreased revenue is consumed for immediate needs and maintenance operations. On the other side, during times of consistent economic growth and stable market, there is a general increase in GFCF as it is more likely to yield favorable returns in the future. It is less risky to invest in a stable market environment.
The below snapshot of the GFCF for the United States establishes our analysis point above:
Impact on Currency
GFCF is a proportional macroeconomic indicator. It is very suitable for macroeconomic analysis and is more suited to the regional or international level analysis of market conditions. While the increase in the GFCF figures is good for the economy in the long run, it is an especially useful indicator for long term traders and investors. It is not a very reliable measure for short-term currency market volatility assessment.
It is a quarterly report, and hence, other monthly indicators would be more appropriate for traders looking to stay ahead of the fundamental trends. But this GFCF is a leading indicator for companies, or economic growth both and can act as a double-check for our fundamental analysis.
Hence, in the currency markets, the GFCF figures bear low impact due to the frequency of release, and its long-term trend indicative nature makes it a less favorable indicator for day and swing traders.
Economic Reports
The GFCF figures are macroeconomic indicators and are generally available on the official websites of international organizations like the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development), World Bank, or IMF (International Monetary Fund). The reports are released quarterly and annually for most countries, as data becomes available from different countries’ respective reporting institutions.
Sources of Gross Fixed Capital Formation
For the United States, the St. Louis FRED maintains the OECD data of GFCF here.
You can find the GFCF data for all the OECD countries on its official website here.
You can find the GFCF list for various economies in the sources mentioned below.
Impact of the” Gross Fixed Capital Formation” news release on the Forex market
In the above section of the article, we defined the Gross Fixed Capital Formation economic indicator, which estimates the value of acquisitions of new or existing fixed assets by the business sector, governments, and households. When this value is subtracted from the fixed assets, we get the Gross Fixed Capital. Investors around the world consider this indicator to be an essential determinant of the GDP of a country. This value is directly reflected in the GDP as it measures the total assets owned by the government and individuals.
In today’s article, we will be analyzing the impact of Capital Formation on the value of a currency and watch the change in volatility due to the news announcement. For that purpose, we have collected the previous and latest Capital Formation data of Japan as it is shown in the below image. A higher than expected number is considered to be bullish for the currency while a lower than expected number is considered bearish. Let us find out the reaction of the market to this data.
USD/JPY | Before the announcement:
The first pair we will be reviewing is the USD/JPY currency pair, where the above image shows the characteristics of the price before the news announcement. It is very clear from the chart that the market is in a strong downtrend with no retracement. This means the Japanese Yen is stable, and we might not see price retracement until strength comes back in the U.S. dollar.
USD/JPY | After the announcement:
After the news announcement, volatility increases to the upside, and the price shows signs of bullishness. Since the Japanese Yen is on the left-hand side in this pair, and increasing price signifies the weakening of the currency. The market reacted negatively to the news release due to the weak numbers. However, we see that weakness does not sustain, and the volatility increases to the downside after a couple of candles.
GBP/JPY | Before the announcement:
GBP/JPY | After the announcement:
The above images are that of the GBP/JPY currency pair, where we see in the first image that the market is in a strong downtrend indicating that the Japanese Yen is stable. As there is a lot of bearishness in the market concerning the British Pound, an ideal trade plan would be to take a ‘short’ trade as the price pulls back to a ‘resistance’ or ‘supply’ area. Until then, we cannot position ourselves in the currency pair. After the news announcement, the price initially moves higher, owing to weak Capital Formations data where there was a reduction in the total assets compared to the previous quarter. Due to the selling pressure witnessed from the top, the weakness in Japanese Yen does sustain, and the ‘news candle’ closes with a wick on the upper side. The market fails to retrace even after the news release, and the price continues to move lower.
CAD/JPY | Before the announcement:
CAD/JPY | After the announcement:
The above images represent the CAD/JPY currency pair, where the characteristics of the chart appear to be similar to that of the above-discussed pairs. The price is violently moving lower before the news announcement with almost no retracement of any kind. We will be looking to sell the currency pair only if we geta price retracement due to the news release or any other release.
After the news announcement, we see the volatility increases to the upside for some time, and the ‘news candle’ closes with some bullishness. The market goes up as a consequence of the below than expected Capital Formation data where there was a reduction in the Capital Formation during the fourth quarter. Cheers! | https://www.forex.academy/what-does-gross-fixed-capital-formation-economic-indicator-tell-about-a-nations-economy/ |
Model Turned Iconic Pin-Up Photographer Bunny Yeager Passes Away at 85
Leaving behind a pioneering legacy, pin-up model turned pin-up photographer, Bunny Yeager, has sadly passed away yesterday at the age of 85. Born March 13, 1929 Yeager started her career as a pin-up model herself, eventually switching sides of the camera and becoming one of the most commercially successful female photographers of our time.
A well-respected figure, known for her more provocative approach to pin-up photography and connections in the industry, her work drew the attention of some of the best in the business. None other than Diane Arbus, one of Yeager’s contemporaries, once said on record that Yeager was “the world’s greatest pin-up photographer.”
A sad loss for the photography community, she leaves behind a legacy of incredible work. Carving out the genre of pin-up photography as we know it, Yeager’s photographic legacy will carry on for many decades to come. | https://petapixel.com/2014/05/26/model-turned-photographer-bunny-yeager-passes-away-at-85/ |
Tulane University has removed its 'Victory Bell' used to celebrate sporting triumphs after learning of its ties to slavery.
College officials say they banished the bell - that stood in front of the McAlister Auditorium at the university in New Orleans, Louisiana - to storage after learning of its history 'as an instrument of slavery.'
In a letter emailed to the Tulane community, President Mike Fitts and Board Chairman Doug Hertz said they were informed last week that the 'Victory Bell' was originally used to direct the movements of enslaved people on a plantation.
Tulane University has removed its 'Victory Bell' (pictured) used to celebrate sporting triumphs after learning of its ties to slavery
'It is terribly disheartening to learn that it is, in fact, a vestige of a horrific part of our nation's past,' the letter said.
'Now that we understand its history as an instrument of slavery, continuing to use this bell in a celebratory manner would run counter to our values.'
The bell was rung to celebrate Tulane victories on the basketball court and football field and students would also rub it for good luck.
The bell was rung to celebrate Tulane victories on the basketball court and football field and students would also rub it for good luck. Pictured: Tulane University
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The Victory Bell was cast in 1825 and donated by Richard W. Leche, a former Louisiana governor and a Tulane law school graduate.
A history of the 'Victory Bell'
The Victory Bell was cast in 1825 and donated by Richard W. Leche, a former Louisiana governor and a Tulane law school graduate.
Leche resigned his office and was sent to federal prison on corruption charges before being pardoned by President Harry Truman and returning to his New Orleans law practice, according to a biography published by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.
The bell arrived on Tulane's campus in 1960 and stood in front of the Fogelman Arena.
It stood there for decades and was rung after Tulane basketball victories until the tradition 'fell into disuse,' according to the guidebook.
In 2011, the bell was refurbished, moved to the front of McAlister and dedicated to Tulane fan Robert 'Bobby' J. Boudreau.
In the letter, it said the bell was moved to storage Thursday while the university investigates its origins.
The school plans to form a special committee to recommend what will replace the bell in front of the auditorium, near the center of the New Orleans campus.
'As an academic institution, we believe it is important to find a way to use this bell to further our knowledge and understanding of slavery and pursue a more just society,' the statement said.
The decision to remove the bell comes amid a broader push by universities across the U.S. to confront their historic ties to slavery and white supremacy.
In their statement, Fitts and Hertz said it is important for universities to be vigilant in examining their beliefs and practices.
'Although we have made real progress in building a university that better reflects our community and our highest values, the bell's newly discovered past is a powerful reminder that the most tragic and painful elements of our nation's history continue to echo through our communities,' the statement said.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to inspecting the integrity of fasteners, and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a device fir and method of inspecting fasteners in their environment of use.
2. Description of the Related Art
A typical requirement for industrial facilities, regardless of the type of industry, is that the equipment must be inspected on a routine basis to ensure that the structural integrity of the equipment is within acceptable guidelines. While the frequency of such inspections may vary, the need to prevent failure or break-down of the equipment is a common requirement across industry. For exemplary purposes, the environment of a nuclear utility will be discussed herein.
Nuclear utilities have a need to verify the integrity of their aging components within nuclear reactors and other plant systems. In Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs), one exemplary set of components required to be inspected for plant life extension and compliance with regulatory requirements are the baffle bolts that are part of the reactor internal assembly. Due to the bolt pre-loads, age, and radiation fluence through the bolts, these fasteners are susceptible to loosening and cracking. Moreover, due to radiation embrittlement of the bolt materials (irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking, or IASCC), once a crack begins, it can grow quickly due to the reduced toughness of the embrittled material. Other influences may subject equipment in other types of facilities to similar degradation.
Industrial facilities typically have reduced access to fasteners once the equipment and related components are placed in service. In the environment of a nuclear power plant, retaining bars and/or washers are welded to the top of fasteners to prevent them from falling out if they become loose or if the head portion becomes detached from the shaft. These safety precautions make fastener inspection much more difficult and complex. Without a qualified and reliable inspection of the fasteners in their use configuration, the safety components must be removed to physically access the fastener. Thus, the facility operators will replace these fasteners regardless of whether they actually need to be replaced. Replacement, of course, is a much more costly and time consuming undertaking.
Thus, there is a need for a reliable and capable inspection system and method for fasteners with limited access.
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a) During construction and installation, liners must be inspected for uniformity, damage and imperfections (e.g., holes, cracks, thin spots or foreign materials). Immediately after construction or installation:
1) Synthetic liners and covers must be inspected to ensure tight seams and joints and the absence of tears, punctures and blisters; and
2) Soil-based and admixed liners and covers must be inspected for imperfections including lenses, cracks, channels, root holes or other structural non-uniformities that may cause an increase in the permeability of that liner or cover.
b) While a surface impoundment is in operation, it must be inspected weekly and after storms to detect evidence of any of the following:
1) Deterioration, malfunctions or improper operation of overtopping control systems;
2) Sudden drops in the level of the impoundment's contents;
3) Severe erosion or other signs of deterioration in dikes or other containment devices; or
4) A leaking dike.
Notes
The following state regulations pages link to this page.
State regulations are updated quarterly; we currently have two versions available. Below is a comparison between our most recent version and the prior quarterly release. More comparison features will be added as we have more versions to compare. | https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/illinois/Ill-Admin-Code-tit-35-SS-616.445 |
Two pure hexagonal phases of titanium dioxide, anatase and rutile, were grown on c-cut Al2O3 substrates via pulsed-laser deposition by changing only the growth and annealing conditions, but without changing the substrate, target, or working gas. Purity of each phase was confirmed by x-ray diffraction, the quality of each film was studied using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and the interface between each substrate and film was studied using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A binding layer of Ti2O3 was found to explain anatase growth under the very large lattice mismatch conditions.
Keywords
Titania, Anatase, Rutile, Sapphire, PLD
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1. Introduction
Titanium dioxide (titania; TiO2) is a well-studied material that has been studied since at least 1916 . Titania has a number of properties that make it useful for a wide variety of applications; these include using TiO2 as the basis for energy efficient solar cells , as photocatalytic materials to clean air and water , for self-cleaning coatings , as components of various sensor devices , and as a gate dielectric in MOSFET technologies . Further, because it is a wide bandgap semiconductor, titanium dioxide is becoming increasingly important for many next-generation modern optical and electronics applications, such as transparent electronics systems, transparent thin-film transistors, and see-through active matrix displays. The success of each of these applications depends critically upon the particular crystallographic state (anatase, rutile, or brookite) of the titania being utilized (see, e.g., Park et al. , Gÿorgy et al. , Kim et al. , and Luttrell et al. ).
Over the last 100 years, a wide variety of methods have been developed to produce titania, each method optimized for the final form of titania required. Methodologies that are currently employed to produce bulk TiO2 include solid state reactions and sol-gel methods ; however, generally speaking, there are a wider variety of thin-film production techniques used for titania, including reactive sputtering , spray pyrolysis , sol-gel techniques , chemical vapor deposition , and pulsed-laser deposition (PLD; - ).
While each of these growth techniques has its advantages and disadvantages, PLD is one of the most common, forming the basis of more than 100 publications over the last ten years. However, when searching this literature for PLD growth protocols for specific crystallographic phases, a clear pattern emerged: researchers tended to favor using a pure titanium target with a silicon substrate to grow anatase titania (see, e.g., Di Fonzo et al. , Luca et al. , and Gÿorgy et al. ), whereas typical growth protocols for rutile thin films used rutile titania targets and either glass or silicon substrates (see, e.g., Gÿorgy et al. , Dzibrou et al. , and Long et al. ). Kitazawa et al. , Luttrell et al. and Le Boulbar et al. used c-cut Al2O3 as their substrate for growing rutile TiO2, but in every instance in which researchers used Al2O3 as a substrate, it was switched for LaAlO3 when they attempted to produce anatase TiO2. According to Luca et al. , Janisch et al. , and references therein, growing TiO2 on Al2O3 leads to either rutile, mixed-phase films or brookite films. For studies that considered multiple distinct crystallographic forms, researchers changed either the PLD target (see, e.g., Hsieh et al. and Ohshima et al. ) or the substrate (see, e.g., Luttrell et al. , Kitazawa et al. , and Le Boulbar et al. ) to achieve their goal.
Further, there is no prior report of the production of anatase TiO2 on Al2O3. We note, however, that some authors (see, e.g., Murugesan et al. , Djerdj and Tonejc ) call titania films “anatase” when anatase is the dominant phase in mixed-phase films. This may be done because it has been suggested that pure anatase cannot be grown on sapphire substrates (Luca et al. ).
In this paper, we show that both pure anatase and rutile phases of TiO2 can be individually grown using a single PLD target and a single substrate material (c-cut Al2O3) by carefully controlling the growth and annealing conditions. Understanding how to produce given phases of a material using a single PLD target and a single substrate is vital for both understanding the growth physics of the material and for large-scale manufacturing, since changing growth materials can make it difficult to determine correlations between growth conditions and the performance of the resulting film. Such ambiguity may be at least one reason why different research groups found vastly different growth parameters to be ideal for the same TiO2 crystallographic phase (cf. Hsieh et al. , Dzibrou et al. , Long et al. , and Choi et al. ).
2. Experimental Section
We grew thin films using custom-built pulsed-laser deposition system (shown in Figure 1) with a Coherent COMPex Pro KrF excimer laser (λ = 256 nm, pulse width = 25 ns) held at a 45˚ angle to a rotating TiO2 mixed-phase target inside a custom-built growth chamber (total volume = 35 L) with a base pressure of 6.5 × 10−11 Torr. The thin film growth process was typically started near pressure of ~2 × 10−9 Torr. The target was 1-in. in diameter, 0.25-in. thick, and 99.99% pure (SuperConductor Materials). To ensure even ablation, the target was rotated at ~3 rpm. In every case, we grew the film on a 10 mm × 10 mm c-cut (0001) Al2O3 substrate that was heated from back side with a platinum wire heater; temperature was measured with a thermocouple placed in a representative position, and the substrate was rotated parallel to, but in an opposite direction from the target at ~3 rpm during the entire deposition process.
Anatase films were annealed inside the growth chamber; the film was held at its growth temperature and pressure for one hour and then allowed to cool at a rate of ~9˚C/min. until it reached room temperature. Rutile films were annealed in a custom-built quartz-tube furnace (base pressure of ~1 × 10−4 Torr). To ensure that the films did not crack, they were inserted into the furnace at room temperature and returned to the temperature and pressure at which they were grown with a ramp rate of 9˚C/min; after 1 hour for anatase and 2 hours for rutile films, the films were returned to room temperature with a −9˚C/min cooling ramp rate.
Finally, film thicknesses were measured by imaging a cross section of each sample with a Zeiss Crossbeam 340 focused ion-beam/scanning-electron microscope.
Figure 1. Schematic representation of the PLD system used for sample deposition. Numbered labels correspond to: 1: Ultra High Vacuum chamber; 2: rotatable substrate holder; 3: rotatable target holders; 4: incident UV laser beam; and 5: material plume.
The specific growth and annealing protocols required to produce each film are presented in Table 1; using these protocols, films ranging from tens of nm to up to 1.5 µm were created by changing only the number of laser pulses. Anatase films grew at 0.1Å per laser pulse (5Å per second); rutile films grew three times faster.
After production, each film was analyzed using a Rigaku Ultima 3 powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) system to inspect quality of the films in terms of crystallographic phase and crystallinity. The samples were measured from 20˚ to 85˚ (2θ) with a step size of 0.02˚ and an integration time of 0.6 s per step.
To measure the roughness, representative films were measured with an Asylum Research MFP-3D-BIO atomic force microscope (AFM) in tapping mode with Bruker MSNL probes (nominal tip radii of 2 nm) to characterize the surface morphology of each sample. Individual locations on each sample for a 10 µm × 10 µm scan were selected near the center of each sample to minimize edge effects. For each scan, the rate was set to 0.5 Hz, the scan angle was fixed at 90˚, the set point was held at 1 V, and the integral gain was set to 10.
To study the interface between the films and substrate, we used x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Each film was produced by the protocol described above, but changing the number of laser pulses to 200 for rutile films and 600 for anatase films in order to produce films that were ~6 nm thick. XPS measurements were completed using a Physical Electronics PHI 5000 Versa Probe spectrometer using a monochromatic Al Kα (hν = 1486.6 eV) x-ray source. Peaks
Table 1. TiO2 film growth conditions.
aCorresponding film thickness: 100 nm; bCorresponding film thickness: 90 nm.
reported were charge corrected using the adventitious carbon 1s peak at 284.5 eV as a reference.
3. Results and Discussion
We show the x-ray diffraction patterns in Figure 2, in which the rutile and anatase patterns are on the top (red) and bottom (blue), respectively. The rutile pattern has been shifted vertically for visual clarity; patterns were identified with the JadeTM software package. The anatase phase matched with PDF#97-015-460431 and the rutile phase matched with PDF#03-065-1119; each peak is labeled with its corresponding Miller index from the corresponding matching file.
Note that both plots are clean; there are no anatase peaks in the rutile pattern and vice versa. The peak labeled with a red dagger (†) in the top panel is a reflection from the Inconel sample holder and is not part of the film.
Since the XRD patterns of anatase and brookite are very similar, we must be cautious when claiming that we have pure anatase phase TiO2. To aid in this, we note that in the anatase pattern in Figure 2 (the lower, blue curve), there is no peak near 30.81˚ (the location of the (121) reflection of brookite), and there is a peak at 62.67˚, corresponding to the (024) reflection of anatase. The combination of these two facts are sufficient to claim that our anatase is brookite-free (Di Paola et al. and Hu et al. .
Substrate effects
The main conditions required to produce strain-free epitaxial film growth are (a) a thermal match between the film and the substrate and (b) matched crystallographic lattice structures. Mismatches in either result in films that have residual stress and potential lattice defects that may alter the performance of the final film. Therefore, the choice of substrate is critical when growing any kind
Figure 2. X-ray diffraction patterns for the rutile (top, red) and anatase (bottom, blue) samples. Miller indices for each reflection matching PDF#03-065-111932 (for the rutile pattern) and PDF#97-015-460431 (for the anatase pattern) are shown for each visible peak. The peak labeled by a red dagger (†) symbol in the top panel is a reflection from the sample holder and is not part of the film; see text for details.
of thin film, and especially those with multiple crystallographic forms (e.g., TiO2). To investigate how potential mismatches may affect the growth of anatase and rutile TiO2, we generated Table 2, below. In Table 2, for every substrate material listed in column 1, we provide a room-temperature value of the lattice constant a in column 2, and then compute a temperature-adjusted lattice mismatch ε as:
ε
=
a
f
−
a
s
a
s
,
(1)
in which the subscripts f, and s stand for “film,” and “substrate,” respectively, and in which the individual lattice constants are computed at the growth temperature indicated in Table 1 for anatase (250˚C; column 3) and rutile (700˚C; column 4) TiO2. The lattice mismatch values assume room-temperature TiO2 lattice constants of 3.7852 and 4.5933 A, respectively. Lastly, we considered that since it is increasingly difficult to find external funding, substrate cost may be a factor in decision-making, so we provide the approximate cost of each substrate in USD/cm2 the last column of Table 2.
Anatase films
The anatase sample was both grown and annealed at 250˚C. This low growth temperature, combined with the significantly higher oxygen partial pressure resulted in a film that grew relatively slowly (having growth rate of 0.1 Å per pulse, or 5 Å per second). The sample is transparent, and has an rms roughness < 1 nm (for reference, the typical roughness of the c-cut Al2O3 substrates was measured to be 0.098 nm). The bottom panel of Figure 2 shows that the XRD pattern of this sample is clean, showing only anatase peaks; the large peak at 38.014˚ indicates that our anatase sample has a preferred orientation in the (004) plane.
It is apparent from Table 2 why many researchers producing anatase TiO2 would select LaSrAlO4 and SrTiO3 as their substrates. However, these represent two of the three most expensive substrates on our list; the third best lattice
Table 2. Comparing crystallographic properties of typically-used substrates to TiO2.
aSubstrate costs were estimated from the MTI Corp. online catalog at mitxtl.com on 22 June 2018; bDobrovinskaya et al. ; cReeber and Wang ; dBlakemore ; eHoward et al. ; fKawamura et al. ; gHössinger ; hWatanabe et al. ; iAckermann and Sorrell ; jSchmidbauer et al. ; kde Ligny and Richet ; lWood ; mSpreadborough and Christian .
match in Table 2 is Al2O3, which is available at a significantly lower cost. We also note that SrTiO3 can be grown in the (100) orientation as an atomically flat buffer layer in which the entire surface is terminated at the TiO2 layer, leading to a virtually perfect match between the buffer layer and the film. In fact, both SrTiO3 and LaAlO3 have been shown to be excellent substrates for both anatase and rutile TiO2 (see, e.g., Kennedy and Stampe ), but under conditions significantly different from ours (e.g., LaAlO3 was used at temperatures above its phase change, occurring at ~820 K). Such excellent crystallographic matches under the conditions described by Kennedy and Stampe also explain why SrTiO3 is used as a substrate for TiO2. However, these spectacular crystallographic matches come both at considerable cost and require a relatively complex growth protocols to obtain both phases of titania on the same substrate. For example, Hsieh et al. obtained both anatase and rutile TiO2 on SrTiO3 substrates, but while the anatase phase was deposited directly on the substrate, the rutile phase was grown by oxidizing titanium nitride films .
One of the most interesting discoveries we made was determining how anatase titania films could be grown so easily on sapphire substrates given the very large lattice mismatch. We used XPS to study the interface physics between our c-cut sapphire substrate and film.
The high resolution Ti(2p) spectrum shown in Figure 3 (black curve) was deconvolved into four individual curves: the peaks labeled A (at 459.0 eV; red curve) and B (at 464.6 eV; green curve) represent the 2p3/2 and 2p1/2 energy levels of TiO2, respectively. Similarly, the peaks labeled C (at 457.8 eV; magenta curve) and D (at 462.0 eV; blue curve) correspond to the 2p3/2 and 2p1/2 energy levels of Ti2O3. These results indicate that a thin layer of Ti2O3 was observed using XPS. Ti2O3 has hexagonal lattice structure with nearly identical to Al2O3 lattice parameters. When the upper layer of sapphire is the oxygen-saturated layer, titanium atoms can be deposited in such a way that the resulting structure is the
Figure 3. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results for anatase film. Peaks corresponding to binding energies of 2p3/2 and 2p1/2 of TiO2 are labeled A and B. Peaks corresponding to binding energies of 2p3/2 and 2p1/2 of Ti2O3 are labeled C and D.
exact replication of Al2O3 structure. Therefore, a thin binding layer of Ti2O3 is formed on sapphire surface during anatase film deposition to allow matching the sapphire crystal to anatase structure. Further anatase TiO2 growth becomes energetically more efficient compared to growth on sapphire, since the binding energy of direct Ti-Ti bond (117.6 kJ/mol (Luo )) is lower than binding energy of direct Ti-Al bond (263.4 kJ/mol (Luo )). Ti2O3 layer is thin enough so it is not visible in XRD scans presented in Figure 2, but has a large enough effect to mitigate the lattice mismatch in growing anatase films with virtually zero strain.
Rutile films
We confirm the results of Gouma and Mills , who have shown that the rutile phase is preferred when films are grown and annealed at higher temperatures compared to those required for the growth of anatase films. Our rutile film grew at 0.3 Å per pulse (or 1.5 Å per second), appears to be clear and smooth, and has an rms roughness of <1 nm.
In the top panel of Figure 2, we can see that the XRD pattern of this sample only contains peaks for rutile phase of titania, except for one small peak near 38.5˚. This anomalous peak matches the XRD pattern of the Inconel sample holder used in these experiments, and are not part of the film. The sample has preferred orientation in (110) plane as evidenced by the very large peak at 27.432˚; this explains why one of the possible rutile peaks in our range (the (020) peak at 39.185˚) is not present.
Similar to the anatase samples (above), we were above to deconvolve a single high-resolution XPS spectrum (black curve) into three individual peaks. In Figure 4, the peaks labeled A (at 459.1 eV; red curve) and B (at 464.8 eV; green curve) represent the 2p1/2 and 2p3/2 energy levels of TiO2, respectively. The peak labeled C (at 460.1 eV; blue curve) represents the 2p1/2 energy level of TiO.
Figure 4. High-resolution x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results for a typical rutile film. Peaks corresponding to binding energies of 2p3/2 and 2p1/2 of TiO2 are labeled A and B (red and green curves, respectively). The single small peak corresponding to the 2p1/2 binding energy of TiO is labeled C (blue curve). See text for details.
The very small amplitude of the TiO peak in the deconvolved spectrum suggests that TiO is only present in the film as an deficiency defect at the crystalline interface.
From Table 2, it is clear that Al2O3 is one of the most optimal substrates for growing rutile titania, and the literature confirms that it is frequently used for this purpose (see, e.g., Luttrell et al. , Kitazawa et al. , and Le Boulbar et al. ). We note for completeness that an intermediate layer of Ti2O3 is not present in the rutile sample, unlike anatase grown sample. This suggests that that the low lattice mismatch between rutile titania and c-cut sapphire doesn’t require an intermediate layer at their interface. However, a small amount of TiO is present in the rutile sample, this could be caused by growth and annealing oxygen pressure being slightly below an optimal value for rutile growth.
4. Conclusion
We have shown that the growth of pure rutile and pure anatase TiO2 is possible without changing substrate materials or PLD targets, and we have done so using only c-cut Al2O3 as a substrate―despite the large lattice mismatch between Al2O3 and anatase phase of TiO2. Growing anatase in this manner does, however, induce significantly more strain in the anatase film compared to the rutile film grown on the same substrate. XPS data showed that anatase growth on c-cut sapphire is likely possible, due to the specific PLD growth conditions, to accommodate growth of Ti2O3 intermediate layer that binds TiO2 film with tetragonal lattice structure to hexagonal structure of Al2O3, although this conclusion requires additional experimental data to confirm it as the only way anatase can be grown this way. This intermediate layer is not found in our rutile films, however, oxygen vacancy defects were observed by XPS. They are possibly a result of lower oxygen pressure used during growth and annealing of rutile films. In any case, for applications in which titania is used for its optical properties, Al2O3 substrates may be a new preferred substrate, both because it could significantly decrease production costs and because of the various material properties of sapphire.
Acknowledgements
This research made use of the Texas Tech University College of Arts & Sciences Microscopy Center and the X-Ray Diffraction Service of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The authors would like to thank Dr. D. Unruh for his assistance with a number of aspects related to XRD. ABK would also like to thank Dr. B. Weeks for helpful discussions that improved this paper.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
References
Copyright © 2023 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc.
This work and the related PDF file are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. | https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=87558 |
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Additional resources for Chemistry Connections: The Chemical Basis of Everyday Phenomena, Second Edition (Complementary Science)
Example text
Tendency to absorb moisture) of glycols is purported to cause a drying effect on the nose, eyes, and throat. Some manufacturers have designed methods for creating superfine fog droplets solely from water without excessive wetting. , for their creation of an artificial fog that uses a mixture of Praxair oxygen, nitrogen, and steam. Praxair also provided a special effects mixture of oxygen and nitrogen during the filming of Columbia Pictures' Spider-Man in 2002. How can one keep the fog low to the ground?
The greater the extent of absorption of the X-ray light, the lighter the tissue will appear on the radiograph, enabling a physician to monitor the condition of the tissue. To enhance the ability to "see" the gastrointestinal tract, a barium sulfate suspension is ingested before X-rays are administered to trace a person's digestive tract. , does not transmit) X-rays, and thus barium sulfate provides a radiopaque contrasting medium. In other words, with the added barium sulfate, the lining of the stomach and the gastrointestinal tract will be coated with barium sulfate and will appear white on an X-ray.
Water molecules are readily incorporated within the pores and cavities. The zeolite structure consists of interlocking tetrahedrons of [SiO4] 4- and [A104] 5-. Each oxygen atom is shared by two tetrahedra. For charge balance, other metal ions are present in the cavities of the framework, typically monovalent or divalent ions such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and barium. The drying effect of calcium sulfate (dehydrated gypsum) occurs by chemical action, as the hemihydrate of calcium sulfate is created when the anhydrous calcium sulfate reacts with water: 1 2 CaSO4 d- H20 -4 2 CaSO4 9~H20. | https://louiselmercollection.com/index.php/pdf/chemistry-connections-the-chemical-basis-of-everyday-phenomena-second-edition |
What is Hypertonicity?
Hypertonicity is an increased tension of the muscles, meaning the muscle tone is abnormally rigid, hampering proper movement. This condition is the opposite of hypotonicity. Hypotonicity is a decreased tension in muscle tone. A lack of muscle tone inhibits proper movement as the muscle is not developed or is too soft to support the body.
Neonatal or congenital hypotonia is fairly common and causal factors include infections, effects of drugs, brain hemorrhage, or chromosomal or cerebral pathologies. An infant diagnosed with generalized hypotonia has abnormally decreased muscle tone affecting posture for at least the first month of life.
Neonatal or congenital hypertonia, on the other hand, is usually a result of severe brain damage. Infants experiencing hypertonicity often have joint contractures and general discomfort as well as difficulty feeding. This condition is managed with neurodevelopmental techniques in the positioning and handling of the infant. The presence of neonatal hypertonicity with an exaggerated startle reflex is often associated with the neuropediatric disease Hyperekplexia. Hyperekplexia is treatable, but must be caught early or death from apnea may result.
Chronic back pain is often associated with hypertonicity. Physical causes of this condition in back muscles may be due to either physical damage or emotional stress. Hypertonicity in back muscles may cause joint compression and an excess of lactic acid as well as a decrease in movement.
Hypertonicity is also linked to neurologic disorders of the basal ganglia such as Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. The basal ganglia, at the brain's base, is made up of the caudate nucleus, putamen, and globus pallidus. These three neuron clusters work together to control voluntary movements.
Parkinson's disease is caused by degeneration of the basal ganglia as well as low amounts of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Parkinson's disease slows voluntary movements. Hypertonicity from Parkinson's often presents as short, stiff leg movements and overall muscle weakness. Postural abnormality is also a result of damage from Parkinson's disease. Surgery on the globus pallidus section of the basal ganglia may reduce some of the muscle changes associated with Parkinson's disease in some cases.
Huntington's disease is mostly caused by a genetic inheritance to the disorder. The Huntington's gene protein is called huntingtin and only one gene copy has to be inherited to cause Huntington's disease. Damage from Huntington's disease often results in a smaller putamen area of the basal ganglia. Severe mood abnormalities such as mania or psychosis are often the first sign of Huntington's disease, but rigid or spastic hypertonicity of muscles is often quite pronounced in the late stages.
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Discussion Comments
Hypertonicity can also be caused by Arnold Chiari Malformation, a congenital anomaly where the brain presses against the skull and herniates into the spinal canal.
"Lithium" likely isn't reading this, but somebody with those symptoms should absolutely not seek out chiropractic treatments. While they are potentially helpful for people with normal/healthy spines, going to one when you show signs of serious spine or neurological problems can make matters much worse.
Chronic pain is very commonly under-treated in the US, according to the AMA. If someone is given pain medication but not getting relief, request different medication/treatment, and switch doctors (ask around online for recommendation) if you have to.
I switched doctors three or four times while relatively healthy before finding one that I knew would listen to me, and I'm glad I did. My Chiari causes enough muscle pain that only a drug used for end-stage cancer patients (fentanyl) lets me be comfortable, so I would have killed myself had my doctor not listened.
Ever thought of using chiropractic treatment? It can help with all disc bulges/occipital/jaw problems. Hypertonicity is a strong possibility as the upper trapezius muscle fibers are based around your neck and occiput. Massage and stretching can greatly aid this condition also.
If you have a problem with your jaw and tingling in the lips sounds as though it could be a form of trigeminal neuralgia - also treated by chiropractic care - may not be the cause but has proven results to help with fibromyalgia also!
Read about Thomas Griner and his neuro muscular massage (neurosoma) therapy. Griner has done the research on hypertonic muscles or muscles in spasm.
He is a genius who has taken the time to understand the intricacies of why muscles spasm and how to get the muscles from stop spasming.
Concentrated lactic acid interferes with the feedback nerves in the muscle spindle fibers so that the cerebellum gets the wrong signal. Concentrated lactic acid enables the feedback nerves to only send a weak signal to the cerebellum. A weak sign is interpreted by the cerebellum to contract the muscle. Thus, a bad or defective signal loop is created and the muscle never gets the strong signal that would tell the muscle to relax. This is what causes hypertonic muscle spasm that never releases.
I am also living proof that his technique works! Don't take my word for it. Read it for yourself. --Sam
Read about Thomas Griner and his neurosoma therapy. Griner has done the research on hypertonic muscles or muscles in spasm.
He is a genius who has taken the time to understand the intricacies of why muscles spasm and how to get the muscles from stop spasming.
You need to try massage therapy and chiropractic care. Heat therapy and trigger point therapy should help.
Since my hospitalization for lithium toxicity, my occipital, sub-occipital and neck to C67 where I have a bulging disk, have been in constant pain. I get only temporary relief with flexeril and acupuncture. Every jaw motion, head tilt and neck turn exacerbates the pain. Anything touching the occiput increases the pain. After reading a website on lithium toxicity I saw hypertonicity as a possible complication - what do you think? I've had chronic fatigue for 22 years and fibromyalgia for 18 years - but this level of pain is at least 20 times greater! All of my pain [including hypertrophic vulvar dystrophy, bulging disks at C67, T45, L12, L34 and pins & needles in the lips and from the hips down] have all greatly increased since the hospitalization for moderate to severe lithium toxicity. | https://www.infobloom.com/what-is-hypertonicity.htm |
This 2010 addition to the "Law & Order" brand, Law & Order: Los Angeles, fuses classic ripped-from-the-headlines storytelling with the distinctive backdrop of LA -- delving into the unique attitudes, cultures and crimes of the West Coast.
Note: Media availability may change without notice. Page Authorship: Omnimystery News. | http://tvmysteries.omnimystery.com/law-order-la.html |
YOU can prove anything you like with statistics - and politicians are certainly seeking to do so during the current National Assembly election campaign.
Depending on who you choose to listen to, Wales is either an increasingly buoyant economy snapping at the heels of the first Celtic Tiger across the Irish Sea, or an economic basket case that needs drastic surgical intervention.
I exaggerate, of course - but in doing so I am bending the truth no more than the parties themselves.
Looking at the sections of their manifestos on the Welsh economy, you could be forgiven for coming to the conclusion that the parties were writing about different countries.
In his introduction to the Labour manifesto, Welsh Secretary Peter Hain says, "The dynamic partnership between a Labour-led Assembly and a Labour Government at Westminster is delivering results. After years of neglect by the Tories, our public services are getting the investment and reform they need. Building on a platform of economic stability, which has resulted in low inflation, low interest rates and the lowest unemployment in Wales for a generation, thousands of new jobs have been created."
Later, the manifesto says, "As we develop the Welsh economy, it will be based on world-class education and training, more spin-offs from universities and colleges, more environmentally based businesses, more innovation and enterprise.
"In the past, when the world economy did badly, Wales did much worse - always first into the recession and last back out. Today, with the global economy again contracting, Wales is doing far better.
"Unemployment continues to fall - to a quarter of the level it was during the height of Thatcherism. In 1999 Wales still had an unemployment rate a third higher than the UK average. Today we have closed that gap completely.
"The unemployment rate in Wales is now back at its lowest level for almost 28 years, having fallen by a third since Labour came to office in the Assembly."
Labour's main challenger presents an entirely different view of the state of the nation. Plaid Cymru's manifesto states, "When we examine the reality of Wales in 2003, we see the scale of the challenge involved in regenerating our country. Having dominated Welsh politics for most of the 20th Century, Labour must accept a major share of the responsibility for the state of our nation.
"Bearing in mind the chronic difficulties in our health service, our under-performing economy, our deeplyunjust society, and the poverty of far too many of our people, it is hardly an exaggeration to describe Wales in the year 2003 as a country in crisis.
"It is a sad fact that the prosperity gap between Wales and the rest of the UK has opened further since Labour came to power in Westminster in 1997 and in Cardiff in 1999.
* Wages in Wales have fallen from
89.1% of the UK average in 1998 to 86% in 2002.
* Nearly a quarter of our people are classified as being in the EU Basic Poverty category, and according to the Children's Commissioner one-third of our children live in poverty.
* Wales suffered a net loss of 12,000 manufacturing jobs between March 2001 and March 2002.
* Economic inactivity in Wales has increased by 5% under Labour, at double the UK rate for the same period, and there are now 22,000 more economically inactive 16 to 24-year-olds than in 1999.
"Following the almost total destruction of our traditional heavy industries, 20 years of neglect have turned the communities that sustained them into some of the poorest areas of the European Union. This has led to disturbingly high levels of sickness and ill-health in these areas."
The Conservative manifesto is somewhat less diagnostic than Labour's and Plaid's, but it does say, "Data from the Office of National Statistics puts Welsh GDP per head at 80% of the overall UK figure. The wealth gap between Wales and England has widened significantly since Labour came to government in
1997. Unfortunately, this decline is predicted to continue. Under the Labour-Lib-Dem coalition the economic future looks bleak."
Likewise, the Liberal Democrats do not provide much of an economic overview, although they do seek the best of both worlds through their dual roles as junior members of the ruling coalition and electoral opponents of Labour.
Their manifesto states, "In the Comprehensive-Spending Review of July 2002, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that public spending in Wales would rise by £2.35bn by 2005-06. Welsh Liberal Democrats welcomed this extra investment although it has come to Wales much later than it should have done."
The Liberal Democrat manifesto also says, "Economic policy should create economic opportunity, promote stability and create the conditions for sustainable growth. It should foster and promote the conditions that will give businesses the opportunity to thrive and provide employment opportunities."
Specifically, it says, "Wales has one of the lowest levels of research and development expenditure per head in Europe ... Wales also has one of the lowest levels of business start-ups per head ... Wales has one of the highest proportions of the working age population with no qualifications. Wales also has very high levels of economic inactivity. That's why the Partnership Government has emphasised education, skills development and the social economy. But there's much more to do."
Indeed. As the election campaign has progressed, the contrasting views of the current state of the Welsh economy have caused spats, most notably between Labour and Plaid Cymru.
In a document called What You Won't Find in Plaid Cymru's Manifesto, Labour accused Plaid of making false claims about the economy.
In response to a series of statements made by senior Plaid figures, Labour made a series of further positive claims about the Welsh economy:
* Wages are rising in Wales.
* Wales is becoming more prosperous relative to the rest of the UK.
* Economic inactivity has fallen since 1999.
* Labour has delivered economic growth in the poorer parts of Wales.
* The Welsh economy is growing.
* Fewer people are in poverty under Labour.
* Unemployment has fallen since 2000.
Tit for tat, Plaid produced its own document, Labour's Worthless Words, quoting statements made in Labour's manifesto from 1999, "Labour ... rubbished the Tories' record in Wales and stated that under the Tories, Wales was the low-pay capital of the United Kingdom. They promised that a Labour-led Assembly would launch a full-scale assault on low pay and poverty in Wales. Today Wales is still the low-pay capital of the UK under New Labour. All indices suggest that Wales's economy is growing slower than the UK as a whole."
What are we to make of the cacophony of these competing claims on our consciousness? The ultimate truth, surely, is that statistics can be adduced to prove anything you want and that apparently contradictory facts can simultaneously be true. It's as much of a lesson in philosophy as in economics. | https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/parties-living-in-spin-2488668 |
More than 30 celebrities and prominent personalities will vie for the various local and national posts in the 2022 polls. Dave Almarinez will run for congressman San Pedro City, Laguna, accompanied by his wife Hazel ‘Ara Mina’ Reyes Almarinez.
Actor Arjo Atayde has officially filed his certificate of candidacy in Intramuros, Manila for a congressional seat in District 1, Quezon City on Friday. He is accompanied by Mayor Joy Belmonte, along with his parents, actress Sylvia Sanchez and Arturo Atayde.
COMMENT DISCLAIMER: Reader comments posted on this Web site are not in any way endorsed by Manila Standard. Comments are views by manilastandard.net readers who exercise their right to free expression and they do not necessarily represent or reflect the position or viewpoint of manilastandard.net. While reserving this publication’s right to delete comments that are deemed offensive, indecent or inconsistent with Manila Standard editorial standards, Manila Standard may not be held liable for any false information posted by readers in this comments section. | https://997metroshowbiz.com/celebrity-candidates/ |
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---
author:
- 'R. Ghezzi[^1], A.O. Remizov[^2]'
title: 'On a class of vector fields with discontinuity of divide-by-zero type and its applications'
---
Introduction
============
Let $\Omega$ be a domain in $\mathbb R^n$, $n \geq 2$, with coordinates $x = (x_1, \ldots,x_n)$. Let $f\in C^s(\Omega,\mathbb{R})$, $s\geq 2$, be such that the equation $f(x)=0$ defines a regular hypersurface $\Gamma \subset \Omega$, i.e., at all points $x \in \Gamma$ the condition $\nabla f(x) \neq 0$ holds. We consider vector fields of the type $${\vec W}(x) = f^{-r}(x) \, {\vec V}(x),
\label{defW}$$ where ${\vec V}\in C^s(\Omega,\mathbb{R}^n)$ is a vector field and $r$ is a positive real number.
The divergence of ${\vec W}$, denoted by $D_{{\vec W}}$, is infinite or undetermined on the hypersurface $\Gamma$, but it is a $C^{s-1}$-smooth function on $\Omega \setminus \Gamma$. Assume that the field ${\vec W}$ satisfies the following main conditions $$\begin{aligned}
&&\lim_{x \to x_*} f^{r+1}(x) D_{{\vec W}} (x) = 0, \quad \forall\, x_* \in \Gamma,\\
&&\lim_{x \to x_*} f^r(x) D_{{\vec W}} (x) = 0, \quad \lim\limits_{x \to x_*} f^{r+1} \frac{\partial D_{{\vec W}}}{\partial x_i} (x) = 0,
\quad \forall\, x_* \in \Gamma : {\vec V}(x_*)=0, \ \, \forall\, i.\end{aligned}$$ For simplicity we write these assumptions in the form $$\begin{aligned}
\label{conda}
&& f^{r+1} D_{{\vec W}} {\bigl|}_{\Gamma} = 0, \\
\label{condb}
&&f^r D_{{\vec W}} (x_*) = 0, \quad f^{r+1} \frac{\partial D_{{\vec W}}}{\partial x_i} (x_*) = 0, \quad \forall\, x_* \in \Gamma : {\vec V}(x_*)=0, \ \, \forall\, i.\end{aligned}$$ Conditions , are fulfilled, for instance, if the vector field ${\vec W}$ is divergence-free, i.e., $D_{{\vec W}}\equiv 0$ for all $x\in \Omega \setminus \Gamma$.
The field ${\vec W}$ is $C^s$-smooth on $\Omega \setminus \Gamma$, but at points of $\Gamma$ formula gives a discontinuity of divide-by-zero type. Due to their large number of applications (e.g., in mechanics with dry friction and control theory, see [@Fil]), discontinuous vector fields (or, equivalently, differential equations with discontinuous righthand sides) have been widely studied. However to the authors’ knowledge, fields of the given type have not been studied yet.
Although this problem seems at first sight rather theoretical and not natural, it is motivated by a large number of applications. Indeed, many variational problems in differential geometry and calculus of variations are characterized by Lagrangian (or Hamiltonian) functions that are smooth at all points except for a regular hypersurface $\Gamma$. The vector field corresponding to the Euler–Lagrange equations of such problems is divergence-free and takes the form . The simplest example is the equation of geodesic lines on the cuspidal edge embedded in the Euclidean space or on the plane with the Klein metric, that is used in the model of the Lobachevsky plane.
The aim of this paper is to establish some general facts about vector fields of the form under assumptions , that allow to infer some properties on the vector fields ${\vec V}$. Applications to several concrete problems, that are interesting from different points of view, are provided.
The paper is orginized as follows. In section \[sec-2\] we prove several simple theorems about vector (and direction) fields of the form under assumptions , without any special hypothesis on ${\vec V}$. In particular, these results show the key role of singular points of the field ${\vec V}$ in the applications.
In section \[sec-3\] we give a brief survey of the theory of normal forms at non-isolated singular points of smooth vector fields. We restrict to the case where the components of the vector field belong to the ideal generated by two of them in the ring of smooth functions. As far as we know, the first work devoted to the analysis of local normal forms for such fields is due to F. Takens [@Tak]. Later, the problem was deeply investigated in finite smooth [@Rem06], $C^{\infty}$-smooth [@Rouss], and analytic categories [@Voron1; @Voron2].[^3]
In this survey, we deal only with finite and $C^{\infty}$-smooth classifications, which are simpler than the analytic one. Notice that almost all the facts in this section were previously known. We try to present the subject so that it is not obscured by technical details and, at the same time, is sufficiently precise. We hope that the informed reader will tolerate trivial aspects while the reader unfamiliar with this subject will understand the main ideas and find all the omitted proofs and technical details in the cited literature (see also [@IYa; @Pazii; @ZhitSo; @Zhit] devoted to similar problems).
In the last section we apply the results to the problem of geodesic flow generated by three different types of singular metrics on 2-surfaces. Firstly, we consider pseudo-Riemannian metrics, i.e., metrics that degenerate (change their signature) on a curve, see also [@Rem-Pseudo]. Secondly, we analyse metrics of Klein type, that are positive definite but have a singularity of divide-by-zero type, see [@Rem-Klein]. Finally, we consider almost-Riemannian metrics, i.e., metrics whose orthonormal frames are pair of vector fields that are collinear on a regular curve, see [@ABS]. Two another examples can be found in [@Rem07; @Rem-Edge].
Basic Theorems {#sec-2}
==============
Integral curves of the fields ${\vec W}$ and ${\vec V}$ coincide at all points $x\in \Omega \setminus \Gamma$. At the same time the field ${\vec V}$ is more suitable for analysis, since it is smooth on the whole domain $\Omega$ while the field ${\vec W}$ is discontinuous on the hypersurface $\Gamma \subset \Omega$. Our concern is to pass from the initial vector field ${\vec W}$ to the vector field ${\vec V}$.
\[T1\] Condition holds true if and only if $\Gamma$ is an invariant hypersurface of ${\vec V}$. The function $f$ is a first integral of ${\vec V}$ if and only if $$f^r D_{{\vec W}}(x) \equiv D_{{\vec V}}(x).
\label{firstintegral}$$ Assume $f$ to be a first integral of ${\vec V}$ and let condition holds true. Then $D_{{\vec V}}(x_*) = 0$ for every $x_*\in\Gamma$ such that ${\vec V}(x_*)=0$.
[**Proof**]{}. Using the formula of divergence in Cartesian coordinates, for every point in $\Omega\setminus\Gamma$ we get $$f^{r+1}D_{{\vec W}} = f D_{{\vec V}} + f^{r+1}L_{{\vec V}} (f^{-r}) = f D_{{\vec V}} - r L_{{\vec V}} f,
\label{diver}$$ where $L_{{\vec V}}$ denotes the Lie derivative along the vector field ${\vec V}$. All terms in the right hand side of equation are $C^{s-1}$-smooth on $\Omega$. Hence, taking the limit as $x$ tends to $x_*\in\Gamma$ it follows that $f^{r+1} D_{{\vec W}} {\bigl|}_{\Gamma} = 0$ is equivalent to $ L_{{\vec V}} f {\bigl|}_{\Gamma} =0$.
As concerns the second statement, for every point in $\Omega\setminus \Gamma$, we have $$\label{diver2}
f^rD_{{\vec W}}-D_{{\vec V}}=-r f^{-1}L_{{\vec V}}f.$$ If identity holds on $\Omega\setminus\Gamma$, then implies $L_{{\vec V}}f{\bigl|}_{\Omega\setminus\Gamma} = 0$. By continuity it follows $L_{{\vec V}}f\equiv 0$ on $\Omega$, i.e., $f$ is a first integral of ${\vec V}$. Conversely, assume $L_{{\vec V}}f \equiv 0$ on $\Omega$. Then, by we get $(f^rD_{{\vec W}}-D_{{\vec V}}){\bigl|}_{\Omega\setminus\Gamma}=0$. Thus, by continuity ($D_{{\vec V}}$ is continuous on $\Omega$), identity on $\Omega$ follows. Finally, combining the first equality in condition and identity , we get the last statement of the theorem. [ ]{}
\[C1\] Assume that condition holds. Let $\gamma$ be an integral curve of either ${\vec V}$ or ${\vec W}$ passing through the point $x_* \in \Gamma$. If ${\vec V}(x_*)\neq 0$, then in a neighborhood of $x_*$ the curve $\gamma$ lies entirely in the hypersurface $\Gamma$.
Theorem \[T1\] and Corollary \[C1\] explain why singular points of ${\vec V}$ play an important role. Indeed, in many applications it is necessary to find integral curves that intersect the invariant hypersurface $\Gamma$ but do not belong entirely to $\Gamma$. Hence such integral curves intersect $\Gamma$ only at singular points. The next theorem establishes a relation between the eigenvalues of the linearization of the vector field ${\vec V}$ at a singular point $x_* \in \Gamma$. As we shall see, in many cases such a relation is resonance.
![ Three examples of phase portraits of the vector field ${\vec V}$. a) The case ${\vec V}(x_*)\neq 0$, and all integral curves belong to $\Gamma$. b), c) The case ${\vec V}(x_*)=0$, and all integral curves (except only one) do not belong to $\Gamma$. []{data-label="fig-intro"}](picture.eps)
\[T2\] Let $x_* \in \Gamma$ be a singular point of the field ${\vec V}$ and $\lambda_1, \ldots, \lambda_n$ be the eigenvalues of the linearization of ${\vec V}$ at $x_*$. If conditions and hold true then there exists $j \in \{1, \ldots, n\}$ such that $$\lambda_1 + \cdots + \lambda_n = r\lambda_j.
\label{resonance}$$ There exists an eigenvector corresponding to $\lambda_j$ which is transversal to $\Gamma$ at $x_*$. The spectrum of the linearization of the restriction ${\vec V}{\bigl|}_{\Gamma}$ at $x_*$ is $\{\lambda_1, \ldots, \lambda_n\} \setminus \lambda_j$. If $f$ is a first integral of ${\vec V}$ then $\lambda_j=0$.
[**Proof**]{}. Differentiating the identity $f^{r+1}D_{{\vec W}}=fD_{{\vec V}}-rL_{{\vec V}}f$ (see ) with respect to $x_i$ we get $$(r+1)f^r D_{{\vec W}} \, \frac{\partial f}{\partial x_i} + f^{r+1} \frac{\partial D_{{\vec W}}}{\partial x_i} = D_{{\vec V}} \, \frac{\partial f}{\partial x_i} + f \frac{\partial D_{{\vec V}}}{\partial x_i} - r \biggl\langle \frac{\partial {\vec V}}{\partial x_i}, \nabla f\biggr\rangle - r \biggl\langle {\vec V}, \nabla \frac{\partial f}{\partial x_i} \biggr\rangle,$$ where the triangle brackets denote the standard scalar product of vectors.
The last equality holds for all $x \in \Omega \setminus \Gamma$ and its right hand side is $C^{s-2}$-smooth on $\Omega$. Taking the limit as $x$ tends to $x_* \in \Gamma$ such that ${\vec V}(x_*)=0$ and using , we get $$\left(D_{{\vec V}} \, \frac{\partial f}{\partial x_i} - r \biggl\langle \frac{\partial {\vec V}}{\partial x_i}, \nabla f\biggr\rangle\right){\biggl|}_{x_*} = 0, \quad i=1, \ldots, n.$$ Since $r \neq 0$, the last system can be written in matrix form as $A e = \rho e$, where $A = \bigl( \frac{\partial {\vec V}}{\partial x}\bigr) {\bigl|}_{x_*}$ is the matrix of the linearization of ${\vec V}$ at the singular point $x_*$, the vector $e = \nabla f(x_*)$, and the number $\rho = r^{-1} D_{{\vec V}}(x_*)$. By hypothesis, $\nabla f(x_* ) \neq 0$, hence $\rho$ is an eigenvalue of the linearization of ${\vec V}$ at $x_*$ with corresponding eigenvector $\nabla f(x_*)$. Let $j\in\{1,\dots n\}$ be such that $\rho=\lambda_j$. Notice that the divergence of a vector field at any singular point coincides with the trace of the linearization of this field at that point. Thus $\lambda_j=r^{-1}(\lambda_1 + \cdots + \lambda_n)$ which leads to equality . Clearly, $e$ is transversal to $\Gamma$ at $x_*$, whence $\lambda_j$ does not belong to the spectrum of the linearization of the restriction ${\vec V}{\bigl|}_{\Gamma}$.
To prove the last statement recall that if $f$ is a first integral of ${\vec V}$, by Theorem \[T1\] $D_{{\vec V}}(x_*) = 0$ follows. Since $D_{{\vec V}}(x_*) = \lambda_1 + \cdots + \lambda_n$, we have equality with $\lambda_j=0$. [ ]{}
\[R1\] Theorems \[T1\] and \[T2\] hold true not only for $r>0$, but also for $r<0$.
Let us illustrate two examples in $\mathbb{R}^3$ with coordinates $(x,y,z)$.
[**Example 1**]{}. Let ${\vec V}$ be the vector field $$\dot x= x,\quad \dot y= y, \quad \dot z=z.$$ Then $D_{{\vec V}}(x,y,z) \equiv 3$ and the unique singular point of ${\vec V}$ is the origin. The spectrum of the linearization at the origin is $(1,1,1)$. The field ${\vec V}$ has no non-constant first integrals, but it has the family of integral planes $ax+by+cz=0$ passing through the origin.
Consider the vector field ${\vec W}$ given by formula with $f(x,y,z) = ax+by+cz$. Then $D_{{\vec W}} = (3-r) f^{-r}$ and $f^r D_{{\vec W}} = (3-r)$. Condition is satisfied, but is fulfilled only if $r=3$. In the case $r=3$, we have relation with any index $j=1,2,3$.
[**Example 2**]{}. Let ${\vec V}$ be the vector field $$\dot x= 2x,\quad \dot y= y, \quad \dot z=0.$$ Then $D_{{\vec V}}(x,y,z) \equiv 3$ and the set of singular points of ${\vec V}$ is the $z$-axis. The spectrum of the linearization at any singular point is $(2,1,0)$. The coordinate function $z$ is a first integral of ${\vec V}$ and there is a family of integral surfaces given by $x - cy^2 = 0$, as $c$ varies in $\mathbb{R}$.
Consider the vector field ${\vec W}$ given by formula with $f(x,y,z)=z$. Then $f^r D_{{\vec W}} = 3$ and condition is not satisfied. This corresponds to the last claim of Theorem \[T1\]. Indeed, since $f$ is a first integral of ${\vec V}$, condition would imply $D_{{\vec V}}(0,0,z)\equiv 0$.
Let now $f(x,y,z) = x - cy^2$. Defining ${\vec W}$ as in , we get $f^r D_{{\vec W}} = (3-2r)$. Hence condition holds true if and only if $r=3/2$ and the relation is valid with $\lambda_j=2$.
Finally, consider the vector field ${\vec W}$ with $f(x,y,z) = y$. Then $f^r D_{{\vec W}} = (3-r)$, condition holds in the case $r=3$, and we have with $\lambda_j=1$.
Sometimes it is more natural to consider direction fields rather than vector fields. Recall that given a vector field ${\vec V}$, the direction field $\chi$ associated to ${\vec V}$ is the class of vector fields $\varphi {\vec V}$, where $\varphi\in C^s(\Omega)$ never vanishes. Theorems \[T1\], \[T2\] are valid for direction fields.
\[T3\] Let $\varphi\in C^{s}(\Omega)$ and $\varphi(x)\neq 0$ for every $x\in\Omega$. Then Theorems \[T1\], \[T2\] hold true if in equation we replace ${\vec V}$ by $\varphi{\vec V}$.
[**Proof**]{}. It is necessary and sufficient to prove that the main assumptions and are invariant with respect to multiplication of the vector fields ${\vec V}$ (and consequently ${\vec W}$) by a $C^s$-smooth scalar factor $\varphi \neq 0$. Indeed, $D_{\varphi {\vec W}} = \varphi D_{{\vec W}} + f^{-r} L_{{\vec V}} \varphi$. Hence we get $$\begin{aligned}
& f^r D_{\varphi {\vec W}}{\Bigl|}_{\Gamma}= (\varphi f^{r}D_{{\vec W}} + L_{{\vec V}} \varphi){\Bigl|}_{\Gamma}, \\
& f^{r+1} \frac{\partial D_{\varphi {\vec W}}}{\partial x_i} {\Bigl|}_{\Gamma} =\left(
f^{r+1} \Bigl( \frac{\partial \varphi}{\partial x_i} D_{{\vec W}} + \varphi \frac{\partial D_{{\vec W}}}{\partial x_i} \Bigr) + f \frac{\partial L_{{\vec V}}\varphi}{\partial x_i}
- r \frac{\partial f}{\partial x_i} L_{{\vec V}}\varphi \right) {\Bigl|}_{\Gamma}.\end{aligned}$$ These expressions show that conditions , hold true for the vector fields $\varphi{\vec V}$, $\varphi{\vec W}$.
[ ]{}
Fields with non-isolated singular points {#sec-3}
========================================
We are interested in studying vector fields ${\vec V}$ of the form $$\dot \xi = v, \quad \dot \eta = w, \quad \dot \zeta_i = \alpha_i v + \beta_i w, \quad i=1,\ldots, l,
\label{16}$$ where $\alpha_i, \beta_i$ and $v, w$ are $C^{\infty}$-smooth functions of the variables $\xi,\eta, \zeta_1,\ldots,\zeta_l$. Such a kind of fields occurs in many problems, for instance, in studying implicit differential equations (see next example) and slow-fast systems.
[**Example 3**]{}. Consider the family of first-order implicit differential equations $$\label{esem4}
F(t,x,p)=\varepsilon, \quad p=\frac{dx}{dt},$$ depending on the real parameter $\varepsilon$ not necessarily small. One effective approach (which goes back to Poincaré) consists of lifting the multi-valued direction field defined by equation on the $(t,x)$-plane to a single-valued direction field $\chi$ defined by equation in the $(t,x,p)$-space.
Geometrically, $\chi$ is the intersection between the contact planes $dx = pdt$ and the planes tangent to the surfaces $\{F=\varepsilon\}$ with various $\varepsilon$. This gives the Pfaffian system $$F_t \, dt + F_x \, dx + F_p \, dp = 0, \quad p \, dt - dx = 0.$$ Whence the direction field $\chi$ corresponds to the vector field ${\vec V}$ given by the formula $$\dot t = F_p, \quad \dot x = pF_p, \quad \dot p = -(F_t + pF_x),
\label{implode}$$ where a dot over a symbol means differentiation with respect to the independent variable playing the role of time. The field has the form with $l=1$, where $\xi=t$, $\eta=p$, $\zeta=x$ and $v=F_p$, $w=-(F_t + pF_x)$.
In this section we recall smooth local normal forms of fields at singular points.
The components of ${\vec V}$ belong to the ideal $I=(v,w)$ generated by two of them in the ring of germs of $C^{\infty}$-smooth functions (this property is invariant with respect to the action of diffeomorphisms of the phase space). The set of singular points of ${\vec V}$ is defined by the two equations $v=w=0$. The spectrum of the linearization of ${\vec V}$ at any singular point contains at least $l$ zero eigenvalues, i.e., it is $(\lambda_1, \lambda_2, 0, \ldots, 0)$.
Consider the germ of ${\vec V}$ at a given singular point. Without loss of generality we may assume the singular point to be the origin of the phase space. From now on, we will always assume that $\Real \lambda_{1,2}(0) \neq 0$, whence the set of singular points of ${\vec V}$ is the regular center manifold of dimension $l$, denoted by $W^c$. The eigenvectors with zero eigenvalue are tangent to $W^c$ and the eigenvectors (if they exist) corresponding to $\lambda_{1,2}(0)$ are tangent to the plane $d\zeta_i = \alpha_i \, d\xi + \beta_i \, d\eta$, $i=1,\ldots, l$.
It is convenient to choose local coordinates $(\xi,\eta, \zeta_1,\ldots,\zeta_l)$ such that $W^c=\{\xi=\eta=0\}$ and the linear part of ${\vec V}$ at $0$ is in normal Jordan form. Then there exist $C^{\infty}$-smooth functions $v_{1,2}$ and $w_{1,2}$ such that $v = \xi v_1 + \eta v_2$ and $w = \xi w_1 + \eta w_2$. The eigenvalues $\lambda_{1,2}$ at various singular points continuously depend on the variable $\zeta = (\zeta_1,\ldots,\zeta_l)$, which is a local coordinate on $W^c$ (this dependence is $C^{\infty}$-smooth at the points where $\lambda_1 \neq \lambda_2$). In the following we will always work using such coordinates.
Normal forms: the non-resonant case
-----------------------------------
We shall say that $k$ functions $U^{(i)}(\xi,\eta,\zeta)$, $i=1,\ldots,k$, are [*independent by*]{} $\zeta$ at the point $0$ if their gradients with respect to the variable $\zeta = (\zeta_1,\ldots,\zeta_l)$ at $0$ are linearly independent. It is not hard to see that if a function $U$ is a first integral of ${\vec V}$ then its partial derivatives $U_{\xi}$ and $U_{\eta}$ vanish at $0$. Hence the number of first integrals of ${\vec V}$ independent at $0$ is not greater than $l$. On the other hand, the restriction of ${\vec V}$ to $W^c$ is identically zero, hence by Shoshitaishvili’s reduction theorem [@AI], the germ of ${\vec V}$ at $0$ is orbitally topologically equivalent to $$\dot \xi = \xi, \quad \dot \eta = \pm \eta, \quad \dot \zeta_i = 0, \quad i=1,\ldots, l.$$
The trivial equations $\dot \zeta_i = 0$ suggest the existence of $l$ independent first integrals of ${\vec V}$. If a $l$-uple of smooth first integrals $U^{(1)}, \ldots, U^{(l)}$ independent by $\zeta$ at $0$ exists, the change of coordinates $\zeta_i \mapsto U^{(i)}$ brings the field ${\vec V}$ to the form $$\dot \xi = \overline v, \quad \dot \eta = \overline w, \quad \dot \zeta_i = 0, \quad i=1,\ldots, l,
$$ where $\overline v$ and $\overline w$ are smooth functions obtained from $v$ and $w$ by the above change of coordinates.
The existence of $l$ independent smooth first integrals is connected with the following concept.
\[D1\] The relations $$p_1\lambda_1 + p_2\lambda_2 = 0, \quad p_{1,2} \in \mathbb Z_+, \quad p_1+p_2 \geq 1,
\label{18}$$ are called resonances of first type. The minimal number $p_1+p_2$ (i.e., $p_1$ and $p_2$ are relatively prime) is called the order of the resonance .
Consider the germ of a smooth function $U(\xi,\eta,\zeta)$ at the point $0$ and its Taylor series with respect to the variables $\xi,\eta$, i.e., $$U(\xi,\eta,\zeta) = \sum_{p_{1,2} \in \mathbb Z_+}^{} u_{p_1p_2}(\zeta)\, \xi^{p_1} \eta^{p_2}.
\label{19}$$ The germ of $U$ is called [*$N$-flat*]{} ($N \in \mathbb N$ or $\infty$) by $\xi,\eta$ if $u_{p_1p_2}(\zeta) \equiv 0$ for all $p_1+p_2 \leq N$.
\[L1\] If between the eigenvalues $\lambda_{1,2}(0)$ there are no resonances up to order $N \in \mathbb N$ inclusive, then there exist $C^{\infty}$-smooth functions $U^{(1)}, \ldots, U^{(l)}$ independent by $\zeta$ at $0$ such that $L_{{\vec V}}U^{(1)}, \ldots, L_{{\vec V}}U^{(l)}$ are $N$-flat by $\xi,\eta$ at $0$.
[**Proof**]{}. We prove the lemma assuming $\lambda_{1,2}(0)$ to be real and the Jordan form of the linearization of ${\vec V}$ at $0$ to be diagonal (the cases of complex eigenvalues or Jordan form with a second-order cell to be considered similarly). Then the germ of ${\vec V}$ has the form $$\label{20}
\begin{aligned}
\dot \xi &= \xi(\lambda_1(0)+{\widetilde v}_1(\zeta)+\cdots) + \eta({\widetilde v}_2(\zeta)+\cdots), \\
\dot \eta &= \xi({\widetilde w}_1(\zeta)+\cdots) + \eta(\lambda_2(0)+{\widetilde w}_2(\zeta)+ \cdots), \\
\dot \zeta_i &= \xi(h_1^{(i)}(\zeta)+\cdots) + \eta(h_2^{(i)}(\zeta)+\cdots), \quad \ i=1,\ldots, l, \\
\end{aligned}$$ where all functions ${\widetilde v}_{1,2}(\zeta)$, ${\widetilde w}_{1,2}(\zeta)$, $h_{1,2}^{(i)}(\zeta)$ are $C^{\infty}$-smooth and vanish at $0$, and the omitted terms are $C^\infty$-smooth functions containing the factor $\xi$ or $\eta$.
The idea is to look for the functions $U^{(1)}, \ldots, U^{(l)}$ in the set of polynomials in $\xi,\eta$ with coefficients smoothly depending on $\zeta$. Namely, consider a function $U$ in the form with finite sum $0 \leq p_1+p_2 \leq N$ and unknown coefficients $u_{p_1 p_2}(\zeta)$. Substituting this expression into $L_{{\vec V}}U$ and using , we get $$\begin{gathered}
L_{{\vec V}}U = \sum_{p_1+p_2=0}^{N} \biggl(
u_{p_1 p_2} \xi^{p_1}\eta^{p_2} \bigl(p_1(\lambda_1(0)+{\widetilde v}_1+\cdots)+p_2(\lambda_2(0)+{\widetilde w}_2+\cdots)\bigr) + \\
+ u_{p_1 p_2} p_1 \xi^{p_1-1}\eta^{p_2+1} ({\widetilde v}_2+\cdots) + u_{p_1 p_2} p_2 \xi^{p_1+1}\eta^{p_2-1} ({\widetilde w}_1+\cdots) + \\
+ \sum_{k=1}^l \frac{\partial u_{p_1p_2}}{\partial \zeta_k} \Bigl(\xi^{p_1+1}\eta^{p_2}(h_1^{(k)}+\cdots) + \xi^{p_1}\eta^{p_2+1}(h_2^{(k)}+\cdots)\Bigr) \biggr).\end{gathered}$$
For $L_{{\vec V}} U$ to be $1$-flat by $\xi, \eta$ we set the coefficients of the monomials $\xi$ and $\eta$ equal to zero, that is, $$\label{21}
\begin{aligned}
(\lambda_1(0)+{\widetilde v}_1) u_{10} + {\widetilde w}_1 u_{01} + \sum_{k=1}^l h_1^{(k)} \frac{\partial u_{00}}{\partial \zeta_k} = 0, \\
{\widetilde v}_2 u_{10} + (\lambda_2(0)+{\widetilde w}_2) u_{01} + \sum_{k=1}^l h_2^{(k)} \frac{\partial u_{00}}{\partial \zeta_k} = 0. \\
\end{aligned}$$ Since the determinant $d_1(\zeta)$ of the linear system with respect to the unknown variables $u_{10}$ and $u_{01}$ is a smooth function and $d_1(0) = \lambda_1(0) \lambda_2(0) \neq 0$, the solutions $u_{10}$ and $u_{01}$ are smooth in a neighborhood of $0$. Notice that the functions $u_{10}(\zeta)$ and $u_{01}(\zeta)$ depend on the derivatives $\frac{\partial u_{00}}{\partial \zeta_i}$, where $u_{00}(\zeta)$ is any arbitrary smooth function.
Given $n \in \{2, \ldots, N\}$ consider the coefficients of the monomials $\xi^{p_1}\eta^{p_2}$, where $p_1+p_2=n$. In order $L_{{\vec V}} U$ to be $n$-flat, we set these coefficients to be identically zero, i.e., we solve the system $$(p_1(\lambda_1(0)+{\widetilde v}_1)+p_2(\lambda_2(0)+{\widetilde w}_2)) \, u_{p_1p_2} +
(p_1+1){\widetilde v}_2 \, u_{p_1+1 p_2-1} + (p_2+1){\widetilde w}_1 \, u_{p_1-1 p_2+1} = \varphi_{p_1p_2},
\label{22}$$ where $\varphi_{p_1p_2}$ are polynomials of the coefficients $u_{\alpha \beta}(\zeta)$ and their first-order derivatives with $\alpha+\beta < n$ (with $u_{\alpha \beta}(\zeta) \equiv 0$ if $\alpha<0$ or $\beta<0$). The determinant $d_n(\zeta)$ of the linear system with respect to variables $u_{p_1p_2}$, $p_1+p_2=n$, has the form $$d_n(\zeta) = \prod\limits_{p_1+p_2=n} (p_1\lambda_1(0) + p_2\lambda_2(0) + \delta(\zeta)),$$ where $\delta(\zeta)$ is a smooth function vanishing at $\zeta=0$. The absence of resonances up to order $N$ implies that $d_n(0) \neq 0$, whence in a neighborhood of $0$ the coefficients $u_{p_1p_2}(\zeta)$, $p_1+p_2=n$, smoothly depend on the functions $u_{\alpha \beta}(\zeta)$ and their first-order derivatives with $\alpha+\beta < n$.
Finally, let $u_{00}^{(1)}(\zeta),\dots, u_{00}^{(l)}(\zeta)$ be $C^{\infty}$-smooth functions independent at $0$. For every index $i=1,\dots, l$ we define $U^{(i)}$ by solving systems and for $n = 2, \ldots, N$ with the initial function $u_{00}=u_{00}^{(i)}$. By construction, $U^{(1)},\dots, U^{(l)}$ satisfy the required conditions. [ ]{}
\[C2\] If between the eigenvalues $\lambda_{1,2}(0)$ there are no resonances up to order $N$ inclusive, then the last $l$ components $\alpha_i v + \beta_i w$ of the field can be assumed to be $N$-flat by $\xi,\eta$ at $0$.
Corollary \[C2\] allows to get normal forms in $C^{k}$-smooth and $C^{\infty}$-smooth categories. As for the $C^k$-smooth category, in [@Sam] the author defines the number $$N(k) = 2 \biggl[ (2k+1) \frac{\max |\Real \lambda_{1,2}|}{\min \, |\Real \lambda_{1,2}|} \, \biggr] + 2, \quad k \in \mathbb N,$$ the square brackets denoting the integer part of a number.
\[Ck\] If between the eigenvalues $\lambda_{1,2}(0)$ there are no resonances up to order $N(k)$, then the germ of is $C^k$-smoothly equivalent to $$\label{cknormalform}
\dot \xi = v, \quad \dot \eta = w, \quad \dot \zeta_i=0, \quad i=1,\ldots, l,$$ where $v,w$ are some new functions of $\xi,\eta,\zeta$. If between the eigenvalues $\lambda_{1,2}(\zeta)$ there are no resonances of any order for all $\zeta$ sufficiently close to $0$, then the germ of is $C^\infty$-smoothly equivalent to .
The proof of Theorem \[Ck\] in the finite-smooth category is based on Lemma \[L1\] and on general results from [@Sam]. The proof in the $C^\infty$-smooth category requires more advanced techniques (see [@Rouss] or [@IYa]). Notice that if $\Real \lambda_{1,2}(0)$ have the same sign the absence of resonances between $\lambda_{1,2}(0)$ implies the absence of resonances between $\lambda_{1,2}(\zeta)$ for all $\zeta$ sufficiently close to $0$. This is no longer true if $\Real \lambda_{1,2}(0)$ have different signs, except for the special case when the ratio $\lambda = \lambda_{1}/\lambda_2$ is constant on $W^c$, i.e., at all singular points.
As we shall see in the following, the normal form can be further simplified.
The relations $$p_1 \lambda_1 + p_2 \lambda_2 = \lambda_j, \quad p_{1,2} \in \mathbb Z_+, \quad p_1+p_2 \geq 2, \quad j \in \{1,2\},
\label{24}$$ are called resonances of second type. The number $p_1+p_2$ is the [*order*]{} of resonance.
Clearly, a resonance of order $n$ implies a resonance of order $n+1$. In this section we assume the absence of resonances up to order $N \in \mathbb N$ or $\infty$. Hence a resonance of order $\leq N$ holds if and only if the ratio $\lambda(0)=\lambda_1(0)/\lambda_2(0)$ or its inverse belongs to $\{2,\ldots, N\}$. Combining the results from [@IYa], [@Rem06], [@Rouss], [@Sam], one gets the following theorems.
\[T2-1\] Let $k\in\mathbb{N}$ and assume that between $\lambda_{1,2}(0)$ there are no resonances of order $N(k)$ inclusive. Then the germ of ${\vec V}$ at $0$ is $C^k$-smoothly equivalent to $$\dot \xi = \alpha_1(\zeta)\xi + \alpha_2(\zeta)\eta, \quad \dot \eta = \alpha_3(\zeta)\xi + \alpha_4(\zeta)\eta, \quad \dot \zeta_i = 0, \quad i=1,\ldots, l.
\label{25}$$ Moreover, if $\lambda_{1,2}(0)$ are real and $\lambda(0)\neq 1$, the germ of ${\vec V}$ at $0$ is $C^k$-smoothly orbitally equivalent to $$\dot \xi = \lambda(\zeta)\xi, \quad \dot \eta = \eta, \quad \dot \zeta_i = 0, \quad i=1,\ldots, l.
\label{26}$$ Both statements hold true with $k=\infty$ if between $\lambda_{1,2}(\zeta)$ there are no resonances of any order for all $\zeta$ sufficiently close to $0$.
\[T2-3\] Assume that $\lambda(0)=n$ is natural. Then the germ of ${\vec V}$ at $0$ is $C^{\infty}$-smoothly orbitally equivalent to $$\dot \xi = \lambda(\zeta)\xi + \varphi(\zeta) \eta^n, \quad \dot \eta = \eta, \quad \dot \zeta_i = 0, \quad i=1,\ldots, l.
\label{27}$$ If $\varphi(0) \neq 0$, then $\varphi(\zeta)$ simplifies to $1$; if $\varphi(\zeta)$ has a zero of finite order $s$ at the origin then $\varphi(\zeta)$ simplifies to $\zeta^{s}$.
The normal forms – show that in a small neighborhood of $0$ the phase portrait of ${\vec V}$ is rather simple and ${\vec V}$ has a smooth 2-dimensional invariant foliation given by the equation $\zeta=c$ in normal coordinates. The restriction of ${\vec V}$ to each leaf $\zeta=c$ is a planar vector field with non-degenerate singular point: node, saddle, or focus.
Normal forms: the resonant case
-------------------------------
Consider the case where between $\lambda_{1,2}(0)$ there is a resonance , i.e., there exist $n,m\in{\mathbb N}$ relatively prime such that $$m\lambda_1 + n\lambda_2 = 0.
\label{28}$$ In this case, the proof of Lemma \[L1\] for $N \geq n+m$ fails, since the determinant $d_{n+m}(\zeta)$ of the linear system with $p_1+p_2=n+m$ vanishes at $\zeta=0$, and vector field with resonance at $0$ may not have a $l$-uple of smooth first integrals independent at $0$.
A simple illustration (with $l=1$ and $n=m=1$) comes from Example 3. Indeed, let $0$ be a singular point of the vector field ${\vec V}$ given by . Clearly, $F$ is a first integral of ${\vec V}$, and the derivatives $F_p$ and $F_t$ vanish at $0$. Assume that $\lambda_{1}(0)+\lambda_{2}(0)=0$. Since $\lambda_1+\lambda_2=D_{{\vec V}}=-F_x$, we have $F_x(0)=0$, i.e., $F$ is not regular at $0$. Let $\widehat F$ be another first integral of ${\vec V}$. Then the integral curves of ${\vec V}$ are 1-graphs of solutions of the implicit equation $\widehat F(x,y,p) = \varepsilon$ with various $\varepsilon$. Hence, the previous argument with $\widehat F$ replacing $F$ leads to the same conclusion. Thus the germ of ${\vec V}$ at $0$ admits no regular first integrals.
The resonance generates two infinite sequences of resonances , namely, $$(mj+1)\lambda_1 + nj\lambda_2 = \lambda_1, \quad mj\lambda_1 + (nj+1)\lambda_2 = \lambda_2, \quad j\in\mathbb{N}.$$ This suggests that the formal normal form contains infinite number of terms $\rho^j$, $\xi \rho^j$, $\eta \rho^j$, where $\rho = \xi^m \eta^n$ is called [*resonance monomial*]{} corresponding to . The central step in the derivation of normal forms in the resonant case is the following.
\[L2\] For any $k \in \mathbb N$, the germ of ${\vec V}$ at $0$ is $C^k$-smoothly equivalent to $$\dot \xi = \xi(\lambda_1(0)+\Phi_1(\rho,\zeta)), \quad \dot \eta = \eta(\lambda_2(0)+\Phi_2(\rho,\zeta))_, \quad
\dot \zeta_i = \rho \Psi_i(\rho,\zeta), \quad i=1,\ldots, l,
\label{29}$$ where $\Phi_{1,2}(\rho,\zeta)$ and $\Psi_i(\rho,\zeta)$ are polynomials in $\rho = \xi^m \eta^n$ of degrees $N(k)$ and $N(k)-1$, respectively, with coefficients smoothly depending on $\zeta$.
Assume that $\Psi_1(0,0) \neq 0$. Then for any $\omega_1, \ldots, \omega_l\in \mathbb{R}$ the germ has a smooth first integral $U(\rho,\zeta)$ such that $$\begin{aligned}
&&\Phi(\rho,\zeta) U_{\rho} + \Psi_1(\rho,\zeta) U_{\zeta_1} + \cdots + \Psi_l(\rho,\zeta) U_{\zeta_l} = 0
\label{30}\\
&&U_{\rho}(0,0)=\omega_1, \quad U_{\zeta_2}(0,0)=\omega_2, \, \ldots, \, U_{\zeta_l}(0,0)=\omega_l,
\label{31}\end{aligned}$$ where $\Phi(\rho,\zeta) = m\Phi_1(\rho,\zeta) + n\Phi_2(\rho,\zeta)$.
The proof of Lemma \[L2\] is based on the general results in [@Sam] and can be found in [@Rem06].
From now on, we will always assume $\Psi_1(0,0) \neq 0$. This hypothesis implies the existence of $l-1$ independent first integrals $U^{(2)}, \ldots, U^{(l)}$ given by solutions of with initial conditions corresponding to linearly independent $(l-1)$-uples $(\omega_2, \ldots, \omega_l)$. Applying the change of coordinates $\zeta_i \mapsto U^{(i)}$, $i=2,\ldots, l$, the vector field is $C^\infty$-smoothly equivalent to $$\dot \xi = \xi(\lambda_1(0)+\Phi_1(\rho,\zeta)), \quad \!
\dot \eta = \eta(\lambda_2(0)+\Phi_2(\rho,\zeta))_, \quad \!
\dot \zeta_1 = \rho \Psi_1(\rho,\zeta), \quad \! \dot \zeta_i = 0, \quad \! i=2,\ldots, l,
\label{32}$$ where $\Phi_{1,2}(\rho,\zeta)$ and $\Psi_1(\rho,\zeta)$ are smooth functions of $\rho$ and $\zeta$ (not necessarily polynomials in $\rho$ like in ), $\Phi_{1,2}(0,0)=0$, and $\Psi_1(0,0)\neq 0$.
The first integral $U(\rho,\zeta)$ given by the solution of with initial conditions $\omega_1=1, \omega_2=\dots=\omega_l=0$ allows to simplify the form . Considering the restriction $\Phi(\rho,\zeta)|_{W^c}=\Phi(0,\zeta)$, we analyse two cases: $\Phi_{\zeta_1}(0,0) \neq 0$, which is generic, or $\Phi(0,\zeta) \equiv 0$, which occurs in the analysis of some concrete problems (for instance, when $n=m=1$, this condition corresponds to divergence-free fields).
In the first case, there exists a $C^\infty$-smooth change of coordinates that preserves the form and brings the first integral satisfying with initial conditions $\omega_1=1, \omega_2=\dots=\omega_l=0$ to the form $U(\rho,\zeta)=\rho + \zeta^2$. Even if the form cannot be further simplified, the phase portrait of ${\vec V}$ can be described using the invariant foliation $\rho + \zeta^2 = c$, see [@Rem06].
Similarly, in the second case there exists a $C^\infty$-smooth change of coordinates that preserves the form and brings the first integral satisfying with initial conditions $\omega_1=1, \omega_2=\dots=\omega_l=0$ to the form $U(\rho,\zeta)=\rho$. Using this fact, the normal form simplifies as follows.
\[T2-4\] If conditions $\Psi_1(0,0) \neq 0$ and $\Phi(0,\zeta) \equiv 0$ in hold, then the germ of ${\vec V}$ at $0$ is $C^\infty$-smoothly orbitally equivalent to $$\dot \xi = n\xi, \quad \dot \eta = -m\eta, \quad \dot \zeta_1 = \rho, \quad \dot \zeta_i = 0, \quad \! i=2,\ldots, l.
\label{33}$$
The normal form with any $n,m \in \mathbb N$ was established in the $C^k$-smooth category for arbitrary $k \in \mathbb N$ in [@Rem06]. It was previously proved by R. Roussarie for the partial case $n=m=1$ in $C^\infty$-smooth category [@Rouss]. The techniques developed in [@Rouss] can be applied to establish the normal form with any $n,m \in \mathbb N$ in the $C^\infty$-smooth category. However, to the authors’ knowledge, this result is not published.
\[R2\] Theorem \[T2-4\] is not valid in the analytic case: the analytic normal form is obtained from the smooth normal form by adding some module, see [@Voron1; @Voron2]. From the viewpoint of the general theory developed by A.D. Bryuno [@Bryuno1]–[@Bryuno3], this can be explained in the following way. The *condition $A$* for the formal normal form does not hold, since the third equation in has the form $\dot \zeta_1 = \rho$ instead of $\dot \zeta_1 = 0$. Moreover, the pair of nonzero eigenvalues $\lambda_{1,2}(0)$ lies in the Siegel domain, where formal normalizing series generally diverge.
\[R3\] The condition $\Psi_1(0,0) \neq 0$ in Lemma \[L2\] can be replaced by $\Psi_i(0,0) \neq 0$ for some $i \in \{1,\ldots,l\}$. This condition holds true for germs with resonance having generic $(n+m)$-jet. Moreover, in order to check this condition it is sufficient to bring only the $(n+m)$-jet of to the form .
The following example shows that the condition $\Psi_i(0,0) \neq 0$ is essential.
[**Example 4.**]{} Consider the vector fields $$\begin{aligned}
&& \dot \xi = \xi, \quad \dot \eta = -\eta, \quad \dot \zeta = 0,
\label{34000}\\
&& \dot \xi = \xi, \quad \dot \eta = -\eta (1+\xi\eta), \quad \dot \zeta = \xi\eta\zeta,
\label{35000}\end{aligned}$$ both having at each singular point the resonance with $n=m=1$, whence $\Phi(0,\zeta) \equiv 0$. Clearly, the plane $\{\zeta=0\}$ is invariant for both the vector fields and it is transversal to the center manifold $W^c=\{\xi=\eta=0\}$ at the origin. If the germ of either or were $C^k$-smoothly ($k \geq 2$) orbitally equivalent to the normal form , then had a $C^k$-smooth invariant surface transversal to the $\zeta$-axis, i.e., of the form $\zeta = f(\xi,\eta)$. On the other hand, substituting the Taylor expression (of the second degree) of the function $f(\xi,\eta)$ into equation $\xi f_{\xi} - \eta f_{\eta} - \xi\eta = 0$, it is not hard to see that can not have an invariant surface of the form $\zeta = f(\xi,\eta)$.
\[R4\] If $n+m$ is rather large and the ratio $n/m$ is sufficiently close to $1$, the inequality $n+m > 2[(2k+1)\max\,\{n/m, m/n\}]+2$ has solutions $k \in \mathbb{N}$. According to Theorem \[T2-1\], for any such $k$ the germ of is $C^k$-smoothly orbitally equivalent to with $\lambda(\zeta)\equiv -n/m$ or, equivalently, to the field $$\dot \xi = n\xi, \quad \dot \eta = -m\eta, \quad \dot \zeta_i = 0, \quad i=1,\ldots, l.$$
Applications: geodesic flows on surfaces with singular metrics
==============================================================
We start with some general consequences of the results in two previous sections and then apply them to several concrete problems connected with singularities of divide-by-zero type.
Let ${\vec W}$ be a vector field of the type in , where $r \neq 0, 1$ and the smooth[^4] vector field ${\vec V}$ has the form . Assume that conditions and hold true. Let $0$ be a singular point of ${\vec V}$ such that the linearization of ${\vec V}$ at $0$ has at least one non-zero real eigenvalue, i.e., the spectrum is $(\lambda_1,\lambda_2,0,\ldots,0)$, where $\lambda_1 \in \mathbb{R}\setminus \{0\}$.
By Theorem \[T2\], we have equality , which in this case reads $\lambda_1+\lambda_2 = r\lambda_j$, where $j=1,2$, or $\lambda_1+\lambda_2 = 0$. Each of these equalities defines the spectrum of ${\vec V}$ up to a common factor $\sigma$, i.e., it uniquely defines the spectrum of the corresponding direction field. In both cases $\lambda_{1,2} \in \mathbb{R}\setminus \{0\}$, hence in a neighborhood of $0$ the set of singular points of ${\vec V}$ is the center manifold $W^c$, $\codim W^c=2$.
\[T3-1\] Assume $W^c \subset \Gamma$, then in a neighborhood of $0$ the following statements hold.
1\) There exists a smooth regular function $g:\Gamma\rightarrow \mathbb{R}$ such that $W^c=\{g=0\}$ and ${\vec V}{\bigl|}_{\Gamma} = g {\vec V}_1{\bigl|}_{\Gamma}$, where ${\vec V}_1{\bigl|}_{\Gamma}$ is a smooth non-vanishing field on $\Gamma$.
2\) The spectrum of the linearization of ${\vec V}$ at any singular point is $\sigma (1, r-1, 0, \ldots,0)$, where $\sigma$ is a smooth non-vanishing function on $W^c$.
3\) The field ${\vec V}$ is smoothly orbitally equivalent to one of the following normal forms:
> **
>
> with $\lambda(z) = r-1$ if $r>1$ and $r-1, \,(r-1)^{-1} \notin \mathbb N$ or $r<1$ and $r \notin \mathbb Q$,
>
> with $\lambda(z) = n$ if $r-1$ or $(r-1)^{-1}$ is equal to $n \in \mathbb N$,
>
> if $r-1 = -n/m$, where $n,m \in \mathbb N$, and $\Psi_i(0,0) \neq 0$ for at least one index $i=1,\ldots,l$ in the preliminary form .
[**Proof**]{}. For the first statement choose local coordinates $(\xi,\eta,\zeta)$ such that the invariant hypersurface $\Gamma$ is the hyperplane $\{\xi=0\}$ and the center manifold $W^c$ is the subspace $\{\xi=\eta=0\}$. Then the field ${\vec V}$ has the form $$\dot \xi = \xi v, \quad \dot \eta = \xi w_1 + \eta w_2, \quad \dot \zeta_i = \alpha_i \xi v + \beta_i (\xi w_1 + \eta w_2), \quad i=1,\ldots, l,$$ where $v, w_{1,2}$ and $\alpha_i, \beta_i$ are smooth functions of $\xi, \eta, \zeta$, and $\lambda_{1}=v(0)$, $\lambda_{2}=w(0)$. Substituting $\xi=0$, the field ${\vec V}{\bigl|}_{\Gamma}$ has the form $\dot \eta = \eta w_2$, $\dot \zeta_i = \eta \beta_i w_2$, $i=1,\ldots,l$. Setting the function $g=\eta w_2$, we get $\Gamma \cap \{g=0\} = W^c$ and ${\vec V}{\bigl|}_{\Gamma} = g {\vec V}_1{\bigl|}_{\Gamma}$, where the field ${\vec V}_1{\bigl|}_{\Gamma}$ has the form $\dot \eta = 1$, $\dot \zeta_i = \beta_i$, $i=1,\ldots,l$.
As for the second statement, according to previous reasonings, at any singular point in a neighborhood of $0$ we have equality $\lambda_1+\lambda_2 = r\lambda_j$, where $j=1,2$, or $\lambda_1+\lambda_2 = 0$. From the hypothesis $W^c \subset \Gamma$ it follows equality with $\lambda_j=0$ is impossible. Indeed, by Theorem \[T2\] the spectrum of the linearization of the restriction ${\vec V}{\bigl|}_{\Gamma}$ at $0$ is $(\lambda_1,\lambda_2,0,\ldots,0)$, where the number of zero eigenvalues is less by $1$ than in the spectrum of ${\vec V}$, i.e., is equal to $l-1$. On the other hand, the inclusion $W^c \subset \Gamma$ implies that the spectrum of the linearization of the restriction ${\vec V}{\bigl|}_{\Gamma}$ contains $l$ zeros. Hence we have equality $\lambda_1+\lambda_2 = r\lambda_j$, with $j=1$ or $2$. Without loss of generality one can put $j=1$, then $\lambda_2 \equiv (r-1)\lambda_1$. Since the last equality holds identically at all points in $W^c$, the spectrum is $\sigma (1, r-1, 0, \ldots,0)$ with a smooth non-vanishing function $\sigma$. The third statement follows from Theorems \[T2-1\]–\[T2-4\] and Remark \[R1\]. [ ]{}
Each of the applications in this section will cast in the following situation.
Consider the Euler–Lagrange equation $$\label{37}
\frac{d}{dt} L_p - L_x = 0, \quad p = \frac{dx}{dt},$$ with Lagrangian $L(t,x,p)$, where $t,x \in \mathbb R$. In the $(t,x,p)$-space equation generates the direction field $\chi$ corresponding to the vector field ${\vec W}$ given by $$\label{38}
\dot t = L_{pp}, \quad
\dot x = p L_{pp}, \quad
\dot p = L_x - L_{tp} - pL_{xp},$$ where the dot over a symbol means differentiation with respect to an independent variable playing the role of time.
\[L3\] At all points of the $(t,x,p)$-space where $L$ is smooth the identity $D_{{\vec W}} \equiv 0$ holds. Consequently, at all singular points of the vector field ${\vec W}$ where $L$ is smooth, the spectrum of the linearization of ${\vec W}$ has resonance $\lambda_1+\lambda_2=0$. The same statements are valid for the corresponding direction field $\chi$.
[**Proof**]{}. The identity $D_{{\vec W}} \equiv 0$ is due to simple calculation. The field belongs to the class of vector fields of type , where the generators of the ideal $I$ are $v = L_{pp}$ and $w = L_x - L_{tp} - pL_{xp}$. Hence the spectrum of the linearization of ${\vec W}$ at any singular point is $(\lambda_1, \lambda_2, 0)$. The equality $\lambda_1+\lambda_2=0$ for the field ${\vec W}$ follows from the equality $D_{{\vec W}} \equiv 0$. The same equality for the fields $\varphi {\vec W}$ follows from the identity $D_{\varphi {\vec W}} \equiv \varphi D_{{\vec W}} + L_{{\vec W}}\varphi$. [ ]{} In the applications below we deal with the case when the Lagrangian is smooth at all points of the $(t,x,p)$-space except for the the points of some regular surface $\Gamma=\{f=0\}$ and the components of the field ${\vec W}$ given by formula are fractions with common denominator $f^r$, $r>0$. Thus the field ${\vec W}$ is connected with some smooth field ${\vec V}$ by the formula . From the identity $D_{{\vec W}} \equiv 0$ (Lemma \[L3\]) it follows that conditions and will be always satisfied, hence Theorems \[T1\]–\[T3\] and \[T3-1\] are valid.
Pseudo-Riemannian metric
------------------------
Consider a surface $S$ with a system of coordinates $(t,x)$ and a pseudo-Riemannian metric $$\label{39}
Q(dt, dx) = a(t,x) \, dx^2 + 2b(t,x) \, dx dt + c(t,x) \, dt^2$$ with smooth coefficients $a,b,c$. The quadratic form $Q$ is positive definite on an open domain $\mathcal E \subset S$ (which is called [*elliptic*]{}), indefinite on some other open domain $\mathcal H \subset S$ (which is called [*hyperbolic*]{}), and degenerate on the curve $A=\{\Delta=0\}$, where $\Delta = b^2-ac$ is the discriminant of the form $Q$. The curve $A$ separates the domains $\mathcal E$ and $\mathcal H$, every point of $A$ is said [*parabolic*]{}.
[**Example 5.**]{} Let $S$ be a smooth surface embedded in the $3$-dimensional Minkowski space, i.e., the $3$D affine space with Cartesian coordinates $(x,y,z)$ endowed with the pseudo-Euclidean metric $ds^2 = dx^2 + dy^2 - dz^2$. A pseudo-Riemannian metric is induced on $S$ by the metric $ds^2$ in the ambient space. Denote by $C_P$ the [*light cone*]{} in the $3$D tangent space at the point $P=(x,y,z)$ given by the equation $dx^2 + dy^2 - dz^2 = 0$. Then three possibilities arise: either the tangent plane to $S$ at $P$ does not intersect $C_P$ (then $P \in \mathcal E$), or it intersects $C_P$ along a pair of lines (then $P \in \mathcal H$), or finally it intersects $C_P$ along a unique line (then $P$ is parabolic).
For instance, if $S$ is a Euclidean sphere ($x^2 + y^2 + z^2 = r^2$), the parabolic points form two circles $z = \pm r/\sqrt{2}$, which separate $S$ into two elliptic domains ($\mathcal E: \, |z| > r/\sqrt{2}$) and one hyperbolic domain ($\mathcal H: \, |z| < r/\sqrt{2}$). Geodesics on Euclidean spheres and ellipsoids in 3D Minkowski space are well-studied, see e.g. [@GKhT], [@KhT].
Consider geodesics generated by the pseudo-Riemannian metric in a neighbourhood of a parabolic point. Their 1-graphs are extremals of equation with $L = \sqrt{F}$, where $F = a(t,x) p^2 + 2b(t,x) p + c(t,x)$. Then the vector field ${\vec W}$ given by formula reads $$\label{40}
\dot t = -\Delta F^{-\frac{3}{2}}, \quad
\dot x = -p \Delta F^{-\frac{3}{2}}, \quad
\dot p = -M F^{-\frac{3}{2}}/2,$$ where $M = \sum\limits_{i=0}^{3} \mu_i(t,x) p^i$ is a cubic polynomial in $p$ with coefficients $$\begin{gathered}
\mu_3 = a (a_t - 2b_x) + b a_x, \quad \mu_2 = b (3a_t - 2b_x) + c a_x - 2a c_x, \\
\mu_1 = b (2b_t - 3c_x) + 2c a_t - a c_t, \quad \mu_0 = c (2b_t - c_x) - bc_t.
$$ Multiplying ${\vec W}$ by $-F^{\frac{3}{2}}$, we obtain the field ${\vec V}$ $$\label{42}
\dot t = \Delta, \quad
\dot x = p \Delta, \quad
\dot p = M/2.$$
For any point $q_*=(t_*,x_*) \in \mathcal E \cup \mathcal H$ and any $p \in {\mathbb R}P$ there exists a unique geodesic passing through $q_*$ with given tangential direction $p$. However if $q_*$ is parabolic, this is not the case. Indeed, for any tangential direction $p \in {\mathbb R}P$ such that $M(q_*,p) \neq 0$ there exists a unique trajectory of passing through the point $(q_*,p)$, a vertical line, which projects onto the single point $q_*$ in the $(t,x)$-plane. Thus, geodesics outgoing from $q_*$ must have tangential directions $p$ such that $M(q_*,p) = 0$, i.e., their 1-graphs pass through a singular point $(q_*,p)$ of the field ${\vec V}$.
Let $q_*\in A$ and consider the equation $M(q_*,p) = 0$ with respect to $p$. We shall assume that in a neighborhood of $q_*$ the curve $A$ is regular and $a(q_*) \neq 0$. Then the quadratic polynomial $F(q_*,p) = ap^2 + 2bp + c$ has a unique root $p_0(q_*) =-\frac{b(q_*)}{a(q_*)}$, that is, the isotropic direction.[^5] A simple substitution shows that $p_0$ is a root of the cubic polynomial $M(q_*,p)$. Assume that the isotropic direction $p_0$ is not tangent to the curve $A$ at $q_*$, i.e, $(a\Delta_t - b\Delta_x)|_{q_*} \neq 0$.
Under the assumptions above, the cubic polynomial $M(q_*,p)$ has one or three real prime roots.[^6] Define $W^c_0 = \{q\in A, \, p=p_0(q)\}$ and $W^c_{\pm} = \{q\in A, \, p=p_{\pm}(q)\}$ where $p_{\pm}(q_*)$ are the non-isotropic roots of $M(q_*,p)=0$, if they exist. The union of the three curves $W^c_0$, $W^c_{\pm}$ is the set of singular points of ${\vec V}$ and coincides with its center manifold $W^c $. The function $F$ vanishes on $W^c_0$ while $F \neq 0$ on $W^c_{\pm}$. Thus the fields and are connected by relation , where $f=F$ and $r=\frac{3}{2}$. Since the field ${\vec W}$ is obtained from an Euler–Lagrange equation, conditions and follow from the identity $D_{{\vec W}} \equiv 0$, which is valid for all points except for the hypersurface $\Gamma=\{F=0\}$. From Theorem \[T1\] it follows that $\Gamma$ is an invariant hypersurface of ${\vec V}$. Hence the isotropic curves are geodesic lines (of zero length) in the pseudo-Riemannian metric . By construction $W_0^c\subset\Gamma$.
Let $(q,p_0)\in W^c_0$. Clearly, the spectrum of the linearization of ${\vec V}$ at $(q,p_0)$ contains the eigenvalue $\lambda_1 = \Delta_t + p_0\Delta_x \neq 0$. By Theorem \[T3-1\], in a neighborhood of $(q,p_0)$ there exists a function $\sigma: W^c_0 \rightarrow \mathbb{R}$ such that the spectrum of the linearization of ${\vec V}$ at all points sufficiently close to $(q,p_0)$ is $\sigma (2,1,0)$. Computing, we easily get $\sigma = \Delta_t + p_0\Delta_x$. Hence the germ of ${\vec V}$ at $(q,p_0)$ is smoothly orbitally equivalent to $$\dot \xi = 2\xi + \varphi(\zeta) \eta^2, \quad \dot \eta = \eta, \quad \dot \zeta = 0.
\label{43}$$ The normal form can be further simplified.
\[T3-2\] The germs of the vector field ${\vec V}$ given by formula at the singular points $(q,p_0) \in W^c_0$ and $(q,p_{\pm}) \in W^c_{\pm}$ are smoothly orbitally equivalent to $$\begin{aligned}
\label{44}
&& \dot \xi = 2\xi, \quad \dot \eta = \eta, \quad \phantom{...} \dot \zeta = 0, \\
\label{45}
&& \dot \xi = \xi, \quad \phantom{..} \dot \eta = -\eta, \quad \dot \zeta = \xi \eta,\end{aligned}$$ respectively.
[**Proof**]{}. To establish normal form it is sufficient to prove that the coefficient $\varphi(\zeta)$ in the normal form is identically equal to zero. Indeed, the field has the invariant foliation $\{(\xi,\eta,\zeta) : \zeta=c\}$, and the restriction to each leaf is a node with exponent[^7] equal to $2$. The eigenvalue of largest modulus corresponds to the eigenvector $\frac{\partial}{\partial \xi}$ and the eigenvalue of smallest modulus corresponds to $\frac{\partial}{\partial \eta}$.
Given an arbitrary point $(q_*,p_0)\in W^c_0$, consider the restriction of the field to the invariant leaf $\{(\xi,\eta,\zeta):\zeta=\zeta_*\}$ passing through $(q_*,p_0)$. Integrating the corresponding differential equation $d\xi/d\eta = 2\xi/\eta + \varphi(\zeta_*)\eta$, we get the single integral curve $\eta = 0$ and the family of integral curves $$\xi = c\eta^2 + \varphi(\zeta_*)\eta^2 \ln |\eta|, \quad c={\rm const},
\label{family}$$ with common tangential direction $\frac{\partial}{\partial \eta}$ at $0$.
In the case $\varphi(\zeta_*) = 0$ all curves of the family are parabolas, in the case $\varphi(\zeta_*) \neq 0$ they are $C^1$-smooth, but not $C^2$-smooth at $0$. On the other hand, the previous reasoning shows that the germ of ${\vec V}$ at $(q_*,p_0)$ has at least one $C^{\infty}$-smooth integral curve: the vertical line (parallel to the $p$-axis). Simple calculation shows that the direction $\frac{\partial}{\partial p}$ in the initial coordinates $(t,x,p)$ corresponds to the direction $\frac{\partial}{\partial \eta}$ in the normal coordinates $(\xi,\eta,\zeta)$. Hence family contains at least one $C^{\infty}$-smooth integral curve. This implies that $\varphi(\zeta_*) = 0$.
The second statement of the theorem (the normal form ) follows from Lemma \[L3\] and Theorem \[T2-4\]; validity of the condition $\Psi_1(0,0)\neq 0$ can be proved by direct calculation (see Theorem 2 in [@Rem-Pseudo]). [ ]{}
Metric of Klein type
--------------------
A natural generalization of the Klein metric on the $(t,x)$-plane is $$ds^2 = \frac{\alpha \, dx^2 + 2\beta \, dx dt + \gamma \, dt^2}{t^{2n}}, \quad n \in \mathbb N,
\label{46}$$ where the numerator is a positive definite quadratic form[^8] with coefficients $\alpha, \beta, \gamma$ smoothly depending on $t,x$. We study locally the geodesics of metric passing through a singular point, i.e., a point of the axis $\{t=0\}$. It is not hard to prove that in appropriate local coordinates on the $(t,x)$-plane the germ of metric simplifies to the form $$ds^2 = \frac{\alpha \, dx^2 + \gamma \, dt^2}{t^{2n}}, \quad n \in \mathbb N,
\label{47}$$ with smooth positive coefficients $\alpha(t,x)$ and $\gamma(t,x)$.
The geodesics of metric are extremals of the Euler–Lagrange equation with $L = \sqrt{F}/t^n$, where $F = \alpha p^2 + \gamma > 0$ and $p=dx/dt$. The corresponding vector field ${\vec W}$ reads $$\dot t = \alpha \gamma t^{-n} F^{-\frac{3}{2}}, \quad
\dot y = \alpha \gamma p t^{-n} F^{-\frac{3}{2}}, \quad
\dot p = - \frac{1}{2} t^{-n-1} M F^{-\frac{3}{2}},
\label{48}$$ where $M = \sum\limits_{i=0}^{3} \mu_i(t,x) p^i$ is a cubic polynomial of $p$ with coefficients $$\mu_3 = \alpha (t\alpha_t - 2n \alpha), \quad \mu_2 = t (\alpha_x \gamma - 2\alpha \gamma_x), \quad
\mu_1 = t (2\alpha_t \gamma - \alpha \gamma_t) - 2n \alpha \gamma, \quad \mu_0 = -t\gamma \gamma_x.$$ Multiplying ${\vec W}$ by $f^{n+1}$, where $f =tg^{\frac{1}{n+1}}$ and $g=F^{3/2}/(\alpha \gamma) > 0$, we obtain the field ${\vec V}$ $$\label{50}
\dot t = t, \quad \dot x = pt, \quad \dot p = -M/(2\alpha \gamma).$$
Fields and are connected by relation , where $f=tg^{\frac{1}{n+1}}$ and $r=n+1$. Conditions and are satisfied, ${\vec W}$ being obtained from an Euler–Lagrange equation. Theorem \[T1\] implies that $\Gamma = \{f=0\}= \{t=0\}$ is an invariant plane for ${\vec V}$. The restriction of the field ${\vec V}$ to $\Gamma$ is parallel to the $p$-axis. Hence geodesics outgoing from a point $q_*=(0,x_*)$ must have tangential directions corresponding to $p$ such that $M(q_*,p) = 0$, i.e., their 1-graphs pass through singular points of ${\vec V}$.
Given a point $q_*=(0,x_*)$, consider the equation $M(q_*,p) = 0$ with respect to $p$. Since $M(q_*,p) = -2n\alpha p (\alpha p^2 + \gamma)$, the cubic polynomial $M(q_*,p)$ has the only real root $p=0$. The spectrum of the linearization of ${\vec V}$ at $(q_*,0)$ is $ (n,1,0)$, and the $x$-axis is the center manifold ($W^c$). Clearly, $W^c \subset \Gamma$ and from Theorem \[T3-1\] we get the following result.
\[T3-3\] The germ of the vector field at the singular point $(q_*,0)$ is smoothly orbitally equivalent to $$\label{51}
\dot \xi = n\xi + \varphi(\zeta)\eta^n, \quad \dot \eta = \eta, \quad \dot \zeta = 0.$$
Unlike the case of geodesics in pseudo-Riemannian metrics, here the coefficient $\varphi(\zeta)$ is not necessarily zero. For instance, in the case $n=1$ the condition $\varphi(\zeta_*) = 0$ is equivalent to $\gamma_x(0,x_*) = 0$, where $\zeta_*$ corresponds to the point $q_*=(0,x_*)$. Clearly, if $\varphi(0) \neq 0$ then $\varphi(\zeta)$ simplifies to $1$, if $\varphi(\zeta)$ has a finite order $s$ at the origin then $\varphi(\zeta)$ simplifies to $\zeta^{s}$.
[**Example 6.**]{} Consider the Klein metric, given by formula with $\alpha \equiv \gamma \equiv 1$ and $n=1$. In this case vector field ${\vec V}$ given by has the normal form with $\varphi(\zeta) \equiv 0$, since $\gamma_x(0,x) \equiv 0$. Hence the restriction of the field ${\vec V}$ on each invariant leaf (given by the formula $\zeta = c$ in the normal coordinates) is a bicritical node. Thus the integral curves of ${\vec V}$ are $C^{\infty}$-smooth, and for each singular point $q_*=(0,x_*)$ there exists a family of geodesics with common tangential directions $p=0$ and various 2-jets. Indeed, geodesics of the Klein metric passing through the point $q_* \in A$ (here $A$ is the absolute) are the circles $(x-x_*)^2 + t^2 = R^2$ and the straight line $x=x_*$.
Almost-Riemannian metric
------------------------
Let ${\vec V}_1, {\vec V}_2$ be smooth vector fields on the $(x,y)$-plane. Assume them to be collinear at the points of a regular curve $A$. The metric $ds^2$ having $({\vec V}_1,{\vec V}_2)$ as orthonormal frame is well-defined, smooth and positive definite on the whole plane except for the points of $A$. Our aim is to study geodesics of the metric $ds^2$ passing through a point of the curve $A$.
According to [@ABS], for a generic pair ${\vec V}_1, {\vec V}_2$ in a neighborhood of almost all points of $A$ there exist local coordinates such that $${\vec V}_1 = \frac{\partial}{\partial x}, \quad {\vec V}_2 = 2x v^{-1}(x,y) \frac{\partial}{\partial y},
\label{new}$$ where $v(x,y)$ is a smooth non-vanishing function. Points in $A$ at which such a coordinate system does not exist form a discrete subset of $A$ and will not be considered in the following. The required metric for fields is $$ds^2 = dx^2 + \frac{v^2}{4x^2} \, dy^2 = \frac{v^2 \, dy^2 + d(x^2)^2}{4x^2}.$$ Substituting $t=x^2$ and multiplying by the unessential constant factor $4$, we get $$ds^2 = \frac{{\widetilde v}^2 \, dy^2 + dt^2}{t}, \quad {\widetilde v}(t,y)=v_1(t,y) + \sqrt{t}\,v_2(t,y),
\label{53}$$ where $v_{1,2}$ are smooth functions defined by decomposition of the function $v(x,y)$ into even and odd parts: $v(x,y)=v_1(x^2,y) + x v_2(x^2,y)$. Geodesics of the metric are extremals of Euler–Lagrange equation with Lagrangian $L = \sqrt{F/t}$, where $F = {\widetilde v}^2 p^2 + 1$ and $p=dy/dt$. The corresponding vector field ${\vec W}$ in the $(t,y,p)$-space reads $$\dot t = {\widetilde v}^2 t^{-\frac{1}{2}} F^{-\frac{3}{2}}, \quad
\dot y = {\widetilde v}^2 p t^{-\frac{1}{2}} F^{-\frac{3}{2}}, \quad
\dot p = \frac{{\widetilde v}}{2} t^{-\frac{3}{2}} F^{-\frac{3}{2}} {\widetilde M},
\label{55}$$ where ${\widetilde M} = \sum\limits_{i=0}^{3}\,{\widetilde \mu}_i(t,y) p^i$ is a cubic polynomial in $p$ with coefficients $${\widetilde \mu}_3 = {\widetilde v}^3 - 2t{\widetilde v}^2 {\widetilde v}_t, \quad {\widetilde \mu}_2 = -2t {\widetilde v}_y, \quad {\widetilde \mu}_1 = {\widetilde v} - 4t {\widetilde v}_t, \quad {\widetilde \mu}_0 = 0.
\label{56}$$
Multiplying ${\vec W}$ by $f^r$, where $r=\frac{3}{2}$, $f=tg$ and $g=(2/{\widetilde v})^{\frac{2}{3}}F \neq 0$, we obtain the field ${\vec V}$ $$\label{57}
\dot t = 2{\widetilde v} t, \quad \dot y = 2{\widetilde v} tp, \quad \dot p = {\widetilde M}.$$ Fields and are connected by relation , where the function $f=tg$ is regular and $r=\frac{3}{2}$. Nevertheless, in general we cannot apply Theorems \[T1\], \[T2\] and \[T3-1\], since the field ${\vec V}$ is not even $C^1$-smooth. Indeed, the components of the field ${\vec V}$ depend on the function ${\widetilde v}(t,y)$ and its first-order derivatives, which are smooth only if $v(x,y)$ is an even function of $x$ (see formula ).
[**Example 7.**]{} Consider the Clairaut–Liouville metric. This is an example in which the vector field turns out to be smooth, the function $v(x,y)$ being even in $x$. For instance, in [@BCT] the authors deal with the metric $$ds^2 = dx^2 + \frac{g(x^2,y)}{x^2} \, dy^2 = \frac{x^2 \, dx^2 + g(x^2,y)\, dy^2}{x^2},$$ where $g$ is a positive smooth function ($x$ and $y$ are standard angular coordinates on the sphere, the curve $A=\{x=0\}$ is the equator).[^9] After the change of variables $t=x^2$ we get the metric with ${\widetilde v} = 2\sqrt{g(t,y)}$, which leads to the smooth field .
To overcome the problem, we make the change of variable $x^2=t$ in . This yields to $$\label{58}
\dot x = xv, \quad \dot y = 2 x^2 vp , \quad \dot p = M,$$ where $M = \sum\limits_{i=0}^{3} \mu_i(x,y) \,p^i$ and $\mu_i(x,y)={\widetilde \mu}_i(x^2,y)$. The coefficients ${\widetilde \mu}_i$ are polynomials of the function ${\widetilde v}(t,y)$ and its first-order derivatives (see formulas ). Note also that ${\widetilde v}_t$ appear in with the factor $t$, whence after the substitution $x^2=t$ the expression $t{\widetilde v}_t$ becomes a smooth function of $x,y$.
The first two components of the field vanish at $x=0$. Given a point $q=(0,y)$ consider the cubic equation $M(q,p) = 0$ with respect to $p$. It reads $v(q) p ((v(q) p)^2 + 1) = 0$. This equation has a unique real root $p_0=0$. Recalling that $p=dy/dt$, the root $p_0=0$ defines the unique admissible direction for geodesics passing through the point $(0,y)$ on the $(t,y)$-plane. The corresponding direction on the $(x,y)$-plane is given by the relation $dy/dx=2xp$ which is also equal to zero. The spectrum of the linearization of the germ at $(q,p_0)$ is $(\lambda_1,\lambda_2,0)$, where $\lambda_1=v(q)$ and $\lambda_2=M_p(q,p_0) = v(q)$.
\[T3-4\] The germ of the vector field at the singular point $(q,p_0)$ is smoothly orbitally equivalent to $$\label{59}
\dot \xi = \xi, \quad \dot \eta = \eta, \quad \dot \zeta = 0.$$
[**Proof**]{}. By Theorem \[T2-3\], the germ of the vector field at $(q,p_0)$ is smoothly orbitally equivalent to normal form with $\lambda(\zeta) \equiv 1$ and $l=1$. To establish normal form it is sufficient to prove that the coefficient $\varphi(\zeta)$ in is identically equal to zero.
Let $\Lambda$ be the linearization of the vector field at the singular point $(q,p_0)$. Consider the matrix $\Lambda-\lambda I$, where $\lambda=v(q)$ is the double eigenvalue of $\Lambda$. Clearly, the value $\rg (\Lambda-\lambda I)$ equals either 1 or 2 and it is an invariant of the field. Hence $\varphi(0)=0$ if $\rg (\Lambda-\lambda I)=1$ and $\varphi(0)\neq 0$ if $\rg (\Lambda-\lambda I)=2$. On the other hand, a simple calculation shows that $\rg (\Lambda-\lambda I)=1$ if and only if $M_x(q,p_0) = 0$. Recalling that $M(q,p) = v(q) p ((v(q) p)^2 + 1)$ and $p_0=0$ we get $M_x(q,p_0) = 0$. This completes the proof. [ ]{} From the normal form it follows that vector field has an invariant foliation (given by $\zeta = {\rm const}$ in the normal coordinates) such that each leaf intersects the center manifold $W^c$ at a unique point. Hence, geodesics passing through the point $q_*=(0,y_*)$ on the $(x,y)$-plane are projections of integral curves lying in the corresponding leaf. The restriction of vector field to the leaf is a bicritical node, hence there is a one-parameter family of integral curves passing through the point $q_*=(0,y_*)$. This gives a family of smooth geodesics passing through the point $q_*$ with common tangential direction which coincides with ${\vec V}_1$ and ${\vec V}_2$ at the point $q_*$. Moreover, the geodesics have the same 2-jet and different 3-jets at $q_*$.
[**Example 8.**]{} Geodesics in the Grushin metric (which corresponds to the vector fields with $v(x,y)\equiv 2$) have the form $y(x) = y_* + c^{-2} \arcsin (cx) - c^{-1}x \sqrt{1-c^2x^2}$, where $c$ is an arbitrary constant.
[99]{}
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[^1]: [[email protected]]{}
[^2]: [[email protected]]{}
[^3]: Remark that the finite smooth classification is based on the general results by V.S. Samovol [@Sam], and the analytic classification is based on the general results by A.D. Bryuno [@Bryuno1]–[@Bryuno3] and J.C. Yoccoz [@Yo].
[^4]: For simplicity, we always assume that smooth means $C^{\infty}$-smooth.
[^5]: The light cone at a parabolic point consists of a unique isotropic line.
[^6]: If $S$ is a surface embedded in 3D Minkowski space, these cases correspond to positive or negative Gaussian curvature of $S$ in the Euclidean metric $dx^2 + dy^2 + dz^2$.
[^7]: The exponent of a node (or saddle) is defined to be the ratio of the eigenvalue of largest modulus of the linearization field to the smallest one.
[^8]: The case when the numerator is an indefinite (and non-degenerate) quadratic form was also studied [@Rem-Klein], but for our present purposes it is sufficient to consider the positive definite case.
[^9]: In the case $g(x^2,y) \equiv 1$ this formula gives the well-known Grushin metric.
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Since August 5th, 2012, the Curiosity Rover has been roving the Red Planet, capturing many photos that 360Cities contributor Andrew Bodrov has used to create a series of fully-immersive 360º images. Let’s follow Curiosity’s travels on the surface of Mars since it went into action:
NASA’s MSL Curiosity mission Source Images: NASA/JPL-CaltechWith its rover named Curiosity, Mars Science Laboratory mission is part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program, a long-term effort of robotic exploration of the red planet. Curiosity was designed to assess whether Mars ever had an environment able to support small life forms called microbes. In other words, its mission is to determine the planet’s “habitability.”
(click on the pictures to open the panoramas)
Check out all the 360º immersive images from Mars created by Andrew Bodrov and other VR 360 creators, such as Jim Watters, Thomas APPERE and Tomasz Mielnik, here. | https://blog.360cities.net/2017/08/03/5th-anniversary-curiosity-rover-mars/ |
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