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Least Restrictive Environment
The placement of students with disabilities in special classes, separate schools or other removal from the general education environment occurs only when the nature or severity of the disability is such that, even with the use of supplementary aids and services, education cannot be satisfactorily achieved.
In-District Services
Cohoes City School District has a continuum of services available to meet the varied needs of students with disabilities. This continuum represents services and program options that are available within the district and outside the district through BOCES, approved private educational agencies and other state-supported or state-operated school programs.
General Education Programs
In this setting, students with a disability receive the same services and supports available to all students. These services include, when necessary, academic intervention services in the content areas, specialized reading instruction (i.e.,Wilson, Fundations), and Speech Improvement. Behavioral support is also provided through the school psychologist and/or social worker. The general education teacher may also receive consultation from designated instructional support specialists, special education staff and/or administrators.
Related Services
Students with disabilities may receive related services provided by appropriate specialists if it is determined that the services are required to assist the student in accessing a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). These services include counseling, speech and language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, teacher of the visually impaired/hearing impaired, mobility training, and behavioral support. The extent of these services depend upon the delivery plan outlined in the IEP.
Consultant Services
Consultant teacher service is direct or indirect consultation provided by a certified special education teacher to the general education teacher(s) within the general education environment. This service is the least restrictive and can be implemented as a direct service during instruction of the content or as an indirect service for the teacher outside of instructional time. The purpose is to assist the classroom teacher in adjusting the learning environment and/or modifying instructional methods to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Consultant teacher services are provided at a minimum of two hours per week but may be more depending on individual needs or less if they are provided in conjunction with other services. The IEP must indicate areas of the general education program in which the student will receive consultant teacher services and the frequency in which the service will be delivered. Regulations require that the general education teacher of the student shall be given the opportunity to participate in the planning conference to discuss the objectives, methods and schedule for service.
Resource Services
The resource room is designed as a congruent support system to the general education class program for students with disabilities, when the student’s specific learning needs are such that he/she needs specialized supplementary instruction in an individual or small group setting. Emphasis is on collaboration between the special education teacher and the subject teacher in the learning process. This instruction is provided to the student for at least three hours per week, not to exceed 50% of the school day. Services are provided with no more than five (5) students in each period, with a total caseload not to exceed twenty-five students.
Declassification Support Service
When a student is being declassified, he/she may continue to receive support services for up to one year from the date of declassification. The pre-determined testing accommodations may also be provided throughout the remainder of the student’s school career if necessary. The purpose of these services is to provide support to general education teachers during the student’s transfer from special education to general education.
Special Class Integrated/Non-Integrated
When it is deemed necessary, students receive primary instruction in math, reading and writing. This service can be delivered within the classroom (integrated-co-teaching) or as a pullout program (non-integrated). This type of instruction generally occurs on a daily basis for 30 to 60 minutes at a time. The group size is not to exceed fifteen (15) students.
Special Class
Special class options are provided in the district if a student’s needs are such that a combination of other services within the general education environment is not successful. This is the most restrictive service available in the district. Students in a special class setting receive primary instruction in all core content areas and are integrated for specials such as music, art, technology, physical education, etc. The class size varies depending on the nature of the classroom and the specific class types may vary from year to year depending upon the needs of the student population.
Communication and Social Development
This program option is designed specifically to improve social interactions along with expressive and receptive communication skills. The program serves students with significant language skill delays due to a medically diagnosed processing disorder or autism spectrum disorder. Instruction involves the use of visual supports for communication and social skill development. The program serves students in grades equivalent to kindergarten and first grade with no more than eight students in the class. A speech therapist is assigned to each classroom and works collaboratively with the special education teacher to provide a consistent integrative approach for each student.
Developmental Skills
This program serves students in grades Kindergarten through first grade with multiple needs including low cognitive ability, physical impairments, communication deficits, medically fragile etc. The class size is limited to eight in order to provide intensive instruction in basic skills. The students are integrated for specials when appropriate or provided adaptive instruction by special area teachers.
Functional Skills
The program uses a modified curriculum to serve students who require more individualized attention due to their low cognitive ability usually accompanied by language delays and impaired adaptive behaviors. The focus is on functional curriculum and activities necessary for successful adult living. Class size is limited to twelve students and instruction is provided outside the general education environment. Opportunities for academic integration are afforded the student if appropriate. At the secondary level, vocational training is incorporated into instruction through the internship program or Career and Technical Education (CTE). Students involved in this program are likely to earn a certificate of completion rather than graduating with a diploma. Often students may participate in the New York State Alternate Assessment and are eligible to receive a Skills and Achievement Commencement (SAC) credential. Students who are not eligible for the alternate assessment must sit for the Regents Exams as required by the NY State Education Department, and may pursue a Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) credential.
Academic Skills
This program option is designed for students with significant learning difficulties. A modified general education curriculum is offered with emphasis on reading and written language in the content areas. Students are integrated in core subject areas that are appropriate. The class size is limited to fifteen in order to meet the individualized needs of the students. Students enrolled in this program must sit for the required Regents Exams and take the RCT’s in order to meet the requirements for a school diploma. Vocational training is an integral part of this program at the secondary level.
Behavior Development/Support
This program option provides individualized instruction for students with significant social and emotional needs. At the elementary level, it offers the structure and adult support necessary for students who require intensive management systems for their combined social, communication and academic needs. The class size is limited to eight students. Counseling and social skills training are an integral part of the program. Students are integrated into special class areas if their behavior is at acceptable levels.
Middle and high school students with continuing behavior management needs may be scheduled for one to two periods daily of behavior support. In this class of no more than eight students with one special education teacher, students work on self-management and interpersonal strategies as well as academics.
School to Work Transition Services
This program is available to students in grades 10, 11 and 12. The emphasis is on obtaining employability skills by participating in 2 to 3 work experiences at different job sites throughout the year. Students who plan to graduate with SAC or CDOS credential must complete a vocational component in their junior and senior years as part of their commencement requirement. This option fulfills that requirement.
Out of District Services
Career and Technical Education
There are several options offered through the Capital Region Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES). Services include vocational assessment, vocational training programs, worksite placements and job coaching. Several Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses are geared specifically to the special needs of students with disabilities. These programs are accessed through school counselors or the CSE committee. Completion of a CTE course fulfills the commencement requirement for a SAC or CDOS credential.
Home and/or Hospital Instruction
This program provides education on an individual basis to students confined to their home or hospital for more than 10 days due to severe medical or psychological debilitating condition. Children at the elementary level must be instructed a minimum of five hours per week, and students at the secondary level must be instructed a minimum of two hours per day or a maximum of ten hours per week. The district views this as a temporary service and does not support long-term home instruction.
BOCES Special Education Classes
Classes are provided through Capital Region, Questar, and/or WSHWE BOCES for students with low incident disabilities (i.e. deaf and hard of hearing, orthopedic impairments etc.), and for students who cannot be served within the district. These services are only available when the district has eliminated other less restrictive placement options. Students served in BOCES are considered Cohoes residents and are observed and reviewed on at least an annual basis by the Office of Special Programs.
Approved Private Schools
Local private school options are available for students who require a specialized or therapeutic program approach that is not available within the district. Recommendations for these programs are made by the CSE and must be approved by The State Education Department prior to the child attending a private school placement. Students in private school placements are considered residents of the district and are observed and reviewed on at least an annual basis by the Office of Special Programs.
Approved private day providers in the area:
- Center for Disability Services (UCP)
- LaSalle School for Boys
- Northeast Parent and Child Center
- Parsons Child and Family Center
- Anne’s Institute
- Coleman’s
- Catherine’s Center for Children
- Vanderheyden Hall
- Wildwood School
- Berkshire Union Free School
- Oakwood
Residential Programs
These programs are limited to students with dual-diagnosis or other unique needs that cannot be met in any other environment. Determination is made on a case-by-case basis and must have approval from The State Education Department prior to placement. Location of program depends on student needs and availability. | https://www.cohoes.org/departments-and-services/office-of-special-programs/continuum-of-special-services/ |
classrooms? Targeted towards parents, this article gives a rundown of what the high school resource room is, as well as dispelling some stereotypes associated with special education.
A Guide to Setting Up a High School Resource Room
Taking into account the diversity of students and learning styles, the author makes some basic recommendations for how to set up the resource room to minimize distractions, allow students and teachers to move around freely, and organize learning materials effectively.
Special Education Classroom Designs: How Important Are They?
How important is the classroom design of a resource room, anyway? In fact, everything in the classroom should contribute to the learning of the students, and a good classroom design will take all the students’ needs into account. This article gives some tips on how to do so.
A relatively recent development, the autism support room caters directly to the needs of autistic children while striving to gradually mainstream their education. This article defines, describes and gives advantages of the autism support room compared to regular resource rooms and mainstream education.
What Is the Difference Between a Self-Contained Class and a Resource Room?
Self-contained classes and resource rooms educate the students outside of a traditional classroom setting, but there are important differences between the two. In a self-contained classroom, the students are grouped according to learning level and/or disability, and have the same teacher for all subjects. Resource rooms have a variety of teachers, classes and students of different learning levels and special needs. This article explains the differences.
Mainstreaming and inclusion are other options besides the resource room. With inclusion, the special education student will still spend some time in the resource room. Both strategies involve educating special needs students as a part of the larger school system, rather than in a specialized setting. This article is useful for comparing different education methods. What are the benefits to mainstreaming and inclusion vs. the resource room?
Holistic Learning in the High School Resource Room
The principle of the high school resource room lies in the idea of holistic learning. Generally these teaching methods are more interactive and individualized. This article explains the principles of holistic learning in the resource room, as well as some strategies to incorporate it in classroom structure and in your teaching methods.
Making Reading Interventions in the Resource Room
This article focuses on techniques to develop students’ reading skills, including evidence-based reading instruction, phonemic awareness activities, decoding activities and comprehension activities. The author gives examples of formal and informal teaching activities, such as rhyming to work on phonemic awareness. Several helpful reading programs are also identified as resources for the special education teacher.
Creating Centers in the Special Education Classroom
In your resource room, you might want to create centers within one classroom that each focus on a particular skill set or lesson. This article discusses the challenges posed by creating such centers and gives examples of different classroom setups and situations. Clear instructions are given about how to prepare for and teach in a resource room structured this way.
Strategies for Helping Physically Disabled Students
This article discusses IDEA’s policies and regulations on accommodating students with physical disabilities. Although this article suggests several ideas for integrating physically disabled students into a standard classroom, many of its suggestions and ideas apply to the resource room. Strategies include having resource staff conferences with parents, organizing resource rooms around student needs and using technology to help students with disabilities.
English Language Learners and Special Education
If you are a special education teacher, at some point in your career you may have to deal with English language learners and ESL students who are misassigned to the resource room. The question of how to teach these students is a growing problem. The easy solution — to shunt them off into special education — is a mistake, and something special education teachers are not trained to work with. This article should prepare you for the issues and problems arising from being assigned a student classified as “disabled” because s/he does not speak English.
Using Exercise Balls for ADD/ADHD Students in the Resource Room
This article proposes a creative solution for ADD/ADHD students who can’t seem to focus. In the resource room, a special education teacher can provide them with exercise balls instead of desks. Using exercise balls as desks may seem odd, but this article makes a strong case for it: they promote upright posture, allow the student to move around during learning and help them with body/sensory awareness problems.
With these articles as a guide to the high school resource room, teachers and parents alike should feel more comfortable and informed about the education of their children.
References
- Jones, Susan, M. Ed. Resource Room - Tips for a working model. | https://www.brighthubeducation.com/special-ed-inclusion-strategies/125329-guide-to-the-high-school-resource-room/ |
Annette was born in Ashbourne, Derbyshire and trained at Camberwell School of Art. She has maintained her own ceramics studio in South London since 1982 and has continued to develop professionally.
She has experience working on public and private commissions; such as an exterior wall-tile panel for a nursery in Brighton and a floor-tile panel for a shop in East Dulwich. She also regularly exhibits in the Dulwich Artists Open House and has been a professional member of the Craft Potters Association since 1998.
She has a deep and wide-ranging knowledge of ceramic materials and techniques developed whilst pursuing her own professional interests and teaching. Her ceramic work reflects the natural environment; colours, tones and textures coming from the properties of mixed and coloured clays, porcelain slips and the muted high-temperature glazes she works with.
Annette is passionately committed to adult education and lifelong learning and understands fully how it can enhance society and enrich the personal lives of adults. She chose to return to college to gain a post graduate certificate in education in 2007 in order to refresh and hone her teaching practice. She has had extensive experience teaching a wide range of specialist short courses – such as surface decoration, Raku, wheel throwing, mixed ability workshops and vocational qualification courses. She has been employed as a ceramics tutor at Morley since 1989 but has recently taken on the role Programme Manager for the subject area. | https://www.morleycollege.ac.uk/about/team/138-annette-welch |
ESR/ISR Join Forces on Patient Safety in Paediatric Imaging Event
The event provided a forum for policymakers, healthcare providers, equipment manufacturers, and patients to discuss what could be done to maximise the benefits and minimise the risks when using medical imaging in paediatric patients.
Medical imaging enables earlier diagnosis and offers less invasive treatment for sick children. There is increasing evidence, however, that children are more vulnerable to ionising radiation-related health risks — eg, x-ray exposure during CT scans. Whenever appropriate, medical imaging without ionising radiation has to be used, such as ultrasound or MRI. Good communication with the patient and carers facilitates informed decision-making and minimises procedure delay or refusal due to unfounded concerns.
During the session, the participants noted that improvement in patient safety in paediatric radiology requires multidisciplinary teamwork, collaboration and an integrated framework for actions covering research, advocacy, education, infrastructure, and evidence-informed policy. To improve the performance of practitioners, facilities, and healthcare systems, suggested actions include: implementing the 10 priorities identified in the Bonn call-for-action1; taking into account the ICRP recommendations on radiation protection in medicine; increasing access to imaging procedures; improving appropriate use of paediatric imaging by policies, providing guidance and tools, and ensuring practitioner education and training.
In addition, both facility-based and system-wide actions are needed for the establishment and maintenance of a radiation safety culture in paediatric imaging. Integration avoids duplication and promotes synergy.
The WHO plays an important role in facilitating and coordinating improvement actions in different regions and settings. The ISR, as a confederation of around 80 national and regional radiological societies, is committed to improving the access to safe and more appropriate use of paediatric imaging throughout the world and is working with other stakeholders on this priority.
Reference
1. The Bonn call-for-action identified 10 priority actions to improve radiation protection in medicine. Available at http://www.who.int/ionizing_radiation/medical_exposure/bonncallforaction2014.pdf
Source and image credit: International Society of Radiology
Published on : Mon, 1 Jun 2015
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abstract: 'A generalized form of the Hastings and Levitov (HL) algorithm for simulation of diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA) restricted in a sector geometry is studied. It is found that this generalization with uniform measure produces “wedge-like” fractal patterns in the physical space, whose fractal dimension and anisotropy exponent depend significantly on the opening angle $\beta$ of the sector. The morphological properties and the overall shape of the patterns are analyzed by computing the angular two-point density correlation function of the patterns. We also find that the fractal dimension of the patterns with sinusoidal distributed measure depend weakly on $\beta$ with almost the same dimension as the radial DLA cluster. The anisotropy exponent and the visual appearance of the patterns in this case are shown to be compatible with those of the advection-diffusion-limited aggregation (ADLA) clusters.'
address: |
$^1$ Department of Physics, Sharif University of Technology, P.O. Box 11155-9161, Tehran, Iran.\
$^2$ School of Physics, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), P.O.Box 19395-5531, Tehran, Iran.
author:
- 'F. Mohammadi$^1$'
- 'A. A. Saberi$^2$'
- 'S. Rouhani$^1$'
title: 'Fractal Structure of Hastings$-$Levitov Patterns Restricted in a Sector Geometry'
---
introduction
============
Diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA) was originally introduced by Witten and Sander [@Ref1] in 1981 to model the aggregates of metal particles formed by adhesive contact in low concentration limit. This model has been then shown to describe many pattern forming processes including dielectric breakdown [@Ref2], electrochemical deposition [@Ref3; @Ref4], viscous fingering and Laplacian growth [@Ref5]. One of the standard approaches to simulate a Laplacian field is by random walkers, which are launched from the periphery of the system and diffuse toward the growing cluster and freeze on it. This procedure is equivalent to solving Laplace equation outside the aggregated cluster with an appropriate boundary conditions. The walker sticks to a point on the surface of the aggregate with a probability proportional to the harmonic measure there [@Ref5-0].\
Another powerful method for studying such growth processes in two-dimensions, is the iterated stochastic conformal mapping [@Ref5-1; @Ref5-2; @Ref5-3], which is known as Hastings and Levitov (HL) method.
Since DLA enhances the instability of growth, the resulting cluster is highly ramified and branched. The procedure of the proliferation of the fingers in the fractal structure of DLA is one of its complexity sources which is one of the purposes of the present paper to deal with.
The HL method is based on the fact that there exists a conformal map that maps the exterior of the unit circle in the mathematical $w$-plane to exterior of the cluster of $n$ particles in the physical $z$-plane. The complicated harmonic measure in the physical space then changes to a simple measure: a uniform distribution in the mathematical space. The HL algorithm can be also used for more generalized growth models for which the probability measure is not uniform in the mathematical plane. In a part of this paper, we also study the statistical and morphological properties of the fractal patterns produced by a novel generalization of the HL algorithm with both uniform and non-uniform probability measures in the $w$-plane. We restrict the algorithm to attribute the measure in the $w$-plane to a sector of opening angle $\beta$. We find that this restriction which breaks the radial symmetry in the growth process, yields fractal patterns whose dimensions depend on whether uniform or non-uniform distribution is used for the measure. For the uniform distribution, the patterns looks like those of DLA in a wedge but with fractal dimension depending on the opening angle $\beta$. However for the non-uniform distribution of the measure, we find that the statistical properties of the patterns is compatible with advection-diffusion-limited aggregation (ADLA) [@Ref5-4] and their fractal dimensions take values close to that of radial DLA i.e., $d_f=1.71$ with a weak dependence on the opening angle $\beta$.
Bazant *et al.* [@Ref5-4] proposed a method based on time-dependent conformal maps to model a class of non-Laplacian growth processes such as ADLA in a background potential flow. They showed that in spite of dramatic increases in anisotropy, the fractal dimension of the patterns is not affected by advection and takes the same value as for radial DLA clusters.
The fractal dimension of the patterns is already shown to be affected by the geometrical factors. Stepanov and Levitov [@Ref6] obtained dimensions as low as $d_f=1.5$ for simulations of anisotropic growth (a different anisotropy that we consider in this paper) using the noise-controlled HL algorithm. A similar result reported in [@Ref7] for DLA with anisotropic perturbations. Davidovitch *et al.*, [@Ref8] introduced growth models that are produced by deterministic itineraries of iterated conformal maps with different dimensions. In channel geometry, the fractal dimensions $d_f=1.67$ [@Ref9] and $d_f=1.71$ [@Ref10] are reported for periodic and reflecting boundary conditions, respectively.\
The comparison of the ensemble average of DLA cluster density with the noise-free Saffman-Taylor viscous fingers [@Ref5] have been the subject of various studies in both channel and wedge geometries [@Ref11; @Ref12; @Ref13; @Ref14].
There has been shown in [@Ref15] that there exists a critical angle $\eta\approx60^\circ-70^\circ$ in viscous fingers and DLA growing in a wedge, indicative of a typical angular spread of a major finger. In this paper, for the patterns produced by restricted HL algorithm with uniform measure, we find that their visual appearance like a DLA cluster in a wedge and we compute the average angle between two major fingers. To estimate the angle, we measure the angular density-density correlation function. We also obtain the relation between the minimum opening angle of a wedge which contains the cluster in the $z$-plane, and the opening angle $\beta$ considered in the $w$-plane.
Restricted HL algorithm in a sector geometry\[RHL\]
===================================================
Hastings and Levitov (HL) employed the conformal-mapping tool to describe the complicated boundary of a growing DLA cluster. Their approach [@Ref5-1] was based on iteratively applying the function $\phi_{\lambda , \theta}(w)$ which maps a unit circle to a circle with a bump of linear size $\sqrt{\lambda}$ at the point $w =
e^{i\theta}$, $$\phi_{\lambda , 0}(w) = w^{1-a} \left\{\frac{1+\lambda}{2w}(1+w) \right.$$ $$\label{Eq4}
\left. \left[1+w+w\left(1+\frac{1}{w^2}-\frac{2}{w}\frac{1-\lambda}{1+\lambda} \right)^\frac{1}{2} \right]
-1\right\}^a,$$ $$\label{Eq5}
\phi_{\lambda , \theta}(w)=e^{i\theta}\phi_{\lambda
,0}\left(e^{-i\theta}w\right).$$ The parameter $0\leq a\leq1$ determines the shape of the bump, for higher $a$ the bump becomes elongated in the normal direction to the boundary $\partial \mathcal{C}$ (e.g., it is a line segment for $a=1$). In this paper we set $a=\frac{1}{2}$ for which the bump has a semi-circle shape.
A cluster $\mathcal{C}_n$ consisting of $n$ bumps can be obtained by using the following map on a unit circle $$\label{Eq6}
\Phi_{n}(w) = \phi_{\lambda_{1},\theta_{1}} \circ
\phi_{\lambda_{2},\theta_{2}} \circ \cdots \circ
\phi_{\lambda_{n},\theta_{n}} (w),$$ which corresponds to the following recursive relation for a cluster $\mathcal{C}_{n+1}$, $$\label{Eq7}
\Phi_{n+1}(w) = \Phi_{n}(\phi_{\lambda_{n+1},\theta_{n+1}}(w)).$$ In order to have bumps of fixed-size on the boundary of the cluster, since the linear dimension at point $w$ is proportional to $|\Phi^{'}_{n}(w)|^{-1}$, one obtains $$\label{Eq9}
\lambda_{n+1} =
\frac{\lambda_{0}}{|\Phi^{'}_{n}(e^{i\theta_{n+1}})|^2}.$$ To produce an isotropic radial DLA, the harmonic measure of the $n$-th growth probability $p(z,n)$ has to be conformally mapped onto a constant measure $p(\theta_n)=\frac{1}{2\pi}$ on a unit circle i.e., $0\leq \theta_n \leq 2\pi$ (more details of the simulation algorithm which have been also considered in this paper are given in our previous work [@Ref16]).
In this paper we use a generalized form of the HL algorithm in which $\theta_n$s are restricted to be selected from a fixed interval $0\leq \theta_n \leq \beta$ on a unit circle, with both uniform and non-uniform measures. This measure $$\label{Eq}
\left\{ \begin{array}{cl}
p(\theta_n) & 0\leq \theta_n \leq \beta\\
0 & \textrm{otherwise},
\end{array}\right.$$ induces a complicated harmonic measure on the boundary of the patterns in the $z$-plane.
Scaling Properties of the Produced Fractal Patterns\[Scaling\]
==============================================================
The function $\Phi_{n} (w)$ in Eq. ([¬\[Eq6\]]{}), has the following Laurent series expansion $$\label{Eq9m0}
\Phi_{n} (w)= F_1^{(n)}w+F_0^{(n)}+F_{-1}^{(n)}w^{-1}+\cdot\cdot\cdot ,$$ where $F_1^{(n)}$ is called the *conformal radius* and $F_0^{(n)}$ the *center of charge* of the cluster $\mathcal{C}_n$. It is possible to analytically show that [@Ref5-3] these coefficients contain descriptive information about the morphology of the clusters. In particular, for the coefficient of the linear term in Eq. (\[Eq9m0\]), it can be shown that [@Ref5-3] $$\label{Eq9mm0}
F_1^{(n)} = \prod_{k=1}^{n}(1+\lambda_k )^a,$$ which scales with the cluster size $n$ as $$\label{d_f}
F_1^{(n)} \sim n^{1/d_f}\sqrt{\lambda_0},$$ where $d_f$ denotes the fractal dimension of the cluster.
Scaling behavior of the next Laurent coefficient $F_0^{(n)}$ can also explain about the isotropicity of the clusters. For an isotropic DLA cluster, this coefficient scales according to the following relation $$\label{d_0}
|F_0^{(n)}| \sim n^{1/{d_0}},$$ with $2/d_0=0.7$ [@Ref5-3]. This also holds for the anisotropic growth phenomena but with a different exponent $d_0$, e.g., $d_0\sim
1.71$ is obtained for ADLA [@Ref5-4].\
Since our produced patterns are anisotropic, in order to have a quantitative measure and compare them with that of the other studied models, we check the scaling relation (\[d\_0\]), and compute the exponent $d_0$ as a function of the opening angle $\beta$ (for convenience, we address $d_0$ as *anisotropy exponent*, in this paper). We compute $F_0^{(n)}$ by using the recursion equation given in [@Ref5-3] for the Laurent coefficients.
Restricted HL patterns with Uniform Measure\[RHL-UM\]
=====================================================
In this section, we investigate the effect of the restriction made on the angular distribution of the measure in the mathematical plane, on the statistical properties of the patterns produced by using the algorithm described in section \[RHL\], with $p(\theta_n)=\frac{1}{\beta}$ and $0\leq\theta_n \leq \beta$.\
We grew $400$ clusters of size $n=10^4$, and $30$ clusters of size $n=10^5$ for different opening angles in the range $4.5^\circ\leq
\beta \leq 360^\circ$. Having looked at the sample patterns shown in Fig. [¬\[fig1-\]]{}, the appearance of a wedge-like shape in the all patterns is evident. Each of the two interval limits for the distribution of $\theta_n$s, i.e., $\theta_n = 0$ and $\beta$, can represent itself as a boundary of the wedge (which due to the conformal maps, are not necessarily straight lines) in the physical plane. Despite that the harmonic measure in $w$-plane is uniform, the growth probability looks much larger around the boundaries in the $z$-plane. For small angles of $\beta \lesssim 36^\circ$ there always appears only one finger with sidebranches on a boundary. For larger $\beta$ there also exists at least one finger which has selected a boundary to grow on. In the range angle that two main branches coexist, because of the attraction of the boundaries, the average angle between branches increases by increasing $\beta$.\
The snapshots of an example of growing cluster with $\beta
=216^\circ$ in Fig. \[fig1-a\] graphically show the procedure of the branch formation in the growing fractal pattern.
![Some typical clusters of size $n= 10^5$, generated by using the restricted HL algorithm with uniform measure and (a) $\beta =
36^\circ$, (b) $\beta =324^\circ$, (c) $\beta = 144^\circ$ and (d) $\beta =216^\circ$.[]{data-label="fig1-"}](Fig1.eps){width="47.00000%"}
![Snapshots of a growing cluster of $\beta =216^\circ$ at different number of iterative conformal maps $n$.[]{data-label="fig1-a"}](Fig1-a.eps){width="48.00000%"}
Scaling exponents
-----------------
To have a quantitative understanding of the behavior of our clusters, let us now measure some of their statistical quantities. The first quantity we would like to measure is the fractal dimension which can be obtained using the scaling relation in Eq. (\[d\_f\]). Two sets of results, one averaged over $400$ clusters of size $10^4$ and the other over $30$ clusters of size $10^5$ at each opening angle $\beta$, are reported in Fig. \[fig2-\]. The fractal dimension shows a significant dependence on the opening angle $\beta$. For narrow angles the dimension takes values very close to unity which is dominated by the boundary effects. By increasing $\beta$, it reaches a relative maximum at around $\beta \simeq 18
^\circ$ which is almost the half-maximum angle interval in which there exists only one main branch. There also exists a local minimum of the dimension around $\beta \simeq 144 ^\circ$ which seems to be a typical angle up to which only two main branches coexist. For greater angles, the dimension increases until for $\beta=360^\circ$ where an isotropic radial DLA with $d_f=1.71$ is expected. For DLA clusters in a wedge produced by the original definition [@Ref1], the fractal dimension is not affected by the wedge geometry of opening angle $\alpha$ [@Ref15], and it depends weakly, if at all, on $\alpha$.
![The fractal dimension $d_f$ of the patterns produced by using the restricted HL algorithm with uniform measure as a function of the opening angle $\beta$ in $w$-plane. The averages were taken over $400$ clusters of size $n=10^4$ (circles) and $30$ clusters of size $n=10^5$ (squares).[]{data-label="fig2-"}](Fig2.eps){width="47.00000%"}
![The exponent $d_0$ as a function of $\beta$ in the scaling region, according to Eq. (\[d\_0\]).[]{data-label="fig3-"}](Fig3.eps){width="47.00000%"}
The other quantity which we measure for our clusters is the exponent describing the scaling behavior of the position of the *center of charge* $|F_0^{(n)}|$ with the cluster size $n$, defined in Eq. (\[d\_0\]). We find such a scaling behavior only in the interval $9^\circ\leq \beta \leq 180^\circ$. There has been also observed that the corresponding exponent $d_0$ depends on $\beta$ in this range. The results for two mentioned sets of averages are shown in Fig \[fig3-\].
Overall shape and the morphology of the clusters
------------------------------------------------
In this subsection we discuss about the overall shape and the morphology of the clusters. As mentioned before, for sectors of angle $\beta\lesssim 36 ^\circ$ there exists only one main branch, and for greater angles up to $\beta\simeq 144 ^\circ$ there are two main coexistent branches, and for angles $\beta\gtrsim 144 ^\circ$ more than two main branches appear. To quantify this observation and obtain the average angle between two main branches of the patterns, we follow the same reasoning as in [@Ref15], for our clusters. Kessler *et al.*, [@Ref15] studied the building block of DLA clusters in a wedge by computing the angular two-point density correlation function in the constitutive sectors of a cluster.
Consider two sectors separated by angle $\phi$. The density-density correlation function is then read off from $$\label{correlation}
c(\phi) = [\langle\rho(\theta+\phi) \rho(\theta)\rangle - \langle\rho\rangle^2]|_\theta
\, ,$$ where $\rho(\theta)$ is the density of particles in the cluster in a $\delta\theta=1^{\circ}$ sector around $\theta$ (see Fig. \[fig4-a\]), and $\langle\cdot\cdot\rangle$ denotes for averaging over the sectors in $z$-plane. The computed correlation functions for different opening angle $\beta$ averaged over $30$ realizations are shown in Fig. \[fig4-\]. As can be seen in the figure, for clusters consisting of one main branch there is an anticorrelation between the origin and other angles. Appearance of the second peak in the function with positive correlation is indicative of the second coexistent main branch in the cluster.
Location of the second peak shows approximately the angle between two main coexisting branches $\eta$ in the physical plane which is reported in the second column of Table \[table1\].
![Schematic description of the procedure expressed in the text to compute the angular correlation function according to Eq. (\[correlation\]).[]{data-label="fig4-a"}](Fig4-a.eps){width="25.00000%"}
For a given opening angle $\beta$ in $w$-plane, the produced patterns have a wedge-like shape in the $z$-plane. To have an estimate relation between two angles $\beta$ and the average opening angle of the wedge-like patterns in the $z$-plane $\alpha$, we report some of these corresponding angles in the third column of Table \[table1\]. The averages are taken over $30$ clusters of size $n=10^5$ for each reported $\alpha$.
$\beta$ $\eta$ $\alpha$
--------------- ----------------------------------- ---------------
$36^{\circ}$ there is only one main branch $15^{\circ}$
$90^{\circ}$ $31^{\circ} - 34^{\circ}$ $44^{\circ}$
$144^{\circ}$ $81^{\circ} - 88^{\circ}$ $97^{\circ}$
$198^{\circ}$ more than two main branches exist $164^{\circ}$
: The average angle between two main branches $\eta$, and the average opening angle of the wedge-like patterns in the $z$-plane $\alpha$ for different opening angle $\beta$ in the $w$-plane. []{data-label="table1"}
![Angular correlation function $c(\phi) / c(0)$ for clusters produced by using the restricted HL algorithm with uniform measure for different opening angle $\beta$ as a function of $\phi/\beta$.[]{data-label="fig4-"}](Fig4.eps){width="44.00000%"}
Restricted HL patterns with Sinusoidal Measure\[RHL-Sin\]
=========================================================
As discussed in section \[RHL-UM\], the boundary effects are evident in the visual appearance and statistical properties of the patterns. So this motivated us to force the measure to be distributed away from the boundaries i.e., $\theta_n=0$ and $\beta$ in the $w$-plane. By inspiration from [@Ref5-4], we produced patterns according to the algorithm described in section \[RHL\], with $p(\theta_n)\sim\sin (\pi \theta_n / \beta)$ for $0\leq\theta_n
\leq \beta$. We generated $400$ clusters of size $n=10^4$, and some of size $n=10^5$ for different opening angles in the range $36^\circ\leq \beta \leq 360^\circ$. Some of the clusters are shown in Fig. [¬\[fig5-\]]{}. There exists a significant difference between the overall shape of the patterns in figures \[fig1-\] and \[fig5-\]. Due to the non-uniform measure, the visual appearance of the patterns in Fig. \[fig5-\] is not affected by the boundary.
This difference can be also observed in the fractal dimension of the patterns. As plotted in Fig. [¬\[fig6-\]]{}, except for small opening angles, the fractal dimension depends weakly on $\beta$ and takes values close to $d_f \simeq 1.7$.
Due to the sinusoidal distribution of the measure, even for $\beta=360^\circ$ the clusters are anisotropic. The growth process is dominated by advection toward a certain direction with a spatial extent which depends on the opening angle $\beta$. The morphology of these patterns are very similar to that of ADLA clusters.\
ADLA is one of the simplest examples of transport-limited aggregation (TLA) in which the released random walkers are being drifted in the direction of a background potential flow. The difference between simulations of TLA and DLA by HL algorithm is in the sequences of the angles $\theta_n$. In TLA the angles are chosen from a time-dependent (non-harmonic) measure $p(\theta, t_n)$.
![Some typical clusters of size $n= 10^5$, generated by using the restricted HL algorithm with sinusoidal measure i.e., $\sin(\pi\theta_n/\beta)$ distribution and (a) $\beta = 90^\circ$, (b) $\beta = 180^\circ$, (c) $\beta = 270^\circ$ and (d) $\beta =
360^\circ$.[]{data-label="fig5-"}](Fig5.eps){width="47.00000%"}
We have also examined the scaling relation Eq. (\[d\_0\]) for our clusters with sinusoidal measure and obtained the dependence of the exponent $d_0$ on the opening angle $\beta$. As shown in Fig. \[fig6-\], $d_0$ is weakly dependent on $\beta$ with values of a little less than $d_f$ which is roughly in agreement with the same scaling behavior of ADLA which is reported in [@Ref5-4] for a special case $\beta=360^\circ$.
![The fractal dimension $d_f$ and the scaling exponent $d_0$ as a function of $\beta$, computed for the patterns generated by using the restricted HL algorithm with sinusoidal measure.[]{data-label="fig6-"}](Fig6.eps){width="47.00000%"}
Conclusions
===========
The fractal structure and statistical properties of the patterns generated by a generalized HL method restricted in a sector geometry were studied. It is found that the restriction with uniform measure leads to the production of fractal patterns whose fractal dimension and anisotropy exponent depend significantly to the opening angle $\beta$ of the sector in the mathematical $w$-plane. The overall shape of these patterns is governed by a wedge-like DLA appearance which has been shown to be the characteristic feature of the uniform measure. The boundary effects lead to a nontrivial dependence of the average angle between two major coexistence branches on the angle $\beta$. The proliferation of the main branches was studied by computing the angular density-density correlation function giving a quantitative understanding of the morphology of the patterns as a function of $\beta$.\
It is also found that the sinusoidal distribution of the measure on the sectors gives fractal patterns with almost the same fractal dimension for all values $\beta$. The anisotropy exponent and the visual appearance of these patterns are shown to behave very similar to those of ADLA clusters.
**Acknowledgement.** A.A.S acknowledges financial support from INSF grant.
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In this tutorial I will be looking at the theories of social change. There is no one way of looking at the effects of sociological change so I will be looking and explaining at two theories, namely the conflict theory by Karl Marx and Darendhoff and the second theory called the socio-psychological theory by theorists McClelland, Hagen and Weber. “Social change is the significant alteration of social structure and cultural patterns through time (Harper, 1993:04)”.
Conflict theory
The conflict theory looks at the economic change of a country.
Popenoe (1995:503) states that political structures and economies of former developing structures were once former colonies and these colonies were controlled by foreign powers. Global economics and political dependency is now what they find themselves locked into (Popenoe 1995:503). Now that they are locked into these dependencies they are in a new world order known as the world system. When these developing nations where colonies they had more self –determination than they have now (Popenoe 1995:503). According to conflict theorists (Popenoe 1995:503) nations that are advanced such as the United States of America, since they attempt control of Third World countries they prevent economic development from occurring because they seek economic and political control that they are in control of indirectly (Popenoe 1995:503).
Conflict theorists argue that by Western capitalist countries obtaining raw material from Third World countries they were helping themselves in growing their own economy rather than industrialising the Third World countries (Popenoe 1995:503). According to conflict theorists capitalists nations have shifted their aims into trying to help grow these countries but rather to make sure that these countries are dependent on them economically and financially (Popenoe 1995:503).
Socio-Psychological Theory
Socio- Psychological theorists on the other hand came up with a theory that in order for the things around society to change people should be the ones that change or that there should be psychological factors that change in a person before any change happens around (Vago 1988: 51). After the spread of the Protestant ethics after the sixteenth century in Western Europe,Marx Weber argues specific psychological effects were the motive modern industrial capitalism development (Vago 1988: 51). Theorist Marx Weber states that people who are capitalists are overwhelmed by the thought of making money for themselves and for them to be able to have whatever they want at any given time to them is grand (Vago 1988: 51). Domination by capitalist spirit from people is due to the fact that they do not have any know of traditions any their main objective is to get more for themselves (Vago 1988: 51). Marx Weber sees Western civilization to being a link to the Peasants ethic because the “god Calvanism demanded to his believers not single goods but a life of good works combined into a unified system” (Vago 1988: 51).
Reference list
1.Harper, C.L. 1993. Exploring social change. Englewood Cliffs,, New Jesery: Prentice Hall, Inc. 2. Popenoe, D. 1995. Sociology. Engelwood Cliffs, New Jesery: Prentice – Hall, Inc. 3.Vago, S. 1989. Social Change. Engelwood Cliffs, New Jesery: Prentice –Hall. | https://grandpaperwriters.com/theories-of-social-change-conflict-theory-and-socio-psychological-theory-essay/ |
RELATED PATENTS AND APPLICATIONS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
2. Description of Related Art
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
This application is a divisional application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/357,548, filed on Mar. 19, 2019.
The present invention relates to a parking fee charging system composed of parking meters and to the operating method of the system.
Parking authorities and the related industry have made great efforts to address the issue of how to plan effective on-street parking spaces in urban areas, where space is at a premium, and inform the public of the states of use of those parking spaces.
One typical example of the various systems designed to address the aforesaid issue is disclosed in Taiwan Invention Patent No. 1333177, which provides a parking fee charging system that times the use of parking spaces by means of long- and short-distance radio communication and contactless cards. This patented system allows a local parking management station to communicate with the parking management information center through a combination of long- and short-distance radio communication networks.
While the '177 patent discloses integrating GPRS/GSM or other radio communication systems into the parking meters to facilitate the update of transaction data or the transmission of information, the limitations imposed by the size of the parking meter housing and by the fact that the parking meters are installed on the side of the road make it impossible to construct a mains distribution network (e.g., an underground one) for the parking meters wherever and whenever desired; in other words, the electricity required for the parking meters and for the radio communication may have to come from batteries, rechargeable or not, instead of the mains. If the system includes a large number of parking meters, the labor cost and material cost incurred by replacing or recharging the batteries will be considerable.
A conventional off-street parking lot typically has induction loops buried in the ground and is monitored by digital cameras around the clock in order to determine the time of arrival and departure of each vehicle parked in the parking lot. Generally, an off-street parking lot is a closed plot of land with a fixed entrance and exit, is installed with a mains distribution network that ensures sufficient power supply, and can therefore detect incoming and outgoing vehicles satisfactorily.
In an open on-street parking environment, however, the conventional detection equipment tends to produce inaccurate detection results because of the aforesaid limitations on power supply and environmental or human interventions. For example, induction loops or ground detectors may have detection errors associated with the position of the vehicle being detected, are subject to interference from a passing metallic object, and hence do not make an accurate detection system for parked cars. Other detection methods such as infrared detection may be affected by weather conditions or may consume too much power due to continuous operation.
Furthermore, the parking fee of an off-street parking lot is generally charged in the following manner: the timing of the parking period of a vehicle starts when the vehicle enters the parking lot, and the parking fee is calculated when the vehicle leaves the parking lot to conclude the parking period. On-street parking spaces, on the other hand, are open spaces and therefore cannot use the foregoing charging scheme of an off-street parking lot. The parking fee of an on-street parking space is either paid in advance by the parking space user for a preselected period or charged by a patrol, or parking enforcement officer, who issues parking tickets. If, for any reason, the parking space user's vehicle fails to leave the parking space by the end of the preselected period, the user will be given an overtime parking ticket, which not only causes trouble to the user, but also requires the additional labor for writing the ticket.
Accordingly, it is highly desirable to design a better parking fee charging system and method that can effectively detect whether a parking space is used and paid for, and can reduce the electricity consumed by parking meters as well as the labor required for patrolling and issuing parking tickets.
To solve the aforesaid problems of the prior art, the present invention provides a parking fee charging system that is applicable to a plurality of on-street parking spaces. The parking fee charging system includes a management center, a plurality of parking meters, and at least one mobile device. Each parking meter is provided beside at least one corresponding on-street parking space and is configured to detect the properties and states of the object, if any, in the corresponding parking space and whether a parking fee has been paid for the object and to transmit parking information of the corresponding parking space to the management center via a network. The mobile device is provided with an executable application program and is configured to transmit an execution result of the application program to the management center via the network. Once a user parks a vehicle in one of the parking spaces, operates the corresponding parking meter, and pays a parking fee corresponding to an estimated parking period, the corresponding parking meter displays an identification barcode corresponding to the parking information of the parking space so that the user may use the mobile device to read the identification barcode and thereby obtain the parking information. When the parking time limit of the parking meter in question is about to be reached, the management center transmits a payment notice to the user's mobile device via the network and, as soon as the required parking fee is paid, updates the parking information in the parking meter via the network. Or, if the car has been parked longer than the estimated parking period and the user has not paid for the next parking period, the management center will identify the license plate of the vehicle automatically based on the detection result of the parking meter and then either prompt a parking enforcement officer to go to the vehicle and issue a parking ticket or issue the parking ticket automatically.
Preferably, the parking fee charging system further includes a parking ticket issuing device configured for signal connection to the management center via the network. When the parking time limit of one of the parking meters is exceeded, the management center is connected to the parking ticket issuing device via the network to prompt the parking enforcement officer to go to that parking meter and issue a parking ticket for the overtime-parked vehicle through the parking ticket issuing device.
Preferably, the parking ticket issuing device transmits parking ticket issuance information to the management center after issuing a parking ticket, and in response to the parking ticket issuance information, the management center updates the parking information in the corresponding parking meter via the network.
Preferably, the parking ticket issuing device is also configured for signal connection to the parking meters and can, after issuing a parking ticket, directly update the parking information in the corresponding parking meter.
Preferably, the management center includes an image processing unit for performing vehicle and license plate recognition according to an image uploaded from a parking meter.
Preferably, the management center further includes an automatic parking ticket issuing unit for issuing parking tickets automatically.
Preferably, the management center further includes a guiding unit for recording the locations and states of the on-street parking spaces according to the state of each parking space as transmitted from the corresponding parking meter.
Preferably, the mobile device can connect to the management center through the application program and the network and display on a map the location and state of each on-street parking space according to the record of the guiding unit.
Preferably, each of the parking meters includes: a housing; a control circuit provided in the housing; a display panel provided on the front side of the housing and electrically connected to the control circuit; an operation panel provided on the front side of the housing and having a plurality of operation buttons, each operation button being electrically connected to the control circuit so that the parking meter can be operated through the operation buttons; a chip card accessing device provided in the housing and electrically connected to the control circuit in order to access chip cards and thereby process fee payments made through chip cards; at least one detector provided on the front or rear side of the housing or at one or two predetermined positions of the housing, wherein the at least one detector is separately electrically connected to the control circuit in order to detect the state of the corresponding on-street parking space; at least one camera provided on the front side of the housing or at one or two predetermined positions of the housing, wherein the at least one camera is electrically connected to the control circuit in order to take images of one or two on-street parking spaces; a communication module provided in the housing and electrically connected to the control circuit in order to communicate with an external device; and a battery module provided in the housing to provide the electricity required by the parking meter.
Preferably, the communication module of each parking meter includes a security access module.
Preferably, each parking meter further includes an artificial intelligence module for performing image and license plate recognition on a detected object.
Preferably, the parking fee charging system further includes plural pairs of auxiliary parking meters, each pair being respectively installed at two opposite end edges of the at least one parking space corresponding to a parking meter. Each auxiliary parking meter includes at least one camera and a transmission module.
Preferably, each pair of auxiliary parking meters and the corresponding parking meter work together to take images of the vehicle(s) in the at least one corresponding parking space.
The present invention also provides the operating method of a parking fee charging system, wherein the parking fee charging system uses at least one parking meter to charge parking fees for at least one on-street parking space. The operating method begins by determining whether a parking fee has been paid for the on-street parking space, and if not, the detector of the parking meter is activated. Then, according to the detection result of the detector, it is determined whether an object exists in the on-street parking space and whether the object, if existing, is a vehicle. If both determination results are positive, the camera of the parking meter is activated to take an image of the on-street parking space. Image and license plate recognition is subsequently performed to confirm whether the object in the on-street parking space is a vehicle. If yes, either a parking enforcement officer is prompted to go to the on-street parking space to issue a parking ticket, or the parking ticket is issued automatically by a management center. Once the parking ticket is issued, the parking meter is updated. Then, with the detection frequency of the detector reduced, the process flow returns to the step of determining whether a parking fee has been paid for the on-street parking space to complete a full cycle.
Preferably, the detection frequency of the detector is also reduced after it is determined that a parking fee has been paid for the on-street parking space and before the subsequent steps are performed, and after it is determined that no object exists in the on-street parking space or that the object in the on-street parking space is not a vehicle and before the subsequent steps are performed, and after it is confirmed by image and license plate recognition that the object in the on-street parking space is not a vehicle and before the subsequent steps are performed.
Preferably, confirming whether the object in the on-street parking space is a vehicle is carried out by detecting the distance to, and the width and material of, the object and determining whether the detected properties are similar to those of a vehicle.
FIG. 1
FIG. 3
FIG. 5
Please refer to to and respectively for a schematic circuit diagram, a schematic front view, and a schematic placement diagram of an embodiment of the parking meters in the present invention and a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the parking fee charging system of the invention.
FIG. 1
FIG. 2
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As shown in and , the parking meter includes a housing ; a display panel and an operation panel , both provided on the front side of the housing ; a chip card accessing device provided in the housing ; a detector provided on the front or rear side of the housing ; one or two cameras provided at a predetermined position, or respectively at two predetermined positions, of the housing ; a communication module provided in the housing ; a battery module provided in the housing to supply the electricity required by the parking meter; and a control circuit electrically connected to the display panel , the operation panel , the chip card accessing device , the detector , the one or two cameras , the communication module , and the battery module . The detector and the one or two cameras may swap positions in other feasible embodiments; for example, there may be one camera on the front side of the housing and one or two detectors at a predetermined position, or respectively at two predetermined positions, of the housing .
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The operation panel has a plurality of operation buttons separately electrically connected to the control circuit so that the parking meter can be operated via the operation buttons. The operation buttons may include a time selection button , a parking space selection button , and a confirmation button , in order for a user to select and confirm the desired parking period and parking space, and for a parking fee to be calculated accordingly. There may be a single time selection button so that the selected parking period increases according to number of times for which the button is pressed or touched. Or, there may be two time selection buttons for increasing and decreasing the selected parking period respectively, and in that case the desired parking period can be set by operating the increasing button and the decreasing button as needed. Similarly, there may be one or two parking space selection buttons : in the former case the desired parking space can be selected by operating the single button for the corresponding number of times, and in the latter case the desired parking space can be specified by operating the corresponding button directly. Please refer also to for how the parking space selection button(s) work. When the parking meter is installed for two adjoining on-street parking spaces and as shown in , the parking space selection button(s) can be operated to select either one of the on-street parking spaces and . The operation buttons are preferably touch control buttons, which help enhance the strength and watertightness of the housing by reducing the openings and gaps in the housing.
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The chip card accessing device is provided in the housing and preferably in a lower portion of the interior of the housing , and a chip card accessing area (represented by the sensing area in ) is provided at a corresponding position of the operation panel so that the chip card accessing device can access a chip card (not shown) in order to charge a parking fee through the chip card. Preferably, the chip card accessing device is of the contactless type to enable access to contactless chip cards. Applicable contactless chip cards include contactless prepaid cards, contactless credit cards, contactless ATM/debit cards, contactless electronic purses, mobile phones with a near-field communication (NFC) payment function, and so on.
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The detector is electrically connected to the control circuit and is configured to detect the states of the corresponding on-street parking spaces. When provided on the front side of the housing , the detector can detect the two adjoining on-street parking spaces and at the same time. If two detectors (not shown) are provided on two lateral sides of the housing respectively, each detector will be in charge of detecting the corresponding one of the on-street parking spaces and . That is to say, the states of the on-street parking spaces and can be detected as long as the detector(s) are properly positioned. Preferably, the detector is an ultrasonic detector, a laser detector, or a millimeter-wave super-high-frequency detector. The aforesaid detectors can emit ultrasonic signals, laser beam signals, or super-high-frequency signals to detect whether an object exists in the on-street parking spaces and , as shown in . When an object is detected, the detector further performs high-precision detection of the distance to the object and of the size and surface material of the object. If it is determined that the detected properties are similar to those of a vehicle, the cameras will be activated to take images of the on-street parking spaces and , wherein the images are the basis on which to determine whether the object is a vehicle and, if yes, to identify the license plate of the vehicle.
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The cameras , which may be provided on the front side of the housing or at a predetermined position, or respectively at two predetermined positions, of the housing , are connected to the control circuit and are configured to take images of the on-street parking spaces and so that image recognition can be performed to confirm the states of the on-street parking spaces and . If the parking meter is installed for a single on-street parking space, a properly set shooting angle ensures that satisfactory images of the on-street parking space can be obtained. Parking space images can be processed for license plate recognition either by the artificial intelligence module in the parking meter in or by the image processing unit in the management center in . The artificial intelligence module or the image processing unit will transmit the recognition result to an automatic parking ticket issuing unit or allow the recognition result to be downloaded to a parking enforcement officer' portable device to facilitate the issuance of parking tickets. Preferably, the detection angle of the detector or the shooting angles of the cameras can be adjusted in order to obtain information and images of the on-street parking spaces and with higher precision.
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Preferably, the detector uses a very low-power time-of-flight (ToF) or ultrasonic sensor for -hour detection of the states of the corresponding parking spaces. This not only allows images to be taken of the vehicle(s) in the corresponding parking spaces as soon as the vehicle(s) enter the parking spaces, but also allows high-precision images of the parking spaces to be taken, making it easier to obtain and identify license plate information.
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Moreover, as a vehicle is not always parked at the same position in a parking space, the detection/shooting angles and fields of view of the detector and of the cameras may not always ensure that license plate recognition can be performed accurately, if can be performed at all. Therefore, another embodiment of the present invention further includes a pair of auxiliary parking meters installed respectively at two opposite end edges of the parking spaces and corresponding to the parking meter (as shown in ). Each auxiliary parking meter includes at least one camera and a transmission module. Whenever the parking meter takes an image, referring to , the auxiliary parking meters are activated at the same to take images respectively of the license plates at the front and back of the vehicle parked in the parking space . This helps in license plate recognition and comparison so that accurate and consistent license plate recognition results can be obtained.
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The communication module is electrically connected to the control circuit and is configured to communicate with an external device. Preferably, the communication module is a mobile communication module, a sub- GHz communication module, a narrow-band internet-of-things (NB-IoT) communication module, or a combination of the above. The mobile communication module may be based on the 3G, long-term evolution (LTE), 4G, or other mobile communication standards. Preferably, the communication module further includes a security access module (SAM) for encrypting and decrypting the data being transmitted, thereby achieving security of data transfer.
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The display panel is preferably an electronic paper display. Electronic paper displays feature structural simplicity, low susceptibility to damage, clarity in display, and low power consumption; can be clearly read under extreme environmental conditions such as in bright sunlight and poorly lit places; and are also effective in saving electricity.
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FIG. 5
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A parking fee charging system incorporating the foregoing parking meter is disclosed below with reference to . The parking fee charging system includes a management center , a plurality of parking meters as shown in and , and at least one mobile device . The management center , the parking meters , and the mobile device are signal-connected to one another through a network . The management center may have a processing unit , a settlement unit , a guiding unit , a database , an image processing unit , and an automatic parking ticket issuing unit , all of which are signal-connected to one another. The processing unit controls the operation of the management center , performs all sorts of computation, and executes various application programs. The settlement unit is in charge of calculating, performing statistical analysis on, and managing the parking fees of all the on-street parking space in the system and processing remote payments. The database stores the parking information of each on-street parking space. The image processing unit performs vehicle detection and license plate recognition on parking images uploaded from the parking meters . The automatic parking ticket issuing unit issues payment notices for, or prompts a parking enforcement officer to go to and issue parking tickets for, vehicles whose parking fees are not paid and whose license plates have been identified.
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More specifically, each parking meter is installed beside the corresponding on-street parking spaces to detect the states of the parking spaces and, when a vehicle is parked in either of the parking spaces, measure the parking period of the vehicle so that a parking fee can be calculated accordingly. Each parking meter is connected to the management center through the network in order to transmit the states and parking information of the corresponding on-street parking spaces to the management center . The mobile device is provided therein with an application program and can execute the application program and connect to the management center through the network .
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After a user parks a vehicle in one of the on-street parking spaces of the system, operates the corresponding parking meter , and pays a parking fee corresponding to an estimated parking period, the display panel of the corresponding parking meter displays an identification barcode corresponding to the parking information of the parking space so that the user can obtain the parking information through the application program by reading the identification barcode with the mobile device . The identification barcode is preferably a two-dimensional barcode or QR code. When the parking time limit is about to be reached, the management center notifies the user of this through the application program in the mobile device by an electronic means such as by email or a short message, in order for the user to pay for the next parking period by connecting the mobile device to the management center through the application program and the network or by other payment methods accepted by the system, without having to go to, and make the payment at, the parking space. If the user drives the overtime-parked vehicle away from the parking space without paying the required parking fee, the system will issue a notice of parking fee make-up payment to the user according to the time at which the vehicle entered the parking space, the time at which the vehicle left the parking space (both times being detected by the corresponding parking meter ), and the result of license plate recognition performed by the system on images taken of the vehicle. If the vehicle owner is already registered as a member of the system and uses a mobile phone that supports the system (e.g., is installed with electronic payment software for paying parking fees), the system will also send a payment message to the member's mobile phone. As soon as the user pays for the next parking period or a payment notice is issued, the management center updates the parking information in the corresponding parking meter by connecting to the corresponding parking meter through the network . The parking information may include the number and location of the on-street parking space, the number of the corresponding parking meter, the parking period, the parking time limit, the parking fee, and so on.
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10
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10
Preferably, the parking fee charging system further includes a parking ticket issuing device , which is connected to the management center through the network . When the actual parking period of a vehicle exceeds the parking period paid for, i.e., when the parking time limit is exceeded, the management center is connected to the parking ticket issuing device through the network to prompt a parking enforcement officer to go to the corresponding parking meter and issue a parking ticket for the overtime-parked vehicle through the parking ticket issuing device . If the parking enforcement officer fails to issue the parking ticket at the corresponding parking meter within a predetermined time limit, there may be a mechanism through which the management center will perform an automatic parking ticket issuing operation. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the parking ticket issuing device transmits parking ticket issuance information to the management center after issuing a parking ticket, and the management center is subsequently connected to the corresponding parking meter through the network to update the parking information in the corresponding parking meter . In other embodiments of the present invention, the parking ticket issuing device may have the additional or alternative function of connecting directly to each parking meter in order to directly update the parking information in any parking meter after issuing a corresponding parking ticket.
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Preferably, the management center further includes a guiding unit for recording the locations and states of all the on-street parking spaces in the system according to the state of each on-street parking space as transmitted from the corresponding parking meter . In one embodiment of the present invention, the mobile device can connect to the management center through the application program and the network and display on a map the location and state of each on-street parking space according to the record of the guiding unit . This allows a user to know the location and state of each on-street parking space via the mobile device and reach the nearest available on-street parking space rapidly.
56
Preferably, the mobile device is a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a personal digital assistant.
561
56
58
Preferably, a user can use the application program in the mobile device to pay a parking fee remotely through a payment center (e.g., a bank or a third-party payment center).
FIG. 4
FIG. 1
FIG. 5
FIG. 4
The operating method described above of a parking fee charging system is summarized as follows with reference to in conjunction with and , wherein is the flowchart of the operating method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
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The operating method of the present invention starts with a parking meter determining whether a parking fee has been paid for a corresponding on-street parking space (step ). If no parking fee has been paid and no parking ticket has been issued either, or if the parking time limit has been exceeded but no parking ticket has been issued, the parking meter will activate the detector (step ). Then, based on the detection result of the detector , it is determined whether an object exists in the on-street parking space and, if yes, whether the properties of the object are similar to those of a vehicle (step ). To determine whether the properties of the object are similar to those of a vehicle, the following items may be detected: the distance to the object, the width of the object, and the material of the object.
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If it is determined in step that no object exists in the on-street parking space or that an object exists but its properties do not match those of a vehicle, step will be performed to reduce the detection frequency of the detector , thereby reducing the power consumed by the parking meter, and then the process flow returns to step to form a full cycle. If it is determined, on the other hand, that an object does exist in the on-street parking space and the properties of the object match those of a vehicle, step will be performed to activate the cameras in order to obtain images of the on-street parking space. Then, in step , image recognition and license plate recognition are performed on the images of the on-street parking space to determine again whether the object in the on-street parking space is a vehicle, and step will be performed if not. If it is determined that the on-street parking space is indeed occupied by a vehicle, the process flow goes to step , in which either a parking enforcement officer is prompted to go to the on-street parking space and issue a parking ticket for the vehicle whose parking fee has yet to be paid or whose paid parking period has expired, or the management center issues the parking ticket through the automatic parking ticket issuing unit and sends a payment notice to the vehicle owner through the network; in either case, the parking information in the parking meter will be updated after the parking ticket is issued (step ). Lastly, step is performed to reduce the detection frequency and thereby reduce power consumption by the parking meter, and then the process flow goes back to step to complete a full cycle.
A parking fee charging system based on the parking meter disclosed herein and the operating method of the system are such that only when a vehicle does exist in a parking space and is not paid for or has been parked longer than the paid parking period will a parking enforcement officer be prompted to issue a parking ticket or will the system issue the parking ticket directly. Thus, not only is the accuracy of system operation ensured, but also the parking enforcement officer is spared the trouble of unnecessary trips to and from the parking meters. Moreover, as useless detection is minimized and unnecessary communication through the communication module is reduced, power consumption by the parking meters will be substantially lowered to keep the parking meters (which may be powered by rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries) at a working battery level for as long as possible.
The embodiments described above serve only as examples and are not intended to be restrictive of the scope of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made according to the shapes, structures, features, methods, and spirit disclosed in the appended claims should fall within the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a schematic circuit diagram of an embodiment of the parking meters in the present invention;
FIG. 2
FIG. 1
is a schematic front view of the embodiment of ;
FIG. 3
FIG. 1
schematically shows the placement of the embodiment of ;
FIG. 4
is the flowchart of the operating method according to an embodiment of the invention; and
FIG. 5
schematically shows an embodiment of the parking fee charging system of the invention. | |
A learning disorder is defined as difficulty in an academic area (reading, mathematics, or written expression). The child's ability to achieve in the specific academic area is below what is expected for the child's age, educational level, and level of intelligence. The difficulty experienced by the child is severe enough to interfere with academic achievement or age-appropriate normal activities of daily living. About 8% of children in schools are classified as having specific learning disabilities and receive some kind of special education support.
Learning disorders are believed to occur because of an abnormality in the nervous system, either in the structure of the brain or in the functioning of brain chemicals. The difference in the nervous system causes the child with a learning disorder to receive, process, or communicate information in a different way.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, about 5% of children in U.S. schools (kindergarten through grade 12) have some type of learning disorder.Genetic predisposition, problems during pregnancy, birth, or early infancy, as well as other general medical conditions may be associated with the cause of learning disorders.
If you are a caregiver with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and your child has ADHD symptoms, you may be eligible for this research study. Learn more about potential benefits of this study.
The following are the most common symptoms of learning disorders. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
The signs of learning disorders may be identified by parents or teachers when a child consistently has difficulty with any, or all, of the following:
A comprehensive evaluation by educational and mental health professionals includes educational and psychological testing, as well as talking with the child and parents. A comprehensive evaluation identifies whether a child has a learning disorder as well as learning strengths and weaknesses. Results of the evaluation are used to determine educational needs, identify the best school placement, determine the possible need for medication to help with distractibility or hyperactivity, and determine the possible benefit of any additional therapies, such as speech therapy or family psychotherapy to maximize the child's learning potential and quality of life.
Specific treatment for learning disorders will be determined by the coordinated effort of your child's doctor, and mental health and educational professionals based on:
Learning disorders are treatable. A coordinated effort between parents, teachers, and mental health professionals provides the basis for individualized treatment strategies that may include individual or group remediation, and/or special classes or resources.
Preventive measures to reduce the incidence of learning disorders are not known at this time. However, early detection and intervention can reduce the severity of academic difficulties and improve the quality of life experienced by children with learning disorders.
Children’s National Hospital is one of 47 sites in the United States with a clinic devoted to the treatment of tuberous sclerosis (TSC). We treat our children who are diagnosed with TSC, and continue to provide consultation with primary care physicians and some outpatient services for our patients into adulthood.
Neurological disorders and injuries that affect the brain, including developmental problems and injury from an accident or birth trauma, can influence the way a child thinks, learns, behaves and expresses emotions.
Children’s National Hospital has some of the world’s foremost experts in care for children with complex neurodevelopmental disorders affecting the brain and central nervous system.
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Children’s National offers assessment, diagnosis and care for children and teens with behavioral, emotional and developmental disorders.
Invest in future cures for some of life's most devastating diseases
Share your birthday with a child. Celebrate your life, and give a chance to someone who desperately wants to have as many as you. | https://childrensnational.org/visit/conditions-and-treatments/mental-health-behavioral-disorders/learning-disorders |
Imagine trying to invent a light bulb with a match.
Or cure malaria with a rampant mosquito.
The “problem” with PR has always been, and will always be, understanding how on earth the investments made in it map to quantifiable business outcomes; and ultimately, how PR efforts affect the customer, who in turn are the ones supporting the business.
In other words: Measurement.
Today, companies are largely data-driven, and this requires us to look at solving the PR measurement problem in a different way than we did five or ten years ago. If we attempt to measure PR at the level where it was created, in the messaging and communication tactics themselves, we will fail miserably because we are missing a huge piece of the pie.
We cannot measure PR success by headline impressions, or story placements, or (God forbid) advertising value equivalencies. These outcomes do not get us any closer to solving the real problem, which is answering the question of “how does this translate to business value, and what is the customer getting out it?” Instead, this current way of thinking pulls us back to the source of the PR activity itself, which isn’t a metric. It’s an output from a specified task.
PR Measurement Inquiry
In order to understand the “what shall we measure?” behind PR measurement, we must first begin by asking the most accurate questions which will get us closer to solving the problem.
The question isn’t:
What publication will give me the most headline impressions?
Rather, it is:
What publication has the highest probability of reaching my target audience and getting them to take some sort of action?
Or:
What publication will tell my story in a compelling way so that customers understand my value proposition?
Once the appropriate questions have been posed, PR measurement outcomes should be quantified using metrics like:
#1 – Do customers understand what value we offer through the stories we are telling? >> Are they sharing stories, engaging with content, or commenting on the posts?
#2 – Are customers (or potential customers) taking actions that signal they are interested in purchasing our product or service? >> Are they visiting our website, downloading materials, signing up for demos, or making an actual purchase?
#3 – Are people talking about us positively? If not, what are they saying? >> What is the tone of the reactions to our stories and how do we collect important feedback?
#4 – How do we compare to innovators or incumbents in our space? >> What is our share of voice and power of voice and are we even on the competitive playing field?
Ultimately, PR is about listening carefully and telling stories in order to reach a particular audience or customer segment. Gone are the days when it was enough to wave around a story in the New York Times and say: “Look, we did it! Our job is done here.”
Instead, we are now armed with data that can get us closer to solving the problem of “how PR translates to value for the business.”
PR Measurement Technology
PR measurement technology solutions (of which there are many) are merely a conduit to solving the problem. You need them in order to automate activities that pull you (the PR professional) away from critical thinking, relationship building, storytelling, and strategic planning. But you also need to ensure that these technologies ask the correct questions to begin with in order to solve your problem.
If you have massive amounts of data but no real way to apply it, you are basically swimming up shit creek without a paddle. How do you ensure your PR measurement technology is going to empower you, rather than just create more work for you or arm you with big numbers and fancy pictures?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Am I getting access to information that I can’t find otherwise?
- Is this information allowing me to understand the impact of my PR efforts in a clear and concise manner?
- Does this technology provide me with insights that can help me make better decisions about future PR efforts?
- Do I feel empowered by this technology or am I confused and frustrated?
As we stand squarely at the center of an industry that is being driven – for better or worse – by new technological advancements, we are required to challenge the status quo, learn new modes and methods for our profession, and ultimately change “business as usual.”
In other words…we cannot solve the PR measurement problem at the same level where it was created: With PR. We must apply other areas of expertise (data science, analytics, etc.) in order to reach a solution. | https://onclusive.com/resources/blog/pr-measurement-challenge/ |
Two freshmen presented opposing viewpoints at a Pizza and Policy discussion on April 5, regarding a theoretical convention of the states to amend the U.S. Constitution.
An audience of about 20 students gathered in the Pioneer Conference Room to eat pizza and hear arguments from Grant Zajicek and Andrew Dunn. The freshmen are both fellows of the Simpson College John C. Culver Center, which hosted the event.
Zajicek spoke first and presented his case for why the U.S. should amend the Constitution by holding a convention of the states.
He first pointed out the main problems he saw with the U.S. federal government such as the growing national debt, politicians who don’t follow through on their promises, the passage of unconstitutional legislation and a Supreme Court which interprets the Constitution to meet its members’ own political agendas.
“So, we have all these problems with the federal government, but there is a solution: That is a convention of the states,” said Zajicek.
There are two ways to amend the Constitution, he explained. The first method involves two-thirds of both houses of the U.S. Congress proposing and passing an amendment which would then be sent to the state legislatures. At least three-fourths of the states would need to ratify it for it to become part of the Constitution.
“That is the way all of our amendments, all 27 amendments, have been adopted to our Constitution,” he said.
The second method, a convention of the states, would go around Congress by having at least two-thirds of state legislatures submit an application to Congress to call a convention of states. At the convention, state commissioners would propose, debate and vote on a potential amendment, which would require three-fourths of the state legislatures to ratify it in order to pass.
By originating with the state legislatures instead of with the U.S. Congress, Zajicek said a convention of states would place limits on Congress that it wouldn’t place on itself. He said this check on Congress’ power is beneficial in the event that the federal government becomes oppressive.
Zajicek said if such a convention were to be held, a possible constitutional amendment he would support would be one that imposes term limits on members of both houses of Congress.
“I personally don’t believe that there should be senators that are in Congress 20 to 30 years,” Zajicek said. “This breeds corruption and that D.C. swamp that we hear about all the time.”
He said he would also support an amendment to require Congress to pass a balanced budget, place term limits on members of the U.S. Supreme Court and restrict the Court’s capacity for judicial review. He said the latter would prevent the Supreme Court from reinterpreting the Constitution “beyond what the framers intended.”
Dunn disagreed with Zajicek’s position, saying a convention of states would be, “really bad for our country. I think it has the potential to set a dangerous precedent for our democracy.”
Dunn first pointed out that Article V, which is the part of the Constitution that talks about a convention of the states, does not lay out a framework or limitations for how a convention would work. Dunn said this lack of specifics means “there is a lot of potential for bad things to happen.”
For example, Dunn said Article V does not specify who would be required to attend the convention or a process by which amendments would be proposed by the states in order to even be considered. He also said a convention of states could potentially allow for extreme measures to be proposed, such as a repeal of the Second Amendment.
Dunn also said he opposed an amendment calling for congressional term limits, saying the frequent change of lawmakers in office would lead to inconsistency in the lawmaking process.
“We have to have consistency with our laws,” he said.
Dunn argued that term limits would neglect the chance for voters to choose their preferred candidate and would also prevent lawmakers from gaining experience needed to do their jobs effectively. He said it would also remove experienced and effective lawmakers from office.
“Congress is messed up. There are some good people,” Dunn said. “Do they deserve to be thrown out for the bad apples? No.”
Seth Andersen, director of the Culver Center, said the idea for this forum discussion originated from a law that’s been moving through the Iowa Senate this year.
According to a Des Moines Register article from January, “Senate Joint Resolution 8 is intended to call a convention of states that would impose fiscal restraints, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to ask Congress to propose similar amendments.”
The article says the idea to call a convention of states in order to restrict the federal government is popular with many prominent conservative politicians, television hosts and business owners.
At the end of the discussion, Andersen asked both speakers if a constitutional amendment was necessary to clarify how a convention of the states should function. Dunn said yes, and Zajicek said he believes the process is clear enough already. | https://thesimpsonian.com/27526/news/culver-fellows-lead-discussion-about-convention-of-states/ |
TRENTON -- With two major government worker pension court battles concluded, the next front in public workers' fight for retirement benefits is a ballot question considering a constitutional amendment forcing the state to make annual contributions in the pension system.
The high court ruled last week that workers in the New Jersey Pension Fund are not entitled to cost-of-living adjustments to their pensions. And almost a year ago, the court ruled the state couldn't be forced to put money into the fund, prompting Democratic lawmakers and public worker advocates to pursue the amendment (A109).
In a statement following the COLA decision, Wendell Steinhauer, president of the New Jersey Education Association, said: "This despicable ruling reinforces the need to pass a constitutional amendment to require responsible pension funding. If the state is allowed to simply walk away from its obligations, it could leave hundreds of thousands of New Jersey retirees destitute and cripple the state's economy. We refuse to allow that to happen."
The Legislature approved the ballot question last year and must pass it again this year with a simple majority in order to qualify for the fall election. Democrats have enough votes, and Gov. Chris Christie has no say in whether referendums make it to the ballot.
But Christie on Monday urged the Morris County Chamber of Commerce to marshal its resources to combat the amendment, which he has called a $3 billion tax increase on the people of New Jersey.
"If you don't spend some money now to defeat it, you will be spending a lot more money later to pay for the results of your inaction," Christie said.
Other opponents, including Republican lawmakers and business lobbyists, often warn such an amendment would create a "super priority" likely to force severe spending cuts or tax hikes if the state economy doesn't drum up enough cash to cover the payments.
Proponents contend that what is a hefty bill now will grow unmanageable later if payments are put off.
The amendment would constitutionally obligate the state to make increasing contributions into the fund, reaching the roughly $5 billion full payment recommended by actuaries by 2021. The state would have to make those contributions quarterly, rather than waiting until the end of the year.
Hetty Rosenstein, state director of the Communications Workers of America, said that without the constitutional amendment, "the plan will go under altogether."
"We need to save it," she said of the system that covers an estimated 770,000 current and retired workers and is $43.8 billion in debt. "We need to make sure basic benefits are covered."
A recent poll found 71 percent of New Jerseyans would vote in favor of the amendment this fall, but support falls if it jeopardizes funding for schools, roads or safety net programs.
Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon (R-Monmouth), who earlier this month introduced legislation overhauling employee health benefits, has said the constitutional amendment should be regarded as leverage for additional reforms.
Rolling back benefits would save the state $2.2 billion a year, including $1.42 billion through lower-cost benefits and $810 million by shifting the cost of retired teachers' benefits to their employers (this assumes that will be offset by benefit changes at the local level).
Active employees would be moved onto health care plans equivalent to gold plans under the Affordable Care Act, and retirees would be given retiree reimbursement accounts to cover the cost of purchasing coverage through a private exchange.
Active employees would pay lower annual premiums, because the total cost of the plan is lower, but higher out-of-pocket expenses.
"To choose not to do this is to choose one of two deaths: either massive reductions in services or massive tax increases, or both," he said.
Samantha Marcus may be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @samanthamarcus. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. | https://www.nj.com/politics/2016/06/whats_next_for_public_worker_pensions.html |
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Abstract:
A device may manage fixed wireless installations. The device may receive
data relating to the fixed wireless installations, where the data is
received from a number of sources, including the fixed wireless
installations and network devices used to implement a long term evolution
(LTE) cellular network to which the fixed wireless installations connect.
The device may analyze the data to determine optimizations to improve the
operation of one or more of the fixed wireless installations or the LTE
cellular network. The device may change, in response to the analysis, a
configuration of at least one of the fixed wireless installations and at
least one of the network devices.
Claims:
1. A device implemented method comprising: receiving, by the device, data
relating to operation of fixed wireless installations, the data being
received from a plurality of sources, including the fixed wireless
installations and network devices used to implement a long term evolution
(LTE) cellular network to which the fixed wireless installations connect;
storing, by the device, the data; analyzing, by the device, the data to
determine optimizations to improve the operation of one or more of the
fixed wireless installations or the LTE cellular network; and changing,
by the device and in response to the analysis, a configuration of at
least one of the fixed wireless installations and at least one of the
network devices.
2. The method of claim 1, where the data relating to the operation of the
fixed wireless installations includes data, from gateways in the LTE
cellular network, relating to network traffic from the fixed wireless
installations.
3. The method of claim 1, where the data relating to the operation of the
fixed wireless installations includes data, from a home subscriber
service or a policy charging and rules function server in the LTE
cellular network, relating to accounting and policy information of the
fixed wireless installations.
4. The method of claim 1, where the data relating to the operation of the
fixed wireless installations includes data from devices within the fixed
wireless installations.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing a graphical
interface to present a unified view of the data to administrators.
6. The method of claim 1, where receiving the data further includes:
receiving the data through an Internet Protocol (IP) network.
7. The method of claim 1, where the fixed wireless installations each
include customer premise locations that connect to the LTE cellular
network and to a satellite network.
8. The method of claim 1, where the analyzing includes: determining,
based on real-time data received by the device, whether an exceptional
event has occurred with respect to the fixed wireless installations.
9. The method of claim 8, where the determined exceptional event includes
one or more of: unusually low bandwidth available to one of the fixed
wireless installations; a power outage at one of the fixed wireless
installations; a failing device at one of the fixed wireless
installations; poor radio connectivity to one of the fixed wireless
installations; a base station, in the LTE network, nearing capacity of a
radio interface; or exceptionally high data usage by one of the fixed
wireless installations.
10. A system comprising: a device manager to communicate with devices in
a plurality of fixed wireless installations that each receive a broadband
connection through a long term evolution (LTE) cellular network; and a
network operations component to: store consolidated data relating to the
fixed wireless installations and data relating to operation of the LTE
cellular network with respect to the fixed wireless installations, and
reconfigure the LTE cellular network and at least one of the fixed
wireless installations to optimize, based on the consolidated data, the
broadband connection of the at least one of the fixed wireless
installations with respect to the LTE cellular network.
11. The system of claim 10, where the data relating to the operation of
the fixed wireless installations includes data, from gateways in the LTE
cellular network, relating to network traffic from the fixed wireless
installations.
12. The system of claim 11, where the consolidated data includes data,
from a home subscriber service or a policy charging and rules function
server in the LTE cellular network, relating to accounting and policy
information of the plurality of fixed wireless installations.
13. The system of claim 11, where the consolidated data includes data
from devices within the fixed wireless installations.
14. The system of claim 11, where the network operations component
further includes: a viewer component to provide a graphical interface to
present a unified view of the consolidated data to administrators.
15. The system of claim 11, where the network operations component is
connected to the device manager and the LTE cellular network through an
Internet Protocol (IP) network.
16. The system of claim 11, where the network operations component is
further to: determine, based on real-time data received as part of the
consolidated data, whether an exceptional event has occurred with respect
to the fixed wireless installations.
17. The system of claim 16, where the determined exceptional event
includes one or more of: unusually low bandwidth available to one of the
fixed wireless installations, a power outage at one of the fixed wireless
18. A computer-readable medium containing programming instructions
executable by one or more processing units, the computer-readable medium
containing instructions to: receive data relating to operation of fixed
wireless installations, the data being received from a plurality of
sources, including the fixed wireless installations and network devices
used to implement a long term evolution (LTE) cellular network to which
the fixed wireless installations connect; analyze the data to determine
optimizations to improve the operation of one or more of the fixed
wireless installations or the LTE cellular network; and change, in
response to the analysis, a configuration of at least one of the fixed
wireless installations and at least one of the network devices.
19. The computer-readable medium of claim 18, where the data relating to
the operation of the fixed wireless installations includes data, from
gateways in the LTE cellular network, relating to network traffic from
the fixed wireless installations.
20. The computer-readable medium of claim 18, where the data relating to
the operation of the fixed wireless installations includes data, from a
home subscriber service or a policy charging and rules function server in
the LTE cellular network, relating to accounting and policy information
of the fixed wireless installations.
21. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, where the data relating to
the operation of the fixed wireless installations includes data from
devices within the fixed wireless installations.
22. The computer-readable medium of claim 18, where the fixed wireless
installations each include customer premise locations that connect to the
LTE cellular network and to a satellite network.
23. The computer-readable medium of claim 18, where the programming
instructions to analyze the data further include instructions to:
determine, based on received real-time data, whether an exceptional event
has occurred with respect to the fixed wireless installations.
24. The computer-readable medium of claim 23, where the determined
exceptional event includes one or more of: unusually low bandwidth
available to one of the fixed wireless installations; a power outage at
one of the fixed wireless installations; a failing device at one of the
fixed wireless installations; poor radio connectivity to one of the fixed
wireless installations; a base station, in the LTE network, nearing
capacity of a radio interface; or exceptionally high data usage by one of
the fixed wireless installations.
Description:
BACKGROUND
[0001] Bundled media services (e.g., combination packages of television,
telephone, and broadband Internet services) have been successfully
offered to households with wired connections to service provider
networks. Households in areas without such wired connections (e.g.,
customers in regions that cannot be reached via conventional
communication media, such as optical cables, copper cables, and/or other
fixed wire-based technologies) may rely on fixed wireless services for
some of these services (e.g., broadband access). However, previous
generations of fixed wireless services have generally been unsuccessful.
Expensive network equipment and customer premises equipment (CPE), high
CPE installation costs, use of proprietary technology, and low data rates
are among some of the reasons that these fixed wireless services remained
unpopular.
[0002] As wireless network data rates improve using fourth generation (4G)
technologies, such as long term evolution (LTE), network data rates have
become more attractive for wireless networks that include fixed wireless
devices. Fixed wireless installations, however, may place different
demands on the wireless network than traditional mobile wireless devices.
It may thus be important to be able to effectively manage and set
policies for the fixed wireless installations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003]FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example environment in which systems
and/or methods described herein may be implemented;
[0004] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example customer premise network;
[0005]FIG. 3 is a diagram of example components of a combined gateway of
a customer premise network;
[0006] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of network devices in a
wireless network;
[0011] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying
drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify
the same or similar elements.
[0012] Systems and/or methods described herein may provide for effective
management and control of fixed wireless installations. The fixed
wireless installations may include services such as broadband and
telephone provided through a cellular wireless network. A device manager,
which may connect to the fixed wireless installations through an Internet
Protocol (IP) network, may receive status information from and update
configurations of the fixed wireless installations. A network operations
center may receive the status information from the device manager as well
as other information, received from devices in the wireless network,
relating to the operation of the fixed wireless installations. The
network operations center may automatically, or in response to actions
from an administrator, optimize operation of the wireless network and/or
the fixed wireless installations.
[0013]FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example environment 100 in which systems
and/or methods described herein may be implemented. As illustrated,
environment 100 may include customer premise networks 110, mobile devices
120, a wireless network 130, a network 140, a device manager 150, and a
network operations component 160.
[0014] Customer premise networks 110 may include one or more devices
connected to each other and to wireless network 130. In some
implementations, customer premise networks 110 may also include
connections to other networks, such as a connection, via a satellite
dish, to a satellite network. Customer premise networks 110 may be
associated with a fixed location, such as the home of a customer, and may
thus be fixed wireless installations. Devices in a customer premise
network 110 may include, for example, set-top boxes (STBs), televisions,
computers, and home networking equipment (e.g., routers, cables,
splitters, local gateways, etc.). Devices within each customer premise
network 110 may be connected via wired (e.g., coaxial cable,
Telecommunications Industry Association category 5 ("cat 5") cable, etc.)
or wireless connections (e.g., using network devices such as those
available under the IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN standards).
[0015] In general, each customer premise network 110 may connect, through
a radio link, to wireless network 130. Through the connection, the
customer premise network 110 may obtain data services, such as telephone
and broadband services. The data services may be shared among devices in
each customer premise network 110, such as a broadband delivered to
multiple computers, gaming systems, security monitor systems, telephone
lines, etc., in customer premise network 110.
[0016] Mobile devices 120 may include portable computing and communication
devices, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, a
cellular phone, a laptop with an integrated connectivity to a cellular
wireless network, etc. Mobile devices 120 may connect, through a radio
link, to wireless network 130.
[0017] Wireless network 130 may include a network that provides
connectivity to customer premise networks 110 and mobile devices 120.
Wireless network 130 may represent, for example, a cellular network
operated by a cellular provider. In one implementation, wireless network
130 may include a long term evolution (LTE) network that provides
wireless services. Although called a "wireless" network, the wireless
portion of wireless network 130 may refer to the radio interfaces
provided by wireless network 130 to customer premise networks 110 and
mobile devices 120. Connectivity between devices in wireless network 130
may be provided as wired and/or wireless connections.
[0018] Network 140 may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area
network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), an intranet, the
Internet, an optical fiber (or fiber optic)-based network, or a
combination of networks. In one implementation, network 140 may be a
packet-based network, such as an IP network.
[0019] Device manager 150 may include one or more server devices, or other
types of computation or communication devices, that communicate with
customer premise networks 110 to receive information relating to the
operation of customer premise networks 110 and/or to configure one or
more devices in customer premise networks 110. Thus, device manager 150
may act to manage one or more of the devices within customer premise
network 110. As part of managing the devices within customer premise
network 110, device manager 150 may receive information relating to the
operational state of devices within customer premise network 110. For
example, device manager 150 may store configuration information relating
to the communication settings for the radio interface to wireless network
130, information relating to the stability of customer premise network
110, or other information that may be useful in managing or optimizing
the operation of customer premise network 110. In one implementation,
device manager 150 may communicate with devices in customer premise
networks 110 using the TR-069 remote device management standard.
[0020] Network operations component 160 may include one or more server
devices, or other types of computation or communication devices, that
enable the automatic or manual administration of wireless network 130 and
customer premise networks 110. Through network operations component 160,
administrators may view information relating to the status of customer
premise networks 110 and devices in wireless network 130 that relate to
customer premise networks 110, perform data management and analysis
functions relating to customer premise networks 110, control network
policy enforcement in wireless network 130, and/or perform optimizations
for applications being used by devices in customer premise networks 110.
The operation of network operations component 160 will be described in
more detail below.
[0021] Although FIG. 1 shows example components of environment 100, in
other implementations, environment 100 may contain fewer components,
different components, differently arranged components, and/or additional
components than those depicted in FIG. 1. Alternatively, or additionally,
one or more components of environment 100 may perform one or more other
tasks described as being performed by one or more other components of
environment 100.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example customer premise network 110
according to an implementation described herein. Customer premise network
110 may include a combined gateway 115, which may be installed externally
to customer premises network 110, and may include an outdoor broadband
unit 200 and a satellite antenna 202. A coaxial cable 204 may connect
combined gateway 115 to the indoor portion of customer premise network
110. Customer premise network 110 may further include coaxial splitters
210-1 and 210-2 (referred to herein collectively as "coaxial splitters
210" or generically as "coaxial splitter 210"), a power injector 220,
set-top boxes (STBs) 230-1 and 230-2 (referred to herein collectively as
"STBs 230" or generically as "STB 230"), televisions 240-1 and 240-2
(referred to herein collectively as "televisions 240"), a coax/Cat 5
converter 250, a local router 260, and user devices 270-1 and 270-2
(referred to herein collectively as "user devices 270" or generically as
"user device 270"). One outdoor broadband unit 200, two coaxial splitters
210, one power injector 220, two STBs 230, two televisions 240, one
coax/Cat 5 converter 250, one local router 260, and two user devices 270
have been illustrated in FIG. 2 for simplicity. In practice, there may be
more (or fewer) outdoor broadband units 200, satellite antennas 202,
coaxial splitters 210, power injectors 220, STBs 230, televisions 240,
coax/Cat 5 converters 250, local routers 260, and/or user devices 270.
[0023] Outdoor broadband unit 200 may include one or more data processing
and/or data transfer devices, such as a gateway, a router, a modem, a
switch, a firewall, a network interface card (NIC), a hub, a bridge, a
proxy server, an optical add-drop multiplexer (OADM), or some other type
of device that processes and/or transfers data. In one example, outdoor
broadband unit 200 may include a wireless gateway that provides a
convergence point between wireless protocols (e.g., associated with a
base station) and IP protocols (e.g., associated with user devices 270).
Outdoor broadband unit 200 may be physically deployed with satellite
antenna 202 (e.g., on a roof or a side wall of a house associated with
customer premises network 110) as part of combined gateway 115. For
example, outdoor broadband unit 200 may utilize a pre-existing or a new
satellite TV installation in a way that both broadband (over LTE) service
and satellite TV are brought indoors (e.g., inside the customer premises)
over a coaxial cable 204.
[0024] Satellite antenna 202 may provide an interface for television
service broadcast from satellites. In one implementation, satellite
antenna 202 may provide an entry point for a network (e.g., customer
premises network 110) that conforms to standards of the Multimedia over
Coax Alliance (MoCA). Generally, MoCA-compliant devices may be used to
implement a home network on existing coaxial cable, using, for example,
orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation that divides
data into several parallel data streams or logical channels. Channel
stacking technology, such as Single Wire Multiswitch (SWiM) technology,
may be used to allocate logical channels using frequency blocks for
user-selected programming to the SWiM compatible devices (e.g., STBs
230). Satellite antenna 202 may communicate with STB 230 to identify
which blocks of channels can be used to send television signals to that
particular STB 230.
[0025] Coaxial splitters 210 may include conventional splitting
technologies to filter LTE and satellite TV signals. In one
implementation, each coaxial splitter 210 may include a SWiM splitter.
For example, coaxial splitters 210 may facilitate allocating logical
channels using different frequency blocks for viewer-selected television
programming and broadband signals to the SWiM-compatible STBs 230 and/or
local router 260.
[0026] Power injector 220 may include a conventional mechanism for
injecting DC power in a coaxial cable to power remotely-located devices,
such as outdoor broadband unit 200. Use of power injector 220 may allow
components of outdoor broadband unit 200 to be powered via a coaxial
cable (e.g., coaxial cable 204) and eliminate the need for additional
wiring.
[0027] STB 230 may include a device that receives and/or processes video
content (e.g., from a satellite TV provider via satellite antenna 202),
and provides the video content to television 240 or another device. STB
230 may also include decoding and/or decryption capabilities and may
further include a digital video recorder (DVR) (e.g., a hard drive). In
one example implementation, STB 230 may be incorporated directly within
television 240. In another implementation, STB 230 and/or television 240
may be replaced with a computing device (e.g., a personal computer, a
laptop computer, a tablet computer, etc.), a cable card, a TV tuner card,
or a portable communication device (e.g., a mobile telephone or a
personal digital assistant (PDA)). In one implementation, STB 230 may
conform to MoCA and SWiM standards.
[0028] Television 240 may include a television monitor that is capable of
displaying video content, television programming, content provided by STB
230, and/or content provided by other devices (e.g., a digital video disk
(DVD) player, a video camera, etc., not shown) connected to television
240. Coax-to-Cat 5 converter 250 may include a conventional device to
convert incoming signals from coaxial cables to outgoing signals on Cat 5
cables.
[0029] Local router 260 may include a device that may provide connectivity
between equipment within customer premises (e.g., user devices 270) and
between the customer premises equipment and an external network (e.g.,
network 130). In one implementation, local router 260 may include a
wireless access point that employs one or more short-range wireless
communication protocols for a wireless personal area network (WPAN)
and/or a wireless local area network (WLAN), such as, for example, IEEE
802.15 (e.g., Bluetooth) and IEEE 802.11 (e.g., Wi-Fi). In other
implementations, different short-range wireless protocols and/or
frequencies may be used. Local router 260 may also include one or more
wired (e.g., Ethernet) connections. In one implementation, local router
260 may include a USB Ethernet Router that is capable of meeting LTE
quality of service (QoS) standards.
[0030] User device 270 may include any device that is capable of
communicating with customer premises network 110 via local router 260.
For example, user device 270 may include a mobile computation and/or
communication device, such as a laptop computer, a radiotelephone, a
personal communications system (PCS) terminal (e.g., that may combine a
cellular radiotelephone with data processing and data communications
capabilities), a PDA (e.g., that can include a radiotelephone, a pager,
Internet/intranet access, etc.), a wireless device, a smart phone, a
global positioning system (GPS) device, a content recording device (e.g.,
a camera, a video camera, etc.), etc. In another example, user device 270
may include a fixed (e.g., provided in a particular location, such as
within a customer's home) computation and/or communication device, such
as a laptop computer, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a gaming
system, etc.
[0031] Although FIG. 2 shows example components of a customer premise
network 110, in other implementations, customer premises network 110 may
contain fewer components, different components, differently arranged
components, and/or additional components than those depicted in FIG. 2.
Alternatively, or additionally, one or more components of customer
premises network 110 may perform one or more other tasks described as
being performed by one or more other components of customer premises
network 110.
[0032]FIG. 3 is a diagram of example components of combined gateway 115
of customer premises network 110. As illustrated, combined gateway 115
may include outdoor broadband unit 200 and satellite antenna 202. Outdoor
broadband unit 200 may include a radio frequency (RF) antenna 310, a LTE
module 320, and a broadband home router (BHR) 330, all housed in a radome
340.
[0033] RF antenna 310 may include an antenna to transmit and/or receive RF
signals over the air. RF antenna 310 may, for example, receive RF signals
from LTE module 320/BHR 330 and transmit the RF signals over the air.
Also, RF antenna 310 may, for example, receive RF signals over the air
and provide them to LTE module 320/BHR 330. In one implementation, for
example, LTE module 320/BHR 330 may communicate with a base station
connected to a network (e.g., wireless network 130) to send and/or
receive signals from user devices 270. In implementations herein, RF
antenna 310 may be enclosed by radome 340, integrated with radome 340, or
external to radome 340. While one RF antenna 310 is shown in FIG. 3,
outdoor broadband unit 200 may include more than one antenna in other
implementations.
[0035] BHR 330 may include a device for buffering and forwarding data
packets toward destinations. For example, BHR 330 may receive data
packets from wireless network 130 (e.g., via LTE module 320) and forward
the data packets toward user devices 270. In addition, BHR 330 may
receive data packets from user devices 270 (e.g., via local router 260)
and forward the data packets toward recipient devices (e.g., service
provider 140) via network 130. BHR 330 may include a bridge device to
receive signals from LTE module 320 via a wired universal serial bus
(USB) connection and convert the signals to an Ethernet over coax signal.
The Ethernet over coax signal may be assigned a logical channel (e.g.,
according to SWiM guidelines) and may be combined with coaxial input from
satellite antenna 202. In one implementation, the output from BHR 330 may
be inserted in a Mid-RF MoCA channel that is separate from the 950 MHz to
2150 MHz range of a typical satellite TV system.
[0037] Combined gateway 115 may be integrated with the SWiM environment
associated with satellite antenna 202 to provide both TV service and
broadband wireless service. With this architecture, combined gateway 115
may require only one coax line leading from outdoor broadband unit
200/satellite antenna 202. This single coaxial line may feed the in-home
coaxial installation to deliver satellite TV service and LTE service to
corresponding STBs 230 and user devices 270 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2).
Components of outdoor broadband unit 200, such as RF antenna 310, LTE
module 320, and BHR 330, may be powered using coax cable 204.
[0038] Although FIG. 3 shows example components of combined gateway 115,
in other implementations, combined gateway 115 may contain fewer
components, different components, differently arranged components, and/or
additional components than depicted in FIG. 3. Alternatively, or
additionally, one or more components of combined gateway 115 may perform
one or more other tasks described as being performed by one or more other
components of combined gateway 115. In one alternative implementation,
one or more functions of combined gateway 115 may moved to another
location, such as internal to the customer premise. For example, a bridge
may be installed in combined gateway 115 instead of BHR 330. The bridge
may function to combine coaxial input from satellite antenna 202 with the
output from LTE module 320 into a single coax line, which may be
forwarded to a broadband router that is installed inside the customer
premise.
[0039] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of network devices in
wireless network 130. Wireless network 130 may include base stations
(eNBs) 410, a serving gateway (SGW) 420, a packet data network gateway
(PGW) 430, a policy charging and rules function (PCRF) server 440, and a
home subscriber server (HSS) 450. Although three base stations 410, one
SGW 420, one PGW, one PCRF server 440, and one HSS 450 are shown in FIG.
4, wireless network 130 may include additional or fewer of these devices.
Additionally, wireless network 130 may include additional network
components that are not illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0040] Base stations 410 may provide the radio interface to transmit and
receive data with customer premise networks 110 and mobile devices 120.
In one implementation, base stations 410 may utilize LTE standards
operating in a 700 MHz frequency band (i.e., base stations 410 may each
be a base station in a LTE network). Each base station 410 may be
associated with one or more geographical service areas surrounding base
station 410. The service areas may be referred to as wireless "cells" or
"sectors" that are defined by the radio range of a base station 410.
[0041] SGW 420 may be network device that forwards and routes data to and
from base stations 410 and PGW 124. SGW 420 may also serve as the local
mobility anchor for inter-base station handovers.
[0042] PCRF server 430 may access subscriber databases and other resources
to make policy decisions relating to subscribers (i.e., customer premise
networks 110 or mobile devices 120). The policy decisions may relate to,
for example, quality of service (QoS) decisions and charging rules.
[0043] PGW 440 may provide connectivity to external networks, such as
packet network 140. A user of wireless network 130 may have simultaneous
connectivity with more than one PGW to multiple additional networks. PGW
440 may perform, for example, policy enforcement, packet filtering for
each user, charging support, lawful interception, and/or packet
screening.
[0044] HSS 450 may include a database that supports network entities that
handle voice over IP (VoIP) calls. HSS 450 may include subscriber
profiles, subscriber location information, and subscriber IP information.
HSS 450 may also authentication and authorization of subscribers, such as
by authenticating a customer premise network 110 by authenticating BHR
330 or LTE module 320 when the when outdoor broadband unit 200 is
initially turned on.
[0045] Although FIG. 4 shows example components of wireless network 130,
in other implementations, wireless network 130 may contain fewer
components, different components, differently arranged components, and/or
additional components than depicted in FIG. 4. Alternatively, or
additionally, one or more components of wireless network 130 may perform
one or more other tasks described as being performed by one or more other
components of wireless network 130.
[0047] Bus 510 may permit communication among the components of device
500. Processing unit 520 may include one or more processors or
microprocessors that interpret and execute instructions. In other
implementations, processing unit 520 may be implemented as or include one
or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field
programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or the like.
[0048] Memory 530 may include a random access memory (RAM) or another type
of dynamic storage device that stores information and instructions for
execution by processing unit 520, a read only memory (ROM) or another
type of static storage device that stores static information and
instructions for the processing unit 520, and/or some other type of
magnetic or optical recording medium and its corresponding drive for
storing information and/or instructions.
[0049] Input device 540 may include a device that permits an operator to
input information to device 500, such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a
pen, a microphone, one or more biometric mechanisms, and the like. Output
device 550 may include a device that outputs information to the operator,
such as a display, a speaker, etc.
[0050] Communication interface 560 may include any transceiver-like
mechanism that enables device 500 to communicate with other devices
and/or systems. For example, communication interface 560 may include
mechanisms for communicating with other devices, such as other devices of
environment 100, customer premises network 110, wireless network 130,
and/or network 140.
[0051] As described herein, device 500 may perform certain operations in
response to processing unit 520 executing software instructions contained
in a computer-readable medium, such as memory 530. A computer-readable
medium may be defined as a non-transitory memory device. A memory device
may include space within a single physical memory device or spread across
multiple physical memory devices. The software instructions may be read
into memory 530 from another computer-readable medium or from another
device via communication interface 560. The software instructions
contained in memory 530 may cause processing unit 520 to perform
processes described herein. Alternatively, hardwired circuitry may be
used in place of or in combination with software instructions to
implement processes described herein. Thus, implementations described
herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry
and software.
[0052] Although FIG. 5 shows example components of device 500, in other
implementations, device 500 may contain fewer components, different
components, differently arranged components, or additional components
than depicted in FIG. 5. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more
components of device 500 may perform one or more other tasks described as
being performed by one or more other components of device 500.
[0053] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating example functional
components of network operations component 160. In one implementation,
network operations component 160 may be implemented by a cluster of
computing devices, such as devices 500. Network operations component 160
may be, for example, a data center staffed by a number of administrators
that may act to monitor, provision, and optimize the fixed wireless
installations of customer premise networks 110. Network operations
component 160 may include consolidated fixed wireless (FW) installation
data 610, a unified FW installation viewer component 620, and an analysis
component 630.
[0054] Consolidated FW installation data 610 may include information,
relating to customer premise networks 110, received from a number of
sources in environment 100. Consolidated fixed FW installation data 610
may generally be used to monitor and manage the operation of customer
premise networks 110. As shown in FIG. 6, examples of the sources that
may be used to form consolidated FW installation data 610 include:
network data from PGW 440, device data from device manager 150, and
accounting and policy data from HSS 450 and/or PCRF server 430.
[0055] Consolidated FW installation data 610 may include network data from
PGW 440. The network data may include information relating to the
communications of a particular customer premise network 110 with a packet
network, such as network 140. The network data may include, for instance:
information relating to the bandwidth used by a customer premise network
110, information describing the quality of service of the data traffic
provided to the customer premise network 110, protocols or applications
used by the customer premise network 110, information relating to the
operation of base stations 410 with respect to the customer premise
network 110, or other information describing the interaction of a
customer premise network 110 with one or more components of wireless
network 130 and/or network 140. In some implementations, the network data
may be received from sources other than PGW 440, such as from SGW 420 or
base stations 410.
[0056] Consolidated FW installation data 610 may additionally include
device data from device manager 150. As previously mentioned, device
manager 150 may receive information relating to the operational state of
devices within customer premise network 110. Device manager 150 may
transmit this information to network operations component 160. The device
data may include, for instance, configuration information relating to the
communication settings for the radio interface to wireless network 130,
information relating to the stability of customer premise network 110,
information describing error states that occurred in one or more of the
devices at of customer premise network 110, etc.
[0057] Consolidated FW installation data 610 may additionally include
accounting and policy data from PCRF server 430 and HSS 450. Network
operations component 160 may query HSS 450 and/or PCRF server 430 to
obtain information from these network components. For example, policy
rules that are currently set for the customer premise networks 110 may be
obtained from PCRF server 430. Subscriber profiles, subscriber location
information, subscriber IP information, and/or other information relating
to the subscriber associated with a customer premise network 110 may be
obtained from HSS 450.
[0058] The information, and the sources used to obtain the information,
that is part of consolidated FW installation data 610, as described
above, includes examples of possible information relating to customer
premise networks 110. In other implementations, other sources or types of
information may instead or additionally be included as part of
consolidated FW installation data 610.
[0059] Unified FW installation viewer component 620 may include logic to
present consolidated FW installation data 610 to administrators. Unified
FW installation viewer component 620 may, for example, present a
graphical, textual, or other interface that allows administrators to view
and analyze the operation of customer premise networks 110. For example,
unified FW installation viewer component 620 may graphically present an
indication of whether LTE module 320 of a number of customer premise
networks 110 and are connected to wireless network 130 and may display
the current data usage of each of the customer premise networks. In some
implementations, administrators may be able to customize the output of
unified FW installation viewer component 620 to provide a customized view
of the states of customer premise networks 110.
[0060] Analysis component 630 may include logic that provides for the
automatic, manual, or semi-automatic (i.e., in conjunction with an
administrator) analysis of consolidated FW installation data 610. Based
on the analysis, analysis component 630 may make changes to environment
100. Analysis component 630 may, for example, change configuration
information for one or more devices in a customer premise network 110
and/or change the configuration of a network device in wireless network
130. The operation of analysis component 630 will be described in more
detail below.
[0061] Although FIG. 6 shows example functional components of network
operations component 160, in other implementations, network operations
component 160 may contain fewer components, different components,
differently arranged components, or additional components than depicted
in FIG. 6. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more components of
network operations component 160 may perform one or more other tasks
described as being performed by one or more other components of network
operations component 160.
[0062] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an example process 700 for
detecting and acting on exceptional events. In one implementation,
process 700 may be performed by network operations component 160.
[0063] Process 700 may include receiving real-time data relating to the
fixed wireless installations (e.g., customer premise networks 110) (block
710). The real-time data may be data that is received as consolidated FW
installation data 610, as discussed with respect to FIG. 6. Although
described as "real-time," in general, the real-time data may include any
data relating to a negative change in operation of network 130 and/or
customer premise network 110, which may be responded-to in time to
correct the negative change. The real-time data may include data relating
to exceptional events at any of customer premise networks 110, such as
power outages, network connectivity trouble, exceptional events relating
to security violations, etc. As another example of the real-time data,
the real-time data may include data relating to network events, such as
exceptionally high data usage, or data that may indicate a network
attack.
[0064] Process 700 may further include determining whether an exceptional
event has occurred (block 710). In one implementation, analysis component
630 may continuously monitor consolidated FW installation data 610 and
determine whether the data indicates that an exceptional event may be
occurring. For example, analysis component 630 may determine whether an
exceptional event is occurring at a customer premise network 110.
Examples of such exceptional events may include: unusually low bandwidth
available to a customer premise network 110, a power outage or other
offline condition at a customer premise network 110, a failing device at
a customer premise network 110, a poor radio connection by LTE module
320, etc. The exceptional events may additionally or alternatively be
exceptional events occurring in network 130, such as a base station 410
nearing capacity; exceptionally high data usage, for a customer premise
network 110, detected at PGW 440; or security threats detected in network
130.
[0065] When an exceptional event is determined to be occurring, (block
720--YES), process 700 may further include taking corrective action
relating to the exceptional event (block 730). The corrective action may
include sending one or more messages, or otherwise taking actions by
network operations component 160, to network 130 and/or a customer
premise network 110. The messages may include configuration updates,
topology changes, or other changes to network 130 and/or a customer
premise network 110 that are designed to correct or mitigate the
exceptional event.
[0066] A number of different messages may be sent or actions taken to
correct or mitigate the exceptional event. The particular message/action
that is generated/performed by network operations component 160 may be
based on the detected exceptional event. In one implementation, the
message/action may be determined based on heuristic techniques in which
each potential exceptional event is associated with one or more rules
that define how to handle the exceptional event.
[0067] As an example of responding to an exceptional event, assume that
the detected exceptional event is that the air interface for a particular
base station 410 is becoming overloaded and that one or more customer
premise networks 110 are attached to that particular base station.
Network operations component 160 may, in response, send a message to the
one or ore customer premise networks 110 to cause the customer premise
networks to disconnect from the particular base station 410 and attach to
another base station 410 within range of customer premise networks 110.
[0068] As another example of responding to an exceptional event, assume
that the exceptional event is that of a poor radio connection by LTE
module 320 of a customer premise network 110. Network operations
component 160 may, in response, determine one or more configuration
changes for LTE module 320 or base station 410 to potentially obtain a
better radio connection to wireless network 130. For example, network
operations component 160 may determine to adjust RF antenna 310 and may
communicate the adjustment to device manager 150. Device manager 150 may
then cause LTE module 320 to correspondingly adjust RF antenna 310.
[0069] As another example of responding to an exceptional event, assume
that the exceptional event is that of exceptionally high data usage or
data usage that is approaching a contractual cap. This exceptional event
may be detected by, for example, PGW 440. Network operations component
160 may, in response, instruct PGW 440 to throttle the data usage of the
customer premise network 110 to a certain bandwidth (e.g., 10 Mbps) or
block the customer premise network 110.
[0070]FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an example process 800 for
optimizing network operation. Process 800 may be performed by network
operations component 160.
[0071] Process 800 may include receiving data relating to traffic for a
number of fixed wireless installations (e.g., customer premise networks
110) (block 810). The data may be data that is received as consolidated
FW installation data 610, as discussed with respect to FIG. 6. The data
may generally relate to traffic patterns, traffic load patterns, and/or
application usage patterns for users of customer premise networks 110.
This data may be data obtained from PGW 440 or device manager 150.
[0072] Process 800 may further include analyzing the data for system level
optimization (block 820). In one implementation, analysis component 630,
either automatically or with the assistance of an operator, may determine
optimizations that may be made to the operation of customer premise
networks 110 and/or network 130. For example, heavily downloaded content
items may be identified so that the content items can be cached at
customer premise networks 110 or moved to higher capacity servers in
network 130 or network 140. As another example, network applications that
are used by a significant number of users of customer premise networks
110 may be identified so that parameters associated with devices in
network 130 may be optimized for these applications. As another example,
the data may be used to identify system level blockages in network 130 or
elsewhere. As another example, trends in traffic may be analyzed to
identify future network evolution or optimizations (e.g., if traffic
through a network device continues to increase over a period of months,
it may be determined when the network device will need to be replaced
with a higher capacity network device). As another example, the
interaction of traffic of mobile devices 120 and customer premise
networks 110 may be analyzed to determine whether the operation of
customer premise networks 110 is adversely affecting the quality of
service of mobile devices 120.
[0073] Process 800 may further include updating or changing network 130 to
implement results of the analysis performed in block 820 (block 830). The
updates/changes may generally include sending one or more messages or
otherwise taking actions, by network operations component 160, to network
130. The messages may include configuration updates, topology changes, or
other changes to network 130 and/or a customer premise network 130 that
are designed to implement the optimizations determined in block 820.
[0074] As an example, assume that a number of video applications are
identified as the applications that are responsible for the majority of
the traffic to customer premise networks 110. In this case, network
operations component 160 may optimize the connection, in network 130, of
the servers associated with the applications to base stations 410.
[0075] As another example of blocks 820 and 830, an analysis of
consolidated FW installation data 610 may indicate that, at certain times
during the day, traffic from customer premise networks 110 tend to
restrict the operation of mobile devices 120. In response, network
operations component 160 may set policies in PCRF server 430 to limit the
bandwidth of customer premise networks 110 during these times.
[0076] The foregoing description of implementations provides illustration
and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are
possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice
of the invention.
[0077] For example, while series of blocks have been described with regard
to FIGS. 7 and 8, the order of the blocks may be modified in other
implementations. Further, non-dependent blocks may be performed in
parallel.
[0078] It will be apparent that example aspects, as described above, may
be implemented in many different forms of software, firmware, and
hardware in the implementations illustrated in the figures. The actual
software code or specialized control hardware used to implement these
aspects should not be construed as limiting. Thus, the operation and
behavior of the aspects were described without reference to the specific
software code--it being understood that software and control hardware
could be designed to implement the aspects based on the description
herein.
[0079] Further, certain portions of the invention may be implemented as
"logic" that performs one or more functions. This logic may include
hardware, such as an application specific integrated circuit or a field
programmable gate array, or a combination of hardware and software.
[0080] Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the
claims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not
intended to limit the invention. In fact, many of these features may be
combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and/or disclosed
in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may
directly depend on only one other claim, the disclosure of the invention
includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in
the claim set.
[0081] No element, act, or instruction used in the present application
should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless
explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article "a" is
intended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended,
the term "one" or similar language is used. Further, the phrase "based
on" is intended to mean "based, at least in part, on" unless explicitly
stated otherwise.
| |
When physicists consult
The interests of fundamental researchers and tech companies are not so far apart.
Many scientists enjoy taking on real-world challenges alongside their curiosity-driven research. And many commercial tech companies are sympathetic to the idea of advancing scientific research as they bring new products to market.
The result: more Perimeter physicists are working with tech giants like Microsoft and for start-ups like Xanadu or Agnostiq. The trend is most pronounced among postdoctoral researchers planning careers in a world where fundamental research and entrepreneurial ventures have never been closer.
Recent postdoctoral researcher William Cunningham studied quantum gravity at Perimeter. During that time, he began working with Agnostiq, helping the team develop interfaces for non-experts who want to deploy quantum algorithms to solve problems and perform calculations on quantum devices.
Agnostiq serves sectors like finance, where quantum computing plays a growing role in security, analysis, and other areas. Quantum computing has already begun to revolutionize financial tech and is expected to vastly increase the sophistication of simulations, projections, risk assessment, opportunity analysis, and more.
The challenges of fintech are light years away – literally and figuratively – from the distant regions of space where quantum gravity comes into play. But Cunningham found it natural to adapt his expertise from one to the other.
“The methodology is similar,” he says. “In both places, I use machine learning and quantum algorithms. Since these are relatively new techniques, there is great interest in understanding how they may be leveraged in both theoretical and applied research.”
Cunningham did his PhD at Northeastern University’s Network Science Institute. The institute embraces a broad interpretation of “networks,” incorporating theoretical mathematics and physics, social and political science, and epidemiology and biology. The program inculcates a sense of connectedness and of applying learning in one area to something completely different.
That spirit of openness to new challenges and new connections only grew during his time at Perimeter.
“There has been an increased emphasis on ‘inter-approach collaboration’ in the quantum gravity community. There are a handful of viable approaches that may be complementary rather than competitive, especially when it comes to computer simulation,” he says. “A main lesson drilled into me is that methodology in one area can be hugely useful in another area, but you don’t necessarily know how until you start talking to people.”
Cunningham uses machine learning, which is a very flexible type of artificial intelligence through which computers teach themselves to get better at solving problems and completing complex tasks. Whether it’s developing better simulations of the interactions between gravity and quantum effects, or creating better currency-trading algorithms, Cunningham’s approach can help move the needle.
These kinds of consulting projects are not always solely about applying emerging scientific approaches to advance business interests. Physicists can also capitalize on their clients’ resources to advance their fundamental research.
Mathematical physicist Modjtaba Shokrian-Zini studies whether the universe could have grown into existence starting from just a single particle. The modelling he uses involves “tensor networks,” a type of mathematical object that demands intensive computing power.
In 2020, Shokrian-Zini did an internship at Microsoft, and that relationship has continued to grow. Through its research division, Microsoft is providing him with the computing resources he needs, as well as an esteemed collaborator, Michael Freedman, who founded Microsoft’s “Station Q,” a quantum computing research facility in Santa Barbara.
“This is pure physics research. There is no ‘product’ or anything of the sort involved,” Shokrian-Zini says. He has a second research project with Microsoft, though, which he says could lead to practical benefits for the technology company.
“Essentially, the project aims to build a quantum computational model out of ‘gates’ that can be more easily implemented and scaled compared to other quantum computing paradigms,” Shokrian-Zini says.
“We are still at the very first steps of the theory part. We have to figure out if the model is universal, and then we’ll have to simplify it as much as possible to make it implementable. It has been mostly my coding and quantum-computing theoretical skills that have contributed to this project.”
A narrowing gap between theoretical physics and emerging technologies
Quantum tech is at a stage where it naturally brings basic research and business interests together. Venture capital firms have been pouring money into quantum start-ups, even as theoretical physicists work to understand the fundamental science. That opens up opportunities for people like postdoctoral researcher Michael Vasmer to establish a footing in both worlds.
“In my field of quantum error correction – as in quantum information more broadly – there is quite a large overlap between the interests of theoretical physicists and of industry,” he says. “From my perspective, this is because the central problem is the same: we want to try to build a fault-tolerant quantum computer.”
Vasmer works with a Toronto-based start-up called Xanadu, which is developing new computing technologies based on “photonic qubits,” a promising, adaptable means of storing and processing quantum information.
“The main difference is that in my work with Xanadu, we were concentrating on designing a quantum computing architecture based on a particular type of photonic qubit,” he says. “At Perimeter, I am more platform-agnostic, and more interested in abstract properties of quantum codes and fault-tolerant protocols.”
In addition to subject matter overlap, Vasmer says the culture at Xanadu is also somewhat familiar.
“To be honest, the office vibe at Perimeter reminds me of a start-up, which I guess might be intentional. They both have Friday socials, a ping-pong table, etc.,” he says.
The biggest adjustments involved the frequent meetings and aggressive deadlines that come with a private company. But, like Shokrian-Zini at Microsoft, Vasmer appreciates fast access to high-performing computing and other business resources.
Because the gap has narrowed between fundamental physics and tech businesses, many scientists see no pressing need to try to choose one over the other.
“I am quite happy at the moment straddling academia and industry,” Vasmer says. “Quantum computing is at a very exciting stage where the devices may soon be useful. I think industry is where this will happen first, so I definitely want to retain my involvement. More long term, I still would want to work in academia, but I am also considering stepping into the start-up world myself after my postdoc.”
Cunningham says the independent culture of Perimeter’s postdoctoral program helped him develop project management and planning skills that make straddling the two worlds more feasible.
“Since postdocs at PI have the ability to set their own research agenda, they also are forced to learn these skills,” he says. “It’s not always easy to find the balance between working on short-term objectives versus long-term research and planning, but I was able to get some practice while at Perimeter.”
Shokrian-Zini concurs. | https://insidetheperimeter.ca/when-physicists-consult/ |
We cannot afford for this climate summit to be derailed by geopolitical debates that serve no one, and to be dominated by richer nations
I return to my native Scotland next week for the first time since the early days of the pandemic. My visit has huge personal significance, but professional too – as I’m back to attend one of the most important international meetings in modern history, Cop26 – the world’s best last chance to get runaway climate change under control.
In my role as the vice president of the AIIB, I am there to represent the bank’s members – including some of the most vulnerable in the world to climate change. Countries such as Bangladesh, インド, Nepal – those that have been on the frontlines of climate change, suffering a deluge of monsoons and drought disasters throughout 2021 – which are among the least equipped to deal with the consequences of the climate crisis.
Over the past few weeks, friends and colleagues in Beijing have asked me whether we should be optimistic about the summit – and its ability to avert catastrophic climate change. My feelings are mixed. On the one hand, there are reasons to be positive. Unlike previous years, there is no longer a fundamental debate – it’s now unequivocal that people want action and there is a sense of momentum going into the conference. The intergovernmental panel on climate change, or IPCC, warns us in its latest scientific report that climate change is not just a challenge in the future, but a threat in the present.
But I am cautious too. The risk is that we spend the fortnight talking about protesting tactics and who is attending; and that the conference becomes something of a beauty pageant for richer nations to show off their green domestic agendas.
成功するために, the conference must address the big picture: the challenge of how we direct finance, urgently, to communities who need it most.
We cannot afford for this Cop to be derailed by geopolitical debates that serve no one, and to be dominated by richer nations.
It is hugely significant and welcome that so many developed countries have made ambitious commitments to reduce emissions and move to net zero. But to say that these commitments “set the example” for other countries to build back greener misses half of the argument.
This is true, もちろん, for those nations who can afford fiscally to incentivise heat pumps and home insulation upgrade programmes. It is less true for developing countries who are feeling the impacts first and worst because of vulnerable geography and lesser ability to cope with damage from severe weather and rising sea levels.
For Cop26 to be constructive, it will need to answer fundamental questions about how we direct finance to these communities so that we can help them mitigate and adapt to climate change, in line with countries’ own development priorities and long-term strategies. These priorities vary across geographies. 確かに, within the Asia Pacific region, climate priorities are very different between developed and developing countries, and indeed, among developing countries. To ensure climate finance reaches those most in need, 私達, the financial institutions, need to devise financial instruments and solutions that are tailored to each recipient country’s needs.
Multilateral development banks, like AIIB, are already playing a crucial role and will need to rapidly scale up their efforts to support the transition. In our case, 少なくとも 50 per cent of AIIB’s lending will be climate finance by 2025. に 2030 this will total $50bn (£36.3bn) – a quadrupling of our 2019 annual climate finance when AIIB started publicly reporting the number.
The developed world has greater resources and is responsible for the majority of historical contributions, so there is a moral imperative, but a self-serving one too. しかしながら, public financing from the rest of the world to the global south alone will not be sufficient. In order to achieve the scale and pace of change required, we need to make sure that all trade, investment and private sector financing is aligned with the temperature and resilience goals of the Paris Agreement.
Rapidly increasing urbanisation, economic and population growth will lead to huge rises in emissions across emerging and developing Asia over the coming decade, risking our ability to keep the 1.5°C goal alive, calling for urgent mitigation finance. 同時に, many of the countries in the Asia Pacific are experiencing losses from catastrophic climate change today, thus in need of urgent financing for adaptation. In our annual meeting, AIIB just committed to align all its new financing activities with Paris goals by mid-2023. We believe we can support our members to continue receiving the economic development benefits of our high quality projects while meeting their own Paris Agreement obligations.
By investing now in low-carbon, climate-resilient and sustainable infrastructure in these countries, and directing global financial flows to climate vulnerable countries, we can mitigate the climate consequences of today, whilst targeting the roots of future issues. | http://ruf.s33.xrea.com/cop26-must-address-how-we-direct-finance-to-those-in-need-danny-alexander/?lang=ja |
CRS is one of 15 faith-based NGO members of the Foods Resource Bank (FRB): a humanitarian, nongovernmental organization founded in 1999 to end world hunger through agricultural development. FRB annually engages 200 US communities of farmers, rural leaders, faith leaders, agribusinesses, and rural/urban churches in a unique fundraising model called “Growing Projects.” These Growing Projects plant/raise and sell $2.5 million of US agriculture products each year which provides funding for 57 smallholder agriculture programs in 34 developing countries. These programs are all run by experienced FRB “implementing members” including CRS, Adventist Relief and Development Agency, United Methodist Committee on Relief, Lutheran World Relief, and others. FRB’s volunteer network of 1,000 US farmers, input suppliers, agribusiness people, and extension agents are involved in growing, processing, and distributing a wide variety of specialty and commodity crops, vegetables, animals, and dairy in their daily work. FRB also has a Bread for the World/Gates Foundation grant to bring seven delegation trips of farmers and other volunteers to Washington DC each year to meet with Congressional and Administration officials involved in agriculture and international development. During these visits, volunteers share their stories and engage in dialog about the importance of supporting agricultural in the developing world.
CRL is a 90 year, member-based, national organization that provides education, advocacy, spiritual development and networking on behalf of rural communities in the USA. CRL has member organizations in 46 states and a national network of farmers, agricultural experts, agribusinesses, and other people and organizations involved in all aspects of agriculture and rural life. CRL uses its advocacy network of 2,200 leaders nationwide to advocate on behalf of issues impacting rural communities such as sustainable agriculture, stewardship of the land, and outreach to groups including Hispanics and Native Americans. CRL has a large partner network that includes universities, nonprofits, faith-based organizations and secular organizations. CRL is the North American member of the International Catholic Rural Association based in Rome, which works to address rural concerns worldwide through their 100 country members.
American Agri-Women (AAW) is the nation’s largest coalition of more than 40,000 farm, ranch and agribusiness women with over fifty state, commodity and agribusiness affiliate organizations throughout the United States. AAW’s mission is to unite women, agricultural organizations, and individuals to communicate with one another and with other consumers to promote agriculture for the benefit of the American people and the world. It is an all-volunteer organization, working to advocate for agriculture since 1974. AAW provides networking and leadership development opportunities for its members, such as with their Annual AAW convention and many issue-oriented committees by issue areas: Ag Business & Economics, Commodities, Natural Resources, Public Understanding & Awareness, and Education. AAW members include individuals who are interested in agriculture, such as producers, educators, students, accountants, marketers and consumers.
Throughout the history of AAW, members have been actively involved and making a difference in legislative and regulatory matters at the local, state, and national levels. They have also been instrumental in student and consumer education about agriculture. AAW initiated the Agriculture in the Classroom program at the national level and is integrally involved in national and state programs still today.
Founded in 1948, the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) is a federation of 50 state agricultural educators associations. NAAE seeks to advance agricultural education and promote the professional interests and growth of agriculture teachers. The organization also recruits and prepares students who have a desire to teach agriculture. NAAE is dedicated to developing professional pride, nourishing a spirit of unity among classroom teachers and recognizing members for conducting outstanding programs. The NAAE is structured as a federation of state agricultural educators associations with more than 7,650 members. NAAE programs and activities focus on three areas: advocacy for agricultural education, professional development for agricultural educators, and recruitment and retention of current agricultural educators.
NAAE offers a variety of programs and services to support the Farmer-to-Farmer Program and sees its opportunities as an innovative component of professional development focus. NAAE has a well-established network of agricultural professional men and women who live and work in all 50 states and have strong skills in the latest agricultural technologies. They also bring practical approaches to agriculture that can be applied to smaller-scale East African agriculture.
of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. | https://farmertofarmer.crs.org/meet-our-partners/ |
Under the general direction of the Boards of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Fresno and the Housing Authority of Fresno County (jointly referred to as “Fresno Housing” or “FH”), the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director (CEO) has full executive responsibility and accountability for overall management of the organization, including strategic, financial, programmatic, and operational leadership. The CEO is expected to serve as an advisor to the Boards of Commissioners on FH’s vision, mission, and strategic plan, which includes short- and long-range objectives relating to housing development, property and asset management, neighborhood revitalization, housing assistance programs, resident empowerment programs, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, and anti-poverty initiatives. The CEO is the organization’s key spokesperson and advocate and will be responsible for fostering positive relationships among federal, state, and local governments and officials, private and non-profit agencies, FH residents, clients and vendors, and the community at large.
All activities must support the organization’s strategic goals and objectives and produce results that accomplish the goals of the Executive department.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership
- With the Boards, establishes the Agency’s vision, mission and annual goals and objectives; formulates and executes transformational strategies that continuously improve the organization; directs resources and implements measures to track the success against the stated vision, mission and goals; leads and facilitates cooperation and interdependence among departments to ensure that staff is cognizant of and connected to the organization’s mission, vision and goals; ensures annual goals are achieved or exceeded and results are communicated to the Boards and other stakeholders.
- Leads all policy, administrative and management decisions concerning the daily operations of the organization; works closely with the Executive Leadership Team to oversee the programs and activities of all FH staff, including financial management, program management, real estate development, asset management and compliance functions; responsible for creating a financially sustainable organization that is compliant with all legal and procedural requirements; ensures that current housing programs are managed at the highest quality, meeting or exceeding the requirements of various stakeholders.
- Develops leaders and talent pipeline; supervises, monitors, coaches, and evaluates all subordinate employees on a regular basis; ensures that staff understands and meets or exceeds various measures as expected; provides appropriate training resources for staff members to accomplish their objectives; empowers staff to effectively engage with internal and external customers.
- Directs the Agency’s service delivery system; designs, implements, and sustains exceptional programs that invest in residents/program participants through an array of educational, employment and wellness platforms; develops and expands affordable housing options for low-income residents throughout the city and county to serve organizational and community goals, in collaboration with residents, clients, community partners, local departments, state and federal agencies.
- Institutes and exemplifies the values and principles of the organization; acts as an authentic and accessible leader who exercises personal integrity, stewardship, and ethical leadership; sets the tone at the top; demonstrates a commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; maintains a work environment that attracts, retains and motivates a diverse staff of high-performing individuals.
Board Governance and Support
- Maintains a committed, engaged, and community-based Board of Commissioners; ensures that commissioners have access to the education, resources, and training necessary to fulfill their role as effective board members; encourages board members to engage and advocate for key organizational issues and related topics of interest at the regional, state and/or national-level.
- Acts as secretary of the meetings for the Agency; ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local laws regarding public and non-profit board management and governance; ensures that all contracts and legal instruments are executed appropriately, as directed by resolution of the Board; completes all other duties as required by the office of Secretary-Treasurer.
- Maintains appropriate, regular, and timely communication with the Boards and its Chairs; cultivates strong, productive working relationships with each Board member; provides the information, tools and resources to assist the Boards in their role of developing and adopting policy, setting short- and long-term strategic plans and goals, implementing new legislative requirements, and navigating complex housing and social issues.
Community Leadership, Outreach and Advocacy
- Provides public relations and community relations activities to promote the Agency’s mission and goals; ensures that the Agency maintains a positive reputation in the community and that the community is aware of Agency’s services; responds accurately and promptly to media inquiries; maintains a positive relationship with the media.
- Ensures the mechanisms are in place to respect and respond to the needs of residents, neighbors, and the larger Fresno community; exhibits flexibility in ability to respond to changing community needs.
- Collaborates with others to strengthen the organization’s ability to address the needs and challenges of the Fresno community; serves on community boards and builds partnerships with community groups, service providers, and other public agencies; attends and participates in professional groups and meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public housing, management, and public administration.
- Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with local government leadership, resident groups, the education and health sectors, and area non-profits that may be helpful in accomplishing the public mission of the Agency and addressing quality of life issues of residents/participants.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Possession of a valid California driver’s license and the ability to be insurable under the Agency and the City and County of Fresno’s automobile insurance plan at the standard rate.
Education and/or Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in public administration, business administration, finance, urban studies, social science or related field is required.
- Master’s Degree preferred.
- Ten years of work experience in the management of complex, large housing authority, non-profit or affordable housing provider is required, including seven years in an Executive Leadership role.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. | https://gansgans.com/jobs/fresno-housing-ceo/ |
By Ahmad Roowala
We have all felt the labor shortage in our own communities the last few years. Within our industry, finding skilled labor continues to be a challenge, with 35% of contractors reporting turning down work due to shortages. Couple this with the constant pressure of time and high demand from customers, company leaders are left in a tough situation.
To help combat these challenges, leaders should prioritize their current employee base, ensuring their company is one that will attract and keep top talent. However, with crews constantly traveling to different jobsites with little downtime for training, meeting employees where they are can prove difficult. This is why we must build a culture of learning and lean on technology to bolster our personal and professional development efforts.
Align values
Investing in employees has a direct line to driving company growth; and leadership should focus on enabling every employee to be successful by developing a robust employee journey. According to McKinsey & Company, providing excellent employee experience requires, “a company to put its workers first by exploring and responding to how they view their employee journeys, then delivering tailored interventions that focus on critical moments that matter to maximize satisfaction, performance and productivity. In doing so, companies can become more inspiring, collaborative and centered on creating an experience that is meaningful and enjoyable.”
The first step to achieve an employee-centric organization is aligning company values with the employee and customer experience. Apart from products or services, it is important to focus on leveraging organizational resources to create opportunities for everyone; instill a mindset that success is shared success; and encourage a culture that puts the team first, and focuses on growth and achieving goals as a team.
This kind of ideal should be ingrained into the leadership of the company, and can be achieved by providing the right tools to ensure employees do not remain stagnant and continue to progress, learn and grow.
Integrate technology and tools
Training is important and foundational to success – especially in an industry that is constantly innovating the equipment and products used to build thoughtful outdoor spaces. Research shows that individuals who have a positive employee experience have 16 times the engagement level; however, this may not be realistic in the design and installation industry without the use of technology to connect with employees directly and often.
Focusing on technology has not always been the norm for our industry, with 86% of landscape businesses having less than 5% of their budgets allocated to software. However, integrating technology into your business processes could prove beneficial for long-term growth, while also saving time and money.
To support continuous learning, technology allows you to present a constant flow of learning content tailored to your employees’ upskilling opportunities, with making resources available 24/7, no matter where they are located. Companies can provide access to various types of virtual and micro learning opportunities to cater to their diverse workforce – from manufacturer-hosted webinars to industry podcasts and articles to micro learning courses – as well as list more traditional hands-on learning opportunities.
Training a team that understands the latest techniques, best practices and products will only improve your bottom line. However, this training should be easily accessible and effective to fit seamlessly into your employees’ already busy schedules. For example, we prioritize a culture of learning through our System Pavers University, which includes both instructor-led and on-demand learning opportunities for sales, construction and management roles. In addition, we offer 1:1 coaching for our new sales associates and constant mentoring opportunities. Through those programs, we have seen people achieve greater success faster.
Retain your crews
In today’s world, where recruiting and retaining is a top goal, prospective employees have the power to pick a company that best supports their needs. Implement programs now that build a culture of continuous learning for the employees you are looking to hire. Low employee turnover rates and an employee base that is excited to tell others about their experience will give you the competitive edge you need to recruit and retain top talent.
Ahmad Roowala is Chief Technology Officer at System Pavers. | https://landscape-business.com/boost-recruiting-and-retaining/ |
A platform for innovation and originality, the Aesthetica Art Prize Exhibition invites audiences to engage with captivating projects from some of today’s leading artists, both established and emerging. From individual narratives to global concerns, the artworks comment on contemporary culture and explore themes such as globalisation, perceptions of space and alienation in the digital age.
As the boundaries between the public and the private begin to merge into blurred depictions of reality, contemporary art is the mechanism that enables us to respond to a renewed understanding of living. The 2017 presentation features the work of 16 shortlisted artists who hail from diverse locations including Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Japan, the USA and the UK.
Utilising a range of media, they work within the categories of Photographic & Digital Art; Painting, Drawing & Mixed Media; Three Dimensional Design & Sculpture. and Video, Installation & Performance.
Images of 84 longlisted pieces will be shown on monitors within the gallery – offering a unique chance for visitors to explore the breadth and diversity of work being produced across the world today.
The accompanying publication Future Now: 100 Contemporary Artists, which features artists’ statements, images of the works and essays from leading art figures, is on sale at the exhibition.
A series of Lunchtime Talks will take place at the gallery throughout the exhibition, offering a chance for visitors to enhance their experience of the Aesthetica Art Prize and hear directly from artists, curators and academics on current themes in the art world.
Latest News
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- Nicolas Poussin’s The Triumph of Pan Travelling the UK in 2019
- Janet Cardiff’s The Forty Part Motet to Feature in New Exhibition at York Art Gallery
- Major Exhibition Marking 200th Birthday of Art and Social Critic John Ruskin to go on Display
Keep in Touch
Enter your email address to sign up to the York Museums Trust newsletter. | https://www.yorkartgallery.org.uk/exhibition/aesthetica-art-prize-exhibition-2017/ |
Recruiters employ various techniques when interviewing candidates. Traditional interviewing typically focuses on a candidate’s personality traits while behavioral interviewing has as its focus past job performance as it relates to the current position. Candidates must be prepared for either type of interview situation.
- Sample Behavioral Questions
- Sample Traditional Questions
- Questions to Ask Employers
- Glassdoor.com - Insider information on interviews
Types of Interviews
The employee selection process often includes a variety of interviews beginning with a phone interview to screen out candidates all the way through to the selection interview which is used to select the successful candidate. Another type of interview which is conducted by the candidate is Informational Interviewing. This type of interview is used by the candidate to gather information for career decision-making or to explore employers or industries for career information. The Informational Interview is not used for employment purposes.
Employer Research
Employers are interested in interviewing and hiring good candidates. One essential component of being a good candidate is having an understanding of the employer.
- Researching Prospective Employers
- Glassdoor.com - Salary information, company reviews, and insider information on interviews
On-Campus Interviewing
Some employers prefer to interview candidates on our campus. Interview rooms are provided for the employers’ convenience within in the Career Development Center Office suite. The links below answer a variety of questions concerning this program. | https://www.ius.edu/career/interviewing/styles-and-tips.php |
In January 2010, a crew of scientists voyaged by ship from the southern tip of Chile into the frigid Antarctic to search for clues to one of the great unknowns of climate change. They planned to crisscross a remote patch of sea near the spot where, a year earlier, another crew had injected a tankful of an inert chemical one mile below the surface. The new crew had seven weeks of funding and good weather to sample the seawater throughout the region and discover where the chemical went.
*Original story reprinted with permission from Simons Science News, an editorially independent division of SimonsFoundation.org whose mission is to enhance public understanding of science by covering research developments and trends in mathematics and the physical and life sciences.*By mapping its spread over the course of the year, the scientists hoped to disentangle the forces that drive the circulation of the Southern Ocean — one of the most important, but least understood, regulators of Earth’s climate.
But four days from port, the ship’s captain died in the night. “There was a lot of confusion,” said Angel Ruiz-Angulo, a scientist on board. “Eventually, they said he died of heart failure.” Out of helicopter range, the crew had no choice but to put the captain’s body in a refrigerator designed for seawater samples and set course through gale-force winds for Punta Arenas, Chile, with the first mate at the helm. On shore, a short service was held, and the ship was examined. Then the scientists quickly returned to sea.
“It was a somber mood,” said Jim Ledwell, an oceanographer with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and chief scientist on the expedition. “He had been with the crew a long time.” But there was little time to reflect. With only five weeks to collect data, Ledwell formulated a plan to reduce the number of stops the ship would make, focusing on the most essential sampling locations.
“Jim managed to handle everything very well. The results were as good as they could have been otherwise,” Ruiz-Angulo said. The data are now part of emerging models that are expected to yield a far more accurate picture of future climate change.
“What happens in the Southern Ocean has a profound impact on what the climate projections are 100 years from now,” said Sarah Gille, an oceanographer at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego and, along with Ledwell and others, a principal investigator on the Diapycnal and Isopycnal Mixing Experiment in the Southern Ocean, or DIMES campaign. Earth is warming, and variations in climate models affect whether scientists predict an increase of, for example, 2, 4 or 6 degrees Celsius (3.6, 7.2 or 11.8 degrees Fahrenheit) a century from now, Gille said — “enough to actually make a real difference in climate and how much you worry about future climate change.”
At the high end of that range, many coastal and arid regions that are currently home to humans would become uninhabitable, subsumed by sea or desert. | https://www.wired.com/2013/04/oceans-2/ |
With the start of a new decade comes the opportunity to start afresh, and many of us are busy reflecting on some positive changes we can make in the year ahead.
Making healthier choices and quitting bad habits will feature high on many people’s lists. These are resolutions that apply not only in our personal lives but also in the workplace.
January is a perfect time to take stock and consider what’s working well, what needs updating and what new strategies can be put in place to ensure your employees, as well as your legal responsibilities, are being properly taken care of.
Stuck for ideas? Here’s just a few practical pledges that may help to enhance your health and safety culture and performance in 2023.
1. Make health and safety a 2023 mantra
Re-brand your health and safety management programme with an updated slogan and fresh vision for the year. This is a simple and effective way to remind workers of the importance of good health and safety practices, as well as demonstrate that you’re actively thinking about their welfare.
Remember, there’s no such thing as perfect health and safety management. It’s therefore essential to regularly evaluate your organisation’s safety culture and performance, and seek to continually improve matters.
Do you need support?
Speak to us for an honest, no obligation chat on:
0345 226 8393 Lines are open 9am – 5pm
2. Rethink and revisit training
Consider how well equipped employees are to undertake their role safely, without putting themselves or others at risk. If there are gaps in employees’ knowledge, if they haven’t received any refresher training since their induction, or if there have been changes to their role, the workplace or working practices, now is the time to think about what training courses might be appropriate.
As well as signalling to staff that you care about them and your organisation overall, investing in health and safety training is an effective way of reducing injury and illness, saving on the cost of absences, diminished productivity and increased insurance premiums. With this in mind, taking the time to upskill staff and refresh their knowledge should be high on your list of health and safety priorities for the year.
3. Revitalise your health and safety policy
When did you last review or update your health and safety policy or safety statement? The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that this should be reviewed at least annually, as well as whenever work practices or legislation changes.
Health and safety regulations are constantly evolving and the HSE regularly updates their guidance, conducts targeted campaigns and issues safety alerts, so it’s important that your policy and practices reflect the current position.
To make sure you get off on the right foot and promote best practice, start the year by reviewing your organisation’s policies and procedures to check they’re up to date, taking into account any changes to regulations, personnel and the work environment.
Remember, if you employ more than five members of staff, it is a legal requirement to have a written health and safety policy.
Need a professional to conduct a review of your current policy and practices? Worried that your policy isn’t robust enough, or don’t have one in place? Our qualified Health & Safety Consultants can create a bespoke policy and handbook for you to provide a firm foundation for strong health and safety management and ensure you’re not left exposed.
4. Risk assess your environment
Like a health and safety policy, risk assessments are a mandatory requirement in any organisation. Their purpose is to help you identify hazards or risks in your workplace, then develop plans to either remove or reduce them. An up-to-date and correctly completed risk assessment will help to keep staff safe and ensure you’re complying with the health and safety law.
Risk assessments are living documents and should be reviewed at least annually, so now is an opportune time to re-do or revisit yours, especially if there have been significant changes in your activities, actual incidents or near misses, or if there is reason to believe your current risk assessment is no longer valid.
If you don’t have the time or expertise to conduct the risk assessment yourself, we can appoint a dedicated Health & Safety Consultant to take on this essential task for you as one your legally-required competent persons.
5. Test your equipment
Check the inspection dates on all of your equipment and, if required, replace or update it. Similarly, make sure that fire extinguishers and alarms are in good working order and that first aid kits are fully stocked.
Don’t skimp on this resolution – always be thorough in your checks, and if equipment isn’t in tip-top condition, don’t risk it; make sure it’s out with the old and in with the new. Use this resolution as an opportunity to educate or remind staff of the regulations surrounding equipment.
6. Clear the workplace of hazards
Deep cleaning and decluttering the workplace will help to ensure your environment is safe and can go a long way towards preventing common slip, trip and fall incidents. Organising stray cables, clearing walkways of obstructions and checking that floor coverings are in good condition are simple and inexpensive ways to reduce risk over the year ahead.
7. Take time to reflect
Making New Year’s resolutions without taking stock of last year’s events is akin to setting half-baked goals. Look back at 2022 and identify any mistakes and successes that you can learn from, then use what happened to create specific and informed safety resolutions.
Were there any documented health hazards? How about slips, trips and falls? Were staff engaged in health and safety matters? Could any incidents have been prevented? Make a note of potential solutions, consult staff, and put measures in place to promote safer working in 2023.
Related Content
8. Consult a professional
While you’re likely to be an expert when it comes to your industry, most employers aren’t health and safety specialists. With the average fine for health and safety breaches now sitting at £145,000, leaning on a professional is the most effective way of ensuring your practices and premises are compliant and can save significant expense in the long run.
If health and safety is high on your list of priorities this year, WorkNest can help take the pressure off and get you to where you need to be. From hands-on help with on-site risk assessments to practical, straightforward advice with day-to-day queries, we can work with you to make great strides in your safety performance and free up time that can be better spent focusing on your key objectives for 2023.
To talk through your requirements and find out more about our fixed-fee support, call 0345 226 8393 or request your free consultation using the button below. | https://worknest.com/blog/8-new-years-health-and-safety-resolutions-your-business-should-consider/ |
PROJECT SUMMARY: A major factor plaguing drug development is that there is no preclinical drug screenthat can accurately predict unintended drug induced cardiac arrhythmias. The current approaches rely onsubstitute markers such as QT interval prolongation on the ECG. Unfortunately, QT prolongation is neitherspecific nor sensitive to indicate likelihood of arrhythmias. There is an urgent need to identify a new approachthat can predict actual proarrhythmia rather than surrogate indicators. Mathematical modeling and simulationconstitutes one of the most promising methodologies to reveal fundamental biological principles andmechanisms, model effects of interactions between system components and predict emergent drug effects.Thus, we propose the development of a novel multiscale approach based on drug-channel structuralinteractions and kinetics intended to predict drug induced cardiotoxicity in the context of: 1) preclinical drugscreening, 2) drug rehabilitation, and 3) prediction of the intersection of drug effects and coexistent risk factors.Our underlying hypothesis is that the fundamental mode of drug interaction derived from each drug?s uniquestructure activity relationship determines the resultant effects on cardiac electrical activity in cells and tissue.By capturing these complex drug channel interactions in a model, we expect to be able to predict drug safetyor electro-toxicity in the heart. We have brought together an expert team to assemble and test a new multiscalemodel framework that connects detailed mathematical models to predict atomic scale interactions of drugs onthe promiscuous hERG potassium channel to functional scale predictions at the level of the channel, cell andtissue. Predictions from the atomic structure simulations will be used to inform the kinetic parameters ofmodels that capture the complex dynamical interactions of drugs and ion channels. The computationalcomponents will then be studied in predictive models at the channel, cell and tissue scales to exposefundamental mechanisms and complex interactions underlying emergent behaviors. Experiments inmammalian cells and tissues will be undertaken to validate model predictions. Drug properties will beperturbed in models to rehabilitate dangerous drugs and reduce their potential toxicity. The multiscale modelfor prediction of cardiopharmacology that we will develop in this application will be applied to projectsdemonstrating its usefulness for efficacy or toxicity of drug treatments in the complex physiological system ofthe heart. | https://ucdavis.pure.elsevier.com/en/projects/in-silico-safety-pharmacology |
Data Protection & Access to Information
Our business will comply with all statutory requirements of the Data Protection Act by registering all personal data held on its computer and/or related electronic equipment and by taking all reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy and confidentiality of such information.
The Data Protection Act protects individuals’ rights concerning information about them held on computer. Anyone processing personal data must comply with the eight principles of good practice. Data must be:
- fairly and lawfully processed.
- processed for limited purposes.
- adequate, relevant and not excessive.
- accurate and not kept longer than necessary.
- processed in accordance with the data subject’s rights.
- not transferred to countries without adequate protection.
GDPR
This policy is operational from 25 May 2018. The purpose of this policy is to enable us to:
- Comply with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations and good practice.
- Gather information as part of investigations by regulatory bodies or in connection with legal proceedings or requests.
- Ensure business policies are adhered to (such as policies covering email and internet use).
- Fulfill operational reasons, such as recording transactions, training and quality control, ensuring the confidentiality of commercially sensitive information and security vetting.
- Investigate complaints.
- Check references, ensuring safe working practices, monitoring and managing staff access to systems and facilities and staff absences, administration and assessments.
- Monitor staff conduct, disciplinary matters.
- Market our business.
- Improve services.
This policy applies to information relating to identifiable individuals e.g. staff, applicants, former staff, clients, suppliers and other third party contacts.
We will:
- Comply with both the law and good practice.
- Respect individuals’ rights.
- Be open and honest with individuals whose data is held.
- Provide training and support for staff who handle personal data, so that they can act confidently and consistently.
We recognise that our first priority under the GDPR is to avoid causing harm to individuals. In the main this means:
- Complying with your rights.
- Keeping you informed about the data we hold, why we hold it and what we are doing with it.
- Keeping information securely in the right hands, and;
- Holding good quality information.
Secondly, GDPR aims to ensure that the legitimate concerns of individuals about the ways in which their data may be used are taken into account. In addition to being open and transparent, we will seek to give individuals as much choice as is possible and reasonable over what data is held and how it is used. This includes the right to erasure where data is no longer necessary and the right to rectification where the data is incorrect. Full details are available in the Privacy Notice issued at the point of gathering the data.
We have identified the following potential key risks, which this policy is designed to address:
- Breach of confidentiality (information being given out inappropriately).
- Insufficient clarity about the range of uses to which data will be put — leading to Data Subjects being insufficiently informed.
- Failure to offer choice about data use when appropriate.
- Breach of security by allowing unauthorised access.
- Failure to establish efficient systems of managing changes, leading to personal data being not up to date.
- Harm to individuals if personal data is not up to date.
- Insufficient clarity about the way personal data is being used.
- Failure to offer choices about use of contact details for staff, clients workers or employees.
In order to address these concerns, to accompany this policy, we have an accompanying Information Security Policy and we will issue Privacy Notices to explain what data we have, why we have it and what we will do with it. The Privacy Notice will also explain the data subjects rights. We will offer training to staff where this is necessary and appropriate in the circumstances to ensure compliance with GDPR. Such training will vary according to the role, responsibilities and seniority of those being trained.
We aim to keep data only for so long as is necessary which will vary from according to the circumstances.
We have no intention to transfer data internationally.
Significant breaches of this policy will be handled under the Company’s disciplinary procedures which may amount to gross misconduct.
In this section you will find information on what cookies may be set when you visit the Simons Design website and how to reject or delete those cookies.
How to control and delete cookies
Alternatively, you may wish to visit www.aboutcookies.org which contains comprehensive information on how to do this on a wide variety of browsers. You will also find details on how to delete cookies from your computer as well as more general information about cookies. For information on how to do this on the browser of your mobile phone you will need to refer to your handset manual.
Please be aware that restricting cookies may impact on the functionality of the Simons Design website.
Third Party Cookies
Simons Design also use a number of suppliers who also set cookies on our website on its behalf in order to deliver the services that they are providing. If you would like more information about the cookies used by these suppliers, as well as information on how to opt-out, please see their individual privacy policies listed below.
Google Analytics
Simons Design website uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google, Inc. Google Analytics sets a cookie in order to evaluate your use of the website and compile reports for us on activity.
Google stores the information collected by the cookie on servers in the United States. Google may also transfer this information to third parties where required to do so by law, or where such third parties process the information on Google’s behalf. Google will not associate your IP address with any other data held by Google. By using our website, you consent to the processing of data about you by Google in the manner and for the purposes set out above. | https://www.simons-design.co.uk/gdpr-data-protection-statement/ |
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Neuroscience
Emergence of transformation-tolerant representations of visual objects in rat lateral extrastriate cortex
Sina Tafazoli et al.
Neuronal recordings from rat visual cortex reveal an object-processing pathway, along which neuronal representations become increasingly capable of supporting recognition of visual objects in spite of variation in their appearance.
Neuroscience
Unimodal statistical learning produces multimodal object-like representations
Gábor Lengyel et al.
Mere exposure to scenes with statistical contingencies in the visual or haptic modality alone allows participants to decompose scenes into object-like multimodal representations.
Neuroscience
Dynamic representation of partially occluded objects in primate prefrontal and visual cortex
Amber M Fyall et al.
Complementary neural codes in frontal and visual cortex support a role for feedback signals in the representation and recognition of partially occluded objects.
Neuroscience
The representational dynamics of task and object processing in humans
Martin N Hebart et al.
Task representations emerge rapidly throughout human cortex, with parallel object representations in occipitotemporal cortex that are increasingly dominated by task in higher visual areas.
Neuroscience
The nature of the animacy organization in human ventral temporal cortex
Sushrut Thorat et al.
The animacy organization in human ventral visual cortex is driven by both the presence of animal-diagnostic visual features and the psychological property of agency.
Neuroscience
Functional links between sensory representations, choice activity, and sensorimotor associations in parietal cortex
Ting-Yu Chang et al.
The fidelity of 3D visual object representations, choice-related activity, and experience-dependent sensorimotor associations are functionally linked in the caudal intraparietal area.
Neuroscience
Striatal action-value neurons reconsidered
Lotem Elber-Dorozko, Yonatan Loewenstein
The numerous reports in support of action-value representation in the striatum are based on statistical analyses that are subject to two critical confounds and, thus, this long-held belief of striatal action-value representation should be retested using different experiments and analyses.
Neuroscience
A neural-level model of spatial memory and imagery
Andrej Bicanski, Neil Burgess
The BB model explains spatial cognition in terms of interactions between specific neuronal populations, providing a common computational framework for the human neuropsychological and in vivo animal electrophysiological literatures.
Neuroscience
The role of piriform associative connections in odor categorization
Xiaojun Bao et al.
Pharmacological fMRI reveals that associative connections contribute to odor categorization by supporting discrimination and generalization at different stages of the human olfactory system.
Neuroscience
Odor-evoked category reactivation in human ventromedial prefrontal cortex during sleep promotes memory consolidation
Laura K Shanahan et al.
Odor cues in sleep evoke content-specific signatures of neural reactivation in visual and prefrontal brain areas that predict subsequent memory performance in the wake state.
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Refine your results by: | https://elifesciences.org/search?for=object%20representation |
Before your child heads off to camp, think about all of the things that the camp director and counselors doesn’t yet know about your child. In order to keep your child safe and maximize his camp experience, the camp staff should know the things found in the following list:
- Child’s name and birth date
- Any health limitations your child might have, such as asthma or epilepsy
- Any physical or emotional limitations that could affect your child’s camp experience
- Any sleep issues that the counselor should be made aware of, such as bedwetting or nightmares
- Injuries your child has had that might impede performance
- Any allergies your child has
- Any dietary restrictions your child has
- Child’s doctors’ names and contact information
- Emergency contact information of parents and another responsible adult, in case parents can’t be reached
- Insurance provider and policy number
- Preferred hospital in case of emergency
- Written authorization to administer medication to your child at school, adequate supplies of medications, and their dosing schedule
From Good Kids, Bad Habits: The RealAge Guide to Raising Healthy Children by Jennifer Trachtenberg.
More About this Book
Good Kids, Bad Habits: The RealAge Guide to Raising Healthy Children
Continue Learning about Parenting
Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs. | https://www.sharecare.com/health/parenting/what-information-childs-camp-director |
- This training course will feature:
- The benefits of using service level agreements
- How the different levels of SLAs operate
- What is involved in planning, writing and managing service level agreements
- How payment is managed
- How to manage all levels of risk in the Service Level Agreements
- What are the proprietary rights under the SLA
- What amounts to poor performance
- To learn how to manage liabilities
- Understanding the Terms under the SLA
- Sample Language for all sections of the SLA for Buyer and Service Provider.
Learning Outcomes
- Better discuss the contract negotiating and understand the rules of contract drafting;
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Understand how to write out clauses using the correct language nuances to make contracts better protected
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Set up the Agreement as a whole showing the movements in the different segments of the contract collectively and individually;
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Write into contracts the different types of conditional clauses and exceptions, Carve-outs and Triggering Events to prevent the obligation from breach of non-performance;
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Identify the unfair conditions of contracts and how to write it better using contract writing rules
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Safeguard the contract from being nullified by using the right type of recitals and attendees will learn how to write out the contents, presentation and observe the rules relating to proper recitals;
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Improve accuracy; reduce ambiguity and vagueness.
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Understand the legalese words used in obligations and the meaning they carry in the contracts including the preference for words used in negotiations; words used in reference to the whole contract and preference for interpretation which gives terms effect;
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Use Best practice rules for Warranties and Disclosures as allocation of risk in the contract;
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Write out Indemnities with the relevant wording which improves the mechanism of the indemnity;
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Understand the effect of limiting or elimination consequential liability and how to write consequential liability which will benefit your organisation;
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Understand the relationship of Penalty clauses and the courts stand on this;
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Drafting Guidelines given for clauses
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Understanding the words used in different transactions
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Deriving the best out of precedent clauses and agreements
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Gain confidence in identifying issues in precedent and making revisions
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Drafting with clarity and conciseness
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Understand the correct and wrong versions in clauses especially when using directly from precedents
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Learning how to critically review contract provisions
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Learn to evaluate similarities and differences of related provisions
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Learning the language of contracts through commonly occurring word combinations
Who Must Attend
This training course is suitable for a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit:
Those involved in the planning, evaluation, preparation and management of tenders and awards for service contracts or internally-supplied corporate services
Course Details
2 Days Training
MODULE 1: KEY ASPECTS OF WRITING THAT SHOULD BE COVERED IN ANY BUSINESS CONTRACT
1. RECITALS/PARTIES
• Recitals -Purpose and restrictions for writing recitals;
• Drafting the Language of Obligation /Language of Performance /Language of Prohibition /Language of Discretion /Language of Declaration
• Relationship between Effective Date and Commencement date of Agreement
MODULE 2: WRITING FOR CLARITY IN CONTRACTS
The importance of Clear and Concise Negotiated Terms
- Vagueness
- Basic Categories of Contract Provisions
- Obligations and corresponding rights – Purpose of Obligations /Drafting obligations / Obligations limited to the contracting parties/Corresponding Rights
- Best Practices for clarity
- Active Analysis checklist
MODULE 3: RULES FOR WRITING COMMERCIAL OBLIGATIONS
• Defining Parties and the Privity of Contract
• Explaining Assignment and Novation in relation to Privity of Contract
• Assignment in Service Agreements -When assignment can be carried out and the mechanism for Novation
• Understanding types of clauses and Triggering Events using Condition Precedent/ Condition Subsequent/ Condition concurrent
• Best Practice Rules on writing out Conditions
• The relevance of Escape Clauses
Module 4: Drafting Nuances
• Understanding the use of IF/Then/SHALL
• When not to use the Conditional Language
• Drafting Language of Exceptions and Subordination in Clauses
• Drafting Trumping Language in Contracts
Managing risk in drafting Liability clauses in Commercial Contracts and Service Agreements
MODULE 5: Drafting Guidelines for Obligations
• Anticipating Performance Concerns in Drafting Obligation clauses
• Drafting Monetary provisions / Closing provisions
• Understanding Financial and Non-financial incentives in commercial and Service Contracts
• Pricing Structure – Types of Contract discussed.
I. Time and Material Contract
II. “Fixed Fee” Contract
III. Not to Exceed Contract
IV. FFE Contract
• Writing out Payment Clause and Performance Obligations/Samples provided
• Is there a conflict between penalty interest for late payment and Time of Essence clause?
MODULE 6:
Rules to prepare Commercial Obligations
• Who should the parties be?
• Commencement, duration, extension of term;
• Getting the scope and requirements right
• Knowing the rules on how to manage changes in agreements;
• Measuring Performances in Obligations;
MODULE 7: Warranties for commercial contracts
1. Warranties -General drafting guidelines
2. Implied warranty for a particular purpose /disclaimers
3. Warranty disclaimer clauses – the Conspicuous requirement and looking at Disclaimers as traps
4. Statement of Facts; Not Obligations
5. Smoking Out Facts
6. Bringing Down Warranties
7. Survival of Warranties – Best Practices for Disclosures
MODULE 8: MANAGING CONTRACTUAL RISK IN SERVICE AGREEMENTS
Warranties
• Mutual Warranties /authority
• Disclaimer of Non-Express Warranties
• Service Provider/Vendor’s Warranties
I. Non-Infringement Warranty; Infringement of Contingency
II. Buyer’s Non-Infringement Warranty
III. Compliance with the Service Description and Documentation
Disclaimer of Non Express Warranties
• Service Provide/Vendor’s statements relating to Services and Deliverables
• Scope of Buyer’s Disclaimer
• Guidelines for Service Provider/Vendor and Buyer on legal impact of Non Express Warranties
MODULE 9:Writing guidelines for Indemnities for Commercial contracts and Service Agreements
• Common indemnities
• Common Indemnification Limitation:
I. Standard of Care
II. Third Party Claim
III. Delaying the Obligations
IV. Capping the indemnification Obligation
• Indemnification Procedure
• Indemnification and Third Party Intellectual Rights
• Infringement Concern
MODULE 10: Drafting Termination clause in commercial contracts and Service agreements Drafting Exit Provisions
1. Critical review of Exit Provisions – Drafting guide for Events triggering a premature ending
2. Premature ending by mutual consent
3. A guide to drafting Post- termination obligations and survival clauses
4. Drafting “event of default” clauses
• Termination Due to an Uncured Breach:
I. The General Rule
II. Waiver of Breach
III. Liquidated Damages
• Termination Due to Insolvency/Bankruptcy
• Termination for Convenience
• Transition Services for termination in Service Agreements.
• Writing considerations for Liquidated Damages Clauses;
• Adding words to denote contractual remedies under the law.
Methodology
Course Leader
AMBIGAH KRISHNA
LL.B (Hons) London, CLP (Malaysia), TESOL (Canada)
Ambigah has 15 years of training and lecturing experience on legal topics including civil litigation like employment matters, company, corporate and banking issues. She is a PSMB licensed corporate trainer and Corporate Legal Adviser who has a vast professional experience in the training industry. She has excellent communication, writing, people and class management skills.
Work Experience
- Trained and lectured for private companies and government entities. Participants made up of managers, CEOs, CFOs, corporate and government support staff and executives.
- Legal Experience includes civil litigation like employment matters , company ,corporate and banking issues.
- Conducted seminars for Employment law including on mock Industrial hearings of Domestic Inquiries and the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 which includes follow up legal advice for Pro-tem comittees on PDP implementation and drafting of Consent letters as required under the Act.
- Trained for the Federation of Manufacturers of Malaysia (FMM).
- Involved in advise and drafting of Human Resource policy and procedures. Also in the drafting of legal letters and advice of legislation pertaining to proper administration of Human Resource issues.
- Some of the in-house and public programs include those from, NIAM (Persatuan Insuran Kebangsaan Malaysia), Honda, Petronas Fertilizer (Kedah), Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia, Sime Darby, Malaysia Multimedia Commission, Penang Bridge Sdn Bhd., Solectron, Bax Global, TM, Yan Jin (M), Cititel Penang, Evergreen Laurel Hotel, Government Teachers in various schools, Smart Modular, Kwong Wah Yit Poh Press Berhad, Vitrox Technologies, Staff of UITM, Bank Negara, Dimerco Sdn.Bhd, G-Pile Sistem Sdn.Bhd., Masterskill (M) Sdn.Bhd, Subalipack (M) Sdn.Bhd, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Sdn.Bhd, Sumitomo Metals Sdn Bhd, Lembaga Koko, MARA and other government agencies and many more.
In summary, Ambigah
- When not conducting training programs, Ambigah Krishnan tends to her legal consultation especially in the corporate field.
- Legal programs enhanced with Legal Practitioner’s advice and opinions. Imparting experience as Legal advisor and Litigation lawyer to be part of teaching of legal programs.
- Able to combine the elements taught in a specific program both soft skills and Legal with real life requirements for those on the job.
To contact Ms Ambigah for any speaking, training and consultancy engagements, :
please contact us at +603 8074 9056 | Mobile +6012 6869 628 | +6018 2735 123 or email: [email protected]
Or
We have a faculty of specialist and can cater to your organisation's different levels and specific needs.
For training and advisory services, feel free to contact us at [email protected] or call us at +603 8082 3707 | +603 8074 9056 | +6012 6869 628 | +6018 2175 123
Testimonies
Investment
|Normal Fee|
|Sign up 1 pax|
|Pay before course starts|
|MYR 3,790.00|
|USD 1,110.00|
|Early Bird|
|Sign up 1 pax|
|Pay 14 day(s) before course starts|
|MYR 3,290.00|
|USD 970.00|
|Group Fee|
|Sign up 3 pax or more|
|Pay 14 day(s) before course starts|
|MYR 3,190.00|
|USD 940.00|
1. Online Payment by Credit card: You can opt to register and pay online with our latest payment integration system through our website.
2. Bank Transfer- You can also opt to use GIRO or telegraphic transfer of payment via international banks. | https://portal.itrainingexpert.com/course_info.php?id=175 |
He who pays the piper does not call the tune in the Technology and Construction Court when it comes to the giving of expert evidence.
This is because although experts owe a duty of care to those instructing them the Civil Procedure Rules make it clear that they have an overriding duty to the court to assist it in matters within the expert`s expertise. They must provide independent evidence of their opinion. The Civil Justice`s Protocol for the Instruction of Experts to give evidence in Civil Claims says that a useful test of independence is whether the expert would express the same opinion if given the same instructions by an opposing party. Paragraph 4.3 of the Protocol says experts should not take it upon themselves to promote the point of view of the party instructing them or engage in the role of advocates.
Never a truer word
In the construction field construction consultants dealing with disputes in litigation or ADR, principally in Adjudication, often wear two hats, one as the expert and the other as a negotiator or advocate on behalf of their clients. When these two roles become blurred and overlap this is when the expert finds himself in real difficulty. In Cala Homes (South) Ltd and ors -v- Alfred McAlpine Homes East Limited EWHC 7 (Ch) the expert of one of the parties wrote an article in which he said:
" ... the man who works the Three Card Trick is not cheating, nor does he incur any moral opprobrium, when he uses his sleight of hand to deceive the eye of the innocent rustic and to deny him the information he needs for a correct appraisal of what has gone on. The rustic does not have to join in: but if he chooses to he is "fair game".
"If by an analogous "sleight of mind" an expert witness is able so to present the data that they seem to suggest an interpretation favourable to the side instructing him, that is, it seems to me, within the rules of our particular game, even if it means playing down or omitting some material consideration. "Celatio veri" is, as the maxim has it, "suggestio falsi", and concealing what is true does indeed suggest what is false; but it is no more than a suggestion, just as the Three Card Trick was only a suggestion about the data, not an outright misrepresentation of them."
A hired gun
This expert went on to say that the expert is the "hired gun" but the Judge in this case said that the expert`s approach to the drafting of the expert`s report was wrong. He condemned the expert`s brazen view of the expert as someone who is employed to twist the truth in order to satisfy the needs of his paying client. The Judge was scathing of this approach and said:
"The function of the court is to discover the truth relating to the issues before it. In doing that it has to assess the evidence adduced by the parties. The Judge is not a rustic who has chosen to play a Three Card Trick. He is not fair game. That some witnesses of fact driven a by a desire to achieve a particular outcome to the litigation, feel it necessary to sacrifice truth in pursuit of victory is a fact of life. The court tries to discover it when it happens. But in the case of expert witnesses the court is likely to lower its guard. Of course the court will be aware that a party is likely to choose as its expert someone whose views are most sympathetic to its position. Subject to that caveat, the court is likely to assume that the expert witness is more interested in being honest and right than in ensuring that one side or another wins. An expert should not consider that it is his job to stand shoulder to shoulder through thick and thin with the side which is paying his bill......"
The expert wearing two hats
In General Medical Council -v- Professor Roy Meadows EWCA Civ 1390 the Court of Appeal reiterated the well known principles by which experts should present their evidence in court established in National Justice Cia Naviera SA -v- Prudential Assurance Co Ltd 2Lloy`ds Rep 86, 81-82 (The Ikarian Reefer). Among these are the central and core needs to ensure the expert`s evidence is "uninfluenced as to form and content by the exigencies of litigation", "it should be independent assistance to the court by way of objective unbiased opinion in relation to matters within his expertise". "An expert should never assume the role of advocate".
In London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority -v- Halcrow Gilbert Associates Limited and ors EWHC 2546 (TCC) the court criticised the evidence of an expert who had been retained "in a dual capacity both to devise and no doubt in due course for reward to supervise the carrying out of his scheme for remedial works and as an expert in the litigation...." This led to a situation where the expert`s client was claiming privilege for a meeting which the expert attended where it was claimed that the primary purpose was for him to advise in relation to this litigation, which was privileged, rather than to advise on the implementation of his own his remedial scheme to be adopted by the Authority which would not have been privileged.
In Anglo Group plc -v- Winther Brown & Co Ltd and BML (Office Computers) Limited EWHC Technology 127 8th March 2000 one of the experts wrote in a report "an expert witness appointed under current procedure is under no duty to the court as an expert". He went on to say "My duty as an expert was simply to help my client win his case on the facts as defined in the statement of claim on truthful expert evidence that I had compiled, examined and presented - nothing more". He added "It does not mean that an expert must be impartial as demonstrated by the fact that if asked the same question by either party he would give the same answer".
In evidence one of the other members of the company and colleague of this expert admitted to having been employed as a claims consultant, and who had not been trained as an expert witness, and said that his quantum report was intended to be used as a "negotiating tool based on representation primarily of Winther Brown . It was not made as an expert witness report and had never intended as such". The Judge referred to this as further evidence to support the conclusion that the principle expert of the same company was indeed a hired gun who was simply more concerned with satisfying his paying client than in putting forward unbiased opinion evidence.
Privilege
What does this mean for solicitors that instruct experts who may later to be found to be less than independent? The answer is that they should be aware of the court`s power of disclosure of their instructions under the Civil Procedure Rules and to get their house in order so that they are not tainted by any challenges to the expert`s independence by an opposing party in the litigation.
The expert is an individual in which the court places great trust. Although instructions given to an expert by solicitors are not privileged and therefore can be revealed to the court, provided the expert states the substance of his instructions in his report the court will not order disclosure unless there are reasonable grounds to consider his statement of his instructions to be inaccurate (CPR 35. 10 (4)). Practice Direction 35.3. 2(3) reiterates this, stating the report must "contain a statement setting out the substance of all the facts and instructions given to the expert which are material to the opinions expressed in the report or upon which those opinions are based".
However, the court will allow cross examination of an expert only if it is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to consider that the expert`s statement of instruction is inaccurate or incomplete, and it appears to be in the interests of justice to do so (PD 35.4).
In the as yet unreported case of Morris -v- Bank of India (Ch D, 15 November 2001) the claimant complained that there were numerous places in his report where the expert had referred to matters which were not contained in the statements of case and documents disclosed to the defendant , where he had not given the source of his belief and which in certain cases raised factual allegations not made in the statements of case. The court did not order disclosure but the defendant was ordered to file a document recording details of the facts and assumptions which were referred to or relied on by the expert in the report.
This case is illustrative of the challenges that can be made by a party that complains that privileged and undisclosed documents were given to an expert by solicitors as part of his instructions and he then failed to comply with CPR 35. 10(3). In the event the court only ordered disclosure to the extent necessary to clarify the facts on which the report was based.
In Lucas -v- Barking Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust EWCA Civ 1102 the claimant`s expert reports referred to witness statements which had not yet been served on the defendant. The defendant applied for disclosure of these witness statements but the Court of Appeal did not order disclosure and ruled that under CPR 35.10(3) the expert`s report must state "the substance of all material instructions" but this does not mean that he has to set out all the information or material supplied to him.
Solicitors should be aware that there is a possibility of the court ordering disclosure of the instructions or associated documents and for this reason they should ensure that their expert provides a full and accurate summary of the substances of all material instructions that have been given to him. In addition they should check the expert`s report before it is served to ensure that it does not contain any suggestions that the statement of instructions may be incomplete. | https://www.clarkslegal.com/Blog/Post/He_who_pays_the_piper_The_independence_of_experts_in_construction_disputes |
Hierarchical thermodynamics, also called macrothermodynamics or structural thermodynamics is a modern phenomenological thermodynamic theory that studies complex heterogeneous chemical and biological systems, primarily open systems, exchanging matter and energy with the environment.. Hierarchical thermodynamics is the thermodynamics of systems close to an equilibrium state, when the state functions of evolving systems have real physical meaning. Hierarchical thermodynamics is a quasi-equilibrium dynamic thermodynamics created on the foundation of J.W. Gibbs equilibrium thermodynamics Hierarchical thermodynamics is a branch of classical thermodynamics, which considers evolutionary systems on a long time scale as open for the exchange of matter and energy with the environment. However, on short time scales, in small evolution windows, when it can be assumed that hierarchical subsystems are located in physical thermostats, they (subsystems) are considered as thermodynamically closed (quasi-closed), to which, therefore, we apply classical thermodynamic analysis. Hierarchical thermodynamics is discussed on many sites in the Internet. However, it is very important to keep in mind that some terminology used by certain authors is not welcomed by modern science The foundations of hierarchical thermodynamics were created by G. P. Gladyshev in the late 1970s. Hierarchical thermodynamics is a further development of Gibbs theory and to within a known approximation is applied to systems of all temporal (structural) hierarchies of real world. Especial interest is the application of hierarchical thermodynamics to real living systems which, as before believed, could not be investigated by classical thermodynamics methods. The reason of this was the statement that natural biological systems are open and that these systems are far from an equilibrium state. Recently, however, the law of temporal hierarchies was discovered. This law substantiates the possibility of identifying, or discerning, quasi-closed mono-hierarchical systems or subsystems within open poly-hierarchical biological systems. It was also established that the processes of evolution in living natural systems, as a rule, are quasi-equilibrium processes. Then it was shown that models of living systems are analogues of models of quasi-equilibrium chromatographic columns. Hierarchical thermodynamics has found applications in areas of anti-aging science and human chemistry (EoHT). Hierarchical thermodynamics is the basis of the thermodynamic theory of the origin of life, its evolution and the aging of living beings. The theory was created on the solid foundation of expanded thermodynamics of J. W. Gibbs. Theory is the physical foundation of expanded Darwinism.
Theory of the origin of life, its evolution and aging of living beings
The law of temporal hierarchies and evolution
The hierarchy of living structures in the real world exists as a result of the action of the general law of nature - the law of temporal hierarchies. This law states that there are unidirectional series of strong inequalities of lifetimes of hierarchical structures: molecules, cells, organisms, populations and so on. Each type of organism is characterized by its own individual series. In general, the law can be presented in the form:
- (1)
Here is the average lifetime of the structure j of the lower hierarchical level, is the average lifetime of the structure (j+1) of the higher hierarchical level. If we consider the main hierarchical levels of a particular type of organism, then we can write:
- … … (2)
Here t is the average lifetime of “free” molecules of metabolites (m); "free" supramolecular structures (im); organelles; cells (cell); organisms (org); populations (pop); communities (soc). The exchange of hierarchical structures in organisms and higher hierarchies is a consequence of the existence of a series (1): the structures of lower hierarchies, for example, cells, live significantly less than the structures of higher hierarchies, for example, organisms. Of course, that without metabolism, life could not exist. Rows (1) and (2) represent the overlapping sequence of the triads of Nikolai Bogolubov.. This means that the processes within each hierarchy with a certain approximation can be considered independent of the processes occurring in other hierarchies. However, adjacent hierarchies still interact with each other. These interactions can be seen in terms of the “variation and selection” of Darwinism. In other words, the principles of the theory of C. Darwin and A. Wallace can be extended to the chemical, geological, and other components of the overall evolution of matter. The law of temporal hierarchies is the substantiation of hierarchical thermodynamics, the mathematical formalism of which is entirely similar to the mathematical formalism of classical thermodynamics of C. Carathéodory and other classics. One of the important principles of the thermodynamic theory of evolution is the statement that nature seeks maximum stability at all hierarchical levels. The above search for the stability of evolving systems according to the second law is a spontaneous process that takes place against the background of non-spontaneous processes in these systems, processes initiated by the environment. Chemical evolution proceeds at various temperatures, pressures and other physical effects in space, as well as on celestial bodies, where it is accompanied by geological evolution. As a result of numerous chemical transformations, primary “building blocks of life” are formed, which, if there are conditions for the emergence and development of life, participate in the appearance of organisms. Chemical evolution smoothly transfers into biological evolution. One of the important processes of this transition is the formation of constantly updated supramolecular structures, which, as a result of the principle of substance stability, are enriched with energy-intensive molecular structures. Further, the principle of substance stability applies to higher hierarchies, which means the appearance of higher forms of living matter. It is important to clarify the accuracy of the hierarchical thermodynamic theory, which is built on the foundation of the exact Gibbs theory. The accuracy of the hierarchical thermodynamics model is determined by the strong inequalities (1) and (2). The stronger these inequalities, the closer the model approaches the exact Gibbs model. However, for accurate estimates it would be necessary to know the absolute values of the Gibbs free energy of the formation of chemical elements (simple substances). Currently there is no such information. This circumstance forces us to use the rough idea of the thermodynamic uniformity of biogenic elements to explain and predict natural phenomena. The approximation used makes it possible to identify the directional tendency of the development of chemical and biological evolution.
The principle of substance stability
Hierarchical thermodynamics based on the principle of substance stability is able to explain and predict directional variations in chemical and biological evolution and to verify the assertion that Nature tends to the maximum structural stability at the molecular and supramolecular levels. The principle of substance stability, or the feedback principle, was formulated by Georgi Gladyshev in 1977. Later, considerations concerning physical verification of the principle were presented. The considerations were based on simple concepts. It was stated that each atom, molecule, an isolated supramolecular structure (or structure of higher hierarchy) has a potentially limited capability of participating in interactions with other atoms, molecules, and supramolecular or other structures. It was assumed that if particle i of hierarchy j (or subhierarchy j) spent much energy for binding to another particle of the same hierarchy j, there remains rather little energy in this particle i for binding to other particles of its hierarchy or particles of higher hierarchies (j+1). For instance, if a molecule (formed by strong chemical bonds) is relatively thermodynamically stable, it is unable to form rather stable structures that arise during formation of supramolecular structures (aggregates). Isolated supramolecular structures of the lower hierarchy j (consisting of a relatively small number of molecules) can participate in formation of supramolecular j+1 structures (consisting of a large number of particles) in accordance with their limited energy capabilities. It is established that the principle of substance stability acts at all hierarchical levels and sublevels of systems in all hierarchies of living matter. The principle of substance stability plays a decisive role at particular stages of chemical evolution. It is the driving force of the origin of life, biological evolution, phylogenesis, and ontogenesis. The principle can be formulated as follows: «During the formation or self-assembly of the most thermodynamically stable structures at the highest hierarchical level (j), e.g., the supramolecular level, Nature, in accordance with the second law, spontaneously uses predominantly the least thermodynamically stable structures available from a given local part of the biological system, belonging to a lower level, i.e., the molecular level (j-1), and incorporates these unstable structures into the next higher level, i.e. the supramolecular level (j)». The principle of substance stability made it possible to identify the tendency of evolutionary development and the transformation of structures at all hierarchical levels: atomic, molecular, supramolecular, cellular, organism, social, and other levels.
Gibbs free energy change during evolutionary transformations
All spontaneous (spontaneous) and non-spontaneous (non-spontaneous) changes in evolving natural systems are accompanied by changes in the Gibbs specific free energy (Gibbs function) of the formation of these systems. Often in evolution, spontaneous transformations in natural systems occur against the background of minor non-spontaneous changes in these systems, that is, processes initiated by the environment. In such cases, these natural systems can be considered quasi-closed and their evolution can be studied by measuring the Gibbs specific free energy of formation of these systems. The indicated change according to the second law of thermodynamics will be less than zero. The magnitude of this change with good approximation characterizes evolutionary processes close to equilibrium in all the hierarchies of the living world. These considerations characterize evolutionary changes in the systems under consideration. However, in the event of revolutionary changes in the environment (the fall of meteorites, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and other similar phenomena), the direction of evolutionary changes becomes unpredictable. In such cases, it is possible to break the evolutionary spiral, which can lead to the cessation of life in the areas of these revolutionary influences. Figure 1 shows the spiral of evolution, which is actually a physical and artistic symbol of its thermodynamic directionality.
Fig.1- Spiral of evolution, the symbol of its thermodynamic directionality
In the general case of complex thermodynamic systems (systems in which not only expansion works take place), the Gibbs free energy change can be estimated using one of the forms of the extended generalized Gibbs equation - the generalized equation of the first and second principles of thermodynamics:
- (3)
Where G is the Gibbs free energy; T is the temperature; S is the entropy; V is the volume; p is the pressure; X is any generalized force except pressure; x is any generalized coordinate except volume; µ is the chemical (evolutionary) potential; m is the mass of the k-substance; the work performed by the system is negative. The subscript i pertains to the specific evolution, and k to the component i evolution. The superscript * means that behavior of a quasi-equilibrium complex system is considered. The above equation is a generalized equation since in principle all interactions (inside and outside) of all structures of every hierarchical level are taken into consideration independently of the scale of these interactions. It is logical to consider this equation as one with considerably divided parameters, symbolic or speculative, that can be efficiently used only in relation to everyone or adjacent hierarchies of structures. In this case, the Gibbs equation is considerably simplified in connection with negligibly small values of the majority of its isolated or individual members. Symbolism or speculation consists in the fact that it is difficult to take into consideration simultaneously all multi-scale effects determining the behavior of complex heterogeneous poly-hierarchical system at once. This statement is connected to the principle of mathematics, which allows us to combine like with like only and prefers the simplicity and unity in the description of the physical picture of the real world. Although, it should note that the above equation is characterized by a unity that is associated with a general thermodynamic approach to study the behavior of all individual mono hierarchical systems that form polyhierarchical systems. Importantly, the simplified relations obtained from equation (3) are used in the study of tropisms and in many physiological and other studies ]. The law of temporal hierarchies first substantiated the correctness of these approaches based on thermodynamics. It should also be noted that the present equation must contain terms that take into account the interaction between biological objects (e.g. cells, organisms and other structures) arising from actions, physical fields and radiation, the origin of which is associated with chemical and physiochemical processes in living systems. Many that are often not strictly identified as "weak" interactions in the living world can be attributed to tropisms, which detail the mechanisms of these interactions, are not clear. The complexity of studying these phenomena, as a rule, is the lack of highly sensitive physical devices that measure these interactions. However, biological sensors can detect these mutual effects of biological objects. Thus it can be argued that the transfer of "structure information" between biological molecules and supramolecular structures by organisms do not necessarily require direct close contact of the said structures (e.g. information transfer that occurs at the contact of nucleotides during the formation of DNA or during the formation of acetic acid dimers).
Thermodynamics of aging
The thermodynamic theory of aging is part of a more general theory of the origin of life, its evolution and the aging of living beings. From the point of view of hierarchical thermodynamics, ontogenesis, as a rule, practically repeats phylogenesis. This statement was justified after it was proved that the change in chemical and supramolecular composition has a thermodynamic nature. It is possible to investigate the development (ontogenesis) and evolution (phylogenies) of living beings by studying the changes of the value of specific (per unit of volume or mass) Gibbs free energy of the formation of the given higher hierarchical structure out of lower-level structures. Thus, it was established that in ontogenesis (or phylogenies), the specific Gibbs function of the formation of supramolecular structures of an organism’s tissues () tends to be a minimum:
- (4)
where V is the volume of the system; m is the mass of the identified micro-volumes; x, y, z are coordinates; symbol «–» means that the value is specific; and symbol «~» emphasizes the heterogeneous character of the system. The equation (4) implies taking account of all supramolecular interactions in all hierarchical bio-tissue structures (intracellular, intercellular and others). Sometimes the organism of living being is investigated as complex non-steady state chromatograph column, such that upon digestion of food-stuffs, in which some part of sustenance first reacts with hydrochloric acid and enzymes to break-down in the stomach, the nutritive particle molecules will then each migrate to different parts of the organism molecular structure based on their relative thermodynamic stability and their relative chemical affinities for different intra-molecular attachment sites within the body. This model allows the thermodynamic theory of aging to be called the chromatographic theory of aging. For several decades, the predictions of the thermodynamic theory of aging have been confirmed in practice. This is especially true of predictions in the field of nutrition and pharmacy. (Aging, EoHT) However, there is no direct unequivocal evidence of the effect of diets and food additives on a person’s life expectancy. However, from the position of the thermodynamic theory, the effect of food features on the life expectancy of animals and humans was predicted, and appropriate recommendations were made in one of the articles that are devoted to this issue. There one can read the following: “From the perspective of the thermodynamic theory of aging, it is advisable to take into account gerontological G. P. Gladyshev’s value indicators of food products and medicinal preparations, gerontological purity of drinking water... However, in practice, it is convenient to follow the recommendations listed below. To use as much as possible clean drinking water, the consumption of which is not contrary to medical indications. To eat biomass of phylogenetically young (ancient) species of plants and animals — relatively young food (for instance, algae, some species of fish and amphibians) . To eat biomass of ontogenetically young plants and animals—relatively young food (germinated seeds, animals’ germs, maggots, roe, young mammals, juvenile fish, chicks, etc.). Preference should be given to: Seafood, especially products of cold seas and rivers; Biomass of plants and animals growing and living in cold regions: the extreme northern and southern areas of the planet, highlands; Fats and oils with low melting points (algae oil, flax seed oil, cedar wood oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil). In case of propensity for diabetes and some other pathology, it is advisable to prefer vegetables instead of fruits. Besides, it is recommended to minimize consumption of carbohydrate-containing products (for instance, bread and floury products, rice, potatoes). It is recommended to use food extracts and medicinal extracts of young medicinal plants growing in cold regions. It is recommended to avoid eating overdone and processed food products with carcinogenic properties. Avoid taking medicines and food supplements with a low gerontological value. The specified recommendations agree with the centuries-old human experience”. All recommendations submitted, if reasonably applied, are confirmed. Thus, very important results (predicted by the thermodynamic theory of aging) were obtained in experiments on animals.
Confirmed predictions
Hierarchical thermodynamics, despite a number of approximations, can explain many known facts and make a number of predictions. Until now any events and facts are not aware in the life sciences, which cannot be understood at least in principle, from the perspective of thermodynamic theory of origin of life, its evolution and aging of living beings. In 1977 it was shown that the variation of chemical and also supramolecular composition of living beings is a result of the action of laws of hierarchical thermodynamics. The theory predicted enrichment of living beings by heavy isotopes and heavy chemical elements during evolution. The thermodynamic theory explained the nature of molecular selection in evolution including the selection of lipids, proteins and nucleic acids from the viewpoint of physical chemistry. It was termed as thermodynamic dietetics. On the basis of calculations presented, some recommendations were made regarding the establishment of anti-aging diets prolonging healthy life of animals and humans. These recommendations are fully consistent with the experience of ancient and modern medicine, and nutritional science. Furthermore, the theory has made a number of completely new, practically important, recommendations in sport medicine, pharmacology and other areas of expertise. It can be argued, that through the principle of substance stability, hierarchical thermodynamics determines the natural selection of elements, molecules and structures of the higher hierarchies during the origin of life and biological evolution. This area of science has accumulated a lot of important information which should be carefully analyzed from the standpoint of thermodynamic selection. Hierarchical thermodynamics allows us to understand social phenomena. From the standpoint of thermodynamics we can understand the ancient principle of "divide and rule". It is also shown that for most times the history of the development of society is predictable. On the basis of thermodynamic theory, hypotheses on the origins of cancer, the nature of some pathology, the common (identical) genetic code in the universe, and about the phenomenon of life as self - defending process can also be formulated. In recent years, attention was drawn to the opportunity to explain the phenomenon of natural selection based on thermodynamic concepts of the dynamical mechanism of this phenomenon. Thermodynamic theory, based on new data banks, revealed the directionality of changes in the chemical stability of metabolite molecules and supramolecular structures of organisms under physiological conditions. On the basis of experimental data, it was established that during evolution chemical and biological objects in accordance with thermodynamic theory are enriched with nitrogen and phosphorus. In addition, it was found that it is necessary to review the results regarding the stability of the high-energy phosphates and other metabolites
On the recognition of evolutionary thermodynamic theory
The first article on thermodynamics of biological evolution was published in Russian and English as a preprint at the Institute of Chemical Physics of the USSR Academy of Sciences in May 1977. In this work, in fact, it was about the development and expansion of theory of J.W. Gibbs and the application of the extended theory to dynamic systems close to equilibrium. In other words, the article dealt with a new branch of thermodynamics — classical thermodynamics of natural systems. This work was sent to the Journal of Theoretical Biology, USA. The article was reviewed 8 times. Editor-in-chief of Journal Dr. James Danielli, F.R.S. informed the author of the article that reviewers had difficulty in estimation of the work, since it can be extremely outstanding. Dr. James Danielli made the sole decision and published an article in the journal. After publication the article was welcomed by many physicists and physicists-chemists. However, very few biologists have shown interest in the new theory for many years. One of the reasons for this was due to the fact that the new theory was in direct conflict with the fashionable theory of systems far from equilibrium of Dr. I. Prigogine. In addition, the awareness of new theory created great difficulties associated with the use of a broad interdisciplinary approach. Moreover, there were very few experimental data witch confirmed the reasonableness of using the models under consideration. Now the attention to the theory has increased significantly due to the interest in the problems of the origin of life, chemical and biological evolution and aging of living beings. The emergence of free access logs online also contributed to this.
References
- ↑ Thermodynamics
- ↑ Thermodynamics of hierarchical systems, Chemical Encyclopedia (1995), 4, 1062. The Great Russian Encyclopedia, Moscow (in Russian)
- ↑ Gladyshev, G.P. (1988). Thermodynamics and Macrokinetics of Natural Hierarchical Processes, Moscow: Nauka Publ., (in Russian).
- ↑ Gladyshev, G. P. (1997). Thermodynamic Theory of the Evolution of Living Beings, (appendix 2), Commack, New York: Nova Science Publishers.
- ↑ Gibbs J.W. The Collected Works of J. Willard Gibbs Thermodynamics — New York: Longmans, Green and Co., 1928. — Vol. 1, P. 55-349.
- ↑ Georgi Gladyshev, Life as a Phenomenon. IJALSE, Vol. 1 (1), 97-98. 2014.
- ↑ Gladyshev Georgi P. (1978). "On the Thermodynamics of Biological Evolution", Journal of Theoretical Biology, Vol. 75, Issue 4, Dec 21, pp. 425-441.
- ↑ Gladyshev G.P. On General Physical Principles of Biological Evolution, International Journal of Research Studies in Biosciences. 2017, Volume 5, Issue 3, Page No: 5-10.
- ↑ Gladyshev G.P., Thermodynamics of the origin of life, evolution, and aging, International Journal of Natural Science and Reviews. 2017. pp. 2-7.
- ↑ Bogolubov N.N., Selected works. Part 1. Dynamical Theory. - New York: Gordon and Breach Science Publishers, 1990.
- ↑ Eloshvili S. A. (Tbilisi, Georgia). On the mathematical foundations of hierarchical thermodynamics (in Russian) pdf
- ↑ Gladyshev G.P. Nature Tends to Maximum Stability of Objects in all Matter Hierarchies. Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR) Vol-3, Issue-3, 2017
- ↑ Gladyshev G. P. The principle of substance stability is the driving force of evolution. International Journal of Natural Science and Reviews, 2017; 1:1.
- ↑ Gladyshev Georgi P., The Principle of Substance Stability Is Applicable to All Levels of Organization of Living Matter Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2006; 7, pp. 98-110 (PDF format, 130 K)
- ↑ Gladyshev G.P., Leonhard Euler’s Methods and Ideas Live in the Thermodynamic Hierarchical Theory of Biological Evolution. International Journal of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, 2007, 11, pp. 52-68.
- ↑ Sychev V.V, Complex thermodynamic systems. M.: Izd. House MEI, 2009.
- ↑ Gladyshev G. P., Hierarchical Thermodynamics: Foundation of Extended Darwinism. Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR), 2017, Vol-3, Issue-2, ISSN: 2454-1362.
- ↑ Gladyshev G.P., Thermodynamics of the origin of life, evolution, and aging, Advances in Gerontology; 2015, Vol. 5, Issue 2; pp. 55-58. Original Russian Text © G.P. Gladyshev, 2014, published in Uspekhi Gerontologii, 2014, Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 225–228.
- ↑ Ageing.
- ↑ Gladyshev G.P., Macrothermodynamics of Biological Evolution: Aging of Living Beings. International Journal of Modern Physics, 2004, B, 18, pp. 801-825.
- ↑ Gladyshev, G. (2015) Thermodynamics of Aging and Heredity. Natural Science, 7, 270-286. doi: 10.4236/ns.2015.75031
- ↑ Sang-Goo Lee, Alaattin Kaya, Andrei S. Avanesov et al., Age-associated molecular changes are deleterious and may modulate life span through diet, Science Advances 17 Feb 2017:Vol. 3, no. 2, e1601833 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1601833.
- ↑ Georgi P. Gladyshev (2015) Natural Selection and Thermodynamics of Biological Evolution. Natural Science, 07, 117-126. doi: 10.4236/ns.2015.73013
- ↑ Gladyshev G. P. Chemical and biological evolution: the principle of substance stability in action, Norwegian Journal of development of the International Science No 17/2018, VOL.3, pp. 36-41.
- ↑ Gladyshev G.P. On the thermodynamics of a high-energy phosphate pool in biochemistry, Norwegian Journal of development of the International Science; ISSN 3453-9875; 2018; Vol. 2; No. 18; pp. 18-21.
- ↑ Gladyshev G. P. On the Thermodynamics of Biological Evolution, Preprint, Chernogolovka, Institute of Chem. Phys. Academy of Science of USSR, May, 1977, p. 46. Т 05140 27.V 1977.
- ↑ Foreword to book Gladyshev, G. P. (1997). Thermodynamic Theory of the Evolution of Living Beings, Commack, New York: Nova Science Publishers.
- ↑ Spyros G Tzafestas. Energy, Information, Feedback, Adaptation, and Self-organization: The Fundamental Elements of Life and Society. Springer International Publishing, Jan 29, 2019 - Technology & Engineering - 668 pages.
- ↑ G.A. Mansoori, N. Enayati and L.B. Agyarko, “Energy: Sources, Utilization, Legislation, Sustainability, Illinois as Model State”, 812 Pages, World SCi. Pub. Co & Imperial College Press, 2016.
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Introduction {#Sec1}
============
Sana Labs provides personalized learning through partnership with the world's largest learning content providers. Understanding which learning behaviors lead to successful outcomes is a key focus of our research and development. The combination of online education and machine learning makes it possible to study learners' behaviors and outcomes at an unprecedented scale \[[@CR17]\]. This combination holds promise as a way to identify key learning behaviors that can be highly beneficial or detrimental to learning outcomes \[[@CR11], [@CR13]\]. They can in turn be used to make personalized learning more effective and enjoyable \[[@CR9]\]. In this paper, we focus on a behavioral analysis based on data from a large high-stakes exam preparation platform, where Sana provides review sessions that help students bridge their knowledge gaps and retain their acquired knowledge.
Online Learning Platform {#Sec2}
========================
Sana powers several features on a large-scale online exam preparation platform, where students need to go through a large amount of content, typically over the course of several months. Thus, students need to actively make complex decisions about their learning schedule and what material to cover at a given point in time, to optimize learning outcomes and maximize their exam results.
To guide the students in this decision making process, Sana powers adaptive review sessions tailored to the needs of each student. In these sessions, Sana predicts the current and future knowledge gaps of each student \[[@CR4], [@CR15], [@CR16], *inter alia*\], and recommends the most appropriate content for remediation; previously seen content is also resurfaced at the optimal time intervals in line with spaced repetition to foster long-term knowledge retention \[[@CR5], [@CR8], [@CR10], *inter alia*\].
Analyzing Learning Behavior {#Sec3}
===========================
While Sana's recommendation algorithms are based on established research on human learning strategies, it is important to understand student behavior in context to further tailor our recommendations for different use cases. Student interactions constitute a rich source of data from which to derive such insights.
Data {#Sec4}
----
We collected data from each student interacting with learning material on the platform.[1](#Fn1){ref-type="fn"} This interaction data was enriched with the final exam outcome of each student (pass/fail) to form the core data of our analysis.
To focus on interaction events related only to the observed exam outcome, we disregarded all events registered prior to a break of at least 30 days of studying. We further excluded infrequent users of the platform.[2](#Fn2){ref-type="fn"} After filtering, we obtained a group of 6631 students, totaling over 35 million events over a period of 7 months.
Method {#Sec5}
------
We defined features to capture different facets of student behavior that were hypothesized to have an impact on learning outcomes. Each behavior was encoded as a numerical feature and the impact of each feature was assessed with the Random Forest permutation importance measure \[[@CR1]\].[3](#Fn3){ref-type="fn"}
Specifically, we used Scikit-learn \[[@CR14]\] to train a Random Forest classifier to predict the exam outcome (pass/fail) from the full set of features, using a 75--25% train--test split. We tuned the following hyperparameters (optimal value in parenthesis) on the training set: the maximum fraction of features to be considered for a split (0.2), the number of trees (400), and the maximum depth of a tree (50). The optimal setting resulted in 0.93 AUC \[[@CR6]\] on the test set.
We repeated the analysis on a smaller group of 1158 students with similar practice frequency, in order to control for the effect of time spent on the platform. We obtained 0.91 AUC on the test set, with the optimal hyperparameters being a split fraction of 0.4, 600 trees, and unlimited maximum depth.
Finally, to understand the direction of these effects, we performed t-tests on the averages of each feature between the groups of passing and failing students.Fig. 1.Permutation importance of evaluated features. See Sect. [3.2](#Sec5){ref-type="sec"}--[3.3](#Sec6){ref-type="sec"} for details.
Results {#Sec6}
-------
Figure [1](#Fig1){ref-type="fig"} shows the permutation importance of each of the analyzed features. The most effective behaviors identified, all of which are found to have positive effects, are listed below in order of importance (due to space restrictions, we are not able to describe all behaviors in detail):Breadth: the number of topics (as defined by the curriculum) the student engages with on an average week, without necessarily having completed them.Total Practice Tests: the number of practice tests taken (a practice test fully mimics the structure and timing of the real exam).Content Coverage: the percentage of unique content elements (exercises) covered across the entire study path.Daily Practice Length: the average number of content elements the student interacts with per day.Intensity: the fraction of days the student has been active on the platform out of the total number of days registered.Consistency: the reciprocal of one standard deviation of the daily practice length.
Our finding on the importance of breadth and content coverage is consistent with research on interleaved learning \[[@CR3]\]. In the case of exam preparation, a breadth-first approach could potentially help by familiarizing the students with the structure of the content or by making associations between different topics. Additionally, in terms of content type, we found that completing the available practice tests has a positive impact, however with diminishing returns.
Looking at daily practice length, we found that students with the highest total amount of practice do not necessarily have the best exam outcomes: these students often practice less daily, but keep studying for a longer period. It seems that learning intensity matters more than the sheer number of days of studying.
Once the effects of frequency and timing are isolated, consistency becomes important: students who spend roughly the same amount in each practice have better outcomes.[4](#Fn4){ref-type="fn"} These finding may reflect the importance of appropriately spaced repetition on knowledge retention.
Limitations {#Sec7}
===========
Due to the limitations of data collection, we could not consider factors that are difficult or impossible to measure from the available data, for example, the knowledge state of a student prior to using the platform, their use of external resources, demographics \[[@CR7]\], socioeconomic status \[[@CR2]\], or motivation \[[@CR12]\]. A causal model is also out of scope of the current study for the same reasons. Collecting relevant external information and isolating potential confounding variables would allow us to better identify beneficial learning behaviors that are addressable within the platform. Finally, we hope to verify in future studies whether the present findings are applicable to other learning platform and subjects as well.
Conclusion {#Sec8}
==========
As online learning platforms are becoming increasingly popular, there is a rising need to tailor both learning paths and content to maximize learning outcomes. In addition to personalization and adaptivity, understanding the effect of overall learning behavior is an important aspect of designing effective strategies, content organization and user experience.
Two key beneficial behaviors have been identified in this study: Cover as much of the content as possible, through a breadth-first approach (interleaved learning).Practice frequently and consistently (i.e. for a similar amount of time in each session).
Our findings validate the algorithms currently employed by Sana for personalized review: these sessions bring out the best content from all topics, facilitating breadth. By predicting knowledge gaps in a topic and surfacing unseen but related material from that topic, the sessions also promote content coverage. We believe that these findings provide a basis for further improvements to recommendation strategies to promote optimal learning behavior.
Including responses to multiple choice questions, viewing of theory or instructional video, along with outcome, when applicable.
Infrequent users are defined as: students who did not have at least one interaction with each major topic of the exam, students who had used the platform for less than a week, and students who had covered less than 20% of the content on the platform.
This has been shown to be more reliable than impurity-based measures \[[@CR18]\].
The *consistency* feature has an importance score of 0.1 on the smaller dataset of 1158 students described in Sect. [3.2](#Sec5){ref-type="sec"}.
| |
Where do Emotions come from?
What Is Inner Peace? How to Find It?
What is Self-Realization?
What is the True Nature of Reality?
Principles of Sufism - Islamic Mysticism
The Law of Being and Doing with Love
Is the Universe our true Body?
What is the Consciousness? | https://readintrobooks.com/introbooks-videos/ |
Published in The Hindu on July 24, 2009
The recent decision of the Drugs Controller General of India to make registration of clinical trials mandatory is laudable and comes two years after the launch of an open-access Indian registry linked to the World Health Organisation platform. All clinical trials initiated after June 15 will have to be entered in the Indian Council of Medical Research’s Clinical Trial Registry — India. Pharmaceutical companies have, over the years, acquired the dubious distinction of conducting unethical trials that could even harm the volunteers. By making registration mandatory before enrolment of the first volunteer, the government has sought to bring more transparency and accountability to clinical trials. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration made registration mandatory in December 2007 for the same reason. But unlike in the U.S., Phase-I trials conducted here have not been excluded from registration. Even then the Indian arrangement is not comprehensive; in reality, registration becomes mandatory only when new molecules or new indications of an existing drug that requires the approval of the DCGI for marketing in the country are tested, or when India is part of a multi-country trial. The WHO and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) recommend registration of all trials involving humans, be it for interventional or other purposes.
Though the initial response had been rather lukewarm, with only 34 trials registered a year after the registry was started in June 2007, the numbers have shot up in the recent past. There have been 150 registrations this year, which is half the total registered so far. The figure is likely to see a spurt in the coming months. As the registry is freely accessible to the public, it would provide useful information to those intending to enrol as volunteers, and for those monitoring clinical trials. It would also minimise biased reporting by drug companies. More importantly, the three additional parameters required by the Indian registry would go a long way in improving the reporting standards of randomised clinical trials and hence the reliability of results published in Indian medical journals. Currently, many of the trial results that are published fall short of the international reporting standards primarily due to poor trial design. This leads to such trials being excluded by those undertaking systematic reviews and by developers of treatment guidelines, resulting in conclusions that may not be relevant to health care in India. | https://journosdiary.com/2016/01/05/editorial-more-transparent-clinical-trials/?shared=email&msg=fail |
Psychology is the study of people – what they do, think, perceive and feel. It helps us to answer many important questions about society by applying scientific principles to human behaviour. Our Psychology with Clinical Psychology degree is especially suited to you if you're thinking about a career in the health or social services.
Kent is a leading centre for social psychology – the study of human behaviour in a social environment – and we also have strengths in cognitive, forensic and developmental psychology. Passionate about research, our academics are world-leading experts and can inspire you to develop your own ideas and become an independent thinker.
Our Psychology with Clinical Psychology degree offers a high level of professional skills and can be the first step to becoming a health or social care professional.
On this programme, you gain a broad background in practical applications, experimental and other methodologies, information technology and theory construction. Our modules cover a wide range of topics such as child development, language, mental health, motivation, and forensic psychology. You can also gain direct experience of research through the:
The lecturers have a friendly approach to teaching and you get a high level of academic support via lectures, seminars and one-to-one feedback.
In your final year, you take specialist clinical psychology modules and can also choose other specialist modules in areas of particular interest to you. All your work will help you to demonstrate transferable skills valued by employers.
You have the option to take this programme with a year of professional experience. For more details, see Psychology with Clinical Psychology with a Placement Year.
The School of Psychology is in a modern building with state-of-the-art teaching facilities and two computer rooms. Our specialised equipment includes:
The Psychology Society is run by Kent students. Previous activities include talks by guest speakers and the chance for students to publish work in the Student Journal of Psychology.
The School of Psychology also puts on many events that you are welcome to attend. These may include:
You are more than your grades
At Kent we look at your circumstances as a whole before deciding whether to make you an offer to study here. Find out more about how we offer flexibility and support before and during your degree.
The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications. Some typical requirements are listed below. Students offering alternative qualifications should contact us for further advice. Please also see our general entry requirements.
If you are an international student, visit our International Student website for further information about entry requirements for your country, including details of the International Foundation Programmes. Please note that international fee-paying students who require a Student visa cannot undertake a part-time programme due to visa restrictions.
Please note that meeting the typical offer/minimum requirement does not guarantee that you will receive an offer.
AAB-ABB excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking
Mathematics grade C or 4
The University will not necessarily make conditional offers to all Access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis.
If we make you an offer, you will need to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.
Distinction, Distinction, Merit
34 points overall or 17 points at HL with Mathematics 4 at HL or SL
Pass all components of the University of Kent International Foundation Programme with a 60% overall average (plus 50% in LZ013 Maths and Statistics if you do not hold GCSE Maths at 4/C or equivalent).
Please see our English language entry requirements web page.
If you need to improve your English language standard as a condition of your offer, you can attend one of our pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes before starting your degree programme. You attend these courses before starting your degree programme.
Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
You take all compulsory modules and then choose two elective modules from across the University. The School of Psychology offers two option modules: SP306 Introduction to Forensic Psychology and SP311 Business Psychology: An Introduction.
SP300 is concerned with methodology in psychology, with statistics in psychology, and how they interact. In the lectures, relevant topics in methodology and statistics are introduced over the course of the year (examples are design considerations, counterbalancing, sample versus population, descriptive statistics, histograms, summary statistics, hypothesis testing). There are a number of dedicated lectures looking at how the psychological literature reflects the methodological and statistical issues that have been addressed in the lectures, and how researchers have balanced the requirements of methods, statistics and theory-driven investigation
Psychology is an increasingly popular discipline, possibly because of its relevance to the problems of everyday life. It is also a scientific discipline and draws on other areas of scientific investigation for its concepts and ideas, including Biology, Linguistics, Computer Science and Philosophy. The general aim of this module is to introduce students to the scientific study of behaviour, covering the basic approaches to the subject, including the Biological approach, the Cognitive approach, Behaviourism and Ethology, the Development perspective and related philosophical ideas. Rather than teach these topics in separate blocks, the module is organised so as to emphasise how the theoretical frameworks underlying these approaches relate and contrast. The module also shows how psychological theories and ideas can be used to account for both everyday and abnormal human behaviour.
This module, along with other Stage 1 psychology modules, provides a foundation for Stages 2 and 3. It will provide students with an introduction to the methods, techniques and issues involved in the study of social psychology and developmental psychology. The emphasis of the module is on theory as the foundation of an empirical discipline and the importance of scientific methodology. It highlights the interplay between theory, research, and application in both social psychology and developmental psychology. In one part of the module, focus is placed on core theories and research in, as well as applications of, social psychology. In the other part of the module, focus is placed on core theories and research in, as well as applications of, developmental psychology. Each part begins with an overview of the historical development of the subject before introducing students to current theories and methods.
This module will introduce students to key topics in Clinical Psychology. In particular, this module will focus on (1) fundamental applications of psychology, as a science, for understanding important clinical issues, and (2) key research methods common in clinical psychological research. Throughout the module, students will be encouraged to apply contemporary psychological concepts and methods to understand the important clinical psychological issues outlined.
You have the opportunity to select elective modules in this stage.
You take all compulsory modules in Psychology. These modules, together with the final-year project, are required for professional recognition by the British Psychological Society.
The broad aims of the module are: (a) to provide a continued training in methodological skills appropriate to psychological investigation; (b) to provide advanced training in statistical techniques of the analysis of psychological data; (c) to provide training in computing skills for conducting analysis of psychological data; and (d) to provide direct experience of some of the phenomena encountered in other Stage 2/3 psychology modules. The practical component of the module consists of a structured programme of laboratory classes and non-laboratory sessions during which students work in small supervised groups designing and carrying out four research projects related to themes encountered in the department's other Stage 2/3 modules. A programme of statistics lectures and computing workshops is closely linked to the practical classes. Computer–based statistical analysis is illustrated using SPSS, a general-purpose statistical package
The focus of this module is on understanding how children develop. Understanding something of the processes of developmental change is a central part of any psychology degree, and by the end of this module you should be in a better position to understand the significance of child development for human psychology. As the course progresses we will move from issues germane to early infancy, through childhood and the associated social, cognitive and emotional changes the child experiences during that period, concluding with an overall look at the bigger picture.
The module provides a comprehensive overview of the main theories in personality and differential psychology and introduces a number of key topics in research on personality and individual differences. We will consider what personality is, why it differs between people, and what the impact is of personality on life outcomes. The module introduces students to the basic principles of the scientific study of personality and the major dimensions of personality variation. We examine personality change and stability, the biological bases, and genetic and environmental influences. We will also focus on other important individual differences such as mental abilities (intelligence), political attitudes, religious beliefs and sexuality.
The Research Participation Scheme (RPS) enables students commencing their training in Psychology to gain experience with academic research through participation in studies conducted by staff and other students who are more advanced in their studies (i.e., Final Year, MSc, PhD). Students enrolled in the RPS accumulate credits that correspond to the time spent participating in studies. All studies offered via the RPS have received independent ethical approval and comply with the BPS Code of Human Research Ethics.
Students will attend a series of talks relating to topics in Clinical Psychology. They will be required to keep a reflective diary across Stage 2 where they record reflections on the series of talks. This allows the students to have a record of activities for their CV, contributes to employability, and gives practice for similar requirements at PG level or in pursuing professional training in Clinical Psychology
This module focuses on the study of the biological bases of human behaviour, relating actions and experiences to genetics and physiology. The study of brain functioning is central to this module. It will address questions such as: How do genes, drugs and hormones influence behaviour? Why do we sleep? What causes behaviour? How are memories stored in the brain? What is the role of bodily reactions in emotion? Is schizophrenia a disorder of the brain? In addition, the module will focus on the methods that are used to answer these questions, such as the recording of physiological signals, brain-imaging techniques, and the study of brain-damaged patients.
The module gives a grounding in methods, techniques and issues of cognitive psychology and allied disciplines. Focusing on vision, memory, higher-levels of cognition concerned with language and cognitive control, and methodology, it examines how cognitive processes are instantiated in mind and brain. It also provides an historical overview of the schools of thought that led to the inception of cognitive psychology as a distinct academic discipline.
This module introduces you to the major orientations and discoveries in the social psychology of group processes. The material covers both behaviour within groups (e.g. group structure, social influence, leadership, and group performance) and behaviour between groups (e.g. intergroup conflict and co-operation, social categorisation and social identity, and prejudice and its reduction). We analyse the basic mechanisms in groups that occupy the same position in the social structure in terms of power, status, and group size, as well as mechanisms that characterize asymmetric groups. There is a strong emphasis on social psychological theory being examined by systematic empirical research. Teaching is by lectures and seminars with additional practical demonstrations from time to time.
This module introduces you to the major theories and research in the social psychology of interpersonal behaviour. The emphasis throughout is on social cognition, and three main areas will be considered: social cognition and the self, attitudes (including attitude-behaviour relations, attitude change and persuasion), and interpersonal relationships. There will be a strong emphasis on social psychological theory and systematic empirical research in both field and laboratory settings.
You take all compulsory modules and then choose two optional psychology modules, allowing you to follow specialist interests and benefit from staff research expertise.
This module complements the focus of BSc degree on basic (fundamental) psychological research by providing training in applied psychology. The module equips students with an understanding of what is meant by applied psychology, of the domains in which psychology can be applied (e.g., in business, education, health, and the law), and decision rules governing applied psychology such as the balance between the cost and risks inherent in an intervention with its benefits. It would also introduce students to ethical, logistical, and methodological challenges in applied psychology. Students are also introduced to the history and philosophy of applied psychology, for example contrasting humanistic and behaviourist approaches to intervention, and a consideration of the role of socially constructed "value" in the application of science (for example, how prejudice versus homosexuality have waxed and waned as “problems” warranting psychological intervention according to prevailing social values).
All students are required to carry out a piece of psychological research on a specific topic, and to then present it as a report that adheres to the conventions of academic Psychology.
The course introduces the concept of psychopathology and presents students with a range of models currently used in clinical research and practice to understand and treat psychological problems. It provides opportunities for exploring ways in which specific problems such as anxiety, depression and schizophrenia are understood from medical, cognitive behavioural and systemic orientations, and encourages students to compare and contrast these approaches.
Overview of clinical psychology, historical and current clinical and service issues. Social Inequalities, mental health and mental health services. Childhood autism and early intervention. Working with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Behavioural interventions in learning disabilities. Issues in community care. Women and mental health. Advances in clinical behaviour analysis. Clinical psychology training
Developmental psychology aims to understand the developmental trajectory of psychological processes involved in human thought, action, behaviour and emotion. The underlying premise of this field is that a fuller understanding of any psychological phenomena becomes available once we explain when and how it develops. The main purpose of this module is to critically review recent research into key topics within advanced developmental psychology (e.g. social development, the development of prejudice, children as witnesses, the development of mindreading and learning from others). Through such an examination we will be a good position to understand the questions, issues and controversies that are at the forefront of research in developmental psychology
This module offers an exciting opportunity to learn more about cutting-edge research into groups.
You will understand and apply group research to social policy, business, politics, marketing, etc. and get the chance to consider current affairs and personal experiences with the opportunity for small group discussions and team work. Example topics: alcohol and group processes, leadership, organisational identity, improving cooperation in groups.
This module tackles a variety of hot and/or critical topics in cognitive psychology, building upon the theories and research assimilated at Stages 1 and 2. The goal of the lecturers, both experts on their topics, is to bring students to a more advanced level, where they can start to evaluate pieces of research in terms of their findings, conceptual underpinnings and/or methodological choices. The overarching theme focuses on free will and metacognition, looking in particular at the extent to which we control, or feel we control, our cognitive processes and behaviour in areas such as decision making, imitation and memory. We will discuss research that has used a variety of methods, including behavioural, animal and neuroimaging techniques. Practical applications and relevance to a general understanding of behaviour will be emphasised throughout.
This module will build upon the cognitive theories and research methods explored at stages 1 and 2. It will focus on several forms of neurological deficit each of which affects a different domain of cognition. Students will learn about how different strands of neuroscientific research, relating to behaviour, cognition, anatomy, and physiology, have both advanced our understanding of human neuropsychology, and informed on the design of relevant intervention strategies.
This module is concerned with contemporary concepts, theories and findings in the social psychology of justice and morality. We will consider how social psychology has been applied to understand the basis of our sense of morality and justice, with a particular focus on how these theories can help us understand contemporary real-world ethical debates and be applied with benefits for individuals, groups and society. In doing so, we will see how the empirical methods of psychology can be joined with philosophical and political concepts of justice and morality, and better understand how individuals develop and use moral concepts to navigate the social world and guide their behaviour.
This module provides an opportunity to study the literature on motivation, inspired by a wide range of psychological perspectives (e.g., Evolutionary Psychology, Social Psychology, and Existential Experimental Psychology). In this, we will consider what motivates human cognition and behaviour. Specifically we will consider; (a) General Theories of Human Evolution & Motivation(b) Biological Perspectives (c) The self and Self-regulation (d) Human Mating Strategies, (e) Embodiment, (f) Threat Management, (g) Emotion, (h) Religion and Illusion, (i) The Modern Unconscious (j).. Moreover, the module will introduce students to experimental methods and measures applied in the field of research on human motivation. Finally, applications of theory and findings on human motivation to applied settings (e.g., daily life) are discussed
The module will systematically explore common logical and psychological barriers to understanding and critically analysing empirical research. Major topics to be considered include common fallacies of deductive and inductive reasoning, judgmental heuristics relevant to evaluating empirical research claims, essentials of a scientific method, misleading statistical and graphical techniques, establishing genuine associations, the role of inferential statistics for identifying illusory associations, essentials of causal inference, threats to the validity of experimental and non experimental research.
This module will provide students with an in-depth examination of the theoretical and applied aspects of Forensic Psychology. It will include the development of laws and the principles on which the judicial system is founded, offending by specific sections of the community including street gangs and career criminals, Criminal Justice responses to offending by the police and forensic profilers, the role and credibility of eyewitnesses and the interview processes employed with suspects, the role of juries, how sentences are compiled for convicted offenders, the aims of punishment and how prisoners respond to imprisonment, theoretical perspectives of rehabilitation and an examination of the implementation of the sex offender treatment programme. The module will focus on the in-depth application of forensic psychology to the justice system, its role in identifying and ameliorating offending behaviour. In particular it will evaluate the role of psychology in criminal justice: systems, policies and practices by presenting and critically evaluating research and research methods within forensic psychology. Students will be encouraged to develop skills to critique the literature and methodologies to further their understanding of the core forensic issues the course presents.
This module will provide students with theoretical instruction and opportunities for critical evaluation in abnormal psychology. It will examine the origins and identification of different forms of atypical cognitions and behaviours and investigate the psychological and social impact for patients. It will cover some of the major mental health disorders, focusing primarily on what research has to say about their social/cognitive/biological bases and the implications they have for treatment. In addition, the module will describe several methodological approaches, ask fundamental questions about the meaning of normality. The historical developments in this field will be examined and current interventions and treatments will feature highly in this module.
This module provides an introduction to important issues in learning disabilities. It examines definitions and attitudes to people with for example, Down's Syndrome. It explores a number of particular difficulties which people with learning disabilities experience, including communicating, establishing social and sexual relationships, and some of the resultant problems, such as sexual abuse and challenging behaviour. Finally, the most recent social policy initiatives are considered with a focus on how services might implement policy objectives (such as social inclusion and adult protection).
The 2021/22 annual tuition fees for this programme are:
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For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*
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Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.
At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence.
The scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of A*AA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications (including BTEC and IB) as specified on our scholarships pages.
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.Search scholarships
Modules are taught by weekly lectures, workshops, small group seminars and project supervision. The Psychology Statistics and Practical modules include laboratory practical sessions, statistics classes, computing classes and lectures in statistics and methodology.
Most modules are assessed by examination and coursework in equal measure. Both Stage 2 and 3 marks and, where appropriate, the marks for your year abroad or placement count towards your final degree result. Our assessment methods are varied and will include, but are not limited to, examinations, written assignments and essays, group work and oral presentations.
For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours. The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules. Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules. Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
The programme aims to:
You gain knowledge and understanding of:
You develop intellectual skills in:
You gain subject-specific skills in:
You gain transferable skills in:
All University of Kent courses are regulated by the Office for Students.
Based on the evidence available, the TEF Panel judged that the University of Kent delivers consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students. It is of the highest quality found in the UK.
Please see the University of Kent's Statement of Findings for more information.
Psychology at Kent scored 93% overall and was ranked 5th for research intensity and 7th for graduate prospects in The Complete University Guide 2021.
Of Psychology graduates who responded to the most recent national survey of graduate destinations, over 97% were in professional work or further study within six months (DLHE, 2017).
Our graduates have gone on to work in:
Many continue their studies at postgraduate level to qualify as a:
The University has a friendly Careers and Employability Service, which can give you advice on how to:
The School of Psychology has valuable links with educational establishments, hospitals and prisons in the area, offering you the possibility of both visits and work placements. We also offer a Research Experience Scheme that gives you a taste of working within a research environment.
Studying for a degree is not just about mastering your subject area. Employers also look for a range of key transferable skills, which you develop as part of your degree.
These include:
You can also gain extra skills by signing up for our Kent Extra activities, such as learning a language or volunteering.
The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society as conferring eligibility for Graduate Membership with Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (provided you graduate with at least second class honours and pass your final-year research project).
This is the first step towards becoming a Chartered Psychologist, which is important if you want to work within the NHS or a local education authority.
If you are from the UK or Ireland, you must apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not from the UK or Ireland, you can choose to apply through UCAS or directly on our website.Find out more about how to apply
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Find out more about the Unistats dataset on the Higher Education Statistics Agency website. | https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/50 |
John is a plant eco-physiologist and biochemist by training, joining the CMSR recently from Singapore. He would be using the latest and also traditional ecophysiological, biochemical, microbial and biotechnological tools and concepts to understand plant (seeds, seedlings, shrubs/trees) survivorship and performance (ecophysiological traits, environmental tolerance, longevity, fecundity) when growing under unfavourable conditions such degraded soils, abiotic stress, presence of heavy metals/metalloids, and other perturbations. The new findings would be harness to improve holistically the ecological restoration outcomes in mine sites across the diverse ecosystems of Australia and beyond.
John has a wide interest in terrestrial and marine plants, eco-physiology and hormone biochemistry, plant-microbe interactions, soil health and fertility, and biodiversity. He received his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from the National University of Singapore and Australian National University. As a well-travelled and multi-disciplinary focused plant scientist, John went over to Brown University (2003-2004) and later, MIT (2011-2012), on various US Fellowships (Fulbright, MIT-Singapore) to push new boundaries in various aspects of plant biology, developing novel research tools, and science education. At present, John is the IUCN Mangrove Red List coordinator and helping to support global efforts in mangrove conservation and ecological restoration and especially in developing countries. | http://arc-cmsr.org/index.php/en/team/theme-leaders/29-scientists/23-team-leader/9-john-yong?referer=trombinoscope |
Respectful and early engagement with communities that may be impacted by mining operations is crucial, even during the exploration phase
Mineral exploration presents many challenges and opportunities for building company value. In an increasingly complex world, different skills are needed to ensure exploration remains viable. While applying good geoscience is critical for targeting, it is also necessary that access to ground is maintained and that programs are executed efficiently. Attaining ‘good neighbour’ status can be achieved through a planned approach to early engagement that protects the project from unforeseen social disruption.
Early engagement with Communities of Interest (COIs) sets the tone for how the company is perceived and whether its operations will gain social acceptance. COIs are defined here as entities that may be impacted by, or have an influence on, project outcomes. This article explores how social acceptance might be achieved during the exploration phase. The approaches have relevance to COIs throughout the world, and can be adapted by companies to local social contexts. The discussion is relevant to junior, mid-size and major explorers, although approaches will vary based on business relevance and capacity.
Preparing for early engagement
For board members, managers, geoscientists and engineers, while the business necessity of gaining social acceptance may be well understood, the process to achieve it may be unclear. Developing capacity to ‘socially perform’ is critical, and this capacity can be built through the introduction of a practice framework, where roles and responsibilities surrounding the company’s social performance are defined and metrics to measure outcomes are established.
Social performance requires cooperation between all parts of the business and for company values to be aligned. Internal alignment towards social performance goals will impact external performance.
Crucially, attitudes and behaviours of company representatives during early engagement can impact company reputation. An investment in social performance has cost implications for companies and to be successful, must have its own place in the organisation.
During exploration, early engagement should involve a range of company and community focused activities, including:
- social impact, risk and opportunity assessment
- community engagement and agreement making
- local employment
- local procurement
- indigenous relations and cultural heritage management
- community sponsorship and community.
Social impact, risk and opportunity assessment
Early engagement begins in the office with project teams. Prior to project-scale targeting, understanding local land tenure, access, social risks and associated time and cost constraints contributes to the development of exploration ‘pipelines’ and variable risk profiles that take into account different scenarios. Sometimes this work is completed as ‘due diligence’ where technical and social risks and opportunities are assessed.
In conjunction with the development of a technical exploration program, a social assessment gives the opportunity to modify the project as necessary to minimise and mitigate potential social and environmental impacts. Data collected during early engagement through social assessment, when communities remain largely unaffected by the company’s presence, can also be critical in assessing rights and interests as projects move towards development. A simplified framework for exploration is described in Figure 1 (see over page), during which a number of social topics might be considered, such as: indigenous peoples and free, prior and informed consent (FPIC); water scarcity; biosecurity; gender equity; poverty; security; etc. The effort required to undertake social assessment will depend on the project location, unique social context and perceived risks and opportunities. The quality of data and confidence in decision making improves through engagement, where community feedback can be used to adapt technical work and operations to mitigate impacts and manage risks.
When captured, community feedback can be used to measure social performance and over time improve the quality of company-community relationships. Quantitative metrics can be used in setting internal targets, while qualitative metrics should focus on the quality of relationships and community perceptions. Community data can be contrasted with company perspectives, allowing gap assessments to be completed, unearthing valuable ‘reality checks’ on the project.
Community engagement and agreement-making
Engagement is not a stand-alone process. It is underpinned by all the activities needed to achieve good social performance. In early engagement, some unique challenges may exist, and depending on project context the following may need to be considered:
- legacy issues of previous mining
- COI connection to country and culture
- issues of poverty, economic oppression and/or conflict over community resources.
Company workers undertaking exploration are often exposed to complex community situations. In these situations, the support of social specialists with relevant knowledge and skills may be required.
Managing community perceptions is usually important during early engagement and involves informing COIs of the likelihood of exploration success, impacts, possibility and timeframes of development, and significant benefits. The company may need to fund external resources to support effective community engagement, for example through Land Councils or independent legal or anthropological services.
Agreement-making can support good early engagement and provide a structured and efficient framework to recognise community rights and interests and realise benefits. Often through regulatory processes it is necessary to negotiate in order to mitigate impacts,provide compensation and secure landholder permission to access land. Agreement-making often provides the first point of contact between the company and a COI and presents an opportunity to start building respectful relationships and legitimacy.
An early focus on interest-based negotiation, where rights are recognised and outcomes of interest to both parties are sought, is more likely to deliver shared benefits that are practical. This in turn helps produce meaningful outcomes and provide useful metrics of social performance. Depending on the scope and significance of negotiation, it may be necessary to clearly define company roles. For example, community relations (CR) staff are usually well placed to negotiate on behalf of the company where they have relevant skills and experience. At other times, these CR staff may be conflicted where they seek to support the company and community equally at the same time. This can be confusing to the community, resulting in a perceived breach of trust.
The longer-term focus for early engagement is to develop quality relationships that support mutual understanding and shared benefits. If engagement begins through a regulated process, a transition to a broader, interest-based engagement is needed. Geologists, geophysicists and field staff have important roles in having the most contact with community members who may not be part of local political structures. Developing broad and trustful relationships with COIs helps mitigate negative impacts that may arise through changes in community dynamics and project decisions. Engagement also helps to tap into the social capital of the community and helps the company assess and possibly access community resources to benefit the project.
In considering interest-based approaches, ‘Community Dialogue’ is important. Community Dialogue is a technical social discipline based largely on community work by non-governmental organisations in developing nations (refer Tony Kelly et al). When used in exploration, Community Dialogue helps build rapport between the company and COIs. Good relationships allow issues to be explored in a connected and caring way that builds trust and legitimacy. Community Dialogue can help move parties from acting only from ‘positions of power’ to ‘positions of interest’. This can also help to avoid or resolve disputes or impediments to access land. Social specialists will usually be trained in Community Dialogue, can support others in its application and have responsibility for resolving difficult company-community issues. A workforce skilled in Community Dialogue is likely to work more collaboratively, with care and compassion for coworkers; therefore, investing in Community Dialogue practice also makes good sense from an organisational perspective.
Local employment
Opportunities to employ local community members should always be considered during exploration as a way to provide benefits, promote transparency and build relationships with local communities.
Honesty is essential when discussing opportunities with the community, as the company may not have the necessary expertise or systems to support community members seeking work. An understanding of the local social context is vital. In some contexts, the company may need to identify ways to mitigate issues or behaviours that may disrupt operations or negatively impact relationships. Decisions on the scale and type of employment offered need to be based on assessments that consider the site needs, local social context, opportunity for community benefit and financial cost.
Integrating contractors might also be relevant, and this may require site inductions tailored specifically for the local community context, and these inductions may include formal COI representation.
Local procurement
Local procurement provides opportunities for members of COIs to directly participate in economic benefits through starting or expanding local business, employing others and generally increasing community wealth. Services may include transport, food supply, mechanical services, earthworks, fuel and equipment hire.
Engagement around economic participation may also allow a company to develop relationships beyond locally impacted COIs. Operational planning should involve mapping company needs to community resources. Identifying community resources early can have significant cost-saving advantages, especially in remote areas where transport costs are high. This approach may be further enhanced where spending is channeled through local co-ops, resulting in a greater spread of benefits.
The company’s approach may be influenced by a regional strategy, where multiple tenement holdings exist in an area rather than a single operation. Companies should consider working alongside business owners to develop their offerings, possibly leveraging other community resources and government funding. In doing so, special arrangements may be needed to allow a more responsive approach to supporting local business cash flow and capacity building.
Local landholders can often provide local earthworks, water services and information on local ground conditions, site risks and climate predictions. Knowledge of groundwater can be particularly important in locating bores that support drilling and exploration camps. Local landholders may also play an important role in developing and executing emergency response plans in remote areas and in rehabilitating sites. While not all local landholders approve of mining activities, most will seek to engage respectfully given a similar approach by the company. For some, exploration funding can provide a significant financial boost during times of need, resulting in quantifiable benefits for the landholder and measurable inputs to social performance.
Indigenous community relations and cultural heritage management
Whether regulated or not, cultural heritage protection is important to both indigenous communities (in Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; as a general term around the world this refers to those who identify as the first inhabitants of lands impacted by colonisation) and companies. In remote and undeveloped areas, company staff undertaking exploration may be the first to impact the land in non-traditional ways.
Valuing culture is an important step towards building positive and respectful company-community relationships. This may be demonstrated in company attitudes towards support for heritage surveys, in appreciation of different world views and seeking to value and exchange cultural knowledge on an equal footing. This may involve capturing local knowledge on the use of plants and animals and understanding the importance of landscapes and cultural traditions. Local knowledge can also be integrated in early stage environmental baseline data and in support of rehabilitation. The demonstration of ‘care’ – not just the legal form of ‘duty of care’ – supports relations that contribute to community acceptance.
Developing good relationships with indigenous communities can also provide competitive advantage.
Company efforts in one area can quickly take effect in other nearby areas, and have a positive regional benefit for the company. This often translates to greater flexibility in operations and improved certainty in project development.
From an industry perspective, good relations with indigenous communities can contribute to more positive societal views of the mining industry and can positively influence shareholder sentiment and investment.
Community sponsorship and community investment
Both community sponsorship and investment are relevant during exploration. Sponsorship, for example of local institutions, events or groups, is important in meeting community expectations, even during very early stage exploration. Company presence at community events may improve company visibility but not necessarily reputation. An understanding of local mining legacies and prevailing community attitudes towards mining are important in deciding the appropriate approach.
Community investment (CI) typically becomes more relevant as project value increases and exploration advances beyond drill target testing. CI initiatives are more likely to focus on the developmental needs of local COIs. Benefits to the company can be numerous, and may include: improving the company’s visibility and reputation; providing access to other community voices to improve understanding of the local social context; helping to sustain relationships as project budgets wax and wane; and providing opportunities to engage all members of the community. Budgets supporting CI should be multi-year and independent of project budgets, and it is likely external expertise will be required and a framework developed to promote consistency, transparency and equity.
Even the smallest gains in community empowerment can have profound impacts and benefits to both the community and company. Effective planning and use of Community Dialogue are essential in identifying the right mix of internal capacity and external support needed to encourage good outcomes. While financial support may be the initial focus of discussion, responsible approaches typically seek to identify local community resources that promote ownership and sustainable outcomes. Beneficiaries can become important supporters of the company and its operations and extend support beyond local COIs.
Conclusion
Early engagement in seeking community acceptance and demonstrating social performance requires a ‘whole of business’ approach. The importance of early engagement necessitates that it has high visibility within the company and that it becomes embedded in business culture and process. Responsibility for the work should be shared and access to social specialists who are equipped to engage at all levels of business and with communities is critical. In exploration, geoscience and field staff provide ongoing ‘on the ground’ support and feedback that can help improve social performance. Good early engagement and demonstrated community support not only builds company value, but increasingly supports regulatory requirements for community engagement. Nothing speaks louder than the community’s voice of support. | https://www.ausimmbulletin.com/feature/exploration-early-engagement/ |
Notre Dame pivots funding and research to tackle COVID-19
The University of Notre Dame’s Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics (AD&T) research center announced new awards that will enable faculty researchers to pivot or expand their existing research to address the detection, diagnosis, treatment or prognosis of COVID-19 viral infections and related serious medical conditions.
“Notre Dame researchers are adept at tackling emerging needs and, in the case of this pandemic, they are once again stepping up to the plate,” said Paul Bohn, the Arthur J. Schmitt Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, and director of AD&T. “Our goal with offering this new funding is to advance our understanding of the virus and the direct and indirect health problems it can cause.”
The new funding is intended to help faculty researchers build on existing data and technologies and support the rapid progress of promising results to translation or implementation. The recipients and their research projects are as follows:
Merlin Bruening, the Donald and Susan Rice Professor of Engineering at Notre Dame, and Jacqueline Linnes, the Marta E. Gross Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University, received the award for “Membrane-based quantification of COVID-19 antibodies.” Their goal is to expand on their current National Science Foundation-funded research that supports the development of tools for quantifying the COVID-19 immune response. The funding from AD&T will be used to quantify the capture of COVID-19 antibodies, which will help identify previously infected patients and how infections spread, and determine if immunity is temporary.
Hsueh-Chia Chang, the Bayer Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Notre Dame, and Satyajyoti Senapati, research associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at Notre Dame, received the award for “Highly sensitive rapid lateral flow SARS-CoV-2 antigen test.” The researchers aim to expand on their National Institutes of Health-funded project, which is to develop a suite of future microfluidic diagnostic devices for cancer screening, to diagnose viral infections. This new funding will utilize their technologies to help reduce the potential for false negatives by developing a rapid, cheap and accurate point-of-contact COVID-19 test with significantly improved sensitivity and selectivity over current state-of-the-art tests.
Mayland Chang, research professor of chemistry and biochemistry and director of the Chemistry-Biochemistry-Biology Interface Program at Notre Dame, received the award for the “Inhibition of cathepsin-L by (R)-ND-336 as a treatment for COVID-19.” With the support of the Department of Defense, Chang has been investigating the compound (R)-ND-336, which was discovered at Notre Dame, as a clinical treatment for diabetic foot ulcers. Chang and her team have now found that this novel compound inhibits cathepsin-L, which has been shown to activate membrane fusion by SARS-CoV S glycoprotein, which means it could potentially be retargeted as a treatment for COVID-19 patients.
Nosang Myung, the Keating Crawford Endowed Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Notre Dame, received the award for “Nano-enabled sensor system for COVID-19 patient care.” Previous research funded by the NSF, NIH and Naval Sea Systems Command has led Myung and his research team to develop miniaturized gas-sensing systems for varying applications. This new project aims to develop an electronic nose, or E-nose, that can be embedded in ventilators to monitor chemical and physical parameters. This system could also function as a stand-alone wearable safety sensor as outpatient care to those who lost the sense of smell due to COVID-19.
Joshua Shrout, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering and earth sciences at Notre Dame, and Bohn received the award for “Identifying behavior and signatures of bacterial secondary infection after primary lung infection with SARS-CoV-2.” For a project funded by the NIH, the researchers are designing new diagnostics informed by their understanding of bacterial interactions and signature biomolecule production. With the AD&T award, Shrout and Bohn will expand this research to identify the behavior and signatures of the potentially dangerous bacterial pneumonia that can follow in patients who are first weakened by a coronavirus infection.
Bradley Smith, the Emil T. Hofman Professor of Science and director of the Integrated Imaging Facility at Notre Dame, received the award for “Testing for acute kidney injury caused by COVID-19.” With NSF support, Smith has been developing novel supramolecular association systems that could potentially indicate kidney malfunction. The new research will apply this work specifically to the early detection of acute kidney injury, which is a common condition that SARS-CoV-2 infected patients are at risk of developing.
When the coronavirus originally emerged, faculty and researchers such as Prakash Nallathamby, associate director of research of AD&T, started tracking the new respiratory illness. As more information became available about the virus, Nallathamby and others at AD&T began identifying research projects that could transition to address the coronavirus as well as funding opportunities to support new research endeavors.
Within a two-month period, Notre Dame researchers applied for $7.2 million in awards from government agencies and private foundations to fund coronavirus-related projects. However, the urgent need for research to tackle this unfamiliar disease also led to the creation of the new AD&T coronavirus funding program.
“Notre Dame has so many biomedical and precision health research interests that we can pursue a top-down approach to tackle COVID-19. Right now, researchers are simultaneously looking at improved surveillance for the disease, accurate diagnoses, effective treatments and quantifying immune response following patient recovery,” said Nallathamby, who is also a research assistant professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering. “These efforts fit well within Notre Dame’s broader commitment to promoting health and well-being, leverages our expertise in bioanalytical metrology and takes full advantage of the University’s broad clinical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology networks.”
AD&T is a University research center at Notre Dame dedicated to combating disease, promoting health and safeguarding the environment. The center aims to accelerate the research of faculty and students, identify and develop bold new ideas that will have real-world impact, create a community with shared interests from among different colleges and disciplines, and support the training of young researchers. AD&T is an intellectual nexus for a unique combination of researchers interested in everything from low-cost chemical measurements to nanoparticle drug delivery to patient adherence to medical regimens. To learn more, visit advanceddiagnostics.nd.edu. | |
If you answered “Yes” to one or more of the questions, you’re not alone – more than 90% of the world’s population would answer similarly.
Have you ever heard of the psychological condition known as Glossophobia? Of all the various fears that people have, it comes in at second-place after Fear of Flying. Glossophobia is the Fear of Speaking in Public, and to a Glossophobiac the very notion of becoming a TV Presenter would feel like utter nonsense.
But in the nearly 20 years that Media Concepts has been in business, we have changed the mind-sets of more than 2 000 people who have done our course. We have flicked a switch in their minds and empowered them as confident individuals who are determined to make something of their lives.
Each year, we receive dozens of Testimonials from delegates who have done our course. We have published just a few in this site and if you read them, you’ll discover something very interesting. They actually don’t refer to making it in the television industry (which may be yet to come), but they do refer to how the course has changed their lives by endowing them with confidence.
There is an old Chinese proverb that says “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”.
Isn’t it time for you to take that single step by giving us a call? | https://mediaconcepts.co.za/gaining-confidence/ |
His legacy seems to be one building in Tokyo. But most of the country’s Modernism can be traced back to him — and the struggle to place his ideas into Japanese identity.
IT DOES NOT announce itself as a major building. In Ueno, at the northern end of old Tokyo, stands a relatively small concrete box, hoisted on slim columns. It is set off from the rest of the park by a wide gray plaza, demanding a solemn approach. As you near it, the flat expanse of the facade begins to differentiate itself into cladding panels, textured with pebbled aggregate. An off-center stairway juts out, a symbolic ascendance into a temple of art. This is the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo, erected in 1959, and it is, incredibly enough, the only building to be designed by Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, better known by his nom de plume “Le Corbusier,” in all of East Asia.
The austerity of its presentation hides special, humanizing characteristics in its interior such as a characteristically Corbusian ramp that ascends to the second-floor gallery space. Built to house the collection of an early 20th-century Japanese industrialist, with special strengths in late 19th-century French art, the National Museum of Western Art employed three local architects. Their names — Junzo Sakakura, Takamasa Yoshizaka and, above all, Kunio Maekawa — would become hallowed in the emerging pantheon of Japanese Modernists. They had trained with Le Corbusier in Paris, and they were early exponents of his ideas. In Japan, they all assumed a position of pre-eminence, their own acolytes cementing the hegemony of Modernism over other forms of Japanese architecture.
The story is not well known. To look at just a few standard accounts of Le Corbusier’s life and work — Kenneth Frampton’s “ Le Corbusier: Architect of the Twentieth Century,” Charles Jencks’s “ Le Corbusier and the Continual Revolution in Architecture,” or Nicholas Fox Weber’s authoritative biography — is to search in vain for any reference to the building, or for any mention of the association between Le Corbusier and Japan. (The story of the building is well told, however, in Jonathan Reynolds’s pioneering study, “ Maekawa Kunio and the Emergence of Japanese Modernist Architecture .”) This absence both occludes the extent of his influence and testifies, obliquely, to the enduring anxiety of Japanese Modernists, and Japanese architects more generally, over the scope of his project.
This anxiety can be seen even before Maekawa and the other Modernists began building anything. In 1929, a monthly Japanese architecture magazine, Kokusai Kenchiku (International Architecture), devoted two entire issues to the work of Le Corbusier. Its May issue contained 15 articles on the architect; its June issue presented 11 more, among them translations from English-speaking critics and from the master himself. He was then an emerging Modernist, possibly as known for his writing (still untranslated into Japanese at that point) as for the comparatively small, but profoundly disconcerting, output of his Paris atelier. Like other Modernist architects, he sought to simplify the art of building into a few cardinal points. The radical changes Le Corbusier would bring to architecture were already in evidence in buildings such as the canonical Villa Savoye (built between 1928 and 1931) outside of Paris: the “free plan” that banished load-bearing structures from central spaces; the transformation of the reinforced concrete column-beam system into a dynamic exhibition of technological prowess. Thanks to the overwhelming clarity of his positions, the bewitching nature of his epigrammatic style and the already-powerful international movement for Modernism, the impact he had on a rising generation of Japanese architects would prove to be immense.
But it would be the nature of that impact to be felt only in conditions of overwhelming ambivalence. The architect Yoshiro Taniguchi exemplified the emotional nature of the Japanese reception of Le Corbusier. “How is it that this man Le Corbusier can grasp hold of my heart, overpower it, and not let go?” he wrote in his contribution to one of the Kokusai Kenchiku symposia. Bound up in Taniguchi’s response are the deep contradictions that would characterize much of Japanese Modernism in the years to come: the desire to embrace what was globally seen as modernity in architecture, while also retaining a sense of what were widely seen, nationally but also vaguely, as gestures that exuded “Japaneseness,” or that were typically “Japanese,” such as the use of traditional wooden-beam structures, or the inclusion of pitched roofs. The debate over Japaneseness was itself in part a Western import, since the mid-19th-century taste, of Impressionists and Art Nouveau enthusiasts, for japonaiserie — for example, the woodblock prints of Hokusai and Hiroshige, folding screens, ivory medicine boxes — transformed the self-perception of the Japanese. As the architect Arata Isozaki wrote, in “ Japan-ness in Architecture, ” the “concepts perceived to underlie” the production of Japanese work — “simplicity, humility, purity, lightness and shibusa (sophisticated austerity)” — became markers of Japaneseness. “Modernism in architecture,” Isozaki continues, “was introduced to Japan concurrently with efforts to construct the problematic of Japan-ness.”
Though Le Corbusier helped master plan the city of Chandigarh in India, and epigones pursued this vision in Cambodia and Sri Lanka, it was Japan that would take up Corbusianism most powerfully. What was attractive about Le Corbusier was also what was repellent: his deracinated formalism; the reproducibility of his plans; his determination to have architecture exhibit the technological innovations of its era. Le Corbusier is not necessarily the first name that comes to mind when one thinks of Japanese architecture. But to understand its trajectory, he may be the most important and emblematic.
ON A RECENT trip to Tokyo, I stayed in the International House of Japan, a membership institution and academic guesthouse designed by Maekawa (along with Sakakura and Junzo Yoshimura). Lightness infuses this surpassingly tranquil 1955 structure, situated between the districts of wealthy Azabu‑Juban and neon-sodden Roppongi: the main building’s heavy, boxlike concrete frame perforated by balconies, fronting rooms shielded by shoji screens; its lobby walled in part with soft Oya stone; its tea lounge poised over a Japanese garden, to which floor-to-ceiling windows offer a view. The complex refracted the continuing attempt, by Maekawa and other exponents of Corbusianism, to balance the old and the new. So, too, with Takamasa Yoshizaka’s Inter-University Seminar House (1965), an inverted concrete frustum that is at once technically inspiring and ancient-seeming — recalling, if only through dim mental association, the elementary structures of ruins and villages.
What was it about Le Corbusier’s Modernism that appealed to Japanese architects, who had, behind them, a virtually unbroken tradition of architecture, developed over thousands of years largely in isolation from Europe? In truth, Modernism, whether European or Japanese, developed roots in countries in which the political and economic structures of so-called modernity were felt unevenly, mitigated by the resilience of older, feudal traditions. In his 1981 book “ The Persistence of the Old Regime,” the historian Arno Mayer revealed that, despite the “creative destruction” wrought by capitalism, most Western European nations were, until the successive catastrophes of World War I, the revolutions that followed and World War II, largely agrarian and saddled with aristocratic landowning classes that controlled much of the country’s wealth. Artistic Modernism of all kinds took root in this soil, anxious about the disappearance of the past as well as, paradoxically enough, its unyielding grip. Modernist techniques did not express the spirit of a new confidence, but the violent struggle to displace the aesthetics of the old regime. Dissonance was built into the project from the outset.
In the 1920s, Modern architecture was a new field in Japan. It became distinguished from the work of artisans and general craftsmanship in the late 19th century. Despite, and perhaps a little because of this, Japan’s was the earliest and most thorough engagement with Le Corbusier in all of East Asia: By the early 1930s, many of his most important books had been translated into Japanese, and several Japanese architects returned from stints in his firm to translate his ideas onto Japanese soil. It also would end up being the most lasting. After World War II, in which the Americans destroyed Tokyo in the second most vicious bombing campaign in history (the first was the American bombing of Vietnam), Modernism — especially through the medium of concrete — became the ideology of Japanese reconstruction. And Kenzo Tange, arguably the most influential postwar Japanese architect, who worked in Maekawa’s office and participated in Le Corbusier’s Congrès Internationaux d’Architecture Moderne (CIAM), took his cue from Le Corbusier’s sculptural, expressionistic use of concrete, and he pursued and expanded Le Corbusier’s early interest in comprehensive city planning.
Facing the National Museum of Western Art is the Tokyo Metropolitan Festival Hall (1961), one of the major works of Kunio Maekawa and one of the great buildings of the postwar era. Maekawa had joined Le Corbusier’s firm as an impressionable 22 year old, and he saw the Villa Savoye as it was being constructed. Le Corbusier’s struggles to plant Modernism in Europe would inspire Maekawa, who faced an equally intransigent establishment in Japan; more than anyone else, his work exemplified the innovations and compromises of Japanese Modernism in its early days. It makes sense, then, that one of his major works would stand across from Le Corbusier’s building, as if in dialogue with it. The Festival Hall exceeds the National Museum of Western Art in breadth, its heavy horizontal span accentuated by an enormous overhanging concrete roof, its eaves upturned.
How Le Corbusier Became Big in Japan
His legacy seems to be one building in Tokyo. But most of the country’s Modernism can be traced back to him — and the struggle to place his ideas into Japanese identity. | http://nhub.news/fr/2018/08/how-le-corbusier-became-big-in-japan/ |
When a child’s health is compromised, parents will typically go to any length to ensure the child gets the help and medical attention he or she needs. In some cases, surgery is the only or best way to do this. In these situations, it is typically up to the doctor to discuss the procedure with parents and assess whether an operation is in the child’s best interests.
For instance, if an operation would unnecessarily expose a young child to the potential risks of anesthesia, then the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises health professionals to seek alternatives.
Balancing the benefits and risks of anesthesia
As noted in this alert from the FDA, some studies suggest that a young child’s development, behavior and learning can be adversely affected by repeated or extensive use of general anesthesia or sedative drugs before the age of three.
Though there are disputes regarding the legitimacy of these findings, even potential problems involving anesthesia and medication should be taken seriously and discussed.
The FDA alert has also resulted in black box warnings for nearly a dozen anesthetic and sedating medications, which is the strictest warning available.
How doctors should respond
The alert advises doctors and other health professionals to consider measures to avoid potential risks. These measures include limiting operations to no longer than three hours, delaying unnecessary surgery and opting for regional anesthesia if appropriate.
On the other hand, doctors should not delay medically necessary operations solely because of the potential cognitive effects anesthesia might have. They should still adhere to their responsibility to timely refer a patient to a specialist if necessary.
What to know if your child has been injured
If your child has suffered because of a medication error or because treatment was unnecessarily delayed, then it can be critical that you discuss your legal options with an attorney.
While not every adverse medical situation is grounds for a malpractice claim, doctors can and do make mistakes with regard to surgery and medication. Under these circumstances, you may be in a position to collect financial compensation for the damages you and your child suffered as a result of medical errors. | https://www.mckeenassociates.com/blog/2021/04/fda-alert-provides-critical-guidance-on-pediatric-anesthesia/ |
Fiat Chrysler said it will cut 1,371 employees at its Belvidere Assembly Plant as it makes new investments in Michigan.
Fiat Chrysler announced plans to cut 1,371 employees at its Belvidere Assembly Plant, the same day it said it would make new investments in Michigan.
The automaker said Tuesday it plans to reduce production at the northern Illinois facility from three shifts to two. The plant makes the Jeep Cherokee. The Rockford Register Star said the shift would occur on May 2.
State Rep. Joe Sosnowski, a Republican from Rockford, said he was troubled to hear about the reduction in shifts at the plant in his district.
"We hope that the distribution of jobs from a three-shift to two-shift will mean many of those jobs will be reincorporated in," he said Tuesday.
Sosnowski said there are some economic development incentives that were given to the automaker and that he would work with the governor's office to make sure they're "doing everything they can to keep that facility as productive as possible."
The company plans to invest $4.5 billion in its existing Michigan plants and create nearly 6,500 new jobs as a result.
In Detroit, the investment will help "increase capacity to meet growing demand for its Jeep and Ram brands, including production of two new Jeep-branded white space products, as well as electrified models," according to a news release from the company.
The company spent $350 million retooling the Belvedere plant in 2017 to begin producing Jeep Cherokee, which added 300 jobs at the time. Before that, the facility was building the Dodge Dart compact sedan, and before that, the Dodge Neon. The retooling was in response to a shift in consumer demand toward SUVs and trucks. | https://www.dhbusinessledger.com/business/20190227/fiat-chrysler-to-cut-1371-workers-at-belvidere-plant |
Position Summary:
Provides design, technical, analytical, and consulting expertise for scheduling, resourcing, implementation and ongoing support and management of class scheduling, Learning Center facility management and logistics scheduling of go-live and training services. Design, development, testing/ quality assurance, publication, maintenance, trouble-shooting, education and support activities based on a project work plan that involves a high degree of complexity. Manages class registration and go-live support scheduling and facility logistics and administration, including class creation and registration LMS projects and subtasks related to projects and third-parties involved in eRecord Training. Works in close coordination with the CT Managers, Project Directors, LMS and Scheduling Concierge analyst, key Operations stakeholders /Subject Matter Experts and other departmental managers/staff for project planning and direction setting.
Leads both own scheduling and administrative team and advises key Operations customers to coordinate work tasks related to the timely implementation of scheduling, go-live support and Learning Center facility management and related class schedule development and production process, used by the eRecord Training project. Primary interface to URMC operations managers/schedulers and internal ISD technical staff and managers to identify training requirements, facilitate and implement changes in process, logistics and administration of the eRecord Training Program.
Employs analytical and project management skills to identify and clarify user requirements and develop appropriate strategies. Able to evaluate appropriateness of various proposed solutions.
Provides analytical, technical, administrative and procedural assistance for identification of LMS user registrations, trainer scheduling, facility and training program requirements, enhancements and setup decisions.
Responsibilities:
Under the general direction of the Director or Project Director, conforming to URMC policies but retaining latitude for independent judgment and initiative:
Technical Systems Management and Skill Attributes:
Coordinates and completes Class schedule, LMS registration enrollment intake to production launch of projects and tasks, to include related teams involved in the support the Training process.
Monitors all aspects of Learning Center facility operations administration, class registrations, related LMS reporting, Trainer availability to support regional activations and quality training logistics, learner enrollment and compliance validation.
Maintains an in-depth knowledge of the LMS and operational stakeholder requirements and related procedures and processes.
Responsible for project tracking, triaging and management of class schedule creation, enrollment registration, room and facility utilization, trainer support availability and Learning Management (LMS) requests, including reporting.
Reviews, finalizes, and ensures the documentation is complete for ISD procedures including downtime procedures and Facility manuals, class scheduling in LMS and Alt LMS policies, process/procedures.
Monitors the operational impact of information technology solutions; may recommend and assist with changes in operational processes related to training programs, learning management systems and eLearning development or use.
Evaluates, recommends systems aspects of training project, working with other ISD Team members and vendors as necessary.
Establishes effective working relationships with technical personnel with vendors and other internal groups involved in e-learning and LMS systems analysis, planning, and implementation.
Develops and manages logistics and administrative aspects of project and task management, routinely updating project plan.
Gets customer and ISD sign-off at each appropriate milestone and approval to proceed.
Performs system workflow analyses and documentation as necessary.
Anticipates problems and formulates contingency plans or solutions as a project team member.
Understands when and how to escalate project issues to Manager and/or Project Director.
Interfaces effectively with customers, vendors, peer organizations (benchmarking).
Works closely with the Lead Analyst and Manager to coordinate activities and ensure coverage of tasks and projects.
Consulting-Analysis:
Participates in the evaluation, design, facilitation, implementation and ongoing support of the Training program, especially the Scheduling and LMS components and related reporting and project management.
Defines, develops, and documents the necessary conceptual design and detail design of subprojects such as e-Learning and class status, compliance and training reporting needs.
Coordinate the functional and operational maintenance of Scheduling enrollment and of the operational management of the Learning Center and other facility logistics management.
Develops and manages process for learner class enrollment and go-live readiness reporting, activations and inactivation’s or updates.
Provide support for Training communication distribution and follow-up
Contribute to the compliance and reporting process to ensure users are appropriately trained prior to gaining access to the production system
Ensuring any requests for Training Services are tracked and responded to/accommodated including covering on-call after hours/weekends as part of a group rotation.
Coordinate Scheduling enrollment and facility operations readiness for upgrades and new modules or projects as needed
Serves on committees and attends meetings as requested.
Follows all ISD administrative standards (such as timely time sheet preparations, completing time away requests, completing annual mandatory educational requirements, etc.).
Adheres and subscribes to the ISD Values as stated in the Values Statement.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree is related discipline such as Computer Science, Business, Mathematics, Statistics, Science or Engineering; and 3-4 years of related experience, preferably 1-2 years in a supervisory capacity; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in related discipline such as Health Care, Business Management, Information systems, Communications or Training/Adult Education or equivalent combination of experience required. Masters preferred.
3 - 4 years of experience in health care setting, revenue cycle or clinical systems training, Adult Learning Services, Customer Service/support and/or Application project management, preferably in a healthcare or training/ adult educational setting.
Objective perspective, proactive & detail oriented individual that is self-directed/motivated.
Proven ability to follow-through on projects and perform project coordination/management
Excellent organizational skills, reasoning and critical thinking required.
Excellent written and interpersonal communication necessary.
Demonstrates exceptional presentation and public speaking skills, teamwork, Customer service, oral and written communication skills, effective questioning, listening, and analytical skills, with strong interpersonal skills and organizational skills
Aptitude in and knowledge of Learning Management systems, MS Office applications, SharePoint, Report creation, and some data base creation and use.
Master’s degree related to hospital department specific needs, or Informatics
Hospital or Healthcare experience preferred.
Clinical or Patient Access/Revenue Cycles experience in/related to operations’ department or facility services
Experience with electronic medical record systems and/or Learning Management Systems
Experience in QA and applications management and training
Project management, Supervisory experience
Experience in Clinical or Hospital based operations.
Ability to pass URMC Trainer Credentialing exams.
How To Apply
All applicants must apply online. | https://universityofrochester.jobs/rochester-ny/erecord-ent-training-logistics-coordlrng-ctr-mgr-214315/404ABFFC3880445F91F532FAB6F6F185/job/?vs=28 |
The UK is a green and pleasant land with more than half the country classed as pasture or arable land, according to a new set of maps created by an academic at the University of Sheffield.
The Land Cover Atlas of the United Kingdom, created by Professor Alasdair Rae from the University’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning, shows the variety and volume of different types of land uses across the UK.
The atlas reveals that agricultural land used for animal grazing and growing crops makes up approximately 56 per cent of the country. It also shows that peat bogs (nine per cent) make up more of the UK than urban areas (six per cent).
England is the most built on of the home nations at around nine per cent, while more than half of Wales and Northern Ireland are pastures and arable land. Land cover in Scotland, on the other hand, is dominated by a mixture of peat bog, moors and forest.
Professor Rae has also created individual land cover maps for each of the UK’s 391 local authority areas for the first time.
The maps were created with Corine Land Cover data from 2012 which includes 44 different types of land classification from ‘continuous urban fabric’, used to describe the most built up urban areas, to ‘vineyards’, ‘ricefields’ and ‘industrial and commercial units’.
They reveal that Moray in North East Scotland is covered by the most forest with 21 per cent. While Northern Ireland is home to the local authority with the most space for grazing as 85 per cent of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon is considered pasture.
The data has also been used by the BBC to create an interactive online tool to show how land is used in each council area. The 44 land classifications have been grouped into four broad categories:
- Farmland – pastures, arable land, orchards, vineyards etc.
- Natural – moors, forests, lakes, grasslands etc.
- Built on – buildings, roads, airports, quarries etc.
- Urban green – parks, gardens, golf courses, football pitches etc.
The City of London is shown to be the most built up local authority in the UK with 98 per cent of the area built on.
The high number of golf courses and acres of royal parks in Richmond-Upon-Thames in South West London makes it the most urban green area at 41 per cent.
Professor Rae said: “It may feel like a very densely populated urban nation, but the reality is that the vast majority of the land area of the UK is not built on.
“Given that 83 per cent of the population of the UK lives in urban areas it is not surprising that some people hold the opposite to be true. However, from a land cover point of view, the United Kingdom is in fact dominated by pasture and arable land. | https://companycompare.co.uk/corine-land-cover-usage-map/ |
Development of peri-urban forestry since 1988.
Implemented over a 30-year period of time, green space activities have included the establishment of 154 parks and the development of 4,280 hectares of forests since 1988.
At present, Tehran Parks and Green Space Organization attempts to achieve sustainable green space development and improve urban environment. All activities are managed in conformity with the Tehran Parks and Green Space Organization’s Constitution. Planning processes are implemented in accordance with the criteria and indicators of sustainable urban development and follow a bottom-up approach.
More than 60 percent of Tehranis are born outside of Tehran.
automobiles, electronics and electrical equipment, military weaponry, textiles, sugar, cement, and chemical products.
Since 1960, when a green space responsible body was established in Tehran municipality, until 1988, 154 parks were constructed in Tehran city. Most of them were located in affluent neighborhoods and were unevenly distributed. Furthermore, peri-urban forests were managed separately, covering a total land area of 2,937 hectares. Until then, no planned activity concerning promotion, education, research and public participation in the field of urban green space had been done.
Because of the unbalanced development of Tehran city and uncontrolled growth of its population, existing green spaces didn't satisfy the citizens’ needs. Therefore, more parks were needed in order to strengthen human-nature relation, create safe, and accessible areas for different classes of society to spend their leisure time in.
Furthermore, increased number of motorized vehicles, thermogenic instruments as well as plants and factories developing in urban and peri-urban areas, lack of winds, low precipitation and mountains surrounding Tehran city resulted in ever-increasing congestion of pollutants in Tehran. Therefore, development of urban and peri-urban forests was among the priorities in order to mitigate pollution. Another objective of the green belt and peri-urban forests was to prevent uncontrolled expansion of Tehran.
Planning and organizing promotional, educational and research activities were among other priorities on the agenda with the aim of improving abilities and skills of experts and green space involved individuals.
Physical development and improvement of parks and urban forests since 1988.
Development of educational, promotional, and research activities since 1990.
Development of public participation for raising awareness since 2005.
Development of green spaces along highways since 1990.
Physical development of peri-urban forests since 2003.
It is necessary to mention that along with these five steps, implementation of coordinated and integrated green space activities have been continually on the agenda.
Delivering consulting and other kinds of professional services to applicants.
Issuing written authorization for green space restoration in accordance to green space protection and development bill.
Other means of earning income which are approved by TPGSO commission.
- Establishment of over 1,822 neighborhood, local, district, urban, linear, regional and trans-regional parks. Some of these parks were established in more deprived neighborhoods.
- Significant increase in total urban green space cover including parks, greenery of urban access routes, refuges, squares and green spaces patches: urban green space per capita has already reached 15.1 m2. According to projections for 2014-2018, two thousands hectares of urban green spaces will be established if suffisant credits are allocated. Urban green space per capita will reach 17.2 m2.
- Establishment of about 36,000 hectares of peri-urban forests, added to the green belt.
- Isolation of the mountains located on north side of Tehran to prevent any construction there.
- Execution of the master plan of crude water of Tehran city through restoring 431 rings of wells, 45 streams of aqua ducts, and one spring in order to irrigate Tehran green space, as well as designing and executing 169 projects on water supply and under pressure irrigating systems.
- Training 17,802 experts, technicians, and gardeners by holding 1,330 training courses that aim at promoting a scientific vision towards the development and maintenance of green spaces.
Due to rapid population growth, some parts of Tehran have limited area available. This hinders equitable distribution of green spaces and welfare facilities. To tackle the problem, Tehran Parks and Green Space Organization purchases land and changes the land use to establish public green spaces.
Severe air pollution, in addition to arid and semi-arid climate in Tehran, have imposed limitations on plant selection.
Citizen interference (vandalism) inflicts damages to green spaces; therefore Tehran Parks and Green Space Organization (TPGSO) adopted the approach of planning with people instead of planning for people, through bottom-up collaborative planning. Furthermore, TPGSO makes attempt to built culture and broaden citizens knowledge concerning the importance of plants and green spaces through preparing and broadcasting radio/TV programs, installing informative billboards and banners across the city, and compiling educational pamphlet for public and students.
Limited financial resources hinder undertaking more research projects. TPGSO has already managed/finished 100 studies and executive research projects. If the organization is provided with enough credit it would expand its study and research projects and would involved more joint activities with universities, research centers and other respected centers.
Lessons learned over 25 years of making attempts to develop Tehran green space shows that success can be achieved if measures are taken to meet public needs, satisfy citizen values, respect gender equity and serve women, young adults and children needs.
In metropolises such as Tehran, various areas including squares, sidewalks and public areas with different specific usages exist, but green spaces have the most usage regarding cultural aspect.
Three decades ago, one of the criteria used to show different classes of neighborhoods in Tehran was the total land area of green spaces and parks in the 22 districts of Tehran municipality. Accordingly, Tehran was divided into two parts: northern part (affluent) and southern part (deprived). Today, as a result of an attempt to achieve equitable distribution of green spaces across Tehran city, the above belief has changed and some areas in southern part of Tehran have even more green space per capita compared to the northern parts.
Today, one of the main functions of parks and green spaces in Tehran city is sport. Installing sport tools and inviting volunteers to coach are appropriate motivation in order to attract citizens into parks and increase the number of green space interested citizens. | https://use.metropolis.org/case-studies/sustainable-development-of-tehran-city-green-space |
Target: Daniel R. Levinson, Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services
Goal: Criminalize fat-shaming from medical practitioners.
Many patients, almost all of them women, have reported instances of their doctors blaming any symptoms they report on their being overweight. However, this has not always been the case; one woman nearly died of lung cancer due to her doctor failing to recognize her symptoms as such, and other women have been told completely unrelated illnesses are caused by their weight. Pregnant women who are larger in size are often forced to undergo cesarean sections, told that giving birth naturally will harm their baby or their heart.
Obesity is a major problem in America, there is no denying this fact. Unfortunately, concern over obesity may be clouding the judgment of doctors, especially in the cases of larger women. Weight can certainly be a factor in medical conditions, and obesity does lead to greater health problems, but a doctor’s job is to properly use all the information they have been given to make a correct diagnosis. People put their trust in doctors to keep them well, and dismissing a woman’s report of symptoms due to her size is not only fat-shaming, it is unethical.
Too many women have reported their health being put in serious danger due to suspected fat-shaming from their doctors. We cannot allow this to continue. We must ensure that every patient, regardless of size, has the right to a proper diagnosis and treatment for whatever their true condition is. Sign this petition to outlaw weight-based discrimination from doctors to patients.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Inspector General Levinson,
Many patients, most of them women, have been reporting cases of weight-related shaming and dismissal from their doctors. These patients come to their medical practitioner with their symptoms, but are brushed off and told they’ll “feel better if they lose weight,” even if they are nowhere close to obese. This has unfortunately led to women nearly dying of more severe illnesses unrelated to their weight, or being afraid to see a doctor when something is legitimately wrong.
The need to combat obesity in this country is a great one indeed, as obesity leads to worse health problems down the line and can be the cause many existing complications. However, that is no excuse for a doctor to dismiss a patient’s report of symptoms that may be entirely unrelated to their weight.
You must outlaw this trend among medical practitioners. A doctor’s job is to use the information they are given to make a correct diagnosis so that the patient can be treated and have a safe recovery. Dismissing reports based on weight is unethical, and must be stopped at all costs. Please issue a ban on medical fat-shaming now.
Sincerely, | https://forcechange.com/164798/outlaw-medical-fat-shaming/ |
A graph is a pictorial representation of statistical data of a functional relationship between variables. Graphs show general tendencies in the quantitative behaviour of data and could serve a predictive function.
Examples:
i). Rainfall distribution during different months of the year.
ii). Children born in different days of the week, e.t.c.
iii). The length of different types of leaves.
iv). The number of Children in Different families.
v). Types of vehicles passing by a given point in different times.
vi). Population growth in different countries
vii). Number of trees planted during the short and long rains .
to insert a picture of a graph
These are examples of questions on:
(i) Independent variable
If it is a rainfall distribution graph, what was the amount of rainfall in any given month?
(ii) Dendent variable
Which months had say 100mm of rainfall and above?
Drawing graphs of relations
In this topic we need to remind ourselves the procedures of drawing a graph.
To be able to draw suitable graphs of given relationships one must start by constructing the table of values for the relation. After obtaining the table for relations, the graphs are then drawn by:
i)Obtaining a suitable scale for the values in both the x and y axis.
ii)Plotting the content x and y variables.
iii)Joining the plotted variables to obtain a suitable graph.
Example 1
Draw the graph of the following equations
y =2 x - 5
Introduction
In analytical geometry graphs are used to represent functions of two variables on a Cartesian coordinate system, which is composed of horizontal x-axis or abscissa, and a vertical y-axis or ordinate. Each axis is a real number line and their intersection at zero point of each is called the origin. A graph in this sense is the locus of all points
(x, y) that satisfy a particular function. Most graphs employ two axes, in which the horizontal axis represents a group of dependent variables. On a plane the graphs take various forms, for example
1. y = ax + b is a linear graph
2. y = ax2
+ bx + c is a quadratic graph
Solution
Draw the tangent at x = 1.5, then take any two convinient points of the tangent for example (x1
,y1
) = (1, 1.8) and (x2
,y2
) = (2.5, -6).
Therefore, the gradient of the line =
Other Goodies for KCSE ONLINE Members!
Coursework e-Content CD covers all the topics for a particular class per year and costs 1200/- ( Per Subject per Class ).
Purchase Online and have the CD sent to your nearest Parcel Service. Pay the amount to Patrick 0721806317 by M-PESA then provide your address for delivery of the Parcel. Alternatively, you can use BUY GOODS TILL NUMBER 827208 Ask for clarification if you get stuck.
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For Best results INSTALL Adobe Flash Player Version 16 to play the interactive content in your computer. Test the link below to find out if you have Adobe Flash in your computer. | http://www.kcse-online.info/d9hkX4/data/text/Graphical%20Methods.html |
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Date of last update: 10/14/2017.
Forum Name: Gynecology
Question: periods are getting shorter
|oceandiver2020 - Mon Jun 06, 2005 8:40 pm|
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I hope that someone can give me some guidance.
I went off the pill in Jan/05, and my periods were coming every 33 days so far, but everytime I get my period, it is shorter than the last one. I am begining to worry. This happened once before when I went off the pill and as soon as I started taking the pill again, my periods resumed. I am unsure as to why they stopped the first time, but now I am wondering what may be wrong with me. My last period barley last a full 24 hours, and my last cycle was only 28days. Please help.
|Theresa Jones, RN - Tue Jun 07, 2005 6:50 pm|
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Hi oceandiver2020,
Were there not any diagnostic testing done to identify the reason? Hormone inbalances, ovarian disorders, perimenopause, menopause etc. can all cause changes in menstrual cycles. In some women after oral contraceptives are discontinued it may take from approximately 6 months to 1 year for ovulation an menstrual cycles to regulate. I would suggest you call your physician for an evaluation and explaination.
Sincerely,
Rntdj
|oceandiver2020 - Thu Jun 09, 2005 10:13 pm|
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Thanks, I will contact my doctor for an appointment.
I have never had any testing done.
My boyfriend jsut reminded that this happened once before when I went off the pill, and I had no period for 4 months and then was put back on the pill and my period started again. Figure that one out.
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When the London 2012 Paralympic Games conclude the week of Sept. 9, the British navy reportedly will send a task force to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, where it will participate in amphibious exercises off the coasts of Albania, Sardinia and Turkey before lingering off the coast of Cyprus.
Ostensibly, the upcoming exercises are meant to prepare the navy for evacuating Syria of British citizens. Indeed, the ongoing civil war in Syria has prompted several Western countries to consider evacuation plans for their citizens who remain in the war-torn country. Some countries already have issued travel warnings against Syria, while others have advised their citizens to vacate the country. The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France and Germany have closed their embassies in Syria and are less able to assist their citizens there.
Foreign nationals should take full advantage of their governments’ evacuation assistance regardless of the country in which they temporarily reside; British citizens in Syria are no exception. However, government planning is no substitute for personal evacuation plans, which are vital for any citizen in a foreign country.
Evacuation Planning
Evacuation plans are essential for all expatriates who live in developing countries, including diplomats, businessmen, aid workers and seasonal residents. Natural disasters, mob violence from civil disturbances, terrorism and war can all precipitate evacuations. Natural disasters, such as the 2010 earthquake in Haiti or the 2004 tsunami in Asia, erupt suddenly, while other events, such as the civil unrest in Syria, develop slowly. The latter instances give foreign citizens ample opportunity to leave; in Syria, foreign governments encouraged their citizens to vacate months ago. But even in such situations, events that require evacuation can occur abruptly, which leaves expatriates little time to plan their exits.
The potential for evacuation is not confined to developing countries. Many foreigners fled Japan following the March 2011 earthquake that damaged a nuclear power plant in Fukushima, and the 2010 wildfires in Moscow prompted a sudden and massive evacuation. No one expected the fires to worsen so quickly.
Since the potential for evacuation is nearly universal, expatriates are best served preparing an evacuation plan before a crisis erupts. Foreign embassies often will assist evacuation efforts — expatriates are encouraged to register with their respective embassies and foreign ministries — but foreign citizens should not rely on their governments to do their planning for them.
The reason for this is twofold. First, it may take some time for a government to execute its evacuation plans. In other instances, governments might not have an embassy to coordinate such efforts. Expatriates should take advantage of any evacuation procedures offered by their government, but they should not rely solely on those plans.
Nor should they rely on the plans of allied governments. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom and France often will work with their allies in evacuation scenarios. However, every country will focus its efforts on the safety of its respective citizenry. So even in friendly countries, foreign citizens need to be responsible for their own security.
Evacuation situations involve more than merely showing up at the airport or seaport and departing. Usually, evacuations entail a great deal of bureaucracy and delay. It is not uncommon for expatriates to stay at an airport or seaport for a day or longer as they wait for their governments to arrange safe departure with the host government, rebel forces or both. Moreover, evacuation procedures will depend on the crisis. In most cases, commercial airliners, sea crafts or land transport will facilitate evacuations. Despite what is portrayed in the movies, military forces and helicopters are used only in very rare situations.
In any case, expatriates will be expected to pay for their own transportation out of the country. If they do not have the cash up front, they will be required to sign a promissory note to reimburse their government. They also are allowed to carry on only one small bag and are not allowed to bring pets. Therefore, many prefer to arrange their own transportation out of the country.
Personal evacuation plans usually require departure before the situation becomes too critical to leave. Thus, an important element of any evacuation plan is to establish criteria that, if met, will put the plan into action. While it is often prudent to leave a place before the situation deteriorates and your government orders an evacuation, some people wait until the very last minute to leave or decide to shelter in place and ride the crisis out.
Another important element of an evacuation plan is preparing a fly-away kit. This is a small bag or backpack that contains the basic things a person or family will require during an evacuation. Obviously, the most important things you need are your identification papers, money and credit cards (which should be kept in sealable plastic bags to keep them dry) and a cell phone or other means of communication. But a fly-away kit should also contain important items, such as a change of clothes, toiletry items, a jacket or something warm to wear, prescriptions or other required medications, a first aid kit, a smoke hood, a flashlight, drinking water, non-perishable food, duct tape, a multi-tool knife and perhaps even something to read — again, evacuation usually entails a great deal of waiting. The idea of the fly-away kit is to have most of the items assembled in the bag so that one can quickly gather any remaining items, such as medicines, documents and money, before departure.
Maintaining important papers like passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, immunization records and credit card information in one secure file allows foreign citizens to grab the file quickly prior to departure. Expatriates must make sure that their travel documents are not expired and that they have the appropriate visas if their plan requires traveling to an adjacent country. Keeping copies of important documents in a separate, secure place is also a good idea lest the originals be lost or stolen.
An expatriate’s means of departure and evacuation routes should be prearranged, but they should not be inflexible. Evacuation plans should include several routes and alternative modes of transportation. In some cases, transportation hubs — the international airport, for example — may be closed, or an earthquake may have destroyed the bridge on an escape route. Such scenarios require an alternative plan.
If an entire company or a family is vacating a country, every member of the group needs to understand the plan and know what to do in such a situation. If you are working for a multinational corporation you need to clearly understand your company’s policies and what they will and will not do to assist you. Many companies purchase commercial medical and emergency evacuation insurance policies for their employees.
Communications are frequently unavailable during a crisis, but knowing that all the members of your family or staff know your evacuation plan — and are abiding by it — will help reduce the stress of not being able to communicate with them. It also allows each individual to focus on his or her immediate tasks. If you wait to implement the plan until you have communicated with every member of your family or staff, it could be too late to make it out. An evacuation plan must also account for ways to communicate with your family overseas and to your government. Alternative means of communication, such as satellite phones, might be helpful.
While almost any contingency plan is better than no plan, a plan that has been tested in the real world, especially during rush hour or another time of heavy congestion or disruption, is better than a plan that only exists on paper. Practicing a plan will help you to identify problems and weaknesses that do not appear in a theoretical plan. Practice also helps ensure that all of those participating in the plan know exactly what they are required to do and where they should go.
Plans must be periodically checked and updated and the contents of fly-away kits inspected. Highway construction projects can render evacuation routes impassable, and flashlights with dead batteries are useless. It is also prudent to designate someone who will remain in the country and can safeguard your home and belongings and care for your pets after you leave.
Creating an evacuation plan is important because when many people are confronted by a dire emergency, they simply do not know what to do. When people are overwhelmed by an emergency, it is often difficult for them to think clearly and establish a logical plan. Having a plan in advance — even an imperfect plan — provides even a person in shock a framework to rely on and a path to follow.
The Syrian Example
Syria can help illustrate some aspects of evacuation planning. While many Western governments have closed their embassies and advised their citizens to leave the country, there are still many expatriates who remain in Syria. Others have even traveled to Syria, for personal or commercial reasons, since the outbreak of civil unrest.
Some airlines, such as Air France, have suspended flights to Damascus, but others, including EgyptAir, Emirates Airlines and Royal Jordanian Airlines, continue flights. This could change. Late in the week of Aug. 26, Syrian rebels accused Russian arms smugglers of bringing weapons into Syria aboard civilian aircraft and threatened to attack such flights. While Stratfor has no information to confirm these rebel claims, Russian arms traffickers do indeed have a documented history of using civilian cargo and passenger planes to move weapons into conflict zones, and it is therefore possible that they are doing so in Syria. If the Syrian rebels begin to shoot at aircraft they suspect of smuggling weapons, airlines may become less willing to fly to Damascus.
The rebels have also intensified their attacks against the airport in Aleppo, which was being used to fly close air support missions and to bring supplies into the city. As a result, passenger flights to the airport have been suspended.
If foreign citizens cannot leave by air, the most secure land route from Damascus is Road 1, which leads directly to Beirut. An alternative route would take citizens south to Jordan via the M5 highway. However, this route traverses dangerous areas that are rife with fighting.
Expatriates in the eastern half of Syria would likely head to the Kurdish areas in the northeast through Road 7 and the M4 motorway, exiting through Turkey. There is a lot of fighting near the Iraqi border, and the road infrastructure in the southeast is not very good.
In the northern rebel-held areas, the best evacuation method is to simply take the most secure road straight to the Turkish border, avoiding regime shelling and airstrikes as much as possible. For foreigners on the coast, the best option is to leave by boat. An alternative route is to take the M1 motorway north to Turkey’s Hatay province or south to northern Lebanon. Both of these borders are used heavily for smuggling supplies to the rebels, so one has to be careful of clashes.
Visit our Syria page for related analysis, videos, situation reports and maps.
One of the worst places to be stuck is in the centrally located Orontes Valley. Roads leading southwest to Lebanon and north to Turkey are largely blocked by the frontlines of the battle. Ideally, one would proceed west to the coast along such routes as Road 50 and hope not to be targeted while passing checkpoints or during ambushes.
Currently, the Syrian government and the rebels appear to be locked in a war of attrition and there are no signs of an imminent regime collapse. However, if the regime collapses suddenly, we can expect to see a flurry of activity as foreigners flee the conflict zones and governments work to evacuate the country. | https://warriortimes.com/2012/09/13/evacuations-and-contingency-planning/ |
Calpain inhibition restores basal autophagy and suppresses MNU-induced photoreceptor cell death in mice.
A single systemic administration of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) causes retinal degeneration involving photoreceptor cell death within 7 days. MNU-induced photoreceptor cell death is due to apoptosis, and is a reliable animal model for human retinitis pigmentosa. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the involvement of calpain-mediated autophagy, as well as apoptosis on the cell death cascade caused by MNU and to evaluate the efficacy of calpain inhibitor SNJ-1945. Seven-week-old BALB/c mice were left untreated or received an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of MNU. The MNU-exposed mice received an i.p. injection of SNJ-1945 or vehicle alone (distilled water containing 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose) 3 h prior to MNU and once daily thereafter until sacrifice. Eyes were examined histologically, histochemically, and morphometrically to analyze the photoreceptor cell ratio and retinal damage ratio. The retinal expression of caspase-3, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), autophagy-related protein 5 (Atg5), and α-spectrin was determined by Western blot analysis. During the 72-h period after MNU exposure, the caspase-3 expression increased and the LC3 and Atg5 expression decreased, indicating increased levels of apoptosis and decreased levels of autophagy, as compared with the MNU-unexposed control mouse retina. MNU-induced photoreceptor cell death was caused by increased calpain activation as measured by α-spectrin proteolysis products, while SNJ-1945 ameliorated photoreceptor cell death by blocking calpain activation and restoring basal autophagy. Calpain activation is involved in MNU-induced photoreceptor cell death, and calpain inhibition effectively restored photoreceptor cell autophagy and photoreceptor cell death in mice.
| |
Many institutions are offering virtual tours and online information sessions while their campuses are closed to the public.
Florida Gulf Coast University, a comprehensive institution of higher education, offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs of strategic importance to Southwest Florida and beyond. FGCU seeks academic excellence in the development of selected programs and centers of distinction in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines; health professions; business; and marine and environmental sciences.
Florida Gulf Coast University’s comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs prepare students to excel and innovate. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff are actively engaged and environmentally conscious citizens. They serve their communities and inspire others by leading, doing, and making a difference.
Get to know Florida Gulf Coast University
College Highlights
FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE
At FGCU, the journey to success begins the moment students step onto campus. Life at FGCU begins with Eagle View Orientation (EVO), which offers a gateway to making the most of the FGCU experience. The first-year experience at FGCU has multiple components all designed to get students acquainted with campus, their peers, and available resources. EVO introduces students to their academic advisors who will assist them in planning for a successful first semester.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
As affiliates of the Whitaker Center, many faculty members from the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Education, and Engineering encourage the involvement of undergraduate students in their research activities.
Additionally, the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference (FURC) is one of the most important events of the year for students. One of the largest multidisciplinary research conferences in the nation, FURC is open to all undergraduate researchers in the state of Florida. This event is hosted at a different college or university every year, with FGCU recently selected in 2020. This event is a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their cutting-edge research while branching out and networking with top researchers from around the country
EDUCATION ABROAD
FGCU believes in expanding the mind through exploration of the world. Immersion in other cultures broadens one’s international perspective and develops a greater awareness of one’s place in the world, and students are able to make memories that last a lifetime all while earning credit. These benefits of studying abroad are lasting: studies show that international experience leads to greater employment opportunities after graduation.
FGCU COIL INITIATIVE
The Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is a teaching method that enables professors from different countries to contribute to the courses of students all around the world. This initiative is based on the concept of Globally Networked Learning (GNL), a teaching and learning methodology that provides innovative, cost-effective internationalization strategies.
Such programs foster faculty and student interaction with peers abroad through co-taught multicultural online and blended learning environments. Examples of COIL courses include Cultural Anthropology in Croatia, Human Memory and Cognition in New Zealand, Research Methods in Ghana, and more. These engaging classes are especially great for students who may not have the funds or time for international travel.
CLASS SIZE
The number of sections of each class size.
2-9: 97 | 10-19: 151 | 20-29: 476
30-39: 368 | 40-49: 137 | 50-99: 201 | 100+: 11
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 2%
Hispanic/Latinx: 21%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 7%
White, non-Hispanic: 63%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 2%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 3%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 1%
FIRST-YEAR READING: ONE BOOK, ONE CAMPUS
FGCU’s One Book, One Campus is a campus-wide reading program designed to introduce students to collegiate-level reading and critical thinking.
UNIVERSITY COLLOQUIUM: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
The University Colloquium course brings together students and faculty from all disciplines in an interdisciplinary learning experience. This course is founded on FGCU’s commitment to environmental education, a guiding principle that helps students develop a deep understanding and responsibility of the natural world. University Colloquium inherently builds so many valuable skills, from writing to service-learning. As a result of hands-on engagement with the natural world, students are able to think critically and communicate effectively about their place in it.
COLLABORATIVE LEARNING
Connected knowing and collaborative learning are basic strengths of a well-educated scholar. As such, the University structures interdisciplinary learning experiences throughout the curriculum to endow students with the ability to think in terms of whole systems while understanding the interrelatedness of knowledge across disciplines. Emphasis is placed on the development of teamwork skills through collaborative opportunities.
CAPSTONE
Every FGCU major culminates in a Senior Capstone educational experience. These seminars integrate all the skills and knowledge that students have gained from their studies, ultimately broadening their awareness and understanding of disciplines related to their chosen field.
SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Accelerated program
Cross-registration
Distance learning
Double major
Dual enrollment
Honors Program
Independent study
Internships
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
EAGLES IN 23
Eagles in 23 is a year-long engagement program designed to ensure that students are making the most of their college experience. These specialized events set the foundation for a strong college career by promoting campus involvement. In order to complete the program, students must complete 23 requirements by exploring various events around campus. These events are centered around the following themes: engagement, academic success, global perspectives, lifestyles, exploration, and service in sustainability. Attendance to these events allows students to forge deeper connections to the institution and their peers.
LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
College is all about meeting new people and understanding different perspectives while also developing one’s own values and goals. One great way to continue growing outside of the classroom is to live and learn in a themed residential community. FGCU has a variety of living-learning communities that keep students connected with others who will encourage and support their growth. For example, WiSTEM is open to women who major in STEM- and health-related fields, while the Entrepreneurship LLC encourages students of all majors to develop an entrepreneurial mindset.
FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE
FGCU is proud to offer a robust Greek life that enriches the college experience through friendship, service, leadership, and scholarship. Greek brotherhood or sisterhood is often the start of a lifelong connection. With 29 fraternities and sororities to choose from, there are plenty of organizations that suit different personalities, goals, and lifestyles.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Nestled between the Florida Everglades and the Gulf of Mexico, FGCU’s campus is an exceptional destination for living and learning. Nearly half of the 800-acre campus is preserved or restored nature—an exciting living laboratory right at students’ fingertips. What’s more, FGCU is Southwest Florida’s hub for arts and athletics.
ATHLETICS
Men’s sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, tennis, and soccer
Women’s sports: basketball, beach volleyball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, and tennis
RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 78%
Undergraduates: 35%
Campus housing options.
Coed dorms
Theme housing
CAREER SERVICES
Career Development Services is dedicated to helping students explore career options and gain insight about their personality, work values, and interests. The office works to help students participate in networking and professional development, gain real-world hands-on experiences, and find success and meaning through their education and work.
SOAR IN 4
FGCU knows that college is more than just getting a first job. The Soar in 4 program is designed to help students identify their passion, plan for success, and equip them with the necessary tools and experiences to achieve their goals. This four-year plan helps students get advised, utilize career services, nail an internship, graduate in four years, and secure a job. As an extra incentive, FGCU even offers a rebate on the first year of tuition to those who meet the four-year goal!
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Class rank | Level of applicant’s interest
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Extracurricular activities | Talent/ability | Volunteer work
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 540 | 75th Percentile: 620
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 520 | 75th Percentile: 590
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 21 | 75th Percentile: 25
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25th Percentile: 19 | 75th Percentile: 25
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25th Percentile: 20 | 75th Percentile: 25
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Tuition (in-state): $4,191
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fgcu.edu/admissionsandaid/undergraduateadmissions
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Fill out the form below and a representative from Florida Gulf Coast University will get in touch. | https://collegesofdistinction.com/school/florida-gulf-coast-university/ |
Coronavirus Update: Twin Rivers, Washington Unified School Districts Providing Tech To Students So They Can Learn At Home
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – In order to encourage students to continue learning during the coronavirus pandemic, at least two school districts are providing laptops to students.
On Wednesday Twin Rivers Unified began distributing Chromebooks and laptops at four Twin Rivers high schools. In order for students to be able to get a laptop, they must visit https://lfweb.twinriversusd.org/Forms/devicerequest,fill out the form and schedule a pick-up time. Students and families must present their confirmation number, a student ID or valid picture ID upon pick up.
In total, the school plans to distribute 8,500 Chromebooks and 2,200 hotspots at four sites from April 1-3, April 6-8 and April 13-15.
Washington Unified School District has a similar plan to make laptops available to students.
According to the district’s website, emails will be sent out by each school’s principal with school-specific details about laptop distribution, including information about a one-hour window to pick up the units. Students are being asked to submit a request for a Chromebook to their teacher and site administrator via telephone, Google Classroom, or via an email with the school’s main office.
Each school has been assigned a date to distribute Chromebooks within the window between April 2-April 7, 2020 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at school sites. Students are asked to do the following:
Bring a student ID card for each student checking out a Chromebook.
If you don’t have a student ID card, make sure you know the ID number (lunch number) and the name of the student’s teacher.
Students are encouraged to accompany their parents/guardians to pick up devices but parents/guardians may pick up devices without students present. Chromebooks will not be distributed without a valid student ID number.
Parents/Guardians must sign off upon checkout of Chromebook.
The district is still working on a plan to make the internet available to students. | |
Fog computing, complementary to cloud computing, has recently emerged as a promising solution that extends the computing infrastructure from the cloud center to the network edge. By offloading computational applications to the network edge, fog computing could support delay-sensitive applications and reliable access to nearby users. However, with the growing number of demands from various applications, fog computing may be overwhelmed and it may result in significant performance degradation. Thus, to process applications efficiently, we propose an integrated fog and cloud computing (FCC) approach, where users can offload a series of applications to nearby fog nodes (FNs) or cloud center cooperatively. Nevertheless, due to the constrained computing, storage, and radio resources, how to perform resource allocation to achieve an optimal and stable performance is an important problem. To address this issue, we focus on multiple resource allocation problem in a general system which consists of multi-user, multi-FN and a cloud center. In addition, to reduce offloading transmission latency and release the constraint of limited radio resource, non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), which enables multiple users to transmit data to the same FN for offloading tasks on the same spectrum resource, is introduced into the proposed FCC approach. To this end, we formulate joint offloading decision, user scheduling, and resource allocation problem as an optimization problem that aims at minimizing the total system cost of energy as well as the delay of users. Furthermore, we decouple the original problem and transform it into a convex problem. Finally, we develop alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) based algorithms to solve the optimization problem in a distributed and efficient way. Simulation results show that the proposed approach achieves better performance compared with existing schemes. | https://ir.library.carleton.ca/pub/21834 |
Ade Fajemisin and Donato Maragno on recent trends and challenges in applying ML to optimization problems.
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This week’s guests are Ade Fajemisin (Postdoctoral Researcher) and Donato Maragno (PhD Student) of the University of Amsterdam. They were co-authors of a recent paper (“Optimization with Constraint Learning: A Framework and Survey”) that explores how machine learning can be used to learn constraints in optimization problems. Our conversation focused on key findings in their paper, as well as trends in the use of machine learning for optimization problems.
Optimization problems are routine in many industries including logistics, manufacturing, retail, energy, and financial services. Such problems can often be complex and hard to solve in practice, and as such teams often have to solve simpler and perhaps less realistic optimization tasks. In previous episodes, I’ve had guests describe how reinforcement learning can be used to tackle large-scale simulation and optimization problems.
Highlights in the video version:
- Introduction to Ade Fajemisin and Donato Maragno
Why focus on machine learning for optimization?
Constraint learning and machine learning for organization
State of tools for optimization
What ML techniques are useful for optimization?
Constrained Optimization
Reinforcement learning for optimization and simulation problems
Practitioners working on ML optimization
The optimization community
Optimization benchmarks
Tools, frameworks, and packages
Related content:
- A video version of this conversation is available on our YouTube channel.
- Nic Hohn and Max Pumperla: Reinforcement Learning in Real-World Applications
- Jack Clark: The 2022 AI Index
- Barret Zoph and Liam Fedus: Efficient Scaling of Language Models
- What Is Graph Intelligence?
- Applications of Reinforcement Learning: Recent examples from large US companies
FREE report: | https://thedataexchange.media/machine-learning-for-optimization/?shared=email&msg=fail |
Life Sciences:
Patrik Sundblad
[email protected]
A key concept in the field of neuromotor control is that of defining the frames of reference used by the central nervous system (CNS) to interpret sensory information and to control movements. At the level of individual sensors and effectors, the coordinate systems employed are well defined. It is not in the coordinate system of an individual receptor, but rather, in examining the coordination of sensory and motor activity that the question of reference frames becomes interesting.
This experiment was testing the role of gravity in defining the reference frames used for 3D navigation and for representing the orientation of our own bodies and the orientation of visual stimuli. In a series of psychophysical tests it was compared how human subjects perform these types of task both on the ground and in the weightless conditions of orbital flight. Also evoked potentials were measured through surface electrodes applied to the scalp in order to measure the spatial and temporal components of information processing in the brain in the absence of gravity.
This experiment had two specific objectives concerning the functioning of the human nervous system for the perception of orientation and the performance of 3D navigation in space:
Hypothesis 1
The human perceptual system represents and stores the orientation of visual stimuli in a reference frame that combines egocentric information about the orientation of the body axis with graviceptor information about the vertical axis. Visual stimuli that are aligned with the vertical and horizontal axes are treated preferentially in this multi-modal reference frame. In the absence of gravity, the human nervous system may substitute a cognitive reference frame defined by the stable mechanical base provided by an orbiting spacecraft. When operating in free-floating conditions, subjects will lose the haptic cues that indicate their orientation with respect to the local environment. In this situation, the CNS may use a purely egocentric reference frame aligned with the body, or the system may lose its stable reference frame and treat all orientations equally.
Hypothesis 2
We hypothesize that in free floating the cognitive task will be changed by the absence of gravitational reference. In particular, we expect all readiness for movement - called "Bereitschaftspotential" (BP) - and late positive component (LPC) amplitudes and latencies to be higher than in normal gravitational environment. This would indicate that alternative spatial motor reference needs to be constructed in free-floating, implying additional cognitive processing at each stage of movement. If BP and LPC amplitudes and latencies are similar to normal gravitational condition, the same type of cognitive processing (independent of graviception) would appear conserved. Finally, gradual normalisation of BP and LPC during the task would indicate rapid adaptation of attentional process.
This experiment was designed to test each of the above hypotheses through a series of psychophysical tests performed in a simple virtual-reality environment.
RELATED RESEARCH
Role of the gravitational component of the efference copy in the control of upper limb movements (CNES)
2nd Joint European Partial gravity Parabolic Flight campaign 2012
Role of the gravitational component of the efference copy in the control of upper limb movements (CNES)
1st Joint European Partial gravity Parabolic Flight campaign - 2011
NEUROSPAT - The effect of gravitational context on EEG dynamics: A study of spatial cognition, novelty processing and sensorimotor integration
ISS Increment 20-36 - 2009-2013
Effects of Changing Gravity on Ocular-motor coordination
51st ESA Parabolic Flight Campaign 2009
Dexterous Manipulation in microgravity
48th ESA Parabolic Flight Campaign 2008
Cosmonaut subjects will perform a set of 2 psychophysical tasks with simultaneous recording of EEG activity. For each subject, the performance on these tasks will be compared for a set of pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight procedures to test for an effect of weightlessness on the visual perception of orientation and movement and on the ability to navigate in three dimensions. Back-up crew members will be asked to perform all pre-flight training and baseline data collection (BDC) tests and may be asked to work in parallel with the orbital crew during and after the flight to provide a matched control group for comparison.
The subject takes up the position and postural support depending on the gravitational conditions (ground or inflight) and on the instructions for a particular protocol:
Ground - Seated: The subject is seated upright comfortably in a chair, with the elbows resting on the adjustable-height elbow supports of the ground support stand. The ground support stand is adjusted to position the mask/tunnel/laptop at the level of the eyes for viewing. The height of the elbow pads is adjusted to allow the subject to comfortable grasp the grips on the laptop support.
In-flight - Restrained: The subject sits in front of the laptop, which is attached to a mechanical support. Waist and foot straps are used to hold the subject securely in a seated posture.
Inflight - Free-floating: The subject adopts a free-floating posture and should have no rigid contact with the station structure during the performance of the experiment in this mode. A second cosmonaut aids the subject to stabilize his or her posture at the beginning of this phase of the experiment.
In all cases, the subject places the face into the face mask and attaches an elastic band behind the head to help hold the head in place. By manipulating the buttons and trackball, the subject launches the experiment program on the laptop, identifies him or herself to the program and then performs a set of experimental trials consisting of the following:
FO1: Virtual Turns
The subject is situated in a visually presented 3D virtual tunnel. On the press of a button, the subject will appear to either move through a tunnel at constant speed, passing through a single bend between two linear segments or the subject may appear to undergo a rotation in place (no apparent translation). At the end of the trial, the subject indicates the extent of the turn (i.e. how many degrees) in one of two different fashions:
EEG is recorded during the above trials. EEG will also be recorded under four control conditions. In condition 1, the subject relaxes and does nothing, first with eyes closed, then while looking at a neutral screen. In condition 2, an alternating checkerboard is presented to the subject on the screen, with the colours switching between black and white every 3 seconds. In control condition 3 the subject follows the movement of a luminous spot as it makes a sinusoidal movement across the screen. In control condition 4 subjects blink their eyes in synchrony with an audible metronome. Control recordings are expected to last no more than 5 minutes.
The subject performs a total of 48 such trials for either stimulus type, for a total of 96 trials per session. Trials are broken into blocks of 12 trials each, with pauses programmed between blocks. At a nominal rate of 4-5 trials per minute (including pauses), one complete execution of this protocol (turning in-place or passage through the tunnels) is performed in 20-25 minutes.
FO2: Visual Orientation
A reference line of a fixed orientation is displayed on the video monitor. At the press of the button by the subject, the stimulus line is erased and a distracter screen (with lines in many orientations) is displayed momentarily. Finally a second response line is displayed at an orientation different from the first. Using the trackball, the subject must adjust the orientation of the second line to match that of the first. The subject performs 6 such trials for each of 7 different reference orientations, for a total of 42 trials. Trials are broken into 3 blocks of 14 trials each, with pauses programmed between each block. At a nominal rate of 4 trials per minute (including pauses), one complete execution of this protocol is performed in10-15 minutes.
(1) Weightlessness specifically affects visual evoked potential related to the presentation of a virtual 3D navigation tunnel: In NeuroCOG experiments subjects observed a simulated passive movement through a virtual tunnel. Each tunnel contained a bend. After subjects emerged from the end of the tunnel, they were asked to report the perceived turn angle by adjusting a visual indicator with a trackball. On Earth the estimation of pitch turns was greater for forward (nose-down) turns versus backward (nose-up) turns. This asymmetry does not exist to this extent in weightlessness.The research from this experiment is continuing within a follow‐on experiment (NEUROCOG 2) which is embedded within the ESA-sponsored NEUROSPAT experiment.
(2) Weightlessness increases the alpha rhythm gain during the transition between eyes-closed and eyes-opened states.
(3) Moving in virtual navigation induced midfrontal N200 event related potentials supported by a transient theta ringing altered in weightlessness.
J.J.W.A. van Loon, F.J. Medina, H. Stenuit, E. Istasse, M. Heppener, R. Marco, (2007), "The National-ESA Soyuz missions Andromède, Marco Polo, Odissea, Cervantes, DELTA and Eneide", Microgravity Science and Technology, 19, 5-6, DOI: 10.1007/BF02919448, pp. 9-32.
A. Leroy, C. De Saedeleer, A. Bengoetxea, A. Cebolla, F. Leurs, B. Dan, A. Berthoz, J. McIntyre, G. Cheron, (2007), "Mu and alpha EEG rhythms during the arrest reaction in microgravity", Microgravity Science and Technology, 19, 5-6, DOI: 10.1007/BF02919462, pp. 9-32.
G. Cheron, A. Leroy, C. De Saedeleer, A. Bengoetxea, M. Lipshits, A. Cebolla, L. Servais, B. Dan, A. Berthoz, J. McIntyre, (2006), "Effect of Gravity on Human Spontaneous 10‐Hz Electroencephalographic Oscillations During the Arrest Reaction", Brain Research, 1121, 1, DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.08.098, pp. 104-116.
M. Lipshits, A. Bengoetxea, G. Cheron, J. McIntyre, (2005), "Two Reference Frames for Visual Perception in Two Gravity Conditions", Perception, 34, 5, DOI: 10.1068/p5358, pp. 545-555.
M. Vidal, M. Lipshits, J. McIntyre, A. Berthoz, (2003), "Gravity and spatial orientation in virtual 3D-maze", Journal of Vestibular Research, 13 (2003), IOS Press, pp. 273-286.
G. Cheron, A. Leroy, E. Palmero-Soler, C. De Saedeleer, A. Bengoetxea et al., (2014), "Gravity Influences Top-Down Signals in Visual Processing", PLoS ONE, 9, 1 - DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082371.
C. De Saedeleer, M. Vidal, M. Lipshits, A. Bengoetxea, A.M. Cebolla, A. Berthoz, G. Cheron, J. McIntyre, (2013), "Weightlessness alters up/down asymmetries in the perception of self-motion", Exp Brain Res, 226, DOI: 10.1007/s00221-013-3414-7, pp. 95-106.
G. Cheron, A.M. Cebolla, M. Petieau, A. Bengoetxea, E. Palmero-Soler, A. Leroy, B. Dan, (2009), "Adaptive Changes of Rhythmic EEG Oscillations in Space: Implications for Brain–Machine Interface Applications", International Review of Neurobiology, 86, ISBN: 978-0-12-374821-8, pp. 171-187.
click on items to display
Execution of Neurocog experiment using visual tunnel
Neurocog mounting frame and tunnel
Preparing for floating protocol of Neurocog experiment flight day 5
http://wsn.spaceflight.es
a.int/?eea=MTM5MTc2NTE3Ng
http://wsn.spaceflight.es
a.int/?eea=MTM5MTc2NDk5MQ
Setting up of Neurocog experiment on flight day 5
Astronaut Pedro Duque executing the free floating protocol of the Neurocog experiment.
Astronaut Pedro Duque performing the fixed viewing protocol of the Neurocog experiment. | http://eea.spaceflight.esa.int/portal/exp/?id=7907 |
This application is a divisional under 35 U.S.C. §121 and 37 C.F.R. §1.53(b) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/208,764 filed Mar. 13, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The following disclosure relates to the designation of traffic lanes for a multi-lane path in traffic data, or more particularly, traffic speed reports or predictions based on the designation of traffic lanes for a multi-lane path in traffic data.
Traffic Message Channel (TMC) and other traffic services deliver traffic information to customers. Traffic incidents and traffic flow are reported through broadcasts. Traffic delays may be caused by one or more of congestion, construction, accidents, special events (e.g., concerts, sporting events, festivals), weather conditions (e.g., rain, snow, tornado), and so on.
In some areas, broadcast messages contain up-to-the-minute reports of traffic and road condition information. These systems broadcast the traffic data over traffic message channels on a continuous, periodic, or frequently occurring basis. Traffic message receivers decode the data and provide up-to-the-minute reports of traffic and road conditions.
While the reports of traffic are useful, traffic incidents and traffic flow may be averaged across segments of a section of the road, which may not accurately reflect the actual traffic conditions. Challenges remain in the development of more precise reporting of traffic conditions.
In one embodiment, a controller receives probe data from a vehicle traveling on a path segment. The probe data may be collected by a mobile device. The path segment may be a multilane roadway. The controller identifies a first lane of the path segment from the probe data. The controller associated a forked route with the first lane of the path segment. The controller calculates different traffic values for the lanes of the path segment. One traffic value may be calculated directly from speeds derived from the path data. Another traffic value may be calculated by the probe data and a historical relationship.
Road traffic information may be received from traffic providers in real time or with a short time delay and may be reported using traffic message channel (TMC) or another addressing scheme to map traffic conditions to path segments. The term TMC may refer to the traffic reporting format or protocol, or the term TMC may refer to a specific path segment. The TMC may include a global identification value that universally identifies the path segment.
The traffic conditions for a path segment may be determined by tracking probes (e.g., vehicles with position enabled devices). The traffic conditions may be calculated using average speed, for example, as calculated from the entry and exit times of a probe as it travels the path segment and the length of the path segment. The resulting average speed is applied uniformly as the traffic condition for the entire path segment.
However, the path segment may include multiple traffic conditions. For example, depending on the length of the path segment, the traffic near the beginning of the path segment may be at one speed, and the traffic near the end of the path segment may be at another speed. In another example, the traffic condition may vary between lanes. An obstacle or another traffic incident may impede traffic in one lane but not in another lane. An exit lane may experience congestion because of traffic backing up at the exit or because of a traffic condition on the downstream path segment connected to the exit lane.
The path segment may be divided according to an offset location. The offset location may divide the path segment be in the longitudinal direction of the path segment (e.g., with traffic) into multiple lanes. The offset location may divide the path segment in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the path segment. The offset location splits the path segment into sections, which may be encoded with independent congestion levels and illustrated as having different congestion levels. For example, the sections of the path segment may be illustrated in different colors on a map.
FIG. 1
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illustrates an example system for lane level congestion splitting. The system includes a developer system , one or more mobile devices , a workstation , and a network . Additional, different, or fewer components may be provided. For example, many mobile devices and/or workstations connect with the network . The developer system includes a server and a database . The developer system may include computer systems and networks of a system operator.
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The mobile device may include a probe device (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS)) for determining the geographic position of the mobile device . The mobile device may generate probe data that describes the geographic position of the mobile device . When the mobile device is traveling in a vehicle, the probe data describes the geographic position of the vehicle, and when the mobile device is carried by a person, the probe data describes the geographic position of the person.
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The server may receive the probe data from one or more mobile devices , which may be traveling in vehicles along a road represented by a path segment. The server may analyze the probe data to identify a portion of the path segment that corresponds to the current position of the mobile device . The portion of the path segment may be a particular lane. In one example, the server may compare the current position of the mobile device to one or more stored boundary lines between the lanes of the path segments to determine the lane traveled by the mobile device .
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In one example, the server may compare recent sets of probe data to recent measurements to determine the lane traveled by the mobile device (e.g., whether the current probe measurement walls within a left cluster of probe data points, a center cluster of probe data points, or a right cluster of probe data points). The recent measurements may be previous probe measurements from the mobile device . In addition or in the alternative, the recent measurements may be generated by another speed data collection device such as a camera, traffic sensors, infrared sensors, wheel sensors, or another traffic collection device.
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The database , or a memory of the server , may store data indicative of a path network made of path segments. Some of the path segments may be associated with a forked route that is associated with a particular lane of a path segment. For example, on an expressway, a right lane may be an exit lane that leads to an exit ramp. The path network includes a node that connects the exit lane and the exit ramp.
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Based on probe data for the exit lane, the server generates a first traffic value that describes the speed of travel on the exit lane. Based on probe data for another lane, the server generates a second traffic value that describes the speed of travel on the other lane. The first traffic value may be interpreted as a first color, shading, or alphanumeric label for the speed of travel on the exit lane, and the second traffic value may be interpreted to a second color, shading, or alphanumeric label for the speed of travel on the other lane.
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The traffic values may be based on real time data, historical data, or a combination of real time data and historical data. When the server receives real time data for a lane, the traffic value may be based solely on the real time data. When the server does not receive real time data for a lane, the traffic value may be based on historical data for a time interval corresponding to the current time. In one example, the server may receive real time data for one lane of a path segment but no real time data for a second lane of the path segment. The server may calculate an estimation of the traffic value of the second lane based on real time data for the first lane and historical data for both lanes. For example, a historical relationship or ratio of the traffic between the first lane and the second lane is applied to the real time data for the first lane to estimate a current traffic value for the second lane.
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The mobile device is a smart phone, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a personal navigation device (“PND”), a portable navigation device, and/or any other known or later developed portable or mobile computing device. The mobile device includes one or more detectors or sensors as a probe or a positioning system built or embedded into or within the interior of the mobile device . The mobile device receives location data for geographic position from the positioning system.
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The optional workstation is a general purpose computer including programming specialized for the following embodiments. For example, the workstation may receive user inputs for defining geographic boundaries for the lanes of the path segment. The workstation may receive user inputs for manually defining the speed ranges for the color, shading, or alphanumeric labels for the lanes of the path segment.
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The developer system , the workstation , and the mobile device are coupled with the network . The phrase “coupled with” is defined to mean directly connected to or indirectly connected through one or more intermediate components. Such intermediate components may include hardware and/or software-based components. The computing resources may be divided between the server and the mobile device . In some embodiments, the server performs a majority of the processing. In other embodiments, the mobile device or the workstation performs a majority of the processing. In addition, the processing is divided substantially evenly between the server and the mobile device or workstation .
FIG. 2
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illustrates an example of path segments, or links, including multiple lanes. A path segment L connects with path segments L and L at a fork. illustrates a scenario in which traffic is backing up on the exit ramp of path segment L. However, path segment L is illustrated with low traffic (light shading, or a first color) across both lanes because a single traffic condition is used for path segment L. In practice, the traffic condition of path segment L may be affecting traffic flow in the right lane of path segment L, but because the average of all probes (those traveling in both the left lane and the right lane) defines the traffic condition, the traffic condition represented for path segment L may be inaccurate.
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illustrates lane splitting for traffic condition encoding using the example of . The path segment L includes a left lane A and a right lane B. The left lane A is connected to path segment L including lane , and the right lane is connected to path segment L including lane . The traffic condition of the left lane A may be calculated from the entry time and exit time of one or more probes that travel the left lane A and the length of the path segment L. The traffic condition of the right lane B may be calculated from the entry time and exit time of one or more probes that travel the right lane B and the length of the path segment L. The average speeds of multiple probes may be averaged for the traffic condition for the left lane A and the right lane B.
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Because the average speeds for left lane A and right lane B are calculated separately, individual traffic values may be determined for each lane. The traffic value may correspond to an estimated speed range. For example, a traffic value of 3 may correspond to an estimated speed range of 41 miles per hour or higher, a traffic value of 2 may correspond to an estimated speed range of 30-40 miles per hour, a traffic value of 1 may correspond to a predicted speed range of 17-29 miles per hour, and a traffic value of 0 may correspond to an estimated speed range of 16 miles per hour or less. The traffic value may be calculated based on a statistical distribution. For example, a traffic value of 0 may correspond to an average speed value near a historical mean, such as within one standard deviation of the historical mean, a traffic value of 1 may correspond to an average value higher than the historical mean, such as within two standard deviations of the mean, and a traffic value of −1 may correspond to an average value lower than the historical mean, such as within two standard deviations of the historical mean.
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A graphical indicator may be applied to individual path segments and individual portions of path segments (e.g., the left lane A and the right lane B). The graphical indicators may be different colors, shadings, text labels, or other indicators of traffic levels. Example shadings are shown in . The server may be configured to access a lookup table that associates traffic values to graphic indicators (e.g., a traffic value of 3 corresponds to green, a traffic value of 2 corresponds to yellow, and a traffic value of 1 corresponds to red).
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Because the left lane A and the right lane B are encoded with traffic value independently, the left lane A and the right lane B may be assigned different graphical indicators. Thus, the graphical indicator for left lane A is arranged adjacent to the graphical indicator for left lane B and in parallel to represent the path segment in the same direction.
As an alternative to color, the graphical indicator may be a size of the path (e.g., high traffic areas are shown constricted on the map), the graphical indicator may be a vehicle animation (e.g., vehicles are shown in animation at a speed proportional to the predicted speed), the graphical indicator may be a speed value shown on the map with text, or the graphical indicator may be shown in another fashion.
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illustrates an example matrix for the path segments of . The matrix may be an origin-destination (OD) matrix that associates possible destinations on one axis (e.g., the horizontal axis) and possible origins on the other axis (e.g., the vertical axis). The matrix may include a cell for each combination of possible path segments. Cells in which the corresponding combination of path segments do not intersect may include a zero value or a null value (e.g., (0,0)). Cells in which the corresponding combination of path segments intersect or associated by a node include nonzero values.
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The cells may include an average speed for the probe paths, or data points for speed measurements for the path. In addition or in the alternative, the cells may include a quantity of probe paths measurements. The average speeds of the probe paths and the quantity of the probe paths may be real-time data, historical data, or both. The matrix may include a flag for each cell that indicates whether the data is real-time data or historical data. Alternatively, the matrix may include only historical data and real-time is stored outside of the matrix as the real time data is received.
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corresponds to the paths illustrated in . The matrix illustrates zero values that illustrate when no connection exists between paths. The matrix illustrates nonzero values for the path between path segment L and path segment L and the path between the segment L and path segment L. Each nonzero value in the matrix indicates a spatial origin and spatial destinations. Each nonzero value in the matrix , which may be referred to as an OD pair, may have no temporal characteristics and indicate that indicate there is at least one contiguous path geometry with correct restrictions on driving maneuvers between the OD pairs.
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The matrix includes a count value (X) for the quantity of measurements and the average speed value (Y) for the path between the segment L and path segment L. The matrix includes a count value (X) for the quantity of measurements and the average speed value (Y) for the path between path segment L and path segment L. The measurements may be referred to as probe paths such that each probe path is a sequential set of GPS points for the same vehicle with increasing timestamps. The average speed value of a probe path may be calculated from the distance covered divided by the travel time (e.g., difference in minimum timestamp and maximum timestamp).
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The matrix may be associated with a specific time epoch, or the matrix may include multiple layers or divisions for multiple time epochs. The time epoch corresponds to a time of day, day of week, and/or day of the year. The size of the repeating time epochs may be configurable by the developer. Example sizes include 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, or another value. Example time epochs include 5:00 pm-5:15 pm on a weekday, 10:00 am-11:00 am on a Saturday, and 2:00 pm-4:00 pm on the day before Thanksgiving. In the example of 15 minute epochs, the speed data may be formatted into a 96-dimensional vector for each cell of the matrix , in which each of the 96 components describe speed data for a different 15 minute epoch. The size of matrix is a function of the size, or quantity, of the time epochs.
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FIG. 3
Consider an example for matrix in which the O-D pair for L to L is (X, Y)=(17, 11), which indicates 17 probe paths with an average speed of 11 kilometer per hour (kph), and the O-D pair for L to L indicates 5 probe paths with an average speed of 18 kph. As shown in the region of interest on the map in , a traffic condition where L reports congestion but L reports no congestion could result from an exit ramp at L being blocked. The matrix indicates that L to L has a higher traffic volume and lower average speed than the link L to L. For the link the L to L, the traffic volume is relative to 17 probe paths and the average speed is 11 kph, which may be colored red. For the link L to L, the traffic volume is relative to 5 probe paths and the average speed is about 18 kph, which may be colored yellow.
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The matrix may include historical data, real time data, or a combination of historical and real time data. When the matrix includes only historical data, real time data may be received and analyzed by the server . In one example, the server may compare the quantity and/or quality of the real time data to determine whether the matrix should be used to estimate the traffic value. For example, the server may store a reliability threshold for the real time data. Examples for the reliability threshold may include 1, 2, 10, or 100 measured probe paths.
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When the number of probe paths, which may be limited to probe paths during a specific time epoch for a specific lane of the path segment, exceeds the reliability threshold, the traffic value for the lane is calculated from the real time data. However, when the number of probe paths does not exceed the reliability threshold, the server calculates the traffic value for the lane based on historical data for the lanes of the path segment and a historical relationship between the lanes. The historical relationship may be a ratio of the historical traffic levels on one lane of the path segment to the historical traffic level on another lane of the path segment. The historical relationship may include multiple components (e.g., a first component describes the ratio of lane A to lane B, a second component describes the ratio of lane B to lane C, and third component describes the ratio of lane C to lane A).
FIG. 4
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Returning to the example illustrated by , the matrix may include historical data only. The server receives measured probe paths for the current time epoch. The measured probe paths may be sufficient to describe the traffic from L to L. In other words, the number of probe paths from L to L exceeds the reliability threshold. However, the measured probe paths may not sufficiently describe the traffic from L to L. In other words, the number of probe paths from L to L does not exceed the reliability threshold.
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The server accesses matrix , or a portion of matrix , that is associated with a historical data for the current time epoch. The server may access or calculate a ratio between the traffic levels on L to the traffic levels on L. The server may multiply the ratio for L to L (HR) by the measured traffic level on L (TV) to calculate the current traffic level estimate on L (TVE) according to Equation 1.
TVE
=HR*TV
2
1
Eq. 1
FIG. 5
illustrates example path segments including multiple lanes. The pathway may include a two lane path that splits into three paths. Portions of the path may be encoded for a single traffic value (no distinction between lanes), portions of the path may be encoded for two traffic values (distinction between lanes), and/or portions of the path may be encoded for three traffic values (distinction between resulting ramps).
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A path segment A may include a single graphical portion that represents the entire width of the path. The path segment A is connected to path segments B and C, including distinct graphical portions and respectively, which represent different lanes in the width of the path. The path segment B is connected to path segments D including graphical portion and path segment E including graphical portion . The path segment C is also connected to path segment E. Thus, path segment E is associated with multiple upstream path segments. The path segment C is connected to path segment F, which includes graphical portions . Downstream path segments G and H are also illustrated.
FIG. 5
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The example illustrated in includes three graphical indicators representing three traffic levels. Graphical portion includes a graphical indicator (e.g., medium traffic level) that represents the average of the probe paths for path segment A. Traffic is slowed on the exit ramp for path segment D, and traffic is backed up into path segment B. Thus, graphical portions and indicate a graphical indicator for high traffic level (low speed). In path segments E and F, traffic is moving freely. Thus, graphical portions , , and indicate a graphical indicator for a low traffic level (high speed).
FIG. 6
FIG. 5
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illustrates an example matrix for the path segments of . The server may be configured to compare the data arrangement of the matrix to identify lane distinctions. For example, a row with more than one nonzero cell indicates that the corresponding path segment is connected to more than one downstream path segment and may be subject to different traffic conditions in the different lanes. In matrix the rows corresponding to path segments A, B, and C included multiple nonzero cells. Similarly, a column with more than one nonzero cell indicates that multiple lanes or path segments feed a particular downstream path segment. In matrix , the column corresponding to path segment E includes more than one nonzero column because both lanes (path segments B and C) are connected to path segment E. The row and column arrangement may be reversed depending on the layout of the matrix .
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The server may access a lookup table such as the matrix based on a geographic position, which may be the geographic position of the mobile device . The server identifies a row or column vector in the lookup table that corresponds to the path segment and determines whether a number of components, or nonzero components, of the vector exceeds one. When the number of components exceeds one, the server determines that the path segment is a multi-lane segment.
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The server may compare the matrix to one or more predetermined patterns or templates. The templates may include a template for identifying multiple nonzero cells in a row or column. The server identifies a match between the matrix and a template to determine that traffic lane differentiation can be performed on the path network. In other words, the server may generate the map include the graphical indicators for parallel lanes when the matrix matches a predetermined template.
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The size of the matrix is a function of the number of variables or distinctions made within the traffic data or measured probe paths. For example, the matrix may have a depth or number of layers depending on the a space complexity is a function including a number of geographic regions (r), a number of time divisions (n), and a number of time epochs (t) in each division. Time divisions techniques include, daily (n=7), day of the year (n=365), weekday/weekend (n=2), or holiday/non-holiday (n=2). The space complexity function defines the quantity of layers (Q) of the matrix according to Equation 2.
Q=r*t*n
Eq. 2
FIG. 7
FIG. 1
FIG. 8
FIG. 8
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illustrates an exemplary server of the system of . The server includes a processor , a communication interface , and a memory . The server may be coupled to a database and a workstation . The workstation may be used as an input device for the server . In addition, the communication interface is an input device for the server . The communication interface receives data indicative of use inputs made via the workstation or the mobile device . Additional, different, or fewer components may be included. illustrates an example flowchart for lane level congestion splitting. The acts of may be performed by the server or another device. Additional, different, or fewer acts may be provided.
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At act S, the communication interface receives probe data from one or more mobile devices. The mobile devices may be traveling along a path segments. The mobile devices may be navigation devices or cellular phones. The probe data may be collected by a mobile application. The map application may be a navigation application that provides routing directions based on a current position of the mobile device and an inputted destination. The map application may provide maps and points of interest at locations shown on the maps. The probe data may describe current and past positions of the mobile devices.
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At act S, the processor is configured to identify a first lane of the path segment from the probe data. The processor may compare geographic locations in the probe data to a map of path segments. The processor may select the path segment that is closest to the probe data. Alternatively, the path segment may be assigned a range of geographic locations.
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At act S, the processor calculates a traffic value for the first lane of the path segment based on the probe data. The traffic value may be a speed calculated from the geographic locations of the probe data. The traffic value may be an average speed calculated from the time the mobile device enters the path segment and exits the path segment. The traffic value may be calculated from two sequential position data points.
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At act S, the processor calculates a traffic value for a second lane of the path segment based on the probe data and a historical relationship. For example, the processor may access a ratio for previously recorded speeds on the second lane to previously recorded speeds on the first lane. The historical relationship may be indexed by time epoch. The historical relationship provides an estimation of traffic on one lane based on traffic on another lane.
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The processor may determine whether or not to perform act S. For example, when the probe data includes less than a predetermined number of probe paths for the second land of the path segment, then the processor performs act S. When the probe data includes at least the predetermined number of probe paths for the second land of the path segment, then the processor omits act S and calculates the traffic value for the second lane based on the probe paths.
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The processor may perform act S for multiple lanes. That is, the processor is configured to calculate a historic ratio between the first lane and the second lane and a historic ratio between a third lane and the second lane. The processor calculates a first estimate for the traffic value for the second lane based on the historic ratio between the first lane and the second lane and calculates a second estimate for the traffic value for the second lane based on the historic ratio between the second lane and the third lane. The processor may average the first estimate and the second estimate to determine the traffic value for the second lane.
FIG. 9
FIG. 1
FIG. 10
FIG. 10
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illustrates an exemplary mobile device of the system of . The mobile device may be referred to as a navigation device. The mobile device includes a controller , a memory , an input device , a communication interface , position circuitry , and a display . The workstation may include at least a memory and processor and may be substituted for the mobile device in the following. illustrates an example flowchart for lane level congestion splitting. The acts of may be performed by the mobile device or another device. Additional, different, or fewer acts may be provided.
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At act S, the processor receives location data indicative of a geographic position. The location data may be received from position circuitry . The location data may include street addresses, geographic coordinates, or another indicator of position.
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At act S, the communication interface sends the location data to the server . As described above, the server calculates traffic data for parallel lanes based on the location data. The server may calculate traffic data for one lane directly from the location data and traffic data for another lane based on the traffic data for the first lane and a historical relationship between the two lanes. Thus, the traffic data for at least one of the parallel lanes is based on a combination of current traffic measurements and historic traffic measurements
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At act S, the communication interface is configured to receive the traffic data for multiple parallel lanes. At act S, the processor generates a display (e.g., a map or a street view) that includes the traffic data for the multiple lanes. The display may include different colors, shadings, or other graphical indicators that correspond to ranges for the traffic values.
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In addition or the alternative to traffic reporting, the traffic values may be used to provide functions for an autonomous vehicle. An autonomous vehicle is self-driving and may be referred to as a robot vehicle or an automated vehicle. The autonomous vehicle may include passengers but no driver is necessary. The mobile device or another computer system in communication with the mobile device may include instructions for routing the vehicle or operating the vehicle. An estimated travel time may be calculated based on the traffic values and a route may be chosen based on the estimate travel time. The computing system may generate driving commands for steering the vehicle, shifting gears, increasing and decreasing the throttle, and braking. The computing system may generate auxiliary commands for controlling the headlights, turn signals, windshield wipers, defrost, or other auxiliary functions not directly related to the movement of the vehicle.
The autonomous vehicle may include sensors for identifying the surrounding and location of the car. The sensors may include GPS, light detection and ranging (LIDAR), radar, and cameras for computer vision. Proximity sensors may aid in parking the vehicle. The proximity sensors may detect the curb or adjacent vehicles. The autonomous vehicle may optically track and follow lane markings or guide markings on the road.
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The database may store or maintain geographic data such as, for example, road segment or link data records and node data records. The link data records are links or segments representing the roads, streets, or paths. The node data records are end points (e.g., intersections) corresponding to the respective links or segments of the road segment data records. The road link data records and the node data records may represent, for example, road networks used by vehicles, cars, and/or other entities. The road link data records may be associated with attributes of or about the roads such as, for example, geographic coordinates, street names, address ranges, speed limits, turn restrictions at intersections, and/or other navigation related attributes (e.g., one or more of the road segments is part of a highway or tollway, the location of stop signs and/or stoplights along the road segments), as well as points of interest (POIs), such as gasoline stations, hotels, restaurants, museums, stadiums, offices, automobile dealerships, auto repair shops, buildings, stores, parks, etc. The node data records may be associated with attributes (e.g., about the intersections) such as, for example, geographic coordinates, street names, address ranges, speed limits, turn restrictions at intersections, and other navigation related attributes, as well as POIs such as, for example, gasoline stations, hotels, restaurants, museums, stadiums, offices, automobile dealerships, auto repair shops, buildings, stores, parks, etc. The geographic data may additionally or alternatively include other data records such as, for example, POI data records, topographical data records, cartographic data records, routing data, and maneuver data.
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The databases may be maintained by one or more map developers (e.g., the first company and/or the second company). A map developer collects geographic data to generate and enhance the database. There are different ways used by the map developer to collect data. These ways include obtaining data from other sources such as municipalities or respective geographic authorities. In addition, the map developer may employ field personnel (e.g., the employees at the first company and/or the second company) to travel by vehicle along roads throughout the geographic region to observe features and/or record information about the features. Also, remote sensing such as, for example, aerial or satellite photography may be used.
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The database may be master geographic databases stored in a format that facilitates updating, maintenance, and development. For example, a master geographic database or data in the master geographic database is in an Oracle spatial format or other spatial format, such as for development or production purposes. The Oracle spatial format or development/production database may be compiled into a delivery format such as a geographic data file (GDF) format. The data in the production and/or delivery formats may be compiled or further compiled to form geographic database products or databases that may be used in end user navigation devices or systems.
For example, geographic data is compiled (such as into a physical storage format (PSF) format) to organize and/or configure the data for performing navigation-related functions and/or services, such as route calculation, route guidance, map display, speed calculation, distance and travel time functions, and other functions, by a navigation device. The navigation-related functions may correspond to vehicle navigation, pedestrian navigation, or other types of navigation. The compilation to produce the end user databases may be performed by a party or entity separate from the map developer. For example, a customer of the map developer, such as a navigation device developer or other end user device developer, may perform compilation on a received geographic database in a delivery format to produce one or more compiled navigation databases.
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The input device may be one or more buttons, keypad, keyboard, mouse, stylist pen, trackball, rocker switch, touch pad, voice recognition circuit, or other device or component for inputting data to the mobile device . The input device and the display may be combined as a touch screen, which may be capacitive or resistive. The display may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, light emitting diode (LED) screen, thin film transistor screen, or another type of display.
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The positioning circuitry is optional and may be excluded for the map-related functions. The positioning circuitry may include GPS, Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), or a cellular or similar position sensor for providing location data. The positioning system may utilize GPS-type technology, a dead reckoning-type system, cellular location, or combinations of these or other systems. The positioning circuitry may include suitable sensing devices that measure the traveling distance, speed, direction, and so on, of the mobile device . The positioning system may also include a receiver and correlation chip to obtain a GPS signal. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more detectors or sensors may include an accelerometer built or embedded into or within the interior of the mobile device . The accelerometer is operable to detect, recognize, or measure the rate of change of translational and/or rotational movement of the mobile device . The mobile device receives location data from the positioning system. The location data indicates the location of the mobile device .
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The controller and/or processor may include a general processor, digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), analog circuit, digital circuit, combinations thereof, or other now known or later developed processor. The controller and/or processor may be a single device or combinations of devices, such as associated with a network, distributed processing, or cloud computing.
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The memory and/or memory may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. The memory and/or memory may include one or more of a read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, an electronic erasable program read only memory (EEPROM), or other type of memory. The memory and/or memory may be removable from the mobile device , such as a secure digital (SD) memory card.
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The communication interface and/or communication interface may include any operable connection. An operable connection may be one in which signals, physical communications, and/or logical communications may be sent and/or received. An operable connection may include a physical interface, an electrical interface, and/or a data interface. The communication interface and/or communication interface provides for wireless and/or wired communications in any now known or later developed format.
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The network may include wired networks, wireless networks, or combinations thereof. The wireless network may be a cellular telephone network, an 802.11, 802.16, 802.20, or WiMax network. Further, the network may be a public network, such as the Internet, a private network, such as an intranet, or combinations thereof, and may utilize a variety of networking protocols now available or later developed including, but not limited to TCP/IP based networking protocols.
While the non-transitory computer-readable medium is shown to be a single medium, the term “computer-readable medium” includes a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term “computer-readable medium” shall also include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein.
In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, the computer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatile read-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium can be a random access memory or other volatile re-writable memory. Additionally, the computer-readable medium can include a magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk or tapes or other storage device to capture carrier wave signals such as a signal communicated over a transmission medium. A digital file attachment to an e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives may be considered a distribution medium that is a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a computer-readable medium or a distribution medium and other equivalents and successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored.
In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments can broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodiments described herein may implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations.
In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the methods described herein may be implemented by software programs executable by a computer system. Further, in an exemplary, non-limited embodiment, implementations can include distributed processing, component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing. Alternatively, virtual computer system processing can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods or functionality as described herein.
Although the present specification describes components and functions that may be implemented in particular embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the invention is not limited to such standards and protocols. For example, standards for Internet and other packet switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP, HTTPS) represent examples of the state of the art. Such standards are periodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols having the same or similar functions as those disclosed herein are considered equivalents thereof.
A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a standalone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.
The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatus can also be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).
As used in this application, the term ‘circuitry’ or ‘circuit’ refers to all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry) and (b) to combinations of circuits and software (and/or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) to a combination of processor(s) or (ii) to portions of processor(s)/software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and (c) to circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present.
This definition of ‘circuitry’ applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term “circuitry” would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term “circuitry” would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other network device.
Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and anyone or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor receives instructions and data from a read only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for performing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer also includes, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computer need not have such devices. Moreover, a computer can be embedded in another device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio player, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, to name just a few. Computer readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.
To provide for interaction with a user, embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented on a device having a display, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.
Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described in this specification, or any combination of one or more such back end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network (“WAN”), e.g., the Internet.
The computing system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.
The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.
While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.
Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings and described herein in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.
One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, are apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.
The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter.
It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that the following claims including all equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.
FIELD
BACKGROUND
SUMMARY
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the following drawings.
FIG. 1
illustrates an example system for lane level congestion splitting.
FIG. 2
illustrates example path segments including multiple lanes.
FIG. 3
FIG. 2
illustrates traffic condition encoding using the example of .
FIG. 4
FIG. 2
illustrates an example matrix for the path segments of .
FIG. 5
illustrates example path segments including multiple lanes.
FIG. 6
FIG. 5
illustrates an example matrix for the path segments of .
FIG. 7
FIG. 1
illustrates an exemplary server of the system of .
FIG. 8
illustrates example flowchart for lane level congestion splitting.
FIG. 9
FIG. 1
illustrates an exemplary mobile device of the system of .
FIG. 10
illustrates another example flowchart for lane level congestion splitting. | |
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NBC's new show I Feel Bad addresses this very topic.
Throughout your entire life, people are always hissing at you to say sorry when you’ve made a mistake, hurt someone’s feelings, or did something that’s categorized as wrong. But the act of saying sorry is something that your ego and your emotions need to agree with before you utter those words out of your mouth. It’s not always so easy to do.
“Not saying sorry when you are means your ego is protecting some level of vulnerability you feel by admitting error of some kind,” says Dr. Debi Silber, a transformational psychologist. “When we perceive apology as a weakness vs. the strength to admit our wrongdoings and take responsibility for our actions, that’s usually the ego speaking loud and clear.”
Not only do we face an inner battle to admit that we did wrong and apologize but sometimes we say sorry when we absolutely don’t mean it but want to put an end to a dramatic situation and have the people in our lives just move on.
Dr. Silber says that people give into saying sorry when they’re eager to diffuse a potential outburst by the other person.
“It can be the way to avoid confrontation or a way of getting away with an action you chose to do but don’t want to change,” Dr. Silber says. “Only the person apologizing (and not meaning it) understands why they’re choosing that behavior.”
So when are the right times to say sorry? Dr. Silber says that it all depends on the person, the mistake, and how often it’s been done by that person. But regardless, it should only be said when the person means it.
As for when to skip out on saying sorry because though you feel bad, you don’t want to or think you need to say sorry, check out these five situations that experts say it’s OK to skip out on an apology.
1. When Making Lots of Requests
It’s OK to want things the way you want them. Even if you sense you’re breathing annoyance into someone else’s day, it doesn’t require you to say sorry for what your requests are.
Giulia Suro, Ph.D., and CEDS Licensed Psychologist, says that we don’t need to apologize for asking for something we want or need, like bothering a landlord because your hot water is not working or having to go to the bathroom, even if that means interrupting a meeting.
2. When Your Apology Brings Up Past Issues
When you’re trying to get out of an ongoing argument or say your very own closing statements to a fight, Mark Borg Jr, Ph.D., a community psychologist, psychoanalyst and co-author of RELATIONSHIP SANITY: Creating and Maintaining Healthy Relationships, says that you can ditch the apology if it’s going to bring up past issues that have been laid to rest (like conversations about jealousy over exes, financial mishaps, or trust issues that have been worked through) since that might, without you realizing it, open up it old wounds.
3. When You’re Just Not Ready
If you’re eager to avoid saying sorry for something you’re not quite sure you’re sorry for, or you’re finding yourself feeling down about how you handled a situation but you’re unsure if it was all your doing and no one else's, Borg suggests hitting the pause button and giving yourself some time to consider your response before jumping into a full-fledged apology.
4. When the Other Person Refuses to Admit They Did Anything Wrong
Saying sorry isn’t always a one person job. Sometimes the apology should be shared. That’s why Borg says that in a relationship, if there’s conflict, and you discover the other person has zero willingness, or the capacity, to take responsibility for their part in the problem, you too might want to step away from apologizing until they can come forward with their own explanation of wrongdoing.
5. When You Have a Differing Opinion
It’s perfectly normal to believe in something that the people around you don’t believe in or have an unpopular opinion about something from those in your life. Suro says that you don’t have to apologize for having your own opinion or an honest disagreement with someone else, as long as the communication is respectful.
I Feel Bad premieres on Thursday, October 4 at 9:30/8:30c on NBC.
Personal Space is Bravo's home for all things "relationships," from romance to friendships to family to co-workers. Ready for a commitment? Then Like us on Facebook to stay connected to our daily updates. | https://www.bravotv.com/personal-space/i-feel-bad-when-do-you-need-to-say-sorry-and-when-dont-you |
The Practitioner's Path in Speech-Language Pathology: The Art of School-Based Practice bridges the gap between theory and practice, evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence, and the science and artistry of speech-language pathology. This book takes a critical look at areas related to wellness, professional development, and growth that can impact the personal self along with the professional self. It examines each area through an overview of inter-disciplinary research in addition to personal narratives illustrating key principles and strategies and offers the reader a professionally balanced perspective.
The first section of the book helps us understand the importance of building a foundation for our clinical path through a discussion about scientific and evidence-based principles, different types of knowledge systems, and development of wisdom. The second section of the book helps us understand the importance of supporting our foundation through an introduction to reflection, counsel and care, balance and harmony, growth and detachment. The third section of the book includes chapters that serve as pillars of practice: organizational frameworks, materials and activities, measuring progress, best practices, and the importance of community. The fourth and final section of the book highlights shared vision, clinical expertise, emotional intelligence, leadership trends, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and research dissemination.
This book challenges us to consider our own perceptions about the explicit nature of professional practice, and facilitates the development of four attitudes that can have a profound impact on both clinical success and professional satisfaction: a scientific attitude, a therapeutic attitude, a professional attitude, and a leadership attitude. It contains a blend of clinical evidence and research, practitioner views, common sense, philosophical stances, and historical overviews. The Practitioner's Path in Speech-Language Pathology is designed for students and practitioners who are actively involved with the process of knowledge acquisition, and targets issues we encounter along our path to becoming reflective practitioners, as they relate to the excellence behind and scholarship within teaching and learning.
Robert Goldfarb, Ph.D., Fellow, ASHA Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Adelphi University (November 2017):
"I am pleased to recommend this essential new book on practice-based evidence. This is a book that merits a place in the professional library of all speech-language pathologists, regardless of work setting. It opens our eyes to aspects of our professional world that we may have never considered."
Jacqueline Toscano (December 2017):
"It truly is a handbook for anyone in the field from students through seasoned professionals to those who have become leaders as a result of traveling the path. The focus is stated for the need for a transformation of the field from disorder and task-centered to person-centered through an interprofessional journey, as well as a self-journey for each professional. The organization follows a natural progression with sections for: building, supporting/, following and becoming our path. Within each section, background information with huge amounts of references and resources support the development of the stated focus. Especially helpful are the many frameworks and theories. Based on the focus of the book and the interdisciplinary nature of speech-language pathology, well-integrated material is key. This book certainly illustrates how integration of various fields and philosophies is key to improving therapeutic outcomes in each chapter and in the framework of the book. References and especially the appendices are helpful for exploring further knowledge and for self-reflection. Truly a handbook! Contents go beyond anything Ive read in the last 30 years in terms of depth, clarification of the interdisciplinary nature of the field and vision for the practice. Inclusion of "Autobiographical Reflective Tales" brought theories to life and helped with application of information. I have been highly recommending it to those speech-language pathologists with whom I have contact, which are school-based supervisors, staff developers and providers working with students from pre-school through age 21. It can be picked up and specific sections used as a reference for targeted areas of focus, as well as read in its entirety to gain perspective on developing an understanding about speech-language as a life path and where one is along the path. Well-done!"
Jasleen Kaur Giannitelli, M.A., CCC-SLP (January 2018):
"Wendy Papir-Bernstein's book, The Practioner's Path in Speech-Language Pathology: The Art of School-Based Practice, is an essential read for anyone searching for a connection between their chosen profession and their spirituality. The book is written with thought-provoking purpose, and challenges us to explore all facets of our professional framework, one element at a time. An ideal book for both students and professionals, it implores us to recognize the need to remain flexible, tolerant, and open to changes that are imperative to our personal and professional growth. Ms. Papir-Bernstein artfully combines data and evidence-based research with philosophical, historical, and spiritual viewpoints throughout the book. She tells of her own experiences as a clinician, professor, and supervisor, with humor, raw honesty, and self-reflection through compelling narratives. The book has inspired me to reconsider my own path, professional and spiritual, and I only wish a book like this had been around when I first began my career as a school-based clinician."
Jack Pickering, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders College of Saint Rose, Albany, NY (January 2018):
"In her book, Wendy Papir-Bernstein reminds us that we are so much more than the techniques we apply to support our clients. In fact, the same things we hope for the people with whom we work (e.g., change, reflection, autonomy, balance, growth, wellness etc.) are the very things we should seek for ourselves as professionals. For those of us who provide clinical instruction, Ms. Papir-Bernstein also makes explicit what we hope to instill in our students, concepts that go beyond the activity of the mind and tap into the heart and soul. Ms. Papir-Bernsteins ideas draw on a variety of disciplinary perspectives, many of which have been around far longer than the profession of speech-language pathology." | https://www.proedaust.com.au/the-practitioners-path-in-speech-language-pathology-the-art-of-school-based-practice |
Davy Sabourin (He/Him) is a Francophone member of the LGBTQ2+ community born in Montreal, who has been living in the National Capital Region for about 9 years. He is a federal public servant working in privacy law compliance at the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. Prior to joining the Public Service, he worked in Ottawa as a Mental Health and Addictions Counselor.
In his pastime, Davy is an LGBTQ2+ advocate who, through his community involvement fulfills his passion of being an educator, connector and bridge builder between individuals, groups and communities. Prior to being the current Chairperson of Capital Pride (the Pride organization of Ottawa-Gatineau), he served as the Community Relations Officer, and actively worked to engage the National Capital Region’s LGBTQ2+ community and allies. In that role, he led the creation of Capital Pride Youth Committee, which serves to meaningfully engage and empower young LGBTQ2+ individuals in providing guidance and insight to the festival’s Board of Directors and the Festival Director in charge of operations.
Further to his local involvement, Davy was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of Fierté Canada Pride, the national association of Canadian Pride organizations, as Central Regional Director. In his role, he is the representative of Pride organizations across Ontario and Quebec, wherein two of Canada’s biggest Pride festivals take place, namely Fierté Montreal Pride and Pride Toronto. In addition, he now serves as Regional Director for Canada (Region 7), on the Board of Directors of InterPride, the international association of Pride organizers, representing Canadian Pride organizations on an international level. Davy wants to be an agent of community engagement and change – for the equality and advancement of LGBTQ2+ human rights on a global scale.
Davy holds degrees in Police Foundations, Mental and Addictions, as well as a Bachelor of Social Sciences, in the fields of in Conflict Studies and Human Rights, and Social Work. | https://capitalpride.ca/board/davy-sabourin/ |
New research into the plant-based sweetener stevia indicates that the sugar substitute may have negative implications for gut health.
People use sugar substitutes as a way to reduce their sugar intake. Excess sugar consumption can cause weight gain, lead to diabetes, and contribute to inflammation in the body.
For this reason, researchers have worked to find the perfect replacement that tastes like real sugar and is safe to consume.
Scientists have considered stevia a safe sugar alternative for years, but a new study raises the question of whether it can be harmful to gut health. | https://www.hawkeshealth.net/community/showthread.php?t=20669&s=6fc705771526af59cd5106f7d2e59d38&p=88254 |
A British Columbia forestry watchdog has found forest practices near Port Alberni have put old growth and biodiversity at risk.
The Forest Practices Board report comes three years after the Ancient Forest Alliance submitted a complaint about timber harvesting in the Nahmint River watershed. The board has determined that BC Timber Sales, the provincial agency responsible for auctioning timber sale licenses, failed to comply with land-use objectives for biodiversity protection in the Nahmint Valley.
Now, the board says the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development needs to find a way to make sure this lack of compliance doesn’t happen again.
The Nahmint, located about 20 kilometres southwest of Port Alberni, is designated as a special management zone for its high biodiversity and wildlife, with some of the largest tracts of remaining old-growth forests on Vancouver Island outside of Clayoquot Sound.
The Ancient Forest Alliance was concerned in 2018 that BC Timber Sales practices were leading to the harvesting of large, old-growth trees, overriding its own protective order and the area’s special status.
Kevin Kriese, chair of the Forest Practices Board, said that the board took a look at BC Timber Sales’ forest stewardship plan and determined that its management of old forest was not compliant with government objectives.
“The harvesting and the issues around old forest have been going on for a while,” he said in a media presentation on Wednesday, May 12.
In addition, board staff examined the remaining forest in the watershed and found that there was not adequate old forest remaining in some ecosystems. BC Timber Sales’ forest stewardship plan does not have a strategy to protect these ecosystems—meaning that there are some ecosystems that could be at risk if more logging takes place in them.
“There is a risk…that these actually could be harvested,” said Kriese.
After a complaint from the Ancient Forest Alliance in 2018, the ministry’s compliance and enforcement branch started an investigation that ultimately determined BC Timber Sales was not compliant with government objectives. However, the compliance and enforcement branch also determined that it was not able to take enforcement action under the current legal framework, so it closed the file and referred it to the Forest Practices Board.
“That’s an oversight and that’s a gap,” said Kriese. “The current legal framework does not permit government to ensure that forest stewardship plans approved in error can be amended, and this does not give the public confidence in government’s compliance and enforcement. We are recommending government fix this gap in the legislation.”
The report ultimately found “a number of issues” with government objectives for B.C.’s forests, including the Nahmint River watershed.
“The board is concerned that actions are needed now to ensure biodiversity, and old forests in particular, are being adequately protected as forestry activities proceed in this watershed,” the report states. “Ultimately, the responsibility for the gaps in the planning and approval processes rests with the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.”
The report recommends that the ministry complete landscape unit planning for Nahmint and that BC Timber Sales amend its forest stewardship plan to achieve the legal objectives. It also recommends that BC Timber Sales ensures it does not sell any timber sales in these high-risk ecosystems until a landscape unit plan is completed.
The final recommendation from the report asks the ministry to identify a mechanism that will allow forest stewardship plans to be corrected if they are out of compliance.
In light of the board’s findings, the Ancient Forest Alliance is calling on the B.C. government to direct BC Timber Sales to immediately stop auctioning off cutblocks in old-growth forests and instead champion conservation solutions and sustainable second-growth harvesting practices.
“With the Forest Practices Board’s investigation now complete, the evidence is irrefutable,” said Ancient Forest Alliance campaigner Andrea Inness in a press release. “BC Timber Sales are failing to adequately protect old-growth in the Nahmint Valley. This failure exposes the gross inadequacies and lack of accountability that are inherent in B.C.’s forest system and the need for immediate, systemic change.”
The full report can be found on the Forest Practices Board’s website at www.bcfpb.ca. The board is requesting a response from BC Timber Sales and the ministry by Sept. 15, 2021.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development says that BC Timber Sales is addressing the board’s recommendations in its operations, and that the ministry is updating Nahmint’s landscape unit plan. | https://www.bclocalnews.com/news/watchdog-logging-practices-put-vancouver-island-old-growth-biodiversity-at-risk/ |
An international team of astronomers has spotted the farthest known gravitational lens and, as Albert Einstein predicted, it is a galaxy that deflects and intensifies the light of a much further object.
9
Neil Armstrong, the first man to step foot on the moon, carried with him a piece of cloth and wood from the original 1903 Wright Flyer.
11
Scientists have confirmed that Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moons, has a watery ocean.
6
There is a mass reservoir of water floating in space that is 100,000 times bigger than our sun and holds 140 trillion times more water than all of our oceans.
11
In 1859, the largest known geomagnetic storm struck the Caribbean, causing an aurora and telegraphs could even operate without a power source.
24
There are 5 to 10 times more stars in the known Universe than there are grains of sand on all the world's beaches, but a single grain of sand has more atoms than there are stars in the known Universe.
18
The Sun and Moon appear to be the same size because the moon is 400 times smaller than the Sun, but 400 times closer to Earth.
13
According to a study by the National Science Foundation, only half of Americans believe in evolution, and one in 4 don't know that the Earth orbits the Sun. | https://funfactz.com/tags/space/3/ |
Kangaroo is native to mainland Australia and parts of Papua New Guinea. Some of these species are unique to Australia. All Australian kangaroos, except those in zoos and wildlife parks, live in the wild. Different species of kangaroos live in a variety of natural environments in Australia, from cool rainforests and desert plains to the tropics.
Kangaroos are herbivores, eating a variety of plants, and some also eat fungi. Most of them are active at night, but some are active in the morning or evening. Different kinds of kangaroos live in different natural environments. For example, the potoloid kangaroo makes its own nest, while the tree kangaroo lives in trees. Large kangaroos like to use trees, caves and rock cracks as shelters. | http://www.tigerfeng.com/kangaroo-tattoos/ |
Australia, or often referred to as Down Under, is one of the biggest countries in the world. The outback, desert or semi-arid lands, comprise much of the country. It extends from the central region to the western. The outback is mostly uninhabited making it virtually a wilderness.
But your journey to the outback will never be a boring one. In fact, lots of things are waiting to surprise you on your visit. Here are 10 of these surprises.
Kangaroos are like symbols of Australia. They are abundant in almost all parts of the country. In the outback of the Down Under, kangaroos are in large mobs and they can freely roam as they please.
Gorgeous rock formations are throughout Australia. Each formation has a unique story to tell. Others are even made by aboriginal spirits living in them.
The Pinnacles are limestone formations within the Nambung National Park in Western Australia. A theory of their formation states that these were once seashells which became limestone sand and blown inland.
The big red rock at the center of the barren outback landscape is known as Uluru. The sandstone is believed to be 700 million years old and is a sacred place for Australian aboriginals.
They are large and flightless birds of Australia. Emus are only available in the country/continent. It is uncommon to see them in a group running along the side of the road.
Be very prepared whenever you enjoy yourself in the outback of the country. Your preparation must include extra fuel at all times, or else you’ll get stuck in the middle of nowhere.
This is one very dangerous job to do. You can do it on foot, but have pity on yourself if you do. Most people do the job by horseback, by vehicle or by aircraft.
The wilderness will always surprise you. The trash, strange and twisted metals and other materials are left to rot helplessly.
Feral camels are native to Australia. They had a dramatic reduction in population from about 1 million in 2008 to only 300,000 in 2013. The government developed a program to rescue the camels from extinction.
A journey in the outback allows anyone to see a very wide horizon from all sides. The wide expanse even allows you to you see developing storms from all sides. | http://viralcommand.com/australian-outback/ |
The Malaria in Pregnancy (MiP) Consortium is working in partnership with WWARN to track the severity and spread of antimalarial drug resistance and develop a better understanding of the impact of drug resistance on the efficacy of intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) strategies to control malaria in pregnancy. The group will also collate data on the efficacy, tolerability, safety and pharmacokinetic properties of antimalarial medicines used both for prevention of malaria and treatment during pregnancy.
The Malaria in Pregnancy (MiP) Consortium is working in partnership with WWARN to track the severity and spread of antimalarial drug resistance and develop a better understanding of the impact of drug resistance on the efficacy of intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) strategies to control malaria in pregnancy. The group will also collate data on the efficacy, tolerability, safety and pharmacokinetic properties of antimalarial medicines used both for prevention of malaria and treatment during pregnancy. Our aim is to ensure that all pregnant women receive effective chemoprevention (prophylaxis) to prevent malaria and, if needed, receive safe and effective treatment at the appropriate dose level.Together we will gather individual patient data (IPD) from completed clinical trials, facilitate pooled analyses (IPD meta-analyses), and ask valuable research questions to support the creation of evidence-driven pregnancy treatment and prevention policies and programmes.
Health impact - Establish the best way to increase the coverage and utilisation of existing strategies to control malaria in pregnancy.
The MiP Consortium is working in partnership with WWARN to develop a MiP programme on the WWARN platform. This partnership will enable the pooled analysis of the MiP data sets to support the creation of evidence-driven policies and programmes. This collaborative project will track the severity and spread of antimalarial drug resistance and develop a better understanding of the impact of resistance on the effectiveness of current prevention strategies during pregnancy.
Identify the modifying effects of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) resistance and malaria transmission intensity on the clinical effectiveness of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) with SP.
Better define areas appropriate for the different drug-based control strategies based on prevailing levels of SP resistance and transmission intensity. | https://www.wwarn.org/working-together/scientific-groups/malaria-pregnancy-scientific-group |
Few careers offer the stability and growth opportunities of accounting. No matter how much data and technology change industries or how fast the global market grows, someone is always needed to manage financial records. With the emergence of online learning, there has never been a better time to study accounting.
- Published in Business Administration and Management
Tagged under: accounting, bsba concentration, business careers
Salary Opportunities with an MBA
Friday, 21 March 2014 by Tricia Hussung
Graduates discover salary increases with MBA degree According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), higher education can equate to higher earning potential. The BLS compiled data using numbers from 2012 to highlight the value of advanced education for job seekers, and a graduate degree has been shown to pay off. Salary Opportunities with an
- Published in Business Administration and Management
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Aluminium, arsenic, boron, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, molybdenum, sodium, nickel, phosphorus, lead, sulfur, selenium & zinc.
If not all elements are required testing can be for individual elements or a number of selected elements.
Alternatively elements can be grouped into metals ( Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Se Zn), nutrients ( B, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, S, Zn) or cations (Ca, Mn, Na, K).
Water test kits which include EC, pH, alkalinity, hardness, chloride, SAR, SI, turbidity and an interpretation report are available. See Water testing for further information. | https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/services/laboratory-services/chemistry-testing/chemistry-test-list |
Japan is a fascinating country: for centuries it was nearly fully isolated from other countries, creating a culture that’s vastly different from the rest of the world.
We wanted to travel to the country for ages, and last year (after careful budgeting and planning) we finally took an 11 hour plane ride to the other side of the world and discovered their beautiful nature, great food and amazing culture for ourselves. Our first stop: Tokyo.
Tsukiji Fish Market
On our first day after arriving in the country we tried to embrace our jetlag by going to Tsukiji Fish Market in the early hours of the morning. It was a very populair destination for tourists as it was a major source of fish for restaurants, but as this popularity makes it harder for the workers to do their actual job the market moved to a different location a few months ago. We were lucky enough to be there before the move happened, so we still go to experience the “classic” location.
We went straight from the station to one of the restaurants in the nearby shopping street to have some sushi for breakfast (this didn’t feel that strange to us as we were disoriented by the jet lag anyway). The taste of the sushi is so much better than in Belgium. Everything just tasted amazing, especially the fatty tuna, which felt a bit like eating butter.
We didn’t eat at the vendors in the fish market themselves, as it was a rainy day and the restaurants were packed by people who were trying to stay dry.
Shinjuku
Shinjuku hosts the largest train station in the world, but from the outside this isn’t really noticable. It’s crowded, yes, but not surprisingly so. We didn’t visit the inside of the station during rush hour though, so we can’t judge on that front.
A few minutes from the station is the Metropolitan Office Building, which is free to enter and which has a nice view of the skyline of Tokyo at the top. Apparently it’s possible to see Mount Fuji in the distance on very clear days, but we didn’t manage to get a glimpse of it during our visit.
Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa
The Senso-Ji temple, probably one of the most recognisable buildings in Tokyo, is a massive tourist hot spot. It’s one of those locations that’s on nearly every tourist checklist and considered to be one of the essential things to visit in the city.
I personally found it to be a bit too crowded. It’s a nice temple, but it’s a bit hard to soak it all in if you have to share the experience with thousands of other people on a small piece of land at once.
Regardless, the striking red color of the different buildings makes it a cool thing to photograph.
Right in front of the temple are a few streets full of souvenir shops and food stalls serving small snacks. We were also approached multiple times by groups of young students, asking us where we’re from in their best English. After pinpointing Belgium on a map (and helping them practice English in the meantime) we received an origami bird. Cool!
Shibuya
Shibuya is a famous neighbourhood in Tokyo known for its impact on fashion (as it’s a popular shopping district with many flagship stores), the Hachiko statue (a statue of a dog who waited for his late owner to return from work for years) and the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing in which millions of people cross the streets daily.
We went to visit the area when it was pouring outside. As there are neon lit shop signs and huge billboards everwhere, we felt like we were part of a scene from the movie Blade Runner. Most store buildings contain separate stores on each level, so the sprawling amount of shop signs also add to the whole cyberpunk atmosphere.
In contrast with Times Square in New York City (which is also a sight to behold with its flashy lights), this neighbourhood is actually also popular with locals and not just with tourists. It’s a bustling collection of shops, bars and restaurants, and there’s always something to do, to buy, and to eat.
We went to check out the conveyor belt sushi at Genki Sushi. At this chain (it has multiple restaurants across Tokyo) you can order your food on touch screens at your table, which gets delivered on rails just moments after touching the order button. Surprisingly, the sushi is actually quite good, and although you don’t really interact with the staff and the place is always packed, it was quite a nice experience. The food is also not expensive at all, making it a worthwhile visit.
We also found ourselves at Bar Legacy, a tiny speakeasy style bar in a basement near the south entrance of Shibuya station. This place is not necessarily the cheapest place to get a drink, but the vibe inside is fantastic, the staff is really friendly and the drinks are great (if you’re into cocktails, that is).
Another nice place is Gyukatsu Motomura, a small restaurant just around the corner of Bar Legacy that only serves Gyukatsu (deep fried beef covered in breadcrumbs). We found this recommended on Google Maps, where a lot of comments said that the waiting line is long but worth it. We expected it to take half an hour or so, but in the end it took us nearly 1.5 hours to get seated.
Fortunately, the food was really really good, which more than made up for the wait. There’s only room for around 8 people at a time, which also explains the line.
Meji Shrine
Just a bit up north from Shibuya you can find the Meji Shrine, a shrine to honour emperor Meji (†1912). To get to the shrine itself, you have to pass through its surrounding park via a short walk. It’s a beautiful location, with lots of torii gates, small rivers flowing underneath short bridges and lush trees: a place of tranquility to escape the crowds of Shibuya.
Ueno
Another large train station is located in Ueno. As is common with a lot of other train stations in Tokyo, it’s a bit hard to find your way around. This probably has to do with the separation of the different train companies in the country: there are a few railway companies that work independently, so getting from one line to the other might involve having to go through an entirely different section in the station. We got confused quite a number of times in Ueno station, as this was the first main hub we had to use in the beginning of our trip.
Besides the station, there’s also a pretty big park in Ueno (aptly called Ueno Park, of course). At the time we went there (in the beginning of March) the park wasn’t that interesting yet (as most flowers and trees were not in bloom yet, but there was this lone tree with blooming Sakura flowers which gathered a rather large crowd around it.
At the end of our trip we also went to visit the Tokyo National Museum, which is located at the end of the park. We went there during a rainy day, which of course meant that the museum was packed with people that also wanted to escape from the poor weather.
Ryogoku
If you cross the bridge over the Sumida River on the east of Ueno, you’ll arrive in Ryogoku, a relatively quiet neighbourhood with tons of small restaurants next to the station. It looked like it’s also a popular spot to visit after work, as the streets filled up in the evening with people in business attire.
On the other side of the station you can find the Ryogoku Kokugikan, the place where most of the sumo tournaments in Japan are held during the year. When we visited this place, only the gift shop and the museum were open. The gift shop was very nice, with friendly staff members, and the museum was small, but quite interesting and the entrance was free. It contains a lot of documents and items from ancient wrestlers, and a life sized painting of Ikuzuki, one of the tallest Sumo wrestlers ever to exist (according to Google: about 2.27m). It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re into the sport. | https://www.bartvandersanden.com/blog/2019/01/02/tokyo-japan.html |
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EW23Clementi
Across Clementi, a variety of housing types provide distinct options for residents. On top of existing accommodation such as Park West, Botannia and The Parc condominium, more will be available in the form of public housing near Clementi Woods Park and Waterfront private housing along Sungei Ulu Pandan, just to name a few. Well situated near the Jurong Gateway, a larger number of job seekers can enjoy fresh opportunities near home. While Clementi did not used to have any shopping centers within the vicinity, West Coast Plaza and The Clementi Mall have opened up in previous years to provide additional facilities for residents. Sunset Way, unique for its al fresco dining area, is a gem hidden along the heartlands. Besides National University of Singapore, Singapore Institute of Management and Ngee Ann Polytechnic, NUS High School and Nan Hua Primary School are part of the numerous academies nearby. Not too far away, The Singapore Japanese School provides an international education for children of Japanese expatriates.
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Summary
Legends have it that the iconic Ice Lemon Tea, a national favourite drink, was the inspiration behind Clementi’s name.
Having been once known for the boys’ home situated along the road, the district was once known as Reformatory Road. Until 1947, when the Singapore Rural Board proposed changing the name of the road. The intent was to initially christen it in honour of Sir Hugh Clifford, the British High Commissioner in Malaya.
While Clementi was the name the Lord eventually settled on, it remains unconfirmed for whom it was named. Possible namesakes include Sir Cecil Clementi Smith, the first British High Commissioner in the Straits Settlements, or the similarly named Sir Cecil Clementi, a former Governor of the Straits Settlements whose significance doubled as the initiator of the construction of Kallang Airport.
Clementi’s colonial attachment extends further given a portion of it having been named Sussex Estate, after the English county. Developed in the mid-1950s, the now-named Clementi Avenue 1 was once home to the families of British senior non-commissioned officers.
Following neighbouring estate Boon Lay’s HDB-centric development, Clementi underwent a similar development in 1975. This included the demolishing of the military installation Colombo Camp located where what is now known as Clementi New Town.
Today, Clementi serves as an epicentre, linking the south-west to the rest of Singapore.
Stay
Divided into four constituencies with seven neighbourhoods, Clementi hosts a diverse selection of housing options. From the traditional Singaporean apartments like HDB flats and condominiums to private landed properties, Clementi residences are a microcosm of Singaporean homes.
The homes in Clementi offer unmatched value through accessibility and resources. In 2016, a flat in Clementi Towers HDB that is linked directly to Clementi MRT station made a record-breaking sale fetching more than $1 million dollars on the resale market. Similar scenarios are typically only observed in units in Design, Build & Sell projects, which refer to public housing units that are developed and sold by private developers as opposed to the Housing Development Board.
While the more common HDB housing estates are aplenty in Clementi, the otherwise heartland-like district is also home to multiple condominiums. From older landmark properties such as Clementiwoods, Parc Clematis, The Trilinq, to newer sites like The Clement Canopy in Clementi Avenue 1, Clementi is rife with condominiums.
Unique to most heartland estates, however, is the presence of hotels within the vicinity of Clementi. Just off the cusp of Clementi are Ibis Budget and Fragrance hotels, both reasonably-priced housing for travellers.
Eat
An early settlement even during the development phases of the government’s efforts with the HDB initiative, the district has no shortage of great food options. The Block 448 Clementi Food Centre has satiated many a Clementine since its construction. So great is its reputation that it is not uncommon to find the occasional East-side resident in the hawker centre hoping to snag a meal from one of the famous vendors.
Setting their flag in this food haven is popular western cuisine franchise, Collins whose usual restaurant fare finds a home in the esteemed hawker centres of Celemnti. Truffle mushroom soup and a crispy white pizza are some of what can be enjoyed from Collins.
Though if shopping mall fare is what you hanker, Clementi has not one but two malls to offer with a variety of fast food options and mall food courts. Clementi Mall holds common food chains like McDonald’s and Stuff’d, as well as well-loved options that are harder to come by, such as Shake Shake In A Tub and Jinjja Chicken!
In 321 Clementi, hipster and prata converge at Prata Alley. The restaurant serves whacky prata amalgamations that most have likely not tried before. Salted caramel apple prata and pizza prata are two popular menu items that prioritise tastefulness that supersedes the value of unconventional combinations.
Drink
With its bustling pseudo-city lifestyle, and its function as a network centre in the south-west of Singapore, Clementi does not disappoint with its availability of cafes. Boasting both Starbucks and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Clementi’s heavy traffic of working adults and students keeps the town trendy.
And if you’re looking for something a little stiffer, experience the customer favourite Beer O’ Clock at Stickies Bar located on Sunset Lane.
Serial cafe-hoppers are likely well acquainted with Clementi and its strong cafe representation. Cafes like W39 Bistro & Bakery offer full meals with their artisanal coffee, while Jimmy Monkey replicates the Melbournian cafe experience, where customers enjoy glazed donuts while watching the raw green beans get roasted.
Shop
With two shopping malls located just within walking distance of the Clementi MRT station, Clementi possesses almost every type of store its residents or visitors could possibly need.
The heart of the district, The Clementi Mall is connected directly to the MRT station, and houses the bus interchange. The Clementi Mall also houses the Clementi Public Library. With staples such as a Popular bookstore, BHG, a supermarket and more, The Clementi Mall alone is sufficient in providing residents with all their basic needs.
While The Clementi Mall does lack a cinema, 321 Clementi houses a WE Cinemas by Eng Wah. Furthermore, the mall is a short, pleasant walk from the MRT station and allows you a reason to navigate through the Block 448 hawker centre. The cinema is actually the only cinema in Clementi, with the only other cinema nearby being EagleWings Cinematics, a boutique cinema at King Albert Park Mall.
While slightly less expansive than The Clementi Mall, 321 Clementi does host its fair share of residential favourites and necessities. From Saizeriya to clinics and a gym, 321 Clementi hosts all the neighbourhood comforts its residents require.
Play
Whether to keep fit or just have fun, Clementi’s well-equipped. With multiple gyms and bordered by more than one park, Clementi’s recreational potential is diverse.
With two of the most commercially known gyms, Fitness First and Anytime Fitness, already present, Clementi’s fitness options are open to most gym-goers. Additionally, the area has its own ActiveSG gym as well, making fitness accessible to just about anyone.
And if you’re looking for something less tedious and more for leisure, Clementi’s residential and neighbouring parks are not only a healthy dose of nature, but also picturesque.
The namesake of one of its more prominent condominiums, NParks’ Clementi Woods Park offers residents an opportunity to get back in touch with nature.
In addition to the NParks staple is the Firefly Park, and Sunset Way Park, also an NParks installation. And although these parks offer just about all one would expect in a park, if you find yourself yearning for something more of the seaside variety, you can make your way to West Coast Park, the west-sider’s answer to the more popular East Coast Park. The park runs parallel to the West Coast Highway and has 50 hectares of land with six different playgrounds, fishing spots, and barbecue pits!
Learn
From pre-school to tertiary education, Clementi’s one of the very few estates to be able to boast having them all.
Primary schools in the area include Clementi Primary School, Nan Hua Primary School, Pei Tong Primary School, and Qifa Primary School. Options for secondary education extend from the well known Clementi Town Secondary School, Nan Hua High School, and Tanglin Secondary School to the focus-specific academies like NUS High School of Mathematics and Science.
Tertiary education options are nothing short of impressive in Clementi. Both Ngee Ann Polytechnic, within the Clementi zones, and Singapore Polytechnic in Commonwealth Avenue West. Additionally, for degree students, the SIM Headquarters is located just beside Ngee Ann Polytechnic, and the National University of Singapore’s vast premises borders Clementi as well.
More uniquely, Clementi is also host to the Japanese School, Singapore with the Waseda Shibuya Senior High School close by at West Coast Road. A private Japanese Kindergarten is located just beside the Japanese Secondary School.
Move
Clementi’s central transportation hub unifies both its MRT station and the bus interchange. Located on the East-West Line (Green) Clementi is a stop away from Jurong Interchange. Furthermore, not only is the MRT station connected to The Clementi Mall, the mall itself includes the bus interchange, allowing commute to be as efficient as possible.
Clementi also grants access to numerous expressways, making it a commonly chosen segue spot for taxi drivers ferrying passengers in and out of Singapore’s west. The expressways are Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE), Pan Island Expressway (PIE), and Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE), which make travelling to prime areas a matter of fifteen minutes.
Accessibility to and from Clementi is only going to get better, with the introduction of three new train transport routes in the vicinity. The Cross-Island Line will be the country’s longest fully-underground line, and will be over 50 kilometres long. The Jurong Region Line will connect neighbourhoods in three phases from Choa Chu Kang to Boon Lay. The KL-Singapore High-Speed Rail at Jurong (a stop away from Clementi) will cross borders, linking Singapore to Malaysia’s city, Kuala Lumpur. | http://cdn.99.co/singapore/neighbourhoods/clementi |
The Video Games Textbook takes the history of video games to the next level. Coverage includes every major video game console, handheld system, and game-changing personal computer—as well as a look at the business, technology, and people behind the games.
Chapters feature objectives and key terms, illustrative timelines, color images and graphs, in addition to the technical specifications and key titles for each platform. Every chapter is a journey into a different segment of gaming, where readers emerge with a clear picture of how video games evolved, why the platforms succeeded or failed, and the impact they had on the industry and culture. Written to capture the attention and interest of students from around the world, this newly revised Second Edition also serves as a go-to handbook for any video game enthusiast.
This edition features new content in every chapter, including color timelines, sections on color theory and lighting, the NEC PC-98 series, MSX series, Amstrad CPC, Sinclair ZX Spectrum, Milton Bradley Microvision, Nintendo Game & Watch, gender issues, PEGI and CERO rating systems, new Pro Files and quiz questions, plus expanded coverage on PC and mobile gaming, virtual reality, Valve Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.
Key Features:
- Explores the history, business, and technology of video games, including social, political, and economic motivations
- Facilitates learning with clear objectives, key terms, illustrative timelines, color images, tables and graphs
- Highlights the technical specifications and key titles of all major game consoles, handhelds, personal computers, and mobile platforms
- Reinforces material with market summaries, reviews of breakthroughs and trends, as well as end-of-chapter activities and quizzes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 01 The First Video Games
Chapter 02 Behind the Technology
Chapter 03 The Atari Generation
Chapter 04 Early PC Gaming
Chapter 05 The 8-bit Era
Chapter 06 The 16-bit Era
Chapter 07 Sex and Violence Take Center Stage
Chapter 08 The 3D Era
Chapter 09 Video Games Become Big Business
Chapter 10 The Sixth Generation
Chapter 11 The Rise of PC Gaming and VR
Chapter 12 The Seventh Generation
Chapter 13 Military, Science, and Education Get Into the Game
Chapter 14 Mobile and Indie Change the Game
Chapter 15 Modern Console Gaming
View More
Author(s)
Biography
Dr. Brian J. Wardyga combined his 40+ years’ experience with video games with 20+ years in the media industry and 20+ years of teaching in higher education to create The Video Games Textbook. He began playing video games in the early 1980s, beginning with the Atari VCS. Since that time, he has collected games for almost every major system, and lived through most of what has been written in this book. An expert on the subject that is both his passion and hobby, Brian wrote and designed this textbook to promote student learning and to be the ultimate companion book for all video game enthusiasts. The book’s visually rich presentation encourages reading and provides vivid examples of each major platform, its controllers and accessories, along with examples of the print advertisements, game graphics, and box art that was pertinent to each generation of video games.
Brian began teaching at the university level in 2002 at Boston University and has taught communication and production courses at Curry College, Fisher College, Lasell University, and University of Massachusetts, Boston. He has been a full-time instructor at Lasell University since 2004, where he began teaching courses on video games in 2009. His array of courses taught includes Advanced Television Production, Communication Research (graduate level), Digital Audio Production, Digital Filmmaking, Digital Video Editing, Effective Speaking, Fundamentals of Communication, Interactive Broadband Television, Life Skills & Video Games, Media Literacy, Oral Communication, Public Speaking, Radio Production, Television Studio Production, Understanding Mass Media, Understanding Video Games, Video Games & Culture, Video Production (graduate and undergraduate), and Writing for the Media.
Brian holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University, a Master of Science in Television from Boston University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Bridgewater State. His professional vita includes work for organizations such as Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture, Borders Books & Music, The Boyds Collection Ltd., GlaxoSmithKline, and Ty, Inc. He has served more than 10 years as the advisor to LCTV – Lasell Community Television and the Lasell University Video Games Club (VGC). His 20+ years of experience in the media industry includes the role of founding General Manager of the award-winning 102.9FM WLAS. His clubs have won Student Organization of the Year on three occasions, and Brian has received accolades such as the Broadcast Education Association Festival of Media Arts Award of Excellence, Intercollegiate Broadcasting System winner for Best Television Station Advisor, and the Tom Gibson Award for Outstanding Engineering.
In addition to WLAS, Brian worked for another 10 years in the Boston media market as a Stage Manager and Computer Graphics Technician at WCVB-TV ABC5 for programs such as Chronicle, City Line, Commitment 2000, The Evening News, Eye Opener News, Jerry Lewis Telethon, Midday News, Patriots Pregame Show, Patriots 5th Quarter, and the PGA Tour. Prior to WCVB, Brian worked as an Associate Director for WLVI-TV WB56 on programs such as Keller At Large, New England Stories, Patriots SportZone Kickoff, The Sports Zone, and The Ten O’Clock News. He also served as a Postproduction Assistant at WGBH PBS2 on the Building Big documentary series. | https://www.routledge.com/The-Video-Games-Textbook-History-Business-Technology/Wardyga/p/book/9781032325804 |
Dermaheal® HSR is a skin rejuvenating, anti-wrinkle and moisturizing solution designed to rejuvenate aged and dehydrated skin. It contains 1% (10mg/g) hyaluronic acid concentration. It also binds 1000 times its own weight in water providing re-hydration and plumping of the dermis. Recombinant human growth factors that are naturally occurring re-builders of dermal collagen, are also present. Additional supporting ingredients include: retinal, ascorbic acids and glutathione, which are powerful antioxidants and direct stimulators of collagen remodeling and pigmentation reducing agents.
What are the benefits of Dermaheal® HSR? | https://www.rm365.ie/dermaheal-hsr-5ml-x-10-vials-e-c-005 |
Economic growth is at the foundation of the development of each community, especially considering the high poverty level in Eastern Europe. Our project proposes transnational experience transfer from Hungary that will be used (together with the expertise of the locals and different specialists) for the economic development of one rural Romanian village. In turn, on all stages of the project, our partners from Moldova will learn together with us how to apply a similar model in their country.
Romanians living in rural areas are three times more likely to be poor than those living in urban areas, a series of studies published by World Vision in 2014 and 2015 show. This leads to a cycle of poverty influencing health (225.000 Romanian children go to bed hungry each day), poverty (37% of people over 15 years old are illiterate) and incapacity to adapt to the job market (54% of those between 18 and 60 years old don’t have an occupation). A similar situation can be encountered in Moldova.
Since poverty is a core issue of rural areas in Eastern Europe, we need to support the local communities to address their economic growth.
We aim thus to develop an innovative approach in the field of economic development by supporting the rural community to create a strategy and implement a community business with the help of specialists in related fields and learn from the good practices already developed in other countries from the EU (i.e. Hungary) and transfer them further in Moldova.
The project targets one community from the South of Romania, known by PACT and which is capable to conduct a participatory economic development process, gathering together the local authorities, entrepreneurs, youth etc.
They will learn from the experience of Hungarian villagers and also from the advice of volunteer Romanian business leaders and other experts (marketing, sustainable development, social inclusion etc.) Community & NGO members from Moldova will also benefit from the project.
Our idea is a practical one and addresses one of the core needs of an entire community – economic development. The entire project will be implemented in a participatory manner by bringing together local expertise and resources, with transnational expertise and contribution of local specialists in different fields.
Moreover, beside the development of an economic growth approach for rural areas, the project will provide a clear example of building a community business to stimulate local growth.
We would appreciate recommendations on other models of economic development for poor rural communities, especially in Europe, where there are no governmental funds available and there is no capacity to absorb European structural funds, such as those available through the European Commission Rural Development Programme. | https://advocate-europe.eu/ideas/proposal_0000517/ |
(Host) Governor Jim Douglas and Quebec premier Jean Charest are calling on the Bush Administration to conduct a thorough economic study of the plan to require passports for travel between the U.S. and Canada.
The resolution will be presented to a meeting of New England governors and Eastern Canadian premiers this weekend.
VPR’s Bob Kinzel reports.
(Kinzel) The Bush Administration wants people traveling between the United States and Canada to have a passport — or a passport-like document — by the beginning of 2007, if they travel by air; and by January of 2008, if they travel by car.
The plan has been strongly opposed by many Canadian premiers and the governors of most states that are located along the Canadian border.
The Bush Administration says the measure is needed to help crack down on the number of terrorists coming across the northern border.
Initial efforts to urge the Administration to delay the implementation of the new plan haven’t been successful and so opponents are taking a new approach.
Douglas and Quebec premier Jean Charest are presenting a resolution to the region’s governors and premiers that calls on the Administration to conduct a comprehensive economic impact study of the passport plan:
(Douglas) “The Congress passed the requirement two years ago and the rulemaking process is underway and we’re very concerned about the impact on trade, on tourism, on the social lives of people in border communities. So we think it’s every important that the Department conduct a study to determine really what the impact of this initiative will be.”
(Kinzel) Douglas says he understands the need to protect the country from terrorists, but he thinks there’s a better way to achieve this goal:
(Douglas) “This is a very significant change of federal policy. I understand it, because the security concerns that we all share following the 9/11 attacks and other issues that are now quite obvious. But we have to make sure that the border between these two long standing friendly nations remains open and accessible. So finding that right balance may take some time.”
(Kinzel) Meanwhile, on another issue, Douglas says it’s not likely that he’ll veto an education financing bill passed by lawmakers earlier this week.
The legislation lowers the statewide property tax rate, but not by as much as Douglas requested. That’s because lawmakers included several provisions to expand the income sensitive portions of Act 60.
Douglas could allow the bill to become law without his signature as a way to signal his unhappiness with the bill:
(Douglas) “I certainly don’t to forego a 7-cent reduction in the statewide property tax that will important to our taxpayers. So I’ve got to weigh over the next few days whether the inadequacy of the tax reduction warrants reject it or whether to conclude it’s forward progress, albeit not as much as I’d like.”
(Kinzel) Douglas will be vetoing legislation that allows farmers to seek damages from the manufacturers of genetically engineered seeds if the seeds cross-pollinate nearby organic farmland.
The governor plans to veto that bill in Franklin County on Monday afternoon.
The veto means that lawmakers will be called back to Montpelier for a special veto session on June 1st.
For Vermont Public Radio, I’m Bob Kinzel in Montpelier. | https://vprarchive.vpr.net/vpr-news/governor-douglas-and-quebec-premier-question-passport-requirement/ |
12563 - Mobilitetshubbar, Gävle kommun
To participate visit Kommers Annons Gävleborgs län and register interest. You may need to create a user account at Kommers Annons Gävleborgs län if you do not already have one.
1. Contracting authority or entity
Official name
Gävle Kommun
National registration number
212000-2338
Telephone
Email address
Joint procurement
No
Type of contracting authority or entity
Local authority
Organisation role
Buyer
Main activity
General public services
The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body
No
The procurement is conducted on behalf of an other entity
No
2. Object
Title
Mobilitetshubbar, Gävle kommun
Reference number
12563
Description
Gävle kommun vill säkerställa att två välorganiserade företag kan bedriva hyrcykelverksamhet med ensamrätt på utvalda platser på ett ordnat sätt. Innehållet föreslås vara främst hyrcyklar men även elsparkcyklar.
Main CPV-code
34430000-0 Cyklar
Contract nature
Services
Estimated value
15,000,000.00
Information about lots
No lots
Additional CPV codes
34144900-7 - Elfordon, 34430000-0 - Cyklar
Place of performance (NUTS-code)
SE313 Gävleborgs län
Contract period start
5/1/2023
Contract period end
4/30/2025
Options enabled
No
Options description
3. Legal, economic, financial and technical information
Legal basis
LUK
Environmental requirements
Social requirements
Innovative requirements
Sheltered employment
Reserved procurement
Subject to law on procurement statistics
Yes
4. Procedure
Type of procedure
Simplified
Is direct procurement? | https://kommersannons.se/Notices/TenderNotice/6872 |
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Hello from a newbie
Posts: 13
posted 11 years ago
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I didn't see a welcome or say "hi" forum. This is mostly a
lawn care
post so I figured I'd post here.
First, I'm new to this forum. So, hello everyone.
I want to say thank you Paul for writing your "Organic Lawn Care For the Cheap and Lazy" article. I remember reading it years ago when I moved in to military housing and was responsible taking care of the lawn. Your techniques Mow high,
Water
deeply but infrequently got absolute amazing results.
They had just renovated all of the units in the block and hydro-seeded it. I had limitations on how high I was allowed to cut the grass. So, I cut it as tall as I was allowed (heh, got in trouble a few times for it being too tall). Also, I was able to train the lawn to grow
deep roots
by
watering
less and less.
The real proof to me came when you looked up and down the block. The lawn I was responsible for was very green, thick, and healthy looking. It had very few weeds and I didn't spend much time on it at all. Many of the neighbors on the other hand, were working the butts off. Mowing all the time, raking and watering fertilizing. The worst part was most of their lawns weren't as lush, green or as weed free.
You made me a believer =)
Anyway, I've moved around since then. Now, I'm renting a place where I'm responsible for the lawn, again. The first thing I did was get a mower that could cut 4" and started training the lawn to grow that tall. The soil's a wreck, so I'm trying to figure out how to water. Watering infrequently/deeply doesn't seem to be producing the results I remember.
Your article mentions soil needing to be in good shape for the watering to be effective. Well, the soil needs a lot of TLC, its really bad especially in the backyard. There are
alot
of bare spots that are like concrete. The soil drys bone dry, it cracks and gets hard as a rock if it doesn't get watered regularly.
I've taken a few steps. I've been watering alot more than I want to (especially the thin spots), in an attempt to get the grass to grow. This didn't produce the desired results, well sorta. The grass didn't want to grow in those spots, however, plantains, clover and a bunch of other stuff I can't identify did. It first, I was disappointed with all of the weeds. But then I dawned on me. Plantains will break up that rock hard soil and help with soil erosion. As I cut it, it will help hold the
mulch
in place, which
should
add some organic matter. The clover is a welcome sight, since it adds N and adds organic matter the same way as the plantains. So, I'm going to try and continue to encourage the weeds to grow and cover/break up all the bare spots. I'll keep mowing it, eventually, I'm guessing the lawn will grow in as the soil improves.
I've started a
compost
pile. I figure when its done, I can spread it on the lawn. Wow, the microbial life is dead. I turned it recently, I saw some of my kitchen scraps (like onion peels) still intact after a week.
Any advice from you or anyone on this forum would be welcome. Remember I'm in a rental, so I don't want to spend much money on a place that isn't mine and may not be in for a long time. I'm willing to put some work into it, but ultimately, "Cheap and Lazy" is my goal. (sorry for the long post, I've been lurking for awhile)
Jeremy Bunag
gardener
Posts: 231
Location: Central IL
posted 11 years ago
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Hello and welcome!
It sounds like you have a good start on turning things. It can be hard to go from "worked up to just how I want it" to "new and dead." Your mentality is right: keep mowing, let the weeds do the hard work of breaking up the soil and adding organic matter. Back off to doing the infrequent and deep (as you your dirt/soil can take) watering. That will favor whatever can grow with that depth of watering. At first it will be the shallow weeds, but as you build your soil and the depth increases, grass will be more favored. The tide will turn!
I had the same situation with my house: Overworked, dead farm dirt (hence the farmer selling it!). At first I had a
concrete
lawn, then a weedy lawn, but the grass is sweeping through as time goes on! I wish I had a time lapse
video
from start to now, it would probably look really cool to see the transformation. I'm probably lazier than most, I've been mostly mowing high for 4 or 5 years now...but I'm happy with the results that are slowly coming in! Grass is coming in where it has never before.
So keep on, keeping on! Mow high, add as much organic material as you have interest and
energy
to do (
compost
, kitchen scraps), let rain or water infrequenly, and wait.
Maybe take some time lapse photos and make a cool movie!
Solar Station Construction Plans by Ben Peterson -- ebook
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This new Working Paper offers a detailed look at the quality of jobs held by European workers, and shows what aspects of work improved or deteriorated over the last decade. It updates the European Job Quality Index (JQI) – a measure that encompasses a broad range of work and employment...
Find out more
It is estimated that there are approximately 1.3 million cancer deaths in the European Union (EU) every year, and past research suggests that 2-12% of cancer deaths may relate to occupational exposure to carcinogens. In order to establish an effective and efficient strategy for tackling this problem...
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This working paper investigates wage differences across Europe. It estimates to what extent wage gaps in average wages observed between countries are related to differences in workforce composition, in workplaces, as well as the types of jobs conducted in different countries. This report also...
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This working paper looks at wage developments in central and eastern Europe (CEE) over the past twenty years and shows that wages are not only low compared to western Europe but, as demonstrated by a number of variables, also tend to be lower than what the economic potential of these countries would... | https://etui.org/listing/publication?f%5B0%5D=keywords_publication%3A2440&f%5B1%5D=keywords_publication%3A2450&f%5B2%5D=keywords_publication%3A2481&f%5B3%5D=publication_type%3A2279&f%5B4%5D=publication_type%3A2281&f%5B5%5D=publication_type%3A2287&f%5B6%5D=publication_year%3A2017 |
Coconut Yam Soup with Spicy Chickpeas
What better way to salvage the remnants of your produce box than by blitzing them into a coconut yam soup that will last all week? This dish is easy to whip up after work, and only gets better with time. Use whatever potatoes or squash you have around — carrots would work well, too. Our recipe uses organic garnet yams, organic acorn squash, organic russet potatoes, and a splash of coconut cream for a complex and creamy flavor.
Slow-roasted spicy chickpeas really take this soup to the next level, adding a crunch and spiciness that make each bite a little bit more interesting. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt and sprig of parsley to finish, and be sure to have a hunk of hot, crusty bread at the ready for dipping.
This heart-warming dish might just have a magical healing power… See for yourself. | http://www.fullcircle.com/goodfoodlife/2015/12/14/coconut-yam-soup-with-spicy-chickpeas/ |
An group of visitors to Flamingo Land near Malton in North Yorkshire had an unlucky experience when the ride they were enjoying broke down.
The Kumali roller coaster came to a halt as it began its first ascent due to a mechanical issue, trapping the riders for about an hour yesterday.
They were freed by mechanical teams using the ride’s maintenance cage.
A Flamingo Land spokesperson said: “Due to a minor mechanical issue, the Kumali roller coaster train stopped a short distance up the initial ascent, in accordance with its safety systems. | https://www.scotsman.com/read-this/video-flamingo-land-visitors-trapped-on-kumali-roller-coaster/ |
In Seeing Like a Commons, Joshua Lockyer demonstrates how a growing group of people have, over the last eighty years, deliberately built Celo Community, a communal settlement on 1,200 acres of commonly owned land in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. Joshua Lockyer highlights the potential for intentional communities like Celo to raise awareness of global interconnectivity and structural inequalities, enabling people and communities to become better stewards and citizens of both local landscapes and global commons.
Joshua Lockyer is associate professor of anthropology at Arkansas Tech University.
Part I: Introduction and History
Introduction: Intentional Community, Commons, and Utopia
Chapter 1: Arthur Morgan, Utopianism, and the Founding of Celo Community
Chapter 2: Cultivating Intentional Community Commons: A History of Celo Community
Chapter 3: A Commons Community Today: Celo through the Lens of Transformative Utopianism
Part II: Design Principles for a Commons Community
Chapter 4: Common Land and Community Membership: Celo’s Social and Spatial Boundaries
Chapter 5: Creating Our Own Commons Rules
Chapter 6: Governing Ourselves and Our Commons
Chapter 7: Keeping Each Other Honest
Chapter 8: When One of Us is Not Honest
Chapter 9: Dealing with Disputes on the Commons
Chapter 10: Gaining Official Recognition
Chapter 11: The Commons and Larger Democratic Systems
Chapter 12: Beyond the Design Principles: Other Factors that Make Celo Work
Conclusion: Cultivating Commons Subjects in and Beyond Intentional Community
Seeing Like a Commons is the definitive study of the famous Celo community founded by Arthur Morgan, the Tennessee Valley Authority chairman. Now, after Celo’s first eighty years, Joshua Lockyer’s research reveals the processes that make it one of the longest enduring secular communal utopias in America. Lockyer’s effective application of the Community Design Principles identified by Nobel Prize winning political economist Elinor Ostrom provide both a practical and theoretical framework for his on-sight ethnographic observations, interviews, and for the book itself. Seeing Like a Commons is the first work to apply Ostrom’s commons concept to the field of communal studies. Lockyer’s own theory of transformative utopianism and use of the theory of developmental communalism also add to a deeper understanding of Celo’s success. Engaging vignettes, with which Lockyer opens chapters, personalize for the reader the inner workings of Celo’s governance and resolution of interpersonal conflicts. In all, Seeing Like a Commons is ethnography, history, and communal utopian studies at their best.
Lockyer’s study goes into rich detail about the lives of Celo’s members and how Celo deals with such perennial community issues as decision-making, rule enforcement, new members, interactions with neighbors, and stewardship of natural resources. Seeing Like a Commons is much more than an ethnography, for Lockyer skillfully contextualizes Celo’s goals of creating a more just, resilient, and sustainable world. Lockyer’s hope that Celo can show all of us ‘a different way of living in the belly of the beast’ is sure to be realized in this excellent book.
With rich ethnographical and historical material from Celo, North Carolina, this book illuminates efforts to re-animate heritages of long-term cooperation in contexts dominated by competitive individualism and utilitarian market relations. Drawing on Ostrom’s studies of commons that have evolved over millennia among place-based communities managing socio-ecosystems worldwide, Lockyer engages work by Bollier, Escobar, Scott, and Gibson-Graham to elegantly theorize contemporary practices of commoning and community. Lockyer motivates students and scholars to ally with endeavors to reestablish local commoning, arguing that, in a world facing deep socio-environmental crises, such efforts contribute toward sociocultural changes necessary to revive our global commons. | https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781498592888/Seeing-Like-a-Commons-Eighty-Years-of-Intentional-Community-Building-and-Commons-Stewardship-in-Celo-North-Carolina |
Vancouver, British Columbia - October 9, 2020 - Gaia Grow Corp. (CSE: GAIA) (the “Company” or “Gaia”) is providing the following operational update:
RETAIL OPERATIONS
Green Room’s provincially approved cannabis store has completed staff training and the Nelson location is prepped for opening. Cannabis Inventory has been ordered and will be arriving on Tuesday the 13th of October with the grand re-opening in the coming days to follow. Merchandise and accessories are also expected to arrive between Tuesday the 13th and Friday the 16th of October. Management has been on-site and will continue to stay throughout the month to ensure a successful launch.
MANAGEMENT CHANGES
Effective September 30, 2020, John Lagourgue has stepped down from his post as a Director of the Companyin order to pursue other business endeavours. The Company would like to wish Mr. Lagourgue all the very best in his future endeavors and wants to thank him for all his hard work to date.
The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
CAUTIONARY AND FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements and information are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “appear”, “seek”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “continue”, “estimate”, “approximate”, “expect", “may”, “will”, “project”, “predict”, “potential”, “targeting”, “intend”, “could", "might", “should”, “believe”, “would” and similar expressions.
Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the risks associated with the hemp industry in general such as operational risks in growing; competition; incorrect assessment of the value and potential benefits of various transactions; ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; failure to obtain required regulatory and other approvals and changes in legislation, including but not limited to tax laws and government regulations. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, timelines and information contained in this news release. | https://gaiagrow.com/news-releases/13-news-releases/62-gaia-provides-update-on-nelson-retail-operations-and-board-change |
This role reports into the Engineering Division in support of the sales lifecycle, including quoting, purchasing, customer communication and project tracking and completion reports.The CSR has three primary stakeholders: sales representatives, equipment suppliers and customers; coordinating activities among these three stakeholders for the duration of the sales cycle.The CSR partners with the Services Manager to ensure timely processing and scheduling of technical services personnel.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Prepare Engineering Division quotes in Sales Force, working with account managers and engineers Create Sales Orders in Microsoft Dynamics; review and reconcile to ensure order is complete Receive POs from customers, verify PO and Order confirmation match; Update Salesforce and customer files with order information Works directly with vendors to place equipment orders Work with Accounting to ensure credit has been checked; work with sales representatives, Credit Manager, and customers to resolve credit issues Track vendor machine orders and update Sales Force timely Notify Accounting when to invoice customer for progress payments Maintain overall project schedule for each assigned customer Communicate project progress, delays or issues with key stakeholders. Provide solutions to customer inquiries by researching files, tracking orders, and communication with vendors and sales team Create Job Folders for each machine order to provide accurate documentation Work closely with the Services manager to resolve customer and vendor issues in a timely fashion Provide equipment shipping information to the Services Manager to schedule installations. Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports and analytics as requested. Maintains records for used inventory, demo inventory, consignment inventory, loaner/rental equipment Backup to Parts department for customer orders.
Performance goal: Timely invoicing of customers to reduce the number of days between vendor payments and customer payments. Performance goal: Customer satisfaction ((timely response, knowledge of the customer account, ability to be responsive to needs of customer)Performance goal: Sales representative satisfaction (timely response, knowledge of the customer account, ability to be responsive to needs of sales person)
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:None
QUALIFICATIONS: General: Excellent attention to detail Self-starter Works well in a team environment Maintains a high level of business courtesy and etiquette when interacting with Customers, Vendors, and Sales representatives Demonstrated time management and multitasking skills Willingness to work additional hours as necessary Bilingual in Spanish not required but desired Authorized to work in the U.S. Must be at least 18 years of ageEducation/Experience: 4 years Customer Service experience Knowledge of industrial equipment preferred but not required 2-4 years of college completed in relevant degree area.Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs Proficient with Project Management / Cloud-based team software such as Zoho, Salesforce PM, Microsoft PM
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Anyone who is hooked on the concerns of global warming and wondering about the validity of the publicly espoused “science” is probably a regular viewer or follower of Anthony Watts “Watts Up With That” blog.
Others, who may hopefully be regular ‘TGRule’ readers/followers, may be content with the mix of topics covered here and thereby still receive adequate information about the AGW situation, flavoured in the negative of course. There is only “skepticism” and proof of it being reality, with a crushing critique on carbon controls and the Australian Carbon Tax.
The point of this post is to acknowledge WUWT as a major source of relevant information for me and this blog. Today alone has seen 4 relevant and significant articles from WUWT, one of which is reblogged below .
Firstly I wish to copy my own added comments from there, because they are an effective general summary of the fraudulent GW scam:
More climate science, as distinct from climate pseudo-science!
When “skeptics” argue about the validity of CAGW, it is not always against the claim of actual average GT increases. Some actual warming is real because of a higher population density, energy usage (not pollution but creation of heat in the process), and terrain changes resulting in more stored and measured heat. (Loosely described as ‘urban heat island‘ effect).
Then there is the possibility that due to the solar heat source, read “where the heat comes from”, and related factors, it is not necessarily so that the planet has an ongoing warming trend. Historically, trends include cooling phases and it is conceivable that this will not change. Some evidence suggests we are already into such a cooling phase.
One of the main “skeptic” arguments is that ‘claimed measured/computed temperature increases’ are false or exaggerated. This argument is strongly supported by this particular article, reblogged from WUWT.
So, of the claimed warming, part is due to “urban heat”, some is due to “cooking the books” and whatever remains is a lot less. The ‘lot less’ still remains to be scientifically convincingly tied to the atmospheric CO2 level.
Bottom line, the carbon control mechanisms are a fraud as they have no valid scientific basis.
Secondly, references to the above-mentioned WUWT posts:
It was the best of droughts, it was the worst of droughts
Guest Post by Willis Eschenbach
Of course, the media are advancing all kinds of claims about the current drought affecting much of the US, because it is the “worst in fifty years”. They claim that it is clear evidence of global warming, that it shows how much things have changed, that this is the face of global warming.
Another paper refutes the Mann made hockey stick – MWP was ≈1°C warmer than current temperatures
This new paper uses a rather unique proxy; high-resolution samples micromilled from archaeological shells of the European limpet, Patella vulgata. Mr. Limpet would be proud.
A paper published this week in the journal Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology finds that the Medieval Warming Period “was warmer than the late 20th century by ~1°C.” The paper adds to the peer-reviewed publications of over 1000 scientists in the Medieval Warm Period Project showing that the global Medieval Warming Period was warmer than the current warming period.
Kiwi weather station data shenanigins going to court
Climate change readings ‘inaccurate’
TREVOR QUINN
A climate change group has taken the National Institute for Atmospheric and Water Research (NIWA) to court over what they say are inaccurate temperature recordings.
The ‘drought’ article is of particular interest because it highlights yet another area of “warmist” propaganda processes. An area that has had little exposure here. That of selecting extreme weather events and claiming that they are unprecedented and resulting from this infamous global warming/climate change/CO2 villain scenario. In all cases such as in the above, claims have been “de-bunked”. (Proven to be “bunkum”).
So, on behalf of our readers and this blog, Anthony, we take off our hats to you, thanks! | https://tgrule.com/2012/07/18/agw-climate-science-made-clear-at-wuwt/ |
Fix Microsoft® Access 2010 Not Opening Issue
Are you aware of the possible causes of Microsoft Access 2010 not opening and want tips to fix the issue?
Microsoft Access is a part of Microsoft Office 2010 productivity suite. At times, when you try to open a document, the error may show “Access not responding”. If you try to close this application manually, it may be possible that sometimes you can open the query. For resolving this issue, first you have to run the 'msaccess.exe' as an administrator and right click on that to choose the options to 'Run the program as an administrator'. After configuring the system, you can extend the password manager and select settings and then restart the system. You can troubleshoot and fix this problem through different methods. Most of the issues may occur due to hard drive problem. So, you need to shut down and restart the system properly.
The following are some of the details of Microsoft Access 2010 not opening and the tips to fix it:
- Cannot open a form or report
- An error occurred while loading form
- Recovering from the corruption
Cannot open a form or report
If you are developing forms, sometimes they may get corrupt. For this issue, first you have to create a new database and turn off the Name AutoCorrect Check boxes (in Microsoft Access 2010: file:options:current database). After that import the tables or link them, if the database is split. Then you can import the other objects (forms, queries, macros, reports, modules) and set minimal references under tools (from the cod Windows) and compile it (debug menu, from the code Windows).
An error occurred while loading form
If you receive this message when you trying to convert from one version of Microsoft Access to another version. This problem can occur if the database is corrupt. For decompiling the copy of your database, first you have to make a copy of the mdb file while Microsoft Access is not running. In Microsoft Access 2010, 'Compact and Repair Database' option on the database tools ribbon can be used. After that, you need to close Microsoft Access and then open Command Prompt and enter the file name and compile again. Then, you have to try the conversion again.
Recovering from the corruption
In case, the data has become corrupt, you can recover the data through the built-in repair utility. First, you have to click 'Compact and Repair Database' on the database tool ribbon and it will automatically recover the corrupted data. This is one of the simple solutions for recovering the previous data.
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- Optimize your computer’s speed and performance. | http://office-2010.iyogi.com/products/microsoft-access-2010/microsoft-access-2010-not-opening.html |
Baseline Scotland : an overview of available groundwater chemistry data for Scotland
MacDonald, Alan M.; O Dochartaigh, Brighid E.. 2005 Baseline Scotland : an overview of available groundwater chemistry data for Scotland. British Geological Survey, 41pp. (CR/05/239N) (Unpublished)Before downloading, please read NORA policies.
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Abstract/Summary
This report forms a national overview of existing groundwater chemistry data for Scotland, carried out to provide a foundation for the new project Baseline Scotland. This project is jointly funded by the British Geological Survey (BGS) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), and aims to improve data availability and understanding of the chemistry of Scotland’s groundwater. Understanding baseline groundwater chemistry is fundamental to helping to implement the Water Framework Directive: it is difficult to determine whether groundwater is polluted unless the baseline is known. Also, the presence or absence of various elements in water can occasionally give rise to health concerns or make the water unacceptable for human use. Chemistry data from Scottish groundwater samples collected prior to the start of the Baseline Scotland project in June 2004 have been collated and described. Many of the data came from previous BGS studies, but data were also available from Scottish Water, councils and SEPA. In total, more than 800 groundwater chemistry analyses were identified. The data are of variable quality and were subject to a thorough quality-assurance assessment. This involved gathering additional information on sources, checking the units for consistency, removing data from highly contaminated sites and calculating ionic balances. After this process the final dataset was as follows: • The dataset comprised 428 sites with full major ion chemistry with an error in ionic balance of less than 10%; • Of these 428 sites, 31 sites had a wellhead measurement of dissolved oxygen, and 103 had a wellhead measurement of the redox potential; • Information on trace elements was generally limited. Only iron and manganese had more than 200 measurements across Scotland. For arsenic and fluoride (two trace elements generally considered the greatest risk for health in groundwater) data are particularly limited: 65 meaningful measurements for arsenic, and 149 for fluoride. The quality of the data is also variable – samples from Scottish Water and SEPA are generally not filtered at the sample site. The dataset is highly skewed, with most good quality data being available for the Devonian aquifer in Fife and parts of Morayshire, and the Permian aquifer in Dumfries. There are few data available for Precambrian or Silurian/Ordovician rocks. The major ion data were used to characterise Scottish groundwaters. Summary statistics have been calculated and the data presented on box plots, cumulative frequency plots and tri-linear diagrams. The data illustrate the variability of Scottish groundwater, reflecting the diverse geology and local environmental conditions. • The most highly mineralised groundwater is found within the Carboniferous rocks. There is a marked bimodal distribution for chloride and sodium which may indicate mixing with formation water. Sulphate concentrations are considerably higher than for other aquifers which may reflect the oxidisation of sulphide minerals within mudstones and legacy of coal mining. • Groundwaters from the Permian sedimentary aquifers in Scotland have well-defined chemistry and the least variation in concentrations of major ions of all Scottish groundwaters. Groundwater is of Ca-Mg-HCO3 type with a narrow range in Mg/Ca ratio, and near-neutral pH. Most data are available for the Devonian aquifers in Scotland. Groundwaters tend to be of Ca-HCO3 to Ca-Mg-HCO3 type and show a wider range in Mg/Ca ratio than for the Permian rocks, but similar bicarbonate concentrations (median Devonian HCO3 178 mg/l, median Permian HCO3 157 mg/l). Median pH from the Devonian groundwaters is 7.5. • The available data for the superficial deposits, Precambrian rocks and Silurian/Ordovician rocks indicate similar variability of major ion chemistry across the three hydrogeological environments. This may reflect the short residence time of much of the water, and the high proportion of samples from springs and shallow wells. The waters have typically low mineralization and pH less than 7. • Groundwaters in volcanic aquifers are generally of Ca-HCO3 type, and similar to the sandstone aquifers, with the exception of potassium which varies considerably across the volcanic aquifers. A small proportion of samples have chloride, sodium, sulphate and calcium concentrations. • Most of the small island sources have high chloride concentrations, probably as a result of increased chloride concentrations in recharge. Other notable elevated chloride concentrations are observed in the coastal areas of East Lothian, Arbroath, Morayshire and northwest Fife The majority of inland sources have chloride concentrations less than 25 mg/l, and in upland areas concentrations are less than 10 mg/l. • Nitrate data indicate a clear pattern across Scotland, with concentrations in excess of 25 mg/l as NO3 across the east and southwest. Concentrations over much of the rest of Scotland are less than 10 mg/l as NO3. The elevated concentrations of nitrate largely coincide with the agricultural areas of Scotland and are attributable to fertiliser applications and the presence of intensive farming; this is consistent with other recent studies. There are insufficient reliable data to identify clear trends in the concentration of trace elements in Scottish groundwater. However, the following have been highlighted from the existing data. • Iron and manganese concentrations greater than the EC maximum permissible value are observed in all hydrogeological units in Scotland. Iron and manganese are ubiquitous in rocks and the dominant controls on their presence in groundwater are the pH and redox status. • The limited data for aluminium indicate that concentrations approach or exceed the EC maximum permissible value for drinking water in Precambrian and volcanic rocks and granite. This is linked to the acidic conditions of groundwater in these environments. • The available data indicate that natural chromium concentrations in Scottish groundwater are typically well below the EC maximum permissible value, and usually below detection limit. There are no data from the Glasgow area, where elevated chromium concentrations may be expected due to widespread contamination from the chrome and steel industry. • Fluoride concentrations greater than 0.5 mg/l have been measured in samples from the Permo-Triassic sandstone in Morayshire and the Permo-Triassic sandstone in Mauchline, southwest Scotland. There are several isolated samples scattered throughout Scotland with fluoride concentrations greater than the EC maximum permissible value of 1.5 mg/l. In conclusion, there is a lack of systematically collected groundwater quality data for Scotland. Particularly lacking are data on trace elements and pH and redox status. The following recommendations should be implemented to give a reliable national dataset. 1. New data are required that are collected in a consistent, reliable and systematic manner, and analysed to a consistent degree of accuracy. There is not widespread coverage of groundwater chemistry data in Scotland. Certain hydrogeological units have few reliable data and should be targeted for further sampling. 3. Wellhead measurements of redox potential and dissolved oxygen are required in order to understand the groundwater geochemical processes and element distributions. 4. There is evidence that the sampled chemistry is affected by the type of water source (e.g. well, borehole or spring). It is essential that comprehensive data are collected on each sampled source. 5. Routine sampling for age dating would be helpful for understanding residence times of groundwater and interpreting chemical variations – particularly nitrate data. 6. There are insufficient data on many trace elements in Scotland to characterise their occurrence or understand their origin. Comprehensive analysis of groundwater chemistry, including trace elements, should be carried out wherever possible. | http://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/11335/ |
Fondazione Agire, the Economic Division of the DFE, and the City of Bellinzona held a press conference on the progress of development of the forming Life Sciences Competence Center. In addition to being an initiative that fits well with the approach given to the economic development strategy adopted by the Canton, the Competence Center will provide further contributions to the life sciences sector and will, as a result, make Canton Ticino increasingly competitive and attractive.
The press conference was opened by State Councilor Christian Vitta, who highlighted how multiple pieces are coming together in Ticino to create an ideal ecosystem for the birth and development of innovative scientific and economic activities. Mario Branda, Mayor of Bellinzona, and Deputy Mayor Simone Gianini spoke next, emphasizing that the development of a biomedical research hub is one of the goals of the City of Bellinzona, which has made significant investments both in the new IRB/IOR/Lab. EOC, as well as with last year’s purchase of the Via Vela building – on the fourth floor of which the newly established Competence Center will be located.
Luca Bolzani, President of Fondazione Agire, commented, “The establishment of the Life Sciences Competence Center Association completes the framework of the Competence Centers envisaged in the current program of the composition of the Innovation Park Ticino. I am very pleased that the opportunity offered by the expertise of the EOC Research Group led by Prof. Moretti – specializing in “biofabrication” – has been seized by the main industrial associations of the sector in Ticino (FIT and Swiss Medtech Ticino, as well as AITI), confirming the value of the concept of a Competence Center as an interface between companies and research institutions.”
Piero Poli, President of Farma Industria Ticino (FIT), added: “This is a great opportunity to stimulate collaborations between industry and universities. I am optimistic that with the forming association, we can further strengthen the synergy between them. The support of associations such as AITI, FIT and Swiss Medtech Ticino stresses the importance of this step for the life sciences sector for our canton.”
Prof. Dr. Matteo Moretti from EOC then specified what “biofabrication,” the technology that will initially drive the Competence Center, consists of. It is an emerging technology that uses tissue engineering methods to create artificial human living structures and tissues. It is based on the use of living cells, supporting materials, and, for example, 3D printing technologies to create artificial organs and tissues that can be used for medical research, diagnostics and therapy. Biofabrication is a rapidly evolving field that combines biology, engineering, and advanced technologies to create innovative solutions for regenerative medicine and disease treatment. Of particular note is the creation of complex in vitro models for drug screening and understanding biological mechanisms. | https://innovationticino.com/new-life-sciences-competence-center-introduced-in-bellinzona/ |
Teachers often try to plan very carefully and ensure that their lessons run smoothly and as planned. This often ensures content and coverage with secure and effective lessons. More recently the teaching profession has been encouraged to take greater risk in their teaching styles, and develop strategies to create deep effective learning rather than the superficial learning. The current secondary curriculum inserts these concepts through thinking and more personal skills.
Throughout the on going research into deep learning, it has become more apparent to us and other professionals that every individual can learn effectively. This may appear obvious to most people, however, this has to some extent been overlooked by teaching professionals in the past. People in all walks of life need to learn new skills, take in new concepts, assess new situations and be able to deal with the unexpected. Possessing existing skills and principles to be able to learn new ones is vital.
Students have their own unique reactions to the educational process; students can range from feeling trapped and have a very abhorrence perspective of school, to other who genuinely enjoy it (Willgoose, pg; 77, 1979). The reasoning behind this can be a number of factors; some students may comprise bad experiences that may have disheartened, embedding a negative attitude towards learning.
Effective learning is deep learning, marked by deliberate intention to learn, as well as individual and social orientations to learning. Orientations to learning may be academic, vocational, personal and social (Rhem, 1995). | https://www.cyberessays.com/Term-Paper-on-Contemporary-Issues-In-Pe-And-School/63013/ |
As we eagerly await the announcements for the youth book/media awards on January 24, we should also be prepared with tools to address potential challenges. Recently, the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom reported that in the last three months, they have contacted over 300 times regarding censorship issues. Contrast that to 2019, when there were 337 reports in total. Here then, is a reminder of some resources and a preview of some new resources to support the work we do
Resources:
- Remember that the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom is your starting point. As noted in our last blog, reporting of challenges can be done anonymously if need be.
- To really keep up with current issues and resources, take a look at the OIF blog!
- See also the Fight Censorship page!
- ALA statement on book censorship, issued November 21, 2021.
- ALA Statement on Censorship of Information Addressing Racial Injustice, Black American History, and Diversity Education, issued August 18, 2021.
- #FReadom is a grassroots, Twitter movement that began in response to Texas legislation to ban books. The movement has expanded to provide helpful resources in addressing material challenges, including policy templates.
Activities:
For those of you attending the LibLearnX meeting, January 21-24, 2022, here are some programs that may be of interest (in alphabetical order):
- 50+ Years in the Making: Claiming Social Justice as a Core Value
- The program considers the ongoing efforts of the Intellectual Freedom and Social Justice Working Group. The ALA Council at Midwinter Conference 2021 approved The Resolution to Condemn White Supremacy and Fascism as Antithetical to Library Work and charged the Working Group with reviewing neutrality rhetoric and identifying possible alternatives. The ALA Executive Board subsequently added a charge to the Working Group to host dialogues on neutrality as part of its activities. This program will engage the audience in facilitated small-group dialogues about the role of neutrality in libraries and explore options for centering social justice as a guiding principle.
- Diversity or Adversity: Building Bridges Through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programming
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programming should be seen as ideas that promote acceptance and solutions that are put in place for change. DEI programming can complement and reinforce the organization’s mission, vision, and values. Programming should have an impact to deliver meaningful information and should align with the organization’s needs. Our library’s Diversity and Inclusion committee recognized the need for such programming and has developed several ways and methods to deliver DEI content. This presentation will discuss our programs, how/where we deliver the content, the impact that these programs have made, and strategies to avoid ineffective programming.
- Embracing Diversity in Book Evaluation Committees
- Learn how to set up and structure a book evaluation committee to create annual youth booklists for targeted audiences. Presenters will discuss their own experiences and strategies for success, whether dealing with staffing issues, problematic titles, reader engagement, age ratings, translation issues, or community booklist promotion. Participants will learn how to embrace and uplift voices from underrepresented communities while navigating issues of representation and authenticity. In addition, participants will learn how to use the resulting booklists for collection development and enrichment, particularly across a multi-branch library system.
- Practical Tools for Implementing a Collection Diversity Audit
- Implementing a diversity audit is critical to understanding the current state of your collection and will lead the way to developing plans for ongoing improvement. Participants will learn how to create and conduct a diversity audit, evaluate materials for inclusivity, and develop strategies for patrons to find diverse material in the collection.
- Problematic Authors and Problematic Works – An Intellectual Freedom Q&A
- Content challenges are a familiar experience for most library staff. ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) has provided many resources in which to counter such challenges. However, the distinction between challenged materials and challenged authors has largely gone undifferentiated and unexplored. In response, The ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC), in conjunction with OIF, is putting together a Q&A document to assist in clarifying how library staff should handle authors and creators deemed problematic. This session will provide an opportunity for IFC members to present this document, facilitate discussion, and solicit feedback from the general membership.
Preview
The OIF and the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee have created a document that goes with the last mentioned LibLearnX program on problematic authors. This document is in its final stages of revision and approval and will be released in a few weeks. Watch the OIF blog for the announcement of the release of this document!
Allison G. Kaplan is the co-chair of the ALSC Intellectual Freedom Committee. | https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2022/01/book-awards-and-potential-challenges/ |
The information provided here is from the 1983 Ramsey County Historical Society and Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission Historic Sites Survey:
Date of site visit 2/1/1982 Fieldworker: G. Whitney
Historical background: "According to the building permit, the original owner of this house was L.J. Hill. Hill could not be identified in the 1909 city directory. The house was built for an estimated $8,000. This street was originally called Capitol Avenue."
Level of significance: "Local"Statement of significance: "A large and stately Colonial Revival house which is one of the nicest examples of this style in the area. | http://www.placeography.org/index.php/1443_W._Englewood_Avenue%2C_Saint_Paul%2C_Minnesota |
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What is psychological trauma?
Responses to trauma in journalism
What can newsrooms do?
New developments and resources
Bagged, tied and arrested: an Iraqi arrested around the time of an attack on U.S. soldiers in 2003.
Photo credit: Rita Leistner/Redux
Trauma as an ethical issue
Journalists, especially reporters who cover conflict and disaster, are as vulnerable to stress and trauma as other professionals, from firefighters and disaster counsellors to combat soldiers. Foreign reporters often work alone in the field, with limited support. The results can be tragic when stress rises to debilitating levels and goes untreated. Journalists may abuse drugs or alcohol and struggle in their marriages and personal relationships. They may endure, often silently, such recurring problems as lack of sleep, hyper-arousal or emotional numbness.
Trauma, when sustained and serious, can affect the performance of journalists, shorten their careers or require sick leave. News organizations have a long-term interest in making sure that journalists are aware of trauma and can access counselling. A trauma program needs to be part of an organization’s efforts to promote employee well-being and health in the workplace. Newsrooms have an ethical obligation to establish such programs, since it is they who send journalists into the field.
It seems obvious that journalists should be concerned about trauma when:
• More than 1,200 journalists were killed in the past 10 years of foreign reporting
• More than 80 journalists were killed in Iraq since the 2003 war began
• Journalists may be targets of terrorists, or military units
• Growth of media means more journalists are in the line of danger
• Trauma exists at home: the Oklahoma City bombing, the Columbine shooting, “9-11” in New York, the SwissAir crash off Nova Scotia, Katrina’s attack on New Orleans. City-desk reporters cover horrific car accidents, suicides, and fires on a daily basis
Therefore, journalists experience:
• Sustained direct exposure to potentially traumatizing events
• Secondary or indirect exposure through interviews with traumatized persons
• Recurringexposure through new assignments
What is psychological trauma?
Psychological stress and trauma is real, and a part of life. Neither journalists nor other professionals can escape it. But we should not confuse ordinary, stressful experiences with serious, debilitating trauma.
Trauma, like stress, is a matter of degree, and the effects may be temporary. The most serious trauma for journalists is not everyday stress or deadline pressure, but the trauma that results from disturbing, shocking, non-ordinary experiences.
Trauma is not limited to journalism. It can be caused by child abuse, threats of violence, rape, domestic violence and human rights abuses. Serious trauma occurs either through exposure to one horrific event, or through repeated exposure. Trauma is debilitating when it reaches the stage of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, where symptoms are sustained and interfere with the person’s life and career.
Psychological and medical studies have identified processes in the brain and nervous system that correlate with trauma. Trauma is both psychologically and physically ‘real.’ The shock literally enters into the body, and leaves a physiological trace, accompanied by symptoms.
It is foolhardy, then, to think that journalists are immune from trauma because of their “strength of will” or their ability to “not get involved” with the story. Even the most professional counsellors and experienced police officers risk trauma. We should not be ashamed of trauma. It is a natural, understandable reaction to events. It is what you do about those reactions that count.
Trauma:
The person has experienced an event outside the range of usual human experience that would be markedly distressing to almost anyone, such as a serious threat to his/her life or physical integrity; serious threat or harm to his/her children, spouse, or other close relatives or friends; sudden destruction of his/her home or community; or seeing another person seriously injured or killed in an accident or by physical violence.
Post-traumatic stress disorder:
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent assaults, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, vehicle accidents, rape, physical abuse and military combat. PTSD sufferers have trouble functioning in their jobs or personal relationships. Children can be traumatized and have difficulty in school, become isolated from others or develop phobias. PTSD, which admits of degrees, is diagnosed when symptoms last more than one month. Untreated, PTSD is unlikely to disappear.
The American Psychological Association estimates that 5.2 million American adults ages 18 to 54, or 3.6% of the population in this age group, have PTSD. In 1990, anxiety disorders cost the U.S. an estimated $47 million.
American Psychological Association
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Secondary or Vicarious Trauma:
Secondary trauma is a stress reaction experienced by therapists, journalists and others as a result of interviewing and listening to accounts of trauma by victims, clients and others. It can lead to Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder (STSD) with symptoms similar to PTSD. Secondary trauma is the result of empathic engagement with other people’s traumatic experiences. It is an occupational hazard. It reflects neither pathology in the journalist nor intentionality by the traumatized client. It is a long-term consequence of working with suffering people.
Symptoms of PTSD
Not all trauma victims manifest exactly the same symptoms. But there is a collection of symptoms found across most cases.
• Hyperarousal
• Insomnia, decreased concentration, increased startle response to stimuli, irritability and anger, hyper-vigilance (scanning environment for danger).
• Avoidance and/or numbing
• Withdrawal from life or activities previously enjoyed, depression, shunning anything that reminds one of the traumatic event.
• Re-experiencing intrusive recollections of events: nightmares, flashbacks, responses to specific sensory triggers (e.g., a smell associated with an event). Other signs:Increased rates of illness, loss of efficiency, judgment errors, cynicism, intolerance of emotion, addictions. Also, “burn-out”: physical, emotional and mental exhaustion, depersonalization and detachment, loss of ideals.
Coping Strategies
Work-related support (effective debriefing procedures, counselling, education, relaxation techniques, monitoring of trauma); social support; commitment of individuals to a “self-care plan.”
For more information on trauma, see the
American Psychological Association
or
The Sidran Institute
.
For coping methods, see Jon G. Allen, Coping with Trauma: A Guide to Self-Understanding. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press, 1995
For the latest on trauma issues in journalism, see the
Dart Centre for Journalism and Trauma
.
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Responses to trauma in journalism
Denial, dismissal, avoidance...
Despite scientific knowledge of trauma, only in the past several years have major news organizations begun to establish trauma programs. Progress has been made in the face of scepticism and resistance among many journalists and editors. Still, there are too few scientific studies of trauma and journalists, too few trauma services for journalists, and only a growing recognition by news outlets. Journalists are unprepared for its impact, or they have limited knowledge of trauma.
Journalism is far behind other professions, such as educational counselling and fire and police departments, in recognizing trauma as a serious issue that must be addressed. The myth still exists that journalists shouldn’t need trauma programs because journalists are supposed to be “tough as nails.” When it comes to trauma, journalism sometimes appears to be one of the last “macho” professions.
Journalistic attitudes
The prevalent attitude toward trauma among foreign reporters was captured by a documentary about reporters titled Deadline Iraq: The Uncensored Stories of the War. The documentary contained interviews with over 50 journalists. Following are a sample of the reporters’ comments.
“The first combat that we saw was much like a video game…a flash from a tank, and a boom. I saw why people wanted to cover combat because it is an experience of awakening to your life that happens at some primal level, it is almost hormonal. Suddenly you’re there and they didn’t get you and you say, ‘Gosh, let’s do this again tomorrow."
—Jim Dwyer, New York Times reporter, commenting on the adrenalin rush.
“This was the purest, most authentic thing I would ever do, professionally.”
— Jim Axelrod, CBS news reporter
“I don’t know if surreal is the right word, but you don’t feel personally involved. You know it’s horrible, you can see people dieing in front of you, you see people burning. You cannot afford to get too involved in this emotionally, or you’re done for.”
— Mathew Fisher, Canadian embedded reporter, CanWest News, on not getting “involved”
"War is a great waste, yet I still didn’t have any emotional connect(ion), because they were trying to kill me.”
— Ross Simpson, AP Radio
“You smell it and you physically recoil.”
— Jim Dwyer, on the “smell” of war (rotting bodies, etc.)
“It (the smell) stayed in your clothes for days, you didn’t want to eat after you’ve smelled this. It just turned your stomach.”
— Ross Simpson, AP Radio
As the program unfolds, however, a change occurs. Statements by reporters at the start of the documentary tend to be full of “bravado” about the excitement of covering war. But as the documentary continues, and they reflect on what they’ve seen, their comments become more emotional. Some reporters break into tears as they recount horrific events.
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Evidence of trauma among war reporters: A ground-breaking study
The first psychological study of war journalists, titled
A Hazardous Profession: War, Journalists, and Psychopathology
, was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, September 2002. The study formed the basis for a recent book by Anthony Feinstein, a Canadian psychiatrist, titled
Dangerous Lives: War and the Men and Women Who Report It
(Toronto: Thomas Allen, 2003).
The study used self-report questionnaires and interviews to gather data from two groups: 140 war journalists and 107 journalists who had never covered war. The 140 war journalists included 110 men and 30 women with an average of 15 years experience from six major organizations: CBC, ITN, Reuters, Associated Press, CNN, BBC. There was an 80% response rate from both groups, including 28 interviews with war reporters.
The study concluded that war journalists have significantly more psychiatric difficulties than journalists who do not report on war. Lifetime prevalence of PTSD for this group was 28.6%, which is similar to rates reported for combat veterans, and which exceeds those of police officers. The incidence of major depression was 21.4%, exceeding that of the general population.
The study also found:
• Higher rates of alcohol use (14 units of alcohol per week; 7.6 for non-war reporters)
• Intrusive thoughts, replay of memories and hyper-arousal were common
• Low awareness of trauma
• All journalists interviewed had experienced social difficulties, such as re-adjusting to civil society, reluctance to mix with friends, troubled relationships, and embarrassing startle responses
Feinstein recommended that "these results, which need replicating, should alert news organizations that significant psychological distress may occur in many war journalists and often goes untreated.” He went further to describe "a culture of silence on the part of the news bosses and the journalists themselves.”
Why these attitudes?
• Discussing trauma is not encouraged or may be dismissed as psycho-babble.
“An admission of emotional distress in a macho world was feared as a sign of weakness and a career liability.” (Feinstein)
• Career ambitions: war reporting gives you a higher media profile; it is difficult to refuse assignments; there is pressure to stay in the field to justify the expense and trouble of getting you there; to prevent other reporters from “taking” your assignment; etc.
• Optimism that you can cover war and return “psychologically unscathed”
• Comforting myths: “My camera protects me.” “I’m too busy to be affected”
• Denial may be a necessity for continuing to return to war zones
• No clear signals from employers that it is okay to mention trauma
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What can newsrooms do?
Newsrooms can develop an effective trauma program. Suggestions include:
• Media outlets must acknowledge trauma as reality and a concern; not as a career “stopper”
• They must regard trauma services as part of staff well-being, similar to other programs
• They need to make information available to journalists and hold information sessions
• They should offer confidential counselling
• They should encourage journalists to monitor themselves and their colleagues
• They need to develop a policy on reporting crises, such as rotating reporters and de-briefing
• Media outlets must make trauma training part of their ongoing training for war reporters
New developments and resources
Programs on trauma and journalism
:
Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma
, University of Washington, School of Communications,
Michigan State University: School of Journalism
Victims and the Media Program
Prof. Philip Castle
,Queensland University of Technology, Australia
Quickstudy: Covering Violence: A Guide to Ethical Reporting About Victims and Trauma, by Roger Simpson and William Cote, Columbia University Press, 2000)
Journalism support groups
:
The
Frontline Club
in London, England
International News Safety Institute
Future directions
• More research on trauma among non-war reporters
• More research on effects of interviewing the traumatized
• Coalition of researchers and news associations to develop awareness and services
• Programs that include and “reach” the families of reporters
• Study how services might prevent “burn-out” of staff and other benefits
• Educate students at journalism schools.
• Connect with larger ethical issues.
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Copyright © 2009 School of Journalism & Mass Communication, University of Wisconsin-Madison. All rights reserved. | https://journalismethics.info/global_journalism_ethics/trauma.htm |
Which are your family's recipes are the most secret/heavily guarded?
I'm curious: What are the family recipes that you (or your family members) are still protecting? Does only one person know them or is it okay to share them within the family? Are they so good that they're worth protecting?
I was the most frustrated for years that my mother would not share with me the recipe for tortiere. I could not for the life of me figure out the spice mix, and she would not share. Even worse, this came from Dad's side of the family, so technically I had more rights to it than she did if push came to shove. Eventually I got the recipe, which I make annually. I also passed it on to my daughter and my husband's family because my sister does not like it so she won't make it or want to share. It's just too good a recipe to let die. BTW - I'm looking to keep it in the family, so I'm not sharing here.
There's definitely not a "right" or "wrong" way to do it...it all comes down to personal choice...and recipes are often just that: personal. Just like you get to do what you want with any sort of artistry, that same choice should apply to one's cooking.
I shared some with a friend, and regret it every time one of "my" recipes shows up at a potluck or party or on one of her friends' blogs. I won't make that mistake again. While I share lots of recipes, I like to have some really delicious ones that are considered my specialties. Several of those passed down in my family I have not found online yet.
I come from a family who happily shares family recipes as do most of my friends. I can't fathom why someone would want to keep them a secret. I can't wrap my head around that.
The only exception to that was my Yia Yia (Greek Grandmother). She refused to give out recipes, but that was only because she never measured a thing. She made her own Phyllo dough and never even measured for that. After I moved away to college, I called her to get her taco and meat sauce recipes. Yes, my Yia Yia made the best tacos and spaghetti on the planet. Her answer to me was "Honeymoo, come home and cook with me".
One of my mom's best friends was very secretive about her recipes. She'd shoo everyone out of the kitchen while she cooked. She was an amazing cook. I dated her son for a short period of time in High School. I convinced him to absconded with her beef stroganoff recipe. Shhh... I giggle a bit every time I look at it in my recipe box. I have never even told my mom what we did for fear of imprisonment or something.
When my grandmother died I became custodian of her recipe box. One day I got a call from a family friend asking for her perogi dough recipe because the friend had lost her copy. When I gave it to her as my grandmother had written it she told me that Grandma used to give it leaving out one ingredient. I had no idea Grandma was protective of it. The secret was cream cheese in the dough.
On the other side of things, when my husband and I had been dating for a while I asked his mother to teach me how to make his favorite steak pie when she was visiting. She told me "No, If I show you that what will he need me for?" A few years later she invited me in the kitchen when she was preparing it. She claims to have no memory of refusing to let me in on the secret before.
Wonderful thread! In response to cv's post, I have to say that personally, I do not equate the utilization of written language to talk about food and it's preparation on a cooking website with "Worshipping The Almighty Word". Words are simply the medium of choice for most websites. I point his out because I, for one, historically had no one really to demonstrate to me how to cook anything properly, and so recipes -- in cookbooks, on websites, what have you -- were an essential jumping off point for me in learning to cook. Now I use recipes more as references, but without the written word to follow I never would have developed the basic facility which ultimately led me to a more improvisatory, technique-based approach. Hopefully my daughter, if she chooses to cook, will have the best of both worlds - lots of experiential cooking-wisdom, but also the option to research any dish or technique she can dream of with just a few keystrokes.
Back to the topic at hand...since there were no carefully guarded recipes in my family, I am with those who are not at all inclined to carefully guard anything I am lucky enough come up with.
It's worth noting that this site's operators make no real effort to create any substantial amount of video content. It really is a bunch of writers.
There are a handful of photographs, but almost exclusively of the final product, rarely additional imagery showing mise en place, preparation steps, alternate plating ideas, despite the ubiquity of smartphones, digital cameras, and other gadgets that could easily capture such moments in their test kitchen. This Almighty Word Worship bias isn't unique to this site; many other food sites are essentially text factories as well.
Not only does it have a photo of the final product, but six other images on the same page, many showing intermediate steps. That old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words is true.
I find that the some of the best food writers are ones who also cook live in front of a camera. Julia Child is the quintessential example of this. Yes, Julia wrote some classic cookbooks, but her on-air appearances are really what turned her into an institution. Her episodes on Jacques Pepin's show are priceless. Julia correctly understood that video simulated the real world learning process for 99.99% of all cooks through human history.
One of genius decisions was to *air* mistakes. She would screw up occasionally and just laugh it off because THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS IN REAL KITCHENS. I wish more cooks would show their mistakes, whether it be in print, photographed or videotaped. As much as it helps saying what you need to do, the adage of "learning from your mistakes" is not an artificial phrase. Sometimes it really helps to say, "here's the mistake I made, and if you do you the same thing, here's what you will end up with" and show the disaster.
Today, I think some of the best food educators are the ones who appear on camera as well as write books: Aaron Franklin and Mario Batali are two greats.
Heck, Vivian Howard of PBS series "A Chef's Life" hasn't even published a cookbook, and yet her TV series is undeniably one of the best examples of food education produced in the past twenty years, and yes, that includes deadtrees cookbooks. Like Julia, every one of Howard's episodes has Vivian working with someone else (typically a home cook) and she is not afraid to show her mistakes and/or ignorance. I learn way more from video.
Of course, every site is free to create their own editorial direction. Clearly, this site is a writers' place. Sure, I'm enjoying it for now however there's a lot this site does not offer. I'm an Internet nomad so soon I move along.
Anyhow, there are no secret recipes in my family either, not that they wrote down many of them (basically they're all baking recipes).
Also perplexing to me are the food sites that have a recipe and something like 6-8 photos of the finished product from various angles. Sure, okay, a shot of a whole pie, then another shot of a slice is fine, but eight shots of a salad really doesn't add anything.
Again, these are individual decisions about the editorial direction of any given site, but when you find yourself at a site that includes multiple shots of preparation steps and video, well, it's clear how much is missing at other sites that omit such content.
I've been on the web since the Nineties and it's so peculiar how few food lovers really get the medium.
People are eager to whip out a phone for a selfie, yet lack the foresight to take a quick image of their mise en place or key steps in food preparation?
None. I Love sharing family recipes and the memories and stories behind them. When I posted my Belle Foley's Chocolate Cake, an amazing connection was made via the Hotline.
Thank you so much; am in the mountains in Montana; heading home to Illinois in 2 weeks; will let you know how they turn out; a great vintage recipe is always fun!
Not a test and not a betrayal--just sounds so good! Time to move forward--you will feel energized and comfortable with the decision. Thanks!
Soak beans overnight. Drain and cover with fresh water. Add 2 teaspoons salt. Boil very gently for 45 minutes or until just tender. Drain and place in a bean pot or casserole. Add remaining salt, brown sugar, mustard, and molasses. Melt butter and add. Stir gently. Stir in sour cream gently. Bake 1 hour at 350F.
Chris, those look amazing. Utterly decadent and supremely delicious - but I agree that the sugar needs to be reduced.
Would Greenstuff please post Ruth Barrett's Sour Cream Baked Lima Bean recipe?
Really?? After my story of betrayal? Is this a test?
Let me know what you end up doing and how it turns out!
My grandmother's pierogis, "cabbage delight" (actually delightful!), garlic dill pickles, and her homemade polish sausage. I finally learned the pierogi recipe, and I just conquered the pickles, but the cabbage eludes me. She lived near an Italian family in NJ and learned to make amazing ragu and lasagna. According to my mom I haven't gotten those right either. I cook like they did.... I throw ingredients in without measuring and make it up as I go along! Posting recipes on Food 52 has forced me to measure :) By the way my grandfather was a chef for the Waldorf Astoria before/during the Depression. Sadly I missed out on his secrets, hopefully I got some of his talent!
This question made me laugh because of the particular situation in my family right now. I was very young when both my grandmother passed. Both were amazing cooks.
Both my parent swear that my cooking tastes just like my different grandmothers. One Italian, one French.
Both parents insisted that they asked their mothers for recipes and both said there wasn't a recipe, you just cook. But the watched and write down their favorites many times. But they never taste quite right. But mine are perfect. They insist I have some hidden cookbook, they are only half serious. And they try to write my recipes, but I have only ever used recipes as guidelines. And I NEVER measure. I guess my grandmother just taught me cooking instict.
People have cooked like this for millennia, without written recipes. Heck, most people throughout history didn't even know how to read.
The written recipe gradually emerged in the late nineteenth century, but as you have experienced, many people throughout the twentieth century who simply cooked like centuries before.
Heck, I'm guessing that there are at least a billion cooks on this planet today who don't open a recipe box, cookbook, or web browser to figure out how to cook dinner.
Personally, I think the written recipe can be a crutch. It helps with consistency if it can be executed reliably with similar ingredients each times. For sure, written recipes aren't necessarily better than what's in a good cook's head and you've discovered that.
I know this site is operated by a bunch of nice folks who worship the Almighty Written Word, but that's simply not how humans cooked for the majority of our species' existence on this planet.
For the unwritten recipes, it is more important to watch and remember. That's how many great cooks learned, by watching older family members in the kitchen.
And now that I think about it for a second, some of it is also that ingredients do change over time. For example, a lot of meat cuts are leaner than they were in my Mom's day so I've found that I've had to switch to different cuts than she used in order get the texture of her meat sauce recipe right.
I am eternally grateful for people who share, even if it takes a while for a public recipe to appear. For example, I have more Swedish cookbook recipes than any third generation person could possibly need. Who could have imagined that a new favorite would pop up in "Secret Cookies," https://food52.com/recipes/165-secret-cookies ? Veronica's headnote: "This recipe has truly been kept a "Secret" for 30 years but now is the time to release it. It was given to me by an elderly lady who had been given it by an even more elderly Swedish lady. The proviso: "After I'm 'gone', you may give out the recipe." The same proviso was given to me...so, here it is."
While I like the idea of having iron clad, take-to-the-grave, super secret family recipes....I always think its such a shame not to share good tips and good food. That being said, I personally have many recipes that I have simply "neglected" to share with others. My grandmother's marinara sauce, while I've never actually recreated it successfully, isn't mine to share, so I don't. That's my justification.
The only recipes I will absolutely never part with (I may give them to my child, if I have one) are some phenomenal-yet-simple French/Belgian baking recipes that my mentor gave to me. Things like lemon madeleine, canelé, brioche, pastry cream, lemon cream, chocolate-orange moelleux, Belgian rye bread, and puff pastry. Things that may seem basic, but are quite unique!
I'm interested to see the answers to this. I grew up with one grandmother who never cooked and one who was an absolutely terrible cook. The one time I asked my mother for what I thought was a family recipe (Oliver's chocolate pudding), she happily showed me the Family Circle book she got it from. So I only ever really encountered the notion of a special secret family recipe in sit-coms and commercials. The idea that a recipe is too good to share, that it's so precious only a precious few could know its details strikes me as absurd and the opposite of cooking with love. The only reason to keep a recipe to yourself is the embarrassment of admitting it was taken from the back of a jar. But that's my cynical self.
However, the idea that a certain recipe can be only made well by one person, that it's their signature and unrepeatable is well founded. Daniel brings up a strawberry jam, and I would say my mothers strawberry jam is better than mine even though we use the same recipe. Her strawberry patch is between apple trees in England. Mine is at the end of a tomato bed in Illinois. Hers is made to use up a surplus of berries, mine is made to remind me of home. Her sense of taste is different to mine, her experience in jam making far greater. So the same recipe doesn't produce the same jam, but each is ours.
I'm always happy to share a recipe and when asked a secret, the answer's normally a splash of bourbon.
I agree with all of this, including the splash of bourbon. We share recipes in our family (even the ones that come off the back of the box) and I hope always will. But different cooks have different styles and the truth is nobody makes our signature family risotto as well as my grandfather did and I can't tell you why, it was just his personal touch. But I saw him do it a thousand times and I know it's not because he was keeping secrets.
While I make some of my mother's classic dishes, mine are a bit different (I wouldn't say not as good, just different.) As I get older I find I tweak some of these recipes more and more to take advantage of ingredients that weren't available back then or just to suit my personal tastes. And sometimes I come across a better way to do something or a superior ingredient and it's really an improvement. My sister makes some of the same recipes but they never taste the same as mine or my mother's. I think that's what I like about cooking so much - it's really a very personal thing and food often reflects the personality of the cook.
French chefs often sneak in a splash of cognac into dishes.
Unsurprisingly, French cuisine has earned a spot on UNESCO's "intangible" cultural heritage list.
I have the same problem with making lasagne. When I serve mine to people who haven't tasted my mum's it's all fine, but when I serve it to people who have tasted hers, the comment is always "It's very good, just not as good as (your) mum's". On the one hand, I put so much effort into making the best lasagne I can, I can't help but feeling a little disappointed, on the other hand, I am so glad my mum's lasagne is always going to be better than mine. I find it comforting.. the same way she is always going to be better than me at getting rid of red wine stains.
When I was growing up, a family friend had a dish that she brought to every pot-luck occasion, Ruth Barrett’s Sour Cream Baked Lima Beans. She carefully guarded her recipe until another family friend weaseled it out of her. That friend promptly had it published as her own contribution to a local church charity cookbook! Chaos ensued.
How on earth did she weasel it out of her?! She must have been very persuasive.
My bubby (er...grandmother) had a strawberry jam recipe that was the be all and end all of jam. She used to give it to bankers, doctors and their secretaries to make sure she got treated well back in the day, and it worked for her. When she died (few months shy of 100), we hoarded all the leftovers...my brother had a few jars and would eat them by the teaspoon but they're gone now (or so he says). The family rumour is that my aunt (one of my grandmother's four daughters) has a hoarded collection, and also has the recipe but won't share it. It's kind of a point of contention in my family. On one hand, I get why she doesn't want it shared: if it falls into the wrong hands outside the family it would be chaos...Smuckers would be bankrupt in a week. On the other hand, every time I put store bought jam on my Montreal bagel with cream cheese (that's a thing by the way), I cry a little bit.
Should I get certified as a Personal Chef? | https://food52.com/hotline/29074-which-are-your-family-s-recipes-are-the-most-secret-heavily-guarded |
The harder they fall
The law burdens the Occupational Health and Safety Authority with the responsibility of ensuring that the physical, psychological and social well-being “of all workers in all work places” are promoted.
It does not have the power to resuscitate a construction worker who dies in a fall or to restore the limb of a machine operator who loses his arm in a shop-floor mishap. In other words, the OHSA must strive to prevent accidents at work.
Is it succeeding in its task, which, no doubt, is a very difficult one? Chief executive officer Mark Gauci was quoted saying that fatalities had dropped from an average of 12 every year to an average of four. That is very good news but even one fatality is a death too many and a severed limb is a life-changer to both the victim and his/her dear ones. Society cannot be blamed, therefore, when, learning about accidents at work, it demands answers from those it rightly holds as being responsible for occupational health and safety. This outcry is usually manifested in the press and the social media.
It is useless arguing, as happened when a young Libyan worker fell to his death at a construction site late last month, that those pointing fingers at the OHSA could be misguided.
Society, and the media, will keep expecting the OHSA to do something about what to many appears to be a free-for-all as far as safety precautions at the place of work go, especially at many construction sites.
Dr Gauci lamented to Maltatoday that though the media “is looking at us... the law ensures that the client is the one who has the legal obligation to ensure occupational health and safety”.
Indeed, the Occupational Health and Safety Authority Act lays down that it is the duty of an employer to continuously ensure the health and safety of all people who may be affected by the work being carried out. It also notes that workers too have obligations in terms of occupational health and safety.
Still, the OHSA is bound by law “to see that the levels of occupational health and safety protection established by this Act and by regulations made under this Act are maintained”.
Thus, if an employer fails, for whatever reason, to ensure adequate safety precautions are in place, the OHSA must step in and take all necessary action to make sure the provisions of the law are respected. No ifs and buts.
Admittedly, the OHSA cannot be everywhere all the time but it can certainly ensure its presence is felt at least where abuse is there for all to see.
It must also prove to be effective by naming and shaming and ensuring that the law falls on defaulters – especially the more daring, nonchalant ones – like a ton of bricks. If the law does not allow it, then it is time for it to be improved.
Of course, the best way to ensure prevention is through education. The OHSA should publish, in a timely manner, the findings of its investigations, especially the recommendations it makes, whenever a serious workplace accident occurs. Again, if the law needs to be amended, so be it.
The OHSA must be seen to be more proactive. The harder they fall, the more determined it must be. | https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20181210/editorial/the-harder-they-fall.696326 |
Danzi E., Franchini F., Dufaud O., Pietraccini M., Marmo L., 2021, Investigation of the Fluid Dynamic of the Modified Hartmann Tube Equipment by High-speed Video Processing, Chemical Engineering Transactions, 86, 367-372.
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Abstract
Hartmann tube equipment is used in the dust explosion experimental test to screen the flammability of powdered materials (according to ISO 80079-20) and to determine the Minimum ignition energy of dust (UNI EN 13824:2004). For the test, the nominal concentration, as the ratio between the dust sample mass and the chamber test volume (1.2 liters), is considered, assuming a uniform concentration distribution. Even though adopted as standard procedure, this approach does not consider the dust cloud's non-stationary conditions inside the tube: the effect of turbulence decrease and dust sedimentation during the test duration will affect the dust concentration locally and globally within the test enclosure. Moreover, it is well known that the turbulence intensity influences Minimum Ignition Energy.
This work derives from previous investigation on describing the dust cloud behavior within dust explosibility laboratory apparatuses. High-speed video recordings have recently been adopted to support the dust cloud dynamic analysis and visualize the cloud dispersion within a standard test setup, as the 20 L sphere and the modified Hartmann tube. This work intends to use different high-speed videos of dust dispersions in the modified Hartmann tube, with different injection pressure and sample mass, to focus on the behavior of the cloud at the typical delay time of the MIE measurement, i.e., 60-180 ms. Each video is processed frame by frame to reveal information on the cloud dynamics, otherwise hidden. The dust dynamic is accounted for calculating the variation in time of the brightness of pixels.
This way, it is possible to obtain a set of data that incorporate the effects of the dust cloud distribution and the velocity of the particles’ clusters. The experimental data processing will help to focus on the time-scale and the length scale of the turbulence. The next study will focus on evaluating the time and space scale of the dust cloud and identifying the effect of ignition time delay on the MIE measurement to provide indications to operate at the most conservative conditions (higher concentration) and to avoid issues and under/overestimates due to agglomeration, sedimentation or segregation of dust particles.
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Prudent Practices for Insurers Engaged in Securities Lending
STATUTORY REFERENCES: New York Insurance Law §§ 201, 301, 1401-1414
- PURPOSE
The purpose of this Circular Letter is to advise the industry regarding the Department's expectations for insurers that engage in securities lending.
- BACKGROUND
Securities lending is a practice whereby an insurer loans securities, either directly or through a custodial bank, to a borrower in exchange for collateral, each to be returned at a specified future date or on demand by either party.
In Circular Letter No. 16 (2008) ("CL 16"), the Department expressed concern about the practice of securities lending by insurers. At that time, the Department had become aware that some insurers had experienced significant losses due to their securities lending programs. Three of the Department's major areas of concern were whether insurers were: 1) receiving adequate collateral in exchange for loaned securities; 2) effectively managing the risk associated with investing cash collateral; and 3) clearly reporting their securities lending activities. The economic environment since CL 16 was issued has exacerbated the risk to insurers when they both loan securities and invest cash received as collateral for the loaned security.
- PRUDENT PRACTICES
As a follow up to the issuance of CL 16 and in light of the subsequent financial crisis, the Department closely examined insurers" securities lending activities. This Circular Letter sets forth prudent practices that the Department believes an insurer should follow in conducting a securities lending program. The Department modeled the recommendations of this Circular Letter on pre-existing industry practices that it considers prudent in light of recent economic events. In sum, an insurer should effectively manage credit, market, and operational risk associated with lending securities. An insurer whose securities lending practices materially deviate from those outlined herein should communicate with the Department regarding the nature of the deviations.
- Size of Securities Lending Program as Percentage of Admitted Assets
So that losses resulting from the lending of a security, or the investment of cash collateral, do not threaten the financial strength of an insurer, the insurer should effectively mitigate credit, market, and operational risk by limiting the size of its securities lending program. If an insurer's loan of a particular security, together with its outstanding loans of all other securities, will exceed, when the loan is made, five percent of the insurer's admitted assets as shown by its last sworn statement to the Superintendent, then the insurer making such a loan may not be acting prudently.
- Borrower Concentration and Creditworthiness
Excessive securities lending to any single borrower can magnify credit risk. While the Department recognizes that borrower availability may fluctuate, an insurer should include securities loans made to any single borrower, together with the borrower's subsidiaries and affiliates, against the limitation set forth in New York Insurance Law § 1409(a).
In addition, an insurer engaged in lending securities should establish a management or supervisory committee, overseen by its board of directors or other governing body, to establish guidelines setting forth criteria for evaluating the creditworthiness of a securities borrower ("Securities Lending Risk Management Committee" or "SLRMC"). 1
- Amount of Collateral and Systematic "True-up"
The Department has found that many insurers do not consistently comply with Statement of Statutory Accounting Principles ("SSAP") No. 91R 57 (National Association of Insurance Commissioners 2009), which the Department has adopted as part of its regulations. See New York Comp. Codes R. & Reg., tit. 11 ("11 NYCRR"), Part 83 (Regulation 172). SSAP 91R 57 requires insurers to hold cash collateral equal to 102 percent of the fair value of a loaned security for a domestic security, and 105 percent of the fair value of a loaned security for a foreign security. If the fair value of the collateral does not meet the aforementioned standards, the insurer must require the borrower to deliver additional collateral so that the aggregate collateral levels meet the requirements set forth in SSAP 91R 57.
- Investment of Cash Collateral
Typically, an insurer that receives cash collateral in exchange for a loaned security repays the borrower at a future date upon the return of the security. If an insurer chooses to invest the cash collateral in the meantime, then the insurer should mitigate against market risk by having its SLRMC establish guidelines for the investment of the cash collateral.
Such guidelines should set forth prudent investment practices designed to reduce the likelihood of an insurer incurring losses when returning cash collateral. Based on industry best practices, the Department considers it prudent for an insurer to limit its investments to the following:
- obligations issued, assumed, guaranteed or insured by the United States or by any agency or instrumentality thereof, by any state of the United States and by any territory or possession of the United States or any other governmental entity in the United States;
- corporate debt securities;
- loan-backed and structured securities;
- commercial paper; and
- money market funds.
An insurer may also use cash collateral to enter into reverse repurchase agreements, subject to the concentration limitations suggested below.
Insurers can also mitigate market risk by diversifying the investment of cash collateral. Insurers should be careful not to concentrate their investment of cash collateral in any one type of security. Thus, the Department suggests that insurers not:
- invest more than 40% of cash collateral in corporate debt securities, loan-backed or structured securities; or
- enter into a reverse repurchase agreement in which the insurer agrees to pledge more than 25% of its available cash collateral to a single counterparty.
Additionally, when investing cash collateral, an insurer should consider the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") designations associated with securities, and invest cash collateral in:
- securities designated as NAIC 1;
- commercial paper rated A1/P1; or
- the following asset classes as classified by the Securities Valuation Office of the NAIC:
(i) Class 1 mutual fund investments;
(ii) Direct or full faith obligations of the United States; and
(iii) Bond mutual funds.
An insurer should aggregate its investment of cash collateral with all of its other investment activities. In other words, an insurer should consider investments of cash collateral in determining the timing and amount of projected cash flows for any financial analyses.
- Maturity An insurer should take care that the maturity date 2 of an investment made with cash collateral closely matches the date that the cash collateral must be returned in exchange for the loaned securities. Any mismatch may adversely affect an insurer's balance sheet and negatively impact its surplus. In order to mitigate the risk associated with a mismatch, an insurer should limit the mismatch to no more than one year in the aggregate.
- Indemnification It is possible that the liquidation proceeds of invested collateral could fail to cover the cost of acquiring a security equivalent to the loaned security when the loaned security is not returned by the security borrower. Therefore, in instances where an insurer appoints an agent, in the form of a custodial bank or other entity, to execute securities loans on its behalf, the insurer should require in the securities loan agreement that, in the event a borrower fails to return a loaned security and the liquidation proceeds of any investments and collateral are insufficient to purchase a security of the same issuer, issue, class and quantity as the loaned security, the agent will credit the insurer's account in an amount equal to the fair value of the unreturned loaned security minus the liquidation proceeds of any investments made with the cash collateral.
- Written Agreements All loans of securities should be memorialized in the form of a written agreement between the lender and the borrower. If the insurer has authorized an agent to execute securities loans on its behalf, then the agreement with the borrower should be signed by the agent on behalf of the lender.
- Size of Securities Lending Program as Percentage of Admitted Assets
- REPORTING
Any insurer making securities loans should maintain records in accordance with 11 NYCRR § 243 (Regulation 152). Records should include:
- all securities out on loan;
- outstanding loans indexed to borrowers;
- outstanding loans indexed to separate accounts;
- the amount of collateral posted for each loan and each counterparty; and
- a detailed schedule of reinvested collateral, including the carried book value and the fair value.
- CONCLUSION
The Superintendent will continue to monitor insurers" securities lending practices and may promulgate regulations or seek legislation, as necessary, if the Superintendent concludes that insurers are not engaging in securities lending activities in a prudent manner and in accordance with the Insurance Law.
Any questions regarding this Circular Letter should be directed to Jared Wilner, Assistant Counsel to the Superintendent, at [email protected]
Sincerely,
___________________________________
Michael Moriarty
Deputy Superintendent.
1 An insurer could prudently choose to make its SLRMC a sub-division of a pre-existing body, such as an audit committee.
2 Maturity date" is the earlier of the date on the face of the instrument on which the principal amount must be paid or for an instrument with an unconditional put or unconditional demand feature, the date on which the principal amount of the instrument can be recovered by demand. For asset-backed securities, the maturity date is the expected maturity date. | https://dfs.ny.gov/insurance/circltr/2010/cl2010_16.htm |
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Abstract
In this chapter, we analyze time series of lidar data point clouds to assess the point density, gaps in coverage, spatial extent and accuracy. Based on this analysis and a given application we select appropriate resolution and interpolation method for computation of raster-based digital elevation model (DEM). We explain computation of DEMs by per raster-cell averaging, two types of splines. Assessment of systematic error using geodetic benchmarks or other ground truth point data and correction of any shifted DEMs is the final step in creating a consistent DEM time series.
KeywordsPoint Cloud Digital Elevation Model Point Density Lidar Data Raster Cell
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves. | https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4939-1835-5_2?error=cookies_not_supported&code=3cab2b75-38bb-459c-85c0-959b1b2a1675 |
Even more than Bacon, Thomas Hobbes illustrated the transition from medieval to modern thinking in Britain John Locke (1632-1704), a major English philosopher, coined the phrase pursuit of happiness, and Thomas Jefferson incorporated it into the US Declaration The Philosophy of Composition, by Edgar Allan Poe John Locke - mind as a tabula rasa - his Essay concerning Human Understanding empiricism Personal Identity rené descartes what is philosophy? what is philosophy? an abstract definition of the field is less revealing than a set of questions that philosophers try to answer. | http://2017writingmyessay.dip.jp/page/philosophy_essay_on_human_nature/ |
This year, city of Chicago will study the impact of pollution on areas surrounding an industrial corridor that includes all of North Lawndale and the southwest edge of Austin.
Officials with the Chicago Department of Planning and Development and the Chicago Department of Public Health summarized a plan for studying pollution in the area during a hearing on Jan. 14 that was organized by the Chicago City Council’s Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy.
The hearing took place as several North Side businesses move to the South Side, leading renewed concerns that Black and Brown neighborhoods are disproportionately impacted by pollution, and in the wake of the fallout from the April 11, 2020 demolition of the former Crawford power station smoke stack, which sent a cloud of dust across the surrounding Little Village neighborhood.
Chicago has 26 officially designated industrial corridors. Many of them overlap with one of the 14 Planned Manufacturing Districts (PMDs) – special zoning districts that were created to preserve industrial jobs by making it harder to add any non-industrial uses nearby.
Austin Weekly News’ coverage area has six industrial corridors and four manufacturing districts. The southwest cluster the city is studying will include North Lawndale, Little Village and several neighborhoods further south, as well as the Roosevelt/Cicero and Western/Ogden industrial corridors.
According to a 2020 study by the planning department, as of 2017, the Roosevelt/Cicero industrial corridor had 3,384 jobs that paid an average of roughly $57,000 a year. Between 2010 and 2017, employment in the corridor grew by only 0.8 percent, and it remained virtually flat between 2014 to 2017.
Between 2010 and 2017, the Western/Ogden industrial corridor has generated 1,224 jobs, which represented a 0.4 percent decline compared to the prior decade. The jobs generated an average wage of roughly $51,000.
Unlike the Roosevelt/Cicero corridor, where there is no single dominant job category, a significant portion of the Western/Ogden job includes rail and truck freight. The corridor is also home to Cinespace Chicago film studios, which is why, as of 2017, jobs related to “entertainment” services shot up dramatically, while other categories were either flat or declining slightly.
It is not clear how many of the jobs in both corridors were filled by people who lived in the surrounding neighborhoods. The planning department’s presentation shared during the Jan. 14 hearing broke down where the employees working in the industrial corridors within the Southwest cluster live, and all of North Lawndale zip codes had more than a 1,000 employees living there, but it didn’t break down which industrial corridors they’re employed in.
Kathy Dickhut, the planning and development deputy commissioner, said that her department chose to cluster the corridors together because those corridors have seen growth in the fields of transportation and logistics.
Jamie Osborne, the department’s coordinating planner, said that there are two major factors that they will be considering: how the corridors can continue to generate jobs and how the industrial corridors impact pollution in the surrounding area.
He shared a slide from CDPH’s 2020 Air Quality and Health Report, which looked at the “air pollution, health, and social factors to identify the areas in our city that are most vulnerable to the effects of air pollution” and broke down the data by census tract.
The census tracks within North Lawndale and the portions of Austin closest to the Roosevelt/Cicero corridor were all marked as the most vulnerable.
Dickhut said that, as part of addressing the impact of pollution, they wanted to figure out how to “get the trucks out of the neighborhoods [and to make] sure that semis aren’t getting too close to the neighborhoods.”
The high volume of trucks along Cicero Avenue has been an ongoing concern among residents in North Lawndale and Austin.
During the hearing, several aldermen questioned whether the industrial businesses alone were responsible for all the pollution.
Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd), whose North Side ward included the recently discontinued Clybourn Planned Manufacturing District, questioned the validity of the air quality report itself, saying that his own research suggested that pollution caused by longtime businesses such as the General Iron scrap metal recycler, was worse than the map.
Public health commissioner Allison Arwady repeatedly defended the report’s numbers, noting that they are based on Environmental Protection Agency data.
“The EPA measures around air pollution burdens are used across the country,” she said. “And that is the best data. | https://www.austinweeklynews.com/2021/01/15/city-to-study-environmental-impact-of-west-side-industrial-corridor/ |
251 P.2d 1080 (1952)
126 Colo. 536
GINSBERG et al.
v.
ZAGAR.
No. 16771.
Supreme Court of Colorado, en Banc.
December 15, 1952.
Rehearing Denied December 26, 1952.
*1081 Isaac Mellman, E. Clifford Heald, Leon Ginsberg, Victor B. Ginsberg, Denver, for plaintiffs in error.
No appearance for defendant in error.
MOORE, Justice.
We will herein refer to the parties by name or as they appeared in the trial court, where plaintiffs in error were defendants and defendant in error was plaintiff.
Plaintiff brought the action to recover damages allegedly sustained by her in connection with the purchase of residence property in the City and County of Denver, which she claims was induced by false and fraudulent representations made by defendants. The case was tried to the court without a jury and resulted in the entry of judgment in favor of plaintiff and against defendants in the sum of $1,200 and costs. Defendants, seeking a reversal of this judgment, bring the case here by writ of error.
Plaintiff in her complaint alleged, in substance, that defendants entered into a conspiracy to finance and construct by unlawful means and in an unlawful manner, and to sell by fraudulent misrepresentation, residence properties in the City and County of Denver, and that, pursuant to said alleged conspiracy, defendants did erect a number of houses in Denver, including the residence commonly described as 955 Glencoe street which was purchased by plaintiff. Paragraph 5 of plaintiff's complaint reads as follows:
"That pursuant to said conspiracy and agreements between the defendants, the said defendants, E. Clifford Heald, Bradley Heald, and Louise B. Heald, represented to the plaintiff on and prior to November 16, 1947, that they were the owners of the said house at 955 Glencoe Street, Denver, Colorado, and that the said house had been completed as a new home, and that said home had been built in accordance with the Building Codes of the City and County of Denver and in accordance with specifications approved by the Veterans Administration and the Federal Housing Administration, and of first-class workmanship and material, and that the house was habitable, new and complete and constructed in a fashion suitable for occupancy and use in perfect first-class condition, and would remain so."
It further was alleged in the complaint that the said home ostensibly complied with the description represented by said defendants; that plaintiff had no knowledge of house construction, and was unskilled in judging the quality thereof, or of materials and workmanship used and employed in the erection of the residence; that the defects were latent and hidden and could not be discovered by inspection; and that the falsity of the representations of defendants could not have been ascertained by the exercise of reasonable care on the part of plaintiff. Plaintiff alleged that the representations of defendants were untrue in that:
"(1) The house had been constructed of second-hand, below-grade and below-standard materials, and by the use of unskilled workmanship, specifying the use of such unskilled workmanship and/or defective materials in the roofing, hardware and locks, screens, floors, walls and ceiling joists, interior carpentry, paint and painting operations, plastering, and the installation and bracing of door frames and window frames.
"(2) The structural lumber was not of the quality required by specifications *1082 approved by the Veterans Administration, or of the quality required by the Building Code.
"(3) Despite the fact that ground water had been encountered above the basement floor, the basement walls had not been waterproofed in the manner the City Building Code required.
"(4) Despite the fact that ground water had been encountered above the basement floor, the basement floor had not been waterproofed in the manner, or constructed of the materials or in the thickness, required by the City Building Code.
"(5) By reason of such faulty construction, the house was and has remained non-habitable."
Defendants answered, denying generally the allegations of the complaint, admitting, however, that plaintiff purchased the property.
The evidence discloses, without dispute, that prior to February 1, 1946, defendants Ginsberg and E. Clifford Heald owned forty lots. On that date they entered into a written contract under which they agreed to sell to Bradley Heald all of said lots. George Judd, a contractor, also was a party to the contract and he agreed to erect twenty houses upon the lots. It was further provided in the contract that the houses should be sold when completed at a sum not to exceed ceiling prices applicable at the time of sale; that out of the proceeds of sale the contractor should be reimbursed for the cost of erecting the houses and should receive, in addition, one-half the difference between the cost (not to exceed a specified maximum amount) of erecting, financing and selling the houses, and the proceeds of the sale thereof; that Bradley Heald, the buyer, was to retain certain sums over and above the payments to Judd; and that the balance remaining was to be paid to Ginsberg and E. Clifford Heald as the purchase price of said lots.
The house purchased by plaintiff was one built pursuant to the above contract. The contractor, Judd, commenced construction of the twenty houses and carried on until June 14, 1946, when he was discharged by Bradley Heald, and another contractor, Gregg, was employed to complete the buildings; he was a defendant in the trial court, but the action as to him was dismissed upon the trial.
Plaintiff entered into a written contract to purchase the house in question on November 16, 1947. December 8, 1947, she received a deed of conveyance thereto and paid the full price of the property, except the sum of $130 which she retained to insure installation of screens and seeding of a lawn. She moved into the premises about December 15, 1947, and occupied the house until July, 1948, when she went to Boulder, Colorado, to live with her son who was a student at the University of Colorado. During this absence she rented the house for $155 per month. She again lived in the house from April, 1949, to December, 1950. From the last mentioned date until March, 1951, it was again rented, and thereafter, until the time of trial, plaintiff occupied the house.
Plaintiff testified that about the last of March, 1948, the basement floor cracked and water came up out of the cracks; that every time she watered the lawn, or when it rained, the water would come in; that the floor "heaved up" in the middle, about four inches, and when this happened the ceiling in the living room on the first floor cracked clear across, and cracks also appeared in several other rooms. The record established conclusively that the basement floor was in the condition to which plaintiff testified, and that water, in greater or less quantity, depending on the season, has been present thereafter in the basement of said premises until the time of trial in April 1951. It equally is clear that the cause of the cracking of the basement floor, and the upheaval thereof, is the hydrostatic pressure of ground water.
The reporter's transcript of testimony contains 430 pages, much of which has no relation to the issues framed by the pleadings. We have not had the benefit of any appearance of counsel in this court on behalf of the plaintiff.
At the conclusion of a long trial the court stated:
*1083 "Plaintiff bought a house in Denver and paid $12,800.00 for it. Prior to the purchase she was told by some of the defendants that the house she was buying was habitable and livable, and, specifically, that it had been constructed so that the basement was dry and would remain so. The evidence is not in conflict that the house was not built to be habitable, is not habitable now, and the basement is anything but dry.
"Long prior to the purchase of the house by the plaintiff some of the defendants acquired title to the lots upon which this house and other houses were built, and at the time the lots were acquired the defendants knew that they were not the type of lots upon which houses could be built without special precautions, because of the water hazard.
"The evidence before the court is that some of the lots were purchased for as low as $20.00 per lot. The court will take judicial notice of the fact that these lots are in a generally good residential district of Denver. Good homes surround the area upon which these houses were built. Defendants bought the lots with knowledge that there was something wrong with them as building sites because of the water conditions, and that, I think, is the gist of the conspiracy which has been established here.
"I could comment at some length on some features of the evidence and some other features of the case, but in my judgment plaintiff is entitled to a judgment against all of the defendants, except the defendant Gregg. As to the defendant Gregg, I find the issues joined in his favor and the case as to the defendant E. F. Gregg, is dismissed."
The trial court entered written findings and order for judgment, but the only pertinent statement contained therein relating to the facts as found by it was: "The Court also finds the issues herein in favor of the plaintiff, Amelia V. Zagar, and against the defendants, Bradley Heald, E. Clifford Heald, Louise B. Heald, and Victor B. Ginsberg, in the sum of Twelve Hundred Dollars ($1200.00), and costs."
Careful analysis of the complaint leads to the conclusion that the only misrepresentations which are sufficiently alleged to have been made are the following:
1. The alleged representation that the house "had been built in accordance with the Building Codes of the City and County of Denver."
2. That it had been built according to specifications approved by the Veterans Administration.
3. That it had been built "of first-class workmanship and material."
4. That it "was habitable, new and complete and constructed in a fashion suitable for occupancy and use in perfect first-class condition * * *."
Defendants' counsel specify twenty points upon which they rely for reversal. These are presented under nine separate headings in their brief. We find it unnecessary to consider all of the points argued. With reference to the four allegations of misrepresentation hereinabove stated, it is argued by counsel for defendants: (1) That the proof failed to show the falsity of the first representation; (2) that there was no evidence to establish either the making of the second representation or the falsity thereof; (3) that there was no proof establishing the falsity of the third representation; and (4) that there was no evidence proving either the making of the alleged fourth representation or the pleaded falsity thereof.
Question to be Determined
Does the record in this cause contain competent evidence sufficient in law to establish the essential facts which must be present to sustain a judgment based upon specific fraudulent representations to wit: that defendants knowingly made one or more of the material false representations alleged in the complaint; that defendants intended that said representations would be acted upon; and that plaintiff relied and acted thereon to her damage?
*1084 As to each defendant, the question is answered in the negative. In actions of this kind the law requires particularity in the allegations of the complaint, and the proof must be relevant to the issues framed by the pleadings. Adoption of the Rules of Civil Procedure did not change the essential elements of a complaint in this type of action. Shultz v. Manufacturers & Traders Trust Co., D.C, 1 F.R.D. 53; Producers Releasing Corp. De Cuba v. Pathe Industries, D.C., 10 F.R.D. 29. Rule 9(b), R.C.P.Colo., expressly provides, inter alia: "In all averments of fraud or mistake, the circumstances constituting fraud or mistake shall be stated with particularity." The "particularity" thus required is that which in numerous decisions we have defined in actions for fraud and deceit, prior to the adoption of our Rules of Civil Procedure. Among the many decisions in which are stated these essentials are, Brown v. Linn, 50 Colo. 443, 115 P. 906; Kilpatrick v. Miller, 55 Colo. 419, 135 P. 780; and Morrison, Adm'x v. Goodspeed, 100 Colo. 470, 68 P.2d 458, 71 P.2d 154.
In Erisman v. McCarty, 77 Colo. 289, 236 P. 777, we held that, where a plaintiff alleges that specific material representations were made by a defendant, it is insufficient merely to characterize them as false, but such plaintiff must set forth the falsity thereof by direct and particular allegation of the true facts, demonstrating thereby that the representations are untrue. 24 American Jurisprudence, page 76, section 246.
No contention is made that the judgment of the trial court is justified upon issues not framed by the pleadings, concerning which evidence was admitted without objection. The judgment accordingly must stand or fall upon the law applicable to the specific issues raised by the pleadings.
With respect to the alleged representation that the house had been built in accordance with the Building Code of the City and County of Denver, defendants admit that sufficient proof is present to establish that this representation was made. It is contended, however, that plaintiff failed to establish by any evidence that the quality of the structural lumber, or the construction and waterproofing of the basement, did not meet the code requirements. These were the only respects in which plaintiff alleged failure to comply with the code. In this contention counsel for defendants is correct. There is no evidence whatever that the construction did not comply with the municipal code in these particulars, nor in any other manner. All the evidence tended to establish compliance.
As to the alleged representation that the house had been built according to specifications approved by the Veterans Administration, suffice it to say that there was no evidence which tended to prove that the specific representation ever was made by any of the defendants. There was evidence tending to prove that one of the defendants stated to plaintiff that construction complied with "specifications" and there was proof that there were specifications, but there was no evidence relating to approval of specifications by the Veterans Administration. The only allegation of lack of conformity to specifications was that the structural lumber was of inferior quality. The "specifications" covering the house were introduced in evidence, but there was not one word of testimony tending to prove the alleged lack of conformity therewith.
With respect to the third alleged representation, plaintiff established that one of the defendants stated that the house was well built. Assuming that this evidence tends to prove the making of a representation that the house had been built of "firstclass workmanship and materials," there was a total failure to prove that it was constructed of secondhand, below grade, below standard material, and by unskilled workmen. These were the allegations of the complaint intended to set forth the true situation as contended by plaintiff to establish the falsity of the representation. All the evidence was to the effect that proper materials and skilled workmen were employed.
With respect to the fourth alleged representation, there is a total failure by plaintiff to establish the making by any defendant of the pleaded representation. No *1085 defendant stated, on plaintiff's own evidence, that the house was "habitable, new and complete and constructed in a fashion suitable for occupancy and use in perfect first-class condition." Nor did any defendant make a representation of similar import. The plaintiff, to establish the falsity of this alleged representation, charged in her complaint that it was false because sub-standard and defective materials were used in the construction; unskilled workmanship went into the building; structural lumber was of inferior quality; and despite the fact that ground water had been encountered above the basement floor, the basement walls and floor were not waterproofed as required by the building code of Denver. No evidence appears in the record tending to establish any of these charges. All the evidence is to the contrary.
The unfortunate situation in which plaintiff finds herself is that the damage of which she complains is the result of a condition which developed and made its appearance subsequent to the completion of construction, and results, not from any defect in construction, but from other causes not known to exist at the time she bought the property.
For the reason hereinabove set forth, the judgment is reversed, and the cause remanded with direction to dismiss the action. In this case we consider it fair and equitable to order that each party shall pay their own costs; accordingly, it is so ordered.
CLARK, J., not participating.
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The evaluation of learning and development in the workplace: a review of the literature the case for evaluating informal learning. In this lesson, we will examine various types of narrative techniques in writing, as well as examples of the literary techniques relevant to style.
This guide provides strategies for choosing text that is appropriate for close reading and to plan for instruction close reading of literary texts.
1 workplace communication: a case study on informal communication network within an organization evangelos ergen, [email protected] The informal sector: perspectives from the literature i introduction a purpose and objectives of the paper this paper provides an overview of the directions of. What is modernism don't confuse modernism with the standard definition of modern modernism in literature, for example, does not mean contemporary modernism in. You sit with horses, dogs and formal trail so goes the literature search, except strategy for literature review. Learn how to do brochure marketing effectively and other forms of printed sales literature to hand out to marketing strategies for the. Occupational stress, paramedic informal coping strategies: a review of the literature experience focus on formal coping strategies such as critical. This handout gives a rundown of some important terms and concepts used when talking and writing about literature. | http://rohomeworkssdt.newsglobal.us/formal-strategies-of-literature.html |
So I’m writing the third book in the Assassin’s Gambit series, which is currently untitled, and I’ve run into a bit of a dilemma about the opening.
I have chosen a “soft” opening for this novel. If you’ve read the first two books in the series (and I know most of you haven’t because they’re not published yet! but some of my critique partners read this blog, and they’ve read them), then you know this is not typical for me. Assassin’s Gambit opens with a bang. The opening for Spy’s Honor isn’t quite so shocking, but it starts with a scene that immediately introduces major conflict.
Untitled, however… I went with a gentle opening. Lucien and Celeste (who are brother and sister) are at the docks, messing around with some brimstone that has just arrived by ship. There’s some light and fluffy stuff about Lucien’s dog, and mostly it’s a sweet scene with some gentle banter. It does introduce the main conflict, but the characters in the scene are not themselves in conflict. They have a good relationship, and that’s exactly what I wanted to show. In the scenes that follow, it’s important for the reader to understand that Celeste is motivated by a desire to please her brother, not by fear or intimidation.
Early feedback on this scene has been mixed. Some of my critique partners like it. Others think I should cut it and begin with the scene that follows, a high-conflict scene that gets right to the meat of the story. But if I do that, I miss the opportunity to show the relationship between Lucien and Celeste. Furthermore, since this is book 3 of a series, and Lucien is an important character in every book, I think series readers might want to spend a little time with Lucien, because after the first two chapters he drops out of the book for quite a while. Readers picking up book 3 without having read the first two might be less interested.
I find it’s always difficult to decide how to open a novel. I may end up punting this question to my editor and seeing what she thinks. Pretty soon we’ll have to put the teaser for this novel into the back of Spy’s Honor, and at that point a decision will have to be made about which scene to use.
What do you think about novel openings? Do you prefer a book to open with a bang? Or do you like a softer opening sometimes? Does it make a difference to you if the book is the first in a series or a later book in the series? I know you can’t evaluate my particular two scenes without reading them, but I’m curious about your general thoughts.
This entry was posted in Assassin's Gambit, Writing and tagged Assassin's Gambit, openings, spy's honor, writing. Bookmark the permalink.
You’ve already heard my opinion *winks*, but I say, it definitely matters which book it is in a series. I love your reasoning for having a softer opening for book 3 in your Hearts and Thrones series, and I think showing a much-loved character in a peaceful moment to establish character WHILE introduing the main point of conflict is just fine.
Thanks. This is definitely what I prefer as the author.
I find it varies. Which is useless, of course. A more leisurely book should never start faster than it continues — or even a book like A Game of Thrones, whose prologue is *even more* actiony than the rest of the book, and which isn’t followed through on anytime soon. For something which is very plotty (be it action, suspense, romance, or whatnot) starting fast can help give the reader the expectation of pace … but starting slower and ramping up also works.
A case in point is the Avengers movie (Marvel, not Mrs. Peel — the latter movie had so much wrong with it that the opening would hardly count, if I could even remember it): in the very first scene, two characters we just met are ensorcelled. We hardly get to see them as people before that. One is a quite minor character (and had a major role in a prior film for those who watched all or most of the Marvel movies), so I didn’t mind, but we’re supposed to care about the other (And he had only a cameo in the other movie). I love the film, but I always wished they could come up with a minute or two of him doing something quieter beforehand. Sitting at a table eating or gambling with some of the other characters, exercising, doing a hobby, a phone call to his usual partner just before she gets into the ‘trouble’ she gets into across the world … the worst is, Whedon is good at that sort of intro (He’s *great* at amusing chatter around a table). He just didn’t.
Yeah, I absolutely think opening with an action scene or anything confusing or hectic, when you don’t know the characters yet, is a bad idea. Regardless of whether my opening is high-tension or low-tension, I always like to open with just one or two characters and maybe introduce a third after the reader is well oriented, and keep the scene pretty simple in its content. You just can’t throw everything at the reader at once.
Yeah, I’m struggling right now with how to open the third story in a set so that it’s coherent to new readers (Summarizes soemthign of the prior plot) and won’t make everyone else scream with boredom. I’ve tried four different ways, and the one that seems the most useful also strikes me as being a better *second* scene.
Lately, I’ve been reading new books by some of my “regular” favorite authors. These are people who have been published for decades, and I’ve noticed that their openings are all over the place. It simply is not true that an opening has to be a zinger in order to work. I would say that, especially with the third book in a series, you have credit with your readers. Your stories are character-driven, and your characters are people that your readers will connect to and will enjoy knowing. So from my perspective, the soft opening you describe sounds perfect for that book.
Thanks. Yeah, I find that with established authors as well. They don’t seem to feel the need to resort to all kinds of tricks (like shifting forward/backward in time, etc., or opening with an intriguing first line that is then awkward for shifting into the story) to open with a grabby hook. They’ve reached a point where their readers simply trust that the story will be good without requiring that it grab them by the throat within three sentences.
Enjoyed reading this because it’s great to hear how other writers do things. Opening with a bang is always good. On the other hand, I think it’s neat to mix things up. (Agree with Jessi though, if you’re going to have a softer opening, have it do many things in a short period of time: establish character, underscore theme, and introduce the main story conflict). The fact that you have to get that opening chapter ready before you’re completely finished with the book must be challenging but I’m sure whatever you decide will be the right choice!
It’s a tough decision. I could open with my second scene, but that would leave two major characters relatively undefined (which means I’d probably end up moving a lot of the content from the first scene into the second scene!). I think my editor will weigh in when I send her the opening chapter for the teaser.
Jessi speaks for me as well on thsi one.
I’m not sure this is a good option. These three novels appear to be of a specific family, and since you started the first two the same way, I’m not certain changing the opening for the third is such a good idea.
Even if you can make it work, which I am certain you can, I’m not convinced it’s smart to do, because then you will be making the third book stand out from the other two. And I’m not sure you want to do that in a trilogy.
If I’d established a pattern in my openings, then yeah, I wouldn’t want to deviate from that. But books one and two open differently, one with a prologue and the other with a simple (but high tension) dialogue scene. So I don’t think I have a pattern to maintain, but I do worry that readers new to the series may not find this opening scene as fun as “experienced” readers (who know the characters) will. | https://amyraby.com/2013/02/19/novel-openings/ |
Client:
Location:
Contract Type:
Completion Date:
Edith Cowan University
Joondalup, WA
Construct Only
October 2006
The Edith Cowan University Library is located adjacent to the campus entrance on Joondalup Drive. We delivered the 12,000m² four storey library building for students and public use.
The library includes a general collection, training rooms, cafe (including cafe dining / servery and internet cafe), law study area, bookshop, mega labs, meeting rooms and state-of-the-art information technology systems. The building features sunscreens that filter natural lighting throughout.
A new entry road and approach to the library with feature paving, car parking and landscape seating completed the works.
The ECU Library won the Royal Institute of British Architects International Award and the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Award. | https://www.doricgroup.com.au/Project/ECU-Library |
I am a counselor because my goal is to have a positive impact on everyone I meet. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with people. I think people are beautiful and exceptional in their own unique ways. It is a privilege to be able to sit with someone else’s pain and chaos while supporting their navigation of their struggles towards growth and positive change.
I think its important to create a nonjudgmental space for exploring uncomfortable emotions that comes from a genuine and authentic place of curiosity. I tend to utilize CBT, ACT, DBT, Mindfulness, Solution Focus Brief Therapy (SFBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), CPT for PTSD, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative therapy, Role Play, person and family center therapy. I value validation of all clients challenges/barriers and behaviors they are attempting to work through or understand better for themselves and others. I also value curiosity of emotions as they can provide people with useful information to create better quality of life. I am also of the belief of building up ones resilience and hope throughout the therapeutic process and to living a life worth living. Lastly, I think its important as a clinician to be open to feedback and being held accountable to a certain standard of practice. Its important to align our treatment/therapeutic approach to your needs and for my clients to keep me accountable to maintaining that level of expertise/professionalism.
I have my M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University Chicago (River Forest, IL, 2017) as well as my full license in counseling to practice in the state of Illinois (LCPC). I look forward to serve youth, adolescents, emerging adults, couples, families, and adults now and in the future. In my experiences I have worked with clients with mood disorders, anxiety, phobias, relationship issues, unresolved conflict of the past, grief, self esteem, impulsivity, rejection sensitivity, neurodevelopmental disorders, trauma, psychosis, and everyday adjustments that we all experience in life. I look forward to serving you. | https://www.claritychi.com/provider/scott-rein/ |
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