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The Problem of Corruption - Dissertation Example
This dissertation talks about the understanding the relationship between democracy and corruption which becomes imperative as corruption goes global. The problem of corruption is considered as “one of the greatest obstacle for socio-economic development”…
Extract of sample "The Problem of Corruption"
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The dissertation "The Problem of Corruption" talks about the understanding the relationship between democracy and corruption which becomes imperative as corruption goes global. The problem of corruption is considered as “one of the greatest obstacle for socio-economic development”. The issue is no longer just a national concern, but it is now also considered as a global problem. However, it has been observed that the problem of corruption is more prevalent and its consequences more debilitating in developing countries. In fact, according to Hyslop, corruption in a poor country is not only an issue regarding economics, but it concretely becomes a question of justice since corruption in the health sector means no antibiotics and other medicines in rural clinics. Corruption in infrastructures means no feeder roads created. The experience of corruption in developing countries rebounds to experience and perpetuation of poverty among its people. In this regard, corruption becomes one of the most pressing issues that have to be addressed by all stakeholders. In the face of the global concern regarding corruption, one factor that has captured the attention of scholars and politicians is the role of democracy. For globalization to push through, market and economic democracy have to be embraced by countries. In this context, democracy is understood as the removal of trade barriers allowing the opening of the economy to foreign trade and investment. This current economic situation has opened the global reach of corruption.... Background of the Study The problem of corruption is considered as “one of the greatest obstacle for socio-economic development” (World Bank, 2001). The issue is no longer just a national concern, but it is now also considered as a global problem (Hartnell et al., 1999). However, it has been observed that the problem of corruption is more prevalent and its consequences more debilitating in developing countries (World Bank, 2001). In fact, according to Hyslop (2005), corruption in a poor country is not only an issue regarding economics, but it concretely becomes a question of justice since corruption in the health sector means no antibiotics and other medicines in rural clinics. Corruption in infrastructures means no feeder roads created. The experience of corruption in developing countries redounds to experience and perpetuation of poverty among its people (Hyslop, 2005). In this regard, corruption becomes one of the most pressing issues that have to be addressed by all stakeholders. In the face of the global concern regarding corruption, one factor that has captured the attention of scholars and politicians is the role of democracy. For globalization to push through, market and economic democracy has to be embraced by countries (Soros, 2002; Killion, 2003; Fischer, 2003). In this context, democracy is understood as the removal of trade barriers allowing the opening of the economy to foreign trade and investment. This current economic situation has opened the global reach of corruption vis-a-vis the necessity of democracy in globalization. Take for example, the condition of China. China’s integration in the global market requires the adoption of the open door economic policies. This action entails market democracies, which means less
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CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF The Problem of Corruption
...?The Problem of Corruption in International Mediation and Arbitration Corruption in international mediation and arbitration requires a less restrictive definition than definitions that centre around public officials.1 This is because in international arbitration and mediation, corruption can involve private parties and officials who are not strictly speaking public officials.2 For this reason corruption is more accurately defined by Olaya as “the use of entrusted power for private gain at the expense of public interest.”3 Transparency International explains that corruption arises when individuals are entrusted with power and “are...
.... Herman Goldstein defines it as “acts involving the misuse of authority by a police officer in a manner designed to produce personal gain for himself or others.” It is a larger systematic problem which is due to the lack of overall transparency, no check and balances, weak rule of law and insubstantial institutions. Police Corruption generally occurs at two levels: In the office i.e. behind the scenes or on the streets such as bribery or involvement with criminals. The backroom corruption activities involve irregular practices such as negligence in enforcing internal discipline, stopping of investigations, payments for transfers or appointments and contracting. All these unethical and...
...?Corruption I do not agree with the claim that corruption is not applicable to traditional societies but just a Western concept. Gift giving is already part of the lives of each and every one of us. It is part of our culture. However, there is a difference between gift giving as an act of gratitude and gift giving as a payment for favour asked or rewards for services. Intention is an important factor. Thus, the “gift culture” cannot be an excuse for someone who practice or engaged into corrupt practices. I believe that corruption exists in all kinds of societies and does not leave out the traditional ones. Deflem (1995) viewed traditional practices in non-industrialized...
...practitioner of the ill. That is exactly the problem that exists in the anti-corruption agencies in China. Some of the members that hold positions in the anti-corruption are involved in corrupt dealings themselves. It therefore becomes difficult to pass anti-corruption laws through these agencies because the unscrupulous members in the agencies act as barriers to the whole process of corruption eradication. Corruption has also permeated the economy of the country and prompted many of the citizens to participate in corrupt dealings. What gave rise to corruption in the economy sector of...
...? Police Corruption Police CorruptionCorruption is the abuse of public ity and position for personal benefit by public officials (Prenzler, 2004). It usually entails public officials receiving illegal payment in exchange for various authoritative and state-sanctioned acts which have selective and tangible effects. Normally, the acts would not have been performed without the illegal payment. Morally, theologically or philosophically, corruption is the spiritual impunity that leads to deviating from an ideal. This paper will focus on police corruption and highlight the ethical issues regarding corruption. It will also point out different...
...Business Administrative Corruption Brief Summary The paper will focus on offering s concrete definition of the term corruption, and various forms of corruption. The essay will also present various cases of corruption and its effects on the members of the society. In fact, some of the types that are highlighted include; bribery, nepotism, extortion, embezzlement, and favoritism. Lastly, the paper will explore the consequences of corruption and ways to deal with these consequences. Nevertheless, this essay focuses on presenting a discussion regarding administrative corruption in terms of types, cause, effects, and consequences. Definition...
...Order No: 193724 Topic: What is the difference between political corruption and political scandal, why and how does political scandal occurs : 26-11-2007
Order No: 193724
Topic:
What is the difference between political corruption and political scandal, why and how does political scandal occurs
1. Introduction
The world is watching different monarchies; different shapes of government along with various political corruptions as well as political scandal in the modern time. As one of the oldest and most perplexing phenomena in human society, political corruption and scandal exist in almost every country in the contemporary world. Social scientists and policy makers have long...
...The problem of corruption in Liberia After the civil war was brought to an end and Charles Taylor came to power, some refugees were able to return home. During the period 1997- 2000, an estimated 377,000 people were repatriated to Liberia, and some received assistance from UNHCR in doing so (OCHA, 2002). However, due to the fighting between the government forces and the LURD rebels, new groups within the population are being displaced, and this has impeded the prospects for refugees and internally displaced from the earlier waves to return home. Some of the Sierra Leonean refugees residing in Liberia have returned to their country of origin. At the beginning of 2002, UNHCR assisted the refugees who...
...be on understanding the personality of police officers, their motivations, backgrounds, predispositions, assumptions, attitudes and others. Moreover, extensive training should be provided to new recruits. Second, many police officers that engage in grass eating corruption do the same not because of peer pressure but also because they have families to look after (Prenzler, p. 202). The fact is that law enforcement is not a rewarding career especially when one takes into account the fact that most of these officers are risking their lives every day. Therefore, in order to find a long-term solution to the problem, it is crucial to reevaluate the wages and benefits of police officers and analyzing that they... |
Pamamento Nobara
Pamamento Nobara
With Permanent Nobara director Yoshida confirms his signature style, removing all doubt that his previous films were some kind of lucky hits. Pay no attention to the poster and trailer I listed here, Yoshida's latest is a lot edgier that its own advertisement would have you believe. It's a cheeky little comedy with more sting than your average film, leaving you behind pretty amused yet somewhat bewildered.
Yoshida's first film (Funuke, Show Some Love You Losers) is one of my all-time favorite films. It dominates a list of off-key Japanese comedies that gained popularity in the late '00, combining rather wry drama with light-hearted comedy. A weird and awkward combination that won't appeal to everyone and no doubt requires a somewhat warped sense of humor to appreciate. It's difficult to compare to other comedy sub genres, but if you're into Todd Solondz (Life During Wartime) it's definitely worth a shot.
At first glance Permanent Nobara reminded me a little of Naoko Ogigami's Yoshino's Barber Shop. It features a similar town and similar hair dresser salon (one-style only haircuts - perms in this case), even the laid-back atmosphere is somewhat reminiscent. That is, until people start to talk to each other. The dialogs are strangely honest and direct, contradicting the appearance of the characters in front of us. Jolly looking grandmas are talking about scoring dates and screwing men, kids are talking about abortions and women are rather unbothered about the unfaithfulness of their husbands. Something is definitely off here.
Central to the story lies the tale of Naoko, a young mother who returns to her home village after divorcing her husband. Together with her young daughter Naoko moves in with her mother, using her spare time to help out in the local hair salon. Naoko tries to pick up the pieces of her life and starts dating her old classroom teacher, but much like the other men in the village he doesn't appear to be too reliable.
Visually Yoshida remains true to the conventions of the genre. Rural Japanese dramas usually result in bright green colors and idyllic landscapes, emitting a tranquil and soothing atmosphere. Add a couple of beautiful beach scenes and some scenic shots of the sky and you pretty much know what to expect from this film. Yoshida paints a pretty picture, though not overly stylized or in-your-face.
The soundtrack is quite simply a logical extension of the visuals. Soft piano music and agreeable strings combine to create a sweet, enjoyable atmosphere. It's not the kind of music you'll remember after watching the film, but it does serve its purpose rather well. I could see it working as some kind of de-stressing therapy, but I don't think that was Yoshida's aim here. Again, the film remains true to genre conventions.
Main character Naoko is played by Miho Kanno, an actress I first discovered watching Kitano's Dolls where she portrayed one of the saddest characters I've ever seen on film. Her talent for drama is a real asset to Permanent Nobara, as she can easily switch between heart-felt drama and the lighter, more deceptive dramatic scenes Yoshida forces onto his audience. The supporting cast is pretty great too, providing comedy and additional portions of sorrow to make the picture complete.
Permanent Nobara draws its humor from the light-hearted way it approaches its overly dramatic story. Through the eyes of any other director, there would've been a lot of pain and sorrow in this little village, but Yoshida turns it around and creates a happy, joyous and up-beat community of people that deal with their problems as it they were just little bumps in the road. Safe a few clear comedic interludes, Yoshida isn't too direct about his methods though. Most conversations are just passing moments that would go completely unnoticed if you weren't paying attentions to the subtitles. Everything in this film is made to make it feel as if you were watching a regular, run-of-the-mill (though quality) Japanese drama, but when you think you see some old ladies talking about the weather, they're really discussing penis lengths.
Like I said before, you need to be susceptible to this kind of humor to appreciate Yoshida's films. The end of Permanent Nobara is more straight-forward drama (that works remarkably well by the way, all credit goes to the superb acting of Kanno), but the first hour or so, even though the film is drenched in dramatic events, is straight-up comedy. This will no doubt lead to mixed reactions, but if you think you can handle it, this film is absolutely worth your time.
I'm actively seeking out Yoshida's final film, if it proves to be as good as Funuke and Permanent Nobara he's making my select list of directors to watch. If it doesn't, Yoshida is still responsible for two lovely comedies. Permanent Nobara isn't as edgy or out there as Funuke, but it's a great follow-up that knows to charm and amuse in equal measures. Recommended if you think you're up to the challenge. |
Some babies have very sensitive skin and are prone to diaper rash. This can be incredibly painful for the babies and a very stressful thing for the parents involved because they have to witness their child in pain each and every time they go to change the baby’s diaper. Cloth diapers are very helpful when it comes to diaper rash.
Baby diaper rash is a very scary thing, especially when it comes to your baby regularly getting diaper rash. It is very painful and seeing your baby with his or her skin all irritated and painful is a very stressful thing. Sometimes, babies get it and no cream can prevent them from getting it over and over.
This proneness to baby diaper rash usually comes because of disposable diapers. Sometimes, the synthetic materials in them are just irritants to baby’s skin if they are especially sensitive. This is especially the case with some of the cheaper brands of diapers.
Of course, you can sometimes prevent baby diaper rash by buying special kinds of expensive disposable diapers that will cost you a lot of money every time you have to buy more. This can cost you quite a bit, and it is never a guarantee that it will get rid of the baby diaper rash.
There is another way, though, that is actually affordable for people that are on a budget. Instead of expensive disposable diapers, you can switch to cloth diapers. These diapers are safer on baby’s skin and will help reduce the chances of getting baby diaper rash greatly because they allow the baby’s skin to breath and are often made of kinder materials such as cotton.
If you want to prevent baby diaper rash on your child, you can avoid the problems of disposable diapers completely and save money by switching to cloth diapers. This is much more affordable than paying for expensive disposable diapers and will be less likely to cause baby diaper rash by allowing your baby’s skin to breath. This way, you won’t have to suffer with your baby having diaper rash, and he or she won’t have to suffer either. |
She Says… Long Days & Report Cards
The last few days have been long. In retrospect, I think Owen was dealing with an ear infection that flew under the radar, but at the time all I saw was aggressive behavior at home and at school, general fussiness and a lot of “NO!”. I even attempted to institute our first (second?) “real” time-out after he threw a little stool in anger, a la 1-2-3 Magic. I say attempted because although in the end he did sit for a few seconds, it was preceded by a lot of laughing in my face and trying to escape and overall not really understanding why he was sitting on the stairs. There’s work to be done there, but that’s a whole different post.
Amidst the rough behavior, he’s been rocking the underwear at home (both over the weekend and every night when he gets home from school), so I think this actually may stick.
And speaking of school, it’s report card time again! Ok, ok, Developmental Report. It’s not grading him on how smart he is, but rather placing him on a continuum from “Accomplished” to “Requires Support” on a variety of different skills. I am always so intrigued to get these reports from his school because they are very detailed, and they help give me a sense of how he is developing in comparison to his peers (since he’s my only kid so far, I really have nothing to compare him to except himself). And, although every parent would like their child to be perfect in every area, I’m also interested to see which skills he is lagging behind on so I can keep an eye out for ways to practice them at home.
EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The 2-3 year old set is evaluated on skills like:
– Attempts new skills with confidence
– Expresses and regulates a wide range of emotions in an age-appropriate manner
– Easily tolerates a variety of sensory stimuli
– Transitions smoothly between activities
– Seeks adult help when needed
Owen is all over the map in this area (as I imagine many 2 year olds would be). Though he is “accomplished” in a lot of areas, he still needs quite a bit of help comforting himself when he is upset and controlling his own frustrations in a non-aggressive way (see above with the stool throwing incident!).
SOCIAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
– Cooperating with adults
– Engaging in parallel play
– Engaging in cooperative play (taking turns, sharing toys)
– Shows concern & sympathy for others
– Actively participates in circle time, small & large group activities
Owen has been a super social kid since the day he was born, and that hasn’t changed much. He’s very outgoing and from what his teachers tell me, he’s always anxious to yell out answers and participate in activities. He knows everyone at school by name, and even knows many of his friends’ parents’ names too. He still has a ways to go with following group expectations like taking turns and listening when others are talking, but I’m going to guess most of those issues come from being an only child and coming from a long line of attention hogs/loudmouths.
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
– Able to follow simple, multi-step directions
– Able to focus for an age-appropriate amount of time on a chosen activity
– Able to sort and match objects based on different criteria
– Familiar with basic shapes, colors and letters
– Able to count to 10
– Remembers where objects belong
LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
– Communicates effectively with age-appropriate vocabulary
– Expresses self in simple, intelligible phrases
– Is able to form sentences
– Is able to answer questions when asked
These skills are where Owen really excels. His teachers noted that he loves to engage any adult (or peer) in conversation and loves to tell stories. Future actor? Comedian? Who knows, but I know the kid loves to talk!
SELF HELP SKILLS
– Demonstrates independence during meals and snack (hand washing, disposing of trash, etc.)
– Able to remove clothing/attempts to put clothing on
– Assists in clean up time
– Cooperates in diaper/potty usage
This was an area where Owen was marked as “progressing” for many skills on his last progress report. It was definitely helpful to hear this, as it reminded me to ask him to do some of these things himself rather than doing them for him when he was 18 months – 2 years. Now he’s quite good at taking off/putting on his coat and hat (recently mastered “the flip trick” and now wants to show anyone who will watch him put his coat on), and last night he even demonstrated he could do pants too. Progress!
The gross motor skills always make me chuckle — how would I know if he can balance on one foot?! Definitely one of those times I’m so thankful that he has so many awesome caretakers who are tracking his development and challenging him in different ways. Apparently he’s doing great on all of these skills except jumping backwards. That’s not a life skill I’m very worried about 🙂
—
I post these not because most of you really care how Owen scores on these individual skills, but because I find the lists of what this age group “should” be doing really interesting. If he wasn’t at this particular daycare, I wouldn’t have any clue about asking him to try some of these things, so I thought I’d share!
5 responses to “She Says… Long Days & Report Cards”
Way to go, Owen! Our daycare does similar report cards and I, too, love them (as well as parent-teacher conferences … yes, for my 2 year old!). I subscribe to the who it takes a village philosophy and these women she spends her days with are teaching her so many things we wouldn’t think to teach her. I also love looking at what she’s doing and seeing where she’s ahead or right on schedule.
Laughing about the one foot – we showed her “flamingo” a couple nights ago and she was wobbly but tried 🙂
She’s been big on asking for help lately and it’s ridiculously cute. “Mommy FIX Maya shoe. Daddy, help Maya BLANKY.” (emphasis hers ;)) This is such a fun stage …
I love how you shared this! I am always fascinated with these as well. Since my daughter isn’t in daycare, I only get these reminders from the ASQ I have to fill out before well visits (plus your blog!). It’s a really good reminder, since I tend to just dress her and I probably need to do more of letting her do it herself. Some of those gross motor ones are really hilarious. And jumping backwards? Really?
I love how Owen is so social to all ages! Knowing the parents’ names? Amazing!
I also had to laugh at “Remembers where objects belong” because my daughter gets so upset if something is in the wrong place! Heaven forbid WE forget where something goes!! 🙂
Thanks again for sharing, Kate!
I enjoy reading these because my daughter attends an in-home daycare so our caretaker doesn’t do formal “report cards” for the kids with the different skills. It’s nice to see where she “should” be in her development.
I really like 123 Magic. Another goodie is Love and Logic. I have used this personally as a parent and professionally as a teacher.
It is so interesting (and fun and frustrating too!) to watch them develop and it is also so nice to have someone on the outside (teachers) look and track things objectively and share their perspective. |
Q:
How to find mean relative differences?
I'm trying to describe mean differences between two populations $x_1$ and $x_2$, which are non-zero and positive. Their distribution is approximately beta with a positive skew. For example, with R:
# x1 <- round(rbeta(10, 1, 100)*1000, 1)
# x2 <- x1 + round(rbeta(10, 1, 100)*100, 1)
x1 <- c(1.7, 12.6, 22.3, 37.3, 15.2, 7.1, 31, 4.4, 9.5, 1.9)
x2 <- c(1.9, 14.2, 25.6, 39.2, 15.9, 8.7, 32.2, 7, 9.7, 1.9)
The two ways I can think of to determine the mean relative differences yield different numbers:
mean((x2 - x1)/x1) # 0.1365628
(mean(x2) - mean(x1))/mean(x1) # 0.09300699
Why are they different, and which method is more descriptive of what I'm looking for? I.e., is $x_2$ 13.6% or 9.3% greater than $x_1$?
A:
In the first formula, mean((x1 - x2)/x1) you are describing the differences between paired members of each group, (Wikipedia). Think of individuals before and after treatment.
In the second formula, (mean(x2) - mean(x1))/mean(x1), you are describing the differences between two, presumably independent, groups as a whole. Think of two independent samples.
Perhaps if you rephrase your question the answer will become apparent.
What is the mean difference between individuals?
What is the difference between the means of two groups?
It's difficult to determine what you are attempting from your example since x2 is derived from x1. From your description I would lean toward #2 since you mention 2 populations. However, from your R example I would lean to #1 since it looks like you are simulating some effect on individuals.
A:
They are different because of Jensen's inequality: an expected value of a nonlinear function is not equal to the nonlinear function of expected values.
I am not sure we can answer the question of what's better for you. If x1 is close to zero, then the first method would generate Cauchy normal variates, and if the population mean is zero, so would the second method. If both population means are zeroes, then whatever you do with them in terms of their ratios will end up as 0/0.
|
Lutron SC-2 Claro Satin Two-Gang Screwless Wallplate Snow
$9.80
Product Overview
Featuring a front vanity plate that snaps onto a back plate attachment, the Lutron SC-2 Claro Satin Two-Gang Wallplate provides a clean, streamline look that hides unsightly plate screws, Perfect for hiding gaps around wallboxes and enhancing the look of the home or office, the oversized Lutron SC-2 screwless wallplate works with most large toggle light switches and dimmers and mounts flush against the wall.
Tough thermoset material allows easy cleaning
Available in 20 satin color finishes
Easily replaces conventional wallplates
UL listed to U.S. and Canadian safety standards
Certifications
Specifications
Details
Manufacturer Part Number
SC-2-SW
UPC
027557475174
Brand
Lutron
Color
Snow
Gangs
2
Warranty
1 Year
Dimensions
Width
4.75"
Height
4.69"
Depth
0.3"
Reviews
Questions & Answers
Are You An Electrical Contractor?Apply For A Contractor Account Today! |
enum { ay = 2 };
|
Q:
How to initialize String by using R.string.text?
For example I have an enum class and i need to initialize literals with R.string.thatvalue
public enum WorkStateEnums {
WORK_EMPTY_CAR(000, "WORK_1", (R.string.thatvalue)),
WORK_START(100, "WORK_START", (R.string.thatvalue)),
WORK_END(200, "WORK_END", (R.string.thatvalue));
}
A:
public enum WorkStateEnums {
WORK_EMPTY_CAR(000, "WORK_1", (R.string.thatvalue)),
WORK_START(100, "WORK_START", (R.string.thatvalue)),
WORK_END(200, "WORK_END", (R.string.thatvalue));
private int arg1;
private String arg2;
@StringRes
private int arg3;
WorkStateEnums(int arg1, String arg2, int arg3) {
this.arg1 = arg1;
this.arg2 = arg2;
this.arg3 = arg3;
}
public int getArg1() {
return arg1;
}
public String getArg2() {
return arg2;
}
public int getArg3() {
return arg3;
}
// To get Arg3 value as available in strings.xml
public String getArg3String(Context context) {
return context.getResources().getString(arg3);
}
}
|
Title IX Premiere Learning Platform
ACPA Video-on-Demand Highlight
Career Advising for Trans and Non-Binary Students
ACPA News & Updates
19 February 2019 - 10:28am
In Memoriam - Richard Basil Caple December 25, 1930 – January 30, 2019 ACPA-College Student Educators International joins higher education and student affairs colleagues in mourning the passing of Richard (Dick) Basil Caple, Ed.D., former editor of ACPA’s Journal of College Student Development and past president of the Missouri College Personnel Association, on Wednesday, 30 January, 2019. Our...
7 January 2019 - 10:39am
Remembering Dr. Peter Magolda September 2, 1956 – January 2, 2019 Peter M. Magolda, Professor Emeritus, Miami University of Ohio Peter passed away suddenly with his wife of 33 years, Marcia Baxter Magolda, by his side. His brother and sister and their wonderful families, including eight nieces and nephews, survive him. In addition, friends and colleagues who relished his kindness, humanity,... |
addSbtPlugin("com.eed3si9n" % "sbt-assembly" % "0.14.3")
addSbtPlugin("com.github.gseitz" % "sbt-protobuf" % "0.5.3")
|
Influence of germination and extrusion with CO(2) injection on physicochemical properties of wheat extrudates.
Whole wheat and germinated wheat flour were extruded in a laboratory co-rotating twin screw extruder with die temperatures (90 and 130°C), screw speeds (150 and 200rpm) and CO2 injection. The effects of germination and extrusion process on specific mechanical energy (SME) input, expansion ratio, specific length, piece density, elastic modulus, breaking strength, colour, water solubility index (WSI), water absorption index (WAI) and microstructure were determined. The study showed that the use of germinated wheat flour increased the specific length, lightness and the WSI. When CO2 was injected, the expansion ratios (only 90°C die temperature for extruded germinated wheat) and lightness were significantly increased (p<0.05). The chemical properties (crude protein, fat, ash, reducing sugar, γ-aminobutyric acid, soluble arabinoxylans, β-glucan and phytic acid) were also investigated. The germination step and extrusion process mainly affected the chemical properties. However, the difference of die temperatures, screw speed and CO2 injection had slight effect on the chemical properties. |
A witness reports UFO activity over Gatesville, Texas according to testimony from the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) witness reporting database that was filed on 24 June 2012.The witness describes what part of Gatesville that he or she saw the UFO, along with the shape of the UFO.“I observed a triangle-shaped craft just to the south of Gatesville, Texas.”The witness recalled the place and time of the day that he or she saw the UFO activity.“At approximately 5:25 am, and while traveling northbound on Highway 116 just north of the city of Pidcoke, I had a UFO sighting. I had observed the object as I entered the south side of Pidcoke a few minutes earlier.”At first, the witness did not think that he or she was seeing a UFO.“At that point, I thought it was just an aeroplane. All I could see was a white light to the left side of the highway. I noticed the object move to the right side of the highway.”As the witness continued to drive, he or she got a better look of the object.“As I barely passed the north side of Pidcoke, I saw the object much more clearly.”The witness reported the movements of the object.“It moved back to the left side of the highway in a zig-zag motion.”The witness soon concluded that he or she was not seeing an aeroplane, and also reported the striking brightness of the alien-like spacecraft.“At this time, I realized this was not an airplane. It was a triangle-shaped craft with three very bright white lights underneath the craft. The lights were so bright, that I could clearly make out the triangle shape of the craft.”The witness reported the altitude and the speed that the alien-like space craft was travelling.“The craft was either moving very slow or virtually stationary in the air. It was flying at a relatively low elevation.”The witness also described the striking brightness of the object’s lights.“The craft also had some sort of beam or scanning light in the front of it that was moving back and forth in a horizontal motion at about a 45 degree angle from the craft.”The witness then reported that the object faded, and described Pidcoke.“As I passed the craft, I looked back and it disappeared. Pidcoke is a small town in between Copperas Cove and Gatesville.”Source : http://www.examiner.com/article/ufo-holographic-like-ufo-fades-over-texas?cid=db_articles |
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* Licensed to Julian Hyde under one or more contributor license
* agreements. See the NOTICE file distributed with this work
* for additional information regarding copyright ownership.
* Julian Hyde licenses this file to you under the Apache
* License, Version 2.0 (the "License"); you may not use this
* file except in compliance with the License. You may obtain a
* copy of the License at
*
* http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
*
* Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing,
* software distributed under the License is distributed on an
* "AS IS" BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND,
* either express or implied. See the License for the specific
* language governing permissions and limitations under the
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package net.hydromatic.morel;
import com.google.common.collect.ImmutableMap;
import com.google.common.collect.Lists;
import com.google.common.io.PatternFilenameFilter;
import net.hydromatic.morel.foreign.ForeignValue;
import org.incava.diff.Diff;
import org.incava.diff.Difference;
import org.junit.Test;
import org.junit.runner.RunWith;
import org.junit.runners.Parameterized;
import java.io.BufferedReader;
import java.io.BufferedWriter;
import java.io.File;
import java.io.FileInputStream;
import java.io.FileNotFoundException;
import java.io.FileOutputStream;
import java.io.FilenameFilter;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.io.InputStream;
import java.io.InputStreamReader;
import java.io.LineNumberReader;
import java.io.OutputStream;
import java.io.OutputStreamWriter;
import java.io.PrintWriter;
import java.io.Reader;
import java.io.StringWriter;
import java.io.Writer;
import java.lang.reflect.InvocationTargetException;
import java.lang.reflect.Method;
import java.net.URI;
import java.net.URISyntaxException;
import java.net.URL;
import java.nio.charset.StandardCharsets;
import java.nio.file.Paths;
import java.util.ArrayList;
import java.util.Collection;
import java.util.List;
import java.util.Map;
import static org.junit.Assert.fail;
/**
* Test that runs files and checks the results.
*/
@RunWith(Parameterized.class)
public class ScriptTest {
protected final String path;
protected final Method method;
/** Creates a ScriptTest. Public per {@link Parameterized}. */
@SuppressWarnings("WeakerAccess")
public ScriptTest(String path) {
this.path = path;
this.method = findMethod(path);
}
/** Runs a test from the command line.
*
* <p>For example:
*
* <blockquote>
* <code>java ScriptTest script/table.sml</code>
* </blockquote> */
public static void main(String[] args) throws Exception {
for (String arg : args) {
new ScriptTest(arg).test();
}
}
/** For {@link Parameterized} runner. */
@Parameterized.Parameters(name = "{index}: script({0})")
public static Collection<Object[]> data() {
// Start with a test file we know exists, then find the directory and list
// its files.
final String first = "script/simple.sml";
return data(first);
}
@Test
public void test() throws Exception {
if (method != null) {
try {
method.invoke(this);
} catch (InvocationTargetException e) {
Throwable cause = e.getCause();
if (cause instanceof Exception) {
throw (Exception) cause;
}
if (cause instanceof Error) {
throw (Error) cause;
}
throw e;
}
} else {
checkRun(path);
}
}
private Method findMethod(String path) {
// E.g. path "script/simple.sml" gives method "testScriptSimple"
String methodName = Utils.toCamelCase("test_"
+ path.replace(File.separatorChar, '_').replaceAll("\\.sml$", ""));
Method m;
try {
m = getClass().getMethod(methodName);
} catch (NoSuchMethodException e) {
m = null;
}
return m;
}
protected void checkRun(String path) throws Exception {
final File inFile;
final File outFile;
final File f = new File(path);
if (f.isAbsolute()) {
// e.g. path = "/tmp/foo.sml"
inFile = f;
outFile = new File(path + ".out");
} else {
// e.g. path = "sql/outer.sml"
// inUrl = "file:/home/fred/morel/target/test-classes/script/outer.sml"
final URL inUrl = MainTest.class.getResource("/" + Utils.n2u(path));
inFile = Utils.urlToFile(inUrl);
outFile = new File(inFile.getAbsoluteFile().getParent(),
Utils.u2n("surefire/") + path + ".out");
}
Utils.discard(outFile.getParentFile().mkdirs());
final String[] args = {"--echo"};
final boolean loadDictionary =
inFile.getPath().contains("foreign.sml")
|| inFile.getPath().contains("blog.sml");
final Map<String, ForeignValue> dictionary =
loadDictionary ? new DataSet.Dictionary() : ImmutableMap.of();
try (Reader reader = Utils.reader(inFile);
Writer writer = Utils.printWriter(outFile)) {
new Main(args, reader, writer, dictionary).run();
}
final File refFile =
new File(inFile.getParentFile(), inFile.getName() + ".out");
if (!refFile.exists()) {
System.out.println("Reference file not found: " + refFile);
}
final String diff = Utils.diff(refFile, outFile);
if (!diff.isEmpty()) {
fail("Files differ: " + refFile + " " + outFile + "\n"
+ diff);
}
}
protected static Collection<Object[]> data(String first) {
// inUrl = "file:/home/fred/morel/target/test-classes/script/agg.sml"
final URL inUrl = MainTest.class.getResource("/" + Utils.n2u(first));
final File firstFile = Utils.urlToFile(inUrl);
final int commonPrefixLength =
firstFile.getAbsolutePath().length() - first.length();
final File dir = firstFile.getParentFile();
final List<String> paths = new ArrayList<>();
final FilenameFilter filter = new PatternFilenameFilter(".*\\.sml$");
File[] files = dir.listFiles(filter);
for (File f : Utils.first(files, new File[0])) {
paths.add(f.getAbsolutePath().substring(commonPrefixLength));
}
return Lists.transform(paths, path -> new Object[] {path});
}
/** Utility methods. */
static class Utils {
/** Converts a path from Unix to native. On Windows, converts
* forward-slashes to back-slashes; on Linux, does nothing. */
private static String u2n(String s) {
return File.separatorChar == '\\'
? s.replace('/', '\\')
: s;
}
/** Converts a path from native to Unix. */
private static String n2u(String s) {
return File.separatorChar == '\\' ? s.replace('\\', '/') : s;
}
private static <E> E first(E e0, E e1) {
return e0 != null ? e0 : e1;
}
private static String toCamelCase(String name) {
StringBuilder buf = new StringBuilder();
int nextUpper = -1;
for (int i = 0; i < name.length(); ++i) {
char c = name.charAt(i);
if (c == '_') {
nextUpper = i + 1;
} else {
if (nextUpper == i) {
c = Character.toUpperCase(c);
} else {
c = Character.toLowerCase(c);
}
buf.append(c);
}
}
return buf.toString();
}
private static File urlToFile(URL url) {
if (!"file".equals(url.getProtocol())) {
return null;
}
URI uri;
try {
uri = url.toURI();
} catch (URISyntaxException e) {
throw new IllegalArgumentException("Unable to convert URL " + url
+ " to URI", e);
}
if (uri.isOpaque()) {
// It is like file:test%20file.c++
// getSchemeSpecificPart would return "test file.c++"
return new File(uri.getSchemeSpecificPart());
}
// See https://stackoverflow.com/a/17870390/1261287
return Paths.get(uri).toFile();
}
@SuppressWarnings("unused")
public static void discard(boolean value) {
}
/** Creates a {@link PrintWriter} to a given output stream using UTF-8
* character set.
*
* <p>Does not use the default character set. */
public static PrintWriter printWriter(OutputStream out) {
return new PrintWriter(
new BufferedWriter(
new OutputStreamWriter(out, StandardCharsets.UTF_8)));
}
/** Creates a {@link PrintWriter} to a given file using UTF-8
* character set.
*
* <p>Does not use the default character set. */
public static PrintWriter printWriter(File file)
throws FileNotFoundException {
return printWriter(new FileOutputStream(file));
}
/** Creates a {@link BufferedReader} to a given input stream using UTF-8
* character set.
*
* <p>Does not use the default character set. */
public static BufferedReader reader(InputStream in) {
return new BufferedReader(
new InputStreamReader(in, StandardCharsets.UTF_8));
}
/** Creates a {@link BufferedReader} to read a given file using UTF-8
* character set.
*
* <p>Does not use the default character set. */
public static BufferedReader reader(File file)
throws FileNotFoundException {
return reader(new FileInputStream(file));
}
/**
* Returns a string containing the difference between the contents of two
* files. The string has a similar format to the UNIX 'diff' utility.
*/
public static String diff(File file1, File file2) {
List<String> lines1 = fileLines(file1);
List<String> lines2 = fileLines(file2);
return diffLines(lines1, lines2);
}
/**
* Returns a string containing the difference between the two sets of lines.
*/
public static String diffLines(List<String> lines1, List<String> lines2) {
final Diff<String> differencer = new Diff<>(lines1, lines2);
final List<Difference> differences = differencer.execute();
StringWriter sw = new StringWriter();
int offset = 0;
for (Difference d : differences) {
final int as = d.getAddedStart() + 1;
final int ae = d.getAddedEnd() + 1;
final int ds = d.getDeletedStart() + 1;
final int de = d.getDeletedEnd() + 1;
if (ae == 0) {
if (de == 0) {
// no change
} else {
// a deletion: "<ds>,<de>d<as>"
sw.append(String.valueOf(ds));
if (de > ds) {
sw.append(",").append(String.valueOf(de));
}
sw.append("d").append(String.valueOf(as - 1)).append('\n');
for (int i = ds - 1; i < de; ++i) {
sw.append("< ").append(lines1.get(i)).append('\n');
}
}
} else {
if (de == 0) {
// an addition: "<ds>a<as,ae>"
sw.append(String.valueOf(ds - 1)).append("a").append(
String.valueOf(as));
if (ae > as) {
sw.append(",").append(String.valueOf(ae));
}
sw.append('\n');
for (int i = as - 1; i < ae; ++i) {
sw.append("> ").append(lines2.get(i)).append('\n');
}
} else {
// a change: "<ds>,<de>c<as>,<ae>
sw.append(String.valueOf(ds));
if (de > ds) {
sw.append(",").append(String.valueOf(de));
}
sw.append("c").append(String.valueOf(as));
if (ae > as) {
sw.append(",").append(String.valueOf(ae));
}
sw.append('\n');
for (int i = ds - 1; i < de; ++i) {
sw.append("< ").append(lines1.get(i)).append('\n');
}
sw.append("---\n");
for (int i = as - 1; i < ae; ++i) {
sw.append("> ").append(lines2.get(i)).append('\n');
}
offset = offset + (ae - as) - (de - ds);
}
}
}
return sw.toString();
}
/**
* Returns a list of the lines in a given file, or an empty list if the file
* does not exist.
*
* @param file File
* @return List of lines
*/
private static List<String> fileLines(File file) {
List<String> lines = new ArrayList<>();
if (!file.exists()) {
return lines;
}
try (LineNumberReader r = new LineNumberReader(reader(file))) {
String line;
while ((line = r.readLine()) != null) {
lines.add(line);
}
return lines;
} catch (IOException e) {
throw new RuntimeException(e);
}
}
}
}
// End ScriptTest.java
|
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Philando Castile's mother Valerie Castile spoke to reporters on Friday June 16, 2017, after a Minnesota police officer was acquitted in the fatal shooting of her son, a black motorist whose death captured national attention when his girlfriend streamed the grim aftermath on Facebook. (Published Friday, June 16, 2017)
The Minnesota police officer who was acquitted in last year's fatal shooting of black motorist Philando Castile will receive $48,500 as he leaves the suburban department that employed him at the time of the killing, according to a separation agreement announced Monday.
Jeronimo Yanez will be paid the money in a lump sum, minus applicable deductions and withholdings for state and federal taxes. Under the five-page agreement released through a public records request, the Minneapolis suburb of St. Anthony also will pay Yanez for up to 600 hours of accrued and unused personal leave pay. The agreement, which has Monday's date, doesn't say how much time he has accrued.
His annual salary at the time of the July 6, 2016, shooting was more than $72,600, not including overtime pay, according to documents released by the city.
Yanez shot Castile, a 32-year-old elementary school cafeteria worker, several times during a traffic stop after Castile told the officer he was armed. Castile had a permit for his gun. The shooting gained widespread attention after Castile's girlfriend, who was in the car along with her then-4-year-old daughter, livestreamed its gruesome aftermath on Facebook.
***WARNING: Video may be disturbing to some viewers.*** Philando Castile was fatally shot by police in Minnesota on July 6, 2016. A woman identifying herself as his girlfriend live streamed the immediate aftermath to Facebook. This portion of the streamed video appears to show a police officer pointing a gun through the car window.
(Published Thursday, July 7, 2016)
Yanez, 29 and Latino, was acquitted of manslaughter and other charges in June. On the day of the verdict, the city announced the "public will be best served" if Yanez were no longer an officer. The city said Monday that the agreement "ends all employment rights" for Yanez.
"Since Officer Yanez was not convicted of a crime, as a public employee, he would have appeal and grievance rights if terminated," it said in a statement. "A reasonable voluntary separation agreement brings to a close one part of this horrible tragedy. The City concluded this was the most thoughtful way to move forward and help the community-wide healing process proceed."
Under the agreement, the city is released from lawsuits by Yanez. He was given 10 days to consider and sign the agreement and has 15 days to rescind it in writing. The agreement noted the official "date of separation" as June 30.
Yanez wrote his initials and Monday's date on each page of the agreement and signed the last page along with the city manager. Yanez had been with the St. Anthony department since November 2011.
Castile's uncle, Clarence Castile, said he's glad Yanez will no longer be an officer.
"He should be in jail," the uncle said. "He's like a fish that wiggled his way off a hook. ... Hopefully he won't be able to get a police job in the United States. Because he's a poor example of a police officer."
Yanez's acquittal led to days of protests, including one in St. Paul that shut down Interstate 94 for hours and ended with 18 arrests. At a recent city council meeting, residents of St. Anthony called on the city's mayor to resign.
After the trial, Castile's mother, Valerie Castile, reached a nearly $3 million settlement with the city, precluding a wrongful death lawsuit.
The Associated Press examined several high-profile fatal police shootings and found severance or separation agreements for officers to be unusual. In some cases, officers were fired outright. In many cases where charges were not brought or officers were acquitted, they have remained on the job.
In the August 2014 shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown, who was unarmed and black, Ferguson, Missouri, police officer Darren Wilson did not receive a severance package when he resigned. Wilson was not charged in Brown's death, which led to months of sometimes violent protests and became a catalyst for the national Black Lives Matter movement. At the time of Wilson's resignation in November 2014, the St. Louis suburb said it had cut ties with Wilson and he would not receive any additional pay or benefits. Wilson's attorney said he chose to resign after threats were made against the police department.
Chicago officer Dante Servin resigned last year just days before a hearing to determine if he should be fired for the 2012 shooting of Rekia Boyd, an unarmed 22-year-old black woman. Servin, who was acquitted of involuntary manslaughter, has since asked for disability pay for post-traumatic stress disorder. A decision on whether he qualifies for that pay, which could amount to tens of thousands of dollars, is pending.
David Larson, an employment law professor at Mitchell-Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, said reaching a voluntary separation agreement can be simpler than firing a public employee like Yanez. Most collective bargaining agreements require several steps before someone can be dismissed. And if a dismissal is contested, there can be a lengthy grievance and arbitration process. |
Neo4j
Copyright (c) 2002-2020 Neo4j Sweden AB (referred to in this notice as "Neo4j") [http://neo4j.com]
This product includes software ("Software") developed by Neo4j
|
Knee supports and knee braces offer orthopedic support for rehabilitation or everyday wear. These support braces come in a few styles with specific purposes. Choose from orthopedic supplies like hinged knee braces, compression supports, support straps and immobilizers.
It is important to choose an orthopedic support that matches your individual activity level. For example, if you are active and need an orthopedic support that is going to move with you without constriction, use a support strap or a knit brace. If you are looking for something that is going to bend as you walk, but yet still completely immobilizes the knee, try a hinged knee brace. If you need something to warm achy joints and relieve mild swelling try a compression support.
Immobilizers are designed to be used after injuries, for sleeping and for other specific purposes, so check with your doctor to see what types of orthopedic products are right for you. |
India’s ace shuttler P V Sindhu will take on Olympic champion Carolina Marin today in a summit showdown in a summit clash in the India Open Super Series Badminton tournament at the Siri Fort Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.
Olympic silver medallist and third seed PV Sindhu today defeated second seed Seoul shuttler Sung Ji-hyun 21-18, 14-21, 21-14 to reach her maiden final of the India Open World Super series badminton championship. Sindhu will
Rio gold medallist and World No. 2 shuttler Carolina Marin once again failed to break the jinx against Mumbai's South Korean import Hyun Sung Ji as the Rio Olympics gold medallist lost 11-6, 6-11, 5-11 in the second semi-final women's singles match o
Badminton fans in the city will be up for a treat when star Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal of Awadhe Warriors and Chennai Smashers's P.V. Sindhu face off in the semi-finals of the ongoing Premier Badminton League (PBL)
Saina Nehwal lost to reigning Olympic champion Carolina Marin but her side Awadhe Warriors still beat Hyderabad Hunters in a Premier Badminton League encounter in Hyderabad on Monday. As Hyderabad lost the men’s doubles, which |
Nucleation of solids in solids: ferrites and martensites.
When a solid such as iron is cooled across a structural transition, its final microstructure depends sensitively on the cooling rate and the depth of quench. For instance, an infinitesimally slow cooling or a shallow quench results in an equilibrium "ferrite," while a rapid cooling or a deep quench gives rise to a metastable twinned "martensite." In this paper, we arrive at a single formalism which qualitatively describes the transformation to both a ferrite and a martensite. Fundamental to this understanding is our identification of the crucial dynamical role played by nonelastic degrees of freedom in determining the final microstructure of the product solid. |
# Copyright 2013 The Chromium Authors. All rights reserved.
# Use of this source code is governed by a BSD-style license that can be
# found in the LICENSE file.
static_library("browser") {
sources = [
"startup_metric_utils.cc",
"startup_metric_utils.h",
]
deps = [
"//base",
"//components/version_info",
]
}
|
Distribution of penicillin-nonsusceptible pneumococcal clones in the Baltimore metropolitan area and variables associated with drug resistance.
We assessed the distribution of the clonal groups (as determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis) of penicillin-nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae that caused invasive pneumococcal infection in the Baltimore metropolitan area during 1995 and 1996. Although S. pneumoniae caused invasive disease in individuals from a variety of demographic groups and locations, strains isolated during the season in which respiratory infections are most common were more likely to be from clonal groups associated with penicillin resistance than from other groups. |
22 B.R. 418 (1982)
In re Theresa Marie Fielding TORRES, SS # XXX-XX-XXXX, Debtor.
Bankruptcy No. 81-00340 M A.
United States Bankruptcy Court, D. New Mexico.
August 12, 1982.
J. Stephen Gammill, Albuquerque, N.M., for debtor.
John T. Fitzpatrick, Albuquerque, N.M., for creditor.
MEMORANDUM OPINION
MARK B. McFEELEY, Bankruptcy Judge.
This matter came before the Court on the motion of creditor Aetna Finance Company to extend the time in which to file a complaint for determination of dischargeability. The debtor objects, alleging that there are no grounds upon which an extension of time should be granted. The facts are these: Upon the filing of debtor's bankruptcy petition the notice for meeting of creditors was issued by the office of the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court. Included in that notice was the notice of deadline for filing complaints to determine dischargeability. That deadline was May 21, 1981. On May 28, 1981, Aetna filed the motion presently under consideration, stating that the circumstances which led to failure to timely file the complaint constitute excusable neglect. At the hearing on the motion, the attorney for Aetna stated that this deadline fell during the transition period in which the attorney who had been handling the case left the law firm. Aetna's counsel went on to state that the office simply "goofed" in failing to catch the deadline when the case was transferred from the departing attorney to a different firm member. At the hearing on the motion this Court found that the delay between the deadline for complaints and the filing of this motion seven days was so short that no prejudice to the debtor could have resulted in that time. The only issue taken under advisement was whether Aetna's failure to timely file its complaint for determination was due to excusable neglect. We now turn to that issue.
Excusable neglect as it relates to failure to timely file dischargeability actions has been defined as an error or mistake which is due to circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the person whose duty it was to act. Beneficial v. Manning (In re Manning), 4 B.C.D. 304 (Bkrtcy.D. Conn.1978). The court in Fasson v. Magourik (In re Magourik), 8 B.C.D. 955, 16 B.R. 883 (Bkrtcy. 9th Cir. 1982), found that *419 neglect is excusable only when due diligence could not have prevented the error. That court also placed the burden of showing circumstances of excusable error on the moving party. In re Heyward, 15 B.R. 629 (Bkrtcy.E.D.N.Y.1981), is a case in which the court states that besides prejudice to the debtor, a court must look at the adequacy of notice provided and the source of delay as it relates to the sophistication of the creditor. Id. at 636.
In applying the standards suggested by these courts, we find that the circumstances shown for failure to timely file Aetna's complaint fall short of the requirements for excusable neglect. There was no showing by Aetna that due diligence was exercised, or that had it been, the error would have nonetheless occurred. Procedural deadlines are a fact of life in the legal professions and are one of the complications which can, and should be, anticipated when changes occur in the personnel of a law firm. The instant case is similar to In re Biddy, 7 B.C.D. 84, 7 B.R. 50 (Bkrtcy.N.D. Ga.1980), in which the court stated that when the internal failures of the litigant cause a failure to comply with proper legal procedure, courts generally refuse to grant relief from the consequences. We are equally reluctant to grant that relief here, particularly in light of the fact that the burden of proof lies with Aetna. Their attorney stated that their office "goofed" and offered no more to explain the error. We cannot guess at the underlying circumstances if the movant does not present them, and here we must assume that they would not serve to excuse the error.
Accordingly, we find that Aetna's failure to timely file the complaint to determine dischargeability is not the result of excusable neglect. The motion to extend the time in which to file the complaint must be denied.
An appropriate order shall enter.
|
Motorola is an American telecommunications company founded on September 25, 1928. It is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois. Motorola designs and sell wireless network equipment such as cellular transmission base stations and signal ampl…
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Outlook is a personal information messenger from Microsoft often used mainly as an email application. This is a multi tasking application as it can work as a stand-alone application or it can work with Microsoft share point server to share… |
Rebecca Williams
Reporter/Producer - The Environment Report
Rebecca has a natural science degree from the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources & Environment, where she had close encounters with escaped boars and poison sumac. Before getting into radio, Rebecca snapped photos of Mongolian diatoms and published a few papers in obscure scientific journals.
Now she spends her days reporting on everything from hungry watersnakes to heritage turkeys to people who live in 300 square foot houses.
She’s won several national awards for her work including a first place National Headliner Award at the network level for her stories on the uber-destructive emerald ash borer.
The committee values the 61,000 trees within the city’s boundaries at $71 million. (How'd they get that number? It's based on the benefits trees provide: capturing storm water runoff, increasing property values, improving air quality and reducing heating and cooling costs for nearby buildings.)
In 2010, more than 1,500 trees were planted in Grand Rapids.
This year they’re working to add a wider variety of native trees - to better protect the urban forest from new pests and disease. (i.e. things like the uber-destructive emerald ash borer)
Lindsey talked with Dottie Clune, the committee chair. She says the importance of trees is often overlooked - especially these days with tight city budgets.
“We know that for every dollar we spent on the municipal urban forestry program we received $3.60 in benefits. That’s a pretty good return on investment.”
The U.S. Forest Service has to consider making 70,000 acres off limits to firearm hunting and snowmobiling in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. That’s about seven percent of the Huron-Manistee.
It’s doing this because the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the Service to do so... and that’s because of a lawsuit brought by a guy named Kurt Meister. Meister is an attorney, representing himself in the case. He’s trying to get areas that are already designated as non-motorized set aside for quiet recreation.
“There ought to be some place in the forest where you can go cross-country skiing or snow-shoeing or kayaking or hiking or ride your horse without having to listen to the noise of other people and the guns and machines they use.”
This week, the Michigan House and Senate are discussing three resolutions. Those resolutions express opposition to any potential ban on hunting and snowmobiling in the Huron-Manistee. The resolutions couldn’t stop the federal agency – but it's basically a show of hands against a ban.
The resolutions are:
House Concurrent Resolution 2: sponsored by State Rep. Bruce Rendon (R-Lake City) - Passed the House Committee on Natural Resources, Outdoor Recreation and Tourism on Tuesday
House Resolution 17: sponsored by State Rep. Peter Pettalia (R-Alpena) - Passed the House Committee on Natural Resources, Outdoor Recreation and Tourism on Tuesday
Senate Resolution 6: sponsored by State Senator Goeff Hansen (R-Hart) - Being considered today in the Senate Committee on Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
A group of avid cyclists is working to designate bike routes sort of like the U.S. Department of Transportation designates interstate freeway systems. You can ride on two of these routes in Michigan already – they travel mostly along county roads.
Number 20 is an east-west route from Ludington to Marine City.
Number 35 is a north-south route that stretches for hundreds of miles along the Lake Michigan shore.
Kerry Irons is with Adventure Cycling, the non-profit that’s spearheading the effort.
“Nothing moves by at a high speed. You don’t have to get off and stare at the lake, you know, get out of the car and stare at the lake, the lake is there for 400 miles. That’s the essence of bicycle touring and the driver behind this national network which is going to be a couple hundred thousand miles of established bicycle routes by the time it’s all done.”
The Anglers group won their suit in the lower court to protect one of the state’s prime trout streams. The Department of Environmental Quality had given Merit Energy permission to pump more than a million gallons a day of treated wastewater into a creek at the headwaters of the Au Sable River.
The Court of Appeals upheld the ruling against the oil company but exempted the Department of Environmental Quality from the lawsuit. The Appeals Court said the issuing of a permit doesn’t cause harm to the environment... it’s the person with the permit that could do that.
So Anglers asked the Michigan Supreme Court to review that part of the ruling.
And in December the high court overturned the lower court and said state agencies that issue permits that result in harm can be named in a citizen suit.
The Court upheld clear language in the Michigan Environmental Protection Act that says any person can bring suit to protect the environment.
Jim Olson, an attorney for the Anglers, says the decision upholds state environmental law that’s been in place for more than forty years.
“Permits that cause harm can be brought into Circuit Court and people can bring it out into the open and judges can make decisions so agencies can’t hide behind the cloak of bureaucracy.”
Since December, a conservative majority is back in control of the Supreme Court.
At the moment, all royalties from oil and gas development in Michigan go into something called the Natural Resources Trust Fund. The trust fund money is used for improving wildlife habitat and parks and it's used to buy land for conservation.
But at a time when pretty much everything’s up on the chopping block... the future of that trust fund is in question.
State Representative Dave Agema (R) from Grandville has introduced legislation to divert oil and gas royalties away from the Trust Fund.
Under his proposal:
60% of oil and gas royalties would go into the State Transportation Fund
20% would go into the State Aeronautics Fund
the remaining 20% would go into the Natural Resources Trust Fund
The NRTF has been around since 1976. It was negotiated as part of a larger deal to allow oil and gas development in Michigan's Pigeon River Country State Forest.
"Every corner of the state has obtained some of this trust fund money, either buying parkland or developing parkland, setting aside public land for hunting and fishing... It’s a very popular program and I think people are going to be very supportive of the way it’s spent currently."
Barbara Avers is a waterfowl specialist with the DNRE. She says mute swans are not native to the U.S. – they were brought over from Europe in the 1800's. Basically, because they’re pretty.
“They’ve grown exponentially in Michigan. They’re kind of many times the bullies of the marsh.”
Avers says mute swans eat a huge amount of vegetation in lakes. They can push out native birds, such as the trumpeter swan. And she says mute swans can snap and charge at people.
“Routinely each year we get reports of mute swan attacks on land, and kayakers, people on jet skis, people out fishing in a boat, and what we see is as mute swan population grows so do the number of conflicts we see.”
The North Carolina based giant Duke Energy wants to build more than a hundred 500 foot tall turbines in rural Benzie and Manistee counties. Bob Allen reports this proposed wind farm is causing divisions in communities up north.
Michigan officials have identified parts of these two counties as having the 2nd highest wind potential in the state.
Alan O’Shea has been in the renewable energy business for the past thirty years.
“We don’t have to wait for Michigan to heal. This project can heal northern Michigan. I mean there are people, workers that are here looking for jobs.”
In his first State of the State address last night, Governor Rick Snyder made it clear that jobs are his first priority.
But he also made several announcements on conservation and park projects and the Pure Michigan tourism campaign. He announced that his budget recommendation will include annual funding of $25 million for the Pure Michigan tourism campaign.
“This program supports one of our strongest assets – our water resources and the treasures of the Great Lakes, and it’s an illustration of value for money. It’s positive for our image, and it’s positive return on our tax dollars.”
And he urged the legislature to quickly pass a bill that would implement the recommendations of the Natural Resources Trust Fund board. The board has recommended that $100 million be used to buy land for conservation and parks.
“These projects will positively impact every corner of our state. From Iron County in the Upper Peninsula to Traverse City, to Luna Pier in Monroe County. Also included is a significant expansion of the William T Milliken Park on the Detroit riverfront.”
In his address, Governor Snyder called the Great Lakes “economic engines.”
Many homeowners just can’t afford the upfront investment to make their homes more energy efficient. And many programs meant to defray some of that cost haven’t gotten much traction with consumers.
But Sarah Cwiek reports the federal government’s “BetterBuildings” program is trying to change that. It’s just now getting off the ground in Michigan with money from the 2009 stimulus package.
Sarah visited Chris Matus at his Ferndale home on the day he was getting an energy audit from Well Home's Kent Trobaugh.
The guys set up something called a blower door test to find out where the leaks were in Matus' home. Then they roamed the house with an infrared camera. The screen shows a landscape of blurred colors: gold is heat, purple is cold. Matus says the whole exercise reminds him of a certain movie from the 1980s.
“It feels like we’re Ghostbusting.”
Matus is getting about a thousand dollars worth of work done on his house today. But it only costs him 50. That’s because he’s taking advantage of the U.S. Department of Energy’s stimulus-funded BetterBuildings program. Michigan got 30-million dollars—the second-biggest chunk of any state.
Sea lampreys are invasive parasites found in every one of the Great Lakes. It’s a fish with a round mouth like a suction cup. It latches onto big fish like trout and salmon... and kills them by drinking their blood.
It costs fisheries managers in the U.S. and Canada 20 million dollars a year to control the lamprey.
There’s one secret weapon in development that could eventually save them money... pheromones. Those are odors that male lampreys release to attract the lady lampreys.
"Pheromones are typically species specific, so they should have minimal impact to other species, they're highly potent, effective at very low concentrations. So once they're developed they could be applied relatively cheaply and with little environmental impact."
Crews are still out on the Kalamazoo River cleaning up oil from last summer’s spill. More than 840,000 gallons spilled from a ruptured pipeline owned by Enbridge Energy Partners, LP. Right now, crews are focusing on cleaning the contaminated soil.
It’s not clear what the long term impacts will be on wildlife.
After the spill, rescue teams collected more than 2,400 birds, mammals, fish and reptiles... and took them to a rehab center to have the oil cleaned off. Most of the animals brought into the center survived.
In past years, most of the so-called “green cars” at the North American International Auto Show were concept cars – not ready for prime time. This year is different.
The Toyota Prius has been America’s premier environmentally friendly car for ten years. Now, the car has some serious competition. Both the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf have an EPA fuel economy rating the equivalent of more than 90 miles to the gallon.
Most of the time Larry Stephens paints outside. But in winter, he can’t. So he paints indoors, wearing a respirator or a dust mask. It’s not enough.
“You know within a couple of hours I’ll start getting dizzy. You’ll end up coughing up paint the next morning. You’ll go to blow your nose and it’ll be green and red and yellow and whatever colors you’re using that day.”
Experts say there are no large scale health studies of people who use art supplies.
But Dr. Steven Marcus – who is New Jersey’s poison control chief – says lead, arsenic and cadmium are found in some paint pigments. Stone carving can release asbestos into the air and cause lung disease. And some glues and cements contain chemicals that can cause neurological damage – including a condition called “wrist drop,” where sufferers actually lose strength in their hands.
“And for an artist, that’s their bread and butter. They lose strength in their hands and they can’t be an artist.”
Governor Rick Snyder picked outgoing Republican state Senator Patty Birkholtz to lead the Office of the Great Lakes. As you might guess, the director of this office oversees all things Great Lakes. Birkholtz will advise the governor and make policy recommendations on everything from Asian carp to water use.
Birkholtz says protecting the Great Lakes will lead to a stronger economy.
“When we have a healthy Great Lakes system we have more jobs here in this state as well as regionally, and if we don’t have a healthy Great Lakes system it’s a detriment to not only the jobs situation but also businesses locating here."
So you’ve put away all the ornaments and the lights and the tinsel... and you have that bare tree in your living room... what now? It’s not illegal in Michigan to throw your Christmas tree away... but a lot of cities and counties do recycle them... and chip them up into mulch. The recycling website Earth 911 lets you type in your zip code to find tree drop-off sites near you.
I talked with Marsha Gray - she's the executive director of the Michigan Christmas Tree Association. She says the first thing you should do if you want to recycle your tree is call the people who pick up your trash.
“You want to ask them if they do a separate collection for the trees. If they’re collecting them separately from your regular trash, that means they’re most likely recycling, probably chipping those trees into mulch. If they’re collecting at the same time and they’re going right into the bin that means they will go to the landfill."
Marsha's tips for recycling - or reusing your tree:
If your waste hauler won't recycle your tree... call your city or county park department. There's a good chance they offer a drop-off site for the first few weeks of January.
Stand your tree up next to the birdfeeder for a little perching spot for birds while they wait their turn at the feeder.
Use the branches as plant stakes
If you're really ambitious, break out the chainsaw and remove the branches (you don't want to burn these in a fire - they can spark!), cut the trunk into logs, and add them to your log pile to season for a year. Free firewood for next Christmas!
The Michigan Supreme Court says anyone can sue the state if they believe it's acting in a way that harms the environment.
Michigan Radio's Jennifer Guerra talked with Nick Schroeck with the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center to find out what this decision means. He says if a company wants to do something like discharge treated wastewater into a creek or a river, for example, it needs a permit from the state to do so:
“The way our environmental law works, you have to have a permit to pollute, as it were. That means that the state regulates the amount of pollution that’s allowed into the waters of the state.”
Strawbale buildings have come a long way from the flimsy huts a wolf could blow down. The Trumpey family in Grass Lake, Michigan, built their 2,000 square foot home from straw, clay, field stones all sourced locally - and timber salvaged from trees killed by the emerald ash borer.
They're living off the grid - everything they do: washing laundry, firing up the sawmill, watching TV - is powered by their solar panels (with a small backup generator for those cloudy weeks in the winter).
Joe Trumpey says fire is a considerable risk before you seal up the straw walls with adobe.
“When you’re building the building all the open straw is a huge fire hazard at that point so we were really careful not to have any smokers around and no open fires. Once it’s coated with mud the fire proofing is really in place.”
The Environment Report has been following an effort to make a Michigan house the oldest net-zero house in America. That means in a year the home will produce as much energy or more than it uses. Lester Graham reports... the owners are at the point where they can reach that goal.
Matt and Kelly Grocoff bought an old house in a historic neighborhood in Ann Arbor a few years ago. Matt wanted to show that making an older home an energy efficient showcase made more sense than building new. Kelly was just a little skeptical.
“When we first bought the house and Matt was talking about what he wanted to do and what some goals might be, part of me was sort of like yeah, yeah, you know. Matt’s a dreamer. He likes to think big. And it’s really happening.”
A man who’s been dogging the U.S. Forest Service to make some parts of the Huron Manistee Forest off limits to gun hunters and snowmobilers won his case in federal court this fall.
As Bob Allen reports, the Court says forest managers have to consider setting aside roughly 70,000 acres for quiet uses such as hiking, bird watching and cross country skiing.
Kurt Meister sued the Forest Service as one citizen, and it's unusual to get as far as he has with his legal challenge. He says:
“This case isn’t about hunting. It’s not about gun hunting. It’s not about stopping gun hunting. It’s simply saying it shouldn’t be everywhere. And if you make it everywhere, you’re affecting other people’s rights.”
The Forest Service points out they have to manage forests for multiple uses, and try to balance those uses with a minimum amount of conflict. Jeff Pullen is a biologist in charge of writing the plan for the Huron Manistee.
“Really, if you look at the 2,000 or so comments we got on the plan, we had one person asking for this. And we felt, from an agency perspective, it didn’t seem reasonable to develop a separate alternative that looked at this issue that one person was raising.”
With 180 invaders already in the Great Lakes, it might take a superhero to keep them out. Luckily, we have one: Sooper Yooper! A new children's book written by Mark Newman and illustrated by the late Mark Heckman, features Billy Cooper, an ex-Navy Seal who lives in the U.P. with his scuba-diving bulldog, Mighty Mac. I spoke with Mark Heckman's wife, Diane, and author Mark Newman about the book and Mark Heckman's legacy.
Top 3 Things to Know about Sooper Yooper:
A dive in icy Lake Superior to catch a sea lamprey is not for the faint of heart. Please leave this to the professionals.
Billy Cooper is not a shapeshifter, nor does he have x-ray vision or invisibility. Instead, he's super smart.
Having trouble getting legislation passed in Congress? No problem for Sooper Yooper. He must have some mighty good lobbying skills. |
How can I load my model in the EMF reflective model editor ?
Simply select your model and click the context action Open With > Sample Reflective Ecore Model Editor. This works because Xtext generates and registers a standard EMF resource factory for your DSL (see also previous question) and thus complies with the EMF resource API.
Workflow / Generator
Why do I get warnings like "warning(200): InternalFoo.g:42:3: Decision can match ..." when running the generator ?
Here's an example of the full error message:
warning(200): InternalFoo.g:42:3: Decision can match input such as "FOO" using multiple alternatives: 1, 2
As a result, alternative(s) 2 were disabled for that input
These warnings are generated by the ANTLR code generator. Based on the rules in your grammar the ANTLR generated parser cannot disambiguate what rules to apply for a given input. You should try to refactor your grammar (see example) or you can enable backtracking for your parser (see next question).
OK, but I didn't get these warnings in oAW Xtext !
Unlike in oAW Xtext the ANTLR grammar generated by TMF Xtext doesn't have backtracking enabled by default. To enable backtracking you have to add a nested element <options backtrack="true"/> to the ANTLR generator fragments in your Xtext project's MWE workflow. So replace:
Note that you can in both cases also specify memoize="true" as an additional option.
Why are generated packages from an imported grammar A duplicated in dependent grammar B ?
In addition to the import statement in B.xtext you must also configure your GenerateB.mwe workflow to let it know about the corresponding GenModels of grammar A. You do this by setting the genModels attribute of the EcoreGeneratorFragment:
How can I control the Xtext meta model inference ?
The typical use case is to let Xtext automatically infer a meta model corresponding to the Xtext grammar. Quite often this meta model is exactly what you want. If you on the other hand want to make some small changes to the inferred meta model (e.g. set attribute default values, add operations, features, or enumeration literals, etc.) you must implement a post processor. Please refer to the relevant documentation and the following example for more details.
The following example shows how to add an enumeration literal (here NULL) to an enumeration (here VisibilityModifier) and sets it as the default value for all attributes of that type. |
The uncertainty over the midfielder’s status emerged after his stay at Manchester City, which was initially described as a loan from its New York partner club, was extended until the end of the season. |
The calculation of plant 5S rRNAs secondary structure.
Using commercially available computer software package for ribonucleic acid (RNA) secondary structure analysis we calculated the free energy (delta G) of all higher plant 5S rRNA species. To gain insight into the relation between structure (nucleotide sequence) and free energy we generated point mutants of plant 5S rRNA and calculated their secondary structure. This analysis permitted to identify single sites which affect the stability and conformation of RNA molecule. Furthermore, the calculated data were compared with the electrophoretic mobility of 5S rRNA on polyacrylamide gels. |
Over the knee stretch boot
Cute boots, bad fit
These boots are really cute, and I would totally recommend them. However, it was way too tight around my ankle and around my calf. I could zip them (with a lot of effort) if I only had leggings on. It was also really tight around heel and then was loose all over my foot. They are cute, but just didnt fit me at all. My calf is 21 inches in curcumfrence at the biggest point , I am 5'8 and I wear a size 11 shoe,.
January 10, 2013
Amazing boats!!!
I had been wanting a pair of boats what would go all the way up my wide calves up to my knees. Amazing and very Comfortable. I'm very in love with my pair.
December 19, 2012
Best buy I've made in a long time
I don't normally buy shoes online, so I had a lot of apprehension. These boots are wonderful. I've hardly taken them off! The fit is perfect and they're so soft. I love them!
December 12, 2012
✝ By texting MOBILE to 23705, you agree to receive up to 10 text messages per month with information, alerts, and special offers from Lane Bryant. Messages may be sent in SMS or MMS format, and may be sent via automatic telephone dialing system. Your consent is not required and is not a condition of any purchase. You must be the mobile account holder, and be at least 18 years of age or have parental consent to participate. Lane Bryant will not charge you for subscribing to this program; however, MSG and Data Rates may apply. Text HELP for help, STOP to opt-out. You may receive a final message confirming your decision to opt-out. See full terms. |
Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC)
Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC ) is a , combined cultural and social services campus in Washington, DC’s Ward 8. The campus, located at 1901 Mississippi Avenue, SE, consists of three connected buildings, playgrounds, basketball courts, and public space. In May 2007 THEARC won the Urban Land Institute's Award for Excellence and was cited for its contribution to the community, response to societal needs, innovation, public/private partnership, and environmental protection and enhancement.
Development
• Built by Building Bridges Across the River (BBAR) for $27 million on east of the Anacostia River in Washington, DC’s Ward 8 Anacostia. BBAR is a nonprofit organization founded by William C. Smith & Co. and formed to develop, construct and manage THEARC.
• Funding for building THEARC came entirely from charitable contributions by the Federal and District government, corporations, foundations and individuals. The Federal government has leased the land to BBAR for 99 years.
• THEARC is a key part of a revitalization of the area known as “East of the (Anacostia) River” in Washington, DC.
• THEARC provides underserved children and families of East of the River dance classes, music instruction, fine arts, academics, recreation and other programs, including social services, mentoring, after school care and case management, as well as medical and dental care at substantially reduced cost or no cost at all.
• THEARC features a 365-seat Theater, a regulation size gymnasium, a computer lab, an art gallery, a library, a community conference center, state-of-the-art music, art and dance studios and other first-rate facilities.
Since its official opening, THEARC has served thousands of residents of the surrounding Southeast DC Community and has spurred community redevelopment. The state-of-the-art theater at THEARC is steadily booked for events such as community movie days & sing-alongs, art shows, graduations, professional and community dance and stage productions, concerts, master classes, fashion shows and meetings of community organizations including local public school administrators.
Community Facilities Inside THEARC
THEARC Theater
The only theater of any kind located east of the Anacostia River in Washington, DC, this 365-seat venue features a generous stage and professionally designed and installed sound and lighting systems that complement a full variety of productions. THEARC Theater's mission is to be an outstanding venue and vehicle for both cultural events and town hall meetings.
THEARC Community Meeting Room (CMR)
THEARC CMR provides a resource for meetings, conferences, seminars and other community gatherings and presentations, offering wireless Internet service, a hardwire Internet port, a projector and screen, table and chair set up and an adjoining kitchen. The room is available for lease at very reasonable prices.
Living History at THEARC Frederick Douglass Program
Frederick Douglass, the internationally acclaimed abolitionist, orator and statesman, made his home in Washington, DC's Ward 8 for nearly 20 years. To honor his legacy, a lifelike animatron, set in an exact replica of Douglass' study in his Anacostia home was created for THEARC and is available to the community. More than two hours of Douglass' famous speeches were recorded in varying lengths and complexity and programmed with coordinated body movements into the animatron. Appropriate for all ages, Douglass is also programmed to answer questions from the audience.
Serving THEARC’s Community
The children living east of the Anacostia River – in DC's Wards 7 & 8 – comprise 42 percent of Washington, DC's child population, although the area represents only 25 percent of the total population of DC. In Ward 8, almost half (47%) of these children live in poverty. In fact, DC has the highest rate of childhood poverty of any jurisdiction in the U.S.
Two thirds (68%) of the area's homes in Ward 8 are headed by single parents. Neighborhoods with high-poverty concentrations like Ward 8 face significant challenges: problems of poor education, discrimination, unemployment, single parenthood and crime all reinforce one another and undermine the well-being of families and children.
THEARC Resident Partners
THEARC brings together comprehensive programs and services from ten innovative organizations based on the Campus.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington – The FBR Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington at THEARC offers programs and activities to help youth from ages 6–18 develop character and acquire the skills necessary to become responsible, civic-minded adults. The Boys & Girls Club facility at THEARC is complete with a regulation-sized gym, a library, an arts and crafts studio, a game room, a computer lab and the Teen Center study lounge.
• Building Bridges Across the River -- Established to build THEARC, BBAR is in a new phase of operation as the lead agency at THEARC. In this role, BBAR is responsible for leading the collaborative of agencies operating at THEARC. BBAR also oversees the upkeep and maintenance of the facility and its grounds, including the management of THEARC Theater and Community Meeting Room, as well as the Living History at THEARC Frederick Douglass educational outreach program.
• Children's National Medical Center – Serving ages 0 to 23, Children's National Medical Center operates a full-service medical clinic at THEARC. Care includes preventive health care, sick visits, immunizations, chronic illness management, and psychological, legal aid, referral management and social support services. Fully staffed by a professional medical team of doctors and nurses, the clinic provides 24-hour, seven-day-a-week on-call service to patients. Comprehensive dental services are available through Children's Mobile Dental Unit. The Children's Health Project of DC @ THEARC is also the medical home for all children in the DC Foster Care system.
The Health Access Project (HAP) offered via the Children's Health Center @ THEARC is a collaboration between The Children's Law Center and Children's National Medical Center designed to improve the health of children by adding legal services attorneys to the treatment team to address non-medical barriers that impact kids’ health.
The Children's Health Project also collaborates with The Washington School of Psychiatry (WSP). WSP has trained mental health professionals working in hospitals, schools, clinics, and social service agencies for many years. With an interest in expanding its reach to the greater Washington Community, WSP developed Community Outreach Services (COS) in 2001 with a primary mission of supporting and collaborating with various agencies East of the River, who offer front line services to children and families. Over the past five years, COS has offered consultation services to staff and supportive groups for parents.
Children's Health Project of D.C. currently serves 5,000 patients throughout the community and turns no patient away, even those without insurance.
• The Corcoran Gallery of Art: Corcoran ArtReach – As one of Washington, DC's oldest art museums and the city's only college of art and design, the Corcoran resides as the visual arts partner at THEARC through the Corcoran ArtReach program. Corcoran ArtReach is a year-round museum outreach program designed to empower DC youth and families to explore and trust their own creativity within the context of art making and art history. ArtReach provides arts instruction such as family workshops, after-school and summer art classes based on the Corcoran's renowned collection. ArtReach makes a special effort to foster visual literacy, critical thinking skills and creative expression among its participants, while encouraging them to develop meaningful connections between art and their lives. In addition to ArtReach, the Corcoran oversees the Community Gallery at THEARC, which serves as an exhibition venue for program participants, local artists and community organizations and schools. Sixty-five children currently attend art classes at no charge through ArtReach.
• Covenant House Washington – Covenant House's Nancy Dickerson White Community Center, targeting youth ages 16–21, helps youth in crisis reclaim their lives and their dignity. Covenant House offers youth skills assessment, educational services, youth advocacy and leadership training, and employment development. The agency also offers Residential Programs for youth age 18-21, Prevention Services Programs for ages 11–17, and the Artisans Woodworking Program.
• Levine School of Music – One of the nation's largest nonprofit community music schools, Levine School of Music offers music education to students of every age, ability and background. Course offerings at THEARC include Choral Music, Guitar, Jazz & Improvisation, Piano, Percussion, Voice, Early Childhood Music and more. Levine faculty and guest artists offer performances and master classes to enrich this curriculum.
• Trinity Washington – Trinity at THEARC offers two degree programs: an associate of arts degree in general studies and a master of science in administration. Students at Trinity at THEARC can attend college right out of high school or take courses while they are pursuing their careers.
• Washington Ballet – The Washington Ballet @ THEARC houses the southeast campus of The Washington School of Ballet and two unique community engagement programs, DanceDC and EXCEL! The space is equipped with two dance studios with pianos for live accompaniment, locker rooms, offices and use of THEARC Theater. TWB@THEARC offers a pre-professional ballet program for children ages five through 18 as well as the adult program with classes in modern, hip hop, Pilates, and African dance. Students enrolled in the program receive additional opportunities such as performing in The Nutcracker featuring The Washington Ballet. TWB@THEARC also hosts a Summer Dance Intensive, which allows children to foster their love for ballet while participating in programs with THEARC partners.
• Washington Middle School for Girls – Washington Middle School for Girls at THEARC encourages young girls growing up in East of the River, Washington, DC to stay in school and exceed beyond their imaginations. The school offers an academically challenging curriculum for grades 4-8.
THEARC non-resident partners
Legal Aid Society of DC
The Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia provides free legal services to low or no-income persons living in DC in the areas of housing, domestic violence/family law and public benefits law. Legal Aid offers a continuum of services including advice, counsel and brief assistance; representation in litigation; social work case management, and community education on legal issues. Additionally, Legal Aid's Appellate Advocacy project handles cases across the spectrum of poverty law that have the potential to positively impact the lives of thousands of the District's poor and underserved.
Training Grounds, Inc.
Training Grounds' mission is to equip and prepare economically disadvantaged DC youth and young adults for living wage careers through professional skills, personal development and entrepreneurship training. Participants learn the skills necessary to success in today's business climate, as well as an entrepreneurial mindset and pathways to sustainable lifestyles. Assessments and surveys, a comprehensive training regimen and internships via program partners are all part of Training Grounds offerings.
Campaigns
One in a Million Campaign for THEARC
The “One in a Million Campaign for THEARC” is THEARC's $10 million grassroots endowment campaign launched in 2006 that seeks to sustain the operations of THEARC. At the heart of the Campaign is the need to alleviate the operational budgets of THEARC's ten organizations so they can further invest in programming for children and families in the community.
References
Category:Buildings and structures in Washington, D.C. |
The author is a Forbes contributor. The opinions expressed are those of the writer.
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When artificial-intelligence guru Andrew Ng joined Chinese Internet pioneer last May as chief scientist, he was a little cagey about what he and his team might work on at a newly opened lab in Sunnyvale, Calif. But he couldn't help revealing better speech recognition as a key area of interest in the age of the smartphone.
Today, Baidu, often called China's , unveiled the first results of what the former Google researcher, Stanford professor and Coursera cofounder had in mind. In a paper published today on Cornell University Library's arXiv.org site, Ng and 10 members of his Baidu Research team led by research scientist Awni Hannun said they've come up with a new method of more accurately recognizing speech, an increasingly important feature used in Siri and Dictation services as well as Google's voice search. Baidu's Deep Speech beat other methods such as those offered by Google and Apple on standard benchmarks that measure the error rate of speech recognition systems, according to Ng.
In particular, Deep Speech works better than the others in noisy environments, such as in a car or a crowd. That's key, of course, to making speech recognition truly useful in the real world. In noisy backgrounds, Ng said, tests showed that Deep Speech outperformed several speech systems--the Google Speech API, wit.ai, Microsoft's Bing Speech, and Apple Dictation--by over 10% in terms of word error rates.
Baidu offered supporting comments from two university professors. "This recent work by Baidu Research has the potential to disrupt how speech recognition will be performed in the future," Ian Lane, assistant research professor of engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, said in a press release. The company requested that the details not be revealed before this morning's publication of the paper, so Google, Apple, and others couldn't be contacted for comment. I'll add what they have to say if they choose to comment later.
Andrew Ng, chief scientist at Baidu
Like other speech recognition systems, Baidu's is based on a branch of AI called deep learning. The software attempts to mimic, in very primitive form, the activity in layers of neurons in the neocortex, the 80 percent of the brain where thinking occurs, so deep learning systems learn to recognize patterns in digital representations of sounds, images, and other data--ideally lots and lots of data. "The first generation of deep learning speech recognition was reaching limits," Ng said in an interview.
The Baidu team collected some 7,000 hours of speech from 9,600 people, mostly in quiet environments--though sometimes speakers wore headphones playing loud background noise so they would change their pitch or inflections in the same way they would in a noisy environment. Then, using a principle of physics called superposition, the team added about 15 types of noise, such as ambient noise in restaurants, car, and subways, to those speech samples. That essentially amplified the speech samples to 100,000 hours of data. Then it let the system learn to recognize speech even amid all that noise.
It's a much simpler method than today's speech recognition systems, Ng says. They use a series of modules that analyze phonemes and other parts of speech which often require hand-designed modules using statistical probability systems called Hidden Markov Models, which require lots of human tuning to model noise and speaker variation. Baidu's system replaces those models with deep learning algorithms that are trained on a recurrent neural network, or simulation of connected neurons, making the system much simpler, Ng says. |
Before and during his tenure as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s ninth music director, Daniel Barenboim was firmly committed to introducing new works to Chicago audiences. He also was instrumental in the continued cultivation of the Orchestra’s composer-in-residence program, frequently conducting works by John Corigliano, Shulamit Ran, and Augusta Read Thomas. With the Orchestra, Barenboim led over thirty world and U.S. premieres, and a complete list is below (all performances in Orchestra Hall, unless otherwise noted; an asterisk (*) indicates a work commissioned by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra).
Barenboim and John Corigliano review the score to his Symphony no. 1 in March 1990 (Terry’s photo)
The next day in the American, Roger Dettmer wrote, “Only very occasionally some youngster will happen along who seems to have been born adult . . . The prodigy turned out yesterday afternoon to be Daniel Barenboim, born fifteen years ago in Argentina. The talent is huge, the technique already formidable and he applied both to a virtuoso program [with] secure musical training and uncommon sensitivity of touch.”
He returned in November of that year and again every couple of years after that for more solo piano recitals, including—over the course of a month between February 26 and March 27, 1986—a series of eight concerts, traversing Beethoven’s complete cycle of piano sonatas.
After becoming the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s ninth music director in September 1991, Barenboim made regular appearances as piano recitalist and chamber musician, collaborating with an extraordinary roster of instrumentalists and singers. He performed a dizzying array of repertoire, including Albéniz’s Iberia; Bach’s Goldberg Variations; Bartók’s Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion; Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations; Berg’s Chamber Concerto for Piano, Violin, and Thirteen Wind Instruments (with Pierre Boulez conducting); Brahms’s cello sonatas; Mahler’s Des Knaben Wunderhorn, Songs of a Wayfarer, and Rückert Lieder; Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time; Mozart’s complete violin sonatas; Schubert’s Winterreise; Schumann’s Frauenliebe und -leben; Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll and Wesendonk Lieder; and Wolf’s Italian Songbook; along with other piano works by Chopin, Debussy, Liszt, Schoenberg, and Schubert, among others.
During the final residency of his tenure as music director, Barenboim presented Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier in two piano recitals: the first book on June 4, 2006; and the second book a week later, on June 11.
Reviewing the June 4 concert, John von Rhein in the Chicago Tribune wrote that Barenboim, “brought the full color resources of a modern concert grand to bear on Bach’s pristinely ordered sound-world . . . Bach never intended for musicians to perform all the preludes and fugues in one gulp, but when they are executed at so exalted a level of thought, feeling, and spirituality, who’s to say they shouldn’t?”
Following the second installment, Wynne Delacoma in the Chicago Sun-Times added, “One of Barenboim’s gifts as a pianist is his ability to etch clear, long-lined, richly colored phrases with seemingly no effort [and in Bach’s music] we heard the foundation on which the rest of his music-making has been built. . . . The applause that brought Barenboim back for extra bows was fervent and heartfelt. Barenboim’s annual piano recitals have been high points of Chicago’s musical life for the past fifteen years. They are appreciated and will be deeply missed.” |
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Monday, 25 February 2013
When the news initially broke last week, my initial reaction was disbelief.
I do not know Chris Rennard personally, although I have met him on two occasions. But I know him by reputation – and what a reputation he had. As Director of Communications from 1989 until 2003, he was widely credited with the by-election victories at Eastbourne, Newbury and Eastleigh – and before that with creating the brand of community politics that worked so effectively not only in his native Liverpool but in council ward and constituencies across the UK.
His legacy, in campaigning terms at least, is hugely significant. The Liberal Democrats’ successes in the 1990s and early 2000s were due to a combination of factors; however, Rennard’s pivotal role in the emergence of the Lib Dems as a force in British politics is an inescapable statement of fact. He is to our party what Peter Mandelson was to New Labour. There have been very few other figures who have been so vital to recent political history, yet so anonymous to those outside of either Westminster or their own party.
Rennard was well-liked with few obvious enemies. Those of us who knew him well – and I was speaking to one such Peer yesterday – found him amiable and dynamic, if a bit unconventional. Others, who knew him only as an innovative campaigner and recognised his contribution to our party’s achievements (and even its identity), held him almost universally in high esteem. It seems most who knew anything about Chris Rennard were as shocked at the emerging allegations as I am.
The allegations currently in the headlines centre on sexual harassment. The media circus that has followed the Channel 4 report seems to have lost sight of the reality that, for all involved, this is a tragedy: a human tragedy, with far-reaching consequences. Not only has this had the effect of diminishing the suffering of the victims (and all such cases have victims, even if we don't yet know who they are) it has also compromised a search for truth - in the case of the Daily Mail at least - with a concerted and deliberate campaign to destroy the political credibility of the party leader and the career of Chris Rennard.
In the eyes of many in the media, those who have made the allegations against Rennard are of little more than peripheral interest. This displays a flagrant lack of respect for the many victims of similar offences, not to mention the very courage people often need to come forward and speak of their ordeals. That is not to suggest that all individuals making allegations should be automatically assumed to be entirely truthful, but they should be afforded respect by the media. Nothing is more disgraceful than the savage media exploitation of those who may already have been savagely exploited.
I have been in conversation on twitter with one of Rennard’s accusers, Alison Smith. She rejects the label “victim”, or the notion that she is in some way being exploited by the media. I understand her entirely, especially in relation to the overuse of the word “victim” with its natural connotations, but the fact that someone doesn’t feel exploited does not necessarily mean they are not being exploited. It is evident that those making most noise about Rennard’s alleged improprieties care little for the well-being of those who may have experienced them.
Aside from the tabloid media, political opportunists within the Conservative Party have cynically sought to use this for short-term political gain, conveniently forgetting about the records of their own parliamentarians. What is essentially a matter surrounding unwanted advances should be focused on the women concerned, but has somehow become about so much more - namely Nick Clegg's leadership and the Eastleigh by-election. Most of the “outraged” couldn’t tell you who Alison Smith or Bridget Harris are.
As Alison Smith told me, it’s the culture that must change. Firstly, it’s the culture of the media; a culture obsessed with personality but with little regard for humanity.
But this is not about the media, much as many would like it to be. Unfortunately all my criticisms that the media’s aggressive attempts to make this about Nick Clegg were undermined by Clegg’s own poor handling of events and his statement yesterday – which seemed to reinforce the point that, yes, this was indeed all about Nick Clegg.
Clegg’s handling of key situations since entering coalition has been poor. Events have, unfortunately, followed a similar pattern this week, with initial denial of any knowledge of “allegations” followed after intense media pressure with an admission that the leader was, in fact, aware of non-specific rumours. The distinction is more than an academic one, but Clegg did himself few favours and yesterday’s admission will reinforce public mistrust and perceptions of untruthfulness. Clegg was at pains to “reject the insidious suggestion that my office or I are responsible in any way for a deliberate cover-up”, but has only succeeded in convincing many that his initial response was less than honest. He knew about the harassment claims, even if he didn't know very much.
Whatever Nick Clegg knew, given that he was aware of “rumours”, the detail of the allegations cannot have come as a huge surprise. Outright denial of knowledge was therefore plainly foolish, and points to another feature of our political culture that urgently requires change. The instinct to deny first and concede later shows a certain disregard not only for truth but also the public, and is not befitting of a party claiming to be above dishonesty and spin. The Liberal Democrats have become the victim of - if not willingness to “cover up” – an economy with the truth in what must have seemed relatively trivial situations. Imagine what might (not) have happened had Chris Huhne admitted to dishonesty over a speeding ticket? Or if David Laws had not felt the need to deny his living arrangements? Or if Nick Clegg had said, on Thursday, “I’ve heard some rumours and didn’t think much of them at the time. Obviously we’ll be taking a serious look at the situation now.”
This is the tip of the iceberg as far as how the party handles situations. Clegg seems to have the opposite of the Midas touch: everything he puts his hand to crumbles to dust. This is not coincidental, and in this case is the product of a culture that looks to limit damage rather than seek truth. A policy of honesty first is always risky, but is certainly preferable to making forced statements correcting earlier forced statements. Perhaps the instinct towards damage limitation is a demonstration of Clegg’s personal vulnerability and his growing mistrust of the media – he certainly is looking and sounding more and more like a victim himself. Whatever the reasoning, Clegg’s apparent backtracking and the statement itself raise more questions than they do answers: serious questions that demand serious investigation.
The lines of questioning must surely include the role of Jo Swinson who, in 2008,seems to have conducted something of an inquiry in which “women confided in [her]” and was followed by “action...to try to put a stop to any inappropriate behaviour” . This would appear to indicate that more than non-specific “rumours” were circulating at the time, and suggests that either Nick Clegg is not being truthful or that MPs leading internal inquiries don’t report to their leaders. Either way, it is hugely concerning.
An inquiry has now been launched and I for one am pleased that there is now an independent element to the process. I will not make any judgements prior to knowing what the outcome of that inquiry is. Certainly if suspicions of an intentional and systematic “cover up” are proved correct, I will be unable to remain a member of the Liberal Democrats. I do not say this lightly but, having campaigned against the abuses and concealments of information within the Roman Catholic Church and having been a victim of abuse myself, I could not with integrity retain my membership card.
That is the worst possible outcome and, in all probability, not the most likely. What does seem more than probable is that the original handling will be shown to have been haphazard and insufficiently effective, that serious rumours have been too readily dismissed rather than thoroughly investigated, that those who came forward in confidence were let down by those in whom they had confided and that a culture of misogyny continues to permeate Westminster (let’s be honest, this is not merely a problem for the Liberal Democrats).
The best case for changing the political culture has been articulated in the last 24 hours by Lembit Opik, Tony Greaves and Jasper Gerrard. Opik appeared on Sky News and seized the opportunity to score some easy political points and, while much of what he said made some sense, it was too egotistical and driven by resentment to be effective or helpful. Tony Greaves, for whom I generally have enormous respect, leaped to the defence of Rennard; certainly his sense of personal loyalty is admirable. What is less admirable is the barely disguised retrograde attitude towards harassment and women more generally. Says Greaves: “We don’t know the details of anything that may have happened. But it is hardly an offence for one adult person to make fairly mild sexual advances to another. What matters if whether they are pursued if they are rebuffed…In passing I would note and guess that if the allegations as made are a matter for resignation, perhaps around a half of the male members of the Lords over the age of 50 would probably not be seen again.” You don’t have to experience abuse personally to recognise the idiocy of those assumptions. Another Liberal Democrat, Jasper Gerrard, decided to make a name for himself by declaring that the alleged incident was “just something that's unfortunate but is being blown out of all proportion.” Claiming the allegations were of merely “historic” significance, he also asked why “all these allegations are coming out just before the Eastleigh by-election”, as if the by-election was more important than the issues raised by the allegations and the reaction to them.
Gerrard asserts that “we shouldn't be treating it as some kind of major major crisis” (as opposed to a minor major crisis, presumably) but seems oblivious to the fact that it is precisely Clegg’s handling that has created a political crisis, arguably the most severe test of his leadership to date. And what he, Greaves and Opik crucially fail to appreciate is that sexual harassment isn’t about a little bit of innocent touching, whose propriety or otherwise is determined by the response of the recipient, but that it is a fundamental question of how power is used and trust is betrayed. Clearly there remains a culture, even within our own party, that considers this kind of thing fundamentally harmless. That may not be the prevailing culture, but it is a deeply embedded one nonetheless.
Finally, I will suggest that the Liberal Democrats for so long have been complacent, swallowing the self-fuelled myth that we are morally superior to our Labour and Conservative counterparts. We have made so much electoral capital (thanks, Chris!) to positioning ourselves as being above not only the low standards set by others but even politics itself, that we believed we were protected from such scandals. In thinking so, we refused to accept the possibility that Liberal Democrat parliamentarians – our parliamentarians – could behave in such a way. It never entered our consciousness that three years into coalition we would have lost two of our five cabinet ministers in such ignominious fashion or that esteemed individuals such as Cyril Smith and Chris Rennard could have their reputations sullied by the suggestion of sexual impropriety. Subconsciously we turned a blind eye to abuse, via the self-delusion that such things only affected other parties.
Whether Chris Rennard is guilty I do not know. Obviously I hope not. Again, whether my party has acted with incompetence or is even responsible for an unforgivable face-saving cover-up, I cannot say with certainty at this time. In some respects, however, this is academic. What I can say is that a culture needs to be changed, and that we all have a responsibility to pressure for that change.
No longer can we tolerate a media that diminishes the human aspects of abuse, cynical politicians of all parties who shamelessly use others' sufferings to their advantage, a tendency towards deniability, the complacent belief that we as a party are above such things and attitudes that regard sexual harassment with resignation – not only as normal but essentially a simple reality of life.
Sunday, 24 February 2013
On Thursday Glasgow University held a mock-referendum on whether Scotland should, or should not, be an independent nation.
This allowed Yes Scotland, Better Together and large sections of the media opportunities to make much of the campaigning and the result itself, most of which is plainly overplaying the significance of a rather trivial event. There was nothing particularly surprising or newsworthy about the mock-referendum or the outcome, in which 967 students (37.3%) voted "Yes" to independence, with 1614 (62.7%) voting "No".
The first - and most obvious - lesson to be learned from this is the obsession the media has with the independence vote. It knows no bounds. That is not to say that the media is actually aiding the facilitation of a mature, responsible national discussion on independence because the opposite is largely true. But it is obsessed with polls and voting intention - and of course there can be no more representative group within Scottish society than Glasgow University's students - right?
Several leading headlines suggested this poll was far more important that, say, the UK losing its AAA credit rating, on which Better Together has invested so much energy (and its credibility) to hail as concrete proof of the advantages of the Union. (We save billions, apparently, because of that credit rating we no longer have, and which Scotland might have should it be independent. No, doesn't sound like much of a case for the Union to me either).
But I digress. Yes, back to the media. You would have thought that this student poll was the most important news of the day - perhaps even of the week, given the way the Scottish media behaved. I suppose it demonstrates a lack of imagination on the part of the media: why attempt to grapple with the complex political and constitutional issues when instead there is the option to over-analyse a student poll?
Better Together have, understandably, been quick to hail the outcome and Yes Scotland, equally as understandably, have been keen to play up the positives from their own campaign. On twitter, many observers became rather over-excited while drawing all sorts of conclusions and asking intelligent, and not so intelligent, questions such as "How many of the students were English?" Certainly it seemed there were more people tweeting about the mock-referendum than actually took the time to vote in it.
I certainly don't accept that this rather selective opinion-poll should be taken particularly seriously, and I certainly see no reason for assuming that the views of Glasgow University's student fraternity in February 2013 are a better indication of what the actual referendum outcome will be in eighteen months' time than any other select group of people.
Rector of Glasgow University Charles Kennedy said, after the vote: "First and foremost, the real winners today are the democratic process itself and the historic reputation of the University of Glasgow in the lineage of the national debate down the generations. So my congratulations to the student bodies who showed such a lead here - and to the 2,500 students who voted. The real lesson is the extent to which students wanted to hear more of the detail and the arguments involved. Both sides need to campaign positively."
I don't often disagree with Charles Kennedy, but I will here. There is one very real and serious lesson we should take away from this poll - and it is one that lays down a challenge to both campaigns but particularly Better Together. It is the non-vote.
Turnout in the University's mock-referendum was high by its usual dismal standards, but doesn't disguise the fact that well over 80% of students were insufficiently interested or motivated to vote, were undecided or were unaware there was a poll being held. The latter surely cannot be an option to any student who watches BBC Scotland or reads any Scottish newspaper, which suggests many simply don't care.
Apathy's a problem, so it's said, but who cares? I'd suggest that in cases where the outcome of a referendum may be determined by those who for whatever reasons do not vote, everyone should. In Glasgow's mock-referendum the most startling figure was the pitifully low turnout. No doubt there are reasons for this peculiar to the strange world of student politics, but it's an important point nonetheless and the non-vote could have a significant influence on the independence referendum next year.
Opinion polls tend to put those who favour independence at around 35% of the electorate. The naturally fluctuates but generally it's been reasonably consistent. What it is safe to suggest is that those in favour of independence are near certain to vote "Yes". They're people who have made a decision to support change and who are by and large determined to do what they can to assure it. On the other hand, while 70% of people might not support independence, this does not necessarily indicate that those people are inclined to vote "No" or even to vote at all.
A low turnout will probably not favour Better Together. To date, Better Together has been cynically negative - a tactic that can often be effective, as evidenced by No2AV. However, the situation is more than slightly different than in May 2011 and if Better Together want to secure a "No" vote it will have to work to persuade people of the need to vote. Complacent attitudes and negative campaigning strategies could prove counter-productive, turning off many potential voters. Above all, Better Together must realise that voters need to be engaged with and that a lack of conviction of the merits of independence does not necessarily lead them to vote "No".
I've not been particularly impressed with either the campaigning or the political conversation to date, which I feel reflects poorly on Scottish politics and indeed on our media. However, there remain eighteen months in which improvements can be made. Certainly, to use Charles Kennedy's words, "both sides need to campaign positively", with increased focus on "the detail [of] the arguments".
That, however, is not the main lesson of the Glasgow University mock-referendum. What needs to be observed, and has been neglected by the media, is that apathy, indecision and "independence fatigue" among the electorate have the potential to undermine a "No" vote. The University's poll was decided, in part at least, by the large non-vote. In spite of the media obsession with the poll in the lead-up to the vote, the majority of the "electorate" stayed away. The voters of Scotland likewise are less interested in the campaigning and opinion polling than the Scottish media and political types and, unless they are given a reason to make their vote count, there could well be a similar story in 2014.
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
I expected no other outcome. The momentum on the equal marriage debate – and other LGBT rights matters – has been firmly with progressives for years.
That said, when the vote was confirmed, my initial reaction was surprisingly emotional. I didn’t view it as a political inevitability, but a righting of a wrong. For too long some people have been marginalised and treated as unequal in the eyes of the law. Yesterday our parliamentarians said “enough is enough”.
Of course, it meant having to listen to the BBC, and other media, referring to the historic vote on “gay marriage”. It shows how little they actually understand about the heart of the matter. It isn’t about marriage – and certainly not “redefining” it, although that has been done several times in the past. Marriage isn’t being redefined: it remains, by nature, a joining together of two individuals, for better or for worse, to the exclusion of all others. What’s actually happening is that marriage is being extended. It’s a matter of fundamental human rights; of equality before the law.
I also detest the term “gay marriage” because it fails to appreciate that marriage is never gay. Neither is it straight. Marriage is marriage is marriage. It is an understanding between two people. I, being bisexual, have never been in a straight relationship. Neither have I been in a gay relationship. I’ve been in many bisexual relationships – whether same-sex or opposite-sex – because I bring myself into these relationships. They’re defined by who I and my partner are as people, not by our respective genders. The same is true of marriage. Its quality is defined by the people entering it and their commitment and love for each other – not some outdated and legalistic demand to conformity, as if marriage is some kind of exclusive club.
Fundamentally, it is a question of how we value people. Can we honestly claim to value human life when our law consciously diminishes a large section of it? Can we genuinely be accepting of minority groups when legal distinctions continue to be made against them? Last night our MPs said “no”. It was a truly historic moment. It wasn’t simply parliament agreeing to extend marriage, or our elected representatives telling Cardinal O’Brien and Brian Souter what to do with their bigotry (but thanks anyway). They were effectively saying that LGBT people are whole, we are valuable members of society, we deserve to be shown not merely tolerance but acceptance. They were saying that love expressed between same-sex couples is not inferior. MPs showed us respect, and for that I respect them.
This is only one step towards full LGBT equality. It’s not even the end of the road for marriage equality – the Bill has to now go to the Lords which could prove interesting. But it’s a huge step and I have no doubts that equal marriage will soon be here.
It feels so good to say that.
It’s a far cry from the poisonous political scene of only thirteen years ago, when hostility to repealing Section 28 wrought destructive havoc, particularly in Scotland. Those who have come on this journey with me will appreciate exactly how monumental this vote is. The path to equality has been long and arduous and there have been times when the probability of being where we are now seemed so remote.
Thanks therefore are due to the MPs of all parties who voted “aye” last night. However, I would also like to thanks all those activists and campaigners who made this happen. I don’t know who you all are, but I know how much you have done. You have helped change the course of history. You have helped to end at least one form of legal discrimination. You contributed in no small way to last night’s outcome.
While myself and many others were celebrating last night, Prime Minister David Cameron will have a few headaches. Only 127 (42%) Conservative MPs voted with the government. Indeed, some members of the government didn’t, including Owen Paterson and Dominic Grieve. This is one matter on which, unlike Europe, Cameron has refused to pander to the whims of his backbenchers - most probably because he knows he’d picked the winning side. Either that or he genuinely believes in equal marriage. Whatever his motivations, it is obvious that the Conservatives remain divided on the matter and that many within the party will not take defeat easily. As several Tory traditionalists stood up during the debate to justify continued discrimination – the worst being Roger Gale who suggested that the government may as well legalise marriage between siblings – it was glaringly evident that Cameron’s attempts at reforming his party have proved far from successful.
It was truly amazing how many of our parliamentarians don’t see LGBT rights as an essential extension of human rights. How can anyone claim to believe in human rights if they don’t apply those same rights to the LGBT community? How is it intellectually possible to admit that same-sex couples can adopt children but should not marry as this threatens the security of the family unit?
All the same, that was the Conservatives. We expected (even hoped for) them to demonstrate that they remain a party of intolerant reactionaries. We shouldn’t care if they wish to tear themselves to pieces in the aftermath of such a sensational vote.
What I was concerned about was that four Liberal Democrat MPS voted against. I was not particularly disturbed by the number, as much as who they were and the rationale for voting the way they did. Alan Beith and Gordon Birtwistle I fully expected. They have their beliefs, have been clear about them and I fully respect their positions even if I disagree with them. I also imagined that Greg Mulholland would have joined their ranks but in the circumstances I must applaud him for abstaining.
However, John Pugh and Sarah Teather came as something of a surprise. I’ll deal with John first because he was the first to make a public statement. Yesterday morning he wrote an open letter to his constituents, explaining that:
“I cannot claim to be an expert on all the issues of sexual morality and legislation though I strongly suspect that the values and principles we apply to our general behaviour and relationships apply in much the same way when we come to sexual behaviour.
"I want to say right at the start that I do not believe I am homophobic and am comfortable with Civil Partnerships legislation and the protection that offers to those in long-standing gay relationships. I have polled many of you by e-mail and the most widespread view in my constituency is support for civil partnerships but not for gay marriage [that term again!].
"I thought at the start that as I struggled over this issue, I would arrive at a position that would antagonise either my church which is solidly (though not exclusively) AGAINST or my party which is solidly (though not exclusively) FOR.
"As I put my own ideas in order I realise that I stand a fair chance of antagonising BOTH my church and my party.
"It remains to be seen which is the most forgiving/understanding.
"I will vote against the Bill - against Gay Marriage but not necessarily for all the reasons the churches give but because I think there is a good liberal case against the current legislation.
"I was surprised in agonising over this how little I relied on any distinctively religious beliefs to arrive at my conclusion. I think there is a liberal case against the Bill and though it may start from a different point than church or religious teaching, it seems to arrive on the same page and embody similar insights.
"My fundamental objection (see below) against the government's proposal is that it achieves none of its objectives and weakens the link between marriage and the family.
"As a result it draws government (the state) into a whole, new series of debatable judgements and rulings on sexual, personal and religious behaviour.
"Far from being permissive in effect, it could herald the advent of ever more arbitrary prescription as we forget why the state legislates at all in this deeply personal aspect of life.”
It was a strange statement, particularly in the claim that the Bill would weaken the link between marriage and family. Clearly his understanding of marriage and family is not the same as mine. I also, having read (most) of the Bill, disagree that it invites the government into making judgement on sexual behaviour (certainly no more than current legislation) or that it is by nature prescriptive. It is a Bill that affords same-sex couples who want to be married, and those who wish to celebrate those unions, the freedom to do so. I see nothing illiberal in that.
While that contribution was frustrating, I was more disappointed by Sarah Teather who chose to make a statement ten minutes after the vote and who previously had given every indication of being supportive. The former minister revealed that:
“This evening I voted against the second reading of the same-sex marriage bill. It was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever taken. As a life-long liberal and a committed Catholic I spent many months reflecting on this issue in the lead up to the vote. I wanted to explain to people why I took this step.
"Changing the definition of marriage for me raises other more complex issues. I believe that the link between family life and marriage is important. We know that permanent stable loving relationships between parents are very important for children...I recognise that this kind of stability can exist outside of marriage, but the act of giving and receiving vows in front of others and making a commitment for life is an aid to stability. It is precisely the reason that marriage has formed the basis of family life for thousands of years, and is the reason that the state has historically tried to encourage it.
"I also recognise that not all couples who get married have children for a variety of reasons, and similarly that many children are now born outside of marriage. My concern, however, is that by moving to a definition of marriage that no longer requires sexual difference, we will, over time, ultimately decouple the definition of marriage from family life altogether. I doubt that this change will be immediate. It will be gradual, as perceptions of what marriage is and is for shift. But we can already see the foundations for this shift in the debate about same-sex marriage. Those who argue for a change in the law do so by saying that surely marriage is just about love between two people and so is of nobody else's business. Once the concept of marriage has become established in social consciousness as an entirely private matter about love and commitment alone, without any link to family, I fear that it will accelerate changes already occurring that makes family life more unstable. (I should add, that I also suspect it will make marriage ultimately seem irrelevant. After all, how long before gay people begin to say, as many straight couples of my own generation have begun to say, "if marriage is just about love, why would I need a piece of paper to prove it?")
"The argument in favour of same-sex marriage has mostly centred on rights. But this isn't the only liberal philosophical perspective on the legislation. The more I considered this bill the more I was unsure about the state's role. If an important reason for marriage is that it is a space for having and raising children, I can see the relevance for the state being involved in regulating it and encouraging stability for the good of society and for children's welfare. Similarly, if there is a need for protection of rights to property and rights to make decisions, there are good reasons for the state to provide regulation. But neither of these things is what this legislation is trying to do. In this case, the state is regulating love and commitment alone, between consenting adults, without purpose to anything else. That feels curious to me, as I would normally consider that very much a private matter.”
There is so much in there I find objectionable. In honesty, I am amazed that Sarah wrote this. I’m even more amazed that she thought it. Even more concerning is that she waited until after the vote to justify herself, rather than be open with her party and constituents. Her defence is essentially convoluted waffle, reinforcing the myth that marriage is being redefined and that in some way concern for the family is at the heart of her objections.
Both John Pugh and Sarah Teather referred to their religious faith, as if that in some way justified the stance. While I respect that it can be difficult to separate religious faith from a secular position, and accept that belief makes an inevitable contribution to our worldviews, I struggle with those who object on the basis of their inflexible "Christianity". It is too glib and simplistic, not to mention intellectually lazy. It is not Christian to withhold rights from minorities and I for one want to reclaim my faith from such fundamentalism.
People’s religious beliefs drive them. Imposing them onto others, however, is hardly in the spirit of what a secular position demands. MPs are, ultimately, representatives, not preachers. They are there to serve. Ultimately the objections were largely academic (barring potential electoral ramifications) and I would defend the right to freedom of speech, but what if the margin had been narrower? Would the withholding of freedom from a large section of society be a fair price to pay to ensure MPs' freedom of speech and conscience? Would that be liberal?
So, strangely, the euphoria was transformed temporarily into disappointment. The most disappointing thing wasn’t the way some of our MPs voted, but their disingenuous rationale and the pseudo-intellectual objections, behind which lies a more fundamental unease with LGBT equality.
However, we should not allow such things it dominate our thinking. A major victory for equality has been won. So much has been said in the last twenty-four hours, and I’ll finish by restating my delight at the outcome and my hope for a future in which the notion of making distinctions based on sexual orientation is so absurd to be laughable. Here's to a an inclusive, tolerant and liberal society!
I leave the final word (unusually) to Nick Clegg:
“I genuinely believe that we will look back on today as a landmark for equality in Britain...No matter who you are and who you love, we are all equal. “
Sunday, 3 February 2013
I ask the question because Willie Rennie's made a timely and positive contribution in today's Scotland on Sunday.
The Scottish Liberal Democrat leader argues that "we must realise the future is federal". But why must we? What evidence actually points towards this eventuality. And who is the "we" Mr Rennie is trying to convince? It would seem he's aimed his piece squarely towards the SNP, but surely if federalism is to become a reality it requires the Labour and Conservative parties to be convinced of its merits?
A lot has been made of the Electoral Commission's decision in respect to the wording of a question on which most Scots have already made up their minds. Less has been made of the Commission's recommendation that voters require more information about the ramifications of both a "yes" and "no" vote, as well as the obvious challenge to both campaigns and the media to up the ante in regards actively informing the electorate rather than reducing the most important constitutional question ever put to the Scottish electorate to glib simplicities and party-political tribalism.
Rennie is right to ask questions of the SNP. But he also needs to ask some very serious questions of the Tories and Labour, towards whose leaders he appears to be undeservedly generous and accepting at face value. It's difficult to know where the Scottish Conservatives stand, with Ruth Davidson sending out conflicting signals, although it would be surprising if they'd support anything more than the very minimal increase of devolved powers. Labour seems not to wish to talk about devolution at all and, while Johann Lamont can be expected to promote some package of enhanced devolution at her party's conference in April, there doesn't seem to be enormous appetite within the Labour Party for a radical overhaul of the status quo - or, indeed, for anything remotely resembling the federalist "Home Rule" Willie Rennie champions with such enthusiasm.
In honesty, there's not been sufficient talk of federalism within the Liberal Democrats in recent years - especially for those not in Scotland. The important question of English devolution has been intentionally avoided, and the cause of an English Parliament abandoned to the likes of the English Democrats. I've made the quip before, and it remains true, that if we it was a crime to be a federalist party there wouldn't be enough evidence with which to secure the Liberal Democrats' conviction. Obviously the SNP's independence referendum has resulted in the Liberal Democrats' responding with the Home Rule Commission's praiseworthy recommendations, but is it sufficiently credible, sufficiently grounded and sufficiently flexible to convince opposition parties of its merits and thereby justify Rennie's faith in a federalist future?
Let's be brutally honest about this. Much as Rennie wants our party to be the "guarantors of change" (and I wish it were so), we have failed in the twenty-five years since the party was formed in 1988 to get federalism onto the agenda. We've failed even to get it into most of our manifestos during that time. Furthermore we have not, during eleven years in government in Holyrood and Westminster, ever succeeded in securing any significant step towards a genuinely federal settlement for the UK.
Now, I am a federalist. A European federalist, no less. Like Rennie and most other Liberal Democrats I would love to see a federal UK. I'd also like to see a proportional system of voting for Westminster and long overdue reform of the House of Lords, but we know what happened to those aspirations upon the Liberal Democrats entering government. Liberal Democrats have watched on as so many of the hopes we have held for generations have turned into dust. Clegg doesn't exactly have the touch of King Midas. The guarantors of change?
Federalism is a noble aspiration, as indeed are proportional representation and Lords reform. There is no doubt in my mind that Menzies Campbell's report on Home Rule, some minor criticisms aside, was a welcome contribution to the debate. It's objectives were praiseworthy. The real question, however, is not whether it is laudable, but whether it is plausible.
It certainly has to be plausible if I'm being asked to vote to reject independence - which in my mind is preferable to the constitutional status quo - and hold out for full federalism.
Returning to Willie Rennie's piece in Scotland on Sunday, it is more than interesting to observe that he believes there is, in political circles, "an emerging consensus on the detail [of increased powers for Holyrood]." I think he is right, in that Davidson finally realises the damage drawing a "line in the sand" will do to her party electorally and that there is a mood among Labour's senior figures to embrace further devolution (if only as a tactic to disarm the SNP). But is it a mood for federalism? And can the broadest of broad consensuses ever be the basis for making confident boasts in the inevitability of the federal ambition?
The most likely outcome in the event of a "no" vote is a limited expansion of devolution that no Liberal Democrat should be happy with. Regrettably, for all the positives Rennie espouses, the Scottish Liberal Democrats are not leading the conversation. Rennie's championing of federalism continues to be drowned out by the cynical negativity of those he requires as allies.
Further devolution may follow a "no" vote in 2014 but, in the absence of any firm commitments, I would suggest anyone voting "no" in the hope of significant progress being made on that front is likely to be sorely disappointed. In any case, devolution is not federalism. Suggesting that the future may involve a little more devolution is not the same as insisting that the future is federal.
Whether a significant defeat for the cause of independence in the referendum would actually aid Willie Rennie's federalist ambitions is questionable. There can be little doubt that such an outcome would prompt the predictable analysis that most Scots are content with the status quo, with a few tweaks. It would not provide much in the way of ammunition for federalists anxious to break the mould of stale devolutionist thinking or the subservient relationship Holyrood has with a Westminster parliament that is proving itself to be virtually unreformable.
I welcome Willie Rennie's optimism, but it must be tempered by realism. Given our frustrations in government and the unlikeliness of either of the other main parties endorsing a federalist plan, the best that can be hoped for is an extension of devolution. The only hope for federalism is the Liberal Democrats securing an overall majority in 2015. I would suggest there's more chance of Jacob Rees-Mogg becoming Prime Minister.
So, is the future federal? I wish that it was. I wish that the Liberal Democrats (and its predecessor parties) had been better positioned electorally to take advantage of opportunities that have long since disappeared. I wish we had the political influence to be "guarantors of change", possessing the leverage with which to bring our opponents to accept our vision and work with us to implement it.
The bottom line is that any change will only be achieved with the co-operation of Labour and the Tories. They will certainly not buy wholesale into our forward-looking dream. It is unrealistic to expect them to, and equally unrealistic to expect Mr Rennie to convince them to. If we've learned anything from our relationships in coalition, it is also that we cannot take our opponents at face value and that it is hugely unwise to invest so much trust in party leaders - especially when the party leader in question is particularly adept at exploiting the working relationship for his own political advantage.
Perhaps Willie Rennie has more cause for optimism than I imagine. Perhaps. But this Liberal Democrat is going to take a lot of convincing that federalism is a realistic prospect - or anything other than yet another Liberal aspiration to be crushed by the cynicism of our supposed partners.
Awards and reviews
Reviews of A Scottish Liberal
"Andrew is an excellent writer and analyst about a broad range of policy and philosophical topics. It is great to see him recognised as such across Scotland and throughout the UK. And he speaks Gaelic." Gavin Hamilton, A View from the Hills
"Every one of our MP's should read this. Best blog I have read this year." Gerry McGregor, Thoughts of a Caithness Loon
"Andrew has an easy style of writing and a moderate and thought-out approach to his subject. He is as likely to criticise his own party, as he is another. In short he thinks for himself, makes his arguments accordingly and is nobody's yes man." Tris, Munguin's Republic
"The blog by Andrew Page is well worth visiting. He seems to be a man that will not bow down to party dogma [unlike the Labour MPs and MSPs]. I respect a man who is willing to shelve his career to do what he thinks is right."Gedguy, My Frustrated Rants
Andrew Page - A Scottish Liberal
Andrew is a member of the Liberal Democrats, who feels politics is at its best when it empowers and is at its worst when it descends into tribal adversarialism.
Andrew is is the treasurer of the Lib Dem Mental Health Association. He is also a member of the Council for British Archaeology, the Liberal Democrat History Group, Lib Dems Against Trident, Lib Dems for a Republic and the Liberal Democrat Association of Trade Unionists.
Thoughts expressed on here are Andrew's own and occasionally may differ from those of the Scottish Liberal Democrats. |
Santa Ana High’s baseball players have a fancy new pitching and fielding machine and their very own baseball and bat bags as a result of a $7,000 donation for equipment from Let’s Share, an Orange County-based charity.
“This is a whole bunch of equipment these boys have been in desperate need of and you can tell already in the way we practice,” said Santa Ana baseball coach Henry Buenrostro. “It’s a lot faster paced, it’s more organized and kids are reacting a lot better.
“We had a game against Whittier Christian this past weekend and you can tell the improvement right off the bat and you have to give credit to everything we’ve received from the Let’s Share Foundation because without them, we wouldn’t have been able to get all this stuff.”
The most visible item, called the A-Tec Power Hummer, shoots baseballs from behind the plate out to the infield automatically for fielders. It is also used as a pitching machine, ending the need for the coaches to hit infield or pitch batting practice.
Buenrostro said the machine should help the defensive and hitting techniques for the Saints.
“It’s so useful in so many different ways and it’s great for reaction time,” Buenrostro said.
The machine can pitch up to 90 miles per hour, Buenrostro said.
“It just really simulates a game type atmosphere better than anything we’ve ever had here,” he said.
Buenrostro presented a plaque to Let’s Share President Diane Bullen Monday afternoon. Each player thanked Bullen and another board member, Ellen Fowler for the machine, the bags and other equipment.
“These kids have never had anything like this and it was nice to kind of see their eyes light up,” Buenrostro said.
Buenrostro said he was appreciate of the support of one of the parents, Tony Moran, who put him in touch with Bullen and the Let’s Share Foundation.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to be partnered with a group who is so willing to contribute to the success of our students, who believe in our students and to offer our students hope,” Infante said. “It means a lot to them, the feeling that somebody cares about them and that they believe they can become successful in their program as young adults.”
“It brings us to a different level as far as leveling the playing field bringing us the equipment that we’ve needed for a while and we haven’t been able to raise the funds for,” added Santa Ana Athletic Director Brian Lillie.
The Orange County based charity, which began in 2010, reaches out to schools, churches and social service agencies to ask who needs help, said Bullen.
All of the recipients must be from Orange County.
“We are fortunate in that we get to meet our recipients,” she said. “We try to keep it very personal. We think it’s meaningful.”
Fowler, who joined the board a couple months ago, said the organization is committed to helping those in need in the county.
“It’s expensive for any parent to join the club, and (pay) your dues and the equipment, so it’s nice to know that for people who really want to do that, you can help them do that,” she said.
Quotes from Santa Ana players:
“It helps us a lot. We got catching gloves, a pitching machine and baseball bats.”
----Tony Moran, Santa Ana sophomore
“The donation means a lot. It helps us get a lot more equipment to get us better.”
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Q:
How to create HTML5 data-* in MVC3
I'm using JQuery mobile and I need to include data-prefetch attribute in a link created with HTML.ActionLink. I've found examples on Stackoverflow of how to pass data-* attributes in the standard way with object Html attributes. However I can't seem figure out how to create an attribute that has no value. Best I can create is data-prefetch="" by using new{data_prefetch=""} . I'm assuming that isn't the same.
Any ideas?
A:
As far as I can see using data-prefetch="data-prefetch" works fine. So I guess there is no need to do anything else.
Thanks feeela
|
The benefits of Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) for young children with autism are being increasingly documented. Recent reviews of the literature suggest that the effectiveness of EIBI may be considered "well established" according to commonly used criteria for evidence based practices (Eikeseth [@CR6]; Eldevik et al. [@CR11]; Rogers and Vismara [@CR29]), and meta-analytic methods reveal large and moderate effect sizes for outcome assessed via standardized tests of intelligence and adaptive functioning respectively (Eldevik et al. [@CR10]; Makrygianni and Reed [@CR22]; Reichow and Wolery [@CR26]; Virues-Ortega [@CR40]; Peters-Scheffer et al. [@CR25]). To date, the majority of published studies of EIBI included in systematic reviews have focused on its delivery by specialist teams and often with implementation staff engaged as part of a research evaluation project.
The question of whether EIBI might be delivered successfully in more typical service settings, or on a reasonably large scale, has been relatively neglected. Community effectiveness studies of this kind would correspond to the final phase of validating a psychosocial intervention for autism spectrum disorders as proposed by Smith et al. ([@CR35]). According to Smith et al., implementing intervention in a real world setting to see whether similar outcomes can be achieved can be considered the ultimate test of effectiveness.
There are various models described in the literature on how EIBI can be implemented (Handleman and Harris [@CR13]). These range from a full time placement in a center (or an institution), home-based programs directed either through a clinic or the parents themselves, to full time placement in mainstream pre-school with EIBI being implemented at home before or after pre-school and at the weekends. Most of the outcome data published so far have come from home-based programs in some form. Home-based EIBI has been organized through university clinics (Lovaas [@CR20]; Remington et al. [@CR27]), and community based agencies or clinics (Cohen et al. [@CR4]; Howard et al. [@CR14]; Sallows and Graupner [@CR31]). There are a few examples of evaluations of intervention models delivered outside of the home setting. In Norway, Eikeseth et al. ([@CR7], [@CR8]) evaluated EIBI for young children with autism in pre-school settings where supervision was provided through specialist health care services, and in Israel Ben-Itzchak and Zachor ([@CR3]) evaluated EIBI provided at an intervention clinic.
In terms of outcomes of EIBI when delivered on a large scale, Perry et al. ([@CR24]) recently reported on EIBI delivered throughout a Canadian provincial area. EIBI was provided in a variety of settings (including center-based and integrated child care settings) and the evaluation was focused on the effectiveness of EIBI as it might be typically delivered clinically rather than in a controlled research study. Notably, staff training had to be conducted on a large scale in a limited time and no children were excluded based on co-morbid diagnosis, low cognitive ability, or age. Also, children were referred from a large and diverse socioeconomic group. Ostensibly, any one of these factors could lead to a less favorable outcome. The study reported outcomes for 332 children with autism between 2 and 7 years of age. Like in other outcome studies, there was considerable variation in outcome, but overall the children made statistically and clinically significant improvements in intellectual and adaptive functioning and autism severity.
Initial data on delivery of EIBI in various settings, and even on a large scale and in typical clinical practice, are encouraging. However, there is still a need to investigate the effectiveness of models of service delivery in real world settings. Such settings will vary considerably from country to country (and within countries), and thus a variety of models will need to be evaluated. In the city of Oslo, Norway in the year 2000, an early intervention center (Senter for Tidlig Intervensjon; STI) was established that focused on the provision of an EIBI model for pre-school children with autism. As is the current policy in Norway, all children receiving services through the center were enrolled in their local mainstream pre-schools. Referrals to STI were taken from local pedagogical-psychological services (PPT), of which there were seven in the city, each covering a designated geographical area of the city. However, all referrals had to go through a central city education department office for final approval. The services from STI involved no extra financial costs for the family, the pre-school, or the community. The center's mission was to provide specialist early intervention services directly to the pre-schools, thus supporting the local PPT with some of their most difficult cases.
No financial/staffing resources in addition to those typically given to a pre-school enrolling a child with autism were given. A pre-school enrolling a child with autism typically received one additional full-time staff member, and supervision and training from a special education teacher and/or speech and language therapist employed by the local community for 2--5 h a week. The aim of the current project was instead to provide a behavioral intervention program using these same professional resources, with some additional supervision input. Instead of the pre-school receiving supervision and training from local PPT professionals as would usually be the case, this was provided through the behavioral intervention center (STI). Although no formal modeling of costs was carried out, any additional costs for the city would have been associated with the funding of the supervisory staff employed at the intervention center instead of funding supervisory staff through the local PPT services. The pre-school staff (including the extra professional resources employed locally) were responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the behavioral intervention program while being supervised and trained by STI.
The purpose of the present paper is to describe the key features of the Oslo mainstream pre-school EIBI model and to compare outcome data from children enrolled over a 10 year period with children receiving treatment as usual (TAU), which may be best described as eclectic special education intervention.
Methods {#Sec1}
=======
Service Setting and Participants {#Sec2}
--------------------------------
All children who received intervention through the center from its inception in January 2000 to February 2011, and who met the following criteria, were included in the present analysis: (a) an independent diagnosis of autism or pervasive developmental disorders-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS/atypical autism from ICD-10) based on the ADI-R (Lord et al. [@CR18]); (b) between 2 and 6 years of age at intake; (c) a full-scale intelligence test and a measure of adaptive behavior administered at intake and after about 2 years of intervention, and (d) at least 5 h per week of intervention. A comparison group of children meeting these same criteria, and also attending local mainstream pre-schools, but instead receiving TAU in the same time period was provided through the neighboring Akershus University Hospital.
In total, 43 children met the inclusion criteria, 31 from the EIBI center and 12 who were diagnosed via the hospital clinic and were receiving TAU in their local mainstream pre-school. A more detailed description of the groups is provided in Tables [1](#Tab1){ref-type="table"} and [2](#Tab2){ref-type="table"}. There were no significant differences between the groups on age at intake, duration of intervention, the distribution of diagnoses, or gender. Furthermore, the proportions of children with severe, moderate, mild, and no intellectual disability where similar in the two groups at intake. Overall, the average IQ and adaptive behavior composite scores in both of the groups were slightly lower than the general population of children with autism spectrum disorders (Volkmar and Klin [@CR41]).Table 1Age at intake, intervention hours per week and duration, for each groupCharacteristicsEIBI group (*n* = 31)Comparison group (*n* = 12)MSD (range)MSD (range)Age at intake42.29.0 (26--70)46.212.4 (24--67)Hours spent on weekly goals13.65.3 (6.5--28)5+ (unspec.)--Duration of intervention in months25.16.3 (10--34)24.610.8 (13--49)Table 2Diagnosis, gender and level of intellectual functioning, number ofchilldren and percentage in each groupCharacteristicEIBI group (*n* = 31)Comparison group (*n* = 12)*n*Percentage*n*Percentage*Diagnosis*Autism2580.6975.0PDD-NOS516.1325.0Asperger13.200*Gender*Male2580.6866.7Female619.4433.3*Level of intellectual disability*No ID412.9216.7Mild ID1032.3433.3Moderate ID1238.7541.7Severe ID516.118.3Profound0.00.0
Pre-School Setting {#Sec3}
------------------
Participants that received EIBI through the center were referred from pedagogical-psychological services (PPT) through the educational authorities in the city. The referral process would normally start with either the parents or staff at the pre-school raising concerns about the child, and referring it to the local PPT for an assessment by a consultant (a psychologist or special education teacher). The consultant would then write a proposed statement of the child's need, and how they could be met. The PPT staff were not trained in diagnosing children, so if there was suspicion of a diagnosis within the autism spectrum (or any other diagnosis) the child was referred on to specialist services within the health care system. By law, special education provision should not be based on a particular diagnosis but rather on the child's needs. Thus, the proposed statement did not have to wait for a formal diagnosis to be made but was sent to a central city education department office for final approval. Based on the child's needs and the wording in the statement the child was referred on from here to units that provide intervention and/or support for the child. Several options are available depending on the child's needs. Some children can get their intervention supervised by the local PPT, some are referred to the health care system, and some are referred to STI or to another service provider in the city. All of these services base their support on training and supervision of locally employed professionals and pre-school staff.
All children in the EIBI and TAU groups attended their local mainstream pre-school. The pre-schools were in Oslo and Akershus County (total population ca 1.1 million). In most cases, a pre-school would have enrolled only one child with autism. As required by Norwegian regulations, mainstream pre-school units were staffed on 1:3 staff to child ratio for children under the age of 3 years, and a 1:6 staff to child ratio for children between 3 and 6 years of age (children started school proper at 6 years of age). In their final year of pre-school, special "clubs" are arranged to prepare the children for school. Typically, a pre-school unit would either consist of nine children below the age of three with three staff, or 18 children between the age of three and six with three staff. When the unit enrolled a child with autism, resources were normally received for one more full-time staff member making it possible to cover this child 1:1 without taking resources away from the other children in the unit. This extra resource was granted independent of any particular intervention (and of the current study). All units had a separate room available where 1:1 intervention could be done without disturbance from the rest of the unit. Pre-schools were typically open weekdays from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, and children in the present study were typically at the pre-school for at least 20 h every week (typically, a minimum of 4 h per day).
Some of the 1:1 h in the unit merely focused on practical help for getting dressed or undressed, eating, toileting, and going outside on the playground, without the use of systematic teaching methods. For the purposes of this study, only the hours spent implementing teaching methods towards specified weekly targets (whether inside or outside of the teaching room) were counted as intervention hours, while hours of general practical assistance only were not counted. Practical assistance hours were generally similar for all children in the pre-school settings.
Interventions {#Sec4}
-------------
### EIBI Group {#Sec5}
The county of Oslo, Norway in 2000 started a center that was to provide EIBI for children with autism. The center was to do this by offering supervision and training of existing personnel in the preschools. The center employed one psychologist and four supervisors. The psychologist (first author) was a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with approximately 15 years of experience implementing EIBI programs and served as a consultant for the supervisors. The supervisors had bachelors degrees (in habilitation of individuals with various handicaps) covering the basics of applied behavior analysis and between 2 and 10 years of training and experience with EIBI programs.
For organizing the intervention, we recommended that 2--3 staff members from the unit formed an intervention team responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the intervention, rather than having just the extra staff member cover the child with autism. A rota was made so that all team members would work with the child during the week. This was also done so that the child would get used to interacting with a number of different adults and so as not to make the program dependent on just one person. One of the team members was given responsibilities for scheduling and monitoring intervention hours, preparing the weekly team meetings, updating the program records, and finding the instructional materials needed for the various programs.
The center was responsible for training and supervision of all staff involved in the intervention. The model used for staff training and supervision was similar to that described as clinic-supervised intervention by Smith et al. ([@CR32]) and Eikeseth et al. ([@CR7]). Staff training started with a three-day workshop and continued throughout the duration of the intervention with weekly (or eventually in some cases bi-weekly) consultations lasting 1--4 h. In addition, weekly 2-h team meetings were held for each child. The child, primary caregiver(s), and staff attended both the workshops and the team meetings, and all were trained using an apprenticeship model. The supervisor first explained and demonstrated how to do a program, and then the staff took turns doing the program with the child, while being coached by the supervisor and the other team members. At team meetings, the child's program and/or intervention procedures were reviewed and modified based on the child's progress during the preceding week. The program was comprehensive and balanced covering all important areas of the child's life. Each week the child would normally be engaged in 10--20 teaching programs. Parental participation was encouraged to ensure generalization and maintenance of skills to the home and other community settings.
Depending on the needs of the individual child, parts of the intervention were provided outside of the separate teaching room, targeting specific weekly goals (e.g., conducting incidental teaching for expressing wants and needs, providing instruction on self-help skills such as putting on shoes, teaching peer interaction skills, or implementing behavior management plans). The supervisors had a caseload of 4--8 children. They met weekly (or more often if required) with the psychologist to discuss programming or any particular problems arising with individual children. The psychologist would also oversee individual programs by attending team-meetings at least once a semester.
The intervention was based on several widely used EIBI manuals (Leaf and McEachin [@CR17]; Lovaas [@CR19], [@CR21]; Maurice et al. [@CR23]; Sundberg and Partington [@CR38]). In short, the intervention began with establishing basic tasks, such as expressing wants and needs, responding to simple requests made by an adult, imitation of gross motor behaviors, matching of objects or pictures, and teaching of simple toy play such as completion of puzzles or putting shapes in a shape sorter. When these tasks were mastered, the intervention moved on to more complex skills such as imitation of fine motor and oral motor behaviors, imitation of sounds and words, and recognizing objects and actions upon request. After the child had acquired vocal imitation of words and basic receptive language, the child was taught to use the words functionally, for example by naming objects and actions. Next, more abstract concepts such as color, size, adjectives, and prepositions were targeted. Subsequent intervention goals included discriminating Wh-questions, conversing, and making friends with peers. From the start, the intervention also targeted other play and social skills, progressing from functional toy play and parallel play to symbolic play and cooperative play.
All procedures were based on documented operant conditioning techniques such as differential reinforcement, shaping, chaining, task analysis, and prompt and prompt fading. In the early stages of intervention, most teaching took place in a 1:1 discrete trial format. Later, the focus gradually shifted to include small group settings with typically developing children to help generalize skills and adjust to the routines of the pre-school unit. The ultimate goal of the intervention was to improve the ability of the children to learn in natural settings as might be expected of their typically developing peers.
### Comparison (Treatment as Usual) Group {#Sec6}
For children in this group, elements from various types of interventions were combined in an attempt to best meet the child's educational needs. The intervention typically included a mix of the following intervention types: alternative communication, applied behavior analysis (ABA), total communication, sensory motor therapies, programs based on the principles from TEACCH, as well as other methods that were incorporated based on the personal experience of the particular special education teacher and staff. The organization of supervision and staff training for the comparison group was in some ways similar to that of the EIBI group. A special education teacher from the local educational authorities would do one or two weekly consultations totaling about 2--5 h a week. The agency to be responsible for supervision and training was determined in the interdisciplinary educational planning process for each child. Within each agency a particular person was assigned on the basis of capacity and/or geographical location. As in the EIBI group, between one and three therapists were recruited from the pre-school staff to do the daily work with the child.
The intervention components typically found in the comparison group can be summarized as follows. Any ABA intervention would typically include working on a small number of selected programs from ABA treatment manuals such as matching, imitation, or toilet training. Data on the number of hours of this intervention in the TAU group were not available, but the intervention was qualitatively different because of the focus on small numbers of selected programs rather than a comprehensive model. Alternative communication would typically include working towards a symbol or sign based communication system. Symbols were typically line drawings, Bliss symbols or photographs taken of objects, persons, or activities from the child daily life. Signs would typically be hand signs for expressing needs such as "Food," "Water," or "Toilet". Sensory integration would typically involve daily activity sessions of 15--20 min of going on a swing, rocking and stretching while listening to music, or getting a massage. Total Communication elements would include strategies for the complementary use of signs, symbols and speech to enhance verbal comprehension, improve expressive language and develop a form of literacy. Intervention would focus on broadening the medium of communication to include signs, symbols, pictures, photographs and objects, as well as speech. It might also involve the use of drama, mime, or other forms of visual communication. Elements taken from TEACCH would typically involve making length and content of sessions predictable by using picture schedules and baskets to separate the tasks and assigning areas for specific activities. The intervention elements that were reported to be based on the teacher's clinical experience would typically involve the use of worksheets, learning through educational software on a computer, and training social skills through listening to stories and looking at picture sequences.
Unfortunately, because this was an evaluation of typical clinical practice we were not successful in measuring accurately the total time spent on intervention in the comparison group, or measuring the proportion of time spent on the various intervention approaches that were implemented and are described briefly above. Typically, sessions were conducted throughout the day taking advantage of opportunities that arose in daily life when the child was motivated. Also, intervention approaches were often combined in the same session, so that when applying principles derived from TEACCH, such as structuring daily activities with baskets, the staff simultaneously used techniques derived from ABA, such as reinforcement and prompting, and principles from total communication, such as combining visual and verbal modalities to promote spoken language.
Outcome Measures {#Sec7}
----------------
We employed measures of full scale intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior that are widely used and recommended for assessing children with autism (Klin et al. [@CR16]).
### Intellectual Functioning {#Sec8}
The Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID), second or third edition (Bayley [@CR1], [@CR2]) was used for the youngest children or children that scored below the basal on intelligence tests standardized for their chronological age. The BSID is a measure of mental development for children up to 42 months. It will yield a mental developmental index (MDI), which was considered broadly equivalent to an IQ score. If the child scored below the norms on this test or was too old for the norms, we computed a ratio IQ score by dividing the obtained mental age with chronological age and multiplying by 100. For the older children we used the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale: Fourth or Fifth Edition (Thorndike et al. [@CR39]; Roid [@CR30]), or the Norwegian version of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale Intelligence-Revised (Wechsler [@CR42]).
### Adaptive Behavior {#Sec9}
The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS I or II; Sparrow et al. [@CR36], [@CR37]) were used for measuring adaptive behavior. The VABS yields standard scores on four domains; communication, daily living, socialization, and for children under 6 years old, motor skills. Based on these scores the VABS also yields a standardized adaptive behavior composite (ABC).
Just under 60% of the assessments for the children in the EIBI group were carried out by professionals blind to the purposes of the present study (67% at intake, and 48% after 2 years). The remainder of the assessments were conducted by the first author. Six of these administrations were performed both by an independent professional and by the first author within 3 months of each other. In these instances, a conservative measure of improvement was obtained by using the higher score at intake and the lower score in the later assessments. Agreement on the total scores for assessments was within ±5 standard points in all of these "overlap" cases. As an added precaution we analyzed outcome data to see if there were any differences in the reported gains between the children that were tested by somebody independent of the study and the children who were tested by the first author (either at intake, after 2 years, or both). Ten children in the EIBI had all assessments completed by an independent professional and 21 children were tested by the first author at one or more points. Average gains were higher for the 10 children tested by an independent assessor both on IQ (22.1 and 11.7 point gains respectively) and ABC scores (6.6 and 5.7 point gains respectively) although these differences were not statistically significant. Thus, although this clearly cannot be ruled out, we could find no evidence of a positive bias introduced by the proportion of non-blind assessments. All children in the comparison (TAU) group were assessed by psychologists at the paediatric habilitation unit blind to purposes of this study.
Data Analysis {#Sec10}
-------------
The first level of analysis was to analyze group differences using ANCOVA models. Because the children were not randomly assigned to groups or actively matched, the intake score for the specific outcome measure along with age at intake were entered as covariates in each analysis. Age in months was used as a covariate because, although not statistically significant, there was a 4 month age difference in the groups and age is also commonly held to be related to outcome. ANCOVAs were conducted for IQ and adaptive behavior scores, including all sub domains (except for motor skills). Based on the mean differences in outcome between the groups, standardized effect size measures were calculated for IQ and ABC scores. In an attempt to correct for the small samples sizes, the Hedges' *g* effect size was employed.
The second level of analysis was to examine meaningful change at the level of the individual children, following Remington et al. ([@CR27]) who used a reliable change analysis (Jacobson and Truax [@CR15]) for the children in their outcome research. An analysis of reliable change establishes with 95% certainty that observed changes at an individual level are meaningful and not accounted for by measurement error and sample variance. The amount of change required for IQ and ABC scores to be considered as reliable change was established from a benchmark analysis of almost 300 individual children who received EIBI across 16 separate evaluation studies (Eldevik et al. [@CR11]). These authors established, using the formulae from Jacobson and Truax ([@CR15]), that change in IQ over approximately 2 years would need to be 27+ points to be considered reliable (21+ points for adaptive behavior composite standard scores---ABC).
The final exploratory analysis focused on correlates of change. Pearson correlations (2-tailed, and using point biserial correlations where a correlate was dichotomous) were computed between IQ and ABC change with the following variables: age at intake, IQ at intake, ABC scores at intake, child gender, diagnosis (autism, vs. PDD-NOS and Asperger syndrome), and intensity of intervention.
Results {#Sec11}
=======
The ANCOVA models we used to analyze outcomes showed that the EIBI group made significantly larger gains on intelligence, *F* (1, 39) = 9.53, *p* = .004, and adaptive behavior composite scores, *F* (1, 39) = 4.74, *p* = .036). The same pattern in favor of EIBI was also seen on two of three sub domains on the VABS: communication, *F* (1, 38) = 4.82, *p* = .034, and socialization, *F* (1, 38) = 7.79, *p* = .008. The difference on the daily living skills sub domain was not statistically significant *F* (1, 38) = 2.91, *p* = .094, although still in favor of the EIBI group. The mean scores, standard deviations and ranges, for each group at intake and after 2 years of intervention are displayed in Table [3](#Tab3){ref-type="table"}. The Hedges' *g* standardized mean difference effect size was 1.03 (95% confidence interval \[CI\] = .34, 1.72) for changes in IQ and .73 (95% CI = .05, 1.36) for changes in ABC scores.Table 3Unadjusted means and SDs of scores at intake and after ca two years of intervention by groupMeasuresEIBI group (*n* = 31)Comparison group (*n* = 12)IntakeAfter 2 yearsChangeIntakeAfter 2 yearsChange*M*SD (range)*M*SD (range)*M*SD*M*SD (range)*M*SD (range)*M*SDIntellectual functioning\*\*51.616.9(24--94)66.624.8(23--110)15.114.951.718.1(30--89)52.222.0(23--86).59.5Vineland adaptive behavior scales Adaptive behavior composite\*62.58.2(46--77)68.412.6(46--97)5.99.758.97.8(50--73)59.611.8(47--83).710.3 Communication\*61.910.2(48--89)70.516.9(42--114)8.614.660.09.6(49--81)60.014.5(42--84).012.6 Daily living69.910.8(48--89)72.012.9(47--93)2.111.564.810.6(54--91) 63.263.214.2(48--95)−1.612.5 Socialization\*\*63.39.8(49--97)69.112.0(49--90)5.810.963.18.9(53--82)60.88.6(41--80)−2.38.8\* *p* \< .05; \*\* *p* \< .01 on main effects
Data from the individual children after 2 years of intervention are displayed in Fig. [1](#Fig1){ref-type="fig"}. Each bar on the graph represents an individual child's change in test score. These have been sorted left to right from highest negative to highest positive change. The solid line on the y-axis shows the criterion for reliable change (from Eldevik et al. [@CR11]) and the dotted line shows the mean gain for the group. In the EIBI group, six of the 31 children (19.4%) met criteria for reliable change in IQ (27+ points), and two of the 31 children (6.5%) met the criterion for reliable change in ABC (21+ points). In the comparison group, no children met either criterion.Fig. 1*Bars* indicate changes in IQ and ABC scores for individual children in each group following 2 years of intervention. Results are sorted from highest negative to highest positive. The *solid lines* represent the Reliable Change benchmarks, 27 for IQ and 21 for ABC (Eldevik et al. [@CR11]), the *dotted lines* represent the mean change in each group
Three variables were significantly associated with outcome in the EIBI group. Age at intake correlated positively with gains in ABC scores, and other diagnosis (PDD-NOS or Asperger syndrome, rather than autism) was associated with larger gains in ABC scores, and larger gains in the communication and daily living skills sub domain. Furthermore, IQ at intake correlated positively with change in the socialization sub domain of the VABS (see Table [4](#Tab4){ref-type="table"}).Table 4Correlations between age at intake, scores at intake, weekly intervention hours, gender, diagnosis (autism vs. other) and outcome variablesOutcome measuresIntake variablesAgeIQABCGenderDiagnosisWeekly hoursIQ.033.214.221−.252.204.148ABC.387\*.342−.027.225.506\*\*.207Communication.242.293.157.341.422\*.216Daily living skills.238.312−.120.157.549\*\*−.046Socialisation.171.390\*.028−.091.183.285\* *p* \< .05; \*\* *p* \< .01
Discussion {#Sec12}
==========
Children receiving EIBI under the current mainstream pre-school model made statistically significant gains in IQ and adaptive behavior composite scores after 2 years of intervention, when compared to a group receiving special education "treatment as usual". The differences where also statistically significant for the communication and socialization sub domains on the VABS, but not the daily living skills sub domain. Effect sizes for the present study were similar to effect sizes for EIBI recently reported in meta-analytic reviews. For example, an overall meta-analytic effect size for IQ change was 1.1, and for change in VABS ABC .67 in Eldevik et al. ([@CR10]), compared to 1.03 and .73 in the present study.
With an average of 13.6 weekly hours of intervention, the present study should probably also be considered low-intensity, although children were provided with almost 3 h per day of systematic intervention and 1:1 support for the rest of the day. If we compare outcomes from the present study with studies that have provided the recommended ca 30 h or more of weekly intervention, the outcomes do not appear to be as strong. In the meta-analysis published by Virues-Ortega ([@CR40]), many of the higher-intensity studies had larger effect size estimates for changes in IQ (e.g., Eikeseth et al. [@CR7], Effect size \[ES\] = 1.34; Sallows and Graupner [@CR31], ES = 1.97), and for changes in ABC (e.g., Eikeseth et al. [@CR7], ES = 1.96; Sallows and Graupner [@CR31], ES = 1.67). Several recent reviews have indeed reported a positive relationship between intervention hours and outcome (Eldevik et al. [@CR11]; Virues-Ortega [@CR40]).
Despite the potential association between intensity and outcomes, there is no accepted standard for measuring intensity of behavioral intervention and the validity of our measurement needs to be questioned. In particular, it may be that we have counted intervention hours in a more stringent way than other researchers have done. For example, since the staff had considerable training in the EIBI techniques it is highly likely that they provided some sort of intervention (e.g., incidental teaching, systematic fading of prompt) in addition to the intervention hours actually counted.
Considering the relatively low intensity of intervention, the outcome data presented here seem encouraging particularly in terms of meaningful gains in IQ scores for individual children. The percentages of children meeting reliable change criteria after 2 years (19.4% for IQ and 6.5% for ABC) are somewhat lower than the data reported by Eldevik et al. ([@CR11]), in particular for gains in ABC. Relatively low gains in ABC scores have also been reported in other low-intensity intervention studies (Eldevik et al. [@CR9]). Indeed, gains in ABC appear to be inconsistent across intervention studies (Virues-Ortega [@CR40]). Some researchers have reported small standardized gains in the intervention groups, but still a statistically significant difference when compared to control groups because adaptive behavior standard scores may reduce over time in treatment as usual comparison groups (e.g., Dawson et al. [@CR5]; Rogers & Dawson [@CR28]).
In addition, we found that weekly hours of intervention did not correlate significantly with outcome. The reason for this may be that there was little variability in intensity in the present study. Furthermore, we failed to find a correlation between IQ at intake and IQ gain. Some individual studies have reported such a relationship (e.g., Harris and Handleman [@CR43]), but meta-analytic reviewers have also failed to find such a correlation.
There was, however, tentative evidence of an association between autism diagnosis (with those with PDD-NOS performing better) and gain in ABC scores and the VABS sub-domain of daily living skills. This pattern has been found in another study (Smith et al. [@CR34]). The number of PDD-NOS cases in the present evaluation is small (as it was in the Smith et al. study) and thus this result may not be robust. Examination of differential outcomes for a variety of Pervasive Developmental Disorders remains a question for future research.
There are limitations in the research design of the present study. Children were not randomly assigned to groups and instead this was based on geographical location. In addition to the possible bias relating to group assignment, there is a potential for further bias in the actual referral process to the regional intervention centre. Both at the local PPT and at the City's central office any number of considerations could affect whether or not a particular child was referred to STI. Although there were no formal guidelines in terms of the child's level of functioning, age, what pre-school the child attended, and so on, it may well be that some children were referred on the basis of these (or some other unknown) variable. Unfortunately, we do not have data on the factors affecting referral decisions, but children from some parts of the City were probably over-represented. This could be because other service providers were better established in parts of the city, or the pattern of referral may reflect the professional preferences of the local PPT.
A further limitation of the present study was that only IQ and adaptive behavior outcome data were available. Behavioral intervention has also been associated with positive effects on language and cardinal features of autism (e.g., joint attention) in previous research (e.g., Remington et al. [@CR27]). Thus, future evaluations of this mainstream pre-school model and other service delivery models should endeavor to examine a wider range of outcomes.
Like in the large-scale study from Canada (Perry et al. [@CR24]), no children were excluded based on low IQ scores or socio-demographic variables. Sixteen of the 31 children in the EIBI group were from ethnic groups in the minority in Norway, and to some of the parents the diagnosis of autism and the association with special education provision was unknown or associated with shame. For this, and other reasons, it was sometimes difficult to achieve parental involvement. Future research may need to focus on how parental involvement can best be maximized as a support to the generalization and maintenance of children's skills.
In addition to the formal outcome data, it is important to review the strengths and weaknesses of this mainstream pre-school model for the delivery of behavioral intervention to children with autism. Strengths include that trained staff are with the children for the entire day, and inclusion in mainstream settings provided opportunities for interaction with peers, who may also serve as role models (cf. Grindle et al. [@CR12]). The weaknesses of this model are also notable: it was in most cases difficult to reach the typically recommended weekly intervention hours due to competing contingencies on the staff in the mainstream pre-school. Also, there was often a 3--9 month period before the intervention program was up and properly running. The staff and pre-school management were in most cases unfamiliar with (and in some cases opposed to) EIBI. Behavioral intervention is different in many ways to the generic education provided in mainstream pre-schools. The close supervision and monitoring of staff performance and the child's learning, the intensity of intervention, and the structure of teaching (in particular, the discrete trials format) may be at odds with the educational approaches pre-school staff were used to. In most cases, such skepticism was overcome, but in two cases (excluded from the present analysis) these problems led to the children receiving so few weekly intervention hours that the programs were discontinued.
The outcome data, and the clinical experience of involvement with this mainstream pre-school model for 10 years, suggest that it holds considerable promise for the delivery of behavioral intervention to young children with autism. However, the model has some inherent problems. It was difficult to get the recommended numbers of weekly intervention hours, due to competing contingencies in the pre-school. The model could be improved further if the extra locally employed professionals provided to the pre-schools when they enrolled a child with autism were instead employed directly through the intervention center. If this was the case, better continuity could be achieved and these staff would build up experience with EIBI, which would in turn make it possible to get the programs up and running more quickly. Furthermore, the intervention center would not have to use as many resources in training new staff.
In conclusion, the outcomes from the delivery of an EIBI-based model to pre-school children in typical mainstream nursery settings led to more positive outcomes than a Treatment as Usual special education nursery model for children with autism. In terms of effect sizes, the results were similar to those from recent meta-analyses. In addition, almost 20% of the individual children In the EIBI group achieved substantial and meaningful changes in IQ whereas no child in the TAU group changed to this extent. These data suggest that an EIBI-based model can be effective when delivered in community settings (cf. Smith et al. [@CR35]).
This paper was submitted as part of the first author's Ph.D. thesis at Bangor University. We would like to thank the staff employed at STI: Hege Aarlie, Hege Tryggestad, Tone Åker, Astri Valmo, Kim Liland, Alfred Steinvik, Are Karlsen, Per Holth, Cathrine Olson, Silje Haugland, Elisabeth Ulvestad, Rannveig Nesset and Birgitte Kaldhussæter.
**Open Access** This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited.
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739 N.E.2d 630 (2000)
317 Ill.App.3d 379
250 Ill.Dec. 867
The PEOPLE of the State of Illinois, Plaintiff-Appellee,
v.
Orrin DRESSLER, Defendant-Appellant.
No. 3-98-0048.
Appellate Court of Illinois, Third District.
November 13, 2000.
*633 Orrin Dressler, Ina, for Orrin D. Dressler.
John X. Breslin, Deputy Director, State's Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor, Ottawa, James Glasgow, Will County State's Attorney, Joliet, Dawn D. Duffy, State's Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor, Ottawa, for the People.
Justice LYTTON delivered the opinion of the court:
A jury found defendant Orrin Dressier guilty of robbery, armed robbery, kidnaping, aggravated kidnaping with a canister of Mace, aggravated stalking and theft (720 ILCS 5/18-1(a), 18-2(a), 10-1(a)(1), 10-2(a)(5), 12-7.4(a)(2), 16-1(a)(1)(A) (West 1996)). The jury found defendant not guilty of aggravated kidnaping with a gun. The judge imposed consecutive sentences of 14 and 11 years for armed robbery and aggravated kidnaping, respectively, and concurrent 5-year sentences for aggravated stalking and theft to run concurrently with the longer sentences. No sentences were imposed for robbery and kidnaping. Defendant raises the following issues on appeal: (1) whether the trial court erred in denying defendant's motion to suppress evidence; (2) whether Mace is a "dangerous weapon" that can support a charge of aggravated kidnaping; (3) whether the court erroneously denied defendant's motion to dismiss charges of kidnaping and theft on speedy trial grounds; (4) whether the State failed to prove a material element of aggravated stalking; (5) whether the trial court erred in overruling defendant's objection to a tape-recorded 9-1-1 call; (6) whether the prosecution of kidnaping and aggravated kidnaping was barred by principles of double jeopardy; (7) whether all charges should have been dismissed for violation of defendant's speedy trial rights; and (8) whether there was a fatal variation between the charges for theft, robbery, armed robbery and aggravated stalking and the proof at trial. We vacate defendant's convictions for aggravated kidnaping, robbery and theft and the sentences imposed for aggravated kidnaping and theft. In all other respects, we affirm. We remand the cause for sentencing on kidnaping.
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL CONTEXT
On February 23, 1996, a search warrant was issued for defendant and the premises he occupied at 11245 South Joliet Road in Lemont, Illinois. The warrant authorized seizure of items allegedly used in the kidnaping, aggravated kidnaping, unlawful restraint and aggravated unlawful restraint of defendant's ex-wife, Cook County sheriff's deputy Mary Jo Senese. The warrant specified the following items: a lady's purse and contents, a Smith and Wesson.357 revolver, a Cook County sheriff's deputy star, car keys for a Toyota, handcuffs and chains. That same day, the police executed the warrant and arrested defendant. He was held without bond on charges of armed robbery, aggravated kidnaping *634 (two counts), robbery, aggravated stalking, unlawful use of a weapon and violation of an order of protection.
On April 22, 1996, the date the cause was initially set for trial, defendant moved for a continuance, which was granted. The trial was also continued on defendant's motion on May 14 and August 19, 1996.
On September 23, 1996, defendant moved to suppress based on the allegedly unlawful seizure of items not specified in the February 23 search warrant. At the hearing on the motion, the police testified that their search of the house in Lemont failed to uncover the gun, purse and star specified in the warrant. However, during the course of their search, the officers found and seized numerous other items from drawers, closets and cabinets which they believed to have evidentiary value. Such items included a wig, which an investigator believed the defendant used as a disguise; a notebook with dated entries naming the victim; a microcassette tape from an answering machine; adult videotapes; and a stack of nude photographs. The officers explained that they thought the videotapes and the photographs might be of value in establishing defendant's "mind set." After taking the matter under advisement, the trial court denied the motion to suppress.
On December 18, 1996, the State filed an amended indictment in 12 counts charging the original felony charges and several new charges, including theft, kidnaping and unlawful possession of explosives. Following several more continuances, defendant moved for a discharge based on violations of his right to a speedy trial. The court denied the motion. Prior to trial, charges of unlawful possession of weapons and explosives were severed. On August 25, 1997, the cause proceeded to trial on the seven remaining felony counts.
Mary Jo Senese testified that she obtained an order of protection against defendant during divorce proceedings that commenced in June of 1995. On the morning of July 28, she filed a complaint in Will County alleging that defendant violated an order of protection because he failed to return certain personal property to her. That evening, while Senese was walking between the garage and her condominium, defendant drove his car toward her at a high rate of speed and nearly hit her.
Around 6:45 a.m. on February 23, 1996, as Senese was about to enter her car for work, a man whom she did not recognize grabbed her, sprayed Mace in her face and forced her into a vehicle. During the ensuing struggle, Senese pulled a wig off the man and recognized the defendant. Defendant handcuffed Senese's hands behind her and removed her service revolver. Defendant then drove her to the house in Lemont, where he handcuffed and chained her to the wall in a small, cement-block room in the basement.
After defendant left the house, Senese worked one handcuff loose and broke another. She proceeded upstairs and called 9-1-1. Over defendant's objection, the tape-recorded 9-1-1 call was played to the jury. The court admonished the jury that the evidence was to be considered solely to show the witness' state of mind at the time.
Senese said she left the house through the bathroom window before the police arrived and ran to a business on the adjoining property. Store manager Karen Bartleman testified that Senese, whom she did not know, entered the business around 11:45 a.m. with handcuffs on both wrists and a heavy chain hanging from one of the cuffs. Bartleman summoned help.
Later that day, after the police had secured defendant's house in anticipation of a search warrant, defendant drove up. He was immediately arrested. Police officers testified that after the warrant arrived, they reentered the house and seized numerous items, including an officer's gun belt and miscellaneous items consistent with the contents of a woman's purse, from the small room in the basement. In a bedroom closet, the officers found a brown *635 wig. They also found a notebook with dated entries, a case containing handcuffs and a small canister of Mace personal defense spray in a dresser drawer. Senese's revolver was subsequently turned over to the police in April 1996 by defendant's son, Robert, who said he found it in the house under defendant's bed.
After the State rested, defendant testified on his own behalf. He admitted that he drove by Senese's condominium in Orland Park on the evening of July 28, 1995, but he denied that he tried to hit her with his car. He said that on February 23, 1996, he got up around 7 a.m. and worked in his office until around 10:30 a.m., when he left for a doctor's appointment. He said that a friend, Susan Katauskas, stopped by around 9 a.m. and left a pound cake. When he returned to the house later that day, he encountered the police and was arrested. He admitted that the dated-entry notebook was a journal of his daily activities, but he denied committing any of the February 23, 1996, offenses alleged by Senese. Katauskas corroborated defendant's testimony with respect to her visit on the morning of February 23.
During jury deliberations, the jurors asked to review the 9-1-1 call. Over defendant's objection, the court played the tape again and repeated its admonishment that the evidence was to be considered only to show the caller's state of mind. The jury subsequently returned verdicts finding defendant guilty of all charges except aggravated kidnaping while armed with a gun.
Convictions were entered and defendant was sentenced.
ISSUES AND ANALYSIS
I. Search Warrant
Defendant first contends that the trial court erred in denying his motion to suppress evidence, because certain items not specified on the face of the search warrant were seized even though their evidentiary value was not readily apparent. Defendant claims that he was prejudiced by the admission into evidence of some of these items, particularly the wig and the dated-entry notebook. The State argues that the items were properly seized under the plain view exception to the fourth amendment's warrant requirement.
The fourth amendment protects against the issuance of search warrants that grant the police broad discretion to conduct a "general, exploratory rummaging in a person's belongings." Coolidge v. New Hampshire, 403 U.S. 443, 467, 91 S.Ct. 2022, 2038, 29 L.Ed.2d 564, 583 (1971). However, under the plain view doctrine, a police investigator with prior justification for an intrusion is entitled to seize evidence that is in plain view, so long as such evidence is of an "apparently incriminating nature." People v. Stewart, 105 Ill.2d 22, 52, 85 Ill.Dec. 241, 473 N.E.2d 840, 855 (1984). An item is in plain view if it is found during the search of an area that could contain or conceal articles listed on the face of the warrant. People v. Edwards, 144 Ill.2d 108, 161 Ill.Dec. 788, 579 N.E.2d 336 (1991). Because the question of the legality of the seizure of the items in this case depended in part on the credibility of witnesses, we give deference to the trial court's ruling and will not reverse unless the ruling was manifestly erroneous. Stewart, 105 Ill.2d 22, 85 Ill. Dec. 241, 473 N.E.2d 840.
Initially, we note that at the time the contested items were seized, the victim's gun, star and purse had not yet been found. The officers testified that all of the items seized outside the scope of the warrant were located in places that could have accommodated the gun, star and purse. Under the circumstances, all of the items in dispute were in "plain view." See Edwards, 144 Ill.2d 108, 161 Ill.Dec. 788, 579 N.E.2d 336.
Further, evidence at the suppression hearing established that the search warrant and information available to the officers executing it provided the victim's *636 name and the fact that defendant may have disguised himself during the commission of the offenses. Because the wig could have been used as a disguise, it was an item of apparently incriminating nature.
The officers were also justified in seizing the dated-entry notebook. The officers testified that the notebook lay open when it was found in the dresser drawer. They observed Senese's name in the notebook and saw that it chronicled defendant's surveillance of Senese on dates close in time to the offense; to the officers, it appeared to be incriminating evidence of the kidnaping offense cited on the face of the warrant.
Defendant does not argue that he was prejudiced by the warrantless seizure of other items. Accordingly, we hold that the trial court did not err in denying defendant's motion to suppress evidence.
II. Aggravated Kidnaping Based on Use of Mace
Next, defendant argues that his conviction for aggravated kidnaping cannot stand because a canister of Mace is not a "dangerous weapon" as contemplated by the statute defining the offense.
Section 10-2(a)(5) of the Criminal Code of 1961 (Code) states that "[a] kidnaper * * * is guilty of the offense of aggravated kidnaping when he * * * [c]ommits the offense of kidnaping while armed with a dangerous weapon, as defined in Section 33A-1 of the `Criminal Code of 1961'." 720 ILCS 5/10-2(a)(5) (West 1996). Section 33A-1 defines "dangerous weapons" as those objects that fall within any one of three categories. 720 ILCS 5/33A-1(a) (West 1996). Category I weapons are firearmshandguns, sawed-off shotguns, sawed-off rifles, other firearms small enough to be concealed upon a person, semiautomatic firearms and machine guns. Category II weapons are other firearms, knives, daggers, dirks, switchblades, stilettos, axes, hatchets or "other deadly or dangerous weapon[s] or instrument[s] of like character." 720 ILCS 5/33A-1(b) (West 1996). Category III weapons are bludgeons, black-jacks, slungshots, sand-bags, sand-clubs, metal knuckles, billies, "or other dangerous weapon[s] of like character." 720 ILCS 5/33A-1(c) (West 1996).
A canister of Mace cannot arguably fit into any of the foregoing categories of dangerous weapons. It does not fire penetrating projectiles (Category I); it cannot be used to cut the victim (Category II); and it cannot be used to enhance a beating (Category III). Therefore, though noxious sprays may be "dangerous weapons" for purposes of armed robbery, (see People v. Elliott, 299 Ill.App.3d 766, 234 Ill.Dec. 303, 702 N.E.2d 643 (1998)), they do not qualify as such for purposes of aggravated kidnaping. Armed robbery does not depend the definition of dangerous weapons contained in section 33A-1. Defendant's conviction for aggravated kidnaping based on the use of Mace must be vacated.
III. Speedy Trial of New Charges in Amended Indictment
Next, defendant argues that he was entitled to a speedy trial discharge with respect to the charges of theft and kidnaping, because the State failed to bring him to trial on these charges within 120 days of his arrest.
A defendant's right to a speedy trial is guaranteed by the sixth amendment and the due process clause of the Constitution of the United States. U.S. Const., amend. VI, XIV. It is further preserved by section 103-5 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 (725 ILCS 5/103-5 (West 1996)). By statute, an accused shall be tried within 120 days from the date he was taken into custody unless delay is caused by the accused. 725 ILCS 103-5(a) (West 1996). When, as in this case, new and additional charges are brought which are required by the compulsory joinder act (720 ILCS 5/3-3 (West 1996)) to be prosecuted together with the *637 original charges, the speedy trial period for the new charges relates back to the original charges. People v. Quigley, 183 Ill.2d 1, 231 Ill.Dec. 950, 697 N.E.2d 735 (1998); People v. Gooden, 189 Ill.2d 209, 244 Ill.Dec. 361, 725 N.E.2d 1248 (2000). However, in computing the period with respect to the new charges, continuances obtained by the defendant in connection with the original charges are not attributed to the defendant "because these new and additional charges were not before the court when those continuances were obtained." People v. Williams, 94 Ill.App.3d 241, 248-49, 49 Ill.Dec. 820, 418 N.E.2d 840, 846 (1981).
A. Kidnaping
The question raised by the State in this case is whether theft and kidnaping were "new and additional charges" subject to the speedy trial computation envisioned by Williams. An indictment for a particular offense serves as an indictment for all included offenses, even though the latter are not specifically set forth in the indictment. People v. Gulley, 162 Ill.App.3d 545, 114 Ill.Dec. 38, 515 N.E.2d 1309 (1987). Thus, a conviction for a lesser offense may be sustained even if the State only charges the greater offense. For purposes of this rule, every element of the lesser offense must be included in the greater, charged offense. Gulley, 162 Ill. App.3d 545, 114 Ill.Dec. 38, 515 N.E.2d 1309.
In this case, kidnaping was, by definition, a lesser-included offense of aggravated kidnaping. The original indictment charging aggravated kidnaping served as an indictment for kidnaping; therefore, the included offense of kidnaping was before the court when defendant obtained continuances in connection with the original charges. Kidnaping was not a "new and additional" charge when the State filed its amended indictment; thus, defendant is chargeable with all delay occasioned by him between February 23, 1996, when he was taken into custody, and August 19, 1997, when the cause proceeded to trial. Since defendant's trial commenced within the 120-day statutory speedy trial period, the trial court correctly denied defendant's motion to dismiss the kidnaping charge on speedy trial grounds.
B. Theft and Robbery
Defendant argues that his theft conviction should be vacated because theft is a lesser included offense of armed robbery. We agree. Theft, a specific intent offense, is an included offense of general intent armed robbery for purposes of double jeopardy, compulsory joinder and one-act, one-crime analyses. People v. Jones, 149 Ill.2d 288, 172 Ill.Dec. 401, 595 N.E.2d 1071 (1992); People v. Eggerman, 292 Ill. App.3d 644, 226 Ill.Dec. 493, 685 N.E.2d 948 (1997); People v. Milton, 309 Ill. App.3d 863, 243 Ill.Dec. 495, 723 N.E.2d 798 (1999). Thus, if the armed robbery conviction is sustained, this court must vacate the theft conviction under one-act, one-crime principles if the armed robbery conviction is sustained. See People v. Garcia, 179 Ill.2d 55, 227 Ill.Dec. 720, 688 N.E.2d 57 (1997).
Since we affirm defendant's armed robbery conviction for the reasons stated in sections V and VI below, we vacate the conviction and sentence entered for the lesser-included offense of theft. Milton, 309 Ill.App.3d 863, 243 Ill.Dec. 495, 723 N.E.2d 798.
We also note here that defendant's robbery conviction must be vacated as a lesser-included offense of armed robbery. Garcia, 179 Ill.2d 55, 227 Ill.Dec. 720, 688 N.E.2d 57.
IV. Venue of Aggravated Stalking Charge
Defendant's next contends that the State failed to prove a material element of aggravated stalking, because his conduct of July 28, 1995, did not take place in Will County. On that date, defendant argues, venue was a required element of the offense of stalking; therefore, he posits, his *638 conviction for aggravated stalking, based in part on the July 28 incident, must be reversed.
Stalking is committed when a person "knowingly and without lawful justification, on at least 2 separate occasions * * * places [another] person under surveillance * * * and * * * places that person in reasonable apprehension of immediate * * * bodily harm, * * * confinement or restraint." 720 ILCS 5/12-7.3(a)(2) (West 1996). Aggravated stalking is committed when a person, in conjunction with committing stalking, confines or restrains the victim. 720 ILCS 5/12-7.4(a)(2) (West 1996).
The indictment charging aggravated stalking in this case alleged that defendant stalked Senese by placing her under surveillance and in reasonable apprehension of immediate bodily harm on July 28, 1995, and February 23, 1996, and confining her on February 23, 1996. As alleged, the predicate offense of stalking was not completed until February 23, 1996, the same date that aggravated stalking was committed.
The venue statute, which formerly required the State to prove venue as a material element of an offense, was amended effective August 11, 1995. 720 ILCS 5/1-6(a) (West 1996). After that date, the State was not required to prove that an offense occurred in any particular county of the State. People v. Gallegos, 293 Ill.App.3d 873, 228 Ill.Dec. 351, 689 N.E.2d 223 (1997). In this case, neither stalking nor aggravated stalking was alleged to have been committed until after the venue statute was amended. Thus, the State was not required to prove that the charged offense occurred in Will County. Defendant is not entitled to a reversal of his aggravated stalking conviction for failure to prove venue.
V. Admission of 9-1-1 Call
Defendant also argues that the State was improperly allowed to introduce a hearsay audio tape recording of the victim's 9-1-1 call. A declarant's out-of-court statement may be admitted as an exception to the hearsay rule if offered to show the declarant's state of mind at the time of the utterance. People v. Lawler, 142 Ill.2d 548, 154 Ill.Dec. 674, 568 N.E.2d 895 (1991). To be admissible under the exception, the State was required to show that the declarant's state of mind was relevant to a material issue in the case. People v. Davis, 254 Ill.App.3d 651, 193 Ill.Dec. 636, 626 N.E.2d 1187 (1993). On review, a trial judge's evidentiary ruling will not be disturbed unless it was an abuse of discretion. People v. Kidd, 147 Ill.2d 510, 169 Ill.Dec. 258, 591 N.E.2d 431 (1992).
In this case, the trial court admitted the taped 9-1-1 call under the state-of-mind exception and cautioned the jury after it was played both during the trial and during deliberations that it was admitted solely to show the victim's state of mind. The emotional recording was arguably material to the issue of the victim's credibility, which defendant challenged by presenting a defense that he had been set up and framed for an offense that never happened.
Further, even if the recording was improperly admitted, defendant would not be entitled to a new trial. The evidence of defendant's guilt of armed robbery and aggravated stalking and kidnaping was overwhelming, and there is no reasonable probability that the jury would have voted to acquit if the recording had been excluded. See People v. Trice, 217 Ill.App.3d 967, 160 Ill.Dec. 624, 577 N.E.2d 1195 (1991). Accordingly, no reversible error resulted from its admission into evidence.
VI. Other Issues
Defendant raises three additional issues which we have reviewed and found to be without merit. Specifically, defendant contends that (1) prosecutions for kidnaping and aggravated kidnaping were in violation of double jeopardy protections, based on prior forfeiture proceedings against the vehicle used in the commission of those offenses; (2) his speedy *639 trial rights were violated with respect to all of the charges in this case; and (3) his convictions for offenses that the State's evidence showed were committed in Cook County must be reversed because of a variation with the indictment, which alleged that all offenses were committed in Will County. Based on our careful review of applicable law and the record on appeal, we conclude that defendant is not entitled to further relief based on any of the foregoing arguments.
CONCLUSION
We affirm defendant's convictions for armed robbery, kidnaping and aggravated stalking; we vacate defendant's convictions and sentences for aggravated kidnaping and theft; we vacate defendant's conviction for robbery. Since we have vacated defendant's aggravated kidnaping conviction and affirmed his kidnaping conviction, we remand the cause for sentencing on the kidnaping conviction. See People v. Claybourn, 221 Ill.App.3d 1071, 164 Ill. Dec. 403, 582 N.E.2d 1347 (1991).
Affirmed in part and vacated in part; cause remanded.
HOLDRIDGE and HOMER, JJ., concur.
|
Is there a strong case for sale with a "loophole" to attach a lanyard for galaxy s8 plus?
I have searched and searched a for a super protective case (for my Samsung Galaxy s8 plus) that has a stick out area on the case that has a hole in the middle of the stick out area so I can loop a lanyard through it. I like to have my phone handy so I can quickly access it in order to take photos, so I want a strong case with which I can attach a lanyard. I see cases like I want for other makes and/or models that have the area to attach a lanyard but have yet to find one for the Samsung Galaxy s8 plus that include the "loop" for a lanyard. Most of the cases I have seen that have the place to attach a lanyard have the "loop" in the corner of the case, which is fine by me. Does anyone know of such a case and if so, can you please indicate where I can buy one?
Thanks for your assistance!
I don't really have that kind of answer for you but I like a handle too, especially when I'm taking pictures where it might be easy to drop and lose my phone over water or a balcony or something. I have taken the leather strap handle that came with my camera that has a strong clasp on the end of it, and attached that to the part of my case that has the hole at the bottom middle center where the charger attaches. This looks nerdy but I don't care. I love having the added security of not dropping my phone. Hope this helps!
I've never seen any "strong" case for any phone like that, but a strong case with a belt clip holster would probably work. (The Otterbox Defender definitely would. And if you do happen to drop the phone, unless there's a little rock right where you drop it, it's not going to bother either the case or the phone. (I've done worse than just dropping a phone that was in a Defender case - things that would shatter the entire phone, not just the screen, if it hadn't been in the case.)
I just bought these S8 and was searching for cases. I did see one on Amazon with a lanyard hole built in during my search...don't remember much about it other than it was ruggedized and had the lanyard hole.
I just got the Zizo Bolt case for my S8+ and it has a small slit in the upper left corner to attach the lanyard to but it seems like it was an afterthought and not really designed into the case. If you loop the lanyard clip through the slit it just flops around plus you have to remove the phone from the case to put the lanyard clip through. This should be built-in to any decent caseby design. |
IN THE NEBRASKA COURT OF APPEALS
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND JUDGMENT ON APPEAL
(Memorandum Web Opinion)
IN RE ESTATE OF HOWARD
NOTICE: THIS OPINION IS NOT DESIGNATED FOR PERMANENT PUBLICATION
AND MAY NOT BE CITED EXCEPT AS PROVIDED BY NEB. CT. R. APP. P. § 2-102(E).
IN RE ESTATE OF ROBERT EUGENE HOWARD, DECEASED.
JUDY FORRESTOR, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE, APPELLEE,
V.
JOHN HOWARD, APPELLANT.
Filed October 3, 2017. No. A-15-648.
Appeal from the County Court for Douglas County: MARCENA M. HENDRIX, Judge.
Affirmed.
Martin A. Cannon, of Cannon Law Office, for appellant.
Richard W. Whitworth, of Reagan, Melton & Delaney, L.L.P., for appellee.
MOORE, Chief Judge, and RIEDMANN and BISHOP, Judges.
BISHOP, Judge.
INTRODUCTION
Following the death of Robert Eugene Howard (Robert), his nephew, John Howard (John),
objected to the personal representative’s inclusion of $25,228.03 derived from two of Robert’s
bank accounts into the estate inventory. John claimed Robert gifted to him all the funds within
these accounts prior to his death. John appeals from the decision of the county court for Douglas
County which concluded Robert did not gift the funds to John, John had no entitlement to the
accounts, and the bank accounts were estate assets. The court further ordered that John was
excluded from the distribution of the remaining assets of Robert’s estate. We affirm.
-1-
BACKGROUND
Robert died intestate on May 21, 2011. He was unmarried, without issue, and was preceded
in death by six siblings. He was survived by two sisters, Judy Forrestor (Judy) and Annabelle
Powell (Annabelle), and a number of nieces and nephews and their children. Annabelle
subsequently died, leaving Judy as the only surviving sibling. Judy became personal representative
of Robert’s estate in September 2011. Judy filed a “Formal Petition for Complete Settlement after
Formal Intestate Proceeding” on August 20, 2014. The final accounting later received by the
county court shows the assets in the estate totaled $28,408.03, of which $25,228.03 was “Cash
from Bank Account.” After deductions for obligations of the estate, the remaining balance for
proposed distribution was $25,045.99. Not counting a proposed attorney fee, the “Revised
Proposed Schedule of Distribution” reflects 22 other distributees standing to inherit between 1/7
and 1/84 of the estate. The distributee list includes John, but states for his share, “No
distribution - took cash withdrawals from bank [account] prior to proceedings[.]” It also includes
John’s sister, Peggy Smith (Peggy), and states for her share, “No distribution - took control of
personal property in residence and sold[.]”
On February 26, 2015, a hearing took place on the petition and John’s objection to closing
the estate (the objection is not in our record). Judy, John, and Peggy were the only witnesses. A
summary of their testimony follows.
Peggy said Robert was her favorite uncle. “[H]e was around more probably than anybody
else” and “he was just a nice guy. He had a nice temperament. And he’d come over for dinner all
the time.” Robert would come over to her father’s frequently, or sometimes he would call and ask
Peggy and her husband, Murray Smith (Murray), to dinner. After her father passed away, Peggy
described seeing Robert once or twice a month. She also mentioned that Robert “especially liked”
John.
John testified that, growing up, he remembered Robert visiting and helping with projects
like pouring sidewalks or fixing the roof. John said, as an adult, “I suppose, really, after my father
passed away, I really had no true family role model so [Robert] was it.” John acknowledged he
had a felony conviction on a drug charge in 2001 for which he did jail time. When asked if he had
other convictions, John responded, “Oh, probably many,” and he noted two felonies, which
included another drug-related charge. John believed his involvement with Robert helped him
behave himself.
For the two years prior to Robert’s death, John said he visited Robert at home and the two
often went out to eat at a café or another restaurant. Robert and John met for breakfast at the café
every Sunday, and they would only contact each other during the week if one of them had to cancel
the breakfast.
One Sunday in May 2011, Robert was not at the café and he had not canceled. John asked
café employees if Robert had arrived and left before John’s arrival. Upon learning Robert had not
been to the café, John called Robert’s house, but no one answered the phone. John then drove to
Robert’s home and knocked on the door. John noticed three days of newspapers remained on the
porch and said “that’s when I started getting a bad feeling.”
-2-
John left and continued with plans to celebrate Mother’s Day with his sister, “Jeanne.”
Later in the day, John discussed his concerns about Robert with Jeanne. After speaking with
Jeanne, John went to O’Rourke Apartments, where Robert worked as a maintenance engineer, and
confirmed Robert had been to his last scheduled shift on the preceding Friday. Jeanne called Peggy,
who in turn called area hospitals and learned Robert had been admitted to the Nebraska Medical
Center. Peggy recalled this being “[a]t least a week” before Robert’s death.
Peggy stated when she saw Robert at the hospital that Sunday or possibly the very next
day, Robert was capable of expressing himself and understanding what was going on. Peggy
claimed Robert “wanted me and, I believe, my sister and brother to make decisions.” Peggy
claimed to have gone to the hospital every day and visit for hours between Mother’s Day and
Robert’s death on May 21, 2011. Peggy said she did not talk to Robert about finances prior to his
hospitalization, but in the past she and “all the members of my family” talked to Robert about
having a will because “somebody should get his estate instead of the actual State, as my dad would
say.” When asked if Robert revealed to her what he wanted to have happen to his property in the
event of his death, Peggy stated that “[h]e revealed it on a piece of paper, and he told my husband
by giving him the deed to his house.” Peggy testified Exhibit 7 was a “piece of paper that the nurse
had given us to put there in case people wanted to write things if [Robert] was gone or in - asleep,
so they could say that they stopped by or whatever.” Apparently, “[s]ometime down the road,”
Robert had a tube in his throat making it difficult to speak. Peggy did not recall whether Judy was
contacted only after Robert was intubated; she did recall it was several days after Robert was in
the hospital before Judy was called.
John said he went to visit Robert every day after learning about his hospitalization,
spending at least 2-1/2 hours there each day. Several days after Robert was admitted, John’s
brother-in-law, Murray, called and told John that Robert wanted to see him. John went to the
hospital after the phone call. During this visit, John stated Robert gave him two plastic debit cards
and two paper bank cards displaying account numbers. These cards provided access to Robert’s
money market and checking accounts at Bank of the West. John also claimed Robert provided the
PIN numbers for each card.
With the cards and the PIN numbers, John could withdraw funds from Robert’s respective
bank accounts using an “ATM machine.” Robert died on May 21, 2011. Between May 23 and June
6, John withdrew $4,803.00 from Robert’s checking account in 16 separate withdrawals. Each
withdrawal during this period was approximately $300, the maximum withdrawal allowed “at any
given time.” John withdrew $900 on May 23; $300 on May 24; $300 on May 25; $300 on May
26; $303 on May 27; $1,200 on May 31; $300 on June 1; $300 on June 2; $300 on June 3; and
$600 on June 6.
John said he made the first $300 withdrawal with Jeanne and gave the money to Judy for
funeral expenses. John testified he believed he was entitled to withdraw money from the accounts,
but did not provide an explanation for the remaining withdrawals. From the time of Robert’s death
(May 2011) until Judy was appointed as personal representative (September 2011), John
maintained control of the bank cards. Eventually, John gave the cards to other people, one to Judy
and the other to his sister, Jeanne. John did not believe giving the cards to his family members
relinquished his right to the money in the accounts, but Judy and Jeanne never returned the cards.
-3-
Judy included the value of the bank accounts associated with the two cards in the value of the
estate.
Judy testified that, as personal representative, she closed Robert’s personal accounts at
Bank of the West and transferred the funds into an estate account. Judy said when she closed
Robert’s accounts at Bank of the West, the only name on Robert’s personal accounts was his own;
there was no other beneficiary listed. She also collected and sold Robert’s personal property, and
filed a final accounting and a proposed distribution with the court.
On March 4, 2015, the county court entered a “Formal Order for Complete Settlement after
Formal Intestate Proceeding.” In relevant part, the court approved the final accounting and
schedule of distribution, and overruled John’s objection to including the bank account funds in the
estate. The court found the bank accounts were estate assets, Robert did not gift the funds to John,
John had no right to any portion of the funds, and John should be excluded from the distribution
of the estate. John filed a motion (March 2) and amended motion (March 9) for new trial; the
county court’s order denying the same was filed on May 6. John timely appealed.
ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR
John assigns, reordered and restated, that the county court erred by (1) determining Robert
did not gift the cash from his bank accounts to John, and (2) excluding certain testimony and a
handwritten note from evidence.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
In the absence of an equity question, an appellate court, reviewing probate matters,
examines for error appearing on the record made in the county court. In re Estate of Krumwiede,
264 Neb. 378, 647 N.W.2d 625 (2002). When reviewing a judgment for errors appearing on the
record, the inquiry is whether the decision conforms to the law, is supported by competent
evidence, and is neither arbitrary, capricious, nor unreasonable. In re Estate of Muncillo, 280 Neb.
669, 789 N.W.2d 37 (2010).
When the Nebraska Evidence Rules commit the evidentiary question at issue to the
discretion of the trial court, we review the admissibility of evidence for an abuse of discretion.
Japp v. Papio-Missouri River NRD, 273 Neb. 779, 733 N.W.2d 551 (2007). In a civil case, the
admission or exclusion of evidence is not reversible error unless it unfairly prejudiced a substantial
right of the complaining party. Moreno v. City of Gering, 293 Neb. 320, 878 N.W.2d 529 (2016).
ANALYSIS
Gift of Cash in Bank Accounts.
John claims Robert gifted his bank accounts to him as evidenced by Robert giving him the
debit cards and their PIN numbers. John argues that Robert’s actions met the requirements for a
valid gift: “[Robert] physically delivered the plastic debit cards. He physically or verbally
furnished the personal identification numbers. At that point, he had given John unfettered access
to funds, not dependent upon any further human action or approval.” Brief for appellant at 20
(emphasis in original). John also suggests that there was “nothing more that [Robert] could have
-4-
done to effect such a gift from his bed.” Id. (emphasis in original). Further, John asserts that “the
donor [Robert] retained nothing.” Id. at 21 (emphasis in original).
To make a valid and effective gift inter vivos, there must be an intention to transfer title to
the property, and a delivery by the donor and acceptance by the donee. Ferer v. Aaron Ferer &
Sons Co., 273 Neb. 701, 732 N.W.2d 667 (2007). The person asserting the gift must prove all the
essential elements by clear, direct, positive, express, and unambiguous evidence. Id. Dominion
over and title to the gift must pass to the donee by the voluntary, intentional act of the donor.
Johnson v. Omaha Loan & Bldg. Ass’n, 128 Neb. 37, 257 N.W. 370 (1934). It must be such a
delivery as will wholly pass title to the property which is the subject-matter of the gift and place it
entirely beyond the control and dominion of the donor. Id.
Judy argues the ATM cards only represented a means of access to the funds within the
accounts, not title to or ownership of the funds within the accounts. She asserts that because Robert
maintained title and dominion over the bank accounts after John gained access through the debit
cards, Robert did not gift the accounts to John. Judy claims, “At best, [John] had a limited agency
during his uncle’s life, which terminated at his uncle’s death.” Brief for appellee at 13. We agree.
Any statements made by Robert allegedly giving John the money in his bank accounts are
irrelevant insofar as such statements would not affect Robert’s ownership of his accounts or his
ability to access or restrict access to the funds in those accounts. To the extent Robert’s alleged
action of giving John the debit cards and PIN numbers to his bank accounts could be construed to
give John some kind of temporary agency authority over the accounts, the death of the sole party
or last surviving party of a bank account terminates the authority of an agent. See Krzycki v.
Krzycki, 284 Neb. 729, 824 N.W.2d 659 (2012). See, also, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2720(c) (Reissue
2016).
There was no evidence presented that Robert’s accounts were anything other than
single-party accounts, nor was there any evidence that John, or anyone else, was named as a
beneficiary payable upon death or otherwise. All such personal bank accounts are subject to
statutes governing nonprobate transfers of accounts, and only if a contract of deposit does not
conform to the statutory forms provided in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2719(a) (Reissue 2016), can
evidence be presented on the issue of the intent of the depositor. See Krzycki, supra. An account
“means a contract of deposit between a depositor and a financial institution, and includes a
checking account, savings account, certificate of deposit, and share account.” Neb. Rev. Stat.
§ 30-2716(1) (Reissue 2016). An “[a]gent means a person authorized to make account transactions
for a party.” § 30-2716(2). The amount on deposit in a single-party account without a payable on
death designation is transferred as part of the decedent’s estate. See Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2723(c)
(Reissue 2016). The type of account held by the decedent may be altered by written notice by a
party to the financial institution, and the “notice must be signed by a party and received by the
financial institution during the party’s lifetime.” Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2724(a) (Reissue 2016).
There was no evidence received to indicate Robert’s bank accounts were anything other
than single-party accounts as set forth in § 30-2719(a). Therefore, any alteration to such an account,
including making a payable upon death designation, must be made by written notice to the financial
institution during the party’s lifetime. See § 30-2724(a). That was not done here.
-5-
Accordingly, John’s mere possession of Robert’s debit cards and PIN numbers does not
qualify as a valid and effective inter vivos gift, as such possession did not constitute a delivery that
wholly passed title to the bank accounts, nor placed those accounts entirely beyond the control and
dominion of Robert. See Johnson, supra. John’s lack of control over those bank accounts following
Robert’s death was evidenced by his own testimony that he eventually turned the debit cards over
to Judy and Jeanne. Since the accounts remained solely titled in Robert’s name, the accounts were
transferred to Robert’s estate upon his death as required by law. See § 30-2723(c). John failed to
prove all the essential elements of an inter vivos gift by clear, direct, positive, express, and
unambiguous evidence. See Ferer, supra.
Excluded Evidence.
John claims the trial court improperly excluded certain testimony and exhibit 7. He argues
he and Peggy should have been allowed to testify that Robert told them he wanted John to have
all the money in his bank accounts, and Exhibit 7 should have been admitted as further evidence
of this.
As to the excluded testimony, John’s trial counsel made an offer of proof that Peggy “would
testify that the decedent explained to her that he would like her husband to receive his home and
that he would like her brother, the plaintiff here, John, and herself to receive the money in his bank
accounts.” Another offer of proof was made that John would testify Robert told him he “wanted
John and his sister, Peggy, to have the money in those accounts.” Finally, an offer of proof was
made that if John was “allowed to testify, he would testify his uncle gave him the PIN numbers
because he wanted him to have all the money in the accounts.” Hearsay objections were sustained
as to this evidence.
Exhibit 7 is a lined piece of paper that displays the Nebraska Medical Center logo and is
marked “Progress Notes” at the bottom. It displays at least four different types of handwriting
using highlighter, pencil, and pen. The exhibit bears no signs it belonged to Robert or was in his
exclusive possession. Robert did not sign his name anywhere on the document. The document
displays two sentences of pencil handwriting which John asserts were written by Robert: “quick
deed on house 1301 So. Ave [sic] 51 ave” and “call John I want him to get money out of of [sic]
back [sic] him & peg.” Judy objected to the admission of exhibit 7 based on hearsay, foundation,
and authentication.
John argues the excluded testimony and exhibit should have been admitted over hearsay
objections because they fall under hearsay exceptions for state of mind and admissions against
pecuniary interest. However, we need not address John’s evidentiary arguments, because even if
the challenged evidence had been admitted, the outcome of the case would have been the same.
The admission or exclusion of evidence is not reversible error unless it unfairly prejudiced
a substantial right of the complaining party. Moreno v. City of Gering, 293 Neb. 320, 878 N.W.2d
529 (2016). The exclusion of the noted evidence in this case cannot be said to have prejudiced any
substantial right belonging to John because any evidence of Robert’s intent to gift his bank
accounts is irrelevant in light of statutory restrictions on how such accounts must be transferred
upon the account owner’s death. As previously discussed, Robert’s personal bank accounts were
subject to statutes governing nonprobate transfers of such accounts. Therefore, regardless of
-6-
Robert’s intent to gift the money in his bank accounts (as allegedly expressed verbally by Robert
or through exhibit 7), when John took possession of the debit cards, any temporary agency
authority over the accounts John may have had to access Robert’s bank accounts while Robert was
alive would have terminated upon Robert’s death. As set forth above, the death of the sole party
or last surviving party of a bank account terminates the authority of an agent. See Krzycki, supra.
See, also, § 30-2720(c). The balances remaining in Robert’s accounts were transferred as part of
the decedent’s estate by operation of law. See Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-2723(c). Robert’s intent with
regard to his bank accounts is irrelevant since the law specifically states how any balance
remaining in such accounts upon death must be transferred. The only time evidence of intent with
regard to such bank accounts is relevant and can be presented is if a bank account does not conform
to the statutory forms provided in § 30-2719(a). There is no evidence of lack of conformity to the
statute in the present matter. Section 30-2719(a) provides for single-party and multiple-party
accounts, and also provides that ownership of a single-party account passes as part of a party’s
estate upon death of the party. Accordingly, assuming without deciding the challenged evidence
should have been admitted, any error in the county court’s exclusion of this evidence is not
reversible error. The exclusion did not unfairly prejudice a substantial right of the complaining
party (John) in that admission of the evidence would not have changed the outcome.
CONCLUSION
For the reasons set forth above, the decision of the county court is affirmed.
AFFIRMED.
-7-
|
[Code]
{This code section is included into the main script and keeps the
important environment functions separate from it. There should be no need
to change this.}
function ExpandEnvironmentStrings(Src: String; Dst: String; Size: DWord): DWord;
external 'ExpandEnvironmentStringsW@kernel32.dll stdcall delayload';
function SendMessageTimeout(Hwnd, Msg, WParam: LongInt; LParam: String; Flags, Timeout: LongInt; lpdwResult: DWord): DWord;
external 'SendMessageTimeoutW@user32.dll stdcall delayload';
function EnvAdd(Hive: Integer; Name, Value, Masked: String): Integer; forward;
function EnvRemove(Hive: Integer; Name, Value, Masked: String): Integer; forward;
function AddPathSeparator(Path: String): String; forward;
function AddToPath(Hive: Integer; Value: String): Integer; forward;
function RemoveFromPath(Hive: Integer; Value: String): Integer; forward;
function WriteRegistryPath(Hive: Integer; const Key, Path: String): Integer; forward;
function GetRawPath(Hive: Integer; var Value: String): Boolean; forward;
function SplitPath(Value: String): TArrayOfString; forward;
function GetPathKeyForHive(Hive: Integer): String; forward;
function GetHiveName(Hive: Integer): String; forward;
function IsPathEnv(Name: String): Boolean; forward;
function NormalizePath(const Value: String): String; forward;
function GetSafePathList(Hive: Integer): TSafeList; forward;
procedure SetSafePathList(const RawPath: String; var SafeList: TSafeList); forward;
function DirectoryInPath(Directory: String; SafeList: TSafeList): Boolean; forward;
function SearchPath(SafeList: TSafeList; const Cmd: String): String; forward;
function SearchPathEx(SafeList: TSafeList; const Cmd: String; var Index: Integer): String; forward;
procedure DbgEnv(Action, Hive: Integer; Name, Value, Masked: String); forward;
procedure DbgPath(Action, Hive: Integer; Value: String); forward;
procedure DbgError(Name: String); forward;
procedure NotifyEnvironmentChange; forward;
const
ENV_CHANGED = 0;
ENV_NONE = 1;
ENV_FAILED = 2;
ENV_ADD = 100;
ENV_REMOVE = 101;
ENV_KEY_PATH = 'PATH';
function EnvAdd(Hive: Integer; Name, Value, Masked: String): Integer;
var
Key: String;
Existing: String;
Res: Boolean;
begin
if IsPathEnv(Name) then
begin
Result := AddToPath(Hive, Value);
Exit;
end;
Key := GetPathKeyForHive(Hive);
if RegQueryStringValue(Hive, Key, Name, Existing) then
begin
if CompareText(Existing, Value) = 0 then
begin
Result := ENV_NONE;
Exit;
end;
end;
DbgEnv(ENV_ADD, Hive, Name, Value, Masked);
Existing := Value;
{See if we are expandable}
if StringChangeEx(Existing, '%', '', True) = 2 then
Res := RegWriteExpandStringValue(Hive, Key, Name, Value)
else
Res := RegWriteStringValue(Hive, Key, Name, Value);
if Res then
Result := ENV_CHANGED
else
begin
Result := ENV_FAILED;
DbgError(Name);
end;
end;
function EnvRemove(Hive: Integer; Name, Value, Masked: String): Integer;
var
Key: String;
begin
if IsPathEnv(Name) then
begin
Result := RemoveFromPath(Hive, Value);
Exit;
end;
Key := GetPathKeyForHive(Hive);
if not RegValueExists(Hive, Key, Name) then
begin
Result := ENV_NONE;
Exit;
end;
DbgEnv(ENV_REMOVE, Hive, Name, Value, Masked);
if RegDeleteValue(Hive, Key, Name) then
Result := ENV_CHANGED
else
begin
Result := ENV_FAILED;
DbgError(Name);
end;
end;
function AddPathSeparator(Path: String): String;
begin
if (Path <> '') and (Path[Length(Path)] <> ';') then
Result := Path + ';'
else
Result := Path;
end;
{Appends a value to the specific registry path if it does not already exist}
function AddToPath(Hive: Integer; Value: String): Integer;
var
SafeDirectory: String;
SafeList: TSafeList;
Key: String;
Path: String;
begin
{NormalizePath UNC expands the path and removes any trailing backslash}
SafeDirectory := NormalizePath(Value);
{We exit if NormalizePath failed and/or we have no value}
if SafeDirectory = '' then
begin
Result := ENV_FAILED;
Exit;
end;
{Get a list of normalized path entries}
SafeList := GetSafePathList(Hive);
{See if our directory is already in the path}
if DirectoryInPath(SafeDirectory, SafeList) then
begin
Result := ENV_NONE;
Exit;
end;
{Get the current path values from registry}
Key := GetPathKeyForHive(Hive);
Path := '';
RegQueryStringValue(Hive, Key, ENV_KEY_PATH, Path);
DbgPath(ENV_ADD, Hive, SafeDirectory);
{Add our new value to the end of the path}
Path := AddPathSeparator(Path) + SafeDirectory;
Result := WriteRegistryPath(Hive, Key, Path);
end;
{Removes all matching values from the specific registry path}
function RemoveFromPath(Hive: Integer; Value: String): Integer;
var
SafeDirectory: String;
RawList: TArrayOfString;
Key: String;
CurrentPath: String;
NewPath: String;
I: Integer;
SafePath: String;
FoundEntry: Boolean;
begin
{NormalizePath UNC expands the path and removes any trailing backslash}
SafeDirectory := NormalizePath(Value);
{We exit if NormalizePath failed}
if SafeDirectory = '' then
begin
Result := ENV_FAILED;
Exit;
end;
{Paranoid check to make sure we are not removing a system path - should not happen}
if Pos(AnsiLowercase(GetSystemDir()), AnsiLowercase(SafeDirectory)) = 1 then
begin
Result := ENV_FAILED;
Exit;
end;
{Get the current path values from registry. If we fail, we have not got any}
Key := GetPathKeyForHive(Hive);
CurrentPath := '';
if not GetRawPath(Hive, CurrentPath) then
begin
Result := ENV_NONE;
Exit;
end;
DbgPath(ENV_REMOVE, Hive, SafeDirectory);
{Split current path into a list of raw entries}
RawList := SplitPath(CurrentPath);
NewPath := '';
FoundEntry := False;
for I := 0 to GetArrayLength(RawList) - 1 do
begin
{Normalize each raw entry - will be blank if we cannot expand it}
SafePath := NormalizePath(RawList[I]);
{Add each raw entry if normalize failed or if it does not match the directory we are removing}
if (SafePath = '') or (CompareText(SafePath, SafeDirectory) <> 0) then
NewPath := AddPathSeparator(NewPath) + RawList[I]
else
FoundEntry := True;
end;
{See if we found the entry we want to remove}
if not FoundEntry then
Result := ENV_NONE
else
Result := WriteRegistryPath(Hive, Key, NewPath);
end;
function WriteRegistryPath(Hive: Integer; const Key, Path: String): Integer;
var
Res: Boolean;
begin
if Path <> '' then
Res := RegWriteExpandStringValue(Hive, Key, ENV_KEY_PATH, Path)
else
begin
{We can delete the PATH key if we have an empty User PATH}
if Hive = HKCU then
Res := RegDeleteValue(Hive, Key, ENV_KEY_PATH)
else
Res := RegWriteExpandStringValue(Hive, Key, ENV_KEY_PATH, Path);
end;
if Res then
Result := ENV_CHANGED
else
begin
Result := ENV_FAILED;
DbgError(ENV_KEY_PATH);
end;
end;
function GetRawPath(Hive: Integer; var Value: String): Boolean;
var
Key: String;
begin
Value := '';
Key := GetPathKeyForHive(Hive);
Result := RegQueryStringValue(Hive, Key, ENV_KEY_PATH, Value);
end;
function SplitPath(Value: String): TArrayOfString;
var
Index: Integer;
Count: Integer;
Next: Integer;
begin
Count := 0;
Next := 0;
repeat
Index := Pos(';', Value);
if Next = Count then
begin
Count := Count + 20;
SetArrayLength(Result, Count);
end;
if Index > 0 then
begin
Result[Next] := Copy(Value, 1, Index - 1);
Value := Copy(Value, Index + 1, Length(Value));
end
else
begin
Result[Next] := Value;
Value := '';
end;
Inc(Next);
until Length(Value) = 0;
if Next < Count then
SetArrayLength(Result, Next);
end;
function GetPathKeyForHive(Hive: Integer): String;
begin
if Hive = HKLM then
Result := 'SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Environment'
else
Result := 'Environment';
end;
function GetHiveName(Hive: Integer): String;
begin
if Hive = HKLM then
Result := 'HKLM'
else
Result := 'HKCU';
end;
{Returns true if the subkey name is for the PATH value}
function IsPathEnv(Name: String): Boolean;
begin
Result := CompareText(ENV_KEY_PATH, Name) = 0;
end;
function NormalizePath(const Value: String): String;
var
Path: String;
ResSize: DWord;
Expanded: String;
begin
Result := '';
Path := Trim(Value);
StringChangeEx(Path, '/', '\', True);
{See if we have any %variables%}
if Pos('%', Path) <> 0 then
begin
Expanded := '';
ResSize := ExpandEnvironmentStrings(Path, Expanded, 0);
if ResSize = 0 then
Exit;
SetLength(Expanded, ResSize);
if ExpandEnvironmentStrings(Path, Expanded, ResSize) <> ResSize then
Exit;
Path := TrimRight(Expanded);
{Check that expanded Path does not contain path-separators}
if Pos(';', Path) <> 0 then
Exit;
end;
{Check that we are a suitable path to expand (^[A-Z]:.*), or a UNC name (^\\.*) - not a complete check}
if (Length(Path) >= 3) and (Path[2] = ':') and (Uppercase(Path[1]) >= 'A') and (Uppercase(Path[1]) <= 'Z') then
begin
Path := ExpandUNCFileName(Path);
{Inno versions < 6 returned garbage with paths > 259 characters, which could cause a crash}
if Pos(#0, Path) <> 0 then
Exit;
end
else if (Length(Path) < 3) or (Pos('\\', Path) <> 1) then
Exit;
Result := RemoveBackslashUnlessRoot(Path);
end;
function GetSafePathList(Hive: Integer): TSafeList;
var
Path: String;
begin
if not GetRawPath(Hive, Path) then
Exit;
SetSafePathList(Path, Result);
end;
procedure SetSafePathList(const RawPath: String; var SafeList: TSafeList);
var
RawList: TArrayOfString;
Next: Integer;
I: Integer;
SafePath: String;
begin
RawList := SplitPath(RawPath);
SetArrayLength(SafeList, GetArrayLength(RawList));
Next := 0;
for I := 0 to GetArrayLength(RawList) - 1 do
begin
SafePath := NormalizePath(RawList[I]);
if SafePath <> '' then
begin
SafeList[Next] := SafePath;
Inc(Next);
end;
end;
SetArrayLength(SafeList, Next);
end;
{Returns true if the directory is found in the array of path entries}
function DirectoryInPath(Directory: String; SafeList: TSafeList): Boolean;
var
SafeDirectory: String;
I: Integer;
begin
Result := False;
SafeDirectory := NormalizePath(Directory);
if SafeDirectory = '' then
Exit;
for I := 0 to GetArrayLength(SafeList) - 1 do
begin
if CompareText(SafeList[I], SafeDirectory) = 0 then
begin
Result := True;
Exit;
end;
end;
end;
{Returns the full filename if a command is found in the array of path entries}
function SearchPath(SafeList: TSafeList; const Cmd: String): String;
var
Index: Integer;
begin
Result := SearchPathEx(SafeList, Cmd, Index);
end;
{Returns the full filename if a command is found in the array of path entries.
Index is an in-out param that is used to set the start index of the search and
the index of the found entry, or -1 if no entry is found.}
function SearchPathEx(SafeList: TSafeList; const Cmd: String; var Index: Integer): String;
var
Start: Integer;
I: Integer;
Path: String;
Filename: String;
OldState: Boolean;
begin
Result := '';
if Index < 0 then
Start := 0
else
Start := Index;
Index := -1;
{Ensure we search in the native system directories}
if IsWin64 then
OldState := EnableFsRedirection(False);
try
for I := Start to GetArrayLength(SafeList) - 1 do
begin
Path := SafeList[I];
Filename := AddBackslash(Path) + Cmd;
if FileExists(Filename) then
begin
Result := Filename;
Index := I;
Exit;
end;
end;
finally
if IsWin64 then
EnableFsRedirection(OldState);
end;
end;
procedure DbgEnv(Action, Hive: Integer; Name, Value, Masked: String);
var
Path: String;
Prefix: String;
begin
Path := Format('%s\%s', [GetHiveName(Hive), GetPathKeyForHive(Hive)]);
Name := Format('%s%s%s', [#39, Name, #39]);
if NotEmpty(Masked) then
Value := Masked;
Value := Format(' with value %s%s%s', [#39, Value, #39]);
if Action = ENV_ADD then
Prefix := Format('Adding %s%s to', [Name, Value])
else
Prefix := Format('Removing %s%s from', [Name, Value]);
Debug(Format('%s [%s]', [Prefix, Path]));
end;
procedure DbgError(Name: String);
begin
Debug(Format('Failed to update %s value', [Name]));
end;
procedure DbgPath(Action, Hive: Integer; Value: String);
var
Path: String;
Prefix: String;
begin
Path := Format('%s\%s\%s', [GetHiveName(Hive), GetPathKeyForHive(Hive), ENV_KEY_PATH]);
if Action = ENV_ADD then
Prefix := Format('Adding %s%s%s to', [#39, Value, #39])
else
Prefix := Format('Removing %s%s%s from', [#39, Value, #39]);
Debug(Format('%s [%s]', [Prefix, Path]));
end;
procedure NotifyEnvironmentChange;
var
Res: DWORD;
begin
{WM_SETTINGCHANGE = $1A; SMTO_ABORTIFHUNG = $2;}
SendMessageTimeout(HWND_BROADCAST, $1A, 0, 'Environment', $2, 2000, Res);
end;
|
From the Richmond Whig, 4/17/1865
Marine Accident. – The steamer D. R.
Marston, on her trip up the river on Friday, at half-past six
o’clock, P. M., when abreast of Drewry’s Bluff, in the sluice where
the tide makes down very strong, ran afoul of one of the sunken
Confederate vessels. The collision smashed in her starboard wheel
house, breaking the wheel stanchions, rail and frame, and carrying
away the water closet and baggage room. No life was lost or personal
damage done. |
Senate Resolves To Probe Paris Club Refunds, Others
ABUJA, OCTOBER 20, 2017 – The Senate on Thursday resolved to probe how the Paris Club Refunds and other bailout funds to state governors by President Muhammadu Buhari were approved.
The Senate’s decision followed a point of order raised by Senator Samuel Anyanwu (PDP- Imo) during plenary, who afterwards, sought the leave of the Senate to move a motion on the matter during the next legislative day.
He queried the legality of the funds given to governors by Buhari.
The President of the Senate, Sen. Bukola Saraki, sought and got the leave of his colleagues and approved that the proper motion be brought by Anyanwu, to the floor on another legislative day.
The Federal Government had released the breakdown of payments to the 36 states as refund of “over-deductions on Paris Club, London Club Loans and Multilateral debts on the accounts of States and Local Governments (1995-2002).”
The latest payment was the second tranche of the refunds to the states with a total of N243.8 billion released to the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory.
Buhari, while releasing the N243.80 billion as second tranche of Paris Club refund to states, urged the governors to use a major part of the funds to offset salaries, pensions and other allowances of workers. |
Cerebral aneurysm rupture causes subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), which is associated with a high mortality due to its secondary complications, including hemorrhage, hydrocephalus and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI).^[@bib1],\ [@bib2],\ [@bib3]^ Therapeutic interventions against the secondary complications, especially DCI, are yet limited, as the pathological mechanism underlying that is not fully understood.^[@bib2],\ [@bib3],\ [@bib4],\ [@bib5],\ [@bib6],\ [@bib7]^ Current hypotheses of the development of the secondary complications mainly include cerebral vasospasm (CVS) and the microcirculation disturbance, as well as parenchymal arterial lesions, microthrombosis and neuroinflammation.^[@bib1],\ [@bib2],\ [@bib4],\ [@bib7],\ [@bib8],\ [@bib9]^
Previous studies have shown that the blockade of cerebral lymphatic drainage deteriorated the secondary cerebral ischemia after SAH, suggesting that the cerebral lymphatic drainage pathway could be involved in the pathological mechanism of SAH.^[@bib10],\ [@bib11]^ However, the central nervous system (CNS) was considered lack of a conventional lymphatic drainage system in the past. Recently, several studies have shown that the brain has in fact the proper lymphatic system, including sinus-associated lymphatic vessels and the glymphatic system (GS).^[@bib12],\ [@bib13],\ [@bib14],\ [@bib15]^ Sinus-associated lymphatic vessels express all of the molecular hallmarks of lymphatic endothelial cells, contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and immune cells, and drain into the deep cervical lymph nodes.^[@bib12],\ [@bib13]^
There is a histologically defined space in the brain, the Virchow--Robin space, where the subarachnoid space meets the paravascular space (or perivascular space in somewhere, PVS).^[@bib16]^ The GS is a specialized brain-wide anatomic structure locating at the PVS surrounding the brain vasculature, which is ensheathed with the astroglial endfeet and astroglial water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4).^[@bib14],\ [@bib15]^ The GS facilitates the efficient lymphatic clearance of extracellular solutes and fluid in the brain through astroglial-mediated interstitial fluid bulk flow.^[@bib14]^
Impairment of GS involves neurological conditions including traumatic brain injuries,^[@bib17]^ ischemic stroke^[@bib18]^ and aged brain.^[@bib19]^ Interestingly, brain imaging study with magnetic resonance imaging reported weakened GS perfusion following acute stroke or SAH.^[@bib18],\ [@bib20]^ However, little is known about whether the GS is involved in the secondary complications of SAH. Here, we examined the potential involvement of GS in SAH-associated pathology progression with *in vivo* two-photon microscopy and CLARITY technique.^[@bib21],\ [@bib22]^ Our data showed that subarachnoid blood flowed into the brain parenchyma rapidly through the PVS, causing CVS, vasculitis, widespread microinfraction and neuroinflammation in the animal model of SAH and SAH patients. Prevention of CVS with Fasudil^[@bib23]^ did not improve the neurological impairment nor alleviated the pathology, while the PVS clearance with tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) infusion improved the behavioral recovery and reduced neuroinflammation in the brain. Interestingly, AQP4^−/−^ mice showed no improvements in neurological deficits and neuroinflammation at day 7 after SAH compared with WT control mice. Our study therefore suggested that the paravacular pathway dynamically mediates the pathological complications following acute SAH independently of glymphatic control.
Results
=======
Intracranial pressure and physiological parameters monitoring
-------------------------------------------------------------
SAH-induced elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) was considered closely related to early brain injury, decrease of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and global cerebral ischemia after SAH. To control the SAH-induced elevated ICP, we performed a decompressive (DC) thinned-skull window over both hemispheres before SAH as shown in [Figure 1a](#fig1){ref-type="fig"}. Different from the conventional thinned-skull window for microscopic observation (a 2 × 2 mm^2^ region over the target hemisphere), the decompressive thinned-skull window was generated over both hemispheres and much larger in area (4 × 4 mm^2^). The injection of blood or artificial CSF (aCSF) resulted in an immediate increase in ICP (from a baseline of 5.14 mm Hg to \>25 mm Hg; *P*\<0.001 *versus* Pre-SAH; [Figure 1c](#fig1){ref-type="fig"}). After 30 min and later on, ICP was significantly decreased in the animal with DC compare with the control ([Figure 1c](#fig1){ref-type="fig"}), indicating that the bilateral decompressive thinned-skull window effectively decreased the SAH-induced elevated ICP.
After two-photon microscopy *in vivo* imaging, physiological parameters (mean arterial blood pressure, blood gases, electrolytes and blood glucose) did not differ between SAH and sham-operated animals, indicating comparable physiological conditions in all investigated animals ([Table 1](#tbl1){ref-type="table"}).
Subarachnoid blood flows into brain parenchyma via paravascular pathways after SAH
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We firstly set up the SAH mouse model with infusing arterial blood (FITC-d2000 labeled) into cisterna magna ([Figure 1b](#fig1){ref-type="fig"}). We then performed live imaging with two-photon microscopy on the cortical middle cerebral artery region through a thinned-skull window. To investigate the blood flow at the initiation of SAH induction using two-photon microscopy, animals were immediately imaged after SAH induction rather than placed in a head-down position for 10 min. Within 5 min the blood components invaded the PVS along the pial artery ([Figures 1d--g](#fig1){ref-type="fig"} and [Supplementary Video S1](#sup1){ref-type="supplementary-material"}) and the penetrating artery below the brain surface ([Figures 1f and g](#fig1){ref-type="fig"}). The signal gradually increased in the following hour, and penetrated into the brain parenchyma, suggesting the fast diffusion of blood components via the paravascular pathway ([Figure 1h](#fig1){ref-type="fig"}). Similar phenomenon was observed in the SAH model using focused femtosecond laser pulses induced pial artery rupture ([Supplementary Figure S1](#sup1){ref-type="supplementary-material"}).
To confirm that natural serum proteins could also enter the parenchyma through the paravascular pathway, we labeled fresh arterial blood with albumin-FITC for injection into the cisterna magna. Intensive FITC signal was found in the parenchyma within 30 min after injection of albumin-FITC ([Figure 1i](#fig1){ref-type="fig"}) and its diffusion was much faster compared with that of the FITC-d2000 which has a bigger molecular weight ([Figures 1h--j](#fig1){ref-type="fig"}). All these results suggest that SAH leads to the paravascular pathway-mediated perfusion of blood components into the brain parenchyma.
Blood components via the paravascular pathway induce neuroinflammation in the perivascular parenchyma after SAH
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To histologically confirm the entrance of blood components into brain parenchyma through PVS, we applied the CLARITY technique to the mouse brain after SAH to reconstruct a 3D pattern of PVS-mediated diffusion and found that at 1 h after SAH, a large quantity of fibrinogen was deposited on the outer wall of penetrating vessels and their collaterals ([Figure 2a](#fig2){ref-type="fig"}). Immunostaining on brain slices demonstrated the presence of fibrinogen, ferritin and heme oxygenase-1 in the perivascular areas ([Figures 2b--d](#fig2){ref-type="fig"}), proving the permeabilization of blood components or their degradation products into parenchyma via the paravascular pathway.
We also observed robust responses of both microglial cells and astrocytes in the perivascular parenchyma of cortex and subcortex preferential adjacent to the ventricle at day 7 after SAH ([Figures 2e--h](#fig2){ref-type="fig"} and [Supplementary Figure S2](#sup1){ref-type="supplementary-material"}). Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) was highly expressed on the activated microglial cells after SAH ([Figure 2i](#fig2){ref-type="fig"}). A number of inflammatory factors including TNF-*α*, IL-1*β* and MCP-1 were remarkably increased in the perivascular parenchyma at day 7 after SAH ([Figure 2k](#fig2){ref-type="fig"} and [Supplementary Figure S3](#sup1){ref-type="supplementary-material"}). Western blotting analyses confirmed a significant increase in the expression level of TLR4 and TNF-*α* after SAH ([Figures 2j and l](#fig2){ref-type="fig"}). These results demonstrated extensive neuroinflammation in the perivascular parenchyma after SAH.
As early as 6 h after SAH, disrupted microcirculation was observed in the cortex based on two-photon imaging on dye-filling blood vessels ([Figure 2m](#fig2){ref-type="fig"}). The formation of microthrombi in the capillary network was detected at regions with disrupted blood circulation ([Supplementary Figure S4](#sup1){ref-type="supplementary-material"} and [Supplementary Video S2](#sup1){ref-type="supplementary-material"}). At day 7 after SAH, histological examination revealed more neuronal loss in perivascular parenchyma of SAH animals compared with Sham animals ([Figure 2n](#fig2){ref-type="fig"}). Meanwhile, we identified microinfarction with distinct infarction cores that were occupied by activated microglial cells and were devoid of neurons in approximately one-third of SAH mice (total 6 mice) ([Figure 2m](#fig2){ref-type="fig"}).
TPA but not Fasudil alleviates neurological deficits and neuroinflammation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Traditionally, CVS was believed to be a major cause of the secondary complications following SAH. Using the SAH animal model established by intracisternal injection of arterial blood (FITC-d2000 labeled), we confirmed that SAH could induce pial arterioles spasm ([Figure 3a](#fig3){ref-type="fig"} and [Supplementary Video S3](#sup1){ref-type="supplementary-material"}). A previous study has demonstrated that SAH could cause early and long-lasting microarterial constriction, especially obviously at 6 h after SAH.^[@bib24]^ Similarly, numerous constricted microvessels were observed in a different arteriolar hierarchy at 6 h after SAH with two-photon *in vivo* imaging. Arterioles with a diameter of 40--80 *μ*m were prone to be affected by vasoconstriction, while small arterioles with a diameter less than 20 *μ*m were demonstrated to suffer from the severest constriction ([Figures 3b--d](#fig3){ref-type="fig"}). To evaluate the effectiveness of pharmaceutical reduction of vasospasm, we treated the SAH animals with Fasudil (a Rho-kinase inhibitor that is considered to have equally or even more effective than nimodipine in the prevention of CVS).^[@bib23],\ [@bib25]^ Fasudil administration was found to be effective in reducing the incidence and severity of arteriole vasospasm with large diameter (40--80 *μ*m), but showed no effects on the arterioles with the diameter less than 30 *μ*m ([Figures 3b--d](#fig3){ref-type="fig"}). Moreover, Fasudil administration failed to improve the neurological deficits and alleviate the neuroinflammation in the brain tissue at day 7 after SAH ([Figures 3b--d](#fig3){ref-type="fig"}). These results implied that the microvasospasm might be independent of large-artery vasospasm.
The live imaging showed that blood cells aggregated to form blood clots within the paravascular space at 2--3 min after SAH ([Figure 3a](#fig3){ref-type="fig"} and [Supplementary Video S3](#sup1){ref-type="supplementary-material"}). We therefore wonder if targeting the clotted GS is beneficial to SAH animals ([Figure 4a](#fig4){ref-type="fig"}). We firstly found that after SAH, the dye-cleaning function of the paravascular pathway is severely impaired ([Figure 4b](#fig4){ref-type="fig"}), potentially due to the formation of blood clots within the paravascular pathway. We then infused tPA that is effective in blood clot clearance into the CSF, and found that the dye clearance function of the paravascular pathway was largely restored ([Figures 4b and c](#fig4){ref-type="fig"}). Excitingly, SAH animals treated with tPA showed significant improvement in neurological deficits and decrease in neuroinflammation on day 7 after SAH ([Figures 4d--f](#fig4){ref-type="fig"}), suggesting that the clotted paravascular pathway might contribute to the neuropathology of SAH *in vivo*.
Reducing blood diffusion through the GS by deletion of AQP4 fails to ameliorate neurological deficits and neuroinflammation in SAH animals
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The AQP4 water channel expressed in perivascular astrocytic endfeet is a critical component in GS function ([Figure 5a](#fig5){ref-type="fig"}). Using AQP4 knockout mice, we investigated whether impaired GS could have an effect on neurological deficits after SAH ([Figure 5b](#fig5){ref-type="fig"}). We found that the infusion of intracisternally injected blood was reduced in the brain parenchyma in Aqp4^−/−^ mice, when compared with WT control mice ([Figure 5c](#fig5){ref-type="fig"}), suggesting that the impaired GS might prevent the blood components entry into the parenchyma. However, Aqp4^−/−^ mice showed no improvements in neurological deficits and neuroinflammation at day 7 after SAH compared with WT control mice ([Figures 5d--f](#fig5){ref-type="fig"}).
Subarachnoid blood perfusion to the PVS in SAH patients
-------------------------------------------------------
We wonder if GS clots are detectable in human SAH patients as well. Therefore we performed retrospective analyses on computed tomography (CT) scan images of SAH patients who received the diagnosis and treatment in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University in the past 2 years. Using unenhanced CT scan, CT angiography (CTA) and contrast-enhanced CT scan, we found the high-density areas were almost overlapped on these CT scan images in a set of SAH patients ([Figure 6a](#fig6){ref-type="fig"}), suggesting that the ferritin accumulation occurs along the blood vessels following SAH. We further obtained brain tissue samples from a SAH patient who received intracranial aneurysm clipping for hematoxylin--eosin (HE) staining and identified the deposition and aggregation of blood cells in the paravascular space of both the small artery and the perforating arteriole ([Figure 6b](#fig6){ref-type="fig"}). These results confirmed that in human SAH patients, blood perfusion through the PVS occurs as well.
When we retrospectively analyzed the CT scan images of SAH patients, we have identified some SAH patients with no early CVS (day 1 after SAH, unenhanced CT scan), however, showing infraction sites on day 6 (33 mm × 14 mm and 14 mm × 9 mm, respectively) ([Figure 6c](#fig6){ref-type="fig"}). These data suggested that blood perfusion through the PVS rather than early occurring CVS is contributing to the DCI and infraction occurrence.
Discussion
==========
SAH can cause focal or generalized brain dysfunction, including increased ICP, cerebral edema and swelling, blood--brain barrier damage, reduction in CBF, CVS, acute cerebral ischemia, acute and chronic hydrocephalus and DCI.^[@bib2],\ [@bib26]^ Among these devastating complications, DCI is an important cause for poor prognosis of SAH.^[@bib2]^ It is generally believed that the toxic effects of blood in the subarachnoid space after SAH are the key factor leading to DCI.^[@bib27],\ [@bib28],\ [@bib29],\ [@bib30],\ [@bib31],\ [@bib32]^ In the present study, we found that, in SAH animal models, subarachnoid space blood quickly enters the paravascular pathway, with its components efficiently diffusing into the brain parenchyma. The rapid paravascular pathway of blood components entry into the brain parenchyma resulted in extensive perivascular neuroinflammation and microcirculation dysfunction throughout the brain. We also confirmed the distribution of blood components in the PVS in SAH patients by CT scan images and histological examinations. Thus, paravascular pathway plays a key role in mediating both the acute and delayed pathological complications following SAH.
It is commonly believed that CVS occurring at 4--10 days after SAH is the main reason for DCI, and that the reversal of CVS can improve prognosis of DCI.^[@bib2],\ [@bib3],\ [@bib7]^ However, clinical trials targeting CVS over the past decades fail to show the desired effect.^[@bib4],\ [@bib5],\ [@bib7]^ We found that Fasudil administration was effective in reducing the incidence and severity of large-artery (diameter of 40--80 *μ*m) vasospasm, but failed to the arterioles diameter less than 30 *μ*m, meanwhile failed to improve the neurological deficits and alleviate the neuroinflammation in SAH animals. In addition, it has been proposed that DCI probably results from microcirculation dysfunction after SAH.^[@bib2],\ [@bib8],\ [@bib9]^ SAH-induced elevated ICP often caused intracranial circulatory decrease and was considered closely relation to microcirculation dysfunction.^[@bib8],\ [@bib9]^ In present study, we performed the bilateral decompressive thinned-skull window over both hemispheres to relatively control the SAH-induced elevated ICP. However, we still observed disrupted microcirculation and even the formation of microthrombi in the capillary network in the brain as early as 6 h after SAH, suggesting that a more complex mechanism of pathogenesis may be involved in microcirculation dysfunction.
Microcirculation dysfunction could result from perivascular neuroinflammation in the brain.^[@bib33]^ In our SAH animal study we detected extensive perivascular neuroinflammation throughout the brain as revealed by pronounced activation of microglial cells and upregulation of TLR4, TNF-*α*, IL-1*β* and MCP-1 in the perivascular parenchyma. Consistently, other studies reported that there was an increased expression of TLR4 in both SAH patients and animals.^[@bib34],\ [@bib35]^ TLR4 is a pattern recognition receptor and can be activated by exogenous pathogenic microorganisms and foreign matters when passing through the blood--brain barrier.^[@bib36],\ [@bib37],\ [@bib38]^ Its activation subsequently triggers the activation of nuclear factor-*κ*B and induces the expression of inflammatory factor.^[@bib36],\ [@bib38],\ [@bib39]^ We therefore propose that blood components and their degradation products entering the perivascular parenchyma via the paravascular pathway activate TLR4 of microglial cells, which triggers the subsequent inflammation cascade after SAH.
AQP4 is the major water channel in the nervous system, and has been recognized as the critical functional component of the GS.^[@bib14],\ [@bib40],\ [@bib41]^ Under normal circumstances, macromolecules are unable to pass through the AQP4 water channel expressed on the endfeet of astrocytes.^[@bib14]^ In the present study, we found that FITC-d2000 that normally is confined in the PVS could enter the brain parenchyma after SAH, suggesting that SAH may change the PVS permeability and lead to more molecules to perfuse into the brain parenchyma. Using AQP4 knockout mice, we found that the genetic deletion of AQP4 significantly reduced and retarded blood moving into the brain parenchyma along the PVS. However, substantial decrease in blood diffusion from the PVS into the brain parenchyma did not alleviate neuroinflammation nor improve the neurological deficits after SAH. This indicates that the paravascular pathway may mediate vasculitis and neuroinflammation after subarachnoid hemorrhage independently of glymphatic control.
The recently discovered sinus-associated lymphatic vessels provided a conventional path for immune cells to exit the CNS, which performed the function of immune surveillance and might involve in diseases as diverse as the CNS infection and immune demyelination.^[@bib12],\ [@bib13],\ [@bib42]^ Future work needs to further investigate whether sinus-associated lymphatic vessels are involved in vasculitis and neuroinflammation after SAH.
In the present study, we also found that the paravascular pathway would be blocked due to the formation of blood clots in the PVS after SAH. Administration of tPA after SAH significantly improved the GS clearance and alleviated neuroinflammation. In line with this, previous studies reported that application of tPA could significantly improve the GS dysfunction due to SAH^[@bib18]^ and ameliorate cortical circulation.^[@bib20]^ Furthermore, clinical studies confirmed that the intrathecal injection of thrombolytic agents can reduce the incidence of DCI and improve its prognosis.^[@bib40],\ [@bib43]^ Therefore, we propose that tPA application to CSF after SAH can improve the GS function and thus promote the clearance of unfavorable products in the brain tissue, thus significantly alleviating both the histological and the behavioral impairment after SAH.
In conclusion, our study confirms that the paravacular pathway plays important roles in mediating pathological complications following SAH, including CVS, DCI, parenchymal arterial inflammation, microcirculation dysfunction and widespread perivascular neuroinflammation independently of glymphatic control ([Figure 7](#fig7){ref-type="fig"}). The study provides a new perspective for understanding the pathological mechanism of SAH and suggests that the paravacular pathway targeted treatment might provide novel therapy against SAH.
Materials and Methods
=====================
Animals and monitoring
----------------------
All animal protocols were approved by the ethical committee of the University of Macau. Unless otherwise noted, C57BL/6 mice weighing between 20 and 25 g and aging between 8 and 12 weeks were used in this study. We obtained Aqp4^−/−^ (Aqp4-null) breeders from Dr. Gang Hu (Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University) and raised them in the Laboratory Animal Center, Sun Yat-Sen University. Mice were housed in a temperature-controlled, 12 : 12 light/dark room and were allowed free access to water and food.
Mice were deeply anesthetized with a combination of ketamine (0.12 mg/g intraperitoneally) and xylazine (0.01 mg/g intraperitoneally). To decrease the elevated ICP induced by SAH and image with *in vivo* two-photon microscopy, unless otherwise noted, the thinned-skull window over both hemispheres (left, 4 × 4 mm; right, 4 × 3 mm) was performed using a dental drill to a total skull thickness of approximately 20--30 *μ*m in all experimental animals before SAH induction ([Figure 1a](#fig1){ref-type="fig"}). ICP was measured in each animal at 0 min, 30 min 6 and 24 h after SAH. During the whole experiment, rectal temperature was maintained at 37±0.5 °C using a regulated heating pad with a rectal probe (TR-200; FST, CA, USA). A pulse oximeter clipped to the animal\'s hindpaw was used to monitor blood oxygen saturation and heart rate (MouseOx; Starr Life Sciences Corp., Oakmont, PA, USA). Blood gases and electrolytes were determined at the end of each experiment. Blood gas analysis was performed periodically and adjusted as needed to ensure physiological stability throughout the experiments. Subcutaneous injections of 5% glucose (wt/vol) in 0.3 ml saline were given every 2 h.
Experimental groups
-------------------
Sixty-five animals were assigned randomly to the following seven experimental groups: (1) Sham-operated group (*n*=13, 5 mice for immunofluorescence analysis, 3 mice for CLARITY analysis and 5 mice for western-blot analysis); (2) SAH induced by injection of fresh unheparinized arterial blood (*n*=13, 5 mice for immunofluorescence analysis, 3 mice for CLARITY analysis and 5 mice for western-blot analysis); (3) the PVS permeability group that received either TITC-d2000 (*n*=3) or albumin-FITC (*n*=3); (4) the tPA-treated group that was subdivided into control (SAH+aCSF, *n*=5) and tPA treatment (SAH+tPA, *n*=5); (5) the Fasudil group that was subdivided into control (SAH+saline, *n*=5) and Fasudil treatment (SAH+Fasudil, *n*=5); (6) the AQP4 group that was subdivided into WT (*n*=5) and AQP4^−/−^ (*n*=5); and (7) the SAH model induced by femtosecond laser injury (*n*=3).
Animal models of SAH
--------------------
SAH was induced by injection of fresh unheparinized arterial blood into the cisterna magna or intensively focused femtosecond laser pulses by a Ti:Sapphire laser (Chameleon Ultra II, Coherent Inc., CA, USA) to rupture the pial arteriole. For details, see [Supplementary Materials and Methods](#sup1){ref-type="supplementary-material"}.
Two-photon imaging
------------------
Thinned skull window was prepared, and a Leica SP5 two-photon imaging system (Leica TCS SP5 MP CFS, Leica Microsystems, Mannheim, Germany) equipped with a Ti:Sapphire laser (Coherent Chameleon Ultra II), × 25/0.95 NA water-immersion objectives and Leica LAS X software was used to image the vasculature. Dynamic imaging was captured with 342 ms intervals using a XYT order for 1 h. Stacks of images were acquired using a step size of 1.0 *μ*m (single stacks) to a depth of 250 *μ*m in a XYZ order (512 × 512 pixels). For details, see [Supplementary Materials and Methods](#sup1){ref-type="supplementary-material"}.
Clarity
-------
Mice brain after perfused with formaldehyde acrylamide hydrogel were extracted for CLARITY processing. First, the brain was incubated in hydrogel monomer solution at 4 °C for 6 h and then in hydrogel monomer solution without 4% PFA at 4 °C for 3 days. The brain was then embedded in polymerized hydrogel at 37 °C for 3 h and cut into 2 mm-thick coronal sections with a mouse brain matrix. Clarification was completed by incubation in a solution of 8% (wt/vol) SDS (Sigma) in 0.1 M PBS (pH 7.5) at 37 °C for 2--3 weeks, followed by washing twice for 1 day in 0.1 M PBS+0.1% Triton X-100 (PBST; Sigma). For immunostaining and other details, see [Supplementary Materials and Methods](#sup1){ref-type="supplementary-material"}.
Clinical data
-------------
We retrospectively analyzed 24 cases of hospitalized aneurysmal SAH patients who simultaneously underwent the examination of unenhanced cerebral CT scan, cerebral CTA and contrast-enhanced cerebral CT scan on admission from April 2013 to April 2015 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University. The diagnosis of SAH was based on the patient\'s medical history and clinical manifestation and verified by an examination of unenhanced cerebral CT scan. Among these 24 cases, there were 13 males and 11 females, with ages ranging from 19 to 68 years old. For details, see [Supplementary Materials and Methods](#sup1){ref-type="supplementary-material"}.
For human brain tissue sample data, the brain sample of SAH was isolated from a SAH patient (A 27-year-old female presented with a sudden severe headache was admitted to hospital on 6 April 2015. CT scan revealed a diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage. CTA showed an aneurysm of the left former traffic artery) who received intracranial aneurysm clipping with right pterional approach on day 1 after SAH at Tangdu Hospital, Xi\'An. The brain sample of control was isolated from a drug-resistant mesial epilepsy patient (a 21-year-old female presented with repeated psychomotor seizure for 3 years was admitted to hospital on 24 March 2015) who received temporal lobectomy on 27 March 2015 at Tangdu Hospital, Xi\'An. This part of the study complied with the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Human Ethics Committee of Tangdu Hospital, Xi\'An, China. The written informed consent was obtained from the subject. The brain tissue sample was then proceeded for HE staining.
Statistical analysis
--------------------
All the data were presented as the mean±S.E.M. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 17.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Differences in perivascular Iba-1 and GFAP immunofluorescence were compared by an unpaired *t*-test. Differences in neurological scoring and western-blot analysis were evaluated by one-way ANOVA followed with Tukey\'s *post hoc* test for multiple comparisons. *P*\<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.
This study was supported by Macao Science and Technology Development Fund (063/2015/A2), and multi-year research grant, university of Macau, MYRG122 (Y1-L3)-ICMS12-SHX and MYRG110 (Y1-L2)-ICMS13-SHX, Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province (2013B051000018), and the National Key Clinical Department, National Key Discipline, and Guangdong Key Laboratory for diagnosis and treatment of major neurological disease.
SAH
: subarachnoid hemorrhage
tPA
: tissue-type plasminogen activator
DCI
: delayed cerebral ischemia
CVS
: cerebral vasospasm
CNS
: central nervous system
GS
: glymphatic system
PVS
: paravascular space
AQP4
: aquaporin-4
CBF
: cerebral blood flow
DC
: decompressive
CSF
: cerebrospinal fluid
aCSF
: artificial cerebrospinal fluid
TLR4
: Toll-like receptor 4
CT
: computed tomography
CTA
: CT angiography
[Supplementary Information](#sup1){ref-type="supplementary-material"} accompanies this paper on Cell Death and Disease website (http://www.nature.com/cddis)
Edited by A Verkhratsky
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Supplementary Material {#sup1}
======================
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{#fig1}
{#fig2}
{#fig3}
{#fig4}
{#fig5}
{#fig6}
{#fig7}
###### Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), blood gases and electrolytes during two-photon microscopy
**Sham** **SAH**
----------------- ----------- ------------ ---------- ------------
MAP (mmHg) 69.5±8.25 65.8±9.78 67.8±8.2 65.8±9.24
PH (a.u) --- 7.26±0.08 --- 7.24±0.06
pCO~2~ (mm Hg) --- 50.2±2.6 --- 49.5±2.4
pO~2~ (mm Hg) --- 108.5±12.8 --- 112.2±10.2
HCO~3~ (mmol/l) --- 21.2±2.8 --- 20.8±1.8
Hb sat (%) --- 96.5±1.2 --- 97.0±1.0
Na^+^ (mmol/l) --- 147.8±2.6 --- 149.5±1.8
K+ (mmol/l) --- 5.0±0.6 --- 4.9±0.8
Ca^2+^ (mmol/l) --- 1.38±0.16 --- 1.42±0.12
Cl^−^ (mmol/l) --- 114.5±1.5 --- 116.8±1.8
Glucose (mg/dl) --- 235.8±4.3 --- 224.1±6.8
[^1]: These authors contributed equally to this work.
|
# MICROSOFT PRE-RELEASE SOFTWARE LICENSE TERMS
## PROJECT GLIMPSE: NODE EDITION
---
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This limitation applies to (a) anything related to the software, services, content (including code) on third party Internet sites, or third party applications; and (b) claims for breach of contract, breach of warranty, guarantee or condition, strict liability, negligence, or other tort to the extent permitted by applicable law.
It also applies even if Microsoft knew or should have known about the possibility of the damages. The above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you because your country may not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental, consequential or other damages. |
//
// NSObject+JPExtension.h
// WoTV
//
// Created by 周健平 on 2018/7/23.
// Copyright © 2018 zhanglinan. All rights reserved.
//
#import <Foundation/Foundation.h>
@interface NSObject (JPExtension)
+ (NSString *)jp_className;
- (NSString *)jp_className;
+ (BOOL)jp_isMetaClass;
+ (Class)jp_metaClass;
- (Class)jp_metaClass;
+ (void)jp_lookIvarList;
- (void)jp_lookIvarList;
+ (void)jp_lookPropertyList;
- (void)jp_lookPropertyList;
+ (void)jp_lookMethodList;
- (void)jp_lookMethodList;
+ (NSInteger)jp_instanceSize;
- (NSInteger)jp_instanceSize;
- (NSInteger)jp_mallocSize;
+ (void)jp_swizzleInstanceMethodsWithOriginalSelector:(SEL)originalSelector swizzledSelector:(SEL)swizzledSelector;
+ (void)jp_swizzleClassMethodsWithOriginalSelector:(SEL)originalSelector swizzledSelector:(SEL)swizzledSelector;
@end
|
"Oliver:" "My name was oliver queen." "For three years, I worked to save my city." "But to save my sister, I had to become someone else." "I had to become something else." "Previously, on "arrow"..." "Roy's alive." "We faked his death." "He's starting a new life." "Oliver:" "John." "Oliver?" "Bring nyssa to the warehouse" "At fullerton and halstead..." "And I'll let your wife go." "There's no way I'm getting him back." "He's gone, felicity." "There's only thing left of him now--us." "Do you recognize this?" "The alpha and omega bioweapon." "You will unleash this on starling city." "[gunshots, crowd screaming] [siren]" "Tatsu:" "His fever is getting worse!" "Maseo!" "Maseo:" "A pharmacy!" "Ra's al ghul:" "The romans call it "vastatio."" "The systemic destruction of a land to insure its subjugation." "And what they found was" "That immolation left a blank slate to build anew." "Until you have destroyed your home" "And severed all ties from your old life," "Can you begin anew." "I did not foresee the day that maseo yamashiro" "Appeared at my door." "You had the courage" "To demand an audience of me." "And those who do usually offer money and treasure" "In exchange for my favor." "But you gave me the alpha and omega." "The plane is en route." "It will be ready tomorrow, as you've commanded." "You will marry my daughter," "And you will ascend to ra's al ghul," "And then you will fly to starling city" "Carrying death itself." "I hate when they run!" "Well, at least you're getting your cardio workout in." "I still have 40 minutes on an elliptical" "In my immediate future." "You supposed to be undercover or something?" "I sniffed you three blocks back." "You led me right to your gang." "Smart plan." "Thanks." "No, I meant smart plan..." "Because it was mine." "[canary cry] [all yelling]" "[all grunting]" "John, I think he gives up!" "John!" "John!" "[door opens]" "Thanks for coming in through the back." "With sara and lyla gone, the last thing I need" "About some strange woman dressed in all black leather," "Yeah." "You're out of ice." "How can you be out of ice?" "Here." "Thanks." "Ok, so the night's young," "And there's a meth dealer working a corner on fulton." "Sounds good." "Actually, it doesn't." "You were completely unhinged out there tonight, dig." "You're in denial about how angry you are." "No, felicity, I'm not in denial." "But I am angry!" "Oliver." "He was my best friend." "And he kidnapped..." "And you think that justifies hospitalizing people?" "No, felicity, it doesn't," "You're right." "It won't happen again." "I'm not saying that life doesn't suck right now," "But you can't go around the city taking it out on every criminal you see." "How can you, out of all people, be so sanguine" "After what happened last week?" "Because I know that that wasn't oliver." "Now who's in denial?" "It wasn't!" "Our oliver, my oliver," "Died the day he joined the league." "This is someone else!" "You truly believe that?" "I have to." "[sighs]" "Don't try to talk me out of going." "Mr. Harper went through a lot of trouble to fake his death." "You know he can never come back here." "Yeah, well, maybe I'm just going to go there." "Permanently?" "Look, I don't know." "Honestly, I--I don't know anything anymore." "I barely know who I am." "Thea, it's understandable." "You've been through something" "Very few people have ever experienced." "Of course you feel" "Is that what you think this is all about?" "Almost dying?" "Because I'd rather have died" "Than had my brother sacrifice his life for mine." "And don't think for a second" "That I forgot the whole reason ra's al ghul was brought into our lives" "Is because of you." "You're no longer in danger from the league." "Maybe getting away from starling city for a while" "Is--is what's best for you." "You approve?" "[scoffs]" "Is that supposed to worry me?" "'cause it actually kind of does." "Look, the only thing I know right now..." "Is that I need to go be with roy." "[door opens]" "My daughter." "I am not hungry." "Ah, yes." "Many a bride has skipped a meal or two before their wedding day." "I would rather die than wed this pretender." "Well, you speak as though they are the only two options" "Before you, my daughter." "And to think, I once wore that title with pride." "Perhaps "mother" will suit you better." "After your betrothal to al sah-him," "You will extend my lineage by having a child of your own." "If you think I will bear his child" "Yes!" "I do." "And you will have no more say in it than your mother was given." "You're quiet." "I'm prepared for my ascension to ra's." "But I'm still..." "Coming to grips with marriage." "Perhaps a walk to clear my head." "I will send a guard to accompany you." "If I can't protect myself," "I don't deserve to inherit your mantle." "You're late." "Sorry." "Nanda parbat's not exactly the easiest place to infiltrate." "Don't joke!" "Things are worse than we thought." "Tomorrow?" "Ra's plans to transport" "The virus to starling on a plane." "That is oddly modern for the league." "Do you think ra's suspects you?" "He has no reason to." "I warned you it would be difficult." "I just thought that I'd" "Ahem--we'd have more time," "When you explained to me that my ascension to ra's" "Would include the destruction of starling." "I anticipated you wouldn't be ra's for months." "More than enough time to dismantle the league from the inside." "Malcolm, we need help." "From all accounts, you were..." "Too good at convincing your friends" "That you'd allied yourself with ra's," "And I don't think I carry much credibility with them." "I know someone who they'll trust." "You've been gone a while." "There was concern." "I've just been here thinking." "We need to find ibuprofen!" "You know that can't help him now." "Why isn't the inoculant working on him?" "!" "He's young." "His immune system probably isn't strong enough." "Akio!" "Swallow." "[coughs]" "Okaasan..." "Boku kowaiyo." "Shinitaku naiyo... [speaking japanese]" "♪ nennen korori yo ♪ okorori yo ♪ boya wa yoi ko da" "General shrieve..." "Maseo." "I want to kill shrieve, too," "But you need to focus on helping akio!" "Shrieve's men made a vaccine." "Maybe they also made a cure." "No, maseo, they didn't make a cure!" "I know it's unlikely," "But I have to try." "Ok." "I'll help you." "[drill whirring]" "Hi, I'm looking for jason." "Oh, yeah?" "Well, lucky him." "Yo, jason." "Got a visitor." "Jason?" "That's right." "I have a '67 mustang that needs a little work on it." "Somebody said you were the guy to see." "You came to the right place." "I can't believe you're still alive." "Look, I wanted to tell you," "But if you knew, you'd tell oliver." "And then oliver would have..." "Would have broken you out of prison." "Yeah." "And probably kicked your ass." "And I would have helped him." "I had to do it." "For oliver." "Do you think there's maybe some other place" "We can go talk?" "There's my place." "That's such a good answer." "[suit powering down]" "You got it to fly." "What more do you want?" "Well, true art is never finished," "It's only abandoned." "Plus, I had this little idea I just couldn't kick." "You ok?" "You have this little cloud" "That keeps following you around." "Well, something happened while you were away," "And..." "I'm just handling it." "Is it, uh, oliver-related?" "It's oliver-related." "If you want to talk about it..." "Maybe we shouldn't cross that line." "It's a long story, anyway." "Well, if you change your mind, I have time." "And, hey..." "You're my friend." "I'm always going to be there for you." "It's non-negotiable." "Thanks, ray." "So, while I'm waiting to do something for you," "There's a little something that you can do for me." "Sign..." "Here and here." "Ok." "Right." "What's this for?" "Just a little corporate stuff," "Miss vice president." "Mm-hmm." "[cell phone dings]" "Everything ok?" "Probably not." "Maseo:" "You've been quiet." "I have a lot on my mind." "I meant about the virus." "The alpha omega." "When did you take it?" "From the truck." "Before we blew it up." "So before..." "Even before akio died," "I wanted revenge on shrieve" "For the pain he caused." "But instead, you used it to trade your way into the league." "I am not strong." "Not enough for myself," "And certainly not enough for tatsu." "If you could go back to her, would you?" "That is immaterial." "Maseo yamashiro is no more." "He doesn't have to be." "When I'm ra's, I can release you from your oath." "I can set you free." "The league is not my prison." "From my prison..." "There is no escape." "So now malcolm merlyn can summon us." "I really don't like the idea that he can summon us." "Any idea what this is about?" "No, but merlyn assures me that he'll be waving the white flag." "I'm sorry." "I forgot the flag." "That's too bad." "I would have told you where you can put it." "[chuckles] what is this about, malcolm?" "Well, this isn't going to be easy for all of you to believe" "Only because you're a sociopath and a liar." "Be that as it may, this will be much quicker" "For all of us if we can fast forward through the cynicism" "And reach the conclusion that I am telling you the truth." "About what?" "Oliver." "His allegiance with the league is a charade." "Why would you even begin to play with our emotions like that?" "This plan was born the moment oliver realized" "That he had to capitulate to ra's to save thea." "And instead of sharing this plan" "With us, he trusted you?" "The man who had my sister murdered." "Well, I am better practiced in the art of deception." "And no offense, none of you are" "Particularly good actors." "I'm out." "You've seen for yourselves" "How dangerous ra's and the league are." "The circle of trust had to remain as small as possible." "Until now?" "What changed?" "Forget it, felicity." "There's nothing he can say that we can believe." "Mr. Diggle's right." "Which is why I brought along" "A friend of oliver's." "My name is tatsu yamashiro." "And your city is in great danger." "You expect us to believe her?" "We never even met her." "We never met her, right?" "No." "Apart from my brief time helping oliver" "Recover from the wounds ra's al ghul inflicted on him," "My life has been one of..." "Isolation." "Ok, merlyn, this is your big plan?" "A woman that we've never met or even heard of?" "Oliver doesn't like to speak about the past." "Apparently, he's not so forthcoming about the present, either." "My son was killed by the virus" "Ra's intends to use on your city." "Are you--you're akio's mother?" "Oliver was with me when it happened." "He knows that the danger you all face is very real." "Ok, you know what, how many times are we going" "To believe him after everything that he's done?" "I am not privy to your history with malcolm." "This request comes from oliver." "We're not sure that's any better at the moment." "Look, I am not playing a game here." "My daughter lives in this city, remember?" "This is everything I have on the bioweapon." "I've arranged passage for all of us to go to nanda parbat." "If you're coming..." "Be at ferris air before sunrise." "Charming." "It's a sublet." "I won't be here for much longer." "What about the auto shop?" "It's..." "Temporary." "Sure, they don't ask a lot of questions," "But it's inevitable someone puts two and two together." "How about your other night job?" "I figured I'd just leave the crime fighting to the cops." "I kind of just want to be normal." "Yeah?" "And how's that going for you?" "I am so bored." "[both laugh]" "Yeah, well, that's why" "I brought you this." "Malcolm stole it out of impound." "Don't worry--I made him promise nobody would get killed." "I never thought I'd see this thing again." "I figured since everybody thinks that" "Roy harper is the arrow," "They don't have to know that he's arsenal, too, right?" "Hmm." "So that's why you came here?" "Just to give me this?" "Well..." "Yes, this." "And..." "How could we not know about this?" "How could anyone not know about a terrorist attack in hong kong?" "Because beijing had us believing that these deaths were caused" "By a local chemical spill." "You don't really believe merlyn?" "Well, looking at this, we can't afford not to believe merlyn." "He is a mass murderer who has lied to us so many times" "And I have never even heard of this tatsu person." "Felicity, I don't know if you're right" "That oliver's gone forever or not." "The truth is, for me, it doesn't matter." "If there's even a possibility of this kind of danger in my city," "I'm reporting for duty." "Me, too." "I don't believe them." "And even if I did, I can't go back there." "Not after what they did to oliver." "Relax, my child." "Another order I cannot follow." "You speak to me as though I'm a monster." "I'm your father, nyssa." "Then why do you ask me to marry someone I do not love?" "When I was in a desert" "Tending to some affairs," "I crossed paths with a woman." "She was breathtaking" "In her visage and fortitude." "Her name was ameena raatko." "I had taken other lovers before," "But she was different." "And a fire about her that I found myself I could not live without." "So she became my concubine" "And the mother of my child." "This was my gift to her in honor of you." "A gift that she gave me." "And so I kept it in the hopes that one day," "You would wear it on your wedding day." "You expect me to marry al sah-him because of some trinket?" "I expect you to marry al sah-him" "Because it is my will." "You defy that, and I will" "See you suffer the pain of a thousand deaths." "Tatsu:" "I am sorry to intrude." "Mr. Merlyn said that I would find you here." "That might be the only thing he's ever said that isn't a lie." "I did not come here to convince you" "Of the threat to your home." "There's nothing I can say that you will believe," "More than what you have seen." "Then why are you here?" "To speak with you about oliver." "During his recuperation," "Oliver spoke of you." "Of how his last thought before the fall" "Was of you." "You love him..." "Still." "Oliver belongs to ra's now." "If you believe that, you must fight for him." "There is no "him" left." "I thought as you do once." "My husband, maseo," "Was consumed by the league's darkness." "I was so convinced that he was lost to me" "That I didn't even try to reach him." "Don't make my mistake..." "Felicity." "Are you sure shrieve will be here?" "Do you know of any other rogue u.S. Army bases in the area?" "Shrieve will have reinforced the station" "Since the last time we were here." "Two there." "Waller took you from lian yu" "Because she saw something in you." "My son needs that from you." "The killer inside." "Sir, this is a restricted area." "Is that a masamune blade?" "Passed on for centuries within my family." "The first son of each generation." "You are not a son, tatsu." "No, I am not." "Let's get this over with." "The plane's ready;" "it should be big enough for all of us." "Including her." "Thought you weren't coming." "But if you betray us, I'll make sure the whole world knows" "That you are alive, and where they can find you." "Laurel:" "So this is nanda parbat." "Next time, we should really look into getting some horses." "You think they rent horses here?" "There won't be a next time." "Malcolm:" "There it is." "The plane ra's intends to use" "To spread the alpha omega over starling." "I need to be within 50 yards to breech the plane's" "Internal mainframe and navigation software," "But then I should be able to remote ground the thing." "Quiet." "I don't see anything." "There'll be more." "[men yelling]" "Get to the plane." "We'll cover you." "Go!" "[all grunting]" "Close enough." "Maseo:" "Surrender now, and you might live." "Maseo." "Maseo is a memory." "Our child was gone," "And you left me when I needed you most." "But you can still come back to me." "It's not too late." "Yes, it is." "[laurel grunting]" "You know I wouldn't have done the same thing for you." "I know." "Your husband is long dead." "If sarab must die as well," "Then so be it." "[both grunting]" "Oh, frack!" "More frack!" "Oh." "That makes more sense." "[all grunting]" "Can you bring it down from the sky?" "They destroyed my gear, but I had some insurance come along." "What kind of insurance?" "The atomic kind." "Ray!" "Ray!" "Ohh." "You should see the other guy." "[chuckles] [both grunting]" "Tell akio..." "I love him." "You tell him for both of us." "Thank you..." "For releasing me..." "From my prison." "[crying] ♪ nennen korori yo ♪ okorori yo ♪ boya wa yoi ko da ♪ nenne shina [sobbing]" "Ra's al ghul:" "Enough!" "You have failed." "Any further attempt to undermine our cause would be futile." "Uh, you see that burning plane over there?" "We destroyed your city threatening bioweapon." "No." "You merely think you did." "Surrender!" "Or die." "Oliver." "Oliver, what's going on?" "If any of you speak, we're all going to die." "What...?" "I need you to trust me." "Chinese have a saying." "Stir the grass," "And you stifle the snake." "My ruse with the plane was meant to reveal" "Any traitors among me." "How did you know of the virus?" "Of the plane?" "Tatsu:" "Maseo told me," "And I told them." "So a dead man told you." "How convenient." "He said only three men knew about your plan." "You, him, and oliver." "Oliver queen is dead." "I am al sah-him." "This would not be the first time" "That sarab has betrayed me" "To maseo yamashiro's weaknesses." "And though your timing was a function of my gambit," "It was nevertheless fortuitous." "You see, by tradition, ra's would contemplate mercy" "Upon his enemies on the eve of a wedding." "[scoffs] you are getting married?" "I guess there really is a kettle for every pot." "The wedding is mine." "I am betrothed to nyssa al ghul." "Take them below." "[thea giggling]" "So are you going to tell me now?" "Tell you what?" "What you're really doing here?" "What, seeing you is not good enough?" "What's going on?" "Something happened." "I was hurt." "And..." "To save me, ollie..." "Had to accept ra's offer to join the league." "Oh, my god." "Thea..." "I tried to stop him." "I--I couldn't, and..." "Now he's become someone else." "Everything just slips away when I'm with you." "I understand that." "But?" "When bad things happen, your go-to move is to bolt." "To get out of starling." "I don't think this is something" "You can run away from." "I'm not running away." "Running to you." "Do you not want me to?" "The only thing that I want" "Is what's best for you." "You always have." "Come here." "Mmm." "I can't believe he's going to marry her." "You should worry more about getting out of here alive." "Ray:" "Is that even a remote possibility?" "Didn't think so." "We aren't going to die here." "Oliver would never let that happen." "He let this happen." "[speaking arabic]" "Wareeth al ghul commands your presence." "Leave us." "Is everyone ok?" "Didn't malcolm speak to you?" "He did." "So was a part of your plan to leave my daughter alone" "When you kidnapped my wife?" "I had to do something" "To prove my loyalty to ra's." "So taking lyla?" "That was your idea, oliver?" "In front of our daughter?" "!" "Yes." "You met tatsu." "What does that have to do with anything?" "Tatsu told me..." "That in order to beat ra's," "All of the things in my life that I hold most precious." "And your friendship is on that list." "Oliver, you didn't just..." "Lose my friendship." "You lost my trust." "You lost my respect." "[door opens]" "What?" "!" "Ra's demands that we return" "This man to his friends." "Man on radio:" "Two assailants, northern ingress--I repeat, two" "Johannson's down." "We need a med unit now, second floor." "I have visual!" "Give us the cure." "You boys make quite the entrance." "The cure!" "Now!" "The chinese own enough of our national debt" "To decimate our economy," "And all without firing a shot." "Or, they could destroy us" "With the largest army in human history." "Enough!" "My son needs your cure." "What makes you think" "The next one goes in your head." "You see that safe over there?" "The passcode is 4587." "He'll have to deliver the cure subcutaneously," "In the exact ratio I give you." "You may want to write this down." "Oliver:" "You don't need to tell us." "[groaning and grunting]" "You're coming with us." "This is so beautiful..." "And yet so dangerous." "Much like its former owner." "Sarab's former love," "Who's now my prisoner," "Along with al sah-him's former friends." "You see, their treachery was anticipated." "Yours, however, al sa-her, is disappointing." "Because I expected more loyalty" "From a man whose daughter I saved." "The last time I appeared before you in chains," "I offered my fealty," "And I am here to offer it again." "You had nothing to offer then," "And you have nothing to offer now." "I have the name of the person" "Who betrayed you to al sah-him's friends." "It wasn't maseo yamoshiro." "It was oliver queen." "[chuckles] he's been lying to you all along." "What's this?" "I'm sorry, oliver." "My name is al sah-him." "Not according to mr." "Merlyn here." "You see, he claims" "That you've been deceiving me the entire time." "I have killed for you." "I have severed all ties to my past." "I have hurt people who were friends to oliver queen," "And if you hadn't have stopped me," "I would have murdered your daughter at your command." "But what if this is all just part of your own" "Elaborate ruse?" "Then I will have nothing and no one to go home to." "Oliver queen is dead," "And the arrow is gone." "We shall see." "[moans]" "Roy?" "Excuse me, I'm, uh, looking for" "Jason's friend, yeah, I remember." "He said you probably would be stopping by." "Oh." "Can I talk to him?" "I don't know where he is." "He came in an hour ago to quit." "He, uh, said to give you this." "Roy:" "Dear thea, I wasn't supposed to make it this far." "I was supposed to end up in jail or dead by now." "But then I met you, and you made me want to be the man" "I saw through your eyes." "And now all I want to do is give that back;" "Help you be the person you can be without oliver," "Without your father," "And without me." "Living on the run from the police" "Isn't the life you deserve, thea." "It's not what oliver gave up his life for you to have." "Whatever happens with me," "I'll always love you." "P.S.--Thanks for the suit," "But I always thought red was more your color, anyway." "So what did oliver say to you?" "Nothing worth hearing." "You were right about oliver." "I should have listened to you." "I told you about oliver." "You were supposed to" "I was supposed to do what, mr." "Merlyn?" "Grant you mercy?" "I am." "Because this death will be a lot shorter" "Than the one I had planned for you." "You--[grunts]" "Oliver, if what malcolm said is true," "If you're going to do anything, now is the time!" "Al sah-him has said that the swordswoman is inoculated," "So you can take her to another chamber." "No!" "Oliver!" "Oliver, we believed in you!" "Seal the room." "You're not listening." "Oliver!" "For the love of god!" "No, oliver!" "What the hell are you doing?" "!" "Come on, you got to get us out of here!" "We trusted you." "You asked us to trust you and we trusted you!" "Laurel:" "Don't do this!" "Oliver!" "[all yelling]" "Tatsu." "There's a cure, and he knows how to administer it." "A little help." "[groaning]" "Maseo..." "He's not breathing." "The cure, he needs it now!" "[speaking japanese]" "Akio." "Please wake up." "Please wake up!" "He was dead the moment he was exposed." "But you said..." "That there is no cure." "Then what the hell is that?" "!" "Insulin." "I'm diabetic." "Ah." "I want to thank you for bringing me here." "It would have taken us weeks to track you all down." "And I do so hate loose ends." "You are wareeth al ghul," "Heir to the demon." "Before the night is over," "You will be ibn al ghul." "Son of the demon." "[all coughing]" "[coughing] [all chanting in arabic]" "There is no vow more sacred," "Nor covenant more holy" "Than the one between man and woman." "With this ceremony," "Your souls are bound together," "Forever joined." "You will never be free." "You will always be held captive" "By your love for each other." "Continue." "John:" "I'm sorry, felicity, for everything." "You don't have to be sorry for anything, john." "I'm glad to have known you." "We offer blessings." "[speaking arabic] [all chanting in arabic]" "The union is sealed." "[all chanting in arabic]" "[chanting continues]" |
Salinity gradient shapes distance decay of similarity among parasite communities in three marine fishes.
Published data were used to compare the distance decay of similarity in parasite communities of three marine fish hosts: Atlantic cod Gadus morhua, the dab Limanda limanda and the flounder Platichthys flesus in two adjacent areas that differ with respect to the strength of a salinity gradient. In the Baltic Sea, which exhibits a strong salinity gradient from its connection with the North Sea in the west to its head in the north-east, parasite communities in all three fish hosts showed a significant decline of similarity with increasing distance. In contrast, among host populations in the North Sea, which is a fully marine environment, there was no such decline or only a weak relationship. The results suggest that environmental gradients like salinity can be strong driving forces behind patterns of distance decay in parasite communities of fishes. |
Q:
Problema Query Beego
Estou tendo problemas para montar uma Query em Go, usando o framework Beego.
Erro:
2018/12/20 09:21:32.104 [C] [asm_amd64.s:522] Handler crashed with error runtime error: invalid memory address or nil pointer dereference
2018/12/20 09:21:32.104 [C] [asm_amd64.s:522] C:/Go/src/runtime/asm_amd64.s:522
2018/12/20 09:21:32.104 [C] [asm_amd64.s:522] C:/Go/src/runtime/panic.go:513
2018/12/20 09:21:32.104 [C] [asm_amd64.s:522] C:/Go/src/runtime/panic.go:82
2018/12/20 09:21:32.104 [C] [asm_amd64.s:522] C:/Go/src/runtime/signal_windows.go:204
2018/12/20 09:21:32.105 [C] [asm_amd64.s:522] C:/Users/joao/go/src/hello/controllers/cidades.go:35
2018/12/20 09:21:32.109 [C] [asm_amd64.s:522] C:/Users/joao/go/src/github.com/astaxie/beego/router.go:834
2018/12/20 09:21:32.110 [C] [asm_amd64.s:522] C:/Go/src/net/http/server.go:2741
2018/12/20 09:21:32.110 [C] [asm_amd64.s:522] C:/Go/src/net/http/server.go:1847
2018/12/20 09:21:32.111 [C] [asm_amd64.s:522] C:/Go/src/runtime/asm_amd64.s:1333
2018/12/20 09:21:32.111 [server.go:2977] [HTTP] http: multiple response.WriteHeader calls
Controller:
package controllers
import (
"hello/models"
"github.com/astaxie/beego"
"github.com/astaxie/beego/orm"
_ "github.com/lib/pq"
)
type CidadesController struct {
beego.Controller
}
func init() {
beego.BConfig.WebConfig.AutoRender = false
orm.RegisterDriver("postgres", orm.DRPostgres)
orm.RegisterDataBase("default", "User", "postgres:senha@/nomeDoDB?
charset=utf8", 30)
}
func (this *CidadesController) Get() {
var cidade []models.Cidade
cidades, err := orm.NewQueryBuilder("postgres")
if err != nil {
//
}
cidades.Select("cid_codigo",
"cid_nome").
From("ger_cidade").
Limit(10).
Offset(0)
sql := cidades.String()
o := orm.NewOrm()
o.Raw(sql, 20).QueryRows(&cidade)
}
Model:
package models
import (
"github.com/astaxie/beego/orm"
)
type Cidade struct {
Id int `db:"cid_codigo"`
Name string `db:"cid_nome"`
}
func init() {
orm.RegisterModel(new(Cidade))
}
Pelo o que eu entendi está voltando um err na Query, mas como eu não estou tratando está dando esse erro. O que eu não entendo é porque volta erro na query? Pelo o que eu consegui entender está tudo certo.
RESOLVIDO
Não dá pra usar QueryBuilder com Postgres, tem que ser em Raw
A:
No framework Beego não é possível utilizar o QueryBuilder com PgSql, só com MySql. Então ficou assim:
No Controller:
package controllers
import (
"fmt"
"hello/models"
"github.com/astaxie/beego"
"github.com/astaxie/beego/orm"
_ "github.com/lib/pq"
)
type CidadesController struct {
beego.Controller
}
func init() {
beego.BConfig.WebConfig.AutoRender = false
orm.RegisterDriver("postgres", orm.DRPostgres)
orm.RegisterDataBase("default", "postgres", "dbname=nomeDoDB host=localhost
user=user password=senhaDoDb port=5432 sslmode=disable", 30)
}
func (this *CidadesController) Get() {
o := orm.NewOrm()
o.Using("default")
var cidade []models.Cidade
res, err := o.Raw("SELECT cid_codigo as id, cid_nome, est_codigo FROM
geral.ger_cidade").QueryRows(&cidade)
if err != nil {
fmt.Println(err)
return
}
if res == 0 {
fmt.Println("Sem registros")
return
}
this.Data["json"] = &cidade
this.ServeJSON()
}
No Model:
package models
import (
"github.com/astaxie/beego/orm"
)
type Cidade struct {
Id int `json:"id" db:"nomeDoCampoNoDB"`
Cid_nome string `json:"name" db:"nomeDoCampoNoDB"`
Est_codigo int `json:"codigo_estado" db:"nomeDoCampoNoDB"`
}
func init() {
orm.RegisterModel(new(Cidade))
}
Utilizei sql "puro" pra fazer a Query. No meu ponto de vista, não está bem explicito na documentação que eu não posso utilizar o QueryBuilder com PgSql. Se alguém quiser dar uma olhada na documentação onde fala sobre QueryBuilder aqui está o link: https://beego.me/docs/mvc/model/querybuilder.md
|
State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert offered an official condemnation for the communist government of Sandinista leader Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua on Tuesday, urging his regime to end its “cowardly attacks” on unarmed protesters and Catholic leaders, including clergy.
Nauert’s remarks come amid an unprecedented ministerial promoting religious freedom at the State Department attended by a priest who personally lived persecution in Nicaragua.
Ortega, a longtime ally of dictators Raúl Castro and Nicolás Maduro in Cuba and Venezuela, respectively, began experiencing widespread protests against his regime in April that have grown violent as Ortega’s government agents and paramilitaries increasingly use violence to suppress opposition. Ortega has turned his both official and unofficial sources not just against protests, many of whom are young college students, but against the Vatican, as the Catholic Church was called in as a mediating presence between both sides. Nicaraguan law enforcement and unofficial pro-Ortega paramilitaries have killed hundreds of protesters; police have arrested thousands, many subjected to torture and inhumane treatment.
“The United States Government condemns the ongoing the violence and intimidation by the Ortega-controlled armed groups in Nicaragua,” Nauert told reporters on Tuesday. “That includes the arbitrary arrests of 700 Nicaraguans who have opposed the Ortega government, as corroborated by multiple sources.”
“We also condemn the cowardly attacks on the Catholic Church leadership, the buildings, and adherents there. Along with the deaths of hundreds of protesters, the attacks have been widely documented internationally and are completely unacceptable,” she continued. “The Nicaraguan Government cannot continue to its excuse its behavior and blame others for its actions or the actions of those affiliated with it.”
“We join the international community in calling for early, free, fair, transparent elections and the protection of universal human rights in Nicaragua,” Nauert concluded, echoing the demand of protesters who wish to have a choice for head of state other than Ortega, in power on and off since 1979.
Nauert also noted that a Nicaraguan priest with first-hand knowledge of Ortega’s repression was visiting the State Department to discuss his ordeal. Father Raúl Zamora told Voice of America that he was present at the siege of the Divine Mercy parish in Nicaragua following the church taking in student protesters who sought refuge from police and paramilitary attacks.
The students were barricaded in the church for about 16 hours, he said, and suffered a “continous attack” throughout, leading to the death of two students – which Ortega has denied occurred. “That was the saddest because we had already agreed that they were going to leave peacefully, but the attack happened,” he noted, emphasizing that Ortega had called for church intervention before “calling us coup plotters … demonizing us, saying we were terrorists.”
Witnesses to the Divine Mercy siege say that police “discharged their entire heavy arsenal against stones and mortars … they wanted to kill us all.”
The priests and clergy members helping to protect young protesters insist that they are peaceful and their subjects unarmed, seeking only elections and a free society.
“We will keep being shepherds and the shepherds of the Catholic Church never stand with the hangmen, we will always be with the victims,” Bishop Silvio José Báez of the Archdiocese of Managua told the New York Times this week. “What we have here is an armed state against an unarmed population, this is not a civil war.”
In addition to attacks on protesters in churches, clergy have denounced vandalism and desecration of sacred spaces apparently for its own safety. The Vatican reported this week that at least one diocese has complained of theft of the tabernacle by “some seeking to defame the church,” while another recent attack involved unknown paramilitaries constraining and physically intimidating four priests in La Trinidad, northern Nicaragua.
Priests fear similar and more brutal attacks in the future, including physical attacks on clergy.
“They have threatened us with death because they say we are in charge of this situation, but we have shown our face because what this government is doing is unjust,” Father Augusto Gutiérrez of the Monimbó parish in Masaya said in a statement this week. “This is a genocide, there is no other name for it … please don’t let us die.”
Ortega recently responded to critics in an interview with Fox News where he insisted that the nation is “becoming more normal” as police arrest protesters and make them disappear.
“It’s been a week now that turmoil has stopped. Matters are becoming more normal in the country and there have been some demonstrations both against and in favor of the government,” he told Bret Baier. “There were armed attacks by paramilitary groups against organizations of the state, against the police, against loyal Sandinista families, and then they [the protesters] started blocking the entire country.”
Ortega rejected the idea of early elections, stating that they will occur as planned in 2021.
Follow Frances Martel on Facebook and Twitter. |
Brian Mujati
Brian Mujati (born (28 September 1984 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe) is a Zimbabwean-born South African rugby union player. He plays as a prop.
He started off his career with the Lions in the Super 14 competition, then he joined the Stormers for the start of the 2008 season before joining the Saints. He went to Peterhouse Boys' School in Marondera in Zimbabwe, along with the Sharks and capped Springbok Tendai Mtawarira. Despite having already played for the Springboks Mujati's test career was cut short when he was declared ineligible to play because he was not legally a South African citizen. He opted to join Northampton Saints to further pursue his rugby career. He is still a Zimbabwean citizen.
Club career
Northampton Saints
Mujati joined Saints in 2009 making his debut at Wembley Stadium. A second-half try for Mujati against Saracens helped the Saints reach the 2009-10 LV= Cup final and by the end of the campaign he was a regular sight on the first team field. The continuation of his fine form into 2010/11 was all the more impressive and he marked himself out as the cornerstone of a formidable Saints pack, featuring in every Premiership and Heineken Cup fixture. After confirming himself as Europe's premium tight-head and a fans favourite to boot, 'Mooj' was voted Players' Player of the Season and selected in the Sky Sports and ESPN Premiership Dream Team. He also finished second only to team mate Tom Wood in the Aviva Premiership Player of the Season vote. Though Brian struggled to find consistency early in 2012/13, his run to form was timed perfectly and he would contribute a semi-final try as the Saints stormed to the Premiership Final at Twickenham.
Racing 92
On 27 November 2012, it was announced Mujati would leave Northampton Saints to join French club Racing 92 for the 2013–14 season. Mujati spent two years at the french side. He amassed over 50 caps for the club before signing for the Sale Sharks on a two-year contract in September 2015.
Sale Sharks
Mujati made his Sale debut in October 2015 in a defeat to Saracens. He scored his first points for the club in a European Challenge Cup match against French side Pau.
Ospreys
In January 2017, Brian Mujati joined the Welsh Pro12 club Ospreys until the end of the season. On 25 February 2017, he made his debut for Ospreys against Glasgow Warriors in a 26-15 win. On 7 May 2017, Brian signed a contract extension, which was to see him stay at the Ospreys for a second season (2017-2018); however shortly into his second season at the Ospreys Mujati was forced to retire following a shoulder injury
.
International career
South Africa
Despite being Zimbabwean-born Mujati made 12 appearances for the Springboks during the 2008 season prior to leaving for Northampton in 2009.
Personal life
Away from the rugby pitch Brian has proved himself to be a vlogger, with a video channel on YouTube called The Life Of Brian. He is married to Chenesai Mujati and together they have 3 children - 2 daughters and a son. Brian is also a keen brewer and has been making beer for several years.
External links
Northampton Saints RFC
Brian on Twitter
Brian's Youtube Channel
Stormers
South Africa Rugby
Sale Sharks
References
Category:1984 births
Category:Living people
Category:Alumni of Peterhouse Boys' School
Category:South African rugby union players
Category:South Africa international rugby union players
Category:Zimbabwean rugby union players
Category:Stormers players
Category:Western Province (rugby team) players
Category:Golden Lions players
Category:Lions (Super Rugby) players
Category:Rugby union props |
A 3-week feed restriction after weaning as an alternative to a medicated diet: effects on growth, health, carcass and meat traits of rabbits of two genotypes.
Feed restriction after weaning is widely used in meat rabbit farms to promote health and reduce mortality, but this practice impacts negatively on rabbit growth and slaughter performance. This study compared a 3-week post-weaning feed restriction with ad libitum medicated feeding, evaluating effects on feed intake, growth, health, carcass and meat quality of rabbits of two genotypes: Italian White pure breed and Hycole hybrid×Italian White crossbred. A total of 512 rabbits at 36 days of age, of both sexes and two genotypes, were divided into four homogeneous groups assigned, from 36 to 57 days of age, to different feeding programmes (FP): restricted non-medicated (R-N), ad libitum non-medicated (L-N), restricted medicated (R-M) and ad libitum medicated (L-M). The diets were medicated with oxytetracycline (1540 mg/kg) and colistin sulphate (240 mg/kg). The restriction, performed by giving 70, 80 and 90 g/day of feed for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd week, was followed by ad libitum feeding in the successive 5 weeks, up to slaughter at 92 days of age. Restricted feeds were ingested at a level of 64% of the feed intake recorded in the ad libitum fed rabbits; it was significantly associated, regardless of medication and rabbit genotype, with a lower feed intake (-22 to -24 g dry matter/day) during the entire experiment, compensatory growth and a lower feed conversion ratio in the ad libitum period, and a lower final live weight (-150 g) than ad libitum feeding (P<0.001). During restriction, mortality was lower in the restricted rabbits (6.25%, 5.47% v. 12.5%, 14.8% for R-N, R-M, L-N and L-M; P<0.05), whereas in the ad libitum period mortality did not differ among the groups (9.23%, 9.90%, 11.0% and 4.59% for R-N, R-M, L-N and L-M). Dressing out percentage was not affected by FP or genotype; heavier carcasses were produced by rabbits fed ad libitum (+100 g; P<0.001) and crossbred rabbits (+122 g; P<0.001). Restriction did not alter meat quality, except for a tendency towards a higher cooking loss and less fat; crossbred meat was higher in L* (+1.3; P<0.01) and b* (+0.51; P<0.05) colour indexes and tenderness (-0.14 kg/cm2; P<0.05) than pure breed meat. Under the conditions of this study, a 3-week restricted feeding after weaning resulted to be a suitable alternative, also for high growth potential genotypes, to the antibiotics to preserve rabbit health. The production of lighter carcasses could be compensated partly by the lower feed conversion ratio showed by restricted rabbits. |
Q:
Aside from the Jews, did Hitler have a final solution plan for other ethnicities/races in the Third Reich?
We know that Nazi ideology explicitly singled out Jews as the main reason for all Germany's problems, and planned to exterminate all of them. Nazis also persecuted gypsies, Polish people, and POWs. Did the Nazis plan to exterminate other races/ethnicities? Were there any indications of this in their writings, propaganda, letters, secret documents? For example, anything against black people? Arabs? Asians? etc?
A:
For the Eastern Europe the Nazis had the Genaralplan Ost - the General Plan "East". According to this plan the large areas of Eastern Europe should be gradually Germanized, with the native inhabitants reduced in number, resettled and/or assimilated.
According to the plan,
Ethnic group Percentage subject to removal
Poles 80-85%
Russians 50-60% to be physically eliminated and another 15% to be sent to Western Siberia.
Belorusians 75%
Ukrainians 65%
Lithuanians 85%
Latvians 50%
Estonians 50%
Czechs 50%
Latgalians 100%
You can notice that the Latgalians, a Baltic ethnic group in Latvia were especially disliked by the Nazis due to their historically pro-Russian attitude. The Nazis even undertook special efforts to prove their racial impurity and inferiority
As to the further plans, you should note that Hitler's attitude towards the Blacks, Asians and other peoples was much better than that towards the Slavs, the Jews and other Eastern Europeans.
In general it seems the Reich would consider it their natural right to genocide any nationalities when the area is needed for Germans.
Judging from the pattern which the Nazis established in their dealings with different ethnic groups, it is reasonable to assume that the Nazis would attempt
To divide large peoples into smaller ethnic groups and by other criteria (religion, language dialect, region etc)
To put a "fuehrer" or "elder" in head of each ethnic group, personally responsible for carrying out the Nazi orders.
To allow a considerable autonomy of each ethnic group in their internal affairs as long as German orders are carried out.
To give expressly different rights in small and in large things to different groups, even closely related so to create envy, hubris and competition for Germans' favor.
To restrict movement of each group to their native homeland. Thus the steppe nomadic peoples would be put in steppe reservations, the mountaineers restricted to their home mountains etc. Only Germans would be allowed the right for free movement.
A:
"Intentionalism"—the view that Hitler was responsible for German racial policy (as supposed by this question's very title, "did Hitler had a final solution plan")—is not favoured amongst scholars. Therefore, the idea of a coherent plan of racial extermination needs to be done away with. German racial extermination policy evolved situationally and in response to local conditions. German bureaucratic schisms encouraged such creativity. However, repeated refrains of racialist and exterminationist policy appear again and again. This answer considers the Slavic example.
German and NSDAP racial policy was generally quite local in nature, though following similar themes. The Commissar order of 1941 was used as part of a generalised extermination programme relating to Slavic civillians, enacted as part of the pogrom and action programmes of 1941.
Additionally, some of the occupying authorities considered the winter 1941 food problems of Slavic civillians as not needing to be addressed due to the plan to generally starve Slavs to death West of the stop lines. The actual food extraction policies of this period did produce significant starvation as a side effect, however, the idea of extracting the planned levels of food was ludicrous and unachievable. (These plans were based on the idea that German standards of living ought rightly to be maintained at or near pre-war levels through mass starvation of other "racial" groups.)
Much of this culminated in the POW situation in 1941, where encamped soldiers—predominantly Slavic—were systematically neglected in a manner not undertaken in the West by the German Army.
We can be reasonably confident that with more puissance, German racial policies would have resulted in a fuller attempted genocide of people identified by Germans as Slavic.
A:
Hitler's Plans for North America
"Hitler actually held the American society in contempt, stating that the United States (which he consistently referred to as the "American Union") was "half Judaized, and the other half Negrified"[78] and that "in so far as there are any decent people in America, they are all of German origin"
"England and America will one day have a war with one another which will be waged with the greatest hatred imaginable. One of the two countries will have to disappear."[86] and "I shall no longer be there to see it, but I rejoice on behalf of the German people at the idea that one day we will see England and Germany marching together against America"."
For an extensive discussion of this entire subject - Hitler's plans for the entire world - replete with references and direct quotations, see: New Order - Nazism
I read about this many years ago - your question jolted my memory a bit so I poked around and found these references.
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The primary goal of this research project is to identify how changes in DNA sequence and organization produce diversity in the shape and structure of body parts. The head shape of stalk-eyed flies will be used as a model system for investigating this issue. These flies have undergone extreme modification of the head into long stalks with the eyes located at the ends of these stalks. There is tremendous variation within and between species in terms of eyestalk size and shape. This project will examine variation in stalk-eyed fly DNA that is associated with eye-stalk variation as a means for identifying the genetic basis of this bizarre trait. The primary focus will be on the regulatory regions of genes which control when and where genes are turned on and off within the body. DNA variation will be examined at three levels: among species to identify genes evolving in concert with eye-stalks, within two species that differ dramatically in eye-stalk size and between lines of flies from one species that have been artificially selected for large and small eye-stalks. The results from this project will enhance our understanding of how and where variation accumulates in the genome and how this molecular variation produces phenotypic diversity. This research will have implications for numerous biomedical fields interested in alternative phenotypes and the molecular processes that produce them. [unreadable] [unreadable] |
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<link rel="author" title="Daniel Glazman" href="http://glazman.org/">
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Anti-Masonic Movement, in the history of the United States, popular movement based on public indignation at and suspicion of the secret fraternal order known as the Masons, or Freemasons. Opponents of this society seized upon the uproar to create the Anti-Masonic Party. It was the first American third party, the first political party to hold a national nominating convention, and the first to offer the electorate a platform of party principles.
Britannica Quiz A Study of History: Who, What, Where, and When? Who discovered penicillin?
The movement was ignited in 1826 by the mysterious disappearance of William Morgan, a bricklayer in western New York who supposedly had broken his vow of secrecy as a Freemason by preparing a book revealing the organization’s secrets. When no trace of Morgan could be discovered, rumours of his murder at the hands of Masons swept through New York and then into New England and the Mid-Atlantic states.
As Anti-Masonic candidates proved successful in state and local elections, politicians saw the issue’s vote-catching possibilities. Anti-Masonic newspapers flourished in the heated political atmosphere. In September 1831, the Anti-Masonic Party held a national convention in Baltimore, Md., nominated William Wirt for president, and announced a party platform condemning Masonry for its secrecy, exclusivity, and undemocratic character.
Wirt won only the state of Vermont (seven electoral votes) in the 1832 election, and the party went into decline after that. By the late 1830s much of its reform impulse had been taken over by antislavery agitation, and most of its politicians had joined the newly formed Whig Party. |
In mixed signal Integrated Circuits (ICs), such as System on Chip (SOC) circuits, several components are integrated in a single chip. Mixed-signal ICs are chips that include both digital and analog circuits on the same chip. This category of chip has grown significantly with the increasing usage of third generation (3G) and fourth generation (4G) cell phones and other portable technologies. For example, a single chip may be designed with different radio subsystems, including Global Positioning Systems (GPSs), Bluetooth systems, Wireless Local Area Network (LAN) systems, and Frequency Modulation (FM) radio systems. |
Vision
The Counseling Department at Liberty High School strives to create young men and women who are well prepared to meet the challenges and high expectations of the 21st century. All Liberty students participate in rigorous curriculum and quality opportunities for self-directed personal growth supported by a comprehensive school counseling program. As productive citizens, our students achieve their maximum potential and make a positive difference in our school and community.
Suicide / Crisis Helpline:
Text 741741 if you or someone you know is depressed, suicidal, or just needing someone to talk to. A trained crisis counselor will immediately respond to help.
SAFEVOICE:
Safevoice is a system established by the Nevada Department of Education in 2018 to ANONYMOUSLY report the following concerns: bullying, cyberbullying, violence, weapons, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, neglect, substance abuse, harassment, discrimination, and threats. If you or another individual has been a victim of any of the above, please call 1-833-216-7233.
AP Exam Registration:
Liberty students who are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) classes for the 2018-19 school year and who wish to take AP exams in the spring, please see the link below regarding College Board student accounts and AP exam registration (fees and deadlines):
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Please note that school-wide daily ANNOUNCEMENTS can be seen online at the link below from any computer with internet access:
Information for seniors admitted to nevada state college (posted 2/13/19):
If you are a Liberty senior who plans on attending Nevada State College in the fall of 2019, please see the link below with important information regarding the "Next Steps" process (i.e. how to finalize your acceptance and get enrolled in classes), the MANDATORY new student orientation, accessing the MyNSC portal, Scorpion Preview Day, applying for financial aid, and MUCH MORE!
*NEW* SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITy (POSTED 2/12/19):
The 2019 Bill Walters Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame Scholarship will be awarded to a Clark County, Nevada, high school senior who has participated in junior golf programs, tournaments, or a high school golf team. The scholarship may be used to attend a community college, college, university, trade or technical school. The deadline to apply is 4:00pm on April 2, 2019. For more information, please click on the link below:
NEvada youth legislature application (posted 2/12/19):
The Nevada Youth Legislature (NYL) was created by the Nevada Legislature during the 2007 Legislative Session. Legislators established the NYL to enable the state’s most promising teenagers to learn about government by participating in government. Currently, 21 Youth Legislators are serving two-year terms. On May 31, 2019, the terms of all 21 Youth Legislators will expire. Therefore, all 2019 appointments will be for two-year terms. Youth Legislators, selected by their State Senators, represent between 27,000 and 42,000 youth in their districts. They serve as a voice for the youth in their districts and constantly review and evaluate issues that affect our state’s young people. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Nevada Youth Legislature, click on the link below for more information. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2019.
*NEW* SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITies (POSTED 2/12/19):
Silver State Schools Credit Union will be awarding seven $2,000 scholarships to high school seniors around the valley. The application deadline is Friday, March 22, 2019. These scholarships are renewable for up to 4 years ($8,000 total) if a 3.0 is maintained each semester. For more information, please click on the links below:
ASVAB Exam registration (posted 2/11/19):
Liberty High School will be offering the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) exam on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 here at school to any current Liberty 10th, 11th, or 12th grader. To register to take the exam, please click on the "Register Here" link below. For more information about the ASVAB exam, click on the "About the ASAB" link below:
*NEW* SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY (POSTED 2/07/19):
The Picerne Family Scholarship will be awarded to a Liberty High School senior in Clark County, Nevada, with a minimum 3.0 GPA who are planning to attend college full time, have demonstrated civic leadership, community service and are a true “over-achiever”. This $10,000 scholarship ($1,250/semester renewable and payable over 8 semesters), is meant for a deserving student who is pursuing a dream, but without this support, may not have the chance. Scholarship funds must be applied toward tuition, fees and other appropriate educational expenses. For more information (and to apply), please click on the link below. The deadline to apply is February 18, 2019.
*NEW* SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY (POSTED 2/06/19):
The Tenth annual Spirit of Nevada Scholarship Contest is now open. Four $1000 scholarships will be awarded (one in each category). The theme for this year is "Home Means Nevada" and the four categories are:
A video (maximum 60 seconds, includes film, animation, etc.)
An original work of art (includes painting, sculpture, cartoon, etc.)
A short story or poem (maximum 2,000 words)
An original song or musical production (maximum 60 seconds)
Click on the link below for more information (and scroll down the page to the Spirit of Nevada Scholarship section). All rules and submission guidelines must be followed and all waivers and submission forms must be included to be considered. The deadline to apply is April 26, 2019.
*NEW* SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY (POSTED 2/04/19):
Clark County resident, retired teacher and guidance counselor, Sal Catanese has sponsored a scholarship through the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) called the Salvatore “Sal” Catanese Clark County Scholarship. The scholarship(between $2,500 and $12,000) will be awarded to an outstanding Italian American incoming freshman who is a graduate of a high school located in Clark County, Nevada. To be considered for the scholarship, applicants MUST:
Be a member of NIAF or have a parent, guardian or grandparent who is a member of NIAF.
Be enrolled in a US accredited institution of higher education for the Fall 2019 semester.
Have a grade-point average of at least 3.5 out of 4.0 (or the equivalent). Some scholarships require a lower GPA requirement for eligibility. Students that are a part of a pass-fail system are also welcome to apply.
Be a United States citizen or permanent resident alien.
For the purposes of the NIAF Scholarship Program, to be considered “Italian American,” the student must have at least one ancestor who has immigrated from Italy.
The deadline to apply is March 1, 2019. To apply (or for more information), please click on the link below):
*NEW* SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY (POSTED 1/23/19):
All graduating seniors who identify as "Asian" or "Asian-American" are welcome to apply for the Las Vegas Asian Chamber Foundation Scholarship. Information regarding the scholarship (along with the scholarship application) can be found at the links below. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2019.
ACCess college & career fair (posted 1/18/19):
All High School Students, Parents, and Staff are cordially invited to attend the FREEACCESS College & Career Fair Spring into Vegas event on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 from 5:30pm to 8:00pm at Western High School. Colleges, Universities, Career Awareness Organizations, and Employers locally and from across the country will be on hand to discuss college admissions, financial aid and scholarship info, career and technical trade opportunities, summer job andinternship offerings, and so much more. Students who plan on attending should register at the link below to receive and ACCF barcode for quick and easy communication by participating college and career exhibitors.
Clark county summer business institute 2019 (posted 1/15/19):
Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 2, qualifying high school students can apply online for paid summer internships through Clark County's popular Summer Business Institute Program (SBI). Clark County's Human Resources Department will make applications available on its website beginning Wednesday. Applications must be submitted online no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8. No paper applications will be distributed or accepted. SBI is a partnership between Clark County, the Clark County School District and more than 80 area businesses. To be eligible to apply for the 2019 program, students must be sophomores, juniors or seniors with a minimum 2.0 grade point average. The program offers eight-week internships in fields ranging from law and medicine to architecture and education. Teen participants gain work experience and on-the-job business mentoring as part of the program. Students requiring assistance completing the application online may contact their local high school counselor's office or Clark County Human Resources Department at (702) 455-4565. For more information contact SBI Program Specialist Kaveida Allen at (702) 455-2426 or SBI Program Supervisor John Hulme in the County's Human Resources Department at (702) 455-3198. County staff anticipate selecting 130 Clark County students for the program, which runs from June through mid-August. Participants are paid $8.25 an hour to work eight-hour days Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, interns attend seminars and workshops to receive training on topics such as life skills and personal finance and to participate in a civic engagement project. To apply, please go to the link below:
*NEW* SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY for dreamers (POSTED 1/15/19):
TheDream.US, the nation’s largest college access program for immigrant youth who are DACA, TPS, or DACA-eligible, opened its new round of scholarship applications for the 2019-20 academic year on November 1, 2018. TheDream.US has provided more than 4,000 scholarships to students who are attending one of the more than 75 colleges and universities in 15 states and Washington, D.C. The application deadline for the Opportunity Scholarship Award, which provides scholarships up to $80,000 for first-time college students, is January 31, 2019. The application deadline for the National Scholarship Award, which offers scholarships up to $33,000 for high school or first-time college students and community college graduates, is February 28, 2019. For more information (and to apply), please click on the link below:
*NEW* SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY (POSTED 1/15/19):
The Jackie Robinson Foundation and TheDream.US partner with the College Board to increase scholarship opportunities for eligible students who’ve taken the PSAT. No one succeeds in college alone. That’s why the Jackie Robinson Foundationoffers promising minority students a generous four-year grant to assist with college costs as well as a support network of fellow scholars, alumni, and professional mentors to help them excel in college and beyond. The application deadline is February 1, 2019. Please click on the link below to apply:
Updated CCSD Scholarship website (posted 1/15/18):
The CCSD Office of Guidance and Counseling has updated its scholarship website. Please click on the link below to access their site which has information regarding:- Current national and local scholarships- Public Education Foundation scholarships- The Millennium Scholarship- Scholarship Search Engines- Scholarships for LGBTQ students- Scholarships for minority students- Scholarships for DACA / Dreamers / undocumented students- Scholarships for students who plan on attending CSN or NSC
The priority deadline for Nevada State College is on January 15, 2019. Seniors - especially those who qualify for an academic scholarship - must have their NSC application completed (and paid for) and their FAFSA submitted by that date. Information about scholarships that NSC offers can be found at the links below. For more information (or questions), please contact Ms. Argie Mendoza at (702)992-2175 or by email at argie.mendoza@nsc.edu
Latino youth leadership conference (posted 1/10/19):
Applications for the 2019 Latino Youth Leadership Conference to be held June 24-30, 2019 at UNLV are now being accepted. The program is open to all high school (to be) juniors and seniors. The deadline to apply is March 22, 2019. For more information, please see the link below:
UNLV Spring 2019 STEM Program for high school students (posted 1/9/19):
SISTEM is a series of talks and activities that gives high school students the opportunity to learn about various STEM careers and research. The program is free for students. In order to apply for SISTEM, applicants must be high school students in Southern Nevada. Students should be committed to attending all the sessions. Applications for the program will be accepted until February 20, 2019.If accepted, students will be notified by March 1, 2019. The series will be held in the Science and Engineering Building on the UNLV campus. (4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154).
*NEW* SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITy (POSTED 1/9/19):
The Nevada Telecommunications Association (NTA) Scholarship is designed for dependent children of customers of the Association's member local exchange telephone companies. Seniors graduating from a Nevada high school and enrolling a college or vocational school are eligible to apply for the $1000 scholarship. The deadline to apply is April 15, 2019. Please see the link below for more information.
Les Femmes Douze Debutante Scholarship Program is now recruiting participants for it's 2020 scholarship program. Applicants should be current 11th grade female students (who identify as black or African-American) who are on track to graduate from high school and attend college in the fall of 2020. The program's goals are to mentor young women and provide opportunities for them to grow personally, academically, and culturally. Additionally, Les Femmes Douze promotes the essence of sisterhood and instills the value of community service. The deadline to apply is February 22, 2019. Please see the application details at the link below:
*NEW* SCHOLARSHIP opportunity for dreamers (POSTED 1/7/19):
Nevada State College has partnered with TheDream.US to provide full-ride scholarship opportunity to NSC for DACA and undocumented students (who meet DACA eligibility requirements and who graduate from high school with a 2.5 GPA or higher). The deadline to apply is February 28, 2019. For more information, see the links below:
ACT Spring Weekend Bootcamp at Liberty (posted 12/16/18):
Liberty will be hosting a three day intensive weekend bootcamp for its students Friday, February 18th through Sunday, February 10th. For more information, please click on the button below. Scholarships are available for students with financial difficulties. These students are encouraged to see their Liberty counselor.
*NEW* COllege & SCHOLARSHIP search engine (posted 12/13/18):
UNIGO s a FREE website that not only connects high school students to over $3.6 million in scholarship money annually, BUT also provides over six hundred and fifty thousand reviews of colleges and universities, college matching services, expert admissions advice, and tons of information about various options to help students pay for college. For more information about UNIGO and the FREE services that they provide, please click on the link below:
*NEW* SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES (POSTED 12/13/18):
HEAN (Hispanic Educators Association of NV) in conjunction with Ronald McDonald Charities offer a $1,000 scholarship to Hispanic/Latino students who are pursuing education as their college major. Students must apply through the Ronald McDonald Charities link below and complete an additional essay, 500 words or less: "Why do you want to become a teacher? What will you, as a Hispanic teacher offer your students that others cannot?" Other criteria: Have at least one parent of Hispanic/Latino heritage, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and declare a major in education. The deadline is January 19, 2019. Questions may be directed to Diana Gonzalez at gonzad2@nv.ccsd.net, 702-799-8888 ext. 4302.
*NEW* SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITy for students going to unlv next year to study computer science & computer engineering (POSTED 12/11/18):
UNLV is delighted to launch a new program designed to increase the number of STEM graduates with academic talent and financial need. The Las Vegas Scholars Program: For Computer Science & Computer Engineering Students is funded by a $650,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. Eligible students include current high school seniors who will be incoming freshman at UNLV in Fall 2019. In addition, the student must: (1) declare a major of computer science or computer engineering; (2) be accepted into UNLV’s College of Engineering as a full time student; (3) demonstrate financial need; and (4) have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (for a complete list of eligibility, please see website under eligibility). To apply, students must submit the following: (1) an online application to the UNLV Las Vegas Scholars Program; (2) an unofficial high school transcripts; (3) two letters of recommendation; and (4) a personal statement. Benefits include 1.) receiving up to $6,200 in an annual scholarship per student for up to 4 years, and 2.) learning how to bridge the gap between high school, work, and college expectations by participating in a one-month summer bridge program where students will meet new friends, learn about the department and campus, and earn 6 college credits towards their university degree. For more information about the program and application process, please visit the link below. The application deadline is January 14, 2019.
NVLA Spring Enrollment NOW Open (posted 11/15/18):
Nevada Learning Academy (NVLA) of CCSD is now accepting concurrent registration for its Spring 2019 course offerings. Students who wish to enroll in a class (or classes) at NVLA for next semester are encouraged to see their Liberty counselor as soon as possible.
The ASVAB ExaM (posted 11/13/18):
Liberty High School will be offering the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) exam on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 here at school to any current Liberty 11th or 12th grader who is interested in taking the exam. For more information about the exam, please click on the link on the LEFT below. To register to take the exam at Liberty on December 12th, please click on the link on the RIGHT below. (The deadline to register is Friday, November 30th.)
Free online test prep for liberty students (posted 11/11/18):
Liberty HS subscribes to a FREE online test-prep service for its students. Liberty students can use this service to study for and do practice tests for the ACT, SAT, PSAT, and ASVAB exams. To access this FREE online resource, please see the link below:
*NEW* SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY (POSTED 11/11/18):
Bertoldo, Baker, Carter & Smith Law Firm is pleased toannounce the BBC&S Scholarship Essay Contest for seniors in Clark County School District Nevada with an interest in law or a related field of study planning to attend a college/university full time. One scholarship in the amount of $3,000 will be awarded. Applicants must submit an current unofficial transcript, resume, and complete an essay. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2019. Please click on the link below for more information / to apply:
*NEW* SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY (POSTED 11/11/18):
The Green Ambassador Program(a partnership between CCSD School-Community Partnership Program, recycling vendors, and others) is pleased to offer scholarships for up to $1000 each. High School seniors with interest and action in environmental programs, clubs, education, awareness, or related may apply. Applicants must be seniors in a CCSD high school, complete the application and a one page essay, submit an official transcript, and submit one letter of recommendation. The deadline to apply is March 9, 2019. Application information can be found at the link below:
*New* scholarship opportunity (posted 11/5/18):
The office of Service Learning & Leadership at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas would like to to invite graduating high school seniors to apply for the UNLV Engelstad Scholarship Program. The scholarship recognizes incoming undergraduates at UNLV who are low-income, high-achieving, and committed to giving back to their community. Below you will find a scholarship flyer that contains information about the program, eligibility requirements and the link to the Engelstad Scholarship Application Form. We encourage students to complete the application by the priority deadline of December 1, 2018 for Fall 2019 enrollment into the program. After this priority deadline, the first pool of applicants will be reviewed and interviews granted to qualified students. If there are remaining spots in the program after the initial review, late applications may be reviewed; therefore, students are still encouraged to apply even if they miss the priority deadline. We hope that students will take advantage of this significant scholarship opportunity at UNLV. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to email them to engelstadscholars@unlv.edu or contact the Program Coordinator for the Engelstad Scholars Program at (702) 895-5608.
Liberty HS Graduation Date 2019 (posted 10/29/18):
Liberty High School's Class of 2019 Commencement ceremony will be held at 12:00pm (noon) on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at the Orleans Arena. All questions regarding graduation should be directed to Mrs. Susan Branigan at branisa@nv.ccsd.net or by phone at (702)799-2270 extension 4206.
2019-2020 CBXY German Youth Exchange Program (Posted 10/24/18):
Applications are now being accepted for the 2019-20 Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program. Selected American high school students will receive an all-expenses-paid year abroad in Germany studying at a German high school and living with a German host family. Knowledge of German is NOT REQUIRED. This program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. For more information (including eligibility requirements) and to apply, please visit the website below. The deadline to apply is December 11, 2018.
*NEW* SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT (POSTED 10/22/18):
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas is proud to award scholarships through its 2019 RMHC of Greater Las Vegas Scholarship Program. For more information about the scholarship (including eligibility and deadlines), please click on the link to the LEFT below. To apply, please click on the link to the RIGHT below. The deadline to apply is January 18, 2019.
*FREE* ACT prep classes for 11th graders (posted 10/17/18):
Liberty will be hosting FREE ACT prep classes for any interested 11th graders AFTER SCHOOL (from 1:20 - 2:20pm) on Tuesdays and Thursdays (starting Tuesday, October 16th) in room 200. For more information, click on the flyer below (far left):
Semper Fidelis all-american program (posted 10/15/18):
Proudly presented by the United States Marine Corps, the Semper Fidelis All-American Program recognizes high school students who face life’s battles with the conviction and determination to succeed. These students embody the same fighting spirit that Marines stand for by taking on the challenges of succeeding academically while bettering their communities and excelling in athletics and extracurricular activities. Semper Fidelis All-Americans will receive an all-expenses paid trip to attend the four-day Battles Won Academy, held in Washington D.C. in July 2019. There they will participate in daily workouts, an immersive Marine Corps experience on base in Quantico, a community service event, teambuilding outings, and a tour of our Nation’s Capital. Semper Fidelis All-Americans will also have the opportunity to network with an elite circle of speakers from all walks of life and various industries who will share their inspiring stories of fighting and winning battles in their own lives. Each All-American will be given the opportunity to invite a mentor of their choosing from their school, sports team or a community organization to attend the event alongside them. Throughout the weekend’s activities, students and mentors will be required to step out of their normal comfort zones, and all attendees should be prepared to participate in a high level of physical activity. Finally, becoming a Semper Fidelis-All American will make students eligible for select scholarship opportunities only available to program participants. To be eligible to participate in the program, applicants must:
Be a Junior in High School
Have a 3.5 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
Be active in community service
Play a competitive team sport
Hold a student or community leadership position
Students will be selected for the program based on moral character and academic performance in addition to athletic abilities. Most critically, nominees must demonstrate a fighting spirit that improves the lives of their fellow citizens. For more information (or to nominate yourself or a Liberty student), please see the link below:
Hixson-Lied success Scholars Program at UNLV (posted 10/5/18):
The application for the 2019-2020 Hixson-Lied Success Scholars Program at UNLV is now open. This is a four year scholarship program, with students receiving $2500 each year, pending they fulfill the program attendance, service, and GPA requirements. This scholarship program was created so all students can have a meaningful, educational opportunity to pursue their undergraduate degree, and we hope to continue to help more students on their individual journeys to graduation from UNLV. students are selected based on UNLV admission requirements (must be admitted to UNLV), FAFSA pell grant eligibility, residency status, references, and an essay demonstrating a challenge they have overcome. There is no GPA requirement to apply, other than being admissible to UNLV. For more information (and to apply), please click on the link below. The deadline to apply is April 22, 2019.
Liberty Lunch groups (posted 10/4/18):
This year the Liberty High School Safe School Professional (Mrs. Kimberly Kerr) will be running small counseling groups for students struggling with:- low self-esteem- severe anxiety- developing coping skills, motivation, and social skillsThe small groups will be offered during lunch periods starting Wednesday, October 24th (and will continue for several weeks, as needed). (*Participants will be allowed to either get their lunch in the cafeteria before the group starts and eat it during the group session OR bring their lunch with them from home.) If you believe that your Liberty student could benefit from participation in this group, than please do the following:1.) Email or call Ms. Kerr (at cyrky@nv.ccsd.net or 799-2270 ext 4350) to sign him or her up / get more information2.) Turn in to her a completed (and signed) Consent for Services form below. (Students can also get copies of this form from Mrs. Kerr directly in the Dean's Office.)
*New Scholarship Announcement* (Posted 8/30/18):
Please click on the link below for the application for the 2019 Las Vegas Southwest Rotary Club Academic Scholarship. This scholarship (in the amount of $9,600) will be awarded to one CCSD graduating Senior who plans on attending a Nevada public college or university next fall. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2019. For more information about eligibility requirements (and to apply), click on the link below:
College Visits to Liberty 18-19 (Posted 8/29/18):
For a complete list of colleges and universities that will be visiting Liberty this school year (including dates and times), please click on the link below. Students must sign up for to attend college visits at least twenty-four hours in advance in the Counseling Office. Space is based on availability.
FREE tutoring at Clark county public libraries (posted 8/21/18):
ACT & SAT Test dates for the 2018-19 school year (posted 5/1/18):
Click on the link below to see when the ACT and SAT exams will be given at Liberty High School for the 2018-19 school year. Students can sign up to take either exam at the ACT and SAT websites choosing Liberty as their testing location. Students who qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch (FRL) are eligible to get fee waivers to cover the cost of taking each exam TWICE. (FRL students should see their counselors for these fee waivers.)
Free College Application Tool (POSTED 9/25/17):
With the college application season upon us AND the FAFSA registration starting soon (on October 1st for the 2018-2019 school year), we wanted to inform you of a new tool that could be of great interest (and assistance) to you. Up Next is a FREE, evidence-based texting tool that offers personalized support on all things related to college access and completion - college search and application, federal student aid, even student loan repayment - all through texting. It is quick and easy to download the app, enroll, and is (again) completely FREE. Moreover, the company won't spam users with unnecessary messages or ads and will only share the most important reminders to keep students and parents on track to college. To learn more about Up Next and to enroll, please see the link below:
SEnior fines:
Attention 2018 Graduates! As part of your graduation requirement, it is your responsibility to be debt-free in order to participate in Senior Activities, including Graduation. Don’t miss out walking with your class! Please see the school banker to inquire if you have accrued any debt due CCSD. All debts are payable by cash only. The banker is available before school, at each lunch, and after school until 2 p.m. daily.
Tutoring:
Infinite Campus Parent portal:
Parents and students can create accounts with Infinite Campus in order to monitor student academic progress and attendance. To set-up an account for you or your student, please see Ms. Jennifer Skelly at the Reception Desk at Liberty High School. She can also be reached by phone at 702-799-2270 extension 4000 or by email at jskelly@interact.ccsd.net .
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Differential expression of immediate early genes after transection of the facial nerve.
Facial motoneurons respond to peripheral transection of the facial nerve with a number of molecular changes. In order to obtain insight into the transcriptional mechanisms underlying the changes induced by axotomy, the expression of a number of immediate early genes was investigated after facial nerve lesion in the rat. Some immediate early genes (such as c-fos, c-jun or jun B) are known to encode transcription factors that bind to DNA at sites that regulate gene expression and they could therefore contribute to long-term changes in motoneurons. Northern blot analysis of RNA extracted from the facial nucleus from postoperative intervals covering hours and days revealed that axotomy results in a unique pattern of immediate early gene induction in the facial nucleus. c-Jun, jun B and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced sequence (TIS) 11 messenger RNA, also present in low amounts in the unoperated nucleus, were strongly induced in a long-term fashion after nerve injury. Increased levels of these messenger RNAs were first detectable at 5 h, reaching a maximum (300-500% compared to control) within 24 h followed by a gradual decline during the following week. Elevated levels were maintained at least up to eleven days compared to the unoperated side. On the other hand, c-fos messenger RNA was neither expressed in the unoperated nucleus, nor was c-fos messenger RNA induced by axotomy at any of the time-points studied. Another member of the TIS family of immediate early genes TIS 7 (PC4), however, was detectable at low levels in normal facial nucleus, but its expression was unaffected by lesion. The three axotomy-induced messenger RNAs, c-jun, jun B and TIS 11, were all localized in the facial motoneurons by in situ hybridization histochemistry indicating that their induction occurs as part of the retrograde reaction of the motoneurons in response to lesion. These data suggest that c-jun, jun B and TIS 11 may play a role in triggering the regeneration programme of motoneurons. |
Gravel, dirt, grass lot approximately 4 miles from I-30, on the side of Route 69 in Greenville Texas (about 50 miles north east of Dallas). There is some road noise from Route 69, as it is pretty busy most all day. It quiets down at night. Nice country setting for this basic, no frills RV park. Roosters and chickens […] |
Abandoned houses with overgrown yards may be the image most people associate with Detroit, but the city’s downtown and midtown neighborhoods have the opposite problem: a shortage of rental apartments to meet a growing demand for an urban lifestyle.
Developers say occupancy rates in these areas are at least 96 percent, spurred by young professionals, students and empty nesters who want an easy commute to school or work and a short walk to local cafes and bars.
“To us it feels like there’s an insatiable demand,” said Fred Beal, manager of Motown Construction Partners, which led the recent renovation of the 124-unit Broderick Tower downtown.
Built in the late 1920s, the 34-story building near Comerica Park had been vacant for decades, but is fully leased after opening in November. Penthouse units that are 2,300 square feet command $5,000 a month, Mr. Beal said, though most of the studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments rent for $2,000 or less. |
www.annettewarner.com
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Don't let a traffic ticket put you at risk for a suspended license. The defensive driving course not only teaches you how to drive safer, but it also reduces points on your driving record. When you complete the course, the DMV will forgive up to four points added to your record in the past 18 months. » Learn More |
Busch Campus of Rutgers University
Busch Campus is one of the five sub-campuses at Rutgers University's New Brunswick/Piscataway area campus, and is located entirely within Piscataway, New Jersey, US. Academic facilities and departments centered on this campus are primarily those related to the natural sciences: physics, pharmacy, engineering, psychology, mathematics and statistics, chemistry, geology, and biology. The Rutgers Medical School was also built on this campus in 1970, but a year later was separated by the state, renamed the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and merge with the New Jersey Medical School and other health profession schools in Newark and New Brunswick to create the College of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Rutgers and the medical school continued to share the land and facilities on the campus in a slightly irregular arrangement. On July 1, 2013, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School was officially merged back into Rutgers University, along with most of the other schools of UMDNJ, with the exception of the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine.
The campus is named after Charles L. Busch (1902–1971), of Edgewater, New Jersey, an eccentric millionaire, who unexpectedly donated $10 million to the University for biological research at his death in 1971. The campus was formerly known as "University Heights Campus". The land was donated by the state in the 1930s, and a stadium was constructed. The land was formerly a country club, and the original golf course still exists on the campus.
Selected buildings
Waksman Institute of Microbiology is a research facility on the Busch Campus of Rutgers University. It is named after Selman Waksman, who was a faculty member who won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1952 for research which led to the discovery of streptomycin. 18 antibiotics were isolated in Waksman's laboratory. Streptomycin and neomycin, and actinomycin, were commercialized.
Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine (CABM) was established in 1985 to advance knowledge in the life sciences for the improvement of human health. It is jointly administered by the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. The building was completed in 1990, and has of lab and office space.
Hill Center for the Mathematical Sciences, named for George William Hill (Rutgers 1859), opened in 1971 and houses the Mathematics and Computer Science departments, along with a number of small Centers. It also houses the Mathematical Sciences Library and a large underground data center.
William Levine Hall houses the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy.
The Library of Science of Medicine is the main library for science and health collection of the Rutgers University Libraries system.
The School of Engineering. The original four-wing building was opened in 1963.
The Busch Campus Center and Busch Dining Hall
Paul Robeson Cultural Center
Administrative Services Building I and two annex buildings
Archive building for the University Library system
Many residence halls and apartment buildings for undergraduate and graduate students
SHI Stadium and Hale center
Yurcak field for lacrosse and soccer
Sonny Werblin Recreation Center
University President's compound
Physics facilities
Classroom buildings: SERC and ARC
University of Medicine and Dentistry Buildings
Busch Campus Heat/Electricity Cogeneration plant
References
Category:Rutgers University
Rutgers University Busch Campus
Category:Piscataway, New Jersey
Category:Rutgers University buildings |
An Evaluation of the Middle East Research Training Initiative Tool in Assessing Effective Functioning of Research Ethics Committees.
The effective functioning of a research ethics committee (REC) can be evaluated using self-assessment tools. The Middle East Research Ethics Training Initiative (MERETI) tool can be used by one member, typically the Chair, to score an REC. The consistency of these scores across several members of an REC has never been evaluated. This study examined whether results would be consistent irrespective of who conducts the assessment. One REC's effective functioning was assessed by several members ( n = 13). The Chair's scores were compared with scores of other members in relation to their duration of REC membership, research ethics training, gender, and employer's institutional affiliation to the REC. The Chair's overall score was higher than the other members' scores by 11%. No significant differences in scores were obtained in relation to duration of REC membership ( p = .72), interval since last research ethics training ( p = .94), and gender ( p = .27). The MERETI tool is thus consistent irrespective of who performs the assessment. |
HL-A antigens in mummified pre-Columbian tissues.
Tissue extracts of pre-Columbian mummies, from 500 to 2000 years old, were found to inhibit specific antibodies to HL-A. Two-thirds of the specimens tested gave positive results. Patterns of reactions obtained with different antiserums detecting the same antigen were concordant and consistent with known relations between HL-A antigens. The distribution of antigens found was similar to that observed in present-day descendants of the ancient populations studied. Although artifacts due to contaminating substances could have occurred, the reactions resembled in many respects those of HL-A antigens rather than those of nonspecific cross-reacting inhibitors. Development of a technique for HL-A typing of mummified remains may open new possibilities for anthropologic studies. |
Development and validation of a new model of inflammation in the cat and selection of surrogate endpoints for testing anti-inflammatory drugs.
In laboratory animals many models of inflammation have been developed for preclinical evaluation of the pharmacological profiles of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In contrast, in species of veterinary interest, including the cat, NSAIDs have been studied mainly using dose-titration or dose-confirmation studies in clinical subjects. This is due to the scarcity of appropriate animal models and to the associated lack of quantitative validated endpoints describing the magnitude and time course of drug response. Determination of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationships provides a powerful approach for the selection of effective and safe dosage regimens. In this study, a paw inflammation model in the cat was developed for the preclinical evaluation of NSAIDs using PK/PD modelling. Subcutaneous injection of 500 mg kaolin in the paw produced a well-defined and reproducible inflammatory response that lasted 4-5 days. Several endpoints were assessed for their clinical relevance and for their metrological performance (accuracy and reproducibility). Body temperature, lameness scoring, locomotion tests and possibly skin temperature were the most appropriate endpoints for testing the antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of NSAIDs in the cat. |
First 5 Minutes and 5 Clips from Blood: The Last Vampire
The first five minutes and five clips from Chris Nahon’s live-action adaptation of the popular horror anime “Blood: The Last Vampire” for ya this Wednesday. The first five minutes and a couple of the clips are pretty bloody, especially the alley fight where Saya takes on a gang of vampires in the rain. The rest are tame, and the “Something Wrong” clip is already shown in the first five minutes clip, so feel free to skip it. One thing is very noticeable, though: the film’s dialogue is pretty clunky, and I’m not just talking about Gianna Jun’s English, either. You get this feeling the whole movie is supposed to be in another language, but someone forced the filmmakers to go the English route, and it kind of shows.
A vampire named Saya, who is part of covert government agency that hunts and destroys demons in a post-WWII Japan, is inserted in a military school to discover which one of her classmates is a demon is disguise. |
An Evening Star graced the backyard with its presence this year; its delicate flowers only bloom in the summer evening hours, closing at dark. The flower essence from this plant supports self-reliance, self-affirmation, validation, and quiet surety from the root of your being.
You have all probably noticed a distinct slowdown in my work this year, and I am writing this post to share with you some of the reasons why. All of you who support my work are very important to me and a few of you have become good friends. Let me say right up front that I will continue to make and sell my jewelry, crafts and artwork on this website and from my Etsy shop. I would be doing more but many things have pulled me away from the studio. While most of these things are very personal, I feel I owe you an explanation of sorts, and let you know what has been going on.
Last month I made the decision to separate from my husband and partner of over 25 years. It was a decision I had been contemplating for some time. He suffers from clinical depression and has done so all his life. It has been something we have lived with and tried to manage for most of the time we have been together, but it has been difficult, and at times, very difficult. A few years back he became suicidal and I insisted he get treatment, which he did. I resolved to be there for him and did my best to manage. The studio became my sacred space and refuge, but even so I finally reached a point where I, too, was becoming depressed and it was affecting my creativity. I had resisted reading self-help books on the subject, but after doing some research I discovered that people who live with depressed partners or family members are also seriously affected by it, and it helped me understand that my situation was far from unique. (If any of you reading this have a partner or loved one who is depressed, please take it, and your own well being, seriously. The book that helped me most was Depression Fallout by Anne Sheffield, and I recommend it.)
To make a long story short, it became clear that my husband was not interested in any additional help or treatment. Along with other factors it became clear that things were not going to improve and in the meantime I was losing my own health and well being. So we have separated amiably. He has moved out and I am going to stay in the house, our home for 21 years, and continue to work here with his support. We are "taking a break" and are going to take some time before any further decisions are made. I have been grieving the loss of a wonderful person and a long partnership, but we both agree it is for the best. And for the first time in my life I am living alone.
Now my intention is to heal, re-orient and renew my dedication to my soul's path and work, and step more fully into it. This will include more creative work of course, and I am also beginning to teach classes and workshops on metaphysical subjects here in my home, something I have wanted to do for a very long time. And then there is all the spiritual and ceremonial work with the Earth, with the new energies, and evolution.
There are many other things that affecting my ability to be fully present with this, though. The upkeep of the house has been badly neglected, a casualty of the depression, and now there is much work that must be done in a short time. That will take me out of the studio. In addition, every member of my immediate family, including my son, is in a major crisis or powerful change right now, and I feel that stress myself. It takes a fair amount of effort to "stay out of it" and allow them their own journeys, on top of everything else.
Last but not least is the world situation. Everyone is feeling it, and I know many, many people are experiencing anxiety and depression over the changes occurring in the collective human sphere. Some close friends are severely challenged themselves right now and there is a pervasive sense of "no refuge". I won't editorialize here, but will acknowledge that it takes an ongoing level of focus and intention to stay clear of the ambient chaos filtering in from "out there".
So with all of this impacting my energy, mind and heart, it's been challenging to work at times and many times I knew it was not appropriate to try. There have been many days when I just needed to attend to other matters. When I have been working, I have found I am a bit slower than usual and can become confused and forgetful at times. This too shall pass.
I sense that the intense energies affecting us all are not going to let up anytime soon. As I recently said to a friend, it feels like the Universe has called us all onto the carpet and we have been given an ultimatum to get rid of everything that does not serve our higher path in life now. If we don't voluntarily give these things/patterns/situations up, it will be a very tough go for us in the future. The only thing we have control over is ourselves, how we create, and how we respond to the world around us. For myself, I have found that resistance to what I do not like only feeds that person or situation more energy, helping to perpetuate it, and my energy is better used to create. At this time I am severely limiting my exposure to mass media and social media, except for connections that are supportive and reflect the positive change I wish to see...a media detox. I am simplifying my belongings and my diet, and am also carefully attending to my thoughts and feelings. And I am committing to creating the world I wish to see, to unplugging from the toxic, collapsing aspects of the human collective and aligning myself with a higher reality that is coming in now, very strongly. It feels like riding the cyclone, but what a trip it is. |
It's wrong to imprison someone if he or she hasn't committed a crime, according to people who say they are in favor of individual liberty.
But at some point, the more a person is fenced out of access to land, the more that resembles being fenced in.
For example, suppose ten people own a small island. Nine of them each own about the same amount of land on the island, and together they own a total of 99% of the island's land, while the tenth person only owns the other 1%. The other nine land owners each decide to build a high fence around their property. As a result, the tenth person is now fenced in, and can only move around within 1% of the island. So, in effect, he is imprisoned, even though he hasn't committed any crime.
Is that a case of false imprisonment, or a case of valid property rights? How could the other nine have a right to fence him in so as to result in imprisoning him?
In the case above, while the tenth person is fenced in so as to only have access to 1% of the island, suppose each of the nine had access to 11% of the island, totalling to 99%. But suppose instead they allowed him to move around within 5% of the island, instead of fencing him in so that he only had access to 1%? Or if they allowed him to move around within 7% of the island, while each of them could move around within more than 10%? At what point have they violated his rights by fencing him in?
The only consistent response is that the other nine should be obligated to either allow him to have as much right to move around as they have, or at least provide him with equivalent compensation. For example, they could provide him with compensation by paying him land rent for excluding him from having as much access to land as they do.
Preferably, compensation should be based on the value of the land, not the acreage, because different parts of the island have different access to natural resources, and different access to other valuable locations.
The conclusion, that the other land owners are each obligated to either allow the tenth person to have as much access to land value as they do, or provide him with equivalent compensation, can also be derived from John Locke's philosophy of property rights. Similarly, besides Locke, most of the classical authors who defended liberty advocated compensation for restricting individuals' access to land: for example, such authors as John Stuart Mill, Thomas Jefferson, Adam Smith, Thomas Paine, and others, along with several modern prize-winning economists of left and right.
Any other version of property rights contradicts itself if it does not address the point above, about the matter of degree of fencing someone in. |
Introduction {#Sec1}
============
Sheila Jasanoff observes the Western world is witnessing a "constitutional moment" in which the rules of governing science and technology are being fundamentally rewritten, altering the relations between citizens, experts and the state (Jasanoff [@CR15]). The discourse that drives this reform centers around the notion of "upstream public engagement," which is a plea to involve publics earlier on in the research and development (R&D) process. Jasanoff situates the current US interest in public engagement in the context of two long, generational cycles of attempts to reform citizen participation in decisions related to science and technology. While she deplores the current lack of genuine contestation among science, state and society concerning science and technology in the United States, Jasanoff appears to be hopeful about the future, noting that "public engagement may prove to be the right participatory formula for this historical moment, at least in the context of democracy in America" (Jasanoff [@CR15]).
A similar "constitutional moment" in governing science and technology may be emerging in Europe. At the same time it would be problematic to speak of a "European" model of public participation in decisions related to science and technology, since various European countries handle the science-state-society relations very differently. In fact, in many European countries, there is still little call for upstream engagement (Nature [@CR24]). Nevertheless, one can focus on two trendsetting European states: the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
United Kingdom: Public Engagement's Late Arrival and Reinvention {#Sec2}
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Jasanoff's insightful historic account about the American situation (Jasanoff [@CR15]) provides a number of interesting themes for reflecting on the European scene. How did the notion of public engagement develop in Europe with respect to technology and science? What is the role of ethics in the European debate on science and technology, and is it primarily seen as an expert-based activity? Do courts in Europe play a similar role in enabling public participation as in the United States?
In the United Kingdom (UK) the notion of upstream public engagement has been developed and popularized. As in the United States, the educational or enlightenment model of public understanding of science (PUS) has shaped the thinking in the UK about the relationship between science and society since the early 1970s (Durant et al. [@CR8]). According to this so-called *information deficit model*, scientists are knowledgeable experts, and the public is characterized as having inadequate knowledge (Wynne [@CR35]). This PUS model adopted a one-way, top-down communication process in which the scientific community tried to inform and educate the general public about science (Durant [@CR7]). Only at the beginning of the twenty-first century did the public engagement in science (PES) model (Miller [@CR21]; European Commission [@CR10]) enter the stage and become the dominant policy discourse. In this debate the notion of upstream public engagement has come to play a central role.
Public Understanding of Science {#Sec3}
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Public understanding of science (PUS) has been around since the early 1970s. It was, however, put firmly on the agenda in the mid-1980s, when the Royal Society ([@CR26]) called for the improvement of public knowledge and appreciation of science and technology. In 1993, the government made PUS the official policy when it published *Realizing our potential* (HMSO [@CR12]). Interestingly, in the same year the first Danish-style consensus conference was also held. The UK national consensus conference on Plant Biotechnology was organized by the Science Museum in London and funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC). The organizers saw this public participatory event as a way of trying to overcome the then dominant deficit model (Durant [@CR6]).
Despite this 'public understanding of science' context, and notably in contrast to the United States, the United Kingdom excelled in public debate and regulation around human embryology and genetics (Franklin [@CR11]). In the UK, the birth of the first child conceived using in vitro fertilization (IVF) in 1978 encouraged a long-term deliberation on regulation. Twelve years later, this resulted in the Human Fertilization and Embryology Act and the establishment of the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA). According to Sarah Franklin: "The Act remains the most extensive, substantial and detailed legal framework ever created to regulate and govern what had previously been the legally uncharted territory of 'human fertilization and embryology'" (Franklin [@CR11], p. 92).
Public Engagement in Technology {#Sec4}
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Since the mid-1990s, the interest in public participation and consultation in science and technology grew (Joss [@CR16]). Pressurized by the bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE) crisis and the intensive public controversy on genetically modified (GM) crops in the late 1990s, PUS was dismissed as 'a rather backward-looking vision' in the year 2000 by an influential House of Lords report, with the revealing title *Science and Society* (House of Lords [@CR13]). The report detected "a new humility on the part of science in the face of public attitudes, and a new assertiveness on the part of the public" (House of Lords [@CR13]---paragraph 5.1). It acknowledged that science had to involve itself in a dialogue with the public. This new paradigm could build further on some early experiments with participatory methods, and the positive experience with the public debate around human embryology and genetics.
A series of public debates on the future of genetically modified crops and food dubbed the *GM Nation?* debate, started in 2003 and was the first government initiated attempt at public engagement in the UK. It is widely believed, however, that the UK government has ignored the results (Nature [@CR24]). Some even depicted it as a 'fiasco' (Taverne [@CR29]). But the most revealing reflection on the *GM Nation?* debate, surely comes from the PAGANINI-project ([@CR25] p. 50):"GM Nation ... was set up in response, and as an alternative, to informal participation at National Seed List Hearings. Formal, state-initiated participatory arrangements, as the case studies on GM plants and genetic testing show, are often swayed by the desire to achieve balanced representation among participants, to mirror the "general public." They are composed of individual participants who take no particular interest in the respective issue or who are as yet "unspoiled" by partisan views and supposedly open to "rational" education."
This insightful remark shows the need to be reflexive about the meaning of the word "public" and "publics", and the political use of these concepts. The Dutch case described below (see "[The Netherlands: Towards A Broad Conception of Public Engagement](#Sec6){ref-type="sec"}") further examines the social and political construction of the notion of "public engagement".
Upstream Public Engagement in Science {#Sec5}
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The UK was fairly late in adopting the public engagement model. Because of this it leapfrogged and modernized the existing European discourse on public participation, through bringing in the word "upstream." It is important to notice that the adjective "upstream" entered the lexicon of public engagement in the aftermath of the genetech controversy and in the context of nanoscience. Policy makers and the business and science communities wanted to avoid nanotechnology becoming 'the next GM'. Hereby, the focus of engagement shifted from technology towards science and decisions about the R&D agenda. As such, public engagement in science (PES) was seen as the new challenge. This was picked up rapidly by the science community and decision-makers. For example, the Royal Society's report on nanoscience argues that public engagement should be organised "at a stage when it can inform key decisions about their development and before deeply entrenched or polarised positions appear" (Royal Society [@CR27], p. xi).
Upstream public engagement was clearly inspired by the American program which aimed at understanding the ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) surrounding the Human Genome Project (National Human Genome Research Institute [@CR23]). The British, however, brought in a participatory approach. This was based on three points of critique towards the American ELSI approach (cf. Wilsdon and Willis [@CR34]; Macnaghten et al. [@CR20]). First, the ELSI program was thought to be too expert-oriented (as Jasanoff also observes), and thus more diverse and plural forms of public knowledge should enter the debate on science. Second, ELSI research was "framed as being able to scrutinize only the impacts or effects of the technology rather than deeper social and political considerations" (Macnaghten et al. [@CR20], p. 6). It was argued that, besides the risk issue, more fundamental social issues around ownership, control and social ends, should be part of the debate. Third, advocates of upstream engagement also pointed at the lack of impact of ELSI research, and stressed that upstream activities should be linked back to the decision-making of scientists, industry, and policy makers.
The Netherlands: Towards A Broad Conception of Public Engagement {#Sec6}
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Contrary to the UK, the Netherlands has almost three decades of experience with state-initiated forms of public participatory arrangements (Van Est et al. [@CR32]). During this period, the meaning of public participation has changed, constantly challenged by new types of scientific and technological developments. Public participation in the 1980s referred mainly to the involvement of organized civic society groups. At the beginning of the 1990s, and in response to the upcoming ethical debate around biotechnology, the meaning of public engagement was broadened towards individual citizens. Paradoxically, this led to a tendency within the government to equate public engagement with citizen participation. Over the last decade, in the context of big state-initiated research programs in the field of genomics and nanoscience, awareness has risen about the need to evaluate the social meaning of science in an early stage.
From Informal to Formal Public Engagement: 1965--1990 {#Sec7}
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At the beginning of the twentieth century, Dutch society became organized along four socio-cultural 'pillars': Protestants, Catholics, socialists and liberals (Lijphart [@CR19]). Effectively, only the elites of these pillars were involved in decision-making. This changed after the mid-1960s, when a call for democratization and participation went hand-in-glove with a growing distrust of the establishment. In the field of technology, in particular the nuclear energy debate challenged existing relationship between science, technology and society (cf. Jamison et al. [@CR14]). The governmental plan in 1973 to extend the use of nuclear power met with strong resistance within Dutch society. A number of massive anti-nuclear demonstrations were held between 1977 and 1979.
In response to this turmoil, the Dutch government decided to organize the Broad Societal Discussion around Energy Policy (BMD). This first government-initiated public debate began in 1981 and continued until 1984. During this period Dutch citizens could voice their opinion about the further development of nuclear energy. The BMD was a mixed success. On the one hand, it mitigated much of the direct confrontation between anti-nuclear activists and the establishment (Cramer [@CR5]). On the other, the usefulness and credibility of a government-initiated public debate was severely challenged by the BMD. For although the public clearly rejected nuclear power, public policy did not change. Incidentally, 2 years later the nuclear reactor accident in Chernobyl did change it.
The grand public debate on energy, but also the small-scale, expert-oriented debates on genetic engineering and micro-electronics,[1](#Fn1){ref-type="fn"} led the Dutch Ministry of Science and Education to reflect on how to involve a broader public in opinion-forming and decision-making on a more regular basis. In 1984 this led to a policy paper on the integration of science and technology in society (Ministry of Education and Science [@CR22]). It proposed to set up an organization to disseminate information on science and technology and a national Technology Assessment (TA) organization. Both organizations were established in 1986. Interestingly, the Dutch policy makers saw the public understanding of science (PUS) model and the public engagement in technology (PET) model as complementary.
The TA organization, now called the Rathenau Institute,[2](#Fn2){ref-type="fn"} was inspired by the U.S. Office of Technology Assessment (OTA), which had been created in 1972 by law to strengthen the position of the Congress in dealing with science and technology.[3](#Fn3){ref-type="fn"} The establishment of the US. OTA led European governments to become interested in parliamentary TA in the 1970s. It was not until a decade later, however, that the first parliamentary TA office was established in France. Denmark and the Netherlands established agencies in 1986, Britain and Germany created similar agencies in 1989. This did not lead to a "European" model for parliamentary TA (Vig and Paschen [@CR33]). Especially Britain and Germany saw parliamentary TA as a form of expert policy analysis. Denmark and the Netherlands, however, saw the practice of TA as a more general and "open" process for involving the public in policy dialogues and building societal consensus on issues of technological change (Van Eijndhoven [@CR31]). In the 1980s, "public participation" for the Rathenau Institute basically referred to involving experts and stakeholders in order to identify key issues and clarify basic visions in an early stage of the political decision-making process. This was part of a wider development. During the 1980s, the new interest groups that had become established in the 1970s gained a permanent place at the negotiation table, and became integrated into the Dutch corporatist model.
Broadening and Narrowing the Meaning of Public Participation: 1990s {#Sec8}
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In the late 1980s, an intense debate had started on the ethical issues associated with biotechnology and animals. This emerging biotechnology debate led the Minister of Science and Education to plead in 1991 for the organization of debates on ethical aspects of science and technology. The Rathenau Institute was asked to take up this task, and did so by co-operating with, for example, the Health Council. Under the banner of the Platform on Science and Ethics, the Rathenau Institute tried out several methods to stimulate public participation and debate on normative issues (cf. Van de Poll [@CR30]). As Jasanoff describes, ethics in the United States was institutionalized as an expert activity. In contrast, in the Dutch context the notion of ethics led to a broadening of the concept of public engagement, which came to include the involvement of lay individuals. This new way of thinking was inspired by the debate in Denmark, and led in 1993 to the first Dutch consensus conference on genetic modification of animals. The immediate cause of this event was the birth the year before of the first transgenic bull Herman, which had been created by a Dutch biotech company. While the effort has been repeated a few times, the consensus conference format has not become a familiar phenomenon within the Dutch political system, as it did in Denmark. Nevertheless, political interest in public participation continued to grow during the 1990s, particularly in the field of biotechnology (Joss and Bellucci [@CR17]). Recalling the BMD, the Dutch Parliament asked the government to organize 'broad societal debates' on cloning (1998--1999), xeno-transplantation (2000--2001), and genetically-modified food (2001--2002). These debates were all characterized by a broad variety of activities, ranging from local debates and science theatre to public panels and focus groups.
In particular, the GM-food debate "*Eten en Genen*" has received a lot of criticism. It was widely regarded as coming too late in the day, after the government had already published its policy plan. More importantly, it was criticized for the way it framed public involvement. Within the government there existed a strong perception that the GM-food debate had become a trench war between the usual suspects: industry on one side and environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on the other. The government saw trying to bring these various interest organizations together as a rather useless exercise. As in the British *GM Nation?* debate, the government focused its efforts towards the "general public." The existing engaged NGOs were merely positioned as sources of information for the "general public." The government thus narrowed the meaning of public engagement towards involving "pure" and "rational" citizens, thereby sidetracking engaged civic organizations (cf. PAGANINI [@CR25]; Laurent [@CR18]).
Upstream Public Engagement in Science {#Sec9}
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Over the last decade there is a growing awareness that the social meaning of science should be evaluated at an early stage. In the fields of genomics and nanotechnology, research into the ethical, legal and social impacts of the science has been established. The Dutch Genomics Initiative has created a Centre for Society and Genomics, to study the social and ethical aspects of genomics, inform the public and stimulate debate. The research program on nanotechnology also has a special technology assessment research program, called TA NanoNed, which is based on the constructive TA vision. In addition, the government set up the independent Committee Societal Dialogue Nanotechnology (CieMDN) to organize a national public dialogue on nanotechnology (CieMDN [@CR4]). This so-called Dutch Nanodialogue ran from March 2009 to January 2011.
However, there is more than meets the eye. One needs to look slightly further into the system of science and technology to perceive the real challenges: A very early attempt in the field of nanoscience to bring in an upstream public perspective illustrates the point. In 1996, the *Study Centre for Technology Trends* (STT) initiated a study to explore the future of nanotechnology. STT thought this early stage provided an opportunity to tune nanotechnology to societal needs and asked the Rathenau Institute to set up a meeting to facilitate public discussion about nanotechnology at the end of the STT-project. This activity, however, did not materialise. The Rathenau Institute had other priorities at the time, and was deeply involved in organizing public debate on cloning. Moreover, this TA organisation was experienced in assessing technology, not science. This one example shows that moving public engagement upstream is by no means self-evident, and that it is not only a matter of involving stakeholders and citizens upstream; experts also need to move upstream.
A Constitutional Moment in Europe? {#Sec10}
==================================
The experiences in the United States, UK and the Netherlands all suggest that whereas technology became to some extent an object of public debate after the mid-1960s, it is now science that is emerging as a legitimate object of public and political debate. The arrival of the university-industry complex has gradually changed science into a commercial or business-like activity. As a result, public trust in science can no longer be taken for granted, but has to be renewed over and over again (cf. Berg [@CR2]). This evolving situation requires new institutional structures to deal with the relationship between science and society. The search for new, "upstream" institutional arrangements arguably began at the end of the 1980s.
To place this shift within an historical perspective, an interesting parallel can be drawn with respect to technology and society, and in particular, to the development of technology assessment. While technology assessment had been institutionalized in the United States in the 1970s, it took more than a decade before it was similarly institutionalized in various European countries. Some countries adopted the US. OTA model, whereas others, such as Denmark and the Netherlands, renewed and broadened it to include both expert stakeholders and lay citizens. Unfortunately, at the time when European experimentation with participatory technology assessment methods was fully underway, the US. OTA was forced to close its doors in 1995.
The search for institutional arrangements concerning public engagement in science thus far appears to be following a similar pattern. In the 1990s, the US. introduced two kinds of expert-oriented arrangements: the ELSI program of the Human Genome project and ethics commissions. Europe has added a participatory flavor which strongly broadens the potential range of institutional arrangements to deal with the relationship between science and society. The new paradigm of upstream public engagement developed in the UK is the best known example of this. However, the Platform for Science and Ethics in the Netherlands also presents an example. There, ethics was not conceived of as the sole domain of ethics experts, but also included individual citizens. The Meetings of Minds project, which presented the first European-scale citizens' panel on brain sciences, presents another example. This development in Europe is thus enriching the debate and might, in turn, inspire further shaping of the relationship between science and society within the US.
Conclusion {#Sec11}
==========
Western society does indeed appear to be experiencing a new constitutional moment in shaping the relationships among science, technology and society. Interestingly, the starting point of this grand shift, however, lies in the United States. Upstream public engagement, with its plea to involve a broad range of social actors in science, suggests a second phase within this development and has potential to strongly enrich the debate. The experiences in the US, UK and the Netherlands with respect to governing science and technology suggest that there is need for a broad interpretation of public engagement of science that nevertheless includes some clear criteria. For instance, public engagement of science can be understood to include research into the ethical, legal and societal dimensions of science, but should not be equated with it. It should include state-initiated formal citizens' participation, but cannot be identical to it. Public engagement of science requires both ethical expert commissions and the involvement of engaged citizens and of civic society organizations. Furthermore, it rightly involves evaluating proposals for R&D from a social perspective. This would include cooperation between material scientists and toxicologists in order to design safe nanomaterials. The public engagement of science needs both stimulation and governance of science at the same time. Introducing a public perspective on science while safeguarding its public value thus involves a diverse set of actors: natural scientists and engineers, technology assessment institutes, policy makers, social scientists, citizens, interest organisations, artists, and last, but not least, politicians. Timely public engagement in science is as important as it is institutionally challenging for *all* of these actors.
This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited.
For both topics advisory committees had been set up. The Advisory Group on the Social Implications of Micro-electronics advised the government in 1979 to set up TA organisation (Rathenau Adviesgroep [@CR1]). In 1981, the government had set up the so-called Broad DNA Committee to study the social and ethical aspects of genetic engineering (Brede DNA Commissie [@CR3]).
At that time the TA organisation was named NOTA, Netherlands Office of Technology Assessment. In 1993 an evaluation concluded that NOTA was too scientifically oriented and recommended the organisation strengthen its role in stimulating political and public debate. As the mission shifted, the name changed to the Rathenau Institute.
The original act of 1972 had defined OTA's functions loosely: "to provide early indications of the probable beneficial and adverse impacts of the applications of technology and to develop and coordinate information which may assist the Congress" (cf. Vig and Paschen [@CR33]).
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Shearer: Fred dragging down Brazil
World Cup hosts Brazil have claimed four points from their first two matches of the tournament but Fluminense striker Fred -- other than winning a controversial penalty in the 3-1 win over Croatia -- has had limited impact.
"I just don't understand why Brazil are still picking him," Shearer said. "He doesn't move, he doesn't shoot and he's dragging the team down. I don't know if Brazil should change the system or play Neymar as a false nine, but the fact is that Fred is not the answer for what they are doing now."
Brazil struggled to live up to expectations in their 0-0 draw with Mexico but Shearer, 43, feels Luiz Felipe Scolari can lead the Selecao to a sixth world title this summer.
"After the Mexico scare they will know they have to play better," he said. "If there is a team that can get a result against anybody in the world, it's Brazil. But they will need Neymar and Oscar to step up as well. They were rattled by Mexico but they can lift up their spirits with a good win over Cameroon."
Shearer was less positive about his own country after 2-1 defeats to both Italy and Uruguay ultimately ended their hopes of reaching the next round.
"We aren't good enough, there's no other explanation," he said. "We keep on making the same mistakes at tournaments and that is lethal at this level."
Roy Hodgson has selected a young, experimental squad, however, including the likes of Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge, and the Newcastle legend said there were "reasons to be hopeful."
He continued: "We created chances and scored two good goals so far and in players like Sturridge we have young players that can build up on the experience here." |
Port au Port Peninsula
The Port au Port Peninsula (, Mi'kmaq: Kitpu) is a peninsula in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Roughly triangular in shape, it is located on the west coast of the island of Newfoundland.
Geography
The peninsula extends into the Gulf of St. Lawrence and is joined to Newfoundland by a narrow isthmus connecting at the town of Port au Port. It is bounded on the south by Bay St. George, the western side by the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and on the northwestern side by Port au Port Bay.
With a rocky shoreline measuring approximately 130 km in length, the peninsula extends approximately 40 km west from its isthmus to Cape St. George and northwest 50 km to the fingerlike Long Point which by itself is approximately 25 km in length. The eastern shore of the peninsula is irregular, jutting into Port au Port Bay.
The Port au Port Peninsula is located on the western edge of the heavily eroded Appalachian Mountain chain which runs along Newfoundland's west coast. There are no natural harbours along the peninsula's rocky coastline. The peninsula was once heavily forested but many areas along its shores have been cleared for subsistence farming.
The southern shore is hilly with the northern shore having a sloping lowland extending to a low rise along the centre of the eastern part of the peninsula. The geological structure is complex with the peninsula's sedimentary strata dating to the middle Cambrian to early Ordovician continental margin, creating a carbonate platform of limestone, shale, and sandstone. The heavily folded geological structure in the area has been identified as having an unknown amount of petroleum reserves.
History
The area was named "Ophor portu" (port of rest) by Basque fishermen during the 16th-17th centuries. French and Basque fishermen used the west coast of Newfoundland, including the Port au Port Peninsula, for seasonal fishing settlements, however some began permanently inhabiting the area. Mi'kmaq families were also present in the area.
During and after the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 and Treaty of Paris in 1763, France retained the right to use of the west coast of the island. This area came to be known as the "French Shore" and the Port au Port Peninsula was at its centre.
Scattered settlement continued in the area until 1904 when France relinquished its right of use to the "French Shore". The Port au Port Peninsula represents the most varied ethnic and linguistic mix in the entire island of Newfoundland, including Mi'kmaq families with the highest proportion of French-speaking settlement on the island (15%).
The French minority, a mix of Mi'kmaq, Acadian, French and Basque, has had an important influence on the area's culture. Newfoundland's unique folk music has been somewhat influenced by musicians from the Port au Port Peninsula, notably Émile Benoît. Additionally, the area's strong Roman Catholic tradition is reflected in the high visibility accorded to churches throughout the peninsula's communities.
As the centre of the province's Franco-Newfoundlander community, the peninsula has been designated the only bilingual district on the island of Newfoundland since 1971.
Economy
The Port au Port Peninsula's economy is based on natural resources, namely fishing. Limited forestry takes place in the unsettled areas of the interior and a small amount of subsistence farming takes place along coastal areas. Many residents of the peninsula, particularly the communities at the eastern end near the isthmus, work in nearby Kippens and Stephenville.
Beginning in 1900 a limestone quarrying operation was established at Aguathuna, near the peninsula's isthmus where the Table Head mountain ridge extends from the Lewis Hills. The limestone was used by Dominion Steel and Coal Corporation at a steel mill in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The quarry was closed in 1966 following DOSCO's financial difficulties.
From 1941–1966, many people in the eastern end of the peninsula were employed at Ernest Harmon AFB in nearby Stephenville.
From the 1970s to present a major limestone quarry began operating at Lower Cove employing 30-40 people.
In the 1980s-1990s, petroleum companies began exploring the peninsula for oil. Some deposits were discovered in recoverable quantities and limited production wells are in place at some locations. Geologists have estimated that a much larger deposit exists deeper and possibly off shore from the peninsula in the 400-500 billion barrel range, however exploration drilling has not yet confirmed this theory.
A Canadian energy company may soon get the green light to begin drilling for oil off Newfoundland's southwest coast.
The Canadian Imperial Venture Corporation (CIVC) is waiting for approval from the federal-provincial oil regulator – the Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board – to drill a test well on Shoal Point, near the Port Au Port Peninsula.
The company has been exploring in the area over the last few years. It discovered some oil there in 2008.
"At the turn of the century there were several wells on the Port Au Port Peninsula, and Shoal Point, that produced somewhere between 20 to 25 barrels a day," said Kirby Mercer, CIVC's vice-president.
"Now, we're going in with modern technology, modern tools. So we hope to extract the black gold using modern technology."
Mercer said if the company receives approval for a test well and drilling is successful, CIVC hopes the Offshore Petroleum Board will then approve a significant discovery licence. That would bring the company one step closer to establishing an oil-producing well in western Newfoundland.
Today travellers access the area using the Marine Atlantic ferry service to Channel-Port aux Basques or with Sunwing Airlines, Flair Airlines and Provincial Airlines to the Stephenville International Airport.
Air Service
The Port au Port Peninsula is reachable by air via the Stephenville International Airport. Offering regular domestic flights all year long. The airport is located east of the region.
Communities
The Port au Port Peninsula is a relatively insular region and contains a collection of approximately 20 communities:
Southern Shore
Following Route 460:
Port au Port
Bellmans Cove
Felix Cove
Man of War Cove
Campbells Cove
Campbells Creek
Abraham's Cove
Jerry's Nose
Ship Cove
Lower Cove
Sheaves Cove
Marches Point
De Grau
Red Brook
Grand Jardin
Petit Jardin
Cape St. George
Northern Shore
Following Route 463:
Cape St. George
Mainland
Three Rock Cove
Salmon Cove
Lourdes
Winterhouse
Black Duck Brook
Blue Beach
Long Point
Eastern Shore
Following Route 463 and local roads:
Lourdes
Tea Cove
West Bay Centre
Piccadilly
Boswarlos
Aguathuna
See also
List of communities in Newfoundland and Labrador
Category:Peninsulas of Newfoundland and Labrador
Category:French Canada |
Concurrent diseases in hyperthyroid cats undergoing assessment prior to radioiodine treatment.
Hyperthyroidism is a common endocrinopathy of geriatric cats, which are also prone to various other diseases. This retrospective study examined the prevalence and type of non-renal concurrent diseases present in cats referred for radioiodine assessment that were believed to have no other comorbidities at the time of referral. Ninety-four cats were included and analysed. Seventeen cases (18%) were identified as having concurrent disorders, with alimentary lymphoma (n = 5) and chronic enteropathy (n = 4) as the two most common comorbid diseases. The eosinophil count, total bilirubin and total calcium were significantly higher in the concurrent disease group, although the differences are unlikely to be clinically useful. The results support the utility of careful and individual assessment for all hyperthyroid cats prior to receiving radioiodine. |
Evaluation of a new night nursing service for elderly people suffering from dementia.
A new night hospital nursing service was developed for older people with dementia. A case study approach to evaluation was adopted using a structure-process-outcome quality assurance cycle. The effects and attendance of patients are reported and discussed. Discussion relating to care provision for the future is presented. The effects on carers of patients' attendance are briefly discussed. |
Comparison of visual field defects in normal-tension glaucoma and high-tension glaucoma.
In a prospective comparison of visual defects in 23 patients with normal-tension glaucoma and 23 with high-tension glaucoma, the groups were matched for equal involvement of the optic disk. F profiles on the Octopus 201 Perimeter were used to quantify thresholds at 1-degree intervals from fixation to define eccentricity, depth, and slope of the scotoma. The mean eccentricity of scotomas in the normal-tension group was 4.86 degrees from fixation; in the high-tension group it was 2.96 degrees. These differences were statistically significant (P less than .01). No statistically significant differences were found between the slopes of the scotomas or depths of the scotomas in the two groups. |
Prevalence of atrial septal pouch and risk of ischemic stroke.
It has been postulated that atrial septal pouch (ASP) may favor the stasis of blood and predispose to thromboembolic complications. We sought to evaluate the prevalence of ASP, and its association with ischemic stroke. We retrospectively studied 500 patients, who underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) due to clinical indications. Seventy two patients due to image quality, and 104 patients with atrial septal defect or PFO were excluded. The remaining 324 patients were included in the analysis. The depth of ASP was measured. ASP was detected in 98 patients [left side ASP (LASP) in 58 (59.2%), and right side ASP (RASP) in 40 (40.8%) patients]. LASPs were significant deeper than RASPs (10.1±5.2 vs 4.4±1.4mm, p<0.0001). Patient characteristics were categorized by the presence or absence of LASP. The age (61±12 vs 61±12), gender and stroke risk factors were no significant difference between patients with or without LAPS. Ischemic stroke occurred in 21 patients without LASP, 10 patients with LASP. The presence of a LASP was found to be associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, in either univariable analysis (17.2 vs. 7.9%, p=0.03; OR=2.43, 95% CI=1.1-5.5, p=0.033) or after adjustment for other stroke risk factors using multiple logistic regression analysis (OR=2.45, 95% CI 1.1-5.8, p=0.036). This study demonstrated evidence of association between LASP and ischemic stroke. Among 324 patients, the risk of ischemic stroke was twice more among patients with LASP than cases without LASP. |
Q:
Excel max value return
I have this excel sheet
I want cell H4 to show the date (column A) corresponding to the maximum value in column H.
In this case it should be 15/1/2016
I would appreciate any help
A:
You can use the following formula:
=INDEX($A$6:$A$13,MATCH(MAX($H$6:$H$13),$H$6:$H$13,0))
You may need to format the cell as a date to display correctly.
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The objective of this project is to develop a plan to incorporate diabetes prevention concepts into science education during the elementary, middle and high school years with the Iong range goal of decreasing the incidence of NIDDM among Native American adolescents. During this year of planning, science curricula from 12 predominantly Native American Schools will be reviewed to find areas where concepts related to diabetes can be incorporated. Local tribal leaders, school board members, educators and health professionals will be recruited to review current diabetes prevention programs targeting Native American children and families and identify areas that can be addressed in science curricula. Using the National Science Education Standards and the New Mexico State Science Standards, the working group will develop a plan and outline for a set of materials that can be incorporated into science curricula already being taught at elementary, middle and high schools with large populations of Native Americans. An understanding of diabetes and methods of prevention and control will be introduced using materials and activities that reflect traditional learning styles and traditions of Native American children. Careers in medical fields will be reviewed and a plan to design a career exploration/ research (job-shadowing/research skill development) program for high school students will be developed. The program will endeavor to encourage students to consider a biomedical career. A distance education plan for a variety of delivery formats to assist in teacher training for the curriculum will be developed. |
###### Key messages
- To explore feasibility and acceptability of introducing advance care planning (ACP) in a Norwegian hospital.
- Patients and clinicians perceived ACP conversations as pertinent, though a future implementation is not without challenges.
- In the conversations, patients revealed four main topics important for their future situation.
Introduction {#s1}
============
Advance care planning (ACP) is a process of conversations enabling individuals to define goals and preferences for future medical treatment and care; to discuss these goals and preferences with family and healthcare providers across the physical, psychological, social and spiritual domains; and to record these preferences if appropriate.[@R1] ACP encourages individuals to identify a personal representative and to regularly review any preferences, so that their wishes can be taken into account should they, at some point, be unable to make their own decision.[@R2]
Patients with advanced pulmonary disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer and lung fibrosis) often suffer from a high symptom burden and severe prognosis.[@R3] Studies show that this patient group may benefit from ACP, but also that it is often not offered.[@R6] Good decision-making processes are increasingly warranted in clinical medicine with the heightened focus on patient autonomy, but the need for and openness toward ACP might vary between cultures and different diagnostic groups.[@R3] In Norway, ACP is still in its infancy and not used routinely, and there is a lack of research addressing how ACP can support patients with advanced pulmonary disease.[@R3]
The aim of the present research was to improve our understanding of how ACP could ideally be approached in Norway, with particular attention to the needs of patients with advanced pulmonary disease. The objectives of the present study were to pilot a simple ACP guide in conversations with inpatients on a thoracic medicine ward, to explore which topics patients brought up during the conversations, and to assess how patients, relatives and staff experienced and evaluated the contents and the feasibility of performing ACP.
Materials and methods {#s2}
=====================
The study was conducted in three phases: development of a conversation guide, conducting patient conversations and conducting focus groups to determine ward staff receptivity to ACP.
Study setting {#s2-1}
-------------
The study took place during the period 2014--2017 on the inpatient wards of the Department of Thoracic Medicine at Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. This department has about 20 000 outpatient consultations and 3000 inpatient admissions per year, mostly acute admissions, with COPD, lung cancer and lung infections as dominant diagnoses. During the study period, 54.3% of inpatients were male, and COPD and lung cancer diagnoses were about equal in numbers.
Participants {#s2-2}
------------
Inclusion criteria for participating patients were being diagnosed with advanced, non-curable pulmonary disease (eg, inoperable lung cancer, COPD or pulmonary fibrosis) and being inpatients at the department of thoracic medicine. Clinicians participating in focus group interviews should work as nurses or physicians at the department of thoracic medicine during the study period. For all, participation required age over 18 years, ability to communicate orally in Norwegian, and ability and willingness to provide written informed consent. Exclusion criteria were severe cognitive impairment and other circumstances (eg, anxiety, impaired hearing and reduced functional ability) representing a severe challenge to reasoning and/or communication. To describe the study population, parts of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) basic dataset, including Edmonton Symptom Assessment System Revised, and 'List of Educational Levels' from Statistics Norway were used ([table 1](#T1){ref-type="table"}).[@R16]
######
Characteristics of patients participating in advance care planning conversations
Gender Age Level of education
-------- ---- --------- -------- ----------------------------------------- ----
Female 11 Average 69.4 Lower secondary education 1
Upper secondary education, basic 9
Male 40 Median 70 Upper secondary education, final 16
Postsecondary, non-tertiary education 2
Range 41--86 Tertiary education, undergraduate level 9
Tertiary education, graduate level 3
Unspecified education 11
Primary diagnosis Additional diagnosis
------------------- ---- --------------------------------- ----
COPD 9 Abdominal aortic aneurysm 1
Anxiety/depression/ psychiatric 4
Lung cancer 41 Cancer, other than principal 8
COPD/emphysema 18
Lung fibrosis 1 Heart disease 24
Hormonal disease 4
Infection 9
Respiratory failure 9
Thrombotic events 5
Other 9
COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Procedure {#s2-3}
---------
The first phase of this project was to ask patients in the target group about their views on ACP.[@R19] Based on the results from this focus group study and input from international literature, we developed a simple, semistructured guide for ACP ([box 1](#B1){ref-type="boxed-text"}).[@R20]
###### Semistructured guide for advance care planning (ACP) conversations in the pilot study
### Part 1: planning the conversation
- Does the patient wish an ACP conversation? (includes information about ACP and about the project)
- Which themes are (currently) relevant?
- Who is going to attend?
- Time and place for the conversation.
- Is there a need for an interpreter?
### Part 2: possible themes for the ACP conversation (a list to choose from)
- Information about the disease: past, current and future. Does the patient have special needs or reservations concerning information?
- The patient's expectations for the future based on past and present experiences.
- What gives the patient strength and resilience? Key words: coping strategies, existential and/or spiritual attitudes, values and beliefs.
### Does the patient wish...
- ...to appoint a proxy?
- ...help with legal or economic challenges?
- ...to document specific wishes concerning the last phase of life (eg, do not attempt resuscitation/respirator) in his or her medical record?
### Evaluation of the ACP conversation:
- What does the patient---and relative(s), if applicable---think about participating in this conversation?
In the second phase, we used the guide ([box 1](#B1){ref-type="boxed-text"}) as a basis for ACP conversations with patients on a thoracic medicine inpatient ward. We aimed to include 50 patients in the pilot study. Initially, recruitment was conducted by clinicians on the ward and, later, due to problems reaching our recruitment goal, by a study nurse. Eligible patients were informed about the study and were asked if they were interested in having an ACP conversation. The availability of the study nurse, usually limited to 1 or 2 days a week, regulated both the inclusion of new participants and conversations completed. Patients agreeing to participate took part in the planning of the conversation as outlined in [box 1](#B1){ref-type="boxed-text"}. An appointment was scheduled on the same day or one of the next days.
The conversations took place in the patient's room or in a separate room on the ward. After having received some practical training initially from the first author, the study nurse led most of the conversations (42); only 9 conversations were facilitated by the first author (8) or the attending physician (1). The participating patients were encouraged to talk freely about matters of importance for their present and future situations ([box 1](#B1){ref-type="boxed-text"}). If relatives attended, they participated actively in the ACP conversations and their comments were included in the reports. Before closing, participants were asked how they had experienced the conversation. A summary of the conversation was documented as a report in the patient's medical record and was also anonymised and stored on a secure research server.
After the last ACP conversation had been held, phase III started. Clinicians working on the ward during the pilot period had been informed about the study orally and in writing and had been invited to participate in phase II. In phase III, they were invited to participate in focus group interviews exploring their ideas about and experiences with the ACP pilot study.[@R21] Two of the authors (NEH as facilitator and MAS as secretary) facilitated the focus groups. Most of the participants knew the facilitators as present or former colleagues on the ward, NEH being a consultant in the palliative care team and MAS being a consultant at the department. Two focus group interviews took place, lasting 35 and 40 min, respectively. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim by a secretary.
Data analysis {#s2-4}
-------------
Data analysis was by mixed methods: quantitative data, such as recruitment and activities, were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative methods, in terms of systematic text condensation, were used when analysing reports of ACP conversations and the transcribed focus group interviews. Qualitative analysis was performed in collaboration between the authors, with the analysis proceeding through the following stages: (1) reading all the material to obtain an overall impression, bracketing preconceptions; (2) identifying units of meaning representing different elements and coding for these; (3) condensing and abstracting the meaning within each of the coded groups; and (4) summarising and generalising description and concept categories.[@R23]
Patient and public involvement {#s2-5}
------------------------------
Before making the ACP guide, patients in the target group participated in focus group interviews, giving their opinion on ACP: if this should be offered, with whom and when they would want such conversations, and what topics they found relevant.[@R19]
Results {#s3}
=======
Participants in ACP conversations {#s3-1}
---------------------------------
One hundred and eighteen patients were invited to participate in the ACP conversations; 51 finally participated. Sixty-five patients declined participation for reasons spanning from disinterest to bad timing. Twenty-nine of the non-participating patients (45%, 25% of all approached patients) gave reasons indicating that they were positive but that the timing was bad for practical reasons or that their time was already occupied, or that they were too ill. Thirty-six patients (55% of non-participating patients, 31% of all) declined for reasons such as 'too demanding' (15 patients) or 'had already had a similar conversation in private' (10 patients, 15%). Seven patients gave no reason for refraining from participation. Four patients were initially positive but declined after consulting a relative. [Figure 1](#F1){ref-type="fig"} gives an overview of recruitment. Eighteen conversations included a close relative. Reasons for not bringing a relative spanned from lack of closeness to wanting to protect them from a tough conversation, but most often, it was a matter of logistics. The conversations lasted 30--60 min, sometimes longer. Characteristics of the participating patients are presented in [table 1](#T1){ref-type="table"} and in [figure 2](#F2){ref-type="fig"}.
{#F1}
{#F2}
Participants in focus groups {#s3-2}
----------------------------
One male physician and seven nurses (all women), with a mean age of 39 years (range 25--58), participated in focus group interviews. They had been working at the department from 1.5 to 29 years (mean 9.4, median 4.5). Two were specialist nurses and two were leaders. For logistic reasons, the participants were divided into two groups.
Contents {#s3-3}
--------
The themes from the guide appeared relevant, as displayed in [table 2](#T2){ref-type="table"}.
######
Number of participants who talked about each item under possible themes for the advance care planning conversation
Themes for conversations (from the guide) Patients who talked about each theme (n)
------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------
Information about the disease 35
Expectations for the future 49
Sources of strength and resilience 40
Appointment of proxy 7
Legal or economic challenges 8
Documentation of specific wishes 12
### Topics of the ACP conversations {#s3-3-1}
From the qualitative analysis of the conversation summaries, four main categories emerged: (1) troublesome symptoms and alleviation of these; (2) existential themes such as coping, resilience and death; (3) planning of future treatment and care; and (4) important relations.
#### Troublesome symptoms and alleviation of these {#s3-3-1-1}
Most patients were troubled by several symptoms related to exhaustion and loss of functions, with dyspnoea and tiredness as the most frequent ([figure 2](#F2){ref-type="fig"}). Many of the participants feared insufficient symptom relief in the last phase of life, and this fear could exceed their fear of death itself. Many requested better alleviation.
Anxiety was triggered by changes, as by other symptoms, especially dyspnoea, and by the way information, examinations and treatments were introduced and given. How symptoms were perceived was often related to the interpretation of their importance, illustrated by a patient questioning his cancer treatment because he had overwhelming pain. Some patients experienced pain as an invading scourge reducing their quality of life, taking away their feeling of control and stealing their courage. Even though patients were grateful for the help they received, several problematised the dependence on others to obtain pain relief, stressing the importance of being believed and respected, and getting medication at the right moment. Relatives also voiced how difficult it could be to support a patient in agony.
#### Existential themes {#s3-3-1-2}
Most patients described their own family as the basis for their existence. Thus, places for family gatherings---their house, cabin, garden, or holiday trips---became important existential factors and sources of strength. Through their stories about the past, they described sorrow over lost functions, lost dignity, lost relations and lost future. Life would be shorter than expected, and although this was a sensitive theme, several raised it. Earlier experiences with illness and disease, either as a relative or as a patient, mostly increased their present resilience.
While some participants were open about their religious beliefs, others expressed that this area was too private to share. Many presented indifference to religious questions while at the same time admitting a belief in something superior, such as a Christian childhood faith. Some expressed a negative attitude towards religiousness. Acknowledging the approaching death, many chose to focus on life at present, taking one day at a time, often called 'positive thinking'.
#### Planning for the last phase of life {#s3-3-1-3}
While many preferred positive thinking and postponed planning for the future, others talked about reorganising their private economy and transferring their responsibilities. Some had written a will, and some had even planned their funeral. Some participants described specific wishes concerning end-of-life care, and some had discussed this with their next of kin. While several mentioned an unwillingness to be treated purposelessly, a few demanded that clinicians should respect their choices for treatment dictated by themselves or their proxy.
Quite a few talked about 'dying with dignity', meaning being safe and certain to get help when needing it. Important for the patients' feeling of a comforting safety were the community personnel, at home or in a nursing home, necessary equipment and financial aid, the ambulatory specialist palliative care team and having open access to the local hospital.
It was important to all patients that information be given with empathy, respecting their needs, as well as limits, for receiving medical information. Several patients told about difficulties remembering information and the resulting difficulties making plans. Some patients asked for more thorough information on diagnosis, prognosis and treatment in order to make their plans.
#### Good relationships {#s3-3-1-4}
Patients talked about how important it was to be supported by someone who knew and understood their situation. Many of them got this support from close family members, others through their jobs or as members of clubs or associations. It was highly valued to bring their spouse or child to consultations, and seven patients named specific proxies, all from close family. Some had a clear wish for home death and found safety in a declaration of support from their relatives.
Approaching death, patients found that disharmony in relations was especially painful. Some talked about remoteness, either as related to their personality, their family history or to the situation of having advanced disease. A few expressed grief because of loneliness and told about lacking support from their next of kin. Several patients told about a supportive staff on the ward contributing to a feeling of safety.
### Evaluation of ACP conversations by patients and relatives {#s3-3-2}
Several patients expressed relief after talking about end-of-life issues, while others said that the conversation had started an important process of thinking ahead. A few wanted a follow-up conversation with a psychologist or a chaplain.
All patients and relatives expressed that they appreciated the conversation, and many recommended it to be offered routinely at the department.
Feasibility {#s3-4}
-----------
### Findings from focus group interviews with clinicians {#s3-4-1}
The following main themes came up during the focus groups with clinicians: (1) benefits of ACP and (2) challenges concerning feasibility, divided into two subgroups: (1) barriers against implementation of ACP and (2) organisational aspects. Clinicians reading the ACP reports found new and valuable information that sometimes was passed on to the primary care services. Some suggested ACP as an optional part of discharge planning. Many experienced barriers against ACP, and implementation was regarded challenging in several ways: appropriate patient selection and timing of the conversation were regarded as crucial factors for an acceptable practice. To avoid deprivation of hope, clinicians regarded respect for the patient's boundaries concerning transparency and communication as highly important. They called for time, applicable routines and skills to integrate ACP into their daily practice. The findings are presented in [table 3](#T3){ref-type="table"}.
######
Results from focus group interviews with clinicians
Benefits of ACP Challenges concerning feasibility
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
**Clinicians perceived that ACP conversations may**Help patients prepare for the last phase of life.Help patients to be more conscious about the choices they might have.Contribute to the feeling of control in a difficult and new situation.Contribute to clarification of treatment intensity.Create a basis for communication about ethically challenging decisions.\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--Clinicians found new, valuable information about the patients in the summaries, which they sometimes chose to pass on to the primary healthcare services. **Barriers** **Organisation**
**Time** **Knowledge** Some clinicians highlighted that many of the patients at the department of thoracic medicine are diagnosed with incurable disease, which makes an early focus on ACP and mapping of palliative care needs important.It was not clear who should be responsible for ACP conversations; physicians wanted to have this communication with their patients, but nurses more often asked for it.Introducing an unknown person (the study nurse) for ACP conversations near the end of life was debatable. The participants called for education, training and allocated time to be able to have these conversations themselves.Some questioned whether ACP was a task for clinicians in hospitals or community services, and pointed at the key position of the general practitioner.The fact that hospitals and community services have different electronic patient record systems that do not communicate with each other was mentioned as a problem. The new, electronic national Summary Care Record was regarded as the optimal place for both ICP and ACP documentations.The participants called for an overarching policy and plan for ACP at the hospital, as a means to integrate ACP conversations as an obvious part of the discharge planning, optimally as part of an ICP that assigns tasks and responsibilities.
**To find time on a busy medicine ward** **Timing of the ACP conversation** Clinicians acted as gatekeepers during the process of recruitment.Clinicians were concerned about the purpose of ACP, whether it was solely for the patient or if the intention also was to equip relatives and staff with important information.There was a dissent whether only a minority of the patients needed ACP conversations or if these conversations were relevant for many patients at an early stage of their disease.
It was difficult to find time for structured conversations during short admissions.Clinicians found it hard to find time for ACP conversations in their busy daily schedule.Clinicians felt they knew the patients and called for time to carry out ACP conversations themselves. Clinicians were afraid of violating patients and depriving them of hope.They preferred to defuse the subject of ACP by introducing it during the physician's round.They questioned if a hospital stay was the optimal timing for an ACP conversation, compared with the outpatient clinic in a more stable phase of the disease.
ACP, advance care planning; ICP, individualised care plan.
Discussion {#s4}
==========
Patients talked about principal topics when planning for their last phase of life. In addition to symptoms, future alleviation of these and care planning, they discussed identity, beliefs and important relations. Although questioning the organisation of ACP and having barriers for its uptake, clinicians saw the need for ACP conversations and called for management support, requesting education, time and a feasible arrangement for ACP. We discuss these findings further, including the strengths and limitations of this study.
Content: ACP conversations {#s4-1}
--------------------------
This was the first time systematic ACP conversations were performed on a thoracic medicine ward in Norway. Only 15% of the eligible non-participating patients had previously participated in such conversations. This underlines the need for a better organisation of ACP in Norway.
Hospitals may not seem the obvious place for ACP, but an admission may trigger the need for it.[@R20] We know that breaking points during the disease trajectory, such as a change in therapy, are triggers for ACP conversations.[@R19] In this study, a rather large number of the participating patients with cancer (27/41) did not receive anticancer therapy when joining the study. Worsening of the disease might have triggered a need for an ACP conversation. Early integration of palliative care for patients with lung cancer has been proven to be beneficial.[@R26] ACP may be an important aspect of this approach. If clinicians avoid these conversations, an opportunity to improve the care for patients with advanced pulmonary disease will be missed.[@R4]
We practised a person-centred ACP using the guide only as a support while focusing on the patient's wishes, needs and preferences, respecting individual limits for transparency, as recommended by Waldrop and Meeker, among others.[@R20] A consequence of a person-centred focus may be that sensitive topics are avoided, with uncertainty about reasons for avoidance. However, we experienced that many patients raised rather challenging topics, indicating that the person-centred focus was both sensitive and reliable ([table 2](#T2){ref-type="table"}). As the reports of the conversations gave new and varied information, we conclude that our guide ([box 1](#B1){ref-type="boxed-text"}) may be useful in person-centred ACP conversations.
Almost all participating patients talked about troublesome symptoms, and many expressed distress related to fear for insufficient alleviation in the future. Patients needed to understand what the symptoms represented during the disease trajectory. From this observation, we derive that focusing on bothering symptoms and loss of functions, at present and in the future, may facilitate an ACP conversation. We have not found this approach described previously as a systematically used conversation technique.
While many patients found resilience when focusing on the present, some preferred to talk about their past. This gave clues about the patients' values and coping strategies, important information for future decision-making. This correlates to findings of Thoresen and Lillemoen when studying ACP conversations in nursing homes.[@R14]
The process of ACP is a multifactorial task in which knowledge about prognosis, expected care and support are important topics. In a review describing the five most important elements in end-of-life care, as judged by hospital inpatients and their relatives, effective clinical communication and shared decision-making were ranked as number one.[@R29] This pilot study confirms this finding in that the described perceived lack of information, with the resulting difficulty in making plans, emphasises the need for more effective clinical communication.[@R32] Supporting relations---in the healthcare system and especially within the family---were decisive when determining the level of care on discharge, contributing to patients' feeling of safety.
Feasibility of ACP conversations {#s4-2}
--------------------------------
In this study, feasibility of ACP conversations was challenging mainly because of barriers, divided into time and knowledge, and organisational aspects. According to Jabbarian *et al*, time barriers are partly a system error, while the barrier of timing for ACP, though known universally, is more individual.[@R6]
Patient-related barriers for the uptake of ACP are known as diverse and are described in several studies.[@R6] We observed that both patients and relatives wished to protect one another from tough conversations.[@R34] When patients decline participation because of 'bad timing', it may reflect the load of sickness and logistics or, on the other hand, patient hesitation for discussing treatment preferences.[@R33] Patients' focus on positive thinking is a known patient-related barrier for the uptake of ACP.[@R33] Additionally, we observed that patients need to be primed to conduct ACP, that time limitations often prevent clinicians from conducting ACP and that logistics of hospitalisations are also barriers ([table 3](#T3){ref-type="table"}).[@R8]
The literature shows that patients with COPD are especially difficult to introduce to ACP, partly because they have an unpredictable disease trajectory and partly because the importance of early introduction of ACP is poorly recognised.[@R6] In the present study, the number of participating patients with COPD as their principal diagnosis was only nine, which does not reflect the proportion of admissions of patients with COPD during the study period. This finding supports the low uptake of ACP in this diagnostic group and underlines the need for extra attention when inviting patients with COPD to ACP conversations.[@R6]
In the focus groups, a debate about organising and standardising ACP conversations and documentation of these came up as a consequence of the positive impact of the project. So, despite having barriers against ACP, clinicians perceived ACP as important, as also shown by others.[@R8] Starting up the pilot study with help from ward staff, we soon discovered problems for recruitment related to time and knowledge ([table 3](#T3){ref-type="table"}), and we introduced a study nurse. In line with the study by Friis and Førde, our study did not show a necessity of having a long-term relation with the patient before introducing ACP.[@R13] Clinicians were uncertain about which profession should facilitate ACP conversations. International guidelines state that any member of the clinical team can do ACP as long as they have relevant communication skills and are empowered to do so.[@R2]
Lacking knowledge about how ACP may strengthen patients' hope by talking about their future, clinicians acted as gatekeepers in order to protect patients against possibly tough conversations.[@R34] This illustrates the importance of providing sufficient documentation and information, as well as installing engagement, to accomplish successful implementation of ACP.[@R8]
We chose to use a free text summary in the hospital's electronic medical record for documentation and not a rigid template. The EAPC white paper on ACP recommends the use of both forms of documentation: the first for documenting attitudes and values, and the latter for an easy retrieval of concrete wishes and preferences.[@R2] Clinicians in our study suggested the documentation to be placed in a new, electronic national Summary Care Record, possibly as part of an individual palliative care plan.[@R47] However, this national record does not have the form or space to contain a complete ACP document. It is important to find a common Norwegian approach to these challenges concerning documentation.
Strengths and limitations {#s4-3}
-------------------------
### Strengths {#s4-3-1}
Arranging focus group interviews with patients in the target group before constructing the guide and conducting this ACP pilot study allowed patients' voices to be heard and respected. The patient-centred focus contributed to increased patient autonomy. Recruited patients suffered from advanced disease; thus, our study develops knowledge about important patient-selected topics at this sensitive point in their illness trajectory. Our study sample showed variations regarding comorbidity, education, age and functional status, suggesting that our findings are transferable to other hospital settings with similar patient populations. Seventy per cent of the invited patients were positive to ACP, demonstrating that our model for integrating ACP on a thoracic medicine ward was acceptable to the majority, even though a proportion for different reasons were prevented from study participation.
### Limitations {#s4-3-2}
To be included in the study, patients should either be able to read the patient information sheet or understand the meaning when being informed about it and give written informed consent. This criterion might have given a risk of excluding the sickest. Using a study nurse, a stranger to the patients, could be a limitation during the recruitment process. Patients did not have the possibility to review the summaries; consequently, we do not know if they had wanted amendments. The number of participating women (11) was comparably lower than the number admitted during the study period. In retrospect, considering a rather high staff turnover causing lack of continuity on the ward, we realise that the research team did not give clinicians sufficient information during the study period. This discontinuity was also a limitation for evaluation of the project. Only one physician participated in the focus groups due to logistic reasons; thus, our findings regarding ACP evaluation may not be transferable to the medical profession. The research team knew the department and several participants well, which may have prevented negative feedback. However, the informants' critical outline of challenges regarding ACP, as well as descriptions of benefits, makes it likely their comments were delivered in honest terms.
Conclusions {#s5}
===========
Patients with advanced pulmonary disease, their relatives and clinicians found patient-centred ACP pertinent, yet a sustainable implementation seemed challenging to establish. When introducing ACP, a focus on present and future symptom control may facilitate the conversations. Important aspects for implementing ACP for this patient group are management support, education, training, feasible routines and allocated time.
We thank the participating patients for sharing their thoughts with us and the study nurse, Øyvind I. Rød, for performing a skilled job with inclusions and conversations. We also thank our cooperating colleagues at the Department of Thoracic Medicine (Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway) for their help and support, especially the nurses Bodil Leivdal and Målfrid Årflot, and the focus groups participants. We acknowledge the professional assistance from the nurses and secretaries at the Regional Centre of Excellence for Palliative Care, Western Norway.
**Contributors:** Conception and design: NEH, MAS, KRS and DRFH. Data collection: NEH and MAS. Data analysis and interpretation: NEH, MAS and DRFH. Drafting of the manuscript: NEH. Revision of the manuscript: NEH, MAS, KRS and DRFH. Final approval of the version to be published: NEH, MAS, KRS and DRFH.
**Funding:** NEH was supported by a grant from The Sunniva Foundation, Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
**Competing interests:** None declared.
**Patient consent for publication:** Not required.
**Ethics approval:** This study was approved by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics, Western Norway (2014/1054-1 REK West). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants.
**Provenance and peer review:** Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.
**Data availability statement:** Deidentified participant data are available upon reasonable request from the corresponding author.
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1. Field of Inventions
The present inventions relate generally to ink jet printers and, more specifically, to apparatus for use with ink jet printers that reduces systematic print quality defects.
2. Description of the Related Art
Ink jet printers can be used to form text images and graphic images on a variety of printing media including, but not limited to, paper, card stock, mylar and transparency stock. The images are formed on print media by printing individual ink spots (or "pixels") in a two-dimensional array of rows and columns. A row is often referred to as a "dot row" or a "pixel row." Multiple pixel rows are formed to create a pixel array that corresponds to the desired image.
Certain ink jet printers include one or more printer cartridges (or "pens") that are carried on a scanning carriage and are capable of printing multiple pixel rows concurrently to create a larger portion of the pixel array. The printer cartridges typically include a printhead with a plurality of ink ejecting nozzles. A 600 dpi (dots-per-inch) printhead with a 1/2inch swath will, for example, typically have two columns with 150 nozzles in each column. A variety of mechanisms may be used to eject the ink from the nozzles. In one such mechanism, the so-called thermal ink ejection mechanism, ink channels and ink vaporization chambers are disposed between a nozzle orifice plate and a thin film substrate that includes arrays of heater elements such as thin film resistors. The heater elements are selectively energized to heat the ink within selected chambers, thereby causing an ink droplet to be ejected from the nozzles associated with the selected chambers to form ink dots at the desired locations on the print medium.
During a printing operation, the scanning carriage will traverse back and forth over the surface of the print medium. The print medium is advanced in a direction transverse to that of the movement scanning carriage. As the scanning carriage traverses back and forth, a controller causes the nozzles to eject drops of ink at times intended to result in the desired pixel row and, ultimately, the desired pixel array.
One important aspect of printing is image quality which, of course, depends upon the accuracy of the dot placement on the print medium. Variations from perfect dot placement are commonly referred to as dot placement error (DPE). One method of reducing DPE is to simply tighten the tolerances on printer specifications (or DPE specifications) such as drop weight, drop velocity, drop trajectory, medium advancement, printer cartridge/paper spacing, and carriage orientation. This approach is, however, expensive in that meeting relatively tight DPE specification tolerances requires large amounts of design and manufacturing resources to be expended.
At some point, the DPE specification tolerance tightening results in image improvement that is beyond the perception level of a typical viewer. In a relatively high resolution printer (300 dpi or higher), the occasional misdirected ink drop will have essentially no effect on overall image quality. A greater impediment to image quality is visible banding, which occurs when DPEs result in regular repeating patterns. In fact, in many applications, DPE tolerances can be relaxed without a perceptible reduction in image quality if visible banding is eliminated.
One proposed method of reducing banding is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. application Ser. No. 08/985,641, filed Dec. 5, 1997, and entitled CARRIAGE RANDOM VIBRATION. Here, a vibration inducing element is added to an otherwise conventional ink jet printer to cause minute, random vibrations of the printhead relative to the print medium. |
/* @flow */
import React from 'react';
import { css } from 'glamor';
type Props = {
IconComponent: Function,
isChecked: boolean,
isDisabled: boolean,
label?: string,
name?: string,
onChange: Function,
value: any,
};
export default function RadioOption({
IconComponent,
isChecked,
isDisabled,
label,
name = 'type',
onChange,
value,
}: Props) {
return (
<label
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display: 'flex',
flexDirection: 'row',
alignItems: 'center',
transition: 'filter 500ms ease-in-out',
filter: isChecked ? undefined : 'grayscale(100%)',
})}
>
<input
checked={isChecked}
disabled={isDisabled}
name={name}
onChange={onChange}
type="radio"
value={value}
/>
<div
{...css({
flex: '0 0 auto',
display: 'flex',
flexDirection: 'column',
alignItems: 'center',
marginLeft: '0.5rem',
})}
>
{label && <small>{label}</small>}
<IconComponent
{...css({
width: '3rem',
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Investigation of the mechanism of hepatotoxicity of N-methylformamide in mice: effects on calcium sequestration in hepatic microsomes and mitochondria and on hepatic plasma membrane potential.
N-Methylformamide is an antitumour drug with hepatotoxic properties. Three potential targets for hepatocellular toxic lesions caused by N-methylformamide were investigated: the mitochondrial and microsomal Ca2+ pumps and the functional integrity of the plasma membrane. The administration of N-methylformamide to mice caused a dramatic decrease in the ability of the liver mitochondria to sequester [45Ca2+]. This effect was dose-dependent and was not caused by dimethylformamide, N-hydroxymethylformamide or formamide. The microsomal Ca2+ pump was not affected by N-methylformamide. Incubations of isolated mitochondria with N-methylformamide for 1 hr also led to the inhibition of the Ca2+ sequestration. Incubation of isolated mouse hepatocytes with N-methylformamide did not cause changes in plasma membrane potential as measured using the lipophilic cation triphenylmethylphosphonium. Of the three targets studied, the mitochondrial Ca2+ pump may be the one through which N-methylformamide triggers the events leading ultimately to hepatic necrosis. |
“Wade”ing Through Batters!
With the early loss of Luke Hochevar to Tommy John Surgery, the Royals looked to be very vulnerable in the bullpen this year. After the first week or so, those fears became a little more real. However, since that time the Royals bullpen has settled in to what again is one of the best in the bigs! A major reason for that is the shut down ability of the new setup man Wade Davis.
Wade Davis seemed to be a throw-in player for the James Shields trade the Royals made prior to last year with Tampa Bay. A possible starter that was at the time working out of the Rays pen, Davis did not bring much fanfare with him. After starting the 2013 campaign in the starting rotation, it was soon apparent he was not a rotational guy. Following the tragic death of his brother in the middle of the 2013 season, he was moved to the pen, switching places with Bruce Chen. We all know how the story went after the All-Star Break for the boys in Blue, and some of that success was as a direct result of this move.
In the pen Davis seemed to be a good righty specialist, and long reliever. His pitch count had been lengthened as a starter so he was able to come in early in games if need be to tidy things up. He finished up the year at 8-11 with a 5.32 ERA. with 135 innings and 114 strikeouts.
As 2014 rolled around Davis was again going to attempt to compete for a starting role in the rotation. He lasted about two weeks, when Hochevar went down with the injury. He was shifted back to the pen, and has been an anchor in the back end ever since.
As it stands now, Davis is fourth on the Royals in strikeouts with 32 k’s. The only people in front of him are James Shields, Yordano Ventura, and Jason Vargas (all starts). In the 16 games Davis has appeared (The same number as all-star closer Greg Holland) he has thrown 17.1 innings, and has a K’s/9 rate of 16.62. That is the tops for the Royals. The next closest is Holland at 13.2 then Ventura at 9.8 (Both impressive numbers!).
If we were to push this out amongst league leaders he still is elite. If we look all pitchers with 10 or more innings pitched he is second behind Craig Kimbrel (17.58) who is almost unanimously regarded as the best reliever in the game. Another notable name on the list is Wil Smith at 13.5 (good for him. I still think that was a great trade).
If Davis can hold this rate up, he will be in some rarified air. Last season only Aroldis Chapman held a K/9 rate higher than Davis’ current number. And if you look back the past 3 years it is pretty much only Kimbrel that consistantly hits the 15 k/9 mark.
A telling example of just how good Davis has been this year came on Thursday when GMDM was dodging questions like a squirrel in traffic from 810 WHB’s host of the Program, Seren Petro. When asked who has better stuff Davis or Holland, GMDM didn’t really differentiate in the two’s ability. Stating that due to different physical traits they were hard to compare whose stuff was better.
This makes me feel like with Hochevar coming back next year, this years closer or setup man could make for some very valuable trade bait to try and clear up some salary for whomever we chose to re-sign/go get next off season!
Facebook Comments
comments |
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|
Q:
DbContext.set() cannot create a DbSet for entity because this type is not included in the model for the context
I am using EF Core. I am using DbContext.Set() method but it is giving me the error - "Cannot create a DbSet for 'MediaDate' because this type is not included in the model for the context.'"
Below is my code:
var context = new GoldentaurusContext();
DbSet<MediaDate> set = context.Set<MediaDate>();
mediaDateList = set.FromSql("[dbo].[sp_GetMediaDate]")
.Select(x => new SelectListItem { Text = x.DateText, Value = x.DateValue })
.ToList();
The MediaDate class:
public class MediaDate
{
public string DateText { get; set; }
public string DateValue { get; set; }
}
Why it is requiring me to add the MediaDate class to the DbContext class?
Please help what I am doing wrong?
A:
Your DB Context class should be like below.
public partial class DatabaseContext : DbContext
{
public DatabaseContext (string ConnectionString) : base(new DbContextOptionsBuilder().UseSqlServer(ConnectionString).Options)
{
}
protected override void OnModelCreating(ModelBuilder modelBuilder)
{
base.OnModelCreating(modelBuilder);
modelBuilder.Query<MediaData>();
}
Add your models in the DatabaseContext using model builder.
This is how I have resolved this isssue
|
Teacher injured in student fight
STOCKTON - A Stagg High School teacher sustained a laceration above his right eye from a student Tuesday afternoon, officials reported.
The man was trying to break up a fight in the school's library between two girls when one of the teens turned her aggression toward him, according to the Stockton Unified School District Police Department.
The girl was booked into juvenile hall on suspicion of battery. Her name is not being released because she is a minor. The teacher was taken to a hospital as a precaution, said Jim West, chief of the Stockton Unified School District Police Department.
The cause of the fight is unknown, and no weapons were used, police said. |
/*
* (C) 2007-2013 Alibaba Group Holding Limited
*
* This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify
* it under the terms of the GNU General Public License version 2 as
* published by the Free Software Foundation.
*
*
*/
//
// Created by <a href="mailto:wentong@taobao.com">文通</a> on 12-12-9 下午9:38.
//
#import <UIKit/UIKit.h>
#import <Foundation/Foundation.h>
#import "TBMBDefaultRootViewController.h"
@interface TBMBDefaultRootViewController (TBMBProxy)
//创建它的代理对象,使调用直接消息化
@property(nonatomic, readonly) id proxyObject;
@end |
-Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
-Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.
-If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
-Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”
-If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers.
Happy Follow Friday!
Question
It is up to you to do a Kickstarter campaign for your favorite book!!! Who are you casting for the main characters?
Oooh this was a hard one! I´m going back and forth between two different series... First off we have Becca Fitzpatricks Hush Hush series and then we have Shannon Dermotts Cambion series. Both of them are hard to cast since for me there is no one that would be perfect as the role of Patch in the Hush Hush books. He is simply too damn perfect in my mind to cast as a real person.
The in the Cambion series I have a hard time casting Mercy. The boys in the other hand are a bit easier.
With this being said I will just go ahead and give you a bit of both =)
I would definitely see a movie with Shia and Alex in it. Thanks for checking out my F&F
Following you via Bloglovin'. You mentioned on my site that you were following me via GFC but I don't actually have a GFC account. If you could follow me back via Bloglovin' or another option, that would be great.Vilia @ Backchatting Books |
1. Introduction {#sec1}
===============
The use of botanicals in foodstuffs is well established. It includes use as vegetables, fruits, herbs, and botanical food supplements. While medicinal products are intended to prevent or treat a disease or modify the way in which the body functions, food supplements and nutraceuticals are intended to complement the diet with substances possessing health-maintenance or -promoting properties \[[@B1]\]. Food industries have rather high demand for the products that meet the consumer\'s demand for a healthy lifestyle. There are many companies already capitalizing on growing consumer acceptance of food and beverages containing herbal extracts \[[@B2]\]. Ayurveda (Indian System of Medicine) has found several ways in which the medicinal benefits of herbs could be conveyed via certain foods as carriers. Milk is one such carrier which has been effectively used to deliver phytochemicals for targeted health benefits in the traditional Indian system of medical science. Milk is also one of the most widely consumed foods in the world and is an ideal vehicle for the fortification with these nutraceuticals.
Indian Kudzu or *Pueraria tuberosa* Linn. (Fabaceae) is an important medicinal plant of the Indian traditional system of medicine, that is, Ayurveda, and is mentioned in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India under the name of Vidari. Powder of tubers of *P. tuberosa* (PT), commonly known as Indian Kudzu or Vidarikand in Hindi \[[@B3]\], is recommended for clinical use in the dose of 2--6 g/adult person \[[@B4]\]. It is used in traditional medicine as a fertility control agent and as an aphrodisiac, cardiotonic, diuretic and galactogogue. It has exhibited antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, antifertility in male rats, hepatoprotective, and anti-implantation activities \[[@B5]--[@B8]\]. It is a constituent of various formulations used as nutritive, diuretic, expectorants, and for the management of rheumatism, fever, and bronchitis \[[@B4], [@B9]\]. *P. tuberosa* tubers are rich in isoflavonoids and the important phytoconstituents are puerarin, daidzein, genistein, puetuberosanol, and tuberosin \[[@B10]--[@B13]\]. During the past decade, interest in these isoflavonoids has increased considerably because of the beneficial effects proposed by epidemiologists, nutritionists, and food manufacturers \[[@B14]\]. These isoflavonoids could interact with milk proteins, namely, bovine serum albumin \[[@B15]\], casein micelle \[[@B16]\], and *β*-lactoglobulin \[[@B17]\] as has been reported in case of certain food and drug preparation containing soya isoflavonoids. *In vivo* studies further revealed that these interactions often lead to reduction in lipid oxidation and improvement in antioxidant properties which are of great significance from health point of view.
Recently, we have investigated the *in vivo* immunomodulatory and antioxidative effect of *P. tuberosa* with milk as the carrier. The results suggested that *P. tuberosa* contained active compounds that improved the therapeutic properties of milk. The milk supplemented with *P. tuberosa* extracts exhibited immunostimulatory and antioxidative properties \[[@B18]\]. Studies have also been carried out to determine the effect of added herb extracts on oxidative stability of ghee during accelerated oxidation condition and it was found that the ethanolic extract of vidarikand had the maximum antioxidant activity among all the herbs \[[@B19]\].
Since the health benefits of the nutraceuticals or functional foods containing different botanicals are due to the presence of the phytoconstituents of the added botanicals, it is important to have a biological marker and also to be able to associate that biological marker with the quality of life. Puerarin is the major constituent of *Pueraria* species. It is prescribed to treat coronary heart disease and alcoholism. It may prevent cancer, act as an antioxidant, lower serum cholesterol, and have antithrombotic and antiallergic activities \[[@B5], [@B20], [@B21]\]. Puerarin has exhibited antihyperglycemic effect in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and possesses estrogen-like biological activities. Recent studies showed that puerarin protects different cell types from damage caused by a variety of toxic stimuli. Data also suggest that puerarin might be beneficial for the treatment of Alzheimer\'s disease \[[@B22]\].
Several methods have been reported for the identification and analysis of puerarin \[[@B23]\]. But, to the best of our knowledge, no work on identification of *P. tuberosa* in milk nutraceuticals has been previously reported. Thus, continuing with our studies on herb-(*P. tuberosa*) milk model systems, the present work was carried out to study the stability of milk fortified with Indian Kudzu with reference to its pH and coagulation as well as to analyze Kudzu-fortified milk for puerarin, the major isoflavone C-glucoside present in *P. tuberosa*, through high-performance liquid chromatography using photo diode array detector.
2. Materials and Methods {#sec2}
========================
2.1. Chemicals and Reagents {#sec2.1}
---------------------------
Puerarin was obtained from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA). HPLC-grade methanol and water were obtained from Merck (Darmstadt, Germany). Whatman (Florham Park, NJ) No. 1 filter paper was used for filtration of the samples. Other chemicals and solvents were purchased from Merck Chemicals, Mumbai, India.
2.2. Plant Material {#sec2.2}
-------------------
Tubers of *P. tuberosa* were collected from the Uttarakhand region. The sample was identified and authenticated by Dr. A. K. S. Rawat, by comparison with a reference sample preserved in the Herbarium department of NBRI. They were deposited (specimen number NBR/PH/227348) in the departmental herbal drug museum of the Pharmacognosy Division, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India, for future reference.
2.3. Preparation of Ethanolic and Hot Water Extracts {#sec2.3}
----------------------------------------------------
The coarse air-dried, (40°--50°C), powdered tubers (500 g each) of *P. tuberosa* were extracted with ethanol by cold percolation process and with hot water by heating on a boiling water bath. The respective extracts were pooled, filtered, concentrated at reduced temperature (below 55°C) by rotary evaporation (Büchi, USA), lyophilized (Freezone 4.5; Labconco, USA) under high vacuum (133 × 104 mbar) at −40°C ± 2°C to yield the respective ethanolic (EE) and hot water (HWE) extracts, and stored at 40°C.
2.4. Procedure for Milk Fortification and Sterilization {#sec2.4}
-------------------------------------------------------
Different milk combinations with *Pueraria tuberosa* were prepared by homogenizing pasteurized toned milk with extracts (EE and HWE) of *P. tuberosa*. For thermal treatment, fortified milk samples and milk controls were added into polypropylene tubes and these tubes were capped. All samples were thermally treated in an autoclave at 15 psi for 5 min. Once heating was completed, lids were tightened while still hot, and tubes were kept upright during observations and storage. Three separate batches of both the fortified milk samples and milk controls were prepared. The pH values of all combinations were determined for proper evaluation of any significant change in pH before and after storage.
2.5. Storage Trials, Physical Stability, and pH Tests {#sec2.5}
-----------------------------------------------------
Fortified milk samples and milk controls were left at room temperature for 24 hr, followed by storage at 2°C to 8°C for 15 days. Stability profile was checked daily for precipitation profile and pH by bringing the samples to room temperature. Aliquots of the fortified milk samples and milk controls were observed during this period and sampled after two weeks from each of the three batches, for subsequent analyses. After sampling, the pH values of all fortified milk sample and milk controls were measured. Following the overall stability check, the analytical profiles of the 1st day and 15th day samples were compared.
2.6. Sample Preparation for HPLC Analysis {#sec2.6}
-----------------------------------------
Fortified milk samples and milk controls were kept in freezer at lower temperature (−10°C) for 24 hours, frozen samples then freeze dried by FREEZONE 4.5 lyophilizer, and dried powder weighed to predict the yield from wet mass. Dry lyophilized powder was defatted three times with hexane (1 : 5 w/v) and finally extracted with methanol (1 : 3 w/v) by warming on water bath. Isolated fractions were then dried under reduced pressure and temperature. The dried ethanolic and hot water extracts (EE and HWE) of *P. tuberosa* as well as the dried methanolic extracts of the 1st day and 15th day samples were reconstituted in methanol and working solutions of 30 mg/mL concentrations were made. They were filtered through 0.45 *μ*m membrane filters before being subjected to HPLC analysis.
2.7. HPLC Determination of Puerarin {#sec2.7}
-----------------------------------
Analyses were performed on a liquid chromatography system (Waters, Milford, MA, USA) with 515 pumps and equipped with an online degasser, a Waters Pump Control Module (PCM), an autosampler 717, a Waters 2996 photodiode array detector (PDA), and Waters Empower software. Separation was carried out using a Supelcosil LC-8-DB column (250 × 4.6 mm i.d.; 5 *μ*m pore size) with a guard column (40 × 4.6 mm i.d.) packed with the same material. The column was maintained at 25°C throughout the analysis, and detection was at 254 nm. Elution was carried out at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min with water as solvent A and methanol as solvent B using an isocratic elution from 0--10 min with 90% of A followed by a gradient elution from 10--15 min with 90%--85% of A, 15--30 min with 85%--70% of A, 30--37 min with 70%--90% of A, and isocratic from 37 to 45 min with 90% of A. Stock solution of puerarin (1 mg/mL) was prepared in methanol and analysis was carried out under the same working conditions. Each analysis was repeated three times, and the respective retention times were averaged. Peak identification in HPLC analysis was performed by comparison of retention time with reference standard. Quantification of the compounds was achieved by use of calibration plot of the standard solution. The concentrations for the standard used for the calibration curve ranged from 1.0 *μ*g to 5.0 *μ*g for puerarin. Each run was repeated three times.
2.8. Validation {#sec2.8}
---------------
Validation studies were performed for determining linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, repeatability, and percentage recovery. Five concentration points were used to prepare the calibration curve. The calibration plot was prepared by plotting peak area against the amount of puerarin and the regression coefficient (*r* ^2^) was calculated. Limits of detection and quantification were determined by calculation of the signal-to-noise ratio. Signal-to-noise ratios of approximately 3 : 1 and 10 : 1 were used for estimating the detection limit and quantification limit, respectively. Repeatability was tested by analyzing the puerarin band after application of standard solution to the plate (*n* = 3) and calculating % RSD. Intraday as well as interday repeatability was estimated. Accuracy was determined using an added external standard. A sample of milk was spiked in triplicate with known quantities of puerarin and the percentage of recovery was calculated. The percentage of recovery rate was established from the experimental response values ((blank + standard) -- blank) obtained according to the calibration curves and the real concentration of the standard added.
3. Results {#sec3}
==========
3.1. Physical Stability and pH Tests {#sec3.1}
------------------------------------
Stability profile with pH was checked daily for precipitation profile and pH by bringing the samples to room temperature. Aliquots of the fortified milk samples and milk controls were observed during this period. No precipitate formation was observed in the samples. No significant change in the pH was observed. The observations are tabulated in [Table 1](#tab1){ref-type="table"}.
3.2. HPLC Determination of Puerarin {#sec3.2}
-----------------------------------
To determine the content of puerarin in fortified milk samples, the dried ethanolic and hot water extracts of *P. tuberosa* as well as the dried methanolic extracts of the 1st day and 15th day of fortified milk samples were reconstituted in methanol and working solutions of 30 mg/mL concentrations were made for HPLC analysis. Ten *μ*L of each sample was injected and analysis for puerarin was carried out by using HPLC under the conditions described earlier. Puerarin was monitored at 254 nm. This compound has been of interest due to its many potential health benefits. The calibration curve was plotted for puerarin ([Figure 1](#fig1){ref-type="fig"}) and the percentage content of puerarin in different samples was calculated. The ethanolic and hot water extracts of *P. tuberosa* were found to contain 5% and 1.13% puerarin, respectively. No peak corresponding to that of puerarin was observed in control milk samples. [Figure 2](#fig2){ref-type="fig"} shows the HPLC chromatograms of the puerarin standard and milk sample fortified with hot water extract of *P. tuberosa* as observed on 1st and 15th day, also monitored at 254 nm. The identity of Puerarin in milk samples was confirmed by comparison of the UV spectra ([Figure 3](#fig3){ref-type="fig"}) and retention time with the authentic standard and calculated as mg Puerarin per 10 mL of fortified milk. Results of the HPLC analysis are presented in [Table 2](#tab2){ref-type="table"}.
3.3. Validation {#sec3.3}
---------------
Linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, repeatability, and percentage recovery were studied. The linear range for puerarin was 1.0--5.0 *μ*g with a correlation coefficient (*r* ^2^) of 0.989. This correlation coefficient of \>0.950 was indicative of a good linear relationship between concentration and peak area in the concentration range studied. LOD and LOQ values were 300 ng and 500 ng, respectively. Both the intra- and interday R.S.D. were less than 10% over this range. At the same concentrations, accuracy ranged from 92 to 110%. The high recovery values and a high repeatability indicated a satisfactory accuracy in the method used.
4. Discussion {#sec4}
=============
In the present investigation, different herb-milk combinations were prepared by homogenizing pasteurized toned milk with extracts (EE and HWE) of *P. tuberosa*. Storage trials for physical stability and pH monitoring of these fortified milk samples were undertaken and they were analyzed for detection and quantification of puerarin, the major isoflavone C-glucoside present in *P. tuberosa*, through high-performance liquid chromatography using photo diode array detector. A number of studies suggest that Indian Kudzu exhibits antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, antihepatotoxic, and antiimplantation activities \[[@B5]--[@B8]\]. Kudzu has been reported to contain high amounts of phytoestrogenic isoflavones, such as puerarin, daidzein, genistein, and their derivatives \[[@B24]--[@B26]\]. These compounds based on the structural similarity to internal estrogen have received much interest for the prevention of menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, high cholesterol, heart disease, and cancer \[[@B27]--[@B32]\]. Also, Kudzu root powder and extract are sold in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia as a supplement. Kudzu is often used as a single ingredient or in combination with other herbs for relieving hangover, fever, and flu; improving liver function; enhancing detoxification processes; regulating cardiac functions; and aiding weight loss \[[@B33]\].
Milk, being one of the most widely consumed foods in the world, is an ideal vehicle for fortification. However, it is necessary that the samples are stable and the concentration and nature of the herbs/extracts that have been added for fortification do not change on storage. It was observed that there was no precipitate formation and the pH also did not change during the study period. This indicated that the milk samples were physically stable under the experimental conditions mentioned above. Also, the biomarker used for chemical analysis was puerarin, which is the major constituent of Kudzu. HPLC analysis results showed that the puerarin content can directly be a measure of the amount of ethanolic or hot water extracts of *P. tuberosa* added for fortification. Also there was no significant change in the content of puerarin during the study period, thereby indicating the chemical stability of the samples. These studies will be useful for developing milk nutraceuticals fortified with Indian Kudzu which has the potential to be included as an ingredient in health and functional foods.
5. Conclusions {#sec5}
==============
A modern lifestyle is fast paced and mostly hurried where most people battle with time poverty. As a result, it is often difficult to find the time and energy to eat correctly and supply your body with the correct type of nutrition. On top of that, an individual\'s health and nutrition needs do also change throughout his or her life. It is for this reason that development of functional foods and nutraceuticals with special health-promoting benefits is the need of the day. Herbal extracts in all their forms possess arguably the greatest potential for innovative functional food products. There are many companies already capitalizing on growing consumer acceptance of food and beverages containing herbal extracts \[[@B2]\] although the use of these extracts in milk and milk products is quite a recent development. Milk is also one of the most widely consumed foods in the world and is an ideal vehicle for fortification with these nutraceuticals. Also, numerous nutraceutical combinations have entered the international market through exploration of ethnopharmacological claims made by different traditional practices. These foods or nutraceuticals construct a health-promoting, disease-preventing diet with protective substances. The rich nutrient food intake will provide maximum protection against not only infections, asthma, and allergies, but also against heart disease and cancer in adulthood. However, before the full market potential can be realized, the consumers need to be assured of the safety and efficacy of functional foods. Future research will focus on mechanisms by which food components such as phytochemicals positively affect health, and whether these components work independently or synergistically.
The authors do not have any conflict of interests in this paper.
The authors are grateful to the Director, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, for providing the research facilities to carry out this work. This work was supported by the National Agriculture Innovation Project (Component 4: Basic and Strategic Research Subproject Code C30029), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, India.
{#fig1}
{#fig2}
{#fig3}
######
Stability profile of milk samples.
Milk samples Day 1 sample Day 5 sample Day 10 sample Day 15 sample
----------------------------- -------------- -------------- --------------- --------------- -------- ------ -------- ------
Milk + 0.5% EE (w/v) Absent 6.50 Absent 6.53 Absent 6.55 Absent 6.58
Milk + 1.0% EE (w/v) Absent 6.46 Absent 6.59 Absent 6.60 Absent 6.69
Milk + 0.4% HWE (w/v) Absent 6.42 Absent 6.50 Absent 6.59 Absent 6.63
Milk + 0.7% HWE (w/v) Absent 6.43 Absent 6.45 Absent 6.48 Absent 6.51
Milk + 1.0% HWE (w/v) Absent 6.42 Absent 6.50 Absent 6.55 Absent 6.59
Milk + 0.01% puerarin (w/v) Absent 6.52 Absent 6.60 Absent 6.64 Absent 6.68
Milk (control) Absent 6.61 Absent 6.65 Absent 6.68 Absent 6.71
EE: ethanolic extract of *P. tuberosa.*
HWE: hot water extract of *P. tuberosa.*
######
Puerarin content in Indian Kudzu fortified milk samples.
Milk sample Day 1 sample Day 15 sample
----------------------------- -------------- ---------------
Milk + 0.5% EE (w/v) 2.39 ± 0.03 2.34 ± 0.03
Milk + 1.0% EE (w/v) 5.25 ± 0.04 5.19 ± 0.16
Milk + 0.4% HWE (w/v) 0.41 ± 0.02 0.34 ± 0.04
Milk + 0.7% HWE (w/v) 0.81 ± 0.03 0.81 ± 0.03
Milk + 1.0% HWE (w/v) 1.24 ± 0.05 1.27 ± 0.02
Milk + 0.01% puerarin (w/v) 1.03 ± 0.09 0.97 ± 0.02
EE: ethanolic extract of *P. tuberosa.*
HWE: hot water extract of *P. tuberosa.*
[^1]: Academic Editor: Weena Jiratchariyakul
|
Lack of effects on heart rate and blood pressure in ketamine-anesthetized rats briefly exposed to ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulses.
Fourteen Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to pulses produced by a Bournlea ultra-wideband (UWB) pulse generator (rise time, 318-337 ps; maximum E field, 19-21 kV/m). Exposures at a repetition frequency of 1 kHz for 0.5 s or to repetitive pulse trains (2-s exposure periods alternating with 2 s of no exposure, for a total of 2 min) resulted in no significant changes in heart rate or mean arterial blood pressure. These results suggest that acute whole-body exposure to UWB pulses does not have a detrimental effect on the cardiovascular system. |
//
// IsCompleteRequest.swift
// iSwiftCore
//
// Created by Jin Wang on 25/02/2016.
// Copyright © 2016 Uthoft. All rights reserved.
//
import Foundation
struct IsCompleteRequest: Contentable {
let code: String
func toJSON() -> [String : Any] {
return [:]
}
static func fromJSON(_ json: [String : Any]) -> IsCompleteRequest? {
guard let code = json["code"] as? String else { return nil }
return IsCompleteRequest(code: code)
}
}
|
Related Links
ATLANTA, GA (Mar.18) Coach Darlene Moore's Lady Rattlers made a total of 34 Top 10 finishes to command the field at the Morehouse Relays.
In the sprints, Nakia Linson blazed to an 11.9 finish in the 100m dash, taking first place just ahead of Jasmine Smith, who finished in second at 11.95. Richena Louis would round out a trio of Lady Rattlers in the top five spots in a time of 12.11.
Int he 400m run, Dynasty Jones ran a 55.64 to take first place. Ariel Allen took third in 56.70, while Jeanette Hulse came in fourth in 57.17.
Chandelic Jackson took the 800m run in 2:15.79 and placed second in the 1500m run in 4:51.43.
Distance runner Nadine Mulvaney led a trio of Lady Rattlers who went 1-2-3 in the 3000m run. Mulvaney finished in 11:08.72, while Ciera Williams finished second at 11:19.22 and Clarricia Golden placed third in 11:23.41. The Lady Rattlers would repeat their order of finish in the 3000m steeplechase. mulvaney ran 12:09.65, Williams finished in 12:20.17 and Golden carded a time of 12:50.82.
Brittany Jones took first place in the 400m hurdles. Her time of 1:03.95 was less than a second in front of teammate Jeanette Hulse, who finished second in 1:04.45. wendy Deshommes finished fifth with a time of 1:05.77.
FAMU took first place in the 4x100 and 4x400m relays. Team "A" ran a time of 46.12 in the 4x100m relay, while mustering 3:46.76 in the 4x400m relay. Team "B" finished third in the 4x400m relay in 3:57.23.
Dynasty Jones placed third in the 200m run in 24.82. Richena Louis placed fifth in the race in 25.09.
Moore's field events personnel performed well in the meet. Pole vaulter Brittany Brown placed third with a vault of 2.45m (8.00.50). Stephanie Colter placed fourth in the high jump. She cleared 1.57m (5.01.75).
Sasha-Ann Lebert threw 11.8m (38.08.75) to place third in the shot put. Shamona Haughton took 10th place with a toss of 10.64m (34.11.00). Lebert would place fifth in the discus throw at 38.78m (127.00).
Kinnesha jones took fourth in the long jump in 5.32m (17.05.50), while Linson took fifth in 5.25m 17.02.75).
Cynia Clark placed sixth overall in the hammer throw. She tossed the weight 35.95m (117.11.00). Several Lady Rattlers placed in the Top 10 of the javelin throw. Haughton (31.21m/102.05) placed third, Smith (30.32m/99.06) placed sixth, Lebert (27.85m/91-04) placed ninth and Clark (26.92m/88.04) wrapped up the quartet with a 10th place finish. |
The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.
An automatic transmission generally includes a number of gear elements and torque establishing devices such as clutches and brakes. The clutches and brakes are selectively engageable to activate certain gear elements. Gear elements are activated to establish a desired speed or gear ratio between a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft.
The transmission input shaft is connected to an engine through a fluid coupling such as a torque converter. The transmission output shaft is connected to vehicle wheels. Shifting from one gear ratio to another may be performed in response to changes in throttle position and vehicle speed.
A shift from one gear element to another may be an upshift (i.e., a shift to a higher gear) or a downshift (i.e., a shift to a lower gear). The shift may be further defined as a power-on shift (i.e., a shift that occurs when an accelerator pedal is depressed) or a power-off shift (i.e., a shift that occurs when an accelerator pedal is released). Power-on shifts (upshifts and downshifts) may require more precise control than power-off shifts, as shifts that occur when a vehicle is accelerating may be more noticeable to a driver. |
Friday, November 5, 2010
Harvest Ornament
This took about 20 minutes to assemble (including applying the Stickles) and a couple of hours for the Stickles to dry. Measure the circumference of the ornament and add about 1/4 inch. Cut the paper strip and apply a really tacky doublestick tape to the back. I cut a mat about the same size as the paperstrip and applied a harvest time tag. I tied the cotton string on the tag before I attached it to the mat and unfrayed the twist after the stickles had dried. I used icicle stickles on the pumpkin leaves and copper stickles everywhere else. I used a roll of foam tape to hold the ornament while the stickles were drying. All the paper and the hang tag come from the November Club Ruby Designer's kit. |
We have to be thankful to Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of our more theatrical solons, for dramatizing the way in which the Israel lobby intimidates members of Congress: by asking Chuck Hagel if he could name a single Senator who was so intimidated he merely underscored how thoroughly each and every one of them is cowed. The whole spectacle of this public interrogation, with its tiresomely repetitive demands for pledges of undying loyalty to Israel, brought home the truth of Hagel’s remark.
Of course Hagel couldn’tsay that, but the ugly reality resonated in the immense silence that followed this exchange. Interestingly, Hagel didn’t back down: He said "I don’t know." As to what motivates any particular member of Congress on any specific "dumb thing" they do – well, he couldn’t know, could he? But of course, everybody knows about the Israel lobby: and if its power and vindictiveness were ever in danger of being forgotten, then surely the battle over Hagel’s confirmation has reminded us.
To anyone who lives outside the Washington bubble, there was something profoundly weird about the ritualistic invocations of undying loyalty to Israel, a country mentioned 135 times in the course of the
hearing: Afghanistan only merited 27, while al Qaeda got 2 and Mali
one. One would have thought Hagel had been nominated for Israeli Defense Minister instead of the top civilian in the Pentagon. As he faced the pro-Israel "inquisitors" – as Sen. Angus King put it – the educational value of this political drama was worth far more than all the books and articles one could possibly read.
Speaking of motivation, Graham’s grandstanding was preaching to the choir: the wingnuts in his party don’t think he’s right-wing enough, and this is his way of compensating for what the Tea Party types consider sellouts on immigration and other issues dear to their hearts.
However, it was John McCain’s confrontation with his now ex-friend, the former Senator from Nebraska, that was most telling, insofar as it tells us what this whole brouhaha really is about: the country’s verdict on the Iraq war, and the lingering power and influence of thosewholied us into it.
Enraged by Hagel’s observation that the "surge" prefigured the single most disastrous episode in US foreign policy since the Vietnam war, Mad John’s eyes practically popped out of his head. Hagel, sitting there calmly, replied somewhat bemusedly that we’ll "let history judge" who was right about that one.
McCain’s impotence was palpable as he ranted and railed, his red-faced fury assailing Hagel’s stony defiance. If, as one suspects, history’s judgment of the Iraq war will be as harsh as the American people’s, then McCain and his fellow Iraq war dead-enders will be the ones "on the wrong side of history," as the Arizona Senator had the nerve to intone in his scolding lecture – odd coming from such a spectacularly failed presidential candidate. If indeed history has a side — a dubious proposition, at best — at least we can say McCain is on the wrong side of recent history: the American people wanted out of Iraq, they want out of Afghanistan, and they don’t want us meddling in Syria. Yet the tone deaf McCain actually brought up Syria at the hearing, haranguing Hagel and asking "How many more have to die?"
There was a lot of competition as to which Republican senator gave the craziest performance, but I think the prize has to go with the one who came with exhibits, three of them – two of them clips from an Al Jazeera, which Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) helpfully described as a "foreign network, engaged in propaganda." That this was said by someone whose talking points were written by propagandists for another foreign power – namely, Israel – is the kind of irony a wingnut like Cruz is utterly deaf to.
In any case, Cruz presented a severely edited clip of Hagel’s anodyne answer to a question from an Al Jazeera viewer about "moral leadership," which was of no significance – but, according to the esteemed Senator, it was evidence that Hagel believed Israel had committed "war crimes." Go here to look at the entire answer to the question, and the context – which was US-Russian relations, specifically the prospects for nuclear disarmament – rather than the radically abbreviated version played by Cruz. The Al Jazeera announcer intervened in the midst of the questioner’s long disquisition, asking "what is your question about the subject we are discussing, which is nuclear weapons." The questioner then went on to ask about the "lack of moral leadership," and it is clear from the context that Hagel was saying, yes, we need more moral leadership on the issue of nuclear leadership: he said nothing about Israeli war crimes. And while this may be unfortunate, Cruz’s attempt to twist Hagel’s words is contemptible, to say the least.
Citing the same interview, Cruz took the next question from a viewer out of context, averring that Hagel agreed with a caller who said that the "perception and reality" of the US as the "world’s bully" stood in the way of an agreement between the US and Russia on further dismantling of nuclear arsenals. Yet he said nothing about the US being a bully, let alone the world’s bully, and simply went on to utter a harmless bromide about the need to "reach out" and "engage."
Clearly Hagel walked back some of his past positions, in my view unnecessarily – after all, he wasn’t going to convince Sen. Cruz in any event, and it’s important to get the truth on the record. For example, Hagel backed down when Cruz went after his description of Israel’s last attack on Lebanon as a "slaughter," and tried to spin it as a condemnation of Israel. Yet if you look at the entire speech – as Dave Weigel has – it was no such thing. There’s nothing subtle about Cruz’s cherry-picking: it’s crude, and brazen. Not that he cares. A blustering bullying opportunist, whose physical resemblance to Joe McCarthy is an act of justice on Nature’s part, the Republican Senator from Texas cares only about getting that sound-bite on Fox News. In the second round of questioning, Cruz reprised his McCarthyesque performance by declaring that he had "a list of anti-Israel comments" purportedly made by Hagel.
I have in my hands a list! To the irony-proof Cruz, this was a zinger. To the rest of us it was more proof – if that were needed – of the man’s thuggishness.
This entire process has been enormously helpful to those of us who have been trying to open the eyes of the public to the inordinate influence the Israel lobby exerts on Congress and on US foreign policy. A visitor from Mars might imagine he’d landed in the midst of a show trial conducted by some totalitarian regime, with the prisoner in the dock forced to confess and engage in "self-criticism," as the inquisitors looked sternly askance at his recantation.
The Israel Firsters really went out on a limb, this time, and in the end they’ll wind up having sawed it off. Because Hagel is going to be confirmed in spite of their hysterical hate campaign, and what that means is that their power is broken.
No, the Israel lobby isn’t going away: what’s ended, however, is the myth of their invincibility – not to mention the myth of their nonexistence. Remember, it is supposed to be a hate crime of some kind to even mention the Israel lobby, and up until this point the lobbyists and their shills have stoutly maintained that it is a "conspiracy theory" to believe such a thing exists (and also "anti-Semitic"). Now we have Sen. King, independent from Maine, who got in the last word at the hearing when, asking Hagel if he knew who was behind the ads attacking his nomination. Yes, Senator, wouldn’t we like to know!
Among the many darkly comic moments of the hearing, a real howler was introduced at the beginning when Senator Jim Inhofe inquired as to know why Hagel hadn’t bothered replying to a letter sent to him by the resident wingnuts on the committee, listing every organization he’d ever been affiliated with (save the USO) and demanding to know if any of them were recipients of funding from "foreign nations, foreign sovereign funds, [or] foreign corporations."
This is rich, considering the source. While we don’t know exactly where the money for the wide array of anti-Hagel television spots and full page newspaper ads came from – at least $1 million, according to Jim Lobe – many suspect it was due to Sheldon Adelson’s well known generosity when it comes to "pro-Israel" causes. Adelson – who once said he regrets the uniform he wore when he served in the military was American and not Israeli, and whose wife is a dual Israeli-American citizen.
In their effort to "expose" Hagel, the Lobby and its shrinking band of loyal foot soldiers only succeeded in exposing their own weakness. And that is a big step forward for opponents of the War Party. Because it is the Israel lobby that is, today, the main force agitating for war with Iran, and US military intervention in Syria. The Israel lobby is leading the pushback in response to the prospect of big defense cutbacks – because if the American Empire is now contracting, then Israel can no longer huddle under the eagle’s wing. As we have seen in Hagel’s case, it is these lobbyists on behalf of a foreign power who are most aggressive in "policing" the policy establishment in Washington, determined to block those who fail to toe the party line from getting anywhere near the levers of power.
In the past, they might have pulled it off – as they did with Charles Freeman, whom Cruz tried without success to link to Hagel – but not this time. The country has changed: the dark days of the Bush era, when smear campaigns aimed at anyone who challenged the Lobby’s dominance usually ended in the target’s political destruction, are over. The fury and energy of the anti-Hagel campaign only served to underscore its complete impotence and irrelevance: the country has moved on, even if Bill Kristol hasn’t. If the Iraq war didn’t succeed in totally discrediting Kristol and his fellow neocons, then this hearing – with all the vindictiveness and sheer hate of these people on full display – is their Waterloo.
Here is the link for buying the second edition of my 1993 book, Reclaiming the American Right: The Lost Legacy of the Conservative Movement, with an Introduction by Prof. George W. Carey, a Forward by Patrick J. Buchanan, and critical essays by Scott Richert and David Gordon (ISI Books, 2008).
Buy my biography of the great libertarian thinker, An Enemy of the State:
The Life of Murray N. Rothbard (Prometheus
Books,2000), here.
201231100057 Responseshttp%3A%2F%2Foriginal.antiwar.com%2Fjustin%2F2013%2F01%2F31%2Fhagel-hearing-the-war-partys-waterloo%2FHagel+Hearing%3A+The+War+Party%E2%80%99s+Waterloo2013-02-01+05%3A00%3A38Justin+Raimondohttp%3A%2F%2Foriginal.antiwar.com%2F%3Fp%3D2012311000 to “Hagel Hearing: The War Party’s Waterloo”
I saw a lot of groveling today from Hagel. I don't see anything changing much. When are there going to be real opposition people to the Lobby in political office? All I see is a lot of guys afraid to express an honest opinion. Hagel was going to be confirmed the minute he got the blessing of Shumur. What did he promise to get that blessing? I think our friend Justin is just way too optomistic. The Lobby will continue to strangle us until the country is finally ruined.
Justin sometimes tries to will the world in the right direction just by saying it is moving in the right direction, but… if Hagel gets voted in, it will be concrete evidence that the world is moving in the right direction. The only question is how much. My own guess is "a bit." But I haven't been able to say that in a long, long time.
Hagel repeatedly asserted that he regards Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Revolutionary Guard of Iran as terrorist organizations. He abandoned every bold stand he has taken on Israel. Republican Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi said Hagel was reversing himself for political expediency, and that a week after Hagel had told the Omaha World-Herald that he opposed unilateral sanctions (American-only) against Iran, he reversed that position in a letter to progressive Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer.
Hagel rhymes with bagel. Israeli plant? You people are so fickle. If ANYONE has spent their life in politics they are compromised. Bought and paid for. Is anybody's lobby superior to the other's? A whore is a whore. For sale.
Yeah, Joel, the Zionist lobby is vastly superior to, say, the polygamy lobby. Or the Devil Woshippers' lobby. The Zionist lobby is one of the most powerful, dangerous lobbies in America. The fact that millions of dollars have been spent against Hagel–coupled with the fact that the worst Neocon monsters are furious over his nomination–is reason enough to cheer for him.
A man on a mission will do what is required to accomplish the mission…. Was Hagel alarmingly apologetic…??? Sure he was…. But this stuff is too important for the country even the world to let ego in… Someone with new ideas and plans need not telegraph his intentions to those who believe THEY will be the losers in any such contemplated new arrangements…. Why didn't Hagel stand up (and fight) for positions he has taken in the past which have offended those running the attack on him now…??? The simple answer is that there is nothing worthwhile to be gained in such a confrontation BEFORE his conformation. Better to wait till after his hands are on the levers of power, such as they are, over at the Pentagon. Aren't honest people at vast disadvantage in the conformation gauntlet…..???
Our No. 1 Welfare Queen is a jealous Queen and guards the influence she has garnered (purchased) with her vast billions of U.S. taxpayers money.. She defends these tranches of U.S. billions as her entitlement as fiercely as a mother lion does her cubs. Hagel's ideas inevitably call to question all such arrangements on all germain fronts… He has said far too much already ……. Moreover, trying to "justify" some of his "controversial" past statements would be apt to widen the scope of contention to his disadvantage…
Perhaps this just another show like the hope and change one we were to get before this time…. Another Trojan Horse…??? Running America for America and Americans has become contentious…… There are so many better ways to conduct State affairs for the good of the country and those living and working here…. other than squandering blood and treasure on false flag wars like Iraq and Vietnam… and most likely Afghanistan….. These Neo-wars profit the few, cost the many and burden America with debt that more and more turns us into a post productive wasteland of blight that America is and has become…
truth be told: it is the Senators who are groveling before the Israeli lobby and this is not lost on the American public. Their pro-Israeli objections to hagel revela them for what they truly are: Israeli puppets.
I was listening to Mark Levine on my way home last night, and he was all lathered up from listening to the Hagel hearings. He played several clips of Graham asking Hagel to name someone intimidated by the "Jewish Lobby,' and Hagel's muttering that he could not. Then he played clips of McCain asking Hagel if he still thought the Surge was a bad idea, and Hagel answering by weasling out of answering. Levine was furious because Hagel is anti-Israel and wants to destroy the only super-power on the planet.
I was furious because Hagel was spineless. He would have done the world a favor by asking Graham who would come to visit him, and what pressure would be brought to bear, if he, Graham, were to publicly criticise Israel. He would have helped to correct the historical record by pointing out the Surge was a farce and that it was not the billions of dollars in men and equipment that flooded Iraq that helped quiet things down, but the billions in payoffs to the very people our soldiers were supposed to be fighting that ended the bloodshed…only to set the stage for the bloodshed we see today.
Hagel lied to the n eocons and they know it! He will remove thousands of the neocon plants inside Defense, middle and senoir management loyal to that filthy disgusting warmongering trash will be purged! America has awaken! By the way Tea Party wants CUTS in Defense and else where.
That chick senator from N.H Ayoute, was outclassed by Hagel when that airhead tried to spew the Neocon crapola that she had NO independant knowledge of. What a stoop she is.
What foxholes were you in baby? She hangs around with the worst filthn in D.C. NeoCons!
Perhaps Justin is correct that this opened a few people's eyes about the true nature of the Zionist lobby. But so should the apartied-style destruction of Palestinian homes without any due process. It really doesn't help. Lets face it, even if the few have their eyes opened, congress will chose to ignore these disgusting neocon animals. Tis better to be feared than loved. This political truism first proclaimed by Nicolo Machiavelli is being executed to perfection by this Israelis, Zionist, zealot Jewish lobby on congress.
Watching our spineless senators sucking up to the military industrial complex and AIPAC didn't inspire me to break into…And the land of the free and the home of the brave. That was a black day in our history.
well i wasn't as impressed with hagel's performance. i thought he "himmed and hauled" on things there was no reason to. why not just destroy mccain and graham with the truth? why not use the opportunity the moment provides you to really let these two clowns, both complicit in war crimes have it..and that doesn't even get into the rest. if hagel is our "hope", well it's a damn small piece of hope if i've ever seen one. until someone comes out and gets as equally as determined and bellicose if need be we're just going to be going round and round and round and round…..this nightmare carousel ride needs to stop. who has the stones to say "have you decency mr. graham/mccain etc??"
Justin again makes the valid and broad point: a Hagel confirmation is a small step forward, and a defeat for the neocons and Israeli apologist lobby. Hagel isn't Jimmy Stewart in some movie role or even a principled politician like Ron Paul. But he will get confirmed and survived this clownish hearing just fine.
Some are so soaked in cynicism that they fail to see the bigger picture here. A small victory for common sense. Let us take comfort in the wailing of our enemies. The warmongers of all stripes will continue to lie, but they no longer can exclusively call the foreign policy shots.
Hope I'm wrong, but I'm not as convinced as Justin that Hagel will be confirmed in the end. Unless my facts are incorrect, it only takes one senator to put a hold on the nomination, after which the senate would need 60 votes to break the filibuster. Although I am not educated as to the inner workings of this mysterious body, I can envision many ambitious GOP senators being willing to initiate the hold. If this occurs and lingers on, could a scenario develop in which Hagel (perhaps pushed by a wavering Obama), steps down for the 'good of the country' without the Senate ever voting? After all, the opposition to Hagel is intense, while support (surely the majority) is generally tepid outside the pages of antiwar.
I wish Hagel had said it was the "billions in payoffs" to the Sunni opposition, that quelled the extreme violence. A commenter at consortiumnews may have what is the best answer to refute the surge pretension: "From my son’s boots-on-the-ground, the Surge was expensive military flatulence versus the creation of trust and salaries for the Iraqi military so that they stopped fighting us and focused instead on the other foreigners from Al Qaeda." (per Jym Allyn)
The disbanded Iraqi military? The same one left without jobs by pro-consul Paul Bremer? It wasn't the surge, it was salaries and trust for the discarded Iraqi army. Let's be specific.
I was not talking about qualit of comment , rather the lenght of it, because you have to write within certain LIMIT and if your comment is LONGER, you get a pup out message telling you your comment is too long. That's all.
Yes, I think that is going to happen, but, you see, this is also justice being done because if the US elites were to realize of their criminal and perfidious behaviour, they could still save themselves and their country, but some kind of superior justice doesn't want it that way. The US must go all the way down and ruin itself and pay for its monstrous deeds because otherwise all the crimes in Iraq, Afghanistan, and so on would go unpunished and THIS CANNOT BE.
The ridiculous notion that Hagel merely "lied to the neocons" implies that once confirmed as SecDef he will somehow recover his backbone and in addition somehow impose his will on Obama. This stupid notion only works if one believes the FANTASY that Obama himself is somehow still a "Peace President" and has no intentions of continuing HIS drone war and HIS persecution of Iran.
The fact of the matter is that Hagel will adhere to the Administration party line on everything. He will not appear to any different than Panetta or other Admin officials who occasionally strayed SLIGHTLY from the official positions or made generic comments that could be interpreted either way.
The notion that any of this will materially affect the march to war with Syria and Iran is just pathetically ridiculous.
Folks are being a bit rough on Raimondo. Anyone who tries to run the Antiwar ezine for over a dozen years in this pathologically belligerent culture has got to be at least a little optimistic. Give the guy a break.
I'm afraid Raimondo is spinning it. I know. it's hard to face the truth. Hagel caved and he caved totally. If he can't stand up to these warmongers how effective will he be as DefSec? Too bad he didn't stand on conviction. Even if he had gone down in defeat he would have provided a valuable service to America. I suppose a weak and feckless Hagel is better than some of the alternatives – but not that much better. Sad.
Should 'we' compare what the almighty "Antiwar ezine" has done for the "Palestinian people" and "Peace" (other than whine and collect $$$) and what the "Assad regime" has done–in "reality", of course???
What has even Hamas done, besides instigate conflicts and drag dead bodies of Palestinians through the streets…
I have been enjoying Justin's articles and am with him on the worldview; however, I am afraid this one is a bit too optimistic. Although I had hopes that Hagel would buck the neocons and the Israel Lobby, I have doubts he did so successfully. The "system", or the powerful national security state, a.k.a "the "Unspeakable", referred to by James W. Douglass in his book, "JFK and the Unspeakable, Why he died and why it matters" exists today just as it did back in JFK's time. The "Unspeakable" killed JFK for his attempts at peace-mongering, and it is just as ruthless today.
destroy meaning bury them with truth. instead of sitting their grovelling like a scared little boy. i'm sure the wars iraq, afghanistan, libya and mali will be over minutes after hagel's confirmation. this country will no longer be in a permanent war posture. the cover cia op in syria will stop. iran will be left alone to do as it pleases. f**ing please back at you buddy. back at you twice. keep pining your hope on professional liars and prostitutes. it's working great for our republic.
I'll be another one of the flies in the ointment with this one. I think he's a team player i.e, he'll play us just like Obama if / when he gets in. I think Justin is way way too hopeful about this guy. It seems as if he wants the SOD position bad enough to pay the piper. Unfortunate for those of us who care about this country. How the heck Kerry slipped in is frightening enough in itself since he was to much of a coward to fight in his past situation. Woe be to us with these pawns or should I say prawns since they'll be dipped in hot oil soon enough. Yikes!
If this was Ron Paul up here he would speak the truth regardless and explain his position. He wouldnt apologize like Hagel did and rebuke every righteous thing he said in the past. Hagel is just another politician in which this hearing clearly shows. If he gets sworn in or not who cares it will still be status quo. We have no strong minded Americans anymore they are all compromised and it is sickening to watch. The last real American Ron Paul has left the scene. Now all we have is pro Israel neo cons left.
Justin Raimondo is the editorial director of Antiwar.com, and a senior fellow at the Randolph Bourne Institute. He is a contributing editor at The American Conservative, and writes a monthly column for Chronicles. He is the author of Reclaiming the American Right: The Lost Legacy of the Conservative Movement [Center for Libertarian Studies, 1993; Intercollegiate Studies Institute, 2000], and An Enemy of the State: The Life of Murray N. Rothbard [Prometheus Books, 2000]. |
#region Copyright (C) 2007-2018 Team MediaPortal
/*
Copyright (C) 2007-2018 Team MediaPortal
http://www.team-mediaportal.com
This file is part of MediaPortal 2
MediaPortal 2 is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
(at your option) any later version.
MediaPortal 2 is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the
GNU General Public License for more details.
You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
along with MediaPortal 2. If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
*/
#endregion
using MediaPortal.Common.General;
using MediaPortal.UI.SkinEngine.Controls.Visuals;
using MediaPortal.UI.SkinEngine.MpfElements;
using MediaPortal.Utilities.DeepCopy;
using Size = SharpDX.Size2;
using SizeF = SharpDX.Size2F;
using PointF = SharpDX.Vector2;
namespace MediaPortal.UI.SkinEngine.Controls.Panels
{
public class Grid : Panel
{
#region Consts
protected const string LEFT_ATTACHED_PROPERTY = "Grid.Left";
protected const string RIGHT_ATTACHED_PROPERTY = "Grid.Right";
protected const string TOP_ATTACHED_PROPERTY = "Grid.Top";
protected const string BOTTOM_ATTACHED_PROPERTY = "Grid.Bottom";
protected const string ROW_ATTACHED_PROPERTY = "Grid.Row";
protected const string COLUMN_ATTACHED_PROPERTY = "Grid.Column";
protected const string ROWSPAN_ATTACHED_PROPERTY = "Grid.RowSpan";
protected const string COLUMNSPAN_ATTACHED_PROPERTY = "Grid.ColumnSpan";
#endregion
#region Protected fields
protected AbstractProperty _rowDefinitionsProperty;
protected AbstractProperty _columnDefinitionsProperty;
#endregion
#region Ctor
public Grid()
{
Init();
}
void Init()
{
_rowDefinitionsProperty = new SProperty(typeof(RowDefinitionsCollection), new RowDefinitionsCollection());
_columnDefinitionsProperty = new SProperty(typeof(ColumnDefinitionsCollection), new ColumnDefinitionsCollection());
}
public override void DeepCopy(IDeepCopyable source, ICopyManager copyManager)
{
base.DeepCopy(source, copyManager);
Grid g = (Grid) source;
foreach (RowDefinition row in g.RowDefinitions)
RowDefinitions.Add(copyManager.GetCopy(row));
foreach (ColumnDefinition col in g.ColumnDefinitions)
ColumnDefinitions.Add(copyManager.GetCopy(col));
}
#endregion
#region Properties
public AbstractProperty RowDefinitionsProperty
{
get { return _rowDefinitionsProperty; }
}
public RowDefinitionsCollection RowDefinitions
{
get { return _rowDefinitionsProperty.GetValue() as RowDefinitionsCollection; }
}
public AbstractProperty ColumnDefinitionsProperty
{
get { return _columnDefinitionsProperty; }
}
public ColumnDefinitionsCollection ColumnDefinitions
{
get { return _columnDefinitionsProperty.GetValue() as ColumnDefinitionsCollection; }
}
#endregion
#region Measure & Arrange
protected override SizeF CalculateInnerDesiredSize(SizeF totalSize)
{
if (ColumnDefinitions.Count == 0)
ColumnDefinitions.Add(new ColumnDefinition());
if (RowDefinitions.Count == 0)
RowDefinitions.Add(new RowDefinition());
// Reset values before we start measure the children.
ColumnDefinitions.ResetAllCellLengths();
RowDefinitions.ResetAllCellLengths();
// Set the Width/Hight of the Columns/Rows according to the sizes of the children.
foreach (FrameworkElement child in GetVisibleChildren())
{
int col = GetColumn(child);
int row = GetRow(child);
if (col >= ColumnDefinitions.Count) col = ColumnDefinitions.Count - 1;
if (col < 0) col = 0;
if (row >= RowDefinitions.Count) row = RowDefinitions.Count - 1;
if (row < 0) row = 0;
SizeF childSize = new SizeF(totalSize.Width, totalSize.Height);
// FIXME Albert: Would be better to use the size which is really available for the child here,
// but this is not so easy to calculate (depends on col/row definition(s), colspan/rowspan)
child.Measure(ref childSize);
ColumnDefinitions.SetDesiredLength(col, GetColumnSpan(child), childSize.Width);
RowDefinitions.SetDesiredLength(row, GetRowSpan(child), childSize.Height);
}
return new SizeF((float) ColumnDefinitions.TotalDesiredLength, (float) RowDefinitions.TotalDesiredLength);
}
protected override void ArrangeOverride()
{
base.ArrangeOverride();
ColumnDefinitions.SetAvailableSize(ActualWidth);
RowDefinitions.SetAvailableSize(ActualHeight);
foreach (FrameworkElement child in GetVisibleChildren())
{
int col = GetColumn(child);
int row = GetRow(child);
if (col >= ColumnDefinitions.Count) col = ColumnDefinitions.Count - 1;
if (col < 0) col = 0;
if (row >= RowDefinitions.Count) row = RowDefinitions.Count - 1;
if (row < 0) row = 0;
PointF position = new PointF(
(float) ColumnDefinitions.GetOffset(col) + _innerRect.Location.X,
(float) RowDefinitions.GetOffset(row) + _innerRect.Location.Y);
SizeF childSize = new SizeF(
(float) ColumnDefinitions.GetLength(col, GetColumnSpan(child)),
(float) RowDefinitions.GetLength(row, GetRowSpan(child)));
ArrangeChild(child, child.HorizontalAlignment, child.VerticalAlignment, ref position, ref childSize);
child.Arrange(SharpDXExtensions.CreateRectangleF(position, childSize));
}
}
#endregion
#region Attached properties
/// <summary>
/// Getter method for the attached property <c>Row</c>.
/// </summary>
/// <param name="targetObject">The object whose property value will
/// be returned.</param>
/// <returns>Value of the <c>Row</c> property on the
/// <paramref name="targetObject"/>.</returns>
public static int GetRow(DependencyObject targetObject)
{
return targetObject.GetAttachedPropertyValue<int>(ROW_ATTACHED_PROPERTY, 0);
}
/// <summary>
/// Setter method for the attached property <c>Row</c>.
/// </summary>
/// <param name="targetObject">The object whose property value will
/// be set.</param>
/// <param name="value">Value of the <c>Row</c> property on the
/// <paramref name="targetObject"/> to be set.</param>
public static void SetRow(DependencyObject targetObject, int value)
{
targetObject.SetAttachedPropertyValue<int>(ROW_ATTACHED_PROPERTY, value);
}
/// <summary>
/// Returns the <c>Row</c> attached property for the
/// <paramref name="targetObject"/>. When this method is called,
/// the property will be created if it is not yet attached to the
/// <paramref name="targetObject"/>.
/// </summary>
/// <param name="targetObject">The object whose attached
/// property should be returned.</param>
/// <returns>Attached <c>Row</c> property.</returns>
public static AbstractProperty GetRowAttachedProperty(DependencyObject targetObject)
{
return targetObject.GetOrCreateAttachedProperty<int>(ROW_ATTACHED_PROPERTY, 0);
}
/// <summary>
/// Getter method for the attached property <c>Column</c>.
/// </summary>
/// <param name="targetObject">The object whose property value will
/// be returned.</param>
/// <returns>Value of the <c>Column</c> property on the
/// <paramref name="targetObject"/>.</returns>
public static int GetColumn(DependencyObject targetObject)
{
return targetObject.GetAttachedPropertyValue(COLUMN_ATTACHED_PROPERTY, 0);
}
/// <summary>
/// Setter method for the attached property <c>Column</c>.
/// </summary>
/// <param name="targetObject">The object whose property value will
/// be set.</param>
/// <param name="value">Value of the <c>Column</c> property on the
/// <paramref name="targetObject"/> to be set.</param>
public static void SetColumn(DependencyObject targetObject, int value)
{
targetObject.SetAttachedPropertyValue<int>(COLUMN_ATTACHED_PROPERTY, value);
}
/// <summary>
/// Returns the <c>Column</c> attached property for the
/// <paramref name="targetObject"/>. When this method is called,
/// the property will be created if it is not yet attached to the
/// <paramref name="targetObject"/>.
/// </summary>
/// <param name="targetObject">The object whose attached
/// property should be returned.</param>
/// <returns>Attached <c>Column</c> property.</returns>
public static AbstractProperty GetColumnAttachedProperty(DependencyObject targetObject)
{
return targetObject.GetOrCreateAttachedProperty<int>(COLUMN_ATTACHED_PROPERTY, 0);
}
/// <summary>
/// Getter method for the attached property <c>RowSpan</c>.
/// </summary>
/// <param name="targetObject">The object whose property value will
/// be returned.</param>
/// <returns>Value of the <c>RowSpan</c> property on the
/// <paramref name="targetObject"/>.</returns>
public static int GetRowSpan(DependencyObject targetObject)
{
return targetObject.GetAttachedPropertyValue(ROWSPAN_ATTACHED_PROPERTY, 1);
}
/// <summary>
/// Setter method for the attached property <c>RowSpan</c>.
/// </summary>
/// <param name="targetObject">The object whose property value will
/// be set.</param>
/// <param name="value">Value of the <c>RowSpan</c> property on the
/// <paramref name="targetObject"/> to be set.</param>
public static void SetRowSpan(DependencyObject targetObject, int value)
{
targetObject.SetAttachedPropertyValue<int>(ROWSPAN_ATTACHED_PROPERTY, value);
}
/// <summary>
/// Returns the <c>RowSpan</c> attached property for the
/// <paramref name="targetObject"/>. When this method is called,
/// the property will be created if it is not yet attached to the
/// <paramref name="targetObject"/>.
/// </summary>
/// <param name="targetObject">The object whose attached
/// property should be returned.</param>
/// <returns>Attached <c>RowSpan</c> property.</returns>
public static AbstractProperty GetRowSpanAttachedProperty(DependencyObject targetObject)
{
return targetObject.GetOrCreateAttachedProperty<int>(ROWSPAN_ATTACHED_PROPERTY, 0);
}
/// <summary>
/// Getter method for the attached property <c>ColumnSpan</c>.
/// </summary>
/// <param name="targetObject">The object whose property value will
/// be returned.</param>
/// <returns>Value of the <c>ColumnSpan</c> property on the
/// <paramref name="targetObject"/>.</returns>
public static int GetColumnSpan(DependencyObject targetObject)
{
return targetObject.GetAttachedPropertyValue(COLUMNSPAN_ATTACHED_PROPERTY, 1);
}
/// <summary>
/// Setter method for the attached property <c>ColumnSpan</c>.
/// </summary>
/// <param name="targetObject">The object whose property value will
/// be set.</param>
/// <param name="value">Value of the <c>ColumnSpan</c> property on the
/// <paramref name="targetObject"/> to be set.</param>
public static void SetColumnSpan(DependencyObject targetObject, int value)
{
targetObject.SetAttachedPropertyValue<int>(COLUMNSPAN_ATTACHED_PROPERTY, value);
}
/// <summary>
/// Returns the <c>ColumnSpan</c> attached property for the
/// <paramref name="targetObject"/>. When this method is called,
/// the property will be created if it is not yet attached to the
/// <paramref name="targetObject"/>.
/// </summary>
/// <param name="targetObject">The object whose attached
/// property should be returned.</param>
/// <returns>Attached <c>ColumnSpan</c> property.</returns>
public static AbstractProperty GetColumnSpanAttachedProperty(DependencyObject targetObject)
{
return targetObject.GetOrCreateAttachedProperty<int>(COLUMNSPAN_ATTACHED_PROPERTY, 0);
}
#endregion
}
}
|
Q:
Objective-C array of u_int8_t in Swift
i need to convert in Swift lots of Objective-C code.
One of this is an array of (u_int8_t) created by cinese engineer
u_int8_t blankBytes[] = {0x1b, '*', 'r', 'Y', '0', '0', '0', 0x00};
I tried to do it by converting each chars to UInt8:
let blankBytes: [UInt8] = [
0x1b,
UInt8("*"),
UInt8("r"),
UInt8("Y"),
UInt8("1"),
UInt8("0"),
UInt8("0"),
UInt8("0"),
0x00
]
But "*", and the other chars, cannot be converted into UInt8.
Anyone can help me?
I'm also searching for a primitive-types guide in Swift.
Thanks a lot!
A:
Try this:
let blankBytes: [UInt8] = [
0x1b,
UInt8(ascii: "*"),
UInt8(ascii: "r"),
UInt8(ascii: "Y"),
UInt8(ascii: "1"),
UInt8(ascii: "0"),
UInt8(ascii: "0"),
UInt8(ascii: "0"),
0x00
]
The reference for Swift types can be found here:
https://developer.apple.com/library/prerelease/ios/documentation/General/Reference/SwiftStandardLibraryReference/index.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40014608
EDIT:
Thanks to the comment from Kametrixom, you can save a step by omitting the unnecessary initialization of a UnicodeScalar. The code above has been updated.
|
Dermatopathological aspects of restrictive dermopathy.
We present an immunopathological and electronmicroscopic study of the skin of two newborns affected by restrictive dermopathy. Evidence of abnormal maturation was found in the epidermis, cutaneous appendages, dermis, and hypodermis. Our observations confirm two previous descriptions. We emphasize some unreported data concerning the L1 antigen and Factor XIIIa in the skin. The L1 antigen is expressed in the interadnexal epidermis, but not in hair follicles. This is the reverse pattern compared with normal skin. Factor XIIIa is poorly expressed in dermal dendrocytes, which appear rare compared with controls. The multiple defects in maturation found in all cutaneous tissues suggest a qualitative or quantitative aberration in control mechanisms of tissue interactions. |
Q:
TCP socket timeout configuration
I have a Java application which uses a third-party COM component through a Java-COM bridge.
This COM component opens a socket connection to a remote host.
This host can take some time to respond, and I suspicious that I'm getting a timeout. I'm not sure because as I said, it's a closed-source third-party component.
The API of this component does not expose the socket connection to me, so I have no way to configure the timeout. So I wonder if there is any way to tweak the system default timeout.
I'm using a Windows Server 2008 x64 Enterprise Edition.
A:
Do you want to build your application so that it knows at runtime whether or not a timeout happened, or do you want to inspect the behavior of the closed-source COM component? If it's the latter, install Wireshark on your dev box and watch the connection. If it's the former, do you want to ensure that your Java call out to native land doesn't hang forever? If that's the case, look into the java.util.concurrent executor service stuff -- there's a way to call a method in another thread and wait a maximum of N seconds before returning control to your thread.
|
Hockey India
Hockey India is now the governing body with exclusive mandate to direct and conduct all activities for both men and women's hockey in India. It is recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt. of India as the sole body responsible towards promoting Hockey in India. It was formed after Indian Hockey Federation was dismissed in 2008 by IOA.
Headquartered in New Delhi, Hockey India was established on 20 May 2009 and is affiliated to the International Hockey Federation (FIH), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Asian Hockey Federation (AHF). The first Indian hockey president was Mr. Jaideep Yadav.
Committed to the development of Hockey in the country, Hockey India with the assistance of Sports Authority of India and Department of Sports, Government of India, trains players at sub-junior, junior and senior level. The governing body engages in Coaching the coaches with International Standard certification programs, educates and equips technical officials and umpires to find a foothold in international arena, provides world-class infrastructure and International exposure for the players besides regular international competition. Hockey India has also pioneered in bringing top International hockey events to India such as the FIH Men's World Cup in 2010 and 2018, FIH Champions Trophy in 2014, FIH Junior Men's World Cup in 2016, FIH Hockey World League Final in 2017. With its vision to popularize the game and constantly promote it, Hockey India is dedicated to getting our national team (both men and women) into the top three in the world.
Logo
Hockey India launched its own logo in a ceremony on 24 July 2009, in India. It resembles Ashok Chakra of Indian flag. It is made up of hockey sticks.
Hockey India Executive Board
Information on Hockey India Executive Board
Hockey India Member Units
Hockey India's Member Units are divided into four separate categories, namely Permanent Members, Associate Members, Academy Members and Hoc-Key Members. The details of all the Member Units can be found on the below link:
Hockey India Member Units
Hockey India National Championships
With able support from the Member Units, Hockey India conducts an array of domestic events across multiple venues. The domestic events continue to remain significant in the calendar of events as the future stars are recognized and selected to be further groomed at the National Camps. While talented youngsters use this platform to showcase their abilities to national selectors, those who have been dropped from the national program use these platforms to prove just why they need to be in the reckoning again. The events spanning across different age-groups and divisions see fierce competition and healthy rivalry that is equally enjoyable for the spectators at these cities to witness.
These National Championships are divided into two divisions (A Division & B Division) each for all the competitions to ensure that the participating teams are competing in a fair, equal environment, and against teams with similar level of hockey.
Below is the list of National Championships that Hockey India conducts every season:
Hockey India Senior Men National Championship
Hockey India Senior Women National Championship
Hockey India Junior Men National Championship
Hockey India Junior Women National Championship
Hockey India Sub-Junior Men National Championship
Hockey India Sub-Junior Women National Championship
Hockey India 5-a-side National Championship (Women)
Hockey India 5-a-side National Championship (Men)
Hockey India 5-a-side National Championship (Mixed)
Schedule of upcoming tournaments
Schedule of international matches
Schedule of domestic matches
“Cricket by Chance, Hockey by Skill and Football by Power” as the old saying goes. India had a glorious past in the sport of Hockey. With 11 Olympic medals including 8 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze medals, India is the most successful team in the history of field Hockey. Before the advent of AstroTurf, India produced some high caliber and skillful players who were at ease while scoring field goals. A few of them also played on Astro turf.
Dhyan Chand
The greatest player India ever produced was Major Dhyan Chand, the Wizard. He was known for his brilliant stick-work and ball control. Dhyan Chand won three Olympic Gold medals, at Amsterdam (1928), Los Angeles (1932) and Berlin (1936). Watching him play, Australian legendary batsman Don Bradman said, “He (Dhyan Chand) scores goals like runs in cricket”. India’s highest award for lifetime achievement in sports is named after Dhyan Chand. He is the recipient of Padma Bhushan (1956). Dhyan Chand’s Hockey stick was the subject of extensive research as it was claimed he had a magnet in his stick and that he applied glue on his stick. The German dictator, Hitler, even offered the Hockey magician German citizenship and a rank of a Colonel, so he could represent West Germany, to which he refused.
Udham Singh
Udham Singh, won 3 Olympic gold medals and 1 silver medal. He was part of the Helsinki (1952), Melbourne (1956) and Tokyo (1964) Olympic gold-winning teams and won silver at the 1960 Rome Olympics. After his playing career, he took charge of the Indian team as manager winning the silver medal at the Mexico Olympics in 1968 and the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok. He was conferred with the Arjuna award in 1965.
Leslie Claudius
Leslie Claudius, along with Udham Singh, won the most Olympic medals (3 Gold and 1 Silver) for India. He is considered to be the best half-back in the history of the sport. He was the first player to have represented India in four consecutive Olympics and win 100 caps. He was manager of the Indian team at the 1978 Asian Games in Bangkok, where India finished 2nd. In 1971, he was felicitated with the Padma Shri Award.
Balbir Singh Sr
Balbir Singh Sr is the only player in the history of the sport to have scored 5 goals in an Olympic match where he scored 5 in a 6-1 win against the Netherlands in the final. He became the second Indian to win three Olympic gold medals in London (1948), Helsinki (1952) and Melbourne (1956). He captained the team at the Melbourne Olympics. He also represented the Indian team which returned with silver medals from the 1958 and 1962 Asian Games. After his playing career, he took charge of the Indian team as the coach, guiding the team to a 3rd placed finish at the 1971 Hockey World Cup which he bettered by winning the 1975 World Cup, the only time India won the tournament. In 1957, he was awarded Padma Shri. He has also written two autobiographies namely, The Golden Hat-trick (1977) and The Golden Yardstick: In Quest of Hockey Excellence (2008). The legendary forward is also the only Hockey player and the only Indian to feature in the top 16 most iconic Olympians of all time.
Zafar Iqbal
Zafar Iqbal donned the national colours against Holland in 1977. He played at the Asian Games, Bangkok in 1978 and was the Captain of the team at New Delhi in 1982, winning the silver medal in both. The crowning glory of his illustrious career in Hockey came to him in 1980 when he represented India at the Moscow Olympics and brought home the Gold Medal. He also won the bronze medal for the country at the Champion’s Trophy 1982 in Holland. His extraordinary game as “Left Out” with the number 11 embossed at the back is a glorious part of the history of Indian Hockey. After hanging his Hockey sticks he immersed himself in coaching as the Chief National Coach, head Coach and National Selector for the Indian Hockey squad. The team coached by him won the silver medal at the Asian Games in Hiroshima in 1994. The country conferred Zafar Iqbal with the “Arjuna Award” in 1983. In 2012, the President of India honoured him with the “Padma Shri” and the U. P. Government gave him the highest citizen award of the state, “Yash Bharti” in 1994. He was felicitated at the ‘Golden Greats’ platform by ‘Hockey India’ along with 34 other Olympic Gold Medalists in 2012.
Mohammed Shahid
Mohammed Shahid was born on 14 April 1960 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. He made his first appearance for India in the junior team in 1979 at the Junior World Cup in France. Shahid made his first senior team appearance the same year in a four-nation tournament in Kuala Lumpur, after his inclusion in the team following his impressive performance in the Aga Khan Cup. During his playing days, Shahid was known for his running ability, dribbling of the ball and push which was as fast as a hard hit. His attacking partnership on the field with Zafar Iqbal was well known. Zafar at left-out and Shahid at right-in positions penetrated the best of the defenses around the world with their superb understanding and passing of the ball. Zafar also pointed that Shahid was instrumental in India winning the gold medal at the 1980 Olympic Games. He was awarded the ‘Best Forward player’ at the 1980 Champions Trophy in Karachi. He was a member of the team that won the gold at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, silver at the 1982 Asian Games and bronze at the 1986 Asian Games. He also played in the World Cup in Mumbai (then Bombay) in 1981–82, the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1984 and the Seoul Games in 1988. He captained the Indian team during 1985–86. He announced his retirement from international Hockey in January 1989. His biggest contribution to Hockey was the ‘half push- half hit’- a stroke he used to hit the ball using the same grip used to dribble the ball. The same stroke was adapted by his successor Dhanraj Pillay. Earlier the stroke or technique did not exist in a field Hockey player’s catalogue or in the game’s coaching manual. His awards included Arjuna Award(1980–81) and Padma Shri (1986).
Dhanraj Pillay
Although Dhanraj Pillay made his debut in December, 1989 and hung his boots in August, 2004 after a glorious career which saw him captain the Indian side. Pillay is the only player to have represented the country in 4 Olympics (1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004), 4 World Cups (1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002), 4 Asian Games (1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002) and 4 Champions Trophies (1995, 1996, 2002 and 2003). Under his captaincy, India won the 1998 Asian Games and 2003 Asian Cup. At times, he single-handedly carried India to victory and will go down in history as the most talented player to not have won an Olympic medal. In 339 appearances for the national team, Pillay scored 170 goals. He was conferred with the Padma Shri Award, Arjuna Award and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.
Thoiba Singh
Thoiba Singh (born February 1, 1961) represented India at the Olympics and Asian Games. He played as a left-winger and was known for his speed and stamina. He was a member of the 1988 Summer Olympics field Hockey team in which India came in the 6th place. Other than Olympics, he represented India at Asia Cup 1985, 1989, Champions Trophy 1985, 1989, Azlan Shah Trophy 1985, 1986 Asian Games, 1990, World Cup 1986, Indo-Pak Test Series 1986, Five-nation 1988 and Indira Gandhi tournament 1987.
Hockey becomes a Muscular Sport: Astroturf take the word Skill out of Hockey. Who wins the Modern Day Hockey Match?
The penalty corner is an important part of the game. The importance became more pronounced since artificial turf became mandatory for top-level competitions in the 1970s. The Netherlands‘ Paul Litjens was the former leading international scorer with 267 goals in 177 matches and was a specialist in hitting goals from penalty corners. Litjens and early specialists were accurate, hard-hitters of the ball, however, the introduction of the drag flick to counter the goalkeepers that lie down during the hit became the favoured technique. This led to the introduction of experts in this skill and Litjens’ record was surpassed by Pakistani player Sohail Abbas who, often described as the “world’s best” penalty corner and drag flick specialist. India’s Sandeep Singh is also regarded as one of the best and has the fastest drag-flick at 145 km/h (90 mph).
The proportion of field goals scored through open play reduced as attackers look to create a foul in the penalty circle, particularly from defenders’ feet, rather than shooting directly. The main objective became to produce more goals through Penalty Corners. It also ensured that fouls in the D were reduced. It was clear then, that synthetic pitches actually produce a whole new game, warranting=Indian Senior Men's Hockey Team==
The Indian Men's team is ranked fifth in the world by FIH as of January 2019. Graham Reid is the current Chief Coach of the team, succeeding Harendra Singh in April 2019.
The team is Captained by midfielder Manpreet Singh.
Below is the team which was announced on 30 April 2019 for their Australia Tour 2019:
Goalkeepers:
1. Krishan B Pathak
2. PR Sreejesh
Defenders:
3. Rupinder Pal Singh
4. Surender Kumar (Vice-Captain)
5. Harmanpreet Singh
6. Birendra Lakra
7. Gurinder Singh
8. Kothajit Singh
Midfielders:
9. Hardik Singh
10. Manpreet Singh (Captain)
11. Jaskaran Singh
12. Vivek Sagar Prasad
13. Nilakanta Sharma
Forwards:
14. Mandeep Singh
15. Gursahibjit Singh
16. Akashdeep Singh
17. Sumit Kumar Jr.
18. Armaan Qureshi
Indian Senior Women's Hockey Team
The Indian Women's team is ranked ninth in the world by FIH as of January 2019. Sjoerd Marijne is the current Chief Coach of the team, serving his second stint with the team, after also having served as the Chief Coach of the Indian Senior Men's team for a brief period in 2017-2018.
The team is Captained by forward Rani.
Below is the team which was announced on 27 March 2019 for their Malaysia Tour 2019:
Goalkeepers:
1. Rajani Etimarpu
2. Savita (Captain)
Defenders:
3. Salima Tete
4. Sunita Lakra
5. Deep Grace Ekka (Vice-Captain)
6. Reena Khokhar
7. Rashmita Minz
8. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam
Midfielders:
9. Monika
10. Karishma Yadav
11. Nikki Pradhan
12. Neha Goyal
13. Lilima Minz
Forwards:
14. Jyoti
15. Vandana Katariya
16. Lalremsiami
17. Navjot Kaur
18. Navneet Kaur
“Cricket by Chance, Hockey by Skill and Football by Power” as the old saying goes. India had a glorious past in the sport of Hockey. With 11 Olympic medals including 8 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze medals, India is the most successful team in the history of field Hockey. Before the advent of AstroTurf, India produced some high caliber and skillful players who were at ease while scoring field goals. A few of them also played on Astro turf.
Dhyan Chand
The greatest player India ever produced was Major Dhyan Chand, the Wizard. He was known for his brilliant stick-work and ball control. Dhyan Chand won three Olympic Gold medals, at Amsterdam (1928), Los Angeles (1932) and Berlin (1936). Watching him play, Australian legendary batsman Don Bradman said, “He (Dhyan Chand) scores goals like runs in cricket”. India’s highest award for lifetime achievement in sports is named after Dhyan Chand. He is the recipient of Padma Bhushan (1956). Dhyan Chand’s Hockey stick was the subject of extensive research as it was claimed he had a magnet in his stick and that he applied glue on his stick. The German dictator, Hitler, even offered the Hockey magician German citizenship and a rank of a Colonel, so he could represent West Germany, to which he refused.
Udham Singh
Udham Singh, won 3 Olympic gold medals and 1 silver medal. He was part of the Helsinki (1952), Melbourne (1956) and Tokyo (1964) Olympic gold-winning teams and won silver at the 1960 Rome Olympics. After his playing career, he took charge of the Indian team as manager winning the silver medal at the Mexico Olympics in 1968 and the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok. He was conferred with the Arjuna award in 1965.
Leslie Claudius
Leslie Claudius, along with Udham Singh, won the most Olympic medals (3 Gold and 1 Silver) for India. He is considered to be the best half-back in the history of the sport. He was the first player to have represented India in four consecutive Olympics and win 100 caps. He was manager of the Indian team at the 1978 Asian Games in Bangkok, where India finished 2nd. In 1971, he was felicitated with the Padma Shri Award.
Balbir Singh Sr
Balbir Singh Sr is the only player in the history of the sport to have scored 5 goals in an Olympic match where he scored 5 in a 6-1 win against the Netherlands in the final. He became the second Indian to win three Olympic gold medals in London (1948), Helsinki (1952) and Melbourne (1956). He captained the team at the Melbourne Olympics. He also represented the Indian team which returned with silver medals from the 1958 and 1962 Asian Games. After his playing career, he took charge of the Indian team as the coach, guiding the team to a 3rd placed finish at the 1971 Hockey World Cup which he bettered by winning the 1975 World Cup, the only time India won the tournament. In 1957, he was awarded Padma Shri. He has also written two autobiographies namely, The Golden Hat-trick (1977) and The Golden Yardstick: In Quest of Hockey Excellence (2008). The legendary forward is also the only Hockey player and the only Indian to feature in the top 16 most iconic Olympians of all time.
Zafar Iqbal
Zafar Iqbal donned the national colours against Holland in 1977. He played at the Asian Games, Bangkok in 1978 and was the Captain of the team at New Delhi in 1982, winning the silver medal in both. The crowning glory of his illustrious career in Hockey came to him in 1980 when he represented India at the Moscow Olympics and brought home the Gold Medal. He also won the bronze medal for the country at the Champion’s Trophy 1982 in Holland. His extraordinary game as “Left Out” with the number 11 embossed at the back is a glorious part of the history of Indian Hockey. After hanging his Hockey sticks he immersed himself in coaching as the Chief National Coach, head Coach and National Selector for the Indian Hockey squad. The team coached by him won the silver medal at the Asian Games in Hiroshima in 1994. The country conferred Zafar Iqbal with the “Arjuna Award” in 1983. In 2012, the President of India honoured him with the “Padma Shri” and the U. P. Government gave him the highest citizen award of the state, “Yash Bharti” in 1994. He was felicitated at the ‘Golden Greats’ platform by ‘Hockey India’ along with 34 other Olympic Gold Medalists in 2012.
Mohammed Shahid
Mohammed Shahid was born on 14 April 1960 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. He made his first appearance for India in the junior team in 1979 at the Junior World Cup in France. Shahid made his first senior team appearance the same year in a four-nation tournament in Kuala Lumpur, after his inclusion in the team following his impressive performance in the Aga Khan Cup. During his playing days, Shahid was known for his running ability, dribbling of the ball and push which was as fast as a hard hit. His attacking partnership on the field with Zafar Iqbal was well known. Zafar at left-out and Shahid at right-in positions penetrated the best of the defenses around the world with their superb understanding and passing of the ball. Zafar also pointed that Shahid was instrumental in India winning the gold medal at the 1980 Olympic Games. He was awarded the ‘Best Forward player’ at the 1980 Champions Trophy in Karachi. He was a member of the team that won the gold at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, silver at the 1982 Asian Games and bronze at the 1986 Asian Games. He also played in the World Cup in Mumbai (then Bombay) in 1981–82, the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1984 and the Seoul Games in 1988. He captained the Indian team during 1985–86. He announced his retirement from international Hockey in January 1989. His biggest contribution to Hockey was the ‘half push- half hit’- a stroke he used to hit the ball using the same grip used to dribble the ball. The same stroke was adapted by his successor Dhanraj Pillay. Earlier the stroke or technique did not exist in a field Hockey player’s catalogue or in the game’s coaching manual. His awards included Arjuna Award(1980–81) and Padma Shri (1986).
Dhanraj Pillay
Although Dhanraj Pillay made his debut in December, 1989 and hung his boots in August, 2004 after a glorious career which saw him captain the Indian side. Pillay is the only player to have represented the country in 4 Olympics (1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004), 4 World Cups (1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002), 4 Asian Games (1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002) and 4 Champions Trophies (1995, 1996, 2002 and 2003). Under his captaincy, India won the 1998 Asian Games and 2003 Asian Cup. At times, he single-handedly carried India to victory and will go down in history as the most talented player to not have won an Olympic medal. In 339 appearances for the national team, Pillay scored 170 goals. He was conferred with the Padma Shri Award, Arjuna Award and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.
Thoiba Singh
Thoiba Singh (born February 1, 1961) represented India at the Olympics and Asian Games. He played as a left-winger and was known for his speed and stamina. He was a member of the 1988 Summer Olympics field Hockey team in which India came in the 6th place. Other than Olympics, he represented India at Asia Cup 1985, 1989, Champions Trophy 1985, 1989, Azlan Shah Trophy 1985, 1986 Asian Games, 1990, World Cup 1986, Indo-Pak Test Series 1986, Five-nation 1988 and Indira Gandhi tournament 1987.
Hockey becomes a Muscular Sport: Astroturf take the word Skill out of Hockey. Who wins the Modern Day Hockey Match?
The penalty corner is an important part of the game. The importance became more pronounced since artificial turf became mandatory for top-level competitions in the 1970s. The Netherlands‘ Paul Litjens was the former leading international scorer with 267 goals in 177 matches and was a specialist in hitting goals from penalty corners. Litjens and early specialists were accurate, hard-hitters of the ball, however, the introduction of the drag flick to counter the goalkeepers that lie down during the hit became the favoured technique. This led to the introduction of experts in this skill and Litjens’ record was surpassed by Pakistani player Sohail Abbas who, often described as the “world’s best” penalty corner and drag flick specialist. India’s Sandeep Singh is also regarded as one of the best and has the fastest drag-flick at 145 km/h (90 mph).
The proportion of field goals scored through open play reduced as attackers look to create a foul in the penalty circle, particularly from defenders’ feet, rather than shooting directly. The main objective became to produce more goals through Penalty Corners. It also ensured that fouls in the D were reduced. It was clear then, that synthetic pitches actually produce a whole new game, warranting Junior Men's Hockey Team==
The Indian Junior Men's team are the reigning World Champions as they won the FIH Junior Men's Hockey World Cup in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in December 2016. Former Indian captain Jude Felix is the current Coach of the team.
Below is the team which was announced in September 2018 for their 8th Sultan of Johor Cup 2018:
Goalkeepers:
1. Kamalbir Singh
2. Pankaj Kumar Rajak
Defenders:
3. Suman Beck
4. Mohd Faraz
5. Somjeet
6. Mandeep Mor (Captain)
7. Prince
8. Varinder Singh
Midfielders:
9. Yashdeep Siwach
10. Harmanjit Singh
11. Vishnu Kant Singh
12. Gopi Kumar Sonkar
13. Vishal Antil
14. Haspreet Singh
Forwards:
15. Gursahabjit Singh
16. Abhishek
17. Prabhjot Singh
18. Shilanand Lakra (Vice-Captain)
Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team
The Indian Junior Women's team is currently Coached by former Indian player Baljeet Saini.
Below is the team which was announced on 30 January 2019 for their Matches against France:
Goalkeepers:
1. Bichu Devi Kharibam
2. Khushboo
Defenders:
3. Philicia Toppo
4. Gagandeep Kaur
5. Salima Tete
6. Priyanka
7. Suman Devi Thoudam
8. Ishika Chaudhary
Midfielders:
9. Mahima Choudhary
10. Prabhleen Kaur
11. Mariana Kujur
12. Reet
13. Baljeet Kaur
14. Preeti
Forwards:
15. Lalremsiami
16. Sharmila Devi
17. Mumtaz Khan
18. Jiwan Kishori Toppo
19. Ajmina Kujur
20. Jyoti
Hockey India Coaching Education Pathway
In the month of March 2019, Hockey India launched the ambitious Hockey India Coaching Education Pathway which aims at providing a well-rounded certification program for coaches in India. Through this program, Hockey India vies to bring in a uniform structure of coaching in the country which will help in furthering the Indian Teams (men and women) performances in the International arena.
Hockey India Coaching Education Pathway
Hockey India Coffee Table Book - 'The Illustrated History of Indian Hockey: A Saga of Triumph, Pain and Dreams’
Leading into the much-awaited Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018, Hockey India, in November 2018, released a curated coffee table book titled ‘The Illustrated History of Indian Hockey: A Saga of Triumph, Pain and Dreams’ which captures the glorious journey of one of India’s most celebrated sports. Shri Arun Jaitley, who was the Hon'ble Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs at that point, released the book alongside FIH & IOA President Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra, Hockey India President Mohd. Mushtaque Ahmad, Hockey India Secretary General Mr. Rajinder Singh and Hockey India CEO Ms. Elena Norman, the book publishers and editors as well as prominent and legendary Indian Hockey players.
The first-of-its-kind book is enriched with a huge reservoir of historical and other interesting hockey trivia, for readers. The book turns back the clock and documents to India’s performance in the sport since the 1928 Olympics and other key international events providing exhaustive, in-depth information including the World Cups, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. With over a century of its existence in India, hockey has seen both success and pain. Hockey has a strong emotional connect with our country.
The book traces back to the golden era of hockey where India emerged as the first ‘Super-Power of the game’. It is a literary destination for all things in hockey including highlights of Women's and Junior Hockey national team’s performances laced with interesting statistics, snippets and factoids. A ‘collectors-item’, the book is an attempt to rekindle people’s interest in the sport and chronicle the glorious moments marking the advent and progress of Hockey in India.
For more information, click here
Official handles
Hockey India Official Website
Hockey India Official YouTube channel
Hockey India Official Twitter handle
Hockey India Official Facebook page
Hockey India Official Instagram account
Growth in following of the sport
Hockey India fans and following amplified in the year 2018 with the number of followers added on Facebook was 2.22M with a total reach of 30M while Hockey India's Twitter total impressions touched 39.6M mark with 15.7k new followers. Instagram saw a total of 4.48M interactions with 28.1K new fans following the page. The media outreach was impressive too with a total of over 61000 clippings on hockey across online and print media.
External links
International Hockey Federation Official Website
Asian Hockey Federation Official Website
Hockey India League Official Website
REFERENCE
See also
International Hockey Federation
Asian Hockey Federation
Field hockey in India
India
Hockey
Category:Field hockey governing bodies in Asia |
Q:
Java hashCode changes over time (not due to fields)
According to the hashCode/equals contract if two objects are equal the must have the same hashCode - at least it is how I know it. Consider the following implementation:
package Happy;
import java.time.LocalDate;
class MyClass
{
private int id;
public int getId()
{
return id;
}
public MyClass(int id)
{
this.id = id;
}
public int hashCode()
{
return LocalDate.now().getYear() + getId();
}
public boolean equals(Object obj)
{
if (this == obj)
return true;
if (obj == null)
return false;
if (getClass() != obj.getClass())
return false;
MyClass other = (MyClass) obj;
if (hashCode() != other.hashCode())
return false;
return true;
}
}
public class HappyNewYear
{
public static void main(String[] args) {
MyClass my = new MyClass(0);
if (my.hashCode() != my.hashCode()) System.out.println("Happy New Year!");
}
}
With little modifications we can get a less extreme variant:
public int hashCode()
{
return return (int) (System.nanoTime() + getId());
}
I tested it (not with the getYear though), and the condition were true (the hashCodes were not equal).
Is it legal if the hashCode changes over time even if the object's fields are unmodified? I could not find any resources about this specific implementation. I know about the problem with collections, but my question is if the hashCode implementation is legal according to the contract/spec.
PS: It is a challenge question, I answered that it's not legal, but I am not sure since I at first look at the code, equals and hashCode are satisfiyng the simple contract.
A:
It is legal (the compiler wont complain about it) but you shouldn't be doing it. HashCode should be consistent (returns the same integer value given the same key).
From the Java Docs of hashCode
the hashCode method must consistently return the same integer
Your hashCode is exactly the opposite of that.
|
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